Sony Group NWZA820 Digital Media Player User Manual NWZ A826 A828 A829

Sony Corporation Digital Media Player NWZ A826 A828 A829

Manual 1

©2008 Sony Corporation 3-289-807-11 (1)
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Operation Guide
NWZ-A826 / A828 / A829
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index
Please see Users Manual 4 for FCC and IC manual statements
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
2
2
Digital Media Player
NWZ-A826 / NWZ-A828 / NWZ-A829
About the Manuals
The following manuals are included with the player. Additionally, after
installing software from the supplied CD-ROM, you can refer to the help
provided within each software.
Quick Start Guide explains set up and the basic operations, enabling you to
import songs, videos and photos to a computer, to transfer them to the
player, and to play them back. It also explains Bluetooth setup and basic
operations.
Precautions explains important notes to prevent accidents.
Troubleshooting explains symptoms, causes and remedies when the player
has problems.
This Operation Guide explains standard and advanced features, enabling
you to make full use of the player and troubleshoot problems.
Browsing the Operation Guide
To use the buttons in the Operation Guide
Click the buttons located in the upper right of this manual to jump to “Table of
Contents,” “Home Menu List,” or “Index.
Jumps to the table of contents
Find what you are looking for from a list of topics in the manual.
Jumps to the home menu list
Find what you are looking for from a list of the option items in the player’s menu.
Jumps to the index
Find what you are looking for from a list of key words mentioned in the manual.
Continued
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
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Hints
You can jump to the indicated page by clicking a page number in the table of contents, in
the Home menu list, or in the index.
You can jump to the indicated page by clicking a page reference indication (e.g., page
4) on each page.
To search for a reference page by keyword, click the “Edit” menu, select the “Search
feature of the Adobe Reader to display the navigation frame, type the keyword into the
Search text box, and click “Search.
Once you jump to another page, you can jump to the previous or next page by clicking
the or button located at the bottom of the Adobe Reader screen.
Operation procedures may differ, depending on your Adobe Reader version.
To change the page layout
The buttons at the bottom of the Adobe Reader screen enable you to select how
pages are displayed.
Single Page
Pages are displayed one at a time.
When you scroll, the display changes
to a previous or succeeding page.
Continuous
Pages are displayed as a continuous
roll of pages.
When you scroll, the previous or next
pages scroll up or down continuously.
Continuous - Facing
Two pages are displayed side by side
with each pair part of a continuous
roll of pages. When you scroll, the
previous or next pairs of pages scroll
up or down continuously.
Facing
Two pages are displayed side by side.
When you scroll, the display changes
to previous or succeeding pairs of
pages.
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
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4
Continued
Table of Contents
Supplied Accessories ............................. 8
About the bundled soware ...........................9
Parts and Controls .............................. 10
Front ................................................................10
Rear ..................................................................12
Player Controls and Screens ............... 13
How to use the 5-way button and screen ....14
Displaying the “Now Playing” Screen .........19
Using the OPTION Button ................. 20
Playing Music
Searching for Songs (Music Library) ....... 21
Searching for songs by song name ...............21
Searching for songs by album .......................22
Searching for songs by artist .........................23
Searching for songs by genre ........................24
Searching for songs by release year .............25
Searching for songs by folder .......................26
Searching for Songs by Initial Letter
.......................................................... 27
Playing a Playlist ................................. 28
Searching for Songs Based on the
Currently Playing Song ..................... 29
Playing Songs in Random Order
(Intelligent Shue) ................................. 30
Playing songs released in the same year in
random order (Time Machine Shue) ............30
Playing all songs in random order ...............32
Displaying the Now Playing Screen Each
Time the Songs Switch
(New Song Pop Up) ................................. 33
Deleting Songs from Music Library .... 34
Displaying the Music Option Menu .... 35
Setting the Music
Setting the Play Mode (Play Mode)......... 37
Setting the Playback Range ................. 39
Setting the Album Display Format ..... 40
Setting to Search by Folders
(/ Button Setting) ............................... 42
Setting the Sound Quality (Equalizer) ... 43
Changing the sound quality .........................43
Customizing sound quality ...........................45
Making the Sound More Vibrant
(VPT(Surround)).................................... 46
Listening with Clear Stereo Sound
(Clear Stereo) ........................................ 48
Correcting Sound in the High Range
(DSEE(Sound Enhancer)) ......................... 49
Adjusting the Volume Level
(Dynamic Normalizer) ............................. 51
Playing Videos
Playing a Video ................................... 52
Setting the Video Orientation ............ 54
Setting the Display of the Video Screen
.......................................................... 56
Setting the Zoom Function ................. 57
Playing Videos Continuously ............. 59
Setting the Video List Display Format
.......................................................... 60
Playing Only Video Sound .................. 61
Deleting Videos from the Video Library
.......................................................... 62
Displaying the Video Option Menu .... 63
Playing Photos
Displaying a Photo .............................. 64
Setting the Photo Orientation ............ 66
Setting the Display of the Photo Screen
.......................................................... 68
Playing a Slide Show ........................... 69
Setting the Slide Show Play Mode ....... 70
Setting the Interval of a Slide Show .... 71
Setting the Photo List Display Format
.......................................................... 72
Deleting Photos from Photo Library
.......................................................... 73
Displaying the Photo Option Menu .... 74
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
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5
Note
Depending on the country/region in which you have purchased the player, some models
may not be available.
