Sony MX User Manual
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO® MX computer! Your new, high-performance, multimedia computer
combines state-of-the-art computer functionality with the latest audio, video and information technology features.
Note:
Click here to find the latest updates and supplemental information about your computer.
Page 1
About Your VAIO MX Computer
MiniDisc drive
Your MiniDisc drive can perform several audio functions. Use the MiniDisc drive to:
Play music from your favorite MiniDisc.
Record to a MiniDisc media.
Integrate seamlessly with the other installed audio devices, using MiniDisc media and SonicStage Premium
software.
Additionally, your MiniDisc uses Net MD technology, which enables:
Secure, high-speed music data transfers.
Support of the MagicGate copyright protection technology.
Recording of copyright-protected music from the Internet or audio CDs, to your own MiniDisc.
SonicStage Premium software
SonicStage Premium software is a special jukebox application that supports high quality digital audio playback and
recording using a variety of devices and media. You can record from the built-in equipment, such as the FM tuner or optical
disc drive, and from external analog and digital audio devices, such as portable audio devices. SonicStage Premium
software also includes several standard jukebox features, including a Music Visualizer, audio CD-burning component, and a
parametric equalizer for fine-tuning your audio playback.
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder is an interactive collection of audio/video hardware and software. The unique and
versatile Giga Pocket features provide a wide array of television/video viewing, recording and playback capabilities.
DVD-RW drive
This new optical storage technology provides increased storage capacity and a dynamic multimedia computing experience.
Your state-of-the-art DVD-RW drive writes to DVD-R/DVD-RW and CD-R/CD-RW media, and plays your favorite DVDs and
CDs. This drive also functions as the ideal solution for making backups and archiving data, with the ability to store up to 4.7
GB of data on a single DVD-R/DVD-RW media. You can store up to 700MB of data on a single CD-R/CD-RW media. Save your
personal movies, videos, and still images to share with family and friends.
Sony MagicGate Memory Stick® media slot
The next generation of digital storage media is smaller than a stick of gum. Easily deliver information from one Memory Stick
media-equipped electronic device to another, so you can transfer images, sounds, data and text between cameras,
computers, and more.
VAIO® AV applications
This suite of Sony original applications includes PictureGear , Smart Capture, DVgate , Digital Print, MovieShaker ,
VisualFlow , and Media Bar DVD Player. These software applications make it easy to use advanced multimedia
techniques to develop your personal audio and video creations. Using the i.LINK ports, you can capture, view, and share
both still and video images, then catalog everything for fast, easy storage and retrieval.
i.LINK® (IEEE1394) interface
Two built-in i.LINK ports, located on the front and rear panels, provide you with digital connection capability. The i.LINK
name and logo identify a high-speed communication interface, which allows you to easily connect compatible digital
camcorders.
Note:
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.
Please refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i.LINK device for information on operating conditions and
proper connection. Before connecting compatible i.LINK PC peripherals to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive,
confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.
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VAIO® keyboard
The innovative palm rest converts to a keyboard cover for a sleek look when your keyboard is not in use. There are four
programmable keys on the keyboard that enable you to launch your favorite applications with the push of a button.
Sony audio and video quality
Take advantage of today's advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software with the Sony
high-fidelity audio system, high-powered 3-D graphics, and "Sony-Tuned" MPEG digital video playback.
Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system
Your system includes this latest consumer operating system from Microsoft.
Preinstalled software
All the software on your computer is preinstalled, configured, and ready for you to use right out of the box.
Communications
You have the choice of a variety of popular online services to browse the Internet, access e-mail, send faxes, and much
more.
Exceptional performance
Your computer includes an Intel® processor, a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet interface, and a V.90 data/fax modem.*
*
A c tual upload and download speeds may vary due to line conditions , ISP support, and government regulations.
Page 3
Unpacking Your Computer
Computer and basic accessories
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Unpacking Your Computer
Computer and basic accessories
Page 5
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder accessories
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Manuals
VAIO® MX Computer QuickStart — Contains information on unpacking and setting up your computer,
supplementary updates, and software information.
