Page 3 - Contents
3 Contents Welcome.......................................................5 Locating Controls And Connectors...........7 Front Panel Overview..................................................7Back Panel Overview ................................................10 VAIO Action Setup .......................
Page 5 - Welcome
5 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 with your system.
Page 7 - Front Panel Overview
7 Locating Controls And Connectors Front Panel Overview The front panel of your VAIO Computer allows access to the optical and floppy disk drives. It also includes Universal Serial Bus (USB) and i.LINK® ports to connect compatible peripheral devices. ✍ i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to desi...
Page 10 - Back Panel Overview
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 10 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 ...
Page 13 - VAIO Action Setup; Shortcut Keys; S1 — Outlook® Express; You can reprogram the S keys to launch other applications.; Changing the settings of the S keys; Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select All Programs.
13 VAIO Action Setup VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your computer ’s Shortcut keys (S Keys). Shortcut Keys The programmable S Keys are linked with the following applications as their default settings: ❑ S1 — Outlook® Express ❑ S2 — Internet Explorer ❑ S3 — SonicStage ❑ S4 — PictureGear™ ...
Page 14 - To Change the Sony Software Window Design; Changing the window design
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 14 3 Click the S Key you want to change. 4 From the Select Application dialog box, click the option for the desired type of function. The corresponding applications appear in the list box on the right. 5 The Confirmation Application Name window appears. Click ...
Page 15 - VAIO AV Applications
15 VAIO AV Applications Your VAIO® computer has a preinstalled collection of audio and video (AV) applications that make it easy to use advanced multimedia technology. This section describes the VAIO AV applications. ✍ Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software applications listed, d...
Page 16 - Overview of Preinstalled Software; camera. The images appear in a
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 16 Overview of Preinstalled Software DigitalPrintSony 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 prin...
Page 19 - DigitalPrint Software; Using PhotoCapture; Click
DigitalPrint Software 19 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...
Page 21 - eliminate any unwanted pictures.
DigitalPrint Software 21 3 Click Capture to capture still images. You can preview a thumbnail version of your pictures in the selection view window. 4 Select the desired pictures, and click Get Pictures. The PhotoCapture picture editor window appears. 5 Click View to see an enlarged version of a sel...
Page 22 - Using PhotoCollection
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 22 Using PhotoCollection You can select and print your favorite digital pictures, using your computer and home printer. 1 Click (Photo) to open the PhotoCollection window. A list of folders is displayed on the left side of the window, with the folder contents ...
Page 23 - Using PhotoDecor
DigitalPrint Software 23 6 Click Print All to print 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. Add, remove, and change your designs to create your own...
Page 24 - Using PhotoAlbum
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 24 2 Select the desired folder. From the thumbnail view, click to select the pictures you want to decorate. The PhotoDecor editing window appears. 3 Use the decoration features on the right side of the window by clicking on the desired decoration icon, and the...
Page 25 - Click Create New Album. The Select Photo window appears.; Using LabelMaker
DigitalPrint Software 25 2 Click Create New Album. The Select Photo window appears. 3 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. 4 Select a design template for ...
Page 26 - Click an icon to select a media type. A new window opens.
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 26 2 Click an icon to select a media type. A new window opens. 3 Click the paper layout icon. The Select Design window appears. 4 Select a design template. Use the decoration and customization features on the right by clicking an icon and dragging it onto your...
Page 27 - DVgate Software; Connecting a digital video camcorder; To use DVgateTM software with a digital video camcorder
DVgate Software 27 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 - To use DVgate software to record AVI files to tape
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 28 To use DVgate software to record AVI files to tape ❑ 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. ❑ Avoid recording problems, such as a single frame appear...
Page 29 - MovieShaker Software
MovieShaker Software 29 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. You can save your personal video c...
Page 30 - Creating movies with MovieShaker software; Importing images and sound clips
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 30 Creating movies with MovieShaker software Using your imported clips, you can create a short movie using the Shake feature. The Shake feature selects clips from the Story Board tray, adds effects, and combines them randomly into a 30-second movie. After you ...
Page 31 - Using the Shake feature
MovieShaker Software 31 Using the Shake feature 1 Click the Shake tab. The Shake tray appears 2 Select a mood by clicking a face in the Shake pattern tray. 3 Click the Shake! button. A 30-second movie is automatically generated. 4 Optional: Add text to your new movie by clicking on the Input button....
