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CUSTOMERSUPPORT
INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOXFREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
AUGUST 1993AC452C
Computertop TV-II
1
COMPUTERTOP TV-II
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSIONRADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed an used properly, that is, in strict accordance with themanufacturer's instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class Acomputing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protectionagainst such interference when the equipment is operated in a commercialenvironment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely tocause interference, in which case the user at his own expense will be requiredto take whatever measures may be required to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for Radio noise emission fromdigital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant leslimites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans leRèglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté parIndustrie Canada.
TRADEMARKS
AT® and IBM® are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation.
Windows™ is a trademark, and MS-DOS® and Microsoft® are registeredtrademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
RCA® is a registered trademark of General Electric co.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners.
2
COMPUTERTOP TV-II
Contents1. SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................3
2. INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................4
3. INSTALLATION .......................................................................................53.1 Jumpers .........................................................................................53.2 VGA Feature Connector...............................................................53.3 Hardware Installation...................................................................63.4 Software Installation.....................................................................9
3.4.1 DOS Software Installation ...............................................93.4.2 Windows Software Installation ........................................9
4. OPERATION .........................................................................................104.1 Windows Test Drive ....................................................................10
4.1.1 Computertop TV Window Controls..............................124.1.2 Pop-Up Control Panel—Audio Controls......................134.1.3 Pop-Up Control Panel—Video Controls ......................144.1.4 Pop-Up Control Panel—TV Controls ...........................144.1.5 Edit Channel Dialog Box...............................................154.1.6 Pop-Up Control Panel Exit............................................15
4.2 DOS Test Drive ...........................................................................164.2.1 Audio Controls ...............................................................174.2.2 Video Controls ...............................................................194.2.3 TV Channel Controls.....................................................20
5. TROUBLESHOOTING .........................................................................22
3
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
System Bus — IBM® PC AT or compatible 286/386/486, 8 or 16-bit slot
System Requirements — DOS 3.1 or higher, or Microsoft® Windows 3.0
or higher
Monitor Support — VGA
Amplifier Power — 4 watts (2 watts/channel max.)
TV Channels — 122 channels covering broadcast and cable VHF and UHF channels.
Video Inputs — NTSC composite
Stereo speakers — 8 ohms
CD-ROM inputs — Accepts external and internal connections for stereo audio inputs from CD players or CD-ROM drivers
Stereo Audio Inputs — Accepts line-level stereo audio inputs.
TV Antenna Inputs — Adapters supplied to connect with 75-ohm coaxial
cable or 300-ohm flat antenna cable
Size — 4.2"H x 0.8"W x 9.6"L (10.7 x 2 x 24.4 cm)
Weight — 2 lb. (0.9 kg)
1. Specifications
4
COMPUTERTOP TV-II
The Computertop TV-II cardrequires an AT® compatiblecomputer (80286 or higher) with aminimum of 512K of RAM, a colorVGA monitor and a hard disk,running MS-DOS® 3.3 (or later) orWindows™ 3.0 (or later). Full-screenTV or video can be viewed in VGA(640 x 480) and SVGA modes (800 x600 and 1024 x 768). A TV or videowindow can be viewed only instandard VGA mode (640 x 480).
The Computertop TV-II board hasno requirements for system memory,interrupts, or DMA. It does not slowdown the system when displayingreal-time TV or video. TheComputertop TV software for bothDOS and Windows occupies lessthan 500K or hard disk space.
Before you begin installation, checkthe contents of your package. Youshould have the following items:
• (1) Computertop TV-II Card
• (2) stereo speakers, with cables
• (1) VGA Loopback Cable
• (1) Feature Connector Cable
• (1) Coaxial Cable Adapter (for antenna cable)
• (1) 75/300 ohm adapter (for twin-wire antennas)
• (2) “Y” cables
• (1) 5.25" Diskette
If anything is missing, call Black Box.
2. Introduction
5
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.1 Jumpers The Computertop TV-II card has two jumpers, JP13 and JP14. Thesejumpers select the I/O address forthe Computertop TV-II card in your system. You can install theComputertop TV-II card withoutchanging the factory jumpersettings. However, be prepared tochange the jumper settings andreinstall the card and software incase there is an I/O address conflictin your system.
JP13 JP14 I/O Address
IN IN 250HOUT OUT 220HIN OUT 280HOUT IN 350H
NOTE“IN” means that the jumperis installed, “OUT” meansthat the jumper has beenremoved.
3.2 VGA Feature ConnectorThe VGA Feature Connector is a card-edge connector or 26-pin headerlocated on your VGA board (or onyour motherboard if your systemhas VGA on the motherboard). Thesupplied Feature Connector Cableshould be connected between theVGA Feature Connector and theFeature Connector Cable Header on the Computertop TV-II card. See Figure 3-1.
3. Installation
Figure 3-1. Connecting the VGA Feature Connector and theComputertop TV-II Card.
