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Related Manuals for Sony VAIO VGC-RA204
Summary of Contents for Sony VAIO VGC-RA204
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Page 1: Network Media Receiver
Network Media Receiver P C N A - M R 1 0 A... - Page 2 Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the software or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages, whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information contained herein or the use thereof.
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Page 3: Regulatory Information
Notice Trademarks and copyrights Sony, VAIO, the VAIO logo, SonicStage, PictureGear Studio, Remote Commander, VAIO Media, VAIO Media Integrated Server, VAIO Zone and VAIO Media Console are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. -
Page 4: Safety Information
Safety information This Sony product is designed and tested to comply with the safety regulations. Use of this equipment in a manner not approved in this manual may be hazardous. Read the safety and caution information before operating the Network Media Receiver, complying with all safety precautions and warnings. - Page 5 Network Media Receiver Precautions About the Network Media Receiver ❑ This equipment is for use only in the country of purchase. Using this equipment under a different voltage may cause fire or electric shock. Use of this equipment in other countries may be prohibited by local laws. ❑...
- Page 6 Network Media Receiver ❑ On an insecure or uneven surface. ❑ In a location that is subject to vibration. ❑ In a location that is subject to moisture or rapid temperature change. ❑ Near obstacles that shield or block electrical signals, such as metal or concrete walls. ❑...
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Page 7: About The Remote Control
Network Media Receiver About the AC adapter ❑ Use the AC adapter that is supplied with the Network Media Receiver. Using a different AC adapter may cause damage to the Network Media Receiver. ❑ Unplug the AC adapter from the AC wall outlet if the equipment is not being used for extended periods of time. ❑... - Page 8 Welcome Congratulations on your latest Sony purchase! Your new Network Media Receiver is a superb blend of high technology and easy- to-use functionality. The information provided in this user guide is designed to help you become familiar with the Network Media Receiver and its features.
- Page 9 Network Media Receiver Video Play previously recorded programmes stored on your VAIO computer. ★ Use the film roll feature to search for a specific place in your recorded programme. ✍ The TV function is not supported, and will not be supported in the future. Music ❑...
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Page 10: Locating Controls And Connectors
Network Media Receiver Locating controls and connectors This section describes the controls, jacks, and ports available on the Network Media Receiver and the remote control. Front panel POWER/REC indicator The indicator is white while the power is on. The indicator is red during TV recording. The indicator blinks red during firmware updates. -
Page 11: Back Panel
Network Media Receiver Back panel The back panel contains ports and jacks for supplied and optional cables. Optical OUT port Supports the digital optical input of an audio device. S-video jack Connection for an S-video cable. Video jack Connection for a video cable. Audio L jack Connection for an audio cable (left). -
Page 12: Remote Control
Network Media Receiver Remote control The Network Media Receiver is controlled using the remote control. The remote control can start and stop video recording/playback, and set viewing preferences. POWER MUTE CHANNEL POWER TV/VIDEO DISPLAY AUDIO CLEAR ENTER REC STOP PREV NEXT STOP PLAY... - Page 13 Network Media Receiver BECAUSE THE TV FUNCTION IS UNAVAILABLE, NOT ALL BUTTONS ON THE REMOTE CONTROL WORK. Button Function TV channel buttons * Press + or - to change TV channels. MUTE button Press to turn off the sound. Press again to restore the sound. Channel number buttons * Press to select specific channels.
- Page 14 Network Media Receiver Button Function PREV button Press to return to a previous music track. NEXT button Press to advance to the next music track. PAUSE button Press to pause video, music or slideshow playback. PLAY button Press to begin playback of videos, music, or slideshows. MAIN MENU button Press to return to the main selection screen.
- Page 15 ❑ Safety and Regulations guide (printed). VAIO computer compatibility The Network Media Receiver supports certain Sony VAIO computers. Check that your VAIO computer is compatible with the Network Media Receiver, before you begin hardware setup or configuration. ✍ For current updates on VAIO computer compatibility with the Network Media Receiver, see the VAIO-Link website: http://www.vaio-link.com.
