Sony SLV-640HF User Manual

3-759-981-21 (1)

Video Cassette

Recorder

Operating Instructions

VMS

SLV-640HF

1994 by Sony Corporation

WARNING

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

• If the unit is brought directly from a cold to a warm location, moisture may condense inside the VCR and cause damage to the video head and tape. When you first install the unit, or when you move it from a cold to a warm location, wait for about one hour before operating the unit.

Information

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may 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.

CAUTION

To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized AC plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.

Precautions

For customers in the USA

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Caution

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. Also, use of this recorder with cable television transmission may require authorization from the cable television transmission and/or program owner.

Safety

• Operate the unit only on 120V AC, 60 Hz.

• If anything falls into the cabinet, unplug the unit and have it checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.

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

• Unplug the unit from the wall outlet if you do not intend to use it for an extended period of time. To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the plug, never by the cord.

Installing

• Allow adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat buildup.

• Do not place the unit on surfaces (rugs, blankets, etc.) or near materials (curtains, draperies) that may block the ventilation slots.

• Do not install the unit near heat sources such as radiators or air ducts, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust, mechanical vibration or shock.

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

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

• Do not place heavy objects on the unit.

Owner's record

The model number is located at the rear and front of the unit and the serial number on the top. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. SLV-640HF Serial No.

Introduction

Table of contents

4 Welcome!

Getting Started

4 Step 1: Unpacking 5 Step 2: Setting up the remote commander

6 Step 3: Hookups

16 Selecting a language (Canadian model only)

17 Setting the clock

18 Presetting channels

21 Using the ADVANCED OPTIONS

Basic Operations

23 Playing a tape 26 Recording TV programs 30 Recording TV programs using the timer 33 Checking/changing/cancelling timer settings

Additional Operations

35 Playing/searching at various speeds 36 Adjusting the picture 37 Searching using the index function 38 Editing with another VCR

Additional Information

40 General setup information 41 Troubleshooting 43 Specifications

44 Index to parts and controls 46 Index

back Quick reference to using the VCR cover

Introduction

Welcome!

Getting Started

Step 1; Unpacking

Thank you for purchasing the Sony Video Cassette Recorder (VCR). Here are some of the features you'll enjoy with your VCR:

• Easy Set Up feature that presets channels easily using the EASY SET UP button

• On-screen menu that displays information in either English or French (Canadian model only)

Check that you have the following items:

• Remote commander

• Size AA (R6) batteries

• Audio/video cable (3-phono to 3-phono)

• 75-ohm coaxial cable with

F-type connectors

Getting Started

step 2: Setting up the remote commander

Notes

• With normal use, the batteries should last for approximately three to six months.

• If you do not use the remote commander for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

• Do not use a new battery with an old one.

• Do not use different types of batteries.

Inserting the batteries

Insert two size AA (R6) batteries by matching the + and - on the batteries to the diagram inside the battery compartment.

Using the remote commander

You can use this remote commander to operate this VCR and a Sony TV. The POWER, VOL +/-, CH +/-, TV/VTR, channel number, ENTER, DISPLAY and AUDIO MONITOR buttons on the remote commander can be used to operate your TV.

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3. IP

Remote sensor

pfv]/|VTR|

o a ’o

O (ZD CD <] ^ D>

To operate Set|TV|/| VTR|to

the VCR 1VTR1 and point at the remote sensor on the VCR

a Sony TV

|TV| and point at the remote sensor on the TV

Getting Started

step 3: Hookups

Caution

Connections between the VCR's VHF/UHF connector and the antenna terminals of the TV receiver should be made only as shown in the following instructions. Failure to do so may result in operation that violates the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission regarding the use and operation of RF devices. Never connect the output of the VCR to an antenna or make simultaneous (parallel) antenna and VCR connections at the antenna terminals of your receiver.

Selecting the best hookup option

Before you can use your VCR for the first time, you need to connect it to your TV and set it up to receive programs for viewing and recording. This section explains how to hook up and set up your VCR so that you can start enjoying it right away. There are, however, many types of TVs available and many ways in which your TV can be hooked up. For these reasons, this manual describes several ways your VCR can be connected.

To hook up your VCR so that it works best for you, first scan through the table below. Then use the accompanying diagrams and procedures on the following pages to set up your VCR.

If you have Use Refer to

TV that has audio/video inputs

Cable box with many scrambled channels

Audio/video (A/V) hookup, then follow one of the hookups below.

Flookupl

Page 7

Page 8

Note to CATV system installer

This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's attention to Article 820-40 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.

No cable box or cable box with only a few scrambled channels

Antenna only, no cable TV

Cable box with only a few scrambled channels, using an A/B switch

Ffookup 2

Ffookup 3

Hookup 4

Page 10

Page 12

Page 14

After you've completed the connections, follow the instructions for setup. During setup, if you need more details of the procedure described, page numbers are provided where you can find complete, step-by-step instructions.

After you've completed the setup, you're ready to use your VCR. Procedures differ depending on the hookup you used. For an overview, refer to "Quick reference to using the VCR" on the back cover.