VGA Card
ComputertopTV-II Card VGA
Monitor
VGALoopback
Cable
FeatureConnector
Cable
6
COMPUTERTOP TV-II
3.3 Hardware Installation
CAUTIONBe sure to ground yourselfbefore touching theComputertop TV-II or theinside of your computer.Static electricity canpermanently damagecomputer equipment. Youcan ground yourself bybriefly touching the metalcase of your computer.
Be sure to properly connect allcables to the Computertop TV-IICard. Otherwise, the card and youraudio/video equipment may bedamaged. Only shielded cablesshould be used to connect theComputertop TV-II card to external devices.
1.Check the System Requirementsin Chapter 1. Be sure you have a VGA adapter and color VGAmonitor, set to run in standardVGA mode (max. 640 x 480).Higher resolution VGA modeswill show TV or live video onlyon the full screen, but not in awindow.
2.Select the correct ComputertopTV-II jumper settings, asdiscussed in Section 3.1.
3.Turn off the computer and open it.
CAUTIONIt is very important that thecomputer power be off whileyou are installing the card.Your computer and theComputertop TV-II board canbe permanently damaged ifinstallation is attempted withthe power on.
4.Install the Computertop TV-IIcard in any 8- or 16-bit slot. Youmay have to first remove theblank back plate by removing ascrew; the same screw should beused to secure (and) ground theComputertop TV-II card. Insertthe card firmly into the slot.
5.Locate the VGA FeatureConnector on your VGA card or on the motherboard. If youcannot locate the VGA FeatureConnector, see Chapter 5.
6.Connect one end of the FeatureConnector Cable to theComputertop TV-II card and theother end to the VGA FeatureConnector. The FeatureConnector Cable provided withthe Desktop TV-II card has a single 26-pinfemale connector at one end toconnect to the Computertop TV-II card. The other end has botha card-edge and pin connectorto connect to the VGA FeatureConnector. Choose the one that fits your VGA FeatureConnector; the other connectoris not needed. The connectorson the Feature Connector Cableare “keyed” to prevent incorrectinstallation.
7
CHAPTER 3: Installation
7.Disconnect the VGA monitorcable from the VGA card, andreconnect it to the ComputertopTV-II card.
8.Connect the VGA LoopbackCable between the VGA card (or VGA OUT connector onyour computer) and theComputertop TV-II card.
9.Connect the TV antenna to theComputertop TV-II card. Twotypes of adapters are suppliedwith the Computertop TV-IIcard: (a) A coaxial adapter issupplied for use with any TVcable. First, screw the TV cableinto the coaxial adapter, thenfirmly insert the adapter into the TV Tuner. (b) If your TVantenna has a flat 300 ohm twincable, then use the 75/300-ohmadapter suppled. Connect thetwo wires to the 75/300-ohmadapter, screw the connectorinto the coaxial adapter, andfirmly insert the coaxial adapterinto the TV tuner. Be sure thatthe coaxial adapter is fullyinserted into the TV tuner onthe Computertop TV-II card, for good TV reception.
10.Connect the stereo speakers to the AUDIO OUT jack. Toconnect stereo speakersdifferent from those supplied,connect the left speaker to thered connector, and the rightspeaker to the black connectoron the STEREO AUDIO OUT“Y” cable. The Computertop TV-II card has an amplifier which
can deliver up to 4 watts of audiopower per channel, at maximumvolume. It is possible tooverdrive speakers with excessivevolume; the card will cut outtemporarily in this case toprotect the amplifier.
11.(Optional). If you have aninternal CD-ROM drive, andwish to use the on-boardamplifier and other audiofeatures of the Computertop TV-II card for CD-ROM audiooutput, connect a cable from theCD-ROM to the 4-pin connectoron the Computertop TV-II card.The CD-ROM drive should havean internal connection cablewith a flat 4-pin connector whichmatches the header on theComputertop TV-II card. (Thisheader follows the Mitsumistandard CD-ROM line-outspecifications.) A cable with a 4-pin connector should besupplied with your CD-ROMdrive; if not, contact the CD-ROM drive supplier.
NOTECD-ROM audio is selected asEXTERNAL audio only ifthere is nothing physicallyplugged into the Com-putertop TV-II card’sSTEREO AUDIO IN jack, asdescribed below.
8
COMPUTERTOP TV-II
NOTETo connect external audioand video devices to theComputertop TV-II card, youmust use shielded audio andvideo cables with male“RCA” plugs. These are tobe plugged into the female“RCA®” jacks on the ends ofthe “Y” cables supplied withthe Computertop TV-II board.
12.(Optional) An external videosource, such as a VCR,camcorder, or laserdisc playercan be connected to the blackconnector on the VIDEOIN/OUT “Y” cable. Be careful notto connect any external video inputto the red connector.
