HP Hewlett Packard Home Theater System 2000491 User Manual

HP Digital Entertainment Center  
Users Guide  
 
Table of Contents  
Cleaning the  
Shipping the  
Table of Contents iii  
 
Typical Video Equipment  
Connecting the Wireless  
Connecting an  
Two Cable TV Boxes, or  
iv HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
Starting the HP Digital Entertainment  
Important Information About Recorded  
Transferring Information from Your Old PC  
Table of Contents v  
 
vi HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
Before You Begin  
Welcome  
Thank you for purchasing the HP Digital Entertainment  
Center. Your HP Digital Entertainment Center puts you in  
control of your complete home entertainment experience.  
Enjoy your TV, movies, music, photos, and home videos  
with one simple interface. Pause and replay live TV, and  
record your favorite TV shows. Use a television program  
guide without a monthly fee. Capture, personalize, and  
create DVDs of your home movies, and back up your  
photos, music, or favorite TV programs onto DVD.  
This User’s Guide helps you to set up the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center to use with your audio/video  
system.  
Chapter Contents:  
Use other entertainment equipment — like a TV, AV  
receiver, satellite receiver, and digital camera — with the  
HP Digital Entertainment Center to create an integrated  
system. Access all of your TV programs, videos, pictures,  
music CDs, and DVDs using Microsoft® Media Center  
software and the remote control.  
The HP Digital Entertainment Center  
Before You Begin 1  
 
   
Benefits and Features  
Benefits  
Complete home digital entertainment solution for  
Play DVDs in 7.1 surround sound (surround sound  
system is required and sold separately).  
your living room.  
Watch, pause, and replay live TV on one channel  
while recording another (select models only).  
Burn music audio CDs (for lawful use only).  
Store audio CDs in an easy-to-use music jukebox.  
Listen to your collection of MP3 and AAC music.  
Burn picture slide shows to CD or DVD.  
Schedule future recordings with the complimentary  
TV programming guide (no charge — separately  
purchased broadband Internet service required).  
View and edit your favorite digital photos.  
Burn a DVD of your favorite TV shows or home  
videos.  
Store your digital content on the HP Personal Media  
Drive.  
Product features  
Sophisticated, sleek, stackable case fits into your  
Rear and front AV connectors:  
AV cabinet  
Digital Audio Out: Optical and coaxial S/PDIF  
5.1 surround  
Built-in standard-definition TV tuner  
(Dual tuners for select models only)  
Analog Audio Out: Up to 7.1 channels  
Video Out: DVI, VGA, S-video, composite video  
LAN Ethernet 10/100/1000  
Personal video recorder (PVR) with a complimentary  
TV programming guide (no charge)  
Built-in FM radio tuner  
Integrated 802.11 b/g wireless  
Front AV, USB, and FireWire® (IEEE 1394)  
connectors for video capture  
HP Personal Media Drive  
Front panel media info display  
CD/DVD double-layer, multiformat player/recorder  
9-in-1 media card reader  
Full function remote control  
Lap-sized, compact wireless keyboard with  
integrated trackball mouse  
2
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
       
Functional Overview  
Front Panel  
The following illustration shows a typical HP Digital  
Entertainment Center front panel.  
Your model might not have all features.  
HP Personal Media Drive Bay  
CD/DVD  
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
AV inputs  
Media info display  
USB and card readers  
Front panel  
Item  
Function  
Comments  
On/Standby (power) button and LED  
Push to turn on. Push for standby.  
Press and hold button 4 seconds to turn off.  
Solid blue: On  
Solid amber: Standby  
CD/DVD player/recorder  
Progressive scan DVD player plus  
double-layer DVD+RW/DVD-R recorder  
CD/DVD, multiformat  
Push the Eject button to open.  
Push the tray or Eject button to close.  
Transport control buttons  
Replay, Play, Pause, Stop, Skip, Eject  
Experience mode status indicators  
White indicates DVD, TV, radio, music,  
pictures, videos, activities in Media Center  
Personal Media Drive Bay  
Removable HP Personal Media Drive  
behind top right door, for additional  
storage for recorded TV shows and digital  
content  
Before You Begin 3  
 
             
Item  
Function  
Comments  
9-in-1 memory card readers  
SmartMedia/xD, MMC/SD,  
CompactFlash I/II, Microdrive, MS/MS-Pro  
USB 2.0 (2)  
Card readers behind lower right door  
LED: Green (with media inserted)  
Off (no media inserted)  
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
SmartMedia  
/
xD  
MMC  
/
SD  
EED  
2.0  
CompactFlash I/II  
MS  
/
MS PRO  
SmartMedia  
/
xD  
MMC  
MS  
/
SD  
SPEED  
SB 2.0  
CompactFlash I/II  
/
MS PRO  
Media info display  
Front status panel for all media  
information. Front-panel text content  
displayed from Media Center.  
KEYBOARD  
Behind left door  
Front AV inputs — see below  
CONNECT  
FRONT INPUT  
1394  
S-VIDEO  
VIDEO  
L
AUDIO  
R
DV IN HEADPHONES MIC IN  
AV connectivity for capturing analog and  
digital video from camcorders  
Keyboard connect switch for wireless  
keyboard synchronization  
Blinking green LED indicates keyboard  
activity. Special blink status indicates sync  
with keyboard.  
KEYBOARD  
CONNECT  
S-video In  
Video In  
Audio In  
Y/C video, analog 4-pin  
S-VIDEO  
FRONT INPUT  
Composite video RCA jack  
S-VIDEO  
VIDEO  
L
AUDIO  
R
FRONT INPUT  
White: Left  
1
S-VIDEO  
VIDEO  
L
AUDIO  
R
D
Red: Right, RCA jacks  
1394 DV In  
FireWire (IEEE 1394), 4-pin input-output  
for digital video  
1394  
L
AUDIO  
DV IN HADPHONES MIC  
CONNECT  
1394  
Headphone Out  
Microphone In  
6.5 mm (1/4 inch) jack  
IO  
R
DV IN HEADPHONES MIC IN  
3.5 mm (1/8 inch) mini-jack  
1394  
R
DV IN HEADPHONS MIC IN  
4
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
         
Memory Card Reader  
The HP Digital Entertainment Center 9-in-1 card readers  
are on the front panel, located behind a door for quick  
transfer of digital photos and other digital content. Four  
horizontal card slots accept memory cards.  
Two USB 2.0 connectors are also included.  
w
An in-use light-emitting diode (LED) indicates card reader  
activity when the HP Digital Entertainment Center is  
reading or writing data. Wait until the LED stops blinking  
before removing media.  
Removing media when the in-use light is  
blinking may cause damage.  
Digital cameras and other digital devices use memory  
cards, or media, to store digital picture files.  
Your model might not have all features.  
On/Standby  
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
SmartMedia / xD  
CompactFlash I/II  
MMC / SD  
HI SPEED  
USB 2.0  
MS / MS PRO  
MMC / SD  
SmartMedia / xD  
CompactFlash I/II  
HI SPEED  
USB 2.0  
MS / MS PRO  
Memory card readers  
Item  
Name  
Slot  
Supports  
Insert media  
SmartMedia/xD  
Upper-left  
SmartMedia (SM) memory card/  
xD media  
Facing up  
SmartMedia  
/
xD  
MMC  
/
SD  
Compsh I/II  
MS  
/
MS PRO  
SmartMedia  
/
xD  
MMC  
/
SD  
MMC/SD  
Upper-right  
Lower-left  
MultiMediaCard (MMC)  
Facing up  
Secure Digital (SD) memory card  
CompactFlash I/II  
MS  
PRO  
SmartMedia  
/
xD  
MMC  
/
SD  
CompactFlash I/II  
Microdrive  
CompactFlash Type I, II media  
Microdrive disk drive  
Receptacle  
edge (holes)  
CompactFlash I/II  
MS / MS PRO  
SmartMedia  
/
xD  
MMC / SD  
MS/MS-Pro  
Lower-right  
Memory Stick (MS)  
Memory Stick (MS-Pro)  
Facing up  
CompactFlash I/II  
MS  
/
MS PRO  
Before You Begin 5  
 
