Sony VGX-XL1A - Digital Living System Computer, VGP-XL1B - Vaio Digital Living System Media Changer User Manual

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VGX-XL1 Disclaimers, Notes, Warnings

NOTICE

© 2005 Sony Electronics Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. This
manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine­readable form without prior written approval.

SONY ELECTRONICS INC. PROVIDES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE
SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO THIS
MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR SUCH OTHER INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL SONY ELECTRONICS INC. BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON TORT, CONTRACT,
OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE USE THEREOF.

SONY CANNOT WARRANT THAT THE FUNCTIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS GUIDE WILL BE
UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE. SONY ALSO ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY, AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
ANY DAMAGES TO, OR VIRUSES THAT MAY INFECT, YOUR COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, OR OTHER PROPERTY ON
ACCOUNT OF YOUR ACCESS TO, USE OF, OR BROWSING IN ANY DESCRIBED WEB SITE, OR YOUR DOWNLOADING
OF ANY MATERIALS, DATA, TEXT, IMAGES, VIDEO, OR AUDIO FROM ANY DESCRIBED WEB SITE. WEB SITE
INFORMATION IS OBTAINED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND MAY BE INACCURATE. COPIES OF COPYRIGHTED
INFORMATION MAY ONLY BE MADE FOR LEGALLY PERMISSIBLE PURPOSES.

Sony Electronics Inc. reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time
without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.

This product contains software owned by Sony and licensed by third parties. Use of such software is subject to the terms and
conditions of license agreements enclosed with this product. Some of the software may not be transported or used outside the
United States. Software specifications are subject to change without notice and may not necessarily be identical to current retail
versions.

Certain product(s) included with this computer may include features such as copy protection and content
management technology. USE OF THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT(S) REQUIRES AGREEMENT TO
APPLICABLE END USER AGREEMENTS AND FULL COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE PRODUCT ACTIVATION
PROCEDURES. Product activation procedures and privacy policies will be detailed during initial launch of the software
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by Internet or telephone (toll charges may apply). Updates and additions to software may require an additional charge.
Subscriptions to online service providers may require a fee and credit card information. Financial services may require prior
arrangements with participating financial institutions.

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Important information for Canadian customers: Your new Media Changer/Recorder includes certain software versions
or upgrades, and Internet services or offers that are available to U.S. customers only.

Sony, VAIO, the V AIO logo, VAIO Digital Studio, VAIO Media, V AIO Media Music Server , VAIO Media Photo Server, VAIO Media
Video Server, VAIO Zone, Click to DVD, CLIÉ, DVgate Plus, Handycam, MagicGate, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, the
Memory Stick logo, OpenMG, MICROMV, SonicStage, PictureGear, ImageStation, ATRAC3, and i.LINK are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Sony.

Intel and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Intel Corporation.

Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.

PS/2 is a registered trademark of the IBM Corporation.

All other trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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Contents

Welcome .................................................................................................................... 1

What is VGX-XL1? .................................................................................................................................2

Benefits of the VGX-XL1 ........................................................................................................................3

VGX-XL1A Features ..............................................................................................................................4

VGP-XL1B Features ..............................................................................................................................5

Getting Started............................................................................................................................... ... ... . 6

Using the Remote Control ..............................................................................................................7

Using the Wireless Keyboard ............................................................................. ... .... ... ... ... .... ........8

Getting Around Media Center .........................................................................................................9

Adding files to Media Center ........................................................................................................10

Using the Search Feature .............................................................................................................11

Support Resources ................................................... .... ... ... ... ... .... ................................................12

Media Center Setup ................................................................................................ 13

Settings ...................................................................................................................... ..........................14

General ........................................ .......................................................... .......................................15

Set Up and Window Behavior ................................................................................................16

Visual and Sound Effects .......................................................................................................17

More Programs Options ..................................... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..........................................18

Media Center Setup ........ ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... .......................................................................19

Set Up Internet Connection .............................................................................................20

Set Up TV Signal .............................................................................................................21

Set Up Your Speakers .....................................................................................................22

Configure Your TV or Monitor ..........................................................................................23

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Set Up Remote Desktop ................................................................................................. 24

Automatic Updates ... .... ... ... ... .... ......................................................................................25

Join Wireless Network ........................ ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ................................................ 26

Run Media Center Setup Again ................................................................... .... ... ............27

Restore Start Page Defaults ........................................................................................... 28

Parental Controls ............................................................................................................ 29

Automatic Download Options ..........................................................................................30

Optimization .................................................................................................................... 31

About Media Center ........................................................................................................32

Privacy ............................................................................................................................33

TV ..................................................................................................................... ... ... ......................34

