Sony PCV-RS212, PCG-GRT716S, PCV-RZ301, PCG-GRT786M, PCV-RSM22 User Manual

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Software Guide

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Notice

Software Guide

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.

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Software Guide

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 SONY HARDWARE). 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.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, software distributed together with separate End User Software Licence Agreement (the

including but not limited to Windows If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, please return the SONY SOFTWARE together with the SONY HARDWARE to the place

where you obtained it.

1. Licence. This SONY SOFTWARE and the related documentation 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.

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 the 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, Sony 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 terminated. 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 all 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.

operating system provided by Microsoft Corporation, shall be covered by the Third Party EULA.

Third Party EULA),

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ENERGY STAR

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

International ENERGY STAR

Software Guide

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.

NERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

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

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Software Guide

Trademarks

Sony, BlueSpace NE, DVgate, Giga Pocket, HotKey Utility, Memory Stick Formatter, PicoPlayer, PictureGear Studio, Network Smart Capture, SonicStage, Sony Notebook Setup, Sony Style Imaging, UI Design Selector, VAIO Action Setup, VAIO Edit Components, VAIO Media, VAIO System Information, VAIO Web Phone, Memory Stick, the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

Microsoft, Internet Explorer, Windows Movie Maker, Windows Media Player, Windows XP Professional, Windows Home Edition and the Windows logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of 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 Acrobat Reader, Adobe Premiere LE and Adobe Photoshop

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.

EverQuest is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Click to DVD is a trademark of Sony Electronics.

Drag’n Drop CD+DVD is a registered trademark of Easy Systems Japan Ltd.

WinDVD for VAIO is a trademark of InterVideo, Inc.

RecordNow is a trademark or registered trademark of VERITAS.

PowerDVD for VAIO is a trademark or registered trademark of CyberLink Corporation.

All other names of systems, products and services are trademarks of their respective owners. In the manual, the ™ or specified.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

Please see the printed Specifications sheet to see what software is available for your model.

Elements are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

marks are not

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 127)). 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 survey.

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 VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc.

If you recover your system, some of the applications will not be preinstalled anymore. Please read the Guide to Troubleshooting / Using VAIO Recovery Documentation Disc for more information.

Not all the applications listed below are delivered with your model. Please see the printed Specifications sheet to see what software is available for your model, and then the Guide to Troubleshooting / Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc booklet for installation details.

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

❑ Sony software (page 7) ❑ Operating system and other software (page 15)

About the software delivered with your computer

Sony software

BlueSpace NE

Software Guide

Sony Electronics

BlueSpace NE is a software application that allows you to connect to other Bluetooth™ devices. By using Device Discovery, your Bluetooth™ computer will identify all other remote devices equipped with Bluetooth™ within the range offered by these devices (this range depends on the "class" of the device). Service Discovery will then show the available services for the Bluetooth™ device you want to connect to. Once an appropriate service is selected, the settings are completed and you are ready to communicate at distance with the other Bluetooth™ device. If applicable for your model: For more information on BlueSpace NE, refer to the Hardware Guide.

Click to DVD

Sony Electronics

With Click to DVD masterpiece. By simply connecting a Sony Digital Handycam you can turn your family memories into a DVD for all to share. Click to DVD simple 4-step procedure so you can create DVD menus packed with actively moving chapter icons. If applicable for your model: See Using Click to DVD (page 82).

you are only a single mouse click away from creating a Hollywood-style DVD

to this Sony computer via an i.LINK™ cable,

will even guide you through a

About the software delivered with your computer

DVgate

Sony Electronics

Software Guide

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 24).

EverQuest

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

EverQuest is a popular software game that can be played simultaneously by multiple people on the Internet. The link placed on your Windows more.

http://everquest.station.sony.com

desktop brings you to the EverQuest website where you can find out

Giga Pocket

Sony Electronics

Giga Pocket* allows you to watch TV and record your favourite programs on your desktop. Launch the Giga Pocket Demo from the shortcut on your desktop to learn more. If applicable for your model: Please see the separate online Giga Pocket Guide for details on the software, and the Hardware Guide for details on using the supplied remote control.

* Only available on desktop models.

About the software delivered with your computer

HotKey Utility

HotKey Utility* gives you quick access to various functions using the Fn key, eg. increasing the volume. Please refer to the Combinations and functions with the <Fn> key chapter in the Hardware Guide for

Software Guide

more information.

* This function is only available on notebook models.

ISP Selector

Sony Electronics

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

* Depending on your model.

Memory Stick Formatter

Sony Electronics

Memory Stick Formatter* is a special application for formatting Memory Sticks™. Use this software whenever you reformat Memory Sticks™. Moreover, you may be able to reformat Memory Sticks™ that can not be identified by Windows

by using this software.

✍ When you format Memory Sticks™ with this software, all data on the Memory Stick™ will be lost. If necessary, take a backup of your data before

formatting.

* Only available on notebooks and desktops with a Memory Stick™ slot.

About the software delivered with your computer

Network Smart Capture

Sony Electronics

Software Guide

Network Smart Capture is an application for capturing still and moving pictures using either a digital camera or a USB webcam 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 41).

* Depending on your model.

PicoPlayer

Sony Electronics

PicoPlayer* allows you to use Giga Pocket functions such as TV viewing, Video Capsule playback, and record programming when you connect to the Giga Pocket Server of your computer. Using PicoPlayer, you can watch TV even if your computer is not equipped with a TV reception function. To use these functions, you will need to connect to Giga Pocket Server through a network, but PicoPlayer also comes with functions that do not require a network connection. If applicable for your model: Please see the separate online Giga Pocket Guide for details.