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Page 16: Pc System Requirements
Network Media Receiver PC system requirements Your compatible VAIO computer(s) must: ❑ Have the Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition or Professional operating system installed; ❑ Have the VAIO Media software (platform and servers) preinstalled; ❑ Be equipped with VAIO Zone software. Wireless LAN requirements To use Wireless LAN functions with the Network Media Receiver, we recommend the following: ❑... - Page 17 Network Media Receiver Welcome Multimedia compatibility Video and movie file compatibility Only video recordings recorded on a VAIO computer with VAIO Zone can be viewed using the Network Media Receiver. Other video file formats may not be compatible with the Network Media Receiver. For details on how to use VAIO Zone, see the VAIO Zone guide provided on disc with your VAIO computer, and the VAIO Zone Help files, which are within the software itself.
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Page 18: Setting Up The Hardware
Network Media Receiver Setting up the hardware This section contains information about setting up your Network Media Receiver connections. It is designed to complement the printed Network Media Receiver Getting Started guide. Setting up the remote control To set up the remote control, proceed as follows: Open the battery cover on the back of the remote control. -
Page 19: Programming The Remote Control
TV models, even when the appropriate TV manufacturer code is entered. If you are using a Sony TV set, you do not need to program the remote control, as it is set by default. - Page 20 Network Media Receiver Connection possibilities Connecting the Network Media Receiver to a TV Use the supplied audio/video connection cable to connect the Network Media Receiver and your TV. Connect the cable by matching the connector colours to the jack colours on the TV’s audio/video jacks. Optional equipment and cables may be required to connect the Network Media Receiver, TV, VCR and VAIO computer, depending on your connection environment.
- Page 21 Network Media Receiver Setting up the hardware Connecting the Network Media Receiver and your TV through a video recorder Use the supplied audio/video connection cable to connect the Network Media Receiver and your video recorder. Connect the cable by matching the connector colours to the jack colours on the VCR’s audio/video jacks. Optional equipment and cables may be required to connect the Network Media Receiver, TV, VCR and VAIO computer, depending on your connection environment.
- Page 22 Network Media Receiver Connecting the Network Media Receiver to digital sound system equipment You can connect to a digital sound system as long as it has an optical-in port. Use an optical digital connection cable (sold separately) to connect the Network Media Receiver and your digital sound system equipment.
- Page 23 Network Media Receiver Finding the most suitable working environment You can connect the Network Media Receiver to your VAIO computer(s) using the Ethernet port on your VAIO computer(s), a router with a built-in network switch, or a network switch device. These home network environment scenarios can help determine the best connection method for your Network Media Receiver and VAIO computer(s).
- Page 24 Network Media Receiver Environment 1: DSL/cable modem equipped with a built-in router and network switch ports Read the notes on page 22, then proceed as follows: Connect the Network Media Receiver to your DSL/cable modem* (1), using the network cable (2). Connect the Ethernet jack on each VAIO computer to the jack(s) on the DSL/modem, using additional network cables* (3).
- Page 25 Network Media Receiver Environment 2: DSL/cable modem with built-in router, without network switch ports Read the notes on page 22, then proceed as follows: Connect the Network Media Receiver to a network switch device (1), using the network cable (2). Connect the Ethernet jack on each VAIO computer to the jack(s) on the network switch, using additional network cables* (3).
- Page 26 Network Media Receiver Environment 3: DSL/cable modem without a built-in router Read the notes on page 22, then proceed as follows: Connect the Network Media Receiver to a router device with a network switch* (1), using the network cable (2). Connect the Ethernet jack on each VAIO computer to the jack(s) on the router device, using additional network cables* (3).
- Page 27 Network Media Receiver Environment 4: Network cable is connected to a LAN, shared in a residential complex Read the notes on page 22, then proceed as follows: Connect the Network Media Receiver to a router device with a built-in network switch* (1), using the network cable (2). Connect the Ethernet jack on each VAIO computer to the jack(s) on the router device, using additional network cables* (3).
