Sony Portable CD Player VGF AP1 User Manual

Portable Music Player  
VGF-AP1 Series  
Operating Instructions  
 
Table of Contents  
Viewing the transferred still  
images ..................................... 23  
Using the portable music player as a  
hard disk drive ............................... 24  
Introduction  
What you can do with the portable music  
player ............................................... 4  
System requirements ........................... 5  
Names of parts ..................................... 6  
Portable music player ................... 6  
Cradle ............................................ 7  
Reading the display....................... 9  
G-sense pad buttons ........................... 10  
Basic playback buttons ............... 10  
Navigation buttons ...................... 11  
Advanced operation buttons ....... 12  
Advanced playback buttons ........ 13  
Deleting music files ........................... 24  
Other Information  
Setup items and settings .................... 25  
About the internal battery .................. 27  
Precautions ........................................ 28  
Usage and storage ....................... 28  
Overheating................................. 28  
Condensation .............................. 28  
Disk handling .............................. 28  
Hard disk precautions ................. 29  
Removing the internal battery .... 29  
Maintenance ...................................... 30  
Cleaning the cabinet ................... 30  
Disc cleaning .............................. 30  
Getting help ....................................... 30  
Sony support options .................. 30  
Specifications .................................... 31  
Troubleshooting................................. 32  
Power .......................................... 32  
Operation .................................... 32  
G-sense pad ................................. 34  
“SonicStage” software ................ 34  
Operation  
Listening to music ............................. 15  
Finding songs .................................... 18  
Searching by album genre, artist  
name, album title, and  
song title.................................. 18  
Searching among previously played  
songs ....................................... 19  
Searching by group or  
group jacket ............................ 19  
Using playlists ................................... 20  
Registering a playlist .................. 20  
Playing songs from a playlist ...... 20  
“VAIO music transfer”  
software................................... 35  
Removing songs from  
a playlist .................................. 21  
Other problems ........................... 36  
Viewing still images .......................... 21  
Transferring still images from a  
digital camera.......................... 21  
Before using this manual, read the separate Quick Start Guide, which provides  
information necessary prior to using the player, from unpacking to hardware  
preparation and software installation.  
3
 
Introduction  
What you can do with the portable music player  
The Portable Music Player VGF-AP1 / AP1L incorporates a 20 GB* or 40 GB* hard disk, and  
allows you to carry an entire music library wherever you go.  
* Some portion of hard disk capacity is reserved for application / data management function.  
Portable music player  
Easy-to-carry player with built-in 20 GB / 40 GB hard disk. The player also serves as an  
external hard disk for your computer.  
2.2 inch high-resolution LCD panel and unique “G-sense” touchpad (subsequently referred  
to as the “G-sense pad”) make it a breeze to operate the player and find the songs you  
want.  
Simply placing the player on its cradle when not in use recharges the battery.  
By connecting the player to a digital still camera (subsequently referred to as “digital  
camera”) by using the cradle, the player can be used as a storage device for digital photos  
(JPEG images). You can also view a slide show of pictures while listening to music.  
Supplied software for transferring music from a computer  
“SonicStage” software  
This software lets you control the entire process from saving songs from music CDs to  
transferring them to the player. The application also supports net-based electronic music  
distribution (EMD) services, letting you purchase and download songs from the Internet  
for use on your player.  
“VAIO music transfer” software  
Drag and drop MP3 files, WMA files, or other music files already on your computer to  
transfer them to the player.  
4
 
System requirements  
To use the player, the following hardware and software requirements must be met.  
Computer  
IBM PC/AT compatible  
CPU  
Pentium II processor, 400 MHz or above (Pentium III, 450 MHz or above recommended)  
Free hard disk space  
200 MB or more (1.5 GB recommended)  
Depending on the Windows version and the number of music files, more space may be required.  
RAM  
64 MB or more (128 MB or more recommended)  
Operating system  
Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Media Center Edition 1)  
,
Windows 2000 Professional (Service Pack 3 or higher), Windows Millennium Edition, or Windows  
98 Second Edition  
Display  
16-bit color or higher, 800 × 600 resolution or higher (1024 × 768 or higher recommended)  
Other requirements  
Internet connection (for obtaining song data from CDDB or using net-based music distribution  
services “EMD”)  
Windows Media Player 7.0 or higher (for playback of WMA files)  
CD-ROM drive (supporting WDM digital playback)  
Sound support  
USB port 2)  
1)  
Support for Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition is provided only in U.S.A. and Canada.  
Hi-Speed support is not mandatory, but if the connected computer does not support USB 2.0, file  
transfer will occur at a lower speed and take longer.  
2)  
Notes  
Even if the above requirements are met, the player will not work with every computer.  
Operation of the player is not assured in the following environments:  
– Operating system not listed above  
– Operating system not factory-installed (upgraded later to a different version)  
– Multi-boot environment  
– Multi-monitor environment  
5
 
Names of parts  
Portable music player  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1 Display (page 9)  
2 POWER/HOLD switch  
When you slide this control in the arrow direction, operation of the player is disabled.  
3 Headphone connector (page 15)  
4 G-sense pad (page 10)  
5 Carrying strap ring  
6 Reset button  
If the player has ceased to operate normally, try pressing this button with a pointed object (such  
as a bent paper clip). The player's display turns white, and the settings such as G-sense  
sensitivity, language, and clock are returned to the factory default values. It takes several tens of  
seconds for the player to finish resetting.  
7 Cradle connector  
6
 
