Sony PCV-90 User Manual

NOTICE TO USERS

© 19% Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form withouf prior wriften approval.

SONY ELECTRONICS INC. PROVIDES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INEORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY OR EITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR SUCH OTHER INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL SONY ELECTRONICS INC. 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.

Sony Electronics Inc. reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein may also be governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.

Sony and VAIO are trademarks of Sony. Windows and the Windows 95 logo are registered trademarks of Microsoff

Corporafion. Intel and Pentium are trademarks of Infel Corporafion. Sound Blaster is a trademark of Creafive Technology Limited. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

Safetyinformation

Owner's Record

The model number and serial number are located on the back of your Sony PC. Record the serial number in the space proc’ided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call your Sony Service Center.

Model Number: PCV-70, PCV-90 Serial Number:

WARNING

□ To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your Sony PC to rain

or moisture. □ Never install modem or telephone wiring during a lightning storm. □ Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is

specifically designed for wet locations □ Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the

telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface. □ Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines. □ Avoid using the modem during an electrical storm. □ Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the

vicinity of the leak.

Caution

A\The use of optical instruments with your Sony PC will increase eye hazard.

_______________________________________

Welcome

About this User Guide............................................................................2

Setting Up Your Sony PC

Unpacking Your PC.;...............................................................................3

Choosing a Location for Your PC

Back Panel Overview..............................................................................6

Connecting the Sony Multimedia Computer Display Connecting a Display, Speakers, and a Microphone

Connecting the Optional Palmrest.......................................................9

Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse

Connecting the Phone Line and Phone.............................................11

Connecting the Power Cords...............................................................12

Connecting Additional Components.................................................13

Connecting a Printer......................................................................13

Connecting a Joystick or MIDI Instrument...............................14

Starting Your Sony PC..........................................................................15

Registering Windows 95.......................................................................16

Registering Your PC..............................................................................17

Accessing the CD-ROM and Diskette Drives..................................18

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Getting Started with VAIO Space

What Is VAIO Space?

The VAIO Space Screen.........................................................................22

Exploring the Sky................................................................................... 23

Using Sony Online..........................................................................23

Using SOS.........................................................................................24

Using Net Space...............................................................................24

Exploring the Walls................................................................................25

Launching Applications................,

Adding and Removing Applications in VAIO Space

Exploring the Floor

Using My Space...............................................................................30

Changing VAIO Space Settings.....................................................30

Using the Windows 95 Taskbar Switching to Windows 95 Shutting Down Your Sony PC

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Introducing the Sony A/V Suite

The A/V Wall...........................................................................................38

Using the Mixer...................................................................................... 40

Using the CD Player...............................................................................42

Playing an Audio CD

Naming a CD................................................................................... 44

Naming CD Tracks Creating CD Playlists

Removing Tracks from a CD Playlist...........................................48

Using the WAV Player

Playing a WAV File.........................................................................49

Creating WAV Playlists.................................................................51

Playing a WAV Playlist..................................................................53

Removing Files from a WAV Playlist...........................................54

Using AudioView™...............................................................................55

Editing a WAV File.........................................................................55

Recording a WAV File

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33 34 35

45 46

Using the MIDI Player...........................................................................62

Playing a MIDI File.........................................................................62

Creating MIDI Playlists..................................................................64

Playing a MIDI Playlist

Removing Files from a MIDI Playlist...........................................67

Recording a MIDI File....................................................................68

Using the Video File Player

Creating Video Playlists.................................................................69

Playing a Video Playlist.................................................................72

Removing Files from a Video Playlist..........................................73

Using the Video CD Player...................................................................74

Using More A/V..................................................................................... 77

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Getting Help

Calling SOS............................................................................................. 80

Troubleshooting..................................................................................... 83

Using the Recovery CD.........................................................................87

Upgrading and Maintaining Your Sony PC

Removing the Cover............................................................................ 90

Inserting an Add-in Board....................................................................93

Adding Memory.....................................................................................95

Replacing the Lithium Battery

Replacing the Cover............................................................................. 99

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Contents

Computer Basics

Using the Keyboard.............................................................................103

Using the Mouse

Setting Up the Mouse for Left-FIand Use..................................106

Using the CD-ROM Drive...................................................................107

Using the Diskette Drive.....................................................................108

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105

VII

Contents

Other Information

Notes on Use.........................................................................................109

On the Power Source....................................................................109

On Disposal of the Lithium Battery............................................110

On Handling....................................................................................Ill

On Installation...............................................................................111

On Moisture Condensation

On Upgrading the System...........................................................112

On Using the Hard Disk Drive

On Handling Diskettes................................................................ 113

On Handling CD-ROM Discs......................................................113

On Cleaning CD-ROM Discs.......................................................114

Regulatory Information.......................................................................115

FCC Part 68....................................................................................116

Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991

Index

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112

113

117

119

VIII

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony PC. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.

