Sony RDR-HX780 User Manual

3-874-363-11(1)

DVD Recorder

Operating Instructions

RDR-HX780

WARNING

Precautions

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only. The AC power cord must be changed only at a qualified service shop. Batteries or batteries installed apparatus shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

CAUTION

The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard. As the laser beam used in this DVD recorder is harmful to eyes, do not attempt to disassemble the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

This label is located on the laser protective housing inside the enclosure.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that m ay be of sufficient magnitude 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.

Precaution

Install this system so that the AC power cord can be unplugged from the wall socket immediately in the event of trouble.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits set out in the EMC Directive using a connection cable shorter than 3 meters.

On safety

Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet, unplug the recorder and have it checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.

About the hard disk drive

The hard disk has a high storage density, which enables long recording durations and quick access to the written data. However, it can easily be damaged by shock, vibration or dust, and should be kept away from magnets. To avoid losing important data, observe the following precautions.

• Do not apply a strong shock to the recorder.

• Do not place the recorder in a location subject to mechanical vibrations or in an unstable location.

• Do not place the recorder on top of a hot surface, such as a VCR or amplifier (receiver).

• Do not use the recorder in a place subject to extreme changes in temperature (temperature gradient less than 10 °C/hour).

• Do not move the recorder with its AC power cord connected.

• Do not disconnect the AC power cord while the power is on.

• When disconnecting the AC power cord, turn off the power and make sure that the hard disk drive is not op erating (the clock is displayed in the front panel display for at least 30 seconds and all recording or dubbing has stopped).

• Do not move the recorder for one minute after you have unplugged the AC power cord.

• Do not attempt to replace or upgrade the hard disk by yourself, as this may result in malfunction.

If the hard disk drive should malfunction, you cannot recover lost data. The hard disk drive is only a temporary storage space.

About repairing the hard disk drive

• The contents of the hard disk drive may be checked in case of repair or inspection during a malfunction or modification. However, the contents will n ot be backed up or saved by Sony.

• If the hard disk needs to be formatted or replaced, it will be done at the discretion of Sony. All contents of the hard disk drive will be erased, including contents that violate copyright laws.

On power sources

• The recorder is not disconnected from the AC power source as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the recorder itself has been turned off.

• If you are not going to use the recorder for a long time, be sure to disconnect the recorder from the wall outlet. To disconnect the AC power cord, grasp the plug itself; never pull the cord.

On placement

• Place the recorder in a location with adequate ventilation to prevent heat build-up in the recorder.

• Do not place the recorder on a soft surface such as a rug that might block the ventilation holes.

• Do not place the recorder in a confined space such as a bookshelf or similar unit.

• Do not place the recorder in a location near heat sources, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust, or mechanical shock.

• Do not place the recorder in an inclined position. It is designed to be operated in a horizontal position only.

• Keep the recorder and discs away from equipment with strong magnets, such as microwave ovens, or large loudspeakers.

• Do not place heavy objects on the recorder.

• To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.

On recording

Make trial recordings before making the actual recording.

On compensation for lost recordings

Sony is not liable and will not compensate for any lost recordings or relevant losses, including when recordings are not made due to reasons including recorder failure, or when the contents of a recording are lost or dama ged as a result of recorder failure or repair undertaken to the recorder. Sony will not restore, recover, or replicate the recorded contents under any circumstances.

,continued

Copyrights

• Television programs, films, video tapes, discs, and other materials may be copyrig hted. Unauthorized recording of such material may be contrary to the provisions of the copyright laws. Also, use of this recorder with cable television transmission may require authorizatio n from the cable television transmitter and/or program owner.

• This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

• This Product includes FontAvenue by NEC corporation. FontAvenue is a registered trademark of NEC corporation.

• “ ” and x-Application are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

fonts licenced

Copy guard function

Since the recorder has a copy guard function, programs received through an external tuner (not supplied) may contain copy protection signals (copy guard function) and as such may not be recordable, depending on the type of signal.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Caution: This recorder is capable of holding a still video image or on-screen display image on your television screen indefinitely. If you leave the still video image or onscreen display image displayed on your TV for an extended period of time you risk permanent damage to your television screen. Plasma display panels and projection televisions are especially susceptible to this.

If you have any questions or problems concerning your recorder, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Important Safety Instructions

1) Read these instructions.