Page 32 - Adding effects to a scene or a clip
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 32 Adding effects to a scene or a clip 1 Double-click or drag the desired clip or scene to move it to the Story Board tray. 2 Click the Effect button on the Effect tray. 3 Drag the Effect icon you want to add from the Effect tray to the Effect palette on the E...
Page 33 - Adding text effects to a scene or clip
MovieShaker Software 33 Adding text effects to a scene or clip 1 Double-click or drag the clip or scene to move it to the Story Board tray. 2 Click the Text button on the Editing tray. 3 Click the Text Setting button to create customized text. The Text Setting dialog box appears. Enter your text, an...
Page 34 - Saving a movie
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 34 Saving a movie 1 Verify that the movie or clips you want to save are located on the Story Board tray. 2 Click the Export button on the Story Board tray. 3 Select the format in which you want the movie to be saved. 4 Click Next. 5 Confirm that you want to co...
Page 35 - Using ImageStation online service with MovieShaker software; ImageStation; is an online service that allows you to store your pictures and
MovieShaker Software 35 Using ImageStation online service with MovieShaker software ImageStation SM 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...
Page 37 - PictureGear Software; Managing your pictures; Use the Collection feature to manage your pictures.
PictureGear Software 37 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, ...
Page 38 - Creating a photo album; Select the pictures you want to include in your album.
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 38 Creating a photo album 1 Click the Folder tab in the main window and browse to locate your pictures. 2 Select the pictures you want to include in your album. 3 From the Utilities menu, select Album Maker. 4 Choose a Design template for your album. 5 Click t...
Page 39 - Enter a name for the target folder and click OK.
PictureGear Software 39 6 Click the “Customize the design” button to add pictures, frames, text, and effects. 7 Click Save to designate the location where you want to save your album. 8 Enter a name for the target folder and click OK. 9 The PictureGear™ Custom Album feature creates the new folder in...
Page 40 - Smart Capture
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 40 Smart Capture Smart Capture is a Sony application that manages the i.LINK® connection between your computer and a compatible i.LINK digital camera or camcorder. You can capture and enhance video or still images to share with your family and friends over the...
Page 41 - Using Still Mode; Click Start in the Windows® taskbar and click All Programs.
Smart Capture 41 The Smart Capture main window opens with a blue screen image, indicating that there is no data input from a digital camera or camcorder. When you connect your digital camera or camcorder to your system with an i.LINK cable and turn it on, an image appears in the main window. Some ca...
Page 42 - The Still Image Options window has four tabs:; Image Size — Select the image size, horizontal by vertical, in pixels.
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 42 5 Click the Options button to view the available options for your still image capture. The Still Image Options window appears. The Still Image Options window has four tabs: ❑ Capturing Mode — You can choose between Normal, Self-timer, or Panorama Capture mo...
Page 43 - To capture a picture in Still mode
Smart Capture 43 To capture a picture in Still mode 1 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 a...
Page 44 - Using Net Movie Mode; The Recording Options window has three tabs:; Format tab view
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 44 Using Net Movie Mode 1 From the Start button in the Windows taskbar, select All Programs, select Smart Capture, and then click Smart Capture. The Smart Capture main window appears. 2 Connect your compatible i.LINK digital camcorder to your computer with an ...
Page 45 - To capture a movie in Net Movie mode
Smart Capture 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 ...
Page 46 - To manage your movie in Net Movie mode; Using ImageStation with Smart Capture software
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 46 3 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. To manage your movie in Net Mov...
Page 47 - To upload with Movie Player
Smart Capture 47 To upload with Movie Player 1 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. 2 Click to see thumbnail previews of your pictures or movies....
Page 48 - to
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 48 3 From the Still Viewer window, click the Upload button to transfer your pictures or movies to the ImageStation Web site. The Image Uploader window displays your Internet connection and upload status. Click to see thumbnail previews of your pictures or movi...
Page 49 - SonicStage Software; Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) Services; Click Start in the Windows taskbar and then click All Programs.
SonicStage Software 49 SonicStage Software SonicStage software is a new jukebox application that adds a host of new features to its predecessor, OpenMG™ Jukebox. SonicStage software lets you play and record from audio CDs and import digital audio files while maintaining copyright information. Contin...
