Setting up your DAV Center ........................18 Connecting to the TV signal source ..........................18 Connecting to the TV signal using S-Video/Composite.................18 Connecting to the TV signal using a coaxial cable ..................19 Connecting the TV signal source to an existing setup ...................0 Using the TV as a Monitor .............................. Cables for connecting to a TV .......................... Connecting to a TV .............................. Connecting Infrared Receiver to external devices ......................5 Installing the wireless LAN antenna..........................5 Installing the digital TV/FM antenna ..........................6 Connecting to a digital video camera ..........................6 Connecting to other devices ..............................6 Configuring audio output ...........................27 Speaker configurations.................................7 Speaker types ................................7 Connecting to speakers ...............................8 Connecting to a home audio system ..........................9 Configuring audio output settings ..........................30 Configuring audio output via a speaker system ....................30 Configuring audio output via an HDMI device ....................3 ASUS DAV Center...
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Amplifier features ............................33 LEO (Listening Environment Optimizer) .........................33 Midnight mode ..................................34 Preset EQ modes ..................................34 Using Windows Media Center ........................35 Starting Windows Media Center ............................35 TV + Movies ....................................35 Watching TV ...................................35 Recording TV programs .............................35 Playing TV recordings ..............................35 Watching DVDs ................................35 Music ......................................36 Adding music CDs to music library ........................36 Playing Music .................................36 Pictures + Videos ..................................36 Viewing pictures ................................36 Watching videos ................................36 ASUS DAV Center 3...
Safety information Your ASUS DAV Center A33/A31/A33L/A31L is designed and tested to meet the latest safety standards for information technology equipment. However, to ensure your safety, it is important that you read the following safety instructions. Setting up your system • Read and follow all the instructions in the documentation before operating your DAV Center. • Do not use this product near water or a heated source such as a radiator. • Set up the system on a stable surface. • Openings on the chassis are for ventilation. Do not block or cover these openings. Make sure you leave plenty of space, 15 cm (6 inches) at least, around the system for ventilation. Never insert objects of any kind into these openings. • If you use an extension cord, make sure that the total ampere rating of the devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed its ampere rating. • Since your DAV Center is connected to a TV tuner, cable, or satellite receiver, make sure that the antenna or cable system is electrically grounded to provide protection against voltage surges and static electricity. Care during use • Do not walk on the power cord or allow anything to rest on it. • Do not spill water or any other liquids on your DAV Center. • When the DAV Center is turned off, a small amount of electrical current still flows. Always unplug all power, modem, and network cables from the power outlets before cleaning the system. • If you encounter the following technical problems with the product, unplug the power cord and contact a qualified service technician or your retailer. • The power cord or plug is damaged. • Liquid has been spilled into the system. ...
WARNING: Vital information that you MUST follow to prevent injury to yourself. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. TIP: Tips and useful information that help you complete a task. NOTE: Additional information for special situations. ASUS DAV Center ...
Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of the ASUS DAV Center A33/A31/A33L/A31L. The following illustration displays the package contents of your new ASUS DAV Center. Contact your retailer if any item is damaged or missing. Package contents OFF ON OFF ON Vol - Vol + Mute Eject Sleep E-Mail K/B Switch T/P Switch PrtSc Scroll Pause Lock SysRq Lock Break & Back Space Home PgUp " Caps Enter PgDn Lock <...
Getting started Preparing your DAV Center setup Before you start setting up your ASUS DAV Center, make sure that all of the following connections are available. Internet connection Your DAV Center requires an Internet connection to update the EPG (Electronic Program Guide) and to access the Internet. Make sure that you have access to a wired/wireless network before starting your Windows® Media Center software setup. Contact your Internet service provider (ISP) for more information. Video source Make sure that you have access to a video source before starting your ASUS DAV Center setup. Your DAV Center receives video input from a coaxial/S-video/composite cable. The video source usually comes from an antenna, a direct cable TV connection, a cable box, or a satellite receiver. Cable boxes and satellite receivers are also known as set-top boxes. Front view Press to open the front panel cover. 10 9 8 7 6 8 ASUS DAV Center...
