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
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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)

2

®

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)

1

®

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.

1

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

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.

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

4 Connect the other ends of the stereo A/V dubbing cable into the Audio Input-

L, Audio Input-R, and Video Input jacks on the back panel of your computer,
matching the plug and jack colors.

Connecting to an Antenna (air) for Digital T elevision System (ATSC Signal Standard)

You can connect to receive over-the-air signals that meet the Advanced
Television Systems Committee (ATSC) Signal standard intended for digital
televisions, for example high definition TV s.

ATSC is the group that helped to develop the new digital television standard
for the United States and other countries. It is intended to replace the earlier
analog-type television system standard and produ ce wide screen 16:9 images
up to 1920×1080 pixels in size—more than six times the display resolution of
the analog standard. However, a host of different image sizes are supported,
so up to six standard-definition “virtual channels” can be carried in a single
broadcast. ATSC also boasts “theater quality" audio because it uses the
Dolby Digital (AC-3) format to provide "5.1" surround sound. Numerous
auxiliary data services can also be provided.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 27

Refer to Appendix C for setting up digital TV functionality using Microsoft®
Media Center.

Connecting to a Standard Antenna (air) System

You can connect your computer to an indoor/outdoor antenna system, using
Option 1 or 2 from the previous section, “Connecting to standard cable access
(CATV).” The antenna system in your home may require a VHF/UHF RF
combiner/transformer (optional) to connect your computer and the indoor/
outdoor antenna system.

Option 1

1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (not included) to your antenna outlet.

Connect the other end to a VHF/UHF RF combiner/transformer (optional).

2 Connect a second TV coaxial cable (not included) from the combiner/

transformer to the VHF/UHF port on the back panel of the VGX-XL3
Computer.

Option 2

1 Connect both ends of the antenna’s twin lead cable to the screw-type grip s on

the combiner/transformer.

2 Connect the TV coaxial cable (not included) from the combiner/transformer to

the VHF/UHF port on the back panel of your computer.
If you are connecting to an indoor/outdoor antenna system, you may need to

re-orient the antenna for better reception.

28 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Step 3:Connecting your Home Theater / Speakers

Two-channel sound system

If your sound system has two channels, use the LINE OUT (L) (R) on the back
panel of the DLS computer and the LINE IN composite audio connectors on
your speakers/receiver.

More than two-channel sound system

If your sound system has more than two channels, use the supplied optical
S/PDIF cable and connect one end to the S/PDIF OPTICAL OUT connector
on the back panel of the DLS computer and the other en d to th e OPTICAL IN
connector on your sound system. You can also use a coaxial S/PDIF
connection when connecting a multi-channel sound system.

Additional Notes

• An optical/coaxial connection will provide a higher quality output than a
composite connection.

Configuring software for your speaker system

When using a multiple channel speaker system, certain sof tware programs
require setting changes to make certain you have pro per audio performance.

Your computer's factory default settings for audio can be changed using the
Media Center Settings feature. You can switch between 2-channel, 6-channel ,
or S/PDIF output modes.

To change speaker settings, do the following:

This procedure will demonstrate how to set up 5.1 surround sound speakers.
Your selections may differ depending on your type of speakers.

1 From the Media Center Start menu, select Tasks > Settings > General >

Windows Media Center Setup, Set Up Your Speakers.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 29

The Speaker Setup screen displays.

2 Select Next. Select the appropiate connection type. Your selection depends

on the type of cable used to connect your 5.1 surround sound speakers.
Select Single RCA (digital) for coaxial S/PDIF or Toslink (digit al) fo r opt i ca l
S/PDIF and HDMI. Then select Next.

30 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

3 The Choose number of Speakers screen displays.

4 Select 5.1 surround speakers. The S peaker Connection Type screen

displays.

5 Select Next.
6 From the Test Your Speakers screen, select the Test button. The system will

test your speakers for sound.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 31

Important: Then select I heard sound from all my speakers, even if you did
not hear sound from all your speakers. The You Are Done! screen displays.

7 Select Finish.

To complete Speaker Setup, you need to verify some Windows®
settings.

1 Right-click the speaker icon in the Windows Notification Area and select

Playback Device.

2 Depending on your computer system's digital sound output configur ation,

select Digital Output Device (S/PDIF and HDMI), Digital Output Device

(HDMI), or Digital Output Device (S/PDIF).
3 Click Set Default.
4 Click Properties.
5 Click the Supported Formats tab.
6 In the Encoded formats section, put a checkmark in the Dolby Digital box.

This setting works with Dolby Digital and DTS encoded surround

soundtracks.

Note: Do not select DTS Audio as that setting only outputs 2-channel sound.
7 In the Sample Rates section, select a value that your A/V receiver or sound

decoder device can handle. A value of 48.0 KHz is usually a good default

setting.

8 Click the Apply, and then OK.

Step 4: Connecting to the Internet and Existing Wireless Network

Wired Network

Use an RJ-45 cable. Connect one end to the Ethernet connector on the rear

panel of the VGX-XL3 and the other end to your cable or DSL modem router.

Start Media Center and from Tasks > Settings, go to General > Windows

Media Center Setup > Set Up Internet Connection. Then follow the on-

screen instructions.

32 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Wireless Network

Connect the WLAN antenna (included) to the connector on the back panel of

the VGX-XL3 computer.

For better reception, if needed, you m ay mount the wireless LAN ante nna to a

wall using the included screws.

Start Media Center and from Tasks > Settings, go to General > Windows

Media Center Setup > Join Wireless Network. Then follow the on-screen

instructions to set up your connection with your preferred Access Point.

For additional information about setting up a wireless LAN1, go to Appendix A.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 33

Step 5: Turning Power On

Make sure all hardware is connected and that power cables are plugged into

properly grounded electrical outlets (three pronged outlets).

Turn on the power to the computer, TV, and speakers.

Activate Wireless Keyboard Communication

1 From the front of the keyboard, slide the Power switch to On.
2 From the back of the keyboard, slide the Pointing Device switch to On.
3 From the back of the keyboard, and the front p anel of the VGX-XL3 computer,

press the Connect buttons simultaneously and hold for a few seconds.
4 Test the keyboard to make sure it is functioning properly.

Step 6: Software Setup

Microsoft Windows operating system setup

The first time you start your computer your will be presented with a series of

screens for Microsoft

instructions

Note: For information concerning Firewall, Automatic Updates, Virus

Protection, and other security related features of Microsoft Windows Vista,

see the Windows Help file.

®

Windows Vista™ Setup. Please follow the on-screen

Sony Registration

After you complete Microsoft Windows op erating system setup, a Sony®

Registration screen automatically appears. Please complete all requested

information to register your Sony product.

Note: Registration can be done through the Internet. To register your prod uct,

go to http://www.esupport.sony.com and select Register from the menu bar.

Sony product registration is voluntary; failure to register will no t dim in ish yo ur

limited warranty rights.

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

34 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Sony encourages you to complete the "VAIO® customer registration" in order
for us to notify you with necessary information such as security information
and provide full service/support to the custo mer who owns the VAIO product.

Software Setup Notes

• If Media Center automatically opens, and yo u ne ed to ad jus t you r pic tu re
quality, minimize Media Center and go to Step 7: Resolution Setup. When
complete return to Media Center.

• Make sure your Internet connection is working properly.

