background image

Desktop Computer

VGC-RA700 Series

GC-RA700 Series

C-RA700 Series

-RA700 Series

RA700 Series

A700 Series

700 Series

00 Series

0 Series

 Series

Series

eries

ries

ies

es

s

Quick Start

uick Start

ick Start

ck Start

k Start

 Start

Start

tart

art

rtt

Summary of Contents for VAIO VGC-RA700 Series

Page 1: ... RA700 Series GC RA700 Series C RA700 Series RA700 Series RA700 Series A700 Series 700 Series 00 Series 0 Series Series Series eries ries ies es s Quick Start uick Start ick Start ck Start k Start Start Start tart art rt t ...

Page 2: ...f such software is subject to the terms and conditions of license agreements enclosed with this product Some of the software may not be transported or used outside the United States Software specifications are subject to change without notice and may not necessarily be identical to current retail versions Certain product s included with this computer may include features such as copy protection an...

Page 3: ...uters displays printers facsimiles and copiers Their standards and logos are uniform among participating nations ENERGY STAR is a U S registered trademark of the Environmental Protection Agency Owner s Record The model number and serial number are located on the back panel of your Sony VAIO computer Record the model and serial number in the space provided here and keep in a secure location Refer t...

Page 4: ...ed at the network interface Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines Avoid using the modem during an electrical storm Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak The socket outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible To change the backup battery please contact your nearest Sony Service Center Caution The use o...

Page 5: ...e téléphone pour prévenir d une fuite de gaz vous êtes près de la fuite L appareil doit être le plus près possible d une prise murale pour en faciliter l accès Pour changer la pile de rechange veuillez contacter votre centre de service Sony le plus près Avertissement L utilisation d instruments optiques avec ce produit augmente les risques pour les yeux Puisque le faisceau laser utilisé dans ce pr...

Page 6: ...s encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help You are cautioned that any changes...

Page 7: ...ice on the Web at http www sony com pcsupport If this equipment is causing harm to the telephone network the telephone company may request that you disconnect the equipment from the network until the problem is resolved Repair of this equipment should be made only by a Sony Service Center or Sony authorized agent For the Sony Service Center nearest you call 1 888 4 SONY PC 1 888 476 6972 or visit ...

Page 8: ...ce de la sonnerie de tous les dispositifs n excède pas 5 In some areas the disposal of lithium batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium batteries In some areas the disposal of lithium batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced Replace only with the same or equivalent ty...

Page 9: ... authorized by Macrovision Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited Licence Macrovision Ce produit intègre une technologie de protection de la loi sur le droits de propriéte intellectuelle couverts par la législation américaine L utilisation de cette technologie doit être autorisée par Macrovision Elle est uniquement destinée à un usage privé et à d autres fins de visualisation limitée sau...

Page 10: ...10 ...

Page 11: ...er 25 About the Keyboard 26 About the Remote Control 29 Setting Up Your Computer 33 Connecting a Display Monitor 34 Connecting the Speakers and Sub woofer Unit 35 Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse 38 Connecting the Telephone and Modem Cables 39 Connecting the Power Cords 41 Turning On Your Computer 42 Registering Your Computer 43 Turning Off Your Computer 43 ...

Page 12: ...47 Setting Up TV Connections 48 Connecting the Remote Sensor and Remote Sensor Control 55 Setting Up Additional Equipment 58 Using Media Center 61 About the Media Center Start menu 62 Exploring Media Center 64 Starting the Media Center Setup Wizard 66 Troubleshooting 73 Support Options Options 75 Immediate Help and Support 75 Resources for Additional Help and Support 76 ...

Page 13: ... d Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO computer Your new high performance multimedia computer combines state of the art computer functionality with the latest audio video and information technology features ...

Page 14: ...le with certain computer models See your computer s specifications sheet for details about supplied accessories Your VAIO computer is not supplied with System or Application Recovery CDs Use the VAIO Recovery Wizard utility to recover your computer s operating system and preinstalled software Computer and supplied accessories Speakers and speaker power cable Video adapter Sub woofer Remote sensor ...

Page 15: ...rams included with your system and solving common problems To access the online User Guide 1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar then click Help and Support 2 From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu click VAIO User Guide Specifications This online specifications sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO computer Go to the Sony Online Support Web site at http www sony c...

Page 16: ...k Help and Support 2 From the VAIO Help And Support Center click VAIO Recovery Options Other A software library containing the Microsoft software and Sony end user license agreements You can create a VAIO Recovery Media Kit using CD R single layer DVD R or single layer DVD R media on VAIO computers equipped with the appropriate optical drive a CD RW DVD RW or DVD RW drive DVD RW DVD RW double laye...

