Sony PCG-GRS614MP User Manual

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Software Guide

PCG-GRS Series

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Software Guide

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Notice

This product contains software owned by Sony and licensed by third parties. Use of such software is subject to the terms and conditions of licence agreements enclosed with this product. Software specifications are subject to change without notice and may not necessarily be identical to current retail versions. Updates and additions to software may require an additional charge. Subscriptions to online service providers may require a fee and credit card information. Financial services may require prior arrangements with participating financial institutions.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

End user software licence agreement

This End User Software Licence Agreement (the EULA) is a legal agreement between you and Sony Corporation (hereinafter referred to as Sony), a corporation organised under Japanese Law, the manufacturer of your Sony computer system (the SO NY H ARDWARE). Please read this EULA carefully before installing or using the software distributed together with this EULA (the SONY SOFTWARE). By installing or using the SONY SOFTWARE, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. You may use the SONY SOFTWARE only in connection with the use of the SONY HARDWARE. SONY SOFTWARE is licensed; not sold.

Notwithst anding the foregoing, software distributed t ogether with separate End User Software Licence Agreement (the Third Party

EULA), including but not limited to Windows® operating system provided by Microsoft Corporation, shall be covered by the Third Party EULA.

If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, please return the SONY SO FTWARE together with the SONY HARDWARE to the place where you obtained it.

1. Licence. This SONY SO FTWARE a nd the rela te d documentati on are licensed to you by Sony. This EULA allows you to use the SONY SOFTWARE for your personal use for a single SONY HARDWARE outside a network and only to make one copy of the SONY SOFTWARE in machine-readable form for back-up purposes only.

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2. Restrictions. The SONY SOFTWARE contains copyrighted material and other proprietary material. In order to protect them, and except as permitted by applicable law, you may not decompile, reverse engineer or disassemble the SONY SOFTWARE in whole or in part. Except for t he transfer of the SONY SOFTWARE together with the SONY HARDWARE and prior agreement of the recipient to be bound by the terms and conditions of this EULA, you may not sell or rent the SONY SOFTWARE and its copy to any third party.

3. Limited Warranty. Sony warrants the media on which the SONY SOFTWARE is recorded to be free from physical defects for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of the receipt. During the applicable warranty period, So ny will replace free of charge such media proved to be defective, provided they are returned properly packaged to the place where you obtained it, together with your name, address, and proof of date of purchase. Sony will have no responsibility to replace media damaged by accident, abuse, or misapplication. The above limited warranty replaces all other representations, conditions and warranties, whether express or implied, by statute or otherwise and Sony expressly disclaims all other warranties and all conditions including, but not limited to, the implied warranties and/or conditions of satisfactory quality and fitness for a particular purpose. The terms of this limited warranty do not affect or prejudice your statutory rights as an ultimate consumer, neither do they limit or exclude any liability for death or personal injury caused by the negligence of Sony.

4. Termination. This EULA is effective until term inated. You may terminate this EULA at any time by destroying the SONY SOFTWARE, related documentation, and all copies thereof. This EULA will terminate immediately without notice from Sony, if you fail to comply with any provision of this EULA. Upon termination you must destroy the SONY SOFTWARE, related documentation, and al l copies thereof.

5. Governing Law. This EULA shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan.

Should you have any questions concerning this EULA or this limited warranty, please refer to the Customer Service Guide on how to contact VAIO-Link.

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ENERGY STAR

As a n ENERGY STAR® Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STA R® guidelines for energy efficiency. The International ENERGY STAR® Office Equipmen t Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use

of computers and their office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption. It is an open system in which business proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted products are office equipment such as computers, displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their standards and logos are uniform among participating nations.

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

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Trademarks

Sony, DVgate, Hotkey, i.LINK, ISP Selector, MovieShaker, Network Smart Capture, PictureGear Studio, Sony Notebook Setup, UI Design Selector, VAIO Edit Components, Sony Style Imaging, SonicStage, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Microsoft, Windows and the Windows logo, Windows Media and Outlook are trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S. Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394-connection.

Adobe, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop Elements and Adobe Acrobat Reader are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks used under licence. QuickTime is registered in the U.S. and other countries.

RealOne Player is a trademark or registered trademark of RealNetworks, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.

PowerPanel is a trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.

Symantec Norton AntiVirus is a trademark of Symantec Corporation.

All other names of systems, products and services are trademarks of their respect ive owners. In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified.

All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Registering your VAIO

It only takes a few moments to register your Sony VAIO computer.

Software Guide

By registering your computer, you can take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive the following benefits:

❑ Club VAIO – Online support, tutorials, tips and tricks, news, news forums, competitions, free downloads

and software updates.

❑ VAIO-Link – If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, you can check the VAIO-Link

website for a possible solution: http://www.vaio-link.com.

❑ Guarantee – Protect your investment. See the Guarantee sheet for the terms and conditions and refer

to your Troubleshooting Guide for more information.

To register your Sony VAIO computer, proceed as follows:

1 Set up an Internet connection (see also Configuring your modem (page 89)). 2 Double-click the VAIO Online Registration icon on the desktop.

You can also find the link on the Start menu.

3 Change your language if necessary and click Next. 4 Click Register Now and then click Next.

This brings you to the website https://registration.sonystyle-europe.com/vaio/registration.asp.

5 Fill in your first and last name.

The serial number of your computer is entered automatically.

6 Click Submit. 7 Enter your details as required and click Submit.

Your VAIO is registered and a thank you screen appears. If you entered an email address, you will receive a confirmation email from Club VAIO.

✍ Once you have registered, you can access VAIO Online Registration at any time to update your details without filling in the su rvey.

About the software delivered with your computer

This section gives you an overview of what you can do with the software delivered with your computer.

Software Guide

The software package includes preinstalled software as well as applications which you can install from the supplied application CD. Please see the printed Specifications sheet to see which software is preinstalled, and then the Application CD Guide booklet for installation details.

Your preinstalled software can mostly be found under Start / All Programs.

Sony software

DVgate

Sony Electronics

DVgate is a kit of 3 complementary applications: DVgate Motion, DVgate Still, and DVgate Assemble. This collection makes it easy to select and edit digital video clips, then bring them together into a professionallooking home video. Use i.LINK™ to connect your digital video camera, and the computer operates as an editing desk that can capture, preview, cut and assemble your selection and save the sequences in AVI or MPEG 1 & 2 formats. DVgate Still displays digital video images sent from a digital videocassette recorder or a digital video camera recorder (only possible if you have DV In/Out on your camera or at least a DV Out for DV Gate Still), and saves them as graphic files on your hard drive.

See Using DVgate (page 17)

About the software delivered with your computer

ISP Selector

Sony Electronics

With the ISP Selector you can easily install the Internet Service Provider you want to use. Just choose your

Software Guide

country and your language in the drop-down lists and the available providers appear. Click the Install button next to the ISP and the installation begins.

✍ Once you have selected your country, you can only set up ISPs for that country.

MovieShaker

Sony Electronics

MovieShaker® creates personal movies - complete with transitions, special effects, background music, and text. All you do is import your clips, pick the tune you want and MovieShaker® does the rest. You can also choose to take control and produce your very own movie. You choose the exact clips order, special effects, and transitions. You can also import your own music and MovieShaker® will automatically match the length of the song to the length of your movie.

See Using MovieShaker (page 33)

Network Smart Capture

Sony Electronics

Network Smart Capture is an application for capturing still and moving pictures using either a Handycam connected to your computer, or the Motion Eye camera built into VAIO computers. This software allows you to view the photos you capture and send them to various destinations. It includes a web camera feature which you can set up to capture images at timed intervals, without you being in the room!

See Using Network Smart Capture (page 38)

About the software delivered with your computer

PictureGear Studio

Sony Electronics

PictureGear Studio is easy-to-use software that is designed to help you get the most enjoyment out of your

Software Guide

photographs taken with a digital camera. With the PictureGear Studio software, you can easily load photos into your computer, create photo albums and make prints.

See Using PictureGear Studio (page 60)

PowerPanel

Sony Electronics

The PowerPanel utility controls the power management of your computer and provides key information about system activity and battery life. Automatic power management selects the most appropriate profile, depending on the application you are working with and the conditions of use.

See Managing power (page 81)

SonicStage

Sony Electronics

SonicStage is software using the OpenMG technology, a copyright protection technology developed by Sony Corporation and designed to allow recording and playback of digital music data on a personal computer. Once the data is encrypted and recorded onto the hard disk, OpenMG technology allows it to be played back on the PC but prevents unauthorised distribution. The purpose of OpenMG technology is to create an environment in which larger quantities of high-quality music can be distributed without subsequent unauthorised distribution of the music files. The SonicStage software encrypts and manages music files either downloaded to a personal computer by using the EMD services or adopted (or created) from your own CD or the Internet.

About the software delivered with your computer

See Managing audio files with SonicStage (page 50)

Sony Notebook Setup

Software Guide

Sony Electronics

Use Sony Notebook Setup to consult system information, specify preferences for system behaviour, and set up a power-on password for your Sony computer.

See Setting up your notebook with Sony Notebook Setup (page 79)

Sony Style Imaging

Sony Electronics

Sony Style Imaging is an easy way to share your digital pictures and videos with family and friends. Use Sony Style Imaging with Smart Capture (Premium) and MovieShaker to make the most of your images and movies. When you sign up as a Sony Style Imaging member, you can store your pictures and even order prints. Go to the following website to join for FREE:

http://www.sonystyle-imaging.com

UI Design Selector

Sony Electronics

You can change the window design of the Sony software compatible with UI Design Selector.

See Changing your windows design with the UI Design Selector program (page 91)

About the software delivered with your computer

VAIO Edit Components

Designed as a plug-in for Adobe® Premiere®, VAIO Edit Components includes special features to support your i.LINK™-DV devices, so you can produce superior quality home movies even after editing. Now you can

Software Guide

control the DV device from your computer, import and edit the movie, and then export it back to the DV device. PCG-GRS series with Adobe® Premiere® only: To be able to use the Sony software VAIO Edit Components, you must first install Adobe® Premiere® version 6.0* on your computer.

* available for purchase.

Product Recovery CD-ROMs

Sony Corporation

The Product Recovery CD-ROMs allow you to reinstall the system, the software shipped with your computer and the bundled device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individual device driver may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer, without you having to recover the entire system.

