Sony PCV-RX881 User manual

Welcome
Thank you for purchasing your Sony VAIO®computer! Your new computer is a superb blend of high technology and
easy-to-use functionality. The information provided here is designed to help you to become familiar with the hardware and
software applications included with your system.
View the Latest Updates for your computer.
View the VAIO®Computer Specifications, which describes your computer's hardware configuration and preinstalled
software information.
Page 1

Getting Started
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.
Unpacking your Computer
Planning An Ergonomic Work Space
Locating Controls And Ports
Setting Up Your Computer
Turning On Your Computer
Registering Your Computer
Setting Up Your Dial-up Connection
Turning Off Your Computer
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Unpacking your Computer
Your computer may not be supplied with the same accessories shown, depending on the system configuration you
purchased. For details on the accessories supplied with your computer, see the online Specifications sheet.
Computer and supplied accessories
* The supplied speakers may vary, depending on the VAIO computer model purchased. See the online specifications sheet
for details on supplied accessories.
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder accessories
(For models equipped with Giga Pocket features)
Manuals
VAIO Digital Studio Computer Quick Start —Provides basic information on setting up and registering your
computer. The Quick Start also provides software, support, safety and legal information.
VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide —Contains information on the hardware and preinstalled software
applications included with your system. To access the online manual:
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.
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder —(For models equipped with Giga Pocket) This online guide contains Page 3

information on setting up and using the Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder equipment and software applications.
The Internet Electronic Program Guide (iEPG) service information describes new Sony technology that is used with
the Internet, to locate, record and set up timed recordings of your favorite TV programs.
To access this online information:
1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2. From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO Multimedia.
3. Click Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder.
Creating DVDs —(For models equipped with a DVD-RW drive) This online guide provides information designed to
help you become familiar with your DVD-RW drive and the DVD recording software applications included with your
computer.
To access this online information:
1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Help and Support.
2. From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO Multimedia.
3. Click Creating DVDs.
Specifications —This online specification sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO
computer. To view this online information:
1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click VAIO Help and Support.
2. From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO User Guide.
3. Click the Welcome link. The Welcome page displays in the right-side frame.
4. Click the link in the text, "View the VAIO Computer Specifications, which lists your computer's hardware
configuration and preinstalled software information."
Microsoft®Windows®XP guide —Explains how to use the basic features of the latest Windows operating system.
Recovery CDs
System Recovery CD(s) —Restore the software applications that shipped with your computer if they become
corrupted or are erased. The supplied System Recovery CDs can only be used to restore the hard disk of this Sony
computer.
Application Recovery CD(s) —Reinstalls individual software applications or drivers if they become corrupted or are
erased.
Other
Packet containing special product offers.
Software Library containing the Microsoft software license agreement and Sony end-user license agreement.
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Planning An Ergonomic Work Space
Before you set up your new computer, find the best location for your new computer and plan your work space. There are
several ergonomic factors to consider when you arrange your work space:
Stable work surface —Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer and other peripheral
equipment.
Ventilation —Leave at least eight inches of space on the left and back sides of your computer to enable proper
ventilation.
Placement of the keyboard, mouse, and other input devices —Place your keyboard, mouse, and other input
devices so that your arms and hands are in a relaxed, comfortable position. The keyboard should be directly in front
of you. Adjust the level of the keyboard so that your lower arms are parallel to the floor. Keep your wrists in a
relaxed position when you are using the keyboard—not angled up or down. Use the palmrest only briefly, for
resting. Position the mouse at the same level as the keyboard. Hold the mouse with a relaxed hand, and use your
whole arm to move it. Take breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the mouse or a joystick
may strain muscles or tendons.
Furniture and posture —Sit in a chair with good back support and armrests. Adjust the level of the chair so your
feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit with relaxed, upright posture—avoid
slouching forward or leaning far backward.
Viewing angle of the display —Position the display 18 to 26 inches directly in front of you, with the top of the
screen at or a little below eye level. Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye
strain and muscle fatigue by placing the display in the proper position.
Lighting —Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use
indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help
reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.
Page 5