Listening to Songs through Bluetooth
Communication
Basic Facts on Bluetooth Technology
.......................................................... 75
What can the player do with Bluetooth? .....75
What is Bluetooth technology? ....................76
Steps to use Bluetooth communication ......77
Preparing for Bluetooth Communication
(Pairing) ............................................... 78
What is pairing? .............................................78
Establishing Bluetooth Connection .... 81
Establishing Bluetooth connection using the
BLUETOOTH button (Quick Connection) ...81
Establishing Bluetooth connection from the
Home menu .................................................83
About the Bluetooth indicator .....................85
Listening to Songs or Video Sound from
a Bluetooth Device ............................ 86
Selecting a Device for Quick Connection
.......................................................... 88
Checking the Information of Bluetooth
Devices .............................................. 89
Deleting a Paired Bluetooth Device from
the Player .......................................... 90
Setting the Sound Quality
(Sound Quality Mode) ............................. 91
Applying Sound Eects Setting .......... 92
Check the Bluetooth Information of the
Player (Bluetooth Information) ................ 93
Turning o the Bluetooth Function
(Bluetooth O) ...................................... 94
Entering Connection Standby
(Connection Standby) .............................. 95
Precautions on Bluetooth
communication ................................. 96
Displaying the Bluetooth Option Menu
.......................................................... 98
Settings
Limiting the Volume
(AVLS (Volume Limit)) ............................ 99
Turning O the Beep Sound ............. 100
Setting a Screensaver Type ................ 101
Setting a Screensaver Time ............... 102
Adjusting the Brightness of the Screen
(Brightness) ........................................ 103
Setting the Current Time
(Set Date-Time).................................... 104
Setting the Date Format .................... 106
Setting the Time Format ................... 107
Displaying the Player Information
(Unit Information) ................................ 108
Resetting to Factory Settings
(Reset all Settings) ................................ 109
Formatting Memory (Format) ............. 110
Selecting the Display Language ........ 112
Useful Facts
Recharging the Player ....................... 114
Maximizing Battery Life ................... 115
About Data Transferring .................. 116
What are Format and Bit Rate? ......... 120
What is audio format? ................................ 120
What is video format? ................................ 121
What is photo format? ................................ 121
Storing Data ...................................... 122
Upgrading the Player’s Firmware ..... 123
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ................................ 124
Messages ............................................ 139
Additional Information
Precautions ....................................... 143
About Copyrights ............................. 152
Specications .................................... 154
Index ................................................. 159
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index
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6
Home Menu List
You can display the Home menu by pressing and holding the BACK/HOME
button of the player. The Home menu is the starting point of each function,
such as playing songs, videos and photos, searching for songs, Bluetooth
communication, and changing settings.
Intelligent Shuffle
Time Machine Shuffle ................ 30
Shuffle All ..................................... 32
Initial Search
Artist ............................................. 27
Album ........................................... 27
Song .............................................. 27
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Devices .......................83
Connection Standby ...................95
Bluetooth Off ............................... 94
Pairing ..........................................78
Photo Library ......................... 64
Music Library
All Songs .......................................21
Album ........................................... 22
Artist ............................................. 23
Genre ............................................ 24
Release Year.................................. 25
Folder ............................................ 26
Video Library .......................... 52
Continued
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index
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7
Settings
Music Settings
Play Mode ............................... 37
Playback Range ....................... 39
Equalizer .................................. 43
VPT(Surround) ...................... 46
DSEE(Sound Enhance) ......... 49
Clear Stereo ............................. 48
Dynamic Normalizer ............. 51
Album Display Format .......... 40
New Song Pop Up .................. 33
/Button Setting ................. 42
Video Settings
Zoom Settings ......................... 57
Video Orientation .................. 54
Display ..................................... 56
Continuous Playback ............. 59
Video List Format .................. 60
On-Hold Display .................... 61
Photo Settings
Photo Orientation .................. 66
Display ..................................... 68
Slide Show Repeat .................. 70
Slide Show Interval ................ 71
Photo List Format .................. 72
Bluetooth Settings
Sound Quality Mode ............. 91
Quick Connection .................. 88
Sound Effect Preset ................ 92
Bluetooth Information .......... 93
Common Settings
Unit Information .................. 108
AVLS (Volume Limit) ............ 99
Beep Settings ......................... 100
Screensaver............................ 101
Brightness .............................. 103
Set Date-Time ....................... 104
Date Display Format ............ 106
Time Display Format ........... 107
Reset all Settings ................... 109
Format ................................... 110
Language Settings .....................112
Playlists ................................... 28
Now Playing ........................... 19
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
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8
Supplied Accessories
Please check the accessories in the package.
