Sony VGC-RB64GY 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 computer.

View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about your computer.

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Go to the Sony online support Web site, to view the VAIO® Computer Specifications, which lists your computer's

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hardware specifications and preinstalled software information.

You are prompted to register your computer the first time you turn on the computer. Follow the on-screen

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instructions to complete the registration process. If you are not able to register your computer during the first session, you can register your computer online at the Sony VAIO PC Registration Web site. Go to

http://www.sony.com/vaioregistration.

For information about the Sony software preinstalled on your computer, click Start in the Windows® taskbar, click All

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Programs, and then click VAIO Central. Click the System Information tab, click the System Information folder, then double-click Software Information.

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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

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Planning an Ergonomic Work Space

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Unpacking Your Computer

Your computer may not be supplied with all of the accessories shown, depending on the computer configuration 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 utility to recover your computer's operating system and preinstalled software.

Computer and supplied accessories

*T his ac c es sory is available with c ertain c omputer models or may vary in appearanc e. See your c omputer's s pecific ation s heet for details on your computer's s upplied ac c essories .

N ot s upplied with all V A I O® c omputer models . See your c omputer's s pec ific ation s heet for details on your c omputer's s upplied ac c es sories.

Manuals

VAIO® Computer Safety Inform ation — Provides safety/legal guidelines and owner information.

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VAIO® Computer Welcom e — Provides information about supplied accessories and your computer's hardware

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configuration.

Online Documentation

VAIO® Computer User Guide — Contains features and specifications of your computer. It also includes information

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on the Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition operating system1, the software programs included with your computer, and solving common problems.

To access the online User Guide:

Click Start in the Windows® taskbar, click All Programs, then click VAIO Support Central.

From the VAIO Support Central menu, click VAIO Documentation.

Click VAIO User Guide.

Specifications — The online specifications sheet provides information about the hardware and software

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configuration of your VAIO computer. Review the specifications sheet to verify supplied accessories and the

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operating system installed on your computer.

To view the online specifications sheet:

Connect to the Internet.

Go to the Sony online support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

Click the Manuals/Specs/Warranty button and follow the on-screen instructions to locate your model's specifications sheet.

Creating CDs or DVDs with Sony software

Create picture & video with:

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DVDs with Click to DVD software — Make picture or personal video DVDs. Use JPEG, BMP, of TIFF files for slide shows; import MPEG, AVI, or Microsoft® DVR-MS files for video, or capture footage from an i.LINK / IEEE 1394 camera or analog source.

Create music CDs with:

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SonicStage software — Burn music CDs from MP3, WMA, and WAV; create ATRAC CDs for your Sony ATRAC CD Walkman; or make backup copies of your CDs.

SonicStage Mastering Studio software — Burn music CDs of your collection of vinyl records or cassette tapes.

Sonic DigitalMedia!® software — Burn music CDs from MP3, WMA, WAV, and CDA files, or make backup copies of

your CDs.

Back up your data with:

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Sonic DigitalMedia!® software — Drag-and-drop to make custom data CDs or DVDs, or make backup copies of your CDs and DVDs.

For more information about using the Sony software programs preinstalled on your computer, visit VAIO Central.

To access this software information:

Click Start in the Windows® taskbar, click All Programs, then click VAIO Central.

From the VAIO Central menu, click the System Information tab, then click the System Information folder.

Double-click Software Information.

Hard Disk Drive Recovery

Your computer is equipped with the VAIO Recovery utility program that recovers your computer's operating system and preinstalled software.

For online information about hard disk drive recovery:

Click Start in the Windows® taskbar, click All Programs, then click VAIO Support Central.

From the VAIO Support Central menu, click VAIO Documentation.

Click Recovery Guide.

You can create a VAIO Recovery Media Kit using CD-R, single layer DVD+R, or single layer DVD-R media on VAIO computers equipped with the appropriate optical drive (a CD-RW, DVD-RW, or DVD±RW drive).

DVD+RW, DVD-RW, double layer DVD+R, and double layer DVD-R media cannot be used to create a VAIO Recovery Media Kit.

Other

A software library, containing the Microsoft® software and Sony® end-user license agreements.

