Sony PCV-2236 User Manual

Hardware Guide

PCV-RS series (PCV-2236)

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Hardware Guide

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Notice

This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machinereadable form without prior written approval.

Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the software or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages, whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information contained herein or the use thereof.

Macrovision: This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S.patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorised by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorised by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

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

Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user licence agreement.

Please note that the illustrations in this manual may not necessarily apply to your model. Please see the Specifications sheet for the specific configuration of your VAIO.

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Hardware Guide

ENERGY STAR

As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. The International

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 Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

Environmental information

Halogenated flame retardant not used in cabinets.

Cushions formed by corrugated board used in packaging.

Owner's record

The serial number and model number are located on the back of your Sony desktop. Record the numbers and refer to them if you call VAIO-Link. See also the printed Specifications document.

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Safety information

General

Hardware Guide

❑ Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee. ❑ To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only. ❑ To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your VAIO desktop to rain or moisture. ❑ If reporting a gas leak, do not use the modem or a telephone in the vicinity of the leak. ❑ Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm. ❑ The power socket outlet you are using must be installed near the equipment and must be easily

accessible.

❑ Do not move your computer while the system is in Standby mode. ❑ The magnetic properties of some objects can have serious consequences for your hard disk drive. They

can erase the data on the hard disk drive and cause the computer to malfunction. Do not place your computer near or on any objects, which emit magnetic fields, mainly:

❑ TV sets ❑ Speakers ❑ Magnets and magnetic bracelets.

Audio/video

Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.

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Connectivity

❑ Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe lightning storm. ❑ Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations. ❑ Take care when installing or modifying telephone lines. ❑ To disconnect your VAIO desktop completely from the mains voltage, unplug the power cable. ❑ Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

Optical disc drive

The use of optical instruments can cause eye hazard. As the laser beam used in this product is harmful to the eyes, do not attempt any disassembling process. For servicing, refer to qualified personnel only.

There is visible and invisible radiation when the optical disc drive is open: avoid direct exposure to the laser beam. The optical disc drives are classified as CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCTS and comply with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair and maintenance only by authorised Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

TO EN 60825-1

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Regulatory information

Sony hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of European Directive 1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive).

Hardware Guide

Declaration of Conformity

The European Union is targeting the free movement of goods for the internal market and to prevent technical barriers to trade. This effort has resulted in several EU Directives asking that manufacturers make their products comply with essential standards. Manufacturers are required to affix the "CE" mark on the products they sell and to draw up a "Declaration of Conformity" (DoC).

Primarily, the Declarations of Conformity are intended for the market surveillance authorities as proof that products satisfy the required standards. Additionally, Sony provides these EU DoC's on the website http://www.compliance.sony.de

You can search for all Declarations of Conformity available for a specific product by typing in the model name in the search box. A list of matching documents will be displayed and can be downloaded. Please note that the availability of declarations depends on the scope of the EU Directives and the individual product specifications.

This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 55024 for use in the following areas: residential, commercial, and light industrial.

This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables not longer than 3 metres (9.8 feet).

Before activating the built-in modem, please read the Modem Regulations leaflet.

as a service to our customers.

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Hardware Guide

Disposing of the internal memory backup battery

❑ Your Sony VAIO desktop is equipped with an internal back-up memory battery (motherboard battery)

that should not have to be replaced during the lifetime of the product. If you want to replace the battery, please contact VAIO-Link: www.vaio-link.com

❑ Keep away from children. ❑ Dispose of the battery properly at its end-of-life. ❑ In some areas the disposal of non-hazardous batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.

Please use the public waste collection system.

Disposing of the AA batteries

Some models are delivered with a remote control.

❑ The bundled remote control is powered by AA batteries. ❑ For installing the batteries, please refer to the Giga Pocket manual in the VAIO Info Centre. ❑ Do not handle damaged or leaking batteries. ❑ Dispose of promptly and properly at end-of-life. ❑ May explode or leak if recharged, disposed of in fire, mixed with other types of battery or improperly

installed.

❑ Keep away from children. ❑ In some areas, the disposal of batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited. Please use the

public collection system.

Welcome

Hardware Guide

Welcome

Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.

Here are the main features you can enjoy:

❑ Exceptional performance. ❑ Dual drives – Enjoy the freedom of two optical disc drives. ❑ Sony audio and video quality – The advanced graphics card and high-quality external stereo speakers

enable you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.

❑ Multimedia features – Enjoy audio and video CDs and DVDs, even record them yourself. ❑ Giga Pocket* – Take advantage of the new Giga Pocket technology, allowing you to watch TV and

record your favourite programs digitally and by remote control.

