Page 1
3-861-941-11 (1)
Video Cassette
Recorder
Operating Instructions
PAL NTSC 4.43
SLV-E730EX/UX
©1998 by Sony Corporation
Introduction
1
Page 2
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose
the unit to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the
cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified a
personnel only.
Mains lead must only be changed at a qualified
service shop.
Notice for customers in the United
Kingdom and Republic of Ireland
A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is
fitted to this equipment for your safety and
convenience.
If the 13A fitted plug does not match the outlet
socket in your home, please refer to your
Appointed Sony Dealer for advice.
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be
replaced, a 5 AMP fuse approved by ASTA or
BSI to BS1362, (i.e., marked with 2 or @ mark)
must be used.
If the plug supplied with this equipment has a
detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse
cover after you change the fuse. Never use the
plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose
the fuse cover, please contact your nearest
Sony service station.
Precautions
Safety
• This unit operates on 220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz.
Check that the unit’s operating voltage is
identical with your local power supply.
• If anything falls into the cabinet, unplug the
unit and have it checked by qualified
personnel before operating it any further.
• The unit is not disconnected from the mains
as long as it is connected to the mains, even
if the unit itself has been turned off.
• 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.
• 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.
Caution
Television programmes, 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
transmitter and/or programme owner.
Compatible colour systems
This VCR is designed to record using the PAL
(B/G) colour system and play back using the
PAL (B/G) and NTSC 4.43 colour systems.
Recording of video sources based on other
colour systems cannot be guaranteed.
Introduction
2
Page 3
Table of contents
Getting Started
4 Step 1: Unpacking
5 Step 2: Setting up the remote commander
9 Step 3: Connecting the VCR
11 Step 4: Setting up the VCR with the Auto Set Up function
12 Step 5: Tuning your TV to the VCR
14 Manual setup —
Selecting a language, Presetting channels, Setting up VIDEO Plus+*,
Setting the clock
26 Setting your personal code
Getting Started
Basic Operations
28 Playing a tape
31 Recording TV programmes
35 Recording TV programmes using
VIDEO Plus+
38 Setting the timer manually
Additional Operations
41 Playing/searching at various
speeds
43 Recording TV programmes using
the quick timer
44 Checking/changing/cancelling
timer settings
46 Recording stereo and bilingual
programmes
48 Searching using the index
function
49 Adjusting the picture
51 Changing menu options
53 Editing with another VCR
Additional Information
55 Troubleshooting
58 Specifications
59 Index to parts and controls
Back cover
Index
* VIDEO Plus+ and PlusCode are trademarks applied for by Gemstar Development Corp. VIDEO
Plus+ system is manufactured under license from Gemstar Development Corporation.
Introduction
3
Page 4
Getting Started
Step 1
Unpacking
Check that you have received the following items with the VCR:
• Remote commander
• R6 (size AA) batteries
• Aerial cable
Checking your model name
4
Getting Started
The instructions in this manual are for the 2 models: SLV-E730EX and
E730UX. Check your model number by looking at the rear panel of
your VCR. The SLV-E730EX is the model used for illustration
purposes. Any difference in operation is clearly indicated in the text,
for example, “SLV-E730UX only.”
Page 5
Step 2
Setting up the remote commander
Inserting the batteries
Insert two R6 (size AA) 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
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.
Remote sensor
Getting Started
To operate
the VCR
a Sony TV
123
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789
Set TV / VIDEO to
VIDEO and point at the remote sensor on the VCR
TV and point at the remote sensor on the TV
TV␣ ␣ /␣ ␣ VIDEO
continued
Getting Started
5
Page 6
Step 2 : Setting up the remote commander (continued)
ON/STANDBY
WIDE
FASTEXT buttons
DISPLAY
;
V
MENU
TV control buttons
To
Turn the TV into standby or active mode
Select an input source of the TV either from
aerial in or from line in
Select the programme position of the TV
Adjust the volume of the TV
Switch to TV (Teletext off)
Switch to Teletext
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0
Press
ON/STANDBY
TV/VIDEO
Programme number buttons
PROG +/–
VOL +/–
; (TV)
V (Teletext)
AUDIO
MONITOR
TV/VIDEO
Programme
number
buttons
PROG+/–/
√/◊
VOL+/–
Joystick
>/./?//
OK
6
Getting Started
Page 7
To
Select the sound
Use FASTEXT
Call up on-screen display
Change the Teletext page
Operate TV menu options
Switch to/from wide mode of a Sony wide TV (For
other manufacture’s wide TV, see “Controlling other
TVs with the remote commander” below.)
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 together.
• Do not use different types of batteries together.
Press
AUDIO MONITOR
FASTEXT buttons
DISPLAY
√/◊
MENU
Joystick (>/./?//, OK)
WIDE
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 TV / VIDEO at the top of the remote commander to TV .
2 Hold down ON/STANDBY, and enter your TV’s code number(s) using
the programme number buttons. Then release ON/STANDBY.
Now you can use the following TV control buttons to control your TV:
ON/STANDBY, TV/VIDEO, programme number buttons, ? (ten’s
digit), PROG +/–, VOL +/–, ; (TV), V (Teletext), FASTEXT buttons,
WIDE*, MENU*, and the joystick (>/./?//, OK)*.
* These buttons may not work with all TVs.
Getting Started
Tip
• When you set your TV’s code number correctly while the TV is turned on, the TV
turns off automatically.
continued
Getting Started
7
Page 8
Step 2 : Setting up the remote commander (continued)
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.
To make wide mode settings, see the footnotes below this table for the
applicable code numbers.
Manufacturer
Sony
Akai
Ferguson
Grundig
Hitachi
Mitsubishi
NEC
Nokia
Panasonic
Code number
01*1, 02
68
52
1
10*1, 11*
24
27*1, 28*1, 50*1, 51*
66
15, 16, 69*
3
17*1, 49
Manufacturer
Philips
Saba
Samsung
Sanyo
Sharp
1
TEAC
Telefunken
Thomson
Toshiba
Code number
06*1, 07*1, 08*
12, 13
22, 23
25
29
67
36
2
43*
38
1
*1Press WIDE to switch the wide picture mode on or off.
*2Press WIDE, then press VOL +/– to select the wide picture mode you want.
*3Press WIDE. The menu appears on the TV screen. Then, push the joystick to >/./
?// to select the wide picture you want and press the joystick (OK).
Notes
• If the TV uses a different remote control system from the one programmed to work
with the VCR, you cannot control your TV with the remote commander.
• 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
automatically resets to 01 (Sony). Reset the appropriate code number.
8
Getting Started
Page 9
Step 3
AERIAL
ANTENNE
OUT
SORTIE
IN
ENTREE
Connecting the VCR
Mains lead
to mains
Aerial cable (supplied)
: Signal flow
Getting Started
AERIAL IN
AERIAL OUT
AERIAL IN
1 Disconnect the aerial cable from your TV
and connect it to AERIAL IN on the rear
panel of the VCR.
2 Connect AERIAL OUT of the VCR and
the aerial input of your TV using the
supplied aerial cable.
3 Connect the mains lead to the mains.
OUT
SORTIE
ENTREE
AERIAL
ANTENNE
IN
continued
Getting Started
9
Page 10
Step 3 : Connecting the VCR (continued)
Additional connections
To a TV that has a EURO-AV (Scart)
connector
This additional connection improves
picture and sound quality. Connect the
TV as shown on the right. Whenever
you want to watch the VCR picture,
press TV/VIDEO to display the VIDEO
indicator in the display window.
To a stereo system
You can improve sound quality by
connecting a stereo system to the
AUDIO OUT R/L jacks as shown on the
right.
Note
• When you connect the VCR and your TV only with an aerial cable, you have to set
RF MODULATOR in the OPTIONS menu to ON (initial setting).
If the TV is connected to the LINE-1 (TV) connector, setting RF MODULATOR in the
OPTIONS menu to OFF is recommended. In the OFF position, only the signal from
the aerial is output through the AERIAL OUT connector (see page 52).
: LINE-1
(TV)
VMC-2121 EURO-AV cable
(not supplied)
AUDIO OUT
R/L
Audio cable (not supplied)
EURO-AV
(Scart)
LINE IN
10
Getting Started
Page 11
Step 4
Setting up the VCR with the Auto Set
Up function
Before using the VCR for the first time, set up the VCR using the Auto Set
Up function. With this function, you can set TV channels, the VCR clock,
guide channels for VIDEO Plus+, and the RF channel.
