Starting the PC.. 59

Starting the PC for the First Time..59 Selecting an ISP...59 Media Center PC Desktop View..60 Making Recovery Discs...62 HP Products Work Better Together..62 Transferring Old PC Information to a New PC.62 Important Information About Recorded TV Programs.62 Protecting the PC...63 Using Software Programs...63 Using HP Organize Software..64 Using PC Help & Tools...64 Turning Off the PC..64 Manual Standby Mode...65 Manual Hibernation Mode...66 Automatic Standby or Hibernation Mode..67 Installing Software..68

Inventory... 7

PC Components.. 7

Setting Up the PC... 9

PC Installation Overview.. 9 Front of PC.. 11 Back of PC.. 12 Front and Back PC Connectors.. 13 Connecting to the Monitor... 15 Connecting to the Internet... 15 Connecting to the Internet Through a Network Port (LAN). 15 Connecting the Wireless LAN... 16 Connecting the Remote Sensor.. 17 Connecting the TV Signal Source.. 18 Connecting the FM Radio Antenna.. 18 Connecting a Digital Video Camera to the PC.. 18 Connecting an HP Personal Media Drive to the PC. 19 Connecting to Other Devices... 22
Using the PC Hardware.. 69
Using the Keyboard...69 Special Keyboard Buttons...70 Using the Mouse...72 Wireless Keyboard Set...72 Remote Control..73 Memory Card Reader..75 Installing an HP Camera Docking Station.78
Connecting the Television Signal.. 23
Using the TV Cables... 23 Connecting the TV Signal Source... 24 Connecting the TV Signal Source When You Have an Existing Setup.. 25 Using the TV as a Monitor... 30
Configuring Speaker and Sound Options. 35
Sound Connector Types.. 35 Sound Connector Functions.. 36 Speaker Configurations.. 37

Troubleshooting... 83

Problems and Solutions...83

Index.. 93

HP Media Center PC Users Guide

How to Use This Guide

This guide can help you get started using your new HP Media Center PC right away.
Read Safety Information at the beginning of this book. Identify the items included with your HP Media Center PC. See Inventory on page 7. Follow the setup poster to connect your PC. See Setting Up the PC on page 9.
Read Starting the PC for the First Time on page 59 to learn how to turn on your PC and what to do next. Read the remaining sections of this guide for information about using your HP Media Center PC.
A note describes important information you need.

Safety Information

Before you get started, please read this important safety information about your HP Media Center PC.
This product has not been evaluated for connection to an IT power system (an AC distribution system with no direct connection to earth, according to IEC 60950).

Help and Support Center
Information about your PC is in the onscreen Help and Support Center. Here you can find links to reinstall drivers, access to technical support options, and information about commonly asked questions about your computer. Help and Support Center is onscreen Help. Press Help (the ? button) on the keyboard, or click Start on the taskbar, and then click Help and Support. In Help and Support, click HP Media Center PC help to read Help topics and run tests. Click Connect to Customer Support (select models only) to get troubleshooting help by using the Internet. To run a test or submit a problem to HP Instant Support, click Start a New Request and follow the onscreen instructions. To open the Help and Support Center:
Press the Help button on your keyboard. Or Click Start on the taskbar and click Help and Support.
The Help and Support Center is available for select models only.
Choose HP Media Center PC help.

Utility Programs

HP provides special utility programs in the PC Help & Tools folder that display support information and initiate application or system recovery. To find these programs, click Start, choose All Programs, PC Help & Tools, and then select a program or folder.

Updates from HP

HP may send updated information or patches to your desktop (not available in all countries/regions). You must be connected to the Internet to receive these updates. If you have turned off the Updates from HP feature, you will not receive these updates. To turn it back on, click Start, choose All Programs, PC Help & Tools, Updates from HP, and Re-enable Updates from HP.

HP Web Site Support

Use the Web site addresses listed in the Warranty and Support Guide for information about your PC and your technical support needs. The HP Web site provides a place where you can get supplemental information about HP computers and products and contact HP Support. You can also go to the HP Web site for updates and software patches. Search for your model number in the Support section of the Web site. Online Information and technical support for your PC is available at the HP Web site. Press the HP button on your keyboard, or type http://www.hp.com into your Web browser address box, and then press Enter on the keyboard. Select your country/region from the drop-down list, and then press the arrow button next to the list.