Recorder .......................................... ................................................... ................................... 35

History ....................................... ....................................................................... ...............36

Recorder Storage ............................................................................................................ 37

Recording Defaults ..........................................................................................................38

Guide ..................................................................................................................................... 39

Edit Channels ..................................................................................................................40

Add Missing Channels .................................................................................................... 41

Set Up Guide Listings ..................................................................................................... 42

Additional Guide Information . .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ................................................ 43

Set Up TV Signal ................................................................................................................... 44

Configure Your TV or Monitor ................................................................................................45

Audio ..................................................................................................................................... 46

Pictures ........................................................................................................................................47

Music .................................. ................................ ................................. ......................................... 48

Visualizations ............................... ....................... ....................... ...................... ...................... 49

Visualizations Options ........................................................................................................... 50

DVD .................................................................................................................. ... ... ......................51

DVD Language ...................................... ... ... .... ... ... ................................................................ 52

DVD Audio .................................................................... ... ... ... .... ... ......................................... 53

Closed Captioning .... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ...................................................................... 54

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Remote Control Options .........................................................................................................55

Messenger and Caller ID Settings ................................................................................................56

Help ..............................................................................................................................................57

Media Center Features ...........................................................................................61

Experience Media Center .....................................................................................................................62

My DVDs ....................................................................................................................... .......................64

Loading and Unloading Discs .......................................................................................................65

Viewing DVD Movies ....................................................................................................................67

DVD Movie Controls..................................................................................................................... 68

Online Spotlight ....................................................................................................................................70

My Videos ............................................................................................................................................71

Organize Your Videos Media Center ............................................................................................72

Play Your Videos ..........................................................................................................................73

More Information ..........................................................................................................................74

Create a DVD/CD .........................................................................................................................75

Import/Edit Video ................................ ... ... ... .................................................................................76

My Pictures ..........................................................................................................................................78

Organize Your Pictures ................................................................................................................79

View Your Pictures .......................................................................................................................80

Edit Your Pictures .........................................................................................................................81

Play a Slide Show .........................................................................................................................82

Create a CD/DVD .........................................................................................................................83

Picture Details .................................... ..........................................................................................84

My TV ...................................................................................................................................................86

My TV Features............................................................................................................................ 87

Watch Live TV ..............................................................................................................................88

View the Guide .............................................................................................................................89

Record and Schedule Programs .................................................................................................. 91

Watch Recorded Programs ..........................................................................................................93

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Search for a Program ................................................................................................................... 94

Search for a Feature Movie .......................................................................................................... 95

My Music .............................................................................................................................................96

Organize Your Music Files ........................................................................................................... 97

Play Music .................................................................................................................................... 98

Queue Music ................................................................................................................................ 99

Add Music .................................................................................................................................. 100

Create and Organize Playlists .................................................................................................... 101

Create DVD ....................................................................................................................................... 103

Main Screen ............................................................................................................................... 104

My Changer .......................................................................................................................................105

My Changer Music .....................................................................................................................106

Copy Music ................................................................................................................................ 107

Archive TV ............................. .... ... ... ... .... .................................................................................... 109

More Programs .................................................................................................................................. 111

Manage Discs ............................................................................................................................ 112

Manage Discs: Media Types ........................................................................... ... .... ... ... ... ... . 113

Loading & Unloading Media Discs .......................................................................................114

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Welcome to the VGX-XL1: Sony’s Digital Living System™

VAIO® PC VGX-XL1

Welcome

The VGX-XL1 is both a powerful
computer and a state of the art home
entertainment system.

Let VGX-XL1 lead you into the exciting
world of VAIO where new standards are
established for digital content
management.

The design of VGX-XL1 allows it to
easily fit into any decor, thus completing
your video, audio, and Internet
experience by bringing powerful PC
capabilities to your home theatre—all in
the comfort of your living room.

What is VGX-XL1?........................ 2

What are the Benefits ................. 3

What are the Features ................. 4

Getting Started ............................ 6

Using the Remote Control .......... 7

Using the Wireless Keyboard ..... 8

Getting Around Media Center .... 9

Adding Files to Media Center ..... 10

Using the Search Feature ........... 11

Support Resources ..................... 12

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What is VGX-XL1?

The VGX-XL1 is composed of two
products combined to bring you the
ultimate experience in digital home
entertainment.

VGX-XL1 works just like any other
computer, EXCEPT IT OFFERS MORE!
More of the latest technology and
excellence you have come to expect
from Sony.

