Sony VAIO VGC-RA810G Series Quick Start Manual
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Sony VAIO VGC-RA810G Series Quick Start Manual

Sony VAIO VGC-RA810G Series Quick Start Manual

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VAIO Digital Studio® Computer
VGC-RA810G Series
VGC-RA910G Series
Quick Start

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Summary of Contents for Sony VAIO VGC-RA810G Series

  • Page 1 VAIO Digital Studio® Computer VGC-RA810G Series VGC-RA910G Series Quick Start...
  • Page 2 The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement. This product contains software owned by Sony and licensed by third parties. Use of such software is subject to the terms and conditions of license agreements enclosed with this product. Some of the software may not be transported or used outside the United States.
  • Page 3 Owner’s Record The model number and serial number are located on the back panel of your Sony VAIO® computer. Record the model and serial number in the space provided here, and keep in a secure location. Refer to the model and serial numbers when you call your Sony Service Center.
  • Page 4 Your computer’s installed optical drives may vary, depending on the system configuration you have purchased. See the online specifications sheet for details on your installed optical drives. For questions regarding your product or for the Sony Service Center nearest you, visit the Sony Online Support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport. ❑...
  • Page 5 L’appareil doit être le plus près possible d’une prise murale pour en faciliter l’accès. Pour changer la pile de rechange, veuillez contacter votre centre de service Sony le plus près. Avertissement: L'utilisation d'instruments optiques avec ce produit augmente les risques pour les yeux. Puisque le faisceau laser utilisé dans ce produit est dommageable pour les yeux, ne tentez pas de désassembler le boîtier.

  • Page 6: Regulatory Information

    Regulatory Information If you have questions about this product, write to Sony Customer Information Service Center at 12451 Gateway Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33913, USA, or visit Sony Customer Service on the Sony Online Support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport. Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: Model No.:...
  • Page 7 Repair of this equipment should be made only by a Sony Service Center or Sony authorized agent. For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972), or visit the Sony Online Support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.
  • Page 8 Disposal of Lithium Battery You can return your unwanted lithium batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory Service Center. ✍ In some areas the disposal of lithium batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited. For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-476-6972 in the United States or 1-800-961-7669 in Canada.
  • Page 9 Industry Canada Notice This equipment meets the applicable Industry Canada technical specifications. The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) is an indication of the maximum number of devices allowed to be connected to a telephone interface. The termination on an interface may consist of any combination of devices subject only to the requirement that the sum of the RENs of all the devices does not exceed 5.

  • Page 11: Table Of Contents

    Contents Getting Started ...13 Unpacking Your Computer ...14 Locating Controls And Ports ...17 About the Front Panel ...18 About the Back Panel ...22 About the Sub-woofer ...25 About the Keyboard ...26 About the Remote Control ...29 Setting Up Your Computer ...33 Connecting a Display (Monitor) ...34 Connecting the Speakers ...35 Connecting 5.1 (6-Channel) Speaker Systems ...38...
  • Page 12 VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Setting Up Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition ...47 Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition... 48 Before You Begin Using Media Center... 49 Setting Up TV Connections ... 50 Connecting the Remote Sensor and Remote Sensor Control ...

  • Page 13: Getting Started

    Getting Started Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO® computer! Your new, high-performance, multimedia computer combines state-of-the-art computer functionality with the latest audio, video and information technology features.

  • Page 14: Unpacking Your Computer

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Unpacking Your Computer Your computer may not be supplied with all of the accessories shown, depending on the computer configuration purchased. For details on the accessories supplied with your computer, see the online specifications sheet. ✍...
  • Page 15 Guide. Specifications — This online specifications sheet describes the hardware ❑ and software configuration of your VAIO computer. Go to the Sony Online Support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport to view the specifications sheet. VAIO Software — Provides specific information on certain preinstalled ❑...
  • Page 16 CD-RW, DVD-RW, or DVD±RW drive). DVD+RW, DVD-RW, double layer DVD+R, and double layer DVD-R media (when it becomes available) cannot be used to create a VAIO Recovery Media Kit. Other A software library, containing the Microsoft® software and Sony® end-user license agreements.