Page 50 - can transfer the audio files to an external device or media.; Playlist view
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 50 SonicStage feature tabs (Main window) ❑ CD tab — The contents of your inserted audio CD are displayed, enabling functions such as recording to the computer’s hard disk drive. ❑ Import tab — Import MP3, WAV or audio files on your computer to a Playlist. ❑ Pl...
Page 51 - Recording from a CD; Insert an audio CD into your system’s optical disc drive.
SonicStage Software 51 Recording from a CD You can record songs from audio CDs and import them to playlists in SonicStage. 1 Insert an audio CD into your system’s optical disc drive. 2 Click the CD tab. 3 Use the drop-down lists to select the ATRAC3 bit rate, CD drive, and Record To destination. 1 F...
Page 52 - If your Internet connection is active, you can use the
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 52 4 You can identify specific tracks on your CD by clearing the check marks from the tracks you don’t want to record. You can clear all selected tracks by selecting the empty checkbox next to Select All, and then selecting the tracks you want to record. If yo...
Page 54 - Check In
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 54 Check In 1 Connect the external device or insert the media into your computer. 2 Click the Transfer tab to display the Transfer window. Your computer automatically recognizes the connected external device or media and lists the content information in a new ...
Page 55 - Additional features
SonicStage Software 55 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 ...
Page 56 - VisualFlow Software; Using VisualFlow software; Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select All Programs.
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 56 VisualFlow Software VisualFlow™ software is a Sony state-of-the-art multimedia browser designed specifically for Memory Stick® media. It displays any still picture, movie or sound files stored in a Memory Stick media in a visually pleasing, artistic manner....
Page 57 - Click an image to show a normal view centered on the screen.
VisualFlow Software 57 4 Click an icon in the Sort section on the main toolbar to select a sorting method. 5 Placing your cursor on the left end of the main toolbar activates the current Memory Stick properties. 6 Placing your cursor on the right end of the main toolbar activates a secondary toolbar...
Page 58 - Additional Software Information; VAIO Edit Components; Installing VAIO Edit Components
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 58 Additional Software Information VAIO Edit Components VAIO® Edit Components is a software plug-in for Adobe® Premiere® that provides maximum compatibility and video quality for capturing video from your Sony digital camcorder. If your VAIO computer does not ...
Page 59 - Configuring Your VAIO Computer; Hard Disk Drive Partition; Defragmenting your hard disk drive
59 Configuring Your VAIO Computer This section provides information about maintaining your computer ’s hard disk drive performance and connecting a compatible i.LINK® device. Hard Disk Drive Partition To maintain optimum system performance, you should defragment your computer ’s D partition regularl...
Page 60 - A 4-pin i.LINK port cannot supply power to a connected device.
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 60 i.LINK (IEEE1394) Compatibility Your VAIO computer may include either 4-pin or 6-pin, or both types, of i.LINK ports. A 6-pin i.LINK port can: ❑ supply power from the computer to the connected device if the device is equipped with a 6-pin connector. ❑ suppl...
Page 64 - System Recovery Options; System Drive Recovery
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 64 To Use the System Recovery CD(s) The System Recovery utility formats your hard disk drive and restores all the original software applications. Your computer is returned to the original factory settings. If you experience a problem with your computer, reinst...
Page 67 - To Use the Driver Recovery CD; You must be in Windows to run the Driver Recovery CD utility.; Reinstalling device drivers with the Driver Recovery CD; From the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.
To Use the Driver Recovery CD 67 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 wit...
Page 69 - Troubleshooting; Topics; My computer does not start.
69 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 My computer does not start. ❑ Check that the computer is plugged into a power...
Page 70 - From the VAIO Help and Support menu, click VAIO User Guide.
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 70 My drivers are corrupted or deleted. I want to recover drivers that came with my computer. See “To Use the Driver Recovery CD” in the online User Guide, for more information. You can access the online User Guide as follows: 1 Click Start in the Windows task...
Page 72 - My optical drive tray does not open.
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 72 My optical drive tray does not open. There are two methods for opening your optical drive tray: ❑ Use the Eject button 1 Make sure the computer is turned on. 2 Press the Eject button on the drive. ❑ Use the My Computer icon 1 Click Start in the Windows task...
Page 74 - How do I change the video resolution of my display?
