Page 1
3-861-928-11 (1)
Video Cassette
Recorder
Operating Instructions
PAL NTSC 4.43
SLV-E780EE
©1998 by Sony Corporation
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 personnel
only.
Mains lead must only be changed at qualified
service shop.
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 or D/K) or MESECAM (B/G or D/K)
colour system and play back using the PAL (B/
G or D/K), MESECAM (B/G or D/K), 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
8 Step 3: Connecting the VCR
10 Step 4: Tuning your TV to the VCR
12 Step 5: Setting up the VCR with the Auto Set Up function
13 Step 6: Setting the clock
15 Manual setup —
Selecting a language, Presetting channels
Getting Started
Basic Operations
20 Playing a tape
23 Recording TV programmes
27 Recording TV programmes using
the timer
Additional Operations
31 Playing/searching at various
speeds
33 Recording TV programmes using
the quick timer
34 Checking/changing/cancelling
timer settings
36 Selecting stereo and bilingual
programmes
37 Adjusting the picture
39 Changing menu options
41 Editing with another VCR
Additional Information
44 Troubleshooting
47 Specifications
48 Index to parts and controls
Back cover
Index
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
Getting Started4
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
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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
DISPLAY
WIDE
MENU
123
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0
AUDIO
MONITOR
TV/VIDEO
Programme
number
buttons
PROG+/–
VOL+/–
OK
>/./?//
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
Getting Started6
Press
ON/STANDBY
TV/VIDEO
Programme number buttons
PROG +/–
VOL +/–
Page 7
To
Select the sound
Use FASTEXT
Call up on-screen display
Operate TV menu options
Switch to/from wide mode of a Sony wide 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 together.
• Do not use different types of batteries together.
Press
AUDIO MONITOR
FASTEXT buttons
DISPLAY
MENU
>/./?//, OK
WIDE
Getting Started
Getting Started
7
Page 8
Step 3
AERIAL
ANTENNE
IN
ENTREE
OUT
SORTIE
Connecting the VCR
Mains lead
to mains
Aerial cable (supplied)
: Signal flow
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.
Getting Started8
ENTREE
OUT
SORTIE
AERIAL
ANTENNE
IN
Page 9
Additional connections
This additional connection improves picture and sound quality.
Connect the TV as shown below. Whenever you want to watch the
VCR picture, press TV/VIDEO to display the VIDEO indicator in the
display window.
To a TV that has a EURO-AV (Scart)
connector
If your TV has a EURO-AV (Scart)
connector, connect your TV by using
VMC-2121 EURO-AV cable as shown on
the right.
To a TV that has LINE IN connector
If your TV has LINE IN connector,
connect your TV by using audio/video
cable 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 40).
: LINE-1
(TV)
VMC-2121 EURO-AV cable
(not supplied)
LINE-2OUT
Audio/video cable
(not supplied)
EURO-AV
(Scart)
LINE IN
Getting Started
Getting Started
9
Page 10
Step 4
Tuning your TV to the VCR
If you have connected the VCR to your TV using the EURO-AV cable, skip
this step.
ON/STANDBY
ON/STANDBY
1 Press ON/STANDBY to turn on the VCR.
PROGRAM +/–
RF CHANNEL
2 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.
3 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.
4 Press RF CHANNEL.
RF CHANNEL
Getting Started10
The TV system appears in the display window.
Page 11
–
PROGRAM
5 Press PROGRAM +/– (repeatedly) to select the correct TV system.
+
If you watch the system B/G, select “G.” If you watch the system
D/K, select “K.”
6 Tune the TV to the same channel as that
shown in the display window so that
the picture on the right appears 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.
SONY VIDEO CASSETTE
RECORDER
7 Press RF CHANNEL.
RF 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.
You have now tuned your TV to the VCR. Whenever you want to
play a tape, set the TV to the video channel.
Getting Started
To obtain a clear picture from the VCR
If the picture does not appear clearly in step 6 above, go to step 7 to finish
this procedure once. Then start again from step 2. After pressing RF
CHANNEL in step 2, press PROGRAM +/– while the RF channel is
displayed, so that another RF channel appears. Then tune the TV to the new
RF channel until a clear picture appears.
Note
• If you set the wrong TV system, you may have no sound or sound may be distorted.
Getting Started
11
Page 12
Step 5
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 the TV channels guided by the
sequence indicated on the TV screen.
AUTO SET UP
AUTO SET UP
To cancel the Auto Set Up function
Press AUTO SET UP.
Tip
• The factory preset language for the on-screen display is English. If you want to
Note
• Do not cancel the Auto Set Up function during the ATP operations. If you do,
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 numerical order (according to the TV system you
selected in “Tuning your TV to the VCR”).
After the search is complete, the current time appears in the display
window for any stations that transmit a time signal.
change the language to Russian, see page 15.
repeat the steps above.