- Page 28 Network Media Receiver Environment 5: VAIO computer is connected to the Internet using the built-in modem Read the notes on page 22, then proceed as follows: Insert one end of the crossover cable (1) into the Ethernet jack on your VAIO computer. Insert the other end of this crossover cable into the connection adapter (2).
- Page 29 Network Media Receiver Environment 6: VAIO computer is not connected to the Internet Read the notes on page 22, then proceed as follows: Insert one end of the crossover cable (1) into the Ethernet jack on your VAIO computer. Insert the other end of this crossover cable into the connection adapter (2). Insert one end of the network cable (3), into the connection adapter.
- Page 30 Network Media Receiver Environment 7: Connecting multiple VAIO computers This method is related under certain conditions similar to environments 5 and 6. Read the notes on page 22, then proceed as follows: Connect the Network Media Receiver to a router device with a built-in network switch, or a multiple port network switch device (1), using the network cable (2).
- Page 31 Network Media Receiver Assigning a fixed IP address In some environments, each VAIO computer in your network requires a fixed IP (Internet Protocol) address: ❑ If your VAIO computer is connected to the Internet using the installed modem, as in environment 5. ❑...
- Page 32 Network Media Receiver Close the Local Area Connection Properties and the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog boxes. ✍ When you set up the Network Media Receiver, the IP address must be specified. See Specifying an IP address When specifying the IP address for the Network Media Receiver, use different numbers where the IP address numbers are represented as “XXX.XXX.” Setting up the hardware (page 40).
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Page 33: Setting Up The Software
Network Media Receiver Setting up the software This section provides information on configuring the media server, video, music and photo / still image software on your VAIO computer. Configuring VAIO Media VAIO Media software manages the interaction between the Network Media Receiver and your VAIO computer(s), by enabling the computer(s) to act as a music, photo, and video servers. - Page 34 Network Media Receiver In the section Access Control Settings, select the option Access this computer from other computers on the network. A warning message appears. Read the message and click OK. Select the option No device registration needed in a secure network environment. In the section Start and Stop Servers verify that all available servers are shown as Started.
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Page 35: Table Of Contents
Network Media Receiver Using the Network Media Receiver - general settings Once you have made your hardware connections and set up the other software applications, you can start using the Network Media Receiver. ❑ Starting and stopping the Network Media Receiver ❑... -
Page 36: Starting And Stopping The Network Media Receiver
Network Media Receiver Starting and stopping the Network Media Receiver To start using the Network Media Receiver, proceed as follows: If applicable, turn on the router using the power button or switch. Turn on your VAIO computer. Turn on your TV by pressing the TV POWER button on the remote control (see Remote control functions). - Page 37 Network Media Receiver To highlight an option, use the direction arrow buttons on the remote control, then press the SELECT button to confirm your choice. ✍ When the Standby indicator light is red (dimmed), the Network Media Receiver is ready to be turned on. The Standby indicator takes approximately 20 seconds to light after the AC adapter is plugged into a wall outlet.
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Page 38: Registering The Network Media Receiver And Your Vaio Computer
Network Media Receiver Registering the Network Media Receiver and your VAIO computer The Network Media Receiver enables you to restrict access to your VAIO computer, accepting access from the Network Media Receiver only. To register the Network Media Receiver, proceed as follows: On the remote control, press the MAIN MENU button. - Page 39 Network Media Receiver Highlight Device Registration, then press the SELECT button. The Registration screen appears. Highlight OK, then press the SELECT button. The Registration screen appears. ✍ If the registration of the Network Media Receiver and the VAIO computer are cancelled, you need to begin the registration again. Using the Network Media Receiver - general settings...
- Page 40 Click Start Registration. The Receiving Registration Request dialog box appears, showing the registration progress. 10 When the Registration Confirmation message box appears, respond to the prompt Do you want to add the device Sony Network Media Receiver? by clicking Yes.
