chapter 8 multimedia devices

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The Complete A+ Guideto PC Repair 5/e

Chapter 8Multimedia Devices

Chapter 8Multimedia Devices


After completing this chapter you will be able to:

Differentiate between various CD and DVD technologies

Determine a CD or DVD X factor from an advertisement or specification sheet

Explain the basics of how a CD/DVD drive works

State the various interfaces and ports used to connect CD/DVD drives

Recommend, install, configure, and troubleshoot CD/DVD drives

Explain the basic operation of a sound card

Install, configure, and troubleshoot a sound card

Use Windows to verify CD/DVD drive and sound card installation

Explain the basic principles of how a scanner works

Install, configure, and test a scanner

Define digital camera connectivity and options

Provide support with a positive, proactive attitude

Chapter 8 ObjectivesChapter 8 Objectives


Multimedia OverviewMultimedia Overview

The term multimedia has different meanings to different people because there are so many different types of multimedia devices. This chapter focuses on the most popular areas – CD and DVD technologies, sound cards, cameras, and speakers.


CD Drive OverviewCD Drive Overview

• A CD drive (compact disk) is sometimes called a CD-ROM (CD read-only memory) and it uses discs that store large amounts of information (628MB and higher). The disk for the CD drive is known as a CD, CD-ROM disc, or simply disc.

• A CD has pits or indentations along the track. Flats, sometimes called lands, separate the pits. Reading information from a CD involves using a laser diode or similar device.


Inside a CD DriveInside a CD Drive

Figure 8.2


CD Drive SpeedsCD Drive Speeds

• CD-ROM drives operate much slower than hard drives.

• CD-ROM drive specifications– Average Seek Time - the amount of time the

drive requires to move randomly around the disk.

– Average Access Time - the amount of time the drive requires to find the appropriate place on the disc and retrieve information.

– MTBF (mean time between failures) - the average number of hours before a device is likely to fail.


What Affects Drive PerformanceWhat Affects Drive Performance

The particular CD drive performance depends on several factors—the processor installed, how much RAM is in the system, what video card is used (PCI-E, PCI, AGP, ISA), and how much video memory is on the video card. Note that DVD drives have the same dependency factors and also use X factors.


CD Drive Transfer SpeedsCD Drive Transfer Speeds

Table 8.1


CD Drive Buffers/CacheCD Drive Buffers/Cache

• Ways to reduce CD data transfers time:– Buffer memory located on the drive– Buffer sizes typically range from 64KB to 2MB

and higher– Buffer memory cannot usually be upgraded


CD TechnologiesCD Technologies


Tech TipTech Tip

How to read the CD-RW numbers

CD-RW drives are frequently shown with three consecutive numbers such as 52X32X52. The first number is the CD-R write speed, the second number the CD-RW speed, and the last number is the read speed used when reading a pre-recorded disc.


CD Writing ModesCD Writing Modes

Multisession Multisession

Disc-at-Once (DAO)Disc-at-Once (DAO)

Track-at-OnceTrack-at-Once

Disc is created in one pass. Contrast with TAO.

Store data on a disc and then add to it later.

The laser stops writing normal data after a track is finished.

Session-at-OnceSession-at-Once

Multiple sessions. Cannot be read by audio CD drives.


DVD TechnologiesDVD Technologies

• The DVD drive has made the CD drive obsolete.


DecodersDecoders

• Decoders - are used to decompress the video and audio from a DVD.– Hardware Decoder - requires a PCI adapter

and handles the decoding. • Puts less work on the computer’s CPU

– Software Decoder - puts the burden on the CPU to decode and uncompress the MPEG-2 video data from the DVD.

• Does not need a PCI adapter, but CPU power is needed


DVD Region CodesDVD Region Codes

• Region Codes – A setting on a DVD drive or disc that specifies a geographic region. The drive’s region code must match the disc’s region code in order to play.


