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Sony PCV-RX551 VAIO User Manual

Digital studio computer
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VAIO Digital Studio™
Computer User Guide

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Summary of Contents for Sony PCV-RX551 VAIO

  • Page 1 VAIO Digital Studio™ Computer User Guide...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Front Panel Overview... 7 Back Panel Overview ... 10 VAIO Action Setup...13 Shortcut Keys ... 13 To Change the Sony Software Window Design... 15 VAIO AV Applications ...17 Overview of Preinstalled Software ... 17 DigitalPrint Software ... 19 DVgate Software... 27 MovieShaker Software...
  • Page 4 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide System, Application, and Driver Recovery CD(s) ... 63 To Use the System Recovery CD(s) ... 63 To Use the Application Recovery CD(s) ... 65 To Use the Driver Recovery CD... 66 Troubleshooting ... 67 Topics ...

  • Page 5: Welcome

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Welcome Thank you for purchasing your Sony VAIO® computer! Your new computer is a superb blend of high technology and easy-to-use functionality. The information provided here is designed to help you to become familiar with the hardware and software applications included...
  • Page 6 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide...

  • Page 7: Locating Controls And Connectors

    ✍ i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.
  • Page 8 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Front panel ✍ Your computer may not be supplied with all of the features listed, depending on the system configuration you purchased.
  • Page 9 Optical drive 1 See Specifications sheet for optical drive information. Optical drive 2 See Specifications sheet for optical drive information. Floppy disk drive Reads and writes data from and to a 3.5-inch floppy disk. Floppy disk drive access indicator light Lights in green while reading and writing data from and to a floppy disk.

  • Page 10: Back Panel Overview

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Back Panel Overview The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the back panel locate and identify the ports and jacks on your computer. ✍ Your computer may not be supplied with all of the features listed, depending on the system configuration you purchased.
  • Page 11 Connection for a phone cable (optional) to the computer. ✍ i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.
  • Page 12 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide...

  • Page 13: Vaio Action Setup

    You can reprogram the S keys to launch other applications. ✍ i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.
  • Page 14 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Changing the settings of the S Keys Click Start in the Windows Taskbar and select All Programs. Select VAIO Action Setup, then click VAIO Action Setup. ✍ You can also double-click taskbar, to launch VAIO Action Setup. Click the S Key you want to change.

  • Page 15: To Change The Sony Software Window Design

    To Change the Sony Software Window Design You can select from different window designs for your Sony software and create your own personal computing environment. Changing the window design Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select the Control Panel.
  • Page 16 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide...

  • Page 17: Vaio Av Applications

    Overview of Preinstalled Software DigitalPrint Sony Electronics Inc. This image management software makes it fun and easy to edit, import, and organize your digital pictures in a photo album for rich digital printing to any standard color laser or inkjet printer.
  • Page 18 This image management software displays images from your hard drive, a Sony digital still camera, or a Sony Mavica® camera. The images appear in a convenient light-table format, so that you can easily view the contents of an entire folder.

  • Page 19: Digitalprint Software

    DigitalPrint Software DigitalPrint is designed to creatively manage your digital pictures. With its easy- to-use features, you can quickly load images from your digital camera or camcorder, print high-quality photos, and make personalized photo albums and labels to share with friends and family. DigitalPrint main browser window Using PhotoCapture Capture and import your digital pictures from your digital camera or camcorder,...
  • Page 20 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide PhotoCapture window Click the camera icon to open the Enter Photo Folder Name dialog box. You can enter a name for a new folder or click Select Photo Folder, to import your pictures to an existing folder. Click OK. Enter Photo Folder Name dialog box...
  • Page 21 Click the Capture button to capture still images. You can preview a thumbnail version of your pictures in the selection view window. Capture Pictures from Video window Select the desired pictures and click the Get Pictures button. The PhotoCapture picture editor window appears. Click the View button to see an enlarged version of a selected picture.
  • Page 22 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Using PhotoCollection You can select and print your favorite digital pictures, using your computer and home printer. Click (Photo) to open the PhotoCollection window. A list of available Folders is displayed on the left side of the window, with the folder contents displayed as thumbnail pictures on the right.
  • Page 23 Printer and Paper selection window Click Print All to begin printing all pages, or click “Print the selected page only” to print a specific page of photos. Using PhotoDecor You can decorate your favorite photos with clip art, stamps, or your own drawing talent.

