Sony VGX-XL3 User Manual

User Guide

Digital Living System™

VGX-XL3

VAIO® VGX-XL3 Disclaimers, Notes, Warnings

NOTICE

© 2006 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 PAR TICULA R PURPOSE WITH REG ARD T O THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR SUCH OTHER INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL SONY ELECTRONICS INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSE QUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAG ES, 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.

ImageStation, ATRAC3, and i.LINK are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony.

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. Sof tware 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 pri vacy policies will be detailed during initial launch of the software product(s), or upon certain reinstallations of the software product(s), or reconfigurations of the computer, and may be completed 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 institu tions.

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, Sony logo, VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO Digital Studio, VAIO Media, VAIO 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 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Electronics.

Intel and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Intel Corporation. Microsoft, Windows, the Windows logo, and Windows Vista are trademarks or registered trade-

marks of the Microsoft Corporation. CableCARD is a trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. PS/2 is a registered trademark of the IBM Corporation.

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

Introduction

Chapter 1:

Getting Started

Welcome to the VAIO® VGX-XL3 Digital Living System™ (DLS) User Guide. You can download updated user guide information by opening VAIO and Support and selecting Documentation. This guide contains the following information:

• Chapter 1: Getting Started

• Chapter 2: Setting Up Your VGX-XL3 DLS System

• Chapter 3: Hardware Upgrades & Maintenance

• Appendix A: Wireless Local Area Networks

• Appendix B: VAIO Media™ Software: Wireless Local Area Networks

• Appendix C: Setting Up Digital TV

• Appendix D: Hard Disk Drive Recovery

• Appendix E: RAID Configuration

• Appendix F: Troubleshooting

Help

What is the VGX-XL3 Digital Living System?

The VGX-XL3 DLS system is a powerful computer designed with the livingroom and your digital entertainmen t needs in mind. Add a CD/DVD changer or other perpherial devices, and it becomes the host fo r a state of the art home entertainment system. Let the VGX-XL3 DLS system lead you into the exciting world of VAIO content management.

where new technologies are est ablished for d igital

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 1

Product Specifications

VGX-XL3 Personal Computer

For complete hardware specifications, go to VAIO® Help and Support and select Product Specifications. [Start > All Programs > Help and Support]

Operating System Software

The operating system for the VGX-XL3 Digital Living System™ is Microsoft® Windows

provides you with additional features and PC capabilities and when teamed with Media Center, provides you with an even greater entertainment value.

Note: Even though the digital entertainment features of the VGX-XL3

computer are designed to work through Media Center, the features can also be accessed through independent software applications pre-installed on XL3 computer.

Media Center in Windows Vista™. VAIO value-added software

2 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Microsoft® Windows® Media Center in Windows Vista

™

The following list contains a high-level overview of the features available to you in Media Center. For in-depth information about each feature, go to the specific topic in the Media Center User Guide for Windows Vista document

located on your computer in VAIO

Help and Support.

Feature Description

Pictures + Video Enjoy access to all the pictures and video stored on

your hard drive. Categorize your pictures in as many folders as you wish. Then, select a group to view a single picture or a slide of all pictures in the folder. Organize, locate, view, and play your favorite video files in Media Center.

Music Enjoy access to all the music stored on your hard

drive. Organize, locate, and play your favorite music files in Media Center. Select only the music you want to burn to DVD.

TV + Movies Take control of your TV or movie viewing experience.

Watch live TV and movies, or record your favorite show for later viewing. Create DVDs from your favorite recorded TV series or movies. Select only the episodes you want to burn to DVD.

Tasks To enhance you entertainment experience, common

tasks are grouped together that provide quick access to all of the Media Center including settings, shutdown, burn cd/dvd, sync, add extender, and media only.

