Alienware Hangar18 User manual

ALIENWARE HANGAR 18: HD ENTERTAINMENT CENTER MANUAL
The contents herein are subject to change without notice. ©1996-2007 Alienware
Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of this manual in any manner without the prior written
permission of Alienware Corporation is strictly prohibited.
Trademarks used in this manual: Alienware, Alienlce, the AlienHead logo, and
AlienAutopsy are trademarks or registered trademarks of Alienware Corporation.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trade-marks of Microsoft Corporation. Other
trademarks and trade names may be used in this manual to refer to either the entities
claiming the marks and names or their products. Alienware Corporation disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Rev 3.1 SEPTEMBER 2007
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CONTENTS
Introduction, 5
Chapter 1 System Preparation and Setup, 7
Overview, 8
When your HD Entertainment Center First Arrives, 8
Location and Positioning of Your HD Entertainment Center, 9
Getting to Know Your HD Entertainment Center, 10
Front I/O Ports and Features, 10
Rear Panel I/O Ports and Features, 12
Connecting to your HDTV or Monitor, 15
HDMI Input, 15
HDMI to DVI Input, 15
Component Input, 15
Connecting Speakers, 16
Connection to 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers, 16
Setting up your TV Remote Control, 17
Connecting and Viewing Blu-ray DVD, 18
Putting Your Hangar 18 Into Away Mode, 18
Chapter 2 Start Using Vista Media Center, 19
Overview, 20
Lets Get Started, 20
Setting up your TV Signal, Internet and Speakers, 21
Chapter 3 System Recovery, 23
AlienRespawn 2.0, 24
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting, 26
Before Troubleshooting, 27
Things to Check Before Troubleshooting, 27
Software Diagnostics Tools, 28
Backup and general Maintenance, 28
Answers to Common Problems, 29
CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD±RW or Blu-ray Drive, 29
Website connection is slow, 30
Keyboard, 31
The keyboard is not responding, 31
A keyboard character is repeating, 31
Spills on the Keyboard, 31
Monitor, 31
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There is no display on the screen, 31
The color is not uniform, 32
Displayed text is dim, blurry, or otherwise difficult to read, 32
Mouse, 32
The mouse is not working, 32
Power, 33
When the HD Entertainment Center is turned on, nothing happens, 33
Speakers, 33
There is no sound from the speakers (external), 33
Game Controllers, 33
The HD Entertainment Center does not recognize the game controller, 33
Appendix A Microsoft Critical Updates, 34
Appendix B General And Electrical Safety Precautions, 36
HD Entertainment Center Setup, 36
HD Entertainment Center Use, 36
When You Should Contact Alienware, 37
Replacement Components or Accessories, 37
Appendix C Terms And Conditions Agreement, 38
Appendix D Limited Product Warranty; Disclaimer Of Warranties;
And Limitation Of Liability, 40
Limited Product Warranty, 40
Obtaining Warranty Service, 40
Systems Returned to Alienware for Repair, 41
Replacing a Defective Component, 42
Return First, 42
Replace First, 42
Keep in mind, 43
30-day Money Back Guarantee, 44
Appendix E Contacting Alienware, 45
Sales, 45
Customer Service, 45
Technical Support, 46
Corporate Headquarters, 46
Appendix F Important Information, 47
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INTRODUCTION
Dear Valued Alienware Customer,
Welcome to the Alienware family. We are thrilled to include you among the
growing number of savvy HD Entertainment Center users.
The Alienware technicians who have crafted your machine have made certain that
your Hangar18: HD Entertainment Center is properly optimized and performs to its
fullest potential. We build machines with one single unwavering purpose: Build It
As If It Were Your Own. The technicians will not rest until your new machine meets
or exceeds our very demanding criteria!
We have tested your machine extensively in order to ensure that you enjoy the
highest levels of performance. In addition to a standard burn-in period, your
system has been evaluated using real-world tools such as synthetic performance
benchmarks.
We invite you to share your experience with your new HD Entertainment Center
with us, so please do not hesitate to either e-mail or call Alienware with any
questions or concerns. The entire staff shares your enthusiasm for new technology
and we hope that you enjoy using your new HD Entertainment Center as much as
Alienware enjoyed building it for you.
