Contents

Sony PCV-MXS10 Startup Guide PDF

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Summary of Content for Sony PCV-MXS10 Startup Guide PDF

VAIO MX Computer PCV-MXS10

NOTICE

2001 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 machine-readable form without prior written approval.

Sony cannot warrant that the functions described in this guide will be uninterrupted or error-free. Sony also assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages to, or viruses that may infect, your computer equipment, or other property on account of your access to, use of, or browsing in any described Web site, or your downloading of any materials, data, text, images, video, or audio from any described Web site. Web site information is obtained from various sources and may be inaccurate. Copies of copyrighted information may only be made for legally permissible purposes.

Sony, VAIO, SonicStage, and Giga Pocket are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony.

MagicGate, Memory Stick, and are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

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

END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT (EULA) FOR SONY SOFTWARE:

Giga Pocket software, including PicoPlayer software

YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING AGREEMENT BEFORE USING THIS SOFTWARE. USING THIS SOFTWARE INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGREEMENT.

IMPORTANT-READ CAREFULLY

This End User License Agreement (EULA) is a legal agreement between you and Sony Electronics Inc. (SONY), the manufacturer of your SONY computer system (COMPUTER). Please read this EULA carefully before using Giga Pocket (including Pico Player) software and related materials distributed together with this EULA (SONY SOFTWARE). By using the SONY SOFTWARE, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. You may use the SONY SOFTWARE only in connection with the use of the COMPUTER. SONY SOFTWARE is licensed, not sold.

If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, SONY is unwilling to license the SONY SOFTWARE to you. In such event, you may not use or copy the SONY SOFTWARE, and you should promptly contact SONY for instructions on return of the entire COMPUTER and included SONY SOFTWARE for a refund of the purchase price of the COMPUTER.

SONY SOFTWARE LICENSE

The SONY SOFTWARE is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties.

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GRANT OF LICENSE. This License grants you the following rights:

Software.

You may use one copy of the SONY SOFTWARE on the COMPUTER except that you may make multiple copies and distribute the PicoPlayer software to other users that agree to the Pico Player license.

Backup Copy.

You may make one backup copy of SONY SOFTWARE solely for archival purposes.

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You may not modify, reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the SONY SOFTWARE in whole or in part.

Rental.

You may not rent or lease the SONY SOFTWARE.

Software Transfer.

You may permanently transfer all of your rights under this EULA only as part of a sale or transfer of SONY SOFTWARE, provided you retain no copies, transfer all of the SONY SOFTWARE (including all copies, component parts, the media and printed materials, all versions and any upgrades of the SONY SOFTWARE and this EULA), and the recipient agrees to the terms of this EULA.

Termination.

Without prejudice to any other rights, SONY may terminate this EULA if you fail to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA. In such event, you must destroy all copies of the

SONY SOFTWARE and all of its component parts.

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You agree to keep information contained in SONY SOFTWARE which is not publicly known confidential to yourself, and not to disclose such information to others without SONY's prior written approval.

COPYRIGHT

All title and copyright in and to the SONY SOFTWARE (including but limited to any images, photographs, animation, video, audio, music, text and applets, incorporated into the SONY SOFTWARE), and any copies of the SONY SOFTWARE, are owned by SONY or its suppliers. All rights not specifically granted under this EULA are reserved by SONY.

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The Sony Software makes technically possible copying and sharing of copyrighted material. You agree to respect applicable laws and contractual agreements protecting the rights of content providers.

HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES

The SONY SOFTWARE is not fault-tolerant and is not designed, manufactured or intended for use or resale as on-line control equipment in hazardous environments requiring fail-safe performance, such as in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or communication systems, air traffic control, direct life support machines, or weapons systems, in which the failure of the SONY SOFTWARE could lead to death, personal injury, or severe physical or environmental damage (High Risk Activities). SONY and its suppliers specifically disclaim any express or implied warranty or condition of fitness for High Risk Activities.

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PROHIBITION ON EXPORT

THE SONY SOFTWARE AND ANY UNDERLYING TECHNOLOGY MAY NOT BE EXPORTED OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES OR TO ANY FOREIGN ENTITY OR FOREIGN PERSON AS DEFINED BY U.S. GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANYONE WHO IS NOT A CITIZEN, NATIONAL OR LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. BY DOWNLOADING OR USING THE SONY SOFTWARE, YOU ARE AGREEING TO THE FOREGOING AND YOU ARE WARRANTING THAT YOU ARE NOT A FOREIGN PERSON OR UNDER THE CONTROL OF A FOREIGN PERSON.

U.S. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS. (I) THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT and documentation are provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the United States Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1) and (2) of the Commercial Computer Software-Restricted Rights at 48 CFR 52.227-19, as applicable. Manufacturer is Sony Electronics Inc., One Sony Drive, Park Ridge, New Jersey 07656. (II) All SONY technical data and computer software is commercial in nature and developed solely at private expense. Software is delivered as Commercial Computer Software as defined in DFARS 252.227-7014 (June 1995) or as a commercial item as defined in FAR 2.101(a) and as such is provided with only such rights as are provided in SONY's standard commercial license for such software. Technical data is provided with limited rights only as provided in DFARS 252.227-7015 (Nov.1995) or FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987), whichever is applicable.

EXCLUSION OF WARRANTY ON SONY SOFTWARE

YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT USE OF THE SONY SOFTWARE IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. THE SONY SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED AS IS AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND AND SONY AND SONY'S LICENSORS (HEREINAFTER, SONY AND SONY'S LICENSORS SHALL BE COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO AS (SONY) EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABLE QUALITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SONY DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE FUNCTIONS CONTAINED IN THE SONY SOFTWARE WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS, OR THAT THE OPERATION OF THE SONY SOFTWARE WILL BE CORRECTED. FURTHERMORE, SONY DOES NOT WARRANT OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OR THE RESULTS OF THE USE OF THE SONY SOFTWARE IN TERMS OF ITS CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN BY SONY OR A SONY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY OR CONDITION OR IN ANY WAY INCREASE THE SCOPE OF THIS WARRANTY. SHOULD THE SONY SOFTWARE PROVE DEFECTIVE. YOU (AND NOT SONY OR A SONY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE) ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

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LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

SONY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION, BREACH OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY RELATED TO THIS PRODUCT AND SONY SOFTWARE. SUCH DAMAGES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF REVENUE, LOSS OF DATA, LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT OR ANY ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, DOWN TIME AND PURCHASER'S TIME, EVEN IF SONY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN ANY CASE, THE ENTIRE SONY LIABILITY UNDER ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY PAID BY YOU ALLOCABLE TO THE SONY SOFTWARE. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSIONS OR LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION, JURY TRIAL WAIVER

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, United States of America, without regards to conflict of laws provisions. Any dispute arising out of this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive venue of the state and federal courts of Santa Clara County, California, and the parties hereby consent to the venue and jurisdiction of such courts. THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTERS ARISING UNDER OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

If any part of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the other parts will remain valid.

Should you have any questions concerning this license agreement or this limited warranty, you may contact SONY, in writing, at: Sony Technical Response Center, 12451 Gateway Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33913.

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Contents

Welcome.................................................................9 About the VAIO MX Computer ....................................................... 9

Locating Controls and Connectors ...................13 Front Panel Overview................................................................... 13 Back Panel Overview ................................................................... 16 Remote Control Overview............................................................ 18

Setting Up Your VAIO MX Computer .................21 To Set Up the FM Tuner............................................................... 21 To Set Up Your Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder System ................................................. 23 To Set Up Additional Equipment.................................................. 30

SonicStage Premium Software ..........................35 Overview of SonicStage Premium Software ................................ 35 To Use SonicStage Premium Software........................................ 39 To Use Playback and Recording Features.................................... 44 To Use the Visualizer, Equalizer, and Sound Effects ....................................................................... 50 To Use the FM Tuner .................................................................... 52 To Use the Timer Functions......................................................... 54 Additional Information................................................................. 56

Setting Up Giga Pocket for TV Viewing.............57 To Set Up TV Viewing.................................................................. 57 Giga Video Recorder.................................................................... 59 Timer Recording Manager ........................................................... 63

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Timer Recording Wizard ...............................................................66 Video Explorer.............................................................................. 68 Playlist Builder ............................................................................. 71 PicoPlayer .....................................................................................73 CLI Converter ............................................................................. 76 Simple DVD Maker....................................................................... 79

Troubleshooting Topics..................................... 81 About the VAIO MX Functions...................................................... 81 About Software Playback and Recording ..................................... 82 About Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder ............................... 84 About Using the MiniDisc Drive and Media .................................. 85 About Recording CDs................................................................... 87 About the Modem ........................................................................ 88

Glossary .............................................................. 89

Internet Electronic Program Guide Service...................................................... 93

To Set up Your Internet Electronic Program Guide Service ................................................................ 94 Setting up a Timer Recording ...................................................... 96 Viewing Your Selected Program Recording Schedule ................................................................... 100

Index .................................................................. 101

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Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO MX computer! Your new system is a state-of-the-art multimedia computer that incorporates the latest audio, television, Internet, and multimedia storage technologies, into a single, powerful, entertainment package.

About the VAIO MX Computer

The VAIO MX computer is a fully integrated system that gives you a wide range of functionality, such as:

Audio playback and recording:

Play back, record, and erase DVD-R/DVD-RW, CD-R/CD-RW, and MiniDisc media.

Listen and record FM radio broadcasting stations with the built-in FM tuner.

Create custom audio Playlists.

Read and write audio files to and from a Sony MagicGate Memory Stick media with extended storage capacity.

Video viewing and recording:

Set up and manage one-time, daily, and weekly timer recording schedules.

Manage Video Capsules (recorded video contents) on your computer.

Record personal video content from a videotape.

Play your Video Capsules on other computers.

Create custom video Playlists.

Read, write, or convert video content to and from a Sony MagicGate Memory Stick media for viewing with a Sony CLI handheld device.

Television playback capabilities:

Watch and record television from your computer.

View and record TV programming simultaneously.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

VAIO MX Computer audio capabilities

The audio capability of the VAIO MX computer is advanced, implementing the latest technologies such as digital audio playback and recording, Dolby Digital Surround Sound, an FM tuner scanner, and compatibility with stereo speakers.

A special software application, SonicStage Premium, delivers high quality digital audio playback and recording functions, using your computers built-in audio components or external analog/digital audio devices. SonicStage Premium software uses ATRAC3 compression technology to supply high quality sound and increased compression rates for recording.

This software also offers several jukebox-style features:

An audio CD-burning component to record your favorite music on audio CDs.

A music Visualizer to enhance your listening experience.

A parametric equalizer that fine-tunes your audio playback.

Audio features

MiniDisc Drive Play and record your favorite music, with full operational integration with the other audio devices built into the computer, using the SonicStage Premium software. Your drive is equipped with:

ATRAC3 compression technology that creates high quality audio files with longer playing time. Audio files recorded with ATRAC3 technology are playable on MiniDisc Long Play (MDLP) compliant audio players.

Sony OpenMG encryption technology that enables you to protect the music stored on your hard disc drive.

Net MD technology that supports the transfer of music data at high speeds from your computer to a MiniDisc device or media, while protecting copyrighted material.

FM Tuner Enables you to receive FM radio broadcasting stations through the built-in FM tuner. Through the use of the SonicStage Premium software, you are able to receive high quality sound.

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About the VAIO MX Computer

VAIO MX Computer video capabilities

Your system utilizes state-of-the-art video technology to function as a DVD player with recording capability, VCR device, TV, and high-end game console. Your computer is also equipped with Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder, a suite of interactive Sony audio and video components that is designed to create, capture, and play back video files derived from television and your own personal videos.*

Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder features

Giga Video Recorder This application enables you to watch TV programs on your computers display and record them onto the hard disk drive as Video Capsules for later playback.

Timer Recording Manager The Timer Recording Manager keeps track of all TV program recordings you have scheduled. This program also enables you to modify timer recordings.

Timer Recording Wizard The Wizard interface guides you through setting up a timer recording schedule. You can program one-time recordings and set up daily or weekly recurring recording schedules.

Video Explorer The Video Explorer program functions as your video file management system, and stores recorded Video Capsules as well as modified Playlists. Video Explorer contains export/import functions for file format conversions.

Playlist Builder The Playlist Builder is a video editor that enables you to generate Playlists by selecting various cuts (scenes) from multiple recorded Video Capsules, and arranging them in any desired sequences for playback.

Giga Pocket Server The Giga Pocket Server application runs in the background to support the transfer of data between PicoPlayer users on a network.

* Unauthorized duplication of audio or video files is a violation of applicable laws.

Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder maintains information about the software and Video Capsules on your computers drive D, in a folder named D:\ Giga Pocket. This folder and its contents are not designed for your direct maintenance. Please do not move, modify or delete the Giga Pocket Folder or any of its contents. Any alteration to this folder or its contents may cause your Giga Pocket software and Video Capsules to stop working properly.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

PicoPlayer This Video Capsule player application can be attached to Video Capsules that are exported with Video Explorer. You can play a Giga Pocket Video Capsule on computer systems that do not have Giga Pocket installed, if such systems support PicoPlayer software requirements.