See Using the product recovery CD-ROMs (page 108)

! You can only use the Recovery CD-ROMs on the Sony computer you purchased, and not on any other Sony PC or other manufacturer's PC.

About the software delivered with your computer

Operating system and other available software

Windows® XP Professional Service Pack 1

Software Guide

Microsoft Corporation

Built on the proven Windows® 2000 operating system, Windows® XP Professional delivers a reliable foundation you can count on to keep your computer up and running when you need it most. Not only is the operating system more reliable, it also offers features that make it much faster and easier to recover from system problems. From its fresh, new look to its more intuitive, task-based design, Windows® XP Professional will make your computing experience easier than it’s ever been. With support for the latest security standards and enhanced Firewall protection, Windows® XP Professional also keeps your data secure and maintains your privacy. For questions and technical assistance, go online to:

http://support.microsoft.com/directory

Internet Explorer 6.0

Microsoft Corporation

Internet Explorer is the Microsoft Internet browser allowing you to surf the World Wide Web. The Setup Wizard configures your computer to connect automatically to your service provider. A full e-mail package enables you to send and receive mail - including attached files - across the Internet. NetMeeting, Outlook Express and Microsoft Chat are just some of the components bundled with Internet Explorer 6.0. Internet Explorer 6.0 also includes 128-bit encryption, the highest possible level of protection for all your Internet communications, including credit card use and financial transactions. A complete online tutorial helps new users become comfortable using the Internet. For questions and technical assistance, go online to:

http://support.microsoft.com/directory

About the software delivered with your computer

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 5.1

Adobe Systems Incorporated

Acrobat® Reader software allows you to view, navigate, and print electronic documents in Adobe Portable

Software Guide

Document Format (PDF), an open file format that is intended to preserve the conformity of documents created on all major computer platforms. Once Acrobat® Reader is installed, you can open and view PDF files from within your Web browser by clicking a PDF file embedded in an HTML file. You quickly see the first page while the rest of the document is being downloaded. For questions and technical assistance, go online to:

http://www.adobe.com

Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 2.0

Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe® Photoshop® Elements software introduces the next generation of image editing with powerful new features that offer something for every user. Delivering the broadest and most productive toolset available, Photoshop® Elements helps you explore your creativity, work at peak efficiency, and achieve the highest quality results across all image media. For questions and technical assistance, go online to:

http://www.adobe.com

Adobe® Premiere® 6.1 LE (depending on your model)

Adobe Systems Incorporated

Complementary with DVgate Motion, Adobe® Premiere® lets you capture, record, create and edit movies with video, sound, animations, photographs, drawings, text and other material. This stunningly simple and powerful professional video-editing tool comfortably closes the DV to Web gap. Different tools, including various effects and transitions, help you to prepare your images for editing on tape

About the software delivered with your computer

or CD-ROM. Adobe® Premiere® combines professional video editing capabilities and high quality output in a product that's easy to use and versatile. For questions and technical assistance, go online to:

Software Guide

http://www.adobe.com

QuickTime 5.0

Apple

QuickTime is the Apple technology that makes video, sound, music, 3D and virtual reality come alive for your Internet browser and Windows. For further information, see the website at:

http://www.apple.com/quicktime

RealOne Player

RealNetworks

RealOne Player is the RealNetworks video and audio player which lets you manage all major types of media in one. Its many features allow you to access over 3000 radio stations with music, news and sports; play and save audio files and create your own audio CDs; and organise your audio and video clips locally before transferring them to portable storage devices.

http://www.real.com

About the software delivered with your computer

Symantec Norton AntiVirus

Symantec

This software package includes a 90-day free subscription to virus definition updates.

Software Guide

With Norton AntiVirus, you can scan files, folders, or entire drives for viruses, and quarantine infected files for submission to the Symantec AntiVirus Research Centre (SARC). Files submitted to SARC are analysed and the results are reported automatically within seven days. When you configure Norton AntiVirus adequately, your computer is safe. Norton AntiVirus can automatically check boot records for viruses at system startup, check programs for viruses at the time you use them, scan all local hard drives for viruses once per week, and monitor your computer for any activity that might indicate the work of a virus in action. It can also scan files you download from the Internet and check floppy disks for boot viruses when you use them. You must launch the Norton AntiVirus installation, and you will then be prompted to update the virus definitions. This is normal as new viruses will have come out since your VAIO left the factory. For more information, see the online help files and the website at:

http://www.symantec.com/techsupp

VAIO Web Phone

CallServe Communications Ltd.

Once you have purchased the USB telephone, this Internet Telephone enables you to make telephone calls from your PC via the Internet to any other phone. You can make international calls at significantly lower prices and make phone calls and surf the web at the same time - on just one phone line. For more information, see the online help files and the website at:

http://www.callserve.com/EN/help/index.asp

About the software delivered with your computer

WinDVD for VAIO

InterVideo, Inc.

WinDVD for VAIO is a simple-to-use DVD player. WinDVD for VAIO combines all the features you would

Software Guide

expect to find on a standard consumer DVD player, in addition to some very advanced functionalities, full precision video decoding, a choice of user interfaces, and video display options. You can play DVD movies, interactive DVD titles, MPEG video content, video and audio CDs. WinDVD for VAIO automatically determines the type of disc in the DVD drive and uses the correct playback method. For questions and technical assistance, go online to:

http://www.intervideo.com

Using Video software

The following video software applications are delivered with your VAIO. Check the printed Specifications sheet to see whether they are preinstalled. Then read the printed Application CD guide for installation

Software Guide

details, if applicable.

❑ Using DVgate (page 17) ❑ Using MovieShaker (page 33) ❑ Using Network Smart Capture (page 38)

Using Video software

Using DVgate

DVgate is a software application that enables you to capture and then edit images taken with digital video devices (DV devices), such as digital video camera recorders, on your personal computer. It also gives you the

Software Guide

ability to output the edited material for recording on a DV device. With DVgate, you can easily perform image editing with your computer and a DV device.

DVgate consists of 3 applications:

❑ DVgate Motion; ❑ DVgate Still; ❑ DVgate Assemble.

✍ Depending on the computer settings, frames may be lost during video capture and frame duplication when recording edited videos. Please make sure

you configure your compute r accordi ng to the recommended settings to prevent this from happening. To confi gure your compu ter to use DVgate, refer to the Online help of DVgate.

Using Video software

Using DVgate Motion

With DVgate Motion you can capture video and record edited videos on a DV device.

❑ Capturing videos:

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You c a n automatically or manually capture any scene or portion of the images recorded on a DV device, such as a digital video camera recorder. What is more, you can specify the exact scenes that you want to capture while watching the tape playback on the monitor. You can then choose to save the selected scenes as separate files or as one file.

❑ Recording edited video on a DV device

You can record the edited video on tape using a DV device, such as a digital video camera recorder*, connected to the computer. With DVgate, you are not limited to recording single clips, but you can record a series of clips on the DV device at one time.

To launch DVgate Motion, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the camera to the computer with the i.LINK™ cable and turn on the camera. 2 Click Start, All Programs, DVgate, DVgate Motion.

DVgate Motion and the Monitor windows appear.

* The digital video camera recorder must have a DV-IN connector.

Capturing videos

You can automatically or manually import videos onto your computer.

To automatically import videos onto your computer, proceed as follows:

1 Make sure you have installed DVgate from the application CD-ROM, if applicable (see the printed

Specifications sheet and Application CD guide).

2 Launch DVgate Motion.

Using Video software

3 Click the down arrow and select Import-Auto from the Mode drop-down list.

Use the DVgate camera controls buttons to play, rewind or fast forward the tape to the selected time code to begin capturing.

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4 Press Play to start the video.

The video begins to play in the Monitor window.

5 Click Mark to mark the beginning of the first segment.

The first frame of the segment to be captured is displayed in the In/Out list window. Click Mark again to mark the end of the segment to be captured. The last frame of the segment to be captured is displayed in the In/Out list window. Continue to mark as many segments as you want.

6 Click Capture to import the selected video segment or click Capture All to import them all at once.

The Save as a file window appears.

7 Select the location to save the file.

Using Video software

8 Click the Save button.

DVgate captures the segments. The Capturing complete message appears.

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9 Click OK in the DVgate Motion window to finish.

Information about the capturing process is displayed in the Report window.

10 Click OK. 11 Exit DVgate Motion.

The Dvmotion2 window appears on the screen. You can then save the In/Out list, which allows you to capture the same video sequences later on, or change the In/Out settings.

✍ Make sure that the camera is in Video Tape Recorder mode (VTR) when capturing or playing back video from or to a tape.

If you want to manually import video onto your computer, refer to the DVgate online help file.

Recording edited videos on a DV device

To record edited videos on a DV device, proceed as follows:

1 Adjust the recording correction values. 2 Add files to the Record List. 3 Record remotely or manually the video on the DV device.

Adjusting the recording correction values

To ensure accuracy in the recording, you can specify recording correction values. Adjustment of the recording correction values is especially important when performing splice recording. You can choose to specify the values yourself or to have them automatically adjusted by using the automatic calibration feature. The values generated by the automatic calibration feature are usually correct.

Using Video software

To automatically adjust the recording correction values, proceed as follows:

1 Launch DVgate Motion. 2 Click the down arrow and select Export - Auto from the Mode drop-down list.

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3 Select Adjust on Recording… from the Settings menu.

The Adjust on Recording dialog box appears.

4 Click the AutoAdjust button.

DVgate Motion activates the connected DV device and automatically finds the adjustment values.

5 Click OK.

✍ To manually adjust the recording correction values, refer to the DVgate online help file.

Adding files to the Record List

To add files to the Record List, proceed as follows:

1 Launch DVgate Motion. 2 Click Add in the DVgate Motion – AVI file list.

The Add dialog box appears.

3 Select a file and click Open.

The specified file is added and the serial number, first and last images, time code, file length and file name are displayed.

★ DVgate Motion adds all serial numbered files with the same name if you select Add all divided files saved with the same name. Seri al num bered

files are created when you specify to save files as multiple files in DVgate Motion and DVgate Assemble.

✍ All newly added files are appended to the end of the list.