Sincerely,
Alienware Staff
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CHAPTER 1: SYSTEM PREPARATION AND SETUP
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CHAPTER 1: SYSTEM PREPARATION AND SETUP
Overview
Congratulations on the purchase of your Alienware Hangar18: HD Entertainment
Center! The Alienware HD Entertainment Center is the best Media Center solution
available for the living room environment.
From the comfort of your couch you can enjoy all your digital content (TV recordings,
movies, pictures and music) on your main living room HDTV. The HD Entertainment
Center enhances your digital entertainment in your living room by combining all of the
following components into one box:
• High-Definition Digital Video Recorder (DVR) for recording and playing back your
HD content
• Up to 4 TV tuners (two analog and two HD/digital TV tuners):
1. Base platform – (1 analog and 1 digital tuner) allows you to record 1 analog
and 1 digital/High Definition Over-the-Air (OTA) channel at the same time.
2. Optional platform – (2 analog and 2 digital tuners) allows you to record 2
analog and 2 digital/High Definition Over-the-Air (OTA) channels at the same
time.
• Digital amplifier for 5.1 speakers and subwoofer (5 channels- each delivering
200W at peak power)
• Wireless 802.11 b/g
• Gigabit Ethernet connection for downloading movies and other content
from the internet
• AMD Live!TM software applications running with Microsoft Vista OS
• Slim slot loading DVD/CD player/burner
• Bluetooth receiver for use with Bluetooth devices such as keyboards, TV remotes
and headphones
When Your HD Entertainment Center First Arrives
Before setting up your HD Entertainment Center or components, please inspect all
items for any physical damage that may have occurred during shipment. Report any
damaged items to customer service within 5 days of receiving the shipment. Shipping
damage reported after the first 5 days of receiving the shipment will not be honored.
Before setting up your HD Entertainment Center or components, please refer to the
included invoice to verify that all items ordered are present. Report any missing
components to customer service within 5 days of receiving the shipment. Anything
reported missing after the first 5 days of receiving a shipment will not be honored.
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Do not place the HD Entertainment Center near or over a radiator or
heating vent. If all or parts of your HD Entertainment Center are placed
in a cabinet, ensure that adequate ventilation is provided. Do not
place the HD Entertainment Center in a humid location or in any area
the HD Entertainment Center may be exposed to rain or water. Be
careful not to spill liquid of any kind on or into the HD Entertainment
Center.
Your HD Entertainment Center was designed to operate in an upright
position. Never power on or operate the system when not in an upright
position.
Do not block the ventilation holes on both the top panel and side
panels of your HD Entertainment Center, or overheating may occur.
Location and Positioning of Your HD Entertainment Center
When positioning your HD Entertainment Center, be sure that:
• It is placed on an surface that is both level and stable
• Power and other cable connectors are not jammed between the
HD Entertainment Center and a wall – or any other object
• Nothing obstructs airflow in front of, on side of, behind, or below the
HD Entertainment Center
To avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the top panel of your
HD Entertainment Center.
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Getting to Know Your HD Entertainment Center
This section provides essential information about your new HD Entertainment Center
to familiarize you with its various features and get you up and running quickly.
Front I/O Ports and Features
Power
Digital Camera
Memory Card
Disc
Eject
DVD/CD
Slot
Previous / Next
Back Button Play/FWD/RWD/Stop Record Button Volume Knob
USB 2.0 Microphone
Jack
Headphone
Jack
Fire Wire (IEEE 1394)
S-Video Input Port
Audio input Port (Left)
Audio input Port (Right)
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Power Button
Press the power button once to turn on your HD Entertainment Center. The Alienware
Head button will illuminate, indicating the system is powered on. Make sure that the
power supply switch on the rear panel of your system is in the ON position.
Disc Eject Button
Press the Eject button once to release DVD’s or CD’s from your HD Entertainment
Center unit.
Previous/Next Knob
Turn knob to scroll to the previous or next selection in your Vista Media Center screens.
Back Button
Press the Back button to navigate back one screen within the Vista Media Center screens.
Playback Button (Play/Forward/Rewind/Stop)
Press the Playback button to control the playback of your currently playing digital
content (ie., the current music track, picture in a slide show, or movie scene).
