Multimedia User Guide
© Copyright 2008 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.
Table of contents 1 Multimedia features Identifying your multimedia components .............................................................................................. 2 Using the DVD button (select models only) .......................................................................................... 4 Adjusting the volume ............................................................................................................................ 5 Using the media activity functions .................
6 Webcam Webcam tips ....................................................................................................................................... 27 Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................................. 28 7 Troubleshooting The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD or DVD ....................................................... 30 The computer does not detect the optical drive ........................
1 Multimedia features Your computer includes multimedia features that allow you to listen to music, watch movies, and view pictures.
Identifying your multimedia components Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer. Component Description (1) Records sound. Internal microphone NOTE: If there is a microphone icon next to each microphone opening, your computer has internal microphones. Depending on your computer model, the computer may have 1 or 2 internal microphones. 2 (2) Webcam light Turns on when video software accesses the webcam. (3) Webcam Captures video. (4) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
Component Description WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety information, refer to the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices. NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the computer speakers are disabled. (9) Volume down hotkey (pg dn) Decreases speaker sound when pressed in combination with the fn key.
Using the DVD button (select models only) The function of the DVD button varies by model and installed software. With this button, you can watch movies and listen to music. Pressing the DVD button launches the DVD Play program. NOTE: If the computer has been set up to require a logon password, you may be asked to log on to Windows. DVD Play opens after you log on. Refer to the DVD Play software Help for more information.
Adjusting the volume You can adjust the volume using the following controls: ● ● Computer volume buttons (select models only): ◦ To mute or restore volume, press the mute button (1). ◦ To decrease volume, slide your finger across the volume scroll zone from right to left, or press the volume down button (2). ◦ To increase volume, slide your finger across the volume scroll zone from left to right, press the volume up button (3).
● Windows® volume control: a. Click the Volume icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. b. Increase or decrease the volume by moving the slider up or down. Click the Mute icon to mute the volume. – or – a. Right-click the Volume icon in the notification area, and then click Open Volume Mixer. b. In the Master Volume column, you can increase or decrease the volume by moving the Volume slider up or down. You can also mute the volume by clicking the Mute icon.
Using the media activity functions The media activity hotkeys control the play of an audio CD or a DVD that is inserted into the optical drive. Using the media activity hotkeys A media activity hotkey is a combination of the fn key (1) and a function key (2). ● When an audio CD or a DVD is not playing, press fn+f9 (3) to play the disc. ● When an audio CD or a DVD is playing, use the following hotkeys: ◦ To pause or resume playing the disc, press fn+f9 (3). ◦ To stop the disc, press fn+f10 (4).
2 Multimedia software Your computer includes preinstalled multimedia software that allows you to play music and watch movies. The following sections provide details about DVD Play and other preinstalled multimedia software. Using DVD Play software DVD Play turns your computer into a mobile entertainment center. With DVD Play, you can enjoy music and DVD movies. To start DVD Play: ▲ Press the DVD button on your computer. For more information on using DVD Play, refer to the software Help.
Installing multimedia software from a disc To install any multimedia software from a CD or DVD, follow these steps: 1. Insert the disc into the optical drive. 2. When the installation wizard opens, follow the on-screen instructions. 3. Restart the computer if you are prompted to do so. NOTE: For details about using software included with the computer, refer to the software manufacturer’s instructions, which may be provided on disc, in the software Help, or on the manufacturer's Web site.
3 Audio Your computer enables you to use a variety of audio features: 10 ● Play music using your computer speakers and/or connected external speakers ● Record sound using the internal microphone or connect an external microphone ● Download music from the Internet ● Create multimedia presentations using audio and images ● Transmit sound and images with instant messaging programs ● Stream radio programs (select models only) or receive FM radio signals ● Create or “burn” audio CDs Chapter 3 A
Connecting external audio devices WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety information, refer to the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices. To connect external devices such as external speakers, headphone, or a microphone, refer to the information provided with the device.
Checking your audio functions To check the system sound on your computer, follow these steps: 1. Select Start > Control Panel. 2. Click Hardware and Sound. 3. Click Sound. 4. When the Sound window opens, click the Sounds tab. Under Program, select any sound event, such as a beep or alarm, and click the Test button. You should hear sound through the speakers or through connected headphones. To check the record functions of the computer, follow these steps: 1.
