Sony PCV-RX690G User Manual

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO® computer! Your new, high-performance, multimedia computer combines state-of-the-art computer functionality with the latest audio, video and information technology features.

Note:

Click here to find the latest updates and supplemental information about your computer.

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Features

Note:

Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features listed in this section. To view the specific hardware configuration for your system, see the Specifications sheet.

Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder (for models with Giga Pocket features)

Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder is an interactive collection of audio/video hardware and software. The unique and versatile Giga Pocket features provide a wide array of television and video viewing, recording, and playback capabilities.

VAIO AV applications

This suite of Sony original applications includes PictureGear , Smart Capture, DVgate , DigitalPrint, SonicStage, MovieShaker , VisualFlow , and Media Bar DVD Player. These software applications make it easy to use advanced multimedia techniques to develop your personal audio and video creations. Using the i.LINK ports, you can capture, view, and share both still and video images, then catalog everything for fast, easy storage and retrieval.

DVD-RW drive (not available on all models)

This new optical storage technology provides increased storage capacity and a dynamic multimedia computing experience. Your state-of-the-art DVD-RW drive writes to DVD-R/DVD-RW and CD-R/CD-RW media, and plays your favorite DVDs and CDs. This drive also functions as the ideal solution for making backups and archiving data, with the ability to store up to 4.7 GB of data on a single DVD-R/DVD-RW media (You can store up to 650 MB of data on a single CD-R/CD-RW media). Save movies, videos and still images to share with family and friends.

DVD-ROM drive (not available on all models)

This optical storage technology provides increased storage capacity and a rich multimedia computing experience. Your DVD-ROM drive plays both DVDs and CDs.

CD-RW drive (not available on all models)

This drive is the ideal solution for making backups and archiving data, with the ability to store up to 650 MB of removable, rewritable storage on a single rewritable CD. Save your movies to CD-R or CD-RW media and share videos and images with family and friends.

CD-ROM drive (not available on all models)

You can play your favorite audio and video CDs using this high-quality CD-ROM drive.

i.LINK (IEEE1394) interface

Two built-in i.LINK ports, located on the front and rear panels, provide you with digital connection capability. The i.LINK name and logo identify a high-speed communication interface, which allows you to easily connect compatible digital camcorders.

Note:

i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.

Please refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i.LINK device for information on operating conditions and proper connection. Before connecting compatible i.LINK PC peripherals to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive, confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.

VAIO Smart keyboard

This PS/2® keyboard has programmable shortcut buttons for launching your favorite programs or accessing the Internet.

Sony audio and video quality

Take advantage of today's advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software with the Sony high-fidelity audio system, high-powered 3-D graphics, and "Sony-Tuned" MPEG digital video playback.

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Microsoft Windows XP operating system

Your system includes this latest consumer operating system from Microsoft.

Preinstalled software

All the software on your computer is preinstalled, configured, and ready for you to use right out of the box.

Communications

You have the choice of a variety of popular online services to browse the Internet, access e-mail, send faxes, and much more.

Exceptional performance

Your computer includes an Intel® processor, a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet interface, and a V.90 compatible data/fax modem.1

A c tual upload and download speeds may vary due to line conditions , ISP support, and government regulations.

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Unpacking Your Computer

Your computer may not be supplied with all of the accessories shown, depending on the system configuration you purchased. For details on the accessories supplied with your computer, see the Specifications sheet.

Computer and supplied accessories (Not available for all models)

Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder accessories

Manuals

VAIO Digital Studio Com puter QuickStart — Contains information on unpacking and setting up your computer,

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supplementary updates, and software information.

VAIO Digital Studio Com puter User Guide — Contains features and specifications of your computer. It also

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includes information on the applications included with your system, how to contact software vendors, and solve common problems.

Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder Getting Started Guide — (For models equipped with Giga Pocket)

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Contains information on setting up and using the Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder equipment and software applications. The Internet Electronic Program Guide (iEPG) service information describes new Sony technology that is used with the Internet, to locate, record and set up timed recordings of your favorite TV programs.

Home Networking Solutions — (For models equipped with a HomePNA modem) Contains information on using a

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HomePNA modem with Sony VAIO computers.