Headphones (1)
USB cable (1)
Earbuds (Size S,L) (1)
Attachment (1)
Use when connecting the player to the optional cradle, etc.
Stand (1)
CD-ROM*1 *2 (1)
MP3 Conversion Tool
Media Manager for WALKMAN
Windows Media Player 11
Operation Guide (PDF file)
Quick Start Guide (1)
*1 Do not attempt to play this CD-ROM in an audio CD player.
*2 Depending on the country/region in which you have purchased the player,
the bundled software may be different.
How to install the earbuds correctly
If the earbuds do not fit your ears correctly, low bass sound may not be heard.
To enjoy better sound quality, change the size of the earbuds or adjust the
earbud position to sit on your ears comfortably and fit your ears snugly.
At purchase, M size earbuds are installed. If the earbuds do not
fit your ears, try one of the other supplied sizes, S or L.
When you change the earbuds, turn to install them firmly on the
headphones to prevent the earbud from detaching and
remaining in your ear.
About the serial number
The serial number provided for this player is required for customer
registration. The number is shown on the rear of the player.
Continued
L
L
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
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9
About the bundled software
Windows Media Player 11
Transferable files: Music (MP3, WMA), Photo (JPEG)
Windows Media Player can import audio data from CDs and transfer data to
the player. When you use copyright protected WMA audio files, use this
software.
For details on operation, refer to the Help of the software or visit the following
website.
http://www.support.microsoft.com/
Hint
Some computers that already have Windows Media Player 10 installed may encounter
file limitation (AAC, video files, etc.) that can be transferred by dragging and dropping.
If you install Windows Media Player 11 from the supplied CD-ROM, you can solve
this problem, then you can transfer by dragging and dropping again. Before installing
Windows Media Player 11 on your computer, make sure to check whether your software
or service corresponds to Windows Media Player 11.
Media Manager for WALKMAN
Transferable files: Music (MP3, WMA/AAC*1, WAV), Photo (JPEG), Video
(MPEG-4 Simple Profile, AVC (H.264/AVC) Baseline Profile), RSS feed (music,
video)
Media Manager for WALKMAN can transfer music, photos or videos from the
computer to the player and import audio data from CDs. Media Manager for
WALKMAN can also subscribe to RSS feeds and transfer the music and video
files that have been downloaded from RSS channels.
For details on operation, refer to the Help of the software. Audio files (AAC) or
videos can be also transferred by dragging and dropping using Windows
Explorer as well as Media Manager for WALKMAN.
*1 DRM files are not compatible.
MP3 Conversion Tool
ATRAC files need to be converted using bundled MP3 Conversion Tool.
(Audio data purchased from a music distribution service on the Internet
cannot be converted.)
Note that when converting ATRAC files to MP3 files, the ATRAC files are not
deleted. You can also delete the ATRAC files by configuring the setting.
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
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10
Parts and Controls
Front
BACK/HOME button*1
Press to go up one list screen level, or
to return to the previous menu.
Press and hold the BACK/HOME
button to display the Home menu
( page 13).
Headphone jack
For connecting the headphones.
Insert the jack pin until it clicks into
place. If the headphones are
connected improperly, the sound
from the headphones may not sound
right.
WM‑PORT jack
Use this jack to connect the supplied
USB cable, or optional peripheral
devices, such as supported
accessories for the WM-PORT.
5‑way button*2
Starts playback and enables
navigation of the players on-screen
menus ( page 14).
Display
The display may vary, depending on
functions ( page 13).
Bluetooth antenna (aerial)
Bluetooth indicator
Indicates the status of the Bluetooth
function
( page 85)
.
VOL +*2/– button
Adjusts the volume.
BLUETOOTH button
Press and hold to turn on or off the
Bluetooth function, and to establish
or to end Bluetooth connection.
Continued
Table of
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Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
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11
HOLD switch
You can protect the player against
accidental operation by using the
HOLD switch when carrying it. By
sliding the HOLD switch to the
direction of the arrow , all
operation buttons are disabled. If you
slide the HOLD switch to the
opposite position, the HOLD
function is released.
OPTION/PWR OFF button*1
Displays the option menu ( page
20, 35, 63, 74, 98).
If you press and hold the OPTION/
PWR OFF button, screen turns off
and the player enters standby mode.
If you press any button while the
player is in standby mode, the “Now
Playing” screen, etc., appears and the
player is ready for operation.
Furthermore, if you leave the player
in standby mode for about a day, the
player turns completely off
automatically. If you press any button
when the player is turned off, the
start up screen appears first, then the
“Now Playing” screen appears.