❑ Sony Memory Stick slot – This compact digital storage medium allows you to easily transfer images,

sounds, data and text between cameras, computers, and more.

❑ Interconnectivity – Your computer has Memory Stick, USB 2.0, i.LINK, CompactFlash and SmartMedia

functionalities.

❑ Windows XP – Your system includes the latest consumer operating system from Microsoft. ❑ Excellent customer support – If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check

the VAIO-Link website for a possible solution: www.vaio-link.com try to solve the problem by reading this guide, your printed Guide to Troubleshooting, or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.

* Not available on all models. See the printed Specifications sheet for details.

. Before contacting VAIO-Link, please

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Hardware Guide

Documentation pack

Your documentation pack contains printed information and user guides to read on your computer. The user guides are compiled in the VAIO Info Centre on the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc or on a separate disc.

Printed documentation

The printed part of your documentation pack includes the following:

❑ A Getting Started brochure, where you will find a brief description of the items in your box, and how

to set up your computer;

❑ A Specifications sheet, containing a table of specifications, a list of bundled software and, on the

reverse side, a guide to setting up your VAIO;

❑ A Guide to Troubleshooting / Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc, where you will

find solutions to common problems, an explanation of the purpose and use of the VAIO disc delivered with your computer, and VAIO-Link information;

❑ A Dual Language Operating System leaflet (not applicable for all countries / models); ❑ You r Sony Guarantee conditions; ❑ A Safety Regulations leaflet; ❑ A Modem Regulations leaflet.

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Hardware Guide

Non-printed documentation

The documentation available either in the VAIO Info Centre or on a separate disc includes the following guides:

❑ The Hardware Guide (this guide). ❑ The Software Guide, which contains short descriptions of the software features available with VAIO

systems.

Depending on your model you may have the following guides:

❑ The Giga Pocket manual, which explains how to watch and record TV and video on your PC. ❑ The Network Media Receiver manual, explaining how to display audio, video and photos files, stored

on a different computer.

Further sources

❑ Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and

troubleshooting.

❑ Go to www.club-vaio.com to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO software.

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Hardware Guide

Ergonomic considerations

Whenever possible, try and take into account the following ergonomic considerations when using your new computer, whether at home or in the office:

Welcome

Hardware Guide

❑ Position of the keyboard and mouse – Place the keyboard directly in front of you (1). Keep your

forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (2) while using the keyboard or mouse – not at an angle. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Use the palm rest only briefly, to relax your wrists when you are not typing. Place the mouse at the same level as the keyboard and use your whole arm to move it.

❑ Position and viewing angle of the monitor – Set the display at a comfortable viewing distance (3).

Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower. Use the display’s tilting feature, if available, to find the best position. You can reduce eye-strain and muscle-fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Remember to adjust the brightness setting of the display. If you are using a CRT monitor, make sure that the refresh rate is at an optimal level, that is, at least 75Hz.

❑ Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support (4). Adjust the level of the chair so your

feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning too far backwards.

❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare or reflection on the display.

Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots reflecting on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

❑ Ventilation – Make sure you leave at least 25 cm of space behind and on the left of the main unit (5). ❑ And finally – Remember to have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the

computer may strain muscles or tendons.

Using your VAIO computer

Once you have read and followed the information in the printed Getting Started guide and Specifications sheet, you can start using your computer safely and confidently. Read on to get the most

Hardware Guide

out of using your VAIO computer.

❑ Shutting down your computer safely (page 13) ❑ Using the keyboard (page 14) ❑ Using the TV function (page 15) ❑ Using the mouse (page 16) ❑ Using the disc drives (page 18) ❑ Using the floppy disk drive (page 22) ❑ Using the modem (page 23) ❑ Using power modes (page 25) ❑ Using the media slots (page 28) ❑ Expansion capabilities (page 35)

Using your VAIO computer

Shutting down your computer safely

It is important that you shut down your computer properly so you do not lose unsaved data.

To shut down your computer, proceed as follows:

Hardware Guide

1 Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer. 2 Click the Start button. 3 Click Turn Off Computer.

The Turn off computer window appears.

4 Click Tur n Off. 5 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for your

computer to turn off automatically. The power indicator turns off.

✍ See the printed Troubleshooting Guide if you have problems shutting down your computer.

Using your VAIO computer

Using the keyboard

Your computer is delivered with a VAIO keyboard. The features are much the same a standard keyboard, plus some additional functions.

