Sony PCV-RZ36G User Manual

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing your Sony VAIO® computer! Your new computer is a superb blend of high technology and easy-to-use functionality. The information provided here is designed to help you to become familiar with the hardware and software applications included with your system.
View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about your computer.
View the VAIO® Computer Specifications, which lists your computer's hardware specifications and preinstalled
software information.
Page 1

Getting Started

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.
Unpacking your Computer
Planning An Ergonomic Work Space
Page 2

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 online Specifications sheet.
Computer and supplied accessories
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder accessories
Manuals
VAIO® Computer Quick StartProvides basic information on setting up and registering your computer. The Quick
Start also provides resources for technical support, safety guidelines and owner's information.
Microsoft® Windows® XP guide—Explains how to use the basic features of the latest Windows operating system.
Online Documentation
VAIO® Computer User GuideContains features and specifications of your computer. It also includes information
on the applications included with your system, how to contact software vendors, and solve common problems.
To access the online User Guide:
1.
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2.
From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO User Guide.
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder Included within the online VAIO User Guide, this section contains
information on setting up and using the Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder equipment and software applications.
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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.
Specifications — This online specification sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO
computer.
To access this online information:
1.
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Help And Support.
2.
From the VAIO Help And Support Center menu, click VAIO User Guide.
3.
Locate the link in the text, "View the VAIO® Computer Specifications..."
Hard Disk Drive Recovery
Your computer is equipped with a utility program that enables you to recover your computer's operating system and preinstalled software.
For more information about hard disk drive recovery:
Your VAIO® computer is not supplied with System or Application Recovery CDs. Use the VAIO Recovery utility to recover your computer's operating system and preinstalled software.
1.
Click Start in the Windows® taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2.
From the VAIO Help And Support Center, click VAIO Recovery Options.
Other
Software Library containing the Microsoft software license agreement and Sony end-user license agreement.
Page 4

Planning An Ergonomic Work Space

Before you set up your new computer, find the best location for your new computer and plan your work space. There are several ergonomic factors to consider when you arrange your work space:
Stable work surface — Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer and other peripheral
equipment.
Ventilation — Leave at least eight inches of space on the left and back sides of your computer to enable proper
ventilation.
Placement of the keyboard, mouse, and other input devices — Place your keyboard, mouse, and other input
devices so that your arms and hands are in a relaxed, comfortable position. The keyboard should be directly in front of you. Adjust the level of the keyboard so that your lower arms are parallel to the floor. Keep your wrists in a relaxed position when you 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
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
screen at or a little below eye level. Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by placing the display in the proper position.
Lighting — Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use
indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.
Page 5

Locating Controls And Ports

This section is intended to familiarize you with the controls, ports and jacks on your computer.Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features and the location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section. To view the specific connection capabilities for your system, see the online specifications sheet.
About the Front Panel
About the Back Panel
About the Remote Control
About the Keyboard
Page 6

About the Front Panel

The front panel of your VAIO 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, a Memory Stick media slot and the Universal Serial Bus (USB), and i.LINK® ports that enable you to connect compatible peripheral devices.
Front panel
1 Optical drive 1
See the online specifications sheet for optical drive information.
2 Optical drive 2
See the online 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 is green while reading and writing data from and to a floppy disk.
5 Power indicator
Light is blue while the power is on.
6 Power switch
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Turns the computer on and off.
7 Stand by indicator
Light is red when the computer is placed in Stand by mode.
8 Optical drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the optical drives.
9 Hard disk drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the hard disk.
10 S-video In jack
Connection for an S-video cable (optional).
Composite video In jack
Connection for a video cable (optional).
Composite audio L In jack
Connection for an audio cable (optional).
Composite audio R In jack
Connection for an audio cable (optional).
11 Optical drive 1 eject button
Ejects a disc from Optical drive 1.
12 Optical drive 2 eject button
Ejects a disc from Optical drive 2.
13 Memory Stick media slot and access indicator
Reads and writes data from and to a Memory Stick® media. The access indicator light is amber when reading or writing data.
14 Floppy disk eject button
Ejects a floppy disk from the floppy disk drive.
15 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (4)
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Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.
16 i.LINK (4-pin) S400 port (IEEE 1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 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 devices to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive, confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.
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About the Back Panel

