Sony Vaio Digital Studio PCV-R522DS User manual

VAIO Digital Studio
Computer
User Guide
PCV-R522DS/PCV-R526DS/PCV-R528DS
TM

© 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.
NOTICE
Updates and additions to software
may require an additional charge.
Subscriptions to online service
providers may require a fee and
credit card information. Financial
services may require prior
arrangements with participating
financial institutions.
Sony, VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO
Smart, VAIO Digital Studio,
Digital Media Park, DVgate,
Media Bar, Handycam, Mavica,
PictureGear and i.LINK are
trademarks of Sony. Intel,
Pentium, and Celeron are
trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, and the
Windows 98 logo are registered
trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. All other trademarks
are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective
owners.
Owner’s Re cord
The model number and serial number are
located on the bottom of your Sony VAIO®
Digital Studio computer. Record the serial
number in the space provided here. Refer
to the model and serial number when you
call your Sony Service Center.
Model Number: PCV-R522DS/PCV-R526DS/
PCV-R528DS
Serial Number:________________________
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: PCV-R522DS/
PCV-R526DS/
PCV-R528DS
Responsible Party:
Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 1 Sony Drive
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
Telephone: [phone]
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the two
following conditions: (1) This device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

iii
Contents
Welcome............................................................................................1
Features .............................................................................................1
Unpacking Your Computer............................................................3
Back Panel Overview ......................................................................5
Front Panel Overview .....................................................................6
Configuring Windows® 98 ............................................................7
Registering Your Computer...........................................................8
Using the VAIO Smart™ Keyboard and the
Wheel Mouse....................................................................................9
Using the Standby Function.........................................................11
Shutting Down Your Computer..................................................12
Sony Digital Media Park Applications.......................................13
i.LINK™ (IEEE-1394) Compatibility...........................................14
Troubleshooting.............................................................................15
Using the System Recovery CD(s)...............................................21
Using the Application Recovery CD(s) ......................................23
About the Software on Your Computer .....................................24
For Answers to Your Software Questions..................................29
Specifications..................................................................................32
Index................................................................................................35

iv

1
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO Digital Studio™
Computer. It is a high-performance multimedia computer that combines
state-of-the-art computer functionality with the latest audio/video and
information technology convergence features.
Features
❑i.LINK™(IEEE-1394): Two built-in i.LINK ports provide you with
front and rear digital connection capability. The i.LINK name and
logo identify a digital interface (IEEE-1394) for high speed
communication. By using your VAIO Digital Studio Computer, a
camera that supports the i.LINK interface, (such as the Sony Digital
Handycam® Camcorder), the DVgate™ software preinstalled on
your computer, and the i.LINK (IEEE-1394) interface, you can easily
create and edit your own home videos.
❑Digital Media Park™: This suite of Sony original applications
includes PictureGear,™ Smart Capture,™ DVgate,™ and Media
Bar.™ Using the i.LINK connector, you can capture, view, and share
both still and video images. Then catalog everything for fast and easy
storage and retrieval.
❑Exceptional performance: Your computer includes an Intel®
processor, a high speed V.90 compatible data/fax modem,*and one
or more of the following high-performance drives.
❑CD-ROM drive: Enjoy fast access to CD data with your 32X
CD-ROM drive.
✍For a complete description of the specifications of your VAIO Digital Studio™ Computer, see
page 32.
* Actual upload and download speeds may vary due to line conditions, ISP support, and government
regulations.

VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide
2
❑DVD drive: This new optical storage technology provides
increased storage capacity and a rich multimedia computing
experience. Your 6X DVD-ROM drive plays both DVDs and CDs.
❑CD-RW drive: This drive is the ideal solution for making
backups and archiving data, with the ability to store up to 650
MB*of removable, rewritable storage on a single rewritable CD.
Save your movies to CD-R or CD-RW media and share videos
and images with family and friends.
❑VAIO Smart™Keyboard: This USB keyboard has programmable
shortcut buttons for launching your favorite programs or accessing
the Internet.
❑Sony audio and video quality: High-fidelity positional 3D audio
system (A3D™), high-powered 3D graphics (AGP), and “Sony-
Tuned” MPEG digital video playback enable you to take advantage
of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and
entertainment software.
❑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.
* 530 MB after formatting.