13.(Optional) To connect a VCRor other device to record videooutput from the ComputertopTV-II card’s TV tuner, you canconnect it to the red connectoron the VIDEO IN/OUT “Y”cable. To record the audio outputfrom the Computertop TV-IIcard’s TV tuner to the VCR,connect the STEREO AUDIOOUT to the AUDIO INconnectors on the VCR. Be sureto set the Computertop TV-II volumecontrol to a low setting. The VCRexpects a line-level audio output,not amplified audio. The VCRcan be damaged if its inputaudio level is too high.
14.(Optional) To connect a stereoaudio input (such as an audio CDplayer), connect the left channelto the red connector, and theright channel to the blackconnector on the STEREOAUDIO IN “Y” cable. A typicalaudio input would be the “LINEOUT” audio signal from a CDplayer or VCR. If nothing isplugged into the STEREOAUDIO IN jack then theCDROM AUDIO INPUT isswitched in as EXTERNALAUDIO.
15.Check that all connections arefirmly in place, and that thecables are all properlyconnected, and close thecomputer.
16.Turn the computer ON. Itshould boot-up normally. (If not, see Chapter 5.)
9
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.4 Software InstallationSoftware for operation in DOS andWindows is supplied with theComputertop TV-II card. Check theSystem Requirements in Chapter 1before installation.
In the following instructions, we areassuming that you are copying thesoftware from a 5-1/4” floppy, calledDrive “A” or “B,” to a hard diskcalled “C”. If your hard disk is called“D”, substitute “D” for “C”.
Check your MS-DOS and Windowsmanuals if you have doubts aboutnaming drives or how to copy from a floppy drive to a hard disk.
3.4.1 DOS SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
The DOS Computertop TV-IIsoftware can be installed from DOSor from Windows (see the nextsection for installation fromWindows).
To install the DOS Software for theComputertop TV-II:
1.Place the Computertop TVdiskette in Drive A or Drive B.
2.From the C: prompt, typeA:\dinstall or B:\dinstall
Installation is automatic. You areasked to reply to some questionsfor your specific computer. Ifyou are not sure, just accept thedefault values (The defaultvalues should work for mostcomputers).
3.4.2 WINDOWS SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
1.Place the Computertop TV-IIdiskette in Drive A or Drive B.
2. From the C: prompt, typeA:\winstall or B:winstall
3. Installation is automatic. Youwill be asked to reply to somequestions for your specificcomputer. If you are not sure,just accept the default values(they should work for mostcomputers). You will be giventhe choice of installing both theDOS and Windows ComputertopTV-II software, or only theWindows Computertop TV-IIsoftware. When installation iscomplete, you will see theComputertop TV-II icon in anew window titled“Computertop TV.”
10
COMPUTERTOP TV-II
Now that you have completed theComputertop TV-II installation, let’stake a “Test Drive” to get familiarwith the features of yourComputertop TV-II card.
The Windows Test Drive follows. Ifyou want to start with the DOS TestDrive, go to Section 4.2.
4.1 Windows Test DriveFrom within Windows, double-clickon the Computertop TV-II icon tostart the program. You will see theComputertop TV-II window. Untilyou are tuned to a good TV channel,it may not show anything but noise(as with any TV set). Hit the PgUp orPgDn keys to change channels, untilyou find a good “live” TV channel.Adjust the volume with the + and -keys. Try out the hot keys. Switchback and forth between the TVwindow and full-screen TV by hitting the ESC key.
From the Computertop TV-IIwindow, you can change the audiovolume up or down by clicking onthe buttons on either side of theMUTE button. You can turn thesound ON or OFF by clicking on theMUTE button. Change TV channelsby clicking on the buttons on eitherside of the Channel Numberwindow. Access the other controlson the Pop-Up Control Panel byclicking on the SET button. You canalso minimize the Computertop TV-II window to an icon.
You can move the Computertop TV-II window by clicking on the title barand dragging it. You will notice thatthere are some areas (near thecenter of the screen) which it willavoid. This is normal. Note that thecursor “disappears” behind theComputertop TV-II window. This is also normal.
Now return to the Computertop TV-II window. Click on the SET buttonto open the Pop-Up Control Panel.
At this point, you can tell theComputertop TV-II card tomemorize all of the “live” TVchannels in your area by clicking onthe AUTO SCAN button (this takesseveral minutes). Once AUTO SCANis completed, you will be able tojump directly from one active TVchannel to the next active channelusing the PgUp and PgDn keys. RunAUTO SCAN now if you like, andwhen it is finished, click on theDONE button to return to the mainComputertop TV-II window.Keep in mind that the hot keys areactivated only when theComputertop TV-II window is active(has input focus). The hot keys willnot be active if the Pop-Up Control
4. Operation
11
CHAPTER 4: Operation
Figure 4-1. Computertop TV-II Screen for Windows.
Computertop TV36
Control PanelAUDIOSource
Mode
TV External
Mono Pseudo StereoStereo Spatial Stereo
Audio ON when iconized
VolumeBalanceBassTreble
AUDIOSource
TV External
HueBrightnessContrastColor
TV
Cable TV
Auto Scan Edit Channel
DONE
CancelReset
Edit Channel
OKCancel
Delete Channel
Add Channel
345111438424854
4
Channel Fine Tune
12
COMPUTERTOP TV-II
Panel is open, or if any otherapplication has input focus.
