Page 1: Media Center Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 Reference Guide...
Page 3: Reference Guide
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 Reference Guide The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Page 4 Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., in the United States and other countries/regions. iTunes and FireWire are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2004 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Page 5: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Welcome ............1 Creating a Queue List in My Music ........63 Finding and Playing an Album in My Music ......63 Experience the Fun of Media Center ........1 Creating a Playlist in My Music ..........64 Using Media Center Features..........2 Copying Music Files to CD in My Music ........65 Using Media Center ........
Page 6 Playing CDs and DVDs ......105 Using an HP Personal Media Drive ....139 Playing Music CDs with iTunes ...........105 Setting Up the HP Personal Media Drive Playing DVD Movies with InterVideo WinDVD......107 to Work with Media Center .......... 139 Playing Video CDs (VCD) with InterVideo WinDVD....108 Locating the Drive After Installation........
Page 7: Welcome
Welcome Experience the Fun of Media Center Microsoft ® Windows ® XP Media Center Edition 2005 lets you do amazing things with your HP Media Center PC. With a full range of easy-to- use digital entertainment features, experience movies, music, and photos like never before. Media Center is simple and easy to use.
Page 8: Using Media Center Features
Using Media Center Features You can control the Media Center functions and You can run Media Center side-by-side with other navigate Media Center windows by using the Windows software programs. It is possible to remote control, the keyboard, or the mouse. You can browse through your pictures, watch videos, play easily switch back and forth between them by music, and even record TV while using other...
Page 9: Using Media Center
Using Media Center Setting Up Media Center The first time you open Media Center, a setup features in Media Center. The Media Center setup wizard opens. It is best to complete each step in the wizard may take approximately 10 to 40 minutes to Media Center setup wizard to be able to use all the complete.
Page 10: Getting The Most Out Of Media Center
Getting the Most out of Media Center To maximize effective use of Media Center and to ensure access to all of its features, complete the following list before getting started. Refer to the setup poster and the Getting Started Guide that came with your HP Media Center PC.
Page 11: Media Center Start Menu
Media Center Start Menu Some of the features listed are for select models only. Access a menu to exit Media Center, to Go to the Media Center Web site for the shut down or restart the PC, to log off latest Media Center information to end your Media Center session, to Watch your home videos...
Page 12: Using Online Spotlight
Other menus not shown: HP Image Zone — View digital pictures, Play DVD — Watch DVD movies ■ ■ play a slide show, and print photos Settings — Change Media Center program ■ HP Tunes — Play music from your iTunes settings ■...
Page 13: Closing Media Center
Navigating Media Center In the Media Center windows, a selected item such as a folder, file, or menu item is outlined with a green border. You can control the Media Center functions and navigate Media Center windows by using the remote control, the keyboard, or a mouse.
Page 14: Synchronizing Media To A Portable Media Device
Synchronizing Media to a Portable Media Device Sync to Device in More Programs allows you to automatically transfer your music, picture, video, and recorded TV files from the PC to a portable device such as a portable Media Center device, a SmartPhone, a pocket PC, or a mass storage device.
Page 15: Using Media Center Help
Using Media Center Help When you select the Help icon in Media Center, the Hardware: Find support information about ■ Help Center window opens. From here you can your Media Center PC hardware. access local help files located on your PC as well as help files found on the Internet.
Page 16: Using Instant Messaging In Media Center
Media Center menu bars and PC control menu When you move the mouse, the Media Center menu bars appear. When you use the remote control, or Icon Action when you stop using the mouse (after 5 seconds), the menu bars disappear. Log off and end your Media Center session You can use the...
Page 17: Changing Media Center Settings
Logging in to your messenger account First, you must go to Enter your .NET Passport information, and http://www.msn.com to set up your then select Sign In. messenger account. You will need a .NET Passport to log in to messenger. A .NET Passport is an e-mail address, a login name, and a password.
Page 18: Finding Additional Media Center Information
Media Center settings categories TV to set up TV signal, audio, and closed General to set: ■ ■ captioning. You can download or edit the TV Startup and Window behavior. ■ Guide, view or clear recording history, set hard disk drive recorder storage space, Visual and Sound Effects to set ■...
Page 19: Using The Remote Control
Using the Remote Control You can use your remote control with Media Center to play CDs and DVDs, to view pictures, and to watch and record television programs. DVD MENU This remote control helps you navigate the Media Center windows on your computer just as The remote control a TV remote control helps you navigate cable TV RADIO...
Page 20: Remote Control Buttons Overview
Remote Control Buttons Overview Features and location may vary Standby puts the PC into and out of a DVD MENU power-reduced state. DVD Menu opens the Play DVD window or RADIO MUSIC PICTURES VIDEOS opens the main menu of a DVD movie, if available.
Page 21 Q TV opens the My TV window. Pictures opens the My Pictures window. Videos opens the My Videos window. Play plays the selected media. Stop stops the media currently playing. Fwd (Fast-forward) moves media forward at three speeds. W Skip moves media forward — for example, 30 seconds in videos and live TV or one music track.
Page 22 Begin using your remote control Point the remote control at the remote sensor. The remote sensor should be located near your monitor or in a convenient place. Make sure there is nothing blocking the pathway between your remote control and the remote sensor.
Page 23: Remote Control Buttons
Remote Control Buttons Shortcut buttons (Select models only) You can use the remote control shortcut buttons to open specific windows in Media Center. The direct access buttons open the main Media Center windows. Button Function Opens the Play DVD main menu, where you can play your DVD movies. Menu Opens the My TV window, where you can watch and record TV, open your Television Guide, schedule future TV recordings, and find your recorded TV programs.