You can drag multiple files at one time; however, the order in which they are added is unpredictable. You can record AVI files with different sound modes on a DV device, but about one second of no sound (depending on the DV device) may occur at

the point where the sound mo des change. You can only add AVI files using DV Codec as video compression; MPEG files are not supported. When recording a video sequence, make sure that all images are saved in the same mode. Recording in different modes might cause sound or image

distortions during playback. After adding the files you want to the Record List, you can still change the order of the files, add or delete files.

Using Video software

After adding the files to the Record List, you can still change the order of the files, add or delete files.

To change the order of the files in the Record List, proceed as follows:

1 Click the file you want to move while holding down the mouse button.

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2 Drag the file to the appropriate position and then release the mouse button.

To remove a file from the Record List, proceed as follows:

1 Click the file you want to remove. 2 Click De lete.

The removed file is filled by the subsequent file and the files are renumbered. Click De lete All when to remove all files.

✍ You can select multiple AVI or still picture files from the Record List by clicking them while holding down the <Shift> or <Ctrl> key.

When you move multiple files, they are all moved together. You can undo changes by choosing Undo from the Edit menu immediately after inserting, moving or deleting (a) file(s). You can save a Record List for future use. Record List files can only be used in DVgate Motion.

To preview a clip, proceed as follows:

1 Select the file you want to preview in the DVgate Motion – AVI file list window. 2 Click Preview.

The Monitor window and the Preview window appear. The Monitor window shows the first frame of the file. Click the Previous File button or on the Next File button to select the file you want to preview. Click Preview All to preview all the files shown in the list.

✍ Previou s File and Next File are buttons for moving the p review from one selected file to another. They are not for designed for navigation purposes

within the list. Consequently, you cannot click them when only one file is selected. When you select only one file, Previous File and Next File do not function.

Using Video software

Recording on the DV device

You can automatically or manually export videos from your computer to a DV device.

To automatically export videos from your computer to a DV device, proceed as follows:

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1 Connect the camera to the computer with the i.LINK™ cable and turn on the camera. 2 Launch DVgate Motion. 3 Click the down arrow and select Export-Auto from the Mode drop-down list. 4 Click the Add button in the DVgate Motion - AVI file list window and select the video file you want

to export.

5 Click Record or Record All.

The Output dialog box appears.

6 Select the Add blank image option button.

❑ You can add blank frame(s) during recording if you select the Append option button in the Output

❑ You can specify the length of a blank image by entering the number of frames in the Length box in

7 Click OK.

The Output dialog box closes and recording starts. Video sequences are recorded on the DV device in the order in which they are arranged in the Record List.

★ Clicking Record All wi ll s end all the vide o fi les shown in the Record List to the connected device. Clicking Record will send only the video files

selected from the Record List to the connected device.

dialog box. Blank frame(s) can be placed in the following locations:

Head: A blank image is placed before the start of the video sequence during recording. Tail: A blank image is placed after the end of the video sequence during recording. Both: Blank images are placed before the start and after the end of the video sequence during

recording.

the Output dialog box.

Using Video software

✍ Even if you specify not to add blank frames, several blank frames are always placed at the end of the recorded segment regardless of the settings.

This is to prevent image noise from being recorded when recording stops.

Do not quit or log off from Windows

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Disable the screen saver in Windows Do not start other applications or move any active window while recording. Recording from the very beginning of the tape may not be successful if you record by controlling the video device through DVgate Motion. Do not turn the power switch on the digital video camera recorder to Camera or turn it off while DVgate Motion is recording. Never switch the input

sources when recording on a digital videocassette recorder as this might prevent recording. If you want to export manually videos from your computer to a DV device, refer to the DVgate online help file.

Using DVgate Still

DVgate Still is an application that displays digital video images sent from DV devices such as a digital videocassette recorder or a digital video camera recorder and that captures them as still pictures. The following functions are featured:

❑ Control the connected DV device and display a video image on the screen of your VAIO. ❑ Capture 30 frames of still pictures in total with respectively 15 frames in the forward and backward

directions.

❑ Capture only one frame of a still picture. ❑ Save a captured still picture in BMP, JPEG, GIF or DVF format.

✍ The sound recorded with the image, is not played.

while recording. Otherwise, recording will fail.

Using Video software

Capturing pictures

There are two capture modes in DVgate Still: the Continuous Capture mode and the Single Frame Capture mode.

Software Guide

❑ Continuous Capture mode:

If you capture pictures during Play mode, you can capture 30 frames of still pictures in total with respectively 15 frames in the forward and backward directions. All still pictures already captured, are lost. If you capture during Pause mode, you can capture only one frame of a still picture.

✍ Immediately after you capture during Play mo de in Continuous Capture mode, the DV device pauses.

❑

Single Frame Capture mode:

You can capture one frame of a still picture. The captured result is the same even if you capture during Play or Pause mode.

✍ Capturing 30 frames in Continuous Capture mode replaces all 30 frames. Capturing only one frame overwrites the first frame of the still picture,

capturing the next frame overwrites the second frame, and so on.

To toggle between Continuous Capture mode and Single Frame Capture mode, proceed as follows:

1 Click Settings in the DVgate Still window. 2 Choose Capture…

The Capture Settings window appears.

3 Select the Capture frames continuously option button to capture in Continuous Capture mode.

Clear the Capture frames continuously option button to capture in Single Frame Capture mode.

To capture pictures, proceed as follows:

1 Make sure you have installed DVgate from the application CD-ROM, if applicable (see the printed

Specifications sheet and Application CD guide).

2 Connect the DV device to your computer. 3 Launch DVgate Still (Start/All Programs/DVgate/DVgate Still).

The DVgate Still window appears.

Using Video software

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4 Set the DV device to the Play or Pause mode.

The video image appears in the Monitor window.

5 Click the Capture button.

The video image in the Monitor window is being captured.

✍ Dragging the slider in the Capture window to the left or right lets you display the still picture before or after the current one.

! If you exit DVgate Still without saving the captured still picture, it is cleared. ! Even if you attempt to capture continuous pictures, you may not be able to capture some frames. In this case, exit all applications other than DVgate

Still and then retry to capture them.

Using Video software

Saving the captured pictures

You can save the still pictures displayed in the DVgate Still - Still window in either one of the following formats: BMP, JPG, GIF or DVF.

Software Guide

To save the captured pictures, proceed as follows:

1 Launch DVgate Still and capture images. 2 In the DVgate Still - Still window, select a still picture you want to save.

3 Click the Save button.

The Save As dialog box appears. Use the Location to Save drop-down list to select a folder. Select a file format from the File Format drop-down list.

4 Click Save.

The captured picture is saved.

Using Video software

Using DVgate Assemble

DVgate Assemble enables you to edit video files and still image files captured with DVgate Motion and DVgate Still. Afterwards you can splice them together to form one single file. You can save the resulting

Software Guide

spliced video sequences as AVI, MPEG1, or MPEG2* format files.

To launch DVgate Assemble, proceed as follows:

1 Click Start. 2 Point to All Programs, DVgate and then to DVgate Assemble.

The DVgate Assemble main window appears.

* Depending on your model.

Using Video software

Creating an Assemble List

You can create an Assemble List with files you want to splice together. Afterwards you can always edit the Assemble List by changing the order of the files and adding or deleting files.

Software Guide

To add files to an Assemble List, proceed as follows:

1 Make sure you have installed DVgate from the application CD-ROM, if applicable (see the printed

Specifications sheet and Application CD guide).

2 Launch DVgate Assemble. 3 Click the Add button.

The Add dialog box appears.

4 Choose AVI file in the Files of type drop-down box.

If you select Add all divided files saved with the same name, DVgate Assemble will add all serial numbered files with the same name to the list. Serial numbered files are files that are created when DVgate Motion saves files that are split and applies consecutive numbers to them. The numbers of the split files have 4 digits and increase one unit at a time starting with 0001.

5 Select a file and click Open.

The AVI file is added to the list.

✍ Imported files are ad ded at the end of the Assemble List.

You can only add video files in AVI (DV CODEC) format, and still image files in BMP, JPEG, and GIF formats. Please see the help files for information on converting non-compatible AVI files.

When you add a still image file (BMP, JPEG, or GIF), the number of frames, converted size, and size conversion mode are shown. You can save an Assemble List for future use. Assemble List files can only be used in DVgate Assemble.

Using Video software

Editing AVI files

You can edit the AVI files in the Assemble List for the exact scenes you want to use. For example, there is no need to recapture files even if you only want to use one particular scene from a longer video sequence

Software Guide

originally captured with DVgate Motion. Note that the process of removing the exact scene is only enabled when one AVI file is selected from the Assemble List. However, this command is disabled when more than one file are selected.

To edit the AVI files in the Assemble List for the exact scenes you want to use, proceed as follows:

1 Launch DVgate Assemble. 2 Select the AVI file you want to edit from the Assemble List. 3 Choose Edit a clip... from the Edit menu.

The DVgate Assemble - Clip dialog box appears.

4 Click the Preview button.

The video sequence of the selected file is played back. You can move the playback position to the Begin point or the End point by clicking the Begin or End point of the image. Click the Begin button when you see the scene to be used as the Begin point. The Begin point image and the time code appear in the lower part of the dialog box. Click the End button when you see the scene to be used as the End point. The End point image and the time code appear in the lower part of the dialog box.

5 Click OK.

The AVI file is edited.

Using Video software

Combining still images with video images

To combine still images with video images, proceed as follows:

1 Launch DVgate Assemble.

Software Guide

2 Click the Add button.

The Add dialog box appears.

3 Select the image file type from the Files of type drop-down list. 4 Select your image file and click Open.

The image is added to the Assemble List.

5 Choose Edit a clip... from the Edit menu in the main window.

The DVgate Assemble - Clip dialog box appears.

6 Enter the insertion time in seconds or frames. 7 Turn the Wide TV mode on or off. 8 Select the screen size. 9 Adjust the height and width of still images when they are output:

❑ Full size: Enlarges the screen size to the full monitor size. The aspect ratio may change with this

❑ Original Size: Retains the original size of the image, without reduction or enlargement. ❑ Full size using aspect ratio as saved: Enlarges the screen size to the maximum without changing

10 Click the Settings button.

The Settings window appears.

11 Select the final format of the combined file, choosing from AVI, MPEG1 or MPEG2 (if available)*. 12 Click OK.

The Assemble List appears.