Before you get started

• Turn off the power to all equipment.

• Do not connect the AC power cords until all of the connections are completed.

• Be sure you make connections firmly. Loose connections may cause picture distortion.

• If your TV doesn't match any of the examples provided, see your nearest Sony dealer or qualified technician.

Getting Started

If your TV has audio/video (A/V) input jacks, you will get a better

Audio/video (AA/) hookup

A Use this hookup if your TV has stereo jacks

picture and sound if you hook up your VCR using these connections. In addition, for a true "home theater" experience, you should connect the audio outputs of your VCR or TV to your stereo system. If your TV doesn't have A/V inputs, see the following pages for antenna or cable hookups.

If you're planning to use your VCR only to play back pictures and movies, you're finished setting up the VCR after you've made these connections. If you want to record off-air or off your cable TV system, complete these connections first, and then go to the following pages for antenna or cable hookups.

fit

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B Use this hookup if your TV doesn't have stereo jacks

AA/ hookup: VCR setup

After you've connected your TV and completed antenna or cable hookup, use the following procedure to set up the VCR.

Note

To play a tape in stereo, you must use the A/V connection.

Getting Started

Hookup 1

Cable box with many

Recommended use

Use this hookup if your cable company cannot supply a cable box that is compatible with the VCR's cable box control feature, and your cable system scrambles all, or most channels.

scrambled channels

What you can and can't do with this hookup

What you can do

• Record any channel by selecting the channel on the cable box

What you can't do

• Record with the cable box turned off

• Record one channel while watching another channel

• Record by selecting channels directly with the VCR

Getting Started

Hookup 1: VCR setup

You are now ready to use your VCR

1 Set the RF UNIT switch to CH 3 or CH 4, whichever

channel is not used in your area. If both are used, set the switch to either channel. If you made A/V connections (from page 7), you can skip this step.

2 Turn on your cable box.

3 Press EASY SET UP on the VCR.

The SET UP menu appears.

A Quick reference to operations is provided on the back cover to help you quickly enjoy the basic functions. These procedures differ slightly depending on the hookup used. Make a note of which hookup you used (Hookup 1) so that you can always follow the correct instructions.

(Canadian model only)

The LANGUAGE menu appears. Change the on-screen language to French (FRANÇAIS) if desired, and press EXECUTE.

For details, see page 16.

H The CLOCK SET menu

appears. Set the MONTH, DAY, YEAR, HOUR and MINUTES and press EXECUTE.

For details, see page 17.

B The TUNER PRESET menu

appears. Set ANTENNA/ CABLE to ANT and press EXECUTE.

For details, see page 18.

□ The AUTO PRESET starts.

For details, see page 18.

17/1 / 1995 SAT 3:Q0HM|

Use 5±l to select current MONTH

Then,push H t 0 set DAY

ANTENNA/CABLE

(TO' I CABLE]

Usel^^lt 0 select Then push I EXECUTE I Push iE^ SET UPl to quit

AUTO PRESET

EXECUTING

Please wai t

Normal display

SET UP is done

Getting Started

Hookup 2

Recommended use

Use this hookup if you do not have a cable box. Also use this hookup if your cable system scrambles only a few channels.

No cable box

Cable box with only a

few scrambled channels

What you can and can't do with this hookup

What you can do

• Record any unscrambled channel by selecting the channel on the VCR

What you can't do

• Record scrambled channels that require a cable box

'] Q Getting Started

Hookup 2: VCR setup

You are now ready to use your VCR

1 Set the RF UNIT switch to CH 3 or CH 4, whichever

channel is not used in your area. If both are used, set the switch to either channel. If you made A/V connections (from page 7), you can skip this step.

2 Press EASY SET UP on the VCR.

The SET UP menu appears.

A Quick reference to operations is provided on the back cover to help you quickly enjoy the basic functions. These procedures differ slightly depending on the hookup used. Make a note of which hookup you used (Hookup 2) so that you can always follow the correct instructions.

(Canadian model only)

The LANGUAGE menu appears. Change the on-screen

language to French (FRANÇAIS) if desired, and press EXECUTE. For details, see page 16.

The CLOCK SET menu appears. Set the MONTH,

DAY, YEAR, HOUR and MINUTES and press EXECUTE. For details, see page 17.

B The TUNER PRESET menu

appears. Set ANTENNA/ CABLE to CABLE and press EXECUTE.

For details, seepage 18.

□ The AUTO PRESET starts.

For details, see page 18.

17/1 / 1995 SAT 3:00AHl

Use to select current MONTH

Then.pushHto set DAY

ANTENNA/CABLE

[ANT I'MBI

U s e ^ 11 0 select Then Dush IEXECÛTEI Push lEASY SET UPl to quit

AUTO PRESET

EXECUTING

Please wai t

Normal display

SET UP Is done

Getting Started ^ ^

Make the following connections if you're using an antenna (if you don't

Hookup 3

have cable TV).