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 74 When I click an application icon, a message such as “You must insert the application CD into your drive” appears and the software does not start. ❑ Some software applications require specific files that are located on the application’s CD-ROM. Insert the di...
Page 75 - Why is there no sound in any application?
Troubleshooting 75 Why is there no sound in any application? ❑ Check that the speakers are plugged into the Headphones jack. ❑ If your speakers have a mute button, verify that it is turned off. ❑ If your speakers are powered by batteries, verify that the batteries are inserted properly and that they...
Page 76 - My modem connection is slow.
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 76 My modem connection is slow. Many factors influence modem connection speed: ❑ Telephone line noise ❑ Incompatibility with other telephone equipment such as fax machines or other modems. ❑ Internet Service Providers (ISP) connection capability may vary. If y...
Page 77 - How do I change my modem to rotary or Touch-Tone dialing?
Troubleshooting 77 ❑ If it appears that your modem is not functioning properly, check the device status. 1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Control Panel. 2 Click Printers and Other Hardware and then select Phone and Modem Options. 3 From the Modems tab, click to select your modem. 4 C...
Page 78 - My mouse does not work.
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 78 3 From the Audio tab, locate the Sound recording section and click the Volume button. The Recording Control dialog box appears. 4 Select the Options menu and click Properties. The Properties dialog box appears. 5 In the section, “Adjust volume for,” select ...
Page 79 - My mouse needs to be set up for left-hand use.
Troubleshooting 79 My mouse needs to be set up for left-hand use. 1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Control Panel. 2 Click Printers and Other Hardware, then click Mouse. The Mouse Properties dialog box appears. 3 From the Buttons tab, select “Switch primary and secondary buttons” unde...
Page 80 - How do I install a printer?
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 80 How do I install a printer? ❑ If your printer has a USB, IEEE1394, or infrared connection, contact the printer manufacturer for information or updates that may be required for proper installation. ❑ Check the printer manufacturer’s Web site for the latest d...
Page 81 - To contact Sony for technical support
Troubleshooting 81 To contact Sony for technical support For further technical assistance, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972) or access the Sony Computing Support Web site at: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.
Page 83 - Notes on Use; The power source; Do not place heavy objects on the power cord.
Notes on Use 83 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 equipmen...
Page 84 - Disposal of the lithium battery
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 84 Disposal of the lithium battery Dispose of the lithium battery properly. In some areas, the disposal of lithium batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited. You can return your unwanted lithium batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or...
Page 85 - Do not use cut or damaged connection cables.; Moisture condensation
Notes on Use 85 ❑ Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet, keyboard, or mouse, shut down your computer and then unplug it. You may want to have the computer checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further. ❑ The computer uses high-frequency radio signals and may cause ...
Page 86 - Upgrading the computer system; Avoid working in a carpeted area.; Handling a display; Do not place the display near a strong magnetic force.
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 86 Upgrading the computer system ❑ The upgrading procedures described in the online manual, assume familiarity with the general terminology associated with personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modify...
Page 87 - Using the hard disk drive; Do not move the computer during operation.; Handling floppy disks; Keep floppy disks away from magnets.; Handling CD or DVD media; Do not touch the surface of the disc.; Cleaning CD or DVD media
Notes on Use 87 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. ❑ Do not turn off the power while the computer is accessing the hard...
Page 88 - Resources; VAIO QuickStart; Click on the VAIO User Guide.; Knowledge Database
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 88 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 The QuickStart contains informatio...
Page 89 - Software Updates
Resources 89 Sony Fax-on-Demand This service provides you with answers to commonly asked questions. You can use this automated service to request a list of available topics. Select the topics that you want to view. To contact the Sony fax-on-demand service, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972). (Re...
Page 91 - Index
91 Index A AC Input port 11 air circulation 84Application Recovery CD(s) ARCDs 66 audio file formats 55audio problems 75 B Back Panel 10Browser security 49 C caution lithium battery 84speakers 84 CD playback problems 72, 74tray eject 72 CD-RW recording problems 74 changing window design 14Check-In/C...
Page 94 - your computer 86
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide 94 CD/DVD playback problems 72CD-RW recording 74changing parallel port type 71computer stopped responding 70DVD playback problems 73DVD-RW recording 74keyboard 79microphone 77modem 76modem speed 76mouse 78operating system locks up 71optical drive tray eject 72...
