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SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO THIS
MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR SUCH OTHER INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL SONY ELECTRONICS INC. BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON TORT, CONTRACT,
OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER
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ANY DAMAGES TO, OR VIRUSES THAT MAY INFECT, YOUR COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, OR OTHER PROPERTY ON
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INFORMATION MAY ONLY BE MADE FOR LEGALLY PERMISSIBLE PURPOSES.
Sony Electronics Inc. reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time
without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.
This product contains software owned by Sony and licensed by third parties. Use of such software is subject to the terms and
conditions of license agreements enclosed with this product. Some of the software may not be transported or used outside the
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Subscriptions to online service providers may require a fee and credit card information. Financial services may require prior
arrangements with participating financial institutions.
ii
Important information for Canadian customers: Your new Media Changer/Recorder includes certain software versions
or upgrades, and Internet services or offers that are available to U.S. customers only.
Sony, VAIO, the V AIO logo, VAIO Digital Studio, VAIO Media, V AIO Media Music Server, VAIO Media Photo Server , VAIO Media
Video Server, VAIO Zone, Click to DVD, DVgate Plus, Handycam, MagicGate, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, the Memory
Stick logo, SonicStage, PictureGear, ImageStation, and i.LINK are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony.
Intel and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Intel Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.
PS/2 is a registered trademark of the IBM Corporation.
Attention Regarding DualDisc software: This product has been engineered to provide the highest entertainment value while
playing standard CD and DVD discs. DualDisc used with this product may jam in the slots or racks of disc holders or in the disc
consoles and should not be used with this product.
All other trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
What is VGX-XL2? .................................................................................................................................2
Benefits of the VGX-XL2 ........................................................................................................................3
VGX-XL2A Features ..............................................................................................................................4
VGP-XL1B Features ..............................................................................................................................5
Getting Started .......................................................................................................................................6
Using the Remote Control ..............................................................................................................7
Using the Wireless Keyboard ............................................................. ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ........8
Getting Around Media Center .........................................................................................................9
Adding files to Media Center ........................................................................................................10
Using the Search Feature .............................................................................................................11
Support Resources .......................................................................................................................12
Experience Media Center .....................................................................................................................80
My DVDs ..............................................................................................................................................82
Loading and Unloading Discs .......................................................................................................83
Viewing DVD Movies ....................................................................................................................85
DVD Movie Controls .....................................................................................................................86
My Videos ............................................................................................................................................89
Organize Your Videos Media Center ............................................................................................90
Play Your Videos ..........................................................................................................................91
More Information ......................... ... .... ... ... ... .................................................................................92
Create a DVD/CD .........................................................................................................................93
My Pictures ......................................................................................................................................... 96
Organize Your Pictures ................................................................................................................97
View Your Pictures .......................................................................................................................98
Edit Your Pictures .........................................................................................................................99
Play a Slide Show .......................................................................................................................100
Create a CD/DVD .......................................................................................................................101
My TV................................................................................................................................................ 104
My TV Features .......................................................................................................................... 105
Watch Live TV ............................................................................................................................ 106
View the Guide ........................................................................................................................... 107
Record and Schedule Programs ............................... ................................................................. 109
Record and Schedule Helpful Hints ........................................................................................... 110
Watch Recorded Programs ........................................................................................................111
Search for a Program ................................................................................................................. 112
Search for a Feature Movie ........................................................................................................ 113
My Music ........................................................................................................................................... 114
Organize Your Music Files ......................................................................................................... 115
Play Music .................................................................................................................................. 116
Queue Music .............................................................................................................................. 117
Add Music .................................................................................................................................. 118
Create and Organize Playlists .................................................................................................... 119
More Programs: Helpful Hints ............................................................................................. 133
viii
VAIO® PC VGX-XL2
Welcome to the VGX-XL2: Sony’s Digital Living System™
Welcome
What is VGX-XL2?........................ 2
What are the Benefits ................. 3
What are the Features ................. 4
Getting Started ............................ 6
Using the Remote Control .......... 7
Using the Wireless Keyboard ..... 8
Getting Around Media Center .... 9
Adding Files to Media Center ..... 10
Using the Search Feature ........... 11
Support Resources ..................... 12
The VGX-XL2 is both a powerful
computer and a state-of-the-art home
entertainment system.