Connect to the Internet: Open your Web browser, or press Connect on your keyboard. Type the Web site address into your Web browser address box, and press Enter on your keyboard.

Setup Poster

The setup poster in the computer box shows how to connect your computer. For additional information and setup alternatives, refer to Setting Up the PC on page 9.
Warranty and Support Guide
You can find the terms of your PC warranty coverage, license information, regulatory information, operating specifications, safety information, and support contact numbers and addresses. You can get help over the telephone from HP.
HP Media Center Software Guide
This guide can help you get started using the Media Center software program. Media Center allows you to use a remote control to access your recorded television (TV) programs, videos, pictures, music CDs, and DVDs.
Application and System Recovery Programs
The PC uses the operating system and installed software programs during normal operation. If your PC works improperly or stops because of the software, you may be able to repair it by restarting the PC, using System Restore, or using other methods including the system recovery programs. You need recovery discs (CDs or DVDs) for some repairs that use the HP Application Recovery program or the HP PC System Recovery programs. Now is a good time to make your recovery discs. For instructions on making recovery discs, repairing and recovering your software, and more information, refer to the Warranty and Support Guide that came with your PC. Problems with software programs may be caused by corruption or damage to an individual program (application or software driver) or to part of the operating system software.

Instant Support

When you need assistance to solve a PC-related problem, use HP Instant Support (select models only). With HP Instant Support, you can run tests or submit a problem for help over the Internet. When you submit a problem, you communicate over the Internet with a Support analyst who works with you to solve the problem. To start HP Instant Support:
Click Start on the taskbar. Click Help and Support. Click Connect to Customer Support. Click Start a New Request. Follow onscreen instructions to run a test or submit a problem. Your PC must be connected to the Internet to submit a request.

Your Media Center PC may come with either a set of 2.1 or a set of 5.1 speakers, depending on the model.
For more information about the components of your speakers, see the setup poster that came with your PC. Also, for more information about connecting your speakers, refer to Configuring Speaker and Sound Options on page 35.

Media Center components

DVD MENU TV

MUSIC PICTURES VIDEOS

RECORD

REW PAUSE REPLAY

LIVE TV RECORDED TV VOLUME MORE INFO CHANNEL/ PAGE MUTE

hp media center

J Remote control N 10-ft. coaxial cable O S-video to composite video adapter P Composite video cable Q Remote sensor
Components may vary by model.
K Remote control sensor cable (emitter) L FM radio antenna
M Two AA batteries for remote control

Setting Up the PC

Follow the steps in the setup poster to set up the PC and then read the topics in this section to find out more about the location of components and connectors on your PC, and to find out about some setup alternatives. Most of the hardware devices such as the monitor, keyboard, printer, and mouse can be connected at the back of the PC. Some peripheral devices, such as a digital video camera, can be plugged into the connectors on the back or the front of the PC.

PC Installation Overview

The following items are not provided with your PC. Be sure you have them on hand if you need them for your setup:
Monitor (required). TV. Internet Service Provider (ISP), selected during initial setup (required for Media Center features, such as the Program Guide).
Coaxial cable splitter. S-video cable(s), to connect your TV if it requires S-video. Audio Y cable, to connect to a stereo system. (You may need more than one audio Y adapter cable, depending on your stereo system.)
Some PC components listed on this page are not included with your PC.

Setting up the PC

Connect your PC to the keyboard. See the setup poster and see Using the Keyboard on page 69. Connect the PC to the mouse. See the setup poster. Connect to the remote sensor. See the setup poster and see Connecting the Remote Sensor on page 17. Connect the PC to the monitor. Refer to the documentation that came with the monitor. Connect to the speakers. Refer to the setup poster and the documentation that came with your speakers. Connect the TV signal source. See Connecting the TV Signal Source on page 24. Connect the FM radio antenna cable. See Connecting the FM Radio Antenna on page 18.
Connect the modem to the telephone line and connect a network cable, if one is needed. See Connecting to the Internet on page 15 and see Connecting to the Internet Through a Network Port (LAN) on page 15. Connect the camera docking station (not included) and digital camera (not included). See Installing an HP Camera Docking Station on page 78. the speaker system.