Cradle  
1
2
3
4
1 Support bracket  
Supports the cradle when in use. When the cradle is not in use, the bracket can be folded.  
2 LINE OUT connector  
Lets you connect external speakers to the player. When a cable is plugged in here, the  
headphone output is cut off.  
To use the LINE OUT connector, disconnect the USB cable from the cradle. While a USB cable  
is plugged in, the player automatically is in Data Transfer Mode and no sound will be heard  
from the external speakers.  
3 USB ports  
Left side: Mini-B connector (for connecting the player to a computer)  
Right side: Type A connector (for connecting the player to a digital camera)  
4 DC IN connector  
7
 
Remote control  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1 Basic operation button  
4 Headphone connector  
5 Volume button  
6 Hold switch  
: Play/Stop  
. : Rewind/Skip back  
Sliding this switch in the direction of the  
arrow until the yellow marker is visible  
disables the remote control.  
> : Fast forward/Skip ahead  
2 Display  
3 Selector button  
7 BACK button  
v : Scroll cursor up  
Moves up one menu level.  
ENTER: Select item on menu  
V : Scroll cursor down  
8 Clip  
Using the remote control clip  
To make it easy to fasten the remote control anywhere and still keep the display oriented for easy  
viewing, the clip can be reversed.  
1
Remove the clip.  
2
Reattach it in the opposite  
direction.  
8
 
Reading the display  
Display on the player  
2
1
4
3
56  
7
1 Play status icon  
2 Song title  
5 Battery charge icon  
6 Timer icon  
7 Time  
3 Playback time  
4 Equalizer setting  
Remote control display  
Main menu screen  
Play screen  
1
3
6
7 8  
2
4
5
9
0
qa  
qs  
1 Cursor  
7 Song icon/song title  
2 Timer icon  
8 Artist icon/album icon/artist name/  
album title  
3 Equalizer icon  
4 Volume indicator  
5 AVLS icon  
9 Play status icon  
0 Repeat mode icon  
qa Shuffle mode icon  
qs Play time  
6 Battery charge icon  
9
 
G-sense pad buttons  
Various features of the player are controlled by on-screen buttons accessed by using the G-sense  
pad. These buttons are hidden until you choose to display them.  
The following types of operation buttons are available:  
Basic playback buttons (this page)  
Navigation buttons (page 11)  
Advanced operation buttons (page 12)  
Advanced playback buttons (page 13)  
Basic playback buttons  
Use the basic playback buttons to control basic music playback, such as starting or stopping songs,  
jumping to the next song, or changing the volume. The basic playback buttons are always available  
while music is playing, even if the buttons are not displayed on the screen.  
To display the basic playback buttons, touch any button in the right column on the G-sense pad.  
Touch here  
Basic playback buttons  
z Hint  
Whenever the basic playback buttons of the G-sense pad are active, the selector button on the remote  
control can also be used.  
Move your finger up or down on right column of buttons on the G-sense pad to select a button.  
Press to activate the selected button.  
Button  
Function  
Start playback  
Jump to the start of the current song  
Jump to the start of the next song  
Fast reverse  
(keep pressing)  
(keep pressing)  
Fast forward  
Raise the volume  
Lower the volume  
Stop playback  
10  
 
Navigation buttons  
Use the navigation buttons to move between display screens and change the sort order of lists.  
To display the navigation buttons, touch any button in the left column on the G-sense pad.  
Touch here  
Navigation buttons  
Move your finger up or down on left column of buttons on the G-sense pad to select a button. Press  
to activate the selected button.  
Note  
Available buttons differ on for different screens.  
Button  
Function  
Remarks  
Return to the main menu screen  
Move up one menu level  
Scroll up one page  
Show the play screen  
for the song being played  
With each push, the sort order changes. The current sort  
order is indicated by an icon at the top right of the screen.  
Sort the currently  
displayed list  
Alphabetical order (ascending)  
Alphabetical order (descending)  
Rating order (ascending)  
Rating order (descending)  
Track order  
When sort based on rating is selected, songs will be listed  
based on frequency of play and on playback status.  
Scroll down one page  
11  
 
Advanced operation buttons  
Use the advanced operation buttons to modify the displayed list.  
To display the advanced operation buttons, move the cursor to the appropriate item in the displayed  
list by sliding your finger up and down the middle three columns of buttons on the G-sense pad.  
When the cursor is on the desired item, press and hold the current button until the advanced  
operation buttons appear.  
Press and hold here  
Advanced operation buttons  
When the advanced operation buttons appear, move your finger up or down on the right column of  
buttons on the G-sense pad to select a button. Press to activate the selected button.  
Note  
Available buttons differ on for different screens.  
Button  
Function  
Close the advanced operation button display  
Add the currently selected song or album to the playlist  
Play the selected song  
Move the selected song up in the list  
Move the selected song down the in list  
Remove all songs from the playlist  
Remove the selected songs from the playlist  
12  
 
