Sony GV-300 User Manual

SONY

Video TV Recorder El

Operating Instructions

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference.

WALKMAN

3-751-853-23(2)

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dan gerous voltage” within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magni tude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Owner’s Ritsord

The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. GV-300

Serial No. _

INFORMATION This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications In Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installa tion. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off andón, the user is encouraged to fry to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient the receiving antenna Relocate the equipment with respect to the receiver Move the equipment away from the receiver Plug the equipment into a different outlet so that equipment and receiver are on different

branch circuits. If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Com munications Commission helpful; “How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems' This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office. Washington, DC 20402, Slock No. 004-000-00345-4.

Note to CATV system fnstsller: This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention to Article 820-22 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper grounding and. in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

Television programs, films, video tapes and other materials may be copyrighted- Unauthorized

recording of such material may be contrary to the provisions of the copyright laws.

PCM recording/playback is not possible with this unit. The PCM sound recorded with another recorder cannot be played back with this unit.

For using this unit abroad, see page 72.

1^le of Contents

Getting Ready

Using this unit as a VCR

Connecting other equipment

Features ................................................................................... 5

Location of parts and controls

Power sources.........................................................................11

Setting the clock.......................................................................18

Presetting TV channels

Watching TV programs............................................................27

Listening to stereo programs

Adjusting the picture and sound .............................................32

Using the SLEEP timer............................................................33

Inserting a cassette..................................................................34

Recording TV programs

Recording stereo programs.....................................................40

Using the timer-activated recording feature

Playing back the recorded tapes

Using indexes — to find the desired scene quickly.................40

Connecting an outdoor antenna and CATV cable...................54

Connecting other VCRs or monitors

Editing tapes.............................................................................64

Precautions...............................................................................69

Maintenance

.............................................................................

Notes on moisture condensation....................................... 71

Using your video TV recorder abroad......................................72

Specifications

List of recommended accessories............................................75

Troubleshooting.........................................................................7$

List of on-screen displays Quick reference for timer recording and using indexes

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The “Video Walkman" GV-300 is an 8mm video recorder with a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

41 45

Its compact and lightweight design allows you to watch TV programs and video tapes anywhere and anytime you like.

With this video TV recorder, you can: — view the playback picture of 6 mm video tapes. — view TV programs. — record TV programs.

In addition, by connecting it to a video camera (not supplied), you can record pictures with the camera, and play back the recorded pictures on it immediately.

Other fMiutm

Hi-fi stereo for high quality sound — Stereo TV tuner for enjoying stereo programs — Index function for finding the desired scenes quickly — CRYSTAL-CLEAR still/slow/picture search on LCD — Timer-activated recording — SLEEP timer for turning off the unit automatically — MEGA BASS circuit for dynamic bass sound — Playback of tapes recorded in Hi8 video system

* Hi-fi Stereo Sy^m

On the 8 mm video standard track, the sound is recorded/played back in Hi-fi monaural. The PCM digital stereo sound is recorded/played back on the PCM track as an option. With this unit. Hi-fi stereo sound can be recorded on the standard track. To maintain compatibility with the conventional Hi-fi monaural equipment, the Hi-fi stereo sound is recorded as L - R sound using the 1.7 MHz carrier and L + R sound using the 1.5 MHz carrier as the FM audio signal. To play back the tape recorded by its hi-fi stereo system, this unit uses a matrix circuit to produce the L and R stereo sounds separately. When conventional Hi-fi monaural equipment is used to play back a tape recorded in Hi-fi stereo, it will produce the L -1- R monaural sound because it can reproduce only the 1.5 MHz carrier. The Hi-fi stereo system of this unit provides a live stereo sound atmosphere even when using the

8 mm video standard track.

This unit uses 8 mm video format cassettes It records in the SP mode (approximately 1.43 cm/ second) and the LP mode (approximately 0.72 cmfeecond) and can play back in the SP mode and LP mode. The quality of the playback picture in the LP mode, however, will not be as good as that in the SP mode.

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Location of Parts and Controls

Parts used for VCR playback/recording

(lasMoTward) button

> (play) button I) (stop) button

Location of Paita and Controla

Getting Ready

Power Sources

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Battery mounting surface

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The above accessories, except for the AC-V50 and NP-77, are not supplied.

Disconnecting the p>ower source during recording or playback operations may damage the cassette tape. If this is done accidentally, supply the power again immediately and turn the power on.

'ШШа «rf№ BatMiy ЙМ» — NP-rr, NP-55, NP-ввН, or NP-77H

Pirat, charge the battery pack.

Align the right side of the battery pack with the line on the AC power adaptor.

3 While pressing the battery pack, slide it in the direction of the arrow.

The POWER lamp (green) and the CHARGE lamp (orange) on the AC-VSO light up. The charging begins. When the charging is completed, the CHARGE lamp goes out.