IMPORTANT: Sony® supports the lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of our products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law. TV programs and commercial DVDs that have been encrypted (protected) by the broadcaster cannot be copied and played back on any player other

than the one recorded to.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 3

Sony® Original Software and Other Applications

Sony original software and other programs can be acce sse d by selec tin g Windows Start > All Programs > [appl ication name]. For additional information about a specific application, start the application an d go to the

Help file for each software application.

Getting to know the VGX-XL3 DLS System

Unpacking the VAIO VGX-XL3 Personal Computer

See the fold-out sheet entitled “Getting to Know Your VGX-XL3 Digital Living System™” for supplied parts. Make sure you have the following items:

VGX-XL3 PC Wireless Keyboard w/Integrated Pointing Device WLAN Antenna Power Cord Infrared Blaster Cable HDMI™ Cable Optical S/PDIF Cable Keyboard Batteries (4) Remote Batteries (2) HDMI™ to DVI-D

Adapter

Keep all packaging material in case you need to move or ship the VGX-XL3 computer at a later time.

4 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Wireless Keyboard

Setting up the Keyboard

Insert the Batteries

On the back of the Keyboard, remove the battery compartment cover and insert four (4) Alkaline AA batteries (supplied) in the battery compartment. Replace the battery compartment cover.

Activate Wireless Keyboard Communication

Before using the keyboard, you must activate communications between the DLS computer and the wireless keyboard w/integrated pointing device.

To activate wireless keyboard communications

Make sure there are no obstructions between the VGX-XL3 computer and the wireless keyboard when activating communications.

1 On the front of the keyboard, slide the Power switch to On. 2 On the back of the keyboard, slide the Point Device switch to On. 3 On the back of the keyboard, and the front pan el of the VGX-XL3 computer,

press the connect buttons simultaneously and hold for a few seconds.

4 Test the keyboard and the pointing device to make sure both are functioning

properly.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 5

VAIO® Remote Control

For detailed information on the VAIO Remote Control, go to Chapter 1 in the Media Center User Guide for Windows Vista document located on your computer in VAIO

Setting Up the Remote Control

1 Use the START button (large green button) to

open Media Center. Press STANDBY (small green button) to place your computer in Standby mode. Control the playback for your media (TV, MUSIC, VIDEOS), and ends a slide show. Buttons include: STOP, PAUSE,

FWD, SKIP, REPLAY, REWIND, and RECORD. The right arrow button serves as a PLAY button. Press the BACK (<=) button to

go to the previous screen, and the MORE (i) button to view additional information.

2 Use the arrow buttons to move to a specific

location, the OK button to make your selection.

Help and Support

3 Volume Controls are on the left (press + to

increase or - to decrease) and Channel/Page on the right of the MUTE button. The MUTE

button is provided to suppress sound.

4 Open the following screens RECORDED TV,

GUIDE, LIVE TV, DVD MENU. (DVD MENU is

available only when Media Center is active.)

5 Use these buttons to change channels and

enter text or numbers in a specific location.

6 Use the APPLICATION SELECT button to

switch among open applications (this button works the same as Alt+Tab keys on the keyboard). To close the active application window, select the APPLICATION CLOSE button.

6 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Insert the Batteries

On the back of the remote control, remove the battery compartment cover and insert two (2) Sony battery compartment. Replace the battery compartment cover.

Note: When using the VAIO® remote control, remember to point the remote at

the VGX-XL3 personal computer, not at the TV or monitor.

Super Manganese Alkaline batteries (supplied) in the

About the Keyboard and Remote Control Batteries

When replacing batteries, the remote and keyboard will use any alkaline batteries. Please use the "same” kind of new batter i es fr om the sam e “manufacturer." Mixing new batteries and used batteries, and mixing different kinds of batteries (combination of manganese batteries and alkaline batteri es, etc.) can cause "leaking and damage".

Help Hints

• Turn the POWER switch "OFF" if you will not be using the keyboard for a while. Also, please take the batteries out if you will not be using the keyboard for a long time.

