Sony PCGA-UCVC11, PCGA-UVC11A User Manual

Visual Communication Camera PCGA-UVC11A

Operating Instructions / Manual de instrucciones

IMPORTANTE!

POR FAVOR LEA DETALLADAMENTE ESTE MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES ANTES DE CONECTAR Y OPERAR ESTE EQUIPO.

RECUERDE QUE UN MAL USO DE SU APARATO PODRIA ANULAR LA GARANTIA.

English

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

Owner’s Record

The model number and the serial number are located on the bottom of the camera. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to this number whenever you call your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. PCGA-UVC11A Serial No. ________________________________

For customers in the U.S.A.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. – Increase the separation between the equipment and

receiver.

– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit

different from that to which the receiver is connected.

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.

The shielded interface cable recommended in this manual must be used with this equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to subpart B of Part 15 of the FCC Rules. You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. 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. The number below is for FCC related matters only.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: PCGA-UVC11A Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr,

Telephone No.: 858-942-2230

The device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including

interference that may cause undesired operation.

San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A.

For customers in Canada

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Pour les utilisateurs au Canada

AVERTISSEMENT

Pour prévenir tout risque d’incendie ou d’électrocution, gardez cet appareil à l’abri de la pluie et de l’humidité.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

• Sony, VAIO, , and the Eco Info logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

• Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/ or other countries.

• All other names of systems, products, and services are trademarks of their respective owners.

• In this manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified.

• In this manual, Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional is referred to as Windows 2000.

• In this manual, Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition is referred to as Windows Me.

• In this manual, Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition, Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional and Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition* are referred to as Windows XP.

* Support for Microsoft® Windows® XP Media

Center Edition is provided only in the U.S.A. and Canada.

Table of Contents

Before Using This Product .................... 4

Introduction ........................................... 4

Supplied Accessories............................. 5

Names of Parts.......................................6

Setting Up the Camera...........................7

Installing the driver and

the software .................................. 7

Installing the Wireless LAN

driver .......................................... 12

Connecting the Camera ....................... 14

When mounting directly ............... 14

When you cannot mount

directly ....................................... 15

Using the mounting adapter.....15

Fastening using an adhesive

sheet.......................................17

Setting horizontally .................18

Attaching the camera to a

tripod ..................................... 19

Disconnecting the camera ............20

Using the Camera ................................ 21

Capturing images with the

camera ........................................ 21

Capturing images backward ......... 23

Setting the camera microphone

volume........................................23

If you cannot record with the

camera microphone .................... 24

Precautions ..........................................26

Maintenance ........................................27

Getting Help ........................................ 28

Specifications ......................................29

Troubleshooting...................................30

Before Using This Product

This camera is designed for use with Sony VAIO computers running the preinstalled Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows XP operating systems, or VAIO computers that are Windows XP Ready and have been upgraded with Windows XP upgrade software provided by Sony Corporation (hereafter referred to as “computers upgraded to the Windows XP operating system”). The camera is not designed for use with any other computer.

Introduction

You can use this camera to capture still images and movies, which are then saved on your computer. Using the Network Smart Capture software allows you to share images and movies captured with the camera with your friends and family through e-mail. You can also capture still images with the Web Camera mode of the camera at the interval that you specify. These images can be uploaded to a Web site in real time. You can also use the camera to video chat with Windows Messenger or NetMeeting.

z Hint

For details, refer to the Network Smart Capture software help.

Supplied Accessories

Remove the camera from the box and make sure that the box contains the accessories listed below.

If any of the accessories are missing, contact the Sony dealer where you purchased this product or a Sony service representative in your area.

• Visual Communication Camera (PCGA-UVC11A)

• PCGA-UVC11A installation disc (CD-ROM)

• Mounting adapter

• Adhesive sheet (Large/medium/small)

• Operating instructions (this document)

• Warranty*

• End User Software License Agreement

* The accessories included vary according to country and region.

Names of Parts

Front

Rear

CAPTURE button

Camera Focus ring

Microphone Lens

Arm plate

Arm

Continued on next page

Setting Up the Camera

Before using the camera, you must install the required driver and software on your computer using the supplied installation disc.