Here are just some of the features your Sony PC has to offer. □ Exceptional performance: Your PC includes a fast Intel® Pentium®

processor, an 8x CD-ROM drive, and a 28.8 Kbps DSVD (Digital Simultaneous Voice Data) modem.

□ Sxmy audio and video quality; High-quality, "Sony Tuned" video,

which supports full-screen display, and integrated 3-D sound enable you to take advantage of today's advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.

□ Preinstalled software titles; Your Sony PC includes dozens of best

selling software titles, including productivity and reference tools, multimedia applications, and games featuring advanced 3-D graphics.

□ Windows® 95: Your system includes the latest operating system

from Microsoft.

□ VAIO^'^ Space: This fun, friendly, and engaging desktop

environment, developed especially for the Sony PC, helps you organize and launch applications quickly and efficiently.

□ Sony A/V Suite; Enjoy all of your PC's audio and visual capabilities

with component-like applications that play audio CDs, audio files (MIDI and WAV), Video CDs, and video files.

□ Communications: Access popular online services, send e-mail,

browse the Internet, and use the built-in speakerphone, answering machine, and fax features.

□ Excellent customer support: Click the SOS icon to access Sony Online

Support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The SOS software enables a support representative to talk to you on the phone, perform remote diagnostics on your PC, and send you updates, all through a single phone call.

Welcome

About this User Guide

This user guide offers a quick introduction and reference to your Sony PC.

□ Setting Up Your Sony PC shows you how to connect the standard

components of your system—generally in under 15 minutes. This section also explains how to connect additional components you may have purchased, such as a printer, a MIDI instrument, and a joystick.

□

Getting Started with VAIO Space offers an in-depth exploration of the VAIO Space environment. It explains the different areas of the screen, how to launch applications, how to switch to Windows 95, how to customize your settings, and more.

□

Introducing the Sony A/V Suite describes how to use the audio and video components of the Sony A/V Suite. For instance, learn how to listen to your favorite CDs while you work on the computer, or watch videos on your computer screen.

Getting Help explains the support options available to you, shows you how to use the Sony Online Support service, and offers basic troubleshooting tips.

□

Upgrading and Maintaining Your Sony PC illustrates how to install an add-in card and memory, as well as how to change the lithium battery in your PC.

□

Computer Basics shows new computer users how to use a mouse, keyboard, CD-ROM drive, and diskette drive.

□

Other Information provides facts and advice about using your PC, as well as regulatory information.

jr ~

Setting Up Your Sony PC

Your Sony PC comes with all the software titles preinstalled on your hard disk drive. Just follow these simple steps to connect the cables and turn on the PC, and your Sony PC is ready to use.

Unpacking Your PC

Remove the following items from the box:

System Unit D'sp'ay (sold separately)

Power Cord

Phone Cable

You can find the complete list of the items that come with your PC in the About Your Sony PC guide.

Note

^ If you purchased a Sony Multimedia Computer Display, it includes built-in speakers

and a microphone. For other displays, you'll need separate speakers and a microphone to use the Sony PC's audio features.

Setting Up Your Sony PC

Choosing a Location for Your PC

Here are some things to consider when planning vour workspace:

J Stable work surface—Use a stable work surface large enough to

support the computer, the display, and other equipment.

_J Ventilation—Leave at least eight inches of space on the left and back

sides of your PC to enable proper ventilation.

J Placement of the keyboard, mouse, and other input devices—Place

your keyboard, mouse, and other input devices so that your arms and hands are in a relaxed, comfortable position. The keyboard should be directly in front of you. Adjust the level of the keyboard so that your lower arms are parallel to the floor. Keep your wrists in a relaxed position when you're using the keyboard—not angled up or down. Use the palmrest only briefly, for resting. While typing, never use the palmrest or rest your hands on the table. Position the mouse at the same level as the keyboard. Hold the mouse with a relaxed hand, and use your whole arm to move it. Take breaks during sessions with your PC. Excessive use of the mouse or a joystick may strain muscles or tendons.

Choosing a Location for Your PC

Furniture and posture—Sit in a chair with good back support and armrests. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture—avoid slouching forward or leaning far backward.

Viewing angle of the display—Position the display 18 to 26 inches directly in front of you, with the top of the screen at or a little below eye level. Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by placing the display in the proper position.

Lighting—Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

Setting Up Your Sony PC

Back Panel Overview

The back panel of your Sony PC contains the connectors where you plug

in supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the back panel serve as a map to help you locate the connectors on your PC.