To “freeze” the Computertop TV-II window, position the cursorinside the Computertop TV-IIwindow so that it disappears, thenclick the LEFT mouse button. Clickagain to switch between “live” and“freeze-frame.” It is possible to“freeze-frame” only in theComputertop TV-II window. Youcannot “freeze frame” when theComputertop TV-II card isdisplaying full-screen TV or video.
Similarly, you can resize theComputertop TV-II window: Positionthe cursor inside the ComputertopTV-II window so that it disappears,then click the RIGHT mouse button.Click again to switch between l/9and 1/16 size Computertop TV-IIwindow. To switch between theComputertop TV-II window and full-screen TV or video, hit the ESC key.
4.1.1 COMPUTERTOP TV-II WINDOWCONTROLS
At the top of the Computertop TV-II window are the usual Windowscontrols to Open and Close thewindow, and to minimize it to anicon. These function normally, aswith any other Windows program.
• CLOSE WINDOW — To closethe Computertop TV-II window,click on the button in the upperleft corner and select Close. Youwill then be asked if you wish tosave all Computertop TV-IIsettings. Click on “Yes” or “No”,as desired.
• MOVE WINDOW — Click onthe title bar, hold the left mousebutton down and drag thewindow to a new location (this isa standard Windows operation).You will notice that theComputertop TV-II window willonly accept locations away fromthe center of the screen. This isnormal.
• WINDOW TO ICON — Toreduce the window to an icon,click on the minimize button inthe upper right corner of theComputertop TV-II window.
• ICON TO WINDOW — Toreturn from an icon to a window,double click on theComputertop TV-II icon, orclick once and select Restore.
• WINDOW TO/FROM FULLSCREEN — To change fromthe Computertop TV-II windowto full-screen Computertop TV-IIdisplay, or vice-versa, hit the ESCkey.
13
CHAPTER 4: Operation
4.1.2 POP-UP CONTROL PANEL—AUDIOCONTROLS
The upper part of the CONTROLPANEL contains the audio controls.They are listed as they appear on themenu from top to bottom:
• AUDIO SOURCE (TV OREXTERNAL) — Click on thebutton you wish to select.Clicking “TV” causes the audioto play from the on-board TVtuner. Clicking “External”switches the audio to play froman external source (such as CDplayer) which is connected tothe AUDIO IN connector on theComputertop TV-II card. WhenEXTERNAL AUDIO is selected,the Computertop TV-II card plays audio from thesource connected to theSTEREO AUDIO IN jack. Ifnothing is physically connectedto this jack, then the CD-ROMaudio signals from the 4-pinheader are switched in asEXTERNAL AUDIO.
• AUDIO MODE — This gives youa choice of audio enhancementswhich may make your audiosound much better. With thesound on, switch between thedifferent modes: MONO,STEREO, PSEUDO STEREO,and SPATIAL STEREO.
• AUDIO SETTINGS — The fourslider bars let you click on thearrows or drag the button inorder to control:
VOLUME
BALANCE
BASS
TREBLE
Normal settings are near thecenter on all of these slider barsexcept volume, where normal isabout 3/4 the way to the right.
NOTEThe Computertop TV-IIsupports full stereo sound,but most TV broadcasts aremono, which plays throughthe left channel. You will nothear anything if you are setfor STEREO or PSEUDOSTEREO sound and haveBALANCE set to the RIGHT.To correct this, you caneither change the BALANCEsetting to the center, orchange the mode to MONOor SPATIAL STEREO. InSPATIAL STEREO mode,you get the effect of fullstereo, even with mono TVsources.
• AUDIO ON/OFF WHENICONIZED — Click the box toturn it on and off. If you selectthis option, you will hear soundwhen the Computertop TV-IIwindow is reduced to an icon.You can monitor the soundwhile you work on the PC andrestore the Computertop TV-IIwindow when you hearsomething interesting.
14
COMPUTERTOP TV-II
4.1.3 POP-UP CONTROL PANEL— VIDEOCONTROLS
• VIDEO SOURCE (TV OREXTERNAL) — Click on thebox you want to select. Clicking“TV” switches the video to theon-board TV tuner. Clicking“EXTERNAL” switches the videoto an external source (such asVCR, laserdisc player or videocamera) connected to the blackconnector on the VIDEOIN/OUT “Y” cable.
• VIDEO SETTINGS — The fourslider bars let you either click onthe arrows or drag the buttonand control the following:
HUE — Normally set to the farleft, as low as possible.
BRIGHTNESS — Normally setnear the middle.
CONTRAST— Normally set nearthe middle.
COLOR — Normally set nearthe middle.