Notes

• Make sure that the optical drive (CD-ROM or DVD drive) is available for use on your computer. In this document, the CD-ROM drive or other disk drive is referred to as “the CD-ROM drive.” For details on how to connect an external CD-ROM drive, refer to the manuals provided with your computer or the CD-ROM drive.

• Before connecting the camera to your computer, make sure that you install the driver and the software as explained in this document.

• If the “Add New Hardware Wizard” dialog box appears, click “Cancel”, then disconnect the camera from your computer and reinstall it.

• The preinstalled Wireless LAN driver for Sony VAIO computer models PCG-SRX55TC/SRX55TH/SRX55TL/VX89/VX89P is incompatible when using the PCGA-UVC11A USB camera. For proper use, Sony recommends installing and using the Wireless LAN driver supplied with the PCGA-UVC11A USB camera. Follow the instructions below. In the U.S.A, for more information visit http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

Installing the driver and the software

Install the PCGA-UVC11A device driver and the Network Smart Capture software.

Note

On a computer running the Windows 2000 operating system, log on as Administrator before installing the driver and the software. On a computer running the Windows XP operating system, log on as an administrator before installing the driver and the software.

1 Turn on the computer. The Windows operating system

starts. Close all other programs and insert the supplied installation disc into the CD-ROM drive.

The installation program starts automatically and the “Sony Visual Communication Camera PCGA-UVC11A Application Installer Setup” screen appears.

2 Select your area from the list.

3 Make sure that the software that you want to install is

selected, and then click “Next”.

z Hint

If the software is already installed, the check box does not appear.

4 Follow the on-screen instructions. Click “Next” or “Previous”

until the setup finishes and the display closes.

z Hint

When the installation is complete, a message prompting you to restart your computer may appear. If it does, click “Yes”.

5 Connect the camera to your computer.

The necessary driver and software are automatically installed. If the message prompting you to restart your computer appears, click “Yes”. After your Windows operating system restarts, you can begin using the camera.

Checking that the driver is installed

1 Connect the camera to your computer.

For connection details, see “Connecting the Camera” (page 14).

2 With the Windows XP operating system, click “Start”,

right-click “My Computer”, and then click “Properties”.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears. Go to Step 4.

For operating systems other than the Windows XP operating system, click “Start”, point to “Settings”, and then click “Control Panel”.

“Control Panel” appears.

3 Double-click “System”.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

4 Click the “Hardware” tab, and then click the “Device

Manager” button. Your operating system may require you to click the “Device Manager” tab.

The “Device Manager” window appears.

Continued on next page

5 Click the plus symbol (+) to the left of “Imaging Device” in

the “Device Manager” window.

If “Sony Visual Communication Camera PCGA-UVC11” appears, the driver is properly installed.

6 Click the plus symbol (+) to the left of “Sound, Video, and

Game Controllers” in the “Device Manager” window.

If “Sony USB Microphone (PCGA-UVC11)” appears, the driver is properly installed.

7 Click the plus symbol (+) to the left of “USB Controllers”, or

“Universal Serial Bus controllers” on some systems, in the “Device Manager” window.

If “Sony Visual Communication Camera (PCGA-UVC11)” appears, the driver is properly installed.

8 Close the “Device Manager” window. Click “OK” in the

“System Properties” dialog box. Your operating system may require you to click “OK” in the “System Properties” dialog box.

Note

If a driver is not displayed or an exclamation mark (!) appears next to it, the driver is not installed properly. Follow the steps for “Uninstalling a driver,” and after you have deleted the driver, reinstall it.

Uninstalling the driver

If the driver is not installed correctly, follow the steps below to uninstall, and then reinstall the driver.

Notes

• On a computer running the Windows 2000 operating system, log on as Administrator before uninstalling the driver. On a computer running the Windows XP operating system, log on as an administrator before uninstalling the driver.

• Before uninstalling the driver, close the software application used with the camera.

1 Connect the camera to your computer.

For connection details, see “Connecting the Camera” (page 14).

2 With the Windows XP operating system, click “Start”,

right-click “My Computer”, and then click “Properties”.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears. Go to Step 4.

For operating systems other than the Windows XP operating system, click “Start”, point to “Settings”, and then click “Control Panel”.