Advanced playback buttons  
Use the advanced playback buttons available on the play screen to access advanced playback  
features, such as repeat play, shuffle play, and equalizer settings. The advanced playback buttons  
are assigned to the second column from the right on the G-sense pad.  
Touch here  
Advanced playback buttons  
Move your finger up or down this column of buttons to select a button on the display. Press to  
activate the selected button.  
Note  
Available buttons differ on for different screens.  
Button  
Function  
Remarks  
Press the button once to set point A. The next time sets  
point B and begins repeated playback of the passage  
between A and B.  
AtB repeat  
Press the button to switch the repeat mode. The current  
repeat mode is shown on the play screen.  
Enable/disable song repeat play  
All-title repeat  
1-title repeat  
No display  
Repeat off  
Enable/disable shuffle play  
Change equalizer settings  
Press the button to change the equalizer settings. The  
current setting is shown by the equalizer icon on the  
play screen.  
Bass emphasis (strong)  
Bass emphasis (light)  
Bass + treble emphasis (strong)  
Bass + treble emphasis (light)  
Treble emphasis (strong)  
Treble emphasis (light)  
No display  
Flat response (equalizer off)  
13  
 
Button  
Function  
Remarks  
Add the currently playing song  
to playlist  
Show the next image  
Show the previous image  
Start slide show  
To stop a slide show, press any button on the G-sense  
pad.  
Switch display mode  
There are two display modes: Speed Priority Mode  
(
) and High Quality Mode (  
). The Speed  
Priority Mode enables quick displaying of large images  
copied from a digital camera.  
Assign as jacket image (album  
cover) to the currently playing  
song  
An image assigned to a song is displayed next to the  
album name.  
14  
 
Operation  
Listening to music  
Note  
Avoid shaking the player or subjecting it to shocks or vibration while music is playing. Such conditions  
may interrupt playback and cause a clicking sound. This behavior is normal and not cause for concern.  
1
Connect the remote control.  
Headphone connector  
Plug in firmly  
Remote control  
(supplied)  
Headphones  
(supplied)  
2
3
Turn the power on.  
zHints  
You can also turn on the player by pressing any of the buttons on the remote control.  
For details about turning the power off, refer to the Quick Start Guide.  
Note  
The first time the player is turned on, set up automatically begins for the G-sense sensitivity,  
language, and clock settings. Follow the instructions that appear on the display.  
Select a song.  
Use the selector button on the remote control to control the items shown on the  
display of the remote control.  
15  
 
1 Press the v or V side of the  
selector button to move the  
cursor to the appropriate item.  
2 Press the ENTER section of the  
selector button.  
Use the same principle to select other items and bring up a list of songs. The menu  
configuration may differ depending on the type of stored songs and the available  
information. (You can move back in the menu structure by pressing the BACK  
button on the remote control.)  
Genre:  
Artist:  
Album:  
All songs:  
Genre name t Artist name t Album name t Song  
Artist name t Album name t Song  
Album name t Song  
Song  
Move the cursor to the appropriate song, and press the ENTER section of the  
selector button. The play screen for the song appears on the display of the remote  
control.  
z Hints  
If you press any part of the selector button while the play screen is shown, the display returns to  
the main menu.  
When the player is controlled from the remote control, the player display shows “Remote  
controller under operation”. Touch any button on the G-sense pad to reactivate the player display.  
The play screen appears after a while if you do not operate the controls.  
16  
 
4
Play the song.  
The basic operation button and the volume button work as follows:  
Basic operation button  
BACK button  
Volume button  
Operation  
Button action (on remote control)  
Start playback  
Press on the basic operation button  
Jump to start of current song  
Jump to start of next song  
Rewind  
Press . on the basic operation button  
Press > on the basic operation button  
Hold down . on the basic operation button  
Hold down > on the basic operation button  
Press on the basic operation button  
Press “+” side of volume button  
Fast forward  
Stop playback  
Raise volume  
Lower volume  
Press “–” side of volume button  
Move up one menu level  
Press the BACK button  
17  
 
Finding songs  
You can search for songs in the following ways:  
Genre, Artist, Album, All songs  
Music files are transferred to the player together with information about album genre, artist  
name, album title and all songs. Search for a desired music file by specifying such information  
(this page).  
My History  
My History lists all songs played in the past, making it easy to return to a favorite song. If the  
songs are still on the player, you can start playback from the My History list (page 19).  
Group and Jacket  
“SonicStage” track groups transferred to the player retain their group information, enabling you  
to select music by group name. If an image has been registered as the jacket for a group,  
moreover, you can search for tracks by the group jacket (page 19).  
My Playlist  
By adding songs stored on the player to playlists, you create sets of music that you can easily  
switch between. The player can store up to five playlists at a time (page 20).  
Searching by album genre, artist name, album title, and song  
title  
You can search for songs by selecting “Genre”, “Artist”, or “Album”, or “All songs” on the main  
menu screen.  
Note  
Avoid shaking the player or subjecting it to shocks or vibration while music is playing. Such conditions  
may interrupt playback and cause a clicking sound. This behavior is normal and not cause for concern.  
z Hint  
When the player is in any mode other than the play screen, “Device under operation” is displayed on the  
remote control. Press any part of the selector button to activate the remote control display.  
18  
 