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Page 41: Specifying An Ip Address
Network Media Receiver Specifying an IP address To specify an IP address through the Network Media Receiver, proceed as follows: Make sure you are connected to the Internet. On the remote control, press the MAIN MENU button. The Main Menu screen appears. Highlight Settings, then press the SELECT button. - Page 42 Network Media Receiver Highlight IP Address, then press the SELECT button. The IP Address screen appears. Highlight Specify IP Address, then press the SELECT button. Highlight the IP Address numbers, then press the SELECT button. Use the channel number buttons or the up/down arrow buttons to enter numbers for the IP address and the subnet mask, then press the SELECT button.
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Page 43: Making Your Own Settings
Network Media Receiver Making your own settings You can conveniently access certain the Network Media Receiver features and functions by customising the default settings for your Network Media Receiver and VAIO computer. Connecting to a server automatically You can set the Network Media Receiver to automatically connect to a VAIO computer (server), when accessing Video, Music, or Photo content. - Page 44 Network Media Receiver Cancelling the default server settings To cancel the default server settings, proceed as follows: From the Select a server screen, press SELECT. Choose Delete from list and press SELECT again. Press the OPTIONS button on the remote control. Select Refresh and then OK.
- Page 45 Network Media Receiver Configuring a default startup screen To configure a default startup screen, proceed as follows: Start up the Network Media Receiver as described in Starting and stopping the Network Media Receiver From the Main Menu, highlight Settings and press SELECT. The Settings screen appears.
- Page 46 Network Media Receiver Highlight a screen you want as the startup screen, and press SELECT. Select OK, then press the SELECT button. ✍ The startup screen which you set as default is deleted if the AC power is interrupted. Configuring your VAIO computer to start automatically You can set your VAIO computer to start automatically when the Network Media Receiver attempts to connect.
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Page 47: Restoring The Original Factory Settings
Network Media Receiver Restoring the original factory settings You can reset these features to the original factory default settings: ❑ Startup menu ❑ IP address ❑ Recording mode ❑ Live mode (not available) ❑ Default server (VAIO computer) ❑ Slideshow intervals ❑... - Page 48 Network Media Receiver To reset the original factory settings, proceed as follows: On the remote control, press the MAIN MENU button. The Main Menu appears. Highlight Settings, then press the SELECT button. The Settings screen appears. Highlight System Settings, then press the SELECT button. The System Settings screen appears.
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Page 49: Updating The Network Media Receiver Firmware
Network Media Receiver Updating the Network Media Receiver firmware The Network Media Receiver enables you to use your VAIO computer to update the Network Media Receiver firmware. To update firmware, proceed as follows: On the remote control, press the MAIN MENU button. The Main Menu appears. - Page 50 Once you have started the firmware update process, do not attempt to stop or cancel it. All buttons on the remote control are disabled during the update. ✍ All settings except for the IP address are reset to the default settings, once the update is completed. The firmware update takes approximately three minutes to complete. Check the Sony VAIO-Link website: http://www.vaio-link.com, for future firmware updates.
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Page 51: Watching Videos
Network Media Receiver Watching videos Watching videos This section provides information on using the Network Media Receiver to watch video recordings with your VAIO computer and TV. Playing videos The Network Media Receiver enables you to view video recordings, recorded with VAIO Zone, on your TV screen. You can also use the Network Media Receiver to watch compatible video files. - Page 52 Network Media Receiver To watch video content, proceed as follows: On the remote control, press the MAIN MENU button. The Main Menu appears. Highlight VIDEO - Watch video clips, then press the SELECT button. The Select a Video Server screen appears. Watching videos...
- Page 53 Network Media Receiver Highlight a server that contains the required video recordings, and press the SELECT button. Highlight Connect and press the SELECT button. The Video - All Libraries screen appears. Highlight the video cabinet that contains the required video recording, then press the SELECT button. The video cabinet opens and a list of available video recordings is displayed.