Page 24 Standby button The Standby button puts the computer into An LED (light-emitting diode) located under the and out of a power-reduced state, called Standby button blinks when the remote control is standby, which runs the computer with transmitting a signal to the remote sensor. minimal power until you give it a command.
Page 25: Media Playback Buttons
Media playback buttons These buttons allow you to play back picture slide shows, music files, playlists, music CDs, DVD movies, home videos, and live TV from within the Media Center program. Button Function Record Records TV programs. The Record button works only when My TV is used to play a TV show.
Page 26 Button Function Moves selected video media forward. Press Fwd up to three times to increase the fast-forwarding speed. Moves MP3 music files forward ■ Moves a video forward ■ Moves the TV Guide forward 3 hours ■ Replay Moves selected video media backward. To move backward in live TV by 7 seconds, press Replay.
Page 27 Navigation and other buttons These buttons allow you to play picture slide shows, music files, playlists, music CDs, DVD movies, home videos, and live TV from within the Media Center program. Button Function Back Returns to the previous window. More Displays available information about a selected media file and displays other Information (i) menus.
Page 28 Alphanumeric Keypad and Print buttons The alphanumeric keypad buttons allow you to enter text, change channels, and print your pictures. Button Function Numeric Changes channels and enters text. Each time you press a number key, a keypad different character appears. When you find the character you want, press the (1-9, #, and *) Enter button or wait a few seconds.
Page 29: Watching And Recording Tv Programs
Watching and Recording TV Programs Watch live TV or record your favorite shows for later playback. Use the Television Guide to find the show you want to watch or record.You can also record a show while watching another prerecorded show. Navigating My TV From the My TV window you can search for and play your favorite TV shows.
Page 30: Watching Tv
Watching TV Before you can watch TV by using Media Center, make sure: The computer is set up correctly for your TV ■ signal source. Refer to the setup poster and the HP Media Center Getting Started Guide You can change the for more information.
Page 31 Controlling TV playback The personal video recorder functionality lets you You can return to the live broadcast by pressing the record single shows or capture entire series for later Live TV button on the remote control. viewing. When you change the channel, Media Center When you open the My TV window and begin deletes the previously recorded portion and begins watching live TV, Media Center begins recording...
Page 32 Using the remote control in My TV Button Action To freeze the live TV image, press Pause. While paused, My TV continues to record a pause buffer for up to 30 minutes. To resume watching TV where you left off, press Play. To stop live TV or a recorded program, press Stop once.
Page 33: Using The Television Guide
Using the Television Guide In the Television Guide, you can scroll through a list The number of days displayed depends on your of the current and upcoming television programs television service provider; most providers display and channels available from your television service up to 14 days.
Page 34 Press the More Information button on the remote control to access another menu for more options of searching the Guide. No data available appears next to each channel if the Guide has not been downloaded. This can occur if the PC does Setting up how Media Center downloads the Guide not have an Internet You must select a TV listings provider before you...
Page 35 Manually downloading the Guide Press the Media Center Start button the remote control. Select Settings, TV, Guide, and then select Get Latest Guide Listings. Follow the onscreen instructions. The Guide can take up to 30 minutes to download, depending on the amount of data to download and the speed of your Internet connection.
Page 36: Searching For Tv Programs
Removing channels from the Guide You may want to remove some channels from your Guide to prevent users from having access to them. Press the Media Center Start button Select or clear a check box to add or remove the remote control. the channel.
Page 37 Searching for TV programs using categories You can search the Guide to find a TV program by selecting a category using your remote control. Some categories are not available in all countries/ regions. Press the Media Center Start button the remote control, select My TV, and then select Search.
Page 38: Recording Tv Programs
Recording TV Programs Media Center allows you to record TV programs so that you can watch them when it is convenient. You Recording icons can record the program you are watching, or you can record a future program or series from the The Record icon appears in the Guide, the Search, or the Recorded TV window TV Guide next to the program...
Page 39 Recording manually Recording a program manually allows you to select a specific date, channel, and recording time period. For some programs, you may want to begin recording before the scheduled beginning and after the scheduled ending of the program. Recorded TV ■...
Page 40 Recording TV from Search You can find a program to record based on a keyword such as an actor or director name, program title, or a category (select models only). To record a current or future program or series using Search: Press the Media Center Start button the remote control, select My TV, and then...
Page 41 The Record icon in the taskbar If a program is currently being recorded, the Record icon also appears in the taskbar. If you move your mouse over the icon, Media Center displays which program is currently being recorded. You can right- click the icon to open Media Center and stop recording.
Page 42 Recording quality and hard disk drive storage space The space available for recording TV programs depends on your hard disk drive size, the percentage of hard disk drive space allocated to Quality of Hard disk drive recorded TV, and the recording quality setting. recording space used Refer to...
Page 43: Playing Recorded Tv Programs
Playing Recorded TV Programs Recorded TV is the storage place for all your recorded programs. In the Recorded TV window, you can sort your programs by name, date, or category. You can also delete a recorded program or series of programs and check for any recording errors.
Page 44 Playing a recorded program on a non-Media Center PC Make sure the PC has Windows XP Service Make sure the PC has a media player that Pack 1 and a DVD player software installed. works with Windows XP Service Pack 1, such as Windows Media Player 9 or later.
Page 45: About Recording Errors
About Recording Errors A recording error means that a program scheduled another scheduled program, a recording error to record is not recorded. This can occur for several occurs. If you are watching live TV when the reasons. If your PC is turned off and not in standby program is scheduled to record and decline the mode during the time the program is scheduled to prompt to change channels, a recording error...