4.1.4 POP-UP CONTROL PANEL- TVCONTROLS
From the Pop-Up Control Panel, youcan control the Computertop TV-IIcard’s TV tuner. You can chooseBroadcast TV or Cable TV reception,execute the Autoscan function, andalso edit the list of active TVchannels scanned by the Autoscanfunction.
• AUTOSCAN — This is animportant feature of theComputertop TV-II card whichlets it automatically scan the“live” TV channels in your area.When you click on theAUTOSCAN button, it checkseach channel and prepares a listof “active” channels which have a good TV signal. At the sametime, it automatically fine tunesto each channel. This takesseveral minutes to complete. Youcan run AUTOSCAN at any time(for example if you connect abetter antenna, you may want to see which new channels nowbecome available, and set themup also). You can also add ordelete channels manually fromthe channel list (see the EDITCHANNEL instructions, whichfollow).
Connect a good TV antenna tothe Computertop TV-II card,and run AUTO SCAN now (ifyou have not already done so).
NOTEIn order to retain theAUTOSCAN channel list forthe future, you must respond“Yes” when you close theComputertop TV-II windowand you are asked if youwant to save settings.
15
CHAPTER 4: Operation
• EDIT CHANNEL — When youclick on this button, an EditChannel dialog box opens. Thisis described further below.
• CABLE TV — Choose thisoption if you are watching cable-TV instead of “off-the-air”broadcast TV. If this box ischecked, the Computertop TV-II card will tune to cable-TVchannels. Otherwise, it willreceive broadcast TV channels.
4.1.5 EDIT CHANNEL DIALOG BOX
This dialog box lets you manuallyadd or delete TV channels from theComputertop TV-II channel list.
• TO ADD A CHANNEL — In the Channel box, type in thechannel number you wish to add to the Computertop TV-IIchannel list. Then click on theADD CHANNEL button. Thiswill add the desired channel tothe Computertop TV-II channellist, and also tune to itimmediately.
• TO DELETE A CHANNEL —Click on the channel number inthe Active List Box so that it ishighlighted, then click on theDELETE CHANNEL button.The highlighted channel will bedeleted. (If you delete one byaccident, you can ADD it back,as described in the previousparagraph.)
• TO FINE-TUNE A CHANNEL—Adjust the Fine Tune slider bar.The Computertop TV-II cardallows you to individually fine-tune each channel in its channellist. The fine-tuning settings arealso saved together with thechannel list when you respond“Yes” to the query at the time theComputertop TV-II window isclosed.
4.1.6 POP-UP CONTROL PANEL EXIT
• RESET — All settings arerestored to factory defaults.
• CANCEL — Current changes tothe Control Panel settings areignored.
• DONE — Returns to theComputertop TV-II window;current changes are retained.
If you have not done so yet, try thehot key controls . These keys areactive only when you have selectedthe Computertop TV-II window (sothat you can use the same keysnormally within other Windowsprograms). The hotkeys allow you tocontrol volume, channel, and manyother settings directly from thekeyboard. To try them, first selectthe Computertop TV-II window(click on the title bar of the
16
COMPUTERTOP TV-II
Computertop TV-II window to selectit). Many of the hotkeys willcontinue to increase or decrease ifyou hold them down; for example,try out the hot keys for volume (+and -) by hitting them once and thenby holding them down for a longertime. The hot keys work in full-screen TV mode and also in TVwindow mode; they are not case-sensitive.
4.2 DOS Test DriveOnce the DOSPCTV.EXE softwarehas been installed, do the following:
1.Choose the subdirectory inwhich DOSPCTV.EXE is located.
2.Type DOSPCTV.
3. The DOS Computertop TVmenu screen should appear,together with TV or video in awindow. See Figure 4-2.
4.You can select any choice on thescreen by hitting the hot keyshighlighted in color on theComputertop TV menu. Noticethat the menu is divided intothree areas: AUDIO, VIDEO and TV CHANNEL controls. Tryhitting the PgUp and PgDn keysto see how the channel settingmoves up and down. Select achannel which is active in yourviewing area. Try hitting the +and - keys to see how the volumeincreases and decreases,respectively. Hit SPACEBAR afew times to see how MUTEworks.
5.To switch between differentvideo window sizes or to switchto full-screen TV, hit the ESC keyrepeatedly. You will switchbetween 1/16 size TV window,1/4 size TV window, and full-screen TV, then return back tothe Computertop TV menuscreen. Use the arrow keys tomove the TV window. It isnormal for the TV window to“jump” between locations.
6.Now use AUTOSCAN to searchactive TV channels in yourviewing area. Hit Ctrl-A to startAUTOSCAN; it may take a fewminutes. Once AUTOSCAN iscompleted, you can directlyjump between active TVchannels using PgUp and PgDn.
Once this is complete, you cansee the effect by hitting thePgUp and PgDn keys. Your PCcan remember these activechannel settings, so you don’thave to repeat AUTOSCANunless you want to.
NOTEWhen you quit theComputertop TV program,you will be asked whetheryou want to "Save Settings".Be sure to respond “Yes” ifyou want to save theAutoscan results.