For more information about Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder features, follow these steps to access the Giga Pocket Help file:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket and click Giga Pocket Help.

Additional features

DVD-RW drive This new optical storage technology provides increased storage capacity and a dynamic multimedia computing experience. Your state-of-the-art DVD-RW drive writes to DVD-R/DVD-RW and CD-R/CD- RW media, and plays your favorite DVDs and CDs.

Sony MagicGate Memory Stick media slot Delivers data between Memory Stick media-equipped devices, enabling the transfer of images, sounds, data and text.

i.LINK (IEEE1394) interface Two built-in i.LINK ports provide you with digital connection capability. The i.LINK name and logo identify a high-speed communication interface, which allows you to easily connect compatible digital camcorders.

PC Card slot The PC card slot enables you to increase the functionality of your computer by connecting portable, external devices. For information on using PC cards and devices, see the information supplied with the card or device.

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

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Locating Controls and Connectors

Front Panel Overview

The front panel of your VAIO MX computer enables access to the optical drive, MiniDisc drive, Memory Stick, and PC Card slots. The front panel also provides access to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) and i.LINK ports to connect your compatible peripheral devices.

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

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

14

Front panel

1 DVD-RW drive Reads data from DVD or CD media. Writes data to a DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD-R, or CD-RW media.

2 MiniDisc drive Plays and records music to and from the MiniDisc media. Supports Net MD protocol for secure music transfers.

3 LCD display screen Displays the current operating mode and status of the computer.

4 Play button Plays the current DVD, CD, or MiniDisc media contents.

5 Stop button Stops the current playback of DVD, CD, or MiniDisc media.

6 Infrared Receiver Enables the computer to receive signals from the remote control. (For proper remote control operation, do not block the infrared receiver.)

VOL

DISPLAY FUNCTIONMUTING

PHONE MIC i.LINK S400 USB

MEMORY STICK PC CARD

Front Panel Overview

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7 Muting button Mutes the current sound output.

8 Power button and indicator light Turns the computer on and off. The indicator light is blue when the computer is on and amber when the computer is in Stand by mode.

9 PC Card slot A PC card (also called a PCMCIA card) can be installed using this slot, to increase the functions of your system.

10 Headphone jack Connection for headphones.

11 Microphone jack Connection for a microphone.

12 i.LINK 4-pin port (IEEE1394) Connection for a compatible digital device.

13 DVD-RW eject button Ejects a disc from the DVD-RW drive.

14 MiniDisc media eject button Ejects a MiniDisc media from the MiniDisc drive.

15 Previous/Rewind button Skips to the previous track on the current playback of a DVD, CD or MiniDisc media.

16 Next/Fast Forward button Skips to the next track on the current playback of a DVD, CD or MiniDisc media.

17 Function button Selects the operation mode of the computer.

18 Display button Selects the display mode on the LCD display screen.

19 Volume control buttons Increases or decreases the volume.

20 MagicGate Memory Stick media slot Reads and writes data to and from a Memory Stick media.

21 MagicGate Memory Stick media access indicator light The indicator light is amber when the Memory Stick media slot is in use.

22 Universal Serial Bus (USB) port Connection for a compatible USB device.

For your convenience, your computer includes USB and i.LINK ports and jacks on both the front and back panels. (The 4-pin i.LINK port is located on the front panel and the 6-pin i.LINK port is located on the back.)

VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Back Panel Overview

The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional accessories. The back panel also provides access to Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder jacks and ports. The icons on the back panel locate and identify the ports on your computer.

Back panel

1 Mouse port Connection for a PS/2 mouse.

2 Keyboard port Connection for a PS/2 Keyboard.

3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) port Connection for a compatible USB device.

OPTICAL FM ANTENNA (75 )

IN OUT

KEYBOARD MOUSE

USB NETWORK ACT

LINK

SERIAL

i.LINK S400

PRINTER

LINE IN

LINE OUT

MONITOR DVI

R L

SPEAKER------ VIDEO OUTPUT ------ VHF/UHF

------ VIDEO 1 INPUT ------ S VIDEO/VIDEOS VIDEO/VIDEO AUDIOAUDIO

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Back Panel Overview

4 Ethernet port 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet interface. (The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)

5 Printer port Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner.

6 i.LINK 6-pin port (IEEE1394) Connection for a compatible digital device.

7 Serial port Connection for a compatible serial device.

8 Monitor port Connection for a standard display.

9 DVI (LCD) Monitor port Connection for an LCD display.

10 Audio Out jack Connection for an audio cable (supplied). Video/S-video Out port Connection for a video cable adapter (supplied) or an S-video cable (optional).

11 Audio In jack Connection for an audio cable (supplied). Video/S-video In port Connection for a video cable adapter (supplied) or an S-video cable (optional).

12 FM antenna port Connection for an FM antenna.

13 S/P DIF (IN/OUT) optical ports Connection for a digital audio or optical device.

14 AC Input port Connection for the supplied power cord.

15 VHF/UHF port Connection for a TV antenna (supplied).

16 Line IN jacks (R/L) Connection for an audio device.

17 Line OUT jacks (R/L) Connection for an audio device.

18 Stereo speaker terminals (R/L) Connection for the supplied stereo speakers to the computer.

19 Telephone cable jack Connection for a phone cable to the computer.

20 Modem line jack Connection for a modem (supplied) cable to the wall jack.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Remote Control Overview

The functions of the VAIO MX Computer can be controlled using the remote control (supplied). The remote control can control the functions for the computer, FM Tuner, MiniDisc player, Memory Stick media slot, Giga Pocket functions, and DVD/CD-ROM player.

Remote Control

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

0

DVD

FMTV

MS VIDEO DVD

CD MD

TV VIDEO OPEN/CLOSE

ENTER

PAUSE

CHANNELVOLUME

STOP

MUTING

MENUCANCEL

PREV/ REW

NEXT/ FF

DISPLAY MX DISPLAY

TV INPUT

DVD

JUMP

MONITOR

SLEEP REC

REC STOP

REC MODE

VIDEO

SIZE PLAY MODE

AUDIO SELECT

EQ

ANGLE SUBTITLE TITLE

RETURN

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Remote Control Overview

1 Power button Press to turn on the computer.

2 DVD button Press to control a DVD player.

3 TV/VIDEO button Press to start or stop Giga Video Recorder. Giga Video Recorder is a feature of the Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder system.

4 Channel number buttons Press to select specific channels. (Press the ENTER button to activate channel selection.) Jump button Press to return to the previous channel. Press again to return to the current channel. Enter button Press to activate channel selection. See channel number buttons.

5 TV button Press to control the onscreen TV image. FM button Press to control the FM tuner on the computer. M button Press to control the (M drive) on the computer. CD button Press to control the CD-ROM drive on the computer. MD button Press to control the MiniDisc drive on the computer. MS button Press to control the Memory Stick media slot on the computer. Video button Press to control video playback. DVD button Press to control DVD playback.

6 Cancel button Press to close a message dialog box. Pause button Press to pause playback. Menu button Press to display the menu options. Prev/Rew button Press to rewind to the previous selection. Direction (center) button Press in the arrow directions to locate desired content, such as a song or Video Capsule. Press down to select desired content. Next/FF button Press to fast forward to the next selection.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

6 (Cont.)

Stop button Press to stop playback. Volume buttons Press to raise or lower the volume. Muting button Press to turn off the sound. Press again to restore the sound. Channel buttons Press to browse available channels.

7 Display button Press to display information. TV input button Press to select the input source including a television tuner or external input. MX Display button Press to view the LCD display on the computer. Monitor button Press to set the display to Stand by mode. Press again to enable the monitor to resume. This feature is not available while Giga Pocket features are in use. Sleep button Press to program the computer to automatically enter Stand by mode. Video Rec button Press to start recording with Giga Video Recorder. Video Rec Stop button Press to stop recording onscreen images to Giga Video Recorder. Video Rec Mode button Press to select a recording of Giga Video Recorder.

8 Size button Press to view SonicStage Premium software in Simple mode view. Press again to return to full-screen view. Play Mode button Press to select Play mode. Audio Select button Press to select audio mode. EQ button Press to adjust your equalizer. Angle button See the Media Bar DVD Player softwares online Help file for more information. Subtitle button See the Media Bar DVD Player softwares online Help file for more information. Title button See the Media Bar DVD Player softwares online Help file for more information. Return button See the Media Bar DVD Player softwares online Help file for more information.

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Setting Up Your VAIO MX Computer This section illustrates how to set up the cables and connections for your FM Tuner and the Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder system.

To Set Up the FM Tuner

Setting up FM Antenna connections

The best method of setting up your FM Tuner depends on the access options available in your home. This is the basic connection method that enables you to access FM radio stations with the FM Tuner built into your computer.

To connect the FM Antenna wire (supplied)

1 Connect one end of the FM coaxial cable to the FM antenna port located on the back of your computer.

Connecting the FM coaxial cable to the FM antenna port

OPTICAL FM ANTENNA (75 )

IN OUT

FM coaxial cable (supplied)

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

2 Attach the two wire leads of the FM antenna wire (supplied) to the FM antenna adapter.

3 Connect the FM coaxial cable (supplied) to the FM antenna adapter (supplied).

4 Carefully separate the other end of the FM antenna wire, as shown, and mount horizontally onto the wall. For the best reception, mount the antenna wire away from your computer to avoid static or other electrical interference with your FM station reception.

Connecting the FM antenna wire leads to the FM antenna adapter

Connecting the FM coaxial cable to the FM antenna adapter

Setting up the FM antenna wire (wall mount)

Wire leads (FM antenna wire)

FM antenna adapter

FM antenna wire

FM coaxial cableFM antenna adapter

FM antenna wire

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To Set Up Your Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder System

To Set Up Your Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder System

Setting up TV connections

The best method of connecting your computer system, TV monitor or display, and cable service access, depends on the type of cable connection available in your home.

Connecting to standard cable access (CATV)

Option 1

1 Connect one end of the coaxial cable (supplied) to your cable service access.

2 Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to the VHF/UHF jack on the back panel of your computer.

Your VAIO MX Computer is supplied with certain audio and video cables. Depending on your in-home cable access, you may require extra cables, adapters or connection equipment not supplied with your computer.

To connect in CATV mode (Option 1)

LINE IN

LINE OUT

DVI

R L

SPEAKER VHF/UHF

------ VIDEO 1 INPUT ------ S VIDEO/VIDEOAUDIO

Cable service access (wall outlet)

Coaxial cable (supplied)

VHF/UHF jack

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Option 2

1 Connect one end of the coaxial cable (supplied) to your cable service access. Connect the other end to the single-connection end of a splitter adapter.

2 Connect a second coaxial cable (optional) to the double-connection end of the splitter adapter. Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF jack on the back panel of your computer.

3 Connect a third coaxial cable (optional) to the double-connection end of the splitter adapter. Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF jack on the rear of your TV monitor or display.

To Connect to a standard antenna (air)

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

To connect in CATV mode (Option 2)

Cable service access (wall outlet)

Coaxial cable (supplied)

Splitter (optional)

Coaxial cable (optional)

VHF/UHF jack

Coaxial cable (optional)

LINE IN

LINE OUT

DVI

R L

SPEAKER VHF/UHF

------ VIDEO 1 INPUT ------ S VIDEO/VIDEOAUDIO

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To Set Up Your Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder System

Option 1

1 Connect one end of the coaxial cable (supplied) to your antenna outlet. Connect the other end to a VHF/UHF RF combiner/transformer (optional).

2 Connect a second coaxial cable (optional) from the combiner/transformer to the VHF/UHF jack on the back panel of your computer.

Option 2

3 Connect both ends of the antennas twin lead cable to the screw-type grips on the combiner/transformer.

4 Connect a second coaxial cable (optional) from the combiner/transformer to the VHF/UHF jack on the back panel of your computer.

If you are connecting to an indoor/outdoor antenna, you may need to reorient the antenna for best reception.

To connect in standard antenna mode (air)

Your VAIO MX Computer is supplied with certain audio and video cables. Depending on your in-home cable access, you may require extra cables, adapters or connection equipment not supplied with your computer.

LINE IN

LINE OUT

DVI

R L

SPEAKER VHF/UHF

PUT ------ O/VIDEO

Coaxial cable (supplied)

Antenna system (Air)

300-ohm Twin lead cable (optional)

Antenna System (Air)

VHF/UHF RF Combiner/Transformer (optional)

Coaxial cable (optional)

Option 1

Option 2

VHF/UHF jack

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Connecting with a cable or satellite set-top box (STB)

You can connect your Giga Pocket system to cable service access that uses a set- top box (cable or satellite).

Option 1

1 Connect one end of the coaxial cable (supplied) to your cable service access. Connect the other end to the In jack on the back panel of your set-top box (STB).