Page 46: Resolving Recording Conflicts
Resolving Recording Conflicts Media Center can record only one TV program at a the Guide. Press the Media Center Start button on time. If your PC model includes one TV tuner and the remote control, select My TV, Recorded TV, you schedule two recordings for the same time, a and then select Scheduled.
Page 47: Deleting Tv Programs
Deleting TV Programs Deleting a scheduled program or series To prevent recording conflicts, you may need to delete a program or series that is scheduled to be recorded. Press the Media Center Start button To remove a single program, select Do not the remote control, select My TV, Recorded record in the window, and press OK on the TV, and then select Scheduled.
Page 48: Setting Parental Controls
Setting Parental Controls Blocking unwanted TV programs and movies (Select models only) If you set Media Center to block unrated channels, an error can occur. It is recommended that you make sure this option is not selected. To do this: Press the Media Center Start button Select Turn on TV blocking by selecting the the remote control.
Page 49: Setting Caption Display
Setting Caption Display (Select models only) If you set Media Center to display captions while in window mode (not full-screen mode), the window or the caption text may flash as the text scrolls in the window. To fix this problem, change the display to full-screen mode or turn off the caption display option.
Page 50: Safeguarding Recorded Tv Programs
About Teletext Teletext is additional information that is broadcast Teletext may not be available for all the channels within a TV signal in some countries/regions. You you receive. The Teletext button will only display on can navigate the Teletext main page and subpages the information bar if Teletext is available for that to find information such as the weather, sports channel.
Page 51 Preparing the code key files After you set up your PC and turn it on, complete the initial Microsoft Windows setup. Open Media Center and complete its setup. Record at least one TV program. The code key files Close Media Center. and backup CD you make can be used in Open the Microsoft Backup utility: Click Start...
Page 52 In the Files excluded for all users box, put your cursor over the vertical line between Filename and Application in the title bar, and then click and drag the line to the right to see the full list of entries. Scroll down the list to see and then click the entry: C:\Documents and Settings\ All Users\DRM\*...
Page 53 Making the backup CD Click Start on the taskbar, choose All In the RecordNow! window, click the red Programs, RecordNow!, and then click Burn icon. If a warning window opens, RecordNow! again. The RecordNow! click OK. window opens. Wait while the program writes to the CD and Insert a blank CD.
Page 54: Using Two Tv Tuner Cards
A warning message window opens. Click OK A Backup Utility message window opens. in the Warning window. Click Yes to restart the PC. Wait until the restart completes. Select Replace existing files and then click Next. Click Next again. Click Finish. The Open Media Center and complete the setup.
Page 55: Managing Hard Disk Drive Space
Watching live TV and recording a different channel at the same time (Select models only) Press the Media Center Start button Select a second show to watch, and then the remote control. press the OK button to begin watching it. Select My TV, and then select Guide.
Page 56 Adjusting TV recording and storage settings Press the Media Center Start button the remote control. Select Settings, TV, and then select Recorder. Select Recorder Storage to change your Disk allocation and Recording quality settings. Increase the percentage of hard disk drive The storage space for space available for recorded TV programs in your PC may differ...
Page 57 Using the Disk Cleanup utility Click Start on the taskbar. Select the drive you want to clean up, and then click OK. Choose All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then Disk Cleanup. Select the type of files you want to delete. Click OK.
Page 58: Content Protection Update
Content Protection Update Media Center will protect content based on all widely known flags delivered in NTSC, PAL, DVD, and other formats. All protected programs are encrypted to the PC via time-limited Digital Rights Management (DRM) based licenses. Some DVD movies and other programs that are broadcast are copy-protected.
Page 59: Playing Music Files
Playing Music Files The HP Tunes and My Music areas in Media Center are great ways to play, organize, and back up your music files. HP Tunes is designed to work with the Apple iTunes program in your All Programs menu, and My Music is designed to work with the Windows Media Player program.
Page 60: Using Hp Tunes With Media Center
Using HP Tunes with Media Center iTunes is an Apple-developed software program located in your All Programs menu that works together with the HP Tunes area in Media Center. HP Tunes is linked to your Apple iTunes music Library. Both programs work together to organize and play back your favorite music files, CDs, and For more information created playlists.
Page 61 Adding music files from the Internet For more information about downloading music from the iTunes Music store, refer to the Help menu in the iTunes program. Connect to the Internet. To change your import format: If your songs are listed as track Follow the online instructions to download Click the Edit menu, and then select numbers instead of...
Page 62: Playing Cds With Hp Tunes
Changing song name, genre, artist, or album in iTunes For more information about changing name, genre, artist, or album information with iTunes, refer to the Help menu in the iTunes program. Playing CDs with HP Tunes When you insert a CD that has not been added to your iTunes music Library, it will be listed under Playlists or Albums.
Page 63: Creating And Editing A New Playlist With Hp Tunes
Creating and Editing a New Playlist with HP Tunes A queue (or Now Playing) list is a temporary list of songs that are scheduled to be played in the order they were selected. A queue list acts like a group of songs you select to play on a jukebox.
Page 64: Using My Music With Media Center
Using My Music with Media Center You can copy digital music files and organize a music library by using My Music in Media Center or by using the Windows Media Player program. Music files that are added from within My Music in Media Center are copied into the Windows Media Player Library and are then accessible from within Media Center.
Page 65: Adding Music To My Music Library
Adding Music to My Music Library When you add music files to your My Music library, You can also add music files to your music library they are placed into the music library in Windows from within the Windows Media Player program. Media Player.