AUTO SET UP
AUTO SET UP
Hold down AUTO SET UP on the VCR for more than three seconds.
The VCR automatically turns on, and the ATP (Auto Tuner Preset)
function starts searching for all of the receivable channels and
presets them in the appropriate order for your local area.
After the search is complete, the current time appears in the display
window for any stations that transmit a time signal. If the time does
not appear, set the clock manually. See page 22.
Getting Started
To cancel the Auto Set Up function
Press AUTO SET UP.
Note
• Do not cancel the Auto Set Up function during the ATP operations. If you do,
repeat the step above.
Getting Started
11
Page 12
SONY VIDEO CASSETTE
RECORDER
Step 5
Tuning your TV to the VCR
If you have connected the VCR to your TV using the EURO-AV cable, skip
this step.
PROGRAM +/–
RF CHANNEL
1 Press RF CHANNEL on the VCR.
RF CHANNEL
The factory-preset RF channel appears in the display window.
The VCR signal is output through this channel to the TV.
2 Turn on your TV and select a programme position for the VCR
picture.
This programme position will now be referred to as the video
channel.
3 Tune the TV to the same channel as that
shown in the display window so that
the picture on the right appears clearly
on the TV screen.
Refer to your TV manual for tuning
instructions.
If the picture does not appear clearly,
see “To obtain a clear picture from the
VCR” below.
12
Getting Started
Page 13
4 Press RF CHANNEL.
RF CHANNEL
You have now tuned your TV to the VCR. From now on, whenever
you want to play a tape, set the TV to the video channel.
To check to see if the TV tuning is correct
Set the TV to the video channel and press PROGRAM +/– on the VCR. If
the TV screen changes to a different programme each time you press
PROGRAM +/–, the TV tuning is correct.
To obtain a clear picture from the VCR
If the picture does not appear clearly in step 3 above, press PROGRAM +/–
in step 3, so that another RF channel appears. Then tune the TV to the new
RF channel until a clear picture appears.
Getting Started
Getting Started
13
Page 14
Manual setup —
ENGLISH
DEUTSCH
LANGUAGE
ESPAÑOL
PORTUGUÊS
FRANÇAIS
ITALIANO
NEDERLANDS
DANSK
EΛΛHNIKA
SVENSKA
SUOMI
SELECT
SET
:
: OK
SETTINGS
OPTIONS
TUNER
VIDEO PLUS+
CLOCK
LANGUAGE
SELECT
SET
:
:
OK
Selecting a
language
If you prefer an on-screen language
other than English, use the on-screen
display to select another language.
Before you start…
• Turn on the VCR and the TV.
• Set the TV to the video channel.
1 Press MENU, then push the joystick to >/
• MENU
. to select SETTINGS and press the
joystick (OK).
PLAY
OK
MENU
Joystick
>/./?//
OK
2 Push the joystick to >/. to select
PLAY
OK
LANGUAGE, then press the joystick (OK).
3 Push the joystick to >/./?// to move the dot ( r ) to the
Getting Started14
PLAY
OK
Note
• The menu disappears automatically if you don’t proceed for more than a few
desired language, then press the joystick (OK).
minutes.
Page 15
Manual setup —
SETTINGS
OPTIONS
TUNER
VIDEO PLUS+
CLOCK
LANGUAGE
SELECT
SET
:
:
OK
NORMAL / CATV
CHANNEL SET [ ]
C
[]NORM
TUNER
AFT
[]ON
FINE TUNING
21
SELECT
SET
:
:
PROG10
NORMAL / CATV
CHANNEL SET [ ]
C
[]NORM
TUNER
AFT
[]ON
FINE TUNING
21
SELECT
SET
:
:
PROG10
Presetting
channels
If some channels could not be preset
using the Auto Set Up function, you can
preset them manually.
Before you start…
• Turn on the VCR and the TV.
• Set the TV to the video channel.
1 Press MENU, then push the joystick to >/
• MENU
. to select SETTINGS and press the
joystick (OK).
PLAY
OK
PROG +/–
MENU
Getting Started
Joystick
>/./?//
OK
2 Push the joystick to >/. to select TUNER,
PLAY
OK
then press the joystick (OK).
3 (SLV-E730EX only)
PLAY
OK
Push the joystick to >/./?// to
move the cursor (”) to NORMAL/CATV,
then select NORM.
To preset CATV (Cable Television)
channels, select CATV.
continued
Getting Started
15
Page 16
Manual setup –– Presetting channels (continued)
NORMAL / CATV
CHANNEL SET [ ]
C
[]NORM
TUNER
AFT
[]ON
FINE TUNING
21
SELECT
SET
:
:
PROG10
PROG 4
NORMAL / CATV
CHANNEL SET [ ]
C
[]NORM
TUNER
AFT
[]ON
FINE TUNING
21
SELECT
SET
:
:
NORMAL / CATV
CHANNEL SET [ ]
C
[]NORM
TUNER
AFT
[]ON
FINE TUNING
56
SELECT
SET
:
:
PROG 4
CH
4
4 Push the joystick to >/. to move the
PLAY
OK
cursor (”) to CHANNEL SET.
• PROG
5 Press PROG +/– to select the programme
position.
Selected programme
position
6 Push the joystick to ?// repeatedly until the channel you want is
PLAY
OK
displayed.
The channels appear in the following order:
• VHF IA - IJ, SA10 - SA13 (SLV-E730EX
only)
• UHF B21 - B69
• CATV S1 - S20 (SLV-E730EX only)
• HYPER S21 - S41 (SLV-E730EX only)
• CATV S01 - S05 (SLV-E730EX only)
If you know the number of the channel you want, press the
programme number buttons. For example, for channel 43, first
press “4” and then press “3.”
7 To allocate another channel to another programme position, repeat
steps 5 and 6.
8 Press the joystick (OK).
PLAY
Getting Started16
OK
Page 17
Disabling unwanted programme positions
After presetting channels, you can disable unused programme positions. The
disabled positions will be skipped later when you press the PROG +/–
buttons.
1 In step 6 above, press programme number button “0” twice to display
the number “00” beside CHANNEL SET.
2 Press the joystick (OK).
If the picture is not clear
Normally, the Auto Fine Tuning (AFT) function automatically tunes in
channels clearly. If, however, the picture is not clear, you may also use the
manual tuning function.
1 Press PROG +/– or the programme number buttons to select the
programme number for which you cannot obtain a clear picture.
2 Press MENU, then select SETTINGS and press the joystick (OK).
3 Select TUNER, then press the joystick (OK).
4 Select FINE TUNING.
The fine tuning meter appears.
Getting Started
TUNER
NORMAL / CATV
CHANNEL SET [ ]
AFT
FINE TUNING
SELECT
SET
PROG 4
[]NORM
C
56
CH
4
[]ON
––
:
:
Selected programme
position
––––––
5 Push the joystick to ?// to get a clearer picture, then press the
joystick (OK).
Note that the AFT (Auto Fine Tuning) setting switches to OFF.
Note
• The menu disappears automatically if you don’t proceed for more than a few
minutes.
Getting Started
17
Page 18
Manual setup —
SETTINGS
OPTIONS
TUNER
VIDEO PLUS+
CLOCK
LANGUAGE
SELECT
SET
:
:
OK
PROG
VIDEO PLUS+
CH GUIDE
BBC1
SELECT
SET
CANCEL
CH
BBC2
ITV
CH4
5
4
2
5
2
5
7
6
6
[]1
2
3
4
–––
:
:
: CLEAR
0 – 9
C
C
C
C
C23
Setting up VIDEO
Plus+
VIDEO Plus+ is a feature that simplifies
programming the VCR to make timer
recordings. To use VIDEO Plus+, each
programme position needs to be
matched with its VIDEO Plus+ guide
channel. If the guide channels were not
preset in the Auto Set Up procedure, you
need to set them manually. To get the
guide channel numbers, see “Guide
channels for VIDEO Plus+” on page 20,
or look in the programme guide for your
area that features PlusCode.
• If you want to record satellite
broadcasts using VIDEO Plus+, see
page 21.
Before you start…
• Turn on the VCR and the TV.
• Set the TV to the video channel.
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0
Programme
number
buttons
PROG +/–
MENU
Joystick
>/./?//
OK
1 Press MENU, then push the joystick to >/
• MENU
. to select SETTINGS and press the
joystick (OK).
PLAY
OK
2 Push the joystick to >/. to select VIDEO
Getting Started18
PLAY
OK
PLUS+, then press the joystick (OK).