Page 17: ...n your computer and supplied accessories Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features or accessories The location of the controls ports and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section To view the specific connection capabilities for your system see the online Specifications sheet ...

Page 18: ...enables access to drives media slots ports and jacks that enable you to connect compatible peripheral devices Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features or accessories The location of the controls ports and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section Front panel ...

Page 19: ...ompactFlash and Microdrive media 6 Optical drive access indicator Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the optical drives 7 Hard disk drive access indicator Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the hard disk 8 S video In jack Connection for an S video cable optional Composite video In jack Connection for a video cable optional Composite audio L In jack Con...

Page 20: ...s USB 2 0 ports 3 Connections for compatible high full low speed USB devices 17 i LINK 4 pin S400 port IEEE 1394 Connection for a compatible digital device The media access indicator lights when reading or writing data with the Secure Digital SD Memory Stick xD Picture Card or CompactFlash Microdrive slots i LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 co...

Page 21: ...he drive tray in when closing the optical drive door Do not force the door or handle roughly After closing the drive door wait a few moments for the drive to begin reading the CD Opening the upper and lower front panel covers The front of your computer is equipped with panels that cover drives media card slots jacks and ports Do not force the panel covers or handle roughly Opening the front panel ...

Page 22: ...r contains the ports for supplied and optional accessories The icons on the back panel locate and identify the ports on your computer The location of certain ports and jacks may vary from the illustration based on the computer model purchased Back panel AUDIO AUDIO VIDEO1 INPUT S VIDEO COMPOSITE ...

Page 23: ...hones jack Connection for the supplied speakers or headphones optional Line In jack Connection for an audio device 7 Monitor port Connection for standard VGA monitor TV Out S video video jack Connection for an S video cable DVI monitor port Connection for a DVI monitor 8 Modem line jack Connection for the modem supplied cable to the wall jack 9 AC Input port Connection for the supplied power cord ...

Page 24: ...r a video cable optional S video In jack Connection for an S video cable optional 14 VHF UHF port Connection for a TV coaxial cable supplied An optional 1 to 2 jack adapter device splitter is required to connect both a telephone and modem line to your computer 1000BASE TX Ethernet capability is available on certain computer models See your computer s specifications sheet for details on its hardwar...

Page 25: ...response to extend the volume output of the sub woofer unit 2 Power knob volume control Rotate the knob clockwise to turn on the sub woofer unit Control the volume by rotating the knob until the desired volume is reached Rotate the knob counter clockwise to turn off the sub woofer unit 3 Power indicator Light is green while the power is on 4 Speaker jack Connection for the speaker cable 5 Sub woof...

Page 26: ...upport Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition features VAIO keyboard BUTTON DESCRIPTION EJECT 1 Opens the optical drive 1 tray EJECT 2 Opens the optical drive 2 tray MY TV Opens the My TV window of Windows Media Center GUIDE Opens the TV program guide of Media Center MY MUSIC Opens the My Music window of Media Center MY PICTURES Opens the My Pictures window of Media Center MY VIDEOS Opens the M...

Page 27: ...s twice to return to the previous DVD chapter video track or audio track STOP Stops media recording or playback PLAY PAUSE Pauses the movie video slide show or audio track Press again to resume playback NEXT Advances to the next DVD chapter video track or audio track VOLUME knob Increases and decreases the volume as you turn the knob MUTE Turns the sound off Press again to restore sound STANDBY Pl...

Page 28: ...rtain software programs Pressing this key is equivalent to clicking the right mouse button Windows The key with the Microsoft Windows logo displays the Start menu Pressing this key is equivalent to clicking Start on the taskbar INDICATORS FUNCTION Num Lock The Num Lock indicator lights when the numeric keypad is activated When the indicator is off the directional arrow and correction keys on the n...

Page 29: ...wing preferences This section describes the basic functions of your remote control Remote Control 1 MUTE button Press to turn off the sound Press again to restore the sound 2 Channel number buttons 0 9 Press to select specific channels or enter text Press Enter or OK to activate the channel selection MUTE STANDBY RM MC1 OK VOLUME CHAN PAGE DVD MENU BACK MY TV MY MUSIC MY PICTURES GUIDE MY VIDEOS E...

Page 30: ...ress to view and listen to your music playlists MY PICTURES button Press to view pictures or a slide show GUIDE button Press to view the TV program guide for your area START button Press to open the Media Center Start menu MY VIDEOS button Press to view videos from your video collection 6 BACK button Press to return to the previous window 7 Directional arrow buttons Press the Up Down Left and Righ...