VAIO® MX Computer User Guide — Contains features and specifications of your computer. It also includes
information on the applications included with your system, how to contact software vendors, and solve common
problems.
VAIO® MX Computer Getting Started Guide — Contains information on setting up and using the audio and video
functions of the VAIO MX computer and accessories, SonicStage Premium software application, and Giga Pocket
Personal Video Recorder equipment and software applications.
This guide also has information about the Internet Electronic Program Guide (iEPG) service. You can use this new
Internet-based Sony technology to locate, record and set up timer recordings of your favorite TV programs.
Home Networking Solutions — (For models equipped with a HomePNA modem) Contains information on using a
HomePNA modem with Sony VAIO computers.
Information About DVD Recording — Contains information designed to help you become familiar with your
DVD-RW drive and the DVD recording software applications included with your computer.
Safety Information — Provides safety and legal information about your VAIO computer.
Specifications — Describes the hardware and physical configurations of your VAIO computer.
Microsoft® Windows® XP guide — Explains how to use the basic features of this latest Windows operating system.
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Recovery CDs
System Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to restore the software that shipped with your computer if they become
corrupted or are erased. System Recovery CDs can only be used to restore the hard disk of the Sony computer you
purchased.
Application Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to reinstall individual applications if they become corrupted or are
erased.
Driver Recovery CD — Enables you to restore device drivers if they become corrupted or are erased.
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Software library
The Software Library contains the Microsoft software license agreement and Sony end-user license agreement.
Other
Packet containing special product offers.
Page 9
To Choose an Ergonomic Location for Your Computer
Before you get started, find the best location for your new computer.
Planning your work space
Stable work surface — Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer and other peripheral
equipment.
Ventilation — Leave at least eight inches of space on the left and back sides of your computer to enable proper
ventilation.
Placement of the keyboard, mouse, and other input devices — Place your keyboard, mouse, and other input
devices so that your arms and hands are in a relaxed, comfortable position. The keyboard should be directly in front
of you. Adjust the level of the keyboard so that your lower arms are parallel to the floor. Keep your wrists in a
relaxed position when you are using the keyboard—not angled up or down. Use the palmrest only briefly, for
resting. While typing, never use the palmrest or rest your hands on the table. Position the mouse at the same level
as the keyboard. Hold the mouse with a relaxed hand, and use your whole arm to move it. Take breaks during
sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the mouse or a joystick may strain muscles or tendons.
Furniture and posture — Sit in a chair with good back support and armrests. Adjust the level of the chair so your
feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit with relaxed, upright posture—avoid
slouching forward or leaning far backward.
Viewing angle of the display — Position the display 18 to 26 inches directly in front of you, with the top of the
screen at or a little below eye level. Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye
strain and muscle fatigue by placing the display in the proper position.
Lighting — Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use
indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help
reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.
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Locating Controls And Connectors
Front Panel Overview
The front panel of your VAIO® MX computer enables access to the optical drive, MiniDisc drive, Memory Stick®, and PC Card
slots. The front panel also provides access to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) and i.LINK® ports to connect your compatible
peripheral devices.
Note:
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.
Please refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i.LINK device for information on operating conditions and
proper connection. Before connecting compatible i.LINK PC peripherals to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive,
confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.
Front panel
1 DVD-RW drive
Reads data from DVD or CD media. Writes data to a DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD-R, or CD-RW media.
2 MiniDisc drive
Plays and records music to and from a MiniDisc media. Supports Net MD protocol for secure music transfers.
3 LCD display screen
Displays the current operating mode and status of the computer.
4 Play button
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Plays the current DVD, CD, or MiniDisc media contents.
5 Stop button
Stops the current playback of DVD, CD, or MiniDisc media.
6 Infrared Receiver
Enables the computer to receive signals from the remote control.
(For proper remote control operation, do not block the infrared receiver.)
7 Muting button
Mutes the current sound output.
8 Power button and indicator light
Turns the computer on and off. The indicator light is blue when the computer is on and amber when the computer is in
Stand by mode.
9 PC Card slot
A PC card (also called a PCMCIA card) can be installed using this slot, to increase the functions of your system.
10 Headphone jack
Connection for headphones.