                               
Back Panel  
The following illustration shows the HP Digital Entertainment Center back panel.  
(Location, availability, and number of connectors may vary.)  
AUDIO IN  
L
AUDIO 7.1 PRE-OUT  
VIDEO  
OUT  
WIRELESS LAN  
REMOVABLE ANTENNA  
802.11 b/g  
SURROUND SURROUND CENTER  
FRONT  
L
ACTIVITY  
LINK  
BACK  
VIDEO  
L
L
TV SOURCE  
L
1
2
IN  
TV ANTENNA IN FM ANTENNA IN  
DVI  
R
DUAL  
75  
100-240V- 4/A 50/60Hz  
AC IN  
COAXIAL  
AUDIO  
VIDEO  
IN  
S-VIDEO  
R
R
R
SUB  
R
TUNER  
S-VIDEO
VGA  
WOOFER  
TV SOURCE  
COAXIAL  
10/ 100/ 1000  
R
L
AUDIO  
S-VIDEO  
INFRARED TRANSMITTER OUT  
OPTICAL  
2
1
AUDIO  
OUT  
DIGITAL  
HI SPEED USB 2.0  
1394 ETHERNET  
DIGITAL VIDEO OUT  
Item  
Connector  
Type  
Color  
Supported format  
AUDIO IN  
L
Audio In  
RCA jacks  
White: Left  
Red: Right  
Analog stereo  
R
SURROUND  
BACK  
L
Audio 7.1 Pre-Out  
Surround Back  
RCA jacks  
RCA jacks  
RCA jacks  
Brown: Left  
Beige: Right  
Analog:  
7.1  
R
SURROUND  
L
Audio 7.1 Pre-Out  
Surround  
Blue: Left  
Grey: Right  
Analog:  
7.1, 6.1, 5.1, 4.1  
R
CENTER  
Audio 7.1 Pre-Out  
Center/Subwoofer  
Green: center  
Purple:  
subwoofer  
Analog:  
7.1, 6.1, 5.1  
SUB  
WOOFER  
FRONT  
L
Audio 7.1 Pre-Out  
Front  
RCA jacks  
Coaxial  
White: Left  
Red: Right  
Analog stereo:  
7.1, 6.1, 5.1, 4.1,  
2.1, 2.0  
R
Digital Audio Out  
Orange  
S/PDIF 5.1 only  
COAXIAL  
6
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
           
Item  
Connector  
Type  
Color  
Supported format  
Digital Audio Out  
Optical  
Gray  
S/PDIF 5.1 only  
OPTICAL  
AUDIO  
OUT  
DIGITAL  
VIDEO  
VIDEO  
Video Out  
RCA jack  
Yellow  
Black  
Blue  
Analog: Interlaced scan  
(Composite)  
S-VIDEO  
VIDEO  
S-video Out  
VGA Out  
Y/C video  
4-pin  
Analog: Interlaced scan  
Up to 1024 x 768 @ 60 Hz  
VIDEO  
S-VIDEO  
OUT  
15-pin D-sub  
Analog:  
Up to 2048 x 1536 with  
panning depending on  
display size  
VGA  
Digital Video  
Out (DVI)  
DVI-I 29-pin  
D-sub digital/  
analog  
White  
Digital:  
DVI  
Up to 1600 x 1200  
Up to 2048 x 1536 with  
panning depending on  
display size  
DIGITAL VIDEO OUT  
USB 2.0  
4 ports  
Silver  
Silver  
N/A  
Gold  
USB 2.0  
(high speed)  
HI SPEED USB 2.0  
1394  
(for digital video or  
other device)  
6-pin DV input/  
output  
FireWire (IEEE 1394)  
10/100/1000  
802.11 b/g  
1394  
Ethernet  
10/100/1000  
RJ-45  
10/100/1000  
ETHERNET  
WIRELESS LAN  
REMOVABLE ANTENNA  
Wireless LAN  
Removable  
antenna  
Before You Begin 7  
 
                 
Item  
Connector  
Type  
Color  
Supported format  
802.11 b/g  
LEDs (2)  
Link: Solid green when wireless  
LAN is enabled and connected.  
Blinks when wireless LAN is  
scanning.  
Wireless LAN 802.11b/g  
ACTIVITY  
LINK  
Activity: Blinks  
when transmits/  
receives data  
R
L
Audio  
TV Source 1 In  
RCA jacks  
White: Left  
Red: Right  
Analog  
AUDIO  
Video (Composite)  
TV Source 1 In  
RCA jack  
Yellow  
Black  
Silver  
Analog:  
Up to 640 x 480 @ 60 Hz  
VIDEO  
S-VIDEO  
S-video  
TV Source 1 In  
Y/C video  
Analog 4-pin  
Analog:  
Up to 640 x 480 @ 60 Hz  
VIDEO  
S-VIDEO  
TV ANTENNA IN  
TV Antenna In  
FM Antenna In  
Coaxial  
RF with internal splitter to  
dual-tuners  
DUAL  
TUNER  
N
FM ANTENNA IN  
75 Ohm  
Coaxial  
Silver  
FM radio, RF  
Analog  
AL  
ER  
75  
COAXIAL  
Audio TV  
Source 2 In (Select  
models only)  
RCA jacks  
White: Left  
Red: Right  
R
L
AUDIO  
S-video TV  
Source 2 In (Select  
models only)  
Y/C video  
Black  
Silver  
Black  
Analog:  
S-VIDEO  
Analog 4-pin  
Up to 640 x 480 @ 60 Hz  
INFRARED TRANSMITTER OUT  
Infrared Transmitter  
Out (2 outputs)  
3.5 mm  
(1/8 inch)  
mini-jack  
Remote infrared (IR Blaster)  
Power  
2
1
AC In  
AC 110–240Vv  
50–60 Hz  
110-240V 50-60Hz  
AC IN  
8
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
     
Cleaning the  
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
The HP Digital Entertainment Center is a high-quality  
device that requires special care when cleaning. To clean  
the HP Digital Entertainment Center, follow these steps:  
1 Turn off the HP Digital Entertainment Center and  
connected equipment.  
w
2 Unplug the HP Digital Entertainment Center from the  
wall outlet before cleaning.  
Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners  
to clean your HP Digital Entertainment Center.  
Do not use benzene, thinner, ammonia, or  
any other volatile substances. These  
3 Use a soft dry cloth for cleaning.  
4 Plug in the HP Digital Entertainment Center.  
chemicals may damage your unit.  
5 Turn on connected equipment and the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center.  
Shipping the  
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
Keep the original packing box in a storage area. You  
may need it later if you move or ship your HP Digital  
Entertainment Center.  
Before You Begin 9  
 
