Sony PCV-MXS10 User Manual
VAIO® MX Computer
User Guide
PCV-MXS10
Contents
Welcome.................................................................5
Locating Controls and Connectors .....................7
Front Panel Overview..................................................................... 7
Back Panel Overview ................................................................... 10
Remote Control Overview............................................................ 12
Additional System Capabilities .................................................... 15
VAIO Action Setup...............................................19
Shortcut Keys.............................................................................. 19
Setting the Internal Timer............................................................ 20
To Change the Sony Software Window Design............................ 21
VAIO AV Applications .........................................23
Overview of Preinstalled Software ............................................... 23
DigitalPrint Software ................................................................... 25
DVgate Software.......................................................................... 33
MovieShaker Software................................................................. 36
PictureGear Software................................................................... 43
Smart Capture Software .............................................................. 46
VisualFlow Software .................................................................... 55
Configuring Your VAIO Computer .....................57
Hard Disk Drive Partition ............................................................. 57
i.LINK (IEEE1394) Compatibility.................................................. 58
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VAIO MX Computer User Guide
System, Application,
and Driver Recovery CD(s) ................................ 59
To Use the System Recovery CD(s) ............................................. 59
To Use the Application Recovery CD(s) ....................................... 61
To Use the Driver Recovery CD.................................................... 62
Troubleshooting ................................................. 63
Topics .......................................................................................... 63
Notes on Use ............................................................................... 75
For Answers to Your Software Questions .................................... 81
Resources.................................................................................... 84
Index .................................................................... 85
4
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing your Sony VAIO® MX computer! Your new
computer is a superb blend of high technology and easy-to-use
functionality. The information provided here is designed to help you to
become familiar with the hardware and software applications included
with your system.
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VAIO MX Computer User Guide
6
Locating Controls and Connectors
Locating Controls and
Connectors
Front Panel Overview
The front panel of your VAIO® MX computer enables access to the optical drive,
MiniDisc drive, Memory Stick®, and PC Card slots. The front panel also
provides access to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) and i.LINK® ports to connect
your compatible peripheral devices.
i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an
✍
IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software
applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an
i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.
Please refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i.LINK device for
information on operating conditions and proper connection. Before connecting
compatible i.LINK PC peripherals to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive,
confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.
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VAIO MX Computer User Guide
Front panel
MUTING
DISPLAY FUNCTION
VOL
1 DVD-RW drive
Reads data from DVD or CD media. Writes data to a DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD-R, or
CD-RW media.
2 MiniDisc drive
Plays and records music to and from a MiniDisc media. Supports Net MD protocol
for secure music transfers.
3 LCD display screen
Displays the current operating mode and status of the computer.
4 Play button
Plays the current DVD, CD, or MiniDisc media contents.
5 Stop button
Stops the current playback of DVD, CD, or MiniDisc media.
6 Infrared Receiver
Enables the computer to receive signals from the remote control.
(For proper remote control operation, do not block the infrared receiver.)
8
PHONE MIC
PC CARD
i.LINK S400
MEMORY STICK
USB
Front Panel Overview
7 Muting button
Mutes the current sound output.
8 Power button and indicator light
Turns the computer on and off. The indicator light is blue when the computer is on
and amber when the computer is in Stand by mode.
9 PC Card slot
A PC card (also called a PCMCIA card) can be installed using this slot, to increase
the functions of your system.
10 Headphone jack
Connection for headphones.
11 Microphone jack
Connection for a microphone.
12 i.LINK 4-pin port (IEEE1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
13 DVD-RW eject button
Ejects a disc from the DVD-RW drive.
14 MiniDisc media eject button
Ejects a MiniDisc media from the MiniDisc drive.
15 Previous/Rewind button
Skips to the previous track on the current playback of a DVD, CD or MiniDisc
media.
16 Next/Fast Forward button
Skips to the next track on the current playback of a DVD, CD or MiniDisc media.
17 Function button
Selects the operation mode of the computer.
18 Display button
Selects the display mode on the LCD display screen.
19 Volume control buttons
Increases or decreases the volume.