Blu-ray DrivesBlu-ray Drives

• Blu-ray – A type of optical disk technology that uses a blue laser instead of a red laser; used in CD/DVD drives to achieve higher disc capacities. - Blu-ray has a higher data transfer rate (36Mbps)

compared to DVD (10Mbps) and stores 25GB on a single-sided disc and 50GB on a dual-side disc.


Tech Tip – Drive cannot read Blu-ray discsTech Tip – Drive cannot read Blu-ray discs

Currently installed CD/DVD drives cannot read Blu-ray discs because the CD/DVD drive uses a red laser and Blu-ray uses a blue-violet laser. Drives that have both lasers installed are available.


CD/DVD Drive Interfaces and ConnectionsCD/DVD Drive Interfaces and Connections

PATA IDE – most common for internal drives

SATA IDE

eSATA

SCSI4

1

2

3

USB – most common for external drives5

IEEE 1384 6


CD/DVD Drive UpgradesCD/DVD Drive Upgrades

• Questions to analyze whether to do a CD/DVD drive upgrade:- Is the drive going to be an external device?- Is the drive going to be an internal device?- Does the customer plan to add more devices

such as scanner or tape backup unit in the near future?



• If the customer wants to upgrade a drive, find out why? - Many times, slow access is due to other components

in the computer, not the drive.

- You can use the same questions listed previously for a new drive, in addition to these questions.



- Does the customer want sound (speakers)?- Is there an available slot in the computer for a

sound card? - Is the customer going to be using discs that are

video intensive?- Does the customer have enough RAM on the

motherboard for the type of disc used?- In order to achieve the best DVD effects,

connect a sound system that accepts digital audio input.


Preventive Maintenance for CD/DVD Drives and DiscsPreventive Maintenance for CD/DVD Drives and Discs

• Laser Lens- A component of the CD drive that reads the data from the compact disc; susceptible to dust accumulation. Also known as the objective lens. − Air-tight enclosure− Self-cleaning laser lens− Air

• Cleaning CDs and DVDs− Use a cleaning cloth or soft cloth− Wipe from inside to outside (not in a circular motion)− If scratched, a mild abrasive or special disk repair kit


Tech TipTech Tip

Handling CDs and DVDs

Always handle a disc by the edges and keep the disc in a sleeve or case.

As with audio CDs, handle the disc on the outside edge on the disc.

Never touch the surface of the disc, and store the disc in a cool location.


CD/DVD Drive InstallationCD/DVD Drive Installation

• Install any necessary mounting brackets on the drive.

• Set the appropriate master/slave, SCSI ID, or termination for the drive interface.

• Turn off computer power, and install appropriate adapter or expansion hub if necessary .

• Install the drive.• Attach the appropriate cables to the drive.• (Optional) Attach the audio cable from the drive

to the motherboard or sound card.


Tech TipTech Tip

Always test the installation

•As with any hardware installation, test the installation by using the device.•Ensure the customer tries the device and is comfortable with the changes caused by installation.


Laptop CD/DVD DriveLaptop CD/DVD Drive

• Many laptop computers have drive bays that allow storage devices to be exchanged. PATA or SATA IDE interfaces are commonly used for internally mounted drives including CD/DVD drives.

• Usually these drive bays have a lock on them that prevents the drive from sliding out.

• The removal of the keyboard may be necessary to access internally mounted drives.

• For external notebook connectivity, use a USB, eSATA, or IEEE 1394 connection.


Troubleshooting CD/DVD Drive ProblemsTroubleshooting CD/DVD Drive Problems

• Windows XP and Vista have troubleshooting tools in the Help and Support Center.- Click Start and select Help and Support- Select the Fixing a problem Help topic (XP) or

CDs and DVDs (Vista)- Select the Games, Sound, and Video

Problems link (XP) or an appropriate topic (Vista)

- In the right panel, use the Games and Multimedia Troubleshooter link (XP)



• The following is a list of problems with possible solutions or troubleshooting recommendations:- If a drive tray cannot be opened, make sure there is

power attached to the drive.- If a CD or DVD drive is not recognized by the

operating system, check cables, power cords and configuration.