Note
The player consumes battery power
very slightly even when it is in standby
mode. Therefore, the player might
turn completely off in a short time,
depending on the power remaining in
the battery.
Strap hole
Used to attach a strap (sold
separately). You can attach the
supplied stand and a strap at the same
time
( page 12)
.
*1 Functions marked with on the
player are activated if you press and hold
the corresponding buttons.
*2 There are tactile dots. Use them to help
with button operations.
Continued
Table of
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Index
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12
Rear
RESET button
Resets the player when you press the
RESET button with a small pin, etc.
( page 124).
Accessory hole (type I)
Used to attach the supplied stand or
the optional accessories.
Using the supplied stand
You can stand up the player using the
supplied stand.
Notes
When standing the player with the
stand, be careful not to press down or
knock the player.
Stand up the player horizontally as
shown. Do not stand it up vertically.
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
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13
Player Controls and Screens
Use the 5-way button and the BACK/HOME button to navigate through
screens, play songs, videos and photos, and to change the players settings.
The Home menu appears when you press and hold the BACK/HOME button.
The diagram below shows how the screen changes when you press various
operation buttons. For example, the player’s screen changes as shown below
when you select “Music Library”– “Album” from the Home menu.
Continued
Home menu
Music Library
Album list
Song list
Now Playing screen
Select (Music Library), and press
the button.
Select Album, and
press the button.
Select your desired album, and
press the button.
Select your desired song, and
press the button.
Playback begins.
Press the BACK/
HOME button.
Press the BACK/
HOME button.
Press the BACK/
HOME button.
Press the BACK/
HOME button.
Press and hold the
BACK/HOME button.
Press and hold the
BACK/HOME button.
Press and hold the
BACK/HOME button.
Press and hold the
BACK/HOME button.
Table of
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Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
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14
How to use the 5‑way button and screen
The 5-way button performs different functions on
the list screens, on the thumbnail screens, and on
the “Now Playing” screen.
*1 There are tactile dots. Use them to help with button
operations.
How to use the 5‑way button on the list screen
Music
Index
The initials of song and album, etc., names in the list section appear.
List
Information area
The information of the song, icons, etc., appears ( page 18).
Buttons Description
Confirms the item of the list.
Press and hold to play back all songs in the selected item.
/Moves the cursor up or down.
Press and hold to scroll up or down faster.
/Changes screens, or, when an index is displayed, moves the cursor
left or right to display a list of items.
Displays the previous or next screen of the list, when the index is
not displayed.
List
Video
Buttons Description
Confirms the item of the list.
/Moves the cursor up or down.
Press and hold to scroll up or down faster.
/Displays the previous or next screen of the list.
Continued
(play/pause/
confirm) button*1
/ buttons
/ buttons
Table of
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NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
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15
List
Photo
Buttons Description
Confirms the item of the list.
Press and hold to play back a slide show of photos in the selected
item.
/Moves the cursor up or down.
Press and hold to scroll up or down faster.
/Displays the previous or next screen of the list.
How to use the 5‑way button on the thumbnail*1 screen
Thumbnails
Buttons Description
Displays the song list of the selected item during music operation,
or displays the selected item during photo operation. Starts play
back of the selected item during video operation.
/Moves the cursor up or down.
Press and hold to scroll up or down faster.
/Move the cursor left or right.
Press and hold to move the cursor left or right faster and then
scroll up or down through the thumbnail screens.
*1 Thumbnail refers to a reduced size image of a piece of cover art, one scene of a video, or
a photo. To display thumbnails for albums, see page 40; for video files, see page
60.
Continued
Table of
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NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
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16
How to use the 5‑way button on the “Now Playing” screen
Music
Song name
Artist name
Album title
Genre
Playing status
Release year
Buttons Description
Starts song playback. When playback starts, appears on the
display, and if the button is pressed again, appears and
playback pauses.*1 This pause and resume feature is available only
on the “Now Playing” screen.
/Press the / button to display the cursor and scroll through the
displayed items. When genre, album title, or other characteristic is
selected by the cursor, press the button to display a list of
artists matching the genre of the currently playing song or the song
lists of the album that is currently playing.
When the / button is set to “Folder +/–” ( page 42)
Starts play back from the first song of the next folder*2, the current
folder or the previous folder. Press the button to the skip the first
song of the current folder or the previous folder. Press the button
to skip to the first song of the next folder.
/Moves playback to the beginning of the current, previous, or next
song when pressed once or repeatedly. Press and hold to scan a
playing song backwards or forwards quickly.
*1 If there is no operation for more than 3 minutes while a song is paused, the screen turns
off and the player enters standby mode.
*2 The folder units that the player skips vary by the list before the song list. For example, if
you select a song in the following order; “Artist”- album list - song list, you can search
for songs by skipping albums.
Continued
Table of
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NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
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17
Playing status
Video
When you change the display orientation to horizontal, the /// button
orientation and functions will also be changed.
