Sony PCV-E314DS - Vaio Digital Studio Desktop... User manual

Notice to Users
©1999 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 ELECTRONICS INC. PROVIDES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE
SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE
WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR SUCH OTHER INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT
SHALL SONY ELECTRONICS INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL
DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON TORT, CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN
OR THE USE THEREOF.
Sony Electronics Inc. reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information
contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein may also be governed
by the terms of a separate user license agreement.
Sony, VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO Smart, VAIO Digital Studio, DVgate, Digital Media Park,
PictureGear, i.LINK, and S-Link are trademarks of Sony. Windows and the Windows logo are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. K56flex is a trademark of Lucent Technologies Inc.
and Rockwell International. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
Safety Information
Owner's Record
The model number and serial number are located on the back of your Sony computer. Record the
model and serial numbers in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when
you call your Sony Service Center.
Model Number:________________________
Serial Number:________________________
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your Sony computer to rain or moisture.
Never install modem or telephone wiring during a lightning storm.
Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet
locations
Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been
disconnected 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 laser beam used in the optical drive unit is harmful to the eyes. Do not attempt to disassemble the
cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
Regulatory Information
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
Page 1

radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is 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 or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could
void your authority to operate this equipment.
Only peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) that comply with FCC
Class B limits may be attached to this computer product. Operation with non-compliant peripherals
is likely to result in interference to radio and television reception.
All cables used to connect peripherals must be shielded and grounded. Operation with cables,
connected to peripherals, that are not shielded and grounded, may result in interference to radio
and television reception.
FCC Part 68
This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. The ringer equivalence number (REN) and
the FCC registration number are printed on the modem board. If requested, this information must
be supplied to the telephone company.
The REN is used to determine the quantity of devices which may be connected to the phone line.
Excessive REN's on the telephone line may result in the devices not ringing in response to an
incoming call. In most, but not all areas, the sum of the REN's should not exceed five (5.0). To be
certain of the number of devices that may be connected to the line, as determined by the total
REN's, contact the telephone company to determine the maximum REN for the calling area.
This modem uses the USOC RJ-11 telephone jack.
If this equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will, when
practical, notify you in advance that temporary discontinuance of service may be required. If
advance notice isn't practical, the telephone company will notify you as soon as possible. Also, you
will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it is necessary.
The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations or procedures
that could affect the operations of the equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will
notify you in advance, in order for you to make the necessary modifications
in order to maintain uninterrupted service.
If trouble is experienced with this modem, for repair or warranty information, please contact
1-888-4SONY-PC, or write to the Sony Customer Information Center, One Sony Drive, Park Ridge,
NJ 07656.
This equipment cannot be used on telephone-company-provided coin service. Connection to Party
Line Service is subject to state tariffs.
Repair of the modem should be made only by a Sony Service Center or Sony authorized agent. For
the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972).
Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful for any person to use a
computer or other electronic device to send any message via a telephone facsimile machine unless
Page 2

such message clearly contains, in a margin at the top or bottom of each transmitted page or on
the first page of the transmission, the date and time it is sent and an identification of the business,
other entity, or individual sending the message, and the telephone number of the sending machine
or such business, other entity, or individual.
In order to program this information into your facsimile, see your fax software documentation.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
Page 3