2 Connect a second coaxial cable (optional) to the Out jack on your STB. Connect the other end to the single-connection end of a splitter adapter (optional).

3 Connect a third coaxial cable (optional) to the double-connection end of the splitter adapter. Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF jack on the back panel of your computer.

4 Connect a fourth coaxial cable (optional) to the double-connection end of the splitter adapter. Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF jack on the rear of your TV monitor or display.

26

To Set Up Your Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder System

To connect in STB mode (Option 1)

VHF/UHF IN

VHF/UHF OUTCable service access

(wall outlet)

Coaxial cable (supplied)

Set-top box (STB)

Coaxial cable (optional)

Coaxial cable (optional)

Splitter (optional)

VHF/UHF jack

VHF/UHF jack

LINE IN

LINE OUT

DVI

R L

SPEAKER VHF/UHF

------ VIDEO 1 INPUT ------ S VIDEO/VIDEOAUDIO

27

VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Option 2

1 Connect one end of the coaxial cable (supplied) to your cable service access. Connect the other end to the In jack on the back panel of your set-top box (STB).

2 Connect a second coaxial cable (optional) to the Out jack on your STB unit. Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF jack on the rear of your TV monitor or display.

3 Connect one end of the video cable (supplied) to the Video Out port on the back panel of your STB unit. Connect the other end of the video cable to the jack end of a video cable adapter (supplied).

4 Connect the video connector end of the video cable adapter into the Video/S- video In port on the back panel of your computer.

5 Connect the double-jack end of the audio cable (supplied) into the Audio- Out (L/R) jacks on the back panel of your STB unit. Connect the single-jack end of the audio cable into the Audio-In jack on the back panel of your computer.

28

To Set Up Your Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder System

To connect in STB mode (Option 2)

VHF/UHF

Set-top box (STB)

LINE IN

LINE OUT

MONITOR DVI

R L

SPEAKER------ VIDEO OUTPUT ------ VHF/UHF

------ VIDEO 1 INPUT ------ S VIDEO/VIDEOS VIDEO/VIDEO AUDIOAUDIO

VHF/UHF jack

VHF/UHF OUT

Coaxial cable (supplied)

Audio cable(L/F) (supplied)

Audio cable(L/F) (supplied)

Video cable (supplied)

Video cable adaptor (supplied)

Audio-OUT (L/R)

Video-OUT

29

VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

To Set Up Additional Equipment

This section illustrates how to set up various accessories for the Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder System.

Connecting a standard or S-video cable to your computer

Your equipments connection capability may vary from the illustrations provided here, depending on the equipment manufacturers specifications. Some equipment have both video and S-video connections.

Sony supplies a standard video cable and a video cable adapter to enable you to make the correct video cable connections to your computer.

To connect to your computer with an S-video cable

Connect an S-video cable (optional) directly into the S-video port on the back panel of your computer.

To use an S-video cable (optional)

LINE IN

LINE OUT

MONITOR DVI

R L

SPEAKER------ VIDEO OUTPUT ------ VHF/UHF

------ VIDEO 1 INPUT ------ S VIDEO/VIDEOS VIDEO/VIDEO AUDIOAUDIO

Video/S-video Out

Video/S-video In (port)

(port)

S-video cable

Connect to Video/S-video port

Connect to device

(optional)

(on computer)

30

To Set Up Additional Equipment

To connect to your computer with the video cable (supplied) and video cable adapter (supplied)

Connect a standard video cable (supplied) to the jack-end of the video cable adapter (supplied). Connect the S-video connector end into the S-video port on the back panel of your computer.

Connecting a TV monitor (display)

1 Connect the video connector end of the video cable adapter (supplied) to the Video-Out connection on the back panel of your computer.

2 Connect the jack end of the video cable adapter to either end of the video cable (supplied). Connect the other end of the video cable to the Video-In jack on your TV monitor or display. (The Video-In may be located on the side or rear of your TV monitor/display.)

To use the video cable adapter (2 supplied)

Your VAIO MX Computer is supplied with certain audio and video cables. Depending on your in-home cable access, you may require extra cables, adapters or connection equipment not supplied with your computer.

Video cable adapter

Video cable (supplied)

Connect to device

Connect to Video/S-video ports

(supplied)

SERIAL

LINE IN

LINE OUT

MONITOR DVI

R L

SPEAKER------ VIDEO OUTPUT ------ VHF/UHF

------ VIDEO 1 INPUT ------ S VIDEO/VIDEOS VIDEO/VIDEO AUDIOAUDIO

Video/S-video Out (port)

Video/S-video In (port)

31

VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

3 Connect the single-jack end of the audio cable (supplied) to the Audio-Out jack on the back panel of your computer. Connect the double-jack end of the audio cable to the Audio-In (L/R) on your TV monitor or display. (The Audio-In jacks may be located on the side or rear of your TV monitor or display.)

Connecting a VCR or camcorder

Your VAIO MX computer has both audio and video connection capability behind the bottom panel on the front of the system unit. You can connect a VCR or camcorder, using the audio jacks and video ports.

To connect an audio cable

1 Connect a dual audio cable (optional) to the L and R audio jacks, located on the front panel of your computer.

2 Connect the other ends of the dual audio cable to your VCR or camcorder.

To connect a video cable

Your equipment may have either standard video or S-video connection capability. See the section, Connecting a standard or S-video cable to your computer. for more information.

Connecting a TV monitor/display

LINE IN

LINE OUT

MONITOR DVI

R L

SPEAKER------ VIDEO OUTPUT ------ VHF/UHF

------ VIDEO 1 INPUT ------ S VIDEO/VIDEOS VIDEO/VIDEO AUDIOAUDIO

VIDEO INPUT

V ID

EO

L(MONO) R

Audio cable (L/R)

Video cable adapter Video cable

(supplied)

(supplied) (supplied)

32

To Set Up Additional Equipment

Option 1

1 Connect an S-video cable (optional) directly into the S-video port on the back panel of your computer.

2 Connect the other end of the S-video cable into your VCR or camcorder.

Option 2

1 Connect the video cable (supplied) directly into the video port on the back panel of your computer.

2 Connect the other end of the video cable into the appropriate jack on your VCR or camcorder.

To connect a VCR or camcorder (Option 1 pictured)

Video cassette recorder (VCR)

Compatible camcorder

S-video cable (optional)

Dual audio cable (optional)

33

VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Setting up the remote control

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

Inserting batteries into the remote control

Under normal use, the AA batteries may last up to six months. If your remote control does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced.

If your remote control is not being used for extended periods of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

+

+

34

SonicStage Premium Software

SonicStage Premium software* is a unique integrated software application that supports high quality digital audio playback and recording using the MiniDisc drive, FM tuner, or DVD-RW drive of your VAIO MX computer. You can easily record your favorite music from external analog and digital audio devices, such as a CD player. SonicStage Premium software has several jukebox features, including a music Visualizer, audio CD-burning capability, and an equalizer for fine-tuning your audio playback.

Overview of SonicStage Premium Software

SonicStage Premium software has unique features that integrate with your MiniDisc drive, FM tuner and DVD-RW drive. The features expand the compatibility of the built-in audio devices, enabling you to create your own music database (M drive) and share audio files using other audio media and devices.

SonicStage Premium software enables you to play and record audio CDs and import digital audio files while maintaining the copyright information of the contents.

When you record an audio CD, it is encoded in ATRAC3 format onto your computers hard disk drive. You can also download (import) digital audio files from Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) services. The imported data can be played on your computer or transferred to external portable audio devices or media. SonicStage Premium software converts your existing MP3 and WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format.

* Your VAIO MX computer has SonicStage Premium software preinstalled. Some manuals or online help files may provide information about SonicStage software, which is a lighter version with fewer features. Follow the information provided in this guide or in the SonicStage Premium online Help file, to learn how to use SonicStage Premium software.

You have the option of formatting your audio files in ATRAC3, MP3 or WAV formats. See the SonicStage Premium Help file for more information.

35

VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

SonicStage Premium software features

The software features enable you to:

Listen to music from different audio sources, such as FM radio stations, audio CDs, or an Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) service.

Import your songs from various audio sources and create your own music database.

Manage information about your audio files, such as the artist name, song title, and media jacket image, by grouping into Playlists.

Use search criteria to locate specific songs in your music database.

Create custom CDs by selecting songs from different audio CDs or transferring songs from your music database.

Transfer the imported songs in your music database to a MiniDisc, MagicGate Memory Stick media, or other external device or media.

Use SonicStage Premium softwares sound effects, equalizer, or visualizer, to enhance your listening experience.

Set up timed events using Timer Playback, Timer Recording, and Sleep Timer.

For more information about SonicStage Premium software features, follow these steps to access the SonicStage Premium Help file:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select All Programs.

2 Select SonicStage Premium and click SonicStage Premium Help.

SonicStage Premium software compatibility

The software is compatible with several media, devices, and types of audio files. You can play back, listen to, and record, with the following:

Media

Audio CDs (Including CD Extra and CD Text) You can play back, record to the hard disk drive, and make backup CDs.

MiniDiscs You can play back MiniDiscs that are recorded in LP stereo, stereo and mono recording modes. The M drive enables recording (check- out) to MiniDisc media.

36

Overview of SonicStage Premium Software

MagicGate Memory Stick media* You can play back songs from the media, using the Memory Stick slot on your computer. The M drive enables recording (check-out) to MagicGate Memory Stick media.

Devices

FM Tuner Your VAIO MX computer features a built-in FM tuner, enabling you to listen to and record from FM stations. Your recorded material is converted into OpenMG format or WAV format.

Devices that are compliant with OpenMG technology standards The USB ports on your computer enable you to connect a compatible device that can play and record your audio files.

Devices that are connected to the computers external input ports or jacks You can listen to and record from a connected device.

Audio file formats

OpenMG format: ATRAC3 files with the file extension .omg.

WAV format

MP3 format

Audio files that are compliant with WMT (Windows Media Technology).

Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) Services

EMD enables you to download music files via the Internet. To use Internet services that are compatible with SonicStage, you need:

Access to the Internet from your computer. Sign up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and configure your computer for Internet access before using EMD services.

An EMD service provider. Consult the provider for information about service.

* SonicStage Premium software does not support standard Memory Stick media (blue color).

Some MP3, WAV and WMT compliant files may have incompatible sampling rates and cannot be imported. For details on importing files, see the SonicStage Premium Help file.

37

VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

38

To Use SonicStage Premium Software

To Use SonicStage Premium Software

When you start SonicStage Premium software for the first time, certain settings must be enabled in order to use the software to listen to FM radio stations and to play audio files.

Starting SonicStage Premium Software (First time)

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select All Programs.

2 Point to SonicStage Premium and then click SonicStage Premium.

3 At the first use of SonicStage Premium software, a dialog box appears and prompts you to register with the Compact Disc Database (CDDB) music service. From this dialog box, you can choose to:

Click Cancel and end the CDDB registration process for the current session. The CDDB registration dialog box displays the next time you start SonicStage Premium software.

Create a new CDDB account. If you are connected to the Internet before launching SonicStage Premium software, follow these steps:

1 Select This is a new CDDB Registration. Click Next.

2 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process.

Access your existing CDDB account. If you are connected to the Internet before launching SonicStage Premium software, follow these steps:

1 Select I already have a CDDB Nickname. Click Next.

2 Follow the on-screen instructions to log on and access your existing account.

Connect the FM Tuner before attempting to scan the frequencies of available FM radio stations in the SonicStage Premium software application.

39

VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

The SonicStage Premium main window appears, enabling you to continue your launch of the SonicStage Premium software.

1 In the softwares main window, a dialog box appears. You are prompted to start scanning FM radio station frequencies. Click Yes.

Your computer starts scanning and displays a progress window.

2 A dialog box appears with the message, Confirm the setup of SonicStage Premium. From this dialog box, you can choose to:

Set up SonicStage Premium software to automatically launch when you double-click audio files.

Select the type of audio files that can be played back with SonicStage Premium software.

Confirm playback settings each time SonicStage Premium software is launched.

SonicStage Premium main window

A B C D E

F

J K L M NG H I

40

To Use SonicStage Premium Software

A Audio source icons Identifies the audio sources.

B IMPORT button Displays the Import window.

C CD BACKUP button Displays the Create Audio CDs window.

D Simple Mode Switch button Switches the main window view to the simple mode view.

E Help button Displays the SonicStage Premium Help file.

F Operation area Displays the operation panels for the audio sources.

G MENU button Displays the main menu.

H Volume Control button Increase or decrease sound volume when playing back songs from audio sources.

I Equalizer button Displays the MX Equalizer dialog box, enabling you to change the equalizer options.

J Sound Effect button Enables or disables the current sound effect selection.

K Visualizer button Minimizes or maximizes the Visualizer window. The Visualizer window offers various images that respond to music playback.

L Internet button Minimizes or maximizes the Internet connection window. The Internet window enables you to download or listen to audio files from EMD services.