Searching among previously played songs  
1
Select “My History”, and press the button.  
2
Select the year, month, and day.  
The song selection screen appears.  
3
Move your finger up and down on the G-sense pad to move the cursor  
to the song, and press the button.  
The play screen for the selected song appears, and the song begins playing.  
Note  
Songs on the player will no longer display in My History if you use the “SonicStage” software to  
remove them or transfer them to a computer.  
Searching by group or group jacket  
You can search for a track by group name if it has been added to a group in the “SonicStage”  
software. Display the main menu screen, and select “Group”.  
If an image has been registered in the “SonicStage” software as the jacket for a group, you can  
select tracks by the group jacket. Select “Jacket” from the main menu screen to display a thumbnail  
list of the group jackets that have been transferred to the player. When you select a jacket  
thumbnail, the tracks for the corresponding group appear, and then you can select the track that you  
want to listen to.  
19  
 
Using playlists  
By adding songs stored on the player to playlists, you create sets of music that you can switch  
between. The player can store up to five playlists at a time.  
Registering a playlist  
There are two methods for registering a song to a playlist:  
Registering the currently playing song to a playlist  
Display the advanced playback buttons during play, move the cursor to the  
then press the button.  
position, and  
Registering songs to a playlist from a list of songs or albums  
Display the advanced operation buttons while a list of songs or albums is displayed, move the  
cursor to the  
position, and then press the button. The currently selected song or album on the  
list is added to the playlist.  
z Hint  
The number shown in the advanced operation button  
symbol indicates the number of the currently  
selected playlist. To add the song to a different playlist, you must first switch playlists.  
Playing songs from a playlist  
1
2
On the main menu screen, select “My Playlist”, and press the G-sense  
pad button.  
The selection screen appears.  
Select the cursor to the song and press the button.  
The play screen for the selected song appears.  
20  
 
Removing songs from a playlist  
1
On the main menu screen, select “My Playlist”.  
Move the cursor to the song you want to remove.  
2
3
Display the advanced operation buttons, move the cursor to the  
position, and then press the button.  
A confirmation message asking whether to remove the song from the playlist  
appears.  
4
Select “Remove”, and then press the button.  
The selected song is removed from the playlist.  
Viewing still images  
You can connect the player to the digital camera and copy images from the  
digital camera to the player.  
The transferred images can be viewed on the player display.  
As of September 2004, the player is compatible with most USB mass storage class digital still  
cameras, and supports Cyber-shot cameras, excluding models DSC-F1, DSC-F2, DSC-F3, DSC-  
F55, DSC-F55K, DSC-D700, and DSC-D770.  
Note  
The player is not guaranteed to work with all USB mass storage class digital still cameras.  
Transferring still images from a digital camera  
Note  
Always use the AC adapter when connecting the player to a digital camera.  
21  
 
1
2
Remove the supplied USB cable from the computer and the cradle.  
Connect the cable removed in step 1 to the digital camera and cradle,  
as shown below.  
Move the sliding  
cover to the left  
USB cable (supplied)  
Large plug (Type A) plugs into cradle  
Small plug (Mini-B) plugs into digital  
camera  
Notes  
Do not disconnect the USB cable from the digital camera or the cradle before the still image file  
copy is complete.  
To connect to a digital camera without Mini-B connector, use the USB cable supplied with the  
digital camera.  
Do not connect any other kind of device except a supported digital camera to the Type-A USB  
connector of the cradle.  
3
4
5
Turn on the player.  
Turn on the digital camera.  
On the main menu screen, select “Photo Storage”.  
A screen appears, indicating the number of image files on the digital camera that  
are available for transfer to the player.  
6
Select “Copy”, and then press the button.  
The transfer of images from the digital camera starts.  
Notes  
When you select “Photo Storage” from the main menu, music playback stops and the remote  
control is disabled.  
Do not disconnect the USB cable before the transfer is completed.  
While still images are being transferred, do not turn off the player.  
z Hint  
The copied still image files are saved in the folder “VAIO Photo” on the hard disk of the player.  
22  
 
Viewing the transferred still images  
This function is used to view still images copied from a digital camera.  
Note  
Avoid shaking the player or subjecting it to shocks or vibration while images are being displayed. Such  
conditions may interrupt slide show playback, cause images to display incorrectly, and cause a clicking  
sound. This behavior is normal and not cause for concern.  
z Hint  
You can also use the player to view JPEG images transferred from a personal computer. To transfer  
images from a computer, connect the player to the computer as an external hard disk drive, and copy the  
image files from the computer's hard disk drive to the player. For details, see "Using the portable music  
player as a hard disk drive" (page 24).  
1
2
3
On the main menu screen, select “Photo Viewer”.  
Select the item and press the button.  
Select the image file, and press the button.  
The JPEG file is displayed on the entire screen. For details, see “Viewing still  
images” (page 21).  
z Hint  
The Photo Viewer function on the player can display any JPEG files stored in a “USER_xxx” folder  
(“xxx” is a number) in the “VAIO Photo” folder on the internal hard disk drive. This means that you can  
connect the player to a computer as an external hard drive, create a “USER_xxx” folder in the “VAIO  
Photo” folder, and manually copy JPEG files to the player.  
By touching the second row of G-sense pad buttons from the right, you can bring up advanced playback  
buttons for various image viewing functions.  
When the advanced playback buttons are displayed, move your finger up and down to move the cursor.  
For details about the advanced playback buttons, refer to page 13.  
23  
 