Read Me First
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO®Digital Studio Computer. Sony has
combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you
with state-of-the-art personal computing.
Features
For a complete description of the specifications of your VAIO Digital Studio Computer, see Specifications.
Exceptional performance: Your computer includes a fast Intel®Pentium®II processor, a
DVD-ROM drive, and a V.90 compatible data/fax modem.*
* Actual upload and download speeds may vary due to line conditions, ISP support, and government
regulations.
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD): This new optical storage technology provides increased storage
capacity and a rich multimedia computing experience. Your DVD-ROM drive plays both DVDs and
CD-ROMs.
VAIO Smart Keyboard: Your computer includes a USB keyboard with programmable shortcut
buttons to launch your favorite programs or access the Internet.
Sony audio and video quality: High-fidelity positional 3D audio system (A3D ), high-powered
3D graphics (AGP), and "Sony-Tuned" MPEG2 digital video playback enable you to take advantage
of today's advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.
S-Link (Control-A1) connector: Store and play CDs from your CD changer. Record music to
your minidisc recorder. Create libraries of titles with song names and play times, select recording
lists from the library to play, edit, or record.
i.LINK (IEEE-1394) connectors: Connect a digital video camera, such as the Sony Digital
Handycam, or other digital imaging devices to an i.LINK connector on either the front or back of
your system. This state-of-the-art technology allows audio/video devices to function as true
multimedia peripherals, creating a new interface technology between your computer and A/V
products.
Optical Digital Audio Output connector: Transfer digital audio directly from your computer to
audio recording devices such as a digital receiver or Minidisc recorder. Listen to high quality,
multichannel DVD sound when your computer is connected to a compatible Dolby Digital (AC-3)
decoder.
Digital Studio Software: Enjoy all of your computer's audio and video capabilities with
component-like applications that allow you to creatively manipulate digital still images, video clips,
and audio tracks.
100 free hours of Internet access: Use the Internet for up to 100 free hours when you sign up
with GTE (no credit card required). Free access expires after 100 hours or 60 days after signing
up--whichever occurs first.
Preinstalled software titles: All the software on your computer is preinstalled, configured, and
ready for you to use right out of the box.
Windows® 98: Your system includes the latest operating system from Microsoft.
Communications: Access popular online services, browse the Internet, send faxes, and more.
Unpacking Your Computer
Computer and Supplied Accessories Page 4

Manuals
Read Me First (this manual) contains features and specifications of your computer. It also includes
information on how to contact software vendors and last minute troubleshooting tips.
The VAIO Digital Studio User Guide describes how to get started with your computer, find help,
and solve common problems.
The Microsoft®Windows®98 Getting Started manual explains how to use the basic features of the
Windows operating system.
Recovery CDs
System Recovery CD(s)
Application Recovery CD(s)
Other
Setting up your VAIO Digital Studio Computer (poster)
Packet containing special product offers
Software Library
The Software Library contains the Microsoft software license agreement, Sony end-user license
agreement, and the following CDs:
Adobe PhotoDeluxe®Home Edition 3.0
Gremlin Interactive Ltd. MotorHead
Microsoft®Encarta®98 Encyclopedia
Microsoft®Money/Microsoft®Works
Page 5

Back Panel Overview
The back panel of your computer contains the connectors where you plug in supplied and optional
accessories. The icons on the back panel serve as a map to help you locate the connectors on your
computer.
For your convenience, your computer includes USB and i.LINK connectors on both the front and back panels,
allowing you to connect to either set of connectors. i.LINK connectors on the back of your system are 6-pin
connectors.
Front Panel Overview
The front panel of your VAIO Digital Studio Computer allows for access to the diskette and
DVD-ROM drives. It also includes USB and i.LINK ports to connect USB devices, CD changers,
Minidisc editors, or other components.
Page 6

For your convenience, your computer includes USB and i.LINK connectors on both the front and back panels,
allowing you to connect to either set of connectors. The i.LINK connector on the front of your system is a 4-pin
connector.
Supplementary Information
For the most recent version of this manual, see the online version of Read Me First. You can access
this document from the Windows Start Menu by selecting Programs/VAIO Documentation.
Hard Drive Partition
In order to improve the performance of your computer's DVgate Motion software, the hard disk
drive on your computer has been formatted with two partitions, C and D. DVgate Motion saves files
to the D partition. This prevents large video captures from consuming the available space on your C
partition. To maintain optimum performance of DVgate Motion, you should defragment regularly.
The size of the D partition is 5 GB.
Optimal DVD Performance
Due to nonstandard implementation of Microsoft Active Movie components in some DVD game
titles, some DVD game titles may not play correctly. DVD standards are still evolving. Some DVD
titles may require software or hardware components that were not available when your computer
was designed and manufactured.
The DVD Control Panel can be accessed by right-clicking anywhere in the DVD video window and
Page 7