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Recordable Super Multi Drive DL, DVD-RW, DVD+R & DL, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM. Super Multi Drive eject button Press to eject the disc. Power button Press to turn on/off your DAV Center. Volume knob Rotate to increase/decrease the volume. Stop button Press to stop playing a media file. Play/Pause button Press to play/pause a media file. Fast Forward button Press to fast-forward a media file. Rewind button Press to rewind a media file. Record button Press to start recording TV. Press to select an equalizer setting from Normal, Rock, Pop, Live, 11.* EQ button (A31/A33 only) Jazz, and Classic. Supports MMC, MMC 4.0, RS-MMC, RS-MMC 4.0, SD, Mini SD, Micro MMC/SD card reader SD (through adapter), and SDHC. MS/Pro/Duo/Pro Duo card Supports Sony Memory Stick (high-speed type included), MS PRO, reader MS Duo, and MS Pro Duo. Lights up to indicate that data is being transferred from a digital Card reader LED device to your DAV Center. CF card reader Supports CF I/II and IBM Microdrive. Plug an IEEE 1394 device (such as a digital camrecorder) into this IEEE 1394 port 4-pin IEEE 1394 port. Plug USB devices (such as a USB printer, camera, scanner, or USB port keyboard) into this port.
Rear view A33/A31 5* 6* A33L/A31L Name Description Power switch Press to turn on/off the DAV Center. Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector. 3A.** 5.1 channel amplifier Connect passive speakers to this amplifier. Connect active speakers to these jacks plus Stereo Audio Out 3B.** RCA Audio Out jacks jacks (No. 15) to achieve 7.1 channel effects. LAN port Plug a network cable into this port. Audio In jack Plug an analog audio device into this jack on the tuner card. **Refer to the “Configuring audio output” section for detailed speaker configurations. 10 ASUS DAV Center...
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Plug a wireless LAN antenna into this connector. ESATA port Connect to an external drive. Plug an optical (Toslink) digital audio cable into this port for digital S/PDIF Out port (optical) audio transfer. S/PDIF In port Plug an RCA cable into this jack for digital audio transfer. Plug an optical (Toslink) digital audio cable into this port for digital S/PDIF In port (optical) audio transfer. Plug the IR control cables into these ports to send input from the IR1/IR ports remote control to a set-top box to change channels. Plug a white (left speaker) and a red (right speaker) RCA cables from Stereo Audio Out jacks a stereo into these jacks. Connect to a stereo audio source using a white (left) and a red (right) Stereo Audio In jacks RCA cables. Plug USB devices, a printer, camera, scanner, or keyboard for example, USB ports x into these ports. Plug an IEEE 1394 device, a digital camrecorder for example, into this IEEE 1394 port 6-pin IEEE 1394 port. Plug an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) device into this HDMI port. Plug an S-video cable into this jack to connect to a display, a TV for S-Video Out jack example. Video Out port Plug an RCA cable into this jack to connect to a TV. Plug a component video cable into this jack to connect to a VCR, Component video ports set-top box, or DVD player. *For models with one TV tuner card, there is only one set of these four jacks ASUS DAV Center 11...
Using the Media Center remote control Use the remote to launch the Media Center program to watch TV, record TV programs, play video recordings or other media files such as music and movies. Refer to the table on the next page to familiarize yourself with the functions of the remote control buttons. 1 ASUS DAV Center...
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Information other menu options. Press to confirm an action. Channel up/down Press to change TV channels. Live TV button Press to watch live TV programs. DVD button Press to switch to DVD source. Enter Press to confirm a selection. 14.* Teletext buttons Available on European models only. Shift Toggles between numerical and alphabetical input. Clear Press to clear input information. Numeric keys Press to enter a channel number. Recorded TV Press to display a list of your recorded TV programs. EPG (Electronic Program Guide) Press to display the electronic program guide screen. Volume up/down Press to increase/decrease the volume. Mute Press to disable audio output. Four-way navigation keys Press to scroll through on-screen display menus. Return Press to return to the previous page. Previous track Press to go back to the previous track. Rewind Press to rewind a media file. Record Press to start recording TV. ASUS DAV Center 13...
