Page 1 ™ VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide PCV-RX490TV...
Page 2 MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE USE THEREOF. Sony Electronics Inc. reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.
Page 3 The socket outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible. To change the backup battery, please contact your nearest Sony Service Center. Caution—The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard. As the laser beam used in this...
Page 4 For questions regarding your product or for the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-476-6972 in the United States or 1-800-961-7669 in Canada. Sony Customer Support can be reached at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport. Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.:...
Page 5 (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: PCVA-IMB4A Responsible Sony Electronics Inc. Party: Address: 680 Kinderkamack Rd. Oradell, NJ 07649 Telephone: 201-930-6972 This phone number is for FCC-related matters only.
Page 6 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 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972). This equipment cannot be used on public coin service provided by the telephone company.
Page 7 à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. 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.
Page 8 Change to Current Document Title the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection. The customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions may not prevent degradation of service in some situations. Repairs to certified equipment should be coordinated by a representative designated by the supplier.
Page 9 d’équivalence de la sonnerie de ce matériel est de 0.79B.
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Page 11 Change to Current Document Title Welcome Thank you for purchasing your Sony VAIO Digital Studio™ computer! Your new computer is a superb blend of high technology and easy-to-use functionality. This User Guide contains information about the hardware and applications included with your system, contact information for...
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Page 13: Choosing An Ergonomic Location For Your Computer
Choosing an Ergonomic Location for Your Computer Choosing an Ergonomic Location for Your Computer Before you get started, find the best location for your new computer. Here are some things to consider when planning your workspace: Stable work surface — Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer and other peripheral equipment.
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Page 15: Front Panel Overview
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder jacks and ports, Universal Serial Bus (USB) and i.LINK® ports to connect compatible peripheral devices. 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.
Page 16 Change to Current Document Title Front panel DVD-RW drive Reads data from a DVD or CD. Writes to a DVD-R/DVD-RW/CD-R/CD-RW disc. CD-ROM drive Reads data from a CD. 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 17 DVD-RW/CD-ROM drive access indicator light Lights in amber while reading and writing data from and to the optical drives. Hard disk drive access indicator light Lights in amber while reading and writing data from and to the hard disk. Power switch and indicator light Turns the computer on and off.
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Page 19: Back Panel Overview
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 on your computer. Back panel KEYBOARD MOUSE HEADPHONES LINE IN PS/2® mouse port Connection for a PS/2 mouse.
Page 20 Serial port Connection for a compatible serial device, such as a digital still camera. i.LINK 6-pin port (IEEE1394) Connection for a compatible digital device such as a Sony Digital Handycam camcorder. Game port Connection for a game or MIDI device.
Page 21 Back Panel Overview 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.
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Page 23: Remote Control Overview
Remote Control Overview The features of the Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder system can be controlled using the remote control (supplied). The remote control can start and stop video recording and playback, select channels, and set viewing preferences. This section describes the basic functions of your remote control. Remote Control Features MUTE JUMP...
Page 24 Change to Current Document Title Channel number buttons Press to select specific channels. (Press the ENT button to activate channel selection.) JUMP button Press to return to the previous channel. Press again to return to the current channel. ENT button Press to activate channel selection.
Page 25 CHANNEL button Press to switch channels automatically (no number input required). VOLUME button Press to raise or lower the volume. REC Mode button Press to select the recording mode. REC and REC STOP buttons Press the REC button to record TV programs being viewed on the TV/Recording deck. Press REC STOP to stop recording.
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Page 27: Vaio Action Setup
VAIO Action Setup VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your computer’s Shortcut keys (S Keys) and i.LINK® interface. The programmable S Keys come with the following applications as their default settings: S1 — Outlook® Express S2 — Internet Explorer S3 —...
Page 28 Change to Current Document Title 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 29: Presetting I.link® Devices
DVgate™ applications or connecting two VAIO computers. 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 30 Change to Current Document Title Click Next to confirm the application name. The Input Application Name dialog box appears. You may change the name and description of the application you want to launch. Click Finish to complete this step. The next time the device is connected and turned on, the assigned application will launch automatically.