  • Page 24: Using Photoalbum

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Select the desired folder. From the thumbnail view, click to select the pictures you want to decorate. The PhotoDecor editing window appears. Use the decoration features on the right side of the window by clicking on the desired decoration icon and then dragging the decoration onto your photo.
  • Page 25 Click Create New Album. The Select Photo window appears. Select the photos you want to include in your album from the available folders displayed. Click List to select individual pictures from each folder. The Select Design window appears. Select a design template for your album. Use the scroll bar to see all available designs.
  • Page 26 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Click to select a media type. The Select Paper window appears. Select the media’s paper layout. The Select Design window appears. Select a design template. Add your decorations or customize the design template, as desired. ✍...

  • Page 27: Dvgate Software

    DVgate Software Connecting a digital video camcorder Turn off the power to your digital video camcorder before connecting it to your computer. After connecting the device, turn its power back on. You do not need to turn off the computer when connecting the camcorder. To use DVgate™...
  • Page 28 Install the plug-in for Adobe Premiere 6.0 by following these steps: Click Start in the Windows® taskbar and then click Run. The Run window appears. Click Browse and navigate to your C: drive, using the Look in: drop-down list. Double-click Program Files, double-click Sony, and then double-click DVgate.
  • Page 29 Double-click Premiere Plug-in, and then double-click to open the 6.0 folder. Double-click Setup.exe and the Run window appears. Click OK. From the installation wizard, follow the on-screen instructions to install the plug-in. DVgate Software...

  • Page 30: Movieshaker Software

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide MovieShaker Software MovieShaker™ software can be used to create fun and innovative movies without any previous knowledge of film editing. In a few simple steps, video files can be made from still images with added special effects and music files. Save your personal video creation in a format that is compatible with most computers.
  • Page 31 To import images and sound clips Click . The Import file browser window appears. Find the clip(s) you want to add. Click to select the clip(s). The file(s) are added to the Import clip tray. ✍ You can delete a clip from the Import clip tray by dragging the clip’s icon to the trash icon located on the Edit tray of the working panel.
  • Page 32 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Add text to your new movie by clicking on the Input button. To preview, rewind, or fast forward your movie, use the Playback buttons. ✍ Scenes created with the Shake feature begin with a black screen in the Shake tray window.
  • Page 33 To add text effects to a scene or clip Double-click or drag the clip or scene to move it to the Story Board tray. Click the Text button on the Editing tray. Effects Tray (Text button selected) Click the Text Setting button to create customized text. The Text Setting dialog box appears, enabling you select the desired font, color, and positioning for your text.
  • Page 34 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide To save a movie Verify that the movie or clips you want to save are located on the Story Board tray. Click the Export button on the working panel. Select the format in which you want the movie to be saved. ✍...
  • Page 35 Using ImageStation online service with MovieShaker software ImageStation is an online service that allows you to store your pictures and movies on the Internet to share with family and friends. ImageStation requires an Internet connection and registration for the Web-based service. You must be connected to the Internet before uploading your pictures or movies using MovieShaker and ImageStation applications.
  • Page 36 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide When the ImageStation application on your computer connects with ImageStation online, your files are uploaded to the Web site. The Image Uploader window appears and displays the Internet connection and upload status. Image Uploader window Go to http://www.imagestation.com to view your uploaded pictures or movies.

  • Page 37: Picturegear Software

    PictureGear Software PictureGear™ software is a digital image management application that allows you to view all the images stored in any directory on your computer. Thumbnail views provide quick reminders of your pictures. Use PictureGear software to brighten, add contrast, enhance, resize, crop, and color-correct your pictures. Create animations, screen savers, wallpaper, still pictures from MPEG, and HTML photo albums.

  • Page 38: Creating A Photo Album

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Creating a photo album Click the Folder tab in the main window and browse to locate your pictures. Select the pictures you want to include in your album. PIctureGear Album Maker dialog box From the Utilities menu, select Album Maker. Choose a Design template for your album.
  • Page 39 Click the “Customize the design” button to add pictures, frames, text, and effects. Custom Album dialog box ✍ If you select the Custom Album process, the final album is created when you click the Finish button in the last dialog box. Custom album “Completed”...