“Control Panel” appears.

3 Double-click “System”.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

4 Click the “Hardware” tab, and then click the “Device

Manager” button. Your operating system may require you to click the “Device Manager” tab.

The “Device Manager” window appears.

5 Click the plus symbol (+) to the left of “USB Controllers”, or

“Universal Serial Bus controllers” on some systems, in the “Device Manager” window.

6 Click “Sony Visual Communication Camera (PCGA-UVC11)”

or “USB Composite Device”, and then click “Uninstall”or “Remove”.

The “Confirm Device Removal” dialog box appears.

7 Click “OK”. 8 Close the “Device Manager” window. Click “OK” in the

“System Properties” dialog box. Your operating system may require you to click “OK” in the “System Properties” dialog box.

Uninstalling the software

If you do not want to use the Network Smart Capture software or need more space on the hard disk of your computer, you can remove the software by performing the following procedure.

Note

On a computer running the Windows 2000 operating system, log on as Administrator before uninstalling the software. On a computer running the Windows XP operating system, log on as an administrator before uninstalling the software.

Continued on next page

1 Close the Network Smart Capture software. 2 With the Windows XP operating system, click “Start”, and

then click “Control Panel”. With other operating systems, click “Start”, point to “Settings”, and then click “Control Panel”.

“Control Panel” appears.

3 With the Windows XP operating system, click

“Add or Remove Programs”. With other operating systems, double-click “Add/Remove Programs”.

The “Add or Remove Programs” window, “Add/Remove Programs” window, or “Add/Remove Program Properties” dialog box appears.

4 With the Windows XP and Windows 2000 operating

systems, in the list of installed software, select “Network Smart Capture”, and then click “Change/Remove”. With the Windows Me operating system, in the list of installed software, select “Network Smart Capture”, and then click “Add/Remove”.

A confirmation message appears.

5 Click “OK”.

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the procedure.

Installing the Wireless LAN driver

Only necessary for the PCG-SRX55TC/SRX55TH/SRX55TL/VX89/ VX89P.

Note

Do not perform the following procedure with models other than the ones mentioned above.

1 Click “Start”, right-click “My Computer”, and then click

“Properties”.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

2 Click the “Hardware” tab, and then click the “Device

Manager” button.

The “Device Manager” window appears.

3 Click the plus symbol (+) to the left of “Network adapters”,

right-click “ORiNOCO Mini PCI Card”, and then click “Update Driver” on the shortcut menu.

The hardware update wizard starts.

4 In the dialog box, select “Install from a list or specific location

(Advanced)”, and then click “Next”.

5 Select “Don’t search. I will choose the driver to install”, and

then click “Next”.

6 In “Network adapters”, click “Have Disk”. 7 Click “Browse”, select the UPDATE\WirelessLAN folder on

the CD-ROM, and then click “OK”.

8 Click “Next”. 9 Click “Finish”.

Confirming the installation of the Wireless LAN driver

1 Click “Start”, right-click “My Computer”, and then click

“Properties”.

The “System Properties” dialog box appears.

2 Click the “Hardware” tab, and then click the “Device

Manager” button.

The “Device Manager” window appears.

3 Click the plus symbol (+) to the left of “Network adapters”,

right-click “ORiNOCO Mini PCI Card”, and then click “Update Driver” on the shortcut menu.

4 Click the “Driver” tab.

If the version of the driver is “7.16.0.189”, then it was installed properly.

Connecting the Camera

This section describes how to connect the camera to your computer.

Notes

• When using the camera for the first time, make sure that you install the driver and the software before connecting the camera to your computer. For installation details, see “Setting Up the Camera” (page 7).

• Do not connect or disconnect the camera’s USB cable while your Windows operating system is starting or shutting down. Doing so may cause the camera or your computer to malfunction.

• Do not disconnect and then quickly reconnect the camera’s USB cable. Doing so may result in unstable operation of your computer.

• This camera is designed to constantly secure a fixed amount of USB bandwidth for data transfer to display high-quality images. Therefore, if you use a USB hub to connect multiple USB devices simultaneously, the amount of bandwidth available for data transfer may be insufficient to support proper operation.