selecting Panel.
If you select the standby mode for your monitor and allow the system to turn off the monitor, it is
recommended that you restart your computer before playing DVD titles.
VAIO Smart Keyboard Default Settings
The VAIO Smart Keyboard programmable buttons come with the following applications as their
default settings:
S1 - Easy Internet Access Browser
S2 - Outlook 98 (E-mail)
S3 - MotorHead (Game)
S4 - Microsoft®Works
S5 - Quicken 99 Basic
S6 - VAIO Documentation
All six buttons are reprogrammable.
Using The Standby Mode
To Put Your Computer into Standby Mode
When you are done using your computer, you can put it in standby mode rather than turn it off
completely. There are four ways to put your computer into standby mode.
Tap the power switch on the front panel.
Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut Down Windows dialog box.
Select Stand by, and then click OK.
Press the Standby button on the VAIO Smart Keyboard (the half moon icon).
Change the timer settings for standby mode in the Control Panel, as follows:
1. From the Start menu, point to Settings and click Control Panel.
2. Click the Power Management icon.
3. On the Power Schemes tab, change the Power scheme to Home/Office Desk.
4. In the list box for System standby, select an interval of time.
5. Click the OK button and close the Control Panel.
To Resume from Standby Mode
There are two ways to resume system functionality when your computer is in standby mode. Use
either of the following methods.
Press any key, such as the Enter key.
Tap the power switch on the front panel.
It may take up to 30 seconds for your system to recover stored information and resume
functionality. The screen remains blank while the system is resuming functionality.
Applications That Use the TWAIN Driver
Digital imaging applications, such as Adobe PhotoDeluxe®, allow you to transfer images to your
computer from external devices, including scanners or digital cameras. For some devices, a TWAIN
driver window appears on the screen. Always close the TWAIN driver window before exiting or
Page 8

minimizing a digital imaging application.
Restoring Outlook 98
For the Add New Components functionality to be available with Microsoft Outlook, you must first
run the installation program for Outlook from the Application Recovery CD. When prompted to
install the program, select Exit. This decompresses the software, making the Add New Components
functionality available.
Inserting Add-in Boards
Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer accommodates PCI add-in boards up to 7.7 inches in length.
Using Devices Connected to the i.LINK (IEEE-1394), S-Link (Control-A1), and Optical
Digital Audio Output Connectors
For the latest information on devices known to be compatible with the state-of the-art audio,
video, and graphics capabilities of your VAIO computer, check the Sony web site at
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.
Connecting to i.LINK Ports
Your VAIO computer includes a 4-pin i.LINK connector on the front of the system and two 6-pin
i.LINK connectors on the back of the system. A 6-pin i.LINK connector can supply power from the
computer to the connected device if the device is equipped with a 6-pin connector. A 4-pin i.LINK
connector cannot supply power to a connected device.
Capturing and Editing Digital Video Images
You can capture digital video images using a digital video camera recorder and DVgate Motion
software. Once the images are saved as AVI files, they can be edited using DVgate Motion, DVgate
Clip, or Adobe Premiere®LE. You cannot capture digital video images directly using the Capture
menu in Adobe Premiere LE. Adobe Premiere LE supports an analog capture board for capturing
images. Your VAIO computer is designed for digital video input.
If there is no audio data associated with an AVI file, the message "Codec compression error"
appears. If you do not wish to associate audio with your AVI file, you can add muted sound data
by recording audio with the mute option enabled.
For best performance, when editing AVI files in Adobe Premiere LE, you should use the default
setup parameters that shipped with your system. If you change the default setup and want to
reinitialize the parameters, follow these steps:
1. In the Adobe Premiere LE application, select Compression from the Make menu. The
Compression Settings dialog box appears.
2. In the Method list box, select Sony DV software CODEC.
3. Click OK to close the screen.
4. From the Create menu, select Preset. The Preset dialog box appears.
5. Select the parameters for Time Base, Compress, Output, and Preview Option settings as
indicated below.
[Time base]
Time base - 29.97fps (required)
[Compress]
File type - AVI (required)
Compress Program Method - Sony DV software CODEC (required)
Compress Program Depth - Millions colors (No other options)
Quality (No control for this item)
Option: Frames per second - 30 (required)
Option: Basic Key Frames (No control for this item) Page 9