Your computer may not be equipped with Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition operating system or Media Center

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hardware features. See your computer's online specifications sheet for more information.

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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

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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 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 Ports

This section is intended to familiarize you with the controls, ports and jacks on your computer and supplied accessories. Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features or accessories. 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 computer, see the online Specifications sheet.

About the Front Panel

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About the Back Panel

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About the Keyboard

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About the Wireless Mouse

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About the Remote Control

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About the i.LINK Port

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About the Front Panel

The front panel of your VAIO® Computer enables access to drives, memory card readers, ports and jacks that enable you to connect compatible peripheral devices.

Front panel

Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features or accessories. The location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section.

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 SmartMedia (SM)/xD-Picture Card memory card reader

Reads and writes data from and to SmartMedia or xD-Picture Card media.

4 CompactFlash® and Microdrive memory card reader

Reads and writes data from and to CompactFlash and Microdrive media.

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5 Media access indicator1

Light is amber when reading or writing data to a memory card reader.

6 Power indicator (VAIO)

Light is white when the computer is on. The light turns off when the computer is in Standby mode or turned off.

7 Optical drive 1 eject button

Ejects a disc from Optical drive 1.

8 Optical drive 2 eject button

Ejects a disc from Optical drive 2.

9 i.LINK 4-pin S400 port (IEEE 1394)

Connection for a compatible digital device.

10 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (2)

Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.

11 Memory Stick® memory card reader

Reads and writes data from and to Memory Stick®, Memory Stick Pro , and Memory Stick Duo media.

12 Secure Digital (SD)/MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory card reader

Reads and writes data from and to a Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard (MMC).

13 Hard disk drive access indicator

Light is amber while the hard disk drive is reading and writing data.

14 Power button

The power button turns the computer on/off.

15 Standby indicator

Light is amber when the computer is placed in Standby mode.

The media access indicator lights when reading or writing data with the Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick®, SmartMedia ,

xD-Picture Card , or CompactFlash®/Microdrive slots.

i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connection. The i.LINK

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

To open the front panel cover

The front of your computer has a panel that covers memory card readers, USB and i.LINK® ports. Do not force the panel cover open or handle roughly.

Opening the front panel cover

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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

The available ports and jacks on your computer may vary from those shown in this illustration, based on the computer model purchased. See your computer's specification sheet for details on hardware configuration.

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.

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5 Monitor port1

Connection for a VGA monitor.

6 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (4)

Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices.

7 S/PDIF Optical Out port

Connection for a digital audio or optical device.

8 Composite audio R In jack2

Connection for an audio cable (optional).

Composite audio L In jack2

Connection for an audio cable (optional).

Composite video In jack2

Connection for a video cable (optional).

S-video In jack2

Connection for an S-video cable (optional).

9 Modem line jack3

Connection for an RJ-11 telephone cable (optional).

10 i.LINK 6-pin S400 port (IEEE 1394)

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

11 Ethernet port

Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T Ethernet.

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

12 Microphone jack

Connection for a microphone (optional).

Front/Headphones jack

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Connection for the supplied speakers (2-channel), front speakers (5.1 speaker system4), or optional headphones.

Line In jack

Connection for an audio device.

Woofer/Center jack5

Connection for a Sub-woofer6, control module, or center speaker (5.1 speaker system4)

Rear jack

Connection for rear speakers (5.1 speaker system4)

13 Monitor port1

Connection for a VGA monitor.

TV Out (S-video) jack7

Connection for an S-video cable.

DVI-D monitor port1

Connection for a DVI monitor.

14 VHF/UHF port2

Connection for a TV coaxial cable (supplied).

This monitor port is not available on all models. Do not connect both the DVI-D and VGA cables from a single monitor to the

computer at the same time. Doing so may cause display malfunctions with some applications.

These audio/video connections are not available on all models.

An optional "1-to-2" jack adapter device (splitter) is required to connect both a telephone and modem line to your

computer.

Certain VAIO computer models may be supplied with a 5.1 speaker system. See your computer's specifications sheet for

details on supplied accessories.

Speaker system connections vary by model and manufacturer. See the information supplied with your speaker system for

setup details.

A sub-woofer is available with certain VAIO computer models. See your computer's specification sheet for details about

supplied accessories.