Using the amplifier remote control The amplifier remote control allows you to activate all the amplifier-related functions to adjust the audio effect. Some of the Media Center functions are repeated on this remote. You can also use the trackball like a mouse. Refer to the table on the next page to familiarize yourself with the functions of the remote control buttons. 14 ASUS DAV Center...
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Environment Optimizer) your listening environment. Press to enter the mode suitable for pop music. Classical Press to enter the mode suitable for classical music. Jazz Press to enter the mode suitable for jazz music. Live Press to enter the mode suitable for live shows. Normal Press to enter the mode for general use. Rock Press to enter the mode suitable for rock music. Midnight mode Press to enter the midnight mode. Record Press to start recording TV. Previous track Press to go back to the previous track. Rewind Press to rewind a media file. Play/Pause Press to play/pause a media file. Left click Functions as the left click button of a mouse. Track ball Scrolls in all possible directions like a mouse. Return Press to return to the previous page under Media Center. Four-way navigation keys Press to scroll through on-screen display menus under Media Center. Press to confirm a selection under Media Center. Volume up/down Press to increase/decrease the volume. Bass up/down Press to adjust the bass sound. Mute Press to disable audio output. ASUS DAV Center 15...
E-Mail Vol - Vol + Mute Eject Sleep K/B Switch T/P Switch PrtSc Scroll Pause Lock SysRq Lock Break & Back Space Home PgUp " Caps Enter PgDn Lock < > Shift Shift ID Fn Ctrl Link The type of wireless keyboard varies with territories. 16 ASUS DAV Center...
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Rewind Press to rewind a media file. Play/Pause Press to play or pause a media file. Stop Press to stop playing a media file. Forward Press to fast-forward a media file. 10. Eject Press to open the DVD tray. Turbo/Silent Press to toggle between the Turbo/Silent mode Keyboard power switch Turns on/off the keyboard power. 13. Touchpad switch Enables/disables the touchpad function. Allows mouse movement by dragging your fingertip across the Touchpad surface. Left/right click buttons Act as the left/right click buttons of a regular mouse. ID Link button Press to connect the wireless keyboard to the DAV Center. • Your DAV Center features two operating modes: Silent mode (default): In Silent mode, the system automatically reduces the DVD-ROM transfer rate and the speed of the CPU and GPU. This provides a quiet working environment. Turbo mode: In Turbo mode, the system will use the highest DVD-ROM, CPU and GPU speeds to achieve optimum performance. This is ideal for system-demanding performance, such as video games or multi- function media processing. • The wireless keyboard is equipped with a power saving mode to reduce power consumption. When the wireless keyboard is left idle for more than three minutes, it enters the power saving mode. Press any key (except the touchpad and the left/right click buttons) to return to the normal state. ASUS DAV Center 17...
Setting up your DAV Center Connecting to the TV signal source Your DAV Center has connectors for S-Video/Composite/Coaxial input. If you use an S-Video or a Composite jack, you also need to connect the audio source using RCA stereo plugs. For Coaxial input, both the video and the video and audio signals are carried on one cable. Connecting to the TV signal using S-Video/Composite 1. For S-Video: Connect an S-Video cable (not provided) from a video source such as a cable set-top box, a satellite set-top box, or other video source device, to the S-Video jack on the DAV Center rear panel. OR For Composite: Connect the yellow RCA cable provided from a video source mentioned above to the Composite jack on the DAV Center rear panel. . Connect the stereo audio cables from the Audio Out jacks on the video device to the RCA adapter, and then connect it to the Audio In jack on the DAV Center rear panel. 18 ASUS DAV Center...
Connecting to the TV signal using a coaxial cable Connect a coaxial cable from a video device, such as a direct cable connection, a cable set-top box, a satellite set-top box, or an antenna, to the TV IN jack on the back of your DAV Center. TV IN For models with two TV tuner cards, connect a coaxial cable from the TV signal source to the input of the provided splitter, and then connect the splitter outputs to the two TV IN jacks on the DAV Center rear panel. TV IN TV IN ASUS DAV Center 19...