4 Video Your computer enables you to use a variety of video features: ● Watch movies ● Play games over the Internet ● Edit pictures and video to create presentations ● Connect external video devices ● Watch TV, including high-definition TV (select models only) 13
Connecting an external monitor or projector The external monitor port connects an external display device such as an external monitor or a projector to the computer. ▲ To connect a display device, connect the device cable to the external monitor port. NOTE: If a properly connected external display device does not display an image, press fn+f4 to transfer the image to the device. Repeatedly pressing fn+f4 alternates the screen image between the computer display and the device.
Connecting an HDMI device The computer includes an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port. The HDMI port connects the computer to an optional video or audio device, such as a high-definition television, or any compatible digital or audio component. The computer can support one HDMI device connected to the HDMI port, while simultaneously supporting an image on the computer display or any other supported external display.
Setting HDMI as the default audio playback device 16 1. Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound icon. 2. If you have an Intel integrated graphics card or an ATI or NVIDIA graphics card, click the Playback tab, click Digital Output Device (HDMI), and then click Set Default. 3. Click OK. 4. Start DVD Play (or restart it if it is already running).
5 Optical drive Your computer includes an optical drive that expands the functionality of the computer. Identify what kind of device is installed in your computer to see its capabilities. The optical drive allows you to read data discs, play music, and watch movies. If your computer includes a Blu-ray Disc ROM Drive, then you can also watch high-definition video from disc. Identifying the installed optical drive ▲ Select Start > Computer.
Using optical discs An optical drive, such as a DVD-ROM drive, supports optical discs (CDs and DVDs). These discs store information, such as music, photos, and movies. DVDs have a higher storage capacity than CDs. Your optical drive can read standard CD and DVD discs. If your optical drive is a Blu-ray Disc ROM Drive, it can also read Blu-ray discs. NOTE: Some of the optical drives listed may not be supported by your computer. The listed drives are not necessarily all of the supported optical drives.
Selecting the right disc An optical drive supports optical discs (CDs and DVDs). CDs, used to store digital data, are also used for commercial audio recordings and are convenient for your personal storage needs. DVDs are used primarily for movies, software, and data backup purposes. DVDs are the same form factor as CDs but have 6 to 7 times the storage capacity. NOTE: The optical drive on your computer may not support all the types of optical discs discussed in this section.
Blu-ray Disc Also called BD, Blu-ray Disc is a high-density optical disc format for the storage of digital information, including high-definition video. A single-layer Blu-ray Disc can store 25 GB, over five times the size of a single-layer DVD at 4.7 GB. A dual-layer Blu-ray Disc can store 50 GB, almost 6 times the size of a dual-layer DVD at 8.5 GB.
Playing music 1. Turn on the computer. 2. Press the release button (1) on the optical drive bezel to release the disc tray. 3. Pull out the tray (2). 4. Hold the disc by the edges and position the disc label-side up over the tray spindle. NOTE: If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully to position it over the spindle. 5. Gently press the disc (3) down onto the tray spindle until the disc snaps into place. 6. Close the disc tray. 7.
Watching a movie Your optical drive allows you to watch movies from a disc. You can also watch high-definition movies from a disc if your computer includes an optional Blu-ray Disc ROM Drive. 1. Turn on the computer. 2. Press the release button (1) on the optical drive bezel to release the disc tray. 3. Pull out the tray (2). 4. Hold the disc by the edges and position the disc label-side up over the tray spindle.
Changing DVD region settings Most DVDs that contain copyrighted files also contain region codes. The region codes help protect copyrights internationally. You can play a DVD containing a region code only if the region code on the DVD matches the region setting on your DVD drive. CAUTION: The region settings on your DVD drive can be changed only 5 times. The region setting you select the fifth time becomes the permanent region setting on the DVD drive.
Creating or “burning” a CD or DVD If your computer includes a CD-RW, DVD-RW, or DVD±RW optical drive, you can use software such as Windows Media Player or CyberLink Power2Go to burn data and audio files, including MP3 and WAV music files. To burn video files to a CD or DVD, use MyDVD. Observe the following guidelines when burning a CD or DVD: ● Before burning a disc, save and close any open files and close all programs.
Removing an optical disc (CD or DVD) 1. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the media tray, and then gently pull out the tray (2) until it stops. 2. Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer edges of the disc. Hold the disc by the edges and avoid touching the flat surfaces. NOTE: 3. If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully as you remove it. Close the media tray and place the disc in a protective case.