Option: Optimize Still Off (recommended)
Data rate - Recompress Off (recommended)
[Output options]
Video - On (required)
Video Size - 720x480
Video VH Ratio - Off (required)
VideoType - Field 2 (recommended)
Audio - On (required)
Audio Rate - 44kHz (required)
Audio Format - 16 Bit Stereo or 16 Bit Monaural (required)
Audio Type - Uncompress (required)
Audio Interleave - 1 frame (recommended)
- Less than 30 frames (required)
Audio Sync - 1.0 (required)
Audio Skew - 0.75 (recommended)
- Less than 1.0 (required)
[Preview Option]
Preview Window Size - 360x240 (180x120)
Note that Adobe Premiere LE does not save the Preview Window Size, but uses a default size of
320 x 213 each time the application launches. We recommend that you change this setting to 360
x 240 to improve the quality of preview images when editing AVI files.
Using Alternate Browsers with America Online®
To use Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator as your browser with America Online, follow these
steps:
1. From the Start menu, point to Settings and then click Control Panel.
2. Click the Internet icon.
3. Click the Connection tab.
4. Click the "Connect to the Internet using local area network" radio button.
5. Click OK.
Using DVgate Motion
When capturing images:
Do not use DVgate Motion when the connected digital video peripheral is in Timer Recording mode,
since this could produce a malfunction in the peripheral.
The maximum length of AVI files that you can record is approximately 9 minutes 30 seconds.
You can record stereo audio (stereo 1) while capturing video. You cannot add audio on the stereo
2 track after capturing the video data.
You cannot use different audio modes on the same tape. You should perform a separate capture
for each audio mode you wish to use.
DVgate Motion does not support hard disk compression. You should not use disk compression if
you are planning to work with DVgate Motion.
Title data is saved in the flash memory of a digital video camera and is not transferred to tape by
DVgate Motion.
To avoid interruption of capture sessions, you should disable the screen saver.
The drop frame compensation feature does not provide accurate compensation adjustments for
tapes recorded in LP mode.
Page 10

For tapes that include a mixture of both SP and LP mode, the information displayed by the capture
progress indicator may not be accurate.
Make sure the video head of your digital video device is properly cleaned. Anomalies that you see
in captured data could be due to dust or other particles on the video head.
oThe last frame captured is one frame before your selected [OUT] point. The frame you see
immediately after clicking the [OUT] button is not captured.
When recording AVI files to tape:
Do not use DVgate Motion when the connected digital video peripheral is in Timer Recording mode,
as this could produce a malfunction in the peripheral.
oYou can record only AVI files. MPEG files cannot be recorded.
To avoid recording problems, such as a single frame appearing in multiple frames, close other
applications on your system while recording.
You cannot use different audio modes on the same tape. If you have AVI files that use different
audio modes, they cannot be recorded at the same time, but must be recorded separately.
Do not attempt to work with AVI files that are smaller than 4 MB.
DVgate Motion does not support hard disk compression. You should not use disk compression if
you are planning to work with DVgate Motion.
In order to maximize recording capabilities, video and audio data are not available while you are
recording.
If DVgate Motion indicates that frames have been dropped, you should try closing all open
applications, or you may need to defragment your hard drive.
Restoring Audio Drivers
When you restore the audio drivers from the Application Recovery CD, you need to restart your
system to use these drivers. In the Add New Hardware wizard that appears when you restart, click
the Next button until you are prompted for the location of the drivers. The audio drivers are located
on the Application Recovery CD in G:\drivers\audio\AL98091701\English.
Using AC-3 to Optical Digital Audio Output
Minidisc player/recorders, DAT player/recorders, and older digital receivers do not support Dolby
Digital (AC-3). You should not use the AC-3 to Optical Digital Audio Output option unless you are
using a device that supports Dolby Digital. Please refer to the manual supplied with your equipment
to determine if it supports Dolby Digital. If you are unsure and you have selected the AC-3 to
Optical Digital Audio Output option, turn down the volume on your equipment before using the DVD
player.
Using America Online or Sony Online Support with WinFax® Basic
Once you have configured WinFax Basic, it is automatically available for your use. You cannot use
America Online or Sony Online Support when the automatic fax receive feature of WinFax Basic is
on. To disable this feature, right click the WinFax icon in the task tray at the bottom right corner of
your screen, and then select Exit.
Memory Upgrade Specifications
When upgrading memory, use only 3.3V 64-bit PC-100 SDRAM DIMM module. For more
information on Digital Studio Computer compatible memory, call Sony at 1-888-4SONYPC
(1-888-476-6972).
Application Recovery CD Content
The Application Recovery CD(s) allow you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers if
they are corrupted or accidentally erased. The User Guide explains how to use the Application
Page 11