Hardware Guide

For more information on the standard keys, please go to the Windows Help and Support Center. The VAIO-Link website (www.vaio-link.com

Indicators

Light On Off

Num Lock Turns on when the number keys in the numeric

Caps Lock Turns on when the letters appear in uppercase as

Scroll Lock Turns on when the screen scrolls differently (not all

Using the shortcut keys

Depending on the keyboard delivered with your model, you may be able to use shortcut keys to start your favourite software, without having to click the shortcut icon on the desktop.

Use an <S> Key simply by pressing it. If you want to, you can use VAIO Action Setup to change the functions of the <S> Keys. All the buttons

are reprogrammable.

) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard.

keypad are active.

you type. The <Shift> key lowers the case of typed letters when Caps Lock is on.

applications support this function).

Turns off when the alphanumeric character keys in the keypad area are active.

Turns off when the letters appear in lowercase as you type (unless you hold down the <Shift> key).

Turns off when the information moves across the display normally.

Using your VAIO computer

Using the TV function

Depending on your model*, your computer may be equipped with a TV-tuner board. In combination with Sony's Giga Pocket software, it allows you to:

Hardware Guide

❑ Watch, record and play back analogue broadcasted cable and terrestrial TV-programs, all by remote

control;

❑ Digitise analogue video and audio using the S-video or composite and audio inputs; ❑ Manage your video units (capsules), preview them and create multiple folders; ❑ Set up a timer to record channels at a repeated time; ❑ Suspend viewing TV (time-shifting); ❑ Stream your recorded TV contents via Ethernet (or WLAN) to connected PCs; ❑ Export your video capsules to MPEG2, MPEG1 and (DVI) AVI-files;

✍ Sony cannot guarantee the streaming of recorded content if it is beyond a certain level of high quality.

For details on using Giga Pocket and the remote control, please see the dedicated online guide in the VAIO Info Centre or the help files within the software itself.

* See the printed Specifications sheet for details.

Using your VAIO computer

Using the mouse

The VAIO wheel mouse allows you to control the cursor in a number of ways. You can point to, select, drag and scroll objects on the screen using the buttons and the wheel.

Hardware Guide

You can adjust the mouse pointer speed and other functions under Mouse Properties. To display Mouse Properties, go to the Control Panel, select Printers and Other Hardware, then select Mouse.

The mouse has the following functions:

Function Action

point Move the entire mouse across a flat surface to place the

pointer on an item or object. click Press the left button (1) once. double-click Press the left button twice. right-click Press the right button (2) once. In many applications, this

action displays a context-sensitive shortcut menu. drag and drop Hold the left button down while sliding the mouse. Then

release the button to drop the object. scroll Turn the central wheel (3) to scroll up or down a page. Or

press the wheel once to lock the scroll action and control

the movement by moving the entire mouse (the scroll

function is available only with applications that support a

scroll feature).

Using your VAIO computer

Setting up the mouse for left-handed users

To set your mouse up for left-handed users, proceed as follows:

1 Go to Start, select Control Panel, then click the Printers and Other Hardware option.

Hardware Guide

2 Click the mouse icon.

The Mouse Properties dialog box appears.

3 In the Buttons tab, select the option button next to Switch primary and secondary buttons. 4 Click OK.

The new mouse settings are now in place.

Using your VAIO computer

Using the disc drives

Your computer is equipped with two separate optical drives. Please see the printed Specifications sheet to see which drives your model has.

Hardware Guide

❑ A DVD±RW drive reads data from and writes data onto DVD and CD. ❑ A DVD-ROM drive reads data from DVDs and CDs. ❑ A CD-RW drive reads data from and writes to CDs. ❑ A CD-ROM drive reads data from CDs.

To insert a disc, proceed as follows:

1 Turn on the computer. 2 Press the appropriate eject button to open the drive.

The cover flap opens and the tray slides out.

3 Place a disc in the tray with the label side facing upwards.

Make sure the disc is secure in the centre of the tray.

4 Close the tray by pushing it gently.

✍ See the printed Troubleshooting Guide if you have problems using discs.

Using your VAIO computer

Reading and writing CDs and DVDs

To achieve optimum performance when writing data on to disc (also called ’burning’), follow these recommendations:

Hardware Guide

❑ Only use circular discs. Do not use discs with any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), as this may damage

the disc drive.

❑ Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data to a disc. ❑ For optimal writing speed, deactivate the screensaver before writing data to a disc. ❑ Memory-resident disc utilities may cause unstable operation or data loss. Deactivate these utilities before

writing data to a disc.

❑ When using a software application to burn discs, make sure you exit and close all other applications. ❑ Never touch the surface of the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause writing

errors.

❑ Never put stickers on discs. This will affect the use of the disc irreparably.

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