Page 2 The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement. This product contains software owned by Sony and licensed by third parties. Use of 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.
Page 3 Internet services or offers that are available to U.S. customers only. Sony, VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO Digital Studio, VAIO Media, VAIO Media Music Server, VAIO Media Photo Server, VAIO Media Video Server, VAIO Zone, Click to DVD, DVgate Plus, Handycam, MagicGate, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, the Memory Stick logo, SonicStage, PictureGear, ImageStation, and i.LINK are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony.
Page 5: Table Of Contents
Overview Welcome ...1 What is VGX-XL2? ...2 Benefits of the VGX-XL2 ...3 VGX-XL2A Features ...4 VGP-XL1B Features ...5 Getting Started ...6 Using the Remote Control ...7 Using the Wireless Keyboard ...8 Getting Around Media Center ...9 Adding files to Media Center ...10 Using the Search Feature ...11 Support Resources ...12 Media Center Setup...
Page 6 Set Up Your Speakers ... 40 Configure Your TV or Monitor ... 41 Set Up Remote Desktop ... 42 Automatic Updates ... 43 Join Wireless Network ... 44 Run Media Center Setup Again ... 45 Restore Start Page Defaults ... 46 Parental Controls ...
Page 7 DVD Audio ...71 Closed Captioning ...72 Remote Control Options ...73 Messenger and Caller ID Settings ...74 Help ...75 Media Center Features Overview ...79 Experience Media Center ...80 My DVDs ...82 Loading and Unloading Discs ...83 Viewing DVD Movies ...85 DVD Movie Controls ...86 Helpful Hints ...87 Online Spotlight ...88 My Videos ...89...
Page 8 My TV ... 104 My TV Features ... 105 Watch Live TV ... 106 View the Guide ... 107 Guide Helpful Hints ... 108 Record and Schedule Programs ... 109 Record and Schedule Helpful Hints ... 110 Watch Recorded Programs ... 111 Search for a Program ...
Page 9: Welcome
Using the Search Feature ... 11 Support Resources ... 12 V A I O P C V G X - X L 2 ® Welcome to the VGX-XL2: Sony’s Digital Living System™ VGX-XL2 is both a powerful computer and a state-of-the-art home entertainment system.
Page 10: What Is Vgx-Xl2
• Leverages the latest Intel components • Burning of content to optical media ® • Uses the latest Microsoft XP Media Center operating system • Offers High Definition connectivity for Sony HD Camcorders • 200 disc Media Changer/Recorder ® • Storage, archiving, and playback of Windows your CD/DVD library •...
Page 11: Benefits Of The Vgx-Xl2
Sony establishes new standards in video and audio home entertainment, and digital content management with the Playback and manage your entire media library through your home theatre, using a remote control or wireless keyboard. View it all on your TV or monitor for the optimal entertainment experience.
Page 12: Vgx-Xl2A Features
V G X - X L 2 A F e a t u r e s XL2A is a technologically advanced and powerful computer that will be right at home in your living room or den. Surf the Internet, download music and movies, record TV, watch videos, make copies of media files, and more—...
Page 13: Vgp-Xl1B Features
Remote Control Specific remote-control-friendly operations. Note: Sony supports connecting or daisy-chaining up to five (5) Sony VGP-XL1B Changers/ Recorders. For additional information about daisy-chaining, see the VGP-XL1B User Guide that was included with the Sony CD/DVD Changer/Recorder packaging.
Page 14: Getting Started
G e t t i n g S t a r t e d ® VGX-XL2 uses the Microsoft (MCE). This version has all of the features and capabilities of other XP operating systems, with one major difference—Media takes you into the world of digital home entertainment, bringing all of your entertainment sources together in a single location, easily managed by the VAIO ®...
Page 15: Using The Remote Control
To preset the MCE remote control for TV volume, do the following: 1. Locate the input code by selecting your specific manufacturer. MCE (RC6) Default: 01 Sony: 02 Samsung: 03,05,06,08,11 or 13 Toshiba: 07 or 09 Panasonic: 04 or 10 Sharp: 07 or 12 2.
Page 16: Using The Wireless Keyboard
U s i n g t h e W i r e l e s s K e y b o a r d Below is a picture of your wireless keyboard and built-in touch pad (mouse) with specialized functions identified. Before using the keyboard, you must activate communication between the computer and the keyboard.
Page 17: Getting Around Media Center
G e t t i n g A r o u n d M e d i a C e n t e r From inside Media Center: Select this... To do this... Start Media Center and return to Start menu.