Page 31: Changing The Window Design Of Sony Software
Click Apply. The “UI Design Selector” window design changes. The window design for your Sony software will match the “UI Design Selector” window. To try another selection, click << or >>, and then click Apply. When you have made your selection, click OK. The UI Design Selector closes and the Sony software window design displays.
Page 32: Changing Designs Of Vaio Wallpaper
Change to Current Document Title Changing Designs of VAIO Wallpaper The background image for your VAIO computer’s operating system changes automatically, based on the time of day and the season of the year. The default wallpaper setting for your system consists of three different wallpaper images.
Page 33 Giga Pocket™ Personal Video Recorder Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder is a suite of interactive Sony audio and video components that is designed to create, capture, and play back video files derived from television and your own personal videos. information on setting up Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder system, see your VAIO Digital Studio™...
Page 34 Change to Current Document Title Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder includes: Giga Video Recorder — This application enables you to watch TV programs on your computer’s display and record them onto the hard disk drive as Video Capsules for later playback. Timer Recording Manager —...
Page 35: Setting Up Giga Pocket For Tv Viewing
Setting up Giga Pocket for TV viewing When you start Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder for the first time, you are automatically prompted to set the video input source for watching TV or cable TV (CATV) programs on your computer. See the VAIO Digital Studio™ Computer QuickStart, for details on setting up your Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder system.
Page 36 Change to Current Document Title setting for this connection option is STD. Depending on your local connection requirements, HRC and IRC are also available. Note: If you are unsure of the type of cable connection to use (Standard, HRC, or IRC), contact your cable provider for information.
Page 37: Giga Video Recorder
Giga Pocket™ Personal Video Recorder Giga Video Recorder Giga Video Recorder enables you to watch a TV program on your computer display while recording it onto your hard disk drive. Using the Giga Pocket Slip Play feature, you can view a program from the beginning even while it is being recorded.
Page 38 Change to Current Document Title Using the TV/Recording deck and Playback deck To use these functions, Giga Video Recorder features two decks on the main interface window: the TV/Recording deck and the Playback deck. TV/Recording deck (detail) Use the TV/Recording deck to view programs and record Video Capsules. You can use the Playback deck of your Giga Video Recorder to play back a Video Capsule.
Page 39: Timer Recording Manager
Start recording on the TV/Recording deck. From the Operation menu, select Start Slip Play. You can begin using Slip Play to view your recording approximately ten seconds after your recording session begins. For more information about the Giga Video Recorder feature, follow these steps to access the online Help: 1.
Page 40 Change to Current Document Title Timer Recording Manager dialog box If you turn off your computer, the timer recording function is disabled. For more information about the Timer Recording Manager feature, follow these steps to access the online Help: 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar and then select Programs. 2.
Page 41: Timer Recording Wizard
Timer Recording Wizard With the Timer Recording Wizard, you can set, adjust, and cancel the timer recording settings. Timer Recording Wizard dialog box Using the Timer Recording Wizard Click Start in the Windows taskbar, select Programs, and then click Giga Pocket.
Page 42: Video Explorer
Change to Current Document Title Additional information about the Timer Recording Wizard Giga Pocket requires approximately 30 seconds (pre-recording) preparation time prior to beginning each recording session. Please keep this in mind when setting up multiple, back-to-back recording sessions. Giga Pocket stops the current timer recording, pauses to prepare, and then begins the next timer recording according to the set start time.
Page 43 Using Video Explorer Click Start in the Windows taskbar, select Programs, and select Giga Pocket. Click Video Explorer. The Video Explorer window appears. Click My Cabinet to view a list of saved Video Capsules and Playlists. Video Explorer main window From the Video Explorer toolbar, you can: Launch Giga Video Recorder Playlist.
Page 44 Change to Current Document Title To export Video Capsules using Video Explorer In the list area, click the Video Capsule you want to export. In the Video Capsules menu, select Export. The Export dialog box appears. Export dialog box Provide an output name for the file you want to export and specify the location for the exported file.