  • Page 17: Locating Controls And Ports

    Locating Controls And Ports This section is intended to familiarize you with the controls, ports and jacks on your computer and supplied accessories. Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features or accessories. The location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section.

  • Page 18: About The Front Panel

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start About the Front Panel The front panel of your VAIO® Computer enables access to drives, media slots, ports and jacks that enable you to connect compatible peripheral devices. Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features or accessories. The location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section.
  • Page 19 Floppy disk drive Reads and writes data from and to a 3.5-inch floppy disk. xD-Picture Card™ media slot Reads and writes data from and to xD-Picture Card media. CompactFlash® and Microdrive™ media slot Reads and writes data from and to CompactFlash and Microdrive media.
  • Page 20 , xD-Picture Card™, or CompactFlash ✍ i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software programs, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.
  • Page 21 To open and close the optical disc drive doors Your computer is equipped with one or more optical disc drives that have a drive eject button located on the drive door. ❑ After pressing the eject button, wait for the drive to stop reading the CD. It may take a few moments for the drive tray to eject.

  • Page 22: About The Back Panel

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start About the Back Panel 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 on your computer. The location of certain ports and jacks may vary from the illustration, based on the computer model purchased.
  • Page 23 Printer port Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner. i.LINK 6-pin S400 port (IEEE 1394) Connection and power for a compatible digital device, such as a Sony Digital Handycam® camcorder. Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (4) Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.
  • Page 24 VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Composite audio R In jack Connection for an audio cable (optional). Composite audio L In jack Connection for an audio cable (optional). Composite video In jack Connection for a video cable (optional). S-video In jack Connection for an S-video cable (optional) VHF/UHF port Connection for a TV coaxial cable (supplied).

  • Page 25: About The Sub-Woofer

    Certain VAIO® computers are supplied with a sub-woofer unit to enhance your system’s sound capability. See your computer’s online specifications sheet for information about supplied accessories. Go to the Sony Online Support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport. The sub-woofer is compatible with the speakers supplied with your VAIO computer.

  • Page 26: About The Keyboard

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start About the Keyboard This section describes the special and standard functions available for your keyboard. The VAIO® keyboard supplied with your computer has a standard key arrangement with additional keys and controls that support Microsoft® Windows®...
  • Page 27 BUTTON DESCRIPTION MAIL Starts the e-mail software program. HELP Starts the Media Center Help, if Media Center software is running. (If Media Center software is not running, the Help and Support Center is started.) Records TV programs. PREV Press once to return to the beginning of the DVD chapter, video track, or audio track.
  • Page 28 VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start DESCRIPTION Function The 12 function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform certain tasks. The task associated with each function key may vary between software programs. Numeric keypad Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations.

  • Page 29: About The Remote Control

    The Media Center remote control is supplied with VAIO Digital Studio® computers that are equipped with Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition features. Go to http://www.sony.com/pcsupport to view the specifications for your computer's hardware configuration. The remote control can start and stop video recording and playback, select channels, and set viewing preferences.

  • Page 30: Start Button

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start MUTE button Press to turn off the sound. Press again to restore the sound. Channel number buttons (0-9) Press to select specific channels or enter text. (Press Enter or OK to activate the channel selection.) CLEAR button Use to backspace and delete entered text.
  • Page 31 Directional arrow buttons Press the Up, Down, Left, and Right arrow buttons to move the pointer on the screen. OK button Press OK to select the desired action or window option. If watching full- screen TV press OK to return to the previous channel. Press OK again to switch between channels.

  • Page 32: Setting Up The Remote Control

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Setting up the remote control Insert two AA batteries (supplied) into the remote control as shown. Inserting batteries into the remote control ✍ If your remote control does not operate properly, you may need to replace the batteries.

  • Page 33: Setting Up Your Computer

    Setting Up Your Computer Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features described in the section. The location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown. See the online specifications sheet for your system's specific hardware configuration.