Using the portable music player as a hard  
disk drive  
The player can be used as an external USB hard disk for your personal computer, increasing the  
available data storage capacity and serving as portable media.  
When the player is connected to a computer using the USB cable, it is recognized by the computer  
as a removable hard disk, allowing data read and write. (For details on how to connect the player to  
a computer, see the Quick Start Guide.)  
Notes  
If you use Windows Explorer or similar software to transfer music files directly from the computer to  
the player, the player will not be able to play these files. (They will be handled as data.) In order for  
music files to be playable on the player, you must use the “SonicStage” or “VAIO music transfer”  
software.  
When the player is used an external hard disk for a computer, the space available for transferring music  
files will be reduced by the amount of computer data transferred to the player. If you need more space  
for music files, you must delete saved computer data or use the “SonicStage” software to delete  
transferred music files.  
Before disconnecting the player, always right-click the “Safely Remove Hardware” (or “Remove”) icon  
in the notification area of the task bar on the computer.  
Deleting music files  
Music files transferred to the player can be deleted using the SonicStagesoftware.  
For detailed instructions, refer to the SonicStageonline help.  
Note  
Always use the “SonicStage” software to delete music files, even if they were transferred to the player  
using the VAIO music transfer software.  
1
2
3
Connect the player to the computer.  
For details, refer to the Quick Start Guide.  
Start the “SonicStage” software.  
Click “Start” - “All Programs” (or “Programs”) - “SonicStage” - “SonicStage”.  
Delete the music files.  
Click the “Transfer” tab to display the screen for transferring music to the player,  
and then use the list display in the right side of the screen to delete your desired  
music files.  
24  
 
Other Information  
Setup items and settings  
To adjust settings for the display and operation functions of the player, select “Setting” on the Main  
Menu screen.  
Setup item  
Setting and description  
My Playlist  
The player can store up to five playlists.  
This setting specifies which is currently active.  
Display Setting  
Sound Setting  
The following display-related settings can be adjusted.  
Backlight setting  
Sets the time delay for automatically turning off the display backlight  
when no operation is carried out. You can also set the backlight to be  
“Always ON” or “Always OFF”.  
The following sound-related settings can be adjusted.  
Beep  
Selects whether a sound is heard when the G-sense pad and the remote  
control are pressed.  
AVLS  
When this is set to ON, loud sounds above a certain threshold level are  
automatically reduced in volume. This lets you listen to music at an  
agreeable volume while reducing the risk of sound leakage, possible  
hearing damage, and danger from masking of external sounds.  
Clock Setting  
The following time-related settings can be adjusted.  
Clock Setting  
Clock setting  
Sets the date and time shown on the display. You can also select 24h  
or 12h for the time display.  
Format  
Changes the order in which the year, month, and day appear.  
Timer Setting  
You can select one of the following functions.  
Power off  
Automatically puts the player into power off mode after a certain  
amount of time.  
Playback start  
Automatically starts audio playback at a pre-selected time or after a  
set time interval.  
Beep  
Automatically plays a beep tone at a pre-selected time or after a set  
time interval.  
Off  
All alarm-related functions are turned off.  
25  
 
Setup item  
Language  
Setting and description  
Selects the language for the menus and commands.  
G-sense setting  
Adjust G-sense pad parameters for optimum efficiency.  
Sensing Area Setting  
Select one of the following:  
Thumb operation  
This setting works best when holding the unit with one hand and  
operating it with your thumb.  
Flat  
Response is evenly distributed over the button area.  
Sensitivity Setting  
Move the cursor to “Start” and press a G-sense pad button. Sensitivity  
compensation is automatically set according to the G-sense pad  
condition.  
Remote device contrast  
System Information  
Adjusts the contrast of the remote control display.  
Displays various information about the player, such as hard disk used/  
free space, number of transferred songs, and firmware version.  
Initialize Setting  
Returns the unit to the factory default condition. When you select  
“OK”, all settings are returned to the default condition, except for “My  
History”, time, and rating data.  
Initialize My History  
Initialize Rating  
Clears the saved My History data of songs that were played.  
Clears the saved song rating data based on play frequency and play  
status.  
Restore Music Info  
Firmware Update  
Restores the music information.  
Lets you update the firmware of the player. For details, visit the Web  
site described on “Getting Help”(page 30).  
HDD Format  
Formats the internal hard disk drive of the player.  
Notes  
When you format the internal hard disk, all data are removed.  
You should back up the data if you use the player as an external  
USB hard disk.  
If you format the internal hard disk with NTFS, the player will  
become unable to play music.  
26  
 
About the internal battery  
When the player is operated on the internal battery, the battery charge gradually decreases. The  
battery icon on the display indicates the current state of the battery's charge.  
Icon  
Meaning  
Battery charge of 75% or more  
Battery charge of 50 - 75%  
Battery charge of 25 - 50%  
Battery charge of 5 - 25%  
Battery charge of less than 5%  
Player is powered by AC adapter (battery is charging)  
Player is powered by AC adapter (battery is fully charged)  
Notes  
The numbers given for remaining battery capacity are only approximate. The actual operation time with  
the battery will depend on the usage environment, number of charged, and various other factors.  
When discarding the player, follow the instructions on page 29 to remove the battery properly.  
27  
 