Buttons Description
Starts video playback. When playback starts, appears on the
display, and if the button is pressed again, appears and
playback pauses.*1 You can play and pause videos only from the
“Now Playing” screen of the video.
/Press the / button to find the beginning of the next, previous or
the currently playing video.*2
/Press the / button to scan a playing video backwards or
forwards quickly.
During playback, the speed of fast forward/backward changes
through 3 levels by repeatedly pressing the / button ((×10),
(×30), (×100)). By pressing and holding, the speed increases 1 level,
and by releasing, returns to the normal playback.
While pausing playback, the scene moves forward or backward
slightly by pressing the / button.
*1 If there is no operation for more than 3 minutes while a video is paused, the screen
turns off and the player enters standby mode.
*2 If “Continuous Playback” is set to “On,” you can find the beginning of the previous or
next video from the currently playing video ( page 53).
Continued
Table of
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NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
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18
Photo
Playing status
When you change the display orientation to horizontal, the /// button
orientation and functions will also be changed.
Buttons Description
  appears on the display and a slide show starts. If the
button is pressed again, appears and playback pauses.*1
/Displays the previous or next photo.
*1 When playing songs while a slide show is paused, the screen goes dark if there is no
operation for the period set in “Screensaver Timing” ( page 102). When the song
playback and a slide show accompanying it are paused, and there is no operation for
more than 3 minutes, the screen turns off and the player enters standby mode.
About the information area
The icons, shown in the table below, appears in the information area. The icons vary by the
playback status, settings or the screens.
For details about the icons, see each reference pages.
Icons description
, , , ,
, ,
, , , , etc
The icons of the playback status
Play back, Pause, Fast forward/backward, Move to the beginning of
the next, current or previous song
Go forward /backward slightly or quickly ( page 53)
, , , The icons of the song title, the artist name, the video title or the photo
title
, , etc
The icons of the play mode
The play mode is set to Repeator “Shuffle( page 38). “Slide
Show Repeat” is set to “On” ( page 70)
The icons of the playback range
The playback range is set to “Selected Range” ( page 39)
, etc The icons of the sound effect setting ( page 44)
,
The icons of the video setting
Continuous Playback” is set to “On” ( page 59)
“Zoom Settings” is set to “Auto” or “Full” ( page 57)
The icon of the remaining of the battery ( page 114)
Continued
Table of
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NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
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19
Displaying the “Now Playing” Screen
You can quickly display “Now Playing” screen from various screens.
5-way button
BACK/HOME
button
Now Playing
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Now Playing), and then
press the button to conrm.
Detailed information about the currently playing content file appears.
Hints
You can display the “Now Playing” screen by pressing the OPTION/PWR OFF button to
select “Now Playing.
When playing videos or photos, you can select “Go to the song playback screen” from
the option menu to display the song playback screen.
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20
Using the OPTION Button
You can change various settings of each function when you press the OPTION/
PWR OFF button. The OPTION/PWR OFF button is useful since you can
display the setting screen immediately without selecting setting items from the
(Settings) menu of the Home menu.
5-way button
OPTION/PWR OFF button
Press the OPTION/PWR OFF button.
The option menu appears.
Press the /// button to select the item, and then press the
button to conrm.
The screen of the selected setting item appears or the selected command is
performed. The items of the option menu differ, depending on the screen
on which you press the OPTION/PWR OFF button.
For details, see the following pages.

“Displaying the Music Option Menu” ( page 35)

“Displaying the Video Option Menu” ( page 63)

“Displaying the Photo Option Menu” ( page 74)

“Displaying the Bluetooth Option Menu” ( page 98)
Hint
When there are multiple menus, display other menus by pressing the / button.
Table of
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NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Playing Music
Playing Music
21
21
Searching for Songs
(Music Library)
Songs transferred by Windows Explorer, or another transfer capable software
can be played back on the player.
You can search for songs by title of songs, albums, artist, and genre, etc.
Music Library
5-way button
BACK/HOME
button
Searching for songs by song name
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Music Library), and then
press the button to conrm.
The “Music Library” screen appears.
Press the /// button to select All Songs, and then press the
button to conrm.
The song list appears.
Press the /// button to select a song, and then press the
button to conrm.
The song you selected starts to play back and the playback of songs
continues in order.
Continued
Table of
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Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Playing Music
22
22
Searching for songs by album
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Music Library), and then
press the button to conrm.
The “Music Library” screen appears.
Press the /// button to select Album, and then press the
button to conrm.
The album list appears.
Press the /// button to select an album, and then press the
button to conrm.
The song list for the selected album appears.
Press the /// button to select a song, and then press the
button to conrm.
The song you selected starts to play back and the playback of songs
continues in order.
Hints
You can play all songs of a list item by selecting the item from the list and pressing and
holding the button in step .