Page 18: Adding Files To Media Center
A d d i n g f i l e s t o M e d i a C e n t e r In order to access your media files to view pictures, videos, recorded TV, or listen to music folder recognized by Media Center.
Page 19: Using The Search Feature
U s i n g t h e S e a r c h F e a t u r e In Media Center, you can search through the TV listings or your media library to find just the right TV show or movie to watch, or just the right song to listen too—all by remote control.
Page 20: Support Resources
Support Central provides you with a single location for all of your support needs and allows you to easily access valuable support and technical information from Sony and Microsoft. Keep your VAIO computer’s system software and operating system updated using VAIO...
Page 21: Media Center Setup
This guide will assist you in setting up Media Center for your distinct entertainment needs, and then provide you with an overview of the major features. Welcome to Sony VAIO and Microsoft Windows XP Media Center CD/DVD Player, Internet— together in a...
Page 22: Settings
DVD... 51 Messenger and Caller ID 56 Help... 57 Note: The Media Center Radio feature is not supported by Sony VAIO. Once you have set up your computer and have connected the Media Changer/Recorder and any additional hardware devices, you are ready to set up your Media Center preferences.
Page 23: General
General Start Up and Window Behavior... 16 Visual and Sound Effects... 17 More Programs Options... 18 Media Center Setup... 19 Parental Controls... 47 Automatic Downloads Options... 48 Optimization... 49 About Media Center... 50 Privacy... 51 Start Menu | Settings | General General settings are a series of options that effect Media Center and...
Page 24: Start Up And Window Behavior
S e t U p a n d W i n d o w B e h a v i o r Start Menu | Settings | General Start Up and Window Behavior Decide how Media Center starts and reacts to your environment. You can determine if Media Center: •...
Page 25: Visual And Sound Effects
V i s u a l a n d S o u n d E f f e c t s Visual and Sound Effects Adding visual and sound effects can add a new dimension to your entertainment enjoyment. Here you can add transition animations, play sounds when navigating Media Center, and even change your video...
Page 26: More Programs Options
M o r e P r o g r a m s O p t i o n s Start Menu | Settings | General More Programs Options Media Center has teamed with other applications and Internet sites to not only make your entertainment experience better, but to also make it easier to create media, and to have...
Page 27: Media Center Setup
Media Center Setup Set Up Internet Connection... 20 Set Up TV Signal... 21 Set Up Your Speakers... 40 Configure Your TV or Monitor... 41 Set Up Remote Desktop... 42 Automatic Updates... 43 Join Wireless Network... 44 Run Media Center Setup Again... 45 Restore Start Page Defaults...
Page 28: Set Up Internet Connection
S e t U p I n t e r n e t C o n n e c t i o n Start Menu | Settings | General | Media Center Setup Set Up Internet Connection Media Center makes it easy to set up your Internet connection.
Page 29: Set Up Tv Signal
Set Up TV Signal The next few pages will guide you through steps for setting up your tuners to receive a TV signal—both analog (standard definition) using the NTSC TV tuner, and digital (high definition) using the ATSC digital TV tuner in your XL2A computer.
Page 30 • High-Definition Note: Media Center currently supports free ATSC over-the-air high-definition television signals only for high-definition viewing. It does not support subscription-based (digital cable or satellite) high-definition service. If you have high-definition service and wish to view high-definition programming, you should watch that programming through the service's settop box directly connected to your television set, not through Media Center.
Page 31 Media Center Setup This screen informs you that there are two separate sections that must be completed to set up your TV signal. You will now start Section 1: Required Setup 2 Select Next to continue. Media Center Privacy Policy This screen allows you to access and read Microsoft’s Media Center Privacy Policy statement.
Page 32 Help Improve Media Center This screen gives you the opportunity to join Microsoft’s Customer Experience Improvement Program for Media Center. 4 Select or No, and then select Next to continue. Enhanced Playback From this screen you make the selection to download additional music and movie information, and TV Guide listings from the Internet.
Page 33 Join Wireless Network From this screen, select whether or not you would like the XL2 computer to be a part of an existing network. 6 Select or No, and then select Next to continue. Internet Connection From this screen, you let the Setup Wizard know that you have an “always on”...
Page 34 Test Your Internet Connection This screen allows Media Center to test your Internet connection for proper operation. 8 Select Test. When the test is complete, select Next continue. Required Components set up This screen confirms that the Required Components have been set up correctly.