When mounting directly

To mount to a computer that use a raised type display panel, such as those found on notebook computer or LCD unitized desktop model, the camera can be mounted directly by fitting the camera arm onto the display panel, as shown below.

1 Mount the camera onto the display panel.

Holding the arm plate, pull out the rear arm as shown in the illustration below, and hang the camera on top of the display panel.

Arm

Display Panel

Arm plate

Continued on next page

2 Connect the camera USB cable to the computer’s USB

connector.

Refer to the operating instructions manual that came with your computer or the electronic manual to locate the position of the USB connector on your computer.

z Hint

Depending on the type of computer you use, this camera sometimes cannot be connected directly.

If that is the case, see the section “When you cannot mount directly” below for details.

When you cannot mount directly

If the camera cannot be mounted directly by its arm, mount the camera using one of the steps outlined below.

• Using the mounting adapter (see page 15)

• Fastening using an adhesive sheet (see page 17)

• Setting horizontally (see page 18)

• Attaching the camera to a tripod (see page 19)

Using the mounting adapter

If your computer does not allow the camera to be mounted directly because the display panel is too thick, then the camera cannot be mounted using its arm. In this case, use the mounting adapter and adhesive sheet (large and medium) as shown below.

1 Apply the adhesive sheet (large and medium) to the

mounting adapter.

Peel off the cover of the two sided tape and apply the adhesive sheet (large and medium) to the mounting adapter. Then, peel off the protective cover on the top of the adhesive sheet.

Note

When applying the adhesive sheet to the mounting adapter, make sure that the camera and the mounting adapter are free of dust and dirt.

Mounting adapter

Adhesive sheet (medium)

Adhesive sheet (large)

2 Fasten the mounting adapter to location where the camera

will be mounted.

Mounting adapter

3 Mount the camera to the mounting adapter.

Holding the arm plate, pull out the rear arm as shown in the illustration below, and hang the camera on top of the mounting adapter.

Mounting adapter

Arm plate

Arm

Mounting adapter

Arm

Display Panel

Arm plate

4 Connect the camera USB cable to the computer’s USB

connector.

Refer to the manuals provided with your computer to locate the position of the USB connector on your computer.

Continued on next page

Fastening using an adhesive sheet

The camera can be fastened to any flat surface, such as the top of an LCD monitor, using the supplied adhesive sheet (small).

1 Peel off the cover of the two sided tape and apply the

adhesive sheet (small) to the bottom side of the camera.

Note

When applying the adhesive sheet, make sure that the camera is free of dust and dirt.

2 Peel off the protective cover on the top of the adhesive sheet

and apply the camera to the location to mount the camera.

3 Connect the camera USB cable to the computer’s USB

connector.

Refer to the manuals provided with your computer to locate the position of the USB connector on your computer.

Setting horizontally

Use the mounting adapter as shown below to set the camera horizontally on a flat and steady surface, such as the CRT display or the top of your computer.

1 Attach the camera to the mounting adapter.

Holding the arm plate, pull out the rear arm as shown in the illustration below, and attach the camera to the mounting adapter. Make sure that you place the mounting adapter on a level, stable surface.

2 Connect the camera USB cable to the computer’s USB

connector.

Refer to the manuals provided with your computer to locate the position of the USB connector on your computer.

ArmArm plate

Mounting adapter

Continued on next page

Attaching the camera to a tripod

You can attach the camera to a tripod to capture images.

Tripod screw

Notes

• Do not walk around with the camera when it is attached to the tripod. If the camera falls, it could be damaged.

• Do not use a tripod with a screw that exceeds 0.28 inches (7 mm) in length. If you use a tripod with a screw longer than 0.28 inches (7 mm) in length, the camera will not be stable when it is attached, and it may be damaged.

• When attaching the camera, first make sure that the tripod is stable, then attach the camera so that it is horizontal. If the camera is tilted, it could fall.

• When adjusting the position of the camera, protect it from falling by supporting both the tripod handle and the camera with your hands.

• When adjusting the camera angle, focus, or positioning of the USB cable, make sure you support the camera with your hand.

• When operating the capture button on the camera, make sure you support the camera with your hand.

• Make sure you use a tripod that is big enough to support the weight of the camera without tipping.