11 Microphone jack
Connection for a microphone.
12 i.LINK 4-pin port (IEEE1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
13 DVD-RW eject button
Ejects a disc from the DVD-RW drive.
14 MiniDisc media eject button
Ejects a MiniDisc media from the MiniDisc drive.
15 Previous/Rewind button
Skips to the previous track on the current playback of a DVD, CD or MiniDisc media.
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16 Next/Fast Forward button
Skips to the next track on the current playback of a DVD, CD or MiniDisc media.
17 Function button
Selects the operation mode of the computer.
18 Display button
Selects the display mode on the LCD display screen.
19 Volume control buttons
Increases or decreases the volume.
20 MagicGate Memory Stick® media slot
Reads and writes data to and from a Memory Stick media.
21 MagicGate Memory Stick media access indicator light
The indicator light is amber when the Memory Stick media slot is in use.
22 Universal Serial Bus (USB) port
Connection for a compatible USB device.
Note:
For your convenience, your computer includes USB and i.LINK ports and jacks on both the front and back panels. (The 4-pin
i.LINK port is located on the front panel and the 6-pin i.LINK port is located on the back.)
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Locating Controls And Connectors
Front Panel Overview
The front panel of your VAIO® MX computer enables access to the optical drive, MiniDisc drive, Memory Stick®, and PC Card
slots. The front panel also provides access to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) and i.LINK® ports to connect your compatible
peripheral devices.
Note:
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.
Please refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i.LINK device for information on operating conditions and
proper connection. Before connecting compatible i.LINK PC peripherals to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive,
confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.
Front panel
1 DVD-RW drive
Reads data from DVD or CD media. Writes data to a DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD-R, or CD-RW media.
2 MiniDisc drive
Plays and records music to and from a MiniDisc media. Supports Net MD protocol for secure music transfers.
3 LCD display screen
Displays the current operating mode and status of the computer.
4 Play button
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Plays the current DVD, CD, or MiniDisc media contents.
5 Stop button
Stops the current playback of DVD, CD, or MiniDisc media.
6 Infrared Receiver
Enables the computer to receive signals from the remote control.
(For proper remote control operation, do not block the infrared receiver.)
7 Muting button
Mutes the current sound output.
8 Power button and indicator light
Turns the computer on and off. The indicator light is blue when the computer is on and amber when the computer is in
Stand by mode.
9 PC Card slot
A PC card (also called a PCMCIA card) can be installed using this slot, to increase the functions of your system.
10 Headphone jack
Connection for headphones.
11 Microphone jack
Connection for a microphone.
12 i.LINK 4-pin port (IEEE1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
13 DVD-RW eject button
Ejects a disc from the DVD-RW drive.
14 MiniDisc media eject button
Ejects a MiniDisc media from the MiniDisc drive.
15 Previous/Rewind button
Skips to the previous track on the current playback of a DVD, CD or MiniDisc media.
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16 Next/Fast Forward button
Skips to the next track on the current playback of a DVD, CD or MiniDisc media.
17 Function button
Selects the operation mode of the computer.
18 Display button
Selects the display mode on the LCD display screen.
19 Volume control buttons
Increases or decreases the volume.
20 MagicGate Memory Stick® media slot
Reads and writes data to and from a Memory Stick media.
21 MagicGate Memory Stick media access indicator light
The indicator light is amber when the Memory Stick media slot is in use.
22 Universal Serial Bus (USB) port
Connection for a compatible USB device.
Note:
For your convenience, your computer includes USB and i.LINK ports and jacks on both the front and back panels. (The 4-pin
i.LINK port is located on the front panel and the 6-pin i.LINK port is located on the back.)
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Back Panel Overview
The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional accessories. The back panel also provides
access to Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder ports and jacks. The icons on the back panel locate and identify the ports
and jacks on your computer.
Back panel
1 Mouse port
Connection for a PS/2® mouse.
2 Keyboard port
Connection for a PS/2 Keyboard.
3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) port
Connection for a compatible USB device.
4 Ethernet port
10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet interface.
(The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)
5 Printer port
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Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner.
6 i.LINK 6-pin port (IEEE1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
7 Serial port
Connection for a compatible serial device.