Page 31: ...on Press to stop media playback or TV recording session PLAY button Press to begin media playback PAUSE button Press to pause media playback Press again to resume playback 13 DVD MENU button Press to open the main menu on a DVD 14 MORE INFO button Press to view any available information about the selected media 15 CHAN PAGE button Press to change page up and down channels automatically no number i...

Page 32: ...VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start 32 ...

Page 33: ...computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features described in the section The location of the controls ports and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown See the online Specifications sheet for your system s specific hardware configuration ...

Page 34: ...play Monitor 1 Plug the display s cable into the monitor port 2 If necessary plug the display s cable into the rear of the display To connect a display Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency To connect a DVI display ...

Page 35: ...In jack on the back of the right speaker 3 Insert the black plug of the speaker power cable into the DC Out jack located on the back panel of your computer 4 Insert the mini stereo plug of the cable that is attached to the right speaker into the Headphones jack located on the back panel of your computer To connect the computer and speakers R speaker L speaker Speaker power cable black plug System ...

Page 36: ...fications sheet for information about supplied accessories 1 Insert the mini stereo plug of the cable that is attached to the right speaker into the speaker jack located on the left side of the sub woofer unit To connect the speakers and sub woofer unit Sub woofer Connect to DC Out jack on computer s back panel R speaker L speaker AC Power wall outlet Connect to Headphones jack on computer s back ...

Page 37: ...of the sub woofer unit s cable into the Headphones jack located on the back panel of your computer 3 Plug the sub woofer unit s power cord into a grounded AC wall outlet or power strip To connect the sub woofer to the computer USB AC Power wall outlet System unit Sub woofer unit ...

Page 38: ...o the mouse port on the back of the computer Using an optical mouse An optical mouse requires an ideal surface texture in order to provide precision pointing and tracking Use surfaces such as plain paper card stock or fabric that have minimal repetitive patterning Avoid surfaces such as mirrors smooth glass or magazines that have halftone printing To connect the keyboard and mouse ...

Page 39: ...ecting the modem cable 1 Unplug your telephone from the wall jack 2 Plug the modem cable supplied into the modem line jack located on the back panel of your computer 3 Plug the other end of the modem cable into the wall jack Connecting the telephone and modem cables 1 Unplug your telephone cable from the wall jack 2 Insert the telephone cable into one of the RJ 11 jacks on an optional 1 to 2 jack ...

Page 40: ...rotective sticker covering the Ethernet port located on the rear panel Connect 10BASE T 100BASE TX or 1000BASE TX cables to the Ethernet port depending on your computer s Ethernet port specification Using incorrect cables or a telephone cable may result in an electric current overload that can cause a malfunction excessive heat or fire in the Ethernet port For help on connecting to a network see y...

Page 41: ... Cords 41 Connecting the Power Cords wer Cords 1 Plug the power cord into the back of the computer 2 Plug both the display and computer power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet or a power strip To connect the power cords ...

Page 42: ...ediately 1 Press the power button on the computer to turn on the power 2 Press the power button on the display to turn on the power 3 Press the power button on the right speaker to turn on the power Before turning on your computer set up your Sony VAIO Media Center cables and connections For detailed instructions see the section Setting Up Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2003 on page 45 ...

Page 43: ...g the first session you can register your computer online at the Sony VAIO PC Registration Web site Go to http www sony com vaioregistration Turning Off Your Computer Follow these steps when you are ready to turn off your computer for an extended period of time To turn off your computer 1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar then select Turn Off Computer The Turn Off Computer dialog box appears 2 Se...

Page 44: ...44 About the power button If your system stops responding press and hold the Power button for more than six seconds to force your system to shut down You may need to repeat this procedure if your system does not shut down on the first attempt ...

Page 45: ... Center Your new computer and the Media Center bring together all of your entertainment sources TV VCR music pictures and DVD player into one location that is easily accessed with a Media Center remote control a mouse or a keyboard The Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition operating system is available on certain VAIO Digital Studio computers See your online specifications sheet for more infor...

Page 46: ...music files Viewing digital photos individually or as a slide show with background music Enjoying TV DVDs or your favorite music while performing other tasks on your computer Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer and Media Center Studio Computer and Media Center Your VAIO Digital Studio computer compliments this exceptional operating system with preinstalled multimedia software programs superior graph...

Page 47: ... Internet connection Connect your computer to the TV signal source Insert two AA batteries into the Media Center remote control Plug the remote sensor unit into a USB port on your computer and place it in a location that enables direct communication with the remote control Connect the remote sensor control between your cable or satellite set top box and the remote sensor unit Additional informatio...