- If a CD or DVD drive busy indicator light flashes slower than normal, the disc or the laser lens may be dirty.

- If a CD/DVD drive cannot read a disc, refer to the drive manual to see what discs are supported.


Stuck Disc?Stuck Disc?

• Use a paperclip and the emergency eject hole



• If a CD-R or CD-RW drive is not recognized as a recordable device, a registry edit is required.

• If a DVD sound track works, but the video is missing or distorted, check the cabling between the video adapter and DVD decoder.

• If a DVD movie suddenly stops playing, the DVD may be a double-sided and needs to be flipped over.

• Additional troubleshooting tips can be found on pages 275 and 276.


Tech TipTech Tip

You can see video, but you can’t hear sound or you can hear sound, but cannot see anything from the DVD.

Verify that your computer has the hardware and software requirements for DVD playback.


SoundSound

- MIDI – (musical instrument digital interface) An interface to create synthesized music.

- S/PDIF (Sony/Phillips digital interface format) - Defines how audio signals are carried between audio devices and stereo components. It can also be used to connect the output of a DVD player in a PC to a home theater or some other external device.


SoundSound

MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer)MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer)

AAC (Advanced Audio Compression)AAC (Advanced Audio Compression)

A sound file format that provides file compression.

A sound format that compresses an audio file and has the extension of .mp3.


PC Design SymbolsPC Design Symbols

Figure 8.10


Sound PortsSound Ports


Sound Card Theory of OperationSound Card Theory of Operation

• Sound Card – An adapter card (also known as an audio card) with several ports that converts digital signals to audible sound, and also the reverse. − Sound cards have a variety of options that can include

an input from a microphone, an output to a speaker, a MIDI interface, and the ability to generate music.

− Sound waves are shown as an analog waveform.

• Frequency Response – The number of samples taken by a sound card.


Sound WaveSound Wave

Figure 8.11 Figure 8.12

DIGITIZED SIGNAL (8-bit)ANALOG SIGNAL (8-bit)


16-bit Sampling16-bit Sampling

Figure 8.13


Tech Tip – What to look for in a sound cardTech Tip – What to look for in a sound card


Tech TipTech Tip

Disable motherboard sound when installing an adapter

If you install a sound card into a computer that has sound built into the motherboard, you must disable the onboard sound before installing the new adapter.


Sound Cards Using Windows XP/VistaSound Cards Using Windows XP/Vista

• The Sounds and Audio Devices (XP) or Hardware and Sound (Vista/7) control panel link is used to change sound and adjust multimedia settings. • All Windows operating systems allow

controlling volume through a taskbar volume icon located in the lower-right portion of the screen.

• This icon, can be used to mute or adjust sound.


Sound Cards Using Windows XP/VistaSound Cards Using Windows XP/Vista


Portable SoundPortable Sound

• Portable computers are more limited in what sound options they can have, but some laptops have upgraded sound integrated into the motherboard. − Another option for laptops and desktop

computers is adding an USB sound card.


Speaker FeaturesSpeaker Features


SpeakersSpeakers

• The following is a list of extras for speakers:

– An external volume control

– Headphone jacks

– Headphone and microphone pass-through connectors

– AC adapter

– Proper connectors to connect speakers to the sound card

– If the sound card is capable of 3D sound, a four or six speaker system is an enhancement.


Tech TipTech Tip

When choosing speakers

Listen to the speakers without headphones using an audio (non-software) CD.


Tech TipTech Tip


Troubleshooting Sound ProblemsTroubleshooting Sound Problems

• If the speaker is emitting unwanted sounds, make sure there are no empty adapter slots in the computer.