20 MagicGate™ Memory Stick® media slot
Reads and writes data to and from a Memory Stick media.
21 MagicGate Memory Stick media access indicator light
The indicator light is amber when the Memory Stick media slot is in use.
22 Universal Serial Bus (USB) port
Connection for a compatible USB device.
For your convenience, your computer includes USB and i.LINK ports and jacks on
✍
both the front and back panels. (The 4-pin i.LINK port is located on the front panel and
the 6-pin i.LINK port is located on the back.)
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VAIO MX Computer User Guide
Back Panel Overview
The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional
accessories. The back panel also provides access to Giga Pocket™ Personal
Video Recorder jacks and ports. The icons on the back panel locate and identify
the ports on your computer.
Back panel
OPTICAL FM ANTENNA (75 )
IN OUT
KEYBOARD
MOUSE
USB
NETWORK
ACT
LINK
PRINTER
i.LINK
S400
SERIAL
MONITOR DVI
------ VIDEO OUTPUT ------
S VIDEO/VIDEOS VIDEO/VIDEO AUDIOAUDIO
------ VIDEO 1 INPUT ------
1 Mouse port
Connection for a PS/2® mouse.
2 Keyboard port
Connection for a PS/2 Keyboard.
3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) port
Connection for a compatible USB device.
4 Ethernet port
10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet interface.
(The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)
10
VHF/UHF
SPEAKER
R L
LINE
IN
LINE
OUT
5 Printer port
Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner.
6 i.LINK 6-pin port (IEEE1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
7 Serial port
Connection for a compatible serial device.
8 Monitor port
Connection for a standard display.
9 DVI (LCD) Monitor port
Connection for an LCD display.
10 Audio Out jack
Connection for an audio cable (supplied).
Video/S-video Out port
Connection for a video cable adapter (supplied) or an S-video cable (optional).
11 Audio In jack
Connection for an audio cable (supplied).
Video/S-video In port
Connection for a video cable adapter (supplied) or an S-video cable (optional).
12 FM antenna port
Connection for an FM antenna.
13 S/P DIF (IN/OUT) optical ports
Connection for a digital audio or optical device.
14 AC Input port
Connection for the supplied power cord.
15 VHF/UHF port
Connection for a TV antenna (supplied).
16 Line IN jacks (R/L)
Connection for an audio device.
17 Line OUT jacks (R/L)
Connection for an audio device.
18 Stereo speaker terminals (R/L)
Connection for the supplied stereo speakers to the computer.
19 Telephone cable jack
Connection for a phone cable to the computer.
20 Modem line jack
Connection for a modem (supplied) cable to the wall jack.
Back Panel Overview
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VAIO MX Computer User Guide
Remote Control Overview
The functions of the VAIO® MX Computer can be controlled using the remote
control (supplied). The remote control can control the functions for the computer,
FM Tuner, MiniDisc player, Memory Stick® media slot, Giga Pocket functions,
and DVD/CD-ROM player.
Remote Control
OPEN/CLOSE
DVD
TV VIDEO
123
456
789
JUMP
MS VIDEO DVD
CANCEL
PREV/
REW
0
CD MD
PAUSE
ENTER
FMTV
MENU
NEXT/
FF
12
DISPLAY
SLEEP
SIZE PLAY
ANGLE
TV
INPUT
REC
VIDEO
MODE
SUBTITLE
STOP
MUTING
DVD
CHANNELVOLUME
MX
MONITOR
DISPLAY
REC MODE
REC
STOP
AUDIO
SELECT
TITLE
EQ
RETURN
1 Power button
Press to turn on the computer.
2 DVD button
Press to control a DVD player.
3 TV/VIDEO button
Press to start or stop Giga Video Recorder. Giga Video Recorder is a feature of the Giga
Pocket Personal Video Recorder system.
4 Channel number buttons
Press to select specific channels. Press the ENTER button to activate channel selection.
Jump button
Press to return to the previous channel. Press again to return to the current channel.
Enter button
Press to activate channel selection. See channel number buttons.
5 TV button
Press to control the onscreen TV image.
FM button
Press to control the FM tuner on the computer.