2) Keep these instructions.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5) Do not use this apparatus

near water.

6) Clean only with dry cloth.

7) Do not block any ventilation

openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8) Do not install near any heat

sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9) Do not defeat the safety

purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10) Protect the power cord from

being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11) Only use attachments/

accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12) Use only with the cart,

stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-o ver.

13) Unplug this apparatus

during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14) Refer all servicing to

qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

About this manual

• In this manual, the internal hard disk drive is written as “HDD,” and “disc” is used as a general reference for the HDD, DVDs, or CDs unless otherwise specifi ed by the text or illustrations.

• Icons, such as , listed at the top of each explanation indicate what kind of media can be used with the function being explained. For details, see “Recordable and Playable Discs” on page 118.

• Instructions in this manual describe the controls on the remote. You can also use the controls on the recorder if they have the same or similar names as those on the remote.

• The on-screen display illustrations used in this manual may not match the graphics displayed on your TV screen.

• The explanations regarding DVDs in this manual refer to DVDs created on this recorder. The explanations do not apply to DVDs that are created on other recorders and played back on this recorder.

DVD

Table of Contents

WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Guide to Parts and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Hookups and Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Hooking Up the Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Step 1: Connecting the Antenna Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

A: Cable box or satellite receiver with a video/audio output . . . . . . . . . 15

B: Cable box or satellite receiver with an antenna output only . . . . . . .16

C: Cable without cable box, or antenna only (no cable TV) . . . . . . . . . 17

Step 2: Connecting the Video Cords/HDMI Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

About the “Control for HDMI” functions for ‘BRAVIA’ Sync

(for HDMI connections only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Step 3: Connecting the Audio Cords/HDMI Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Step 4: Connecting the AC Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Step 5: Preparing the Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Controlling TVs with the remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

If you have a Sony DVD player or more than one Sony DVD

recorder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Changing channels of the recorder using the remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Step 6: Easy Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Connecting a VCR or Similar Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Connecting to the LINE IN 1 or 3 jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Connecting to the LINE 2 IN jacks on the front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Connecting to a Satellite or Digital Tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Seven Basic Operations — Getting to Know Your DVD Recorder

1. Inserting a Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

2. Recording a Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Checking the disc status while recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

3. Playing the Recorded Program (Title List) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Displaying the playing time and play information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

4. Changing the Name of a Recorded Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

5. Labeling and Protecting a Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Labeling a disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Protecting a disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

6. Playing the Disc on Other DVD Equipment (Finalise) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Unfinalizing a disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

7. Reformatting a Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Timer Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Using the Quick Timer function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Recording stereo/SAP programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Creating chapters in a title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Checking/Changing/Canceling Timer Settings (Timer List) . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Recording from Connected Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Recording from connected equipment with a timer (Synchro Rec.) . . . 46

Recording from connected equipment without a timer . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Playing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Playback options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Playing a specific portion repeatedly (A-B Repeat). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Playing repeatedly (Repeat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Creating your own program (Programme) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Advanced Playback Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Playing from the beginning of the program you are recording

(Chase Play) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Playing a previous recording while making another

(Simultaneous Rec and Play) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Searching for a Time/Title/Chapter/Track, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Erasing and Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Before Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Erasing and Editing a Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Editing multiple titles (Multi-Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Erasing a section of a title (A-B Erase) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Dividing a title (Divide) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Erasing and Editing a Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Dividing a chapter (Divide) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Erasing a chapter (Erase). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Combining multiple chapters (Combine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Creating and Editing a Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Moving a Playlist title (Move) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Combining multiple Playlist titles (Combine). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Dividing a Playlist title (Divide) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Moving a chapter (Move) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Dubbing (HDD y DVD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Before Dubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

HDD/DVD Dubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Dubbing Using Dubbing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Making a Backup Disc (DVD Backup) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

,continued

HDD Camcorder Dubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Before HDD Camcorder Dubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Preparing for HDD camcorder dubbing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

One-Touch Dubbing from HDD Camcorder (ONE-TOUCH DUB) . . . . . . . 70

Dubbing from HDD Camcorder Using the On-Screen Display

(HDD-Cam Dubbing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

DV Camcorder Dubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Before DV Camcorder Dubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Preparing for DV camcorder dubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Dubbing an Entire DV Format Tape (DV One-Touch Dubbing) . . . . . . . . . 74