  • Page 40: Smart Capture Software

    Internet or through e-mail. ✍ i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.

  • Page 41: Using Still Mode

    Mode indicator Displays the current mode (Still or Net Movie). Mode dial Switches Smart Capture from Still mode to Net Movie mode with a single click of your mouse. Options button Displays the configuration options available for either Still or Net Movie mode. Effects button Displays the special effects that you can apply to your pictures or video clips.
  • Page 42 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Click the Options button to view the available options for your still image capture. The Still Image Options window appears. Still Image Options window The Still Image Options window has four tabs: ❑ Capturing Mode — You can choose between Normal, Self-timer, or Panorama Capture modes.
  • Page 43 To capture a picture in Still mode Use your digital camera or camcorder to locate the image you want to capture. When you see the desired image in the Smart Capture window, click the Capture button. The Still Viewer window appears. You can capture one picture or several pictures at a time.

  • Page 44: Using Net Movie Mode

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide ✍ You must be connected to the Internet before attempting to upload or e-mail your still images or videos. Using Net Movie Mode From the Start button in the Windows taskbar, select All Programs, select Smart Capture, and then click Smart Capture.
  • Page 45 ❑ Destination — Select a file destination for your movies when recording video clips. ❑ Capture Button — Set the characteristics of the software’s on-screen Capture button. You can start and stop recording by clicking the Capture button (this is the default characteristic). You can select Anti-Ground Shooting, which allows recording to occur only while you click and hold the Capture button.
  • Page 46 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide You can review your movie from the Movie Player window by using the play, pause, and stop buttons. Click the arrows or drag the scroll bar to view your movie. Each frame is displayed with an identifying number in the queue.
  • Page 47 To upload with Movie Player Click the Upload Button in Movie Player to begin transfer of your movie to the ImageStation Web site. The Image Uploader window appears and displays the Internet connection and upload status. Image Uploader window Click to see thumbnail previews of your pictures or movies.
  • Page 48 ✍ Sony recommends that your movie file size not exceed 254 MB if compressed, or 2 GB if not compressed. Large movie files take longer to upload to the ImageStation Web...

  • Page 49: Sonicstage Software

    An EMD service provider. Consult the provider for service information. ✍ To protect your personal data, Sony uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), an encryption protocol for communication between your browser and Sony’s World Wide Web (WWW) server. If you are accessing the Internet from an enterprise Local Area Network (LAN), you may not be able to use SSL due to the proxy server of the LAN.
  • Page 50 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Starting SonicStage Click Start in the Windows taskbar and then click All Programs. Select SonicStage and then click SonicStage. ✍ The CDDB® (Compact Disc Database) Music Recognition Service registration wizard enables you to register with CDDB. You need Internet access from your computer to register and use this service.
  • Page 51 SonicStage main window Feature tabs Changes the screen view according to the selected feature. Player control buttons Controls playback functions, such as play, pause, stop, fast forward, and reverse. You can increase or decrease volume and switch view modes. Playlist drop-down list (Playlist view) Displays available playlists and audio files.

  • Page 52: Recording From A Cd

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Recording from a CD You can record songs from audio CDs and import them to playlists in SonicStage. ✍ When you record from an audio CD from your optical disc drive for the first time, the “CD Drive Optimization”...
  • Page 53 Click (Rec to Jukebox) to begin recording. When the recording is finished, the new playlist appears in the File tree view of the Playlist window. Transferring songs (Check-In/Check-Out) You can transfer songs between the playlists in the SonicStage software and external devices or media.
  • Page 54 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Click (Out), or drag the song to the desired position in the song list of the external device or media. Check Out begins. ✍ To cancel Check Out, click is displayed during the Check Out process. Check In The songs you transfer to external devices or media can only be checked in to the hard drive of the same computer from which the songs were checked out.

  • Page 55: Additional Features

    Additional features ❑ SonicStage Tutorial — SonicStage features are described in the Tutorial. The user-friendly interface instructs you on how to use all SonicStage features. ❑ SonicStage Backup Tool — You can back up and restore music, graphics, and information data managed by SonicStage. You must be connected to the Internet to use the SonicStage Backup Tool.