M Timer Set button Minimizes or maximizes the Timer Setting window. The Timer Setting window enables you to set up timed playback or recording events.

N Sleep Timer button Your computer can be set up to automatically enter Stand by mode using the Sleep Timer button.

41

VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Using the audio source icons

The audio source icons initiate the functions of SonicStage Premium software for the related audio media or device. You can play back or record music using a drag-and-drop or double-clicking operation.

Click on an audio source icon to view a Playback panel.

Double-click on an audio source icon to begin music playback.

Right-click on an audio source icon to view a shortcut menu of available functions.

Drag an audio source icon onto another to perform recording or check-in/check-out functions.

Icon Description Audio source is the (music database) on your hard disk drive. The Playlist icon also identifies audio files that are registered to a specific playlist in the M drive. Audio source is a CD, CD-R or CD-RW inserted into your computers optical drive.

Audio source is a MiniDisc inserted into your computers MiniDisc drive.

Audio source is a MagicGate Memory Stick media inserted into your computers Memory Stick slot. (Note: A standard Memory Stick media (blue color) is not compatible with SonicStage Premium software.) Audio source is an external device or media connected to the USB port on your computer.

Audio source is your computers built-in FM tuner.

Audio source is for recording purposes. This icon identifies a device connected to the external input port or jack on your computer, such as the LINE IN, OPT IN, or MIC.

42

To Use SonicStage Premium Software

Using the basic operations

The functions and operation of each audio source is controlled through three windows:

Playback Panel This window enables you to play songs from the selected audio source. You can control the music by using functions such as repeat, shuffle, fast forward and rewind. The available functions on the Playback panel may vary, depending on the selected audio source icon.

Contents Panel This window displays a list of songs from the audio source or from a Playlist. You can also view information about the song, such as the artist name, song title, or duration of playback.

Edit Panel This window enables editing of the songs from the audio source. You can rearrange song order or add/delete songs from the audio source or Playlist.

If you select the FM tuner or external device icons, a Listening panel is displayed. The functions of the Listening panel differ from the Playback panel. See the SonicStage Premium Help file for more information.

43

VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

To Use Playback and Recording Features

Playing an audio CD

When you play an audio CD in your computers optical drive for the first time, you are prompted to select playback options and to check the operation of the drive. Follow the instructions in the dialog boxes, and set up SonicStage Premium software to automatically play your audio CDs and to verify the optical drive operation.

1 Insert the audio CD into the optical drive. The CD Playback panel appears.

2 Click (Play) on the Playback panel to begin playback from the beginning of the audio CD.

3 Click (Show List) on the Playback panel to view the Contents panel. A song list of the music on the audio CD is displayed.

4 Select the song you wish to play. Click Play on the Playback panel to begin the selected song.

5 Click (Stop) on the Playback panel to stop playback.

6 Click (Play) during playback to pause the song. Click on the icon again to resume playback.

7 Click (Eject) on the Playback panel to eject the audio CD from the drive.

If the Playback panel does not automatically display, click the icon. You can double-click the icon to automatically start playback of the audio CD.

You can double-click on a specific song to automatically begin playback.

The Timer Playback and Sleep Timer functions are disabled during song playback.

Do not open or close the optical drive during playback.

44

To Use Playback and Recording Features

Recording an audio CD

You can record songs from an audio CD and register them to a Playlist on your hard disk drive.

To record all songs on an audio CD

1 Insert the audio CD into the optical drive. The CD Playback panel appears.

2 Select and drag (CD), and drop it on (M drive). The Record window appears.

3 Click Show List on the Record window. The songs on the audio CD are listed in the List panel. You can click (CD Info) to view information about the songs on your CD if you are connected to the Internet.

4 Select the format and bit rate for your recording session. Click Record All to begin recording all the songs on the CD.

To record specific songs on an audio CD

1 Follow steps 1-3 as described in the previous section.

2 From the List panel, use a check mark to select the songs you want to record. Delete the check marks from those songs you do not wish to record.

3 Select the format and bit rate for your recording session. Click (record) to begin recording the selected songs.

Playing songs on your hard disk drive (Playlist)

1 Click (M drive). The Playlist Playback panel appears.

2 Click Show List on the Playback panel to view the Contents panel. The Playlists on your hard disk drive are displayed.

You can find a specific Playlist using the categories function. Search for the desired Playlist by artist name, genre, or keywords.

3 Double-click to select a Playlist.

4 Double-click on a song to begin playback.

45

VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Playing a MiniDisc

1 Insert the MiniDisc into the MiniDisc drive. The MiniDisc Playback panel appears.

2 Click Play on the Playback panel to begin playback from the beginning of the MiniDisc.

3 Click Show List on the Playback panel to view the Contents panel. A song list of the music on the MiniDisc is displayed.

4 Select the song you wish to play. Click Play on the Playback panel to begin the selected song.

5 Click Stop on the Playback panel to stop playback.

6 Click Play during playback to pause the song. Click on the icon again to resume playback.

7 Click Eject on the Playback panel to eject the MiniDisc from the drive.

Recording songs to a MiniDisc (Check-out)

When you record songs from an audio CD to a MiniDisc, the songs are recorded into a Playlist on your hard disk drive, and then checked out to the MiniDisc.

To record songs to a MiniDisc

1 Insert the audio CD into the optical drive.

2 Insert the MiniDisc media into the MiniDisc drive.

3 Select and drag (CD), and drop it on (MiniDisc). The Record window appears.

If the Playback panel does not automatically display, click the (MiniDisc) icon. You can double-click the icon to automatically start playback of the MiniDisc.

Do not eject the MiniDisc media during playback.

Before recording to a MiniDisc, verify that the media is not write-protected.

46

To Use Playback and Recording Features

4 Click Show List on the Record window. The songs on the audio CD are listed in the List panel. You can click the CD Info button to view information about the songs on your CD if you are connected to the Internet.

5 Select the format and bit rate for your recording session.

6 Click . The MD Recording Mode dialog box appears. Choose the appropriate recording mode, depending on format and bit rate selected previously. For details on setting the format and bit rate, see the SonicStage Premium Help file.

LP2 Stereo Recording mode

LP4 Stereo Recording mode

Stereo Recording mode

Mono Recording mode

7 Select the recording (check-out) mode. Click OK.

8 Click (Stop Record) to stop or cancel the recording session.

Playing songs from a MagicGate Memory Stick media

1 Click (MagicGate Memory Stick media) icon. The Memory Stick media Playback panel appears.

The Check-in/Check-out window appears if the Memory Stick media is inserted while SonicStage Premium software is running. You can play songs by using the Playback panel on the right side of this window.

2 Click Show List on the Playback panel to view the Contents panel. A song list of the music on the Memory Stick media is displayed.

3 Select the song you wish to play.

4 Click Play on the Playback panel to start the selected song.

For more information on recording to a MiniDisc (Check-out), see the SonicStage Premium Help file.

If the Playback panel does not automatically display, click the icon with the Memory Stick media inserted into the Memory Stick slot of your computer. You can double-click the icon to automatically start playback of the Memory Stick media.

47

VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Recording songs to a Memory Stick media or portable audio device (Check-out)

You can record songs from an audio CD to a MagicGate Memory Stick media or external device that is compliant with OpenMG software standards. The songs are recorded to the M drive on your hard disk drive, and then checked out to the Memory Stick media or portable audio device.

1 Insert the audio CD into the optical drive.

2 Insert the Memory Stick media into the Memory Stick media slot, or connect the external device to the computer.

3 Select and drag (CD), and drop it on (Memory Stick media), or (external device or media). The Record window appears.

4 Click Show List on the Record window. The songs on the audio CD are listed in the List panel. You can click CD Info to view information about the songs on your CD if you are connected to the Internet.

5 Select the format and bit rate for your recording session. For details on setting the format and bit rate, see the SonicStage Premium Help file.

6 Click (Record). The recording session starts.

7 Click (Stop Record) to stop or cancel the recording session.

Playing songs from a portable audio device

SonicStage Premium software is preinstalled in your computer and is designed to be immediately compatible with most portable audio devices. If your portable audio devices use OpenMG software, you must set up and configure each device before using it with SonicStage Premium software. Follow these steps to install your OpenMG software and configure a device:

1 Insert the OpenMG software CD supplied with your audio device.

2 When you are prompted to select installation options, select the option to install drivers only.

Before recording to a Memory Stick media, verify that the media is not write- protected.

48

To Use Playback and Recording Features

3 Select the driver option that corresponds with the model name and number of your audio device. Click Install.

4 Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the driver installation.

5 Restart your computer when prompted.

6 Connect your audio device to a USB port on your computer and wait for Windows to detect it. (A message may display in the Windows task tray.)

Open SonicStage Premium software, as follows:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select All Programs.

2 Point to SonicStage Premium and then click SonicStage Premium. The SonicStage Premium main window appears.

Your audio device is configured for use with SonicStage Premium software.

To play songs from an portable audio (external) device or media

1 Click (External device or media). The External device Playback panel appears.

The Check-in/Check-out window appears if the external device or media is connected or inserted while SonicStage Premium is running. You can play songs by using the Playback panel on the right side of this window.

2 Click Show List on the Playback panel to view the Contents panel. A song list of the music on the external device or media is displayed.

3 Select the song you wish to play. Click Play on the Playback panel to start the selected song.

Earlier versions of OpenMG Jukebox software (version 2.1 or earlier) are not compatible with SonicStage Premium software. If you have difficulty installing your portable audio device, go to the manufacturers support Web site to locate and download the latest drivers.

If the Playback panel does not automatically display, click the icon with the external device/media connected or inserted into your computer. You can double-click the icon to automatically start playback of the songs on the device or media.

You may not be able to play back songs on the audio device or media that were checked out from a different computer.

49

VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

To Use the Visualizer, Equalizer, and Sound Effects

Your VAIO MX computer has special features to enhance your music experience. You can view synchronized images while listening to music, enhance the sound quality and add special effects to your favorite songs.

Using the Visualizer

1 Click . The Visualizer window appears.

2 Click the Options button and point to Select Visualizer. The images on the Visualizer window change, enabling you to select your preference.

3 Click the Full Screen button or double-click anywhere on the Visualizer window to view the images in full-screen mode. You can restore the original window size by pressing the Esc key or double-clicking anywhere on the Visualizer window.

4 Click Visualizer again to close the Visualizer window.

Using the MX Equalizer

1 Click . The MX Equalizer window appears. Select the desired sound mode from the drop-down list.

2 Click Close. The next time you play a song, the selected sound mode is applied to the song.

The movements of Visualizer images do not synchronize with songs that are on a MiniDisc.

Sound Mode Description Flat Equalizes the gain in each frequency range. Use this mode if you do

not want to apply equalization during playback.

Pop Selects the settings that are most suitable for Pop music.

Rock Selects the settings that are most suitable for Rock music.

Jazz Selects the settings that are most suitable for Jazz music.

Classic Selects the settings that are most suitable for Classical music.

User1/User2 Selects your customized equalizer settings. See To use custom equalizer settings.

50

To Use the Visualizer, Equalizer, and Sound Effects

To use custom equalizer settings

1 Click . The MX Equalizer Editor dialog box appears.

2 Select User1 or User2, and click Edit.

3 Set your desired adjustments to the Center frequency, Q-value and gain, by using the sliders.

4 Set the Bass Boost, as desired, by selecting the On option of the Bass boost. Move the slider to adjust levels.

5 Set the Treble, as desired, by selecting the On option of the Treble. Move the slider to adjust levels.

6 Click OK. The MX Equalizer Editor dialog box closes and the settings are registered for User1 or User2, depending on your selection.

7 Click OK. The MX Equalizer window closes.

Using sound effect settings

1 Click . A sound effects menu displays.

2 Select the desired sound effect from the menu.

3 Click Close. The next time you play a song, the selected sound effect is applied to the song.

You may hear distortion during playback of some songs when sound effects have been added. If this occurs, select Sound Effect Off to turn off the sound effect.

EFFECT DESCRIPTION Vocal Canceller Reduce or cancel the vocals in a song. You can also change the pitch

of a song.

Reverb Add reverberation to the sound, emulating different sound fields.

Settings Make fine adjustments to each sound effect. See the SonicStage Premium Help file for more information on adjusting sound effects.

You cannot apply sound effects to songs on a MiniDisc, audio from an FM radio station, or music from an external output.

51

VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

To Use the FM Tuner

Your VAIO MX computer is equipped with a built-in FM tuner, enabling you to listen to and record from FM radio stations. Your FM antenna wire or FM coaxial antenna (supplied) must be connected to your computer before you can listen to FM radio stations. See Setting up FM Antenna connections.

Listening to FM radio stations

The first time that you use your FM tuner, you are prompted to start automatic frequency scanning.

1 At the first use of SonicStage Premium software, a dialog box appears and prompts you to start scanning frequencies of FM radio stations. Click Yes.