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Page 54: Sorting Videos
Network Media Receiver Sorting videos The Video - All Libraries screen enables you to sort video recordings by name or by recorded date/time, in ascending or descending order. To sort video recordings, proceed as follows: Press the OPTIONS button while the Video - All Libraries screen is displayed. The OPTIONS menu appears. -
Page 55: Changing The Video Settings
Network Media Receiver Changing the video settings When you use different servers as the default for the Video and TV features, all recorded TV programmes are stored on the computer being used as the default TV server. To change the video settings, proceed as follows: Press the OPTIONS button while the Video - All Libraries screen is displayed. - Page 56 Network Media Receiver Using the film roll feature The Network Media Receiver has a thumbnail view (film roll) feature that enables you to select the frame to start playback. To select the film roll feature, proceed as follows: Press the up arrow button during video playback or pause. A film roll appears on your TV screen.
- Page 57 Network Media Receiver Resuming video playback from the original frame You can return to the frame where playback was previously stopped and resume playing back the video recording. To do this, proceed as follows: From the Video - All Libraries screen, highlight the video recording to play, then press the SELECT button. A submenu appears.
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Page 58: Listening To Music
Network Media Receiver Listening to music Listening to music This section provides information on using the Network Media Receiver to listen to music with your VAIO computer and TV. Playing music The Network Media Receiver enables you to play music files stored on your VAIO computer with SonicStage software, using your TV’s sound system or a digital sound system connected to your TV. - Page 59 Network Media Receiver To listen to music, proceed as follows: On the remote control, press the MAIN MENU button. The Main Menu appears. Highlight MUSIC - Listen to music, then press the SELECT button. Highlight a server that contains the required playlists or music tracks and press the SELECT button. Listening to music...
- Page 60 Network Media Receiver Highlight Connect and press the SELECT button. The Music - All Libraries screen appears, displaying both folders and playlists. Highlight the folder that contains the required playlist, then press the SELECT button. Highlight the required playlist, then press the PLAY button. The playlist opens and the Network Media Receiver starts playing from the first track in the playlist.
- Page 61 Network Media Receiver Navigating within a playlist during playback To navigate within a playlist, proceed as follows: On the remote control, press the PREV button once. The current music track plays from the beginning. Press the PREV button twice. The previous music track begins to play. Press the NEXT button once.
- Page 62 Network Media Receiver Looping a music track The Repeat function enables you to repeat the playback of a single music track or an entire playlist. To loop a music track, proceed as follows: Press the OPTIONS button during the playback of the music track or playlist. The OPTIONS menu appears.
- Page 63 Network Media Receiver Choosing a play mode Play Mode enables you to play all tracks in a playlist (normal playback), play a specific music track, or play music tracks in the playlist randomly (shuffle). To choose a play mode, proceed as follows: Press the OPTIONS button during the playback of the playlist.
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Page 64: Viewing Photos
Network Media Receiver Viewing photos This section provides information on using the Network Media Receiver to view photos in slideshow format or as individual still images, using your VAIO computer and TV. Please note that due to lower resolutions and refresh rates used on most TVs, the picture quality on your TV set might be lower than that of a computer display. - Page 65 Network Media Receiver Highlight Connect and press the SELECT button. The Photo - All Libraries screen appears, displaying available folders and photo collections. Highlight the folder that contains the required photo collection or photos, then press the SELECT button. The folder opens and a list of available still images is displayed. Highlight the collection or still image to view, then press the PLAY button.
- Page 66 Network Media Receiver Using index view (thumbnails) Index View enables you to view still image files (photos), stored on your photo server, in thumbnail view. To use the index view, proceed as follows: From the Photo - All Libraries screen, highlight the collection or still image to view and press the OPTIONS button. A submenu appears.
- Page 67 Network Media Receiver Viewing photos Highlight Show Index, then press the SELECT button. The photos are displayed in thumbnail view on your TV screen.