Dubbing Selected Scenes (DV Manual Dubbing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Playing from a DV Camcorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Music Jukebox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

About Jukebox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Preparing for Using Jukebox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Connecting the USB device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Copying tracks or albums (USB t HDD). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Copying audio tracks (DISC t HDD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Copying tracks or albums on the HDD (HDD y HDD) . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Playing Audio Tracks Using Jukebox/USB Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Adding audio tracks to a Playlist (HDD only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Playback options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Playing repeatedly (Repeat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Creating your own program (Programme) (USB device only). . . . . . . . 80

Managing Audio Tracks on the Music Jukebox (HDD only) . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Photo Album . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

About the “Photo Album” Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Preparing for Using the “Photo Album” Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Connecting the USB device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Copying JPEG image files to the HDD (DISC/USB t HDD). . . . . . . . 82

Copying all JPEG image files from the connected USB device

(USB t DVD-RW/DVD-R) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Copying JPEG image files or albums on the HDD (HDD y HDD) . . . 84

Copying JPEG image albums to a disc

(HDD t DVD-RW/DVD-R) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Copying JPEG image files to a disc (HDD t DVD-RW/DVD-R) . . . . .85

Using the “Photo Album” List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Playing a slideshow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Creating a Slideshow with Your Favorite Music and Graphic Effects

(x-Pict Story) (HDD only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Managing JPEG Image Files on the HDD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Printing JPEG Image Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Settings and Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Adjusting Picture Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Using the Setup Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Disc Settings (Disc Setup) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Recorder Settings (Basic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Antenna Reception Settings (Tuner) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Video Settings (Video Out) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Audio Input Settings (Audio In) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Audio Output Settings (Audio Out) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Language Settings (Language) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Recording Settings (Recording) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Playback Settings (Playback) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

HDMI Settings (HDMI Output) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Other Settings (Options) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Other Settings (Options 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Resetting the Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Recordable and Playable Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Playable Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

About Recording/Dubbing Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Language Code List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Country/Area Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Notes About This Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Notes on MP3 Audio Tracks, JPEG Image Files, DivX Video Files,

and i.Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Guide to Parts and Controls

For more information, see the pages in parentheses.

Remote

A HDD (30)

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

B [/1 (on/standby) (25)

C Z OPEN/CLOSE (30)

D CH (channel) +/– (30)

E Number buttons (55)

F INPUT (input select) (46)

G AUDIO (50)

H CLEAR (35, 52, 53) I PICTURE ADJUST (94)

J SUBTITLE (50)

K SYSTEM MENU (94)

Records to or plays titles on HDD.

DVD (30)

Records to or plays titles on DVD.

Turns the recorder on or off.

Opens or closes the disc tray.

The + button has a tactile dot*.

The number 5 button has a tactile dot*.

Selects an input source.

The AUDIO button has a tactile dot*.

Enters or exits the “Picture Adjustment” menu.

Selects a subtitle language.

ANGLE (50, 88)

Changes the angles or rotates an image during slideshow.

PLAY MODE (52, 55)

ZOOM (88)

Zooms an image during a slideshow.

TITLE LIST (32, 48, 57)

TIMER (42)

L TOP MENU (48)

MENU (48)

Displays the disc’s menu.

</M/m/,/ENTER (25)

Selects a desired item.

O RETURN (25)

M DISPLAY

Displays the playing status or disc information.

(34)

N . PREV/NEXT > (previous/

next) (50, 79)

REPLAY/ADVANCE (instant replay/instant advance) (50)

mc / CM (search/ slow/freeze frame) (50, 79)

H PLAY (48, 88) X PAUSE (31, 50, 79, 88) x STOP (48, 78, 88)

The H PLAY button has a tactile dot*.

O DISC SETUP (36, 38, 40)

Enters or exits the “Disc Setup” menu (page 97).

P z REC (30)

x REC STOP (30)

HDD/DVD DUB (64)

Starts dubbing the current playing title or cancels the dubbing.

REC MODE (30)

Selects the recording mode.

Q TV [/1 (on/standby) (23)

TV INPUT (input select) (23)

TV VOL (volume) +/– (23)

TV CH (channel) +/– (23)

The + button has a tactile dot*.

* Use the tactile dot as a reference when operating

the recorder.

,continued

Front panel

A [/1 (on/standby) (25)

Turns the recorder on or off.