Record Button
Press the Record button to start recording the TV show you are currently watching.
FireWire (IEEE 1394)
Connect high-speed FireWire (also known as IEEE1394) devices such as digital
camcorders and external hard disk drives, to view the content on your tv.
Microphone Jack
Connect audio devices such as a stereo microphone, MP3 player, or any other audio
source using a 1/8” mini-jack.
Headphone Jack
Connect stereo headphones or other audio device using a 1/8” mini-jack.
USB 2.0
Connect high-speed USB 2.0 devices such as digital cameras, portable flash drives,
MP3 players, and game controllers.
0
I
Push this
side down
Note: Image below is located on the rear panel.
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Rear Panel I/O Ports and Features
SUB (1)
Subwoofer port.
Digital Amplifier (2)
Connect your 5.1 speaker wires directly to this built-in amplifier.
1394 (3)
Connect your high-speed FireWire devices.
Ethernet (4)
Wired connection to the internet.
S/PDIF Output- (Orange RCA plug) (5)
Digital audio output for connecting your stereo components.
Analog Audio Input (6)
1/8 inch plug for analog audio input.
NTSC Analog TV Input (7)
TV tuner input for analog signals
S-Video Input (8)
Input for S-Video feed.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
9
0
I
Optional second
TV tuner, supports
duplicate of features
6, 7, 8, and 9
Analog TV
HD/Digital TV
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HD/Digital TV Input (9)
TV tuner input for standard definition, and HDTV over-the-air (OTA).
Power Supply Switch (10)
Make sure the power supply switch is in the ON position before powering on your
Hangar18: HD Entertainment Center.
Power Socket (11)
Plug the power cord into the power cord socket and plug the other end into a grounded
power outlet, a grounded power strip or an (UPS) uniterruptible power supply.
Component Output (12)
For connecting your component cables (Y=Green, Pb=Blue, Pr=Red) inputs on your TV.
VGA Output (13)
For connecting your PC or TV monitor.
HDMI Output (14)
Plug the HDMI cord into the HDMI socket for connection to your HDTV (digital video and
audio into one convenient cable).
NOTE: If your HDTV only has a DVI input, you can use an HDMI-to-DVI converter cable.
In this case, you would need to use the S/PDIF or amplifier audio outputs to supply the
sound.
USB 2.0 Ports (15)
Four USB ports for connecting external USB devices. Use one of the these ports for
connecting your USB RF transceiver for receiving commands from you TV remote control.
Push this
side down 0
I
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S/PDIF Output (Toslink) (16)
Digital audio output for connecting your stereo components.
L/R Analog Audio Inputs (17)
Left and right analog audio inputs.
IR Blaster Ports (18)
Connect IR cables to control other devices like your VCR, Cable or Satellite set top.
Analog A/V Inputs (19)
Connect RCA cables to support inputting external devices like your VCR, Cable or Satellite
set top.
S-Video Input (20)
Input for S-Video feed.
S/PDIF Digital Audio Inputs (21)
Both RCA and Toslink inputs.
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Connecting to your HDTV or Monitor
For the optimal Home Entertainment experience, Alienware recommends connecting
the HD Entertainment Center to a 16:9 HDTV or monitor that must support High
Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP). If your HDTV or monitor does not support
HDCP, you will not be able to view HD video through HDMI or DVI connections.
HDMI Input
The best connection option is the HDMI connector because digital video and audio is
supplied to the HDTV by this one cable.
HDMI to DVI
NOTE: If your HDTV only has a DVI input, you can use an HDMI-to-DVI converter cable.
In this case, you would need to use the S/PDIF or amplifier audio outputs to supply the
sound to your HDTV.
Component Input
HDTV next best is component (YPrPb) – using this connector you would need to use
the S/PDIF or amplifier audio outputs to supply the sound.
Component Ouput
HDMI Port
HDMI Port
(HDTV must be HDCP compliant)
(HDTV must be HDCP compliant)
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Connecting Speakers
Connection to 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers
You can connect your HD Entertainment Center directly to your speakers using the
built-in amplifier, or to your own amplifier with the S/PDIF digital out.
On the built-in amplifier, each connector is labeled with one of the following, “FL, FR,
C, RL, RR”. There is also a SUB connector for connecting your subwoofer.