M button
Press to control the (M drive) on the computer.
CD button
Press to control the CD-ROM drive on the computer.
MD button
Press to control the MiniDisc drive on the computer.
MS button
Press to control the Memory Stick media slot on the computer.
Video button
Press to control video playback.
DVD button
Press to control DVD playback.
6 Cancel button
Press to close a message dialog box.
Pause button
Press to pause playback.
Menu button
Press to display the menu options.
Prev/Rew button
Press to rewind to the previous selection.
Direction (center) button
Press in the arrow directions to locate desired content, such as a song or Video Capsule.
Press down to select desired content.
Next/FF button
Press to fast forward to the next selection.
Remote Control Overview
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VAIO MX Computer User Guide
6
(Cont.)
Stop button
Press to stop playback.
Volume buttons
Press to raise or lower the volume.
Muting button
Press to turn off the sound. Press again to restore the sound.
Channel buttons
Press to browse available channels.
7 Display button
Press to display information.
TV input button
Press to select the input source including a television tuner or external input.
MX Display button
Press to view the LCD display on the computer.
Monitor button
Press to set the display to Stand by mode. Press again to enable the monitor to resume.
This feature is not available while Giga Pocket features are in use.
Sleep button
Press to program the computer to automatically enter Stand by mode.
Video Rec button
Press to start recording with Giga Video Recorder.
Video Rec Stop button
Press to stop recording onscreen images to Giga Video Recorder.
Video Rec Mode button
Press to select a recording of Giga Video Recorder.
8 Size button
Press to view SonicStage™ Premium software in Simple mode view. Press again to
return to full-screen view.
Play Mode button
Press to select Play mode.
Audio Select button
Press to select audio mode.
EQ button
Press to adjust your equalizer.
Angle button
See the Media Bar™ DVD Player software Help file for more information.
Subtitle button
See the Media Bar DVD Player software Help file for more information.
Title button
See the Media Bar DVD Player software Help file for more information.
Return button
See the Media Bar DVD Player software Help file for more information.
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Additional System Capabilities
Additional System Capabilities
To Use Memory Stick Media Slot
Your VAIO® MX computer is designed to support the Sony MagicGate™
Memory Stick® media. A Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and
versatile data storage media designed for exchanging and sharing digital data
with similarly equipped products.
Inserting a Memory Stick media
1 Slide front panel cover in the direction of arrow as shown, to open the lower
front panel.
Opening the lower front panel
2 Insert the Memory Stick media into the Memory Stick media slot.
Inserting the Memory Stick Media
Insert Memory Stick media facing this direction
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VAIO MX Computer User Guide
LOCK
LOCK LOCK
3 If the media does not insert easily, remove it from the slot and verify that it is
not upside-down or backwards. Carefully reinsert the Memory Stick media,
but do not force it into the slot.
Do not remove the Memory Stick media while the media access indicator light
is on. The media or its data may become damaged.
Removing a Memory Stick media
A small portion of the Memory Stick media remains extended when it is inserted
into the Memory Stick media slot.
1 Press and release the extended portion of the Memory Stick media. The
media extends out further from the slot.
2 Remove the Memory Stick media from the slot carefully.
Sony Memory Stick media do not support AVI file playback. First copy the AVI file to
✍
your hard disk drive and then playback the file.
Protecting data on Memory Stick media from accidental changes
Memory Stick media contain a write-protect tab. The write-protect tab prevents
accidental changes to information recorded on your Memory Stick media. When
you slide the write-protect tab to the LOCK position, your Memory Stick media
is write-protected. You cannot delete, copy, or save information on the media
while the write-protect tab in the LOCK position. When you slide the tab to the
un-LOCK position, you can write to or modify your Memory Stick media’s
contents.
Locking the Memory Stick
16
Media
To un lo ck
To lo ck
Additional System Capabilities
To Use PC Card Slot
Your computer has a card bus PC card slot that supports Type I or Type II PC
(PCMCIA) cards. You do not need to shut down your computer when inserting a
PC card. For more information, see the instructions supplied with your PC card.