Icon Map of Connectors (color coded)

Power

Mouse

Keyboard

USB

Printer

Monitor

Headphones

Line In

Microphone Game/MIDI

Line

Phone

Connecting the Sony Multimedia Computer Display

The Sony Multimedia Computer Display (sold separately) is an

integrated audio/video unit with built-in speakers and a microphone. Follow these steps to connect it to your PC.

1 Use the blue (3 symbol to locate the MONITOR connector. Plug the

blue display cable into this connector, and then tighten the two screws to secure the cable.

2 Use the green Q symbol to locate the HEADPHONES connector. Plug the

green speaker cable into this connector.

3 Use the red y* symbol to locate the MIC connector. Plug the red

microphone cable into this connector.

^ See the manual that came with your Sony Multimedia Computer Display for more

information on setting up and using the display.

Setting Up Your Sony PC

Connecting a Display, Speakers, and a Microphone

If you did not purchase the Sony Multimedia Computer Display, you need speakers and a microphone to use the Sony PC's audio features.

Note

A Make sure your speakers are designed for computer use. Contact your Sony dealer

for information on purchasing Sony computer speakers.

Follow these steps to connect your display,, speakers, and microphone.

1 Use the blue (3) symbol to locate the MONITOR connector. Plug the

display cable into this connector, and then tighten the two screws to secure the cable.

2 Use the green Q symbol to locate the HEADPHONES connector. Plug the

speaker cable into this connector.

3 Use the red y* to locate the MIC connector. Plug the microphone cable

into this connector.

^ See the manuals that came with your display, speakers, and microphone for more

information on setting them up and using them.

Connecting the Optional Palmrest

Your Sony PC is equipped with an optional palmrest that you can attach to your keyboard. Follow these steps to connect the palmrest.

1 Place the keyboard and palmrest upside down on a flat surface.

2 Insert the latching posts on the palmrest into the openings on

the keyboard.

3 Move the palmrest to the right until you feel it snap into place.

^ Do not keep your wrists on the palmrest while typing: use the palmrest briefly only

when resting.

To remove the palmrest

1 Turn the keyboard and palmrest upside down. 2 Push down on the palmrest, and then move it to the left. 3 Lift the palmrest away from the keyboard.

Setting Up Your Sony PC

Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse

Follow these steps to connect the keyboard and mouse.

1 Use the purple iVijVl symbol to locate the KEYBOARD connector. Plug the

purple keyboard cable into this connector.

2 Use the blue-green CZB" symbol to locate the MOUSE connector and

insert the blue-green mouse cable into this connector.

the keyboard and mouse.

information on setting up and using

Connecting the Phone Line and Phone

You need to connect the phone line and phone to take advantage of online services, the Internet, and Sony Online Support. The phone line also enables you to register your PC and software online.

There are two phone jacks on the back panel. Follow these steps to connect your phone line and phone.

1 Unplug your phone from the wall jack and plug it into the PHONE jack

on the PC.

2 Plug one end of the phone cable that came with your system into the

LINE jack and the other end into the wall jack.

Note

^ Your Sony PC does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated

telephone, and may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX).

Setting Up Your Sony PC

Connecting the Power Cords

Your Sony PC is shipped with the voltage switch set to 115 volts. This is the correct setting for most homes and businesses in North America. If you use the PC in a location that requires 230 volts, change the setting to 230 volts by moving the switch up.

Caution

A Do not ii.'ii’ your Sony PC with the incorrect voltage setting; this may damage

the PC. ' '

Follow these steps to connect the power cords.

1 Plug the power cord into the connector on the PC.

If necessary, plug the display power cord into the display.2

Plug both the display and power cords into a grounded AC wall

outlet, power strip, or Uninterrupted Power Supply.

Connecting Additional Components

You can add functionality to your Sony PC by connecting a printer, joystick, or MIDI device.

Connecting a Printer

You can connect a printer to your Sony PC to print documents from your PC.

1 Use the dark grey symbol to locate the PRINTER connector. Plug

the printer cable into this connector.

2 If necessary, plug one end of the printer power cord into the

printer, and the other end into a grounded AC wall outlet, power

~?trip, or Uninterrupted Power Supply.

^ See the manual that came with your printer fpr more information on setting it up

and using it.

Setting Up Your Sony PC

Connecting a Joystick or MIDI Instrument

You can connect a joystick or MIDI instrument to your Sony PC. You can also purchase an adapter to connect additional devices.

□ Use the dark grey ^ symbol to locate the GAME connector. Plug

the joystick or MIDI cable into this connector.

Note

^ Your MIDI instrument may have a different type of cable which requires an

adapter. See the manual that came with your joystick or MIDI instrument for more information on setting it up and using it.

Starting Your Sony PC

After you connect all the cables and accessories to your Sony PC, you're ready to turn on the PC.

1 Press the power switch on the display to turn on the power. 2 Press the power switch on the upper-left panel of the PC to turn on

the power.