Let VGX-XL2 lead you into the exciting
world of VAIO where new standards are
established for digital content
management.
The design of VGX-XL2 allows it to
easily fit into any decor, thus completing
your video, audio, and Internet
experience by bringing powerful PC
capabilities to your home theatre—all in
the comfort of your living room.
1
What is VGX-XL2?
What is VGX-XL2?
The VGX-XL2 is composed of two
products combined to bring you the
ultimate experience in digital home
entertainment.
VGX-XL2 works just like any other
computer, EXCEPT IT OFFERS MORE!
More of the latest technology and
excellence you have come to expect
from Sony.
XL2A XL1B
•Controls the combined products•200 disc Media Changer/Recorder
•Leverages the latest Intel components •Burning of content to optical media
•Uses the latest Microsoft® Windows®
XP Media Center operating system
•Offers High Definition connectivity for
Sony HD Camcorders
2
•S torage, archiving, and playback of
your CD/DVD library
•Easily connects to the XL2A computer
through a single i.LINK
®
cable
Benefits of the VGX-XL2
Sony establishes new standards in video and audio home entertainment, and digital
content management with the VGX-XL2 Digital Living System™.
Playback and manage your entire media
library through your home theatre, using
a remote control or wireless keyboard.
View it all on your TV or monitor for the
optimal entertainment experience.
•Packaged Content
Music CD’s
Movie DVD’s
•Personal Content
Digital Pictures
HD Camcorder
Mini DV Camcorder
•Internet Content
downloaded Music
Movies
Pictures
Recorded TV
Streaming Video
Full Digital Living System functionality for
the living room or den.
•Operates using the latest Microsoft®
Windows® XP operating system
(MCE) augmented with advanced
VAIO® functionality.
•Enjoy the content of your media library
through your TV/monitor and your
home theatre.
•Multi-disc audio CD-ROM copying.
•Multi-disc DVD burning.
•HD connectivity with Sony HD
Camcorder.
•Simplified TV series archiving through
sequential copying to DVD.
3
VGX-XL2A Features
The XL2A is a technologically advanced
and powerful computer that will be right at
home in your living room or den. Surf the
Internet, download music and movies,
record TV, watch videos, make copies of
media files, and more— all managed
using the wireless keyboard w/intragrated
pointing device and the remote control.
The XL2A is equipped with the following additional features:
High Storage CapacityInternal storage to 1.5 TB (one trillion bytes) w/RAID.
Enhanced ConnectivityPC, wired, and wireless connectivity.
Combination Optical DriveAllows for fast disk access and System Recovery.
Note: This drive is read only, not write. To write files,
use the Media Changer/Recorder.
Enhanced Remote ControlControl MCE features, including surfing the Internet.
Improved Web SurfingRemote Control navigation and alphanumeric input.
4
VGP-XL1B Features
The VGP-XL1B is a disc media changer
and recorder with an impressive ability to
store 200 CD/DVD media discs. Enjoy a
media library where you can view your
DVD movies, listen to your CDs and
have access to enhanced V AIO sof tware
that lets you do multi-disc ripping of CDs
and burning of CD/DVDs.
The VGP-XL1B is equipped with the following additional features:
Disc Media Storage200 Disc capacity.
Disc Media SupportCD-R, CD-RW, DVD+/-R/RW, DVD+R DL Double Layer
media, Redbook Audio CDs, Movie DVDs (U.S. is default)
Note: This unit does not support DualDisc™ media.
Ease of Use
Simple iLINK® connection to XL2A. Customized software
features include Manage Discs and My Changer.
Note: Sony supports connecting or daisy-chaining up to five (5) Sony VGP-XL1B Changers/
Recorders. For additional information about daisy-chaining, see the VGP-XL1B User Guide that was
included with the Sony CD/DVD Changer/Recorder packaging.