Click the Settings tab. Click the Advanced button. Look at the tabs and follow the steps that apply to your PC:
If you see the nView tab, continue with the nView Tab procedure. If you see Ge Force FX xxxx tab, continue with the Ge Force FX Tab procedure. (FX xxxx is the video card number.) If you see the Displays tab, continue with the Displays Tab procedure.

nView tab

Click the nView tab. To view the PC image on your PC monitor and your TV simultaneously, in the nView Display Mode area, select Clone. Or To view the PC image on just the TV, in the area nView Display Mode, select Standard [Dualview], click the Current display drop-down list, and then select TV.
Click the OK button. When the PC image appears on the TV screen, click Yes to keep the setting. You have 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it reverts to the previous setting. Click the OK button to save changes, and then click OK again to close the Display Properties window.

Ge Force FX tab

Click the Ge Force FX xxxx tab. (FX xxxx is the video card number.) To view the PC image on your PC monitor and your TV simultaneously, in the nView Modes area select Clone from the drop-down list. Or To view the PC image on just the TV, in the area nView Modes, select Single display from the drop-down list, and then, if necessary, in the Current display area select TV from the drop-down list.
Click the Apply button. When the PC image appears on the TV screen, click Yes to keep the setting. You have 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it reverts to the previous setting. Click the OK button to save changes, and then click OK again to close the Display Properties window.

Displays tab

Click the Displays tab. This tab shows a monitor and a TV. The upper-left corner of each display icon is a button and a status indicator. A red corner indicates an inactive display; a green corner indicates an active display. To view the PC image on your PC monitor and your TV simultaneously, click the upper-left corner of the TV icon so that it is green. Click Apply. Or
To view the PC image on just the TV, click the TV corner so it is green, and then click the monitor corner so it is red. Click Apply.
When the PC image appears on the TV screen, click Yes to keep the setting. You have 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it reverts to the previous setting. Click the OK button to save changes, and then click OK again to close the Display Properties window.

Disable the TV option. See the previous procedure. Turn off the TV and the PC. Remove the video cable at the TV and the PC.
Configuring Speaker and Sound Options
HP Media Center PCs support many different audio options, sound connections, and speaker configurations. This chapter describes the most typical options. Your system may have different components.

Sound Connector Types

Your model may include one of three analog sound connector types on the back of your PC:
Three connectors Six connectors Sound card
The connectors are1/8-inch (3.5 mm) stereo mini-jacks that connect from the back of your PC to speakers and microphones. Your system may also have a separate digital out connection (select models only). Software configuration is different for each connector type, as noted in the instructions.
For additional information on connecting the speakers, refer to the setup poster that came with the PC and the documentation that came with your speakers.
Connector Three Connector
Description Your PC model may include three sound connectors. You can connect up to a 5.1 audio system to the PC. If you want to connect multichannel audio, follow the instructions carefully. Your PC model may include six sound connectors on the back of your PC. You can connect up to a 7.1 audio system to the PC.

Illustration

OUT IN

Type 3

3 is Three Connector 6 is Six Connector S is Sound Card

Six Connector

Sound Card Connector
Your PC may include a sound card. You can connect up to a 5.1 audio system (7.1 audio system for select models) or digital speakers to the sound card on the PC.

See below.

Sound Connector Functions
Use the sound connectors that match your PC model when installing cables, as shown in the installation procedure steps. The following table shows the sound connectors on the back panel of PC systems.
Sound Connector S Description Line side (gray) for side speakers in an eight-speaker system (7.1).
Line c/sub (gold) for center/subwoofer speakers in a multichannel audio configuration.
Line rear (black) for rear speakers in a multichannel audio configuration.
Line out (lime green) for front speakers.
mic (pink) connects to microphone. (3: Also functions as center/subwoofer line out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.)
Line in (light blue) connects to an analog audio device such as a CD player for input into PC. (3: Also functions as rear line out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.)