   
Keyboard  
The following illustration shows the HP Digital Entertainment Center wireless keyboard. The actual keyboard may vary  
slightly in some countries/regions.  
Function keys  
TrackBall  
Left, right  
mouse button  
The following table shows the wireless keyboard features and function keys from left to right.  
Icon  
Item  
Description  
On/Standby  
Turns HP Digital Entertainment Center on, when in standby.  
Places HP Digital Entertainment Center in standby.  
Indicator light  
Amber: Caps Lock on.  
Green: Key or mouse button activity.  
Mouse button  
left, right  
Left-click, right-click.  
Back  
Displays previously viewed Media Center or browser page.  
Displays next viewed browser page.  
Forward  
Internet  
E-mail  
Opens your Internet browser.  
Opens an Internet e-mail page or your e-mail software.  
10 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
           
Icon  
Item  
Description  
Messenger  
Opens your instant messaging program.  
Minimize  
Maximize  
Media Center  
Previous  
Play  
Minimizes the Media Center application.  
Maximizes the Media Center application.  
Starts Media Center.  
Media  
Center  
Selects previous media track.  
Plays media.  
Pause  
Pauses media.  
Next  
Selects next media track.  
Decreases speaker volume.  
Vol –  
Vol +  
Increases speaker volume.  
Turns speaker sound on and off.  
Moves cursor on screen.  
Mute  
Trackball  
Before You Begin 11  
 
n
The Internet, E-mail, and Messenger buttons  
can be reconfigured to open a Web site or  
Software Guide.  
Wireless Keyboard Operation  
Your HP Digital Entertainment Center includes a wireless  
On/Standby  
keyboard that uses a built-in receiver/transmitter instead  
of a connector cable to communicate. The Keyboard  
Connect button, behind the lower-left door of the  
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
KEYBOARD  
CONNECT  
FRONT INPUT  
1394  
S-VIDEO  
VIDEO  
L
AUDIO  
R
DV IN HEADPHONES MIC IN  
HP Digital Entertainment Center front panel, has an  
LED that indicates receiver activity. Approximate range  
is 3.66 meters (12 feet).  
KEYBOARD  
CONNECT  
n
Use only alkaline batteries in the keyboard.  
12 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
   
Replacing the Keyboard Batteries  
Keep spare batteries on hand. Battery life will vary with  
the use of the system.  
1 Slide the battery cover off the back of the keyboard.  
3 Replace the battery cover.  
2 Insert four AA batteries (alkaline). Make sure the  
battery positive and negative ends are inserted  
correctly!  
4 Make sure the HP Digital Entertainment Center is  
powered on.  
5 Test the keyboard.  
The keyboard is set to connect to the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center automatically.  
6 If the keyboard does not operate:  
a Check the battery orientation.  
If you have no batteries and must use a keyboard, attach  
a USB keyboard to the back or front panel. You can also  
use the remote control for many functions as a temporary  
substitute.  
Before You Begin 13  
 
     
Remote Control  
Remote Control Buttons  
(Features and location may vary. Refer to the specific documentation for other remote controls.)  
A
Standby  
K
Arrows  
Puts the HP Digital  
Buttons move the cursor to  
navigate within all Media  
Center windows. They also  
move forward and backward  
through slide-show images.  
Entertainment Center into or  
out of a power-reduced  
standby state. It does not turn  
the HP Digital Entertainment  
Center off.  
L
Media  
Center  
Opens Media Center to the  
main menu.  
B
DVD  
Menu  
DVD MENU  
Opens Play DVD window in  
Media Center or opens the  
main menu of a DVD movie, if  
available.  
M Volume  
Increases (+) and decreases  
(–) sound.  
C
D
E
Green  
button  
Opens a Teletext menu while  
watching live TV.  
N Live TV  
O Guide  
Is a shortcut to view live TV. It  
also moves to the current  
point in a live TV program  
after pausing live TV.  
Red  
button  
Opens a Teletext menu while  
watching live TV.  
Record  
RECORD  
Records selected television  
program and stores it on the  
hard disk drive.  
Opens the Television  
Program Guide to display  
available TV channels and  
programs to watch and  
record.  
F
Rew  
REW  
(Rewind) Moves the media  
backward (press button for  
three speeds).  
P
Clear  
Deletes the selection and  
works as the Backspace key  
does on a keyboard.  
G Replay  
REPLAY  
Rewinds live or recorded TV  
back 8 seconds, or to  
beginning of music track or  
DVD chapter.  
Q Teletext  
TELETEXT  
Turns Teletext on or off while  
in live TV mode. The Teletext  
page either replaces the live  
TV picture or is displayed  
over it; TV sound is still  
available.  
H
J
Pause  
Back  
PAUSE  
Pauses audio and video tracks  
and live or recorded TV  
programs.  
Returns to the previous  
window within Media Center.  
R
S
Yellow  
button  
Opens a Teletext menu while  
watching live TV.  
Blue  
button  
Opens a Teletext menu while  
watching live TV.  
14 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
       
T
Play  
PLAY  
Plays the selected media.  
Stops the selected media.  
A
DVD MENU  
TELETEXT  
Q
R
B
C
U
V
Stop  
Fwd  
STOP  
FWD  
S
T
(Fast-forward) Moves media forward  
(press button for three speeds).  
D
E
RECORD  
REW  
PLAY  
STOP  
FWD  
SKIP  
W Skip  
U
V
Moves media forward — for  
example, 30 seconds in videos and  
live TV, one music track, or one DVD  
chapter.  
SKIP  
PAUSE  
F
REPLAY  
G
W
X
Y
Z
More (i)  
Displays available information about  
a selected media file and displays  
more information and options.  
H
J
i
X
Y
BACK  
MORE  
OK  
Selects the desired action or window  
option. It acts as the Enter key.  
OK  
K
OK  
CH/PG  
Up (+) and down (–) change the TV  
channel or move pages up and  
down, depending on available  
options.  
L
CH/PG  
VOLUME  
M
Z
MUTE  
AA Mute  
AA  
AB  
Turns sound off. The word Mute is  
displayed on the Media Center  
screen when Mute is turned on.  
LIVE TV  
GUIDE  
RECORDED TV  
N
O
ABC  
DEF  
AB Recorded  
TV  
1
2
3
Opens the Recorded TV window.  
GHI  
JKL  
MNO  
4
5
6
AC 0 to 9,  
#, *  
Numeric keypad buttons to change  
channels or enter text into the Media  
Center search or text box.  
PQRS  
TUV  
WXYZ  
AC  
7
8
9
0
#
*
AD Enter  
Selects the desired action or window  
option. In full-screen mode, press  
Enter to return to the last channel you  
were watching.  
CLEAR  
PRINT  
ENTER  
P
AD  
AE  
AE Print  
Prints selected content on the screen.  
Before You Begin 15  
 
Remote Control Operation  
Use the remote control to open the Media Center  
On/Standby  
program; view TV, record TV programs, play previously  
recorded TV programs, and play music, movies, or video.  
See “Using the Remote Control” in the Software Guide for  
detailed instructions on using the features of the remote  
control.  
HP Digital Entertainment Center z545  
LED  
To use the remote control, just point it at the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center and press a button. Use the remote  
control at a maximum distance of 8 meters (26 feet) from  
the remote sensor and at a maximum of 45 degrees  
(90 degrees total) from the center of the remote sensor.  
90˚  
~8 meters  
The remote control will not operate until the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center is powered on and fully booted up.  
Indicator  
Light  
n
Remote operation  
Media Center must be in full-screen mode  
(or have focus) for consistent remote control  
operation. Performance may vary.  
16 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
   