Page 48: ... hardware configuration Connecting to standard cable access CATV Option 1 1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable supplied to your cable service access 2 Connect the other end of the TV coaxial cable to the VHF UHF port on the back panel of your computer Your VAIO Digital Studio computer is supplied with certain video cables Depending on your in home cable access you may require extra cables ada...

Page 49: ... the splitter adapter Connect the other end to the VHF UHF port on the back panel of your computer 3 Connect a third TV coaxial cable optional to the double connection side of the splitter adapter Connect the other end to the VHF UHF port on the back of your TV monitor or display To connect in CATV mode Option 2 TV coaxial cable optional Splitter optional TV coaxial cable supplied VHF UHF port Cab...

Page 50: ...onnect one end of a TV coaxial cable optional to your antenna outlet Connect the other end to a VHF UHF RF combiner transformer optional 2 Connect the TV coaxial cable supplied from the combiner transformer to the VHF UHF port on the back panel of your computer Option 2 1 Connect both ends of the antenna s twin lead cable to the screw type grips on the combiner transformer 2 Connect the TV coaxial...

Page 51: ...eo cables Depending on your in home cable access you may require extra cables adapters or connection equipment not supplied with your computer Option 1 Antenna system TV coaxial cable optional VHF UHF RF Combiner Transformer optional Option 2 Antenna 300 ohm Twin lead cable optional TV coaxial cable supplied VHF UHF port system Air ...

Page 52: ...et top box 2 Connect a second TV coaxial cable optional to the Out jack on your set top box Connect the other end to the single connection end of a splitter adapter optional 3 Connect a third TV coaxial cable supplied to the double connection end of the splitter adapter Connect the other end to the VHF UHF port on the back panel of your computer 4 Connect a fourth TV coaxial cable optional to the ...

Page 53: ...n set top box mode Option 1 VHF UHF IN VHF UHF OUT TV coaxial cable optional Cable service access wall outlet Splitter optional TV coaxial cable optional VHF UHF port Set top box TV coaxial cable supplied VHF UHF port TV coaxial cable optional ...

Page 54: ...on the back panel of your set top box matching the plug and jack colors 4 Connect the other RCA jacks of the stereo dubbing cable into the Audio R IN Audio L IN and Composite video IN jacks on the back panel of your computer matching the plug and jack colors To connect in set top box mode Option 2 You can connect your computer to a set top box using an S video cable optional instead of a stereo A ...

Page 55: ...mote control enabling you to change channels and to perform other functions To connect the remote sensor 1 Connect the remote sensor unit to a USB port located on either the front or back panel of your computer 2 Place the remote sensor in a position that enables it to communicate with your remote control Connecting the remote sensor back panel Remote sensor supplied ...

Page 56: ...s you to control the set top box with the remote control 1 Plug the remote sensor control s cable into either jack 1 or 2 located on the back of the remote sensor When you attach the remote control sensor to a cable or satellite set top box you can control the set top box functions with your remote control Connecting the remote sensor and remote sensor control 1 2 Remote sensor Remote sensor contr...

Page 57: ...e sensor control onto the tape ensuring that the front edge extends over the front of the box as shown in the following illustration Attaching the remote sensor control cable to a cable or satellite set top box The remote sensor unit must be visible in a line of sight with your remote control in order to function properly Remote sensor Infrared port Cable or satellite set top box Adhesive tape Rem...

Page 58: ...VCR or camcorder using the composite audio In jacks 1 Connect a dual audio cable optional to the composite audio L and R In jacks located on the either the front or rear panels of your computer 2 Connect the other ends of the dual audio cable to your VCR or camcorder Connecting devices with an S video cable Your VCR or camcorder may have either standard video or S video connection capability 1 Con...

Page 59: ...ite video port composite audio L and R jacks located on either the front or back panel of your computer Match jack and plug colors 2 Connect the other ends of the stereo A V dubbing cable into the appropriate jacks on your compatible VCR or camcorder matching jack and plug colors To connect a VCR or camcorder Video cassette recorder VCR Audio cable optional S video cable optional Camcorder ...

Page 60: ...e optional to the Headphones 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 display The video cable adapter is supplied with certain VAIO computer models See your computer s specifications sheet for information about supplied accessories...

Page 61: ...ms Press the OK button to activate your selection Starting Media Center with the keyboard and mouse 1 Click Start from the Windows taskbar and select Media Center from the Start menu The Media Center main window appears 2 Use the directional arrows on the keyboard or move the mouse to navigate and select menu items Press Enter on the keyboard or left click the mouse to activate your selection The ...