Page 45: Playlist Builder
Some conversion formats may not be available, depending on the recording mode that was used to create the Video Capsule. Additional Information about using Video Explorer Video capsules that are recorded using High Quality (HQ) or Standard Play (SP) mode can be converted and exported as MPEG1 or MPEG2 files. MPEG2 files need a specific system environment for playback: A VAIO computer that has Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder installed.
Page 46 Change to Current Document Title Once a Playlist is created, you cannot delete the original Video Capsule. To delete the original Video Capsule, you must delete the Playlist. Playlist Builder main window Launching Playlist Builder Click Start in the Windows taskbar, select Programs, and then select Giga Pocket.
Page 47 For more information about the Playlist Builder feature, follow these steps to access the online Help: 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar and then select Programs. 2. Select Giga Pocket and then click on Giga Pocket Help. PicoPlayer This video player utility can be attached to every Video Capsule that is exported using Video Explorer.
Page 48 Change to Current Document Title Pico Player main window For more information about the PicoPlayer feature, follow these steps to access the online Help: 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar and then select Programs. 2. Select Giga Pocket and then click on Giga Pocket Help.
Page 49: Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions Topic: Why can’t I see an image or an image that is displayed correctly when I am using a VCR? Some images from an externally-connected video player device or a video game console, may not display or are not displayed correctly. These images include: Images from a playback screen that is in pause mode.
Page 50 Change to Current Document Title Topic: Why did my on-screen display shift or split? Your on-screen display may shift or split in rare instances. If this should occur, switch the TV/Recording deck and the playback deck or try switching the channel.
Page 51 Giga Pocket Glossary of Terms Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder software uses terms that may be unfamiliar. The most common terms and their definitions are listed below. Cabinet A cabinet acts as a container for Video Capsules in Video Explorer. CATV Refers to Community Access Television, otherwise known as cable television.
Page 52 Change to Current Document Title Thumbnail A thumbnail is a miniature view on recorded Video Capsules or in playback by Giga Video Recorder. The main thumbnail is displayed in calendar view or in the Video Explorer list area. Timer recording A timer recording is a preset video recording event.
Page 53: Vaio® Av Applications
MovieShaker™ Sony Electronics Inc. Sony’s original MovieShaker software creates personal movies that have transitions, background music, and text. Just import your video clips and “shake” with a click of the mouse. Your personal movies are easy to create and fun to share with family and friends.
Page 54 Captures are low resolution and ideal for e-mail. For high-quality captures, use DVgate software. 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.
Page 55: Importing Images And Sound Clips
MovieShaker™ This application can be used to create fun and innovative movies without any knowledge of film editing. In a few simple steps, motion pictures can be combined with special effects, still images, and music files, and then saved in a format compatible with most computers.
Page 56 Change text to match document Click the Shaker tab. Select a mood by clicking a face in the Shaker tray. Shaker tray Click . A 30-second scene is automatically generated and saved to the Product tray. To preview, switch the Work Panel to Product tray mode and press play. Scenes created with Shaker begin with a black frame and after processing are placed in the first available slot on the Product tray.
Page 57: Editing Clips And Scenes
Editing Clips and Scenes You can edit your movie by adding effects and text, adjusting the color and contrast, and modifying the length of clips. Working Panel Monitor Trim Palette Play Effect Knobs Adding effects to a scene or a clip Double-click the clip or scene to move it to the Working Panel.
Page 58: Saving A Movie
Change text to match document Saving a Movie Verify that the clip(s) you want to save is on the Product tray. See Help for more details on saving movies. Click Export. Select the format in which you want the document to be saved. Click Next.
Page 59: Creating A Photo Album
Creating a Photo Album Select the pictures you want to use to make an album. From the Utilities menu, select Album Maker. Choose the type of Album you want and click OK. Now add more pictures, frames, text, and effects. When you are finished, select Create Album in File menu or click the Create Album icon on the toolbar.
Page 60: Using Panorama Maker
How to stitch a panoramic picture: Gather the source images into the same folder or collection. Select the images you want to use. Sony recommends creating your panoramic picture with 12 landscaped or 16 portrait pictures. From the Utilities menu select Panorama Maker.