• Media Center Setup: The first time Media Center starts, you will be
presented with a series of screens that will guide you through Media
Center Setup. Please follow all on-screen instructions.

• Media Center Wireless Network: If you have an existing wireless network,
and you wish to add the VGX-XL3 computer to the network, start Media
Center and from Settings, go to General > Media Center Setup > Join
Wireless Network. Then follow all on-screen instructions.

Step 7: Resolution Setup

To set the resolution for your TV or monitor, do the following:

1 Using the pointing device on your wireless keyboard, right click anywhere on

the Windows desktop.

2 From the menu, point to or click Personalize.

A new menu option opens.

3 Click on the Display Settings option.

The Display Settings window appears.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 35

4 From the resolution slider, choose a resolution that looks best for your TV or

Monitor and click Apply. After selection, you will be prompted to click Yes to
approve the change. If you see a blank screen after the selection, wait
approximately 15 seconds until the old resolution is reset.

For High Definition televisions, the following HD resolutions are suggested:
720p:1176 x 664 or 1080i:1768 x 992.

5 Click OK when done selecting your optimum resolution.

Turning the Power Off

Please follow the following procedure when turning the power off to the VGX­XL3 computer.

1 Select the Windows Start button.
2 Click on > and then click on Shut Down to turn off.

In a short time the power to the VGX-XL3 computer goes off automatically
and the power lamp changes color.

Note: If the power does not turn off by this procedure, you can tur n the power

off by holding down the Power button on the VGX-XL3 computer for more
than six (6) seconds. WARNING: Any changes that have not been saved will
be lost.

36 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Power Saving Functions

The VGX-XL3 personal computer offers two power-saving function modes,
Stan dby and Hibernation, which a re used to reduce power consumptio n when

not in use.The table below list the characteristics of each function:

Standby Mode

Power Lamp Orange in color.
State Reduces power consumption because it turns off the

components other than the minimum components
necessary while maintaining the current working
status.

Enter Standby
Mode

Return to normal
operation

Power Lamp Power lamp is off.
State Main power is turned off and the fan for the internal

Enter Hibernate
Mode

The three ways to enter Standby Mode are:

• Press the Standby key on the keyboard.

• Click Standby in the computer screen which
displays when selecting Start and then clicking on

>.

• Press the Standby button on the remote control.

• Either press the Space key or the Standby key on
the keyboard, or press the power button on the
front of this device.

• Press the Standby button on the remote control.

Hibernation State

main power section is paused. Saves the current
working status to the hard disk and turns off the
power for this device.

Click Hibernate which displays when selecting Start
and then clicking on >.

Return to normal
operation

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 37

Press the Power button on the front of this device.

Note: This device will not return to normal operation

by remote control when in hibernation.

Summary

Chapter 2: Setting Up Your VGX-XL3 Digital Living System™ provided you
with step by step instructions about setting up the DLS system including the
operating software.

38 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Overview

The Wireless LAN removes all of the trouble of cable connections and help s
to build a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) environment.

This device is equipped with a 2.4 GHz wireless LAN1 controller
(IEEE802.11b/g compliant). IEEE802.11g is capable of higher speed

communication than IEEE802.11b.

Note: 5 GHz wireless LAN (IEEE802.11a) technology and 2.4 GHz wireless

LAN (IEEE802.11b/g) technology do not work together due to different
frequencies.

There are two types of wireless LAN connection topologies:

• Infrastructure mode which has a network structure based on a wireless

Appendix A:

Wireless Local Area Network

LAN access point.

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

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 39

When Infrastructure mode is used, you can enjoy the Internet and E-mail
communications whereever a wireless access point is setup.

Ad hoc mode which connects computers directly without an access point.

Communicate Using Infrastructure Mode

Wireless LAN Access Point

Note: Make sure you have connected the Wireless LAN Antenna to the

Wireless LAN Antenna connector located on the back panel of the VGX-XL3
computer.

This device and a wireless LAN access point (sold separately) can be
connected using the following procedure. For det ails, please refer to Windows
Help.

Further access point settings are required to connect to the Internet or a LAN,
etc. at work via an access point. For details, please refer to the manual
included with the access point you use.

To connect to an access point:

1 Make sure the Wireless LAN option for the VGX-XL3 device is turned ON

Note: By default, the Wireless Connection function should be ON shown by

the green wireless connection utility icon in the taskbar notification area. If
not, click on the white wireless connection utility icon in the taskbar
notification area and enable the Wireless LAN function(s).

2 Select the Connect To item from the Windows Start menu.

The Connect to a Network window appears. The window lists various things
you can connect to. The wireless networks broadcasting within range of your
VGX-XL3 are shown in the Wireless Network Connection area.

3 Choose a network from the list to highlight it.

40 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

4 Click Connect.

An attempt to connect to the network is made. You may see a warning telling
you that the network is unsecured. This message is common for certain free
wireless networks that don't require a password for connection. Click the
Connect Anyway option to proceed.

Communicate Using Ad Hoc Mode

Wireless Ad Hoc Connection

If Ad Hoc mode is used (connecting directly to another computer), the
wireless LAN devices can directly connect to each other without a wireless
LAN access point. Set the first computer to Ad hoc mode and then connect
the other computers to the first comput er.

To create an Ad Hoc network

1 The Wireless Connection function should be ON as shown by the green

wireless connection utility icon in the taskbar notification area. If not, click on
the white wireless connection utility icon in the taskbar notification area and
enable the Wireless LAN function(s).

2 Click Windows Start and then click All Programs > Network.
3 In the Network window, select This computer is not connected to a

network. Click to connect....

4 Select Connect to a Wireless Ad Hoc network and follow the onscreen

intructions to setup your preferred connection to another computer.

About network keys

This is a data key for encrypting the wireless LAN communication between
IEEE802.11b/g devices. This is also called a Private Key, Encryption Key or
WEP Key.

This enables the wireless LAN communication only between the wireless LAN
access points and computers which use same key information.

The network key is pre-set in each access point (please confirm that the
network key setting is changed after purchasing to prevent illegal usage). If
you don't know the network key, please refer to the manual that came with the
access point or check with the access point administrator.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 41

42 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

VAIO Media™ software expands digital entertainment possibilities by
delivering your music, video, and still image files to any computer on your
home network, located anywhere in your home! Set up one of the VAIO
computers on your home network to act as a media server, then get ready to
share the fun and memories with your family and friends.

• VAIO Media Software Overview

• VAIO Media Software System Requirements

• Setting Up a Client Computer

• Preparing Your Multimedia Content

• Starting VAIO Media Console

• Using VAIO Media

• Using an Analog Device for Video Playback

Overview

Appendix B:

VAIO Media Software:

Local Area Networks

®

VAIO Media software makes it possible to share music, video, and photos
with other VAIO computers on your wired or wireless network. Set up one or
more computers on your network as media serv ers and install the V AIO Media
client software on the other computers. The computers with the VAIO Media
client software installed can access multimedia content stored on the VAIO
Media server computers.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 43

VAIO Computer Network

The VAIO® computer that is designated as the media server can store and
deliver:

• Music files — Supporting music files in MP3, WAV, OpenMG™

®

(ATRAC3

), and WMA formats. Use SonicStage® or SonicStage®
Mastering Studio™ software to create music playlists to share on your
network. Music files in MP3, WAV, and WMA formats can be placed in
folders and registered to the VAIO Media Server. The network’s client
computers can access these music files.

• Video file s — Supporting Video Capsule files created by Giga Pocket®
software and TV programs recorded with Media Center. Video files in DV­AVI, MPEG, MPEG2, DIVX, and WMV formats can be placed in folders
and registered to the VAIO Media™ Server. The network client computers
can access these video files

Note: A DIVX encoder program must be installed on your computer, to

enable playback of files in DIVX format.

• Still image files — Supporting picture files in JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG, and
TIFF formats. Still images can be placed in folders and registered to the
VAIO Media Server. The network client computers can access these
network files.

• Analog stream — VAIO computers equipped with Media Center can
stream an analog signal from a connected analog device, such as a VCR,
through the TV server .

44 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

About Microsoft® Windows® Media Center in Windows Vista™

Your new VAIO® computer has the Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
operating system installed that contains Media Center functionality. When you
start the Media Center software program for the firs t time, the Media Center
setup process starts. Adjust the default settings before opening VAIO Media™
software on client and server computers.

See the Media Center User Guide for Windows Vista, included on your PC
in Help and Support, and from this user guide, Chapter 1: Getting Started,
the section titled Microsoft Windows Media Center in Windows Vista for
additional information about setting up Media Center and its features.

VAIO Media™ Software System Requirements

You can open VAIO Media software on the server computer(s), register client
computers to the server(s), and then share multimedia content between the
network computers.

Server requirements

• The VAIO Media server requires VAIO computers running Microsoft
Windows Vista Home Premium operating system.

• Connect the server and client computers through a wired networ k with eth­ernet cables or a wireless local area network (WLAN).

Client requirements

• All client computers must be VAIO computers running Microsoft XP,
Windows Vista Home Premium, or Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
operating systems. VAIO Media software is not supported by other
computers or environments.

• All client computers must be connected to the same network with a server
using a router, ethe rnet cables, or a wireless LAN. Configure each client to
use a router or an access point on the network.

• All client computers must have VAIO Media software, version 2.0 or later,
installed before attempting to register.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 45

Network requirements

The VAIO Media™ software network must meet one of the following network
requirements:

• Use the Ethernet capability that is built into the VAIO® computer
(10BASET/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T).

• Use a wireless LAN interface:

- IEEE 802.11a (recommended for music, image, and video files)

- IEEE 802.11g (recommended for music, image, and video files)

- IEEE 802.11b (recommended for music and images files)

Note: IEEE 802.11b is not recommended for video files due to bandwidth

constraints.

Setting Up a Client Computer

From the server , copy and distribute the VAIO Media™ installer file to the
client computers.

To copy and distribute the installer file

1 Click Start on the Windows taskbar, and point to All Programs.
2 Point to VAIO Media, and click Install VAIO Media to other VAIO PCs. The

Enjoying Music, Photos, and Video on Other VAIO computers window
appears.

46 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

3 Click Get Installer. A file download message box appears.
4 Click Save. Save the file, VM31Inst.exe, to a blank storage media, such as a

CD-R, CD-RW or Memory Stick® media, to transfer and set up the installer
program on each client computer.

Note: The VM31Inst.exe is 23 MB in size. Verify your storage media’s

capacity before attempting to save the program.

Register a client computer

Your server computer must be turned on during client registration to enable
the registration of each client computer. You can register only one client at a
time. If more than one client computer is actively seeking registration, the
server computer recognizes all registration requests. (A message appears to
notify of multiple registration requests.) You must restart the registration
process for each client.

Begin the client computer registration process after you have installed the

VM31Inst.exe file to the client.

To register a client com pu t er

1 Save the installer program to the client computer, and then double-click to

open and install it.
Follow the on-screen instructions on each screen.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 47

Preparing Your Multimedia Content

You can use pre installed Sony® software programs to prepare your
multimedia content for sharing across the network using VAIO Media™
software.

To prepare your multimedia content

VAIO Media Console™ software can manage different media server features
to deliver various file formats.

• VAIO Media Music Server™ software delivers music files — Use
SonicStage
of music files. The VAIO Media Music Server software automatically
makes these playlists and other music files stored in registered folders,
available to Microsoft
computers on your network.

• VAIO Media Photo Server™ software delivers image files — Use the
Photo Server to deliver pictures for Media Cente r and the client computers
on your network. VAIO Media Photo Server software recognizes .JPG,
.JPEG, .BMP, .GIF, and .TIFF file formats.

• VAIO Media Video Server™ software delivers video files — Video files
using DV-AVI, MPEG1, MPEG2, DIVX, and WMV file format s can be
stored in registered folders and accessed by the client computers on your
network.

• VAIO Media™ TV Server software delivers an analog stream — You can
connect analog devices, such as a VCR, to a computer equipped with

Media Center and stream video to other VAIO computers in your network.

®

or SonicSt age Mastering Studio™ software to create playlist s

®

Media Center for Windows Vista™ and the client

Starting VAIO Media Console™

VAIO Media Console™ software manages all of the Media Servers, enabling
you to register and grant access to the client computers on your network. You
can also register folders containing video, music, and still image contents.
When a folder is registered with VAIO Media Console, the contents can be
accessed by the network’s client computers and devices.

48 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

The VAIO Media Console™ allows you to:

• Check the status of your servers.

• Troubleshoot problems.

• Start and stop all media servers.

• Identify devices registered to the server.

• Register folders.

• Add password protection.

• Enable or disable access by other computers on the network through the
Windows

®

Firewall.

• Run the software when the system starts.

To configure client and server access

• Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then point to All Programs, VAIO

Media, Server Administration, and click VAIO Media Console.

The VAIO Media™ Console software window appears.
Follow the on-screen instructions and the online Help of the VAIO Media

Console application for information on how to use the software.

To make additional content available to the network

After creating additional playlists, recorded TV programs, or other video
content, you can make them available to client comp u te rs on your ne two rk .

1 Create or add new content, such as playlists, recorded TV programs, and still

images, to registered folders.

2 Close VAIO Media™ software, if it is running.
3 Refresh the VAIO Media™ software. Information about the new content is

updated when the server software star ts again.

Note: When you stop and restart the server, it displays new connections and

refreshes the content on the network computers.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 49

Using VAIO Media™

VAIO Media uses your network servers to view images and video or listen to
music

To use VAIO Media

1 Click Start in the Windows® taskbar, and then point to All Programs, VAIO

Media, and then click VAIO Media. The VAIO Media Main Menu window

appears.

2 Click the type of content you want to view or listen to (Music, Photo, Video, or

TV). V AIO Medi a software searches for an ava ilable VAIO Media computer on
your network. Search results include the following

• If more than one VAIO Media computer is found, the Please select a

server window appears. Select a VAIO Media computer from the list.

• If only one VAIO Media computer is found on your network, the Please

select a server window appears, displaying available music or video con

tents. A Folder/Photo Lists window appears if you have selected Photo
from the main menu. A Channel List window appears if you have selected

TV from the main menu.

3 Click the computer, image folder, video cabinet or channel you want to

access.

-

Accessing VAIO Media Help

For more information about using the VAIO Media software program, follow
these steps:

• Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and point to All Programs, VAIO

Media, and then click Help.

50 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Using an Analog Device for Video Playback

You can stream video content from an analog device, such as a VCR, using
the VAIO Media™ TV server software, and watch video playback on your
computer or across the network.

To set up an analog device

1 Connect one end of the A/V cable to the Video Out port on your analog

device.

2 Connect the other end of the A/V cable to the Composite Video In jacks,

located on the front or back of your computer equipped with Media Center.

3 Begin playback using the analog device.
4 On your computer, click St art on the Windows task bar and point to All

Programs, VAIO Media, and then click VAIO Media.

5 Click TV. One of the following windows appears:

• If there are other TV servers that can stream analog input on your network,
VAIO Media software displays them on the server list. Click to select the
computer equipped with Media Center from the server list.

• If your computer is the only TV server on the network that can stream
analog input, then playback begins.

If the playback window is empty, click Select Channel. VAIO Media sof t­ware assigns a channel to each A/V input jack. You may need to change
the channel to view the video.

The Channel list window appears.
Click to change the channel.

Summary

This appendix covered VAIO Media software included with your VGX-XL3
computer for wireless or wired LAN installations.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 51

52 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Appendix C:

Setting Up Digital TV

This appendix guides you through the basic steps to use in Microsoft® Media
Center in Windows Vista™ for setting up the digital TV tuner in your VGX-XL3
Digital Living System, and also takes you through the steps for setting up the
required components such as the internet connection for your computer, and
then using MCE for setting up TV stations for Digital TV. You can also refer to
the Media Center User Guide for Windows Vista located online in your VGX­XL3 in VAIO Help and Support for detailed instructions.

Advantages of Digital TV with Media Center

Some advantages of Digital TV using Media Center are:

• Screen Resolution - Screen resolutions of more six times that of
traditional analog programming - super-sharp images.

• Screen Aspect Ratio - 16:9 aspect ratio provides a widescreen picture for
a more theater-like experience.

• Dolby Digital Support - Up to six channels of sound can be enco ded into
an ATSC OTA (Over The Air) broadcast or digital cable TV.

• Digital Signal - No more snowy picture or ghost images

• Cost - Hardware needed to receive ATSC Over The Air (OTA) TV
broadcasts can be inexpensive. Antennas can be indoor ‘rabbit ears’ or
‘fish bone’ type or outdoor roof-/poll-/chimney-mounted type. Note: For the
best viewing results, it is recommended to place the outdoor an tenna as
high as possible.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 53

• Appreciated by All - A HDTV set is not necessary to see the difference
between an analog broadcast and a HD broa dc as t.

• Converting HD Content to DVD-Video - Media Center can back up
recorded TV HD content to DVD and make DVD-Video discs of your
recorded TV shows. If the show was originally broadcast in a 16:9
widescreen aspect ratio, Media Center will retain that ratio.

Disadvantages of Digital TV with Media Center

• You either get it or you don’t - If you live in an area that blocks the
broadcast signal, your DTV tuner may not be able to receive all or any
DTV ATSC stations.

• DVD-Video is not high definition - A common misconception is that
DVD-Video is high definition. It is not. When Media Center creates a DVD­Video disc from HD television content, the resolution is automatically
lowered to analog television standards. The picture is still good, but not as
good as the original broadcast(s).

• Hard disc storage space - HD conten t takes up about twice as much hard
disc storage space as analog, standard definition content

.

Using MCE to Set Up Required Components

1 Start Media Center. The Media Center Setup Wizard appears. Select Next.

54 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

2 From the Media Center Setup screen, select Next.

3 From the Media Center Privacy Policy screen, select Next.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 55

4 From the Help Improve Media Center screen, select whether or not you would

like to join the Customer Experience Improvement Program, then click Next.

5 From the Enhanced Playback screen, you have the option of selecting to

connect to the internet and downloading additional media information.

On the Enhanced Playback screen, select Yes, and then click Next.

56 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

The required components section for setting up Media Center has be en
completed

6 Click Next to continue.

.

Optional Components

You are now ready to begin the Optional Setup section for Media Center
setup. If you wish to bypass this section, select I am finished.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 57

7 Select Configure tuners, TV signal, and Guide, and then select Next.

Important Information about your TV connection and signal

The next few pages will guide you through steps for setting up your cable
tuner to receive a TV signal - digital and analog. Before contin u ing , re ad the
following information:

• The VGX-XL3 digital tuner with a CableCARD™ enables you to watch and
record high-definition TV and premium digital cable channels. If you are a
cable user and want to use a CableCARD for accessing TV signals, you
will need to contact your cable TV provider to order a CableCARD. A
CableCARD is a security card that fits in the slot on the digital cable tuner
included with your VGX-XL3 and decodes the encrypted digita l TV content
that your TV provider delivers through the coaxial cable to your home.

If you do not have a CableCARD, you can still use your VGX-XL3 cable
tuner to tune authorized digital channels. The steps on the following pages
configure your cable tuner to receive a non-premium networ k cable signal,
an NTSC (analog cable) signal or an ATSC (over-the-air) signal.

• If you are a cable user and do not have a set top box, connect the cable
from your wall to the cable tuner on your VGX-XL3. You can watch and/or
record TV directly from Media Center and take advantage of the Media
Center features.

• If you are a cable user with a set top box, connect the cable from your wa ll
to the set top box and the cable from the set top box to the cable tuner on
your VGX-XL3. You can view TV directly from the set top box or from
Media Center.

• If you connected an ATSC antenna to the cable tuner on your VGX-XL3,
you can receive over-the-air high definition signals—if your antenna is
within distance of local broadcasts and free of interference.

• High Definition Note: Media Center currently supports free ATSC over­the-air high-definition television signals and subscription-based high­definition service. To receive subscription-based high-definition service,
including premium programming, you must subscribe to a su pported digital
cable TV package. For more information about digital cable subscription­based services, contact your local cable TV provider.

Ready to begin

You are now ready to begin setting up your TV to work with Windows Media
Center. Windows Media Center recognizes the internal cable TV tuner and
presents you with the appropriate wizard (series of screens) for each type of
tuner. Read each scree n carefully and follow the instructions for setting up the
TV tuner.

58 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Using MCE to Set Up Digital TV

1 On this screen, make sure the country you reside in displays as the current

region.

2 Select Yes if the Region is correct. Select No to select a different regio n .

When complete, select Next to continue.

3 The Download TV Setp Options downloads the most up-to-date TV setup

options for your region. Once completed, the screen changes to Automatic

TV Signal Setup.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 59

Automatic TV Signal Setup for CableCARD Use

The following steps allow Windows Media Center to automatically activate a
TV signal for the first time, without a CableCARD. Follow these steps, and
then see “Activate a CableCARD” section later in this appendix if you plan to
use a CableCARD.

Note: Optionally, you can have Windows Media Center configure a TV signal

manually . You may want to do this if you have a TV signal fr om a cable set-top
box, or standard TV signal and you have installed a digital ATSC antenna.
These steps will be discussed later in this process (see step 8).

4 From the Automatic TV Signal Setup screen, you can choose to automatically

or manually configure your TV set. Window Media Center will scan for an
active TV signal and configure the appropriate settings automatically. Select

Configure my TV signal automatically and then select Next.

60 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

5 Confirm that Windows Media Center correctly identifies the signal as “Digital

Cable” and lists the correct number of digital tuners. Select Yes to configure
the TV signal using the displayed results, and then select Next.

Note: If Windows Media Center identifies the Digital Cable Tuner as a set top

box or displays the incorrect number of connections, check the cable and
tuner connections, and select No, I want to try again.

6 Windows Media Center will ask if you have a CableCARD. Select Continue

without a CableCARD, and then select Next.

If prompted, enter the Digital Cable product key, located on the Certificate of
Authenticity (COA) affixed to your VGX-XL3, and then continue.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 61

Set Up the TV Program Guide

After setting up your TV signal for the first time, Windows Media Center will
start the Guide setup wizard. You can access the wizard at any time from the
Start screen. To do this, in Windows Media Center, select Tasks > Settings >

TV, and then select Guide. Select Setup Guide Listings. At the Guide Setup

welcome screen, and then select Next.

7 Go to step 16 for Guide Privacy screen and continue the process from there.

Manual TV Signal Setup

You can manually activate a TV signal for conditions where you have a TV
signal from a cable set-top box, or standard TV signal and you have installed
a digital ATSC antenna. Follow these steps to configure your TV signal
manually.

8 From the Windows Media Center Automatic TV Signal Setup screen, you

can choose to manually configure your TV set.

62 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

9 Select I will manually configure my TV signal, and then select Next to

continue.

10 On this screen, tell the wizard what type of TV signal you have. Also note that

if you have a standard TV signal and you have installed a digital ATSC tuner
and antenna, the antenna signal will be configured later in this process..

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 63

11 Select Cable, and then select Next to continue.
12 From this screen, you tell the setup wizard if you are using a set-top box

supplied by your provider.

13 Select Yes or No, and then select Next to continue
14 Before you continue, make sure your ATSC antenna is connected to the

ATSC Digital TV tuner.

64 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

15 Select Yes or No, and then select Next to continue.
16 From this screen, you can access the Guide privacy statement and indicate if

you want to use the guide.

Select Yes and then select Next to continue.

17 This screen below provides direct access for you to read the Guide Terms of

Service. Read the Terms of Service and select I agree/ I do not agree, and
then select Next to continue.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 65

18 Your ZIP Code is used to determine the correct Guide listings for your area.

19 Enter your Zip Code in the box as indicated by the example, and then select

Next to continue.

20 Information about your local TV provider is now needed.

21 The setup wizard will automatically connect to the Internet and download this

information.

66 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

22 The screen displays a list of local providers in your area.

23 Select your provider from the list, and then select Next to continue.

Note: If you have installed a digital antenna to the ATSC digital tuner in your

VGX-XL3, you can download TV Guide program information for available
digital high-definition channels in your local area. To do so, go to the Windows
Media Center Tasks menu and select Settings | TV | Set Up Guide Listings
and complete the Set up Guide Listings Wizard. When you get to the Select

TV Signal Provider screen, select your provider’s Digital option and

complete the wizard.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 67

24 Windows Media Center automatically connects to the Internet to download

the TV Program Guide. The screen displays a status bar showing the
progress of the download.

25 When all TV Program Guide listings have been downloaded, a Download

Complete message displays.

26 Select Next to continue.

68 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

27 If you previously indicated you installed an over-the-air digital antenna, the

setup wizard will now test the signal strength.

28 Select Next to continue.
29 This screen shows available digital TV channels and their associated signal

strength

.

30 Clear a check box to remove unwanted channels, and then select Next to

continue.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 69

31 The Optional Setup screen displays again allowing you to continue with

customizing Windows Media Center.

32 Select Optimize how Windows Media Center looks on your display, and

then select Next to continue.

33 Use this wizard to change settings that affects the way Windows Media

Center looks at your display. A Video Guide is included to assist you.

34 Watch the video and when complete, select Next to continue the Display

Configuration wizard. Follow all on-screen instructions.

70 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

35 When you are done, the Optional Setup screen displays again. Select Set

up your speakers, and then select Next to continue.

Note: The VGX-XL3 does not support 7.1 Surround Sound speakers.

36 Complete the Speaker Setup wizard. When you are done the Optional Setup

screen displays again. Select Set Up Your Music, Pictures, and Videos

Libraries. Then select Next to continue.

Library Setup

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 watched by Media Center.
Media Center watches the following folders located in the following
location(s): Local Disk C: | Users | Sony. Note: The Public or shar ed folders
may be located in the same location (Users folder) or on a separate partition
on your hard disk drive, for example: Local Disk D: | Users | Public.

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

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

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

• Add additional folders, or shared folders for Media Center to watch
by pressing the MORE Info (i) button and selecting Library Setup
from the menu. Then follow the on-screen instructions.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 71

37 From Media Center, you can add folders to watch or stop watching folders.

38 Complete the Library Setup wizard. Please follow the on-screen instructions.

Select Next to continue.

39 Select Finish to return to the Media Center Start menu.

This completes the Windows Media Setup Wizard.
Once you have completed the Windows Media Center Setup Wizard, you

should take the time to explore all of the Windows Media Center setting
menus. As you explore these menu, you will find settings options that will
greatly enhance your digital media experience in Windows Media Center. To
locate these menus, go to the Windows Media Center Start menu and select

Tasks, then Settings.

72 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

40 From the Signal Strength screen, click Finish if you are satisfied with the

selected channel signal strength and exit. Click Back to return to the
Windows Media Center signal strength meter.

Activating a CableCARD

Installing and activating a CablCARD™ typically requires an on-site visit from
a cable technician. Contact your cable service provider to get and install a
CableCARD. Once activated, the CableCARD cannot be transferred to
another device, such as a TV or set-top box.

When the CableCARD is installed, ensure that your cable service technician
understands that the installation is on a Windows Media Center system and
provide any requested information. On the Windows Media Center Start
screen, select Tasks > Settings, select TV, and then select Set Up TV

Signal. Follow the on-screen steps to set up a TV signal with a CableCARD.

When the CableCARD is activated, configure Program Guide listings. On the
Windows Media Center Start screen, select Tasks > Settings. Click TV, and
then click Guide. Click Set Up Guide Listings and follow the steps on­screen.

Creating DVD-Video from HD Recorded Content

The following procedure provides informti on on how to m ake a DVD-Video
disc from ATSC OTA-recorded high definition TV content using Media Center.

Important: Sony supports the lawful use of technolo gy and does not en dorse

or encourage the use of our products for purposes other than those permitted
by law. TV programs and commercial DVDs that have been encrypted
(protected) by the broadcaster cannot be copied and played back on any
other player other than the one recorded to.

The CD/DVD function has been grouped together with other common t asks in
a single, convenient location on the Media Center Start menu called Tasks.

1 In Media Center, go to Tasks.
1 From Tasks, toggle to burn cd/dvd.

Once you select burn cd/dvd, a series of screens appear instructing you to
do the following:

• Insert writable media compatible with your CD or DVD recorder.

• Select a disc format.

• Name the CD/DVD.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 73

• Browse to select the media you wish to write to disc.

• Review and edit your choices before writing to disc.

• Write to disc.

Create CD/DVD Notes

• High definition content recorded through the ATSC digital TV tuner card
tends to be encoded in display resolutions much higher than DVD-Video.

• When burning high definition content to DVD-V ideo, the resulting disc is no
longer considered to be high definition. Remember, DVD-Video is not, and
never was, considered high definition.

• If the high definition content was originally encoded with a 16:9 ratio,
Media Center will retain that ratio so that the resulting display continues to
look correct on widescreen television sets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the Digital Cable Tuner installed in my VGX-XL3?

The Digital Cable Tuner is a hardware device designed using standards
written by the CableLabs nonprofit research and development consortium.
Digital Cable Tuner devices receive protected digital cable TV content using
authorized CableCARDs provided by cable TV operators.

2 How is a Digital Cable Tuner different from other TV tuners?

When a CableCARD™ is present, the Digital Cable Tuner is able to receive
premium content that has been protected with conditional access from United
States cable operators. The CableCARD that plugs into a Digital Cable Tuner
is programmed so that the cable subscriber receives subscription se rvices for
which they have paid. This may include premium Standard Definition (SD)
and High Definition (HD) TV programming.

3 I have Digital Cable at Ho me (for example, Comcast), do I h ave to use my

digital cable with CableCARD to use the VGX-XL3 Digital Cable Tuner?

No. When a CableCARD is not present, the Digital Cable Tuner device will
function as a NTSC or an ATSC TV tuner.

4 What is the expected behavior for a Digital Cable Tuner when a

CableCARD is not present?

When a CableCARD is not present, the Digital Cable Tuner device will
function as a NTSC or an ATSC TV tuner. The Digital Cable Tuner device will
receive any analog or cable channels that do not require a subscriber fee, but

74 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

will not receive any digital cable or premium content, such as Home Box
Office service or pay-per-view.

5 I purchased an indoor or outdoor HD an tenna, but how do I know which

direction to face the antenna to?

Visit the website URL http://www.antennaweb.org to obtain directions on
where your digital antenna should point.

There is also an option to bring up your location map that will have a drawing
showing the directions and what channels are available in that direction, use a
compass and this map to align your antenna for the best signal reception.

6 I still have my old antenna on the roof. Can I use it to pick up ATSC

channels?

You should be able to; A TSC uses the same freq uencies as analog NTSC TV
with an antenna. You may need to adjust your roof antenna and refer to

http://www.antennaweb.org for map orientation of your local ATSC stations.

7 How can I increase my signal strength?

In some cases a signal amplifier can be paired with the antenna to increase
signal strength.

8 Can I add a splitter to split the cable?

If you need to split the signal, use an HDTV-compliant splitter of at least 5 ­1100Mhz. Make sure that you are not getting a combiner. Though combiners
and splitters look very similar, if not identical, a combiner will not properly split
the signal.

9 Why can't I receive all of the channels in the MCE TV guide?

You might not be able to receive all channels br oa d cas te d in you r are a if the
antenna does not receive the appropriate range of signal on the MHz scale for
digital TV channels, is located near any tall buildings or hills that obstruct the
line of sight to the broadcasting antenna, or if you are to far away from the
broadcasting signal.

10 Where should I check online to see the TV listings besides Windows

media Center TV guide?

For free over-the-air Digital TV programming schedules, visit these websites

http://www.checkhd.com, or http://www.titantv.com.

This completes the Setting Up Digital TV Appendix. If you still have

®

unanswered questions, go to VAIO

Help and Support and select a support

option.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 75

76 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Overview

The VAIO Recovery Center contains various types of tools or programs to
help you manage and maintain your Sony VGX-XL3 Digital Living System.
The tools provide options to restore your computer to the original factory
settings, reinstall specific factory-installed software applications and drivers,
and assist in the configuration of RAID arrays for your hard disk.

This appendix provides some general introductory-type information on the
VAIO Recovery Center. For detailed information on VAIO Recovery Center,
see the VAIO Recovery Center User Guide located online in VAIO Help and
Support. The following list of topics are contained in the VAIO Recovery
Center User Guide:

• VAIO Hardware Diagnostics

• Reinstall Programs or Drivers

• Restore C: Drive

• Restore Complete System

• Create Recovery Discs

Appendix D:

Hard Disk Drive Recovery

• Wipe and Erase Data

• Rescue Data

• Windows® Backup and Restore - This is a Windows to ol that is available to

you in the VAIO Recovery Center.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 77

Before you begin

Due to the resolution constraints from using Component Video on some
standard definition TVs, if there is a need to recover your hard disk drive to
its original out-of-the-box state, Sony recommends using the supplied HDMI
cable and the HDMI-to-DVI adapter (if needed) with a display that supports
HDMI or DVI-D input.

There are many things that can affect your computer’s performance, such as
adding/removing software, the working condition of peripherals, and a virus
downloaded from the Internet. If you are experiencing difficulties with your
VGX-XL3 performance, it can be very difficult to tr oubleshoot. You may decide
that the best option is to restore your system back to its original factory
settings.

Note: Turn off screen savers and power management before you begin any

®

of the VAIO

Before considering any of the options available in VAIO® Recovery, please
review the following support site for the latest up-to-date information specific
to your computer model:

www.esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO

Hard Disk Drive Recovery options.

IMPORTANT NOTE

78 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Overview

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) refers to the combining of two
or more independent hard disks working in parallel to form a single logical
array that stores data along with additional redundancy information.

This appendix provides some general introductory-type information on RAID.
For detailed information on RAID, see the RAID Systems User Guide located
online in V AIO Help and Su pport. The list of topics in the RAID Systems User
Guide include:

• RAID Levels

• Choose a RAID Configuration

• Before you begin

• RAID Configuration Wizard

•VAIO® Recovery Wizard

• Intel® Storage Utility

Appendix E:

RAID Configuration

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Trouble Shooting

•RAID Glossary

• Support Resources

Why Use RAID?

The main objectives of RAID are to improve data availability and security.
With everything from basic file and print services to e-Commerce and
important business applications running on server-based networks, reliable
and secure access to data is becoming a critical issue for everyone.

A RAID system can improve your VGX-XL3 Digital Living System’s
performance by improving data availability and security. RAID prevents

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 79

downtime in the event of a hard disk failure by storing your data on multiple
hard disks.

Note: Sony recommends using hard disk drives that are identical in size and

manufacture.

Benefits of RAID

The degree that you realize the various benefits listed below depends on the
exact type or level of RAID that you choose. However, you will always get
some combination of the following benefits:

Higher Data Security

Most RAID levels provide protection for the data stored on the array through
the use of redundancy. This means that the data on the array can withstand
the failure of one hard disk (or sometimes more) without any data loss, and
without requiring any data to be restored from backup.

Fault Tolerance

RAID implementations that include redundancy provide you with a more
reliable overall storage system than can be achieved by a single disk. This
means there is a lower chance of the storage system (as a whole) failing due
to hardware failures.

Improved Availability

Availability refers to your data being present and ready to use. A RAID system
improves availability by providing fault toler an ce an d by providing special
features that allow for recovery from hardware faults without disruption.

Increased and Intergrated Capacity

RAID systems increase capacity by turning a number of smaller drives into a
larger array, thus combining or adding their individual storage capacities
together. This facilit ates applications that require large amounts of contiguous
disk space, and also makes disk space management simpler. (However, a
percentage of total capacity is lost to overhead or redundancy in most
implementations.)

Improved Performance

RAID systems improve performance by allowing the controller to take full
advantage of the capabilities of multiple hard disk to get around performance­limiting issues that plague individual hard disks. Different RAID
implementations improve performance in different ways and to different
degrees, but all improve performance in some way.

80 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Appendix F:

Troubleshooting

This section provides you with answers and additional information to
questions and issues that may arise during the set up and operation of the

®

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System™. If the answers to your questions are

VAIO
not contained in this appendix, go to Help and Support for additional help.

The Troubleshooting appendix is divided into the following sections:

Section Title... Page No.

DVD Playback Limitations
Power/Start

Password 85
Screen/Display 85
Wireless Keyboard/Touchpad 87
Optical Drive

Hard Disk
Software Limitations
MCE Starting Up
MCE Live TV Issues
Sound Issues
Wireless LAN

82
82

89
90
90
91
91
91
92

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 81

DVD Playback Limitations

Event:

What resolution does my DVD playback?

Comment:

• For HDMI™ or DVI connection - DVD playback works in all resolutions
(480p/720p). Note: Output of 1080i resolutions are not supported.

• Component Video connection DVD playback ONLY works in 480i/480p
resolutions.

• You cannot view copy-protected DVD through component video connec­tion with a higher resolution than 480i/480p due to Macrovision analog
copy protection requirements.

Power/Start

Event:

Power is not on and green power lamp is not lit.

Comment:

Confirm that the VGX-XL3 computer’s power cord is inserted firmly into an
outlet.

• Confirm that all of the cables are connected well.

• Remove all the power cables connected to this device, and reconnect
them again after waiting five minutes, then turn the power on again.

• If the device does not run after doing the above, plea se con tact VAIO®
Customer Support.

Event:

The power is turned on and the power lamp (green) of the VGX-XL3 computer
is on, but there is no display on the screen.

Comment:

• Make sure the proper input for the display unit (TV, DVI monitor) is
selected.

• Please confirm that the display unit (TV, DVI monitor) power is turned on.

• When connecting to a TV, confirm that your TV supports either 720p or
1080i resolutions.

82 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

If nothing is displayed on the screen af ter a time, please follow the pr ocedures
below.

• Make sure the VGX-XL3 computer is connecte d to the T V pro per inp u t.

• Hold the power button of this device for at least six seconds, make sure
the power lamp turns off and then turn the power on again.

• If nothing is displayed after the above operation, hold the power button of
this device again for at least six seconds, make sure that the power lamp
turns off, then remove all cables connected to this device, and re-connect
after waiting five minutes and then turn the power on again.

Event:

Unable to shutdown the VGX-XL3 computer.

Comment:

Methods vary depending on the conditions when the power will not turn off.
Confirm the following and follow the procedures below.

• Quit all software you are using, then try to turn off the power again.

• If peripheral devices such as printers or USB devices, etc. are connected,
or if a network is used, make sure that they are not connected and then
turn off the power.

Somtimes when Windows is communicating with a peripheral device or
network, the power can't be turned off.

Event:

Sometimes when the power is turned on a message is displayed and
Windows does not load.

Comment:

• Remove any third-party USB devices including floppy drives and printers.

• When "Bad CMOS Checksum" is displayed, the battery needs to be
replaced due to the draining of the battery in this device.

Please contact the VAIO Customer Support for replacing the battery.

• When "CMOS Checksum Error" is displayed, the BIOS configuration con­tents may be damaged.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 83

To return the BIOS to the original configuration, perform the following
steps.

1 Press the power button, and when the V AIO® logo is displayed on the screen,

press the F2 key on the keyboard. The BIOS setup menu runs and th e "BIOS
SETUP UTILITY" screen is displayed.

2 Press the F5 key. The message "Load Setup Defaults" displays.
3 Press the Left Arrow or Right Arrow key and select OK, then press the Enter

key. All the configuration items return to the original configuration.

4 Press the F10 key (Save and Exit). The message "Save configuration

changes and exit now?" is displayed.

5 Press the Left Arrow or Right Arrow key and select OK, then press the Enter

key. The changed configuration is saved, the BIOS setup menu ends and
Windows Vista starts.

Event:

How do I know if the battery level of the keyboard is sufficient?

Comment:

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

Note: Turn off the power to the keyboard when you replace the batteries for
the keyboard.

Event:

Windows operation becomes unstable.

Comment:

Quit the software you are using and restart the VGX-XL3 computer.
If this device doesn't restart, turn the power off by holding the power button of

this device for at least six seconds. The power lamp turns off when the power
is off. If the power lamp does not turn off and blin ks in orange (stand by mode),
try to turn off the power again by holding the power button for at least sx
seconds. However, the file you are creating or editing may not be usable if
you turn off the power using this method.

84 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Password

Event:

Unable to log on to Microsoft® Windows Vista™ operating system.

Comment:

• The password is case-sensitive. Confirm the password and re-enter.

• If there is an account that was created by a user with administrative
privileges, change the password from a "Computer Administrator" account
other than that of the user who forgot the password.

Screen/Display

Event:

My display distorts for a few seconds while system starts up, or resumes from
standby/hibernation.

Comment:

This is normal. The display may distort for a few seconds while system starts
up, restarts, resumes from standby/hibernation when connected to a TV.

Event:

My MCE screen flickers sometimes.

Comment:

The MCE screen will flicker when it’s in a windowed screen and a window or a
balloon pops up in the taskbar. You can close the pop-up window in the task
bar or maximize the MCE screen.

Event:

Colors on the screen are not displayed clearly,

Comment:

• Turn off the power, and then restart the VGX-XL3 computer.

• Check the other inputs on your display to make sure the display is working
properly.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 85

Event:

The screen is frozen

Comment:

• Verify the keyboard is turned on, the battery level is sufficient, and the key­board is connected to the PC (antenna icon on the keyboard display).

Restart this device according to the following procedure.

1 Hold down the Ctrl key and the Alt key and press Delete. The Windows Task

Manager screen displays.

2 Select the software application that displays as "Not responding" in the

"Windows Task Manager" screen, and click End Task.

3 Click Turn Off from the Shut Down menu. After the power to the VGX-XL3

computer has been off approximately 30 seconds, turn the power on again.

Note: If this device does not restart by following the above proc ed ur e s , turn

off the power by holding the power button of this device for more than 6
seconds. The power lamp turns off when the power is off. When the power
lamp is on (orange), turn off the power ag ain by holding the power button for
at least four seconds. Files you are creating or editing may not be usable
using this method to turn off the power to the VGX-XL3 computer.

Event:

The screen is dark

Comment:

• Adjust the brightness of TV. Adjusting the brightness will vary depending
on the type of TV. For details, please refer to the TV users manual.

• Verify if other inputs on the TV are dark, if they are please refer to the TV
user manual

Event:

Pictures on the TV screen are distorted

Comment:

• Confirm that this device and the display device are properly connected.

• When the TV is connected using a HDMI™ cable, make sure to use an
output format that matches the compatibility of the TV you are using.

86 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

• When the TV is connected using a component cable, make sure to use a
resolution that matches the component input of the TV you are using.

Event:

When the TV or display is connected to the HDMI OUT (HDMI output)
connector, the image does not display.

Comment:

• Re-connect the HDMI cable and make sure your TV/monitor has the correct

video input selected.

• It may be connected to a device that does not support HDCP.
Connect to a device which supports HDCP.

• When a HDMI-DVI adapter is used, the TV or display may not be
supported by the HDMI-DVI adapter.

Connect a TV or display which supports the HDMI-DVI adapter.

• Restart your computer system in case their was an operating system mal­function.

Wireless Keyboard/Touchpad Issues

Event:

My keyboard stops working after a period of time.

Comment:

• The keyboard/touchpad will sleep when it is not in use to save power. You
must press any key on the keyboard to resume the connection. Also,
check that the batteries are working.

