Sony PCV-V210P User Manual

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing a 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 programs included with your system.
View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about your computer.
Go to the Sony Online Support Web site, to view the VAIO® Computer Specifications, which lists your computer's
hardware specifications and preinstalled software information.
For Sony software information:
1.
Click Start in the Windows® taskbar.
2.
Click Welcome to VAIO life.
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.
Your VAIO® computer is not supplied with System or Application Recovery CDs. Use the VAIO Recovery Wizard utility program to recover your computer's operating system and preinstalled software.
Computer and supplied accessories
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder accessories (For models equipped with Giga Pocket features)
Manuals
VAIO® Computer Quick Start — Provides basic information on setting up and registering your computer. The Quick
Start also provides resources for technical support, safety guidelines, and owner's information.
Online Documentation
VAIO® Computer User Guide — Contains information on the hardware and preinstalled software programs included
with your system.
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.
Specifications — This online specifications sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO
computer. To view this information, see the online Specifications sheet.
VAIO Software Provides specific information about the preinstalled software on your computer.
To access this online software information:
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1.
Click Start in the Windows® taskbar.
2.
Click Welcome to VAIO Life.
Hard Disk Drive Recovery
Your computer is equipped with the VAIO Recovery Wizard, a utility program that recovers your computer's operating system and preinstalled software.
For more information about hard disk recovery
1.
Click Start in the Windows® taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2.
From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO Recovery Options.
Other
A software library containing the Microsoft® software and Sony® end-user license agreements.
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 both sides of your computer and at least 5 inches of clearance
for the back.
Placement of the mouse, keyboard, and other input devices — Place your computer, mouse, or other input devices
so that your arms and hands are in a relaxed, comfortable position. The computer's keyboard should be directly in front of you. Keep your wrists in a relaxed position when you are using the keyboard — not angled up or down. 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 occasional breaks during sessions with your computer, as excessive use of the mouse, keyboard, or 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 unit so that the display is 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.
The infrared receiver, located on the front panel of your computer, communicates with the Giga Pocket remote control. The infrared receiver must be visible in a line-of-sight with your remote control in order to function properly.
Page 5

Locating Controls And Ports

This section is intended to familiarize you with the controls, ports, and jacks that are available on your computer. Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features described, and the location of the controls, ports, and jacks, may vary from the illustrations shown in this section. To view the specific hardware configuration for your system, see the online Specifications sheet.
About the Front Panel
About the Side Panels
About the Back Panel
About the Keyboard
About the Mouse
About the Remote Control
Page 6

About the Front Panel

The front panel of your VAIO® computer is equipped with built-in stereo speakers and indicator lights.
Front panel
1 Stereo speakers (built-in)
The stereo speakers provide sound for software, audio, and video media.
2 Infrared Receiver
Communicates with the remote control (supplied), to turn on TV, change TV channels, and raise or lower volume.
3 Optical disc and hard disk drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data.
4 Memory Stick® media access indicator
Light is amber when the Memory Stick media slot is in use.
5 Power button
Press button from the right side to turn the computer on and off.
6 Power indicator
Light is green while the power is on and amber when the computer is in Stand by mode.
Do not press the Power button incorrectly, as this may cause damage to this control.
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About the Side Panels

The side panels of your computer contain the connections for supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the side panels help you locate and identify the connections on your computer.
Right panel
1 Optical drive eject button
Ejects a disc from the optical drive. See the online specification sheet for optical drive information.
2 Optical drive
See the online specifications sheet for optical drive information.
3 Memory Stick® media slot
Reads and writes data from a Memory Stick media.
4 PC Card slot
A PC Card (PCMCIA Card) can be inserted into this slot to increase your computer's functional capabilities.
Left panel
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1 Composite audio L In jack1
Connection for an audio cable (optional).
Composite audio R In jack1
Connection for an audio cable (optional).
2 Composite video In jack1
Connection for a video cable (optional).
S-video In jack1
Connection for an S-video cable (optional).
3 VHF/UHF port1
Connection for a TV coaxial cable (supplied).
4 Headphones jack
Connection for optional external speakers or headphones.
5 Line In jack
Connection for an audio device.
6 Microphone jack
Connection for a microphone (optional).
7 Connect button
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Press to enable the system unit to communicate with the wireless keyboard and optical mouse.
8 Modem line jack2
Connection for the modem cable (supplied) to the wall jack.
9 i.LINK 4-pin S400 port
Connection for i.LINK compatible digital devices (IEEE 1394).
10 Ethernet port
Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet.
(The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)
11 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (2)
Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.
1
A vailable only on models equipped with Giga P ocket® P ers onal V ideo Recorder features.
2
A n optional "1-to-2" jack adapter device (splitter) is required to connect both a telephone and modem line to your computer.
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 programs, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.
Refer to the documentation supplied 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 AC power and USB ports.
Back panel
1 AC Input port
Connection for the supplied power cord.
2 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (2)
Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.
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About the Keyboard

Your VAIO® computer is supplied with a wireless keyboard that has a standard key arrangement and additional keys that perform specific functions. Before attempting to use the wireless keyboard with your computer, see Connecting the
Wireless Keyboard.
Wireless keyboard (Top)
KEY DESCRIPTION
Standby
Press the button to place the computer in Standby mode. Press the Power button or Standby key briefly
to resume normal operation.
S Keys Press the S key buttons to activate specific applications. Brightness Controls Press a button to increase (+) or decrease (-) the brightness of the monitor screen. Mute
Press the button to turn off the speaker sound. Press the Mute button again to restore sound.
Volume Control
Press a button to increase (+) or decrease (-) the volume of the speakers. 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. Numeric Keypad Use the numeric keypad 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 programs. Pressing this key is equivalent to clicking the right mouse button. Windows
The Microsoft® Windows® key, displays the Start menu. Pressing this key is equivalent to clicking Start on the taskbar.
Wireless keyboard (Bottom)
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1 Battery compartment
Compartment for the supplied AA batteries.
2 Keyboard feet
Extend to adjust the keyboard height.
3 Connect button
Press to enable the keyboard to communicate with the system unit.
To set up the wireless keyboard
Insert two AA batteries (supplied) into the wireless keyboard as shown. You can check your keyboard's battery power level by clicking (Wireless Keyboard icon), located in the Windows® taskbar notification area.
Inserting batteries into the wireless keyboard
If your wireless keyboard does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced.
If your wireless keyboard is not being used for extended periods of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.
Page 13

About the Mouse

Your VAIO® computer is supplied with a wireless optical mouse. Before attempting to use the wireless optical mouse with your computer, see Connecting the Wireless Mouse.
Wireless mouse (Top)
1 Left mouse button
Press to perform specific mouse functions.
2 Wheel button
Rotate the wheel to scroll up and down on the monitor screen.
3 Right mouse button
Press to perform specific mouse functions.
Wireless mouse (Bottom)
1 Power switch
Slide switch to turn the mouse on and off.
2 Connect button
Press to enable communication between your VAIO computer and the wireless mouse.
To set up the wireless mouse
Insert two AA batteries (supplied) into the wireless mouse as shown. You can check your mouse's battery power level by
Page 14
clicking (Wireless Mouse icon), located in the Windows® taskbar notification area.
Inserting batteries into the wireless mouse
If your wireless mouse does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced.
If your wireless mouse is not being used for extended periods of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.
Page 15

About the Remote Control

The remote control is supplied with VAIO® computers that are equipped with Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder features1. 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 Giga Pocket remote control.
Remote control
1 MUTE button
Press to turn off the sound. Press again to restore the sound.
2 Channel number buttons (0-9)
Press to select specific channels.
(Press the ENTER button to activate channel selection.)
JUMP button
Press to go to the previous channel. Press again to return to the current channel.
ENTER button
Press to activate channel selection. See Channel number buttons.
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3 REC STOP button
Press to stop recording.
(Note: The REC STOP function is available for Giga Pocket software only.)
4 REC button
Press to begin recording.
(Note: The REC function is available for Giga Pocket software only.)
5 TV button
Press to switch from the on-screen image to the TV/Recording deck.
VIDEO button
Press to change to the external video equipment, such as your VCR.
(Note: You cannot change the input source while recording.)
DVD button
Press to switch to an external DVD device, such as a DVD player.
MUSIC button
Press to start the SonicStage software.
HOME NETWORK button
Press to start the VAIO Media.
6 Direction and ENTER buttons
Press a direction arrow to navigate. Press ENTER to select.
7 BACK button
Press to return to the previous screen.
(Note: This function is not available for Giga Pocket software.)
8 APPLICATION START button
Press to start the Giga Pocket software.
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9 VOLUME button
Press to increase or decrease the volume.
10 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.)
11 AUDIO button
Press to view available sound mode options on the monitor/display.
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.)
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.
SIZE button
Press to view the current software in full-screen size. Press again to return the view to its original size.
12 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, press to change from the music drive (hard disk drive) to the CD.
13 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.
STOP button
Press to stop playback.
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PLAY button
Press to begin playback.
PAUSE button
Press to pause playback.
14 MENU button
Press to view a shortcut menu of available software programs. 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.)
15 TOOLS button
The function of this button may vary between DVD media. See the DVD player software instructions for details.
16 APPLICATION CLOSE button
Press to close the Giga Pocket software.
17 CHANNEL button
Press to change channels automatically (no number input required).
(Note: This function is available for Giga Pocket software only.)
For more details about the function buttons on your remote control, see 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
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.
1
See the online specific ation s heet for information about your c omputer's hardware c onfiguration.
Page 19

Setting Up Your Computer

You can set up your system quickly and easily with the instructions provided in this section. For details on your system's hardware configuration, see the online specifications sheet.
Connecting the Power Cord
Connecting the Wireless Keyboard
Connecting the Wireless Mouse
Connecting the Modem Cable
Turning on your Computer
Registering your Computer
Page 20

Connecting the Power Cord

The computer's power cord must be plugged into an AC power source, such as an AC wall outlet, surge protector, or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), before you can establish communication with your wireless keyboard and wireless mouse.
Your computer has the ability to be turned on its base and the power cord may become unplugged. You may
lose data if your system loses power while software programs are running. Use the supplied power cord clamp to avoid accidentally unplugging your computer.
1.
Remove the adhesive backing from the power cord clamp.
2.
Press the clamp firmly against the back panel near the AC input port.
Attaching the power cord clamp
3.
Plug the power cord into the AC input port on the back panel of the computer.
4.
Use a coin to open the clamp, and then insert the power cord.
Inserting the power cord into the clamp
5.
Plug the power cord into a grounded AC wall outlet, surge protector, or UPS.
Connecting the power cord
Page 21
Install your computer so you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency.
Page 22

Connecting the Wireless Keyboard

Your VAIO® computer is supplied with a wireless keyboard. Before attempting to use the wireless keyboard, you must enable communication between the computer and the keyboard.
When attempting to connect the wireless keyboard, confirm that the AA batteries (supplied) are properly inserted into the keyboard before your computer is turned on.
To connect the wireless keyboard
1.
Press the CONNECT button on the left panel of the computer.
2.
Turn the wireless keyboard over.
3.
Press the CONNECT button to activate communication between the wireless keyboard and the computer
Connecting the keyboard
Additional information about the wireless keyboard
The wireless keyboard requires unobstructed communication with the system unit for proper operation.
Do not exceed a maximum distance of 2 feet between your VAIO® computer and your wireless keyboard.
Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly installed.
Press the CONNECT buttons located on the left panel of the computer and on the bottom of the keyboard, to
establish communication between the equipment.
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Connecting the Wireless Mouse

Your VAIO® computer is supplied with a wireless mouse. Before attempting to use the wireless mouse, you must enable communication between the computer and the mouse.
When attempting to connect the wireless mouse, confirm that the AA batteries (supplied) are properly inserted into the mouse before your computer is turned on.
To connect the wireless optical mouse
1.
Press the CONNECT button on the left panel of the computer.
2.
Turn the wireless mouse over.
3.
Slide the power button to the ON position and press the CONNECT button.
Connecting the mouse
4.
Place the optical mouse on an appropriate surface to enable tracking.
Additional information about the wireless optical mouse
The wireless 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 patterns.
Avoid surfaces such as mirrors, smooth glass, or magazines that have half- tone printing.
The wireless optical mouse requires unobstructed communication with the system unit for proper operation.
Do not exceed a maximum distance of 2 feet between your VAIO® computer and your wireless mouse.
Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly installed.
Press the Connect buttons located on the left panel of the computer and on the bottom of the mouse, to establish
the communication between the equipment.
Verify the infrared receiver on the computer's front panel is free of obstructions that may prevent proper operation.
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Connecting the Modem Cable

Your computer is equipped with a single modem line jack to connect the supplied modem cable to your telephone wall jack. To use your wall jack for your telephone and modem lines, purchase a "1-to-2" jack adapter device (splitter).
To connect the modem cable
1.
Unplug your telephone cable from the wall jack.
2.
Insert the telephone cable into one of the RJ-11 jacks on a splitter device (optional).
3.
Insert one end of the modem cable (supplied) into the other RJ-11 jack on the splitter device.
4.
Insert the plug end of the splitter device into the wall jack.
5.
Plug the modem cable into the modem line jack on the computer.
Connecting the modem cable
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 that can cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the port. For help on connecting to a network, see your network administrator.
Page 25

Turning on your Computer

Press the power button from the right side, to turn the computer on and off.
Do not press the Power button incorrectly, as this may cause damage to this control.
Turning on your computer
When you start your computer, it may detect new hardware and prompt you to restart your computer. Respond to this prompt immediately.
Page 26

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 it on. 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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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 programs are available on certain VAIO® computers. See your computer's online specification sheet for details on your system configuration.
An Overview of 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

An Overview of 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.
Converting 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 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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