Installing the Remote Control Batteries  
1 Slide the battery cover off the back of the remote  
DVD MENU  
TV  
control.  
RADIO MUSIC PICTURESVIDEOS  
RECORD  
PLAY  
STOP  
FWD  
SKIP  
REW  
PAUSE  
2 Insert the two AA alkaline batteries (provided). Make  
sure the battery positive and negative ends are  
inserted correctly!  
REPLAY  
OK  
3 Replace the battery cover.  
4 Test the remote control by pressing any key.  
The indicator light should blink.  
n
Use only alkaline batteries in the remote.  
Before You Begin 17  
 
   
18 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
Safety Information  
Read Instructions before installing or operating your  
HP Digital Entertainment Center.  
Follow the instructions provided.  
Heed all safety warnings and notes.  
Chapter Contents:  
Refer to the Warranty and Support Guide for additional  
safety information.  
w
Do not open top cover.  
w
Risk of electric shock.  
Please read this important safety  
information.  
No user-serviceable parts inside top cover.  
AC Power Safety Warnings  
Use the right AC source — The power supply is  
To reduce the possibility of an electric shock from the  
preset for the country/region in which you purchased the telephone network, plug your system into the AC outlet  
HP Digital Entertainment Center. If you move to another  
country/region, please make sure you check its voltage  
requirements before plugging your HP Digital  
before connecting it to the DSL/telephone line. Also,  
disconnect the DSL/telephone line before unplugging  
your system from the AC power outlet.  
Entertainment Center into an AC power outlet.  
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).  
A power cord is included with your HP Digital  
Entertainment Center. If another cord is used, use only  
a power source and connection appropriate for this  
HP Digital Entertainment Center.  
Ground your system — To reduce the risk of electric  
shock or damage to your equipment, do not disable the  
power cord grounding feature. The grounding plug is an  
important safety feature. Connect the equipment to a  
grounded (earthed) power outlet.  
Install the system near an AC outlet. The AC power cord  
is your HP Digital Entertainment Center’s main AC  
disconnecting device and must be easily accessible at all  
times. For your safety, the power cord provided with your  
system has a grounded plug. Always use the power cord  
with a properly grounded wall outlet to avoid the risk of  
electric shock.  
For your safety, be sure that the grounded power outlet  
into which you plug the power cord is easily accessible to  
the operator and is located as close to the equipment as  
possible.  
Safety Information 19  
 
           
Never pull on the cord — Disconnect the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center by grasping the plug firmly and  
pulling it from the power outlet. Never disconnect the  
HP Digital Entertainment Center by pulling the cord.  
Outdoor antenna grounding — If an outside  
antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be  
sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to  
provide some protection against voltage surges and static  
buildup charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical  
Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard  
to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure,  
grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge  
unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and  
Install your HP Digital Entertainment Center near an outlet  
that you can easily reach. Do not allow anything to rest  
on the power cord. Do not walk on the cord.  
Use surge protection — To protect your HP Digital  
Entertainment Center and other equipment, connect all  
power cords for your system and its peripheral devices  
requirements for the grounding electrode. Refer to the  
Warranty and Support Guide for additional safety  
(such as a printer or scanner) to a surge protection device information.  
such as a power strip with surge protection or  
Lightning — For added protection of any HP product  
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).  
during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and  
unused for long periods of time, unplug the product from  
the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable  
system. This will prevent damage to the product due to  
lightning and power line surges.  
Not all power strips provide surge protection; the power  
strips must be specifically labeled as having this ability.  
Use a power strip whose manufacturer offers a damage  
replacement policy so you can replace your equipment if  
surge protection fails.  
Power lines — An outside antenna should not be  
located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other  
electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into  
such power lines or circuits.  
Use the right power source — Use only a power  
source and connection appropriate for this HP Digital  
Entertainment Center, as indicated on the label/back  
plate of the HP Digital Entertainment Center.  
Be sure the total ampere rating of the products connected  
to the outlet does not exceed the current rating of the  
electrical outlet, and the total ampere rating of the  
products connected to the cord does not exceed the  
rating of the cord. Look on the power label to determine  
the ampere rating (AMPS or A) for each device.  
20 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
Installation Overview  
This chapter provides information on your system and  
describes how to connect your HP Digital Entertainment  
Chapter Contents:  
Center to your audio/video (AV) equipment in detail. You  
may find connection details that won’t be in the basic  
Start Here booklet.  
The Start Here booklet works with this User’s Guide. Take  
a few minutes to look at the Start Here booklet before you  
read this chapter. You may find the information you need  
there.  
The HP Digital Entertainment Center is very versatile  
and works with a wide variety of basic, typical, and  
advanced multimedia systems.  
w
Read the important safety information before  
you install the HP Digital Entertainment  
The installation process is divided into four major areas:  
Audio, Video, TV Source In, Network.  
The setup can take some time, depending on your system,  
and may require additional cables.  
Installation Overview 21  
 
     
System Audio/Video Connections  
System Integration  
The HP Digital Entertainment Center incorporates many  
functions into one unit:  
To watch and record TV, video, and audio, you must first  
connect the HP Digital Entertainment Center inputs to your  
video, audio, and network sources.  
An Internet connection through a wireless or wired  
network, using an Internet service provider (sold  
separately), allows the HP Digital Entertainment  
Center to access the Television Program Guide and  
Internet content sources.  
To play back audio/video, you must connect the  
HP Digital Entertainment Center outputs to your  
sound system and TV/display.  
To record audio/video, you must connect the  
HP Digital Entertainment Center inputs to your video  
source, such as a cable set-top box, satellite receiver,  
or antenna.  
A cable connection from a set-top box or antenna  
hookup (sold separately) allows the TV tuner inside  
the HP Digital Entertainment Center to select the TV  
channels.  
To update the Television Program Guide and use the  
Internet, you must also connect to a home network or  
DSL/cable modem.  
An infrared transmitter (IR blaster) connection to  
a set-top box from the HP Digital Entertainment  
Center allows the HP Digital Entertainment Center to  
select the set-top box channels from the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center remote control.  
If your HP Digital Entertainment Center has the dual-tuner  
option, each tuner must be connected to the same TV  
source. You can connect two cable set-top boxes, or two,  
satellite receivers, or an antenna with cable splitter. The  
Television Program Guide only supports one TV service  
provider channel lineup.  
Audio outputs from the HP Digital Entertainment  
Center to your TV speakers or AV receiver allow up  
to 7.1 surround sound.  
Video outputs from the HP Digital Entertainment  
Center to your TV or AV receiver allow you to watch  
TV and to view the HP Digital Entertainment Center  
display.  
Audio and video output cables from the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center can be:  
Routed through an AV receiver to provide an audio  
and video signal to your TV.  
An FM radio antenna connection allows the FM  
tuner inside the HP Digital Entertainment Center to  
select the FM radio channels.  
Or  
Routed directly to your TV.  
The wireless keyboard with trackball or remote  
control allows you to operate the HP Digital  
Imagine the flow of your television signal into and out of  
the HP Digital Entertainment Center. To watch and record  
TV, your TV signal (for example, from a satellite) must flow  
into the HP Digital Entertainment Center. Then, for you to  
watch live or recorded TV, the HP Digital Entertainment  
Center must send the recorded TV shows out to your TV.  
Entertainment Center from the comfort of your couch.  
How you connect the HP Digital Entertainment Center into  
your system depends on how you want to use it. The  
HP Digital Entertainment Center functions as a media  
source, with DVD and personal video player/recorders  
built in. Your AV receiver or TV functions as your audio/  
video output switch.  
22 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
       