  • Page 56: Visualflow Software

    Using VisualFlow software You can navigate in the VisualFlow application by using your mouse, the directional arrows on your keyboard, or the Sony Jog Dial™ control, depending on your computer’s configuration. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select All Programs.
  • Page 57 Click an icon in the View section on the main toolbar to select a display layout. Click an icon in the Sort section on the main toolbar to select a sorting method. Placing your cursor on the left end of the main toolbar activates the current Memory Stick properties.
  • Page 58 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide...

  • Page 59: Configuring Your Vaio Computer

    To improve the performance of Sony audio and video software applications, the hard disk drive on your computer has been formatted with two partitions, C and D. Some Sony software applications save files to the D partition. This prevents large video captures from consuming the available space on your C partition.

  • Page 60: I.link (Ieee1394) Compatibility

    Your VAIO computer may include either 4-pin or 6-pin, or both types, of i.LINK ports. ✍ i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.

  • Page 61: To Enable Ethernet Connectivity

    To Enable Ethernet Connectivity Your computer comes with a preinstalled Ethernet port. To enable faster start-up time, your computer may ship with this function disabled. You can enable Ethernet connectivity by following the instructions below. Enabling the Ethernet connection Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Control Panel. From the Pick a Category list, select Performance and Maintenance.
  • Page 62 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide...

  • Page 63: System, Application And Driver Recovery Cd(S)

    The System Recovery CD utility enables you to restore the operating system and software that shipped with your computer if they become corrupted or are erased. It can be used only to restore the hard disk of the Sony computer you purchased. Application Recovery CD(s) Sony Electronics Inc.

  • Page 64: Using The System Recovery Cd(S)

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Full restore with format The System Recovery utility formats your hard disk drive and then restores all the original software applications. You will lose any software you have installed and any other files you have created since you started to use your computer.

  • Page 65: To Use The Application Recovery Cd(S)

    System Recovery CD(s). You must be in Windows to run the Application Recovery CD utility. If you have any questions about using the Application Recovery CD(s), visit www.sony.com/ pcsupport, or contact Sony Customer Support at 1-888-4-SONY-PC. Using the Application Recovery CD(s) Turn on your computer.

  • Page 66: To Use The Driver Recovery Cd

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide To Use the Driver Recovery CD The Driver Recovery CD utility enables you to reinstall individual drivers and repair software applications if they become corrupted or are erased. You can reinstall an individual driver to correct a problem that you are experiencing with your computer, peripheral hardware, or software application.

  • Page 67: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you call Sony Customer Support. Topics Topic: My computer does not start. ❑ Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on.
  • Page 68 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Topic: My computer or software application stopped responding. You can try to locate and close the software application that has stopped responding. Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys. The Windows Task Manager window appears. From the Applications tab, locate the application that has the status message, “Not responding.”...
  • Page 69 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select Turn Off Computer. Select Restart. When the Sony screen displays, press the F2 key on your keyboard. Select the Advanced tab from the Setup Utility screen. Select “I/O Device Configuration” and press Enter.
  • Page 70 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Topic: My optical drive tray does not open. Use the Eject button Make sure the computer is turned on. Press the Eject button on the drive. Use the My Computer icon Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select My Computer. Right-click the appropriate optical drive icon.
  • Page 71 If you hear audio but cannot see video, your computer’s video resolution may be set too high. To improve video resolution, verify that your screen area is set to 1024 x 768, using 32-bit color (preset factory default). To check your video resolution, see the Troubleshooting topic, “How do I change the video resolution of my display?”...
  • Page 72 For VAIO® computers that are equipped with all of the necessary components for creating a CD-R or CD-RW, Sony recommends using the SonicStage software application to create CDs. SonicStage software is preinstalled on your computer. Topic: How do I change the video resolution of my display? Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select Control Panel.
  • Page 73 ❑ You cannot hear sound from your speakers if headphones are connected to your computer. ❑ If the software application you are using has its own volume control, check that the volume is turned up. ❑ Check the volume controls in the Windows® operating system using these steps: Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Control Panel.
  • Page 74 Check that the access phone number (POP) is correct. ❑ All software applications that are preinstalled by Sony are compatible with your computer modem. If you have installed other software, contact the software publisher for information on how to configure the software to recognize the modem.
  • Page 75 Topic: My microphone does not work. Check that the microphone is plugged into the MICROPHONE jack. Topic: My microphone is too sensitive to background noise. If you find there is too much background noise when you record sound, you should adjust the microphone gain by following these steps: Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Control Panel.
  • Page 76 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide Using a piece of tape, remove any dust or dirt on the mouse ball and inside the mouse ball socket. Return the mouse ball to the socket, and replace the mouse ball cover. Secure the cover by turning the ring counter-clockwise. ✍...
  • Page 77 Topic: Why is my system running slowly? ❑ The system responsiveness varies depending with the number of applications that are open and running. Close any applications that you are not currently using. ❑ Increasing the system memory may also help. For information on installing memory, please see the online VAIO User Guide.
  • Page 78 Clear the printer memory by turning the printer off for approximately 10 seconds, and then turning it back on. To contact Sony for technical support For further technical assistance, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972) or access the Web site at: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