Page 61 An EMD service provider. Consult the provider for information about service. 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 62 Change text to match document To register with CDDB, you need Internet access from your computer. For more information regarding CDDB registration, click on the Help button. When you have registered with CDDB, the “Set OpenMG Jukebox as the Application for playing Audio CD” dialog box appears. You can set OpenMG Jukebox as the default application for playing audio CDs by selecting the appropriate checkbox.
Page 63 OpenMG Jukebox main window http://www.cddb.com 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. Playlist drop-down list Displays available playlists and audio files of the current feature tab. File tree view Displays the folders available on your computer.
Page 64 Change text to match document Recording a CD You can record songs from audio CDs and import them to playlists in OpenMG Jukebox. When you record from an audio CD on your optical drive for the first time, the “CD Drive Optimization”...
Page 65 You can display the name of the CD and its songs by clicking on the CD Info button. Transferring Songs (Check-in/Check-out) You can transfer songs between the playlists of your OpenMG Jukebox and external devices or media. For more information on using your external devices or media, see the documentation that came with the product.
Page 66 Change text to match document Select the playlist that has the song that you want to check out. The songs in the playlist are shown in the Playlist view panel located in the center of the Check-In/Out tab window. From the Playlist view panel, select the song to be checked out. To check out more than one song at a time, hold down the Ctrl key and click on the additional songs.
Page 67: Additional Features
For more information about using OpenMG Jukebox 2.0 software, go to the online OpenMG Jukebox Help. You can access the online help file using either of the following methods: Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar, point to Programs, point to OpenMG Jukebox, and then click on OpenMG Jukebox Help.
Page 68: Smart Capture
You can capture and enhance video or still images to share with your family and friends over the 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.
Page 69 Smart Capture main window 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 70: Using Still Mode
Change text to match document Using Still mode From the Start button, point to Programs, point to Smart Capture, and then click on Smart Capture. The Smart Capture main window appears. Connect your compatible i.LINK digital camera or camcorder to your computer with an i.LINK cable.
Page 71 Image Size — Select the image size, horizontal by vertical in pixels. Image Quality — Set the quality of your pictures as they are being saved by selecting Fine, Standard or Economy image quality. Destination — Select a file destination for your pictures. Click on the Effects button to select a special image effect.
Page 72 Change text to match document on the Capture button. The Still Viewer window appears. You can capture one picture or several pictures at a time. Still Viewer window Click on the arrows or drag the scroll bar to view the pictures. As each image is captured, it displays in the Still Viewer window with a balloon for your comments and an identifying number in the viewer’s queue.
Page 73 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 on the Windows taskbar, point to Programs, point to Smart Capture, and then click on Smart Capture. The Smart Capture main window appears.
Page 74 Change text to match document Destination — Select a file destination for your movies when recording video clips. Capture Button — Set the characteristics of the Capture button. You can start and stop recording by pressing the Capture button (this is the default characteristic).
Page 75 Movie Player window You can review your movie from the Movie Player window by using the play, pause and stop buttons. Click on the arrows or drag the scroll bar to view your movie. Each frame is displayed with an identifying number in the queue.
Page 76 ImageStation Login window appears. See steps 2 - 4 in the next section, “Uploading with Still Viewer,” for further uploading information. 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 77 Uploading with Still Viewer Click on the Upload button in Still Viewer. The ImageStation Login window appears. ImageStation Login window For first time users, the ImageStation registration wizard guides you through the initial registration process. Follow the onscreen instructions. If you are already a registered member, provide your login name and password.
Page 78 From the Start menu, point to Programs, point to VisualFlow, and then click on VisualFlow. If your system is equipped to use the Sony Memory Stick, the VAIO Action Setup utility may be configured to launch the VisualFlow browser upon insertion of a Memory Stick media.
Page 79 While an image is enlarged, the Launch toolbar appears at the bottom of the window. Any associated application can be activated from this point.
