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Using the Extender for Windows Media Center

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This document pertains to HP MediaSmart televisions.
This document describes how to set up, troubleshoot, and use the HP MediaSmart TV as the Extender for Windows Media Center.
Overview
Your HP MediaSmart TV enables you to enjoy digital photos, music and videos stored on computers and devices across your home network and to access online media. This is MediaSmart mode.
In addition, you can set up and use your MediaSmart TV as the Extender for Windows Media Center. In this mode, the MediaSmart displays the Windows Media Center window from your Windows Vista-based computer. With it, you can access the Windows Media Center Media Library, live TV, recorded TV, and other features provided by Microsoft.
NOTE: A Windows Vista computer can support up to four extenders. The MediaSmart TV can be an extender to only one computer at a time.
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Using digital media: MediaSmart versus the Extender for Windows Media Center
The following illustration lists some features of using digital media from your MediaSmart TV for MediaSmart mode and for the Extender for Windows Media Center mode.
Figure 1: Features of using digital media modes for your MediaSmart TV
Some of the media experience features in Windows Media Center are not available when using the Extender for Windows Media Center device. For more information, see Unavailable features .
The following topics describe the features:
Getting started
  • For MediaSmart mode: To open the Media menu, press the Media button on the MediaSmart TV remote control.
    Figure 2: MediaSmart Media Menu
    The Media mode interface was designed by HP and provides a unique and simple way to navigate through personal content and online media.
  • For the Extender for Windows Media Center mode: To open the menu from Media Center, press the Media Center Green Start button on the remote control (or, select Windows Media Center icon in the Media menu). This allows you to browse and use your PC Media Center as if you were at your computer.
    Some of the media experience features in Windows Media Center are not available when using the Extender for Windows Media Center device. For more information, see Unavailable features .
    Figure 3: Extender for Windows Media Center menu
    The Extender for Windows Media Center interface was designed by Microsoft and is similar to Microsoft Media Center interface you see at the computer.
Compatibility
To use the MediaSmart TV in Extender for Windows Media Center mode you need a PC with Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate operating system. In contrast, the Media mode is compatible with a wider range of PCs or other media servers. These include:
  • PCs running Windows-based operating system, such as Windows XP (Service pack 2 or later), with either Windows Media Player 11 or any other third-party media server.
  • Network-attached storage (NAS) devices running Windows Media Connect or other UPnP-compliant media servers such as HP Media Vault and HP MediaSmart Servers.
  • Any device with a DLNA-compliant media server, including non-Windows based PCs or other consumer electronic devices with media streaming capabilities such as digital cameras or digital telephones.
NOTE: The HP user experience in MediaSmart mode has been optimized for PCs running Windows Media Player 11. Some features may not be available when using NAS devices or other servers.
Streaming media
Both MediaSmart and the Extender for Windows Media Center modes allow you to stream digital photos, music, and videos to your MediaSmart TV. However, in MediaSmart mode HP software running on your PC can stream a wider range of file formats than Extender. These file formats include images in PNG format, MP4 video files, and unprotected iTunes.
Online media
Both the MediaSmart and the Extender for Windows Media Center modes allow you to access online content directly from your MediaSmart. Using the MediaSmart mode, you access Internet-based services through the Online Media menu. Available services now include CinemaNow, Snapfish, and Live365. HP Online Media Services allow you to link all your services through a single login. In addition, accessing certain services, like Snapfish or Live365, does not require you to have your PC on. The Extender for Windows Media Center mode offers a rich online experience as well. With it you can access a variety of Internet content, including news feeds, sports clips, concerts, TV, movie, and Internet radio services.
Control live TV
The Extender for Windows Media Center mode allows you to control live TV if your computer has a TV Tuner, and it is connected to a TV signal source. Use these buttons:
  • Press Live TV button to display the Windows Media Center Live TV menu.
  • Press a Channel button (Ch+ or Ch-) to change the channel when watching live TV.
  • Press Recorded TV to display the Windows Media Center Recorded TV menu. Use the menu to watch pre-recorded TV programs.
  • Press Guide to display the Windows Media Center Program Guide. Use the guide to browse through program listings and mark them for recording.