XL1A XL1B

• Controls the combined products • 200 disc Media Changer/Recorder

• Leverages the latest Intel components • Burning of content to optical media

• Uses the latest Microsoft® Windows®
XP Media Center operating system

• Storage, archiving, and playback of
your CD/DVD library

• Offers High Definition connectivity for
Sony HD Camcorders

• Easily connects to the XL1A computer
through a single i.LINK® cable

What is VGX-XL1?

3

Sony establishes new standards in video and audio home entertainment, and digital
content management with the VGX-XL1 Digital Living System™.

Playback and manage your entire media
library through your home theatre, using
a remote control or wireless keyboard.
View it all on your TV or monitor for the
optimal entertainment experience.

• Packaged Content

Music CD’s
Movie DVD’s

• Personal Content

Digital Pictures
HD Camcorder
Mini DV Camcorder

• Internet Content

downloaded Music
Movies
Pictures
Recorded TV
Streaming Video

Full Digital Living System functionality for
the living room or den.

• Operates using the latest Microsoft®
Windows® XP operating system

(MCE) augmented with advanced
VAIO® functionality.

• Enjoy the content of your media library
through your TV/monitor and your
home theatre.

• Multi-disc audio CD-ROM copying

• Multi-disc DVD burning

• HD connectivity with Sony HD
Camcorder

• Simplified TV series archiving through
sequential copying to DVD.

Benefits of the VGX-XL1

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The XL1A is equipped with the following additional features:

The XL1A is a technologically advanced
and powerful computer that will be right at
home in your living room or den. Surf the
Internet, download music and movies,
record TV, watch videos, make copies of
media files, and more— all managed
using the wireless keyboard w/intragrated
pointing device and the remote control.

Cutting Edge IT Architecture Pentium D, DDR 2 RAM, PCI-E graphics, S-ATA

drives, RAID enabled, and multitasking.

High Storage Capacity Internal storage to 1.5 TB (one trillion bytes) w/RAID.
Enhanced Connectivity PC, wired, and wireless connectivity.
Combination Optical Drive Allows for fast disk access and System Recovery.

Note: This drive is read only, not write. To write files,
use the Media Changer/Recorder.

Enhanced Remote Control Control MCE features, including surfing the Internet.
Improved Web Surfing Remote Control navigation and alphanumeric input.

VGX-XL1A Features

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The VGP-XL1B is equipped with the following additional features:

The VGP-XL1B is a disc media changer
and recorder with an impressive ability to
store 200 CD/DVD media discs. Enjoy a
media library where you can view your
DVD movies, listen to your CDs and
have access to enhanced V AIO soft ware
that lets you do multi-disc ripping of CDs
and burning of CD/DVDs.

Disc Media Storage 200 Disc capacity.
Disc Media Support CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+/-R/RW, DVD+R DL Double Layer

media, Redbook Audio CDs, Movie DVDs (U.S. is default)

Note: This unit does not support DualDisc media.

Ease of Use

Simple iLINK® connection to XL1A. Customized software
features: Manage Discs and My Changer - gives you

control of the discs in the media changer including auto
ripping and multi-disc burning, and multi loading/ ejecting.

Remote Control

Specific remote-control-friendly operations.

VGP-XL1B Features

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VGX-XL1 uses the Mircosoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition operating system

(MCE). This version has all of the features and capabilities of other XP operating
systems, with one major difference—Media Center. This group of advanced features
takes you into the world of digital home entertainment, bringing all of your

entertainment sources together in a single location, easily managed by the VAIO®
remote control or the VAIO® wireless keyboard.

This guide will focus on the “living room” experience, using Media Center and the
remote control to perform all tasks. The next few pages provide examples of how to
get around and perform tasks in Media Center. Then, you will be guided through
setting up Media Center, and finally, an overview of available features.

This guide provides an overview of Media Center and
additional advanced features unique to VGX-XL1

Digital Living System™.

Getting Started

7

Using the Remote Control

Press a Remote Control button to do the following:

Start MY TV, MY MUSIC, MY PICTURES, MY VIDEO in Media
Center. Press

STANDBY to place your computer in Standby

mode.
Control the playback for TV, MUSIC, VIDEOS, and ends a side

show. Buttons include:

STOP, PAUSE, FWD, SKIP, REPLAY,

REW, and RECORD. The right arrow button serves as a PLAY

button.
Use the arrow buttons to move to a specific location, the OK

button to make your selection, the

BACK button to go to the

previous screen, and the

MORE button to view additional

information.
Use the START button to open Media Center. Volume Controls

(

VOL) are on the left and Channel (CH) or Page (PG) on the

right of the

START button. A MUTE button is also provided to

suppress sound.

Important Note: The VAIO

®

remote control will NOT control
the sound for your TV. You must use the remote control that
you are currently using to control the sound for your TV.

