MODEL ROOMMATE Software Configuration Guide
VIDABOX™ Software Configuration Guide © VidaBox LLC 172 Garden Street • Garden City, NY 11530 Support: http://www.vidabox.
Table of Contents Introduction 4 CHAPTE R 3 FINE TUNE CONFIGU RATION CHAPTE R 1 OVERVIE W How to Best Use This Guide 5 How to Use the Media Center Interface 6 VidaBox™ Desktop 6 VidaBox™ Media Center Console 6 Media Center Remotes 7 CHAPTE R 2 CONFIGU RE PVR Configuration 21 Closed Captions Configuration 22 Remote Recording Configuration 22 Pictures Configuration 22 Messenger and Caller ID Configuration 23 Radio Configuration 23 DVD Configuration 23 SOFT WARE Configure the Softwa
I N T R O D U C T I O N Introduction A fter setting up the physical connections necessary for the VidaBox™, it’s now time to configure the software properly for optimal performance. Please take some time to review this guide thoroughly, as improper installation may not yield the optimal audio and visual experience. be sure to check out our website and support forum, where new features, questions, and answers are available everyday. As always, every new VidaBox™ comes with our all inclusive warranty.
I N T R O D U C T I O N How to Best Use This Guide I n order avoid improper configuration, we recommend that you read through this guide and follow the setup steps carefully. I C O N K E Y Warning! Pay Close Attention Checklist Items Answer Before Proceeding Keyboard Required Move on to the next section New Section Please pay close attention to these icons. They alert you to key pieces of information that are needed for a successful installation of the VidaBox™.
I N T R O D U C T I O N How to Use the Media Center Interface Please take some time to familiarize yourself with the VidaBox’s™ Interface before proceeding. There are two main interfaces – the VidaBox™ Desktop and the Media Center Console. Every time the VidaBox™ is turned on, it will first load the desktop. Then it will load the Media Center Console. VidaBox™ Desktop Below is a screenshot of the VidaBox™ Desktop. Noted are the locations of key icons necessary for VidaBox™ software configuration.
I N T R O D U C T I O N Media Center Remotes Below are diagrams of the standard and optional remotes. Pay particular attention to the key buttons which are labeled.
C O N F I G U R E S O F T W A R E Configure the Software Keyboard Required You’ll need to have the supplied keyboard ready to finish setting up your audio connection. If it is a wireless keyboard, make sure it is synchronized before proceeding. Refer to the Hardware Installation Guide for instructions. Options for Closing Media Center Congratulations! By this point you have already set up all of the physical connections for the VidaBox™! The next step is to properly configure the software.
C O N F I G U R E S O F T W A R E Configure the Desktop Video-Out You Must Configure the Desktop VideoOut Before Proceeding! Failure to do so will result in severe video clarity problems later 1. Using the trackball, move the cursor to any open area on the desktop (where you only see the desktop wallpaper). Right-click to open up a menu, and then select “Properties,” as shown on the left. 2. The “Display Properties” prompt will now appear. Select the “Settings” Tab, as shown on the bottom. 3.
C O N F I G U R E S O F T W A R E 3. Repeat the first step, but move the slider bar to the next increment now. It will take several tries at different resolutions until the optimal desktop resolution is found. 4. Once you’ve found a resolution you are happy with, hit “Enter” or click on “OK” to stay with this resolution. Proceed to the next section: Configure the Audio Output.
C O N F I G U R E S O F T W A R E Configure the Audio Output Want the best sound quality? Use the digital SPDIFout whenever possible, especially when connecting to a receiver. To complete the desktop audio output configuration, the steps required will depend on the audio connection used, as detailed below. What Audio Connection are you using? Digital Sound – Optical or coaxial output sound The Media Center console will configure your audio settings – go to the next section. Analog Sound – 2.
C O N F I G U R E S O F T W A R E Blue – Analog Line In Green – Front Left/Right* Pink – Mic In** L/R RCA audio cables Orange – Center / Subwoofer Out Black – Surround Left/Right Gray – Surround Back Left/ Right * - For stereo 2.0 /front speakers-only output (either via L/R RCA or direct 3.5mm cable), you only need to connect to this green jack and you’re done! ** - Connect the microphone amplifier’s output into this jack 3.5mm to RCA converter 3.5mm 2.0 stereo cable 4.
C O N F I G U R E S O F T W A R E Configure the Wireless Connection Are You Connecting to the Internet Wirelessly? 1. If not, skip this section and proceed to the next section – Center Console. Configure Media 2. If so, be sure that your wireless network is already installed and is ready to accept a new connection. Then, look on the lower-right hand corner of your desktop for the Wireless Networking icon, as shown on the left. Which Icon Do You See? Wireless Network Icon A – Connected! a.