* Only available on desktop models.

PictureGear Studio

Sony Electronics

PictureGear Studio is easy-to-use software that is designed to help you get the most enjoyment out of your 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 66).

About the software delivered with your computer

PowerPanel

Phoenix Technologies

Software Guide

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. If applicable for your model: See Managing power with PowerPanel in the Hardware Guide.

* Only available on some notebook models.

SonicStage

Sony Electronics

SonicStage is a software application that uses 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. See Managing audio files with SonicStage (page 56).

About the software delivered with your computer

Sony Notebook Setup

Sony Electronics

Software Guide

Use Sony Notebook Setup* to consult system information, specify preferences for system behaviour, and set up a power-on password for your Sony computer. If applicable for your model: See Setting up your notebook with Sony Notebook Setup in the Hardware Guide.

* Only available on some notebook models.

Sony Style Imaging (shortcut on the desktop)

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 Network Smart Capture 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 130).

About the software delivered with your computer

VAIO Action Setup

Sony Electronics

Software Guide

VAIO Action Setup* helps you manage application settings that control hardware events on your computer. For instance, this software enables you to start your favourite software with the shortcut keys (S Keys). It manages the settings for the Shortcut keys and more. For more information, refer to the Hardware Guide.

* Only available on some desktop models.

VAIO Edit Components

Sony Electronics Inc.

Designed as a plug-in for Adobe your i.LINK™-DV devices, so you can produce superior quality home movies even after editing. Now you can control the DV device from your computer, import and edit the movie, and then export it back to the DV device.

VAIO Media

Sony Electronics Inc.

VAIO Media software brings multimedia to your network, enabling you to share music, video, and still image files between your VAIO computers. You can set up one or more computers as "media servers," which store your multimedia files and make them available to the other VAIO computers on your wired or wireless network. VAIO Media consists of: VAIO Media Music Server, VAIO Media Photo Server, VAIO Media Platform and VAIO Media Redistribution. See Using VAIO Media (page 103).

Premiere®, VAIO Edit Components includes special features to support

About the software delivered with your computer

VAIO System Information

Sony Electronics

Software Guide

Thanks to VAIO System Information*, you can check the product information (model name, serial number, BIOS version, OS version and OS serial number) and the system information (CPU, clock frequency, system memory and cache memory) of your computer at all times.

* Not available on all models.

VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc

Sony Corporation

The VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc allows you to reinstall the system and the software shipped with your computer. When the bundled device drivers are corrupted or accidentally erased, you can find them on your hard disk drive (C:\Drivers). Reinstalling an individual device driver may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer, without you having to recover the entire system. Moreover, on this disc you find all the manuals you need. For more information on how to use the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc please read the printed Guide to Troubleshooting / Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc.

You can only use the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc 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 software

Windows® XP Professional with 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 computing experience easier than it has ever been. With support for the latest security standards and enhanced Firewall protection, Windows privacy. If applicable for your model: For questions and technical assistance, go online to:

http://support.microsoft.com/directory

Windows® XP Home Edition with Service Pack 1

Microsoft Corporation

Microsoft computer stay up and running. If anything does go wrong, you can quickly roll back to the state your system was in when all was well. The new, simpler visual design lets you use your computer the way you want. If you share a computer with other users, you can each enjoy your own personal preferences because this Windows Windows the Internet. If applicable for your model: For questions and technical assistance, go online to:

http://support.microsoft.com/directory

Windows®XP Home Edition allows you to enjoy a new level of reliability that helps your

operating system enables your computer to handle multiple activities at the same time.

XP Home Edition automatically shields your computer from unauthorised access when you are on

XP Professional will make your

XP Professional also keeps your data secure and maintains your

About the software delivered with your computer

Internet Explorer 6.0

Microsoft Corporation

Internet Explorer is the Microsoft Internet browser allowing you to surf the World Wide Web. The Setup

Software Guide

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

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 5.1

Adobe Systems Incorporated

Acrobat Document Format (PDF), an open file format that is intended to preserve the conformity of documents created on all major computer platforms. With Acrobat 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

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

Reader, you can open and view PDF files from

About the software delivered with your computer

Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 2.0

Adobe Systems Incorporated

Software Guide

that offer something for every user. Delivering the broadest and most productive toolset available, Photoshop

Adobe

Photoshop® Elements introduces the next generation of image editing with powerful new features

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® 6.0 LE

Adobe Systems Incorporated

Complementary with DVgate Motion, Adobe 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 or CD-ROM. Adobe that is easy to use and versatile. For questions and technical assistance, go online to:

http://www.adobe.com

Premiere® combines professional video editing capabilities and high quality output in a product

Premiere® lets you capture, record, create and edit movies

About the software delivered with your computer

Drag'n Drop CD+DVD

DigiOn / Easy Systems Japan

Drag'n Drop CD+DVD* is designed to be the most simple software to make your own DVDs or CDs. Users can

Software Guide

create their own audio CDs or DVDs that can be read in most PCs. You can also burn your own CDs with it. The operation is simple: select the files that you want to write, and drag and drop them into an appropriate box that corresponds to the CD or DVD format. After dropping them, simply press the DVD Create button. For questions and technical assistance, go online to:

http://www.ddcd.jp/dd3e/sony/cd/

* Only available on some notebook models.