1 Attach the tripod screw hole on the mounting adapter to the

tripod screw.

2 Attach the camera to the mounting adapter. 3 Connect the camera USB cable to the computers USB

connector.

Refer to the manuals provided with your computer to locate the position of the USB connector on your computer.

Disconnecting the camera

Notes

• If you disconnect the camera while the computer is on, follow the steps below. If you do not follow these steps the computer may malfunction.

• When your computer is off, you do not need to perform step 1 below. However, if you disconnect the USB cable while your computer is in power-saving mode, and then connect it again, the camera may not be detected.

1 Close the software used by the camera. 2 Disconnect the USB cable, and then remove the camera.

Notes

• If you pull on the cable itself when disconnecting the USB cable, you may damage the cable. Make sure that you hold onto the connector when disconnecting the cable.

• When removing the camera from the mounting adapter, spread the arm plate with your hand, and then remove the camera.

Continued on next page

Using the Camera

This section describes how to use the camera.

Notes

• When using software such as Network Smart Capture that can be used with this camera, do not disconnect the cameras USB cable while running the software or when starting up or quitting. Doing so can cause the computer to become unstable. Disconnect the USB cable after all software have been shut down.

For Customers Using DVgate Motion

Before using DVgate Motion, make sure that you remove the cameras USB cable from the USB connector of your computer.

Capturing images with the camera

You can use the Network Smart Capture software to capture images with the camera. For details about how to install the Network Smart Capture software, see “Installing the driver and the software” (page 7). For operational details, refer to the Network Smart Capture software help.

1 Connect the camera to your computer.

The camera’s USB cable can be connected or disconnected while your computer is on.

For details, see “Connecting the Camera” (page 14).

2 Start the Network Smart Capture software.

3 Turn the focus ring to adjust the focus.

4 Press the CAPTURE button to capture the image.

In addition to attaching the camera to your computer, you can hold it in your hand as shown in the illustration to capture images from a variety of angles.

z Hint

If you want to use the camera while holding it in your hand, we recommend that you cancel the Network Smart Capture software mirror display function.

Note

Make sure that the Network Smart Capture software mirror display function was canceled before using the camera in this manner.

z Hint

If the background is too bright or the subject too dark, for example, we recommend that you enable the Network Smart Capture software backlight compensation function.

Continued on next page

Capturing images backward

You can rotate the camera as illustrated below, allowing you to capture images backward without having to reposition the camera.

Camera

Setting the camera microphone volume

Note

Names and screens displayed may differ depending on the operating system that you are using.

1 Double-click ( depending on your operating system)

on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.

The “Volume Control” window appears.

2 On the “Options” menu, click “Properties” (or “Options”,

depending on the operating system that you are using).

The “Properties” dialog box appears.

3 Select “Sony PCGA-UVC11” in the Mixer device list, and

then click “OK”.

The “Capture” dialog box appears.

z Hint

If the “Capture” dialog box does not appear, the driver may not be properly installed. See “Checking that the driver is installed” (page 8), and check whether the driver is properly installed.

4 Make sure that audio input from the camera microphone is

enabled.

Make sure that the “Mute all” check box is not selected. If it is, clear it.

5 Adjust the volume of camera microphone input.

Move the slider for the controller in step 4 to adjust the volume.

Make a video or audio recording using your software. If the audio plays back correctly, the settings are complete.

If you cannot record with the camera microphone

Depending on your software, you may have to set the audio input device manually. Follow the procedures below to set audio input device to the camera microphone, according to your operating system.

z Hint

If you are using the Network Smart Capture software, you do not need to perform the procedures below.

With the Windows XP operating system

1 Click “Start”, and then click “Control Panel”.

“Control Panel” appears.

2 Click “Sounds, Speech and Audio Devices”.

The “Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices” window appears.

3 Click “Sounds and Audio Devices”.

The “Sounds and Audio Devices Properties” dialog box appears.

4 On the “Audio” tab, under “Sound recording”, select “Sony

PCGA-UVC11” from the “Default device” list.

5 Click “OK” to close the “Sounds and Audio Devices

Properties” dialog box.

With the Windows Me operating system

1 Click “Start”, point to “Settings”, and then click “Control

Panel”.