13 Click OK.

The still and video images are combined.

* Choosing MPEG1 as the format will reduce the size of the file considerably.

selection.

the aspect ratio.

Using Video software

Saving the edited video

To save an edited video sequence, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Output or the Output All button.

Software Guide

The Save As dialog box appears. Information on the output file and the amount of free disk space is shown in the lower part of the Save As dialog box.

2 Select the location where you want to save the file and type the name of the file in the File name text

box.

3 Click Save. 4 The Outputting as an AVI file dialog box appears and splicing begins. 5 The DVassemble window appears and displays the Exporting/Save to an AVI file complete message.

The set time and the size that the file is split into are displayed when outputting an AVI file.

6 Click OK.

The edited video is saved.

✍ When you click the Output button, only the files on the Assemble List that have been selected, are connected and output as a file. Clicking Outp ut

All means that all the files on the Assemble List are connected and output.

The file name is the name that was entered in the Save As dialog box. A 4-digit serial number is attached to the file name, e.g., test001-0001.avi, then test001-0002.avi, test001-0003.avi.

Using Video software

Using MovieShaker

MovieShaker can be used to create fun and innovative movies without any knowledge of film editing. In a few steps, motion pictures can be combined with special effects, still images (pictures), and music files and

Software Guide

then saved in a fo rmat most computers can pla y.

To open MovieShaker, proceed as follows:

1 Make sure you have installed MovieShaker from the application CD-ROM, if applicable (see the printed

Specifications sheet and Application CD guide).

2 Click the Start button on the Windows® taskbar. 3 Point to All Programs and then MovieShaker. 4 Click MovieShaker.

Using Video software

1. Menu bar Shows MovieShaker menus.

2. Monitor panel Contains the Shake, Capture, and Edit tray. Select a tray by clicking the Shake, Capture, or Edit tab.

Software Guide

3. Tool panel In the To ol panel, you will find the Effect, Text, Transition, Narration and Index tray. Select a tray

4. Clip tray The Clip tray is provided for placing clips to be processed with MovieShaker.

5. Product tray The Product tray is where you arrange clips to make a movie. In the Product tray, you will find the

The Shake tray is for creating a scene of approximately 30 seconds long including background music, using clips on the Clip tray at random.

The Capture tray is provided for cap turing images di rectly fr om the DV device or MICR OMV dev ice connected to your computer, and importing them into the Clip tray. The monitor displays the images recorded on the videotapes of the DV device or MICROMV device.

The Edit tray is for processing scenes. Click a scene on the Product tray, then it is displayed on t he

Edit tray. You can add an effect to the scene by dragging the effect from the Effect tray and/or the Text tray and dropping it on the Edit tray.

by clicking the Effect, Text, Transi tio n, or Narration button. Only when a MICROMV device has been connected to your computer and MICROMV Device has been selected from the Device menu, the Index tray appears while the Capture tray is displayed on the monitor panel.

The Effect tray contains various effects to be applied to a scene. The Text tray provides a tool for creating a text effect to be applied to a scene. The Transitio n tray contains various transition effects to be inserted between scenes. The Narration tray provides a tool for recording narration to be inserted into a movie. The Index tray provides a tool for capturing images from a MICROMV device and imports them into

the Clip tray.

It can contain a movie file, still image and/or sound files.

Storyboard Display and the Timeline Display. On the Storyboard, you can easily arrange scenes and transitions. On t he Timeline, you can arrange scenes, transitions, background music, and narration, and make fine

adjustments to the starting/ending points and duration of scenes, transitions, background music, and narration.

Using Video software

Importing images and sound clips

Before you can create a movie, you need to import the images and sound clips you want to use in your movie.

To import images and sound clips, proceed as follows:

Software Guide

1 Click the File import button .

The Import dialog box appears.

2 Select the file you want to add. 3 Click Open.

The file is added to the Clip tray.

✍ Importing files over 75 seconds in length may cause MovieShaker to stop responding.

To remove a clip from the Clip tray, drag it from the Clip tray and drop it on the trash icon . This only removes the clip from the tray, the original file is not deleted.

Creating a movie

After adding clip(s) to the Clip tray, you can create a short movie using the Shaker feature. Shaker randomly selects clips from the Clip tray to create a 30-second scene.

To create a movie, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Shake tab . 2 Select a mood by clicking a face in the Shaker tray . 3 Click the Shake button .

A thirty-second scene is automatically generated.

To preview the created movie, proceed as follows:

Press Play .

✍ Scenes created with Shaker begin with a black frame. After processing, they are placed in the first available slot on the Product tray.

Limit the number of scenes in the Product tray to 5 or less. MovieShaker may stop responding if there are too many scenes in the Product tray.

Using Video software

Editing clips and scenes

You can edit your movie by adding effects and text, adjusting the colour and contrast, and modifying the length of the clip.

Software Guide

1. Shake tab

2. Capture tab

3. Edit tab

4. Speed control slider

5. Volume control slid er

6. Effect palette

7. Fade-in, fade-out

8. Trash

9. Full-screen preview button

10. Play trimmi ng range

11. Repeat-play

12. P lay cont rol buttons

13. Trimming range

14. Save as still image button

15. Time adjustment

16. Monitor

Using Video software

To edit clips and scenes, proceed as follows:

1 Double-click the clip in the Clip tray to move it to the Monitor Panel. 2 Select the Effect tab from the Tool Panel.

Software Guide

3 Drag and drop the effect you want to add from the Effect tray to the Edit tray monitor.

✍ To preview an effect, click the effect in the Effect tray in the Working Panel monitor.

For instructions on adjusting effect duration and replaying clips or scenes, consult the online Help-files.

Saving a movie

You can save or export your final movie products. You can preview and check them before saving them. Your final movie products can be saved as files, exported to a DV device/MICROMV device*.

To save your movie, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Export button .

The Export dialog box appears.

2 Select the format in which you want the document to be saved. 3 Click Ne xt. 4 Select the folder in which you want to save the file. 5 Name the file. 6 Click Save.

Your movie is saved.

✍ Exporting movies may take a long time to complete. Saving movies with DV (Digital Video) will provide better quality than Quick-Save, but will take

longer.

MovieShaker can play AVI files up to 65 MB in size. For DV playback and smooth video playback, the following resolution/refresh rates are recommended: 1024x768/75 Hz or lower.

* Depending on your model.

Using Video software

Using Network Smart Capture

Network Smart Capture allows you to manage photos and movies taken with an i.LINK™ -compatible digital camera or USB Web camera. You can capture and enhance video or still images to share with your family

Software Guide

and friends over the Internet or via e-mail.

Refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i.LINK™ device for information on operating conditions and proper connection. Before connecting i.LINK™-compatible peripherals to your computer, such as an optical drive or hard disk drive, make sure they are compatible with your computer’s Microsoft® Windows® operating system and check the required operating conditions of the devices.

Launching Network Smart Capture

To launch Network Smart Capture, proceed as follows:

1 Make sure you have installed the software from the application CD-ROM, if necessary (see the printed

Application CD-ROM guide).

2 In the Start menu, select All Programs, Network Smart Capture, and then Network Smart

Capture.

The Network Smart Capture main window appears, with a blue screen in the Finder window, indicating there is no data input from a digital camera or camcorder.

3 Connect your i.LINK™-compatible digital camera or USB Web camera to your computer and turn it on.

The viewfinder image appears in the main window.

Using Video software

Software Guide

Icon Description/Function

1 Finder window Displays images in real-time

2 Help Displays the online Help

documentation

3 Data list Displays thumbnails of captured

images

4 Display I mage Opens captured images in the

Finder Window

5 Task bar See Managing your images and

movies (page 49) for details.

6 Select

Capture Menu

7 Change

Setting

8 Capture

button

9 Web Camera Captures still images according to

10 Movie Mode Captures moving images

11 Still Mode Captures still images

Enables you to customise an image and add effects

Enables you to set preferences

Records the image in the Finder window. This button changes to Record i n Movie mode and Start in Web camera mode.

specified settings

✍ Some cameras and camcorders need to have recording media inserted before an image can be displayed in the Finder wind ow.

Read the manual supplied with your digital camera or camcorder for more information.

Using Video software

Using Still mode

To take still pictures with the Network Smart Capture software, proceed as follows:

1 Launch Network Smart Capture.

Software Guide

2 Connect your i.LINK™-compatible digital camera or USB Web camera to your computer and turn it on.

The viewfinder image appears in the main window.

3 Click Still near the top left-hand corner of the screen.

Making settings for Still mode

Before you capture a still image, you can set your own preferences.

To make your settings for Still mode, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Select Capture Menu icon near the bottom of the screen to view capture options for your

still image capture:

For more on the Effect option, see Applying effects to your images and movies (page 48).

Using Video software

2 Click the Change Setting icon near the bottom of the screen.

The Still Image Setting window appears, containing three tabs:

Software Guide

❑ Basic — Select a folder destination for your images. ❑ Capturing Format — Select the image size in pixels and adjust the image quality. ❑ Common — Enable or disable the shutter and animation sound effects.

3 Click each tab to view the options and set preferences. 4 Click OK when you have finished.

✍ If using a web cam, a further tab allowing Camera Adjustment is available.

Using Video software

Capturing an image in Still mode

To capture an image in Still mode, proceed as follows:

1 Use your digital camera or camcorder to locate the image you want to capture.

Software Guide

2 When you see the image you want in the Finder window, click Capture .

You can capture a single image or several images at once.

3 Your captured images are stored as thumbnail images in the Display List to the right of the Finder

window.

4 Click the thumbnail images or arrows to the right of the Finder window to view your captured images.

As each image is captured, it appears in the Finder window.

Using Video software

Using Movie mode

To capture a home movie, proceed as follows:

1 Launch Network Smart Capture.

Software Guide

2 Connect your i.LINK™-compatible digital camera or USB Web camera to your computer and turn it on.

The viewfinder image appears in the main window.

3 Click Movie to activate Movie mode.

Making settings for Movie mode

Before you capture a moving image, you can set your own preferences.

To make your settings for Movie mode, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Select Capture Menu icon near the bottom of the screen to view setting options for your

moving image capture.

For more on the Effect option, see Applying effects to your images and movies (page 48).