Connecting the TV signal source to an existing setup This section describes how to connect the DAV Center to an existing setup for your TV signal source. Wall to VCR to TV using coaxial cable 1. Remove the coaxial cable from the input to the VCR, and then connect it to the input of a coaxial cable signal splitter (not provided). . Connect two coaxial cables to the splitter outputs. 3. Connect one of these cables to the input of the VCR and the other to the TV connector on the back of the DAV Center. Existing setup Connect to DAV Center Wall Cable outlet Coaxial cable VCR In VCR Out TV In Splitter In Splitter Out I. TV In jack on the back of the DAV Center 0 ASUS DAV Center...
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Wall to Set-top box to VCR to TV using coaxial cable 1. Remove the coaxial cable from the input to the VCR, and then connect it to the input of a coaxial cable signal splitter (not provided). . Connect two coaxial cables to the splitter outputs. 3. Connect one of these cables to the input of the VCR and the other to the TV connector on the back of the DAV Center. Existing setup Connect to DAV Center Wall Cable outlet Coaxial cable Set-top box/Satellite In Set-top box/Satellite Out VCR In VCR Out TV In Splitter In Splitter Out TV In jack on the back of the DAV Center Remote control sensor cable Remote control sensor ASUS DAV Center 1...
Using the TV as a Monitor The TV Out capability of your DAV Center allows you to view pictures, watch DVDs, or play games on your TV. Cables for connecting to a TV You can connect your DAV Center to your TV with one of the following ways. The type of video cable you need may vary depending on which kind of TV connector you are using. • HDMI: recommended for its best quality • Component video (YPbPr) with stereo audio • S-video with stereo audio • Video Out with stereo audio • SCART Connecting to a TV HDMI connection (recommended) 1. Turn off your DAV Center. . Connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI connector on the TV and to the HDMI connector on the back of your DAV Center. If your TV has a DVI connector instead, plug the HDMI cable into an HDMI to DVI converter (not provided), and then connect it to your TV. Next, connect stereo audio cables to the Audio In jacks on the TV and to the Audio Out jacks on the DAV Center rear panel. ASUS DAV Center...
. Connect the component video cables to the Connect the component video cables to the the component video cables to the Component Video jacks on the TV and to the Component Video Out jacks on the DAV Center rear panel. 3. Connect stereo audio cables to the Audio In jacks on the TV and to the Audio Out jacks on the DAV Center rear panel. Do not use the S-Video, the Video Out, and the Component Video jacks at the same time. Use only one of them at one time. S-Video/Video Out connection 1. Turn off your DAV Center. . For S-Video: Connect the S-Video cable from the S-Video In jack on the TV to the S-Video Out jack on the DAV Center rear panel. OR For Video Out: Connect the yellow RCA cable to the Video In jack on the TV and to the Video Out jack on the DAV Center rear panel. 3. Connect stereo audio cables to the Audio In jacks on the TV and to the Audio Out jacks on the DAV Center rear panel. ASUS DAV Center 3...
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SCART connection 1. Turn off your DAV Center. . Connect the SCART/composite video/audio cable to the SCART connector on the TV and to the Video Out and Audio Out jacks on the back of your DAV Center. 4 ASUS DAV Center...
Connecting Infrared Receiver to external devices To connect an external device such as a set-top box: 1. Connect one end of the IR blaster cable to the IR1/2 port on the back of your DAV Center. . Connect the other end of the IR cable to the set-top box as shown. Installing the wireless LAN antenna To connect an external antenna to the wireless LAN card, fasten the external antenna to the WiFi Antenna connector on the back of your DAV Center. ASUS DAV Center 5...