Recovery CD(s). The contents of the Application Recovery CD(s) are as follows:
Audio Video
oAdobe Premiere ®LE
oMiniDisc Editor8
oSony Digital Media Park
oSony DVD Express
oSony DVgate Motion
oSony DVgate Still
oSony PictureGear
oVDO Codec
Business
oAdobe Acrobat ®Reader
oWinFax ®Basic Edition
Drivers
o1394 Driver
oAudio Driver
oDSC Twain
oDVCR Mini Driver
oModem Driver
oMPEG Decoder
oVideo Driver
Documentation
oSony Online Support Help Files
oVAIO Digital Studio Read Me First
oVAIO Digital Studio User Guide
Internet
oAmerica Online ®
oAT&T WorldNet ®Service
oCompuServe
oEarthLink Sprint TotalAccess
oNetscape Communicator ®
oProdigy Internet
oMicrosoft Outlook ®98
oReal Player Page 12

oSony VAIO Registration
oSurfMonkey
oVoiceView Client19
Utility
oDr. Solomon's ®Anti-Virus
oIntelliLight Manager
oShared Library/SX BIOS
oSony DV Shared Library
oSony VAIO Smart Keyboard
About the Software On Your Computer
Your VAIO Digital Studio computer is ready to help you work, play, learn, and communicate as soon
as you turn it on. This section gives you an overview of the activities you can perform with your
software titles. For support information, see For Answers to Your Software Questions.
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader
Adobe Systems Incorporated
Acrobat Reader software allows you to view, navigate, and print electronic documents in Adobe
Portable Document Format (PDF), an open file format that is intended to preserve the fidelity of
documents created on all major computer platforms.
Adobe Premiere® LE
Adobe Systems Incorporated
Adobe Premiere offers an interface and editing tool for producing movies for video, multimedia or
the web. View source clips and edited footage simultaneously in the monitor window. Create video
clips up to three hours long with complete audio-video synchronization.
America Online®
America Online
America Online is the world's most popular Internet online service. Stay in touch with family and
friends with Easy-to-Use E-mail, manage your personal finances, get the latest news and sports
scores, and chat with thousands of others who share your interests.
Application Recovery CD
Sony Electronics
The Application Recovery CD allows you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers. Use
this CD to restore corrupted or accidentally erased files.
AT&T WorldNet® Service
AT&T
Fast, reliable Internet access from AT&T WorldNet Service. AT&T WorldNet Service provides
web-based e-mail, a personalized start page from Excite, easy access to the Excite search engine,
free web pages, online and live agent technical support, instant messaging, and special shopping
discounts at Market Square.
CompuServe®
CompuServe, Inc.
CompuServe is the most comprehensive source of organized business and educational information
online today. CompuServe allows you to access the vastness of the Internet, without wasting time
wading through it. Maximize your time online with CompuServe. Page 13