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
1 AC Input port
Connection for the supplied power cord.
2 Mouse port
Connection for a PS/2® mouse.
3 Keyboard port
Connection for a PS/2 keyboard.
4 Printer port
Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner.
5 Monitor port1
Connection for a standard display.
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6 i.LINK 6-pin S400 port (IEEE 1394)
Connection and power for a compatible digital device, such as a Sony Digital Handycam® camcorder.
7 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (4)
Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.
8 Microphone jack
Connection for a microphone (optional).
Headphones jack
Connection for the supplied speakers or optional headphones.
Line In jack
Connection for an audio device.
9 Monitor port2
Connection for a standard display.
10 Composite audio R Out jack
Connection for an audio or stereo dubbing cable (optional).
Composite audio L In jack
Connection for an audio or stereo dubbing cable (optional).
Composite video In jack
Connection for a digital video or stereo A/V dubbing cable (optional).
S-video In jack
Connection for an S-video cable (optional).
11 Telephone jack
Connection for a telephone cable (optional) to the computer.
12 Speaker DC Out jack
Connection for the speaker power cable.
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13 S/P DIF optical out port
Connection for a digital audio or optical device.
14 Ethernet port
Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-TX Ethernet.
(The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)
15 TV Out (S-Video/video) jack3
Connection for an S-video cable (optional).
16 Monitor (DVI) port
Connection for a DVI monitor.
17 VHF/UHF port
Connection for a coaxial cable (supplied).
18 Modem line jack
Connection for the modem (supplied) cable to the wall jack.
1
T his monitor port may have a cover, indic ating that it is not available for use. On some models, the monitor port loc ation may be in a different loc ation.
2
O n s ome loc ations, the monitor port location may be in a different loc ation.
3
T his feature is available on s elected models. See the s pecifications s heet for information on your computer's hardware configuration
Page 12

About the Remote Control

Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder features are controlled with the remote control. The remote control can start and stop video recording and playback, select channels, and set viewing preferences. This section describes the basic functions of your remote control.
Remote control
1 MUTE button
Press to turn off the sound. Press again to restore the sound.
2 Channel number buttons (1-9)
Press to select specific channels.
(Press the ENT button to activate channel selection.)
JUMP button
Press to go to the previous channel. Press again to return to the current channel.
ENT button
Press to activate channel selection. See Channel number buttons.
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3 SIZE button
Press to view the current software in full-screen size. Press again to return the view to its original size.
4 AUDIO button
Press to view available sound mode options on the monitor/display.
5 DVD angle button
Press to change the camera angle during DVD playback. See the DVD player software for details. This function is not available for other software.
DVD Subtitle button
Press to turn on/off subtitles or to change the subtitle language during DVD playback. See the DVD player software for details. This function is not available for other software.
DISPLAY button
During DVD playback in full screen mode, press to show the settings window.
When using Giga Pocket software, press to display the TV/Recording deck and playback deck screens. Press again to hide these views.
TV/VIDEO button
Press to change the on-screen image from the TV/Recording deck to external video equipment, such as your VCR.
(Note: You cannot change the input source while recording.)
6 REW and FF buttons
Press to rewind or fast-forward.
PREV and NEXT buttons
Press to move back to the previous screen or forward to the next screen.
7 TITLE button
The function of this button may vary between DVDs. See the DVD player software instructions for details.
8 CANCEL button
When using Giga Pocket software, press to close an error message dialog box. The window returns to its original size when displayed in full-screen mode.
(Note: This function is not available for other software.)
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9 STANDBY button
Press to place the system into Stand by mode.
(Note: You cannot place the computer into Stand by mode when certain Giga Pocket functions are running.)
10 MODE switch
Set the switch from 1 to 3, to change the remote control's control between computers. The target computer's remote control software determines the assigned number.
(Note: The default setting is 1, if you are using a single computer.)
11 MENU button
Press to view a shortcut menu of available software applications. Press again to hide this menu.
(Note: For Giga Pocket software, the Select Video Capsules window displays. Press the button again to hide this window.)
START button
Press to start the selected software.
CLOSE button
Press to close the current software.
FUNCTION button
When Giga Pocket software is selected with the Menu button, press to switch from the TV/recording deck to the playback deck.
When using SonicStage software, plress to change from the music drive (hard disk drive) to the CD.
12 CHANNEL button
Press to change channels automatically (no number input required).
(Note: This function is available for Giga Pocket software only.)
13 VOLUME button
Press to raise or lower the volume.
14 REC button
Press to begin recording.
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REC MODE button
Press to select the recording mode.
REC STOP button
Press to stop recording.
(Note: The REC, REC MODE, and REC STOP functions are available for Giga Pocket software only.)
15 PLAY STOP button
Press to stop playback.
PLAY button
Press to begin playback.
PAUSE button
Press to pause playback.
16 MENU button
Press to display the root menu during DVD playback. Press again to minimize the window. See the DVD player software for details.
When using Giga Pocket software, press to display Video Capsule listings.
When using SonicStage software, press to display Playlists.
When using VAIO Media software, press to display the main menu.
17 Direction and ENTER buttons
Press a direction arrow to navigate. Press ENTER to select.
18 RETURN button
Press to return to the previous screen.
(Note: This function is not available for Giga Pocket software.)
For more details about the function buttons on your remote control, see the Giga Pocket Help.
To set up the remote control
Insert two AA batteries (supplied) into the remote control as shown.
Inserting batteries into the remote control
Page 16
Under normal use, the AA batteries may last up to six months. If your remote control does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced.
If your remote control is not being used for extended periods of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.
Page 17