FL FR C RL RR
5.1 Surround Sound speakers
(FL) Front Left
(FR) Front Right
(RL) Rear Left
(RR) Rear Right
(C) Center
Subwoofer
S/PDIF
OUT
FL FR C RL RR
SUB
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Setting Up Your TV Remote Control
The Gyration TV remote control that comes standard with your HD Entertainment Center
is a universal remote that will control your HD Entertainment Center, TV, and Cable/
Satellite set top box (if you have them connected to your HD Entertainment Center).
The Gyration remote sends both RF and IR commands. RF is used to control your Vista
Media Center features, and IR is used to control your other devices (including TV and
Cable/Satellite set tops).
Note: IR Blaster cables must be used to send the IR commands from the rear panel of
the HD Entertainment Center to your cable or satellite boxes.
For the RF commands to work, you must plug in the USB RF transceiver that came with
your system. Please refer to the Gyration User Manual that came with your system
inside the black leather binder.
This remote also has a special feature that allows you to control a mouse-like cursor
on your TV screen. This feature allows you to navigate any screen that would typically
require a keyboard or mouse to enter information. Now you are free to sit back on your
Gyration mouse pointer:
• press and hold the
center, and move your hand
to move the mouse cursor
on your TV screen
• Release the center
button to “park” the cursor
where you want it
• Right and left buttons
function like standard
mouse buttons
• Refer to the manual
that came with the
remote for more detailed
instructions
Green button displays
Media Center main menu
couch with a TV remote, instead of using a keyboard and mouse.
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You can playback your Blu-ray DVD’s from the Vista Media
Center main menu.
Your HDTV or monitor must be HDCP compliant, otherwise
you will not see HD video from the DVI or HDMI ports.
Connecting and Viewing Blu-ray DVD
If your Hangar18: HD Entertainment Center supports Blu-ray DVD, then you must use
the rear panel HDMI or DVI outputs shown below to connect to your HDTV or monitor.
The component video, VGA, and HDMI outputs on the lower left side will not be
functional.
Note: If your system has
Blu-ray, these video
outputs shaded above
(component, VGA, HDMI)
will not be functional.
Note: If your system
supports Blu-ray,
use the HDMI or DVI
output here.
Putting Your Hangar 18 Into Away Mode
Alienware recommends that you keep the Hangar18 unit ON and connected to the
internet at all times. This ensures that your Hangar18 receives TV program guide
updates, can communicate with other PC devices in your home at any time, and
scheduled TV recordings will occur when you are away from your TV. However, the unit
can be put into “Away” mode where it appears to be turned off, where the front panel
LED lights will be turned off, but the unit is still fully operational to support all these
features.
To put the Hangar18 into Away Mode, simply press the TV remote control POWER
button while in Vista PC mode, or simply press the front panel POWER button on the
Hangar18. The front panel lights will turn OFF, however the unit will still record your
scheduled recordings while your TV is off and you are away.
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CHAPTER 2: START USING VISTA MEDIA CENTER
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CHAPTER 2: START USING VISTA MEDIA CENTER
Overview
Once your new Hangar18 unit is connected to your HDTV and your surround sound
speakers, you are ready to immediately start enjoying your new HD Entertainment
Center. Some of the key features with your Hangar18: HD Entertainment Center are:
• Recording up to 4 live TV shows at the same time (depends if your unit has 2
or 4 TV tuners)
• Schedule future recordings by looking for your favorite shows in the TV
Program Guide, and simply pressing the record button…no more VCR tapes!
• Pausing, Rewinding, and Catching Back Up to Live TV – so you don’t miss
a moment of your favorite live show when the phone rings, or a mini-crisis
arises some where in your home. Just press the PAUSE button on your
remote, and you can resume watching when you are ready.
• Accessing the internet to download movies, music, videos and other content
on-demand when ever you want.
• Setting up a wired or wireless network in your home to share all your digital
pictures, music and TV recordings with other TVs in your home.
Let’s Get Started…
Make sure the power switch on the HD Entertainment Center back panel is set to ON,
and press the power button on the front panel next to the Alienware head.
After a few moments, the below Welcome Menu screen will appear. Choosing
“Express setup” will allow you to start configuring your HD Entertainment Center
right away.
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