5
Getting Started
VGX-XL2 uses the Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition operating system
(MCE). This version has all of the features and capabilities of other XP operating
systems, with one major difference—Media Center . This group of advanced features
takes you into the world of digital home entertainment, bringing all of your
entertainment sources together in a single location, easily managed by the VAIO
remote control or the VAIO® wireless keyboard.
This guide provides an overview of Media Center and
additional advanced features unique to VGX-XL2
Digital Living System™.
This guide will focus on the “living room” experience, using Media Center and the
remote control to perform all tasks. The next few pages provide examples of how to
get around and perform tasks in Media Center. Then, you will be guided through
setting up Media Center, and finally an overview of available features.
®
6
Using the Remote Control
Press a Remote Control button to do the following:
Start MY TV, MY MUSIC, MY PICTURES, MY VIDEO in Media
1
Center. Press STANDBY to place your computer in Standby mode.
Control the playback for TV, MUSIC, VIDEOS, and ends a slide show .
2
Buttons include: STOP, PAUSE, FWD, SKIP, REPLAY, REW, and
RECORD. The right arrow button serves as a PLAY button.
Use the arrow buttons to move to a specific location, the OK button to
3
make your selection, the BACK button to go to the previous screen,
and the MORE button to view additional information.
Use the START button to open Media Center. Volume Controls (VOL)
are on the left and Channel (CH) or Page (PG) on the right of the
START button. A MUTE button is also provided to suppress sound.
To preset the MCE remote control for TV volume, do the following:
1. Locate the input code by selecting your specific manufacturer.
MCE (RC6) Default: 01
4
Sony: 02
Samsung: 03,05,06,08,11 or 13
Toshiba: 07 or 09
Panasonic: 04 or 10
Sharp: 07 or 12
2. On the remote control, press and hold the OK button. Then type
the input code number.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Open the following screens RECORDED TV, GUIDE, LIVE TV, DVD
5
MENU. (DVD MENU is available only when Media Center is active.)
Use these buttons to change channels and enter text or numbers in a
6
specific location.
7
Using the Wireless Keyboard
Below is a picture of your wireless keyboard and built-in touch pad (mouse) with
specialized functions identified.
Before using the keyboard, you must activate communication between the computer
and the keyboard. Please complete the following steps for keyboard installation.
Step 1: Insert the batteriesStep 2: Activate Communication
•Turn the keyboard over•Slide the Power button to On
•Open the battery compartment•Turn the keyboard over
•Insert supplied batteries as indicated•Slide Pointing Device button to On
•Replace battery compartment cover•Press Connect on computer and on
•Return keyboard to its upright position
8
back of keyboard at the same time
Getting Around Media Center
From inside Media Center:
Select this...To do this...
Start Media Center and return to Start menu.
Close Media Center. Options for close include Media
Center, Log Off, Shut Down, Restart, and Standby.
Open Media Center Help.
Press an arrow to move to a specific command or option.
Then press OK to make your selection.
Highlighted command button - Performs a function.
Green Highlight - Indicates selected object. Press OK.
Option button - Highlight, then press OK to select.
Minus/Plus button - Press OK for more options in a list.
Check boxes - Highlight, then press OK to select.
9
Adding files to Media Center
In order to access your media files to view pictures, videos,
recorded TV, or listen to music you must place the files in a
folder recognized by Media Center. Media Center recognizes
the following folders located in the My Documents directory.
Note: The Recorded TV folder may be located in a separate partition on your hard drive.
You can add media files to recognized folders in the following ways:
•Copy files or folders directly to recognized folders using Windows Explorer.
•Download media files (Internet, Music CD’s, Video) directly to recognized folders.
•Add additional folders, or shared folders for Media Center to recognize by pressing
the MORE button and selecting Add Pictures/Videos/Music/Recording from the
menu. Then follow the on-screen instructions.