Page 66 Adding music files from a CD To add the CD tracks to your Media Center music library: Press the Media Center Start button the remote control, and then select My Music. Each time you add music files outside of Insert a CD into the CD drive. Windows Media Player, you must use Select Albums.
Page 67: Playing Music Files In My Music
Using supported music file types You can play the following types of digital audio files in My Music. Refer to Windows Media Player Help for more information about supported file File extension File type types. .cda CD audio For more information .wav Windows audio file about music file...
Page 68 Playing an album in My Music Press the Media Center Start button the remote control. Select My Music. Insert a music CD into the CD drive. Select Albums. Select the album you want to play. Select Play. Playing a song in My Music You can play a song from anywhere in My Music.
Page 69: Creating A Queue List In My Music
Creating a Queue List in My Music A queue list is a temporary list of songs that is created in My Music as you select songs, albums, or playlists to play. You can continue to add songs or you can delete songs from your queue list. You can create a queue list and save it as a playlist that you can access in Media Center.
Page 70: Creating A Playlist In My Music
Creating a Playlist in My Music A playlist is a customized list of songs you can keep to play later or record to CD. Using playlists, you can group various digital music files together and determine the order in which you want the files to play.
Page 71: Copying Music Files To Cd In My Music
Copying Music Files to CD in My Music To copy your music files to CD: Press the Media Center Start button the remote control, and select More Programs. IMPORTANT: HP Insert a blank CD-R disc. supports the lawful use of technology Select Create CD/DVD.
Page 72: Selecting A Visualization
Deleting music files from the My Music library To delete your music files: Press the Media Center Start button Use the arrow buttons on your remote control the remote control, and then select to scroll through your songs. Select song you My Music.
Page 73: Working With Pictures
Working with Pictures Use the HP Image Zone Plus and My Pictures areas in Media Center to view and print your pictures. HP Image Zone Plus HP Image Zone Plus is a a software program located in your All Programs menu that works together with the HP Image Zone Plus area in Media Center.
Page 74: Using Hp Image Zone Plus In Media Center
Using HP Image Zone Plus in Media Center Some tasks you must do in the HP Image Zone Plus program on your desktop with your mouse and keyboard, and some tasks you can do from within Media Center with your remote control. For example, you must add your pictures to the HP Image Zone Plus program on the desktop before For specific details on...
Page 75 You can edit your images from this window too. See “Editing Pictures in HP Image Zone Plus” on page 74. When you have finished organizing your images, open Media Center to view, play a slide show, and search for your photos by the labels you have established.
Page 76 Creating your picture catalog in HP Image Zone Plus The first time you open the HP Image Zone Plus program, a message appears asking you if you want to create a catalog by indexing images in the My Pictures folder and its subfolders. This catalog allows you to search for your pictures by date, You can click Go to keyword, or place by using HP Image Zone Plus.
Page 77 Creating albums You can organize your pictures into albums by using the HP Image Zone Plus program. After you create your picture albums in HP Image Zone Plus, you can then view them in Media Center. After you create your To create an album: picture albums in the HP Image Zone Plus...
Page 78 Assigning a place to your pictures Using your mouse, double-click the Click the map to find your location. Each time HP Image Zone Plus icon on the desktop. you click the map, it zooms in closer. Use the arrow buttons surrounding the map to move Click the My Images tab, and then click the around on the map.
Page 79: Viewing Pictures In Hp Image Zone Plus
Viewing Pictures in HP Image Zone Plus Viewing a slide show in HP Image Zone Plus When viewing images, you can view a slide show of all your images, individual albums, or pictures selected from a search. Press the Media Center Start button Select Play slide show, and then press OK the remote control.
Page 80: Editing Pictures In Hp Image Zone Plus
Changing view and slide-show options You can change the way pictures are displayed: Press the Media Center Start button Select your settings. Use the scroll arrows at the remote control. the bottom of the window to view all the setting options. Select HP Image Zone.
Page 81: Printing Pictures In Hp Image Zone Plus
Using supported picture file types with HP Image Zone Plus HP Image Zone Plus supports the following types of Only supported image file types are displayed ■ image files, video files, and audio files. in My Pictures. Unsupported files are skipped in a slide show.
Page 82: Using My Pictures In Media Center
Using My Pictures in Media Center My Pictures is a folder on your hard disk drive in the It provides all the tools you need for viewing, My Documents folder, and it is a Media Center organizing, editing, printing, sharing, and menu item that allows you to view and search for protecting your digital images.
Page 83: Organizing Pictures In My Pictures
Organizing Pictures in My Pictures For Media Center to find and display your pictures, they can be stored in several places: The My Pictures folder on your When you save pictures from your digital camera or ■ computer. scanner to your computer, Windows automatically stores them in the My Pictures folder in Windows The Shared Pictures folder on your ■...
Page 84: Viewing Pictures In My Pictures
Viewing Pictures in My Pictures After you organize your pictures in the My Pictures folder in Windows Explorer, open Media Center to view your pictures: From the My Pictures Press the Media Center Start button menu, you can select the remote control. Settings to: Select My Pictures.
Page 85 Viewing a slide show with music in My Pictures Select My Music on the Media Center Select My Pictures. Start menu. Select the folder of pictures, and then Select the music you want, and then press OK press OK. on the remote control. If the music does not Select Play Slide Show, and then press start automatically, press the Play button on OK.
Page 86 Changing picture settings Each user can set his or her own picture settings. Press the Media Center Start button the remote control. Select Settings. You may need to select the Use the scroll arrows scroll arrows on the Start menu to view at the bottom of the Settings.
Page 87: Editing Pictures In My Pictures
Using supported picture file types in My Pictures You can view the following types of image files in Only supported image file types are displayed ■ Media Center. in My Pictures. Unsupported files are skipped in a slide show. Folder icons appear even if the images inside ■...