Installing the digital TV/FM antenna To connect the digital TV/FM antenna, connect it to the connect it to the TV IN jack on the back of your DAV Center. TV IN The reception signal and quality of the Digital TV/FM antennas may vary in different regions. Connecting to a digital video camera To connect a digital camera or a digital video camera: 1. Turn on your DAV Center, and wait for the Windows® Vista™ OS to start. . Connect the video camera transfer cable into the camera and then into a free USB port or an IEEE 1394 port on your DAV Center. You can also use the 4-pin IEEE 1394 port and the USB port on the front panel. Connecting to other devices Other peripheral devices such as a printer, scanner, card reader, and PDA can also be connected to your DAV Center through the USB ports. 6 ASUS DAV Center...
Configuring audio output ASUS DAV Center supports different types of audio configurations. You may set up your DAV Center using stereo speakers or a multi-channel audio speaker system. Connect your speaker system to the DAV Center, and then configure your audio output through the software. Speaker configurations You may set up your DAV Center with the following speaker configurations: Name Speaker system Headphones None. (stereo) Left speaker, right speaker. Left speaker, right speaker, and a subwoofer. Two front speakers, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer. 6/5.1 Two front speakers, two rear speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer. Two front speakers, two rear speakers, two side speakers, a center speaker, and a 8/7.1 subwoofer. Home audio system Home stereo or home theater audio system with passive speakers. Speaker types An active speaker system must have its own power source. A home audio system does not require active speakers because the receiver provides amplification. A stereo speaker set is a left-right, two channel speaker system. A multi-channel audio speaker has a left- right front and left-right rear channel, and it may include a subwoofer and a center speaker. Side speakers are included in a more advanced system. A subwoofer provides enhanced bass sounds. “.1” indicates a subwoofer. For instance, 7.1 channels refers to an eight-speaker mode and uses two front speakers (left-right), two rear speakers (left-right), two side speakers (left-right), a center speaker, and a subwoofer. ASUS DAV Center 7...
Connecting to speakers ASUS DAV Center is equipped with Audio Out jacks that allow you to connect to an active stereo using RCA cables. To configure a multi-channel audio setup, the A33/A31 model, with a built-in amplifier, allows you to connect to 5.1 channel passive speakers using Y cables (not provided). The A33L/A31L model supports a 7.1 channel active speaker system, and you can connect speakers to these jacks using RCA audio cables. Refer to the table below for the audio connectors on the rear panel and their functions. For stereo speakers A33/A31/A33L/A31L Description Audio Out connects to active stereo speakers. For a multi-channel speaker system A33/A31 Description A33L/A31L Description Front left connects to a front left Audio Out left connects to a front speaker. left speaker. Front right connects to a front Audio Out right connects to a right speaker. front right speaker. Surround left connects to a rear Rear Surround left connects to a left speaker. rear left speaker. Surround right connects to a rear Rear Surround right connects to a right speaker. rear right speaker. Center connects to a center ...
Connecting to a home audio system You can also connect the DAV Center to your home stereo or home theater multi-channel audio amplifier to use your existing speaker system. • Analog output: Plug RCA audio cables from the Audio Out jacks on the DAV Center rear panel to your amplifier. Digital output: Plug an optical (Toslink) digital audio cable from the S/PDIF Out port on the DAV Center • rear panel to your amplifier. Center Front Subwoofer speaker Rear speakers speakers Amplifier ASUS DAV Center 9...
Configuring audio output settings Configuring audio output via a speaker system After connecting a speaker system to your DAV Center, follow the steps below to configure audio output: 1. From the Windows® desktop, double-click on the Audio Output Config icon. . Under the Playback window, select Speakers and click Set Default. 3. Click Configure and the Speaker Setup window pops up. 4. Select the speaker system you have and click Next. You may click Test to test each of your speakers. 30 ASUS DAV Center...
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5. Check the boxes that indicate the speakers present, and then click Next. This step is required only when you select a 5.1 Surround speaker configuration. 6. Check the boxes if you use full-range speakers, and then click Next. 7. Click Finish to exit the speaker setup. ASUS DAV Center 31...
Configuring audio output via an HDMI device If you use your TV with an HDMI connector as an audio output device, connect it to the DAV Center and follow the steps below to configure audio settings: 1. From the Windows® desktop, double-click on the Audio Output Config icon. . Under the Playback window, select Digital Output Device (HDMI) and click Set Default. 3. Click Configure and the Speaker Setup window pops up. 4. Select Stereo and click Next. 5. Check the Front left and right box, and then click Next. 6. Click Finish to exit the speaker setup. 3 ASUS DAV Center...