“Control Panel” appears.

2 Double-click “Sounds and Multimedia”.

The “Sounds and Multimedia Properties” dialog box appears.

z Hint

If “Sounds and Multimedia” does not appear in “Control Panel”, click “view all Control Panel options” on the left of the window.

3 On the “Audio” tab, under “Sound Recording”, select “Sony

PCGA-UVC11” from the “Preferred device” list.

4 Click “OK” to close the “Sounds and Multimedia Properties”

dialog box.

With the Windows 2000 operating system

1 Click “Start”, point to “Settings”, and then click “Control

Panel”.

“Control Panel” appears.

2 Double-click “Sounds and Multimedia”.

The “Sounds and Multimedia Properties” dialog box appears.

3 On the “Audio” tab, under “Sound Recording”, select “Sony

PCGA-UVC11” from the “Preferred device” list.

4 At the bottom of the “Sounds and Multimedia Properties”

dialog box, select the “Use only preferred devices” check box.

5 Click “OK” to close the “Sounds and Multimedia Properties”

dialog box.

Precautions

Usage and storage locations

after moving it from a cold location to a warm location, or after the ambient temperature has risen drastically. Otherwise, condensation may occur inside the camera. Let the camera stand for a moment before using it.

Do not use or store this product in the following locations. Doing so may damage the camera.

• Locations subject to abnormally high temperatures

During periods of hot weather or the summer season, the temperature inside closed vehicles becomes especially high, and if the camera is left in such a location, it may warp or be damaged.

• Locations subject to direct sunlight or next to heating appliances

The camera may warp or be damaged.

• Sandy locations, such as the beach

Do not place the camera in a location where sand may be present, such as the beach or other sandy areas. Doing so may damage the camera, and in some cases, repair may not be possible.

• Do not point the lens at the sun.

This could cause burn-in or other lens damage. Be careful when leaving the camera next to a window or outdoors.

Lens

Do not touch the lens.

Notes on discs

Note the following in order to protect data stored on discs.

• If the edge of the label on the disc is off the disc surface or the label is not sticky enough to stay on the disc surface, the label may stick to the interior of the disc drive and cause a malfunction of your computer. Make sure that the label is properly fixed on the disc surface before using the disc. Sony assumes no liability for any malfunction of your computer or damage to the media caused by improper labeling. Please thoroughly read instruction notes of your label software and label sheets.

Operation

• Do not remove the camera’s USB cable during operation. Doing so may cause the camera to malfunction.

• Do not place any objects on top of the camera.

• Avoid placing the camera in locations subject to sudden temperature changes. Do not use the camera immediately

• Do not touch the data side of the disc (opposite the label), and hold the disc as shown below.

• Do not scratch the disc.

• Do not store the disc in locations subject to high humidity, high temperatures, direct sunlight, or high levels of dust.

• Take care not to spill any liquid on the disc.

• Return the disc to its case when not in use in order to prevent data damage.

• Use an oil-based felt pen when writing on a disc.

Maintenance

Cleaning the cabinet

Wipe the outside of the camera with a soft, dry cloth. To remove stubborn stains, moisten the cloth with a mild, neutral detergent. Do not use solvents, cleaning alcohol, benzine or other substances that may damage the finish.

Cleaning the lens

Remove any dust from the front of the lens using a blower brush or soft brush.

Cleaning the disc

• Fingerprints and other contamination on the disc surface can lead to reading errors. Always keep the disc clean.

• To clean the disc, lightly wipe it from the center outwards.

• To remove stubborn stains, lightly moisten the cloth before wiping the disc, and use a dry cloth afterwards.

• Do not use benzine, record cleaning liquid, antistatic fluids or other substances that may damage the surface of the disc.

• Never use cleaners on an unused disc. Use specific CD cleaners to take off dust.

• You may not be able to write on the discs if there are scratches or dust on the unrecorded area. Be careful not to damage the discs.

Getting Help

This section provides information on how to get help and support from Sony, and on troubleshooting tips for your Visual Communication Camera.

About Sony’s support options

Sony provides several support options for your Visual Communication Camera. When you have questions about your camera or the software, refer to the following:

❑This guide explains how to use your

camera.