8 Monitor port
Connection for a standard display.
9 DVI (LCD) Monitor port
Connection for an LCD display.
10 Audio Out jack
Connection for an audio cable (supplied).
Video/S-video Out port
Connection for a video cable adapter (supplied) or an S-video cable (optional).
11 Audio In jack
Connection for an audio cable (supplied).
Video/S-video In port
Connection for a video cable adapter (supplied) or an S-video cable (optional).
12 FM antenna port
Connection for an FM antenna.
13 S/P DIF (IN/OUT) optical ports
Connection for a digital audio or optical device.
14 AC Input port
Connection for the supplied power cord.
15 VHF/UHF port
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Connection for a TV coaxial cable (supplied).
16 Line IN jacks (R/L)
Connection for an audio device.
17 Line OUT jacks (R/L)
Connection for an audio device.
18 Stereo speaker terminals (R/L)
Connection for the supplied stereo speakers to the computer.
19 Telephone cable jack
Connection for a phone cable to the computer.
20 Modem line jack
Connection for a modem (supplied) cable to the wall jack.
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Remote Control Overview
The functions of the VAIO® MX Computer can be controlled using the remote control (supplied). The remote control can
control the functions for the computer, FM Tuner, MiniDisc player, Memory Stick® media slot, Giga Pocket functions, and
DVD/CD-ROM player.
Remote Control
1 Power button
Press to turn the computer on or off.
2 DVD button
Press to control a DVD player.
3 TV/VIDEO button
Press to start or stop Giga Video Recorder. Giga Video Recorder is a feature of the Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder
system.
4 Channel number buttons
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Press to select specific channels. Press the ENTER button to activate channel selection.
Jump button
Press to return to the previous channel. Press again to return to the current channel.
Enter button
Press to activate channel selection. See channel number buttons.
5 TV button
Press to control the onscreen TV image.
FM button
Press to control the FM tuner on the computer.
M button
Press to control the (M drive) on the computer.
CD button
Press to control the CD-ROM drive on the computer.
MD button
Press to control the MiniDisc drive on the computer.
MS button
Press to control the Memory Stick media slot on the computer.
Video button
Press to control video playback.
DVD button
Press to control DVD playback.
6 Cancel button
Press to close a message dialog box.
Pause button
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Press to pause playback.
Menu button
Press to display the menu options.
Prev/Rew button
Press to rewind to the previous selection.
Direction (center) button
Press in the arrow directions to locate desired content, such as a song or Video Capsule. Press down to select desired
content.
Next/FF button
Press to fast forward to the next selection.
Stop button
Press to stop playback.
Volume buttons
Press to raise or lower the volume.
Muting button
Press to turn off the sound. Press again to restore the sound.
Channel buttons
Press to browse available channels.
7 Display button
Press to display information.
TV input button
Press to select the input source including a television tuner or external input.
MX Display button
Press to select the mode for the LCD display screen on the computer.
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Monitor button
Press to set the display to Stand by mode. Press again to enable the monitor to resume. This feature is not available while
Giga Pocket features are in use.
Sleep button
Press to program the computer to automatically enter Stand by mode.
Video Rec button
Press to start recording with Giga Video Recorder.
Video Rec Stop button
Press to stop recording on-screen images to Giga Video Recorder.
Video Rec Mode button
Press to select a recording mode for Giga Video Recorder.
8 Size button
Press to view SonicStage Premium software in Simple mode view. Press again to return to full-screen view.
Play Mode button
Press to select Play mode.
Audio Select button
Press to select audio mode.
EQ button
Press to adjust your equalizer.
Angle button
See the Media Bar DVD Player software online Help file for more information.
Subtitle button
See the Media Bar DVD Player software online Help file for more information.
Title button
See the Media Bar DVD Player software online Help file for more information.
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Return button
See the Media Bar DVD Player software online Help file for more information.
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Additional System Capabilities
To use the Memory Stick media slot
Your VAIO® MX computer is designed to support the Sony MagicGate Memory Stick® media. A Memory Stick media is a
compact, portable, and versatile data storage media designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with similarly
equipped products.