  • Page 79: Notes On Use

    Notes on Use The information in this section provides basic procedures to follow when handling your computer, components, and accessories. The power source ❑ Your computer operates on 100–120 V AC 50/60 Hz only. ❑ Plug all the power cords for your computer and its peripheral equipment into the same AC supply line.
  • Page 80 Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium batteries. The lithium battery may explode if mistreated. Do not disassemble it or dispose of it in fire. Replace the battery with a Sony CR2032 lithium battery. Using a type of battery other than a CR2032 may present a risk of fire or explosion.
  • Page 81 Do not drop them or bump them against other objects. ❑ Your Sony computer will not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX).
  • Page 82 ❑ Do not change the CRT display refresh rate to 85 Hz, as DVD playback and the DVgate software may not function correctly. Sony recommends that you keep your CRT display at the preset, optimal refresh rate (75 Hz). ❑...

  • Page 83: Using The Hard Disk Drive

    Using the hard disk drive ❑ Do not place the computer in a location that is subject to vibration or shock. ❑ Do not move the computer during operation. ❑ Do not subject the computer to sudden changes in temperature. ❑...

  • Page 84: For Answers To Your Software Questions

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide For Answers to Your Software Questions This section provides support information for your computer’s preinstalled software applications. Check this support listing to locate information from the Internet, by e-mail, or by telephone. ✍ Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software applications listed, depending on the system configuration you purchased.
  • Page 85 (Online Support) phone 888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972) hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day * Support from 888-4-SONY-PC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. Sony Style Connect (E-Solutions) Web site http://www.sonystyleconnect.com phone 888-584-4467 Microsoft®...

  • Page 86: Sony Service Center

    * Support from 1-716-871-2325 is fee-based. The on-line support is free of charge. Sony Service Center For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972). This service is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase.

  • Page 87: Resources

    Resources Sony provides several support options for your Sony computer. When you have questions about your computer and the preinstalled software, check these sources for answers, in the following sequence: VAIO QuickStart VAIO Computer User Guide Online (Electronic) Documentation Software application...
  • Page 88 VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide...

  • Page 89: Index

    Index Input port 11 air circulation 80 Application Recovery CD(s) ARCDs 65 audio file formats 55 audio problems 72 Back Panel 10 Browser security 49 caution lithium battery 80 speakers 80 playback problems 70, 71 tray eject 70 CD-RW recording problems 72 changing window design 15 Check-In/Check-out 53 computer...
  • Page 90 VAIO Digital Studio Computer QuickStart DVD-RW recording problems 72 DVgate software 27 Adobe Premiere plug-in 28 AVI files 28 using a digital video device 27 electronic equipment 80 Electronic Music Distribution 49 electrostatic discharge 82 encryption 49 Ethernet connecting 61 port 11 Floppy disk drive 9 Front Panel 7...
  • Page 91 55 Main Features 50 managing imported songs 55 recording from a CD 52 Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 49 Simple mode 55 transferring songs 53 Tutorial 55 Sony online service 35 Sony software changing window design 15 speakers, caution 80 Index...
  • Page 92 VAIO Digital Studio Computer QuickStart surge protectors 79 System Recovery CD(s) SRCDs 63 system response problem 77 Telephone jack 11 telephone service 81 Troubleshooting 67 CD playback problems 71 CD/DVD playback problems 70 CD-RW recording 72 changing parallel port type 69 computer stopped responding 68 DVD playback problems 70 DVD-RW recording 72...
  • Page 93 Index...

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