Your computer starts scanning and displays a progress window. After scanning is complete, the frequencies of available FM radio stations are sorted in ascending order and assigned a sequential number on the Preset panel.

2 Click . The FM Listening panel displays. The computer tunes in to the preset FM radio station that is currently selected.

3 You can use preset or manual tuning to change FM radio stations:

To use preset tuning, click (FM Menu) and select Tuning Mode - Preset from the menu.

To use manual tuning, click FM Menu and select Tuning Mode - Manual from the menu.

Click or on the FM Listening panel to locate a specific station or frequency.

For more information on selecting FM radio stations, see the SonicStage Premium Help file.

Subsequent scanning overwrites the FM radio stations listed on the Preset panel. If you wish to keep the current list of FM radio stations, select No when the scanning dialog box appears.

52

To Use the FM Tuner

Recording from an FM radio station

You can record from an FM radio station and register the audio file to a Playlist on your hard drive.

1 Click . The FM Listening panel appears.

2 Select the desired FM radio station.

3 Set up your audio input and recording settings by clicking REC Setting. Your audio input and recording options are:

Noise Reduction: Enable or disable noise reductions during recording.

Time Machine Recording: Set up a timer recording session.

Recording Format: Specify the desired recording file format.

Edit FM Playlist: Set up a Playlist to hold your recording session as a song.

4 Move the Level Adjust slider to adjust the audio input level, if necessary.

5 Click on the FM Listening panel to begin recording.

6 Click STOP on the FM Listening panel to stop recording. The recording session is registered to a Playlist as a song.

To use Quick Timer Recording

To quickly set the amount time remaining to record:

1 Click on the FM Listening panel during the recording session, to automatically set the recording time to 10 minutes.

2 Continue clicking on the icon to extend the recording duration by 10 minute increments.

The maximum recording time is 150 minutes, regardless of format or bit rate settings. File size may vary, depending on audio input, recording format, or bit rate.

You cannot change FM radio stations during a recording session.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

To Use the Timer Functions

You can use the timer functions to schedule one-time, daily, and weekly playback or recording events. SonicStage Premium enables you to select the date, start time, end time, and timer event duration for the available audio sources.

Setting up a timer event

You can set up a timer event by dragging an audio source icon directly onto the Calendar.

1 Click (Timer). The Timer Setting window appears.

2 Use the directional icons to locate the start date for your timer event.

3 Drag the desired audio source icon to the Calendar and drop it on the date you want the timer event to begin. A confirmation message appears.

4 Click OK.

A Timer Bar (a thick, vertical line) appears in the Calendar, marking the duration of the timer event, and the event is added to the Event List on the Timer Setting window.

5 Adjust the start, end, and duration of the timer event by dragging either side of the Timer Bar to the desired location.

To move the Timer Bar to a new location, click on the center of the bar and drag it to a new time period.

The timer event setup is completed. At the scheduled time, SonicStage Premium software automatically starts the event from the selected audio source.

Timer events can only be performed when your computers power is on, such as during active use, Stand by, or hibernation modes.

You cannot set up timer events for external devices or media.

If you use the M drive audio source icon, the Select Playlist dialog box displays. Select the Playlist for the timer event and click OK.

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To Use the Timer Functions

To set up daily or weekly timer events

1 From the Timer Setting window, click New. The Timer Programming Settings window appears.

2 Set the date, time, audio source, and repetition of the timer event. Click OK.

The daily or weekly timer event setup is completed. At every scheduled time, SonicStage Premium software automatically starts the event from the selected audio source.

Setting the Sleep Timer

The Sleep Timer function places your computer into Stand by mode after a predetermined period of time.

1 Click (Sleep). The default Sleep Timer duration is 90 minutes. When the timer countdown is completed, the computer goes into Stand by mode.

2 Click the Sleep button to decrease the countdown duration by 10-minute increments.

Additional information about Timer events

If you perform any of the following operations when a timer event is set to begin, the scheduled event does not occur:

Playing back songs or listening to audio from any audio source.

Recording songs from an audio CD to a Playlist.

Creating a backup audio CD.

Writing songs from a Playlist to a CD-R media.

Performing a check-in or check-out of songs.

Importing audio files.

Leaving the computer turned off.

You can display the Timer Programming Setting window by double-clicking anywhere on the Calendar that does not have a Timer Bar displayed.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

When you attempt to change a timer event, the following aspects cannot be altered:

The date, time, and duration of a completed or incomplete timer event.

The date, time, and duration of a timer event in progress or about to start within three minutes. You can change the ending time if it is at least five minutes before the scheduled end time.

The day of the week that a weekly timer event is scheduled to start. Use the Timer Programming Settings dialog box to change this information.

For more information about Timer functions, see the SonicStage Premium software Help file.

Additional Information

SonicStage Premium Backup Tool You can back up and restore all of the music, graphics and information data managed by SonicStage Premium software. You must be connected to the Internet to use the SonicStage Premium Backup Tool.

Simple mode The main SonicStage Premium window in Simple mode is a smaller, compact version of the Full mode view. This can be useful when you want to listen to songs with SonicStage Premium software while using other software, or whenever you feel that Full mode view is intrusive. The Simple mode feature enables you to perform playback operations only.

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Setting Up Giga Pocket for TV Viewing

The main features of Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder are detailed in this section, enabling you to begin viewing or recording TV programs.

To Set Up TV Viewing

When you start Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder for the first time, you are automatically prompted to set the video input source for watching TV or cable TV (CATV) programs on your computer.

Starting Giga Pocket for TV Setup

1 Verify that the computer time and date settings as displayed in the taskbar are correct. To adjust these settings, right-click with your mouse on the time display and a dialog box will appear.

2 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, select All Programs, then click Giga Pocket.

3 Select Giga Pocket TV Setup. The Giga Pocket TV Setup dialog box appears.

Giga Pocket TV Setup window

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

4 Depending on your cable service access, select Standard CATV, Standard antenna, or set-top box (STB).

Standard CATV (no STB) For this connection, you must use a coaxial cable directly (without an STB) to your computer. The default setting for this connection option is STD. Depending on your local connection requirements, HRC and IRC are also available.

Standard antenna Select this option if you connect an aerial antennas coaxial cable directly to your computer for watching TV programs.

Set-top box (STB) Select this option if the broadcast signal is received from a set-top box (STB) such as a digital cable box or a satellite cable box. Make sure that the Input channel on your STB (Ch. 3, Ch. 4, and so on) matches the Input channel listed in the Giga Pocket TV Setup dialog box.

5 Click OK. The Giga Pocket TV Setup dialog box closes, and you can now tune into TV programs with Giga Video Recorder.

Setting up your display (monitor)

When using Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder, set your display settings as follows:

Colors Use the default factory settings (32-bit).

Screen area Set your video resolution to 1024 x 768 pixels.

If you use other settings, you may experience poor image quality on your display.

Note: If you are unsure of the type of cable connection to use (Standard, HRC, or IRC), contact your cable provider for information.

On a network system, Microsoft Windows XP operating system supports a single Giga Pocket user at any given time. If one user accesses Giga Pocket, the software is not available to any other computer on the network. For more information, see the Giga Pocket Help file.

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Giga Video Recorder

Giga Video Recorder

Giga Video Recorder enables you to watch a TV program on your computer display while recording it onto your hard disk drive. Using the Giga Pocket Slip Play feature, you can view a program from the beginning even while it is being recorded.

Using the TV/Recording deck and Playback deck

To use these functions, Giga Video Recorder features two decks on the main interface window: the TV/Recording deck and the Playback deck.

Giga Video Recorder window

TV/Recording deck (detail)

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Use the TV/Recording deck to view programs and record Video Capsules. You can use the Playback deck of your Giga Video Recorder to play back a Video Capsule.

Giga Video Recorder stores recorded images as Video Capsules. The Video Capsules provide file recording information, which can be viewed through Video Explorer. Manage your Video Capsules with Video Explorer.

Using Slip Play to watch an in-progress recording from the beginning

While a program is being recorded on the TV/Recording deck, you can watch that same program from the beginning, using the Playback deck.

To use Slip Play:

1 Start recording on the TV/Recording deck.

2 From the Operation menu, select Start Slip Play. You can begin using Slip Play to view your recording approximately ten seconds after your recording session begins.

Additional information about Giga Video Recorder

Giga Video Recorder can be used for external video recording. Depending on conditions, not all video images can be recorded or displayed.

Video input from game consoles may not be recorded or displayed in Giga Video Recorder.

Playback deck (detail)

You cannot record a program into a previously recorded Video Capsule. All new content is recorded into a new Video Capsule. To combine scenes from different Video Capsules, use Playlist Builder to create your Playlist.

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Giga Video Recorder

When you input an image from a video player device, such as a VCR that is connected to your computer, the following images may not record or display:

The still images of a paused playback screen.

A screen without images, such as a blue screen.

The menu screens of the attached video player device.

The Giga Pocket softwares displayed image or images from a prerecorded Video Capsule may be interrupted or distorted under the following circumstances:

If you change the channel on an attached video player device.

If you switch input during the analog input from an attached video player device.

If you attempt to play back a damaged video tape.

When you play a Video Capsule for a few seconds from the end of the film roll using the scroll bar, you may not be able to see a displayed image.

The computer's response may become slower when you attempt to play a Video Capsule while recording a TV program using Giga Video Recorder.

Giga Pocket may interrupt or stop playback to allocate resources for the timer recording event. If this occurs, wait until the Giga Pocket finishes recording before playing the Video Capsule.

The timer recording may fail due to an Event buffer of audio overflow error in the following circumstances:

The input cable (coaxial or video cable) is disconnected after recording starts.

You record a TV channel that has no broadcast content.

You record video content from an old video tape with poor signal quality.

The on-screen display may shift and split under some circumstances. If this occurs, switch the TV/Recording deck and the playback deck, or switch the channel. The recording proceeds even if the on-screen display shifts.

Giga Video Recorder does not operate properly if used concurrently with another video application, such as DVgate software.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Accessing the Giga Pocket Help file

For more information about the Giga Video Recorder feature, follow these steps to access the Giga Pocket Help file:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket, and then click Giga Pocket Help.

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Timer Recording Manager

Timer Recording Manager

The Timer Recording Manager keeps track of all scheduled TV recordings. Your computer settings, by default, are set to start Timer Recording Manager automatically when the computer is turned on.

Timer recordings are being performed when the Timer Recording Manager icon (Timer Recording Manager) is visible in the Windows task tray. The timer

recording does not start unless the Timer Recording Manager application is available. For the Timer Recorder Manager application to be available, your computer should be in Stand by or Hibernate mode, if the system is not in use. You can schedule up to 100 programs at a time, for timer recording with the Timer Recording Manager.

On a network, the Microsoft Windows XP operating system supports a single Giga Pocket user at any given time. If the Timer Recording Manager icon appears in the task tray of the first user to log on to the network, the Giga Pocket software is not available to any other computer on the network. For more information, see the Giga Pocket Help file.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Using the Timer Recording Manager

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, select Programs, select the Giga Pocket folder, then select Giga Pocket.

2 Click Timer Recording Manager. The Timer Recording Manager window appears, with two options:

Windows Stand by button The Windows Stand by button, when selected, puts the Windows operating system into Stand by mode.

Interrupt current recording button The Interrupt current recording button, when selected, stops current recording. Use this button if you want to end the current recording session.

Additional information about the Timer Recording Manager

When you set up a timer recording using Giga Pocket software, always use the Timer Recording Manager. If the Timer Recording Manager is not set up, the recording does not start, even if you set the timer recording settings with the Timer Recording Wizard.

Timer Recording Manager dialog box

If you turn off your computer, the timer recording function is disabled.

Your computers default setting enables Timer Recording Manager to start automatically when the computer is started.

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Timer Recording Manager

The timer recording starts a few seconds earlier than the specified recording start time.

Under certain circumstances, a daily or weekly timer recording may not be executed the second and subsequent times.

A timer recording may fail if the computer's clock setting is changed right before the preset recording time. Before changing the computers clock setting, verify that there are no timer recordings set to begin.

Close the Time Recording Manager before changing the computer's clock setting. Restart Timer Recording Manager after you have changed the time setting.

When you are connected to Giga Pocket Server on a network, the Timer Recording Manager appears in the Windows task tray of the first computer user to log on, after starting Windows XP operating system. Only the first user is able to use Giga Pocket functions.

Accessing the Giga Pocket Help file

For more information about the Timer Recording Manager feature, follow these steps to access the Giga Pocket Help file:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket, and then click Giga Pocket Help.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Timer Recording Wizard

With the Timer Recording Wizard, you can set, adjust, and cancel the timer recording settings.

Using the Timer Recording Wizard

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, select Programs, then select Giga Pocket.

2 Select Timer Recording Wizard. The Timer Recording Wizard dialog box appears.

3 Select the desired option from the Select Timer Recording Settings menu and click Next. Follow the on-screen directions. Click the Help button for assistance as needed.