  • Press Record to begin recording the live TV program you are watching, or to mark for recording the program listed in the Windows Media Center Program Guide.
This function is not available in MediaSmart mode.
Access multiple servers in the home
It is not unusual for users to have in the home multiple PCs or other devices that can stream digital media content such as a NAS. One of the unique features of the MediaSmart TV is that in MediaSmart mode it automatically detects all media servers on the home network and aggregates and displays all available content. In contrast, in the Extender for Windows Media Center mode, only media content from the host PC is streamed. Of course, a user can mount drives from multiple PCs into the file system of the Extender server, but doing so is not automatic or simple.
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Requirements
To use the Extender for Windows Media Center feature, the computer must use Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate operating system, which includes the Media Center application. For Live TV and other features provided by Microsoft, your computer must have a TV tuner connected to a cable or off-the-air antenna.
NOTE: Be sure the operating system is up to date. If necessary, prior to setup load QFE files that update the computer with the current Extender for Windows Media Center technology. See the HP Web site at http://www.hp.com/go/extender to download files, or install the Windows Vista Updates (Hot Fixes) KB938126 and KB937168.
NOTE: Your computer may require an active (live) connection to the Internet while you set up your MediaSmart as an extender.
Each time you set up the extender or change the computer, the MediaSmart TV generates a new 8-digit key to use for the extender setup.
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How to setup
  • For most MediaSmart TVs, skip to step 1 .
    Or
  • Follow these steps for HP SL4278N and SL4778N MediaSmart TVs:
    These models require a firmware update before you can set up for the Extender for Windows Media Center. The update downloads automatically when the TV is connected to your home network with access to the Internet.
    After the download is completed, the following screen displays when you turn on the TV and press the Media button on the remote control.
    The TV is now ready to be setup as the Extender for Windows Media Center. Select Close and press OK to close this screen. Continue with step 1 .
    Figure 4: SL4278N and SL4778N MediaSmart TV screen after update for Media Center Extender
  1. Press the Media Center Green Start button on the remote control (or select the Windows Media Center icon in the Media menu) to start the setup.
    Figure 5: Windows Media Center icon in MediaSmart Media menu, and button on remote control button
  2. In the menu, select Setup Extender , and then press OK on the remote control.
    Follow the onscreen instructions.
    The MediaSmart TV displays the 8-digit key you must enter into the Media Center settings for the Extender at the computer. Write down the key. Do not turn off the TV, close the screen, or change the input source for the TV.
  3. Go to your computer. The computer may automatically detect the MediaSmart TV and prompt you to connect it as an extender:
    • If it does, click Yes and continue with step 4 .
    • If it does not, perform the following step:
      Open Windows Media Center and in the window select Tasks , settings , and then click add extender . Continue with step 4 .
    Figure 6: Example detection screen
  4. In the Extender Setup Welcome screen, click Next .
  5. Enter the 8-digit key from the MediaSmart TV screen, and then click Next .
  6. Follow the Extender onscreen instructions. When you are prompted, select Yes to run the Network Performance Tuner , then click Next .
  7. Follow the Extender onscreen instructions.
    The Network Performance Monitor measures the bandwidth between the computer and the Extender for Windows Media Center (MediaSmart TV).
  8. Select Yes to view a graphic of the network bandwith, then click Next .
    The Network Performance Monitor displays a graphic of the network performance between the Extender for Windows Media Center and the computer. Watch the graphic to see the affect on network performance when you reposition the wireless access point antennas for the computer or the Extender (MediaSmart TV), or reduce obstructions between them.
  9. Click Next to continue.
    Figure 7: Media Center Network Performance Monitor screen
  10. When the Extender steps are completed successfully, click Finish .
    The Windows Media Center window (menu) appears on the MediaSmart.
    Figure 8: Extender for Media Center window at the MediaSmart
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Using Media Center from your MediaSmart TV
After completion of the Extender for Windows Media Center setup at the computer, when you press the Media Center Green Start button on the MediaSmart remote control, or select the Windows Media Center icon in the Media main menu, then the Media Center window displays on the TV.
To navigate through the Windows Media Center menus and play media, just as you would when using the Windows Media Center remote control pointed at the computer, use the Arrows , OK , and Back buttons on the MediaSmart remote control.