Open the following screens RECORDED TV, GUIDE, LIVE TV,

DVD MENU. (DVD MENU is available only when Media Center

is active.)
Use these buttons to change channels and enter text or

numbers in a specific location.

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

8

Below is a picture of your wireless keyboard and built-in touch pad (mouse) with
specialized functions identified.

Before using the keyboard, you must activate communication between the computer
and the keyboard. Please complete the following steps for keyboard installation.

Step 1: Insert the batteries Step 2: Activate Communication

• Turn the keyboard over • Slide the Power button to On

• Open the battery compartment • Turn the keyboard over

• Insert supplied batteries as indicated • Slide Pointing Device button to On

• Replace battery compartment cover • Press Connect on computer and on
back of keyboard at the same time.

• Return keyboard to its upright position

Using the Wireless Keyboard

9

From inside Media Center:

Select this... To do this...

Start Media Center and return to Start menu.

Close Media Center. Options for close include Media
Center, Log Off, Shut Down, Restart, and Standby.

Open Media Center Help.

Press an arrow to move to a specific command or option.
Then press OK to make your selection.

Highlighted command button - Performs a function.

Green Highlight - Indicates selected object. Press OK.

Option button: Highlight, then press OK to select.

Minus/Plus button: Press OK for more options in a list.

Check boxes: Highlight, then press OK to select.

Getting Around Media Center

10

You can add media files to recognized folders in the following ways:

• Copy files or folders directly to recognized folders using Windows Explorer.

• Download media files (Internet, Music CD’s, Video) directly to recognized folders.

• Add additional folders, or shared folders for Media Center to recognize by pressing
the MORE button and selecting Add Pictures/Videos/Music/Recording from the
menu. Then follow the on-screen instructions.

In order to access your media files to view pictures, videos,

recorded TV, or listen to music you must place the files in a

folder recognized by Media Center. Media Center recognizes
the following folders located in the My Documents directory.

Note: The Recorded TV folder may be located in a separate partition on your hard drive.

Each time you open My Pictures, My Videos, or My

Music a message appears asking if you would like to

add new media files. You must respond to continue. To
add files, select Yes and follow the on-screen
instructions. This method will allow you to add folders, not individual files for Media
Center to recognize. If you select the Don’t ask me this again check box, you must
add media files by pressing the MORE button and selecting the “Add” menu
command.

Adding files to Media Center

11

Each time you press a button on the numeric keypad on the remote, you scroll
through the characters that are available for that button.

Press a number repeatedly to scroll through the choices that are available for that
number. With each repeated press of a number, a different character appears. When
entering text, you can also do the following:

• To switch between uppercase, lowercase, and symbol modes, press the CH/PG+
or CH/PG- button on the remote.

• To backspace, press the CLEAR button on the remote.

• To enter a space between words, press the (0) button on the remote.

• When you find the character you want, press the ENTER button on the remote.

In Media Center, you can search
through the TV listings or your media
library to find just the right TV show or
movie to watch, or just the right song to
listen too—all by remote control.

Use the keypad on the remote control
to enter text, much like you would using
an address book on a cellular phone.

Using the Search Feature

12

To access VAIO Support Central, do the following:

1 Using your wireless keyboard with intragrated pointing device, click the Windows

Start button.

2 From the Start menu, click All Programs.
3 From the All Programs menu, click VAIO Support Central.

Note: You must be connected to the Internet to access some of the VAIO Support Central features.

VAIO® Support Central

provides you with a single
location for all of your support
needs and allows you to easily
access valuable support and
technical information from

Sony and Microsoft.

Keep your VAIO computer’s
system software and operating
system updated using VAIO

Web Support and Microsoft
Update.

Support Resources

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Welcome to Sony VAIO and Microsoft Windows XP Media Center

With VAIO and Media Center, you can bring all of your entertainment
sources—TV, Recording, Music, Pictures, CD/DVD Player, Internet— together in a
single location. This guide will assist you in setting up Media Center for your distinct
entertainment needs, and then provide you with an overview of the major features.

Media Center Setup

Sony VAIO® and Microsoft®
Windows® XP Media Center

Edition 2005 lets you do amazing
things with your VAIO Digital
Living System™ Personal
Computer. With a full range of
powerful, yet easy-to-use digital
entertainment features, you can
experience TV, movies, music,
and photos like never before.

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Start Menu | Settings

Settings

Once you have set up your computer and have
connected the Media Changer/Recorder and any
additional hardware devices, you are ready to
set up your Media Center preferences.

The first time you start Media Center, a setup
“wizard” (a series of setup screens) opens. To
enjoy the full benefit of Media Center, it is best to
complete all screens. You may return to Settings
at any time to change your preferences.