Page 35 Optional Setup IMPORTANT: When the Optional Setup screen appears, make sure you select the I am finished option. 10 Select the option I am finished and then select Next to continue. You Are Done! This completes Section 1: Required Setup. You are now ready to continue to Section 2: Optional Setup to set up your TV.
Page 36 Using Media Center to set up Your TV After setting up the required components (see the previous steps 1 through 11), you are now ready to continue to the next section and set up your TV and Guide settings. 1 Start Media Center. From the Windows toolbar, select Start, and then select From the Media Center Start...
Page 37 TV Settings menu 3 From the TV Settings menu screen, select Set Up TV Signal. TV Signal Setup This screen displays a TV Signal Setup message. Please read this important message in its entirely. 4 Select to continue.
Page 38 Set Up Your TV Signal You are now ready to begin configuring your TV signal to work with Media Center. 5 Select Next to continue. Confirm Your Region On this screen, make sure that United States displays as the current region. 6 Select Yes, use this region to configure TV...
Page 39 Automatic TV Signal Setup This screen lets you choose to automatically or manually configure your TV signal. IMPORTANT STEP 7 Select I will manually configure my TV signal then select Next to continue. Select Your TV Signal On this screen, you tell the Setup Wizard what type of TV signal you have.
Page 40 Do You Have a Set-top Box? From this screen, you tell the Setup Wizard if you are using a set-top box supplied by your provider. 9 Select Yes/No, and then select Next to continue. Connect Your Digital TV Antenna This screen allows you to confirm whether or not you have installed a digital TV antenna.
Page 41 You Are Done! You have completed the configuration of your TV signal. Now you can configure your TV Program Guide listings settings. 11 Select Set Up Guide listings, and then select Next to continue. Set Up Your TV Program Guide 12 Select Next to set up to...
Page 42 Guide Privacy From this screen, you can access the Guide Privacy statement, and indicate if you want to use the TV Guide. 13 Select Yes, and then select Next to continue. Guide Terms of Service This screen lets you read, and agree to, the Guide Terms of Service.
Page 43 Enter Your ZIP Code Your ZIP Code is used to determine the correct Guide listings for your area. 15 Enter your Zip Code in the box as indicated by the example, and select Next continue. Download Provider Information Information about your local TV signal provider is now needed.
Page 44 Download Provider Information When the required information about your local TV signal provider has been downloaded, a Download complete message appears. 17 Select Next to continue. Select TV Signal Provider This screen displays a list of local providers in your area. 18 Select your provider from the list, and then select Next...
Page 45 Download TV Program Guide Information This screen displays a status bar showing the progress of the TV Program Guide download. Download TV Program Guide Information When all TV Program Guide listings have been downloaded, a Download complete message appears. 19 Select Next to continue.
Page 46 Digital TV Antenna Signal Strength If you previously indicated you installed an over-the-air digital antenna, the Setup Wizard will now test the signal strength. 20 Select Next to continue. Adjust Digital TV Antenna and Choose Channels This screen shows available digital TV channels and their associated signal strength.
Page 47 You Are Done! When you are satisfied with your digital channel selections and associated signal strengths, you are done. 22 Select Finish to exit the Setup Wizard.
Page 48: Set Up Your Speakers
S e t U p Y o u r S p e a k e r s Start Menu | Settings | Media Center Setup Set Up Your Speakers Media Center makes it easy to set up your speakers for your listening pleasure.
Page 49: Configure Your Tv Or Monitor
C o n f i g u r e Y o u r T V o r M o n i t o r Start Menu | Settings | Media Center Setup Configure Your TV or Monitor Settings Media Center makes it easy to configure your TV / monitor.
Page 50: Set Up Remote Desktop
S e t U p R e m o t e D e s k t o p Start Menu | Settings | Media Center Setup Set Up Remote Desktop Media Center makes it easy for you to access your Media Center personal computer remotely.
Page 51: Automatic Updates
Automatic Updates Media Center can help you keep your computer secure and running efficiently by automatically downloading and installing critical updates from Microsoft. You should also continue to check for additional software and driver updates on a regular basis by selecting Windows Update from the Start | All Programs...
Page 52: Join Wireless Network
J o i n W i r e l e s s N e t w o r k Start Menu | Settings | Media Center Join Wireless Network The advanced features of Media Center and the Digital Living System™ personal computer let you easily connect to an existing wireless local area network.