The preset channels are displayed on the
screen. “---” in the GUIDE CH column
means that the guide channel has not been
preset.
Page 19
3 Push the joystick to >/. to move the
PROG
VIDEO PLUS+
CH GUIDE
SELECT
SET
CANCEL
CH
[]
1
2
3
4
–––
:
:
: CLEAR
0 – 9
BBC1
BBC2
ITV
CH4
5
4
2
5
2
5
7
6
6
C
C
C
C
C23
PROG
VIDEO PLUS+
CH GUIDE
SELECT
SET
CANCEL
CH
129
:
:
: CLEAR
0 – 9
[]
1
2
3
4
BBC1
BBC2
ITV
CH4
5
4
2
5
2
5
7
6
6
C
C
C
C
C
2
3
PLAY
OK
4 Press the programme number buttons to
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0
cursor (”) to the row on which you want
to set the guide channel.
To display other pages for programme
positions 6 to 60, push the joystick to >/.
repeatedly.
enter the guide channel number assigned
in the programme guide.
5 To set the guide channel of another station, repeat steps 3 to 4.
Getting Started
6 Press the joystick (OK).
PLAY
OK
continued
Getting Started
19
Page 20
Manual setup — Setting up VIDEO Plus+ (continued)
Guide channels for VIDEO Plus+
Guide Station name
channel
001 BBC1
002 BBC2
003 ITV
004 CHANNEL 4
005 CHANNEL 5
006 RTE 1
007 RTE 2
008 TV NA GAELTACHTA
101 SKY ONE
102 SKY NEWS
103 SKY MOVIES
104 THE MOVIE CHANNEL
105 SKY SPORT
106 NICKELODEON
PARAMOUNT CHANNEL
107 EUROSPORT
QUANTUM TV
108 WARNER BROTHERS
109 MTV EUROPE
110 CHILDEREN’S CHANNEL
THE␣ FAMILY CHANNEL
111 THE DISNEY CHANNEL
112 BBC WORLD SERVICE
113 RTL 4
114 FILMNET 2
SUPER SPORT
ADULT CHAN
115 RTL PLUS INTERNATIONAL
116 SAT 1
117 PREMIERE
118 3 SAT
119 SKY 2
FOX KIDS
120 PRO 7
121 TELE 5
122 TELECLUB
123 UK GOLD
124 TLC
DISCOVERY
REGAL SHOP
Guide Station name
channel
125 BRAVO
HSND
EBN
126 CNN
127 EURONEWS
128 PERFORMANCE
THE ARTS CHANNEL
129 SKY MOVIES GOLD
WEATHER
130 UK LIVING
TELEVISION X FANTASY
CHANNEL
131 GRANADA +
132 GRANADA TALK
SKY SCOTTISH
133 TV5 EUROPE
134 TVE INTERNATIONAL
135 MBC
ARABIC
136 QVC
137 SPORTNET
138 COUNTRY MUSIC TV
JAPANESE TV
140 SKY SPORT 2 & SOAPS &
TRAVEL & HIST & SF
141 TV ASIA
142 GRANADA GOOD LIFE
GRANADA TV HIGH STREET
GRANADA FOOD + WINE
GRANADA HEALTH AND
BEAUTY
GRANADA HOME + GARDEN
143 LIVE TV
144 SUPERCHANNEL
145 VIDEO HITS ONE
VH-1 (ENGLISH)
146 SELECT TV
147 FILMNET 1 (24 HOUR)
148 SKY SPORT 3
PLAYBOY TV
149 TNT
CARTOON NETWORK
Note
• The guide channel codes listed above are as of 20 February 1997. If you have any questions
about the guide channels, please consult your nearest Sony service facility or the marketing
group of Sony UK.
Getting Started20
Page 21
Setting up VIDEO Plus+ for satellite broadcasts
NORMAL / CATV
CHANNEL SET [ ]
C
[]NORM
TUNER
AFT
[]ON
FINE TUNING
PROG 6
30
SELECT
SET
:
:
When your satellite tuner is connected via the AERIAL IN connector, first
you have to set the programme position for each satellite channel using the
TUNER menu. Then set the guide channel number for each satellite channel
using the VIDEO PLUS+ menu.
If your satellite tuner is connected via the LINE-1 (TV) connector, you don’t
have to set programme positions nor guide channel numbers for satellite
channels. Skip the following procedure.
1 Turn on the satellite tuner.
2 Press MENU, then select SETTINGS and press the joystick (OK).
3 Select TUNER, then press the joystick (OK).
4 Press PROG +/– to select a programme position you want to use for
watching a satellite channel.
5 Select CHANNEL SET, then push the joystick to ?// repeatedly to
tune the VCR to the satellite tuner.
The channel number displayed beside
CHANNEL SET is used for receiving all
satellite broadcasts from the satellite tuner.
Remember this number for the following
steps.
6 Press PROG +/– to select another programme position for the next
satellite channel, and press the programme number buttons to enter the
same channel number as the one displayed in step 5. Otherwise, the
setting will not be memorized.
Repeat this step for all satellite channels, then press the joystick (OK).
7 Set the guide channel number for each programme position assigned to
the satellite channel, following the procedures on page 18.
Notes
• The menu disappears automatically if you don’t proceed for more than a few
minutes.
• If you use a satellite tuner connected via the LINE-1 (TV) connector, you don‘t have
to set up VIDEO Plus+. Just record a satellite programme using VIDEO Plus+, and
the VCR automatically records the programme from the LINE-1 (TV) connector.
• If you inadvertently entered a guide channel number, press CLEAR.
• The VCR does not allow entering the guide channel number if the same number
has been set.
• When you record a satellite broadcast using VIDEO Plus+, you need to select the
desired channel on the satellite tuner manually.
Getting Started
Getting Started
21
Page 22
Manual setup —
CLOCK
19TH8
AUTO ADJUST
SELECT
SET
END
1.1. 9
[]OFF
:
:
:OK
0:00
SETTINGS
OPTIONS
TUNER
VIDEO PLUS+
CLOCK
LANGUAGE
SELECT
SET
:
:
OK
CLOCK
19TH8
AUTO ADJUST
SELECT
SET
END
:
:
:
1.1. 9
[]OFF
OK
0:00
Setting the clock
You must set the time and date on the
VCR to use the timer recording features
properly. If the VCR clock was not set in
the Auto Set Up procedure, you need to
set it manually.
The Auto Clock Set function works only
if a station in your area is broadcasting a
time signal. If the Auto Set Up did not
set the clock correctly for your local area,
try another station for the Auto Clock
Set function.
Before you start…
• Turn on the VCR and the TV.
• Set the TV to the video channel.
Setting the clock manually
1 Press MENU, then push the joystick to >/
• MENU
. to select SETTINGS and press the
joystick (OK).
PLAY
OK
MENU
Joystick
>/./?//
OK
2 Push the joystick to >/. to select CLOCK,
PLAY
OK
then press the joystick (OK).
3 Push the joystick to >/. to move the
PLAY
OK
Getting Started22
cursor (”) to the clock row, then push the
joystick to /.
The day starts flashing.
Page 23
4 Push the joystick to >/. to set the date.
CLOCK
29FR81
AUTO ADJUST
SELECT
SET
END
:
:
:
1.1 . 9
[]OFF
OK
71 5:30
CLOCK
29FR81
AUTO ADJUST
SELECT
SET
END
:
:
:
1.1 . 9
[]OFF
OK
71 5:30
CLOCK
29TU8
AUTO ADJUST
SELECT
SET
END
:
:
:
1.1. 9
[]OFF
OK
70:00
CLOCK
29TU8
AUTO ADJUST
SELECT
SET
END
:
:
:
1.1. 9
[]OFF
OK
70:00
PLAY
OK
5 Push the joystick to / to flash the month
PLAY
OK
and set the month pushing the joystick to
>/..
6 Set the year, hour, and minutes in
PLAY
OK
sequence, pushing the joystick to / to
flash the item to be set, and push the
joystick to >/. to select the digits.
The day of the week is set automatically.
7 Push the joystick to / to start the clock.
PLAY
OK
The cursor (”) appears at the beginning of
the line.
Getting Started
8 Press the joystick (OK).
PLAY
OK
Tip
• To change the digits during setting, push the joystick to ? to return to the item to
be changed, and select the digits pushing the joystick to >/..