You can change the display format of the album list ( page 40).
You can select the playback range of songs ( page 39).
Continued
Table of
Contents
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Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Playing Music
23
23
Searching for songs by artist
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Music Library), and then
press the button to conrm.
The “Music Library” screen appears.
Press the /// button to select Artist, and then press the
button to conrm.
The artist list appears.
Press the /// button to select an artist, and then press the
button to conrm.
The album list for the selected artist appears.
Press the /// button to select an album, and then press the
button to conrm.
The song list for the selected album appears.
Press the /// button to select a song, and then press the
button to conrm.
The song you selected starts to play back and the playback of songs
continues in order.
Hints
You can play all songs of a list item by selecting the item from the list and pressing and
holding the button in steps to .
You can change the display format of the album list ( page 40).
You can select the playback range of songs ( page 39).
Continued
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Playing Music
24
24
Searching for songs by genre
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Music Library), and then
press the button to conrm.
The “Music Library” screen appears.
Press the /// button to select Genre, and then press the
button to conrm.
The genre list appears.
Press the /// button to select a genre, and then press the
button to conrm.
The artist list for the selected genre appears.
Press the /// button to select an artist, and then press the
button to conrm.
The album list for the selected artist appears.
Press the /// button to select an album, and then press the
button to conrm.
The song list for the selected album appears.
Press the /// button to select a song, and then press the
button to conrm.
The song you selected starts to play back and the playback of songs
continues in order.
Hints
You can play all songs of a list item by selecting the item from the list and pressing and
holding the button in steps to .
You can change the display format of the album list ( page 40).
You can select the playback range of songs ( page 39).
Continued
Table of
Contents
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Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Playing Music
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25
Searching for songs by release year
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Music Library), and then
press the button to conrm.
The “Music Library” screen appears.
Press the /// button to select “Release Year, and then press
the button to conrm.
The list of release years appears.
Press the /// button to select a year, and then press the
button to conrm.
The artist list for the selected release year appears.
Press the /// button to select an artist, and then press the
button to conrm.
The song list for the artist, selected from the release year, appears.
Press the /// button to select a song, and then press the
button to conrm.
The song you selected starts to play back and the playback of songs
continues in order.
Hints
You can play all songs of a list item by selecting the item from the list and pressing and
holding the button in steps to .
You can select the playback range of songs ( page 39).
Continued
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Playing Music
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26
Searching for songs by folder
When you transfer data to the “MUSIC” folder by dragging and dropping in
Windows Explorer, up to the 8th level under the “MUSIC” folder will appear
and can be played back. Even if you use another transfer capable software for
transferring songs, you can still search for songs by folder.
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Music Library), and then
press the button to conrm.
The “Music Library” screen appears.
Press the /// button to select “Folder, and then press the
button to conrm.
The folder list or the song appears.
Press the /// button to select a folder or song, and then press
the button to conrm.
When you select a folder in step , the song or folder list(s) appear. When
you select a song in step , the playback screen appears, then the song
playback starts. Repeat step if necessary until the desired song appears.
The song you selected starts to play back and the playback of songs
continues in order.
Hint
You can select the playback range of songs ( page 39).
Notes
Up to 8 folder levels can be recognized.
You cannot play all songs of a folder even if you select a folder from the list and press
and hold the button in step .
Table of
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Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Playing Music
27
27
Searching for Songs by Initial Letter
You can search for songs by the initial letter of the artist name, album title, or
song name.
Initial Search
5-way button
BACK/HOME
button
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Initial Search), and then
press the button to conrm.
The list of categories you can search appears.
Press the /// button to select a category, and then press the
button to conrm.
A screen appears that enables you to select a character.
Press the /// button to select an initial character, and then
press the button to conrm.
When the search finishes, the results are displayed.
When you select “Artist” or “Album,” you can narrow the search results and
select a specific song.
When “Artist” or “Album” is selected and you press and hold the
button, all songs on the item are played.
Table of
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Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Playing Music
28
28
Playing a Playlist
You can play lists of songs (playlists). Also, you can create playlists using the
supplied Windows Media Player 11, or another transfer capable software.
However, some playlists may not be recognized by the player, depending on
software. For details on operation, refer to the Help or maker of the software.
Playlists 5-way button
BACK/HOME
button
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Playlists), and then press the
button to conrm.
The list of playlists appears.
Press the /// button to select a playlist, and then press the
button to conrm.
The song list appears.
Press the /// button to select a song, and then press the
button to conrm.
The song you selected starts to play back and the playback of songs
continues in order.
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Playing Music
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29
Searching for Songs Based on the Currently
Playing Song
You can search for other songs, albums, and artists by the song information of
the currently playing song. To use this function, the “/ Button Setting
needs to be set to “Direct Search” ( page 42).
5-way button
BACK/HOME
button
Now Playing
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Now Playing), and then
press the button to conrm.
The “Now Playing” screen of the currently playing song appears.