B (remote sensor) (23) C Disc tray (30) D Front panel display (13) E Z (open/close) (30)

Opens or closes the disc tray.

F N (play) (48, 88)

The N button has a tactile dot*.

G x (stop) (48, 78, 88) H z REC (30) I HDD (30)

Records to or plays titles on HDD. The HDD indicator lights up when the HDD is selected.

DVD (30)

Records to or plays titles on DVD. The DVD indicator lights up when the DVD is selected.

J x REC STOP (30) K CHANNEL +/– (30)

The + button has a tactile dot*.

L INPUT (input select) (46)

Selects an input source.

M LINE 2 IN (S VIDEO/VIDEO/

L(MONO) AUDIO R) jacks (28)

Connect a VCR or similar recording device to these jacks.

N ONE-TOUCH DUB (70, 74)

Starts dubbing from a connected digital video camera.

O DV IN jack (72)

Connect a DV camcorder to this jack.

P USB jack (type A) (76, 82)

Connect a USB device to this jack.

Q PictBridge USB jack (type B)

(92)

Connect a PictBridge-compatible printer to this jack.

* Use the tactile dot as a reference when operating

the recorder.

To lock the recorder (Child Lock)

You can lock all of the buttons on the recorder so that the settings are not canceled by mistake. When the recorder is turned off, hold down x (stop) on the recorder until “LOCKED” appears in the front panel display. The recorder does not work except for timer recordings and Synchro-Recording while the Child Lock is set. To unlock the recorder, hold down x (stop) on the recorder until “UNLOCKED” appears in the front panel display.

Front panel display

A SYNCHRO REC indicator (46)

Lights up when the recorder is set to stand by for Synchro-Recording.

B Displays the following:

• Playing time

• Current title/chapter/track/index

number

• Recording time/recording mode

•Clock

• Channel

C SAP indicator (44)

Lights up when a SAP (Second Audio Program) is received.

D Timer indicator (42)

Lights up when the timer for recording is set.

Rear panel

E Disc type

Lights up when a recordable DVD-R or DVD-RW disc is loaded.

F Command Mode indicator (109)

Displays the Command Mode of the remote. When the Command Mode for the recorder is set to “3 (Default setting),” either “1” or “2” does not appear.

G Recording status H Dubbing direction indicator I Playing status

A VHF/UHF IN/OUT jacks (16, 17) B LINE IN 1/3 (R-AUDIO-L/VIDEO)

jacks (15, 27, 29)

C LINE IN 1/3 (S VIDEO) jacks (27) D LINE OUT (R-AUDIO-L/VIDEO)

jacks (18, 21)

E HDMI OUT (high-definition

multimedia interface out) jack (18, 21)

F DIGITAL OUT (COAXIAL) jack

(21)

G AC IN terminal (22) H LINE OUT (S VIDEO) jack (18) I COMPONENT VIDEO OUT

B,PR) jacks (18)

(Y, P

Hookups and Settings

Hooking Up the Recorder

Follow steps 1 through 6 to hook up and adjust the settings of the recorder. Do not connect the AC power cord until you reach “Step 4: Connecting the AC Power Cord” on page 22.

b Notes

• See “Specifications” (page 129) for a list of supplied accessories.

• Plug in cords securely to prevent unwanted noise.

• Refer to the instructions supplied with the components to be connected.

• You cannot connect this recorder to a TV that does not have a video input jack.

• Be sure to disconnect the AC power cord of each component before connecting.

Step 1: Connecting the Antenna Cable

Select one of the following antenna hookups.

If you have Hookup

Cable box or satellite receiver with a video/audio output

Cable box or satellite receiver with an antenna output only

Cable without cable box, or antenna only (no cable TV)

b Notes

• If your antenna is a flat cable (300-ohm twin lead cable), use an external antenna connector (not supplied) to connect the antenna to the recorder.

• If you have separate cables for VHF and UHF antennas, use a UHF/VHF band mixer (not supplied) to connect the antenna to the recorder.

A (page 15)

B (page 16)

C (page 17)

A: Cable box or satellite receiver with a video/audio output

With this hookup, you can record any channel on the cable box or satellite receiver. Be sure that the satellite receiver or cable box is turned on. To watch cable or satellite channel, you need to match the channel on the recorder (L1 or L3) to the input jack connected to the cable box or satellite receiver (LINE IN 1 or 3).