Information About DVD Recording — (For models equipped with a DVD-RW drive) Contains information designed

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to help you become familiar with your DVD-RW drive and the DVD recording software applications included with your computer.

Safety Information — Provides safety and legal information about your VAIO computer.

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Specifications — Describes the hardware and physical configurations of your VAIO computer.

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Microsoft® Windows® XP guide — Explains how to use the basic features of the latest Windows operating system.

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Recovery CDs

System Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to restore the software that shipped with your computer if they become

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corrupted or are erased. System Recovery CDs can only be used to restore the hard disk of the Sony computer you purchased.

Application Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to reinstall individual applications if they become corrupted or are

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erased.

Driver Recovery CD — Enables you to restore device drivers if they become corrupted or are erased.

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Other

Packet containing special product offers.

Software Library

The Software Library contains the Microsoft software license agreement and Sony end-user license agreement.

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To Choose an Ergonomic Location for Your Computer

Before you get started, find the best location for your new computer.

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Planning your work space

Stable work surface — Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer and other peripheral

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equipment.

Ventilation — Leave at least eight inches of space on the left and back sides of your computer to enable proper

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ventilation.

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

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

Furniture and posture — Sit in a chair with good back support and armrests. Adjust the level of the chair so your

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feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit with relaxed, upright posture—avoid slouching forward or leaning far backward.

Viewing angle of the display — Position the display 18 to 26 inches directly in front of you, with the top of the

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screen at or a little below eye level. Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by placing the display in the proper position.

Lighting — Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use

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

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Locating Controls And Connectors

Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features listed in this section. To view the specific hardware configuration for your system, see the Specifications sheet.

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Front Panel Overview

The front panel of your VAIO Digital Studio Computer enables access to the optical and floppy disk drives. On certain models, the front panel also provides access to Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder jacks and ports, Universal Serial Bus (USB), and i.LINK® ports to connect compatible peripheral devices.

Note:

i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.

Front panel (Model equipped with Giga Pocket features)

1 Optical drive 1

See the Specifications sheet for optical drive information.

2 Optical drive 2

See the Specifications sheet for optical drive information.

3 Floppy disk drive

Reads and writes data from and to a 3.5-inch floppy disk.

4 Floppy disk drive access indicator light

Lights in green while reading and writing data from and to a floppy disk.

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5 Optical drive access indicator light

Lights in amber while reading and writing data from and to the optical drives.

6 Hard disk drive access indicator light

Lights in amber while reading and writing data from and to the hard disk.

7 Power switch and indicator light

Turns the computer on and off. The indicator light is blue while the power is on and amber when the computer is in Stand by mode.

8 (For models equipped with Giga Pocket features)

S-video In port

Connection for an S-video cable (optional).

Video In jack

Connection for a video cable (supplied).

Audio L In jack/Audio R In jack

Connection for an audio cable (supplied).

9 Optical drive 1 eject button

Ejects a disc from Optical drive 1.

10 Optical drive 2 eject button

Ejects a disc from Optical drive 2.

11 Memory Stick slot

Reads and writes data from and to a Memory Stick® media.

12 Floppy disk eject button

Ejects a floppy disk from the floppy disk drive.

13 Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports (2)

Connections for compatible USB devices.

14 i.LINK (4-pin) port (IEEE1394)

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Connection for a compatible digital device.

Note:

For your convenience, your computer includes Giga Pocket, USB, and i.LINK ports and jacks on both the front and back panels. (The 4-pin i.LINK port is located on the front panel and the 6-pin i.LINK port is located on the back.)

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Back Panel Overview

The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the back panel locate and identify the ports on your computer.

Back panel (Model equipped with Giga Pocket features)

1 Mouse port

Connection for a PS/2® mouse.

2 Keyboard port

Connection for a PS/2 keyboard.

3 Ethernet port

10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet interface.

(The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)

4 Universal Serial Bus (USB) port

Connection for a compatible USB device.

5 Printer port

Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner.

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6 S/P DIF optical out port

Connection for a digital audio or optical device.

7 i.LINK 6-pin port (IEEE1394)

Connection for a compatible digital device such as a Sony Digital Handycam® camcorder.