• The capacity of the batteries in the keyboard can be checked using the battery indicator located on the upper right of the keyboard.

• Replace the batteries when they get low. If you leave the batteries in the device even when the batteries are dead, it may cause leaking.

• Replace with new batteries after cleaning the liquid when liqui d leaks from the batteries.

• Use regular batteries. Re-chargeable batteries are not supported.

• Use alkaline batteries for the keyboard.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 7

VGX-XL3 Personal Computer Front Panel

The VGX-XL3 Personal Computer Front Inputs and Outputs

Power Button

Press to turn on the power to this device. If you press this button during the operation of this device, it will enter a sleep state and the power lamp will change colors.

Power Lamp

The power lamp turns green when the electric power to this device is turned on. The power lamp blinks orange when it is in Away mode, and turn orange when it is in Standby mode.

(Hard Disk) Access Lamp

The access lamp blinks orange when you read or write dat a by acce ssing the hard disc.

WLAN (Wireless Lan lamp)

The wireless LAN lamp turns green when the wireless LAN1 is ready to be used.

Blu-ray Disc™ Drive

The three different media formats to choose from are BD-R (Blu-ray Disc Recordable - recordable format for HD video recording and PC data stor age), BD-RE (Blu-ray Disc Re-writable - rewritable format for HD video recording and PC data storage), and BD-ROM (Blu-ray Disc Read Only Memory - read only format for HD movies, music, software, games, etc.).

8 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Eject button

Press when the disc is to be removed from the drive.

SmartMedia™ (SM) & xD-Picture Card™ memory card reader

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

Memory card access Lamp

It blinks orange when you read or write data from a "Memory Stick®", xDPicture Card, Smart Media, Compact Flash, or SD/MMC memory card.

CompactFlash® & Microdrive™ memory card reader

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

Memory Stick Pro™/Memory St ick Duo™

Data from the "Memory Stick®" is read and written.

Secure Digital (SD) & MultiMediaCard™ (MMC) memory card reader

Data from the SD or MMC memory card is read and written.

USB (Universial Serial Bus) Connector (x2)

Connects to a device which supports the USB standard. The connector supports the USB 2.0 standard an d can also be connected to

a device which supports the USB 1.1 standard.

i.LINK

S400 port (IEEE 1394 connector (4 pin)

Connects to an i.LINK® supported device.

S-VIDEO (S video input)

Connection for an S-Video cable.

Composite Audio/Video IN

Connection for an Audio/Video cables.

Connect Keyboard/Pointing Device

Use this button when activating the wireless keyboard/pointing device.

1. Requires compatible wireless access point(s). Some features may rely on Internet services which may require a fee.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 9

2. i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary depending on the software applications, operating system and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other. Please refer to the documentation that comes with any device having an i.LINK connection for information on compatibility, operating conditions and proper connection. For information on any Sony device having an i.LINK connection, contact Sony at 1-800-686-7669.

Using Memory Cards and Memory Card Readers

This section provides basic information about using your computer’s installed memory card readers and includes the following information:

• About Your Memory Card Readers

• About Memory Stick® Media

• Inserting a Memory Card

• Removing a Memory Card

• Sharing Memory Cards

About Your Memory Card Reader

Your VAIO® computer is equipped with memory card readers that are compatible with many popular types of memory cards. You can use your computer’s memory card readers to transfer data between digital cameras, camcorders, music players, and other audio/video devices.

10 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Supported Memory Card Readers and Compatible Media

Smart Media™ xD-Picture Card™

Secure Digital (SD) MultiMediaCard™

Compact Flash

Memory Stick Duo™

Memory Stick Pro™

Microdrive™

Memory Stick

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 11

About Memory Stick Media

Memory Stick® media are a compact, portable, and versatile data storage media designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with compatible devices. The following types of Memory Stick compatibility with your computer can vary.

media are available, but

• MagicGate™ Memory Stick® Media - Provides copyright protection with authentication and encryption, using Sony

MagicGate technology. Authentication ensures that protecte d con te n t is only tra n sfe rr ed betwe en compliant devices and media. Protected content can be recorded and transferred in an encrypted format that prevents unauthorized duplication or playback. You can store different data formats on a single Memory Stick media.