Press the button to display a cursor and select an item in which
you want to search for songs, and then press the button to
conrm.
The following lists appear, depending on the item you selected.
Artist”: The album list of the currently playing artist.
Album”: The song list of the currently playing album.
Genre”: An artist list in the same genre as the currently playing artist.
“Release Year”: An artist list from the same release year as the currently
playing song.
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Playing Music
30
30
Playing Songs in Random Order
(Intelligent Shue)
The player offers 2 different random modes (also known as shuffle play) .
Intelligent
Shuffle
5-way button
BACK/HOME
button
Playing songs released in the same year in random order
(Time Machine Shuffle)
The player randomly selects a release year and plays all transferred songs of
that year in random order.
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Intelligent Shue), and
then press the button to conrm.
The screen used to select a shuffle mode appears.
Press the /// button to select Time Machine Shue, and
then press the button to conrm.
A release year is randomly selected, the songs of that year are shuffled, and
playback starts.
Hints
When you start “Intelligent Shuffle” play, the play mode changes to “Shuffle” or
Shuffle&Repeat” ( page 38). Even if you cancel “Intelligent Shuffle,” the “Shuffle” or
Shuffle&Repeat” setting for the play mode is kept.
When you start the “Time Machine Shuffle” play, the playback range is set to “Selected
Range” ( page 39). Even if you cancel “Time Machine Shuffle,” the setting of the
Selected Range” is kept.
“Intelligent Shuffle” play is automatically canceled by any of the following operations:
Starting playback of a song by selecting it from the “Music Library,” etc.
Changing the play mode.
Changing the playback range.
Playing a video.
Continued
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Playing Music
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31
Notes
While the animation that appears when the player is selecting a release year is displayed,
the controls of the player cannot be operated.
Songs with no release year data are not selected in “Time Machine Shuffle” play and are
not played.
A shuffle play of all songs begins if none of the songs on the player have a release year
assigned to them.
If all the songs on the player that have a release year assigned have the same release year,
or some of songs have the same release year and the rest of them have no release year
assigned, the animation that appears while release year is being selected is not displayed
and playback starts.
Continued
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Index
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Playing Music
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32
Playing all songs in random order
All the songs stored on the player are played in random order.
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Intelligent Shue), and
then press the button to conrm.
The screen used to select a shuffle mode appears.
Press the /// button to select “Shue All, and then press the
button to conrm.
All songs are shuffled, and playback starts.
Hints
When you start “Intelligent Shuffle” play, the play mode changes to “Shuffle” or
Shuffle&Repeat” ( page 38). Even if you cancel “Intelligent Shuffle,” the “Shuffle” or
Shuffle&Repeat” setting for the play mode is kept.
Intelligent Shuffle” play is automatically canceled by any of the following operations:
Starting playback of a song by selecting it from the “Music Library,” etc.
Changing the play mode.
Changing the playback range.
Playing a video.
Table of
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Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Playing Music
33
33
Displaying the Now Playing Screen Each Time the
Songs Switch
(New Song Pop Up)
If you set the screensaver to “Clock” or “Blank” ( page 101) and there is no
operation for a while, the screen changes to the clock display or blank screen.
However, if you set “New Song Pop Up” to “On,” the screen turns on
automatically whenever a song changes to another song.
Settings 5-way button
BACK/HOME
button
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Settings), and then press
the button to conrm.
Press the /// button to select “Music Settings, and then press
the button to conrm.
The list of “Music Settings” options appears.
Press the /// button to select “New Song Pop Up, and then
press the button to conrm.
Press the /// button to select On, and then press the
button to conrm.
The “Now Playing” screen appears whenever a song switches to another
song.
If you do not want to display the “Now Playing” screen
Select “Off ” in step . In this case, the “Now Playing” screen does not appear
when a song switches to another song.
Note
This function is deactivated when displaying photos during song playback.
Table of
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Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Playing Music
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34
Deleting Songs from Music Library
When you delete songs form “Music Library,” use the software you used to
transfer the songs, or Windows Explorer.
For details about using the software, see the Help of the software.
Table of
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Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Playing Music
35
35
Displaying the Music Option Menu
You can display the Music option menu by pressing the OPTION/PWR OFF
button on a list screen (including the thumbnail screen), such as a song list, or
on the music “Now Playing” screen. From the Music option menu, various
settings of music are available.
The option items shown on the option menu vary, depending on the screen
from which you display the option menu.
Option items appear on the list screen
Option items Description/reference page
Now Playing Displays the “Now Playing” screen.
Detailed Information Displays the detailed information of a song,
such as playing time, audio format, bit rate, and
file name.
Play Plays back all songs in the song list.
Album Display Format Selects the album list format ( page 40).
Continued
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Playing Music
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36
Option items appear on the “Now Playing” screen
Option items Description/reference page
Play Mode Sets the play mode ( page 37).