Page 53: Run Media Center Setup Again
R u n M e d i a C e n t e r S e t u p A g a i n Start Menu | Settings | Media Center Setup Run Media Center Setup Again The first time you started Media Center, you were guided through a series of screens that helped you set up preferences in Media...
Page 54: Restore Start
R e s t o r e S t a r t P a g e D e f a u l t s Start Menu | Settings | Media Center Setup Restore Start Page Defaults During the course of working with various software programs and many different types of entertainment components, you...
Page 55: Parental Controls
Parental Controls Media Center provides a process by which selected programs can be blocked from viewing. The first time you enter Parental Control, you will be asked to enter, and then confirm a new four digit access code. Once complete, you will be given access to the following parental controls: If you turn on TV blocking, you can then select allowable TV ratings for viewing, and by selecting Advanced, you...
Page 56: Automatic Download Options
A u t o m a t i c D o w n l o a d O p t i o n s Start Menu | Settings | General Automatic Download Options With Media Center and your Internet connection, you can view media information for your CDs, DVDs, and movies.
Page 57: Optimization
Optimization Optimization feature is designed help you keep your system running efficiently and smoothly. Select the Perform Optimization check box and then select the plus (+) or minus (-) options to set a schedule time. You might want to set the Optimization not need to access Media Center.
Page 58: About Media Center
A b o u t M e d i a C e n t e r Start Menu | Settings | General About Media Center About Media Center provides you with information concerning the version of Media Center that you are currently using, and Internet connections to the Guide Terms of Service from your TV signal provider, and Data...
Page 59: Privacy
Privacy Settings Your privacy is very important to Sony. You can view Media Center and Guide privacy statements in detail directly from the vendor with your Internet connection. You can also use the Guide and an Internet connection to anonymously send information to...
Page 60 Start Menu | Settings | TV Recorder... 53 Guide... 57 Set Up TV Signal... 62 Configure Your TV or Monitor... 63 Audio... 64 Note: For additional information on setting up your TV, please refer to the VGX-XL2 User Guide located in VAIO Support Central. Go to Programs | VAIO Support Central VAIO Documentation.
Page 61: Recorder
Media Center. You can record high-definition channels/programs through Media Center; however, the resulting recording can only be viewed in a standard definition image. Please note the following: IMPORTANT: Sony supports the lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of our products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law.
Page 62: History
H i s t o r y Start Menu | Settings | TV | Recorder History Media Center stores a complete history of all recorded programing. Information such as the recording date, name of the program, and the current status is stored.
Page 63: Recorder Storage
Recorder Storage Media Center provides you with complete information about where and how your recorded programs are stored. You also have the ability to manage that information and make changes, if necessary. Available recording time graph moves in relation to the Maximum TV limit selection.
Page 64: Recording Defaults
R e c o r d i n g D e f a u l t s Start Menu | Settings | TV | Recorder Recording Defaults Media Center lets you create a list of defaults or conditions that determine the actions Media Center takes with your recorded programs.
Page 65: Guide
Guide Edit Channels... 58 Add Missing Channels... 59 Set Up Guide Listings... 60 Additional Guide Information... 61 If you have installed a digital antenna to the ATSC digital tuner in the XL2 computer, you can download TV Guide program information for available digital high-definition channels in your local area.
Page 66: Edit Channels
E d i t C h a n n e l s Start Menu | Settings | TV | Guide Edit Channels With Media Center, you can control what channels you and your family can access. Once you select Edit Channels, a list of channels from your TV signal provider shows on your screen.
Page 67: Add Missing Channels
Add Missing Channels If for any reason you need to add a channel to your list of available channels, you can do so through Add Missing Channels. For example, you previously deleted a channel and now want to add it back.
Page 68: Set Up Guide Listings
S e t U p G u i d e L i s t i n g s Start Menu | Settings | TV | Guide Set Up Guide Listings Media Center makes it easy to set up to download and view your TV Program Guide.
Page 69: Additional Guide Information
A d d i t i o n a l G u i d e I n f o r m a t i o n To immediately download Program Guide listings, select To download and view Guide Terms of Service, select Use the arrow key on your remote control to move to a menu option and press the button to select the option.
Page 70: Set Up Tv Signal
S e t U p T V S i g n a l Start Menu | Settings | TV Set Up TV Signal Media Center makes it easy to set up your TV signal for program viewing. Just read the on-screen information and answer a few questions—Media Center does the rest!
Page 71: Configure Your Tv Or Monitor
C o n f i g u r e Y o u r T V o r M o n i t o r Configure Your TV or Monitor Media Center makes it easy to set up your TV or monitor for viewing.