Digital Media Park
Sony Electronics
This integrated suite of multimedia cataloging and playback programs let you manage your music
and create custom MiniDiscs.
Dr. Solomon's Anti-Virus
Dr. Solomon's Anti-Virus provides the most comprehensive defense against the spread of viruses,
including macro viruses. It can scan inside compressed files, and automatically protects your
system against viruses sent via e-mail or Internet download.
DVgate Motion
Sony Electronics
Connect a digital video camera recorder to the i.LINK connector and capture your own video clips.
You can save your images in a variety of popular file formats.
DVgate Still
Sony Electronics
Connect a digital video camera recorder to the i.LINK connector and capture your own video
images. You can edit clips from your video, add others, and combine clips into new movie
segments.
EarthLink Sprint TotalAccess
EarthLink Network, Inc.
An Internet Service Provider that supplies access, information, and assistance to its customers,
introducing them to the Internet. Member benefits include e-mail, newsgroups, a Personal Start
Page, a free 6 MB web site, a member magazine, and 24-hour technical support.
Microsoft® Encarta® 98 Encyclopedia
Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia combines current, comprehensive content with up-to-date
multimedia technology providing users with unique, engaging learning experiences. With the 1998
edition, Encarta provides a wealth of information resources and unique interactive features.
Microsoft® Internet Explorer for Windows® 98
Microsoft Corporation
Internet Explorer 4.0 delivers the Web the way you want it. It's safe, easy to use and you can
personalize how you access the Web. Outlook Express and other tools in IE 4.0 also help you have
a great experience when you're on the Web!
Microsoft® Money 99
Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft Money 99 is personal finance software that lets you perform your financial
tasks-everything from paying bills to planning for the future-in a smarter, faster way. With Money's
online services, you can pay bills and bank from the comfort of home.
Microsoft® Outlook 98
Microsoft Corporation
Outlook 98 is Microsoft's premier messaging and collaboration client. It combines the leading
support for Internet standards-based messaging systems with integrated calendar, contact and
task-management features.
Microsoft® Works
Microsoft Corporation
Works 4.5 provides users with a set of core tools that allows them to write letters and reports,
track family and friends with the address book, manage home finances, and create a home Page 14

inventory.
MotorHead
Gremlin Interactive Ltd.
MotorHead is realistic arcade-racing; high-velocity entertainment that puts you behind the wheel for
3D pure racing action. Power across Europe and USA in the Transatlantic Speed League, where
second place is simply not an option.
Netscape Communicator®
Netscape Communications
Netscape Communicator is the all-in-one Internet tool that makes it easy to browse the web, send
Internet e-mail, chat, read newsgroups and compose great web documents. Netscape
Communicator is the most widely used World Wide Web browser in the world.
PictureGear 2.5 SE
Sony Electronics
This image management software displays images from your hard drive, a Sony Digital Still
Camera, or a Sony Mavica®Camera. The images appear in a convenient light-table format, so that
you can easily view the contents of an entire folder.
Prodigy Internet
Prodigy Communications Corporation
An online service that helps you find what you need online faster and smarter. Prodigy delivers
powerful online content, such as sports scores, stock quotes, news, and easy access to Excite, plus
quality customer service, all at a competitive price.
Quicken® Basic 98
Quicken is the fastest, easiest way to organize your finances. Quicken works just like your
checkbook, so it's easy to learn and use. Quicken manages all of your finances-bank accounts,
credit cards, investments, loans. You can even pay your bills online.
SurfMonkey
MediaLive, Inc
SurfMonkey is a web browser and online service for kids ages 6-12 that makes the Internet safe,
fun, and easy. A talking monkey guides children through web sites and chat rooms, and can read
their e-mail out loud. Children cannot go to inappropriate web sites, parents can screen e-mail
messages, and chat messages are monitored.
System Recovery CD
Sony Electronics
The System Recover CD allows you to restore the software titles that shipped with your computer
if they become corrupted or are erased accidentally. It can be used only to restore the hard disk of
the Sony computer you purchased.
WinFax® Basic Edition
Symantec Corporation
WinFax Basic Edition incorporates an easy-to-use interface that allows you to send and receive
faxes easily. Upgrade to WinFax Pro to receive additional features.
For Answers to Your Software Questions
Sony Service Center
For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call at 1-888-4SONYPC
(1-888-476-6972).
Page 15