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Page 81: Dvgate™ Software
DVgate™ Software Connecting a digital video camera recorder Before connecting a digital video camera recorder to your computer, turn off the power to the camera. After connecting the camera, turn the power back on. You do not need to turn off the computer when connecting a camera. Using DVgate software with a digital video camera recorder Do not use DVgate software when the connected digital video device is in Timer Recording mode, as this could produce a malfunction in the device.
Page 82 Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select Run. Click Browse to navigate to your C: drive. Select Program Files, select Sony, select DVgate, select Premiere Plug-in, and then select 5.1. Select Setup.exe and click OK. The installation wizard dialog box appears.
Page 83 Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select Run. Click Browse to navigate to your C: drive. Select Program Files, select Sony, select DVgate, select Premiere Plug-in, and then select 6.0. Select Setup.exe and click OK. The installation wizard dialog box appears.
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Page 85: Hard Disk Drive Partition
Hard Disk Drive Partition Hard Disk Drive Partition In order to improve the performance of the DVgate™ software, the hard disk drive on your computer has been formatted with two partitions, C and D. The DVgate™ software saves files to the D partition. This prevents large video captures from consuming the available space on your C partition.
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Page 87: Defragmenting Your Hard Disk Drive
Defragmenting your Hard Disk Drive If you encounter frame dropping while recording digital video onto your hard disk drive, defragmentation may be necessary. To defragment your hard disk drive Deactivate your screen saver, if applicable. From the Start menu, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click on Disk Defragmenter.
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Page 89 Your VAIO computer includes a 4-pin i.LINK port on the front of the system and a 6-pin i.LINK port on the back of the system. 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.
Page 90 Connecting an i.LINK device Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition uses an i.LINK communication standard that is not compatible with the Sony VX1000 camcorder. See the manual that came with your i.LINK device for more information on installation and use.
Page 91: Enabling Ethernet
Enabling Ethernet Your computer comes with a preinstalled Ethernet interface. To enable faster startup, your computer may ship with this function disabled. You can enable Ethernet connectivity by following the instructions below. To enable the Ethernet connection Click on My Computer icon on the desktop. Click on Control Panel, and then click on System.
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Page 93: System, Application And Driver Recovery Cd(S)
The System Recovery CD program enables you to restore the software titles 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.
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Page 95: Using The System Recovery Cd(S)
You need to complete the Windows registration process when you use the System Recovery CD(s). Insert the Sony System Recovery CD in the DVD-RW drive. The System Recovery utility boots from the DVD-RW drive. It must be in the drive when you turn on the computer.
Page 96 Change to Current Document Title When the System Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the recovery process. Your system may include one or more System Recovery CDs. If you have more than one System Recovery CD, insert the first CD to run the System Recovery program. You are prompted to insert the next CD(s) once the information from the first CD has been installed.
Page 97: Using The Application Recovery Cd(S)
If you need to reinstall all the software titles that shipped with your computer, use the System Recovery CD(s). You must be in Windows to run the Application Recovery CD utility. If you have any questions on using the Application Recovery CD(s), contact Sony Customer Support. To use the Application Recovery CD(s) Turn on your computer.
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Page 99: Using The Driver Recovery Cd
Using 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, hardware, or software application.
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Page 101: Using The Quick Fix Wizard
These diagnostics protect and store information in a retrievable format that enables you to restore your software to a previous working state. Sony has identified the software items that are protected by the VAIO Support Agent utility.
Page 102 Change to Current Document Title To use the Quick Fix Wizard, follow these steps: From the VAIO Support Agent main window, click the Quick Fix Wizard button. The Welcome window appears. Click Next. The “Quick Fix Wizard: Begin VAIO Support Agent Diagnostics” dialog box appears.
Page 103 VAIO Support Agent Click Next to continue. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Page 104: Using Common Solutions
VAIO Support Local Server (http://sdcglobal4.sel.sony.com...) provides a list of SupportActions available from the Internet. Common Solutions dialog box (1st level) Connect to the Internet before attempting to view the category, “Vaio Support Local Server (http://sdcglobal4.sel.sony.com...).” The category is unavailable without an Internet connection.