7.You can now DELETECHANNELS from memory byhitting the D key. You will beasked to enter the channel to be deleted.
17
CHAPTER 4: Operation
8.You can ADD CHANNELS tomemory by hitting the A key.You will be asked to enter thechannel to be added.
9.Once you have selected a live TVchannel and have both audioand video playing, you can testthe other hotkeys.
NOTEMost HOTKEYS (such as the+ key) will continue tochange the settings if youhold them down, so releasethem as soon as you havethe right setting. Eitherupper-case or lower-caseletters can be used (forexample, either “C” or “c”will have the same effect).
4.2.1 AUDIO CONTROLS
The X and U keys permit you toselect between EXTERNAL AUDIOand TV AUDIO. This is useful if youhave an external audio source, suchas a VCR or CD player connected tothe AUDIO IN connector.
NOTEWhen EXTERNAL AUDIO isselected, the ComputertopTV board plays audio fromthe source connected to theSTEREO AUDIO IN jack. Ifnothing is physicallyconnected to this jack, thenthe CD-ROM audio signalsfrom the 4-pin header areswitched in as EXTERNALAUDIO.
The F1 key toggles between theAUDIO MODE settings (MONO,STEREO, SPATIAL STEREO andPSEUDO STEREO). Try hitting theF1 key a few times, listening to thedifference each time. Notice that theselected MODE is indicated in theAUDIO part of the screen. Choosethe setting that sounds best.PSEUDO STEREO and SPATIALSTEREO modes are enhanced stereomodes delivered by theComputertop TV card’s built-in hi-fistereo processor.The + and - keys control the AUDIOVOLUME, as you have already seen.If you hold the key down, thevolume will continue to increase ordecrease until you let go. Avoidoverloading the amplifier andspeakers with too much volume. Ifyou do so, the sound may go off for ashort time,until the system recovers.This “cut-out” feature is intended toprevent permanent damage to theComputertop TV-II card.
The N and Ctrl N keys change theBALANCE from left to right. HittingN moves the balance to the leftspeaker; hitting Ctrl-N (holdingdown the Ctrl key while you hit theN key) moves the balance to theright speaker.
18
COMPUTERTOP TV-II
Computertop TV Control Panel
( ) EXternal(X) TV AUdio
+ Volume UP- Volume Dn
S Bass UP<CtrlS>Bass DN
<Space Bar>
AUDIO<F1> Mode SwitchMode: Stereo
N Balance L<CtrlN>Balance R
T Treble UP<CtrlT> Treble DN
Mute Switch
( ) EXternal(X) TV Video
B Brite UP<CtrlB>Brite Dn
R Color UP<CtrlR>Color DN
VIDEO
H Hue UP<CtrlH>Hue DN
K Contrast UP<CtrlT>Cont DN
Move Video
TV ChannelsCHANNEL= 54<CtrlA> Autoscan
PgUp Channel UPPgDn Channel DN
A Add ChannelD Delete Channel
(X) BrOadcast( ) Cable TV
Please type in the channel you want to tune: 54
ESC toggles Size of VideoZ to EXIT with Video ONQ to EXIT with Video OFF
���
�
Figure 4-2. Computertop TV Menu Screen for DOS.
19
CHAPTER 4: Operation
NOTE The Computertop TV-IIsupports full stereo sound,but most TV broadcasts aremono, which plays throughthe left channel. You will nothear anything if you are setfor STEREO or PSEUDOSTEREO sound and haveBALANCE set to the right. Tocorrect this, you can eitherchange the BALANCEsetting to the center, orchange the mode to MONOor SPATIAL STEREO. InSPATIAL STEREO mode,you get the effect of fullstereo, even with mono TVsources.
The S and Ctrl-S keys change theBASS settings. Hitting S increasesbass; hitting Ctrl-S (holding downthe Ctrl key while you hit the S key)decreases bass.
The T and Ctrl-T keys change theTREBLE settings. Hitting T increasestreble; hitting Ctrl-T (holding downthe Ctrl key while you hit the T key)decreases treble.
The SPACEBAR turns Mute ON andOFF. (When Mute is on, the sound isoff).
4.2.2 VIDEO CONTROLS
The E and V keys permit you toselect between External Video andTV Video. (This is useful if you havean external video source, such as aVCR or Laserdisc player, connectedto the VIDEO IN connector on the"Y" cable.)
The B and Ctrl-B keys change theBRIGHTNESS settings. Hitting Bincreases brightness; hitting Ctrl-B(holding down the Ctrl key whileyou hit the B key) decreasesbrightness.
The H and Ctrl-H keys change theHue settings. Hitting H increaseshue; hitting Ctrl-H (holding downthe Ctrl key while you hit the H key)decreases hue.
The R and Ctrl-R keys change theCOLOR settings. Hitting R increasescolor; hitting Ctrl-R (holding downthe Ctrl key while you hit the R key)decreases color. (“Color” is alsocalled “Saturation” or “ColorSaturation”.)