Timer Recording Wizard dialog box

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Timer Recording Wizard

Additional information about the Timer Recording Wizard

Timer recording requires approximately 30 seconds (pre-recording) preparation time prior to beginning each recording session. Please keep this in mind when setting up multiple, back-to-back recording sessions. Giga Pocket software stops the current timer recording, pauses to prepare, and then begins the next timer recording according to the set start time. The length of your first Video Capsule is approximately 30 seconds shorter than the actual time set.

You may experience some timing problems with multiple recording sessions when the second timer recording is preset as a daily or weekly recorded event. The first timer recording may end as early as 60 seconds sooner than the set stop time.

Scheduled daily or weekly timer recording sessions do not occur if your hard disk drive does not have sufficient space. Giga Pocket software does not allow a new Video Capsule to be created if there is less than 50 MB of free space on the hard disk drive. These scheduled events resume at their scheduled time, as hard disk drive space becomes available.

Approximately three minutes before Giga Pocket begins a timer recording and during a timer recording, you must avoid:

Starting up or using other software applications.

Setting up, changing, or deleting timer recordings.

All activities that may access the hard disk drive, such as copying files.

Accessing the Giga Pocket Help file

For more information about the Timer Recording Wizard feature, follow these steps to access the Giga Pocket Help file:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket, and then click Giga Pocket Help.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Video Explorer

The Video Explorer application serves as a file manager for your video content. Video Capsules and saved Playlists are managed in Cabinets.

Video Explorer enables you to play back Video Capsules using Giga Video Recorder, and to play back a Playlist created using Playlist Builder. You can also import AVI or MPEG files, and export Video Capsules as AVI or MPEG files.

Using Video Explorer

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, select Programs, then select Giga Pocket.

2 Click Video Explorer. The Video Explorer window appears.

3 Click My Cabinet to view a list of saved Video Capsules and Playlists.

Video Explorer main window

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Video Explorer

To use the Video Explorer Toolbar functions

From the Video Explorer toolbar, you can:

Launch Giga Video Recorder (Giga Video Recorder) to play a selected Video Capsule or Playlist.

Launch Playlist Builder (Playlist Builder).

Launch Timer Recording Wizard (Timer Recording Wizard) to set up timer recordings.

View and edit recording information.

To export Video Capsules using Video Explorer

1 In the list area, click the Video Capsule you want to export.

2 In the Video Capsules menu, select Export. The Export dialog box appears.

3 Provide an output name for the file you want to export and specify the location for the exported file.

Export dialog box

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

4 You can select the option to delete the original Video Capsule from Video Explorer after it is exported to the new file.

If you do not want to delete the Video Capsule after export, remove the check mark from the Delete Video Capsules after export option.

5 Choose an AVI or MPEG format for the new file.

6 You can select the option to attach the PicoPlayer utility to the exported file by putting a check mark in the Export off-line only PicoPlayer and MPEG file.

PicoPlayer enables playback of exported Video Capsules on computers that do not have Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder installed, if such computers support PicoPlayer software requirements.

Additional Information about using Video Explorer

Video capsules that are recorded using High Quality (HQ) or Standard Play (SP) mode can be converted and exported as MPEG1 or MPEG2 files.

MPEG2 files need a specific system environment for playback:

A VAIO computer that has Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder installed.

A VAIO computer that has a DVD-ROM or DVD-RW drive.

If you wish to play your Video Capsule in a different system environment, you can convert and export your Video Capsule using MPEG1 format.

Video capsules that are recorded using Long Play (LP) mode can be converted and exported as MPEG1 files.

You can convert an imported MPEG file into a Video Capsule, only if the file was created using DVgate Assemble or other VAIO AV applications.

Accessing the Giga Pocket Help file

For more information about the Video Explorer feature, follow these steps to access the Giga Pocket Help file:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket, and then click Giga Pocket Help.

Some conversion formats may not be available, depending on the recording mode that was used to create the Video Capsule.

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Playlist Builder

Playlist Builder

With Playlist Builder, you can select any cuts (scenes) from a recorded Video Capsule and create edited Playlists. These Playlists can be played back continuously, in any order, using Giga Video Recorder.

Launching Playlist Builder

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, select All Programs, then select Giga Pocket.

2 Start Video Explorer as follows:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket, and then click Video Explorer.

3 From the List area, select a Video Capsule that you want to register in Playlist Builder.

4 Select Add clip to Playlist Builder from the Video Capsules menu. The Playlist Builder main window appears.

Once a Playlist is created, you cannot delete the original Video Capsule. To delete the original Video Capsule, you must delete the Playlist.

Playlist Builder main window

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The window consists of the following four parts:

Clips area A list of saved clips is displayed in this area.

Cut name area This area is used to select various cuts.

Playlist area The names of cuts are added to a Playlist and modified in this area.

Film roll area In this area, film images are displayed as a roll while the clips are played back on the preview monitor.

Accessing the Giga Pocket Help file

For more information about Playlist Builder features, follow these steps to access the Giga Pocket Help file:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket, and then click Giga Pocket Help.

Playlist Builder does not operate properly if used concurrently with another video application, such as DVgate software.

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PicoPlayer

PicoPlayer

PicoPlayer is a video player utility that enables you to use Giga Pocket functions. PicoPlayer enables you to play a Video Capsule, watch TV and record programming when you connect to Giga Pocket Server.

PicoPlayer also allows you to watch TV on computer systems that do not have TV receptions functions or Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder installed, if such systems support the PicoPlayer software requirements.

Microsoft Windows XP is the operating system required for using PicoPlayer.

You can choose the PicoPlayer option by placing a check mark in the Copy playback program option box, located in the Export dialog box. See To export Video Capsules using Video Explorer. for more information.

PicoPlayer main window

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Starting PicoPlayer on a network

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket and then click PicoPlayer. PicoPlayer launches and a Connect to Giga Pocket Server dialog box appears.

3 Enter the name of the computer that has Giga Pocket Server installed. If access is password-protected, enter the correct password.

4 Click Connect. Your computer is connected to the Giga Pocket Server and a TV image should appear on the display.

Additional information about PicoPlayer

PicoPlayer displays a TV image that is slightly delayed as compared to an image displayed by Giga Video Recorder or an ordinary TV set.

When you switch channels while using PicoPlayer, the process takes longer than when switching channels using Giga Video Recorder.

You cannot watch TV using PicoPlayer while recording with Giga Video Recorder, or while waiting to record with the Time Recording Manager.

Use PicoPlayer to play back a Video Capsule while it is recording. This method of watching slightly delayed video content during its recording is Slip Play.

Depending on the specifications of the computer you are using, Long Play only may appear in the PicoPlayer title bar. On such computers, you cannot use High Quality or Standard image quality for viewing.

Connect to Giga Pocket Server window

You may experience a delay for the TV image to appear on your display. The TV image may not appear properly, depending on your network devices in operation, network conditions and the specifications of your computer.

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PicoPlayer

Several PicoPlayer users on a network can simultaneously connect through the Giga Pocket Server and view video content.

The following restrictions apply to linked PicoPlayer users:

The linked users cannot watch different channels.

The channel changes for all linked users, when any of the users changes the channel.

Channels cannot be changed and recording cannot be controlled with the Giga Video Recorder TV/ Recording deck, when any linked user starts watching TV with PicoPlayer.

The first PicoPlayer user that connects to Giga Pocket Server, determines the image quality of the TV deck. Subsequent PicoPlayer users can not change the image quality, regardless of their individual image quality settings.

If the first PicoPlayer user that connects to Giga Pocket Server uses High Quality or Standard image quality, subsequent PicoPlayer users displaying a Long Play only message in their PicoPlayer softwares title bar are not able to view images when they connect to the network.

The TV picture and sound may be momentarily disrupted when the channel is changed from PicoPlayer.

Every 12 hours or so, the TV picture and sound may be momentarily disrupted.

Accessing the PicoPlayer Help file

For more information about the PicoPlayer feature, follow these steps to access the Giga Pocket Help file:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket, and then click PicoPlayer Help.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

CLI Converter

The CLI Converter is a plug-in application that enables the conversion of Video Capsules into gMovie format. You are able to change your Giga Pocket contents and transfer them onto a Memory Stick media for viewing with your Sony CLI Handheld.

Starting CLI Converter

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket, point to Plug-ins, and then click CLI Converter. The Giga Pocket -> CLI Converter main window appears.

To convert Video Capsules

1 From the Giga Pocket -> CLI Converter window, click the Setting... button. The Settings dialog box appears. Enter your desired settings.

2 Start Video Explorer as follows:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket, and then click Video Explorer.

Giga Pocket -> CLI Converter main window

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CLI Converter

3 Drag the Video Capsule you wish to convert and drop it on the right side of the Giga Pocket -> CLI Converter main window. The Video Capsule is automatically converted into a video file. During conversion, the Convert to CLI dialog box appears, displaying the conversion status. When conversion is complete, the dialog box closes.

To transfer converted video files to a Memory Stick media

1 Insert a Memory Stick media into the Memory Stick media slot on your computer.

2 From the Giga Pocket -> CLI main window, click to select the videos you want to transfer to the Memory Stick media.

3 Click Send To. The Send To dialog box appears.

4 Select Using Memory Stick as the transfer destination. Click OK.

During transfer, the Forwarding dialog box appears, displaying the transfer status. When transfer is complete, the dialog box closes.

Your converted video files can be played back on CLI Handhelds that support the use of a Memory Stick media.

About the SONY CLI Handheld

The Sony CLI Handheld personal entertainment organizers provide a rich and compelling handheld computing experience. Powered by the Palm operating system, the CLI is ready to deliver music and video with amazing clarity. For more information on this exciting device, go to the Sony Style Web site at http://sonystyle.com/vaio/clie.

To convert multiple Video Capsules, hold down the Ctrl key while selecting Video Capsules in Video Explorer. Drag and drop all selected capsules to the Giga Pocket -> CLI Converter main window.

You can insert your Memory Stick media into a Memory Stick PC card adapter that is connected to your computer.

You can transfer your converted video files directly to your CLI Handheld, when you perform a HotSync operation. For more information about the HotSync operation, see the information supplied with your CLI Handheld.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Accessing the CLI Converter Help file

For more information about using the CLI Converter plug-in application, see the CLI Converter Help file. Follow these steps to access the Help file:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket, point to Plug-ins, and then click CLI Converter Help.

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Simple DVD Maker

Simple DVD Maker

Simple DVD Maker software enables you to write Giga Pocket Video Capsules and video Playlists to DVD-R/DVD-RW media, using DVD video format. The DVDs that you create with Simple DVD Maker can be used by compatible DVD players and computers that have compatible DVD drives.

Starting Simple DVD Maker

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket, point to Plug-ins, and then click Simple DVD Maker. The Simple DVD Maker main window appears.

You can also launch Simple DVD Maker by following these steps:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket, and then click Video Explorer. The Video Explorer window appears.

3 Right-click on the Video Capsules or Playlists you want to write to a DVD-R/DVD-RW.

Video Capsules that are recorded using Long Play (MPEG 1) mode, cannot be written to the same disc as Video Capsules that are recorded using High Quality/Standard Play (MPEG 2) mode.

Simple DVD Maker main window

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4 Point to Send To. A menu displays.

5 Click Simple DVD Maker to begin writing to your DVD-R/DVD-RW media.

Writing to a DVD-R/DVD-RW media

1 From the Simple DVD Maker main window, click the Set Output Size drop-down list. Select the desired output size.

2 Insert a blank DVD-R or DVD-RW media into the DVD-RW drive on your computer.

3 From Video Explorer, drag the desired Video Capsules or Playlists and drop them onto the Movie file list in the Simple DVD Maker main window.

4 Click Make Disc. Simple DVD Maker writes your video contents to the DVD-R/DVD-RW media. The DVD-RW drive tray opens automatically when writing is complete.

5 When the Finish message is displayed, click OK, and then remove the disc.

Accessing the Simple DVD Maker Help file

For more information about using the Simple DVD Maker application, see the Simple DVD Maker Help file. Follow these steps to access the Help file:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket, point to Plug-ins, and then click Simple DVD Maker Help.

You can add up to 36 Video Capsules to the Movie file list.

When adding Playlists, you can add up to 36 cuts. If you attempt to add more than 36 Playlist cuts, Simple DVD Maker does not create the DVD.

The contents and size of your video capsule determine the amount of time required to create your DVD. Do not interrupt or stop the disc writing process while the CD indicator is flashing on the front panels LCD screen. Remove the disc when the Finish message is displayed.

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Troubleshooting Topics

This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you contact Sony Customer Support.

About the VAIO MX Functions

Topic: The remaining check-out count for my songs is not the same as the actual count.

If you remove the MiniDisc, MagicGate Memory Stick media, or disconnect an external device while checking songs in or out, the check-out count may become inaccurate.