Sound Connector 3

DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
Description digital out (orange) connects to a digital audio device with digital input (such as a home audio receiver/amplifier) or digital speakers (select models only).

If you have rear speakers, connect the rear stereo mini-plug end of a Y adapter cable into the audio line in (blue) or the rear speaker out (black) connector that matches the back of your PC.
Turn on the receiver/amplifier. Select the receiver/amplifier input that the Y adapter cables are plugged into. Turn on the PC. After the audio system is connected to the PC, configure the audio software for sound output for your PC model:
Connect the left and right ends of the Y adapter cable into the rear left (L) and right (R) inputs on the back of the receiver/amplifier.

Connecting Digital Audio

(Select models only) To connect digital audio, your PC must include a digital out connector on the sound card or on the back panel. You do not need to connect multichannel speaker outputs if you connect the digital output. To connect digital audio speakers:
Turn off the PC. Connect the digital out connector on the back panel of your PC to the digital input (SPDIF) on digital speakers or a digital audio system.
Audio card with digital output and 3 Connector: See Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel Sound Manager on page 48. Follow the instructions to enable digital audio output. Audio card with digital output and 6 Connector: See Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager on page 51. Digital audio output is already enabled as the default. Sound Card: See Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card on page 53. Follow the instructions to enable digital audio output.
Turn on the PC. Plug in the speaker system power. Turn on the speaker system.

Configuring Audio Output

You can configure your speakers audio output with the following software. Use the software that applies to your PC model:
Multi-channel Sound Manager (3 Connector) Sound Effect Manager (6 Connector) Creative Speaker Settings (Sound Card)
Media Center (all systems) WinDVD Player (all systems)
Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel Sound Manager
Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers, if your PC model has 3 Connectors. To configure multichannel audio output for PCs with Multi-channel Sound Manager:

Click Start on the taskbar. Choose All Programs.
Click Music. Click Multi-channel Sound Manager. The Multi-channel Audio Configuration window opens with one of five control screens.
Sound Effect Select the Environment settings. Equalizer Equalize the audio frequencies. Speaker Configuration Select the number of speakers. An Audio Connector Switch indicates the speaker configuration.
Speaker Test Test all connected speakers for correct configuration. General View Driver and audio information.
Click the Speaker Configuration tab near the top of the window to open the control screens. (Your speakers may need to be plugged in to see this tab.) Select the option describing the number of speakers in your system, in a range from 2/2.1 speaker mode to 6/5.1 speaker mode. Enable digital audio if you want digital audio output. See Enabling digital audio output with Multi-channel Sound Manager (optional) on page 49.
Click OK. Test the speakers. Click the Speaker Test tab. Follow the instructions. Configure audio output for the Media Center. See Configuring Audio for Media Center on page 54. Player. See Configuring Audio for the WinDVD Player on page 54.
10 Configure audio output for the WinDVD
Enabling digital audio output with Multi-channel Sound Manager (optional)
Your PC must include a digital audio out connector on the back panel. To enable digital audio output:
Follow steps 1 through 5 of the previous procedure, Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel Sound Manager. Place a check next to Enable digital audio output. The Output digital and analog option is automatically selected. Connect the digital audio output connector on the back of your PC to your home audio systems digital audio input. Select your stereo systems digital audio input. Click OK.
Test the speakers, by playing a CD, for example. (If you test using a DVD, you need to configure WinDVD first. See Configuring Audio for the WinDVD Player on page 54.) Configure audio output for the Media Center. See Configuring Audio for Media Center on page 54. Configure audio output for the WinDVD Player. See Configuring Audio for the WinDVD Player on page 54.
If you select Enable digital audio output, the microphone volume setting becomes not muted, and the recording source is fixed in Stereo Mix. If you place the microphone too close to the speakers, feedback can occur.

The Media Center PC desktop has shortcut icons that make it easy to find the things you need. To find out more information about a program, click its icon.
Your Media Center PC Start menu may not include some of the programs and utilities listed below.

Using the Start menu

To open the Start menu, click the Start button. Use this menu to:
Open Media Center by clicking Start on the taskbar, choose All Programs, Accessories, Media Center, and then click Media Center again. Select programs or documents. Open the Help and Support Center.
Run a program. View or change settings by opening the Control Panel. End your current PC session and switch between users by clicking the Log Off button. Turn off the PC or restart it by clicking the Turn Off Computer button.

Start a search.

Desktop shortcuts (Select models only)
Icon Opens Windows XP Start menu Help and Support Use it to Find all your software programs, turn off the PC, open Help and Support, and access all the PC utilities and features. View onscreen help information about your PC.

Media Center

Access all the Media Center features: watch and record TV programs; listen to and record music CDs; view your digital pictures; watch DVD movies; and much more. Sign up with a new or existing account with an Internet Service Provider.
Easy Internet Sign-up wizard
HP Image Zone Plus program
Organize and protect your still photos, scanned images, and video clips.

PC Tune Up & Repair

Repair software problems with programs, printers, or peripherals that stop working, or resolve erratic PC behavior; repair options include using Application Recovery and System Recovery. You can also run Disk Defragmenter, scan for viruses, back up PC data, run a disk cleanup, and access system information. Open your Internet browser.

Internet Explorer

Windows Media Player
Create a music library, listen to CDs, and get information about your CD.

Making Recovery Discs

Now is a good time to make your recovery discs. Refer to the Warranty and Support Guide for instructions and more information.

Using the PC Hardware

Using the Keyboard
Your PC may include a standard keyboard or a wireless keyboard. A standard keyboard connects to the keyboard connector in the back of the PC. A wireless keyboard (select models only) uses a receiver/transmitter, instead of a connector cable, to communicate with your PC. A light on the receiver indicates receiver activity. The keyboard has an arrangement of standard keys, indicator lights, and special buttons. Alphanumeric keys are the main keys found on a standard typewriter. Function keys are the F1 through F12 keys located above the main keys. F1 opens a help window for the software program being used. F3 opens a search window. Other function key operations may depend on the software program you are using. Arrow keys are controls for up, down, right, and left. You can use these keys instead of the mouse to move the cursor on a Web site, in a document, or in a game. Numeric keys are locked when the Num Lock LED (light-emitting diode) on the keyboard is lit. When locked, the numeric keys are the number keys and arithmetic function keys found on a basic calculator. When the Num Lock LED on the keyboard is off, the numeric keys are directional keys used during games or to move the cursor. Special buttons are at the top of the keyboard. These buttons operate the CD or DVD player, connect you to the Internet, or provide quick access to specific functions. See Special Keyboard Buttons on page 70 for descriptions of these buttons.

Special Keyboard Buttons

Access buttons
Icon Feature Standby Description or Function Puts PC into or out of power-saving mode. May take 1030 seconds before screen reappears. Log off or switch between PC users. Links to an HP Web site. Opens the Help and Support Center. Opens the HP Image Zone Plus software program. Can be reconfigured. Starts iTunes or Windows Media Player. Can be reconfigured. Opens a video software program. Can be reconfigured.

user hp ? photo

User HP Help HP Image Zone Plus Music Video

music video

Internet buttons

Feature Shopping

Description or Function Goes to a popular shopping Web site. Can be reconfigured to open any Web site or software program. Goes to a popular sports Web site. Can be reconfigured to open any Web site or software program. Goes to a popular finance Web site. Can be reconfigured to open any Web site or software program. Opens your Internet browser. Can be reconfigured to open any Web site or software program. Opens a Web page designed to search the Internet. Can be reconfigured to open any Web site or software program. Opens an HP-related Web site for chatting. Can be reconfigured to open any Web site or software program. Opens an e-mail program. Can be reconfigured to open any Web site or software program.