For information about using Media Center, see the Microsoft Website at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/mediacenterextender/default.mspx
If your computer has a TV tuner and is connected to a TV signal source, you can also control live or recorded TV:
  • Press Live TV to display the Windows Media Center Live TV menu.
  • Press a Channel button (CH+ or CH- ) to change the channel when watching live TV.
  • Press Recorded TV to display the Windows Media Center Recorded TV menu.
  • Press Guide to display the Windows Media Center Program Guide.
  • Press Record to begin recording the live TV program you are watching, or to mark for recording a program in the Windows Media Center Program Guide.
To exit the Windows Media Center window , do any of the following by using the MediaSmart TV remote control buttons:
  • Press Media to show the Media main menu.
  • Press Last Source to show the last selected source on the TV (MediaSmart TVs only).
  • Press Source and select a new input source.
  • In the Windows Media Center main menu, select Tasks , and then click Exit .
To reset the Extender or change the computer:
Use the following steps if you want to reset the Extender, or to use the feature with a different computer. (The MediaSmart TV can act as an extender to one computer at a time.)
After the initial setup of the MediaSmart TV as an extender, the current extender setup information must be removed from the MediaSmart before setting up a new computer.
NOTE: Your computer may require an active (live) connection to the Internet while you set up your MediaSmart TV as an extender.
Each time you set up the extender or change the computer, the MediaSmart TV generates a new 8-digit key.
  1. Press Media on the MediaSmart remote control.
  2. Select Settings , and then press OK .
  3. Select Windows Media Center , and then press OK . The menu displays.
    • To reset the Extender, select Setup Extender , and then press OK . Follow the onscreen instructions.
      Or
    • To change the computer for the Extender function, select Remove Setup Information , and then press OK . Follow the onscreen instructions.
      Then, when the menu appears again, select Setup Extender , and then press OK . Follow the onscreen instructions to set up the new computer.
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Troubleshooting
When I open the Extender for Windows Media Center from the MediaSmart TV, it freezes and I cannot scroll through Media Center.
This can happen with HP or Compaq Desktop PCs that are using certain versions of keyboard software. To fix this issue, update the keyboard software: go to the HP Support & Drivers page , enter the model number of your computer, and download and install the keyboard software update. There are two keyboard updates: for Windows Vista 32-bit use sp37318 , for Windows Vista 64-bit use sp37319 .
I entered the 8-digit key on my computer, but the MediaSmart TV does not start in the Extender for Windows Media Center mode.
Be sure the Microsoft Vista operating system is up to date on your computer. If necessary, prior to setup load QFE files that update the computer with the current Extender for Media Center technology. See the HP Web site at http://www.hp.com/go/extender to download files, or install the Windows Vista Updates (Hot Fixes) KB938126 and KB937168.
Do I need to update the firmware on my extender device?
For the HP SL4278N and SL4778N MediaSmart TVs, firmware for the Windows Media Center Extender technology automatically downloads into the TV when it is connected to the Internet. When you turn on the TV and press the Media button on the remote control, a screen displays indicating the TV is ready to be used as a Media Center Extender. To determine whether the extender firmware has been updated: Press the Media button. If the Main menu "carousel" includes the Windows Media Center icon, your MediaSmart TV has the latest firmware.
Do I need to configure the firewall installed on my computer to make the extender device work?
Depending on which firewall you have installed on your computer, you may have to configure it to enable the Media Center Extender device to work. For information about firewalls and Media Center Extenders, visit the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/mediacenter/firewall.mspx
Can I have more than one Extender for Windows Media Center device connected to my computer?
Yes, you can have up to four devices. However, the MediaSmart TV can be an extender for only one computer at a time.