Using Video software

2 Click the Change Setting icon to view the available options for your movie capture.

The Movie Clip Setting window appears, containing three tabs:

Software Guide

❑ Basic - Select a folder destination for your movies when recording video clips. ❑ Capturing Format - Adjust the image quality, reduce noise, and set the maximum recording time

for your movie capture.

❑ Common - Enable or disable the shutter and animation sound effects.

3 Click each tab to view the options and set preferences and click OK when you have finished.

✍ If using a web cam, a further tab allowing Camera Adjustment is available.

Using Video software

Capturing an image in Movie mode

To capture an image in Movie mode, proceed as follows:

1 Use your digital camera or camcorder to locate the moving image you want to capture.

Software Guide

2 When you see the image you want in the Finder window or in the camcorder’s viewfinder, click Record

The Movie Player icon appears.

Click Stop when you have finished recording your movie. The first frame of your movie appears in the data list to the right of the Finder window.

Network Smart Capture automatically stops recording according to the recording time you set in the Movie Clip Setting window.

3 You can preview your movie in the Finder window by double-clicking the movie thumbnail in the data

list.

Using Web camera mode

With the Web camera function, you can set up the camera and software to take still images automatically, without you being there, according to conditions you specify. The function allows you to set a time interval for regularly capturing images, and a time period during which images are automatically captured.

To set the camera up as a Web camera, proceed as follows:

1 Launch Network Smart Capture. 2 Connect your i.LINK™-compatible digital camera or USB Web camera to your computer and turn it on.

The viewfinder image appears in the main window.

3 Click Web camera to activate Web camera mode.

to begin recording your movie.

Using Video software

Making settings for Web camera mode

Before you capture a Web camera image, you can set your own preferences.

To make your settings for Web camera mode, proceed as follows:

Software Guide

1 Click the Select Capture Menu icon near the bottom of the screen to view setting options for your

image capture.

For more on the Effect option, see Applying effects to your images and movies (page 48).

2 Click the Change Setting icon to view the available options for your image capture.

The Web Camera Setting window appears, containing five tabs:

Using Video software

Software Guide

❑ Basic — Select a folder destination to store your images, set your maximum observation time, and

❑ Capturing Interval — Set your Web camera to capture images at intervals or whenever there is

❑ Send — Set your upload options. You can make FTP and Web page settings here too. ❑ Capturing Format — Select the image size in pixels and adjust the image quality. ❑ Common — Enable or disable the shutter and animation sound effects.

3 Click each tab to view options and set preferences and click OK when you have finished.

✍ If using a web cam, a further tab allowing Camera Adjustment is available.

choose your dial-up setting.

movement.

Using Video software

Capturing an image in Web camera mode

To capture an image in Web camera mode, proceed as follows:

1 Use your digital camera or camcorder to locate the moving image you want to capture.

Software Guide

2 When you see the image you want in the Finder window or in the camcorder’s viewfinder, click Start

The Web Camera Reservation Wizard appears, guiding you through the initial settings.

3 Click Finish in the final screen.

The automatic function is set up and the pictures are taken according to your settings.

Applying effects to your images and movies

You can add effects to real-time images or movies displayed in the Finder window. You can use a different effect for each picture.

To add effects, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Select Capture Menu icon at the bottom of the screen. 2 Select the Effect option from the list.

The Effect Selection window appears.

3 Choose from the range of effects and animations. 4 Click Properties to select the level of each effect.

To remove an effect, select No Effect from the Select Capture Menu list or from the Effect Selection

window.

to begin.

Using Video software

Managing your images and movies

The task buttons to the right of the Network Smart Capture window enable you to perform various functions with your images or movies.

Software Guide

✍ You must be connected to the Internet before attempting to e-mail your still images or videos.

Viewing the online Help

For more information about Network Smart Capture, see the application’s online Help files.

To view the online help, proceed as follows:

From the Start menu, click All Programs, Network Smart Capture, and click Help from the submenu.

Alternatively:

Click the Help icon in Network Smart Capture’s main window.

Save As Saves st ill images in JPEG format and movie images in MPEG format to your required

location.

Send attached Image by E-mail Launches your e-mail program with a new message window containing the still image

or movie as an attachment.

Delete Discards any or all of your still images.

Managing audio files with SonicStage

SonicStage lets you play and record audio CDs and import digital audio files while maintaining the copyright information of the contents. When you record an audio CD with SonicStage onto your computer’s hard disk

Software Guide

drive, the default format is ATRAC3. Other possible formats are: WAV, WMA, ATRAC3Plus. The imported data can be played on your computer or transferred to external devices or media. SonicStage converts your existing MP3, WMA and WAV format audio files into the default ATRAC3 format.

To open SonicStage, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button on the Windows® taskbar. 2 Point to All Programs, SonicStage and then click SonicStage. 3 The Please confirm setup dialog box appears.

You can set SonicStage as the default application for playing audio CDs by selecting the appropriate check box.

4 Click Ye s .

The Welcome to SonicStage window appears if you open SonicStage.

5 Close the window.

The SonicStage main window appears.

Managing audio files with SonicStage

Software Guide

Managing audio files with SonicStage

1 Recordi ng button Displays the Recording Assistant window. Select a source icon and a target

2 Source icons As a source you can use:

Software Guide

3 Import button Displays the Import window. You can use this window to import audio files

4 Simple Mode button Switches the Main window to Simple Mode. You can also switch to Simple

5 Close button Closes SonicStage.

6 Help button Displays the help file.

7 Operation area The Playback area, Content area or Edit area are displayed in this area.

8 Menu button Displays the main menu of SonicStage.

9 Volume control buttons Here you can:

10 Equalizer button In the Equalizer menu:

icon.

- the Music drive: files from the music database Music Drive managed by SonicStage, or the audio files registered to a playlist on the Music Drive.

- a CD: files from an audio-CD, CD-R and CD-RW.

- a MD: files from a MiniDisc inserted into a Net MD* slot.

- a MS: files fr om a MagicGate Memory Stick™ inserted into a Memory Stick™* slot.

- Devices/Media: files from a Network Walkman or an external NetMD device.

stored on the computer into the Music Drive and register them to a Playlist.

Mode by clicking the shortcut key <F11>.

- turn the sound off or on ;

- turn the volume down;

- turn the volume up.

- you can select a preset equalizer setting: flat, rock, pop, jazz or classical;

- put the equalizer off;

- change the equalizer settings.

Managing audio files with SonicStage

11 Sound Effect button You have the choice between:

Software Guide

12 Visualizer button The Visualizer window shows various visual effects while playing an audio file.

13 Internet button Opens or closes the Internet Panel. It allows you to download or stream audio

- Vocal Canceller: the Vocal Canceller cannot be applied to songs on a MiniDisc.

- Sounds Effects Off.

files via EMD services.

✍ The CDDB2

(Compact Disc Database) Music Recognition Service registration wizard enables you to register with CDDB. You need Internet access on

your computer to register and use this service. For more information regarding CDDB2 registration, click the Help button.

* Only possible when you have this slot built-in on your machine.

Managing audio files with SonicStage

Recording from a CD

You can, for example, record songs from audio CDs and import them to playlists in SonicStage.

To record a CD, proceed as follows:

Software Guide

1 Insert an audio CD into your system’s optical disc drive. 2 Click the Recording button (1). 3 Click the CD icon as your source (2). 4 Click the Music Drive icon as your target (3).

Managing audio files with SonicStage

5 Click the Jump to Record Window button (4).

The RecordPanel window appears.

6 If you only want to record a few songs, click the Show List button.

The list of tracks on your audio CD appears.

Software Guide

7 If necessary select the format and bit rate for recording by clicking the Change CD Recording Format

button.

8 You can select specific tracks on your CD by deselecting the check boxes from the tracks you do not want

to record. You can clear all selected tracks by selecting the empty Select All check box, and then selecting the tracks you want to record. For each song you can determine the song title, the artist and the genre.

9 Click the Rec Selection button to begin recording.

When you want to record all the songs of the audio CD to the playlist, you click the Record All button.

10 When the recording is finished, the new playlist appears in the file tree view in the right pane.

Managing audio files with SonicStage

Software Guide

✍ When you record from an audio CD on your optical disc drive for the first time, the CD Drive Optimization dialog box appears.

Click Start to verify your optical disc drive. Once the verification is performed, recording begins.

You can display the name of the CD and its songs by clicking the CD Info button and after registering with CDDB.

Managing audio files with SonicStage

Transferring songs (check in/out)

You can transfer songs between the playlists on your SonicStage software and external devices or media (for example, Memory Stick™ Walkman, Network Walkman, CD-RW). For more information on using your

Software Guide

external devices or media, see the documentation that came with the product.

Checking out songs

Checking out songs means transferring audio files from a computer to an external device (for example, a portable player).

To check out songs, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the external device or insert the media (for example, a MagicGate Memory Stick™) into your

computer. Your computer automatically recognises the connected external device or media and the Check-In/Out window appears.

2 Click the Show List button to see which songs you have in the Music Drive. 3 In the Tree view on the left, select the playlist containing the song(s) to check out. 4 In the List view on the left, select the track to check out. To check out more than one song at a time,

hold down the <Ctrl> key and select additional songs.

5 If necessary, select the transfer mode for checking out. 6 Click the Check Out button or drag the song to the appropriate position in the song list of the

external device or media. The checking out begins.

✍ SonicStage does not work with the blue Memory Sticks™. For more information, read the OpenMG manual.

To can cel Check Out, click Stop, or click Cancel in the processing dialog box that is displayed during the Check Out process.

Managing audio files with SonicStage

Checking in songs

After checking out audio files, you can transfer those files back to the hard drive. This is what we call checking in.

Software Guide

The songs that you transfer like this can only be checked in to the hard drive of the same computer from which the songs were checked out.

To check in songs, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the external device or insert the MagicGate Memory Stick™ into your computer.

Your computer automatically recognises the connected external device or media and the Check-In/Out window appears.

2 Click the Show List button to see which songs you have on your Memory Stick™. 3 Select on the right-hand side the track to check in. To check in more than one song at a time, hold down

the <Ctrl> key and select additional songs.

4 If necessary, select the transfer mode for checking in. 5 Click the Check-In button.

The checking out begins.