Amplifier features Your ASUS DAV Center A33/A31 comes with a built-in amplifier. The amplifier features enable you to optimize your listening environment with a touch of the button, saving you from complex audio setup procedures. LEO (Listening Environment Optimizer) The LEO™ technology virtually adjusts your speaker placement to deliver an excellent audio experience. With a microphone placed at the listener’s location, LEO™ sends out test tones to each speaker and analyzes the feedback signal to determine speaker distance, phase, sound pressure level, and related parameters. To activate the LEO™ function: 1. Plug the microphone into the microphone jack on the A33/A31 front panel and place it at your listening location. . A dialog box pops up to show that an audio 3. Click OK to confirm the setup. device is detected. Click OK. 4. Press the LEO button on your amplifier 5. Click OK to enter the LEO testing mode. remote. ASUS DAV Center 33...
6. The speaker detection begins. You can monitor 7. After detection, the speaker test begins. Keep the process on the TFT-LCD. quiet during this time to achieve optimal effects. Midnight mode Use the Midnight mode to watch movies at night. When you turn down the volume, this mode lowers the sound effects but keeps human voice clear. Press the Midnight button on your amplifier remote to activate this function. Preset EQ modes The preset EQ modes include Normal, Rock, Pop, Live, Jazz, and Classic. Choose the mode according to the type of music you are listening to. Normal Rock Live Jazz Classic To change the EQ modes, use your amplifier remote or press the EQ button on the A33/A31 front panel. 34 ASUS DAV Center...
To start Windows Media Center, do one of the following: • Press the Media Center button on your Media Center remote. • From the Windows® desktop, click Start > All Programs > Windows Media Center. TV + Movies Enjoy your TV/movie viewing experience with the TV + Movies feature. Use TV + Movies to watch live TV programs, record TV programs, watch recorded programs, view program information, and play DVDs. Watching TV 1. Press the Live TV button on the remote. The last viewed TV channel is displayed. . Use the Channel up/down buttons to change channels while watching TV. Recording TV programs 1. Use the Channel up/down or the numeric keys to select the program you wish to record. . Press the Record button on the remote to start recording. Playing TV recordings 1. Press the Recorded TV button to display a list of recorded TV programs. . Select a recording and press the Play button to play or press OK to view details. Media Center automatically records the program you are watching for up to 30 minutes and saves it to a buffer. Therefore, if you pause a live TV program, you can pick up where you left off. Refer to the “Time Shift” section in your DAV Center Application User Manual (included in the support DVD) for details. Watching DVDs Insert a DVD into the Super Multi Drive and the DVD will be played automatically. You can also press the DVD button on the remote to play it. ASUS DAV Center 35...
Music Music provides you with a complete music experience. You can listen to CDs or other music files, create your own playlists, view album information, and listen to music by albums, genres, artists, etc. Adding music CDs to music library 1. From the Media Center main menu, select Music. . Insert a CD into the Super Multi Drive. The CD will be played automatically, and a list of options appear on the left side of the “now playing” screen. 3. Select Copy CD, and then select Yes to confirm your choice. The CD is copied and saved as music files to the hard disk drive under music library. Playing Music 1. From the Media Center main menu, select Music > music library to display your music files. . Select music to play by albums, genres, artists, etc. Pictures + Videos Enjoy and manage your digital photos/videos or downloaded pictures/video clips using Pictures + Videos. You can browse the pictures individually or play them as a slide show with music background. Viewing pictures 1. From the Media Center main menu, select Pictures + Videos > picture library to display your picture folders. . Select a folder and press OK to open it. Select an image and press OK to view. To play the pictures as a slide show, highlight a folder and press the Play button to start playing it. You can also select Play slide show on the sidebar. Watching videos 1. From the Media Center main menu, select Pictures + Videos > video library to display your videos. . Highlight a video and press the Play button to start playing it. 36 ASUS DAV Center...