Note
• The menu disappears automatically if you don’t proceed for more than a few
minutes.
continued
Getting Started
23
Page 24
Manual setup –– Setting the clock (continued)
SETTINGS
OPTIONS
TUNER
VIDEO PLUS+
CLOCK
LANGUAGE
SELECT
SET
:
:
OK
CLOCK
29FR81
AUTO ADJUST
SELECT
SET
END
:
:
:
1.1 . 9
[]ON
OK
71 5:30
CLOCK PROG [ ]BBC1
Changing the station for
the Auto Clock Set function
MENU
Joystick
>/./?//
OK
1 Press MENU, then push the joystick to >/
2 Push the joystick to >/. to select CLOCK,
Getting Started24
PLAY
OK
PLAY
OK
• MENU
. to select SETTINGS and press the
joystick (OK).
then press the joystick (OK).
The cursor (”) appears at AUTO ADJUST.
Page 25
3 Push the joystick to ?// to select ON.
CLOCK
29FR81
AUTO ADJUST
SELECT
SET
END
:
:
:
1.1 . 9
[]ON
OK
71 5:30
CLOCK PROG [ ]BBC1
CLOCK
29FR81
AUTO ADJUST
SELECT
SET
END
:
:
:
1.1 . 9
[]ON
OK
71 5:30
CLOCK PROG [ ]BBC2
PLAY
OK
4 Push the joystick to . to move the cursor
PLAY
OK
(”) to CLOCK PROG, then push the
joystick to ?// repeatedly until the
programme position of a station that
carries the time signal appears.
If the VCR does not receive the time signal
from any station, AUTO ADJUST returns
to OFF automatically.
5 Press the joystick (OK).
PLAY
OK
Tip
• If you set AUTO ADJUST to ON, the Auto Clock Set function is activated whenever
the VCR is turned off. The date and time is adjusted automatically by making
reference to the time signal from the station whose programme position is displayed
in the “CLOCK PROG” row.
If you do not need the Auto Clock Set, select OFF.
Note
• The menu disappears automatically if you don’t proceed for more than a few
minutes.
Getting Started
Getting Started
25
Page 26
Setting your
SECURITY FUNCTION
SELECT
SET
CONFIRM
:
:
:OK
PERSONAL CODE
[––––––––– ]––
personal code
For identification, you can enter a
personal code into the VCR. Once you
enter your personal code, you can
confirm it any time but can never change
it.
Before you start…
• Turn on your TV and set the TV to the
video channel.
• If there is a tape in the VCR, remove it.
• Turn off the VCR.
CLEAR
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ON/STANDBY
1 Hold down P PAUSE and ON/STANDBY
Getting Started26
PAUSE
ON/STANDBY
P PAUSE
on the VCR simultaneously for more than
three seconds.
Joystick
>/./?//
OK
Page 27
2 Enter your personal code.
SECURITY FUNCTION
SELECT
SET
CONFIRM
:
:
:OK
PERSONAL CODE
[WB-1578–– ]––
SECURITY FUNCTION
FINAL CONFIRM
CANCEL
:
: CLEAR
PERSONAL CODE
[WB-1578–– ]––
OK
PLAY
OK
1 Push the joystick to >/. to select a
character.
Each time you push the joystick to >,
the character changes as shown below.
A n B n … n Z n 0 n 1 n … n 9
n (blank space) n – (hyphen) n A
2 Push the joystick to / to set the next character.
The next space flashes.
To correct a character, push the joystick to ?// until the
character you want to correct flashes, then reset it.
You can set up to 11 characters for your personal code.
3 Press the joystick (OK).
PLAY
OK
A confirmation screen appears.
4 If the displayed personal code is correct, press the joystick (OK).
PLAY
OK
If the displayed personal code is wrong, press CLEAR and continue
from step 2.
Getting Started
CLEAR
To confirm your personal code
While the VCR is turned off and there is no tape in the VCR, hold down
P PAUSE and ON/STANDBY on the VCR simultaneously for more than
three seconds. The entered personal code appears on the TV screen. Press
any button to enter normal viewing mode.
Notes
• The menu disappears automatically if you don’t proceed for more than a few
minutes.
• Once you enter your personal code, you cannot change it by yourself. If you need
to change the entered personal code, consult your nearest Sony service facility.
Getting Started
27
Page 28
Basic Operations
Playing a tape
6 EJECT
COUNTER
RESET
NTSC PB
123
DISPLAY
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0
REPLAY
Joystick
· PLAY
P PAUSE
)# FF
p STOP
03 REW
1 Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.
2 Insert a tape.
The VCR turns on and starts playing
automatically if you insert a tape with its
safety tab removed.
28
Basic Operations
Page 29
3 Press the joystick (· PLAY).
PLAY
OK
Additional tasks
To
Stop play
Pause play
Resume play after pause
Fast-forward the tape
Rewind the tape
Eject the tape
When the tape reaches the end, it will rewind automatically.
Push the joystick to
p STOP
P PAUSE
P PAUSE or press the joystick (· PLAY)
)# FF during stop
03 REW during stop
Press 6 EJECT.
To replay a recently watched scene
You can immediately rewind and playback the scene you want to watch
again.
During playback, press REPLAY up to four times. The VCR rewinds the
tape about 10 seconds on the counter for each press of the button, and
restarts playback.
To play an NTSC-recorded tape
Set NTSC PB at the rear of the VCR according to the colour system of your
TV.
When your TV is
PAL only
PAL and NTSC
Set NTSC PB to
ON PAL TV
NTSC 4.43
continued
Basic Operations
Basic Operations
29
Page 30
Playing a tape (continued)
To use the time counter
At the point on the tape that you want to find later, press COUNTER RESET.
The counter in the display window resets to “0:00:00.” Search for the point
afterwards by referring to the counter.
VIDEO
SP
To display the counter on the TV screen, press DISPLAY.
Notes
• The counter resets to “0:00:00” whenever a tape is reinserted.
• The counter stops counting when it comes to a portion with no recording.
• The time counter does not appear on the TV screen when using an NTSC-recorded
tape.
• Depending on your TV, the following may occur while playing an NTSC-recorded
tape:
– The picture becomes black and white.
– The picture shakes.
– No picture appears on the TV screen.
– Black streaks appear horizontally on the TV screen.
– The colour density increases or decreases.
• If you play back a tape in LP or EP mode with NTSC system, the sound is heard in
monaural.
• While setting the menu on the TV screen, you cannot use the joystick for tape
operation.
30
Basic Operations
Page 31
Recording TV
programmes
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COUNTER/
REMAIN
TV/VIDEO
DISPLAY
INPUT
SELECT
SP/LP
r REC
PROG +/–
Basic Operations
Joystick
p STOP
1 Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.
2 Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.
continued
Basic Operations
31
Page 32
Recording TV programmes (continued)
INPUT
3 Press INPUT SELECT until a programme position number appears
SELECT
• PROG
4 Press PROG +/– to select the programme position you want to
SP / LP
5 Press SP/LP to select the tape speed, SP or LP.
in the display window.
VIDEO
SP
record.
VIDEO
SP
LP (Long Play) provides recording time twice as long as SP,
however, SP (Standard Play) produces better picture and audio
quality.
VIDEO
LP
REC
6 Press r REC to start recording.
The recording indicator lights up red in the display window.
Recording indicator
To stop recording
Push the joystick to p STOP.
32
Basic Operations
LP
VIDEO
Page 33
To check the remaining time
1H46M
Press DISPLAY. With the display on, press COUNTER/REMAIN to check
the remaining time. Each time you press COUNTER/REMAIN, the time
counter and the remaining time appear alternately. The remaining time with
indicator also appears in the display window.
the
0 : 00 : 22
SP
Time counter Remaining time
To correctly check the remaining time of the tape, set TAPE SELECT in the
TAPE OPTIONS menu according to the tape type you use (see page 51).
To watch another TV programme while recording
1 Press TV/VIDEO to turn off the VIDEO indicator in the display
window.
2 Select another programme position on the TV.
To save a recording
To prevent accidental erasure, break off the safety
tab as illustrated. To record on a tape again, cover
the tab hole with adhesive tape.
Basic Operations
Safety tab
Basic Operations
continued
33
Page 34
Recording TV programmes (continued)
Tips
• To select a programme position, you can use the programme number buttons on the
remote commander. For two-digit numbers, press the ? (ten’s digit) button
followed by the programme number buttons.
• You can select a video source from the LINE-1 (TV) or LINE-2 IN (Scart) connector
using the INPUT SELECT button.
• The display appears on the TV screen indicating information about the tape, but the
information won’t be recorded on the tape.
• If you don’t want to watch TV while recording, you can turn off the TV.