• Memory Stick Pro™ media - Provides MagicGate copyright protec tio n and high-speed data transfer features when used with comp atible Memory Stick PRO devices. VAIO

computers support Memory Stick PRO media for data storage purposes only. High-speed data transfer and MagicGate technology features, such as authentication and encryption, may not be available. You can store different data formats on a single Memory Stick media.

• Memory Stick Pro Duo™ media - Provides the same features and benefits of Memory Stick PRO™ media, in a form that is 1/3 smaller in size.

• Memory Stick® media - Provides data storage only. The Memory Stick media does not provide MagicGate technology or high-speed data transfer. You can store di fferent data formats on a single Memory Stick media.

• Memory Stick Duo™ media - Provides the same features and bene fits of MagicGate™ Memory Stick media, in a form that is 1/3 smaller in size.

Compatibility between software programs and Memory Stick® media formats may vary. At this time, Sony suggests using only MagicGate Memory Stick

media to store and transfer any data created with SonicStage

software.

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

regularly for the latest information on Memory Stick

media.

Note: Memory Stick media do not support AVI file playback directly from the

media. Copy the video file to your hard disk drive and then play back the file.

12 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Inserting a Memory Card

The memory card reader(s) are located be hind a protective cover on the front of the computer. To access the Memory Card Readers, flip the front cover down.

To insert Memory Cards

1 From the front panel, locate the appropriate reader(s) for the memory card(s)

you want to use.

2 Insert the memory card into the reader, in the direction indicated of the arrow

on the media. Do not force the card into the reader

Note: If the memory card does not go in easily, gently remove the card and

verify you are entering the card in the proper direction.

To Protect data on Memory Stick® Media

Some Memory Stick® media are equipped with a write-protect tab. The write protect tab prevents accidental changes to information recorded on your Memory Stick me dia. When you slide the write-protect tab to the LOCK position, your Memory Stick copy, or save information on the media while the write-protect tab in the

LOCK position. When you slide the tab to the un-LOCK position, you can

write to or modify your Memory Stick media’s contents.

media is write-protected. You cannot delete,

Locking the Memory Stick

If your computer stops recognizing your Memory Stick® media, you may have removed the media from the Memory Stick drive before the data access process completed. If this occurs, follow these steps:

1 Remove the Memory Stick® media from the slot. 2 Shut down your computer , closing any open soft ware programs, and then turn

your computer off.

3 Wait approximately 30 seconds, and then restart yo ur computer.

Your computer recognizes the Memory Stick® media, when you insert it into the Memory Stick slot again.

Removing a Memory Card

The correct way to remove a memory card from a memory card reader varies, depending upon the media, reader, or computer model. Use care when

removing a memory card to avoid damage to the reader or card.

Note: Do not remove a media card while the media access indicator light is

on. The card or its data may be damaged.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 13

To remove a Memory Stick® media, Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard™, SmartMedia™, or xD-Picture Card™ media

1 Firmly grasp the extended part of the memory card. 2 Pull to remove it.

To remove a CompactFlash® media

1 Firmly grasp the extended part of the memory card. 2 Pull to remove from the reader.

Sharing Memory Cards

If you plan to share your memory card between your VAIO® computer and devices such as a digital camera or music player, the card must be formatted properly. Follow the steps below to format your memory card.

1 Format the memory card by using it in the device first. See the information

supplied with the device for details how to format the memory card.

2 If your device does not recognize memory card that has been formatted by

your computer, so the following:

• Save the card’s contents to your hard disk drive.

• Reformat the memory card using the device, not your computer.