Page 72: Audio
A u d i o Start Menu | Settings | TV Audio With Media Center, you can set up options, such as Audio (Stereo,SAP), Captioning (CC1, CC2) and Caption Display (On, Off, On when muted) that affect your TV viewing. Use the arrow keys on your remote control to move to the Audio, Captioning, or Caption Display (+) or (-) buttons.
Page 73: Pictures
Pictures Gain complete control over how you view your digital pictures. • Choose to view your pictures in order or randomly. • Choose to show pictures in sub folders or the main folder. • Choose to view picture captions. • Choose a slide transition type. •...
Page 74: Music
Start Menu | Settings Music Visualizations... 67 Visualizations Options... 68 To enjoy Visualizations while you are listening to your favorite music, select one or more viewing samples from the from the Visualization Options With Media Center, you can add a visual component to your listening pleasure with Visualizations.
Page 75: Visualizations
V i s u a l i z a t i o n s Start Menu | Settings | Music Visualizations To enhance your music enjoyment, Media Center provides eight different visual interpretations of the musical performance. Alchemy Ambience Bars and Waves Battery Particle Plenoptic...
Page 76: Visualizations Options
V i s u a l i z a t i o n s O p t i o n s Start Menu | Settings | Music Visualizations Options Media Center “Visualizations” are visual interpretations of an artist’s music that play on your TV or computer screen while you listen to the music.
Page 77: Dvd
DVD Language... 70 DVD Audio... 71 Closed Captioning... 72 Remote Control Options... 73 Start Menu | Settings | DVD Media Center gives you the control to determine how best to create your cinematic experience. Enhance your experience by selecting from these four topics that allow you to choose and define how to view your DVD movies.
Page 78: Dvd Language
D V D L a n g u a g e Start Menu | Settings | DVD DVD Language When viewing a DVD movie, Media Center gives you the option of changing the language for subtitles, the audio track, and menus.
Page 79: Dvd Audio
Imagine yourself fully immersed ® in rich Dolby Digital surround sound—not in a theatre—but in your home. Sony, InterVideo, and your Dolby Digital sources for sound bring the theatre experience to your living room. Media Center and InterVideo helps you set up your speakers and environment to fully create the cinematic experience.
Page 80: Closed Captioning
C l o s e d C a p t i o n i n g Start Menu | Settings | DVD Closed Captioning Media Center gives you the option of adding closed captioning to your DVD viewing. Enjoy DVD movies with those who are hearing impaired, or when sound in your environment becomes a viewing factor.
Page 81: Remote Control Options
Remote Control Options When watching your favorite DVD movies, you might want to watch only certain parts of the movie, or skip forward or backward to locate a specific scene. Media Center makes this easy. You can set your remote control to skip chapters, and skip forward and back, giving you the control and flexibility to watch...
Page 82: Messenger And Caller Id Settings
Start Menu | Settings Messenger and Caller ID Settings Enjoy Media Center and keep in contact with friends and family. You can sign in or sign out of Messenger at any time while in Media Center. You can also: • Turn on and off the Do Not Disturb mode.
Page 83: Help
Help Windows Media Center is very easy to use when you follow the on-screen instructions. However, when you do need additional information, Media Center provides you with four areas of assistance. Media Center Help Community Forums Latest Tips Help with your Hardware Please visit each of these areas and experience the quality assistance Media Center provides to you and your family.
Page 84 Sony and Microsoft. Keep your VAIO computer’s system software and operating system updated using VAIO Web...
Page 85 Sony Support provides updates designed specifically for your computer. All you need to do is go to Sony’s Internet support site and enter the model number of your computer. If you do not know your model number, go to the...
Page 87: Media Center Features
Media Center Features My DVDs... 82 Online Spotlight... 88 My Videos... 83 My Pictures... My TV... 104 My Music... 114 Create DVD... 121 My Changer... 123 More Programs... 129 —Manage Discs... VAIO personal computers equipped ® with Microsoft Windows Center Edition 2005 lets you experience the new and exciting world of digital home entertainment.
Page 88: Overview
E x p e r i e n c e M e d i a C e n t e r Review the following list for a high-level overview of the exciting features in Media Center. For in-depth information about each feature, go to the specific topic in this book or to the Media Center help file.
Page 89 You can categorize your pictures in as many folders as you wish. Then, select a group to view a single picture or a slide of all pictures in the folder. Take control of your TV viewing experience. Watch live TV or record your favorite show for later viewing. Enjoy access to all the music stored on your hard drive.