Acrobat® Reader, Adobe PhotoDeluxe®, Adobe® Premiere® LE
(Adobe Systems Incorporated)
Web site http://www.adobe.com/
phone [phone] (fee-based support)
fax [phone]
e-mail [email protected]
hours M-F, 6 AM-5 PM PT
America Online® (America Online)
Web site http://www.aol.com/
phone [phone]
hours 7 days a week, 6 AM - 2 PM ET
AT&T WorldNet® Service (AT&T)
Web site http://www.att.net/
phone [phone]
hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
CompuServe® (CompuServe Interactive, Inc.)
Web site http://www.compuserve.com/
phone [phone]
hours M-F, 8 AM - 1 PM ET, S-S 10 AM - 10 PM ET
Dr. Solomon's® AntiVirus (Dr. Solomon's Software Inc.)
Web site http://www.drsolomon.com/
phone [phone]
e-mail [email protected]
hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
EarthLink Sprint Total Access (EarthLink Network, Inc.)
Web site http://help.earthlink.net/techsupport/
phone [phone]
hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Easy Internet Access (Encompass, Inc.)
Web site http://www.encmpss.com/
phone [phone]
hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
MotorHead (Gremlin Interactive Ltd.)
Web site http://www.gremlin.com/
phone 888-4SONYPC (888-476-6972)
hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Windows® 98 Operating System, Works, Money, Encarta®, Internet Explorer (Microsoft
Corporation)
Web site http://www.microsoft.com/support/
phone 888-4SONYPC (888-476-6972)*
hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
* Support from 1-888-4SONYPC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase.
Netscape Communicator® (Netscape Communications Corporation)
Web site http://www.netscape.com/
phone 888-4SONYPC (888-476-6972)*
hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
* Support from 1-888-4SONYPC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase.
Prodigy Internet (Prodigy Communications Corporation)
Web site http://www.prodigy.com/
phone [phone]
hours 7 AM - 3 AM ET
Quicken® Basic (Intuit Inc.) Page 16

Web site http://www.intuit.com/support/
phone [phone]
hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
SurfMonkey (MediaLive, Inc.)
Web site http://www.surfmonkey.com/support/Sub_support.html
phone [phone]
e-mail [email protected]
hours 9 AM-10 PM PT every day
WinFax® Basic Edition (Symantec Corporation)
Web site http://www.symantec.com/techsupp
phone [phone]
fax [phone] in North America
541-984-2490 outside North America
Specifications
Model PCV-E314DS
Processor 400 MHz Pentium®II
Hard Disk Drive 10.8 GB
Standard SDRAM 64 MB SDRAM,
expandable
to 256 MB
Video RAM 8 MB SDRAM
MPEG "Sony Tuned" MPEG2 Digital Video supports full-screen video and DVD playback
Graphics 3D AGP graphics acceleration (Matrox)
Sound Capabilities Dynamic High Fidelity 3D PCI Audio (Aureal)
Diskette Drive 3.5" 1.44 MB FDD
DVD-ROM Drive Reads DVD data from 2X to 5X variable transfer rate.*
Reads CD data from 10X to 24X variable transfer rate.
Modem V.90 compatible data/fax modem
Expansion Capabilities One PCI slot
One hard disk drive bay
Connection Capabilities (Front) USB port
i.LINK port (4-pin)
Connection Capabilities (Rear) Optional Keyboard (PS/2-style)
Mouse (PS/2-style)
USB port
Serial port
Parallel (printer)
Game/MIDI
Headphones
Line In
Microphone
VGA Monitor
S-Link (ControlA1)
S/PDIF Digital Audio Out
Two i.LINK ports (6-pin)
Modem line (RJ-11)
Phone line (RJ-11)
Supplied Accessories VAIO Smart keyboard
Sony two-button mouse
RJ-11 phone cable
Power cord
Service 90-day limited express service. Extendible to one year from original date of purchase upon
registration**
Limited Warranty 90-day parts/labor standard. Extendible to one year from original date of
purchase upon registration**
Power Requirements 200 watts maximum
Dimensions 7" (w) x 12" (h) x 13 3/4" (d)
(178mm x 304mm x 330mm)
Weight 17 lbs. (7.71 kg) Page 17