PowerDVD for VAIO

CyberLink Corporation

Create, define and save DVD video profiles of your own with this CyberLink software designed for the VAIO. Based on PowerDVD XP Standard, PowerDVD XP for VAIO* helps you customise how your DVDs are played. Enjoy a range of interactive navigation and toolbar settings as well as video/audio controls that can deliver the highest quality viewing and listening experience. For more information and support, go to the website:

http://www.gocyberlink.com

* Only available on desktop models.

About the software delivered with your computer

QuickTime 5.0

Apple

QuickTime is the Apple technology that makes video, sound, music, 3D and virtual reality come alive for your

Software Guide

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. For further information, see the website at:

http://www.real.com

RecordNow

VERITAS

RecordNow* provides high performance CD or DVD recording for enthusiasts and professionals wanting control in their CD or DVD writing experience. Whether you're a first time user or an expert on recording, RecordNow gives you the audio, CD, DVD, video, and MP3 recording tools you need. RecordNow* provides predictable results creating reliable music and data CD or DVD. For further information, see the website at:

http://support.veritas.com

* Only available on some desktop models.

✍ It is only possible to copy DVD media from DVD-R to DVD-R, DVD+R to DVD+R, DVD-RW to DVD-RW, DVD+RW to DVD+RW.

About the software delivered with your computer

Symantec Norton AntiVirus (as setup on the hard drive)

Symantec

Software Guide

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

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

Windows Media Player 9

Microsoft Corporation

Software Guide

streaming, automatically optimised for your needs. It provides a wealth of features and is faster and easier

Windows

Media Player 9 dramatically improves the playback experience, delivering instant-on / always-on

to use than ever before, putting you in control of your media. For more information, see the website at:

http://support.microsoft.com/directory

Windows Movie Maker 2

Microsoft Corporation

Windows and share your home movies right on your computer. Build your movie with a few simple drag-and-drops. Delete bad shots and include only the best scenes. Then share your movie via the Web, e-mail, or CD. Using Drag’n Drop CD+DVD / WinDVD for VAIO* software you can even take movies you've made and turn them into DVDs. You can also save your movie back to the video tape in your camera to play back on a TV or on the camera itself. For further information, see the website at:

http://support.microsoft.com/directory

* Depending on your model.

Movie Maker 2 makes home movies amazingly fun. With Movie Maker 2, you can create, edit,

About the software delivered with your computer

WinDVD for VAIO

InterVideo, Inc.

Software Guide

InterVideo Inc.'s WinDVD for VAIO* is a simple-to-use DVD player. WinDVD for VAIO combines all the features you would 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

* Only available on notebook models.

Using Video software

The following video software applications are delivered with your VAIO. Check the printed Specifications

Software Guide

sheet to see whether they are preinstalled. Then read the printed Guide to Troubleshooting / Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc for installation details, if applicable.

❑ Using DVgate (page 24) ❑ Using Network Smart Capture (page 41)

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 computer according to the recommended settings to prevent this from happening. To configure your computer 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.

Software Guide

❑ Capturing videos:

You can 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.

Using Video software

Capturing videos

You can automatically or manually import videos onto your computer.

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

Software Guide

1 Make sure you have installed DVgate from the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc, if applicable

(see the printed Specifications sheet and the Troubleshooting Guide / Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc).

2 Launch DVgate Motion. 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.

4 Press Play to start the video.

The video begins to play in the Monitor window.

Using Video software

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.

Software Guide

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. 8 Click the Save button.

DVgate captures the segments. The Capturing complete message appears.

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.

Using Video software

Recording edited videos on a DV device

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

1 Adjust the recording correction values.

Software Guide

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.

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. 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.

Using Video software

Adding files to the Record List

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

1 Launch DVgate Motion.

Software Guide

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. Serial numbered

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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 modes 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 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. 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.

Using Video software

2 Click Delete.

The removed file is filled by the subsequent file and the files are renumbered. Click Delete All 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.

Software Guide

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 ca n s a v e 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.

✍ Previous File and Next File are buttons for moving the preview from one selected file to another. They are not 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.

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:

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.

Using Video software

5 Click Record or Record All.

The Output dialog box appears.

6 Select the Add blank image option button.

Software Guide

❑ 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 will send all the video files shown in the Record List to the connected device. Clicking Record will send only the video files

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selected from the Record List to the connected device.

✍ 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 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.

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.

while recording. Otherwise, recording will fail.

Using Video software

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.

Software Guide

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.

Capturing pictures

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

❑ 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 mode in Continuous Capture mode, the DV device pauses. This is normal.

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.

Using Video software

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…

Software Guide

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 VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc, if applicable

(see the printed Specifications sheet and the Troubleshooting Guide / Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc).

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

Still). The DVgate Still window appears.

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 VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc, if applicable

(see the printed Specifications sheet and the Troubleshooting Guide / Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc).

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 added 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 Tur n 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)*.

selection.

the aspect ratio.

Using Video software

12 Click OK.

The Assemble List appears.

13 Click OK.

Software Guide

The still and video images are combined.

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

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 Output

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 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.

Using Video software

Launching Network Smart Capture

To launch Network Smart Capture, proceed as follows:

Software Guide

1 Make sure you have installed the software from the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc, if

necessary.