Page 62: ...nter switch screens locate controls and start functions Media Center Start 1 Media Center Start Returns Media Center to the Start menu 2 Back Returns Media Center to the previous window 3 Media Center Help Starts the Media Center Help guide 4 Minimize Minimizes the Media Center window and places the Media Center icon on the taskbar 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ...

Page 63: ... music files and music CDs Movielink not shown Connects to Movielink an online movie rental download service Create DVD not shown Creates and writes videos to DVD media More Programs not shown Displays additional programs that are available through Media Center Settings not shown Changes your Media Center preferences including parental controls recording and slideshow settings 8 Scroll Arrows Move...

Page 64: ...n modes use the arrow keys on the remote control to select the inset window and then press OK To switch between Media Center and the desktop You can view the desktop without closing Media Center Select the Minimize button with your remote control or mouse to display the desktop To return to Media Center press on the Windows taskbar To display or hide the Media Center controls You can use your mous...

Page 65: ...use to pause playback Press Pause again to resume playback 3 Stop Stops playback of selected media 4 Record Records TV programs storing them on the hard disk 5 Replay Rewind Moves backwards in TV programs and selected media 6 Skip Fast Forward Moves ahead in selected media 7 Mute Turns the sound off 8 Volume Up and Down Increases and decreases sound 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ...

Page 66: ...information go to the VAIO Help and Support Center Establish a working Internet connection to enable the download of your local television program guide Provide your Zip code or Postal Code Provide the name of your TV programming provider or the name of your subscription package if using cable or satellite service Identify the brand name for your set top box if your TV service requires one To get ...

Page 67: ...p wizard to properly activate and configure Media Center The setup wizard tests your remote control configures your Internet connection and TV broadcast signal and sets up the Television Program Guide for your local area Media Center Getting Started If you decide to skip any of the setup wizard steps you can complete them later in the Settings window in Media Center ...

Page 68: ...ia Center uses this interactive step to verify that the remote control is communicating with the remote sensor The LED on the remote control blinks when a button is pressed Media Center Check Your Remote Control Verify that your remote control has two AA batteries installed ...

Page 69: ...ram Guide If you have already established an Internet connection you are asked to choose a download method Select the appropriate download option and follow the on screen instructions Media Center Download Method The Internet connection provides information about your music CDs and other media If you skip this step you can complete them later in the Settings window in Media Center ...

Page 70: ... that your computer is receiving the correct TV signal and local TV Program Guide If you are using a cable or satellite set top box this step programs your remote to the box enabling you to view premium channels Media Center Choose Your TV Signal Verify that your TV signal source is connected to the computer ...

Page 71: ...ide has not been set up You have not agreed to the Television Program Guide s Terms of Service The Media Center cannot connect to the Internet and download new Guide information Guide information is not available for your location from the Microsoft TV listings service provider Media Center has determined that the existing Guide information on your computer is expired or corrupted Media Center Pro...

Page 72: ...VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start 72 ...

Page 73: ...ootable CD Confirm that the power cord and all cables are connected firmly If you plugged the computer into a power strip or Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS make sure the power strip or UPS is turned on and working Verify that the monitor is plugged into a power source and turned on If your system has a built in monitor confirm that it is plugged into an appropriate power source and that the syst...

Page 74: ...ress the Alt F4 keys The Shut Down Windows window appears 3 Click the drop down list box and select Restart 4 Click OK The computer turns off and restarts If the Shut Down Windows window does not appear 1 Press Ctrl Alt Delete The Windows Task Manager window appears 2 Click Shut Down 3 Restart your computer If your computer still does not respond and you cannot restart shut down your computer by p...

Page 75: ...y and easily You can find instructions on how to connect power cords cables peripheral devices and register your computer with Sony The Quick Start can also provide basic troubleshooting support VAIO Computer User Guide The online User Guide provides information about configuring maintaining and upgrading your computer This support resource offers a variety of available topics enabling you to quic...

Page 76: ... Click Start in the Windows taskbar 2 Click Welcome to VAIO life Resources for Additional Help and Support If the information provided with your VAIO computer does not offer an immediate solution or you would like to get direct support try these additional help and support resources Sony Online Support Web site Online help and support are available 24 hours a day seven days a week when you visit t...

Page 77: ...many frequently asked questions Sony Customer Information Services Center If other support options do not resolve your issue you can contact a Sony Support representative directly Before making a call to the Sony Customer Information Services Center have this basic information readily available 1 VAIO computer system type 2 Model number 3 Serial number Example 4 Operating system 5 Hardware feature...

Page 78: ......

Page 79: ......

Page 80: ...VAIO Homepage http www vaio net 2004 Sony Electronics Inc Printed in USA 2 055 276 01 For customer support information go to http www sony com pcsupport ...

Reviews: