Avermedia A825 MediaCenter User manual

AVer MediaCenter
User Manual

DISCLAIMER
All the screen shots in this documentation are only example images. The images may vary
depending on the product and software version. Information presented in this
documentation has been carefully checked for reliability; however, no responsibility is
assumed for inaccuracies. The information contained in this documentation is subject to
change without notice.
COPYRIGHT
© 2008 by AVerMedia TECHNOLOGIES, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or
translated into any language in any form by any means without the written permission of
AVerMedia TECHNOLOGIES, Inc.
International Headquarter
Address No. 135, Jian-Yi Road Chung-Ho City, Taipei Hsien Taiwan
Website www.avermedia.com
Telephone [phone]
MCS-1.7.3
200809

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction.........................................................................1
1.1 Device Introduction........................................................................................................2
1.2 System Requirements..................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Activating AVer MediaCenter ....................................................................................... 3
1.4 Overview of AVer MediaCenter .................................................................................... 4
The Main Screen ....................................................................................................................... 4
The Main Control Buttons ........................................................................................................ 5
Navigation Tree......................................................................................................................... 6
1.5 Remote Control............................................................................................................... 6
Overview of the Remote Control (model 1).............................................................................. 7
Overview of the Remote Control (continued)........................................................................... 8
Overview of the Remote Control (model 2).............................................................................. 9
Overview of the Remote Control (continued)......................................................................... 10
Overview of the Remote Control (model 3).............................................................................11
1.6 Running AVer MediaCenter for the First Time.........................................................12
Chapter 2 Getting Started ..................................................................14
2.1 TV .................................................................................................................................. 15
Scanning TV Channels............................................................................................................15
Watching Live TV................................................................................................................... 16
Selecting a TV Channel ..........................................................................................................16
Adjusting Volume ................................................................................................................... 17
Specifying a Channel Name or Description............................................................................ 17
Fine Tuning Color and Quality of the Display........................................................................ 18
Deleting a Channel.................................................................................................................. 19
Editing the Channel Group Table............................................................................................ 20
Managing the Channel Groups ............................................................................................... 21
Using OverScan Function ....................................................................................................... 23
Changing the TV Channel Order ............................................................................................ 23
Capturing Images .................................................................................................................... 24
Recording a TV Program Directly .......................................................................................... 24
Playing a Recorded TV Program ............................................................................................ 24
Viewing Teletext Information (Available for PAL / SECAM or DVB-T System) .................. 25
Viewing EPG Information (Only Available for Digital TV) ................................................... 25
2.2 Radio.............................................................................................................................. 27
Scanning FM Radio Frequencies (Only available for FM Radio)........................................... 27
Listening to the Radio............................................................................................................. 28
Manually Scanning Specific FM Channels (Only available for FM Radio) .............................. 28
Selecting a Radio Channel ...................................................................................................... 29
Adjusting Volume ................................................................................................................... 29

