Sony SLV-778HF User Manual

3-861-049-12 (1)

Video Cassette

Recorder

Operating Instructions

Owner's record

The model and serial numbers are located at the rear of the unit. Record these numbers in the spaces provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No.

Serial No.

VMS

[}{]d^

vci^/kf.

SLV-778HF SLV-778HF PX SLV-777HF

WARNING

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

CAUTION

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

product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

(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.

WARNING

The AC power cord must be changed at qualified service shop.

Precautions

Safety

• For SLV-778HF/777HF operate the unit only on 120

• If anything falls into the cabinet, unplug the unit and

• This unit is not disconnected from the AC power

outlet, even if the unit itself has been turned off.

• 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.

"dangerous voltage" within the

^ This symbol is intended to alert the

\ user to the presence of important

operating and maintenance

V AC, 60 Hz. For SLV-778HF PX, operate the unit on 110to240VAC,50/60Hz.

have it checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.

source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall

• Do not place the unit on surfaces (rugs, blankets, etc.) or near materials (curtains, draperies) that mav 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 du.st, 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.

• If the unit is brou^t directly from a cold to a warm

location, moisture may condense inside the VGR 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

For customers in the USA CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void

your authority to operate this equipment.

NOTE:

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.

Getting Started

4 Step 1; Unpacking

5 Step 2: Setting up the remote commander

7 Step 3: Hookups ^ 30 Selecting a language 31 Setting the clock 38 Setting up cable box control

43 Presetting channels 49 Setting up VCR Plus+*

Basic Operations

52 Playing a tape 54 Recording TV programs

74 Adjusting the picture 75 Changing menu options 76 Editing with another VCR

58 Recording TV programs using

VCR Plus+

61 Setting the timer manually

Additional Information

78 General setup information 80 Troubleshooting

Additional Operations

63 Playing / searching at various

speeds

66 Searching for a selected point on

the tape

68 Skip searching automatically

82 Specifications 83 Index to parts and controls 87 Index

back cover

Quick reference to using the VCR

69 Recording TV programs using the

quick timer

70 Checking / changing / canceling

timer settings

72 Recording stereo and bilingual

programs

* VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are trademarks of Gemstar Development Corporation. VCR Plus+

system is manufactured under license from Gemstar Development Corporation.

Introduction I 3

Getting Started

Step 1

Unpacking

Check that you have received the following items with the VCR:

• Remote commander

Size AA (R6) batteries

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

75-ohm coaxial cable with F-type

cormectors

Jack cover

Plug adaptor (SLV-778HF PX only)

4 Getting Started

step 2

Setting up the remote commander

Inserting the batteries

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

Insert the negative (-) end first, then push in and down until the positive (+) end clicks into position.

Using the remote commander

Remote sensor

You can use this remote commander to operate this VCR and a Sony TV. Buttons on the remote commander marked with a dot (•) can be used to operate your Sony TV.

To operate

the VCR a Sony TV

Notes

• With normal use, the batteries should last about 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.

Set 1 TV|/| VIDEO 1 to

1 VIDEOl and point at the remote sensor on the VCR

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

continued

Getting Started

step 2: Setting up the remote commander (continued)

Controlling other TVs with the remote commander

The remote commander is preprogrammed to control non-Sony TVs. If your TV is listed in the table below, set the appropriate manufacturer's code number.

1 Set I TV I/1 VIDEO I at the top of the remote commander to PlVl. 2 Hold POWER down, and enter your TV's code number(s) using the

number buttons. Then release TOWER.

Now you can use the TOWER, VOL +/-, CH +/-, and TV/VIDEO buttons to control your TV. You can also use the buttons marked with a dot (•) to control a Sony TV. To control the VCR, reset |TV [/|VIDEO] to

I VIDEO |.

Code numbers of controllable TVs

If more than one code number is listed, try entering them one at a time until you find the one that works with your TV.

Manufacturer

Sony Akai AOC

Centurion Coronado Curis-Mathes Daytron Emerson Fisher General Electric 06,10 Pioneer 16 Wards Gold Star Hitachi 02,03 Quasar 06,18 Zenith 15

J.C.Penny

Notes

• If the TV uses a different remote control system from the one programmed to work

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

• When you replace the batteries of the remote commander, the code number may

Code number

01 04 04

12 03 12 12 03,04,14 11

03,04,17

04,12

with the VCR, you carmot control your TV with the remote commander.

automatically reset to 01 (Sony). If your TV is not a Sony, it is recommended to manually set the appropriate code number every time you replace the batteries.

Manufacturer

JVC

KMC Magnavox Marantz MGA/Mitsubishi NEC Panasonic Philco Philips 08 Toshiba

Portland

Radio Shack

Code number

09 RCA 04,10 03

03,08,12 04,13 Scott 12 04,12,13,17 04,12 06,19 03,04 Teknika

03 Yorx

05,14

Manufacturer Code

Sampo Sanyo 11

Sears 07,10,11 Sharp 03,05,18 Sylvania

Getting Started

number

08,12 03,08,14 07 03,04,12 12

step 3

Hookups

Selecting the best hookup option

There are many ways in which your VCR can be hooked up. To hook up

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

If you have

TV that has audio/video inputs

Cable box that is compatible with the VCR's cable box control feature

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

Antenna only, no cable TV Incompatible cable box with many

scrambled channels DSS®' receiver

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

After you've completed the connections, follow the instructions for setup. During setup, if you need more details on 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 connecHons 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.