Precautions  
Usage and storage  
Disk handling  
Use only the specified AC adapter.  
Never short-circuit any of the connectors.  
Do not leave the unit in locations that can  
become hot (over 60°C), such as in a  
closed car or exposed to direct sunlight.  
To protect the data on the supplied CD-ROM,  
observe the following precautions.  
Do not attach paper stickers or similar to  
the disc, and do not scratch or otherwise  
damage the disc.  
Protect the player from water and moisture.  
Overheating  
If the unit seems to be running hotter than  
normal, turn off power to the player and  
disconnect the AC adapter. Then contact the  
Web site described on “Getting Help” (page  
30).  
A disc label may come off while the disc is  
inserted in the CD-ROM drive of the  
computer, causing serious damage. To  
prevent this, make sure that any label is  
properly attached before using the disc.  
Condensation  
Sony Corporation does not accept any  
liability for damage caused by improper  
labels or by media damage. Carefully  
follow the instructions of any label-printing  
software and label products. Use of such  
products occurs entirely at the risk of the  
user.  
If the unit is brought from a cold to a warm  
location, or if ambient temperature suddenly  
rises, moisture condensation may occur on the  
outer surface and in the interior of the unit. Do  
not use the unit in such a condition, as this can  
cause damage. If condensation has occurred,  
leave the unit for about an hour without  
turning the power on.  
Do not touch the data side of the disc  
(opposite the label).  
Do not store the disc in locations subject to  
high humidity, high temperatures, direct  
sunlight, or high levels of dust.  
Take care not to spill any liquid on the disc.  
Return the disc to its case when not in use  
in order to prevent data damage.  
28  
 
2
Detach the internal battery.  
Hard disk precautions  
Never disconnect a cable or turn the  
computer or the player off while data are  
being written to or read from the hard disk.  
Otherwise data may be corrupted or lost.  
Sony Corporation does not accept any  
liability for damage caused by data loss.  
Hard disks can hold a vast amount of data,  
but damage or malfunction can lead to  
sudden and irreplaceable data loss. It is  
highly recommended that you regularly  
back up the contents of the hard disk.  
Sony Corporation does not accept any  
liability for damage caused by data loss.  
Removing the internal  
battery  
When discarding the unit, follow the  
instructions below to remove the battery  
properly.  
3
Disconnect the internal battery  
cable from the connector on  
the player.  
1
Use a phillips screwdriver to  
remove the four screws from  
the side of the player.  
Notes  
The interior of the unit may become hot during  
operation. Before removing the battery, make  
sure that the unit has cooled down.  
Take care that no foreign object enters the unit  
while the battery is removed.  
Before removing the battery, you should  
discharge it fully, for example by performing  
continuous playback.  
29  
 
Maintenance  
Getting help  
This section provides information on how to  
get help and support from Sony, and  
troubleshooting tips for your unit.  
Cleaning the cabinet  
Wipe the outside of the unit with a soft, dry  
cloth. To remove stubborn stains, moisten the  
cloth with a mild, neutral detergent. Do not  
use solvents, cleaning alcohol, benzene or  
other substances that may damage the finish.  
Sony support options  
Sony provides several support options for your  
unit. When you have questions about your unit or  
the software, refer to the following:  
Disc cleaning  
This guide explains how to use your unit.  
Fingerprints and other contamination on  
the disc surface can lead to read errors.  
Always keep the disc clean.  
To clean the disc, lightly wipe it from the  
center outwards.  
For customers in the United States  
and Canada  
Sony Online Support provides instant  
access to infomation on commonly  
encountered problems. Type a description of  
the problem and the Knowledge Database  
searches for the corresponding solutions  
online.  
You can visit the Sony Online Support at:  
The Sony Customer Information  
Service Center offers information about  
your portable music player and other Sony  
products that work with your portable music  
player. To contact Sony Customer Information  
Service Center, call  
1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972).  
For customers in Europe  
VAIO-Link. For addresses and numbers, refer  
to  
To remove stubborn stains, lightly moisten  
the cloth before wiping the disc, and use a  
dry cloth afterwards.  
Do not use benzene, record cleaning liquid,  
antistatic fluids or other substances that  
may damage the surface of the disc.  
For customers in other regions  
VAIO Website provides Frequently Asked  
Questions and solutions.  
30  
 