Deleting a Channel.................................................................................................................. 29
Changing the Radio Channel Order ........................................................................................ 30
Recording a Radio Program Directly...................................................................................... 30
Playing a Recorded Radio Program ........................................................................................ 31
Setting the Audio Mode (Only Available for FM Radio) ........................................................ 31
2.3 Video.............................................................................................................................. 32
Playing Video Files ................................................................................................................. 32
2.4 Music ............................................................................................................................. 33
Adding Music to your Playlist ................................................................................................ 33
Playing Music ......................................................................................................................... 34
2.5 Pictures.......................................................................................................................... 35
Viewing the Captured Images ................................................................................................. 35
Playing Slide Show ................................................................................................................. 35
Chapter 3 Advanced Operations ........................................................36
3.1 TV .................................................................................................................................. 37
Using Schedule Recording...................................................................................................... 37
Using TimeShift...................................................................................................................... 39
Switching Between TV and External Video............................................................................ 39
Multi-Channel Display (Only Available for Multi-Card/Dual Tuner Series Users)................ 40
Multi-Program Display (Only Available for Digital TV)........................................................ 41
3.2 Radio.............................................................................................................................. 43
Using Schedule Recording...................................................................................................... 43
Using TimeShift...................................................................................................................... 45
3.3 Video.............................................................................................................................. 46
Picture-in-Picture(PIP) / Picture-by-Picture(PBP) Display..................................................... 46
Chapter 4 More Settings......................................................................47
4.1 General Settings............................................................................................................48
Configure Storage ................................................................................................................... 48
Configure Snapshot................................................................................................................. 49
Video Device (Only Available for Multi-Card / Dual Tuner Series Users)............................. 50
More Options .......................................................................................................................... 51
4.2 TV Settings.................................................................................................................... 52
Configure Analog TV / Configure Digital TV ÎConfigure TV Signal................................. 52
Configure Digital TV ÎConfigure TV Signal (Only for DVB-S users) ............................... 52
Configure Analog TV / Configure Digital TV ÎManage Programs ..................................... 54
Configure Analog TV / Configure Digital TV ÎConfigure Recording...................................... 55
Configure Analog TV ÎConfigure Timeshift ....................................................................... 55
Configure Analog TV / Configure Digital TV ÎConfigure Color Adjustment..................... 56
More TV Options .................................................................................................................... 56
4.3 Radio Settings............................................................................................................... 57
Manage FM Radio Programs / Manage Digital Radio Programs............................................ 57

Configure FM Radio Recording / Configure Digital Radio Recordings................................. 58
4.4 Video Settings ...............................................................................................................59
4.5 Picture Settings............................................................................................................. 60
4.6 About............................................................................................................................. 61
Appendix .............................................................................................62
Hot Keys ................................................................................................................................. 63
Glossary .................................................................................................................................. 64
Satellite Internet Access.......................................................................................................... 66
Universal DVB Plug-in...........................................................................................................69
Video Gaming Plug-in (for Microsoft Vista MCE only)......................................................... 70
Video Quality Enhancement Plug-in (for Microsoft Vista MCE only) ................................... 71
Common Interface for Conditional Access ............................................................................. 73

Chapter 1
Introduction
Thanks for purchasing AVer MediaCenter.
This powerful application allows you to
watch TV, listen to the radio, create slide
shows, record favorite programs and enjoy
other features on your PC. With our
easy-to-use remote control, you can enhance
your PC experience. Turn your computer
system into a real multimedia entertainment
center.
This Chapter will guide you through the
essential information of AVer MediaCenter.
Please do read this chapter before using this
application.
Please be noted the functions and images
may vary depending on the product you
purchase and the area you live.
Device Introduction.................................2
System Requirement................................2
Activating AVer MediaCenter................. 2
Overview of AVer MediaCenter..............4
Remote Control........................................7
Running AVer MediaCenter for the First
Time ........................................................10

Introduction
2
1.1 Device Introduction
Thanks for purchasing AVerMedia’s product. Please be noted that the functions or the remote control
mentioned in this manual may vary depending on the product you purchase and the area you live.
Product Name AVerTV TwinStar
Model No. A825
TV System ;Digital TV (;DVB-T ☐ATSC ☐DVB-S)
☐Analog TV (☐NTSC ☐PAL ☐SECAM)
Audio Mode ;Stereo ;Mono ;SAP
FM Radio ☐Support ;Not Support
Remote Control ;Support (☐Model 1 ☐Model 2 ;Model 3)
☐Not Support
External Signal
Source
☐S-Video ☐Composite
Others ;Teletext ☐MHEG-5
;EPG ☐iEPG
☐Closed Caption ;Digital Subtitle
☐CI/CA (optional)
Note iEPG is only supported in USA
Appendix ☐Satellite Internet Access (for Window XP only)
☐Universal DVB Plug-in (for Microsoft XP / Vista MCE, 32 bit only)
☐Video Gaming Plug-in (for Microsoft Vista MCE only)
☐Video Quality Enhancement Plug-in (for Microsoft Vista MCE only)
☐Common Interface for ConditionalAccess (optional)
Note: Diversity mode can utilize two or more antennas to improve the quality and reliability of
DVB-T reception.
Note: DVB is a registered trademark of the DVB Project.