Unpacking Your Computer 3
Unpacking Your Computer
Computer and Supplied Accessories
Manuals
❑Read Me First contains Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and
supplementary information about your computer. It also includes
information on how to contact software vendors.
❑The VAIO Digital Studio™ Computer User Guide (this manual) contains
features and specifications for your computer. It also includes
information on the applications included with your system and how
to contact software vendors, get started with your computer, and
solve common problems.
❑The VAIO Consumer Information Guide contains safety and regulatory
information, ergonomic considerations, information on help
resources, and your computer’s limited warranty statement.
❑The Microsoft®Windows®98 Getting Started manual explains how to
use the basic features of the Windows operating system.
Power Cord
Phone Cable
Mouse
Keyboard
System Unit
Speakers

VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide
4
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:
❑VAIO® Digital Studio™ DV Tutorial
❑Jedi Knight™: Pathways to the Force and Rogue Squadron™ 3D: Elite
Missions™
❑Microsoft®Encarta®99 Encyclopedia
❑Microsoft®Money/Microsoft® Works

Back Panel Overview 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. The i.LINK connector
on the back of your system is a 6-pin connector.
PS-2 Mouse
Optional Keyboard
USB
Serial
Printer/Parallel
i.LINK
Games/MIDI
Headphones
LINE IN
Microphone
Monitor
Power
Line
Telephone

VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide
6
Front Panel Overview
The front panel of your VAIO Digital Studio Computer allows for access
to the diskette, CD, DVD, and CD-RW drives. It also includes USB and
i.LINK™ports to connect USB devices, digital equipment, or other
components.
✍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.
Diskette Drive
CD-RW Drive
(PCV-R528DS only)
Diskette Drive
Access Indicator Light
Diskette
Eject Button
DVD-ROM Drive
(PCV-R526DS/
PCV-R528DS only)
CD-ROM Drive
(PCV-R522DS
only)
Optical Drive
Eject Button
Optical Drive
Indicator Light
Power/Standby
Switch
Power/Standby
Indicator Light
Hard Disk Drive
Access Indicator
Light
USB
i.LINK

Configuring Windows® 98 7
Configuring Windows®98
The first time you turn on your computer, you need to complete a few
steps to configure the Windows 98 operating system that is already
installed on your computer. You do not need to repeat these steps each
time you turn on your computer.
The on-screen instructions guide you through the configuration process.
The following is an overview of the process.
1Entering information:
❑Enter your name.
❑Read and accept the License Agreement.
❑Enter your Product ID number located on the cover of the
Microsoft Windows 98 Getting Started manual.
2Windows 98 setup: click the Finish button on the Windows 98 Setup
Wizard screen.
3Selecting your computer settings: if necessary, change the Time Zone,
Date, and Time on the Date/Time Properties screen.
4Registering your computer: for details on registering your computer,
see “Registering Your Computer” on page 8. You can also sign up for
100 free hours of Internet service at this time.
5Learning about Windows: if you want, take the tour of Windows.
✍You must configure Windows 98 before you can use your computer.

VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide
8
Registering Your Computer
Take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and
receive these benefits by registering your computer:
❑Sony customer support—Talk to a Support Representative to
troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer.
❑Limited warranty—Protect your investment. See “Limited Warranty
Statement” in the VAIO Consumer Information Guide for details.
❑On-site service—Provides convenient resolution of problems.
If you have not already registered, follow these steps to use the computer
online registration service.
1Click the Sony VAIO Registration icon on the VAIO desktop.
2Enter the information requested on the first online registration form.
Press the TAB key to move from box to box.
3Click the Next button to advance to the next form.
4Complete the remaining forms by clicking the Next button each time
you complete a form.
The computer automatically transfers your registration information
using your built-in modem and a toll-free telephone number.
✍You must register your VAIO Digital Studio computer to extend the warranty for an
additional nine months beyond the initial 90-day warranty period.