If the remaining check-out count is not the same as the actual count, navigate to the Song Properties dialog box, as follows:

1 Right-click on a song. A shortcut menu appears.

2 Select Properties. The Song Properties window appears.

3 Verify that the Check-Out remaining option is selected.

Topic: My selected song cannot be played back.

Certain songs have playback time restrictions. These songs can only be played back during the designated time period.

Your computers audio may be set to Muting On, if the disabled speaker icon is visible in the front panels LCD screen.

Songs shown in the Check-In/Check-Out window cannot be played back while they are designated to be checked in or out.

If the songs are checked out from another computer, the Check-Out remaining option is not available.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Topic: How do I set up my connection to an outdoor FM antenna?

If your outdoor FM antenna has a wall outlet access inside your house, you can set up the following connection:

1 Connect one end of the coaxial cable (supplied) to the FM antenna port located on the back of your computer (upper right side).

2 Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to the appropriate wall outlet.

About Software Playback and Recording

Topic: Why am I having difficulty playing an audio CD?

You may experience playback problems if other player applications are running or attempting to run, during the SonicStage Premium software playback operation. Close all other applications, and then play your audio CD using SonicStage Premium software.

Topic: My audio files appear to be corrupted during playback.

Do not run SonicStage Premium and RealJukebox software applications simultaneously. This may cause your audio files to become unstable on your hard disk drive, Memory Stick media, or external device.

Topic: The images on my SonicStage Premium softwares Visualizer feature are intermittent.

Stop all SonicStage Premium functions, except playback, then follow these steps:

1 Click on Menu in the lower left corner of the SonicStage Premium main window.

2 From the pop-up menu, select Options. The Options window appears.

3 From the Visualizer tab, select a lower frame rate.

Run the Visualizer feature again to verify that the problem is corrected.

Your supplied coaxial cable is for use with the Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder system. If you wish to connect to an outdoor FM antenna and use Giga Pocket features, you must purchase a second coaxial cable to make connections for both uses. Your FM coaxial cable does not support FM station reception using an outdoor FM antenna.

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About Software Playback and Recording

Topic: Can I use the System Restore function in Microsoft Windows XP operating system, if I have SonicStage Premium software installed?

Using the System Restore function of the Windows XP operating system may cause the audio file database of SonicStage Premium to become corrupted and rendered unplayable.

Before performing a system restore with Windows XP, create a back up of your songs using the SonicStage Premium Backup Tool utility. When you have completed the system restore, restore the audio file database using the SonicStage Premium Backup Tool utility.

For more information about using the SonicStage Premium Backup Tool utility, see the SonicStage Premium Help file.

Topic: How can I use SonicStage Premium software with a portable audio device?

Your portable audio device must use Plug-ins or drivers that are compatible with SonicStage Premium software, Version 1.0. For more information about plug-in or driver compatibility, visit the device manufacturer Web site.

Do not install OpenMG Jukebox software, Version 2.1 or lower, on your computer. Install OpenMG Jukebox software,Version 2.2 or higher. Do not run SonicStage Premium and OpenMG Jukebox applications simultaneously.

If you install OpenMG Jukebox Version 2.2 or higher, the resulting audio database is shared with SonicStage Premium software.

Topic: How do I record audio files from an optical drive, CD, FM Tuner, Line In, or Microphone onto a MiniDisc?

SonicStage Premium software records audio files onto your MiniDisc media. For more information, see the SonicStage Premium Help file.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

About Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder

Topic: Why cant I see an image or a correctly displayed image when I am using a VCR?

Some images from an externally-connected video player device or a video game console, may not display or are not displayed correctly. These images include:

Images from a playback screen that is in pause mode.

Menu screens of the connected video player device.

The end of the film roll being played back using the scroll bar.

Video output from a video game console.

Topic: Why does my Giga Pocket viewing window or the images played back from a Video Capsule appear distorted or corrupted?

There are some situations where screen or image distortion may occur, such as:

When you change the channel on the video player device.

If there is a damaged section on your video tape.

Topic: Why does my system seem to slow down when I play a Video Capsule?

Your computer may respond slower if you try to play a Video Capsule while recording a TV program with Giga Pocket software. During a timer recording, Giga Pocket may interrupt or stop your Video Capsule playback to prioritize your computers resources for the timer recording. If this occurs, play the Video Capsule after the timer recording session has completed.

Topic: Why did I get the error message, Event buffer of audio overflow?

The timer recording may fail in certain situations, such as:

The coaxial cable (input) is disconnected after recording has started.

The TV channel has lost broadcast signal during the recording session.

Video content being recorded has poor signal quality.

Giga Pocket software cannot record or display all video images from a video game console.

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About Using the MiniDisc Drive and Media

Topic: Why did my on-screen display shift or split?

Your on-screen display may shift or split in rare instances. If this occurs, switch between the TV/Recording deck and the Playback deck, or try switching the channel. Your timer recording continues even if the on-screen display shifts or splits.

Topic: Why did my Giga Pocket stop allowing me to create new Video Capsules?

You cannot create a new Video Capsule when the remaining free space on your hard disk drive reaches approximately 50 MB. Delete any unnecessary Video Capsules or files to increase the free space on your hard drive.

Topic: On a network that is running under Windows XP, can multiple computer users access and use Giga Pocket applications?

In general, only one computer user can access and use a Giga Pocket application at any given time. As an example: if the Timer Recording Manager icon is present in the task tray of the first user to log on to the network, the Giga Pocket applications are not available to any other user on the network. The user who is currently accessing Giga Pocket must log off before another user can access the Giga Pocket applications. For more information, see the Giga Pocket Help file.

About Using the MiniDisc Drive and Media

Topic: The track numbers do not appear when I play a MiniDisc.

Track numbers do not appear if the time between each track is less than two seconds, or if more than two seconds are observed in the middle of a single audio track.

Topic: When I play a MiniDisc, a noticeable silence is present between each track.

When you use SonicStage Premium software, a short break between audio tracks is created when you check-out audio files with the LP Stereo Recording option selected. To remove these breaks, deselect the LP Stereo Recording option before recording the audio files.

With certain restrictions, several PicoPlayer users on a network can connect to Giga Pocket Server and view video content at the same time.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Topic: I cannot record or checkout more than 255 audio files.

A MiniDisc media is able to process up to 255 audio files, maximum. Delete any unnecessary audio files from the MiniDisc or use a different MiniDisc media

Topic: I cannot record or check out audio files, even though the maximum recording time has not been reached.

Limit the amount of editing (dividing and combining) performed on your audio files.

Shorten the number of characters in your audio file titles.

Topic: My recording time on the MiniDisc does not increase after removing audio files.

Audio files less than 12 seconds are not recognized in the display of remaining time or space. If you erase shorter tracks it may not increase overall MiniDisc storage capacity.

Topic: I cannot combine my audio tracks.

Music tracks less than eight seconds, edited music tracks, and tracks with different recording modes, such as SP, LP2 and LP4, cannot be combined.

Topic: The remaining time displayed for my MiniDisc is incorrect.

The remaining time displayed for audio tracks with different recording modes, such as SP, LP2, and LP4 may be inaccurate.

Topic: Why does skipping occur when I attempt to fast forward or rewind a MiniDisc media during playback.

Since fast forwarding and rewinding during playback increase the time for track search, audio tracks may skip.

Topic: I am unable to check-in my audio files.

You are not be able to check in audio files that have been edited.

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About Recording CDs

Topic: I cannot copy an audio file that was checked out.

Verify that the audio file is available for an authorized check-out by navigating to the Song Properties dialog box, as follows:

1 Right-click on a song. A shortcut menu appears.

2 Select Properties. The Song Properties window appears.

3 Verify that the Check-Out remaining option is available.

About Recording CDs

Topic: There is noise when I try to record an audio CD.

There may be another application running during the SonicStage Premium softwares recording session. Avoid performing other operations during a recording session.

You can also verify the operation of your optical drive, using SonicStage Premium software:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select All Programs.

2 Point to SonicStage Premium and then click SonicStage Premium. The SonicStage Premium main window appears.

3 Click on Menu in the lower left corner of the main window.

4 From the pop-up menu, select Options. The Options window appears.

5 Click the CD/CD-R tab. From the section, Check CD Drive, click on the Start check button. The CD Drive Optimization window appears.

6 Click Start. The computer verifies that your optical drive is operating properly.

If the songs are checked out from another computer, the Check-Out remaining option is not available.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Topic: Why doesnt my MP3 CD work with my MP3 CD player?

The CD you create using MP3 audio files may not be compatible with all MP3 CD players. For more information about equipment compatibility, see the manual supplied with your MP3 CD player.

When you make your MP3 CD, limit the created directory to 8 folder levels. If you create more than 8 levels, your MP3 CD may not allow playback.

Topic: I created an audio CD, but it doesnt play back correctly.

The audio CDs you create using your computer are compatible with standard CD digital audio format and can be played in your computers optical disc drive. If you use another CD player, it must support playback of CD-R/CD-RW media. In some cases, there may be other existing conditions that prevent the playback of your audio CDs. For more details on CD media compatibility, see the information supplied with your CD player.

About the Modem

Topic: Why doesnt the modems Wake on Ring (WOR) feature work properly?

Your installed Lucent Win Modem does not support the Wake on Ring (WOR) feature of the Microsoft Windows XP operating system. For optimal use, Sony recommends that you do not change the preset modem settings in the Power Management Properties window. See the Windows Help and Support Center for more details on the WOR feature.

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Glossary This section contains a list of common terms and definitions for the VAIO MX computer and Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder system.

ATRAC3 Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding 3 (ATRAC3) is an audio compression technology which produces high quality reocridng and superior compression rates. ATRAC3 technology delivers a compression rate that is approximately ten times higher than an audio CD.

Cabinet A container for Video Capsules in Video Explorer.

CATV Community Access Television, otherwise known as cable television.

Check-In The process of returning audio files from a MiniDisc, Memory Stick media or portable audio device to a computer, that is managed by an OpenMG compliant application, such as SonicStage Premium.

Check-Out The process of transferring audio files between a computer, MiniDisc, Memory Stick media or portable audio device, that is managed by an OpenMG compliant application, such as SonicStage Premium.

Note: Files that are checked out from a specific computer must be checked in to the same computer.

Clip A Video Capsule is called a clip when it is used in Playlist Builder.

Cut A selected scene taken from a previously recorded Video Capsule.

EMD Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) is a service which distributes digital audio contents over the Internet.

Expiration date A Video Capsule is stored on the hard disk drive for a preset period of time. When this time has expired, the Video Capsule is automatically deleted.

Film roll During Video Capsule playback, a snapshot view of the scenes are captured on a film roll. You can scroll freely through the film roll to view different scenes.

GOP Group of Pictures (GOP) are the smallest unit of measure for the images captured on a Video Capsule. A single GOP is approximately 0.5 to 1 second in length.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Management information

Contains the creation date of Video Capsules and their thumbnails - information that is required for preview.

MDLP MiniDisc Long Play (MDLP) is an industry standard for compression levels of audio files.

Memory Stick media A compact, portable, and versatile data storage device designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with compatible products.

MiniDisc drive A drive which enables you to play, record, and erase data to and from MiniDisc media. The drive also supports secure music transfers.

MP3 MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3) is an audio file compression format which condenses audio files approximately 1/10th the size of an audio CD.

MPEG file A file that contains compressed moving pictures using the MPEG standard, with .mpg as the file name extension.

Net MD technology An application interface which enables you to transfer music data at high speeds from your computer to a MiniDisc device while protecting copyrighted material.

OpenMG technology A copyright protection technology created by Sony. It is used when importing and managing audio contents from music distribution services or CDs. OpenMG prevents unauthorized distribution of audio content through the Internet or other networks.

Playlist A collection of cuts that you can select from recorded Video Capsules. The Playlist feature enables you to design playback of your selected scenes.

Preset Stations FM radio stations that are registered to the Preset List of SonicStage Premium. The maximum number of preset FM radio stations is 256.

Quick Timer Recording Provides the ability to program the recording of an FM radio station.

Safety Tab Removing the safety tab from a Video Capsule prevents accidental erasing of your video data.

Slip play Provides the ability to view delayed video playback. While your recording is in progress, you are able to view the recording from the beginning.

Snapshot A miniature view displayed on the film roll in Giga Video Recorder, Playlist Builder, and the preview monitor in Video Explorer.

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Glossary

Stand by mode A power saving mode that is set using Windows operating system. Your computer stays in this power saving mode until approximately 5 minutes before the timer recording is due to begin.

STB Refers to set-top box, otherwise known as cable box.

Thumbnail A miniature view on recorded Video Capsules or in playback by Giga Video Recorder. The main thumbnail is displayed in calendar view or in the Video Explorer list area.

Time Machine Recording

Provides the ability to begin recording the audio a few seconds before the actual start of the track.

Timer recording A preset video recording event.

Tuning Mode The mode used when you want to select an FM radio station. The two modes are Preset Tuning and Manual Tuning.