- Page 68 Network Media Receiver Changing the slideshow settings You can set the time interval between the photos in a slideshow or set the photos to display in a loop (repeat). To change the slideshow settings, proceed as follows: Press the OPTIONS button while the Photo - All Libraries screen is displayed. The OPTIONS menu appears.
- Page 69 Network Media Receiver In the Slide Show Interval section, use the right or left arrow buttons to highlight a time value, then press the SELECT button. In the Slide Show Repeat section, use the right or left arrow buttons to highlight ON or OFF, then press the SELECT button. Highlight OK, then press the SELECT button.
- Page 70 Network Media Receiver Adding background music to a slideshow To add background music to a slideshow, proceed as follows: Press OPTIONS while a slideshow is playing. A submenu appears. Highlight Background music on..., then press SELECT. Highlight a server that contains the required background music playlist and press the SELECT button. Highlight Connect and press the SELECT button.
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Page 71: Additional Information
Network Media Receiver Additional information ❑ To hide the on-screen information (text), press the DISPLAY button on the remote control. ❑ To view the previous picture, press the PREV button once. ❑ To view the next picture, press the NEXT button. ❑... -
Page 72: Troubleshooting
Network Media Receiver Troubleshooting This section describes how to troubleshoot common problems. ❑ About power connections (page 72) ❑ About the remote control (page 75) ❑ About visual and audio reception ❑ About connecting to a server (page 77) (page 75) Troubleshooting... -
Page 73: About Power Connections
Network Media Receiver About power connections The Network Media Receiver does not start or operate ❑ Connect the AC adapter securely. The Standby indicator light is red (dimmed) once the AC power cord is connected between the Network Media Receiver unit and the wall power outlet. - Page 74 Network Media Receiver The Network Media Receiver does not turn off If the displayed screen is frozen or unresponsive, or you cannot turn the Network Media Receiver off, the unit may have become unstable. To reset the unit, proceed as follows: Press the power button on the Network Media Receiver for more than five seconds or disconnect the AC adapter from the Network Media Receiver.
- Page 75 Network Media Receiver The VAIO computer does not resume from Standby or Hibernate mode ❑ Make sure the computer, server and network settings are configured correctly. ❑ Check the following, if applicable to your connection environment: ❑ A crossover cable is securely connected between the Network Media Receiver and a single VAIO computer. ❑...
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Page 76: About Visual And Audio Reception
Network Media Receiver About the remote control The remote control does not control TV functions ❑ Make sure your TV is compatible. The remote control does not work with all TV models. ❑ Make sure the fresh batteries are properly installed in the remote control. ❑... - Page 77 Network Media Receiver Visual and audio reception is interrupted or distorted ❑ The network may not have enough bandwidth. ❑ Check the following, if applicable to your network environment: ❑ The network cables support 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T. ❑ The network switch or the router device supports 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T. Troubleshooting...
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Page 78: Cannot Connect To A Server
Network Media Receiver About connecting to a server Cannot connect to a server ❑ Make sure the VAIO computer(s) are turned on. ❑ Make sure the network settings are configured correctly. ❑ Confirm the following, if applicable to your network environment: ❑... - Page 79 Network Media Receiver The required server is not displayed in the Select a server screen To refresh the Select a server list, proceed as follows: Press the OPTIONS button on the remote control, then select Refresh. Press the SELECT button. Refreshing the list may take longer than a few moments.
- Page 80 Network Media Receiver The server is listed as Unknown When this is shown for a server, the Network Media Receiver does not recognise the computer’s availability and fails to connect. In this case, proceed as follows: Using the remote control, select Connect from the on-screen submenu. Press OK.
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Page 81: Specifications
Network Media Receiver Specifications Model Hardware MPEG2 decoder Compatible file formats* Video** Music Photo Connectors video output audio output Ethernet network Power requirements Operating temperature Power use during operation during standby Dimensions of unit (width x height x depth) 29 mm x 141 mm x 155 mm Weight of unit Supplied accessories Specifications are subject to change without notice.