Specifications  
Main unit  
Ambient conditions  
Display  
Operating temperature  
41°F to 95 °F (5°C to 35°C) (temperature  
gradient less than 18°F (10°C)/hour)  
2.2 inch TFT color display (320 H × 256 V dots)  
Hard disk capacity 1)  
20 GB / 40 GB  
Operating humidity  
20% to 80% (no condensation), provided that  
humidity is less than 65% at 95 °F (35°C)  
(hygrometer reading of less than 18 °F (10°C))  
Supported playback file formats  
ATRAC3plus, ATRAC3, JPEG  
External connectivity  
Headphone connector: stereo mini phone jack  
Cradle connector  
Storage temperature  
–4°F to 100 °F (–20°C to 60°C) (temperature  
gradient less than 50°F (10°C)/hour)  
Power source  
Lithium-ion rechargeable battery or AC adapter  
Storage humidity  
10% to 90% (no condensation), provided that  
humidity is less than 20% at 140 °F (60°C)  
(hygrometer reading of less than 95 °F (35°C))  
Playback time  
Approx. 20 hours  
Dimensions  
40GB model:  
Approx. 4.6 × 2.5 × 0.8 inches (115.2 × 63.3 ×  
20.4 mm) (widest part 1.1 inches (27 mm)) (w/h/  
d), not including protruding parts  
AC adapter (VGP-AC5V1)  
Power requirements  
100 – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz  
Output voltage and current  
5.2 V, max. 2.9 A  
20GB model:  
Approx. 4.6 × 2.5 × 0.7 inches (115.2 × 63.3 ×  
17.2 mm) (widest part 1.1 inches (27 mm))  
(w/h/d), not including protruding parts  
Software  
SonicStage ver. 2.1  
Supported file formats 3) ATRAC3plus,  
ATRAC3, MP3, WMA, WAV  
Mass  
40GB model: Approx. 7.4 oz. (210 g)  
20GB model: Approx. 6.9 oz. (195 g)  
VAIO music transfer  
Supported file formats 4) MP3, WMA, WAV  
Cradle  
Supplied accessories  
External connectivity  
Cradle, USB cable, remote control,  
headphones, AC adapter, power cord,  
software CD-ROM, Quick Start Guide,  
warranty card  
PC interface: USB 2.0 2) (High-speed/Full-speed)  
Digital camera interface: USB  
DC IN  
LINE OUT connector: stereo mini phone jack  
1)  
Dimensions  
Some portion of hard disk capacity is reserved  
for application / data management function.  
If the connected computer does not support  
Hi-speed, data transfer will take longer.  
MP3 and WAV files will be converted to  
ATRAC3 or ATRAC3plus.  
All supported file formats are converted to  
ATRAC3 or ATRAC3plus.  
40GB model:  
Folded: Approx. 4.8 × 3.0 × 1.7 inches  
(120 × 76 × 42 mm) (w/h/d)  
In use: Approx. 4.8 × 2.1 × 3.2 inches  
(120 × 52 × 80 mm) (w/h/d)  
20GB model:  
2)  
3)  
4)  
Folded: Approx. 4.8 × 3.0 × 1.7 inches  
(121 × 75 × 41 mm) (w/h/d)  
In use: Approx. 4.8 × 2.0 × 3.1 inches  
(121 × 51 × 78 mm) (w/h/d)  
Design and specifications are subject to change  
without notice.  
Mass  
40GB model: Approx. 3.6 oz. (100 g)  
20GB model: Approx. 3.5 oz. (98 g)  
31  
 
Troubleshooting  
If a problem occurs during operation of the unit, please check the points listed in this  
troubleshooting guide. For contact information, see “Getting Help” on page 30. You should also  
consult the printed and electronic documentation of the computer.  
Power  
Symptom  
Cause/remedy  
c The internal battery may be fully discharged. Charge the battery as  
described in the Quick Start Guide.  
Power does not come on.  
c Press the reset button (page 6).  
After pressing the reset button, it takes about 10 seconds for the unit  
to become operative.  
Power goes off.  
c If the backlight timer setting is enabled, the power is automatically  
shut off when the player or the remote control has been operated for  
a set time period. Press the POWER/HOLD switch to turn the player  
back on.  
Power comes on briefly,  
but then shuts off again.  
c If the player has not been used for a while, the battery may have  
gradually lost its charge. Charge the battery before using the player  
again.  
c The player is shipped from the factory with a partial battery charge  
that may have been lost by the time you receive it. Charge the  
battery before first using the player.  
c Over time, the operating time offered by a full battery charge will  
decrease. The performance of the internal battery will gradually  
deteriorate, based on the number of times the battery has been  
charged, how much the player has been used, and how long the  
player has been stored unused. This is normal for a lithium-ion  
battery and may indicate that the battery needs replacement.  
Operation  
Symptom  
Cause/remedy  
c The player cannot play music while connected to a computer.  
Cannot play music.  
c If you directly copy music files to the player using Windows  
Explorer or similar applications, the files cannot be played on the  
player. Be sure to use the “SonicStage” or “VAIO music transfer”  
software (page 4).  
32  
 