✍ To can cel Check In, click Stop, or click Cancel in the Processing dialog box that is displayed during the Check In process.

Managing audio files with SonicStage

Additional features

❑ SonicStage Backup Tool – You can back up and restore all the music, graphics and information data

managed by SonicStage. You must be connected to the Internet to use the SonicStage Backup Tool.

Software Guide

❑ Import audio files in various formats – You can import audio files with various formats, such as MP3,

WAV and WMT standards. You can also import audio files that comply with the Microsoft® Windows® Media™ Technologies (WMT) standard, identified by ASF or WMA extensions. Manage your audio files through the Playlist feature of SonicStage.

❑ Manage imported songs on the Playlist – Additional features are available when you register your

imported songs through the Playlist feature of SonicStage. You can manage your music by creating your own list of songs categorised by genre or artist, displaying your song list in the Playlist feature, and arranging your songs in a customised order using the Playlist folders. Edit your music by combining multiples songs into a single one, or divide one song into two, by using the Combine and Divide features.

❑ Simple mode – The main SonicStage window in Simple mode is a smaller, compact version of the

Full mode view. This can be useful when you want to listen to songs with SonicStage while using other

software, or whenever you feel that Full mode view is intrusive. The design of the main SonicStage window in simple mode can be changed by selecting a new “skin”, which enhances the appearance of the window. The Simple mode feature enables you to perform playback operations only.

Using PictureGear Studio

The PictureGear Studio software 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,

Software Guide

create custom labels, and design personalised photo albums or binders to share with friends and family.

✍ To share a PictureGear Studio creation over the Internet or by using another computer, use the Export feature. See Using the Export feature

(page 71).

Launching PictureGear Studio

To launch PictureGear Studio, proceed as follows:

1 Make sure you have installed the

software from the application CDROM, if necessary (see the printed Application CD-ROM guide).

2 In the Start menu, select All

Programs, PictureGear Studio,

and then PictureGear Studio. The PictureGear Studio main window appears.

3 Move the mouse cursor over each

feature to see a description of it on the right-hand side.

Using PictureGear Studio

Using the Import feature

With the Import feature, you can capture and import pictures from your USB digital camera / camcorder or TWAIN-supporting scanner to your computer. Once you have imported the pictures, you can select your

Software Guide

favourite pictures and save them in handy folders for future use.

✍ Connect your digital camera or camcorder to your computer, or insert your Memory Stick™ into the appropriate slot, before attempting to import

pictures.

When you initially connect your digital camera or camcorder, or insert a Memory Stick™, Windows In this case, an identification wind ow appears in which you have to select the device.

Using the Import feature with a USB device

To use the Import feature with a USB device, proceed as follows:

1 Connect your digital camera / camcorder to your computer or insert the Memory Stick™ you are using. 2 In the PictureGear Studio main window, click Import Photo.

The PhotoCollection Import window appears.

3 Click Import Photo.

Your connected device is displayed in the Select Device window.

4 Click List to view all the pictures located on the device or media. 5 Make your selections and click Import Selected Photos.

The Specify Folder window appears.

6 Select a folder option. 7 If you are importing to a new folder, type in the folder name. 8 Click Start Importing.

The Adjust window appears.

XP may attempt to recognise the device or media.

Using PictureGear Studio

9 Click to make any adjustments you want to make to the pictures.

The Adjust window displays an enlarged version of the picture on the right and thumbnail versions on the left.

Software Guide

❑ Click Save to relocate the individual picture to a new folder. ❑ Click De lete to remove the picture from the photo collection. ❑ Click Rotate to change the picture’s position. ❑ Click Tr im to crop the picture or capture a specific area.

10 Click Finish Importing to save the imported pictures in a photo collection (see Using the

PhotoCollection feature (page 64)).

Using the Import feature with a TWAIN device

To use the Import feature with TWAIN-supporting devices (a scanner, for example), proceed as follows:

1 Make sure the photo capture software delivered with the device is installed on your computer, and

connect your scanner or other TWAIN device to your computer.

2 In the PictureGear Studio main window, click Import Photo.

The PhotoCollection Import window appears and your connected device is displayed in the Select window.

3 Click the Camera icon and select a folder option. 4 If you are importing to a new folder, type in the folder name. 5 Click Start Importing.

The photo capture application that was provided with the device launches automatically.

6 Use the photo capture application to import the photos.

When import is complete, the Adjust window appears, displaying an enlarged version of the picture on the right and thumbnail versions on the left.

❑ Click Save to move the individual picture to a new folder.

Using PictureGear Studio

❑ Click De lete to remove the picture from the photo collection. ❑ Click Rotate to change the picture's position. ❑ Click Tr im to crop the picture or capture a specific area.

Software Guide

7 Click Finish Importing to save the imported pictures in a photo collection (see Using the

PhotoCollection feature (page 64)).

Using PictureGear Studio

Using the PhotoCollection feature

You can organise and manage your imported pictures on your computer’s hard drive.

To use the PhotoCollection feature, proceed as follows:

Software Guide

1 In the PictureGear Studio main window, click PhotoCollection.

Alternatively, go to Start, All Programs, PictureGear Studio, To o l and then click

PhotoCollection. The PhotoCollection window appears, with a list of available photo sources displayed on the left, and the selected source’s contents displayed as thumbnail pictures on the right.

Using PictureGear Studio

2 From the thumbnail view, click to select pictures.

Hold down the <Ctrl> key while clicking to select several pictures. Use <Ctrl>+<A> to select all the photos in a folder.

3 Manage your pictures with these additional tools and features:

Software Guide

❑ Click Rotate to change the picture’s position. ❑ Click View to enlarge a thumbnail view. ❑ Click Slideshow to place the selected pictures into an organised slideshow. ❑ Click Print to set up your photos and select paper to make prints. ❑ Click Create to create an album, binder, postcard or label, for example. ❑ Click Export to send your collection by e-mail or to convert the size and format of the selected

pictures.

Using PictureGear Studio

Using the Binder feature

You can add comments to your favourite photos, add custom backgrounds, clip art, and stamps, or showcase your own drawing talent. Add, remove, or change your designs to create your own unique photo art.

Software Guide

To use the Binder feature, proceed as follows:

1 In the PictureGear Studio main window, click Binder.

Alternatively, go to Start, All Programs, PictureGear Studio, To o l and then click Binder. The Binder window appears. A list of binder styles is displayed on the left. When you add your pictures to a binder, they are displayed as thumbnails on the right.

Using PictureGear Studio

2 Select a binder style, and then click New Page.

Available photo sources are displayed as thumbnails.

3 Click a photo to select it.

An information form appears.

Software Guide

4 Fill in your information and click OK.

An art palette window appears.

5 To create an original page with art or stamps, use the decoration features on the right by clicking on the

required feature and applying it to your photo.

6 Click Save to add the new page to your binder. 7 You can create your own custom binder styles by clicking Create Title.

Using PictureGear Studio

Using the PhotoAlbum feature

You can organise your memorable photos in an electronic photo album to share with friends and family.

To use the PhotoAlbum feature, proceed as follows:

Software Guide

1 In the PictureGear Studio main window, click PhotoAlbum.

Alternatively, go to Start, All Programs, PictureGear Studio, To o l and then click PhotoAlbum. The PhotoAlbum window appears.

2 Click Ne w Album.

The Select Photo area appears.

Using PictureGear Studio

3 Click List to select the photos you want to include in your album from available folders.

The Photo List window appears.

4 Click Create the Album with the selected photo(s) after selecting your photos.

The Select Design window appears.

Software Guide

5 Click to select a design layout for your album.

Use the scroll bar to view all available album designs. The Select Layout window appears.

6 Click to select a page layout for your album.

Use the scroll bar to view all available layout designs. A preview of your selected design and page layout is displayed.

Using PictureGear Studio

7 Scroll through your album using the book icons at the bottom of the window. 8 Click Edit Album to make changes to your album. 9 Customise your album by adding more pictures, pages, decorations, or comments, or by deleting pages.

Software Guide

10 Click Edit Page to customise a page in your album.

You can customise with your own drawings, stamps or other decorations.

11 Click Save.

The Save Album dialog box appears.

12 Enter a name for your album and click OK.

✍ If y ou wan t to work on a previous ly created album , do no t click Create New Album. Instead, se lect the required albu m from the AlbumColl ection

view on the right-hand side of the window.

Photo albums can only be viewed or edited using the PictureGear Studio software. To share a PictureGear Studio creation over the Internet or by using another computer, use the Export f eatu re (see Using the Export feature (page 71))

Using PictureGear Studio

Using the Export feature

You can export your completed photo album to enable viewing over the Internet, with another computer, or saving to a recordable media.

Software Guide

There are three export formats available:

❑ Export as a Flash File to create a small file that can be viewed using Microsoft ❑ Export as a Light Package to create a compressed file that can be viewed on a computer. ❑ Export as a Full Package to create an uncompressed file to be saved to recordable media, such as a

CD-R/CD-RW or a Memory Stick™.

✍ Only Albums exported as Flash Files can be viewed on another computer on which PictureGear Studio is not installed.

To export a photo album, proceed as follows:

1 Create a photo album as described in Using the PhotoAlbum feature (page 68). 2 In the PhotoCollection main window, click

Export. The Select Format window appears.

Internet Explorer.

Using PictureGear Studio

3 Click an export format to select it.

The Select Folder window appears.

4 Click Browse and navigate to the destination folder.

Software Guide

5 Enter a file name, if necessary. 6 Click Export.

A progress window appears briefly. An export completion message window appears, displaying the file name and file size.

7 Click OK. 8 Click Return to Edit Album Page.

Using PictureGear Studio

Using the PrintStudio feature

Use PrintStudio to design and print original postcards, calendars, art, and labels using your favourite pictures.

Software Guide

To use PrintStudio, proceed as follows:

1 In the PictureGear Studio main window, click PrintStudio.

Alternatively, go to Start, All Programs, PictureGear Studio, To o l and then click PrintStudio. The PrintStudio window appears.

Using PictureGear Studio

2 Select the item you want to create and click Start Creating.

The initial creation window appears, which varies depending on the item you are creating.

Software Guide

3 Make selections for the picture(s), design layout, and custom decoration for the item you want to create. 4 Set the number of copies to be printed and select a connected printer. 5 Click Print. 6 Make sure you use the appropriate paper when creating items, such as postcards, labels or business cards.