Inserting a PC card
1 Insert the PC card into the PC card slot until it clicks into position.
Inserting a PC card
Insert PC card in this direction
2 If the PC Card does not insert easily, remove it from the PC card slot and
verify that it is not upside-down or backwards. Carefully reinsert the PC
card, but do not force it into the slot.
Removing a PC card
1 Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows® task tray.
2 Click to select the name of the card that you want to eject and click Stop. The
Stop a Hardware Device window appears.
3 Click OK.
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VAIO MX Computer User Guide
4 When the message “Safe to Remove Hardware” appears, push the PC card
Eject button on the front panel of the system unit. You may need to extend
the Eject button out from the computer before you can eject the card.
5 When the PC card ejects from the PC card slot, remove it by holding the
edges and pulling it out carefully.
If you eject the PC card incorrectly, your computer may not work correctly.
✍
18
VAIO Action Setup
VAIO Action Setup
VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your VAIO® keyboard’s
Shortcut keys (S Keys).
Shortcut Keys
The programmable S Keys are set to perform the following functions:
❑ S1 — Outlook® Express
❑ S2 — Internet Explorer
❑ S3 — SonicStage™ Premium
❑ S4 — Giga Pocket™ Personal Video Recorder
You can reprogram the S keys to launch other applications.
Changing the Settings of the S Keys
1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select All Programs.
2 Select VAIO Action Setup, then click VAIO Action Setup.
You can also double-click the VAIO Action Setup icon, located in the Windows
✍
taskbar, to launch VAIO Action Setup.
3 Click the S Key you want to change.
4 From the Select Application dialog box, click the option for the desired type
of function. The corresponding applications appear in the list box on the
right.
You can drag an application to place it into the list box.
✍
5 The Confirmation Application Name window appears. Click Next.
6 You may now type a new name and description, if desired. Then click Finish.
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VAIO MX Computer User Guide
Setting the Internal Timer
The VAIO Action Setup utility enables you to set your computer’s internal timer
to launch certain applications or documents automatically.
Some software applications take longer than others to launch. It is advisable to
✍
confirm in advance the amount of time your selected application requires to start.
To select the timer’s launch application
1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select All Programs.
2 Select VAIO Action Setup, then click VAIO Action Setup.
You can also double-click the VAIO Action Setup icon, located in the Windows
✍
taskbar, to launch VAIO Action Setup.
3 Select the Timer tab on the left side of the VAIO Action Setup window.
4 From the Time Setting tab, click the (Time Schedule Setting icon) button.
5 Follow the Select Application wizard instructions.
6 Click Finish to activate your settings.
To set up the timer start
1 From the Time Setting tab, click Set.
2 Follow the Timer Setup wizard instructions.
3 Click Finish to activate your settings.
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To Change the Sony Software Window Design
To Change the Sony Software Window Design
You can select from different window designs for your Sony software and create
your own personal computing environment.
Changing the window design
1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select the Control Panel.
2 Click Other Control Panel Options.
3 Click UI Design Selector.
4 Click << or >> and select the desired design.
5 Click Apply.
6 The “UI Design Selector” window design changes. The window design for
your Sony software will match the “UI Design Selector” window.
7 To try another selection, click << or >>, then click Apply.
8 When you have made your selection, click OK. The UI Design Selector
closes and the Sony software window design displays.
You may only use this feature with compatible UI Design Selector software.
✍
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VAIO MX Computer User Guide
22
VAIO AV Applications
Your VAIO® computer is preconfigured with a collection of audio and
video (AV) applications that make it easy to use advanced multimedia
technology. This section describes the VAIO® AV applications.
Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software applications listed,
✍
depending on the system configuration you purchased.
Your computer’s visual presentation of the VAIO AV applications may not appear
exactly as shown in this section, depending on the specific computer model you
purchased.
Overview of Preinstalled Software
DigitalPrint
Sony Electronics Inc.
This image management software makes it fun and easy to edit, import, and organize your
digital pictures in a photo album for rich digital printing to any standard color laser or
inkjet printer. Digital Print can also be used to make custom CD labels for your audio CDs.
DVgate
Sony Electronics Inc.