Surround sound isnt working.
Configure the Audigy software (select models only) for your surround sound speakers:
Close all software programs. Click Start on the taskbar. Choose All Programs, Creative, SoundBlaster Audigy 2, and then click Creative Speaker Settings. The Speaker Settings window opens. Select your speakers from the drop-down list. Click Channel to test the speakers. Or Click Calibrate to adjust the speaker volume settings.
Problem When I push one of the special or multimedia buttons on the keyboard, nothing happens.
Check the button configuration. To configure the button:
Click Start on the taskbar, and then click Control Panel. Click Printers and Other Hardware, if it is present. Double-click Keyboard. In the Keyboard Properties window that opens, click the Buttons tab. Double-click the button you want to change. The button configuration window opens. Choose the button capability from the drop-down list. Enter the Display label and the Address information. (For a Web site, enter the complete Web site URL in the Address box.) Click OK and then on the Buttons tab, click Apply. Repeat steps 6 through 9 for each button you want to configure. Click OK when you are finished configuring the keyboard.
My keyboard doesnt work, even though the computer and monitor seem to work.
If the PC beeps repeatedly, or if nothing happens when you press keys, its possible that the keyboard is connected improperly:
Wireless keyboards only: Make sure the receiver is firmly connected to the USB port on the back or front of the computer. Try unplugging and replugging the receiver cable. PS/2 keyboards only: Check that the cable connector pins are straight. Make sure the keyboard is connected to the keyboard port, not to the mouse port. If you need to reconnect these two cables, turn the computer off, reconnect the cables, and then turn the computer back on.
Try restarting the computer: Click Start, select Turn Off Computer, and click Restart. If that doesnt work, press and hold the computer On button until the computer turns off (approximately five seconds). Then turn the computer back on.
Problem The monitor doesnt work, even though the computer appears to.
Make sure the monitor is turned on it has its own power button. Adjust the brightness and contrast controls on the monitor. Check the connection of the power cord into the monitor. Check the cable connection between the monitor and the computer. The cable connectors must be pushed in all the way. Make sure the monitor power cord is plugged into a grounded outlet. Check to see whether the outlet works by plugging another item into it. (If the light on the front of the monitor is lit, the monitor is getting power.)
When Media Center is open, you can press F1 on the keyboard to open Media Center Help.
The mouse doesnt work, even though everything else does.

If nothing happens when you move the mouse, its possible that the mouse is connected improperly.
USB mouse only: Make sure the mouse is firmly connected to the USB port. Try unplugging and replugging the mouse cable. PS/2 mouse only: Check that the cable connector pins are straight. Make sure the mouse is connected to the mouse port, not to the keyboard port. To reconnect these two cables, turn the computer off, reconnect the cables, and then turn the computer back on.
If the pointer doesnt move on the screen when you move the mouse, clean the mouse. For an optical mouse, wipe the light sensor lens on the bottom of the mouse with a lint-free cloth. For a roller ball mouse:
a Remove the mouse ball by unscrewing the bottom of the mouse. b Clean the mouse ball with a damp cloth (not paper). c Use your finger to move the rollers in the mouse ball housing
and remove lint and dust.
d Replace the mouse ball and screw on the cover.
The computer might have stopped. Reset the computer by pressing and holding the computer On button until the computer turns off (approximately 5 seconds). Then turn the computer back on.
Problem I am using a TV with Media Center, but I cannot see anything.
Check that the TV is connected to the PC. See Using the TV as a Monitor on page 30. Check that the TV out image is enabled. See Using the TV as a Monitor on page 30.
My software stopped working.
Refer to Application and System Recovery in the Warranty and Support Guide that came with your PC, to reinstall a software program. If your program came on a CD, follow the instructions that came with the software to reinstall it.
My remote control doesnt work.
Make sure that the batteries for the remote control are charged and installed correctly. Make sure the front of the remote sensor (IR Receiver) is not blocked. Point the remote control within a 45-degree angle range and less than 26 feet (8 meters) away. If a pressed key repeats itself or sticks, unplug the remote sensor from the USB connector, wait one minute, and plug the remote sensor back in. Try altering the lighting conditions in the room or moving the location of the remote sensor if this continues. Press the Enter button on the remote control after changing a channel. Point the remote control toward the remote sensor and press a button. A faint red light should appear on the remote sensor. If the light appears, then the problem is probably in the Media Center software. Close Media Center, restart the PC, and then open Media Center again. If the remote control works in Media Center but not when changing channels, you need to reconfigure the Media Center software settings for the cable set-top box or satellite receiver.