VGX-XL3 Personal Computer Back Panel

The VGX-XL3 Personal Computer Back Inputs and Outputs

14 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Line IN (L/R)

Connection for an external audio device.

Cable Card Slot

Connection for a cable card (supplied by your cable service provider).

ATSC Digital TV Antenna (VHF / UHF) or Antenna/Cable

Connection for over-the-air digital antenna, connection for cab le pr ovider, or external analog UHF/VHF antenna.

Line OUT (L/R)

Connection for an external audio device.

HDMI™

Connection for HDMI cable for high definition video and/or sound for TV.

Ethernet 10/100/1000baseT

Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T Ethernet. (The port marked with the Network symbol is for LAN connections only.)

USB 2.0 (x2) Universal Serial Bus

Connects to a device which supports the USB standard. The connector supports the USB 2.0 standard an d can also be connected to

a device which supports the USB 1.1 standard.

Optical S/PDIF IN

Connection for Audio In.

i.LINK

(x2)

Your VAIO® computer is equipped with one 4-pin (front panel) and two 6-pin

(back panel) i.LINK connected i.LINK to a connected i.LINK

ports. A 4-pin i.LINK port cannot supply power to a

device. A 6-pin i.LINK port can supply power (10V to 12V)

device, if the device is equipped with a 6-pin

connector.

Optical S/PDIF OUT & Coaxial S/PDIF OUT

Connections for Audio Out.

Wireless LAN Antenna

Connection for the supplied Wireless LAN Antenna.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 15

Infrared Transmitter OUT (x2)

Controls VCR, Cable or Satellite Set-top box, and other devices in MCE. One infrared transmitter is supplied.

Component Video OUT (480i, 480p,720p,1080i)

Connections for Video Out.

Power Cord

Connection for supplied power cord.

1. i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary depending on the software applications, operating system and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other. Please refer to the documentation that comes with any device having an i.LINK connection for information on compatibility, operating conditions and proper connection. For information on any Sony device having an i.LINK connection, contact Sony at 1-800-686-7669.

16 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Support Resources.

VAIO® Help and Support

VAIO Help and Support provides you with a single location for all of your support needs and allows you to easily access valuable suppo rt and technical information from Sony

Keep your VAIO computer’s system software and operating system updated using VAIO Web Support and Microsoft Update.

and Microsoft®.

Note: Y ou must be connected to the Internet to access some of the V AIO Help

and Support features. Please carefully review all support options in VAIO Help and Support.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 17

To access VAIO® Help and Support

1 Using your wireless keyboard w/integrated pointing device, select the

Windows Start button.

2 From the Start menu, select All Programs. 3 From the All Programs menu, select VAIO Help and Support.

Note: To access the most updated information available for the VGX-XL3

Digital Living System, periodically go to VAIO Help and Support > Manuals

and Specifications and select the VGX-XL3 User Guide. This guide will

updated on an ongoing basis for your convenience.

Documentation

The following support documents for the VAIO VGX-XL3 Digital Living System™ are available in VAIO Help and Support.

Online User Guide: The online user guide is designed to provide you with detailed information about the VGX-XL3 Digital Living System product.

Note: The Online User Guide will be updated on an ongoing basis for your

convenience. Please return to VAIO Help and Support > Manuals and Specifications periodically to download updated User Guide information.

Online Media Center User Guide. The online user guide is designed to provide you with detailed information about how to use your VGX-XL3 Digital Living System with Microsoft Appendix C in the User Guide for Media Center setup information.

Media Center in Windows Vista™. Also, see

Online VAIO Recovery Center User Guide: The online user guide is designed to provide you with detailed info rmation about how to to restore your VGX-XL3 Digital Living System to the original factory settings, and reinstall specific factory-installed software applications and drives. Also, see Appendix D in the User Guide for general and support information for system recovery.