  • Page 34: Connecting A Display (Monitor)

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Connecting a Display (Monitor) Plug the display’s cable into the monitor port. If necessary, plug the display’s cable into the rear of the display. To connect a display To connect a DVI display ✍ Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency.

  • Page 35: Connecting The Speakers

    Your VAIO® computer is supplied with 2-channel speakers. Certain models are supplied with a sub-woofer unit or 5.1 speaker systems supplied accessories, go to the Sony Online Support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport to view your computer’s specifications sheet. To connect the 2-channel speakers (supplied) Plug the cable attached to the back of the left speaker into the Speaker(L) jack on the back of the right speaker.
  • Page 36 VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Insert the yellow plug of the speaker power cable into the DC In jack on the back of the right speaker. Insert the black plug of the speaker power cable into the DC Out jack located on the back panel of your computer.
  • Page 37 Insert the mini stereo plug from the sub-woofer unit’s cable into the Headphones jack, located on the back panel of your computer. ✍ You can also plug the sub-woofer’s mini stereo plug into the headphones jack located on the lower front panel of your computer. Plug the sub-woofer unit’s power cord into a grounded AC wall outlet or power strip.

  • Page 38: Connecting 5.1 (6-Channel) Speaker Systems

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Connecting 5.1 (6-Channel) Speaker Systems Certain VAIO® computers that are configured-to-order (CTO), are supplied with a 5.1 speaker system, or you may wish to use your 5.1 (6-channel) speaker system. Speaker configuration can vary, depending on the speaker components used.

  • Page 39: Configuring Software For Your Speaker System

    Configuring Software for Your Speaker System When using 5.1 (digital or analog) speaker systems, certain software programs require setting changes to enable proper audio performance. Configuring RealTek® Sound Effect Manager software For 6 channel-analog speakers Click Start in the Windows® taskbar, and then click Control Panel. Click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices, and then click Sound Effect Manager.
  • Page 40 VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Configuring Media Center software Your computer’s factory default audio settings can be changed using the Media Center Settings feature. You can switch between 2-channel, 6-channel, or S/PDIF output modes. Use the Media Center remote control, your keyboard, or mouse, to start the Media Center software program.

  • Page 41: Connecting The Keyboard And Mouse

    Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse Plug the keyboard cable into the keyboard port on the back of the computer. Plug the mouse cable into the mouse port on the back of the computer. To connect the keyboard and mouse To use an optical mouse An optical mouse requires an ideal surface texture in order to provide precision pointing and tracking.

  • Page 42: Connecting The Telephone And Modem Cables

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Connecting the Telephone and Modem Cables Your computer is equipped with a single modem line jack to connect the supplied modem cable to your telephone wall jack. To use your wall jack for your telephone and modem lines, purchase a “1-to-2”...
  • Page 43 To connect the telephone and modem cables “1-to-2” jack adapter (splitter - optional) Your computer has a protective sticker on the rear panel. Connect 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, or 1000BASE-T cables to the Ethernet port, depending on your computer’s Ethernet port specification. Using incorrect cables or a telephone cable may result in an electric current overload that can cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the Ethernet port.

  • Page 44: Connecting The Power Cords

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Connecting the Power Cords Plug the power cord into the back of the computer. Plug both the display and computer power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet or a power strip. To connect the power cords...

  • Page 45: Turning On Your Computer

    Respond to this prompt immediately. ✍ Before turning on your computer, set up your Sony VAIO® Media Center cables and connections. For detailed instructions, see “Setting Up Media Center” on page 55. Press the power button on the computer to turn on the power.

  • Page 46: Turning Off Your Computer

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Turning Off Your Computer Follow these steps when you are ready to turn off your computer for an extended period of time. To avoid loss of data, do not use the Power button to turn off the computer. To turn off your computer Click Start in the Windows®...

  • Page 47: Setting Up Microsoft Windows Xp Media Center Edition

    Setting Up Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition Welcome to a new and exciting experience in home entertainment, with your VAIO Digital Studio® computer and the Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition Media Center bring together all of your entertainment sources — TV, VCR, music, pictures, and DVD player —...