Using PictureGear Studio

Viewing the online Help

For more information about PictureGear Studio, see the application’s online Help files.

To view the online help, proceed as follows:

Software Guide

Click Help in PictureGear Studio’s main window or in each PictureGear Studio element.

Customizing your computer

The following sections briefly describe how to change the main settings of your computer. Among other things, you will learn how to prepare your modem for use, how to use and customise the look of your Sony

Software Guide

software and utilities, etc.

❑ Setting up your language (page 77) ❑ Setting up your notebook with Sony Notebook Setup (page 79) ❑ Managing power (page 81) ❑ Selecting display modes (page 88) ❑ Configuring your modem (page 89) ❑ Changing your windows design with the UI Design Selector program (page 91) ❑ Setting a Sony wallpaper (pa ge 9 2) ❑ Selecting a screen saver (page 93)

Customizing your computer

Setting up your language

It is important that you select the correct keyboard settings during the Windows Setup.

To select the correct keyboard settings during Windows Setup, proceed as follows:

Software Guide

1 At first boo t, click 2x Next in the Windows XP Setup Wizard window.

The Select Your System Settings dialog box appears.

2 Fill in these three questions:

❑ I live the closest to this region. ❑ I type mostly in this language. ❑ I use this type of keyboard.

3 In the End User License Agreement, accept the License Agreement and click Next. 4 Continue your Windows setup until it is finished.

You can also change the country and language settings into your language as soon as Windows® has been restarted or use the Language Selector.

To change the country and language settings, proceed as follows:

1 Click Start and then Control Panel. 2 In the Control Panel window, double-click the Regional and Language Options icon.

If you do not see this icon, click Switch to Classic View on the left side.

3 In the Regional Options tab of the Regional and Language Options window, select your language

from the Standards and formats drop-down menu.

4 To change the language of the menus and dialog boxes, select the Languages tab of the Regional and

Language Options window.

5 Select your language from the drop-down list.

Customizing your computer

6 Click Apply to apply the changes.

You are prompted to log off and log on again. Only then, the changes to the new language will take effect.

7 Click Start, and select Log Off.

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8 Click Log Off in the Log Off Windows window.

If necessary, enter your password to log on again. All the menus, help files and icons are then displayed in your selected language. However, some parts may remain in English.

Customizing your computer

Setting up your notebook with Sony Notebook Setup

The Sony Notebook Setup utility allows you to consult system information, specify preferences for system behaviour, and set up password protection for your VAIO notebook.

Software Guide

To use Sony Notebook Setup, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button on the Windows® taskbar. 2 In All Programs, select Sony Notebook Setup and then click Sony Notebook Setup.

The Sony Notebook Setup window appears.

Customizing your computer

Tab Description

About This Computer Displays system information, including memory capacity, serial number, and BIOS version.

Initial Setting Selects the drive and device order you wish to use for loading the operating system. You can

Software Guide

Power On Password Sets the password to secure your computer.

Device Disables ports or devices to release resources to the system. To change the port settings, s elect a

3 Select the tab for the item you want to change. 4 Once finished, click OK.

The item has been changed.

✍ For more information about each option, click Help on the Sony Notebook Setup screen to display the help file.

Windows will be visible.

specify the hard drive as well as other drives inserted into your computer. You can change the volume of the sounds played while the operating system is loading.

If you use this option, remember the password at all times. If you forget the password, you cannot change this setting anymore, and you will not be able to start your computer.

port and click Settings in the Device tab.

XP Professional (PCG-GRS515SP o nly): If you open Sony Notebook Setup as a limited user, then only the About This Computer tab

Customizing your computer

Managing power

The PowerPanel utility controls the power management of your notebook and provides key information about system activity and battery life. The automatic power management selects the most advantageous

Software Guide

profiles, or lets you customise the profiles you choose, according to your own needs, with the goal of extended battery life.

PowerPanel has the following features:

❑ Automatic Profile Selection (APS) based on the currently active application; ❑ Ability to select specific Power Profiles manually from the menu; ❑ Ability to edit and create new profiles; ❑ Ability to display detailed battery information; ❑ CPU performance monitoring tool; ❑ It works in harmony with your Windows settings.

Activating PowerPanel

When you start the computer, the PowerPanel icon appears in the system tray by default. If the computer is running on AC power, you see PowerPanel’s Performance icon: .

If the computer is running on battery power, the Battery Life icon is displayed: . To see the CPU state and the current power profile, simply point to the icon. The CPU state and current

power profile will be displayed in a tooltip.

To change profiles, proceed as follows:

1 Right-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar and select Profiles. 2 In the Profiles menu, select a profile.

The appropriate power settings are activated.

✍ When you use the battery pack as power source, your system selects the Maximum Battery Life power management profile by defaul t. If you select

a different power management profile while using battery power, the same profile will automatically be selected the next time you use the battery pack to power your computer.

Customizing your computer

Activating power management profiles

PowerPanel provides several predefined power management profiles. Each profile consists of a group of power management settings that are designed to meet specific power management goals, ranging from

Software Guide

maximum power management to no power management.

Running on AC

Icon Description

AC Power – The power management state when AC power is in use. PowerPanel automatically loads the AC profile unless you disable this feature.

Power Management Off (Plugged in) – Turns off all power management features such as St andby and Hibernate modes.

Running on the battery

Icon Description

Maximum Battery Life – Provides power saving features to give you maximum battery life and good performance. It reduces the brightness of the display and puts the system into Standby mode after a specified time period.

Maximum Performance – Provides the best system performance while still conserving power.

Word Processing – Optimises power management with longer timeouts on the hard disk and display screen. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby to optimise power management for your system.

Customizing your computer

Spreadsheet – Reduces the LCD brightness to 'medium', as your software does not require higher performance.

Presentation – Keeps the di splay on at all times w hile it conserves power. This option is ideal for slideshow presentations. You can

Software Guide

establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk St andby, and Standby to optimise power management for your system.

Communications – Extends battery life by initiating a quick display time-out. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby to optimise power management for your system.

Games – Disables the display and the Hard Disk timer.

DVD – Optimises performance and power requirements for DVD

usage.

Camera – Optimises performance and power requirements for camera usage.

Power Management Off (Running on the battery) – Turns off all power management features such as Standby and Hibernate modes.

Automatic Profile Selection - Analyses the performance of each application you choose and matches the profiles to its needs.

Customizing your computer

Selecting automatic profiles

A power profile is a set of timer values for a variety of system devices. PowerPanel automatically selects the profile associated with the application you are using and changes profiles as you switch between

Software Guide

applications. Power management lets your system enter energy saving modes by levelling some energy-consuming parameters, such as LCD brightness, or hard disk activity.

To select automatic profiles, proceed as follows:

1 Right-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar. 2 Select Profiles. 3 Select Automatic Profile Selection.

Customizing your computer

Displaying detailed battery information

You can display detailed information of your computer's battery.

To display battery information, proceed as follows:

Software Guide

1 Double-click the PowerPanel icon in the ta skbar.

The Battery Information window appears.

2 Select the Battery tab.

This tab contains information such as the estimated battery life remaining and charging time.

Battery icon Battery status

discharging: the icon is blue

fully charged: the icon is

completely blue with an AC power plug

charging: the icon is blue with a

red clip attached to the terminal

no battery: the icon is blue with a

yellow cross over it

Customizing your computer

Displaying CPU information

You can also view the level of performance of your notebook with the CPU Controls. To do so, you just have to move your cursor over the CPU icon in your taskbar.

Software Guide

Icon Description

Performance:

Battery Life:

✍ For more detailed information on what you can do with PowerPanel, refer to the Help files of PowerPanel.

Editing a power profile

To edit the power management settings of a power profile, proceed as follows:

1 Right-click the CPU icon in the taskbar and select Edit/Create Profiles from the menu.

The Profile Editor window appears.

2 Click the profile you want to edit on the left of the screen. 3 Double-click the power profile property (CPU Control, Hibernate, Standby…) you want to modify on the

right of the screen. An option list or a dialog box will appear. Add or define the setting you want to select.

4 Click the File menu and then click Save.

This control helps to maximise the CPU clock speed. The computer can then be used at its maximum performance. This will be the default icon when the computer is connected to the mains supply.

This control helps to reduce the notebook’s power consumption by decreasing the CPU clock speed and the power voltage. This will be the default icon when the computer is disconnected from the mains supply, using the battery.

Customizing your computer

Creating a power profile

To create a power profile, proceed as follows:

1 Right-click the CPU icon in the taskbar and select Edit/Create Profiles from the menu.

Software Guide

The Profile Editor window appears.

2 Select New from the File menu. 3 Select the kind of profile you want to create:

❑ profile when your computer is plugged in, ❑ profile when your computer is running on batteries.

The new Power Profile is displayed.

4 Select the appropriate Power Management Settings. 5 From the File menu, click Save.

Customizing your computer

Selecting display modes

This notebook uses the Mobility Radeon 7500 video controller. You can select which display is used when the notebook is connected to an external display. When you connect an external display, you can switch the

Software Guide

display between your notebook's LCD and the external monitor. Before you can select a display, you need to shut down your notebook, connect the external display (TV, panel or monitor) to your notebook, and restart.

To select a display, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.

The Control Panel appears.

2 Double-click Appearance and Themes, and then select Display.

The Display Properties dialog box appears.

3 Click the Settings tab. 4 Click the Advanced button.

The Sony Notebook LCD and Mobility Radeon 7500 Properties dialog box appears.

5 Click the Displays tab.

Select the Monitor, Panel or TV icon.

6 Click Apply and then OK.

✍ You cannot have a display on TV and on another display at the same time.

You may not be able to display the notebook LCD screen and an external display or a projector at the same time, depending on the types of computer displays and projectors you are using.

If the display resolution of your notebook is more than 800 x 600 dots, a part of the image cannot be displayed on your TV display. You can see the hidden area on your TV display by moving the curs or on you r compute r. If you want to d isplay the f ull image, you n eed to change the display resolution of your notebook to 640 x 480 dots.

Before turning on the computer, turn off the peripheral devices.

If you want more information on the ATI video controller, click the ATI icon in the taskbar and click Help.