Online RAID Systems User Guide: The online user guide provides an overview of RAID disc arrays and various RAID levels that can be configured with your VGX-XL3 Digital Living System product. Also, see App endix E in the User Guide for general and support information for RAID.

Safety Information

Carefully read the VGX-XL3 Safety Information Guide. The guide, in printed format, is contained in the packaging materials.

18 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Additional Notes

The wireless LAN function

The wireless LAN1 that comes equipped in this device is certified to comply with the "Wi-Fi specifications" under the provisions of the WFA (Wi-Fi Alliance.)

Security when using wireless LAN devices

It is very important to set up security on the wireless LAN.

Important Note: Sony will not be held responsible for damages resulting

when security measures are not taken, or when security problems occur due to the circumstance outside of the wireless LAN specifications.

Refer to Appendix A: Wireless Local Area Network in this guide for more details.

Copy protection

You can not use this device for recording of content for other than your personal enjoyment without the copyright holders permission under the copyright law.

It is necessary to obey the copyright law and permitted usage conditions for each copyrighted work and for making multiple copies of copyrighted wor ks. It is prohibited to make copies or use, chan ge, delete or make other revisions to or alter the integrity of captured video, images, or audio without the copyright owners permission.

Summary

Chapter 1: Getting Started provided you with an overview of the VGX-XL3 Digital Living System™ including hardware, operating system, and additional value-added VAIO

1. Requires compatible wireless access point(s). Some features may rely on Internet services which may require a fee.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 19

software.

20 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Setting Up the VGX-XL3 System

Before You Begin

Before setting up your VGX-XL3 Digital Living System™ (DLS), consider the environment in which it will be placed. Listed bel ow are some ge ne ra l guidelines.

• The maximum distance between VGX-XL3 computer and the keyboard can be up to 30 ft.

• Placing the keyboard near a metallic object may affect communication between the keyboard and the computer.

• Do not set up the VGX-XL3 DLS in the following locations:

- in direct sunlight

- near a magnet or a item that generates a magnetic field

- areas with high heat, such as near a heater

- areas with excessive heat, dust, and humidity

- areas with poor ventilation

Please observe the following items to avoid damage.

• Always turn off the power before the device is moved. Damage may be caused to the hard disk if the device is transferred or moved with the power on.

Chapter 2:

• Do not tip or hit this device. Even a small impact or vibration may cause some damage to your hard disk.

• Do not set up where it is not secure.

• Do not place an object over the ventilation holes.

• If the VGX-XL3 computer is placed in an enclosed entertainment cabinet, make sure there is sufficient airflow.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 21

Step 1: Connecting the VGX-XL3 Computer and a

CD/DVD Changer/Recorder

If you have purchased a Sony® VGP-XL1B3 changer , connecting th e changer to the computer is a simple process requiring only a single cable.

Using the supplied i.LINK i.LINK® connector on the back panel of the XL3 computer, and the end with the node to an i.LINK connector on the back panel of the changer.

Use the supplied disc that comes with the VGP-XL1B3 changer to install and load the operating software updates for proper operation with the VGPXL1B3.

cable, connect the end without the node to an

Step 2: Connecting your TV

You can receive analog and digital TV signal transmissions using with the following connections:

HDMI™ Connector

If your TV has a HDMI™ connector , use the supplied HDMI cable and con nect one end to your TV and the other end to the HDMI connector on the back panel of the DLS computer.

DVI-D Connector

If your TV has a DVI connector, use the supplied HDMI cable and the HDMI to DVI-D adapter. Insert the adapter into the TV/monitor. Then using the supplied HDMI cable, connect one end of the cable to the adapter and the other end to the HDMI connector on the back panel of the VGX-XL3 computer.

Component Connectors (Y, Pb, Pr)

If your TV has component connectors, use a component video cable (not supplied) and connect one end to the corresponding video o utputs on your TV

22 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

and on the back panel of the VGX-XL3 computer. In this type of connection, there will be separate audio connections.