The K and Ctrl-K keys change theCONTRAST settings. Hitting Kincreases contrast; hitting Ctrl-K (holding down the Ctrl keywhile you hit the K key) decreasescontrast.
4.2.3 TV CHANNEL CONTROLS
The current channel numberappears in this area of the screen.
You may have already usedAUTOSCAN, which is activated byhitting Ctrl-A. This selects the activeTV channels. It takes a few minutesto scan all the active TV channels inyour viewing area.
The PgUp and PgDn keys increaseor decrease the selected channelnumber.
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COMPUTERTOP TV-II
The A and D keys are used to addand delete channels, as explainedearlier.
The O and C keys are used to selectbroadcast or cableTV reception.
The ESC key is used to switchbetween different TV window sizes,display full-screen TV, or return backto the DOS menu screen.
The Q key is used to quit and returnto DOS.
NOTEIt is recommended that yousave changes, especiallyafter running AUTO SCAN.
The Z key is used to quit and returnto DOS, with the TV window active.For audio monitoring only, hit ESCto not display a TV window, then hitZ. First make all your ComputertopTV selections in the DOS menuscreen, position the TV windowwhere you want it, then hit Z. Youcan then run any other DOSapplication with the ComputertopTV window active.
Table 4-1 lists the hot keys. The hotkeys will work in DOS only whenDOSPCTV.EXE is running, or inWindows only when theComputertop TV window has beenselected and the pop-up ControlPanel is not open. To select theComputertop TV window, click theleft mouse button on the title bar ofthe Computertop TV window. Mosthot keys will repeat if you hold themdown. Unless indicated otherwise,the same hot keys work in DOS aswell as Windows.
We have tried to anticipate the mostcommon problems and mistakes thatusers might make in installing andusing the Computertop TV Card.Please read this section beforecalling Black Box.
Problem
Computer won’t start up(“boot”) normally after theComputertop TV card isinstalled.
Solution
a.Check whether the power cord is plugged in.
b.Check whether the VGA monitorcable is connected properly tothe Computertop TV card (notto the VGA card).
c.Check whether the VGALoopback Cable is properlyconnected between theComputertop TV card and the VGA card.
d.If all of the above is OK, thenturn your computer off andrepeat the HardwareInstallation, checking to be surethat the Feature ConnectorCable is properly installed.
e.If you still have a boot-upproblem, it is most likely an I/Oaddress conflict. Change jumpersettings on the Computertop TVcard and re-install theComputertop TV software.
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CHAPTER 4: Operation
Table 4-1. Hot Keys.
Command Hot Key
Mute [Spacebar] (Toggles on/off)Volume Up +Volume Down -Switch Audio Mode [F1] (Toggles through 4 modes) (DOS only)Switch to External Audio x or X (DOS only)Switch to TV Audio u or U (DOS only)Increase Bass s or SDecrease Bass Ctrl-s or Ctrl-SIncrease Treble t or TDecrease Treble Ctrl-t or Ctrl-TBalance-Left n or NBalance-Right Ctrl-n or Ctrl-NSwitch to External Video e or E (DOS only)Switch to TV Video v or V (DOS only)Brightness up b or BBrightness down Ctrl-b or Ctrl-BHue up h or HHue down Ctrl-h or Ctrl-H Color up r or RColor Down Ctrl-r or Ctrl-RContrast Up k or KContrast Down Ctrl-k or Ctrl-KTV Channel Up [PgUp]TV Channel Down [PgDn]Add Channel to Memory a or A (DOS only)Delete Channel from Memory d or D (DOS only)Select Broadcast TV o or O (DOS only)Select Cable TV c or C (DOS only)Autoscan Ctrl-a or Ctrl-ADesktop TV Window/Full Screen Switch [ESC] (DOS only)Quit (Exit to DOS with DTV OFF) q or Q (DOS only)
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COMPUTERTOP TV-II
Problem
Can’t find the VGA FeatureConnector.
The VGA Feature Connector is a26-pin connector which providesdigital VGA signals to theComputertop TV card. Thisconnector is located on the VGAcard (or on the motherboard ifthe VGA chip is located on themotherboard). This is usually a“card-edge connector,” but someVGA cards have a “headerconnector.” Some VGA cardsand PCs may not have a VGAFeature Connector, even thoughstandards for VGA cards requireit.
Solution
If your VGA card does not have a VGA Feature Connector, thenthe Computertop TV Card willdisplay video or TV only on thefull screen, but not in awindow.You may want to replaceyour VGA card with anotherVGA card that has a VGAFeature Connector.
Problem
Windows runs properly, but theComputertop TV window doesnot come up when you type WIN WINPCTV from the DOSprompt, or the Computertop TVwindow does not come up whenyou double-click on theComputertop TV icon inWindows.