2 Connect your i.LINK™-compatible digital camera or USB Web camera to your computer and turn it on. 3 In the Start menu, select All Programs, Network Smart Capture, and then Network Smart

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

Using Video software

1 Finder window Displays images in real-time

Software Guide

2 Help Displays the online Help documentation

3 Data list Displays thumbnails of captured images

4 Display Image Opens captured images in the Finder Window

5 Task bar See Managing your images and movies (page 54) for details

6 Select Capture

7 Change Setting Enables you to set preferences

8 Capture button Records the image in the Finder window. This button changes to

9 Web Camera Captures still images according to specified settings

10 Movie Mode Captures moving images

11 Still Mode Captures still images

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

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

Icon Description/Function

Enables you to customise an image and add effects

Record in Movie mode and Start in Web camera mode

Using Video software

Using Still mode

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

Software Guide

1 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.

2 Launch Network Smart Capture. 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 53).

Using Video software

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

The Still Image Setting window appears, containing four 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 sound and animation effects. ❑ Cam/Mic Selection — Allows to select the camera to be used for Network Smart Capture.

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:

Software Guide

1 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.

2 Launch Network Smart Capture. 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 53).

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 four 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

❑ Common — Enable or disable the sound and animation effects. ❑ Cam/Mic Selection — Allows to select the camera to be used for Network Smart Capture.

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.

for your movie capture.

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.

to begin recording your movie.

Using Video software

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

Software Guide

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 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.

2 Launch Network Smart Capture. 3 Click Web camera to activate Web camera mode.

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:

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 53).

Using Video software

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

The Web Camera Setting window appears, containing six tabs:

Software Guide

❑ Basic — Select a folder destination to store your images, and choose your dial-up setting. ❑ 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 sound and animation effects. ❑ Cam/Mic Selection — Allows to select the camera to be used for Network Smart Capture.

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.

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.

to begin.

Using Video software

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.

Software Guide

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 Cancel Effect from the Select Capture Menu list or No Effect from the Effect Selection window.

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

Save As Saves still 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

Delete Discards any or all of your images and videos.

still image or movie as an attachment.

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

Using Video software

Viewing the online Help

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

Software Guide

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.

Managing audio files with SonicStage

SonicStage lets you play and record audio CDs and import digital audio files while maintaining the copyright

Software Guide

information of the contents. When you record an audio CD with SonicStage onto your computer’s hard disk 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 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 Yes.

The Welcome to SonicStage window appears if you open SonicStage.

5 Close the window.

The SonicStage main window appears.

taskbar.

Managing audio files with SonicStage

Software Guide

Managing audio files with SonicStage

1 Recording 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 from 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 Vo cal Canc ell er 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.

Software Guide

To record a CD, proceed as follows:

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 cancel 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 cancel 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 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.

Windows®

Using PictureGear Studio

The PictureGear Studio software is designed to creatively manage your digital pictures. With its easy-to-use

Software Guide

features, you can quickly load images from your digital camera or camcorder, print high-quality photos, 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 77).

Launching PictureGear Studio

To launch PictureGear Studio, proceed as follows:

1 Make sure you have installed

the software from the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc-ROM,

if necessary (see the

Specifications sheet and the Troubleshooting Guide / Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc).

2 In the Start menu, select All

Programs, PictureGear Studio, and then PictureGear Studio.

The PictureGear Studio main window appears.

Using PictureGear Studio

3 Move the mouse cursor over each feature to see a description of it on the right-hand side.

Using the Import feature

Software Guide

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 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 window appears in which you have to select the device.

XP may attempt to recognise the device or media.

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.

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 Delete to remove the picture from the photo collection. ❑ Click Rotate to change the picture’s position. ❑ Click Trim 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 70)).

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 Delete to remove the picture from the photo collection. ❑ Click Rotate to change the picture's position. ❑ Click Tr i m 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 70)).

Using PictureGear Studio

Using the PhotoCollection feature

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

Software Guide

To use the PhotoCollection feature, proceed as follows:

1 In the PictureGear Studio main window, click PhotoCollection.

Alternatively, go to Start, All Programs, PictureGear Studio, Too 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

4 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.

You can also use the Export button, to send your collection to a VAIO Media Photo Server.

To do so, proceed as follows:

Select the collection you want to send.

1 Click the Export button. 2 Select Copy to Photo Server from the drop-down menu. 3 Select the folder in which you want to copy your collection. 4 Click OK.

The selected photos are transferred to the VAIO Media Photo Server. For more information on the VAIO Media Photo server, see VAIO Media Photo Server (page 109).

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, Too 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.

Software Guide

To use the PhotoAlbum feature, proceed as follows:

1 In the PictureGear Studio main window, click PhotoAlbum.

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

2 Click New 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 you want to work on a previously created album, do not click Create New Album. Instead, select the required album from the AlbumCollection

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 fea ture (see Using the Export feature (page 77)).

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 74). 2 In the PhotoAlbum 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, Too 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.

Software Guide

To view the online help, proceed as follows:

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

Using Click to DVD

With this software application, you can easily capture video images from a digital external device (camera,

Software Guide

VCR, etc.) and write them to a DVD. You can also turn your digital or scanned pictures into a photo album or a slideshow and write them to a DVD.

If Click to DVD is not already installed on your computer, please install it from the separate Click to DVD disc before you continue.

The following file formats are supported for importing edited videos:

❑ Videos: MPEG1 or (but not at the same time as) MPEG2 and DV-AVI. ❑ Photos: JPEG, BMP, TIFF.

Recommended settings

To use Click to DVD and Click to DVD automatic mode, you should define some settings on your computer. To do so, you must log on to your computer as a user with Administrator rights. Here are some recommended settings to prevent frame dropout occurring. Please see the online Help files for more details.

❑ Disconnect USB peripheral devices.

❑ Exit other programs.

Some USB peripheral devices (and their drivers) make great demands on your computer's processor. If you experience frame dropout and you are using USB peripheral devices, disconnect those devices from your computer or disable them.

Exit all programs other than Click to DVD or Click to DVD Automatic Mode. Also exit any programs or windows that periodically update the screen display (E.g., screen savers, virus checkers, and some printer utilities).

Using Click to DVD

❑ Defragment your hard disk drive.

Software Guide

❑ Disable your computer's network adapter.

❑ Stop scheduled tasks.

❑ Stop automatic updates.

❑ Virtual memory settings.

❑ Power supply and processor performance settings.

Optimise (defragment) the hard disk on which you store the working files for Click to DVD and Click to DVD Automatic Mode. For details on how to optimise (defragment) your hard disk, refer to the relevant

section in your Windows

online help.

If your computer is connected to a network, disconnect it by unplugging the network cable from the network adapter or by disabling the network adapter.

Stop any scheduled tasks that might run while you are using Click to DVD and Click to DVD Automatic Mode.

Stop any automatic updates that might occur while you are using Click to DVD and Click to DVD Automatic Mode.

Optimise the system's performance settings.

Keep your notebook plugged into an AC outlet while using Click to DVD. Also, set the processor to operate at its maximum clock speed.

Using Click to DVD

Restrictions and cautions

The following section gives you an overview of some restrictions and cautions. For a complete overview of the restrictions and cautions, read the Restrictions and Cautions chapter in the Click to DVD Help.

Software Guide

❑ Use the Click to DVD Project Administration Tool to help you manage your files (see Managing project

❑ To transfer a specific video segment or to edit your video, use the full Click to DVD software, rather than

❑ Use an i.LINK™ cable (not supplied) to connect DV devices to the computer. Click to DVD and Click to

❑ When loading images from a device, do not turn off or unplug the device, and do not operate any of its

❑ The video and audio compression method used by Click to DVD varies according to recording time. When

❑ When the Click to DVD Automatic Mode application is closed, any video that was loaded from a device

❑ You need at least 24 GB of free space to create a 60 min DVD (High Quality) using the Click to DVD

❑ The amount of time needed to create a DVD depends on a variety of factors, including:

files with Click to DVD Project Administration Tool (page 100)).

the Click to DVD Automatic Mode software.

DVD Automatic Mode will not work if you use a USB cable to make this connection.

controls.

recording time exceeds the DVD capacity, audio is first compressed to AC-3 format. If the recording still exceeds DVD capacity, the video bit rate is reduced.

onto the computer’s hard disk is deleted.

software. A minimum of 10 GB is required when using the Click to DVD Automatic mode software to create a DVD of the same length.

❑ length of the video that you are recording; ❑ processing speed of your computer; ❑ DVD-writing speed of your DVD±RW drive; ❑ number of chapter thumbnails that must be created for the DVD menu; ❑ type of media used.

Using Click to DVD

❑ When loading images from a device, loading is automatically cancelled under the following conditions.

Software Guide

❑ Video content with a 4:3 aspect ratio and video content with a 16:9 aspect ratio cannot be written to the

❑ You cannot transfer video segments that are less than one second long. ❑ Depending on your computer's settings, frame drop-out may occur when using Click to DVD to load

❑ The original photography date is being carried over from video tapes that are recorded using DVgate

❑ when a blank segment of tape of 10 seconds or longer is reached. ❑ when the timestamp information recorded on the tape for a particular segment precedes the

timestamp information for a video segment transferred from an earlier part of the tape, indicating that video segments were recorded out of order.

❑ when the device from which video is being loaded undergoes a change in status. ❑ when the connection is broken between the computer and the device from which video is being

loaded

DVD. If the aspect ratio of the video that is recorded on the tape changes, transfer of the video stops at that point, and creation of the DVD begins.

video from DV devices. If this occurs, read Recommended settings (page 82) and adjust settings as appropriate.

Motion. Loading by Click to DVD and Click to DVD Automatic is automatically cancelled if the photography date on the tape changes from a later date to an earlier date.

Using Click to DVD

Devices that support Click to DVD and Click to DVD Automatic:

❑ This software can only control consumer DV and MICROMV devices manufactured by Sony. ❑ This software cannot be used with a DCR-VX1000 or DCR-VX700 .

Software Guide

❑ Click to DVD Automatic Mode cannot be used with a Sony Media Converter. ❑ Click to DVD Automatic Mode cannot be used with a Digital8 Camcorder if the tape in the camcorder

✍ For detailed information, refer to the online help.

was recorded in analogue mode. Please use Click to DVD instead.

Using Click to DVD

Creating DVDs

There are two user modes within Click to DVD:

Software Guide

❑ Click to DVD Automatic Mode allows you to handle the process with one or just a few mouse-clicks. ❑ Click to DVD also allows you to change different settings, have more control over the process and

✍ Click to DVD and Click to DVD Automatic Mode cannot be open at the same time.

Click to DVD Automatic Mode

Click to DVD Automatic Mode is the less advanced and quickest mode. It enables you to create DVDs with menus of videos recorded onto digital videotape. By clicking a few buttons, the software automatically transfers the video to your computer and creates the DVD.

Your digital video camera recorder must have a DV-OUT connector to use this mode.

To launch Click to DVD Automatic Mode, proceed as follows:

1 Make sure Click to DVD has been installed from the separate Click to DVD disc, if necessary, before

2 Connect your digital video camera to your computer with the i.LINK cable (not supplied), turn the

3 Place a DVD writable disc into the computer’s DVD±RW drive. 4 Click Start, All Programs, Click to DVD, Click to DVD Automatic Mode.

perform raw editing of the video. In this mode, you can also create photo albums and slideshows.

you continue.

device on and set it to a mode that allows playback.

Alternatively, double-click the shortcut on your computer’s desktop. The main window appears.

Using Click to DVD

Creating a DVD automatically

To create a DVD automatically, proceed as follows:

1 Type a title for the DVD. You can choose any title you like and type it in the DVD Title text box.

Software Guide

2 Select a theme for the DVD’s menu background.

3 If you do not want to hear any background music, select the Muting check box.

4 Confirm by clicking OK. 5 If you want the software to rewind the tape in your camera recorder and start capturing from the

6 Click the Settings… icon to define how many chapters and thumbnail images you want in the DVD

7 In Settings… you can also choose the location where the captured video will be stored.

8 Confirm by clicking OK. 9 Click Create DVD!

The title appears on the menu screen of the DVD that you are creating.

You can choose any available predesigned theme by clicking the Select a theme… button.

If you do not check the Muting check box, you will hear a musical theme matching the image of the DVD’s menu background. Please note that this is to mute the music while preparing the project, music will be played on the DVD anyway.

beginning of the tape, check the Capture from start of tape check box. Otherwise, the software will start capturing the tape at its present position.

menu.

The default folder is D:\Click to DVD.

Click to DVD Automatic Mode begins transferring the video content from the DV device to the computer. After the video is transferred, the data is converted to a DVD format. When the conversion is complete, the data is automatically saved onto the disc. The progress of these steps is displayed in the dialog box and can take some time. When the DVD is complete, a message dialog box appears.

Using Click to DVD

10 To write additional DVDs with the same content, click Ye s; to end the session, click No.

11 Remove the DVD from the tray.

Software Guide

✍ Make all changes to the settings before starting to load the video.

Click to DVD standard mode

Click to DVD’s standard mode is a more advanced option. It allows you to capture video content from a digital video (DV) device to create your own DVDs, complete with chapter menus and backgrounds. You can also create DVDs from video files stored on your computer and collect scanned pictures or pictures from a digital still camera into a DVD photo album or slide show. You can edit videos, as well as create a menu screen. You can save your DVD projects and edit them later.

To launch Click to DVD, proceed as follows:

1 Make sure Click to DVD has been installed from the separate Click to DVD disc, if necessary, before you

2 Connect your digital video camera to your computer with the i.LINK™ cable (not supplied), turn the

3 Place a writable disc into the computer’s DVD±RW drive. 4 Click Start, All Programs, Click to DVD, and then Click to DVD.

The DVD±RW drive tray opens.

continue.

device on and set the device to playback mode. If you want to work with video files that are already stored on your computer’s hard disk, you can skip this step.

Alternatively, double-click the shortcut on your computer’s desktop. The main window appears.

Using Click to DVD

Making settings

To make settings before you start creating DVD, proceed as follows:

1 Click M (for Menu) and click Settings…

Software Guide

2 Select your preferences for Video and Image files folder, Aspect Ratio, Video Format and Step

3 Confirm by clicking OK. 4 Type a title for the DVD.

5 Select a theme for the DVD’s menu background.

6 If you do not want to hear any background music, select the Muting check box.

7 Select the type of content (video, pictures or both) you want to record on the DVD in the Select Type

The Settings window appears.

Guide Animation.

You can choose any title you like and enter it in the DVD Title text box. The title appears on the menu screen of the DVD you are creating.

You can choose any available predesigned theme in the Select a theme… menu.

If you do not select the Muting check box, you will hear a musical theme to match the DVD’s menu background.

area of the Start window:

❑ Select the Video check box to record video content onto a DVD and select a video quality setting.

Selecting the video quality also determines the length of the video you can record to the DVD.

❑ Select the Pictures check box to create a DVD of pictures, and then select the picture playback

method.

❑ Select the Create Album option to advance manually during DVD playback without background

music.

Using Click to DVD

8 If you want to save your project to continue working on it later on, you can do so by clicking M (Menu)

Software Guide

✍ Once a video has been captured, you cannot change the video quality settings.

! To use this feature your system must meet the following requirements:

Recording videos

When capturing video from a digital video device, you can either:

❑ Automatically capture all the video on the tape from the beginning of the tape (automatic capture),

❑ Select and download a portion of the video (manual control).

Recording videos automatically (automatic capture)

To record videos automatically, proceed as follows:

1 Connect an i.LINK™ cable (not supplied) between the digital video device and the computer, and then

2 Click Capture Video in the step guide.

3 Select Automatic Capture in the Capture Selection box.

❑ Select the Create Slide Show option to have your pictures advance automatically during DVD

playback. You can select background music for slide shows.

and then clicking Save Project or Save Project as... Alternatively, if you want to open a saved project to continue working, click M (Menu), click Open Project… and select the saved project.

- Click to DVD Automatic Mode: Intel Pentium 4, 2.4 GHz.

- Click to DVD: Intel Pentium 4, 3.0 GHz.

set the device to VCR/VTR mode.

The Capture Video screen appears.

If the Rewind Tape check box is selected, the tape is rewound to the beginning before capturing begins.

Using Click to DVD

4 Click Capture.

Software Guide

✍ Any unwanted clips can be deleted before the DVD is created.

Recording videos manually (manual control)

To record videos with manual control, proceed as follows:

1 Connect an i.LINK™ cable (not supplied) between the digital video device and the computer, and then

2 Click Capture Video in the step guide.

3 Select Manual Control in the Capture Selection box.

4 Click Capture.

5 When the video reaches the end of the segment you want to capture, click Stop.

6 Repeat the capture procedure for all the video segments for your DVD.

✍ For details on how to connect the device to the computer, refer to the user manuals that were provided with the device and to your computer’s

Click to DVD begins capturing the video and displays the first image in each clip in the clip tray. Each clip becomes an individual chapter on the DVD. Capturing ends when a blank segment of tape (that is, a segment of tape on which nothing is recorded) is reached.

For details on how to connect the device to the computer, refer to the user manuals that were provided with the device and to your computer’s Hardware Guide.

set the device to VCR/VTR or CAMERA mode.

The Capture Video screen appears.

Use the on-screen digital video device control button to fast forward or rewind the tape to the segment of video you want to capture. Make sure that an image from the start of the segment appears in the preview monitor.

Click to DVD begins capturing the video and displays the first image in each clip in the clip tray. Each clip becomes an individual chapter on the DVD.

The video capturing stops. Clicking Stop does not stop tape playback on the digital video device.

Hardware Guide.

Using Click to DVD

Importing video files

On your DVDs you can include video files stored on your computer's hard disk drive. You can also load MPEG files and DV-AVI files that were created by Giga Pocket or DVgate (depending on the software bundled with

Software Guide

your computer).

To import stored video files, proceed as follows:

1 Click Capture Video in the step guide.

2 Click Import.

3 Select the video file to be added.

✍ For desktop models with Giga Pocket: You can drag and drop video capsules created by Giga Pocket into the clip tray of your DVD project. To do this,

Editing videos

The Clip Editing screen enables you to edit videos. You can divide videos into clips, delete unnecessary scenes, and change the order in which clips are played.

To edit your video before creating the DVD, proceed as follows:

1 Click Edit Video on the step guide.

The Capture Video window appears.

The Open dialog box appears.

The selected video file is imported, and the imported file clip appears in the clip tray. Any unwanted clips can be deleted before the DVD is created.

drag the video capsules from the Giga Pocket Explorer window, making sure you close the Giga Pocket main window before launching Click to DVD.

You cannot write both MPEG1 files and other file formats to the same DVD. When loading MPEG files, select either MPEG1 files or files in a format other than MPEG1.

The Edit Video window appears.

Using Click to DVD

2 Select your options as follows:

❑ To divide a clip into two separate clips:

Software Guide

❑ To combine two adjacent clips into one:

❑ To rearrange the order that clips appear in on the DVD:

❑ To delete clips from your DVD project:

❑ To restore a clip, click the Recover clips from Recycle Bin task, and then select the clip to be restored

❑ Move the slider that appears beneath the monitor to display the point in the clip where you want to

divide the clip.

❑ Click Divide.

The clip is divided into two clips.

❑ To delete an unwanted portion of the clip, divide the clip, and then move the unwanted clip to the

recycle bin.

❑ Select the left clip of the pair to be combined, and then click Combine selected clip with next clip

task.

Alternatively, click the Combine button between the clips to be combined. The combined clips become an individual chapter on the DVD.

❑ Select the clips to be moved, and then click where you want the clips to appear.

Alternatively, drag the clips to be moved to the position where you want the clips to appear.

❑ Select the clip to be deleted, and then click the Send this clip to the Recycle Bin task.

Alternatively, drag the clip to be deleted to the Recycle Bin.

to the clip tray in the dialog box that appears.

Previewing videos

You can play back a clip by using the Clip Playback Control buttons. The video clip that is currently being played appears in the monitor. To play all clips in order, click Play All.

Using Click to DVD

✍ You can also play only selected clips by selecting them before clicking Play All.

Although a black screen appears between successive clips when multiple clips are played, this black screen is not included when you write the clips to DVD.

Software Guide

Importing still images

When creating a photo album or slide show DVD, you can import pictures from your computer's hard disk drive or from an external device, such as a digital still camera or a Memory Stick™. You can import pictures saved in Bitmap, JPEG, or TIFF format.

Importing pictures stored on the computer's hard disk

To import pictures stored on the hard disk, proceed as follows:

1 Click Import Pictures in the step guide.

The Import Pictures window appears, and the pictures in the currently selected folder, as well as the pictures in all subfolders, are displayed as thumbnails in the display area.

2 To import a photo from a different folder:

❑ Click Browse for Folder.

The Open Folder dialog box appears.

❑ Select a folder.

The pictures saved in the selected folder, as well as pictures saved in all subfolders, are displayed as thumbnails. Up to four thumbnails can be displayed at once. To display all of the pictures in a folder, click the Open Folder button.

3 Click Import.

All of the pictures in the selected folder are imported and displayed in the clip tray.

Using Click to DVD

Importing pictures from an external device

To import pictures from an external device, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the device (digital still camera or Memory Stick™) to your computer.

Software Guide

2 Click the Import Pictures button in the step guide.

3 Click External Device.

4 Select the folder for the connected device.

5 If you do not want to import all the images in the folder, select the check boxes for the pictures that you

6 Click the Open Folder button. 7 Click Import.

For details on how to connect the device to your computer, refer to the user manuals provided with the device and computer.