Unplug the unit from the wall outlet and the POWER lamp goes out.

2 Attach the battery pack to the video TV recorder.

Align the battery pack with the white line on the video TV recorder, then while press

ing. slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

• The charging time is about 120 minutes for an NP-77,140 minutes for NP-77H, 100 minutes for

NP-66H, and 60 minutes for an NP-55.

• The unit cannot be operated with the AC power adaptor when it is used for charging a battery pack, and the battery pack cannot be charged when the AC power adaptor is used to operate the unit.

• An NP-77, NP-55, NP-66H, or NP-77H can also be charged with the BC-55 or BC-77 battery charger.

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While sliding the ВАТТ knob in the direction of the arrow, slide the battery pack as

illustrated.

A fully-charged battery pack can operate this unit as follows:

LCD

Watching TV

programs

VCR playing

back

TV program

recording

TV program

recording Camera

recording *

' When connecting the color video camera CCD-G1 (not supplied).

ON/OFF

NP-77H

ON Approx, 125 min. Approx. 100 min.

Approx. 120 min, Approx. 100 min.

Approx. 95 min. Approx. 75 min.

OFF

Approx. 140 min. Approx. 115 min.

OFF Approx. 100 min. Approx. 80 min. Approx. 75 min.

NP-77 NP-66H NP-55

Approx. 90 min.

Approx. 90 min. Approx. 50 min.

Approx. 70 min.

Approx. 105 min.

Approx. 50 min.

Approx. 40 min.

Approx. 55 min.

Approx, 40 min.

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Howlopr^nMIwraelUtfgMU« battery packs

Have sufficient battery pack power to perform 2 or 3 times the amount of recording that you plan to do. “Battery life" as indicated in the instruction manual or cata logue of the video TV recorder is measured by the continuous use of the video TV recorder, at room temperature, using a fully charged battery.

Fast winding or rewinding tape operations consumes much more battery power than normal tape trans|X>rt operation. Con sequently, battery life becomes shorter when these operations are performed frequently.

Battery life is shorter in a cold climate. Cold climates reduce the efficiency of a battery and cause it to run out more quickly.

When to replace the rechargsabla battery pack

When the battery pack is exhausted, the POWER lamp (during recording, the “BATTERY DOWN’’ indication on the screen as well) starts blinking slowly about five minutes before the battery pack is discharged. Replace the battery when the blinking changes from slow to fast, and the "BATTERY DOWN" indication starts blinking rapidly. Turn off the power of the video TV recorder before replacing the battery. While replacing the battery, keep the cassette inside Ihe cassette holder When the battery has been replaced. recording can be resumed smoothly without any picture distortion

Notes on battery exhaustion when a camera is connected When the battery is exhausted, the tally lamp (red) displayed in the viewfinder of the camera starts blinking, and the power goes off automaticaily. Replace the battery pack with a fully charged one when the blinking starts.

NMm on Charging

Before using the battery pack, charge it sufficiently. A brand-new battery pack is not charged. Recharge the battery pack when It Is fully exhausted.

• If the operation is completed before the BATTERY DOWN indication on the screen or POWER

lamp starts blinking, it is recommended that you discharge the battery pack by playing back a tape until the BATTERY DOWN indicator or the POWER lamp starts blinking rapidly.

• Do not recharge the battery pack before it has been discharged completely. Repeated charg

ing while some capacity remains will reduce the battery capacity, However, the original battery capacity can be recovered if you fully discharge and fully charge the battery pack again.

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If the terminals (metal parts on the back) are soiled, the battery life will become shorter. When the terminals are soiled, or when the battery pack has not been used for a long time, repeatedly attach and remove it several times. This will improve the contact of the batterypack and the video TV recorder. Also. wi[>e the + and - terminals with a soft cloth or paper.

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Battery pack care

• Remove the battery pack from the video TV recorder after use, and keep it in a cool place. When the battery pack is installed on a video TV recorder, a small amount of current flows to the recorder even if the POWER switch is turned off. This causes overdischarge and,

consequently, shortens the life of the battery.

• The battery pack is always discharging • even when it is not in use. Thus, the battery should be charged before each use.

How to use the switch on the battery pack Use this switch as a reminder of the charging condition. Set the switch to the‘‘no mark" position when the charging iscompleted. Set the switch to the "red mark" position when the battery has been discharged.

How many times can the battery pack be recharged

It can be fully charged and discharged about 500 times under normal temperatures. If the BATTERY DOWN indication blinks rapidly just after turning on the recorder, even though a fully

charged battery pack has been installed, replace the battery pack with a brand new one.

Charging temperature

Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.

Charging under a temperature ranging from IC’C to ЗО^С (SO^F to 86^F) is recommended.

Why the battery pack heats up While the battery pack is being charged or used, a chemical change occurs inside the battery pack which generates electric energy. Consequently, the battery pack becomes warm, but this is

not dangerous.