Page 105: About Automatic Updates
About Automatic Updates The VAIO Support Agent utility is dormant as a background process. Every 24 hours, the Agent self-activates to contact the Sony Support Server to check for new updates or fixes needed for your system. This updating action only occurs while you are connected to the Internet and when more than 24 hours has passed since the last update.
Page 106: Update Notification
Agent Status Update You can choose from four response options: Give the Agent your permission to contact the Sony Support Server for any updates or fixes that are available specifically for your computer. The Agent continues to prompt you for your permission to retrieve updates.
Page 107: Event Notification
VAIO Support Agent Properties Event Notification At times, Sony initiates an event by sending support information for your specific computer model directly to you over the Internet. If you are connected to the Internet when these events occur, the ambulance icon on your task tray blinks.
Page 108: Using Support Central
Change to Current Document Title You must be connected to the Internet to receive an event notification. Using Support Central The Support Central feature uses Internet resources to help you fix your software. Support Central searches the Internet for answers to your questions, additional information from knowledge base systems, and the latest software updates for your protected software.
Page 109 You must have Internet access to use Support Central. Support Central: Welcome page Click Enter Portal to begin using Support Central. First-time users will be asked to register with Support Central. VAIO Support Agent...
Page 110 Change to Current Document Title Support Central retains your registration information, so you are only required to register once. If you log on to your computer with a different user name or have recovered your system using the System Recovery CDs, Support Central may require you to register again.
Page 111 VAIO Support Agent Support Central: Current Issues page When you log on to Support Central, the Current Issues page displays, enabling you to continue working on your open issues or to close them if you are finished. Support Central has a tracking feature that stores your current issues, enabling you to return and work on them later.
Page 112 Change to Current Document Title Support Central: Support Wizard page If you log on to Support Central with a new issue, or if you do not have any open issues, the Support Wizard appears. You can begin searching on the new issues. You must have Internet access to use Support Central.
Page 113: Software Applications Protected By Vaio Support Agent
Software Applications protected by VAIO Support Agent Software Applications protected by VAIO Support Agent In addition to the software listed below, your system’s drivers, basic network settings and modem settings are protected by the VAIO Support Agent utility. Utilities VAIO Action Setup Applications Adobe®...
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Page 115: 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 116 Change to Current Document Title Topic: My computer or software program stopped responding. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to close the application that has stopped responding. In the Close Program dialog box, scroll down until you locate the message “Not responding” next to an application. Select this application and click End Task.
Page 117 From the Start menu, select Shut Down. From the drop-down list, 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 118 Change to Current Document Title Topic: I cannot play a CD. After inserting your CD, wait a few seconds for it to be detected before trying to access it. Verify that the disc is in the tray with the label side facing up. Install your DVD/CD software according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Page 119 Check to make sure you inserted the CD-ROM with the label side facing up. Topic: Why doesn't my DVD-RW drive record at the highest speed? Sony recommends using 4x CD-RW or 8x CD-R media. If you are using other non-8x media and have difficulty with formatting, change the write speed from8x to a lower setting.
Page 120 Change to Current Document Title Topic: How do I change the video resolution of my display? From the Start menu, select Settings, and then select Control Panel. Click the Display icon and select the Settings tab. Move the Display area slider to change the resolution. Click OK.
Page 121 Check that the phone number the program is dialing is correct. Verify that the software you are using is appropriately configured to recognize and interact with the Sony computer modem. Call the software publisher if you do not know how to configure the software to recognize the modem.
Page 122 Change to Current Document Title Click the Diagnostics tab. Select COM3. Click More Info. If your modem is functioning, a More Info dialog box will display. If your modem is still not functioning properly, an error message will appear. You may need to reinstall the modem drivers. See “Using the Driver Recovery CD” in this manual.
Page 123 Decrease the microphone level. If available, click the Advanced button under Microphone Balance. The Advanced Controls for Microphone screen appears. Deselect the check box for 1 Microphone Boost, then click the Close button. Close the Recording Control window. Topic: My mouse does not work. Check that the mouse is plugged into the MOUSE port.