Wall

Cable box/satellite receiver

Antenna cable (supplied)

Audio/video cord (not supplied)

S-video cord (not supplied)

to antenna input

Hookups and Settings

to LINE IN 1 or 3

: Signal flow

z Hint

If your cable box or satellite receiver has an S-video jack, you can use an S-video cord (not supplied) instead of the audio/video cord.

DVD recorder

,continued

B: Cable box or satellite receiver with an antenna output only

With this hookup, you can record any channel on the satellite receiver or cable box. Be sure that the satellite receiver or cable box is turned on. To watch cable programs, you need to match the channel on the recorder (2ch, 3ch, or 4ch) to the antenna output channel on the cable box (2ch, 3ch, or 4ch).

Wall

Cable box/satellite receiver

ANT IN

TO TV

Antenna cable (not supplied)

to VHF/UHF IN

to VHF/UHF OUT

to antenna input

Antenna cable (supplied)

: Signal flow

b Note

When using this connection, set “Auto Channel Setting” to “Antenna” in the “Tuner” setup (page 99).

DVD recorder

C: Cable without cable box, or antenna only (no cable TV)

Use this hookup if you watch cable channels without a cable box. Also use this hookup if you are using a VHF/UHF antenna or separate VHF and UHF antennas. With this hookup, you can record any channel by selecting the channel on the recorder.

Wall

to VHF/UHF IN

Hookups and Settings

to VHF/UHF OUT

to antenna input

Antenna cable (supplied)

: Signal flow

DVD recorder

Step 2: Connecting the Video Cords/HDMI Cord

Select one of the following patterns, A through D, according to the input jack on your TV monitor, projector, or audio component such as an AV amplifier (receiver). This will enable you to view pictures.

Audio/video cord

TV, projector, or audio component

(supplied)

(yellow)

to LINE OUT (VIDEO)

(green)

to COMPONENT VIDEO OUT

(green)

Component video cord (not supplied)

TV, projector, or audio component

: Signal flow

DVD recorder

(red)(blue)

to LINE OUT (S VIDEO)

TV, projector, or audio component

to HDMI OUT

S-video cord (not supplied)

HDMI cord (not supplied)

TV, projector, or audio component

A Video input jack

About the “Control for HDMI” functions for ‘BRAVIA’ Sync (for HDMI connections only)

By connecting Sony components that are compatible with the “Control for HDMI” function with an HDMI cord (not supplied), operation is simplified as below:

• One-Touch Play (page 49)

• System Power-Off When you turn the TV off using the power button on the TV’s remote, the recorder and components compatible with the “Control for HDMI” function turn off automatically. However, the recorder does not turn off while recording or dubbing even if you turn off the TV.

• ‘BRAVIA’ Sync display You can control the recorder by pressing the SYNC MENU button on the TV’s remote.

b Notes

• Depending on the connected component, the “Control for HDMI” function may not work. Refer to the operating instructions supplied with the component.

• You can use the ‘BRAVIA’ Sync display feature only when the connected TV has the SYNC MENU button. For details on ‘BRAVIA’ Sync, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the TV.

• To use the ‘BRAVIA’ Sync features, set “Control for HDMI” to “On” (default) in the “HDMI Output” setup (page 109).

Step 3: Connecting the Audio Cords/HDMI Cord

Select one of the following patterns, A or B, according to the input jack on your TV monitor, projector, or audio component such as an AV amplifier (receiver). This will enable you to listen to sound.

[Speakers]

Rear (L)

Front (L)

Audio component with a decoder

[Speakers]

Rear (R)

Front (R)

Hookups and Settings

Center

HDMI cord (not supplied)

to HDMI OUT

to LINE OUT (R-AUDIO-L)

(white)

(red)

Audio/video cord

(yellow)*

: Signal flow

* The yellow plug is used for video signals (page 18).

(supplied)

Subwoofer

to coaxial/HDMI digital input

Coaxial digital cord (not supplied)

to DIGITAL OUT (COAXIAL)

DVD recorder

INPUT

VIDEO

(yellow)

(white)

(red)

AUDIO

TV, projector, or audio component

A Digital audio input jack

If your audio component has a Dolby*1 Digital, DTS

, or MPEG audio decoder and a digital input jack, use this connection. You can enjoy Dolby Digital (5.1ch), DTS (5.1ch), and MPEG audio (5.1ch) surround effects.