Page 90: My Dvds
Sit back and use the remote control to play, pause, rewind, fast forward, stop, and even eject your DVD movie. The Sony Changer/Recorder lets you ® create your own movie library where you can store and manage up to 200 discs in a single location.
Page 91: Loading And Unloading Discs
L o a d i n g a n d U n l o a d i n g D i s c s Loading discs in the Sony Changer/Recorder ® personal media library that you can access from Windows Media Center with the touch of a button.
Page 92 Loading Media Changer Make sure the Changer/Recorder is properly connected to the Personal Computer and is turned on. Note: When loading discs, make sure that the label is facing to the right of the slot. To load a single disc, press the Load button once and insert the disc.
Page 93: Viewing Dvd Movies
Once you have loaded your DVD movies into the VGP-XL1B Changer/Recorder, and they have been identified by Media Center, you can view any movie My DVDs with your remote control. Sort the movie list by title, year, or genre and then select a movie.
Page 94: Dvd Movie Controls
D V D M o v i e C o n t r o l s Start Menu | My DVD Media Center offers you the flexibility of using the remote control, or keyboard and mouse commands to simplify your DVD movie watching experience. If you are enjoying the TV, Video, or Music options in Media Center and wish to view a DVD movie, simply insert the DVD and the following image appears.
Page 95: Helpful Hints
Resize the Viewing Screen You can watch your DVD movie in a small viewport screen, which allows you access to other areas of Media Center, by pressing the Windows button on your remote control. If you want to work and watch your DVD movie and the same time, move your mouse for the Windows resize buttons to appear.
Page 96: Online Spotlight
Start Menu | Online Spotlight Online Spotlight Media Center and Online Spotlight provide you direct access to various Internet entertainment sites. You can view the sites by category by selecting a menu option. Use the arrows on your remote control to move to a site button. Information about the site displays below the list.
Page 97: My Videos
My Videos Organize Your Videos... 90 Play Your Videos... 91 More Information/View Details... 92 Create a DVD/CD... 93 Import/Edit Video... 94 Helpful Hints... 95 Start Menu | My Videos Watch your home movies and digital videos stored on your hard disk drive using the Media Center remote control or your keyboard and mouse.
Page 98: Organize Your Videos Media Center
O r g a n i z e Y o u r V i d e o s Start Menu | My Videos With Media Center, it’s easy to store and organize videos that you have created with your digital camera, digital recorder, or downloaded from the Internet. For you to view your videos in Media Center, the files must be stored in a location that Media Center looks in.
Page 99: Play Your Videos
With Media Center, it is easy to select and play a video stored anywhere on your hard drive. You can view your videos in full screen, windowed, or in a viewport window. Viewing from an viewport window gives you access to your computer or the Internet outside of Media Center.
Page 100: More Information
M o r e I n f o r m a t i o n Start Menu | My Videos In Media Center, it’s easy to find out more information about any digital video in your library. It doesn’t matter if you just want to see the information before you watch it, or if you’re already watching the video.
Page 101: Create A Dvd/Cd
With Media Center, its easy to copy your digital videos to a CD or DVD for safe keeping or to share with family and friends. Select a video, and then select CD / DVD. Media Center will then take you through a series of screens, which contain simple instructions to assist you in performing such tasks as: Select your disc format.
Page 102: Import/Edit Video
I m p o r t / E d i t V i d e o Start Menu | My Videos Your computer comes equipped with DVgate Plus™ software, which allows you to import and edit videos from an external device or from recorded TV programs created with Media Center's...
Page 103: Helpful Hints
Resize the Viewing Screen You can watch your DVD movie in an viewport screen, which allows you access to other areas of Media Cen- ter, by pressing the Windows on your remote control. If you want to work and watch your DVD movie at the same time, move your mouse for the Windows resize buttons to appear.
Page 104: My Pictures
Start Menu | My Pictures My Pictures Organize Your Pictures... 97 View Your Pictures... 98 Edit Your Pictures... 99 Play a Slide Show... 100 Create a CD/DVD... 101 More Information... 102 Helpful Hints... 103 Media Center makes it easy and fun to look at your digital photos.
Page 105: Organize Your Pictures
Using My Pictures in Media Center, it is easy to store and organize pictures that you have created with your digital camera or downloaded from the Internet. For you to view your pictures in Media Center, the files must be stored in a location that Media Center looks in.