• If sound is a problem or if any solution directs you to update your sound driver, access Device Manager and expand the Sound, Video and Game Controllers or System Device option.


Troubleshooting Sound ProblemsTroubleshooting Sound Problems

• If the sound card is not working, check Device Manager to see if the sound card is listed twice.

• If audio is low no matter what disc or system sound is played, the speakers may not be amplified speakers or they may not be connected to the correct sound card port.

• If one disc does not output sound, but other discs work fine, the disc may use a later version of DirectX than the one installed.

• A detailed list can be found on page 284.


ScannersScanners

- A scanner is a popular input device that allows documents including text and pictures to be brought into the computer and displayed, printed, emailed, pressed to CD/DVD, and so on.

- The most common types of scanners:- Flatbed – Most popular; can scan books, paper,

photographs, etc. Takes up desk space.- Sheetfed – Document is fed into the scanner; good

for multiple documents.- Handheld – Portable unit that takes a steady hand.- Film – Scan picture films.- Barcode reader – Handheld used in retail.


ScannersScanners

- Scanners normally attach to the computer using one of the following methods:- Parallel- USB- IEEE 1394 (FireWire)


Scanner File FormatsScanner File Formats

• JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Groups) – Small file size, good for Web pictures; not good for master copies; always compresses the file.

• GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) – Limited to 256 colors; small in size; good for Web pictures.

• TIFF (Tag image File Format)- Good for master copies; large size.

• PNG (Portable Network Graphics) - Newest type; not supported by all applications or older applications; supports 24- and 48- bit color.


Scanner TermsScanner Terms


Recommended Scanner ResolutionsRecommended Scanner Resolutions


Tech TipTech Tip

Cleaning your scanner

•Never spray or pour any type of cleaning solution directly onto the scanner’s glass. •Always put the cleaning solvent on the cloth first and then wipe the glass. •Do not use rough paper towels on the glass surface.


Digital CamerasDigital Cameras

• A digital camera stores photographs in digital form and these photographs can be transferred to a computer or printer. − Digital cameras sometimes connect to the computer

through a USB port to transfer the photographic images. However, FireWire and older serial/parallel digital cameras are also available.

• A digital camera resolution is measured in pixels. − The resolution is the number of horizontal and vertical

pixels the camera can use to capture or display an image.


Digital Camera Battery TypesDigital Camera Battery Types

AA – Easy to find; does not last long

NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) – Rechargeable

NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) – More expensive than NiCad, but lasts longer

Li-Ion (Lithium Ion) – Most expensive; best longevity

4

1

2

3


Digital Camera Data StorageDigital Camera Data Storage


Digital Camera File FormatsDigital Camera File Formats

RAW

JPEG

TIFF


Web CameraWeb Camera

• Another popular type of digital camera is a Web cam, which is short for Web camera and sometimes seen as Webcam (one word) – a digital camera that attaches to a PC for use in transmitting live video across the Internet. • Used in video and web conference• Commonly built into monitors and laptop

screens

Figure 8.20


Memory Card ReaderMemory Card Reader

• A popular device that many people attach to their PC or have integrated into a computer. - A reader has multiple slots that allow different

memory media to be read. - The reader instantly recognizes inserted memory

cards, which can be copied into the computer and manipulated.

Figure 8.19


Soft Skills- AttitudeSoft Skills- Attitude

• A technician’s attitude is one of his or her greatest assets. − Some consider having a good attitude

as simply being positive at work, but this is not the entire picture.


Soft Skills - AttitudeSoft Skills - Attitude

• A technician with a good attitude has the following traits:- Is proactive, not reactive.

- Seeks solutions instead of providing excuses.

- Accepts responsibility for actions taken.

- Deals with priority changes professionally. Deals with priority changes professionally.

- Cooperates and enjoys working with others.

- Maintains professionalism even when working with a coworker who is unethical, unprofessional, or uncooperative.

- Embraces problems as challenges to learn and develop skills.


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