Symptom  
Cause/remedy  
c While the player is connected to a computer, the unit is in data  
transfer mode and no operation is possible at the player. Disconnect  
the player from the computer.  
Unit does not respond  
to controls.  
c When the player is removed from the cradle or when the USB cable  
is disconnected from the cradle, data about transferred files are  
updated. The update process takes about 40 seconds for every 100  
songs. The actual time will differ depending on the number of  
genres, artists, albums, and total number of songs.  
c If the POWER/HOLD switch on the player or the HOLD switch on  
the remote control is set to HOLD, no operation is possible. Cancel  
the HOLD mode.  
c If the player has ceased to operate normally, for example due to  
exposure to static electricity, disconnect the AC adapter, wait about  
30 seconds, and then try the operation again.  
The player does not  
operate normally  
c Press the reset button.  
c When used for an extended period, the temperature of the unit will  
The unit becomes warm.  
No sound.  
rise. This is not a defect.  
c Confirm that the headphone connector is inserted correctly.  
c When playback is paused, fast forwarded, or rewound, sound output  
can become faint or stop.  
c If a device is plugged into the LINE OUT connector on the cradle,  
there will be no sound from the headphones.  
c At the lowest volume setting, there is no sound. Raise the volume  
setting.  
c The player cannot play music while connected to a computer. In  
such a case, there will be no sound from a device connected to the  
LINE OUT connector on the cradle. To use the LINE OUT  
connector, disconnect the USB cable.  
c If AVLS is enabled, the volume will not go beyond a certain  
threshold. Check the AVLS setting (page 24).  
Cannot change the volume.  
c If the POWER/HOLD switch on the main unit or the HOLD switch  
on the remote control is set to HOLD, no operation is possible.  
Cancel the HOLD mode.  
33  
 
G-sense pad  
Symptom  
Cause/remedy  
G-sense pad does not  
function properly.  
c Change the area and sensitivity setting of the G-sense pad. For  
details, see page 25.  
c Press the reset button (page 6).  
After a reset, the G-sense pad sensitivity must be set again (page 25).  
c If there is moisture on the G-sense pad, it will not operate normally.  
Wipe it with a dry cloth.  
“SonicStage” software  
Also refer to the “SonicStage” online help.  
Symptom  
Cause/remedy  
Cannot transfer music.  
c Confirm that the player is correctly set in the cradle.  
c Confirm that the cradle is correctly connected to the computer.  
c If there is not enough free space on the internal hard disk of the  
player, transfer cannot be carried out. Connect the player to the  
computer and use the “SonicStage” software to delete unnecessary  
files.  
c The number of transfers that are permissible for a single song may  
be limited. For details, refer to the “SonicStage” online help.  
An error message is shown.  
c Never disconnect the USB cable during a transfer. Otherwise an  
error message will be shown and transfer is not possible.  
Tracks recorded from an audio  
CD have noise on them.  
c Using another program while the “SonicStage” software is recording  
can add noise to the recorded track. Do not operate other programs  
while the “SonicStage” software is recording.  
c The CD drive needs to be checked. Click “Options” on the “Tool”  
menu to display the “Options" dialog box, and click “CD drive  
settings” on the left. Click “Test CD drive” on the right to test the  
drive.  
The remaining transfer count of  
a track is not the same as the  
actual count.  
c If a track is deleted from a device/media, the remaining transfer  
count of the track in My Library may not be restored (only applies to  
restricted content). To restore the track's transfer count, connect the  
device/media to your computer, and click on the “Controls” menu,  
point to “Device/Media”, and then click “Recover Rights”.  
c If the player was disconnected from the computer during the transfer  
of a song, the permission count may be incremented and it may not  
be possible to reset it.  
34  
 
Symptom  
Cause/remedy  
The player is not recognized  
by the “SonicStage” software.  
c Check whether the player is recognized properly on the Windows  
“Device Manager” screen.  
If an exclamation mark is shown next to the symbol for the player in  
the “Device Manager” screen, the unit was not recognized properly.  
Reinstall the driver for the player.  
A warning message appears  
when disconnecting  
the player from  
c Wait a while and then perform the disconnection procedure again.  
the computer.  
“VAIO music transfer” software  
Symptom  
Cause/remedy  
c Confirm that the player is correctly set in the cradle.  
Cannot transfer music.  
c Confirm that the cradle is correctly connected to the computer.  
c If there is not enough free space on the internal hard disk of the  
player, transfer cannot be carried out. Because files cannot be  
deleted with the “VAIO music transfer” software, connect the  
player to the computer and use the “SonicStage” software to delete  
unneeded files.  
c ATRAC format files (extension “oma” or “omg”) cannot be  
transferred with the “VAIO music transfer” software. Use the  
“SonicStage” software for these files.  
c Never disconnect the USB cable during a transfer. Otherwise an  
error message will be shown and transfer is not possible.  
An error message is shown.  
c When you attempt to transfer files that are not supported by music  
move, an error message will appear.  
c Wait a while, and then perform the disconnection procedure again.  
A warning message appears  
when disconnecting  
the player from  
the computer.  
35  
 
Other problems  
Symptom  
Cause/remedy  
The unit vibrates.  
c This is due to the operation of the built-in hard disk and is not a  
defect.  
A clicking noise is heard  
from the unit.  
c This is due to the operation of the built-in hard disk and is not a  
defect.  
The remote control does not  
function.  
c When the remote control is set to the HOLD mode, no operation is  
possible. Cancel the HOLD mode.  
c Confirm that the remote control is plugged in correctly into the  
connector.  
c Confirm if the headphone connector is dirty. If necessary, wipe it  
with a dry cloth or similar.  
When the player is connected  
to a computer, the computer  
cannot be brought out of  
standby mode.  
c Computers running the Windows Me operating system may not  
come out of standby mode while the player is still connected. When  
the music transfer is finished, disconnect the USB cable.  
36  
 
© 2004 Sony Corporation  
A-C3A-100-11 (1)  
 

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