Page 106: View Your Pictures
V i e w Y o u r P i c t u r e s Start Menu | My Pictures With Media Center, it is easy to select and view digital images stored in My Pictures anywhere else on your hard drive.
Page 107: Edit Your Pictures
Picture Details: Edit Your Pictures It’s easy to edit your pictures directly in Media Center’s My Pictures. Use the arrow keys on the remote control and move to a picture. Press Picture Details. From here you can: Rotates picture 45 degrees. If you select Automatically removes Automatically sharpens the contrast or clarity of your picture.
Page 108: Play A Slide Show
P l a y a S l i d e S h o w Start Menu | My Pictures Instead of viewing your digital pictures individually, why not add some fun. It’s easy to create a slide show and even add background music.
Page 109: Create A Cd/Dvd
With Media Center, its easy to copy your digital pictures to a CD or DVD for safe keeping or to share with family and friends. Simply select or open a picture folder, and then select Create CD / DVD. Media Center will then take you through a series of screens, which contain simple instructions to assist you in performing such tasks as: Select disc format.
Page 110: Picture Details
P i c t u r e D e t a i l s Start Menu | My Pictures In Media Center, it’s easy to find out more information about any digital picture in your library. Use the arrow keys on your remote control to move to a picture icon button.
Page 111: Helpful Hints
Picture Zooming and Panning Select a picture from Pictures. Press once to magnify 150%. Press again to magnify 225%. Now you can use the arrows to pan around the picture. Press again to return the picture to its original size Printing Pictures in Media Center Start Media Center and from Pictures, select the pictures you want...
Page 112: My Tv
Start Menu | My TV My TV Watch Live TV... 106 View the Guide... 107 Guide Helpful Hints... 108 Record and Schedule Program 109 Record/Schedule Helpful Hints.. 110 Watch Recorded Programs... 111 Search for a Program... 112 Search for a Featured Movie... 113 Watching your favorite TV program or movie in Media Center puts you in complete control of your viewing...
Page 113: My Tv Features
Live TV Watch your favorite TV show or movie Center buffer feature to pause, rewind, fast forward, or continue viewing your live program in progress. Use the button on the remote control to display TV show information. Recorded TV Record any TV show or program for later a list of recorded programs by date or title, a list of programs scheduled to be recorded, play a recorded program, find out why a program wasn’t recorded, or add a TV recording.
Page 114: Watch Live Tv
W a t c h L i v e T V Start | My TV Watch live TV or record your favorite shows to view later. Use Guide to find the show you want to watch or record. When you watch live TV, Media Center continuously captures 30 minute increments of the program.
Page 115: View The Guide
The Guide displays TV channel and program information, including titles, descriptions, categories, ratings, and program times. You can view and scroll through the list of current and future TV shows in the Guide. When you select a program, information about the program displays below the program listings.
Page 116: Guide Helpful Hints
G u i d e H e l p f u l H i n t s Important Information Guide data may not be available in all countries or regions. Please consult your local TV signal provider. Make sure you are connected to the Internet and check your TV signal and guide settings in the Settings menu.
Page 117: Record And Schedule Programs
R e c o r d a n d S c h e d u l e P r o g r a m s Media Center lets you record the program you are watching, one scheduled to broadcast later, or a recurring program series.
Page 118: Record And Schedule Helpful Hints
R e c o r d a n d S c h e d u l e H e l p f u l H i n t s Standby Mode and Scheduled Recordings Media Center will continue to record your scheduled TV shows even if you place the computer in standby or in hibernation state.
Page 119: Watch Recorded Programs
W a t c h R e c o r d e d P r o g r a m s Recorded TV is the storage place for all your recorded programs. In Recorded TV window, you can sort your programs by name, date, or category.
Page 120: Search For A Program
S e a r c h f o r a P r o g r a m Start Menu | My TV Media Center My TV has an easy to use search feature that lets you quickly locate the program you want to watch or record.
Page 121: Search For A Feature Movie
S e a r c h f o r a F e a t u r e M o v i e Start | My TV | Movies When you select the Movies menu option, Media Center searches your entire TV Guide listing for movies based on your input for what you want to see.
Page 122: My Music
Note: You can also use the Windows Media Player to play music and add, delete, categorize, and organize your music files. However, if you use Windows Media Center’s entertainment needs, you will have the added benefits of Sony’s VAIO enhanced features. Please see Windows Media Player Help for additional information.
Page 123: Organize Your Music Files
O r g a n i z e Y o u r M u s i c F i l e s With Media Center, it is easy to store and organize music files that you have added from your favorite CD’s or have downloaded from the Internet. For you to listen to music in Media Center, the files must be stored in a location that Media Center looks in.