Notes
• The display does not appear during still (pause) mode or slow-motion playback.
• The display will not appear while playing an NTSC-recorded tape.
• If a tape has portions recorded in both PAL and NTSC systems, the time counter
reading will not be correct. This discrepancy is due to the difference between the
counting cycles of the two video systems.
• When you insert a non-standard commercially available tape, the remaining time
may not be correct.
• The remaining time doesn’t work for an NTSC-recorded tape. “–H– –M” appears in
the display window.
• The remaining time is intended for rough measurement only.
• About 30 seconds after the tape begins playback, the tape remaining time will be
displayed.
34
Basic Operations
Page 35
Recording TV
PLUSCODE
VIDEO PLUS+
SET
[]–––
––––––
:0 – 9
programmes
using VIDEO Plus+
Just enter the programme’s PlusCode
listed in the TV programme guide. The
date, times, and programme position of
that programme are set automatically.
You can preset up to eight programmes
at a time.
Before you start…
• Check that the VCR clock is set to the
correct time.
• Insert a tape with its safety tab in
place. Make sure the tape is longer
than the total recording time.
• Turn on your TV and set it to the
video channel.
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ON/STANDBY
CLEAR
VIDEO Plus+
Programme
number
buttons
SET
Joystick
>/./?//
OK
p STOP
Basic Operations
VIDEO Plus+
1 Press VIDEO Plus+.
continued
Basic Operations
35
Page 36
Recording TV programmes using VIDEO Plus+ (continued)
DATE
SP
TIMER
PROG
TODAY BBC2
SP / LPONVPS / PDC
SELECT
SET
OK
:
:
:OK
WE21.9
TIME
19 : 00 20 : 00
DATE
LP
TIMER
PROG
TODAY
SP / LPONVPS / PDC
SELECT
SET
OK
:
:
:OK
WE21.9
TIME
19 : 00 20 : 00
BBC2
123
2 Press the programme number buttons to
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0
SET
CLEAR
enter the programme’s PlusCode, then
press SET.
If you make a mistake before pressing
SET, press VIDEO Plus+ and re-enter the
correct number.
The date, start and stop times, and programme position (or the
station name if it is detected) appear on the TV screen.
If the information is incorrect, press CLEAR to cancel the setting.
3 If you want to change the date, tape
PLAY
OK
speed, and the VPS/PDC function setting:
1 Push the joystick to ?// to flash the
item you want to change.
2 Push the joystick to >/. to reset it.
• To record the same programme every
day or the same day every week, see
“Daily/weekly recording” on page 37.
• To use the VPS/PDC function, set VPS/PDC to ON.
For details of the VPS/PDC function, see “Timer recording with
VPS/PDC signals” on page 37.
4 Press the joystick (OK) to complete the setting.
PLAY
OK
• ON/
5 Press ON/STANDBY to turn off the VCR.
STANDBY
The
indicator appears in the display window and the VCR
stands by for recording.
To stop recording
To stop the VCR while recording, push the joystick to p STOP.
36
Basic Operations
Page 37
Daily/weekly recording
In step 3 above, push the joystick to . to select the recording pattern. Each
time you push the joystick to ., the indication changes as shown below.
Push the joystick to > to change the indication in reverse order.
TODAY n SU-SA (Sunday to Saturday) n MO-SA (Monday to Saturday)
n MO-FR (Monday to Friday) n SA (every Saturday) .....
n MO (every Monday) n SU (every Sunday) n 1 month later
n (dates count down) n TODAY
Timer recording with VPS/PDC signals
Some broadcast systems transmit VPS (Video Programme System) or PDC
(Programme Delivery Control) signals with their TV programmes. These
signals ensure that your timer recordings are made regardless of broadcast
delay, early starts or broadcast interruptions.
To use the VPS/PDC function, set VPS/PDC to ON. You can also use the
VPS/PDC function for a source connected to the LINE-1 (TV) and LINE-2 IN
(Scart) connectors.
To record satellite broadcasts
If you connect the satellite tuner and the VCR, you can record satellite
programmes.
1 Turn on the satellite tuner.
2 On the satellite tuner, select the satellite programme for which you
want to make a timer setting.
3 Keep the satellite tuner turned on until the VCR finishes recording the
satellite programme for which you have made a timer setting.
To use the VCR after setting the timer
To use the VCR before a timer recording begins, just press ON/STANDBY.
indicator turns off and the VCR switches on. Remember to press
The
ON/STANDBY to reset the VCR after using the VCR.
You can also do the following tasks while the VCR is recording:
• Reset the counter.
• Display tape information on the TV screen.
• Check the timer settings.
• Watch another TV programme.
Tips
• To set the tape speed, you can also use the SP/LP button.
• When you are recording a programme in the SP mode and the remaining tape
becomes shorter than the recording time, the tape speed is automatically changed to
the LP mode. Note that some interference will appear on the picture at the point the
tape speed is changed. If you want to keep the same tape speed, set AUTO TAPE
SPEED to OFF in the TAPE OPTIONS menu (page 51).
Basic Operations
Basic Operations
37
Page 38
Setting the timer
DATE
SP
TIMER
PROG
TODAY ––
SP / LPONVPS / PDC
SELECT
SET
OK
:
:
:OK
WE21.9
TIME
–:–– –:––
manually
If VIDEO Plus+ is not available in your
area, follow the instructions below to set
the timer to record programmes.
Before you start…
• Check that the VCR clock is set to the
correct time.
• Insert a tape with its safety tab in
place. Make sure the tape is longer
than the total recording time.
• Turn on your TV and set it to the
video channel.
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ON/STANDBY
INPUT SELECT
MENU
Joystick
>/./?//
OK
p STOP
1 Press MENU and select TIMER, then press
PLAY
OK
38
Basic Operations
• MENU
the joystick (OK).
Page 39
2 Set the date, start and stop times,
DATE
LP
TIMER
PROG
TODAY
SP / LPONVPS / PDC
SELECT
SET
OK
:
:
:OK
WE21.9
TIME
9:00 0:00
12BBC2
PLAY
OK
INPUT
SELECT
programme position, tape speed, and
VPS/PDC function:
1 Push the joystick to / to flash each
item in turn.
2 Push the joystick to >/. to set each
item.
To correct a setting, push the joystick to
? to return to that setting and reset.
• To record the same programme every day or the same day every
week, see “Daily/weekly recording” on page 40.
• To use the VPS/PDC function, set VPS/PDC to ON. For details of
the VPS/PDC function, see “Timer recording with VPS/PDC
signals” on page 37.
• To record from another source connected to the LINE-1 (TV) or
LINE-2 IN (Scart) connector, press INPUT SELECT to display
“L1” or “L2” in the “PROG” position.
3 Press the joystick (OK) to complete the setting.
PLAY
OK
• ON/
4 Press ON/STANDBY to turn off the VCR.
STANDBY
The
indicator appears in the display window and the VCR
stands by for recording.
To record from another source, leave the connected equipment
switched on.
Basic Operations
To stop recording
To stop the VCR while recording, push the joystick to p STOP.
continued
Basic Operations
39
Page 40
Setting the timer manually (continued)
Daily/weekly recording
In step 2 above, push the joystick to . to select the recording pattern. Each
time you push the joystick to ., the indication changes as shown below.
Push the joystick to > to change the indication in reverse order.
TODAY n SU-SA (Sunday to Saturday) n MO-SA (Monday to Saturday)
n MO-FR (Monday to Friday) n SA (every Saturday) .....
n MO (every Monday) n SU (every Sunday) n 1 month later
n (dates count down) n TODAY
Tips
• To set the programme position, you can also use the PROG +/– or programme
number buttons.
• To set the tape speed, you can also use the SP/LP button.
• When you are recording a programme in the SP mode and the remaining tape
becomes shorter than the recording time, the tape speed is automatically changed to
the LP mode. Note that some interference will appear on the picture at the point the
tape speed is changed. If you want to keep the same tape speed, set AUTO TAPE
SPEED to OFF in the TAPE OPTIONS menu (page 51).
Notes
• When setting the timer with VPS/PDC signals, enter the start and stop times
exactly as indicated in the TV programme guide, otherwise the VPS/PDC function
won’t work.
• If the VPS/PDC signal is too weak or the broadcasting station failed to transmit
VPS/PDC signals, the VCR will start recording at the set time without using the
VPS/PDC function.
• The indicator flashes in the display window when you press ON/STANDBY
with no tape inserted.