C O N F I G U R E S O F T W A R E Configure Media Center Console The Start Button – Microsoft Remote Once the desktop video, audio, and wireless connections have been set up, we can now proceed and configure the Media Center Console. Start Media Center by hitting the Start Button on the remote, and then simply follow the on-screen instructions. Media Center Setup Walkthrough The Start Button – Harmony Remote Required Setup Section: 1.
C O N F I G U R E S O F T W A R E 4. Help Improve Media Center asks you to join the Customer Experience Improvement Program. You can click on Learn more about this setting for details. You may simply click on No thank you and hit Next. 5. Get the Most from Media Center asks for permission to connect to the internet to get cover art for albums, movie information, etc. We recommend that you click on Yes and hit Next for an optimal experience. 6.
C O N F I G U R E S O F T W A R E 2. Automatic TV Signal Setup now appears. You can choose to manually configure the TV signal, but we recommend that you let Media Center automatically configure your connection. If you have set-top boxes, turn them on now. Select Configure my TV signal automatically and hit Next. 3. Media Center will now be Examining your TV Signal Setup. After a few moments, the TV Signal Configuration Results will appear on the screen. Are the TV Signal Configuration Results Right? a.
C O N F I G U R E S O F T W A R E 4. The Test Channel Changing screen will appear next to test and see if the settings were configured properly. Use your Media Center Remote or Keyboard and enter a channel number that you know you can receive. Did the STB Change the Channel? a. If yes, then select The set-top box changed the channel correctly and hit Next. b. If not, then select The set-top box did not change the channel correctly and hit Next.
C O N F I G U R E S O F T W A R E 10. Select TV Signal Provider, and then hit Next. Call the customer service line for your TV provider if you have a question regarding which option to choose. 11. Download TV Program Guide Information will begin. After the download is complete, hit Next. The Configure Tuners, TV Signal, and Guide section is now complete. Optimize how Media Center looks on your display: 1.
C O N F I G U R E S O F T W A R E 3. First, Choose number of Speakers. In general, most TVs have 2 speakers built in. Surround sound systems will have 5 or 7 speakers, plus 1 subwoofer. 4. Then, pick the Speaker Connection Type. Choose the cable type you used during the hardware installation. 5. Next, Test Your Speakers. Hit the Test button, and sounds will play from your front speakers. Analog 5.1/7.1 Surround Sound Note that the analog 5.1/7.
C O N F I G U R E S O F T W A R E e. Under Speaker Setup, using the + and - buttons, select the appropriate setting for your audio speaker setup, as described below. No Downmixing (S/PDIF Passthru) – For VidaBox™ systems connected via SPDIF to a audio receiver or processor Four Speakers (Dolby Surround)* – Suitable for analog surround sound systems – see note at end of section Two Speakers (Stereo) – Suitable for 2.0 stereo speakers f. Hit Save when finished, as shown on the left.
F I N E - T U N E C O N F I G U R A T I O N At this point, the required elements have been configured. You may start using the VidaBox™ immediately! The next few steps will cover fine-tuning the setup a bit further, so that you can have the optimal VidaBox™ experience. PVR Configuration Warning! DO NOT change the Record on Drive Setting! Your recorded TV function may stop functioning properly if it’s changed to a different drive.
F I N E - T U N E C O N F I G U R A T I O N Closed Captions Configuration There are two ways to change the TV closed captions options. Why isn’t this installed already? The remote recording service is uniquely connected to your MSN passport, making it easy to manage with a single login. Thus, you would need to input your personal passport information in order to use this service. Install Now Button Note indicating successful registration 1.
F I N E - T U N E C O N F I G U R A T I O N Messenger and Caller ID Configuration From the Media Center Start Menu, go to Settings, and then select Messenger and Caller ID. You can change if instant messages appear within media center, or if a phone line is connected (optional), if and how telephone calls notifications are displayed. Radio Configuration From the Media Center Start Menu, go to Settings, and then select Radio. You can change the FM Radio Presets from this menu and how they are sorted.
P O S T C O N F I G U R A T I O N ☺ You’ve Finished the Software Configuration! After configuring the software properly, you can use the VidaBox™! Please take some time to familiarize yourself with the interface by referring to the User’s Guide.
Service Information Register Your VidaBox™! For faster service, please don’t forget to register your VidaBox™ at Sometimes, there are problems that need further assistance to resolve. VidaBox™ stands behind all of its products with its iron-clad, all-inclusive limited-time warranty with the purchase of every VidaBox™.
Copyright ©2006 VidaBox LLC. VidaBox™, and its model names ROOMMATE™, SLIM™, LUX™, and MAX™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of VidaBox LLC. All other company, product, and trademark names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the sole property of their respective owners. This document is accurate as of July 2006. However, VidaBox LLC reserves the right to make modifications or changes to the document without further notice.