If you connect a Sony audio component that is compatible with the “Control for HDMI” function, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the audio component.

,continued

B Audio L/R (left/right) input jacks

This connection will use your TV’s or audio component’s two speakers for sound.

z Hint

For correct speaker location, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the connected components.

b Notes

• Do not connect your TV’s audio output jacks to

the LINE IN (R-AUDIO-L) jacks at the same time. This will cause unwanted noise to come from your TV’s speakers.

• With connection B, do n ot connect the LINE IN

(R-AUDIO-L) and LINE OUT (R-AUDIO-L) jacks to your TV’s audio ou tput jacks at the same time. This will cause unwanted noise to come from your TV’s speakers.

• With connection A, after you have completed

the connection, make the appropriate settings in the “Audio Out” setu p (page 102). Oth erwise, no sound or a loud noise will come from your speakers.

• When you connect the recorder to an audio

component using an HDMI cord, you will need to do one of the following: – Connect the audio component to the TV with

the HDMI cord, or

– Connect the recorder to the TV with a video

cord other than HDMI cord (component video cord, S-video cord, or audio/video cord).

Step 4: Connecting the AC Power Cord

Connect the supplied AC power cord to the AC IN terminal of the recorder. Then plug the recorder and TV power cords into the AC outlet. After you connect the AC power cord, you must wait for a short while before operating the recorder. You can operate the recorder once the front panel display lights up and the recorder enters standby mode. If you connect additional equipment to this recorder (page 27), be sure to connect the AC power cord after all connections are complete.

to AC IN

to AC outlet

Step 5: Preparing the Remote

You can control the recorder using the supplied remote. Insert two Size AA (R6) batteries by matching the 3 and # ends on the batteries to the markings inside the battery compartment. When using the remote, point it at the remote sensor on the recorder.

b Notes

• If the supplied remote interferes with your other

Sony DVD recorder or player, change the command mode number for this recorder (page 24).

• Use the batteries correctly to avoid possible

leakage and corrosion. Should leakage occur, do not touch the liquid with bare hands. Observe the following: – Do no t use a new battery with an old battery, or

batteries of different manufacturers. – Do not attempt to recharge the batteries. – If you do not intend to use the remote for an

extended period of time, remove the batteries. – If battery leakage occurs, wipe out any liquid

inside the battery compartment, and insert new

batteries.

• Do not expose the remote sensor (marked on the front panel) to strong light, such as direct sunlight or a lighting apparatus. The recorder may not respond to the remote.

• When you replace the b atteries of the remote, the code number and Command Mode may be reset to the default setting. Set the appropriate code number and Command Mode again.

Controlling TVs with the remote

You can adjust the remote’s signal to control your TV.

b Notes

• Depending on the connected unit, you may not be able to control y our TV with some or all of the buttons below.

• If you enter a new code number, the code number previously entered will be erased.

Number buttons

TV VOL +/–

TV CH +/–

TV [/1 TV INPUT

1 Hold down TV [/1 located at the

bottom of the remote.

Do not press the [/1 button at the top of the remote.

2 With TV [/1 pressed down, enter the

TV’s manufacturer code using the number buttons.

For instance, to enter “09,” press “0” then “9.” After you enter the last number, release the TV [/1 button.

Hookups and Settings

,continued

Code numbers of controllable TVs

Manufacturer Code number

Sony 01 (default)

Hitachi 02, 04

LG/Goldstar 04

Mitsubishi/MGA 13, 04

NEC 04

Panasonic 19

Philips 21

Pioneer 16

RCA 10, 04

Samsung 20, 04

Sharp 18

Toshiba 07, 18

The remote performs the following:

Buttons Operations

TV [/1 Turns your TV on or

TV VOL +/– Adjusts the volume

TV CH +/– Selects the channel

TV INPUT (input select)

off.

of your TV.

on your TV.

Switches your TV’s input source.

If you have a Sony DVD player or more than one Sony DVD recorder

If the supplied remote interferes with your other Sony DVD recorder or player, set the command mode number for this recorder and the supplied remote to one that differs from the other Sony DVD recorder or player after you have completed “Step 6: Easy Setup.” The default command mode setting for this recorder and the supplied remote is “3 (Default setting).” You can check the current Command Mode in the front panel display. For details, see page 109.