Each time you open My Pictures, My Videos, or My
Music a message appears asking if you would like to
add new media files. You must respond to continue. To
add files, select Yes and follow the on-screen
instructions. This method will allow you to add folders, not individual files for Media
Center to recognize. If you select the Don’t ask me this again check box, you must
add media files by pressing the MORE button and selecting the “Add” menu
command.
10
Using the Search Feature
In Media Center, you can search
through the TV listings or your media
library to find just the right TV show or
movie to watch, or just the right song to
listen too—all by remote control.
Use the keypad on the remote control
to enter text, much like you would using
an address book on a cellular phone.
Each time you press a button on the numeric keypad on the remote, you scroll
through the characters that are available for that button.
Press a number repeatedly to scroll through the choices that are available for that
number . With each repeated press of a number, a different character appears. When
entering text, you can also do the following:
•To switch between uppercase, lowercase, and symbol modes, press the CH/PG+
or CH/PG- button on the remote.
•To backspace, press the CLEAR button on the remote.
•To enter a space between words, press the (0) button on the remote.
•When you find the character you want, press the ENTER button on the remote.
11
Support Resources
VAIO® Support Central
provides you with a single
location for all of your support
needs and allows you to easily
access valuable support and
technical information from
Sony and Microsoft.
Keep your VAIO computer’s
system software and operating
system updated using VAIO
Web Support and Microsoft
Update.
For additional setup instructions
and detailed information about
the complete VGX-XL2 Digital
Living System™, go the VAIO
Support Central and access
the VGX-XL2 User Guide.
Note: You must be connected to the Internet to access some of the VAIO Support Central features.
12
To access VAIO Support Central, do the
following:
1 Using your wireless keyboard with intragrated
pointing device, click the Windows Start button.
2 From the Start menu, click All Programs.
3 From the All Programs menu, click VAIO
Support Central.
4 Select VAIO Documentation in the left pane.
Welcome to Sony VAIO and Microsoft Windows XP Media Center
Media Center Setup
Sony VAIO® and Microsoft®
Windows® XP Media Center
Edition 2005 lets you do amazing
things with your VAIO Digital
Living System™ personal
computer. With a full range of
powerful, yet easy-to-use digital
entertainment features, you can
experience TV, movies, music,
and photos like never before.
With VAIO and Media Center, you can bring all of your entertainment
sources—TV, Recording, Music, Pictures, CD/DVD Player, Internet— together in a
single location. This guide will assist you in setting up Media Center for your distinct
entertainment needs, and then provide you with an overview of the major features.
13
Start Menu | Settings
Settings
General...........................15
TV..................................... 34
Pictures........................... 47
Music............................... 48
DVD.................................51
Messenger and Caller ID 56
Help................................. 57
Note: The Media Center Radio
feature is not supported by Sony
VAIO.
Once you have set up your computer and have
connected the Media Changer/Recorder and any
additional hardware devices, you are ready to
set up your Media Center preferences.
The first time you start Media Center, a setup
“wizard” (a series of setup screens) opens. To
enjoy the full benefit of Media Center , it is best to
complete all screens. You may return to Settings
at any time to change your preferences.
Please note: The Media Center setup wizard
requires an Internet connection to complete the
process. Also, remember to check for Windows
updates before you begin to make sure Media
Center has the most recent software and
security updates.
The General settings are a series of
options that effect Media Center and
some general preferences for your
computer.
You might want to take the time to
review all of the General settings
options to see what might improve your
entertainment experience.
15
Set Up and Window Behavior
Start Menu | Settings | General
Start Up and Window
Behavior
Decide how Media Center starts
and reacts to your environment.
You can determine if Media
Center:
•is always the top window.
•will warn you if a file or action
is not designed for Media
Center.
•starts when Windows starts.
•shows task bar notification.
•shows TV tips.
Use the arrow keys on your remote control to move to the buttons for each option.
Press the OK button to select (add a check mark) or deselect (remove a check mark).
When finished, select Save.
16
Visual and Sound Effects
Visual and Sound Effects
Adding visual and sound effects
can add a new dimension to your
entertainment enjoyment.