8 Serial port

Connection for a compatible serial device, such as a digital still camera.

9 Headphones jack

Connection for the supplied speakers or optional headphones.

10 Line In jack

Connection for an audio device.

11 Microphone jack

Connection for a microphone (optional).

12 Monitor port

Connection for a standard display.

13 (For models equipped with Giga Pocket features) Audio Out jack

Connection for an audio cable (supplied).

Video/S-video Out port

Connection for a video cable adapter (supplied) or an S-video cable (optional).

14 (For models equipped with Giga Pocket features) Audio In jack

Connection for an audio cable (supplied).

Video/S-video In port

Connection for a video cable adapter (supplied) or an S-video cable (optional).

15 AC Input port

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Connection for the supplied power cord.

16 (For models equipped with Giga Pocket) VHF/UHF port

Connection for a coaxial cable (supplied).

17 Telephone jack

Connection for a phone cable (optional) to the computer.

18 Modem line jack

Connection for the modem (supplied) cable to the wall jack.

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Setting Up Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer

Your computer has many new and exciting features. This section contains information on setting up your computer and peripheral devices.

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To Set Up Your Computer

Your computer may not be equipped with the same hardware features shown in this section. See the Specifications sheet for your system's configuration.

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Connecting a display (monitor)

Plug the display cable into the Monitor port.

If necessary, plug the display cable into the rear of the display.

Connecting a display (Model equipped with Giga Pocket features)

Note:

Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency.

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Connecting the speakers

Plug the cable attached to the left speaker into the L Out jack on the back of the right speaker.

Plug the cable attached to the right speaker into the Headphones jack.

Plug the jack end of the AC adapter cord into the DC In jack on the back of the right speaker and plug the other end into a grounded AC wall outlet or power strip.

Connecting the speakers (Model equipped with Giga Pocket features)

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Connecting the keyboard and mouse

Plug the keyboard cable into the Keyboard port on the back of the computer.

Plug the mouse cable into the Mouse port.

Connecting the keyboard and mouse (Model equipped with Giga Pocket features)

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Connecting the modem cable

Unplug your telephone from the wall jack.

Plug the modem cable (supplied) into the Modem line jack on the computer, and then plug the other end of the cable into the wall jack.

Connecting the modem cable (Model equipped with Giga Pocket features)

Caution:

Your computer has a protective sticker covering the Ethernet port located on the rear panel. Connect only 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet port. Using other cables or a telephone cable may result in an electric current overload and can cause a malfunction, excessive heat or fire in the port. For help on connecting to a network, see your network administrator.

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Connecting the power cords

Plug the power cord into the back of the computer.

Plug both the display and power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet or a power strip.

Connecting the power cords (Model equipped with Giga Pocket features)

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To Turn on Your Computer

Turning on your computer

Press the power switch on the computer to turn on the power.

Press the power switch on the display to turn on the power.

Press the power switch on the right speaker to turn on the power.

To turn on your computer

Note:

When you start your system for the first time, your computer may detect new equipment and display a dialog box that asks you to restart your computer. Please respond to this request immediately.

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To Register Your Computer

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

Sony Customer Support — Communicate with a Support Representative to troubleshoot problems you may be

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having with your computer.

Limited warranty — Protect your investment. See the Warranty Card for more details.

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Note:

You are prompted to register your computer the first time you turn on the unit. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process. If you are not able to register your computer during the first session, you are provided with additional registration opportunities later.

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Setting up your dial-up connection

The first time you turn your computer on, follow these steps to set up your dial-up connection:

Click Start from the Windows taskbar and select All Programs.

Point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click New Connection Wizard. The Location Information window appears.

Location Information window

Enter in your information as requested. Click OK. The Phone and Modem Options window appears.

Phone and Modem Options window

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Click to select your dialing location and then click OK. The New Connection Wizard appears.

New Connection Wizard window

Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your dial-up connection.

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To Set Up Power Management Modes

When you plan to stop using your computer for a short period of time, you can set your system to automatically enter a power management mode. Your computer may have difficulty resuming from a power-saving mode, if the power scheme is not set up correctly.

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