Page 88 Cropping pictures in My Pictures Press the Media Center Start button the remote control, and select My Pictures. Select the picture you want to edit. Press the More Information button on the remote control, and then select Picture Details. Select Touch Up, and then select Crop. Select the arrows under the picture to move the picture side to side, up, or down.
Page 89: Printing Pictures In My Pictures
Printing Pictures in My Pictures Press the Media Center Start button the remote control. Select My Pictures. Select the picture you want to print. Press the More Information button on the remote control, and then select Picture Details. Select Print, and then select Print again. Follow any onscreen instructions.
Page 90: Copying Pictures To Cds And Dvds
Copying Pictures to CDs and DVDs Press the Media Center Start button Select Pictures. the remote control. Select the pictures you want to copy. A check Select More Programs. mark appears next to a picture when you In Media Center, all select it.
Page 91: Playing Videos
Playing Videos The My Videos window in Media Center makes it easy to play home video files you created or video files you downloaded from the Internet. In My Videos you can: Each user has a Play videos that are stored anywhere on your Display your video details such as the name ■...
Page 92: Playing Digital Videos In Media Center
Playing Digital Videos in Media Center After you organize your videos in the My Videos or Shared Video folder in Windows Explorer, open Media Center to watch your videos. Press the Media Center Start button the remote control. Use the mouse to ■...
Page 93: Transferring And Recording Video Files
Transferring and Recording Video Files Once you capture your video to the PC by using video capture and editing software, you can use Media Center to find it and add it to your My Videos area. Recording an analog video file Recording a digital video file Refer to “Capturing Analog Video with WinDVD Refer to “Identifying Requirements for Capturing...
Page 94: Organizing Videos
Organizing Videos When you attach a digital video camera To organize and store your videos, to your PC, Windows asks you how you click Start on the taskbar, click My want to capture your video. You can Documents, and then double-click choose from various software programs to the My Videos folder.
Page 95: Playing A Video Stored On Removable Media
Playing a Video Stored on Removable Media Once you capture your video to the PC by using a video capture and editing software, you can use Media Center to find it and add it to your My Videos area. Media Center does not support playing videos from removable media.
Page 96: Adding Digital Videos To My Videos
Adding Digital Videos to My Videos If you have stored your videos in folders on your hard disk drive, you can find them with Media Center. This links your video to Media Center so you can play them or create a CD or DVD with them.
Page 97: Using The More Information Button With My Videos
Using the More Information Button with My Videos To display information about the video in Media Center, select a video file, and then press the More Information button on the remote control. The information includes the: A submenu appears. Use this menu to: Video title.
Page 98 HP Media Center PC Reference Guide...
Page 99: Playing Dvds
Playing DVDs Watching DVDs in Media Center allows you to control the playback with your remote control. If you play your DVD in another program outside of Media Center, you will not be able to use the remote control. Playing DVD movies in Media Center Press the Media Center Start button the remote control.
Page 100: Changing The Dvd Movie Language
Changing the DVD Movie Language To select DVD language settings for subtitles, closed captioning, and viewing the DVD: In the Media Center Start menu, select Settings. In the Settings window, select DVD. In the DVD Settings window, select Language. Use the arrow buttons on the remote control to select (+) or (–).
Page 101 Stopping a DVD movie Press the Stop button on the remote control to stop the movie. Use the arrow buttons on the remote control to select an item on the Stopped menu, and then press OK. To begin playing the DVD where you left ■...
Page 102: Programming Remote Control Buttons For Dvd
Playing a DVD movie already in your drive If you already have a DVD movie in your drive, but you have been doing other things in Media Center or in other programs from your desktop, you can play the DVD by: Pressing the Media Center Start button Selecting Play DVD.
Page 103: Listening To Fm Radio
Listening to FM Radio If your PC is equipped with a radio tuner input (FM), then Media Center can play FM radio. The Radio window in Media Center makes it easy to play FM radio stations using your remote control. In Radio you can: Listen to FM radio stations.
Page 104: Playing Fm Radio Stations
Playing FM Radio Stations Connect the FM radio antenna to the back of the PC to the connector labeled FM. Press the Media Center Start button the remote control. Select Radio. Enter a radio station number by using the numeric keypad on the remote control or your keyboard.
Page 105: Organizing Pre-Set Radio Stations
Organizing Pre-set Radio Stations Press the Media Center Start button the remote control. Select Settings. Select Radio. Select the Up arrows and Down arrows next to each pre-set station to move it to a different position. Select the Delete icon (X) to delete a pre-set station.
Page 106 HP Media Center PC Reference Guide...
Page 107: Recording Tv Programs To Dvds
Recording TV Programs to DVDs Copying Recorded TV Programs to DVD You can use Media Center or InterVideo WinDVD Creator to copy your recorded TV programs to DVD (select models only) for viewing and playing on your HP supports lawful PC and in some set-top box DVD players.
Page 108: Watching Recorded Tv Programs On Dvd
Watching Recorded TV Programs on DVD To play your DVD when Media Center is closed. Insert the DVD. When the autoplay window appears, select: Play DVD movie using InterVideo ■ WinDVD. Play DVD Video using Windows ■ Media Player. Play DVD Video using Media ■...
Page 109: Using Double-Layer Technology And Media
Using Double-Layer Technology and Media (Select models only) Double-layer technology gives you almost twice the storage capacity of a single-layer DVD and the storage equivalent of 12 CDs. Double-layer DVD media can store up to 8.5 GB* of data. You can record on two “layers”...
Page 110: Digital Media Copy Protection
Digital Media Copy Protection Digital media content such as DVDs or TV programs For more detailed information about digital rights may have restricted access depending on the terms management, you can go to: of the copyright owner. This protects copyrighted http://www.microsoft.com media files from being illegally copied and used.
Page 111: Playing Cds And Dvds