For customers in the United States and Canada

❑The Sony Customer Information

Service Center offers information

about your notebook and other Sony products that work with your computer. To contact Sony Cusotmer Information Service Center, call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972).

❑Sony Online Support

This service provides instant access to information on commonly encountered problems. Type a description of the problem and the Knowledge Database searches for the corresponding solutions online. You can visit Sony Online Support at

http://www.sony.com/pcsupport .

For customers in other countries and regions

❑VAIO Web site provides Frequently

Asked Questions and solutions.

vaio-online.sony.com/

Specifications

Visual Communication Camera

Image pickup

1/5.5” 370,000-pixel (310,000 effective pixels) color CMOS progressive scanning image sensor.

Lens

2 groups of 2 lenses, F3.4 Focal length f=2.8 mm (0.1 inch) (equivalent to a 35 mm (1.4 inch) camera at f=40 mm (1.6 inch)) Focus range 30 mm to ∞ (1.2 inch to ∞) Angular field of view Horizontal approx. 47°

Vertical approx. 36°

White balance

Auto/Indoors/Outdoors/Hold

Shutter speed

Auto/Hold

Flicker cancel function

Auto/50 Hz/60 Hz

Video capture format

YUY2/RGB24 bits

Sizes

80 × 60, 160 × 120, 320 × 240, 640 × 480, 176 × 144, 352 × 288

Number of display frames

Maximum: 30 frames/sec* * This rate differs depending on the specifications

of your computer and the application you are using.

Camera rotational range

Approx. 220°

Power consumption

Approx. 0.5 W

Interface

USB (powered directly from the VAIO computer)

Connector

USB type A

Dimensions

Approx. 2.4 × 1.4 × 1.3 inches (60 × 34 × 33 mm) (W × H × D)

Cable length

Approx. 39.4 inches (100 cm)

Weight

Approx. 1.6 oz. (43 g) (main unit only)

Operating environment

Operating temperature

41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C) (temperature gradient less than 18°F (10°C)/hour)

Operating humidity

20% to 80% (not condensed), provided that humidity is less than 65% at 95°F (35°C) (hygrometer reading of less than 84°F (29°C))

Storage temperature

–4°F to 140°F (–20°C to 60°C) (temperature gradient less than 18°F (10°C)/hour)

Storage humidity

10% to 90% (not condensed), provided that humidity is less than 20% at 140°F (60°C) (hygrometer reading of less than 95°F (35°C))

Supplied accessories

• PCGA-UVC11A installation disc

(CD-ROM × 1)

• Mounting adapter (1)

• Adhesive sheet (3)

• Operating instructions (1)

• Warranty (1)*

• End User Software License Agreement (1)

* The accessories included vary according to

country and region.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Troubleshooting

If a problem occurs during operation of the unit, refer to the information provided in this section. If the problem persists, consult your nearest Sony dealer. For contact information, see “Getting Help” on page 28. Also refer to the manuals provided with your computer.

Symptom Cause/Remedy

The camera is not recognized by your computer.

Images appear grainy in the Network Smart Capture finder

• The USB cable is not connected properly. c Close the currently open software, and reconnect the

cable.

• The driver is not installed. c Check whether the driver is installed, and if the device

does not display properly, install the driver. For details, see “Setting Up the Camera” (page 7).

• The driver was not installed properly. c Uninstall the driver, then restart your computer and

install it again. For details, see “Uninstalling the driver” (page 9) and “Installing the driver and the software” (page 7).

• The USB root hub is not recognized by your computer. c Reinstall your Windows operating system properly.

• USB cannot be used. c Check the system properties for your computer.

• The camera is connected to your computer via a USB hub, and the power supplied by the USB hub is insufficient.

c Use a USB hub that is capable of supplying 500 mA to

the port.

• If your computer is equipped with multiple USB connectors, connect the camera to another USB connector and check whether it is recognized properly.

• If the camera is connected to the USB connector on the display, the display and your computer are not connected properly.

c Check the connection method.

When a fast-moving subject is displayed in the finder, horizontal banding may occur in the image, or horizontal lines may occur through the moving part of the image. However, this does not indicate a malfunction.

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