Page 124 Change to Current Document Title Topic: My keyboard does not work. Check that the keyboard is plugged into the KEYBOARD port. Close all applications and turn off your computer. Restart your computer. Topic: I cannot find the Windows® taskbar. The Windows taskbar may be hidden or minimized. Use the mouse to locate a hidden taskbar by pointing to the left, right, top, and bottom edges of the screen.
Page 125 Topic: How do I enable my Ethernet interface? Click My Computer on the desktop. Click on Control Panel and then click on System. Click the Device Manager tab. Click on the Network Adapters category, and then select "Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC." Click the Properties button.
Page 126 Always check the printer manufacturer's website for the latest drivers for Windows Me™ before proceeding. Some printers do not function properly without updated drivers for Windows Me. To Reach Sony For further assistance, call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972) or visit Sony Customer Support at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport/.
Page 127: Notes On Use
Notes on Use On 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. AC derived from different supply lines may result in voltage differences that can cause unstable operation or unwanted weak currents at the time of connection.
Page 128: On Disposal Of The Lithium Battery
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 129: On Moisture Condensation
Your computer, keyboard, and mouse consist of high-precision electronic parts. 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 130: On Handling A Crt Display
Change to Current Document Title Disconnect the system from its power source and from any telecommunications links, networks, or modems before you open the system or follow any of the procedures described in the online manual, Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO Digital Studio™ Computer. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or equipment damage.
Page 131: On Handling Floppy Disks
On Handling Floppy Disks Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the disk. Keep disk away from magnets. Keep disk away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. On Handling CD or DVD Media Do not touch the surface of the disc. Do not drop or bend the disc.
Page 132 Change to Current Document Title...
Page 133: For Answers To Your Software Questions
For Answers to Your Software Questions Sony Service Center For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972). This service is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. Adobe Acrobat Reader™, Adobe Photoshop® Elements, Adobe Premiere®...
Page 134 Change to Current Document Title EarthLink™ Network Total Access (EarthLink Network, Inc.) Web site http://help.earthlink.net/techsupport/ (Online Support) phone 800-395-8410 e-mail support@earthlink.net hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Netscape Communicator® (Netscape Communications, Corp.) Web site http://help.netscape.com phone 888-4SONYPC (888-476-6972) hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day * Support from 1-888-4SONYPC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase.
Page 135 RealPlayer®, RealJukebox (RealNetworks, Inc.) Web site http://service.real.com/rjoptions.html e-mail http://service.real.com/help/call.html Sony Applications (Sony Electronics Inc.) Web site http://www.sony.com/pcsupport (Online Support) phone 888-4SONYPC (888-476-6972) hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day * Support from 1-888-4SONYPC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase.
Page 136 Change to Current Document Title...
Page 137 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: Quick Start Contains information on how to set up your computer quickly and easily.
Page 138 You can use this automated service to request a list of available topics and then select the topics that you want to receive. To contact the Sony fax-on-demand service, call 1- 888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972). (Requires a fax machine or fax software.)
Page 139: Specifications
Standard Memory 128 MB PC-800 Rambus RIMM, expandable to 512 MB Video RAM 32 MB MPEG “Sony Tuned” MPEG Digital Video supports full-screen video playback Graphics NVIDIA® GeForce2 MX (AGP 4x) Graphics Acceleration Sound Capabilities Analog Devices SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio Floppy Disk Drive 3.5”...
Page 140 Change to Current Document Title Model PCV-RX490TV Connection Capabilities USB ports (2) PS/2® keyboard port (Rear) PS/2® mouse port VGA monitor port LCD monitor (DVI) port Serial port Parallel (printer) port Game/MIDI port Headphones jack Line In jack Microphone jack Supplied Accessories VAIO Smart™...
Page 141 ‡ The CD-RW/CD-R/CD-ROM data transfer standard 1X rate is 150 Kilobytes per second (KBps). Data on a CD-RW/CD-R is read at a variable transfer rate, ranging from 6.9X at the innermost track to 16X at the outermost track. The average data transfer rate is 11.5X (1725 KBps). Data on a CD-ROM is read at a variable transfer rate, ranging from 10.3X at the innermost track to 24X at the outermost track.
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