Antenna hookup

A Use this hookup if you're using:

• VHF/UHF antenna (you get channels 2-13 and channels 14 and higher)

• UFlF-only antenna (you get channels 14 and higher)

• separate VHF and UHF antennas

Rear of TV

VHF/UHF

VHF

HI I* *®

-CO--®

UHF

B Use this hookup if you're using a VHF-only antenna (you get channels 2-13 only)

Rear of TV

VHF/UHF

Q *

VHF

UHF VHF

Match the type of connector on your

TV: A, B, or C.

Match the type of connector on your

TV: A, B, or C.

For connector types B and C, no UHF connection is required.

@ o

UHF

If you cannot connect your antenna cable to the VCR directly

If your antenna cable is a flat cable (300-ohm twin lead cable), attach an external antenna connector (not supplied) so that you can connect the cable to the VITF/UHF IN connector. If you have separafe cables for

VFIF and UFIF antennas, you may use a U/V band mixer (not supplied).

For details, see page 40.

Getting Started

Hookup 3: VCR setup

You are now ready to use your VCR

1 Set the RF UNIT switch to CH 3 or CH 4, whichever

channel is not used in your area. If both are used, set the switch to either channel. If you made A/V connections (from page 7), you can skip this step.

2 Press EASY SET UP on the VCR.

The SET UP menu appears.

(Canadian model only)

The LANGUAGE menu appears. Change the on-screen language to French (FRANÇAIS) if desired, and press EXECUTE. For details, see page 16.

A Quick reference to operations is provided on the back cover to help you quickly enjoy the basic functions. These procedures differ slightly depending on the hookup used. Make a note of which hookup you used (Hookup 3) so thaf you can always follow the correct instructions.

lA S'

The CLOCK SET menu appears. Set the MONTH, DAY, YEAR, HOUR and MINUTES and press EXECUTE.

For details, see page 17.

B The TUNER PRESET menu

appears. Set ANTENNA/ CABLE to ANT and press EXECUTE.

For details, see page 18.

Q The AUTO PRESET starts.

For details, see page 18.

Normal display

17/1/ 1995 SAT 3^ÔÔiW

Use 55 1 0 select current MONTH

Then,push H t o set DAY

ANTENNA/CABLE

ÎT^iT I CABLEl

Usel^-^jt o select Then push I EXECUTE I Push lEASY SËTlj^ to quit

AUTO PRESET

PI ease wai t

ESI

SET UP is done

Getting Started

Hookup 4

Cable box with only a

few scrambled

Recommended use

By using an A/B switch (not supplied), this hookup allows you to easily record both scrambled and unscrambled channels. With the A/B switch set to position "A," you can record unscrambled channels by selecting channels directly with the VCR. You only use position "B" and the cable box to record a scrambled channel.

channels, using an A/B switch

What you can and can't do with this hookup

What you can do

• Record any unscrambled channel by selecting the channel directly with your VCR (the A/B switch is set to A)

• Record any scrambled channel by selecting the channel on the cable box (the A/B switch is set to B)

What you can't do

• Record one channel while watching another channel

14 Getting Started

Hookup 4: VCR setup

1 Set the RF UNIT switch to CH 3 or CH 4, whichever

channel is not used in your area. If both are used, set the switch to either channel. If you made A/V connections (from page 7), you can skip this step.

2 Set the A/B switch to "A." 3 Press EASY SET UP on the VCR.

The SET UP menu appears.

4 Preset the cable box output channel (usually 2,3, or

4).

Press MENU and select TUNER PRESET.

BH8II

TIMER SET/CHECK

CLOCK SET ADVANCED OPTIONS

Use 55 to sel ect an

item, then push [EXECUTE!

You are now ready to use your VCR

A Quick reference to operations is provided on the back cover to help you quickly enjoy the basic functions. These procedures differ slightly depending on the hookup used. Make a note of which hookup you used (Hookup 4) so that you can always follow the correct instructions.

Set MANUAL SET to ADD and press EXECUTE.

ANTENNA / CABLElÂNÏ^ [Gm£.\ AUTO PRESET

AFT F I NE TUN ING

Select CH wi t h 10-9| Push

lENTERI.f^^ to ADD/ERASE

For details, see page 18.

(Canadian model only)

The LANGUAGE menu appears. Change the on-screen language to French (FRANÇAIS) if desired, and press EXECUTE.

For details, see page 16.

B The CLOCK SET menu

appears. Set the MONTH, DAY, YEAR, HOUR and MINUTES and press EXECUTE,

For details, see page 17.

B The TUNER PRESET menu

appears. Set ANTENNA/ CABLE to CABLE and

17/1 / 1995 SAT 3 : OOllll

Use * 0 select

current MONTH

Then,push@to set DAY

ANTENNA/CABLE

I ANT \Qm\ÆÎ

press EXECUTE.

For details, see page 18.

Q The AUTO PRESET starts.

For details, see page 18.

Usel^^lt o select

Then push I EXECUTE!

Push [EASYZSETZQP] to quit

AUTO PRESET

Please wait

BSI

Normal display

SET UP is done

Getting Started

+ 32 hidden pages