Operating Temperature 50º F to 95º F (+10º C to 35º C)
* Data on a DVD-ROM is read at a variable transfer rate, ranging from 2X at the innermost track to 5X at
the outermost track (the data transfer standard 1X rate is 1385 kbytes/s). The average data transfer
rate is either 3.3X (4616 kbytes/s) or 3.4X (4709 kbytes/s), depending on your specific system. Data
on a CD-ROM is read at a variable transfer rate, ranging from 10X at the innermost track to 24X at the
outermost track (the data transfer standard 1X rate is 150 kbytes/s). The average transfer rate is 17X
(2550 kbytes/s).
Maximum speed for faxing is 14.4 kbytes/s. Your modem is capable of downloading at 56 kbytes/s
using K56flex technology or V.90. Your phone service, online service, or Internet Service Provider
however, may not support this technology or operate at this speed.
Six-pin i-LINK connectors on the rear of the system each supply 10V to 12V. The combined total
wattage that can be supplied by the two connectors is 6 watts.
** Certain restrictions apply.
If a region code warning appears when you are using the DVD player, it could be that the DVD-ROM
you are trying to play is incompatible with the DVD-ROM drive in your computer. Region code
indicators such as "1" or "ALL" are labeled on some DVDs to indicate what type of player can play
the discs. Unless a "1" or "ALL" appears on your DVD or on the packaging, you cannot play the disc
on this player.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
This product meets the standards of the International Energy Star Program for energy efficiency.
© 1999 Sony Electronics Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without w ritten permission is prohibited. All rights reserved.
Page 18

Read Me First
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO®Digital Studio Computer. Sony has
combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you
with state-of-the-art personal computing.
Features
For a complete description of the specifications of your VAIO Digital Studio Computer, see Specifications.
Exceptional performance: Your computer includes a fast Intel®Pentium®II processor, a
DVD-ROM drive, and a V.90 compatible data/fax modem.*
* Actual upload and download speeds may vary due to line conditions, ISP support, and government
regulations.
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD): This new optical storage technology provides increased storage
capacity and a rich multimedia computing experience. Your DVD-ROM drive plays both DVDs and
CD-ROMs.
VAIO Smart Keyboard: Your computer includes a USB keyboard with programmable shortcut
buttons to launch your favorite programs or access the Internet.
Sony audio and video quality: High-fidelity positional 3D audio system (A3D ), high-powered
3D graphics (AGP), and "Sony-Tuned" MPEG2 digital video playback enable you to take advantage
of today's advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.
S-Link (Control-A1) connector: Store and play CDs from your CD changer. Record music to
your minidisc recorder. Create libraries of titles with song names and play times, select recording
lists from the library to play, edit, or record.
i.LINK (IEEE-1394) connectors: Connect a digital video camera, such as the Sony Digital
Handycam, or other digital imaging devices to an i.LINK connector on either the front or back of
your system. This state-of-the-art technology allows audio/video devices to function as true
multimedia peripherals, creating a new interface technology between your computer and A/V
products.
Optical Digital Audio Output connector: Transfer digital audio directly from your computer to
audio recording devices such as a digital receiver or Minidisc recorder. Listen to high quality,
multichannel DVD sound when your computer is connected to a compatible Dolby Digital (AC-3)
decoder.
Digital Studio Software: Enjoy all of your computer's audio and video capabilities with
component-like applications that allow you to creatively manipulate digital still images, video clips,
and audio tracks.
100 free hours of Internet access: Use the Internet for up to 100 free hours when you sign up
with GTE (no credit card required). Free access expires after 100 hours or 60 days after signing
up--whichever occurs first.
Preinstalled software titles: All the software on your computer is preinstalled, configured, and
ready for you to use right out of the box.
Windows® 98: Your system includes the latest operating system from Microsoft.
Communications: Access popular online services, browse the Internet, send faxes, and more.
Unpacking Your Computer
Computer and Supplied Accessories Page 19

Manuals
Read Me First (this manual) contains features and specifications of your computer. It also includes
information on how to contact software vendors and last minute troubleshooting tips.
The VAIO Digital Studio User Guide describes how to get started with your computer, find help,
and solve common problems.
The Microsoft®Windows®98 Getting Started manual explains how to use the basic features of the
Windows operating system.
Recovery CDs
System Recovery CD(s)
Application Recovery CD(s)
Other
Setting up your VAIO Digital Studio Computer (poster)
Packet containing special product offers
Software Library
The Software Library contains the Microsoft software license agreement, Sony end-user license
agreement, and the following CDs:
Adobe PhotoDeluxe®Home Edition 3.0
Gremlin Interactive Ltd. MotorHead
Microsoft®Encarta®98 Encyclopedia
Microsoft®Money/Microsoft®Works
Page 20