• Make sure you are within range of the computer (recommended under
15ft).

Event:

My keyboard works, but not the touchpad (or vice versa).

Comment:

1 Verify that the keyboard power switch is on and that the pointing device power

switch on the back of the keyboard is on.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 87

2 Re-connect the keyboard/touchpad to the VGX-XL3 computer by pressing the

Connect buttons (on the back of the keyboard and the front panel of VGX-XL3
at the same time and hold for a few seconds.

Event:

Don't know how to enter text using the VAIO® Remote Control.

Comment:

Refer to the Media Center User Guide for Windows Vista™.

Event:

Cannot enter text when I press the keys on the keyboard.

Comment:

• Make sure that the "Num Lock" indicator on the upper right keyboard is not
displayed.

• Make sure the power switch is ON for the keyboard.

• Check the battery level on the keyboard display.

• Make sure you are within range of the computer (recommended under
15ft).

Event:

Cannot use the keyboard

Comment:

Reponse methods vary depending on the reason the keyboard is not able to
be used. Confirm the following and follow the procedures below.

Usage environment

The distance between this machine and the keyboard must be within about
10m. If metal is near the keyboard, communication card may be affected. It's
best to maintain a clear line of sight between the keyboard and computer for
maximum distance.

The keyboard operates at 2.4 GHz. If a wireless device which uses the same

2.4 GHz, such as a wireless LAN, is used nearby, it may not operate properly.

Power ON

Make sure the Power switch on the keyboard is turned on. When you are not
using the keyboard, turn off the power to preserve the batteries.

88 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Event:

Check whether keys such as Caps Lock and NumLk are enabled.

Comment:

You can check with the various indicators on the upper right of the keyboard.

Event:

Cannot use the pointing device.

Comment:

Make sure your pointing device is not disabled.
Refer to the Setting up the Keyboard topic in Chapter 1 of this guide.

Event:

I want to disable the pointing device.

Comment:

Turn the Pointing Device switch on the back side of the keyboard to "OFF".

Optical Drive

Event:

Cannot use 8cm discs in my VGX-XL3 computer’s optical drive.

Comment:

The drive only accepts 12cm discs. Use the included 8cm to 12cm adapter
before inserting into the computer optical drive. Do not insert the 8cm disc
directly or the disc may become stuck and not eject.

Event:

Cannot write to the 8cm disc with the 8cm disc adapter.

Comment:

The 8cm disc adapter (included) can be used to insert 8cm discs but the disc
can only be read and not written to.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 89

Hard Disk

Event:

An error occurred in the initialization of the hard disk.

Comment:

• The files on the hard disk cannot be recovered. This device must be

Event:

Cannot start-up from the hard disk.

Comment:

Remove any media from the memory card reader and disconnect all third­party devices such as scanners, printers, floppy drives, etc. and try again.

• If the hard disk does not start-up with above process, you may need to

Event:

Available hard disk space is low.

recovered by using the recovery function in the hard disk or your own
recovery DVDs that you have previously created.

perform hard disk drive recovery.
See the Recovery Center Guide in Help and Support for additional infor-

mation on hard disk recovery.

Comment:

Clean up the disk.
Temporary files and backup files are automatically created to make Windows'

processes faster , so the free space on the hard disk is decreased. If you clean
up the disk, the temporary files, etc. are deleted and the free space is
increased.

Software Limitations

Event:

My software application does not launch.

Comment:

Some software applications require a minimum resolution higher than your
current resolution setting. Please check back to our suppo rt website at http ://
www.sony.com/pcsupport/ for software update.

90 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

Event:

Some of my shortcuts in the start menu are not visible.

Comment:

At 480i/480p resolution, the S t art Menu get s cut of f and some of th e shortcut s
are not visible. You can switch the Start Menu to Classic Start Menu will help
alleviate this but not complete resolve the issue. For the best experience, it is
recommended to connect the VGX-XL3 to a high definition TV or computer
monitor.

MCE Starting Up

Event:

MCE appears to be unresponsive after boot up.

Comment:

Even though MCE is launched, there are still other programs in the
background that have not finished loading as well as other MCE processes
that need to load as well.

MCE Live TV Issues

Event:

Can the VGX-XL3 computer support High Definition broadcast stations?

Comment:

The VGX-XL3 TV supports HD broadcast stations via over-the-air ATSC
content and cable access using a CableCARD™.

Sound Issues

Event:

The sound coming from HDMI™ or S/PDIF does not work.

Comment:

Check the Sound Reality Control Panel.

• Right-click the speaker icon in the Notification Area and select 'Playback
Device.

Make sure the appropriate boxes (HDM I or S/PD IF ) ar e ch ec ked . (G o to
Chapter 2: Setting Up the VGX-XL3 System. Step 3: Connecting Your
Home Theater/Speakers.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 91

Wireless LAN

Event:

Cannot use the wireless LAN.

Comment:

Make sure that the wireless LAN function set up correctly and is turned on.
Refer to the Appendix A: Wireless Local Area Network in this guide.

Event:

This device can't communicate with the wireless LAN access point (can't
access the Internet)

Comment

• Check the items in "Can't use the wireless LAN" above.

• Make sure that the power is turned on to the wireless LAN access point.

• Check the settings for the wireless LAN access point.
Refer to the Appendix A: Wireless Local Area Network in this guide.

• Check if this device and the wireless LAN access point are connected.
Refer to the Appendix A: Wireless Local Area Network in this guide.

• The communication distance between the devices varies depending on
the actual distance between the communicatio n dev ices, the surrounding
environment such as obstacles, the equipment configuration, the radio
wave condition, the presence of walls, materials, and software used, etc.

Move the location of this device or the wireless LAN antenna for this
device, or bring both communication devices closer together.

Check if the wireless LAN access point displays in the "Choose a wireless
network" list on the "Wireless Network Connection" screen.

Event:

Can't play video or audio received through the wireless LAN. Stuttering is
occuring or the communication speed is slow.

Comment:

• Change the environment for receiving the signal by changing the location
of this device or bringing it closer to the wireless LAN device.

92 VGX-XL3 Digital Living System

The communication speed for the wireless LAN or the communication con­ditions vary depending on the actual distance between the communication
devices, the surrounding environment such as obstacles, the equipment
configuration, the signal quality, the presence of walls, materials, and soft
ware used, etc.

• There is a possibility of access collisions in accessing the wireless LAN
access point.

Try to access again in a little while.

• Change the channel setting for the access point. The effect of band
interference may disappear and this may help to improve the
communication speed.

The communication speed for IEEE802.11g may slow down automatically
because IEEE802.1 1g retains compatibility with IEEE802.11b under mixed
environments with IEEE802.11b.

Also, channel band interference may cause a slow down in the communi­cation speed for IEEE802.11b devices.

• Set the wireless channel for the wireless LAN access point if it is using
multiple AP’s or used with other wireless LAN access points. Refer to the
user's manual that came with the wireless LAN access point for detailed
settings.

• Make sure that a microwave is not used nearby.

-

The 2.4 GHz band used by IEEE802.11b/g is a signal band shared with
various devices. Using a microwave nearby when the wireless LAN is
communicating may cause a decrease in communication speed and the
communication distance, or interrupt the com munication depending on the
circumstances.

VGX-XL3 Digital Living System 93