Additional Notes:

• If your TV has a HDMI™ connector and a DVI connector, Sony® recommends using the HDMI connector.

• The HDMI cable carries both video and audio s ign a ls.

• You cannot use HDMI and Component Video connections at the same time.

• If device drivers other than the ones provided by Sony are used, the image may not be displayed and the audio may not be heard. Always use the device drivers provided by Sony for any updates .

• Y ou can connect the HDMI to an A/V receiver/amp and audio will be heard through the AV amp and then another HDMI cable can be connected from the AV amp to the TV for the display. (Some protected video content may not display with this type of connection. A direct connection is advised.)

VHF/UHF Connector (for Receiving Digital TV Transmission)

If you have an antenna for receiving the over-the-air signals transmitted by a digital TV broadcasting system, you can connect it to receive these signals for digital televisions, for example high definition TVs. Refer to the “ Connecting to an Antenna (air) for Digital Television System (ATSC Signal Standard)” in the next section for more information.

Additional TV Connections

Note: Your VAIO® VGX-XL3 computer is supplied with certain video cables.

Depending on your in home cable access, you may require extra cables, adapters or connection equipment not sup p lied with yo ur com pute r..

TV Signal Sources

You can connect your VGX-XL3 to receive TV signals from various TV signal sources:

• Standard cable access

• Cable access with a cable provider subscription service through a CableCARD™ (CableCARD not supplied with VGX-XL3).

• Cable access with a cable provider subscription service through a cable or satellite set-top box (set-top box not supplied with VGX-XL3).

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 23

• Antenna (air) for Digital Television System (ATSC Signal Standard).

• Standard antenna (air) system (NTSC Signal Standard).

Connecting to standard cable access (CATV)

Note to CATV System Installer: Follow the 820-93 section of the National

Electric Code which provides guidelines for prop er gro u nd ing an d in particular, specify that the coaxial cable shield is connected to the grounding of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

Option 1

1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (not included) to your cable service

access.

2 Connect the other end of the TV coaxial cable to the VHF/UHF port on the

back panel of your computer.

Option 2

1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable to your cable service access. Connect

the other end to the single-connection side of a splitter adapter.

2 Connect a second TV coaxial cable (not included) to the double-connection

side of the splitter adapter . Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF port on the back panel of your computer.

3 Connect a third TV coaxial cable (not included) to the double-conn ection side

of the splitter adapter. Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF port on the back of your TV monitor or display.

24 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Connecting a CableCARD™

You can connect a your VGX-XL3 to a cable subscription service requiring a CableCARD. The CableCARD inserts into the CableCARD slot located on the rear of your VGX-XL3.

Note: Because a CableCARD™ is usually specific to a cable service provider,

we recommend that your cable service provider supply the CableCARD and install it.

Connecting a Cable or Satellite Set-top Box

You can connect your computer to cable or satellite service that requires a set-top box.

Option 1

1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (optional) to your cable service

access. Connect the other end to the In jack on the back panel of yo ur set-top box.

2 Connect a second TV coaxial cable (optional) to the Out jack on your set-top

box. Connect the other end to the single-connection end of a splitter adapter (optional).

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 25

3 Connect a third TV coaxial cable (optional) to the double-connection end of

the splitter adapter. Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF port on the back panel of your computer.

4 Connect a fourth TV coaxial cable (optional) to the double-connection end of

the splitter adapter . Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF port on the re ar of your TV monitor or display.

Option 2

1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (optional) to your cable service

access. Connect the other end to the In jack on the back panel of yo ur set-top box.

2 Connect a second TV coaxial cable (optional) to the Out jack on your set-top

box. Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF port on the rear of your TV monitor or display.

3 Connect one end of a stereo A/V dubbing cable with triple RCA plugs

(optional) to the Video-Out and Audio-OUT (L/R) jacks on the back panel of your set-top box, matching the plug and jack colors.

26 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

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