Locating Controls And Ports
This section is intended to familiarize you with the controls, ports and jacks that may be available on your computer.Your
computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features and 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.
i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 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 devices to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive,
confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.
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About the front panel (PCV-RZ series model)
The front panel of your VAIO Computer enables access to the optical and floppy disk drives. On certain models, the front
panel also provides access to Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder jacks and ports, a Memory Stick media slot and the
Universal Serial Bus (USB), and i.LINK®ports to connect compatible peripheral devices.
Front panel (PCV-RZ series model, equipped with Giga Pocket features)
1Optical drive 1
See the online specifications sheet for optical drive information.
2Optical drive 2
See the online specifications sheet for optical drive information.
3Floppy disk drive
Reads and writes data from and to a 3.5-inch floppy disk.
4Floppy disk drive access indicator
Light is green while reading and writing data from and to a floppy disk.
5Power indicator
Light is blue while the power is on.
6Power switch
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Turns the computer on and off.
7Stand by indicator
Light is red when the computer is placed in Stand by mode.
8Optical drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the optical drives.
9Hard disk drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the hard disk.
10 (For models equipped with Giga Pocket features)
S-video In jack
Connection for an S-video cable (optional).
Video In jack
Connection for a video cable (supplied).
Audio L In jack/Audio R In jack
Connection for an audio cable (supplied).
11 Optical drive 1 eject button
Ejects a disc from Optical drive 1.
12 Optical drive 2 eject button
Ejects a disc from Optical drive 2.
13 Memory Stick media slot
Reads and writes data from and to a Memory Stick®media.
14 Floppy disk eject button
Ejects a floppy disk from the floppy disk drive.
15 Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB) ports (2)
High-speed connections for compatible USB devices.
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16 i.LINK (4-pin) port (IEEE 1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
For your convenience, your computer includes Giga Pocket, USB, and i.LINK ports and jacks on both the front and back
panels. (A 4-pin i.LINK port is located on the front panel and a 6-pin i.LINK port is located on the back.)
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About the front panel (PCV-RX series model)
The front panel of your VAIO Computer enables access to the optical and floppy disk drives. It also includes access to the
Memory Stick media slot, Universal Serial Bus (USB), and i.LINK®ports to connect compatible peripheral devices.
Front panel (PCV-RX series model)
1Optical drive 1
See the online specifications sheet for optical drive information.
2Optical drive 2
See the online specifications sheet for optical drive information.
3Floppy disk drive
Reads and writes data from and to a 3.5-inch floppy disk.
4Floppy disk drive access indicator
Light is green while reading and writing data from and to a floppy disk.
5Optical drive access indicator
Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the optical drives.
6Hard disk drive access indicator
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Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the hard disk.
7Power switch and power indicator
Turns the computer on/off. The indicator light is blue while the power is on and amber when the computer is in Stand by
mode.
8i.LINK 4-pin port (IEEE 1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
9Optical drive 1 eject button
Ejects a disc from Optical drive 1.
10 Optical drive 2 eject button
Ejects a disc from Optical drive 2.
11 Memory Stick®media slot
Reads and writes data from and to a Memory Stick media.
12 Floppy disk eject button
Ejects a floppy disk.
13 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports (4)
High-speed connections for compatible USB devices.
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About the back panel (PCV-RZ series model)
The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the back panel
locate and identify the ports on your computer.
Back panel (PCV-RZ series model equipped with Giga Pocket features)
1AC Input port
Connection for the supplied power cord.
2Mouse port
Connection for a PS/2®mouse.
3Keyboard port
Connection for a PS/2 keyboard.
4Printer port
Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner.
5Monitor port (The monitor port location may vary between models)
Connection for a standard display.
6i.LINK 6-pin port (IEEE 1394) Page 12

Connection and power for a compatible digital device such as a Sony Digital Handycam®camcorder.
7Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB) ports (4)
High-speed connections for compatible USB devices.
8Microphone jack
Connection for a microphone (optional).
Headphones jack
Connection for the supplied speakers or optional headphones.
Line In jack
Connection for an audio device.
9Monitor port (The monitor port location may vary between models)
Connection for a standard display.
10 Monitor (DVI) port (DVI port is not available on all models)
Connection for a DVI monitor.
11 Telephone jack
Connection for a telephone cable (optional) to the computer.
12 Speaker DC Out jack
Connection for the speaker power cable.
13 S/P DIF optical out port
Connection for a digital audio or optical device.
14 Ethernet port
Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet.
(The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)
15 (For models equipped with Giga Pocket features)
Audio Out jack Page 13