Introduction
3
1.2 System Requirements
System requirements are described in detail below. Before using AVer MediaCenter, verify that your PC meets
the requirements below.
9Pentium 4 2.6GHz (Hyper-Threading) or Pentium Mobile 1.8GHz or above
9VGA card with 128M memory supports DirectX 9.0 or above
For HDTV, VGA card should support DXVA
9512MB RAM or above
9Sound Card
9200MB HD size
9Windows XP SP2 / Windows XP MCE / Windows Vista™ / Windows Vista™ MCE
For TimeShift and Record in MPEG-2：
9Intel Pentium® 4 3.0GHz (Hyper-Threading)
For HDTV (H.264) preview
9Intel® Core™2 Duo E6600
91G RAM or above
1.3 Activating AVer MediaCenter
To run the application, click Start, point to Programs,choose AVerMedia,select AVer MediaCenter and
then click AVer MediaCenter. Another way is to double-click the AVer MediaCenter program icon “ ”on
the desktop. Or, you can double-click the AVer Quick “ ”launcher located in the lower right corner of the
screen.
Note: AVerQuick allows to set the desired default application, which means you can
choose either AVerTV 6 or AVer MediaCenter as the default application when double
clicking AVerQuick icon . To do this, right click AVerQuick, choose “Setting”, and
select the preferred application in the “Application” tab.

Introduction
4
1.4 Overview of AVer MediaCenter
After running the software, the main screen of AVer MediaCenter appears, which includes “TV”, “Radio”,
“Video”, “Music”, “Pictures” and “Settings”. This section briefly introduces main menu, sub menus and
setting items. For more details, please refer to Chapter 2.
¾The Main Screen
Description
nTitle bar
oMain menu
pMain window
qTV monitor and control panel
rDisplay the system time
;Note: You will not see the TV monitor and control panel until scanning TV channels.

Introduction
5
¾The Main Control Buttons
Description
Go back the main menu
Go back one level
Open user manual
Minimize the application
Restore the previous size
Exit the application
Description
/ Switch from real-time TV or
Radio to TimeShift mode. / Freeze
the playback temporarily.
Stop the playback, recording,
TimeShift, etc.
Play the selected file
Record the current program.
Play the previous/next file in the
playlist.
Move backward or skip forward
in intervals.
Capture a single image or a
sequence of images.
Enable the PIP or multiple
channel display function.
Switch to display all the programs
that are under the same frequency
simultaneously. (This function is
only available for digital TV.)
Switch to different aspect ratios.
Go to the next upper or lower
active channel.
Turn on / off the sound.
Increase or decrease the sound.
Choose between available audio
modes

Introduction
6
¾Navigation Tree
;Note: The items may vary depending on the product you use and the area you live.
1.5 Remote Control
The remote control supports all the features of AVer MediaCenter. To use, just point the remote control at the
receiver, and press button.

Introduction
7
◎ MCE Remote Function: The remote control is compatible with Microsoft Media Center Edition. To
use the function, please go to our website to download the support software.
¾Overview of the Remote Control (model 1)
Button Description
(1)
Turn on/off the application.
(2)
Set the time to put your computer into
Standby/Hibernate mode, exit the
application or turn off the computer.
(3)
View Teletext / Close Caption information.
(4)
PIPMode: Turn on/off the PIP-positioning
function. When enabled, you can move the
selected screen using the arrow buttons.
(5)
Use numeric buttons to select a channel.
Use Clear to delete the unwanted digit or
letters.
(6)
Go back to the previous page.
(7)
Display the current program’s information.
(This function is not available for this device.)
(8)
Channel up and channel down.
(9)
View EPG information.(This function is
only available for digital TV and radio)
(10)
Capture an image or a continuous sequence
of images.
(11)
Main Screen: A shortcut to the main
menu--“TV”.
Teletext Mode: Jump to the teletext page of
the corresponding color according to this
button.
(12)
Main Screen: A shortcut to the main
menu-- “Video”.
Teletext Mode: Jump to the teletext page of
the corresponding color according to this
button.
(13)
Switch from real-time TV or Radio to
TimeShift mode.
(14) Play the selected file or temporarily freeze
the playback.
(15) Go to the previous item in the playlist.
(16) Move backwards in intervals.
(17) Change between available signal sources.