Playing CDs and DVDs The Media Center PC includes software that lets you play music CDs and DVD movies. This section describes how to: Play music CDs using Windows Media Player, Play video CDs (VCD) with InterVideo ■ ■ or iTunes. WinDVD or Windows Media Player.
Page 112 Setting Media Center as the automatic CD or DVD player When you insert a CD or DVD while Media Center is active, your disc plays automatically after a few seconds. If you are not in Media Center, Windows asks you what you want to do with the disc. To avoid this message, you can select Media Center as the primary program to play CDs or DVDs.
Page 113: Playing Dvd Movies With Intervideo Windvd
Playing DVD Movies with InterVideo WinDVD The InterVideo WinDVD program uses a DVD drive to play DVD movies. Most DVD movies Insert a DVD disc into the DVD drive. If the program does not automatically open: are localized to geographical Close the disc tray by gently pushing the Click Start, choose All Programs, countries/regions.
Page 114: Playing Video Cds (Vcd) With Intervideo Windvd
Using country/region codes WinDVD is not pre-set to a particular country/ Most DVD discs have country/region codes region: the country/region code of the first DVD embedded in the disc data that limit where the DVD movie you play determines your DVD country/ movie can be played.
Page 115: Creating (Burning) Cds And Dvds
Creating (Burning) CDs and DVDs You can make your own music or data CDs if your a .wma extension, .mp3 files, or .wav files to a PC has a CD-RW or DVD Writer, or double-layer CD by using a CD-RW drive or a DVD Writer drive (select models only).
Page 116 Creating CDs to play in your car or home CD players Using the mouse, click Start, choose All Select the tracks you want to record, and then Programs, Sonic RecordNow!, and then click Add. click RecordNow! again. Click the Burn icon when you Press and hold Select the Audio Projects tab.
Page 117: Storing Files On A Dvd Or Cd
Creating a music CD When recording music files, it is important to note that: To play your music CD in a home or car As you add music files in the recording ■ ■ stereo, it needs to be recorded as a music CD session, RecordNow! calculates and displays IMPORTANT: HP in CD Audio (CDA) format, not as a data CD.
Page 118 Add your data files to the file selection window: Click the Add Files and Folders ■ button, find and select your folders and files, and then click Add. Repeat this step until all files are added. You can rename your files in the file Drag your file from your desktop or from ■...
Page 119: Copying A Dvd Or Cd
Copying a DVD or CD RecordNow! allows you to make a copy of a music or data disc from your collection. To make a copy of a music or data disc from your IMPORTANT: HP collection: supports the lawful use of technology Using the mouse, click Start, choose All Insert the CD or DVD you want to copy.
Page 120: Removing Files In Recordnow
Removing Files in RecordNow! When removing files in RecordNow!, it is important to note: When you remove a recorded file from a data You must use a blank CD to create a ■ ■ DVD-R DVD+R or CD-R, the disc space is lost music CD.
Page 121: Archiving Files On A Cd Or Dvd
Archiving Files on a CD or DVD Using the mouse, click Start, choose All Add your files to the Archive window: Programs, Sonic RecordNow!, and then Select one or more categories from the list click RecordNow! again. ■ on the left, and click Scan. RecordNow! You cannot copy Select the Backup Projects tab.
Page 122: Burning An Image
Burning an Image Click Start, choose All Programs, Sonic Click the Browse button to locate your saved RecordNow!, and then click RecordNow! image file. again. Click the Burn icon. Select the Backup Projects tab. Insert a blank CD or DVD into the Select Burn Image.
Page 123: Using Compatibility Information
Using Compatibility Information An important feature of a DVD Writer/CD Writer drive is its high level of compatibility with other optical drives and CD and DVD players: The CDs that you create play in most home CD-R discs are compatible with more home ■...
Page 124: Identifying Disc Feature And Compatibility
Identifying Disc Feature and Compatibility Plays in Can be home Plays in recorded Plays or car home DVD For the latest disc Disc File type onto in PC stereo player compatibility information for CD-ROM Data your PC, check the HP Support Web site: Music Varies by http://www.hp.com/...
Page 125: Using The Optical Drive Quick Reference Table
Using the Optical Drive Quick Reference Table Combo Optical DVD- Double CD-RW/ drive can: CD-ROM CD-RW DVD+RW/+R -layer Read CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs Read DVDs Read data on a CD Play music Record data or music to disc for storage or backup View DVD movies...
Page 126: Using The Software Quick Reference Table
Using the Software Quick Reference Table To open software programs you can use with Your PC comes with the following software various media and an optical drive, click Start programs. Use this table to find out what you can do on the taskbar, choose All Programs, select the within each program.
Page 127 Software With this program you can: Windows Import audio, video, and other media files from a videotape, an audiotape, a ■ Movie Maker Web camera, or a television broadcast. Record audio and video files to create a video project that becomes a ■...
Page 128 Software With this program you can: InterVideo Capture digital and analog video files directly from a digital video (DV) ■ WinDVD camera, VCR, or other analog capture device. Creator Assemble movies by capturing video clips and scenes into a video project. ■...
Page 129: Importing, Editing, And Burning Videos
Importing, Editing, and Burning Videos You can capture, edit, and record your home your video file to a disc. If you use muvee movies in a few easy steps by using the InterVideo autoProducer to create your video file, you can use WinDVD Creator program located in your All WinDVD Creator to record it to disc.
Page 130: Getting Started With Windvd Creator
Getting Started with WinDVD Creator Click Start, choose All Programs, InterVideo WinDVD, InterVideo WinDVD Creator, and then click InterVideo WinDVD Creator again. Select one of the menu options: Capture video into hard disk: Opens Open existing project: Brings up the ■...
Page 131 Using the Media Library in WinDVD Creator The Media Library contains your video clips, images, and audio tracks. To import existing media files from your hard disk or CDs into the Media Library, click the Drag and Drop button. Capture: Located in bottom right corner. Contains Add Menu: Located in upper-right corner.
Page 132: Identifying Requirements For Capturing Video With Windvd Creator
Identifying Requirements for Capturing Video with WinDVD Creator You can copy (capture) video files to your hard disk To capture video files, you need to: drive by using the WinDVD Creator program. Connect your video source device properly. You may need to turn To capture digital video, connect your digital video your digital video (DV) camera to the FireWire...