Use Audio/video (A/V) hookup, then

follow one of the hookups below.

Hookup 1 '

Hookup 2

Hookup 3

Hookup 4

Hookup 5 Pages 22 to 24 Hookup 6

Refer to Pages 8 and 9

Pages 10 to 12

Pages 13 to 15

Pages 16 to 18 Pages 19 to 21

Pages 25 to 29

DSS® is a registered trademark of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics Corporation.

Getting Started 7

Step 3: Hookups (continued)

1 Audio/video (A/V) hookup

If your TV has audio/ video (A/V) input jacks, you will get a better 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 not planning to use your VCR to record programs, you're finished setting up the VCR after you've made the connections shown on page 8. If

you want to record off-air or off your cable TV system, complete these

cormections first, and then go to the following pages for antenna or cable

hookups.

Q Use this hookup if your TV has stereo jacks

VCR

Pages 8 and 9 H

stereo receiver

AUDIO VIDEO

®0®

—IIP

Video cable (not supplied) Audio cable (not supplied)

Note

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

8 Getting Started

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

VCR

______________

stereo receiver

AUX IN

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.

Note to CATV system installer (in USA)

This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's attention to Article 82040 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be coriftected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

continued

Getting Started

Step 3: Hookups (continued)

\ Hookup 1

Using cable box control

Recommended use

You should use this hookup if you have a cable box, especially if your cable system scrambles all or most channels. This hookup allo^vs the VCR's cable box control feature to control the channel on the cable box, simplifying the recording process. A list of compatible cable boxes is on pages 39 and 40.

What you can do with this hookup

• Record any channel using the VCR's cable box control feature to select channels on the cable box

What you can't do

• Record with the cable box turned off

• Record one channel while watching another charmel

VCR

Cable box

RM-CM101 Cable Mouse (not supplied)

Pages 10 to 12 H

Rear of TV

VHF/UHF

VHF

UHF

VHF

Match the type of

connector on your

TV: A. B, or C.

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

UHF

Positioning the Cable Mouse

Place the Cable Mouse so that it hangs out over the cable box

- -

front.

Getting Started

.<*=<

Side view

Hookup 1: 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.

For details, see page 78.

If you made A/V connections (from page 8), you can skip this step.

2 Turn on your cable box. 3 Press EASY SET UP on the VCR.

O The LANGUAGE menu appears. Change the

on-screen display language to Spanish (ESPAÑOL) or French (FRANÇAIS) if desired, and press OK. For details, see page 30.

O The CLOCK SET menu appears. Select AUTO

and press OK. For details, see page 31.

► ENGLISH

ESPAÑOL FRANÇAIS

NEXT : OK CANCEL : EASY SET UP

O The CABLE BOX CONTROL menu appears.

Select ON. For details, see page 38.

O Enter your cable box code number and press 4'-

For details, see page 39.

output channel and press OK.

SET UP CABLE BOX CONTROL

CABLE MOUSE -ON OFF BOX CODE NO.

►BOX OUTPUT CH -CHS,*-

USE •</► TO SELECT CABLE BOX CH. THEN PUSH OK

SELECT NEXT CANCEL

SET UP CABLE BOX CONTROL ►CABLE MOUSE «ON OFF

SELECT : •</►

CANCEL ; EASY SET UP

SETUP CABLE BOX CONTROL

CABLE MOUSE «CWi^OFF

►BOX CODE NO.

BOX OUTPUT CH

ENTER YOUR CABLE BOX CODE NO USING 0-9 KEYS REFER TO THE OPERATING MANUAL FOR THE CODE

SETUP

</►

OK EASY SET UP

BOX CODE NO. BOX OUTPUT CH CHS

--------------------

SET UP IS DONE

------

Normal display

continued

Getting Started

step 3: Hookups (continued)

Hookup 1:

VCR Plus+ channel setup

1 Find the VCR Plus+ Channel Listing in your program guide. For

details, see page 49.

2 If the channels in the program guide are different from the channels

that you actually use on your TV, set the channels that are different as follows. For details, see page 50.

O Press MENU and select SET VCR PLUS+

CHANNELS.

channel you use on your TV.

O Press OK.

Automatic clock setting

Once you've set up the VCR, it automatically sets the clock the first time you turn off the VCR. After that, whenever you turn off the VCR, it checks the time and adjusts the clock, even for Daylight Saving Time. The VCR sets the clock by picking up a time signal provided by some TV channels.

If you want to use the timer to record right away, or if the channels in your area do not carry time signals, set the clock manually. For details, see page

36.

Note

• To use the automatic dock setting feature, leave the cable box on.

TIMER SET/CHECK TUNER PRESET

► SET VCR PLUS* CHANNELS

CABLE BOX CONTROL CLOCK SET LANGUAGE ADVANCED OPTIONS

SET VCR PLUS* CHANNELS

PUSH 0-9 KEYS TO SET PROGRAM TV CH

THEN PUSH ENTER

Program guide channel

Your actual TV channel

TV CH

-------

Getting Started

Hookup 2

No cable box, or incompatible cable box with only a

few scrambled channels