Page 124: Play Music
P l a y M u s i c Start | My Music Once you’ve placed your music files in the My Music library, you are ready to listen to your favorite song, album (CD), or playlist. Media Center provides you with several categories in which to sort your music files for easy locating.
Page 125: Queue Music
In Media Center’s Music, you can “line up” or queue the music you want to hear. The simply a temporary list of music. By using this feature, you don’t have to keep selecting new songs or albums. There can be several pieces of music lined up to play one after the other.
Page 126: Add Music
A d d M u s i c Start | My Music From a CD Press the Media Center Start on the remote control, and then select Music. Insert a CD into the CD drive of the personal computer. Select the Albums category.
Page 127: Create And Organize Playlists
C r e a t e a n d O r g a n i z e P l a y l i s t s A Playlist is a customized list of songs you can keep to play at a later time or record to CD.
Page 128: Helpful Hints
H e l p f u l H i n t s Selecting a Visualization From Media Center, select Settings, and then to Music. Go to Visualizations Options to choose when and how the visualizations display. Then go to Visualizations to choose from eight different graphical patterns.
Page 129: Create Dvd
Create DVD Create DVD Main Screen... 122 IMPORTANT: Sony supports the lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of our products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law. Start Menu | Create DVDPlease note the following:...
Page 130: Main Screen
M a i n S c r e e n Start Menu | Create DVD Create DVD main screen shows you a list of all of your TV show recordings. To create a DVD, select the desired recordings from the list. With each recording selected, information about the recording and the DVD displays.
Page 131: My Changer
Help file unique to the VGX-XL2 Digital Entertainment System. Note: You must have Administrator Changer. To verify/change access rights, go to My Changer is a Sony feature added to Media Center that is only available with Sony’s VGX-XL2 Digital Living System™.
Page 132: My Changer Music
M y C h a n g e r M u s i c Start Menu | My Changer My Changer Music My Changer Music is a gallery or list of all albums (audio CDs) that are stored in the Media Changer/ Recorder and that have been scanned and identified by Media Center.
Page 133: Copy Music
Copy Music Copy Music is a feature that lets you copy multiple discs to the Music folder on the hard disk drive. Once discs are copied, they will show as gallery albums in Music where you can access the files and play the albums as you normally would in Media Center.
Page 134: Copy Music Helpful Hints
C o p y M u s i c H e l p f u l H i n t s Playing Copied Music Even though you can play your music from Changer, it is recommended that you take advantage of the Music feature, which allows you to rip your music CDs to your hard disk,...
Page 135: Archive Tv
Archive TV Archive TV feature is used to create DVDs of an entire recorded TV series or selected episodes of a series. The Archive TV screen displays a list of all recorded TV series. After selecting a series, the Select Episode screen displays a list of all episodes for the series.
Page 136: Archive Tv Helpful Hints
A r c h i v e T V H e l p f u l H i n t s Before You Archive In order not to have your archiving process interrupted, insert the required number of blank DVDs into the changer before you begin and then go to My DVDs...
Page 137: More Programs
More Programs From More Programs, Sony’s advanced features offers you direct access to various programs that can enhance your entertainment experience. Create CD/DVD Burn pictures for slide shows, video files, and recorded TV. Create DVD VAIO added value program to archive recorded TV shows.
Page 138: Manage Discs
M a n a g e D i s c s Start Menu | My Changer Manage Discs The Manage Discs feature gives you the tools you need to control the portion of your media library stored in the Media Changer. The main screen shows a list of all media in the changer sorted by name or type.
Page 139: Manage Discs: Media Types
The 120 mm round discs are the (Region 1, U.S.is default.) only size and shape that should be used unless otherwise specified by Sony. Note: For addional information about the VGP-XL1B Changer/Recorder, see the User Guide that was included with your packaging materials.
Page 140 Loading Media Changer Make sure the Changer/Recorder is properly connected to the Personal Computer and is turned on. Note: When loading discs, make sure that the label is facing to the right of the slot. To load a single disc, press the Load button once and insert the disc.
Page 141: More Programs: Helpful Hints
• Use the MORE button on the remote control to access a toolbar that contains several functions button, including how to exit Internet Explorer. Thank you for purchasing the Sony offers you access to, contains a Tools > Remote Control Option ®...

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Sony VGX-XL2 User Guide (Computer Component) User Manual

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