The following illustration shows the audio and video  
signal routed from the satellite or cable receiver source to  
the HP Digital Entertainment Center, then through an AV  
receiver to your TV:  
TV Source  
Cable In  
Audio  
AV  
Video  
Network Data  
Set-top-box Infrared  
Transmitter  
Cable Box or  
Satellite Receiver  
Internet  
DSL/Cable Modem  
or Wireless Router  
TV  
Source  
In  
Infrared  
Transmitter  
Download  
TV Program  
Guide  
Data  
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
Digital Video  
Camcorder  
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
AV Out  
Keyboard  
Remote  
Control  
AV In  
AV Receiver  
TV or Monitor  
Audio/Video flow  
Installation Overview 23  
 
 
System Diagram  
(Configurations may vary. Some cables sold separately.)  
Back Panel  
Cable From Wall  
FM Antenna  
Surround  
Back  
Right  
Center  
Surround  
Left  
Surround  
Right  
Surround  
Back  
Front  
Left  
Front  
Right  
Left  
Subwoofer  
WiFi  
Antenna  
Cable  
or Satellite  
Set-top box 1  
Audio/Video In  
Speakers  
SCART  
adapter  
AV RECEIVER IN  
*
Audio In 7.1 Multichannel  
NOTE: 5.1 systems do not  
include “Surr. Back”  
connections.  
Center  
Pr  
S-Video Video  
Digital  
Used to  
*
Pb  
TV IN  
OUT  
connect  
Y
Surr. Back Surround  
Sub  
Front  
Optical Coaxial  
composite  
Video Out and  
Audio to TVs that only  
Choose  
one  
Choose  
one  
have a 20-pin SCART input.  
Choose one  
CD  
Composite S-video  
Video  
Composite  
S-video  
Coaxial  
OUT  
or Tape Player  
AUDIO IN  
L
AUDIO 7.1 PRE-OUT  
VIDEO  
VIDEO  
OUT  
WIRELESS LAN  
REMOVABLE ANTENNA  
802.11 b/g  
SURROUND SURROUND CENTER  
FRONT  
L
BACK  
ACTIVITY  
LINK  
L
L
TV SOURCE  
L
1
2
IN  
TV ANTENNA IN FM ANTENNA IN  
DVI  
R
DUAL  
75  
100-240V- 4/A 50/60Hz  
AC IN  
COAXIAL  
AUDIO  
R
R
R
SUB  
R
VIDEO  
IN  
S-VIDEO  
TUNER  
S-VIDEO
VGA  
WOOFER  
TV SOURCE  
COAXIAL  
10/ 100/ 1000  
R
L
AUDIO  
S-VIDEO  
INFRARED TRANSMITTER OUT  
OPTICAL  
Wall  
Outlet  
2
1
AUDIO  
OUT  
DIGITAL  
HI SPEED USB 2.0  
1394 ETHERNET  
DIGITAL VIDEO OUT  
Surge Protector  
Line Conditioner  
Choose  
one  
Composite S-video  
Router/  
Firewall/  
Switch  
Choose  
one  
VGA  
DVI  
MONITOR  
DSL/Cable Modem  
OUT  
Cable  
or Satellite  
Set-top box 2  
NOTE: Connect Set-top box 2 only  
Wall  
iPod  
Ext. HDD  
Digital  
Camera  
Printer  
Digital  
Video Camcorder  
(optional)  
Internet  
24 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
   
Front Panel  
(Configurations may vary. Some cables are sold separately.)  
The following illustration shows a typical HP Digital Entertainment Center system front panel installation:  
Power  
On  
CD/DVD  
Player/Recorder  
HP Personal  
Media Drive  
On/Standby  
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
KEYBOARD  
CONNECT  
SmartMedia / xD  
CompactFlash I/II  
MMC / SD  
FRONT INPUT  
HI SPEED  
USB 2.0  
1394  
MS / MS PRO  
MMC / SD  
S-VIDEO  
S-VIDEO  
VIDEO  
VIDEO  
L
L
AUDIO  
AUDIO  
R
R
DV IN HEADPHONES MIC IN  
HEADPHONES MIC IN  
1394  
SmartMedia / xD  
CompactFlash I/II  
HI SPEED  
USB 2.0  
MS / MS PRO  
FRONT INPUT  
DV IN  
Media Info  
Display  
USB 2.0  
(x2)  
Choose  
one  
Card Readers:  
SmartMedia/xD,  
MMC/SD,  
Video  
(Composite)  
S-video  
1394  
CompactFlash I/II,  
Microdrive  
MS/MS Pro  
Analog  
Video Camera  
Digital  
Video  
Camera  
Digital  
Camera  
Installation Overview 25  
 
 
Installation Guidelines  
To enhance the performance and extend the life of your  
HP Digital Entertainment Center:  
Put your HP Digital Entertainment Center into  
Standby when not in use. In Standby, the  
On/Standby button is lit amber. Preset recordings  
only start when the HP Digital Entertainment Center  
is on or in Standby.  
w
Adjust only those controls that are described in the  
operating instructions.  
An open-back is required for adequate  
cooling when installing your HP Digital  
Entertainment Center in an AV cabinet.  
Do not open your HP Digital Entertainment Center  
cabinet or attempt to service this product yourself. If  
your HP Digital Entertainment Center is not operating  
properly or has been dropped or damaged, contact  
your HP authorized dealer, reseller, or service  
provider.  
Keep your HP Digital Entertainment Center in a  
well-ventilated area, away from excessive light, heat,  
or moisture.  
Keep ventilation slots clear of obstructions such as  
equipment or papers. The HP Digital Entertainment  
Center automatically turns off if it gets too hot.  
w
Leave slots and openings in the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center cabinet open for  
ventilation. These openings must not be  
blocked or covered. Never push objects of  
any kind into cabinet slots or other openings.  
432 mm  
17 in  
On/Standby  
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
Choosing an HP Digital Entertainment  
Center setup location  
412.75 mm  
16.25 in  
If you intend to connect your HP Digital Entertainment  
Center to your TV, a set-top box, or a surround sound  
system, HP recommends that you choose a clear working  
area with easy access to the connectors of these devices.  
If your TV is wall-mounted, make sure that you have  
access to the rear ports on the TV before attempting to  
connect it to the HP Digital Entertainment Center.  
114.3 mm  
4.5 in  
This product is heavy. Exercise caution when lifting  
or moving.  
Place your HP Digital Entertainment Center on a  
stable, supported surface. Do not drop or place it  
on an unstable surface.  
26 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
   