This S-video jack is not available on all models. For details about your computer's hardware configuration, see the online

specifications sheet.

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About the Keyboard

This section describes the special and standard functions available for your keyboard. A wireless or PS/2®1 keyboard may be supplied with your VAIO® computer, based on the computer model purchased. See your computer's specifications sheet for details on your computer's supplied accessories.

A PS/2® keyboard is equipped with a PS/2 type connector that plugs into the back panel of your VAIO® computer.

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About the wireless keyboard

Set up your wireless keyboard and insert the batteries before attempting to establish communication between the keyboard and the computer. For instructions, see the section, Connecting a Wireless Keyboard.

Wireless keyboard (bottom)

1 Keyboard feet

Extend the feet to adjust the keyboard height.

2 CONNECT button

Press to enable the wireless keyboard to communicate with the computer.

3 Battery compartment

Compartment for the supplied AA batteries.

Identifying keys and functions

Your keyboard uses a standard key arrangement with additional keys that perform specific functions.

Wireless keyboard

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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 between software programs.

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 programs. 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.

BUTTON DESCRIPTION

Volume Increases (+) and decreases (-) the volume.

Mute Turns the sound off. Press again to restore sound.

Standby Places the computer in Stand by mode to reduce power consumption. Press any key briefly to resume normal

operation.

To set up a 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. A warning message may also

appear on the screen when the keyboard's battery power becomes low.

Do not mix old (used) and new batteries when replacing batteries in the wireless keyboard. Always use

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the same type and manufacture of battery. Using incompatible batteries or mixing used/new batteries can damage the keyboard.

Inserting batteries into the wireless keyboard

If your wireless keyboard does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. When your wireless keyboard is not being used for extended periods of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

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About the Keyboard (wired)

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 speaker sound. 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.

Directional Arrows The Up, Down, Left, and Right arrow keys move the pointer on the screen.

Applications

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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

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.

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About the Wireless Mouse

Your VAIO® computer may be supplied with a wireless optical mouse1. Before attempting to use the wireless optical mouse with your computer, see the section, Connecting the Wireless Optical Mouse.

Wireless mouse (top)

1 Left mouse button

Press to perform specific mouse functions.

2 Wheel

Rotate the wheel to scroll up or down on the LCD screen.

3 Right mouse button

Press to perform specific mouse functions.

Wireless mouse (Side and bottom )

1 Power switch

Slide power switch to turn the mouse on or off.

2 CONNECT button

Press to enable communication between your VAIO® computer and the wireless mouse.

To set up the wireless mouse

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Insert two AA batteries (supplied) into the wireless mouse as shown. You can check your mouse's battery power level by

clicking (wireless mouse icon), located in the Windows® taskbar notification area.

Do not mix old (used) and new batteries when replacing batteries in the wireless mouse. Always use the same

type and manufacture of battery. Using incompatible batteries or mixing used/new batteries can damage the mouse.

Inserting batteries into the wireless mouse

If your wireless mouse does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. When your wireless mouse is not being used for extended periods of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

See your computer's specifications sheet for details about supplied accessories.

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About the Wireless Mouse

Your VAIO® computer may be supplied with a wireless optical mouse1. Before attempting to use the wireless optical mouse with your computer, see the section, Connecting the Wireless Optical Mouse.

Wireless mouse (top)

1 Left mouse button

Press to perform specific mouse functions.

2 Wheel

Rotate the wheel to scroll up or down on the LCD screen.

3 Right mouse button

Press to perform specific mouse functions.

Wireless mouse (Side and bottom )

1 Power switch

Slide power switch to turn the mouse on or off.

2 CONNECT button

Press to enable communication between your VAIO® computer and the wireless mouse.

To set up the wireless mouse

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Insert two AA batteries (supplied) into the wireless mouse as shown. You can check your mouse's battery power level by

clicking (wireless mouse icon), located in the Windows® taskbar notification area.

Do not mix old (used) and new batteries when replacing batteries in the wireless mouse. Always use the same

type and manufacture of battery. Using incompatible batteries or mixing used/new batteries can damage the mouse.

Inserting batteries into the wireless mouse

See your computer's specifications sheet for details about supplied accessories.