Connect a digital video camera recorder to the i.LINK® port and capture your own video
clips and still images. You can edit clips from your video, add new clips, and combine
clips into new movie segments. You can also save your images in a variety of popular file
formats.
™
Media Bar® DVD Player
Sony Electronics Inc.
Media Bar DVD Player is created especially for high-quality DVD playback. You can
enjoy the superior digital video quality and the effects features. You can rewind or fastforward scenes from the DVD Player monitor as you would with any ordinary DVD
player, to easily find the scene you want to view. Typical DVD playback features are
available, such as multiple angles, audio language tracks, and subtitles. Media Bar DVD
Player seamlessly integrates a premium audio/visual experience with an easy-to-use
software interface.
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VAIO MX Computer User Guide
MovieShaker™
Sony Electronics Inc.
Sony’s original MovieShaker software creates personal movies that have transitions,
background music, and text. Just import your video clips and “shake” with a click of the
mouse. Your personal movies are easy to create and fun to share with family and friends.
PictureGear™
Sony Electronics Inc.
This image management software displays images from your hard drive, a Sony digital
still camera, or a Sony Mavica®
format, so that you can easily view the contents of an entire folder.
camera. The images appear in a convenient light-table
Smart Capture
Sony Electronics Inc.
Smart Capture is a fun new way to send multimedia messages via e-mail. Smart Capture
manages the i.LINK® connection between your notebook and a Sony Digital Handycam®
Camcorder that supports the i.LINK interface. It allows you to capture compressed video
or still images and save them to your hard disk drive or share via e-mail. A smart solution
for computer, digital audio/video and network convergence.
VisualFlow™
Sony Electronics Inc.
VisualFlow software is a state-of-the-art Sony multimedia browser designed specifically
for Memory Stick® media. It displays any still picture, movie or sound file stored in a
Memory Stick media in a visually pleasing, artistic manner. VisualFlow software not only
plays a selected movie or sound file, but also enables playback of files by other
applications like PictureGear™ software or Memory Stick Slideshow.
24
DigitalPrint Software
DigitalPrint Software
DigitalPrint is designed to creatively manage your digital pictures. With its easyto-use features, you can quickly load images from your digital camera or
camcorder, print high-quality photos, and make personalized photo albums and
labels to share with friends and family.
DigitalPrint main browser window
Using PhotoCapture
Capture and import your digital pictures from your digital camera or camcorder,
to your computer. You can select your favorite pictures and place them in handy
folders for future use.
1 Click (Import) to open the PhotoCapture window. Your connected
digital camera, camcorder, or Memory Stick® media is indicated in the
window.
Properly connect your digital camera, camcorder, or insert your Memory Stick media
✍
in your computer.
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VAIO MX Computer User Guide
PhotoCapture window
2 Click the camera icon to open the Enter Photo Folder Name dialog box. You
can enter a name for a new folder or click Select Photo Folder, to import
your pictures to an existing folder. Click OK.
Enter Photo Folder Name dialog box
26
DigitalPrint Software
3 Click the Capture button to capture still images. You can preview a
thumbnail version of your pictures in the selection view window.
Capture Pictures from Video window
4 Select the desired pictures and click the Get Pictures button. The
PhotoCapture picture editor window appears.
5 Click the View button to see an enlarged version of a selected picture. You
can use (Rotate) to change the position of a selected picture. Use the
Delete button to eliminate any unwanted pictures.
PhotoCapture editing window
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VAIO MX Computer User Guide
Using PhotoCollection
You can select and print your favorite digital pictures, using your computer and
home printer.
1 Click (Photo) to open the PhotoCollection window. A list of available
Folders is displayed on the left side of the window, with the folder contents
displayed as thumbnail pictures on the right.
PhotoCollection window
2 Select the desired folder. From the thumbnail view, click to select the
pictures you want to print.
3 Click the Photo Print button at the top of the window. Select the number of
prints you want to make, using the scroll arrows. Click OK.
4 Select the paper, based on the picture positioning desired. A layout preview
is displayed on the left side of the window.
5 Use the configuration buttons and drop-down lists to select the printer and to
set margins.
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