  • Page 48: Microsoft Windows Xp Media Center Edition

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition The Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition operating system combines the multimedia features of a personal computer with the convenience of a home entertainment center. Media Center enables you to view, organize, store, and browse your photos, video/movie libraries, music playlists, and recorded TV programs, while running other software programs.

  • Page 49: Before You Begin Using Media Center

    From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO User Guide. ✍ An Internet connection and TV signal source are not required to use some features, but Sony recommends using these options to fully experience Media Center. Before You Begin Using Media Center...

  • Page 50: Setting Up Tv Connections

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Setting Up TV Connections The best method of connecting your computer, TV monitor or display, and TV programming access, is determined by the type of cable service connection available in your home. Your computer’s hardware configuration may vary from the illustrations shown in this section.
  • Page 51 Connect the TV coaxial cable (supplied) to the double-connection side of the splitter adapter. Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF port on the back panel of your computer. Connect a third TV coaxial cable (optional) to the double-connection side of the splitter adapter.
  • Page 52 VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Connecting to a standard antenna (air) system You can connect your computer to an indoor/outdoor antenna system, using Option 1 or 2 from the previous section, “Connecting to standard cable access (CATV)” on page 50. The antenna system in your home may require a VHF/UHF RF combiner/transformer (optional) to connect your computer and the indoor/outdoor antenna system.
  • Page 53 Option 2 Connect both ends of the antenna’s twin lead cable to the screw-type grips on the combiner/transformer. Connect the TV coaxial cable (supplied) from the combiner/transformer to the VHF/UHF port on the back panel of your computer. ✍ Your VAIO Digital Studio® computer is supplied with certain video cables. Depending on your in-home cable access, you may require extra cables, adapters or connection equipment not supplied with your computer.
  • Page 54 VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Connect a second TV coaxial cable (optional) to the Out jack on your set-top box. Connect the other end to the single-connection end of a splitter adapter (optional). Connect a third TV coaxial cable (supplied) to the double-connection end of the splitter adapter.
  • Page 55 Connect a second TV coaxial cable (optional) to the Out jack on your set-top box. Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF port on the rear of your TV monitor or display. Connect one end of a stereo A/V dubbing cable with triple RCA plugs (optional) to the Video Out and Audio-OUT (L/R) jacks on the back panel of your set-top box, matching the plug and jack colors.

  • Page 56: Connecting The Remote Sensor And Remote Sensor Control

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Connecting the Remote Sensor and Remote Sensor Control The remote sensor communicates with the Media Center remote control, enabling you to change channels and to perform other functions. If you are using a cable or satellite set-top box, you can connect the remote sensor control to the remote sensor, which enables you to control the set-top box with the remote control.
  • Page 57 Connecting the Remote Sensor and Remote Sensor Control To connect the remote sensor control Plug the remote sensor control’s cable into either jack (1 or 2) located on the back of the remote sensor. ✍ When you attach the remote control sensor to a cable or satellite set-top box, you can control the set-top box functions with your remote control.
  • Page 58 VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Place the remote sensor control above the set-top box’s infrared port. Attaching the remote sensor control cable to a cable or satellite set-top box Remote sensor control Infrared port Attach the double-sided adhesive tape to the top of the set-top box. Press the remote sensor control onto the tape, ensuring that the front edge extends over the front of the box, as shown in the following illustration.

  • Page 59: Setting Up Additional Equipment

    Setting Up Additional Equipment This section illustrates how to connect additional equipment with your VAIO Digital Studio® computer. Your computer has both audio and video connection capability. You can locate the appropriate connections on the back panel or behind the lower bottom panel on the front of the computer. You can connect a VCR or camcorder, using the composite audio In jacks.
  • Page 60 VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Connecting a stereo A/V dubbing cable Connect a stereo A/V dubbing cable with triple RCA plugs at each end (optional) directly into the composite video port, composite audio L and R jacks, located on either the front or back panel of your computer. Connect the other ends of the stereo A/V dubbing cable into the appropriate jacks on your compatible VCR or camcorder.