The default command mode setting for this recorder and the supplied remote is “3 (Default setting).” The remote does not function if different command modes are set for the recorder and remote. Set the same command mode.

Changing channels of the recorder using the remote

You can change channels of the recorder using the number buttons.

Example: for channel 50 Press “5,” “0,” then press ENTER.

Step 6: Easy Setup

Make the basic adjustments by following the on-screen instructions in “Easy Setup.” Be careful not to disconnect the cables or exit the “Easy Setup” function during this procedure.

[/1

</M/m/,,

RETURN

ENTER

TV [/1

1 Turn on the recorder and your TV.

Then switch the input selector on your TV so that the signal from the recorder appears on your TV screen.

The “Language” display appears.

• If the “Language” display does not appear, select “Easy Setup” in the “Basic” setup from “Initial Setup” in the System Menu (page 99).

2 Select a language for the on-screen

displays using </M/m/,, and press ENTER.

The initial settings message appears.

3 Select “Start” using M/m, and press

ENTER.

Follow the on-screen instructions to make the following settings.

Auto Channel Setting

• Select whether or not you have a cable connection (“Cable” or “Antenna”). Auto channel setting automatically searches for all of the receivable channels and presets them.

• To skip this setting, select “Do not set.” To set the channels manually, see page 100.

Clock Setting

• Select “Auto” when you use antenna hookup C (page 17). The “Auto Clock Setting” display appears. Select a channel that carries a time signal and then “Start” using </,/ m, and press ENTER. If a clock signal cannot be found, press O RETURN, and set the clock manually.

• Select “Manual” to set the clock manually. The “Manual Clock Setting” display appears.

1 Select the time zone for your area

using </,, and press m.

2 Select “On” using </, if you

are now on D.S.T (Daylight Saving Time), and press ENTER.

3 Set the month, day, year, hour and

minutes using </M/m/,, and press ENTER to start the clock.

TV Type (page 106)

• If you have a wide-screen TV, select “Wide (16:9).”

• If you have a standard TV, select “Standard (4:3).” This will determine how “wide-screen” images are displayed on your TV.

Progressive

When you connect a progressive format TV to this recorder using the COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jacks, select “Compatible.”

HDD caution messages

Read the HDD caution messages, and press ENTER.

Hookups and Settings

,continued

4 Select “Finish Setup” using M/m,

and press ENTER.

“Easy Setup” is completed.

To return to the previous step

Press O RETURN.

z Hint

If you want to run “Easy Setup” again, select “Easy Setup” in the “Basic” setup from “Initial Setup” in the System Menu (page 99).

Connecting a VCR or Similar Device

After disconnecting the recorder’s AC power cord from the AC outlet, connect a VCR or similar recording device to the LINE IN jacks of this recorder. Use the DV IN jack on the front panel if the equipment has a DV output jack (i.LINK jack) (page 72). For details, refer to the instruction manual supplied with the connected equipment. To record on this recorder, see “Recording from Connected Equipment” on page 46.

Connecting to the LINE IN 1 or 3 jacks

Connect a VCR or similar recording device to the LINE IN 1 or 3 of this recorder. If the equipment has an S-video jack, you can use an S-video cord instead of an audio/video cord.

VCR, etc.

OUTPUT

VIDEOAUDI O

S VIDEO

Hookups and Settings

Audio/video cord

(not supplied)

: Signal flow

S-video cord (not supplied)

to LINE IN 1 or 3

DVD recorder

,continued

b Notes

• Pictures containing copy protection signals that prohibit any copying cannot be recorded.

• If you pass the recorder signals through a VCR, you may not receive a clear image on your TV screen.

VCRDVD recorder TV

Be sure to connect your VCR to the DVD recorder and to your TV in the order shown below. To watch video tapes, watch the tapes through a second line input on your TV.

VCR TV

DVD recorder

Line input 1

• If you disconnect the recorder’s AC power cord, you will not be able to view the signals from the

Line input 2

connected VCR.

Connecting to the LINE 2 IN jacks on the front panel

Connect a VCR or similar recording device to the LINE 2 IN jacks of this recorder. If the equipment has an S-video jack, you can use an S-video cord instead of an audio/video cord.

VCR, etc.