40
Basic Operations
Page 41
Additional Operations
Playing/searching
at various speeds
· PLAY
)# FF
03 REW
× 2
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& SLOW
Joystick
)# FF
03 REW
Playback options
View the picture during
fast-forward or rewind
Play at high speed
Play at twice the normal
speed
Play in slow motion
Play frame by frame
Rewind and start play
Operation
During fast-forward, keep pushing the joystick to )# FF.
During rewind, keep pushing the joystick to 03 REW.
• During playback, push the joystick to )# FF or 03 REW.
• During playback, keep pushing the joystick to )# FF or
03 REW. When you release the joystick, normal playback
resumes.
During playback, press × 2.
During playback, press & SLOW.
During pause, push the joystick to )# FF or 03 REW. Keep
pushing the joystick to )# FF or 03 REW to play one frame
each second.
During stop, press · PLAY on the VCR while holding
03 REW down on the VCR.
continued
41Additional Operations
Page 42
Playing/searching at various speeds (continued)
To resume normal playback
Press the joystick (· PLAY).
Tip
• Adjust the picture using the TRACKING +/– buttons if:
– Streaks appear while playing in slow motion.
– Bands appear at the top or bottom while pausing.
– The picture shakes while pausing.
To set tracking to the centre position, press both buttons (+/–) at the same time.
Notes
• The playback sound is muted during the operations in the above table.
• In the LP mode, noise may appear or there may be no colour.
• If the playback mode mark doesn’t appear on the TV screen, press DISPLAY.
Additional Operations42
Page 43
Recording TV
programmes
using the quick
timer
After starting recording in the normal
way, you can have the VCR stop
recording automatically after a specified
duration.
1 While recording, press QUICK TIMER once.
The
indicator appears in the display window.
2 Press QUICK TIMER repeatedly to set the duration.
Each press advances the time in increments of 30 minutes.
The duration decreases minute by minute to 0:00, then the VCR stops
recording and turns off automatically.
To extend the duration
Press QUICK TIMER repeatedly to set to the new duration.
To stop recording
To stop the VCR while recording, push the joystick to p STOP.
123
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0
VIDEO
SP
0:00 0:30 1:00 10:30 11:00
QUICK TIMER
Using the quick timer during stop mode
You can set the quick timer and start recording during stop mode by
pressing QUICK TIMER. To set the programme position, you can use the
PROG +/– or INPUT SELECT buttons. Press QUICK TIMER repeatedly to
set the recording duration. The recording will start automatically.
43Additional Operations
Page 44
Checking/
DATE
LIST
PROGTIME
1 BBC2900 2000
WE21.9
LP
2 CH4930 0001
SP
BBC1500 530
LP
1000 100
LP
SU 1 ITV212 2000
LP
–––––– ––– –
8. 12
17. 12
–. –
22300 000
SP
MO
MO
SA–
–
–FR
SA
VPS
PDC
VPS
PDC
VPS
PDC
VPS
PDC
L
L
0
00
00
0
9. 12
changing/
cancelling timer
ON/STANDBY
settings
Before you start…
• Turn on your TV and set it to the
video channel.
1 Press ON/STANDBY to turn on the VCR.
2 Press MENU and select LIST, then press the
joystick (OK):
• If you want to change or cancel a setting, go
on to the next step.
• If you do not need to change or cancel the
settings, press the joystick (OK), then turn
off the VCR to return to recording standby.
CLEAR
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MENU
Joystick
>/./?//
OK
Additional Operations44
Page 45
3 Push the joystick to >/. to select the setting
DATE
LP
TIMER
PROG
TODAY
SP / LPONVPS / PDC
SELECT
SET
OK
:
:
:OK
WE21.9
TIME
19 : 00 20 : 00
BBC2
you want to change or cancel, then press the
joystick (OK).
The selected setting appears in the TIMER
menu.
4 • To change the setting, push the joystick to ?// to flash the item
you want to change, and push the joystick to >/. to reset it.
• To cancel the setting, press CLEAR.
5 Press the joystick (OK).
If any settings remain, turn off the VCR to return to recording standby.
When the timer settings overlap
The programme that starts first has priority and the second programme
starts recording only after the first programme has finished. If the
programmes start at the same time, the programme listed first in the menu
has priority.
Programme 1
Programme 2
Will be cut off
about 20 seconds
Programme 1
Programme 2
about 20 seconds will be cut off
45Additional Operations
Page 46
Recording stereo and bilingual
programmes
In NICAM system
This VCR receives and records stereo and bilingual programmes based on
the NICAM system (the NICAM indicator appears). When a stereo or
bilingual programme is received, the STEREO indicator appears in the
display window.
To record a NICAM programme, HIFI AUDIO in the OPTIONS menu
should be set to NICAM (initial setting). To check the menu setting, see page
52 for details.
To select the sound while recording
Press AUDIO MONITOR to select the sound you want.
Stereo programme
To listen to
Stereo
Standard sound*
* Usually the mixed sound of left and right channels (monaural)
Bilingual programme
To listen to
Main
Sub
Main and sub
Standard sound*
* Usually the main sound (monaural)
On-screen display
STEREO
No indicator
On-screen display
MAIN
SUB
MAIN/SUB
No indicator
Display window
STEREO
No indicator
Display window
STEREO
STEREO
STEREO
No indicator
Additional Operations46
Page 47
Selecting the sound during playback
Press AUDIO MONITOR to select the sound you want.
To listen to
Stereo/main and sub
(left and right channels)
Left channel/main
Right channel/sub
Standard sound
On-screen display
STEREO
L
R
No indicator
Display window
STEREO
STEREO
STEREO
No indicator
How sound is recorded on a video tape
The VCR records sound onto two separate tracks. Hi-fi audio is recorded
onto the main track along with the picture. Monaural sound is recorded
onto the normal audio track along the edge of the tape.
Stereo
Usually mixed
Normal audio track
(monaural)
Hi-fi audio track
(main track)
Notes
• To listen to playback sounds in stereo, you must use the EURO-AV or AUDIO OUT
connections.
• When you play a tape recorded in monaural, the sound is heard in monaural
regardless of the AUDIO MONITOR setting.
• If the AUDIO MONITOR button does not function, check that AUDIO MIX in the
OPTIONS menu is set to OFF (see page 52).
• If HIFI AUDIO is set to STD, the standard sound will be recorded on both the hi-fi
and normal audio tracks. Pressing AUDIO MONITOR will not change the sound.
left/right channels
Stereo sound
(left/right channels)
Bilingual
Usually main sound
Main (left channel)
Sub (right channel)
47Additional Operations
Page 48
Searching using
INDEX
SEARCH
the index
function
The VCR marks the tape with an index
signal at the point where each recording
begins. Use these signals as references to
find a specific recording.
123
456
789
0
=/+
INDEX
SEARCH
1 Insert an indexed tape into the VCR.
2 Press =/+ INDEX SEARCH.
• To search ahead, press + INDEX
SEARCH.
• To search backwards, press = INDEX
SEARCH.
The VCR starts searching, and playback starts
automatically from that point.
To stop searching
Push the joystick to p STOP.
Note
• No index signal will be added when recording starts from recording pause.
However, an index signal will be marked if you change the programme position
during recording pause.
Additional Operations48
Page 49
Adjusting the picture
TRACKING
OPC
EDIT [ OFF
[ON
VIDEO OPTIONS
SELECT
SET
]
]
:
:
Adjusting the tracking
Although the VCR automatically adjusts the tracking when playing a tape
indicator flashes in the display window, then goes off), distortion
(the
may occur if the tape was recorded in poor condition. In this case, manually
adjust the tracking.
During playback, press TRACKING +/– on the
VCR to display the tracking meter. The distortion
should disappear as you press one of the two
buttons (the
automatic tracking adjustments, eject the tape and
reinsert it.
About Optimum Picture Control (OPC)
Optimum Picture Control (OPC) automatically
improves recording and playback quality by
adjusting the VCR to the condition of the video
heads and tape. To maintain better picture quality,
we recommend that you set OPC to ON in the
VIDEO OPTIONS menu (with the OPC indicator
in the display window lit). For details, see page 52.
indicator lights up). To resume
Tracking meter
OPC playback
The OPC function automatically works on all types of tapes, including rental
tapes and tapes that were not recorded with OPC.
OPC recording
Whenever you insert a tape and start recording for the first time, the VCR
adjusts to the tape using the OPC function (the OPC indicator flashes
rapidly). This adjustment is retained until the tape is ejected.