Introduction
8
¾Overview of the Remote Control (continued)
Button Description
(18)
Switch to different aspect ratios (4:3, 16:9,
Full Screen, Keep Aspect Ratio).
(19)
Switch to live TV source in full screen.
(20) PIP Mode: Turn on/off the PIP-sizing
function. When enabled, you can enlarge or
shrink the selected screen using the arrow
buttons.
(21)
Activate the Picture in Picture(PIP) /
Multi-Channel Display function.
(22)
Go to the main menu.
(23) Main Screen: Use the arrow button to
navigate all on-screen items. Use OK to
confirm the selection.
PIP Mode: Move or change size of the
selected screen by the arrow buttons.
(24) -Confirm the selection.
-Choose item from the drop-down list.
(25)
Turn off/on the sound.
(26)
Volume up / Volume down.
(27) Change between available audio modes.
(28)
Main Screen: A shortcut to your main
menu--“Pictures”.
Teletext Mode: Jump to the teletext page of
the corresponding color according to this
button.
(29)
Main Screen: A shortcut to your main
menu--“Music”.
Teletext Mode: Jump to the teletext page of
the corresponding color according to this
button.
(30) Stop the playback, recording, TimeShift,
etc.
(31) Record the current program.
(32) Go to the next item in the playlist.
(33) Skip forward in intervals.
(34) Return to previously accessed channel.

Introduction
9
¾Overview of the Remote Control (model 2)
Button Description
(1)
Turn on/off the application.
(2) Turn off/on the sound.
(3) Use numeric buttons to select a channel.
(4) Display TV in full screen.
(5)
Change between available audio modes.
(6) Main Screen: Use the arrow button to
navigate all on-screen items. Use OK to
confirm the selection.
PIP Mode: Change size or position of the
selected screen by the arrow buttons.
(7)
Volume up / Volume down.
(8)
Main Screen: A shortcut to the main menu--
“Video”.
Teletext Mode: Jump to the teletext page
of the corresponding color according to
this button.
(9)
Main Screen: A shortcut to the main
menu--“TV”.
Teletext Mode: Jump to the teletext page
of the corresponding color according to
this button.
(10)
View Teletext / Close Caption
information.
(11)
View EPG information. (This function is
only available for digital TV)
(12)
Record the current program.
(13)
Play the selected file or temporarily freeze the
playback.
(14)
- Go to the previous item in the playlist.
- Set the time to bring your computer out
of Stand By or Hibernate mode. (This
function is only available for AVerTV 6)
(15) Move backwards in intervals.

Introduction
10
¾Overview of the Remote Control (continued)
Button Description
(16) Skip forward in intervals.
(17)
- Go to the next item in the playlist.
- Set the time to put your computer into
Stand By / Hibernate mode, exit the
application or turn off the computer.
(This function is only available for
AVe r T V 6 )
(18)
Stop the playback, recording, TimeShift,
etc.
(19)
- Switch from real-time TV or Radio to
TimeShift mode.
- Temporarily freeze the playback. (This
function is only available for AVerTV 6)
(20)
Activate the Picture in Picture (PIP) /
Multi-Channel Display function.
(21) Capture an image or a continuous sequence
of images.
(22)
Main Screen: A shortcut to the main
menu--“Pictures”.
Teletext Mode: Jump to the teletext page
of the corresponding color according to
this button.
(23)
Main Screen: A shortcut to the main
menu--“Music”.
Teletext Mode: Jump to the teletext page
of the corresponding color according to
this button.
(24)
Channel up and channel down.
(25)
Go back to the previous page.
(26)
- Go to the main menu.
- Exit from CI/CA Information dialog.
(This function is only available for
CI/CA)
(27) Return to previously accessed channel.
(28) Change between available signal sources.