Note

^ See "Shutting Down Your Sony PC" on page 35 for instructions on turning off

your PC.

Setting Up Your Sony PC

Registering Windows 95

The first time you turn on your Sony PC, you need to complete a few steps to register and configure the Windows 95 software that is already

installed on your PC. You do not need to repeat these steps each time you turn on your computer.

Note

A You must register Windoivs 95 before you can use your PC.

The on-screen instructions guide you through the registration and configuration process. The following is an overview of the process.

1 Gathering information:

□ Enter your name.

-j Read and accept the License Agreement. □ Enter your Certificate of Authenticity number located on the

cover of the Introducing Windou’s 95 manual.

2 Configuring your computer:

□ Click the Next button on the Network card detection screen. □ Wait for the Registration program to install the software required

to use the devices included with your PC.

3 Restarting your computer:

□ Click the Einish button when the Einishing Setup screen appears. □ Click the OK button, and then wait for your computer to restart.

4 Selecting your computer settings:

□ If necessary, change the Time Zone, Date and Time on the Date/

Time Properties screen.

5 Learning about Windows 95:

□ If you want, take the tour of Windows 95.

Registering Your PC

Take advantage of Sony's commitment to quality customer support and receive these benefits by registering your Sony PC:

□ Sony Online Support—Talk to a Support Representative to

troubleshoot problems you may be having with your PC.

□ One-year parts and labor warranty—Protect your investment. See

the Limited Warranty Card for details.

□ On-site service—Provides convenient resolution of any problems. Follow these steps to use the Sony PC online registration service.

Note

You must connect your phone and phone line before usin^ any online service . including the online registration service. See "Connecting the Phone Line and Phone" on page 11.

1 Enter the information requested on the first online registration form.

Press the TAB key to move from box to box.

2 Click the Next button to advance to the next form. 3 Complete the remaining forms by clicking the Next button each time

you complete a form.

4 Click the Register Now button to register your PC. The Sony PC

automatically transfers your regisfration information using your built-in modem and a toll-free felephone number.

Setting Up Your Sony PC

Accessing the CD-ROM and Diskette Drives

You need to open the front panel to access the CD-ROM and diskette drives. Follow these steps to open and close the front panel.

1 Push in the lower front panel on your PC. 2 Slide the upper panel down to reveal the CD-ROM and diskette

drives.

Note

^ If you installed additional drives, you can access these drives by sliding the front

panel down to the second position.

Accessing the CD-ROM and Diskette Drives

3 After you finish using the CD-ROM and diskette drive, slide the

upper panel up until you hear the lower panel click into place.

Getting Started with VAIO Space

What Is VAIO Space?

Sony VAIO Space is a desktop environment you can use to: □ Launch applications

□ Connect to online services □ Access the components in the Sony A/V Suite to watch videos,

play CDs, work with sound files, and more

VAIO Space organizes all your preinstalled software, offering easy access to youjLSpplications. The 3-D graphics, animated icons, and movie clips in the center of the screen make the VAIO Space desktop a distinctive PC environment.

VAIO Space and Windows 95 work together so that you can easily switch back and forth between the two desktops. You can even choose which desktop appears when you turn on your PC—VAIO Space or

Windows 95.

Getting Started with VAIO Space

The VAIO Space Screen

As you look at the VAIO Space screen, imagine that you are standing in a room looking at three walls and a ceiling open to the sky.

Wall

Floor

Area

Sky

Walls

Floor

Description

Here you can connect to online services, launch an Internet browser, go directly to the Sony World Wide Web site, and access Sony Online Support.

VAIO Space contains three walls: the Video Wall, the A/V Wall, and the Application Wall.

The Floor offers instant access to a variety of common tasks, such as getting help and switching to Windows 95.

The wall in the center is the active wall—the one that you can currently use. To move a wall or the Sky to the center, just place the mouse pointer on it, and click when you see a green arrow.

Exploring the Sky

The VAIO Space Sky lets you access online services, Internet browsers, and Sony Online Support.

The Sky contains two animated icons and the Net Space window, which appears when you click an empty part of the Sky. The Sony Online and SOS icons are available for you to use when they are spinning. If the icons are not currently moving, you need to close any open windows to make the icons available.

Icon

Sony Online

Description

Launches an Internet browser and displays the Sony World Wide Web site.

Launches the SOS program and connects to Sony Online Support where you can speak to a support representative.

Using Sony Online

Sony Online gives you direct access to the Sony World Wide Web site. You can use your existing Internet Service Provider or establish a new account with an online service. Unless you are using a network, you must complete the account setup process the first time you use an Internet Service Provider to access Sony Online;

To complete account setup

1 Click the Sony Online icon. 2 Select Modem. 3 Click the New Connection button. 4 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account

setup process.

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