Customizing your computer

Configuring your modem

Before you can start using your internal modem, or each time you use your modem while travelling, make sure that the country of the active location defined in the Phone and Modem Options dialog box matches

Software Guide

the country you are dialling from. You may notice a Country Selector tab under your current modem driver options. As the Country Selector

tab is not a constant feature, do not use this tab to change the country settings. Only the following procedure is reliable.

To change your modem country settings, proceed as follows:

1 Click Start and then Control Panel. 2 Double-click Phone and Modem Options.

The Phone and Modem Options dialog box appears. If you do not see the Phone and Modem Options dialog box, click Switch to Classic View on the left side.

3 Select your location on the Dialing Rules tab. 4 Click the Edit button to change the current configuration.

The Edit Location dialog box appears. Or Click the New button to configure your modem. The New Location dialog box appears.

5 Check the country/region settings, and make sure it matches the place you are dialling from. 6 If you modified your location settings, click Apply, and then OK .

The Phone and Modem Options dialog box appears.

7 Check that your modem is listed in the Modems tab.

If yo ur mo dem is not listed, click Add and follow the wizard.

8 Click Apply/OK.

Your modem is configured.

✍ Before applying new country settings, please make sure your phone line is disconnected from your VAIO computer.

Customizing your computer

Updating the modem driver

If you need to update the modem driver for any reason, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button and open Control Panel.

Software Guide

The Control Panel window appears.

2 Click the Printers and Othe r Hardware icon.

The Printers and Other Hardware window appears.

3 Click the Phone and Modem Options icon.

The Phone and Modem Options dialog box appears.

4 Click the Modems tab and then click Properties to view the properties of your modem.

The Modem Properties dialog box appears.

5 On the Driver tab, click Update driver.

The Ha rdware Update Wizard window appears. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen. You can perform a Windows search for the driver, or point to the driver's location yourself.

Customizing your computer

Changing your windows design with the UI Design Selector program

Software Guide

You can change the window design of Sony software compatible with the UI Design Selector program.

To change the window design using UI Design Selector, proceed as follows:

1 Click Start, and then Control Panel.

If you do not see UI Design Selector, click Switch to Classic View on the left side. OR If you do not see UI Design Selector, click Other Control Panel Options on the right side.

2 Double-click UI Design Selector.

The UI Design Selector dialog box appears.

3 Click << or >> and select the design you like. 4 Click Apply.

The UI Design Selector window design changes, to give you a preview of the design you chose for the Sony software.

5 To try another design, click << or >>. 6 Click OK once you are satisfied with your choice.

The UI Design Selector dialog box disappears and changes the window design of Sony software as you selected.

Customizing your computer

Setting a Sony wallpaper

Your Sony VAIO computer offers you, among many other features, a choice of wallpapers. You can change the wallpaper, the background of your desktop, as many times as you like.

Software Guide

To set another VAIO wallpaper, proceed as follows:

1 Go to Control Panel and select the Switch to Classic View option.

Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box appears.

2 Click the Desktop tab.

A list of Windows and VAIO wallpapers is displayed.

3 Select a wallpaper in the Background list.

You can see a preview of this wallpaper in the monitor above the Background list.

4 Adjust the position of the wallpaper with the Position drop-down list. 5 Click Apply when you have found the appropriate wallpaper. 6 Click OK to close the Display Properties dialog box.

The wallpaper is applied to your computer.

✍ A higher screen resolution reduces the size of items on your screen and increases the relative space on your desktop.

You may not be able to increas e the screen resolution above a certain level. Your monitor and vid eo adapters, for example, determine to which extend you can change the resolution.

Customizing your computer

Selecting a screen saver

A screen saver is an animated image that is activated on a computer display when no user activity has been sensed for a certain time. The original purpose of a screen saver was to prevent burn-in (the burning of an

Software Guide

image into the phosphor inside the cathode ray tube after hours of the same image being rescanned). In fact, today's CRT display technology makes burn-in unlikely except under extreme conditions.

Your computer comes with built-in screen savers that you can select.

To change the built-in screen saver, proceed as follows:

1 Right-click on the desktop. 2 Select Properties.

The Display Properties dialog box appears.

3 Select the Screen Saver tab. 4 In the Screen saver drop-down menu, select a screen saver.

When you want to see how the screen saver looks like, click Preview.

5 Click Apply and OK.

Installing and updating applications

This section explains how to install, run or uninstall a software. Furthermore, you will learn how to download the latest updates from our website.

Software Guide

❑ Installing software (page 95) ❑ Changing or removing software (page 96) ❑ Downloading software (page 99)

Installing and updating applications

Installing software

To install bundled software from the supplied application CD, please read the printed Application CD guide for details. To install other software, use the following procedure.

Software Guide

Before installing the applications:

❑ Install and connect a hardware device, if necessary (see the Managing drivers (page 100) section); ❑ Close all open applications.

To install an application, proceed as follows:

1 Click Start and then Control Panel. 2 Double-click Add or Remove Programs.

The Add or Remove Programs dialog box appears.

3 Click Add New Programs, and then click CD or Floppy.

The Install Program From Floppy Disk or CD-ROM window appears.

4 Insert the first installation floppy disk or CD-ROM and click Next.

The Run Installation Program appears.

5 Click Browse… to find the installation program.

The Browse window appears.

6 Select the installation program and click Open.

The path of the installation program appears in Open: text box.

7 Click Finish.

A Licence Agreement dialog box might appear.

8 Read the agreement and click Yes to accept.

You are asked to define the location where you want to install the software.

Installing and updating applications

9 Click Browse to select the folder and click Next.

If necessary, select the type of installation you wish and click Next. The software installation begins. Make sure to select Yes, I want to restart my computer now if you are asked to.

Software Guide

10 Click Finish.

Installation is complete and your computer restarts.

✍ When using Add or Remove P rograms, you can only install programs that were written for Windows

Changing or removing software

You can remove or change a software application any time you like. Before proceeding, close the application you want to change/remove.

To change or remove software, proceed as follows:

1 From the Start menu, click Control Panel.

The Control Panel window appears.

2 Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.

The Add/Remove Programs dialog box appears.

3 Select the software you want to change or remove.

❑ To change a program, click Change/Remove or Change and follow the on-screen instructions. ❑ To uninstall a program, click Change/Remove or Remove, then click Next followed by OK.

If the Locked file detected dialog box appears, click Reboot. The computer restarts once uninstallation is completed and all previously used files are deleted. If the Shared file detected dialog box appears, it is recommended that you click No to keep shared files. Click Close. The software is uninstalled.

! When you click Change or Remove, some programs may be removed without any further warning.

operating systems.

Installing and updating applications

✍ You can sort programs by selecting different options in Sort by.

Add or Remove Programs will only remove programs that were written for Windows

documentation to see if other files (such as .ini files) should be removed.

Software Guide

operating systems. For other programs, check the

Installing and updating applications

Caution

Windows® File protection

Software Guide

Installing a program might overwrite shared system files such as dynamic-link libraries (DLL files)* and executable files (EXE files). When system files are overwritten, system performance becomes unpredictable, programs behave erratically, and the operating system can fail.

Never delete files with the following extensions: SYS, DLL, OCX, TTF, or FON.

In Windows® XP, Windows File Protection prevents the replacement of protected system files such as SYS, DLL, OCX, TTF, FON, and EXE files. Windows File Protection runs in the background and protects all files installed by the Windows Setup program.

Windows File Protection detects attempts by other programs to replace or move a protected system file. It also checks the file's digital signature.

* This is an operating system feature that allows executable routines (generally serving a specific function or set of functions) to be stored separately as files with DLL extens ions. These routines are loaded only when needed by the program that calls them.

File Signature verification

When you install a new application on your computer, you might overwrite system files and device driver files with unsigned or incompatible versions, which provokes system instability.

The system files and device driver files provided with Windows® XP have a Microsoft® digital signature, which indicates that the files are original, unaltered system files or that they have been approved by Microsoft® for use with Windows®.

Installing and updating applications

Downloading software

Please note it is possible to download the latest upgrades of software for your computer from our website. Just click the following link to access it: www.vaio-link.com

Software Guide

To download the latest upgrades, proceed as follows:

1 Go to www.vaio-link.com and choose your language. 2 Click the VAIO User button. 3 Fill in the two codes and enter the site. 4 Select Downloads and follow the procedure.

A list of available downloads appears.

5 Choose the appropriate upgrade and follow the online instructions to download it.

✍ To install your application, see the Installing software (page 95) section.

Sony PCG-GRS614MP User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Read this first

Notice

End user software licence agreement

Trademarks

Registering your VAIO

About the software delivered with your computer

Sony software

DVgate

ISP Selector

MovieShaker

Network Smart Capture

PictureGear Studio

PowerPanel

SonicStage

Sony Notebook Setup

Sony Style Imaging

UI Design Selector

VAIO Edit Components

Product Recovery CD-ROMs

Operating system and other available software

Windows® XP Professional Service Pack 1

Internet Explorer 6.0

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 5.1

Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 2.0

Adobe® Premiere® 6.1 LE (depending on your model)

QuickTime 5.0

RealOne Player

Symantec Norton AntiVirus

VAIO Web Phone

WinDVD for VAIO

Using Video software

Using DVgate

Using DVgate Motion

Capturing videos

Recording edited videos on a DV device

Adjusting the recording correction values

Adding files to the Record List

Recording on the DV device

Using DVgate Still

Capturing pictures

Saving the captured pictures

Using DVgate Assemble

Creating an Assemble List

Editing AVI files

Combining still images with video images

Saving the edited video

Using MovieShaker

Importing images and sound clips

Creating a movie

Editing clips and scenes

Saving a movie

Using Network Smart Capture

Launching Network Smart Capture

Using Still mode

Making settings for Still mode

Capturing an image in Still mode

Using Movie mode

Making settings for Movie mode

Capturing an image in Movie mode

Using Web camera mode

Making settings for Web camera mode

Capturing an image in Web camera mode

Applying effects to your images and movies

Managing your images and movies

Viewing the online Help

Managing audio files with SonicStage

Recording from a CD

Transferring songs (check in/out)

Checking out songs

Checking in songs

Additional features

Using PictureGear Studio

Launching PictureGear Studio

Using the Import feature

Using the Import feature with a USB device

Using the Import feature with a TWAIN device