Error messages at the computer during setup
Error messages at the computer when playing a video file
Cannot Play Video
On a Windows Vista-based computer, you try to play a video file of a certain format by using Media Center Extender for Windows Media Center. However, the file does not play. Additionally, you see the following error message in the thumbnail preview: “Cannot Play Video ”. This issue occurs because Media Center Extender supports video file formats that are a subset of the video file formats that are supported by Windows Vista. Therefore, although certain video files may play correctly in Windows Media Center, these files may not play at all in Media Center Extender. To work around this issue, use Windows Movie Maker to convert the file into a format that is supported by Media Center Extender. In Windows Vista, Media Center Extender for Windows Media Center supports the following video file formats:
  • Windows Media Video 9 main profile (.wmv):
    WMA standard audio
    Max resolution 720 by 480
    Max bit-rate 4 Mbps
    WMV content may be Windows Media DRM-protected
  • MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 standard definition (.mpg)
    MPEG-1 layers I and II audio
  • Standard Definition DVR-MS (Recorded TV) at all quality settings (Fair through Best)
Extender did not connect. The Extender was setup correctly but has failed to connect to this computer.
If your Media Center Computer has a fingerprint reader, there could be security settings preventing the Extender from connecting. For more information, see the Microsoft document Error message when you connect a Windows Media Center Extender device to a computer that is running Windows Vista Media Center: "Extender did not connect" .
MediaSmart does not find my computer.
At the computer, make sure you are not logged in on a DOMAIN account. For example, most laptops or computers used in a corporate environment are connected in a DOMAIN. If you use DOMAINs at home, create an Admin account outside of the DOMAIN and use the computer with Windows Media Player from there.
I configured a firewall in Vista and now the Extender for Windows Media Center device does not work.
If you configure a firewall after you install an Extender for Windows Media Center device, the device may not work. This is because the firewall closes ports that the device must have open to work.
For information about firewalls and the Extender for Windows Media Center, visit the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/mediacenter/firewall.mspx
Media files I add to my computer do not appear in the Extender for Windows Media Center library.
I shared a folder with my Extender for Windows Media Center device, but my device cannot access the folder. Why?
Windows Media Player can only share folders with Extender for Windows Media Center devices that you have allowed to access your computer. To allow your Extender for Windows Media Center device to access your computer, select the device in the Media Sharing window and then click Allow .
Poor video quality when watching recorded TV streamed through the Extender for Windows Media Center.
Poor video quality or slow performance when using Media Extender features on a home network through a Gigabit Ethernet switch.
Sound for an MPEG movie does not play when using the Extender for Windows Media Center device.
The video is choppy when viewing streaming video from my computer using wireless.
Make sure you have a router that supports at minimum 802.11g and b (with 802.11n and 802.11a preferred). The quality of streaming video over wireless depends on many factors, such as the bit rate of the original video, the reception quality, and the access point. For best quality over wireless, HP recommends using an access point that supports IEEE 802.11n. IEEE 802.11a is the second choice. IEEE 802.11b access points work well for audio and picture streaming, but are not recommended for video because of bandwidth limitations. Wired is best for all audio and video streaming needs.
A playlist created in Media Center is not available through the Extender for Windows Media Center.
Cannot fast forward music that is shared through a Media Center Extender.
The Extender for Windows Media Center does not allow music to fast forward during play.
Unavailable features
Some of the media experience features in Windows Media Center are not available when using the Extender for Windows Media Center device:
Media Center menuUnavailable in Extender for Windows Media Center
Music
  • Visualizations
  • Fast forward or Rewind
TV
  • Set Up TV Signal
  • Adjust Display Settings
  • Slow motion
  • Step forward or backward
  • CGMS/A-protected content
Videos Fast forward or Rewind (Not available for video files other than Recorded TV shows [video files with a .dvr-ms file name extension].)
CDs or DVDs
  • Burn to CD
  • Burn to DVD
  • Watch DVDs that are inserted in a DVD drive on the Windows Media Center computer
  • Listen to audio CDs that are in the CD-ROM drive on the Windows Media Center computer
More Programs
  • Some games (for example, Hearts, Chess Titans, and FreeCell)
  • Sync to device
  • Media-only mode
  • Add Extender
Settings
  • Music
  • DVD
  • Color Scheme
  • Automatic Download Options
  • Set Up TV Signal
  • Set Up Your Speakers
  • Test Digital TV antenna strength
  • Configure Your TV or Monitor
  • Run Setup Again
  • Remote Control Set Up
  • Teletext
  • Marquee Scrolling
  • Popups
General and Privacy Settings/Privacy StatementRetrieve media information for CDs and DVDs from the Internet
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