  • Page 61: Using Media Center

    Using Media Center You can start Media Center and switch between the different functions by pressing a button on the remote control clicking the mouse. You can also record TV, watch videos, play music, and use other software programs. Starting Media Center using the remote control Point the remote control at the remote sensor and press ✍...

  • Page 62: About The Media Center Start Menu

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start About the Media Center Start menu You can use Start menu to explore Media Center, switch screens, locate controls, and start functions. Media Center Start Media Center Start Returns Media Center to the Start menu. Back Returns Media Center to the previous window.
  • Page 63 Maximize Enlarges the view to full-screen mode. Close Window Closes Media Center. Play DVD Plays a DVD movie. Online Spotlight Displays links to online media and information services. My Videos Plays and sorts home videos. My Pictures Displays and sorts digital images and slide shows. My TV Plays and records TV programs.

  • Page 64: Exploring Media Center

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Exploring Media Center Selected items, such as folders, files, or menu options, are outlined with a green border. ❑ Use the arrow buttons on the remote control to select an item, and then press OK to activate your selection.
  • Page 65 Media Center — Media Playback Controls Channel Up and Down Changes the TV channel up (+) or down (-). Play/Pause Plays the selected media. Press Pause Pause again to resume playback.) Stop Stops playback of selected media. Record Records TV programs, storing them on the hard disk. Replay/Rewind Moves backwards in TV programs and selected media.

  • Page 66: Starting The Media Center Setup Wizard

    VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Starting the Media Center Setup Wizard The setup wizard requires you to provide certain information about your equipment and home environment. To make the setup process easier, be prepared Log on to Windows® operating system as the administrator. For more ❑...

  • Page 67: Using The Setup Wizard

    Using the setup wizard The first time you start the Media Center, a setup wizard appears. Follow the steps in Media Center setup wizard to properly activate and configure Media Center. The setup wizard tests your remote control, configures your Internet connection and TV broadcast signal, and sets up the Television Program Guide for your local area.
  • Page 68 VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Check Remote Control — The Media Center uses this interactive step to ❑ verify that the remote control is communicating with the remote sensor. The LED on the remote control blinks when a button is pressed. Media Center - Check Your Remote Control ✍...
  • Page 69 Set up Internet Connection — The Media Center setup wizard uses an ❑ active Internet connection to set up and update your local Television Program Guide. If you have already established an Internet connection, you are asked to choose a download method. Select the appropriate download option, and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Page 70 VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start Set up Television Signal — The Media Center setup wizard verifies that ❑ your computer is receiving the correct TV signal and local TV Program Guide. If you are using a cable or satellite set-top box, this step programs your remote to the box, enabling you to view premium channels.
  • Page 71 Set up Television Program Guide — The Media Center setup wizard ❑ enables your computer to automatically connect to the Internet to update your Television Program Guide. The Guide displays available channels, network, and program information. Media Center - Program Guide The message, No data available is displayed in the Television Program Guide when: The Guide has not been set up.
  • Page 72 VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start...

  • Page 73: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting This section describes how to troubleshoot common problems. You can also find helpful information on other troubleshooting topics in the online VAIO® Computer User Guide. My computer does not start. Verify that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned ❑...
  • Page 74 VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start What can I do if my computer or software stop responding? You can try to locate and close the software program that has stopped responding. Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys. The Windows Task Manager window appears.

  • Page 75: Support Options

    Support Options Sony provides several options to help solve common problems or to locate support for your VAIO® computer. This section describes all available resources and offers suggestions on how to access this information for maximum results. Immediate Help and Support...

  • Page 76: Resources For Additional Help And Support

    ❑ quick solutions to common problems. * You can locate the online Help for Sony® software programs by pointing to the individual software program’s icon and selecting Help from the submenu. † Upgrade and maintenance information may not be available for all computer models.
  • Page 77 Sony Customer Information Services Center If other support options do not resolve your issue, you can contact a Sony Support representative directly. Before making a call to the Sony Customer Information Services Center, have this basic information readily available.
  • Page 80 For customer support information, go to: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport VAIO Homepage http://www.vaio.net © 2004 Sony Electronics Inc. Printed in USA 2-159-779-01...

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