Page 133: Capturing Analog Video With Windvd Creator
Capturing Analog Video with WinDVD Creator Click Start, choose All Programs, Click OK. Your video appears in the Preview InterVideo WinDVD, InterVideo window. To begin capturing the video, click WinDVD Creator, and then click the Record button. InterVideo WinDVD Creator again. Enter a file name, and then click Save, and Click the Capture video into hard disk recording begins.
Page 134: Capturing A Still Image
Capturing a Still Image Pause your input device on the position for Click the Capture Still Image which you would like an image. button under the Preview window. The image is saved to the My Pictures folder on your hard disk drive. Editing Video Files with WinDVD Creator After you capture video files, use the WinDVD Creator Edit module to create your customized...
Page 135 Adding images with WinDVD Creator Click the Image Library icon. Select the images from your hard disk drive you would like to add to your Image Library, Click the Drag and Drop button to and click Open. open the My Pictures folder on your hard disk drive.
Page 136: Authoring Your Dvd With Windvd Creator
Adding transition effects with WinDVD Creator Click the Transition Effects icon. Drag and drop a transition effect between the two video files, where you would like the effect to appear. Adding title effects with WinDVD Creator Click the Title Effects icon. If you inserted the title effect between video clips, click the Image Setting icon to adjust Drag and drop a title effect either...
Page 137 Making a movie with WinDVD Creator This is the final step of your DVD project. You select a format, the type of TV system, and volume name. If your project is already open, click the Select the Open existing project button, Make Movie button and skip to step 5.
Page 138: Recording Vhs Files Direct To Dvd With Windvd Creator
Recording VHS Files Direct to DVD with WinDVD Creator To record VHS or other video files directly to DVDs: Connect your VCR or other analog video Select the Record video tape into DVD source to your computer. See “Capturing disc in one step button. Analog Video with WinDVD Creator”...
Page 139: Using Muvee Autoproducer Unplugged
Using muvee autoProducer unPlugged (Select models only) You can use muvee autoProducer to create your personalized video files in a few easy steps. You can access muvee autoProducer in Media Center under More Programs. You must capture digital videos to your You must capture digital video files to your hard disk hard disk drive and drive and burn your movies to disc using the...
Page 140: Getting Started With Muvee Autoproducer
Getting Started with muvee autoProducer (Select models only) You can use muvee autoProducer to create your personalized video files in a few easy steps: Press the Media Center Start button the remote control to open Media Center. Select More Programs, and then select the Make muvee icon.
Page 141: Adding Pictures To Your Movie With Muvee Autoproducer
Adding Pictures to Your Movie with muvee autoProducer It is easy to add still image files to your muvee production. The following formats are supported: Pictures — .bmp, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif Select the images under My Pictures to add to ■...
Page 142: Setting The Style In Muvee Autoproducer
Setting the Style in muvee autoProducer The muvee autoProducer program comes with a set of style templates for setting the pace, scene transition effects, and caption fonts. The style you use also affects how muvee autoProducer combines The video quality of the video, picture, and music files in your movie the preview may not project to produce the final movie.
Page 143: Making The Movie With Muvee Autoproducer
Making the Movie with muvee autoProducer After you have added at least one video or picture file to your movie project, you can have muvee autoProducer make the movie. The muvee autoProducer program makes a movie by combining the video, picture, and music files you have selected, along with the style of movie, and puts together all of these pieces into a professional- looking movie with just a few steps.
Page 144 HP Media Center PC Reference Guide...
Page 145: Using An Hp Personal Media Drive
Using an HP Personal Media Drive The HP Personal Media Drive (sold separately) can be used as an internal or external USB hard disk drive designed to quickly and easily increase your storage capacity and to transfer media files such as digital photos, music, videos, and other important files from one PC to another.
Page 146: Locating The Drive After Installation
Locating the Drive After Installation After you install the HP Personal Media Drive into the PC, you can find the drive in My Computer. The PC automatically assigns a drive letter which may change unless you assign a drive letter. See “Assigning a Drive Letter to the HP Personal Media Drive”...
Page 147: Playing Media Files
Playing Media Files You can play all kinds of media from an HP Personal Media Drive: Click Start on the taskbar. Double-click the HP Personal Media Drive icon to locate your media file. Click My Computer. Double-click the file. Most media files open in Windows Media Player.
Page 148: Viewing Picture Files
Viewing Picture Files You can view your pictures stored on an HP Personal Media Drive. If you want the picture files that are stored on your HP Personal Media Drive to appear in the Media Center My Pictures window, you must The installation CD create a pathway to this drive.
Page 149: Watching Tv Programs Stored On The Hp Personal Media Drive
Watching TV Programs Stored on the HP Personal Media Drive To play back recorded TV files stored on your HP Personal Media Drive, you must: Connect your HP Personal Media Drive to the Under Record on drive, select your local hard You need to close PC with the PC turned off.
Page 150 If you disconnect the drive while Live TV is When you set the TV recording pathway to your ■ active, a video error can occur. HP Personal Media Drive, Media Center stores the recording buffer data for pausing live TV on your Recorded TV shows are not updated in ■...
Page 151 Changing the TV recording path to the HP Personal Media Drive If you decide to change your recording path to record directly to your HP Personal Media Drive, Media Center creates a Recorded TV folder on your drive. Assign a drive letter to your HP Personal Click Save, and then click Yes.
Page 152: Disconnecting The Hp Personal Media Drive Safely
Disconnecting the HP Personal Media Drive Safely You can safely remove the drive when it is not active. When the amber activity light is blinking, the drive is active, saving or transferring data. Removing the drive while the light is blinking may cause data loss or damaged files.
Page 153: Updating Recorded Tv List After Removing The Hp Personal Media Drive