About the Keyboard

Your VAIO® keyboard uses a standard key arrangement with additional keys that perform specific functions.
VAIO Keyboard
KEY DESCRIPTION
Function The 12 function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform certain tasks. The task
associated with each function key may vary from one application to the next.
Volume Control Press a button to increase (+) or decrease (-) the volume of the speakers.
Mute Press the button to turn off the volume of the speaker. Press the Mute button again to restore
sound.
Standby Press the button to place the computer in Standby mode. Press the Power button or any key briefly, to resume normal operation.
Numeric keypad Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations. Press the Num Lock key to activate the numeric keypad. (The Num Lock indicator lights.) Press the Num Lock key again to deactivate the numeric keypad.
Directional Arrows The Up, Down, Left, and Right arrow keys move the pointer on the screen.
Applications
The Applications key displays a shortcut menu in certain software applications. Pressing this key
is equivalent to clicking the right mouse button.
Windows
The key with the Microsoft® Windows® logo, displays the Start menu. Pressing this key is
equivalent to clicking Start on the taskbar.
INDICATORS FUNCTION
Num Lock The Num Lock indicator lights when the numeric keypad is activated. When the indicator is off, the directional
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arrow and correction keys on the numeric keypad area are active. Caps Lock The Caps Lock indicator lights up to advise you that the keyboard is set to type letters in uppercase. When the indicator is off, the letters appear in lower case as you type. Scroll Lock The Scroll Lock indicator lights up to advise you that your screen's scrolling pattern has changed. When the indicator is off, the screen scrolls normally. This function is not available with all software applications.
Page 19

Setting Up Your Computer

Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features described in the section. The location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown. See the online specifications sheet for your system's specific hardware configuration.
Connecting a Display (Monitor)
Connecting the Speakers
Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse
Connecting the Telephone and Modem cables
Connecting the Power Cords
Turning On Your Computer
Registering your Computer
Page 20

Connecting a Display (Monitor)

1.
Plug the display's cable into the monitor port.
2.
If necessary, plug the display's cable into the rear of the display.
To connect a display
To connect a DVI display
Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency.
Page 21

Connecting the Speakers

1.
Plug the cable attached to the back of the left speaker into the L Out jack on the back of the right speaker.
2.
Plug the cable attached to the back of the right speaker into the Headphones jack, located on the back panel of your computer.
3.
Plug the jack end (yellow) of the speaker power cable into the DC In jack (yellow) on the back of the right speaker.
4.
Plug the jack end (black) of the speaker power cable into the DC Out jack located on the back panel of your computer.
To connect the speakers
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Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse

1.
Plug the keyboard cable into the keyboard port on the back of the computer.
2.
Plug the mouse cable into the mouse port on the back of the computer.
To connect the keyboard and mouse
To use an optical mouse
An optical mouse requires an ideal surface texture in order to provide precision pointing and tracking.
Use surfaces such as plain paper, card stock, or fabric that have minimal repetitive patterning.
Avoid surfaces such as mirrors, smooth glass, or magazines that have half- tone printing.
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Connecting the Telephone and Modem cables

1.
Unplug your telephone from the wall jack.
2.
Plug the modem cable (supplied) into the Modem line jack, located on the back panel of your computer
3.
Plug the other end of the cable into the wall jack.
To connect the telephone and modem cables
Your computer has a protective sticker covering the Ethernet port located on the rear panel. Connect 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet port. Using other cables or a telephone cable may result in an electric current overload that can cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the Ethernet port. For help on connecting to a network, see your network administrator.
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Connecting the Power Cords

1.
Plug the power cord into the back of the computer.
2.
Plug both the display and power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet or a power strip.
To connect the power cords
Page 25

Turning On Your Computer

When you start your system for the first time, your computer may detect new equipment and display a dialog box that prompts you to restart your computer. Respond to this prompt immediately.
1.
Press the power switch on the computer to turn on the power.
2.
Press the power switch on the display to turn on the power.
3.
Press the power switch on the right speaker to turn on the power.
To turn on your computer
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Registering 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
having with your computer.
Limited warranty — Protect your investment. See the Limited Warranty Card for more details.
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.
Page 27

Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder

Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder is a suite of interactive Sony audio and video components that are designed to create, capture, and play back video files derived from television and your personal videos.1
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder hardware and software applications are not available on all VAIO® computers. See your computer's online specification sheet for details on your system configuration.
About Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder
Setting Up Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder
Setting Up Giga Pocket Software
Giga Pocket
Timer Recording Wizard
Timer Recording Manager
Giga Pocket Explorer
CLIÉ Converter
Glossary
Internet Electronic Program Guide Service
1
U nauthorized duplication of audio or video files is a violation of applicable laws.
Page 28

About Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder

Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder is a unique set of tools that enhance your VAIO® computer's capabilities. Giga Pocket gives you a wide range of video viewing, recording, and playback capabilities, such as:
Watching and recording television programs from your computer.
Viewing and recording TV programming simultaneously.
Setting and managing daily/weekly timer recording schedules.
Managing Video Capsules (recorded video contents) on your computer.
Recording personal video content from a videotape.
Playing your Video Capsules on other computers.
Operating Giga Pocket functions with a remote control device.
Sharing Giga Pocket features and functions with other computers on a network.
Transforming Video Capsules into gMovie format for viewing on your CLIÉ handheld.
For an explanation of Giga Pocket terms, see the Glossary.
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Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder includes:

Giga Pocket—This application enables you to watch TV programs on your computer's display and record them onto
the hard disk drive as Video Capsules for later playback.
Timer Recording Manager—The Timer Recording Manager keeps track of all TV program recordings you have
scheduled. This program also enables you to modify timer recordings.
Timer Recording Wizard—The Wizard interface guides you through setting up a timer recording schedule. You can
program one-time recordings and set up daily or weekly recurring recording schedules.
Giga Pocket Explorer—The Giga Pocket Explorer program functions as your video file management system, and
stores recorded Video Capsules as well as modified Playlists. Giga Pocket Explorer contains export/import functions for file format conversions.
Giga Pocket Server—The Giga Pocket Server enables multiple computers on a network to use certain Giga Pocket
software functions.
CLIÉ Converter—The CLIÉ Converter is a plug-in application that enables the conversion of Video Capsules into
gMovie format. You can change the format your Giga Pocket contents and transfer them onto a Memory Stick media for viewing with your Sony CLIÉ Handheld.
Accessing the Giga Pocket Help
For more information about Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder, follow these steps:
®
1.
Click Start in the Windows® taskbar and select All Programs.
2.
Select Giga Pocket, Help, and click Giga Pocket Help.
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder maintains information about the software and Video Capsules on your
computer's drive D, in a folder named D:\Giga Pocket V5. This folder and its contents are not designed for your direct maintenance. Please do not move, modify or delete the Giga Pocket Folder or any of its contents. Any alteration to this folder or its contents may cause your Giga Pocket software and Video Capsules to stop working properly.
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