Using the VAIO Smart™ Keyboard and the Wheel Mouse 9
Using the VAIO Smart™Keyboard and the
Wheel Mouse
Connecting the Optional Palmrest
The keyboard that comes with your computer is equipped with an
optional palmrest that you can attach to your keyboard. Follow these
steps to connect the palmrest.
1Place the keyboard and palmrest upside down on a flat surface.
2Insert the latching posts on the palmrest into the openings on
the keyboard.
3Move the palmrest to the right until you feel it snap into place.
To remove the palmrest
1Turn the keyboard and palmrest upside down.
2Push down on the palmrest, and then move it to the left.
3Lift the palmrest away from the keyboard.
✍Do not keep your wrists on the palmrest while typing; use the palmrest briefly only
when resting.

VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide
10
Changing the Function of the Programmable Buttons
The six programmable buttons along the top of the keyboard are
preprogrammed to perform specific functions. You can change the
function of the programmable buttons as follows:
1Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar to open the Start
menu.
2Point to Programs and click VAIO Smart™Keyboard.
3Click the on-screen button that represents the button on the keyboard
(S1 to S6) that you want to program.
4Complete the Customization dialog box to specify the function and
label you want to assign to the button. Then click OK.
5Close the Customization dialog box.
Using the Wheel Mouse
For information about the Wheel Mouse that connects to either side of
your keyboard, see MouseWare Help. To access MouseWare Help, from
the Start menu, point to Programs, MouseWare, and then click
MouseWare Help. You can also access MouseWare Help by right-clicking
the Mouse icon in the task tray at the bottom right corner of your screen,
and then selecting MouseWare Help.
✍Alternatively, you can click the VAIO Smart Keyboard icon in the Windows task tray.
✍Alternatively, you can drag and drop any Windows icon that represents the function you
want to assign onto the on-screen button. However, you cannot drag and drop icons
that are specific to the Windows operating system, such as My Computer.

Using the Standby Function 11
Using the Standby Function
When you are done using your computer, you can put it in standby mode
rather than turn it off completely. Putting the computer in standby mode
allows you to return quickly to normal computer use.
To put the computer in standby mode
1Save your work and close any applications that are running. (You can
leave Microsoft Windows running.)
2Press the (Standby) button on the top of the keyboard (or press the
power switch momentarily on the front panel of the computer).
The computer goes into standby mode.
Alternatively, you can click the Start button on the Windows taskbar, click
Shutdown, select Standby, and then click OK.
To let the computer go into standby mode automatically
Set the computer to automatically go into standby mode after there has
been no activity on it for a specified time. You can set this length of time
on the Windows Control Panel. To set the timer on the Windows Control
Panel, click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. Select Settings, and
then click Control Panel. When the panel displays, double-click the
Power icon, and then select the Disk Drives tab. On the Disk Drives tab,
select the When Powered by AC Power check box. A check mark appears
in the check box and you can then type in the timer setting or click the
arrows to select a new time.
To resume from standby mode
Press any key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power
switch on the front panel again.
Standby Mode Indicators
You can tell which mode the computer is in by the color of the power
indicator light.
Color Mode
Amber Computer is in standby mode.
Green Computer is out of standby mode, ready to use.
No color Computer is turned off.
✍The computer’s fan runs at low speed when the computer is in standby mode. This is normal.

VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide
12
Shutting Down Your Computer
When you are ready to turn off your computer for an extended period of
time, use the following procedure to shut down the computer.
To shut down your computer
1Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar to open the Start
menu.
2Click Shut Down to display the Shut Down Windows dialog box.
3Select the Shut down option.
4Click OK to complete the shutdown process.
5Wait for your computer to turn off automatically — the power
indicator light turns off.
6Turn off the display and any other peripherals connected to your
computer.
!To avoid the potential loss of data, do not use the power switch to shut down
the computer.
✍If you plan to shut down your computer for a short period of time, you may want to use
standby mode instead. See “Using the Standby Function” on page 11.
✍Respond to any prompts about saving documents.