Audio/video cord (not supplied)

S-video cord

(not supplied)

to LINE 2 IN

S VIDEO

OUTPUT

VIDEO

AUDIO

: Signal flow

DVD recorder

z Hint

When the connected equipment outputs only monaural sound, connect to only the L(MONO) and VIDEO input jacks on the front of the recorder. Do not connect the R input jack.

b Notes

• Do not connect the yellow LINE IN (VIDEO) jack when using an S-video cord.

• Do not connect the output jack of this recorder to another equipment’s input jack with the other equipment’s output jack connected to the input jack of this recorder. This may cause noise (feedback).

• Do not connect more than one type of video cord between the recorder and your TV at the same time.

Connecting to a Satellite or Digital Tuner

Connect a satellite or digital tuner to this recorder using the LINE IN 1 jacks. Disconnect the recorder’s AC power cord from the AC outlet when connecting the tuner. To use the Synchro Rec function, see below.

Hookups and Settings

Audio/video cord (supplied)

to LINE OUT

to LINE IN 1

INPUT

VIDEO

AUDIO

DVD recorder

Audio/video cord (not supplied)

: Signal flow

If you want to use the Synchro Rec function

This connection is necessary to use the Synchro-Recording function. See “Recording from connected equipment with a timer (Synchro Rec.)” on page 46.

Satellite tuner, etc.

VIDEO

AUDIO

OUTPUT

b Notes

• Synchro-Recording does not work with some tuners. For details, refer to the tuner’s operating instructions.

• If you disconnect the recorder’s AC power cord, you will not be able to view the signals from the connected tuner.

Seven Basic Operations

— Getting to Know Your DVD Recorder

1. Inserting a Disc

Video

DATA CD

Z OPEN/ CLOSE

RWVR-RW

DVD

VCD CD

Video

RVR

DATA DVD

DVD

1 Press DVD. 2 Press Z OPEN/CLOSE, and place a

disc on the disc tray.

Recording/playing side facing down

2. Recording a Program

HDD

RVR-R

Video

RWVR-RW

This section introduces the basic operation to record a current TV program to the hard disk (HDD) or to a disc (DVD). For an explanation of how to make timer recordings, see page 42.

HDD DVD

z REC x REC

STOP

Video

CH +/–

X PAUSE

REC MODE

3 Press Z OPEN/CLOSE to close the

disc tray.

Wait until “LOAD” disappears from the front panel display. Unused DVDs are formatted automatically.

• For DVD-RW discs DVD-RWs are formatted in the recording format (VR mode or Video mode) set by “Format DVD-RW” of “Basic” in the “Disc Setup” setup (page 97).

• For DVD-R discs DVD-Rs are automatically formatted in Video mode. To format an unused DVD-R in VR mode, format the disc in the “Format” setup (page 40) before you make a recording.

If the disc is recordable on this recorder, you can manually re-format the disc to make a blank disc (page 40).

1 Press HDD or DVD.

If you want to record to a DVD, insert a recordable DVD.

2 Press CH +/– to select the channel or

input source you want to record.

3 Press REC MODE repeatedly to select

the recording mode.

Each time you press the button, the display on the TV screen changes as follows:

* Available when “Manual Rec. Mode” is set

to “On (go to setup)” in the “Recording” setup (page 104).

For more details about the recording mode, see page 121.

+ 106 hidden pages

Sony RDR-HX780 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

WARNING

Precautions

Guide to Parts and Controls

Hookups and Settings

Hooking Up the Recorder

Step 1: Connecting the Antenna Cable

A: Cable box or satellite receiver with a video/audio output

B: Cable box or satellite receiver with an antenna output only

C: Cable without cable box, or antenna only (no cable TV)

Step 2: Connecting the Video Cords/HDMI Cord

About the “Control for HDMI” functions for ‘BRAVIA’ Sync (for HDMI connections only)

Step 3: Connecting the Audio Cords/HDMI Cord

Step 4: Connecting the AC Power Cord

Step 5: Preparing the Remote

Controlling TVs with the remote

If you have a Sony DVD player or more than one Sony DVD recorder

Changing channels of the recorder using the remote

Step 6: Easy Setup

Connecting a VCR or Similar Device

Connecting to the LINE IN 1 or 3 jacks

Connecting to the LINE 2 IN jacks on the front panel

Connecting to a Satellite or Digital Tuner

1. Inserting a Disc

2. Recording a Program