Introduction
11
¾Overview of the Remote Control (model 3)
Button Description
1. SOURCE Switch between available signal sources.
2. FULL SCREEN Display TV in full screen.
3. ●(Record) Switch to PVR mode and record the current program or video into your
hard drive.
4. (Rewind) Rewind the playback.
5. ■(Stop) - End the Playback or recording.
-End the TimeShift mode and return to real-time TV or Radio mode.
6. DISPLAY Display information.
7. VOL＋/－ Volume up/down.
8. Numeric Buttons - Select a TV channel.
-Under the 16-Channel preview mode, use 2 4 6 8 to highlight the
intended channel. (This function is only available for AVerTV 6)
9. CH RTN Go to the previously selected channel.
10. MUTE Turn on/off the sound.
11. CH ▲/▼Go up or down to the next active channel.
12. EPG Launch the Electronic Program Guide. (DVB-T only)
13. ►(Play) / PAUSE Play the last recorded or played file. / Freeze the playback.
14. (Forward) Advance the playback.
15. AUDIO Switch between available audio modes.
16. POWER Turn on/off the application

Introduction
12
1.6 Running AVer MediaCenter for the First Time
When you run the AVer MediaCenter for the first time, a set up wizard will automatically appear and take you
through all the necessary settings step by step.
1
1. . When a dialog box appears, click Yes.
2
2. . Choose the primary device or tuner for
watching TV or listening to the radio and
then select Next (as shown on the right).
Then choose Next again to continue.
3
3. . Choose the country where you located and
select the correct S-Video and Composite
Video Standard. Then select Next.
4
4. . Then the wizard will show the setting
process and lead you to set up all available
signal sources (As shown on the right).
Select Next to continue the process or select
Skip to ignore the setting.
5
5. . Determine the TV source and select Next.
6
6. . Select AutoScan to start scanning (As
shown on the right). After scanning, select
Next to continuously set up other signal
sources if any.

Introduction
13
7
7. . After finishing all settings, select Finish.
8
8. . Select Next to continuously set up other
device if any.
9
9. . If you want to re-configure all the settings
again, go the main page and select
“Select”ΓGeneral” ΓRun Wizard
Again.”

Chapter 2
Getting Started
This Chapter will start with the basic usage
of AVer MediaCenter, including scanning
programs, playing music, recording a TV/
Radio program, and so on.
Before using the application, it is necessary
to understand all the basic operations in this
chapter.
TV............................................................13
Radio.......................................................25
Video .......................................................30
Music.......................................................31
Pictures ...................................................33

Getting Started
15
2.1 TV
Under the TV main menu, you can enjoy watching TV, record your favorite program and so on.
¾Scanning TV Channels
If you didn’t run the setting up wizard, a dialog box will appear to prompt you to scan for channels when
selecting the main menu “TV”.
1
1. . When the Program Information dialog box
appears, select Yes.
2
2. . Then the wizard leads you to the “Settings”
page to automatically scan channels.
3
3. . You can check the scanning progress from
the progress bar. After scanning, the active
TV channels will be listed inside the box.
4
4. . Terminate the scanning, simply select Stop.
5
5. . If there are channels missing, select All
Frequency Scan. This may take you a
while, please be patient.
;Note:
1. If you didn’t follow the wizard to automatically scan channels, you can select “Settings” ΓTV” Î
“Configure Analog TV” or “Configure Digital TV” ΓManage Programs” and choose Auto Scan to scan
for channels.
2. After Media Center Edition scan, you may not be able to lock channels with AVerTV 6. Please restart the
computer to make it function normally.