Carrying the battery pack If the + and - terminals are short-circuited with a piece of metal, the battery heat up abnormally. This is very dangerous. Never put an uncovered battery pack in a pocket together with a key

holder or other metal object.

If the battery pack Is not used for a long time (about 1 year) Charge it again, but in this case the battery life will be shorter than normal. After several charg ing and discharging cycles, the battery life will recover its original capacity.

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12 V or 24 V car battery

1 Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. 2 Insert the DC plug of the adaptor to the DC input iack of the video TV recorder.

Note on the AC power adaptor Use only the supplied AC-V50 AC power adaptor. Do not use any other AC power adaptor.

Polarity of the plug

• The unit is not disconnected from the AC power source as long as it is connected to the wall outlet.

• One blade of the plug is wider than the other for the purpose of safety and will fit into the wall outlet only one way. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, contact your dealer.

• While the unit is in use, particularly during charging, keep it away from AM receivers and video equipment because it will disturb AM reception and video operation.

1 Attach the DC pack to the video TV recorder. 2 Connect the plug to the cigarette lighter socket.

• Connect the DCP-77 only to a car with a negative ground car batteries of 12 V or 24 V.

• Attach or remove the DC pack in the same way as the battery pack.

• DCP-55 is not recommended for this unit because the capacity of the DCP-55 is not enough to

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Notes

• Be careful not to let any metal object touch the metal projection on the battery pack. When the battery pack is not used, keep it in its case.

• Keep the video TV recorder away from the power source. If not. noise may appear on the screen.

Notes on using this unit in a car

• For your safety, do not watch the TV or operate the controls while driving.

• Avoid leaving the unit in a place with very high temperatures. If you do. it may cause dis tortion of the cabinet or malfunction of the unit.

• If you use this unit while your car is not in use. the car battery will be consumed. Avoid using this unit in such condition lor more than 12 hours.

Setting the Clock

Before you set the clock, install a lithium battery. With a lithium battery installed, this unit powers

the clock and keeps the last channel in memory when the power source is disconnected.

To remove the lithium battery

Press the battery upward and remove it as illustrated.

Approximately 1 year in normal operation. If the lithium battery becomes weak, the AM 12; 00 indication appears on the screen when the DATA SCREEN button is pressed. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2032 lithium battery. Use of a battery other than a Sony CR2032 may present a risk of fire or explosion. After replacing the battery, reset the clock.

Notes on lithium battery

• Keep the lithium battery out of the reach of children. Should the battery be swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.

• Before use, wipe the battery with a dry cloth to assure a good contact.

• Be sure to observe the correct polarity when installing the battery.

• Do not hold the battery with metallic tweezers, otherwise a short-circuit may occur.

• Do not break up the battery or throw it into a fire because it may explode. Carefully dispose of the used batteries.

Warning Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.

source is disconnected.

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Watching TV

Your receiver is capable of receiving VHF channels 2-13. UHF channels 14-69 and cable TV channels 1 (A-8), 98 (A-2), 99 (A-1), 14-36 (A to W), 66-125 (W + 30 to W + 84). The channel numbers 1-99 will be displayed in the display window. This unit is preset at the factory to receive certain channels (see the chart on page 23.) If you want to receive other channels, you need to preset them.

Presetting TV Channels

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1 Turn the power on.

The POWER lamp lights up. If the TV program is not displayed, press the INPUT SELECT button

While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch to the left.

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Preset channels

Program position

Corresponding channel

Number displayed

‘ UHF channels are p

1 2-13

CATV1VHF

2-13 2-13

it around this number.

2 Press the CH PRESET button.

3 Press the POSITION button to select

the desired program position where the channel Is to be stored.

4 Press the CHANNEL ~/+ buttons

repeatedly to select the channel to be stored. The UHF channel range is displayed after the VHF range *. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for other channels to be preset.

5 Press the CH PRESET button.

Channel presetting is completed.

The on-screen display disappears.

14-36 37-42 43 44-68 CATV

14-36 14-36 37-42 43 44-68

•

CHANNEL

70-97 98 99

70-97

VHP

2 a

-------

CATV

98 98 99

T 13

(^SIT ON- S

CATV

—

' After the channel range is displayed, wait for about 2 seconds before next operation.

To change the order of the channel to be stored

Follow the above steps.

The erased program position is skipped when you press the CHANNEL + / - button.

2 Press the POSITION button and select

the program position to be erased.

3 Press the CLEAR button.

The SKIP indication appears.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for other program position to be erased.

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VHF

--------

-7

CSKIP POSITION-II

„

--------

Example; To erase program position 11

1 Press the CH PRESET button.

POSITION- 3

4 Press the CH PRESET button.

The on-screen display disappears.

To add the erased channels again

See To Preset New Channels” on page 22.

+ 28 hidden pages