Playback Range Sets the playback range ( page 39).
Equalizer Customizes the sound quality ( page 43).
VPT(Surround) Customizes the “VPT(Surround)” settings (
page 46).
Cover Art*1Displays a cover art.
Detailed Information*2Displays the detailed information of a song,
such as playing time, audio format, bit rate, and
file name.
/ Button Setting Sets the operation of the / button to “Direct
Search” or “Folder +/–“ ( page 42).
Clock Display Displays the current time ( page 101).
*1 “Cover Artscreen
While the cover art screen is displayed, you can move songs to the previous or the next one by pressing the / button.
If the songs do not have cover art information, the default picture of the player will be
displayed.
The cover art only appears if the cover art information is included. You can set cover art
using the supplied Windows Media Player 11, or another transfer capable software for
setting cover art. For details on operation, refer to the Help or maker of the software.
The cover art may not be displayed, depending on the cover art file format.
*2 “Detailed Information” screen
When you display this screen from the “Now Playing” screen, you can move songs to the previous or the next one
by pressing the / button.
Playback time
File format
Bit rate
Copyrighted files
While playing back variable bit rate songs, “VBR is shown. The displayed playback time and the progress bar are approximate.
File name
Table of
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Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Setting the Music
Setting the Music
37
37
Setting the
Play Mode (Play Mode)
The player offers a variety of play modes, including random play and selected
repeat play.
Settings 5-way button
BACK/HOME
button
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Settings), and then press
the button to conrm.
Press the /// button to select “Music Settings, and then press
the button to conrm.
The list of “Music Settings” options appears.
Press the /// button to select “Play Mode, and then press the
button to conrm.
The list of play modes appears.
Press the /// button to select a play mode ( page 38), and
then press the button to conrm.
The list of “Music Settings” options reappears.
Hint
You can also select the play mode from the “Now Playing” screen. Press the OPTION/
PWR OFF button, and select “Play Mode” from the option menu.
Continued
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Index
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Setting the Music
38
38
The list of play modes
The playback contents differ, depending on the setting of the playback range
( page 39).
Play mode type/icon description
Normal/No icon The songs within the playback range are played back in the
song list order.
Repeat/ The songs within the playback range are played back in the
song list order and the playback repeats.
Shuffle/ The songs within the playback range are played back in random
order.
Shuffle&Repeat/ The songs within the playback range are played back in random
order and the playback repeats.
Repeat 1 Song/ The current song or the song selected from a song list is played
back repeatedly.
Note
When you start “Intelligent Shuffle” play, the play mode changes to “Shuffle” or
Shuffle&Repeat.
Table of
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Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Setting the Music
39
39
Setting the Playback Range
You can set the playback range of songs
Settings 5-way button
BACK/HOME
button
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Settings), and then press
the button to conrm.
Press the /// button to select “Music Settings, and then press
the button to conrm.
The list of “Music Settings” options appears.
Press the /// button to select “Playback Range, and then
press the button to conrm.
The screen used to select the playback range appears.
Press the /// button to select the playback range, and then
press the button to conrm.
The player offers 2 types of playback range.
All Range”: Plays back all the songs in the “Music Library.” When you
want to play back albums in the “Music Library” in the song list order,
select this.
Selected Range”: appears on the display, and plays back songs only in
the lists from which the playback starts (album list, artist list, etc.).
(Default setting)
Hint
You can select the playback range of songs from the “Now Playing” screen. Press the
OPTION/PWR OFF button, and then select “Playback Range” from the option menu.
Note
When “Time Machine Shuffle” play starts, the playback range is automatically set to
Selected Range.
Table of
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Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Setting the Music
40
40
Setting the Album Display Format
The player offers 3 types of album list formats “Title Only,” “Title & Cover Art,
and “Cover Art Only.
Settings 5-way button
BACK/HOME
button
Notes
The cover art only appears if the cover art information is included. You can set cover art
using the supplied Windows Media Player 11, or another transfer capable software for
setting cover art. For details on operation, refer to the Help or maker of the software.
Some cover art is not displayed, depending on its file format.
Press and hold the BACK/HOME button until the Home menu
appears.
Press the /// button to select (Settings), and then press
the button to conrm.
Press the /// button to select “Music Settings, and then press
the button to conrm.
The list of “Music Settings” options appears.
Press the /// button to select Album Display Format, and
then press the button to conrm.
The list of album display formats appears.
Press the /// button to select the display format, and then
press the button to conrm.
The player offers 3 types of formats.
“Title Only “Title & Cover Art” (Default setting) “Cover Art Only”
Continued
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Menu
Index
NWZ-A826 / A 828 / A829.GB.3-289-807-11(1)
Setting the Music
41
41
Hint
You can also select the album display format on the album list screen. Press the
OPTION/PWR OFF button on the album list screen, and select “Album Display Format
from the option menu.
Table of
Contents
Menu
Index

Navigation menu