Connection for an audio cable (supplied).
Video/S-video Out jack
Connection for a video cable adapter (supplied) or an S-video cable (optional).
Audio In jack
Connection for an audio cable (supplied).
Video/S-video In jack
Connection for a video cable adapter (supplied) or an S-video cable (optional).
16 (For models equipped with Giga Pocket)
VHF/UHF port
Connection for a coaxial cable (supplied).
17 Modem line jack
Connection for the modem (supplied) cable to the wall jack.
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About the back panel (PCV-RX series model)
The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the back panel
locate and identify the ports and jacks on your computer.
Back panel (PCV-RX series model)
1Mouse port
Connection for a PS/2®mouse.
2Keyboard port
Connection for a PS/2 Keyboard.
3Printer port
Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner.
4Monitor port (The monitor port location may vary between models)
Connection for a standard display.
5i.LINK 6-pin port (IEEE 1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
6S/P DIF optical out port
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Connection for a digital audio or optical device.
7Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB) ports (4)
Connection for compatible USB devices.
8Microphone jack
Connection for a microphone (optional).
Headphones jack
Connection for the supplied speakers or optional headphones.
Line In jack
Connection for an audio device.
9Monitor port (The monitor port location may vary between models)
Connection for a standard display.
10 Telephone jack
Connection for a telephone cable (optional) to the computer.
11 AC Input port
Connection for the supplied power cord.
12 Speaker DC Out jack (For use with PCVA-SP3A speakers1)
Connection for the speaker power cable.
13 Ethernet port
Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet.
(The port marked with (Network) is for LAN connections only.)
14 Monitor (DVI) port (DVI port is not available on all models)
Connection for a DVI monitor.
15 Modem line jack
Connection for the supplied modem cable to the wall jack. Page 16

1T he speaker model supplied with your computer may vary, depending on the system purchased. See the online spec ification sheet for information on
supplied acc essories.
Page 17

About the remote control
Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder features are controlled with the remote control1. The remote control can start and
stop video recording and playback, select channels, and set viewing preferences. This section describes the basic functions
of your remote control.
Remote control
1MUTE button
Press to turn off the sound. Press again to restore the sound.
2Channel number buttons
Press to select specific channels. (Press the ENT button to activate channel selection.)
JUMP button
Press to return to the previous channel. Press again to return to the current channel.
ENT button
Press to activate channel selection. See Channel number buttons.
3AUDIO button
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Press to view available sound mode options on the monitor/display.
4TV/VIDEO button
Press to change the on-screen image from the TV/Recording deck to external video equipment, such as your VCR.
5DVD angle button
Not available for Giga Pocket functions. See the DVD player software instructions for more information.
DVD Subtitle button
Not available for Giga Pocket functions. See the DVD player software instructions for more information.
SIZE button
Press to view Giga Video Recorder in full-screen size. Press again to return the view to its original size.
DISPLAY button
Press to display the TV/Recording deck and playback deck screens. Press again to hide these views.
6REW and FF buttons
Press to rewind or fast-forward video content, during Video Capsules playback.
PREV and NEXT buttons
Not available for Giga Pocket functions.
7DVD TITLE button
Not available for Giga Pocket functions. See the DVD player software instructions for more information.
8CANCEL button
Press to close any error message dialog box. The window returns to its original size when displayed in full-screen mode.
9STANDBY button
Press to place the system into Stand by mode.
10 GIGA POCKET button
Press to launch Giga Pocket Video Recorder. Press again to exit Giga Pocket Video Recorder.
DVD button
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Press to launch the DVD player software. Press again to exit the DVD player software.
11 CHANNEL button
Press to switch channels automatically (no number input required).
12 VOLUME button
Press to raise or lower the volume.
13 REC Mode button
Press to select the recording mode.
REC and REC STOP buttons
Press the REC button to record TV programs being viewed on the TV/Recording deck. Press REC STOP to stop recording.
DECK SEL button
Press to select the TV/Recording deck or playback deck.
14 PLAY STOP, PLAY and PAUSE buttons
Press to stop playback, play, and pause playback of Video Capsules on the playback deck.
15 VIDEO CAPSULE SEL/DVD MENU button
Press to display the "Select Video Capsules" window. Press again to minimize the window.
16 Direction and ENTER buttons
Press a direction arrow to select a cabinet or Video Capsule in the "Select Video Capsule" window. Press ENTER or the right
direction arrow to select a cabinet or Video Capsule.
17 DVD RETURN button
Not available for Giga Pocket functions. See the DVD player software instructions for more information.
For more details about the function buttons on your remote control, see the Giga Pocket Help.
1T he remote control is s upplied with models that are equipped with Giga P ocket features. For more information, s ee the Giga P ocket Help.
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