Placement and Ventilation Requirements  
Cabinet Front  
.
IMPORTANT: Use an open cabinet or shelves for best  
operation of the HP Digital Entertainment Center. Do not  
cover vents on top, back and sides of the unit.  
w
If you choose to use a cabinet with front doors, you must  
Failure to follow these ventilation  
leave the doors open when the HP Digital Entertainment  
requirements could cause the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center to malfunction.  
Center is powered on.  
ter  
Cen  
ent  
ainm  
En  
tert  
l
HP  
D
igita  
Open cabinet (Actual home setup may vary.)  
Installation Overview 27  
 
       
Cabinet Back  
The back of the AV cabinet should be open for best  
operation.  
If the AV cabinet has a back, the back must have a  
hole behind the HP Digital Entertainment Center, for  
air circulation, with a minimum open area of 48.3 cm  
(19 inches) wide by 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) high.  
See the following illustration.  
48.3 cm  
(19 in)  
minimum  
Back  
View  
Cabinet  
5.08 cm (2 in) minimum  
2.54 cm  
(1 in)  
minimum  
2.54 cm  
(1 in)  
minimum  
16.5 cm  
(6.5 in)  
minimum  
NOTE: These clearances are  
required for proper  
ventilation.  
HP Digital  
Entertainment  
Center  
Wall Clearance  
The HP Digital Entertainment Center back panel must be  
at least 10.2 cm (4 inches) from the wall.  
10.02 cm  
Cabinet  
(4 in)  
minimum  
HP Digital  
Entertainment Center  
Wall  
Back of  
cabinet  
Side View  
28 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
   
Basic Setup  
Follow the steps in the Start Here booklet to set up the  
Some peripheral devices, such as a digital video camera,  
can be plugged into the connectors on the back panel or  
the front panel (behind lower doors) of the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center.  
HP Digital Entertainment Center.  
Most of the hardware devices such as the monitor and  
printer can be connected at the back panel of the  
HP Digital Entertainment Center.  
Setting Up the  
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
The basic steps to set up the HP Digital Entertainment  
Center are in the Start Here booklet as follows. Your  
system may be different. See the referenced sections for  
detailed information on each step.  
w
Read the important safety information before  
you install the HP Digital Entertainment  
Before you begin:  
Refer to the Start Here booklet as a guide to connect  
your HP Digital Entertainment Center.  
Required steps  
1 Unpack the box contents.  
Identify the items included with your HP Digital  
Entertainment Center.  
a Audio In (optional)  
b Audio Out (to TV, AV receiver, speakers)  
b Identify equipment you will need that is not  
c
Digital Audio Out  
supplied.  
4 Connect the Video Out to the TV or display. See  
c
Place the HP Digital Entertainment Center where  
you can easily reach the back panel.  
2 Determine how you will connect the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center to your system.  
Installation Overview 29  
 
       
5 Connect the TV Source 1 In and TV Source 2 In  
11 Turn on all equipment, and then turn on the  
HP Digital Entertainment Center. See “Starting the  
a Connect the Cable/Antenna In.  
12 Complete the initial startup and registration. See  
b Connect the Source 1 In audio/video cables to  
cable TV box, digital cable box, or satellite  
receiver 1.  
a Follow the onscreen instructions.  
b Set up Media Center.  
c
Connect the Source 2 In audio/video cables to  
cable TV box, digital cable box, or satellite  
receiver 2 (select models only).  
13 Optional step  
(Recommended after basic setup)  
Connect any additional rear panel devices.  
d Connect the Infrared Transmitter 1 to cable TV  
box, digital cable box, or satellite receiver 1.  
a FireWire (IEEE 1394) device or digital video  
e Connect the Infrared Transmitter 2 to cable TV  
box, digital cable box, or satellite receiver 2  
(select models only).  
b USB devices, such as printers or scanners  
6 Connect the FM radio antenna. See “FM Radio  
14 Optional step  
(Recommended after basic setup)  
Connect front panel devices.  
a DSL/cable modem to Internet (Ethernet)  
b Wireless antenna  
a FireWire (IEEE 1394) device or digital video  
8 Pull the tab on the keyboard to activate the batteries.  
b USB devices, such as printers or scanners  
c
10 Place the HP Digital Entertainment Center on a flat,  
stable surface with the following clearances:  
d Insert the removable hard disk drive (optional).  
Top: 5.08 cm (2 inches)  
Side: 2.54 cm (1 inch)  
Back: Open cabinet  
Begin using your system. See the Software Guide.  
30 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
 
Inventory  
The following items are supplied with the HP Digital Entertainment Center:  
Name  
Picture  
Description  
HP Digital  
Entertainment  
Center unit  
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
Keyboard  
Remote control  
Cables  
FM antenna  
Wi-Fi antenna  
Documentation  
Antenna for Wireless LAN 802.11 b/g,  
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2 for remote (in package).  
4 for keyboard (inside keyboard).  
Installation Overview 31  
 
       
Cables Included  
Your HP Digital Entertainment Center comes with the following cables and adapters.  
Cable  
Name  
Description  
Stereo  
RCA, red and white ends. Used for Audio Out.  
Coaxial digital audio  
Video (Composite)  
S/PDIF. Used for Digital Audio Out.  
RCA, yellow ends. Used for composite Video Out or TV Source In  
connector.  
Infrared Transmitter (2)  
Coaxial  
IR Blaster cable. Used for set-top boxes.  
Used for TV source input from cable set-top boxes or antennas.  
SCART adapter  
AC Power  
Used to connected composite Video Out and audio to TVs that only  
have a 20-pin SCART input.  
Black AC power cord. Used to supply electricity to the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center.  
may need.  
32 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
   
Optional Cables Not Included  
You might need the following extra cables (these items are sold separately).  
Cable  
Name  
Max quantity  
Description  
Stereo and Video  
(Composite)  
4
RCA: Red, white, yellow ends. Used for  
TV Source In connector.  
Stereo  
DVI-D  
8
1
RCA: Red and white ends. Used for  
Audio In/Out connectors.  
Digital video out. Connect to DVI-I or  
DVI-D input of the HDTV- capable TV or  
monitor.  
S-video  
4
Y/C, 4-pin. Plug cable into an S-video  
connector such as S-video Video Out or  
TV Source In connector.  
S-video to composite  
video adapter  
1
1
Used with TV source input 2 composite  
video input.  
VGA  
15-pin, D-sub Analog. Used for monitor  
or HDTV capable TV.  
Optical digital audio  
1
S/PDIF. Used for Digital Audio Out.  
FireWire (IEEE 1394)  
digital video in/out  
1
1
IEEE 1394 4-pin to 6-pin (back).  
IEEE 1394 4-pin to 4-pin (front).  
USB  
6
USB 2.0. Used for peripheral device  
connectors.  
Ethernet RJ-45  
Coaxial  
1
Ethernet 10/100/1000. Used for  
broadband Internet connection.  
Extra lengths  
Used for TV source input from cable  
set-top boxes or antennas.  
Installation Overview 33  
 
   
Additional equipment  
You must have the following items to set up and properly  
operate your HP Digital Entertainment Center and system  
(these items are sold separately):  
Broadband Internet equipment such as:  
Cable/DSL modem (working connection required  
for Media Center features, such as downloading  
the Television Program Guide)  
Audio system equipment such as:  
Wireless LAN 802.11 b/g network  
AV receiver with speakers  
Powered speakers  
TV speakers  
Clean AC power (surge protector/line conditioner  
recommended)  
Additional equipment and cables are sold separately.  
Monitor speakers  
You may also need the following items (sold separately;  
available at electronics stores) to fully set up your  
HP Digital Entertainment Center, depending on your  
system audio and video requirements:  
Video equipment such as:  
Monitor  
TV  
Video projector  
Video output from cable/satellite box or antenna  
Audio Y adapters, mini-plug to 2 RCA-plugs  
(for powered speakers).  
Connecting cables  
Observe the following guidelines:  
Do not plug in the HP Digital Entertainment Center  
until all connecting cables are installed.  
Connect cables firmly to avoid hum and noise.  
Match the color codes, for instance:  
yellow — video, white — left, red — right.  
Turn off power to all other equipment before  
connecting cables.  
34 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
           
Connecting Audio  
The HP Digital Entertainment Center supports many  
different audio options, sound connections, and speaker  
configurations.  
Chapter Contents:  
This chapter describes the most typical, and some  
advanced, audio setup options for connecting Audio Out  
and Audio In. To connect TV Source In audio and video,  
Your system may have different components. Speakers,  
AV receivers, and other equipment are sold separately.  
Refer to the product documentation for these products.  
Stereo  
On/Standby  
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
HP Digital Entertainment Center  
Connecting Audio 35  
 
 
Audio Overview  
Audio Output Connectors  
Digital Audio Out  
Audio Out  
AUDIO IN  
L
AUDIO 7.1 PRE-OUT  
VIDEO  
VIDEO  
OUT  
WIRELESS LAN  
REMOVABLE ANTENNA  
802.11 b/g  
SURROUND SURROUND CENTER  
FRONT  
BACK  
ACTIVITY  
LINK  
L
L
L
TV SOURCE  
L
1
2
IN  
TV ANTENNA IN FM ANTENNA IN  
DVI  
R
DUAL  
75  
100-240V- 4/A 50/60Hz  
AC IN  
COAXIAL  
AUDIO  
R
R
R
SUB  
R
VIDEO  
IN  
S-VIDEO  
TUNER  
S-VIDEO
VGA  
WOOFER  
TV SOURCE  
COAXIAL  
10/ 100/ 1000  
R
L
AUDIO  
S-VIDEO  
INFRARED TRANSMITTER OUT  
OPTICAL  
2
1
AUDIO  
OUT  
DIGITAL  
HI SPEED USB 2.0  
1394 ETHERNET  
DIGITAL VIDEO OUT  
Connector  
Name  
Color  
Description  
Cable  
SURROUND  
BACK  
L
Surround  
Back  
Brown: Left  
Beige: Right  
Rear speakers in a multichannel audio  
eight speaker system (7.1).  
R
SURROUND  
L
Surround  
Blue: Left  
Gray: Right  
Side speakers in a multichannel audio  
six or eight speaker system (4.1, 5.1,  
6.1, 7.1).  
R
CENTER  
Center  
Subwoofer  
Green: Center  
Purple: Subwoofer  
Center speaker and subwoofer in a  
multichannel audio system (5.1, 6.1, 7.1).  
SUB  
WOOFER  
FRONT  
L
Front  
White: Left  
Red: Right  
Stereo speakers or front speakers in a  
multichannel audio system  
(2.0, 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1).  
R
Coaxial  
Digital Audio  
Out  
Orange  
Gray  
Coaxial S/PDIF 5.1 only.  
COAXIAL  
OPTICAL  
AUDIO  
DIGITAL  
OUT  
Optical  
Digital Audio  
Out  
Optical S/PDIF 5.1 only.  
COAXIAL  
OPTICAL  
AUDIO  
DIGITAL  
OUT  
36 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
       
Sound Connector Jacks  
The audio connectors are RCA-type jacks that connect  
from the back of your HP Digital Entertainment Center to  
a TV, powered speakers, or an AV receiver.  
n
The HP Digital Entertainment Center has separate Audio  
In connections (analog).  
If your audio equipment has multiple input  
and output connections, then it has front  
panel input and output switches.  
The HP Digital Entertainment Center has two Digital  
Audio Out connections (S/PDIF) that are coaxial and  
optical. Use analog Audio 7.1 Pre-out or Digital Audio  
Out connectors, but not both. Use only one Digital Audio  
Out connector at a time.  
You must select the correct input and output  
from the audio equipment front panel or  
remote control to hear sound and see video.  
The HP Digital Entertainment Center does not have Digital  
Audio In connections.  
Speaker Types  
A stereo speaker set is a left-right, two-channel speaker  
system (sold separately).  
Audio amplifiers  
The HP Digital Entertainment Center does not supply an  
amplified audio signal. You can connect the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center to:  
A multichannel audio speaker system has a subwoofer,  
left-right front, and left-right surround channels. The system  
may also include a left-right surround back channel and a  
center speaker. Surround back speakers are included in  
more advanced 7.1 systems. A subwoofer provides  
enhanced bass sounds.  
Passive speakers connected through a home audio  
system. A home audio system does not require active  
speakers because the receiver provides  
amplification.  
The “.1” indicates a subwoofer. For example, 7.1  
channels refer to an eight-speaker mode and uses two  
front speakers (left-right), two side speakers (left-right),  
two rear speakers (left-right), a center speaker, and a  
subwoofer.  
Active (powered) speakers directly. An active  
speaker system must have its own power cord.  
information on speaker arrangements.  
Connecting Audio 37  
 
     
Speaker Configurations  
You can set up your HP Digital Entertainment Center for the following supported audio configurations:  
Speaker  
system  
Home audio  
system description  
Recommended arrangement  
See:  
TV Display  
2 (stereo)  
Two speakers: Left  
speaker, right speaker  
Or  
Front left  
speaker  
Front right  
speaker  
TV Display  
2.1  
4.1  
Two speakers: Left  
Subwoofer  
speaker, right speaker  
One subwoofer  
Or  
Front left  
speaker  
Front right  
speaker  
TV Display  
Subwoofer  
Two front speakers: Left  
speaker, right speaker  
Front right  
speaker  
Front left  
speaker  
Two side speakers:  
Or  
surround left speaker,  
surround right speaker  
Surround  
left speaker  
Surround  
right speaker  
One subwoofer  
Center  
5.1  
Two front speakers: Left  
speaker, right speaker  
Subwoofer  
TV Display  
speaker  
Front left  
speaker  
Front right  
speaker  
Two side speakers:  
Or  
surround left speaker,  
surround right speaker  
One center speaker  
One subwoofer  
Surround  
left speaker  
Surround  
right speaker  
38 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
 
Speaker  
system  
Home audio  
system description  
Recommended arrangement  
See:  
TV Display  
6.1  
Two front speakers: Left  
speaker, right speaker  
If your 6.1 AV receiver  
has only 5.1 (6) inputs,  
see the following:  
Subwoofer  
Center  
speaker  
Two side speakers:  
surround left speaker,  
surround right speaker  
Front left  
speaker  
Front right  
speaker  
One rear surround  
back speaker  
Or  
One center speaker  
One subwoofer  
Surround  
left speaker  
Surround  
right speaker  
Surround back speaker  
TV Display  
7.1  
Two front speakers: Left  
speaker, right speaker  
Subwoofer  
Center  
speaker  
Two side speakers:  
Or  
surround left speaker,  
surround right speaker  
Front left  
speaker  
Front right  
speaker  
Two rear speakers:  
surround back left  
speaker, surround back  
right speaker  
If your 7.1 AV receiver  
has only five inputs, see  
Surround  
left speaker  
Surround  
right speaker  
One center speaker  
One subwoofer  
Surround back  
right speaker  
Surround back  
left speaker  
Digital  
audio 5.1  
Digital speakers or  
digital input connector  
on the audio system  
Center  
Subwoofer  
TV Display  
speaker  
Front left  
speaker  
Front right  
speaker  
Or  
Surround  
left speaker  
Surround  
right speaker  
Connecting Audio 39  
 
Typical Audio Connection  
Select the configuration that most closely matches your  
home system.  
You can set up your HP Digital Entertainment Center for  
the following supported audio configurations:  
Audio system  
Description  
See:  
TV  
TV, monitor or display direct audio  
connection with two speakers  
AV receiver  
Home stereo or home theater audio system  
with AV receiver and passive speakers  
Powered speakers  
Audio system with active speakers  
FM  
FM Tuner In  
Headphones  
Speakers are muted on headphone  
connection  
Then see:  
40 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
   
TV Audio Connection  
You can connect your TV, monitor, or display audio  
directly to your HP Digital Entertainment Center for  
two-speaker sound.  
If your TV has multiple inputs, you can use your TV as a  
switch for audio and video.  
Connecting TV Audio  
To connect the audio directly to a TV or monitor:  
Refer to the Start Here booklet that came with the  
HP Digital Entertainment Center.  
Connect an RCA stereo cable (White: Left;  
Red: Right) from the HP Digital Entertainment Center  
back panel Audio Out connector to a TV Audio In  
connector.  
For additional information on connecting the speakers,  
refer to the documentation that came with your speakers  
and AV receiver.  
The following diagram shows a basic TV audio installation:  
TV  
TV  
AUDIO IN  
AUDIO/VIDEO IN  
SCART  
adapter  
*
Used to connect  
*
audio and video to  
Choose one  
TVs that only have a  
20-pin SCART input.  
AUDIO IN  
L
AUDIO 7.1 PRE-OUT  
VIDEO  
VIDEO  
OUT  
WIRELESS LAN  
REMOVABLE ANTENNA  
802.11 b/g  
ACTIVITY  
LINK  
SURROUND SURROUND CENTER  
FRONT  
L
BACK  
L
L
TV SOURCE  
L
1
2
IN  
TV ANTENNA IN FM ANTENNA IN  
DVI  
R
DUAL  
75  
100-240V- 4/A 50/60Hz  
AC IN  
COAXIAL  
AUDIO  
R
R
R
SUB  
R
VIDEO  
IN  
S-VIDEO  
TUNER  
S-VIDEO
VGA  
WOOFER  
TV SOURCE  
COAXIAL  
10/ 100/ 1000  
R
L
AUDIO  
S-VIDEO  
INFRARED TRANSMITTER OUT  
OPTICAL  
2
1
AUDIO  
DIGITAL  
HI SPEED USB 2.0  
1394 ETHERNET  
DIGITAL VIDEO OUT  
OUT  
Basic TV audio setup (2.0)  
Connecting Audio 41  
 
         
AV Receiver Audio Connection  
You can connect your HP Digital Entertainment Center to  
your home stereo or home theater multichannel AV  
Select the configuration that most closely  
receivers or audio amplifiers using your existing  
matches your home system. See:  
speakers.  
n
You can also connect video through your AV  
receiver or to your TV directly.  
You can also use a digital connection.  
AV Receiver Equipment Overview  
You can connect audio and video from the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center, through an AV receiver, to the TV  
input.  
Use the 2.1 configuration for multichannel AV receivers  
that have only left and right audio inputs.  
Connecting a home stereo to an HP Digital Entertainment  
Center typically requires audio cables that are long  
enough to connect from the HP Digital Entertainment  
Center to the stereo or AV receiver. Additional cables are  
sold separately.  
Use this method to connect AV receivers or audio-only  
home receiver/amplifiers that have standard RCA-type  
input connectors. You may have to select a front  
panel button on your AV receiver to switch  
audio inputs to hear sound.  
42 HP Digital Entertainment Center  
 
     
2.0 Home Stereo Installation  
The following diagram shows a typical two-channel (2.0) This is only a suggested configuration. Your system may  
speaker installation that uses passive stereo speakers  
connected through a home stereo standard left and right  
input.  
be different.  
AV receiver/amplifier audio input connectors may be  
labeled CD, DVD, or DVD In.  
AUDIO IN  
L
R
2 Channel  
AV Receiver  
AUDIO IN  
L
AUDIO 7.1 PRE-OUT  
VIDEO  
OUT  
WIRELESS LAN  
REMOVABLE ANTENNA  
802.11 b/g  
SURROUND SURROUND CENTER  
FRONT  
L
ACTIVITY  
LINK  
BACK  
VIDEO  
L
L
TV SOURCE  
L
1
2
IN  
TV ANTENNA IN FM ANTENNA IN  
DVI  
R
DUAL  
75  
100-240V- 4/A 50/60Hz  
AC IN  
COAXIAL  
AUDIO  
VIDEO  
IN  
S-VIDEO  
TUNER  
R
R
R
SUB  
R
S-VIDEO
VGA  
WOOFER  
TV SOURCE  
COAXIAL  
10/ 100/ 1000  
R
L
AUDIO  
S-VIDEO  
INFRARED TRANSMITTER OUT  
OPTICAL  
2
1
AUDIO  
OUT  
DIGITAL  
HI SPEED USB 2.0  
1394 ETHERNET  
DIGITAL VIDEO OUT  
2.0 audio system connection  
Connecting Audio 43  
 
       
2.1 Home Stereo Installation  
The following diagram shows a typical two-channel (2.1)  
speaker installation that uses passive stereo speakers  
connected through a home stereo standard left and right  
input.  
n
Some AV receivers generate the subwoofer  
output without a subwoofer input; in this  
case, you do not need to connect the  
subwoofer output from the HP Digital  
Entertainment Center. Refer to your AV  
receiver product documentation.  
This is only a suggested configuration. Your system may  
be different. Use this configuration for multichannel AV  
receivers that only have left and right audio inputs.  
AV receiver/amplifier audio input connectors may be  
labeled CD, DVD, or DVD In.  
AUDIO IN  
L
R
2.1 Channel  
AV Receiver  
AUDIO IN  
L
AUDIO 7.1 PRE-OUT  
VIDEO  
OUT  
WIRELESS LAN  
REMOVABLE ANTENNA  
802.11 b/g  
SURROUND SURROUND CENTER  
FRONT  
L
BACK  
ACTIVITY  
LINK  
VIDEO  
L
L
TV SOURCE  
L
1
2
IN  
TV ANTENNA IN FM ANTENNA IN  
DVI  
R
DUAL  
75  
100-240V- 4/A 50/60Hz  
AC IN  
COAXIAL  
AUDIO  
VIDEO  
IN  
S-VIDEO  
TUNER  
R
R
R
SUB  
R
S-VIDEO
VGA  
WOOFER  
TV SOURCE  
COAXIAL  
10/ 100/ 1000  
R
L
AUDIO  
S-VIDEO  
INFRARED TRANSMITTER OUT  
OPTICAL  
2
1
AUDIO  
OUT  
DIGITAL  
HI SPEED USB 2.0  
1394 ETHERNET  
DIGITAL VIDEO OUT  
2.1 multichannel audio system connection  
44 HP Digital Entertainment Center