The Import Pictures window appears, and the pictures in the currently selected folder, as well as the pictures in all subfolders, are displayed in the display area.

The Open File dialog box appears.

Thumbnails of the pictures in the selected folder are displayed. Up to four thumbnails can be displayed at once.

want to import.

The images are imported and displayed in the clip tray.

Creating an album

You can create a photo album from your imported picture files before putting them onto DVD. You can change the sequence in which pictures are displayed during playback, rotate the images, change your content setup, or make slide show settings.

To create an album, proceed as follows:

1 Clicking the Create Album button in the step guide.

The Create Album window appears.

Using Click to DVD

2 Choose your album settings as follows:

Software Guide

✍ If the background music does not allow the Match slide show length with the length of the Background Music setting to display the pictures

❑ Change the order in which pictures are displayed when the DVD is played by dragging pictures to the

appropriate position. Alternatively, click the Arrange button. The Arrange Pictures dialog box appears where you can order the images by date or file name.

❑ Rotate a picture by selecting the picture, and then clicking either Rotate Counter clockwise or

Rotate Clockwise. When the confirmation dialog box appears, click OK.

❑ Enlarge a picture by selecting the picture, and clicking View.

The Single Photo Display dialog box appears, and an enlarged view of the selected picture is displayed.

❑ Delete a picture from the project by selecting the picture, and clicking Delete. When the confirmation

dialog box appears, click OK.

❑ If you a made a slide-show, you can set the display time for each picture and the background music

played during the slideshow. Click the Slide Show Settings button to make these settings.

❑ Specify the display time for each picture in a slide show with the Display Time option. The time

specified includes the time it takes to transition from one photo to the next. If Match slide show length with the length of the Background Music is selected, the playback time is set automatically so that the display of all pictures ends when the background music ends.

❑ Add music to your photo album by selecting the Attach Background Music check box. Click Browse

and then select the file to be used as the background music. You can use WAV and MP3 format audio files.

for more than 3 seconds, the background music is automatically repeated to allow a display time longer than 3 seconds per picture.

Using Click to DVD

Creating menu screens

Before writing to the DVD, you can create or edit the DVD’s Menu screen. You can choose a theme and background music, change the text on menu screens, and more. To change these settings, click Create Menu

Software Guide

in the step guide to open the Menu screen. Some settings apply to all menus on all menu screens in a DVD project, while other settings can be set

differently for each menu screen. Click Menu Screen Select on the left side of the screen to change the menu screen that you are configuring.

✍ The number of chapters that can be displayed in a single Photo Menu is around 90. If not all chapters fit in a single Photo Menu, Photo Menu

Previewing DVDs

Before actually writing your project to the DVD, you can see a preview of the contents.

To preview the DVD, proceed as follows:

1 Click Preview on the DVD writing screen or Menu screen.

2 Use the remote control buttons displayed next to the preview screen to check the content that is to be

3 To end the preview; click the End button or the window’s Close button.

2 and Photo Menu 3 are automatically created. You can display a maximum of around 270 chapters.

The Preview screen appears.

written to the DVD.

Creating DVDs

Once you have completed the design of your DVD project, you can now write the project to a DVD disc. You can write your project to a blank DVD+/-R or DVD+/-RW disc. The time required to create a DVD differs depending on the type of computer you are using and the amount of data included in your project, but it usually takes about three hours to create a one-hour-long DVD.

Using Click to DVD

To create a DVD, proceed as follows:

1 Click Write DVD in the step guide.

Software Guide

2 Place a blank disc in your computer's DVD±RW drive. 3 Click Write.

4 To write additional discs, click Yes ; to stop, click No.

5 If you think you may want to use this project later, save your project file.

✍ You cannot use a DVD+/-R disc on which data has already been written.

Saving project files

All the information about your DVD project, including the file names of your video or pictures, the location where those files are stored, the theme, and the menus, can be saved in a file called project file.

You can also save your project information while your work is in progress. If you exit Click to DVD before completing all the necessary work for a project, the project file is used to resume work later from where you left off.

To save the project file, click M (menu button) and select either Save Project As or Save Project. In the future, you can open this project file to create copies of your DVD or to use as a basis for other DVD projects.

The DVD writing window appears.

Your DVD is being created, and the progress is displayed on the screen. When writing is complete, a message window appears.

The DVD is now finished and the DVD±RW drive tray opens.

The amount of time needed to create a DVD depends on the length of the video that you are recording and on the processing speed of your computer.

Sony PCV-RS212, PCG-GRT716S, PCV-RZ301, PCG-GRT786M, PCV-RSM22 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

BlueSpace NE

DVgate

EverQuest

Giga Pocket

HotKey Utility

ISP Selector

Memory Stick Formatter

Network Smart Capture

PicoPlayer

PictureGear Studio

PowerPanel

SonicStage

Sony Notebook Setup

Sony Style Imaging (shortcut on the desktop)

UI Design Selector

VAIO Action Setup

VAIO Edit Components

VAIO Media

VAIO System Information

VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc

Operating system and other software

Windows® XP Professional with Service Pack 1

Windows® XP Home Edition with Service Pack 1

Internet Explorer 6.0

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 5.1

Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 2.0

Adobe® Premiere® 6.0 LE

Drag'n Drop CD+DVD

PowerDVD for VAIO

QuickTime 5.0

RealOne Player

RecordNow

Symantec Norton AntiVirus (as setup on the hard drive)

VAIO Web Phone

Windows Media Player 9

Windows Movie Maker 2

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 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