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About the Remote Control

The Media Center remote control is supplied with certain VAIO® computer models that are equipped with the Microsoft

Windows® XP Media Center Edition1 operating system. For details about supplied accessories, see your computer's online specifications sheet.

Remote control

The Media Center 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 MY MUSIC button

Press to view and listen to your music playlists.

2 MY TV button

Press to view the My TV menu.

STOP button

Press to stop media playback or TV recording session.

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PAUSE button

Press to pause media playback. Press again to resume playback.

FWD button

Press to fast-forward media at three speeds.

SKIP button

Press to move media forward, for example, one audio track, one DVD chapter, and 30 seconds of recorded TV or video.

REPLAY button

Press to move media backward, for example, one audio track, one DVD chapter, and seven seconds of TV or video.

REW button

Press to move media backward at three speeds.

RECORD button

Press to begin recording.

PLAY button

Press to begin media playback.

4 BACK button

Press to return to the previous window.

5 VOL button

Press to increase (+) or decrease (-) the volume.

6 RECORDED TV button

Press to view previously recorded TV programs (In My TV window)

7 GUIDE button

Press to view the TV program guide for your area.

8 Channel number buttons (0-9)

Press to select specific channels or enter text.

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(Press Enter or OK to activate the channel selection.)

9 CLEAR button

Use to backspace and delete entered text.

10 STANDBY button

Press to place the computer in Stand by mode to reduce power consumption.

11 MY PICTURES button

Press to view pictures or a slide show.

12 MY VIDEOS button

Press to view videos from your video collection.

13 MORE button

Press to view additional options that are available for Media Center features.

14 Directional arrow buttons

Press the Up, Down, Left, and Right arrow buttons to move the pointer on the screen.

OK button

Press OK to select the desired action or window option. If watching full-screen TV press OK to return to the previous channel. Press OK again to switch between channels.

15 CH/PG (Channel/Page) button

Press to change or page up/down channels (no number input required).

16 START button

Press to open the Media Center Start menu.

MUTE button

Press to turn off the sound. Press again to restore the sound.

17 DVD MENU button

Press to open the main menu on a DVD.

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18 LIVE TV button

Press to view TV programming.

19 ENTER button

Press to activate feature or action, such as channel selection or return to previous channel. (This button's actions are similar to using the OK button.)

Setting up the remote control

Turn the remote control over.

Press in the tab and lift the battery cover up.

Insert two AA batteries (supplied) into the remote control as shown.

Align the battery cover to the remote control.

Press down until the cover clicks into place.

Inserting batteries into the remote control

If your remote control does not operate properly, you may need to replace the batteries. When your remote control is not being used for extended periods of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

Your computer may not be equipped with Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition operating system or supplied with

Media Center accessories. See your computer's online specifications sheet for more information.

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About the i.LINK Port

Your VAIO® computer is equipped with a 4-pin and a 6-pin i.LINK® port. A 4-pin i.LINK port cannot supply power to a connected i.LINK device. A 6-pin i.LINK port can supply power (10V to 12V) to a connected i.LINK device, if the device is equipped with a 6-pin connector.

The total power supplied by the 6-pin i.LINK port does not exceed 6 watts.

Connecting an i.LINK (IEEE 1394) device

Use the symbol to locate the i.LINK port on your compatible i.LINK device and on your computer. Plug the i.LINK cable connector into this port.

Plug the other end of the cable into the corresponding 4- or 6-pin i.LINK port on your computer.

See the instructions supplied with your i.LINK device for more information on installation and use.

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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 in this section. See the online Specifications sheet for your computer's hardware configuration.

Connecting a Display (Monitor)

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Connecting the Radio Frequency Receiver

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Connecting a Wireless Keyboard

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Connecting the Wireless Optical Mouse

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Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse

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Connecting 5.1 (6-Channel) Speaker Systems

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Configuring Software for Your Speaker System

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Configuring Software for Your Speaker System

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Connecting the Power Cords

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Turning On Your Computer

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Connecting a Display (Monitor)

The location, availability, and type of the monitor port may vary, depending on the model purchased. See the specifications sheet for your computer on the Sony Online Support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport, for details about your computer's hardware configuration

Plug the display's cable into the appropriate monitor port.

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

To connect a display

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

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