Here you can add transition
animations, play sounds when
navigating Media Center, and
even change your video
background color.
(Background colors include
Black, White and various shades
of Gray.)
Start Menu | Settings | General
Use the arrow keys on your remote control to move to the buttons for each option.
Press the OK button to select (add a check mark) or deselect (remove a check mark).
To change the video background color, select the (+) or (-) button and press the OK
button. When finished, select Save.
17
More Programs Options
Start Menu | Settings | General
More Programs Options
Media Center has teamed with
other applications and Internet
sites to not only make your
entertainment experience better,
but to also make it easier to
create media, and to have
access to more entertainment
information.
You can control the media
experience in and which
applications you can access from
within Media Center.
Use the arrow keys on your remote control to move to the buttons for each option.
Press the OK button to select (add a check mark) or deselect (remove a check mark).
When finished, select Save.
18
Start Menu | Settings | General
Media Center Setup
Set Up Internet Connection........ 20
Set Up TV Signal.......................... 21
Set Up Your Speakers................. 40
Configure Your TV or Monitor...41
Set Up Remote Desktop............. 42
Automatic Updates...................... 43
Join Wireless Network................. 44
Run Media Center Setup Again... 45
Restore Start Page Defaults....... 46
The first time you open Media Center,
you are presented with a setup wizard
(a series of screens) that will help you
set up preferences in Media Center so
you could control your entertainment
experience. It is best if you complete
each screen as it is presented to you.
The topics in this section allow for direct
access to specific areas covered by the
setup wizard. This allows you to modify
any selection you made during the initial
setup of Media Center, if desired.
19
Set Up Internet Connection
Start Menu | Settings | General | Media Center Setup
Set Up Internet
Connection
Media Center makes it easy to
set up your Internet connection.
Just read the on-screen
information and answer a few
questions—Media Center does
the rest!
The first thing you need to know
is if your Internet connection is
“always on”. If it is, select Yes
and then Next. The computer will
detect the signal and finish most
of the setup for you. If not, follow
the on-screen instructions.
20
Use the arrow keys on your remote control to
move the Yes or No option. Press the OK button
to select the option. Select Next to continue.
Set Up TV Signal
Start Menu | Settings | General | Media Center Setup
Set Up TV Signal
The next few pages will guide
you through steps for setting up
your tuners to receive a TV
signal—both analog (standard
definition) using the NTSC TV
tuner, and digital (high definition)
using the ATSC digital TV tuner
in your XL2A computer.
Important Notes about your TV connection and TV signal.
•If you are a cable user and do not have a set top box, connect the cable from your
wall to the NTSC analog tuner on the XL2 computer. 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 or a satellite user , connect the cable from
your wall to the set top box and the cable from the set top box to the NTSC analog
tuner on the XL2 computer. You can view TV directly from the set top box or from
Media Center.
•If you connected an ATSC antenna to the ATSC digital tuner in the XL2 computer,
you can receive over-the-air high definition signals—if your antenna is within distance of local broadcasts and free of interference.
21
•High-Definition Note:
Media Center currently supports free ATSC over-the-air high-definition television
signals only for high-definition viewing. It does not support subscription-based
(digital cable or satellite) high-definition service. If you have high-definition service
and wish to view high-definition programming, you should watch that programming
through the service's settop box directly connected to your television set, not
through Media Center. The video inputs of XL2 computer system only handle
analog signals. Any connection between a high-definition capable set-top box and
Media Center in the XL2 computer system would result in a standard resolution
image. The qualities of high-definition programming through subscription-based
services are lost. You can still record high-definition programming through Media
Center; however, the resulting recordings can only be viewed in standard
resolution image.
The following Setup Wizard will configure both your analog and digtial signals.
Using Media Center to set up required components
Welcome
1 Start Media Center.
From the Windows toolbar ,
select Start, and then select
The Media Center Setup
Wizard appears. Please read
each screen carefully. Select
Next to continue.
22
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