Inserting a Memory Stick media
1.
Slide front panel cover in the direction of arrow as shown, to open the lower front panel.
Opening the lower front panel
2.
Insert the Memory Stick media into the Memory Stick media slot.
Inserting the Memory Stick Media
3.
If the media does not insert easily, remove it from the slot and verify that it is not upside-down or backwards.
Carefully reinsert the Memory Stick media, but do not force it into the slot.
Caution:
Do not remove the Memory Stick media while the media access indicator light is on. The media or its data
may become damaged.
Removing a Memory Stick media
A small portion of the Memory Stick media remains extended when it is inserted into the Memory Stick media slot.
1.
Press and release the extended portion of the Memory Stick media. The media extends out further from the slot.
2.
Remove the Memory Stick media from the slot carefully.
Note:
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Sony Memory Stick media do not support AVI file playback. First copy the AVI file to your hard disk drive and then
playback the file.
Protecting data on Memory Stick media from accidental changes
Memory Stick media contain a write-protect tab. The write-protect tab prevents accidental changes to information recorded
on your Memory Stick media. When you slide the write-protect tab to the LOCK position, your Memory Stick media is
write-protected. You cannot delete, copy, or save information on the media while the write-protect tab in the LOCK position.
When you slide the tab to the un-LOCK position, you can write to or modify your Memory Stick media's contents.
Locking the Memory Stick Media
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Additional System Capabilities
To use the Memory Stick media slot
Your VAIO® MX computer is designed to support the Sony MagicGate Memory Stick® media. A Memory Stick media is a
compact, portable, and versatile data storage media designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with similarly
equipped products.
Inserting a Memory Stick media
1.
Slide front panel cover in the direction of arrow as shown, to open the lower front panel.
Opening the lower front panel
2.
Insert the Memory Stick media into the Memory Stick media slot.
Inserting the Memory Stick Media
3.
If the media does not insert easily, remove it from the slot and verify that it is not upside-down or backwards.
Carefully reinsert the Memory Stick media, but do not force it into the slot.
Caution:
Do not remove the Memory Stick media while the media access indicator light is on. The media or its data
may become damaged.
Removing a Memory Stick media
A small portion of the Memory Stick media remains extended when it is inserted into the Memory Stick media slot.
1.
Press and release the extended portion of the Memory Stick media. The media extends out further from the slot.
2.
Remove the Memory Stick media from the slot carefully.
Note:
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Sony Memory Stick media do not support AVI file playback. First copy the AVI file to your hard disk drive and then
playback the file.
Protecting data on Memory Stick media from accidental changes
Memory Stick media contain a write-protect tab. The write-protect tab prevents accidental changes to information recorded
on your Memory Stick media. When you slide the write-protect tab to the LOCK position, your Memory Stick media is
write-protected. You cannot delete, copy, or save information on the media while the write-protect tab in the LOCK position.
When you slide the tab to the un-LOCK position, you can write to or modify your Memory Stick media's contents.
Locking the Memory Stick Media
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To use PC card slot
Your computer has a card bus PC card slot that supports Type I or Type II PC (PCMCIA) cards. You do not need to shut
down your computer when inserting a PC card. For more information, see the instructions supplied with your PC card.
Inserting a PC card
1.
Insert the PC card into the PC card slot until it clicks into position.
Inserting a PC card
2.
If the PC Card does not insert easily, remove it from the PC card slot and verify that it is not upside-down or
backwards. Carefully reinsert the PC card, but do not force it into the slot.
Removing a PC card
1.
Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows® task tray.
2.
Click to select the name of the card that you want to eject and click Stop. The Stop a Hardware Device window
appears.
3.
Click OK.
4.
When the message "Safe to Remove Hardware" appears, push the PC card Eject button on the front panel of
the system unit. You may need to extend the Eject button out from the computer before you can eject the card.
5.
When the PC card ejects from the PC card slot, remove it by holding the edges and pulling it out carefully.
Note:
If you eject the PC card incorrectly, your computer may not work correctly.
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Setting Up Your VAIO Computer
Your computer has many new and exciting features. This section contains information on setting up your computer and
peripheral devices.
Note:
Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency.
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