Solution
a.Repeat the Computertop TVWindows Software Installation. If this does not help, you mayhave an I/O address conflict,and need to change I/O jumpersettings.
b.Make sure that the VGA FeatureConnector is enabled (refer toyour VGA card’sdocumentation) and your VGA is in 640 x 480 mode.
Problem
The Computertop TV windowappears when you run theprogram, but it shows only ablank screen or static in thewindow.
Solution
a.Switch to full screen mode byhitting the ESC key. If you nowsee live video, your computer isnot set to Standard VGA mode(640 x 480) or there is a FeatureConnector problem. Return toWindows Setup and select 640 x480 VGA resolution, if necessary.
b.If you do not see live video infull-screen mode either, see theSolution to the next Problem.
5. Troubleshooting
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CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting
Problem
No video, or just static, appearsin full-screen TV mode or in thevideo window.
Solution
a.Check that your antenna isconnected and that you aretuned to a good TV channel foryour area.
b.Check the Control Panel to seethat have selected CABLE TV (ifyou are connected to Cable) orunselected CABLE TV, (no “X”in the box on the Control Panel)if you are not connected toCable).
c.Check that you have selected thesource of video that you want tosee (TV or EXTERNAL) on theControl Panel. See Chapter 4section for instructions on howto make this selection.
d.Be sure you are in one of theStandard VGA or SVGA modessupported by the ComputertopTV card (see SystemRequirements in Chapter 1).
e.See your Windows manual forinstructions on setting the VGAmode, or ask your dealer if youare not sure.
Problem
No sound.
Solution
a.Check that your speakers areconnected to the AUDIO OUTconnector. If you are using anexternal audio source, checkthat it is connected properly tothe AUDIO IN jack.
b.Click the MUTE button or pressthe SPACEBAR a few times tosee if you may have muted thesound.
c.Check the Control Panel to besure that you have selected theproper AUDIO SOURCE (TV orEXTERNAL).
d.Move the Volume control on theControl Panel (or hit the + key)to increase the volume.
e.Move the BALANCE controL Setthe BALANCE to the center orchange the audio mode settingto MONO or SPATIAL STEREO.
f.Change TV channels, to be surethere is sound coming in.
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COMPUTERTOP TV-II
Problem
Unusual colors (blue skin, etc).
Solution
a.Use the hotkeys (H and Ctrl-Hfor Hue, R and Ctrl-R for Color)or go to the Control Panel andchange the HUE and COLORsettings. Reduce Hue to thelowest value (far left on theslider).
b.Once HUE is reduced to aminimum, reducing the Colorlevel may display more normalcolors.
Problem
“Smearing” or too much contrastin the video picture.
Solution
Use the hotkeys (K and Ctrl-Kfor Contrast, B and Ctrl-B forBrightness, R and Ctrl-R forColor) or go to the ControlPanel and reduce the settings forCONTRAST, BRIGHTNESS, orCOLOR. If you can’t fully adjustusing the Control Panel, use the adjustments on the VGAmonitor first to get the bestimage, then fine tune using theComputertop TV Control Panel.
Problem
No video when EXTERNALVIDEO source is connected(such as VCR or laserdisc).
Solution
a.Check that the external video isconnected to the correct VIDEOIN connector on the “Y” cable(the black one, not the red one).
b.On the Control Panel, check thatEXTERNAL is selected as theVIDEO SOURCE.
c.Check that the external videosource is properly connectedand that it is turned on.
Problem
No audio when EXTERNALAUDIO source is connected(such as CD, VCR, or laserdisc).
Solution
a.Check that the external audio isconnected to the correct AUDIOIN connector.
b.On the Control Panel, check thatEXTERNAL is selected as theAUDIO SOURCE.
c.Check that the External Audiocable is connected to the correctAUDIO OUT connectors onyour audio source. Check thatthe external audio source isturned on.
If the audio source is mono,rather than stereo, be sure toselect either MONO or SPATIALSTEREO as the ComputertopTV AUDIO MODE.
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CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting
Problem
AUDIO cuts out at high volume.
Solution
The audio amplifier can deliver4 watts of power and is designedto cut out temporarily if thevolume is set too high. To getsound back, reduce the volumelevel slightly and wait a fewseconds. If sound does notreturn, turn the computer off for a short time and restart.
Problem
The TV and external videosignals both appear on thescreen at the same time.
Solution
You have the External VIDEO INcable wrongly connected to theVIDEO OUT (red) connector.Reconnect it to the VIDEO IN(black) connector on the “Y”cable.
Problem
The hot keys don’t workproperly in Windows.
Solution
You must first select theComputertop TV (by clicking on the Computertop TV windowtitle bar), to activate the hot keys.
Problem
The CD-ROM cable is connectedto the four-pin header on theComputertop TV card, but can’tget CD-ROM audio output.
Solution
To listen to CD-ROM audio, youmust first select EXTERNALaudio source and also make surethat no connector or Y cable isplugged into the ComputertopTV AUDIO IN jack. This switchesin CD-ROM audio 4-pin headeras the EXTERNAL audio source.
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