Video Capsule A virtual container that holds the video images recorded with Giga Pocket Recorder. A Video Capsule is created on your computer hard disk drive and managed with Video Explorer.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

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Internet Electronic Program Guide Service

Internet Electronic Program Guide is a free, online service that enables quick and easy access to your local TV listings. You can use the Internet Electronic Program Guide service with your Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder for a one-click set up of timer recordings and to record your favorite TV programs*.

* Unauthorized duplication of audio or video files is a violation of applicable laws.

You must read and accept the User Agreement before accessing the Internet Electronic Program Guide Web site (first time only).

The Internet Electronic Program Guide service is available only to users in the United States.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

To Set up Your Internet Electronic Program Guide Service

Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder must be set up and configured correctly before you can use the Internet Electronic Program Guide service. You must be connected to the Internet, using Microsoft Internet Explorer, before setting up your Internet Electronic Program Guide.

To set up Internet Electronic Program Guide service, follow these steps:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, point to Programs, and then select Giga Pocket.

2 Click TV Program Web site. Internet Explorer launches, and you are directed to the Internet Electronic Program Guide Web site.

The Welcome and Registration Window appears.

Sony recommends using Microsoft Internet Explorer as your Web browser to access the Internet Electronic Program Guide service.

Internet Electronic Program Guide Welcome and Registration window

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To Set up Your Internet Electronic Program Guide Service

3 In the Welcome! section, enter your 5-digit zip code and click Continue. The Choose Your Provider window appears, listing all TV providers or TV services available in your area.

4 Select your TV provider and then click Confirm Channel Lineup. The Confirm Lineup window appears, listing available channels by number and name.

5 Click Yes if the channel lineup is correct. Otherwise, click No and repeat steps 3 and 4 until you locate the correct channel lineup.

6 Your TV listings appear in table format, organized by time and channel. Click Download All Channel Settings to set your channels. The Channel Information Converter window appears if this is the first time you have used this download feature. Click OK.

7 Verify the channel settings and click OK.

8 Your personal channel settings appear whenever you access the Internet Electronic Program Guide Web site.

Close all Giga Pocket applications before downloading your TV listings.

If you are using set-top box (STB) mode, you do not need to click Download All Channel Settings.

If your TV provider adds new channels or changes existing channels, an Update icon appears next to Download All Channel Settings. Click Update to add the new or updated channels to your personal channel setting.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Setting up a Timer Recording

1 Open Internet Explorer and go to the Internet Electronic Program Guide web site. Your online channel guide will appear.

2 From the online channel guide, click on the REC icon to select the program you wish to record. The Timer Recording Wizard begins and the New Timer Recording - Set channel and start date window appears.

Online channel guide main window

The appearance of the online channel guide Web site, its contents, and the accuracy of the TV listings is controlled by the TV listing provider and may change without notice. Pay-per-view channels cannot be accessed without making payment to the appropriate TV program provider.

Timer recordings create virtual containers for the recorded content that are called Video Capsules.

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Setting up a Timer Recording

You can schedule up to 100 timer recordings using Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder. For more information, see the Giga Pocket online Help file. To access the Help file, follow these steps:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select All Programs.

2 Select Giga Pocket, and then click on Giga Pocket Help.

3 Verify that the information is correct and click Next. The programming station and time information is automatically programmed into the appropriate Timer Recording Wizard fields.

4 You can set the stop time for your timer recording and select the recording mode. The stop time is automatically programmed into the Timer Recording Wizard. Verify the stop time, choose a recording mode, and then click Next.

New Timer Recording - Set channel and start date window

Recording Mode Description Standard Play (SP) Standard Recording mode. High Quality (HQ) Image quality is improved, but recording requires more space on

the hard disk drive as compared to using SP or LP recording modes.

Long Play (LP) Image quality is reduced, but recording requires less space on the hard disk drive as compared to using HQ recording mode.

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

5 From the New Timer Recording - Set details window, you can customize the timer recording schedule. Select how often you want to record the program. Click Next.

6 Select a date for the recorded program to be automatically deleted from your hard disk drive, using the Expiration date of Video Capsule drop-down list.

New Timer Recording - Set stop time and recording mode window

New Timer Recording - Set details window

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Setting up a Timer Recording

7 Click Decide to review your setting preferences. The New Timer Recording - Confirm window appears. Click Next.

8 The New Timer Recording - Completed window appears. Click Finish.

To maintain adequate space on your hard disk drive, Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder enables you to set an expiration date for your Video Capsules to be automatically deleted.

New Timer Recording - Confirm window

New Timer Recording - Completed window

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

Viewing Your Selected Program Recording Schedule

You can easily view the programs you have selected to record, using Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder. The Timer Recording Manager feature enables you to change or cancel your timer recording at any time. To view your scheduled timer recordings, follow these steps:

1 Double-click on the Timer Recording Manager icon located in the Windows task tray.

Review your scheduled timer recordings and make any desired changes or cancellations.

2 Click Hide to return the icon to the task tray.

Additional Information about Timer Recording Manager

The Timer Recording Manager keeps track of all scheduled TV recordings. Your computer settings, by default, are set to start Timer Recording Manager automatically when the computer is turned on. Timer recordings are executed when the Timer Recording Manager icon is visible in the Windows task tray. When creating a timer recording, it is important to remember the following information:

The timer recording is disabled if you turn your computer off.

Your computer should be in Stand by or Hibernate mode, if the system is not in use.

You must disable screensavers and any other applications that may access your computers hard disk drive during the timer recording.

If you are using a set-top box (STB), make sure it is turned on and set to the channel you want to record.

You do not have to be connected to the Internet to use the Timer Recording Manager feature.

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Index

A AC Input port 17 antenna connection 24 ATRAC3 compression 89 audio cable 32 Audio file formats 37 Audio In jack 17 Audio Out jack 17 audio source icons 41, 42

B Back Panel

Audio In jack 17 Audio Out jack 17 DVI (LCD) monitor port 17 Ethernet port 17 FM antenna port 17 i.LINK (6-pin) port 17 keyboard port 16 Line IN (R/L) jacks 17 Line OUT jacks (R/L) 17 modem line jack 17 monitor port 17 mouse port 16 Overview 16 printer port 17 S/P DIF ports 17 serial port 17 Stereo speaker terminals 17

telephone cable jack 17 USB Port 16 VHF/UHF port 17 Video/S-video In port 17 Video/S-video Out port 17

batteries 34

C Cabinet 89 camcorder 32

connecting an audio cable 32 CATV 89 check-in 89 check-out 89 CLI Converter 76 CLI Handheld 76, 77

converting Video Capsules 76 Transferring converted

video files 77 Clip 89 Clip area 72 Compact Disc Database (CDDB) 39 computer

cable/satellite STB 26 connecting a video cable 32 FM antenna 21 FM coaxial cable setup 22 FM tuner setup 21 Giga Pocket setup 23 mounting the FM antenna wire 22

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

setting up 21 standard antenna connection 24 standard cable access 23 S-video cable connection 30 VCR/camcorder connection 32 video cable/video cable converter

31 Contents Panel 43 CRT monitor port 17 Cut 89 Cut name area 72

D Display button 15 DVD-RW

drive 12, 14 eject button 15

DVI monitor port 17

E Edit Panel 43 Electronic Music Distribution 37 END-USER LICENSE

AGREEMENT 3 Equalizer 50 Ethernet port 17 Expiration date 89

F File compression 89 Film roll 89 Film roll area 72 FM antenna

mounting 22 port 17

FM coaxial cable 22

FM radio station scanning 40 FM tuner 10, 21, 52

FM Antenna wire 21 FM radio stations 52 recording from FM

radio stations 53 Tuning mode 91

Front Panel display button 15 DVD-RW drive 14 DVD-RW eject button 15 function button 15 headphone jack 15 i.LINK (4-pin) port 15 Infrared receiver 14 LCD display screen 14 Memory Stick access light 15 memory stick media slot 15 microphone jack 15 MiniDisc drive 14 MiniDisc eject button 15 Muting button 15 next/fast forward button 15 Overview 13 PC card slot 15 Play button 14 Power button 15 previous/rewind button 15 Stop button 14 USB port 15 volume control buttons 15

Function button 15

G Giga Pocket

audio cable 32 cable/satellite set-top box 26

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Index

connecting a standard or S-video cable 30

Setting up 23 standard antenna connection 24 standard cable access 23 TV connections 23 TV monitor connection

computer connecting a TV monitor

31 VCR/camcorder connections 32 video cable 32 video cable/video cable adapter

31 Giga Pocket display settings 58, 63 Giga Pocket Help 12 Giga Pocket Server 11 Giga Pocket TV setup 57 Giga Pocket, multiple recording sessions 67 Giga Video Recorder 11, 59 Glossary 89 GOP 89 Group of Pictures 89

H Headphone jack 15 High Quality 70 HQ 70

I i.LINK

4-pin port 15 6-pin port 17 interface 12

indicator light 15 Infrared Receiver 14

K Keyboard port 16

L LCD display

front panel screen 14 LCD monitor port 17 Line IN jacks (R/L) 17 Line OUT jacks (R/L) 17 Long Play 70 LP 70

M MagicGate 12 MagicGate Memory Stick media slot 15 Management information 90 MDLP 90 Memory Stick

definition 90 media slot 12, 15

Microphone jack 15 MiniDisc

drive 14 eject button 15

modem troubleshooting 88 Modem line jack 17 Monitor port 17 Mounting the FM antenna 22 Mouse port 16 MP3 90 MPEG 90 MPEG1 70 MPEG2 70 Muting button 15

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VAIO MX Computer Getting Started Guide

N Net MD technology 90 Next/Fast Forward button 15

O OpenMG technology 90

P PC card

slot 15 PC Card slot 12 PicoPlayer 12, 73

on a network 74 Operating system requirements

73 Play button 14 Playback deck 59 Playback Panel 42 Playlist 90 Playlist area 72 Playlist Builder 11, 71 Power button 15 Previous/Rewind button 15 Printer port 17

Q Quick Timer 90

Recording 53

R Remote Control

inserting batteries 34 Overview 18

Reverb 51

S S/P DIF OUT/IN optical ports 17 Safety Tab 90 Serial port 17 Set-top box 26, 58 set-top box 91 Simple DVD Maker 79

writing to a DVD-R/DVD-RW 80 Simple mode 56 Sleep Timer 55 Slip Play 60, 90 Snapshot 90 Software

EULA 3 SonicStage Premium

audio file formats 37 Audio source icons 41 Backup Tool utility 56 basic operations 42 check-in 89 check-out 89 compatibility 36 Devices 37 Equalizer 50 features 36 FM radio station scanning 40 Media 36 Overview 35 Playback and Recording 44 Setting up a timer event 54 Simple mode 56 Sleep Timer 55 Software 35 Sound Effects 50 Timer Functions 54 Visualizer 50

SONY SOFTWARE LICENSE 3 Sound effect settings 51

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Index

Sound Effects 50 SP 70 Stand by mode 91 Standard antenna 58 Standard CATV 58 Standard Play 70 STB 58, 91 Stereo speaker terminals 17 Stop button 14 S-video cable 30 S-video In port 17 S-video Out port 17

T Telephone cable jack 17 Thumbnail 91 Time Machine 91 Timer recording 91 Timer Recording Manager 11, 63 Timer Recording Wizard 11, 66 Troubleshooting

About Recording CDs 87 About the Modem 88 Giga Pocket Personal Video

Recorder 84 MiniDisc Drive/Media 85 Software Playback/Recording 82 Topics 81 VAIO MX Functions 81

Tuning Mode 91 TV connection 23

cable/satellite set-top box 26 standard antenna 24 standard cable access 23

TV monitor 31 TV/Recording deck 59

U Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 15, 16

V

Manualsnet FAQs

If you want to find out how the PCV-MXS10 Sony works, you can view and download the Sony PCV-MXS10 Startup Guide on the Manualsnet website.

Yes, we have the Startup Guide for Sony PCV-MXS10 as well as other Sony manuals. All you need to do is to use our search bar and find the user manual that you are looking for.

The Startup Guide should include all the details that are needed to use a Sony PCV-MXS10. Full manuals and user guide PDFs can be downloaded from Manualsnet.com.

The best way to navigate the Sony PCV-MXS10 Startup Guide is by checking the Table of Contents at the top of the page where available. This allows you to navigate a manual by jumping to the section you are looking for.

This Sony PCV-MXS10 Startup Guide consists of sections like Table of Contents, to name a few. For easier navigation, use the Table of Contents in the upper left corner.

You can download Sony PCV-MXS10 Startup Guide free of charge simply by clicking the “download” button in the upper right corner of any manuals page. This feature allows you to download any manual in a couple of seconds and is generally in PDF format. You can also save a manual for later by adding it to your saved documents in the user profile.

To be able to print Sony PCV-MXS10 Startup Guide, simply download the document to your computer. Once downloaded, open the PDF file and print the Sony PCV-MXS10 Startup Guide as you would any other document. This can usually be achieved by clicking on “File” and then “Print” from the menu bar.