Updating Recorded TV List after Removing the HP Personal Media Drive If you want to update your Recorded TV list after removing the drive: Close Media Center. If this does not update the files, restart the PC. Open Media Center. System Requirements to View Recorded TV Programs on Other PCs To play back recorded TV files (.dvr-ms files)
Page 154 HP Media Center PC Reference Guide...
Page 155: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Problems and Finding Solutions For help on general and miscellaneous problems For online support, go to the Microsoft or you may be experiencing with the PC, refer to the HP Support Web site at: following pages for possible solutions. Look up the http://www.hp.com/support description of the problem and try the solution listed.
Page 156: Pc Hardware, Operating System, And Other Hardware
PC Hardware, Operating System, and Other Hardware Problem Possible solution My remote control Make sure that the two AA alkaline batteries for the remote control ■ Your system is does not work. are charged and installed correctly. provided with a voltage select switch Make sure the remote control sensor is plugged into a USB port on ■...
Page 157 Problem Possible solution I cannot remove a CD or DVD. Turn on the computer and press the Eject button near the drive to extend the tray. Double-click My Computer, right-click the drive letter of the stuck drive, and click Eject. If you have a multimedia keyboard, press the Eject key on the keyboard.
Page 158: Music
Music Problem Possible solution My songs will not Make sure your songs are in a supported format. Locate the songs on play. your PC and determine the format. Some common supported file types are MP3, Unprotected WMA, AAC, WAV, and AIFF. Audio files must be in a supported format to play in iTunes, Windows Media Player, and Media Center.
Page 159 Problem Possible solution My songs do See “Adding Music to the iTunes music Library” on page 54 and not appear in “Adding Music to My Music Library” on page 59. Media Center. Make sure your songs are in the correct audio format. See the Help in iTunes or Windows Media Player to find out which formats are supported.
Page 160: Television, Guide, Recording Tv
Television, Guide, Recording TV Problem Possible solution I cannot enter If you have connected your TV signal source through a set-top box that four-digit channels uses four-digit channel selection — for example, a DISH Network into my remote (EchoStar Satellite Corporation) DP301 receiver — you may need to control change your TV signal settings.
Page 161 Problem Possible solution Postal code results If program listings displayed in the Television Guide do not match your do not match my local channels after you have selected your postal code, do one of the channels in Television following: Guide. Select your city if it is listed: select a lineup at the bottom of the list if ■...
Page 162 Problem Possible solution I cannot record two To record two programs at once: programs at once. Your PC must have a dual TV tuner or two TV tuners with the same TV ■ signal source to record two programs at the same time. This feature is available for select models only.
Page 163 Problem Possible solution My TV Guide is not During the initial setup of the PC, you specify your PC country/region right for my location. location. Media Center uses this information to select the country/ region for the Television Guide. The Media Center PC is preset to the country/region where it was initially shipped.
Page 164: Video/Dvd: Video Or Display Problems Or Errors
Video/DVD: Video or Display Problems or Errors Problem Possible solution My DVD will not play. You can put data files on a DVD to store them or transfer them to another PC. However, data files on a DVD do not play in a DVD player. Re-record your files to a file format that can be read by DVD players.
Page 165 Problem Possible solution My PC is experiencing The file may be corrupt or in an unsupported format. Open the video ■ video errors. file in a video editor such as InterVideo WinDVD Creator, and then resave the file in a supported format. There may be a problem with the codec.
Page 166: Pictures
Pictures Problem Possible solution I cannot see my Move your pictures to the My Pictures folder in Windows Explorer. pictures in My You can also add pictures to Media Center by pressing the More Pictures. Information button on the remote control and then selecting Add Pictures.
Page 167: Index
Index codec errors 152 computer adding shortcut buttons 17 CD tracks to the Music Library 60 copying pictures to CD 84 images to video file in WinDVD Creator 129 country/region codes 108 missing channels to the TV Guide 29 creating music files to the Music Library CDs 109 from the hard disk drive 59...
Page 168 iTunes 57 adding music from a CD 54 edit adding music from the Internet 55 pictures 81 adding music from your hard disk drive 55 video files 128 adding music to library 54 encrypted TV shows 44 changing music information 56 erasing a DVD or CD 113 creating a playlist 56 error messages 10...
Page 169 muvee autoProducer My TV 23 adding music to your movie 135 add missing channels to Guide 29 adding pictures to your movie 135 advanced recording options 32 adding videos to your movie 134 block unwanted TV programs and movies 42 changing audio settings 136 delete a scheduled TV program 41 copying a movie to disc 137...
Page 170 RealOne Player features 120 parental controls setting 42 recorded TV 37 picture captions, turning on or off 80 deleting shows 51 pictures recording changing settings 80 CDs 101 editing 81 DVDs 101, 123 printing 81 errors 39 rotating 82 options in My TV 32 playing radio programs 99 CDs 105...
Page 171 searching for programs 30 Teletext settings displaying 43 background color 11 Television Guide calibration settings 11 adding missing channels 29 for phone call notification 11 filter categories 27 for sound 11 no data available 27 general 11 recording TV programs 32 Internet connections 11 recording TV without the Television Guide 33 parental controls 11...
Page 172 WinDVD Creator adding audio effects 129 adding images 129 playing with WinDVD 108 adding title effects 130 video adding transition effects 130 capturing 126 Authoring your DVD 130 video editing capturing a still image 128 getting started with muvee autoProducer 134 capturing analog video 127 video errors, resolving 159 capturing digital camcorder video 126...

This manual is also suitable for:

Media center series

HP Media Center m7000 - Desktop PC Reference Manual

Welcome

Using Media Center

Using the Remote Control

Watching and Recording TV Programs

Playing Music Files

Working with Pictures

Playing Videos

Playing Dvds

Listening to FM Radio

Recording TV Programs to Dvds

Playing Cds and Dvds

Creating (Burning) Cds and Dvds

Importing, Editing, and Burning Videos

Using an HP Personal Media Drive

Troubleshooting

Index

Quick Links

Media Center Edition 2005

Related Manuals for HP Media Center m7000 - Desktop PC

Summary of Contents for HP Media Center m7000 - Desktop PC

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Table of Contents