To deactivate the OPC
Set OPC to OFF in the VIDEO OPTIONS menu. The OPC indicator in the
display window goes off.
continued
49Additional Operations
Page 50
Adjusting the picture (continued)
Tip
• To set tracking to the centre position, press the TRACKING + and – buttons at the
same time.
Notes
• You can adjust the tracking for the NTSC-recorded tape but the tracking meter won’t
be displayed.
• With the Auto Tape Speed function on, the OPC function will work only in SP mode.
If the tape speed automatically switches from SP to LP, the OPC function turns off.
If, however, the entire programme is recorded in LP mode, the OPC function will
work.
• There is a delay of a few seconds before the VCR actually starts recording while the
VCR analyses the tape. To avoid the delay, first set the VCR to recording pause (the
OPC indicator flashes slowly) and press r REC to have the VCR analyse the tape
(the OPC indicator flashes rapidly). After the OPC indicator stops flashing, push the
joystick to P PAUSE to start recording immediately. If you want to start recording
quickly without using the OPC function, first set the VCR to recording pause (the
OPC indicator flashes slowly) and push the joystick to P PAUSE to start recording.
Additional Operations50
Page 51
Changing menu options
OPC
EDIT [ OFF
[ON
VIDEO OPTIONS
SELECT
SET
]
]
:
:
OPTIONS
TAPE OPTIONS
VIDEO OPTIONS
AUDIO MIX
HIFI AUDIO
POWER SAVE
RF MODULATOR
[
[
[
[
]
]
]
]
OFF
NICAM
OFF
ON
SELECT
SET
:
:
OK
1 Press MENU, then select SETTINGS.
2 Select OPTIONS.
3 Push the joystick to >/. to select the option you want to change:
• To change the TAPE OPTIONS or VIDEO OPTIONS
1 Press the joystick (OK) after selecting TAPE OPTIONS or VIDEO
OPTIONS.
TAPE OPTIONS
AUTO TAPE SPEED
TAPE SELECT [ ]1
[]OFF
59
SELECT
SET
:
:
2 Push the joystick to >/. to select the option, then push the joystick
to ?// to change the setting.
• To change the other options
Push the joystick to ?// to change the setting.
4 Press the joystick (OK) to return to the original screen.
Menu choices
Initial settings are indicated in bold print.
TAPE OPTIONS menu choices
Menu option
AUTO TAPE SPEED
TAPE SELECT
Set this option to
• ON to change the timer recording tape speed automatically
to the LP mode when the remaining tape becomes shorter
than the recording time.
• OFF to keep the set tape speed.
• 300 to use an E-300 type tape.
• 240 to use an E-240 type tape.
• 195 to use an E-195 or shorter type tape.
continued
51Additional Operations
Page 52
Changing menu options (continued)
VIDEO OPTIONS menu choices
Menu option
OPC
EDIT
Other menu choices
Menu option
AUDIO MIX
HIFI AUDIO
POWER SAVE
RF MODULATOR
Set this option to
• ON to switch on the OPC (Optimum Picture Control)
function and improve picture quality.
• OFF to switch off OPC.
• ON to minimize picture deterioration when editing.
• OFF to turn off EDIT.
Set this option to
• ON to listen to the hi-fi and normal audio tracks at the
same time. The AUDIO MONITOR button will not
function.
• OFF to listen to the hi-fi and normal audio tracks
separately. Select the sound using the AUDIO MONITOR
button.
For details, see page 47.
• STD to record standard sound on the hi-fi audio track.
• NICAM to record NICAM broadcasts on the hi-fi audio
track.
For details, see page 46.
• ON to turn off the indicators in the display window to
conserve the VCR power.
• OFF to turn on the indicators in the display window while
the VCR is standing by.
• ON if you connect the VCR to your TV using only the
aerial cable.
• OFF if you connect the VCR to your TV using the EURO-
AV cable.
Notes
• When you set a timer recording, the indicators in the display window remain on,
even though POWER SAVE is set to ON.
• With the EDIT option ON, the OPC function does not work.
Additional Operations52
Page 53
Editing with another VCR
How to connect to record on this VCR
This VCR (Recorder)
… LINE-2 IN
Other VCR (Player)
VMC-2121 EURO-AV cable (not supplied)
: Signal flow
Tip
• You can also use the LINE-1 (TV) connector instead.
Note
• If the other VCR doesn’t have a EURO-AV (Scart) connector, use the VMC-2106
cable instead and connect the cable to the line out jacks of the other VCR.
TV
EURO-AV
(Scart)
continued
53Additional Operations
Page 54
Editing with another VCR (continued)
Operation
(when recording on this VCR)
Before you start editing
• Turn on your TV and set it to the
video channel.
• Press INPUT SELECT to display “L2”
(or “L1”) in the display window.
• Press SP/LP to select the tape speed, SP or LP.
• On this VCR, set EDIT in the VIDEO OPTIONS menu to ON. If the
other VCR has a similar function, turn it on also.
1 Insert a source tape with its safety tab removed into the other
(playback) VCR. Search for the point to start playback and set it to
playback pause.
2 Insert a tape with its safety tab in place into this (recording) VCR.
Search for the point to start recording and press P PAUSE.
3 Press r REC on this VCR to set it to recording pause.
4 To start editing, press the P PAUSE buttons on both VCRs at the same
time.
To stop editing
Press the p STOP buttons on both VCRs.
Tips
• To edit more precisely, press the P PAUSE buttons on the VCRs to release pause.
• To cut out unwanted scenes while editing, press P PAUSE on this VCR when an
unwanted scene begins. When it ends, press P PAUSE again to resume recording
(Assemble Editing).
Note
• If you start editing following the procedure above, the VCR won’t start recording
with the OPC function. To record a tape with the OPC function, press r REC again
during recording pause in step 3 so the VCR analyses the tape. Then, when you
start editing in step 4, press P PAUSE after the OPC indicator stops flashing. If you
press P PAUSE before the OPC indicator stops flashing, the OPC function is
cancelled.
r REC
P PAUSE
Additional Operations54
Page 55
Additional Information
Troubleshooting
If you have any questions or problems not covered below, please consult your nearest
Sony service facility.
Symptom
The ON/STANDBY switch
does not function.
The power is turned on but the
Power
VCR does not operate.
The clock has stopped and
“–:– –” lights in the display
Clock
window.
The playback picture does not
appear on the TV screen.
The picture is not clear.
Playback
Remedy
• Connect the mains lead to the mains securely.
• Moisture condensation occurs. Turn the power off,
unplug the mains lead and leave the VCR to dry for
over one hour.
• The clock stops if the VCR is disconnected from the
mains for more than one hour. Reset the clock (and
timer).
• Make sure the TV is set to the video channel. If you
are using a monitor, set it to video input.
• If the VCR is connected to the TV only with the aerial
cable, make sure that RF MODULATOR in the
OPTIONS menu is set to ON.
• Adjust the tracking with the TRACKING +/– buttons.
• The video heads are dirty (see below). Clean the video
heads using the Sony T-25CLD, E-25CLDR, or T25CLW video head cleaning cassette. If these cleaning
cassettes are not available in your area, have the heads
cleaned at your nearest Sony service facility (a
standard service charge will be required). Do not use a
commercially available liquid type cleaning cassette
other than Sony’s, as it may damage the video heads.
• The video heads may have to be replaced. Consult
your local Sony service facility for more information.
Symptoms caused by contaminated video heads
• Normal picture • No picture (or
• Unclear picture• Rough picture
black & white
screen appears)
initial
contamination
terminal
continued
Additional Information
55
Page 56
Troubleshooting (continued)
Symptom
The picture rolls vertically
during picture search.
The picture has no sound.
The sound is unstable or has an
Playback
echo.
No TV programme appears on
the TV screen.
TV reception is poor.
The tape starts playing as soon
as it is inserted.
The tape is ejected when you
Recording
press r REC.
Nothing happens when you
press r REC.
The timer does not operate.
Timer recording
Remedy
• Adjust the vertical hold control on the TV or monitor.
• The tape is defective. Use a new tape.
• When you play a tape with the same sound recorded
on both the hi-fi and normal sound tracks, make sure
AUDIO MIX in the OPTIONS menu is set to OFF.
• Make sure the TV is set to the video channel. If you are
using a monitor, set it to video input.
• If the VCR is connected to the TV using only the aerial
cable, make sure that RF MODULATOR in the
OPTIONS menu is set to ON.
• Adjust the TV aerial.
• The safety tab has been removed. To record on this
tape, cover the tab hole.
• Check that the safety tab has not been removed.
• Make sure the tape is not at its end.