6 Webcam Your computer includes an integrated webcam, located at the top of the display. The webcam is an input device that allows you to capture and share video. Preinstalled CyberLink YouCam software provides new features that expand the webcam experience. To access the webcam and CyberLink YouCam software, select Start > All Programs > CyberLink YouCam > YouCam. NOTE: The first time you access the YouCam software, you may experience a brief delay as the software loads.
Webcam tips For optimum performance, observe the following guidelines while using the webcam: ● Be sure that you have the latest version of an instant message program before starting a video conversation. ● The webcam may not work properly across some network firewalls. NOTE: If you are having trouble viewing or sending multimedia files to someone on another LAN or outside your network firewall, temporarily disable the firewall, perform the task you want to perform, and then reenable the firewall.
Adjusting webcam properties You can adjust webcam properties using the Properties dialog box, which is accessible from various programs that use the integrated camera, usually from a configuration, settings, or properties menu: ● Brightness—Controls the amount of light that is incorporated into the image. A higher brightness setting creates a brighter image; a lower brightness setting creates a darker image. ● Contrast—Controls the difference between lighter and darker areas on the image.
7 Troubleshooting The following sections describe several common issues and resolutions.
The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD or DVD 1. Insert the end of a paper clip (1) into the release access in the front bezel of the drive. 2. Press in gently on the paper clip until the disc tray is released, and then pull out the tray (2) until it stops. 3. Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer edges of the disc. Hold the disc by the edges and avoid touching the flat surfaces.
The computer does not detect the optical drive If Windows does not detect an installed device, the device driver software may be missing or corrupted. If you suspect that the optical drive is not being detected, verify that the optical drive is listed in the Device Manager utility. 1. Remove any discs from the optical drive. 2. Click Start and type device manager in the Start Search box. As you type, search results are listed in the pane above the box. 3. In the results pane, click Device Manager.
A disc does not play ● Save your work and close all open programs before playing a CD or a DVD. ● Log off the Internet before playing a CD or a DVD. ● Be sure that you insert the disc properly. ● Be sure that the disc is clean. If necessary, clean the disc with filtered water and a lint-free cloth. Wipe from the center of the disc to the outer edge. ● Check the disc for scratches. If you find scratches, treat the disc with an optical disc repair kit available at many electronics stores.
A disc does not play automatically 1. Click Start and type autoplay in the Start Search box. As you type, search results are listed in the pane above the box. 2. In the results pane, click AutoPlay. If prompted by User Account Control, click Continue. 3. Select the check box for Use AutoPlay for all media and devices, and then click Save. A CD or DVD should now start automatically when it is inserted into the optical drive. A DVD movie stops, skips, or plays erratically ● Clean the disc.
A DVD movie is not visible on an external display 1. If both the computer display and an external display are turned on, press fn+f4 one or more times to switch between the 2 displays. 2. Configure the monitor settings to make the external display primary: a. Right-click on a blank area of the computer desktop, and select Personalize > Display Settings. b. Specify a primary display and a secondary display.
The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion ● Be sure that all other programs are closed. ● Turn off Sleep mode and Hibernation. ● Be sure that you are using the right kind of disc for your drive. See your user guides for more information about disc types. ● Be sure that the disc is inserted properly. ● Select a slower write speed and try again.
A device driver must be reinstalled 1. Remove any discs from the optical drive. 2. Click Start and type device manager in the Start Search box. As you type, search results are listed in the pane above the box. 3. In the results pane, click Device Manager. If prompted by User Account Control, click Continue. 4.
To use the HP Web site: 1. Open your Internet browser, go to http://www.hp.com, and then click the Software & Driver Downloads link. 2. On the Software & Driver downloads page, select the task, type your computer model number as instructed, and then press enter. – or – If you want a specific SoftPaq, enter the SoftPaq number in the Search box, press enter, and follow the instructions provided. Proceed to step 6. 3. Click your specific product from the models listed. 4.
Index A audio devices, connecting external 11 audio features 10 audio functions, checking 12 audio-in (microphone) jack 2 audio-out (headphone) jacks 2 B Blu-ray disc 20 buttons DVD 4 volume mute 5 C CD inserting 21 removing 25 CD drive 18 checking audio functions 12 configuring HDMI 15 D device drivers HP drivers 36 Windows drivers 37 drives, optical drive 18 DVD changing region setting 23 inserting 21 removing 25 DVD button 4 DVD drive 18 DVD Play starting 4, 8 using 8, 22 DVD Play software 8 DVD region
webcam properties, adjusting 28 webcam tips 27 webcam, using 26 Index 39
