10. Optical Drive And Display

The HP LightScribe DVD-RW (Figure 21) is quiet and functional. The LightScribe technology has not lost its novelty yet, so making labels is entertaining. Unfortunately HP seems determined to make sure that we get our fill of badges and logos, since the DVD drive is plastered with them. Fortunately, they're hidden most of the time behind the case door that hides the drive drawer. Once again, subtlety should take precedence over branding in a home theater PC.

Figure 21: HP DVD840 DVDRW with LightScribe technology

Underneath the front bezel there is a large 16x2 alphanumeric LCD display (Figure 22) that displays information regarding the media being played in Windows Media Center. It pleasantly welcomes you to the HP Digital Entertainment Center on startup and employs several graphical indicators on the left side to indicate volume level, recording status, repeat style, etc.

Figure 22: A look under the hood of the front bezel

To wrap up our tour, Figure 23 shows how well the z556 blended with my Pioneer VSX-516 A/V Receiver.

Figure 23: The z556 fits right in with other audio visual equipment.