• Select the correct source with the INPUT SELECT
button. Select a programme position when recording
TV programmes; select “L1” or “L2” when recording
from other equipment.
• Check that the clock is set.
• Make sure a tape has been inserted.
• Check that the safety tab has not been removed.
• Make sure the tape is not at its end.
• Make sure a programme has been set for timer
recording.
• Make sure your timer settings have not already passed
the current time.
• Check that the satellite tuner is turned on.
• The clock stops if the VCR is disconnected from the
mains for more than one hour. Reset the clock and
timer.
56
Additional Information
Page 57
Symptom
A tape cannot be inserted.
The remote commander does
not function.
The tracking meter does not
appear on the TV screen.
Others
You cannot control other TVs.
The VCR needs to be cleaned.
The SECURITY FUNCTION
menu doesn’t appear on the TV
screen.
Remedy
• Check that a tape isn’t already in the tape
compartment.
• Make sure you are pointing the remote commander at
the remote sensor on the VCR.
• Replace all the batteries in the remote commander with
new ones if they are weak.
• Make sure the TV / VIDEO remote control switch is
set correctly.
• The recording condition of the tape is very poor and
tracking cannot be adjusted.
• The tracking meter does not appear when playing back
an NTSC-recorded tape.
• Set your TV’s code number. The code number resets to
01 when you replace the batteries of the remote
commander.
• Clean the cabinet, panel and controls with a dry, soft
cloth, or a soft cloth slightly moistened with a mild
detergent solution. Do not use any type of solvent,
such as alcohol or benzine.
• Once you enter your personal code, you cannot change
it by yourself. If you need to change the entered
personal code, consult your nearest Sony service
facility (a standard service charge will be required).
Additional Information
57
Page 58
Specifications
System
Channel coverage
PAL (I)
VHF IA to IJ, SA10 to SA13 (SLV-E730EX only)
UHF B21 to B69
CATV S01 to S05, S1 to S20 (SLV-E730EX only)
HYPER S21 to S41 (SLV-E730EX only)
RF output signal
UHF channels 21 to 69
Aerial out
75-ohm asymmetrical aerial socket
Inputs and outputs
: LINE-1 (TV)
21-pin
Video input: pin 20
Audio input: pins 2 and 6
Video output: pin 19
Audio output: pins 1 and 3
… LINE-2 IN
21-pin
Video input: pin 20
Audio input: pins 2 and 6
AUDIO OUT
Phono jack (2)
Rated output level: 327 mVrms
Load impedance: 47 kilohms
Output impedance: less than 10 kilohms
General
Power requirements
220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz
Power consumption
23 W
Operating temperature
5°C to 40°C
Storage temperature
–20°C to 60°C
Dimensions
Approx. 430 × 100 × 314 mm
(Approx. 17 × 4 × 12
including projecting parts and controls
Mass
Approx. 4.6 kg (Approx. 10 lb 22 oz)
3
/8 inches) (w/h/d)
Supplied accessories
Remote commander (1)
R6 (size AA) batteries (2)
Aerial cable (1)
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
58
Additional Information
Page 59
Index to parts and controls
Refer to the pages indicated in parentheses ( ) for details.
Front panel
1 ON/STANDBY switch/indicator
(26)
2 Tape compartment
3 § EJECT button (29)
4 03 REW (rewind) button (41)
5 · PLAY button (41)
6 )# FF (fast-forward) button (41)
7 r REC (record) button (54)
8 p STOP button (54)
9 P PAUSE button (54)
!º PROGRAM/TRACKING +/–
buttons (13, 42, 49)
!¡ AUTO SET UP/
RF (Radio Frequency) CHANNEL
button (11, 12)
!™ Remote sensor (5)
continued
Additional Information
59
Page 60
Index to parts and controls (continued)
Display window
STEREO
SP
NICAM LP
EP
1 Timer indicator (36, 39)
2 NICAM indicator (46)
3 STEREO indicator (46)
4 Tape speed indicators (32)
5 VIDEO indicator (10, 33)
6 OPC (Optimum Picture Control)
indicator (49)
7 VPS (Video Programme System)/
PDC (Programme Delivery Control)
indicator (37)
VPSVIDEO OPC
PDC
8 Tracking indicator (49)
9 Time counter/clock/line/
programme position indicator (30,
32, 54)
0 Remaining time indicator (33)
!¡ Tape/recording indicator (30, 32)
60
Additional Information
Page 61
Rear panel
1 Mains lead (9)
2 AERIAL OUT
ANTENNE SORTIE connector (9)
3 AERIAL IN
ANTENNE ENTREE connector (9)
4 NTSC PB (Play Back) switch (29)
5 … LINE-2 IN connector (53)
6 : LINE-1 (TV)
: LIGNE-1 (TV) connector (10, 21)
7 AUDIO OUT R (right)/L (left)
SORTIE AUDIO D/G jacks (10)
continued
Additional Information
61
Page 62
Index to parts and controls (continued)
Remote commander
1 6␣ EJECT button (29)
2 COUNTER/REMAIN button* (33)
3 COUNTER RESET button* (30)
4 × 2 button* (41)
5 CLEAR button* (21, 36, 45)
123
456
789
0
6 DISPLAY button (33)
7 QUICK TIMER button (43)
8 INPUT SELECT button (32, 39)
9 SP (Standard Play)/LP (Long Play)
0 &␣ SLOW button (41)
!¡ r␣ REC (record) button (32)
; TV power on/TV mode select
button (for TV) (6)
button (32)
V (Teletext) button (for TV) (6)
62
Additional Information
!™ =/+ INDEX SEARCH buttons
(48)
!£ MENU button (14, 38, 44, 51)
!¢ Joystick (14, 29, 41)
>/./?///
P␣ PAUSE/p␣ STOP/
03 REW (rewind)/
)# FF (fast-forward)/
·␣ PLAY/OK
* FASTEXT buttons (for TV)
Page 63
!∞ TV / VIDEO remote control switch
(5)
!§ ON/STANDBY switch (6, 36)
!¶ WIDE button (for TV) (7)
!• AUDIO MONITOR button (46)
123
456
789
0
!ª TV/VIDEO button (10, 33)
@º VIDEO Plus+ button (35)
@¡ Programme number buttons (6, 16,
19, 34)
@™ SET button (36)
@£ ? (ten’s digit) button (34)
@¢ PROG (programme) +/– buttons (6,
16, 32)
√/◊ Teletext page access buttons
(for TV) (7)
@∞ VOL (volume) +/– buttons (for TV)
(6)
@§ REPLAY button (29)
Additional Information
63
Page 64
Index
A, B
Accessories supplied 4
Adjusting
picture 17, 42, 49
tracking 42, 49
Aerial hookup 9
AFT (Auto Fine Tuning) 17
ATP (Auto Tuner Preset) 11
Audio track 47
Auto Clock Set 24
Auto Set Up 11
Auto Tape Speed 51
C
Cleaning the video heads 55
Clock setting 22
Colour system
compatible colour
systems 2
setting 29
Connecting
the VCR and your TV 9
to a stereo system 10
to a TV with a EURO-AV
connector 10
Counter 30
D
Disabling programme
position 17
Dubbing. See Editing
E, F
Editing 53
EP mode 30
EURO-AV connection
10
G
Guide channel setting 18
H
Hi-fi audio track 47
I, J, K
Index
searching 48
L
Language selecting 14
LP mode 32
M
Monitoring
during playback 47
during recording 46
N
NICAM broadcasts 46
Normal audio track 47
O
OPC (Optimum Picture
Control) 49
P
PDC (Programme Delivery
Control) 37
Picture adjustment. See
Adjusting
Playback 28
at various speeds 29, 41
frame-by-frame 41
slow motion 41
Power save 52
Presetting channels 11, 15
Q
Quick timer 43
R
Recording 31
bilingual
programmes 46
saving 33
stereo programmes 46
using VIDEO Plus+ 35
while watching another
programme 33
Remote commander 5
RF channel 12
S
Safety tab 33
Searching
at various speeds 41
using the index
function 48
SP mode 32
T, U
Timer recording 35, 38
cancelling timer
settings 44
changing timer
settings 44
checking timer
settings 44
daily/weekly
recording 37, 40
overlapping timer
recordings 45
using VIDEO Plus+ 35
Tracking adjustment. See
Adjusting
V, W, X, Y, Z
VIDEO Plus+
recording 35
setting up 18
VPS (Video Programme
System) 37
Sony Corporation Printed in France
64
Additional Information
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