Sony Digital Media Park Applications 13
Sony Digital Media Park Applications
Media Bar™
Media Bar software is your all-in-one solution for audio/video playback.
Media Bar software handles all common computer multimedia formats,
and controls selected Sony devices. Media Bar software encompasses
audio/video library cataloging and playlist management, in addition to
digital video quality control and effects features. Media Bar seamlessly
integrates a variety of new media formats with an easy-to-use software
interface.
DVgate™Applications
DVgate applications include DVgate Motion and DVgate Still. DVgate
Motion makes it easy to edit digital videos. You can capture, edit, and
grab digital video clips, and then assemble them into a polished home
video everyone will enjoy. Use DVgate Still to capture individual frames
from digital video clips, and then save them as graphic files. Enhance
your web page, send family and friends your favorite stills, create your
own wallpaper. The possibilities are endless.
PictureGear™
PictureGear is a digital image management application that allows you to
see all the images stored in any directory on your computer. Thumbnail
views provide quick reminders of your pictures. Brighten, contrast,
enhance, resize, crop, and color-correct your pictures. Create panoramic
views, animations, screen savers, wallpaper, and even HTML photo
albums.
Smart Capture
Smart Capture is a fun new way to send multimedia messages via e-mail.
Smart Capture manages the i.LINK™connection between your computer
and a Sony Digital Handycam®Camcorder or other cameras that support
the i.LINK interface. It allows you to capture compressed video or still
images that you can save or share via e-mail. A smart solution to
computer, digital audio/video, and network convergence.

VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide
14
i.LINK™ (IEEE-1394) Compatibility
The VAIO Digital Studio computer includes i.LINK (IEEE-1394)
connectors. They are located on the front and back of your system.
To connect an i.LINK (IEEE-1394) device
❑Use the symbol to locate the i.LINK connector. Plug
the i.LINK device into this connector.
✍See the manual that came with your i.LINK (IEEE-1394) equipped device for more information
on setting it up and using it.

Troubleshooting 15
Troubleshooting
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 call Sony Customer
Support. For more advanced troubleshooting information, see the
VAIO Digital Studio Computer Reference Manual. You can download
this electronic document from Sony’s website at
http://www. sony.com/pcsupport.
My computer does not start
❑Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is
turned on. Check that the power light is lit on the front panel of the
computer.
❑Confirm that a diskette is not in the diskette drive (unless you are
using a bootable diskette).
❑Confirm that the power cord and all cables are connected firmly, as
described on the color poster.
❑If you plugged the computer into a power strip or UPS, make sure the
power strip or UPS is turned on and working.
❑Check that the display is plugged into a power source and turned on.
Check that the brightness and contrast controls are adjusted correctly.
See the manual that came with your display for details.
❑Check that the computer is not in standby mode (see “Using the
Standby Function” on page 11).
My computer “locks up”
❑Close the application that is currently locked up by pressing ALT+F4.
❑Try restarting the computer. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start
button, click Shut Down, click Restart, and then click OK.
❑If you cannot restart as described in the preceding step, you can
restart the computer by pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE or press the
power switch for more than six seconds.
!Pressing CTRL+ ALT+DELETE may result in losing changes made to files that
are currently open.

VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide
16
My software program “locks up” or crashes
❑Close the application that is currently locked up by pressing ALT+F4.
❑Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical
support. See “For Answers to Your Software Questions” on page 29
for a complete list of phone numbers.
My CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive tray does not open
❑Make sure the computer is turned on.
❑Press the Eject button on the drive.
❑Double-click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop. Right-
click the CD-ROM icon. Select the Eject option from the pop-up
menu.
❑If the Eject button does not work, you can open the tray by inserting a
straightened heavy-weight paper clip into the emergency eject hole.
I cannot play a CD-ROM
❑Make sure you place the disc in the tray with the label side facing up.
❑Make sure the software is installed according to the program’s
instructions.
I cannot play a DVD-ROM
❑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 VAIO Digital Studio
Computer. The region code is listed on the disc’s packaging. Region
code indicators such as “1” or “ALL” are labeled on some DVDs to
indicate what type of player can play the disc. Unless a “1” or “ALL”
appears on the DVD or on the packaging, you cannot play the disc on
this computer.
❑If you hear audio but cannot see video, your computer’s video
resolution may be set too high. For best results, change the Windows
Control Panel/Display/Settings to 800 x 600 using 16-bit color.