Please note: The Media Center setup wizard

requires Internet connection to complete the
process. Also, remember to check for Windows
updates before you begin to make sure Media
Center has the most recent software and
security updates.

Note: The Media Center Radio
feature is not supported by
Sony VAIO.

General........................... 15

TV..................................... 34

Pictures........................... 47

Music............................... 48

DVD................................. 51

Messenger and Caller ID 56

Help................................. 57

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Start Menu | Settings | General

General

The General settings are a series of
options that effect Media Center and
some general preferences for your
computer.

You might want to take the time to
review all of the General settings
options to see what might improve your
entertainment experience.

Start Up and Window Behavior... 16

Visual and Sound Effects............ 17

More Programs Options.............. 18

Media Center Setup..................... 19

Parental Controls......................... 29

Automatic Downloads Options... 30

Optimization................................. 31

About Media Center..................... 32

Privacy.......................................... 33

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Start Menu | Settings | General

Use the arrow keys on your remote control to move to the buttons for each option.
Press the OK button to select (add a check mark) or deselect (remove a check mark).
When finished, select Save.

Start Up and Window
Behavior

You can decide how Media
Center starts and reacts to your
environment. You can determine
if Media Center:

• is always the top window.

• will warn you if a file or action
is not designed for Media
Center.

• starts when Windows starts.

• shows task bar notification.

•shows TV tips.

Set Up and Window Behavior

17

Start Menu | Settings | General

Use the arrow keys on your remote control to move to the buttons for each option.
Press the OK button to select (add a check mark) or deselect (remove a check mark).
To change the video background color, select the (+) or (-) button and press the OK
button. When finished, select Save.

Visual and Sound Effects

Adding visual and sound effects
can add a new dimension to your
entertainment enjoyment.

Here you can add transition
animations, play sounds when
navigating Media Center, and
even change your video
background color.

(Background colors include
Black, White and various shades
of Gray.)

Visual and Sound Effects

18

Start Menu | Settings | General

Use the arrow keys on your remote control to move to the buttons for each option.
Press the OK button to select (add a check mark) or deselect (remove a check mark).
When finished, select Save.

More Programs Options

Media Center has teamed with
other applications and Internet
sites to not only make your
entertainment experience better,
but to also make it easier to
create media, and to have
access to more entertainment
information.

You can control the media
experience in Media Center and
which application you can access
within Media Center.

More Programs Options

19

Start Menu | Settings | General

Media Center Setup

Media Center Setup takes you to the
basic level of settings that are required
for you to use Media Center.

Most of these options will guide you
through a “wizard” (a series of screens)
to make it easier for you to set up Media
Center and your entertainment
preferences.

Set Up Internet Connection........ 20

Set Up TV Signal.......................... 21

Set Up Your Speakers................. 22

Configure Your TV or Monitor... 23

Set Up Remote Desktop............. 24

Automatic Updates...................... 25

Join Wireless Network................. 26

Run Media Center Setup Again. 27

Restore Start Page Defaults....... 28

20

Start Menu | Settings | Media Center Setup

Set Up Internet
Connection

Media Center makes it easy to
set up your Internet connection.
Just read the on-screen
information and answer a few
questions—Media Center does
the rest!

The first thing you need to know
is if your Internet connection is
“always on”. If you do, the
computer will detect the signal
and finish most of the setup for
you.

Use the arrow keys on your remote control to
move the Yes or No option. Press the OK button
to select the option. Select Next to continue.

Set Up Internet Connection

21

Start Menu | Settings | Media Center Setup

If you choose Yes to let Media Center configure your TV signal, make sure you read
the Prepare for Automatic Configuration screen carefully before continuing.

Set Up TV Signal

Media Center makes it easy to
set up your TV signal for viewing.
Just read the on-screen
information and answer a few
questions—Media Center does
the rest!

You will need to confirm the
region that you live in and then
decide if you want Media Center
to automatically configure your
TV signal (recommended) or if
you want do it yourself.

Set Up TV Signal

22

Start Menu | Settings | Media Center Setup

After the test, select whether or not you heard sound coming from all your speakers
and select Next to continue. If the test was successful, you’re done! If not, Media
Center will provide you with additional setting options.

Installation Note: For the best possible sound, use the HDMI cable (if possible)

when connecting your speakers.

Set Up Your Speakers

Media Center makes it easy to
set up your speakers for your
listening pleasure. Just read the
on-screen information and
answer a few questions—Media
Center does the rest!

Media Center will ask you for the
number (or type) of speakers you
have and then select the Test
button.

Set Up Your Speakers