Getting Started12
Page 13
Step 6
Setting the clock
You must set the time and date on the
VCR to be able to use the timer
recording features properly.
Before you start…
• Turn on the VCR and the TV.
• Set the TV to the video channel.
• MENU
1 Press MENU, then press >/. to select
SETTINGS and press OK.
PLAY
OK
2 Press >/. to select CLOCK, then press
PLAY
OK
OK.
SETTINGS
OPTIONS
TUNER
CLOCK
LANGUAGE
SELECT
SET
CLOCK
19TH8
1.1. 9
MENU
>/./?//
OK
:
:
OK
0:00
Getting Started
3 Press >/. to set the date.
PLAY
OK
1.1. 9
:
:
OK
:
:
:
:
OK
SELECT
SET
END
CLOCK
70:00
29TU8
SELECT
SET
END
continued
Getting Started
13
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Step 6 : Setting the clock (continued)
4 Press / to flash the month and set the
PLAY
OK
month pressing >/..
5 Set the year, hour, and minutes in
PLAY
OK
sequence, pressing / to flash the item to
be set, and press >/. to select the digits.
The day of the week is set automatically.
6 Press / to start the clock.
PLAY
OK
7 Press OK.
PLAY
OK
CLOCK
1.1. 9
70:00
29TU8
1.1 . 9
1.1 . 9
:
:
:
OK
:
:
OK
:
:
:
OK
:
SELECT
SET
END
CLOCK
71 5:30
29FR81
SELECT
SET
END
CLOCK
71 5:30
29FR81
SELECT
SET
END
Tip
• To change the digits during setting, press ? to return to the item to be changed,
and select the digits pressing >/..
Note
• The menu disappears automatically if you don’t proceed for more than a few
minutes.
Getting Started14
Page 15
Manual setup —
Selecting a
language
You can change the on-screen display
language.
Before you start…
• Turn on the VCR and the TV.
• Set the TV to the video channel.
• MENU
1 Press MENU, then press >/. to select
SETTINGS and press OK.
PLAY
OK
2 Press >/. to select LANGUAGE and
PLAY
OK
press OK.
SETTINGS
OPTIONS
TUNER
CLOCK
LANGUAGE
SELECT
SET
LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
MENU
>/./?//
OK
:
:
OK
Getting Started
3 Press >/./?// to move the dot ( r )
PLAY
OK
to the desired language, then press OK.
SELECT
SET
:
OK
:
Getting Started
15
Page 16
Manual setup —
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.
• MENU
1 Press MENU, then press >/. to select
SETTINGS and press OK.
PLAY
OK
SETTINGS
OPTIONS
TUNER
CLOCK
LANGUAGE
SELECT
SET
PROG +/–
MENU
>/./?//
OK
:
:
OK
2 Press >/. to select TUNER and press OK.
PLAY
OK
3 Press >/./?// to move the cursor
PLAY
OK
Getting Started16
(”) to NORMAL/CATV, then select
NORM.
To preset CATV channels, select CATV.
TUNER
SYSTEM [ ]D / K
NORMAL / CATV
CHANNEL SET [ ]
AFT [ ]ON
FINE TUNING
SELECT
SET
TUNER
SYSTEM [ ]D / K
NORMAL / CATV
CHANNEL SET [ ]
AFT [ ]ON
FINE TUNING
SELECT
SET
[]NORM
:
:
PROG10
[]NORM
C
:
:
PROG10
C
21
21
Page 17
4 Press >/. to move the cursor (”) to
PLAY
OK
CHANNEL SET.
TUNER
SYSTEM [ ]D / K
NORMAL / CATV
CHANNEL SET [ ]
AFT [ ]ON
FINE TUNING
SELECT
SET
PROG10
[]NORM
C
:
:
21
Getting Started
• PROG
5 Press PROG +/– to select the programme
position.
Selected programme
position
SYSTEM [ ]D / K
NORMAL / CATV
CHANNEL SET [ ]
AFT [ ]ON
FINE TUNING
SELECT
SET
[]NORM
C
:
:
PROG 4TUNER
6 Press ?// repeatedly until the channel you want is displayed.
PLAY
OK
The channels appear in the following order:
B/G TV system
Channel number
in the CHANNEL
Channel
SET field
2E22R1
3E35R6
4E46R7
5 E5 12 R12
6E613R2
7E714R3
8E815R4
9E916R5
10 E10 17 R8
11 E 11 1 8 R9
12 E12 19 R10
21–69 E21–E69 20 R11
CATV 1–41 S1–S41 21–69 R21–R69
CATV 42–46 S01–S05
D/K TV system
Channel number
in the CHANNEL
SET field
Channel
21
If you know the number of the channel you want, press the
programme number buttons. For example, for channel 5, first press
“0” and then press “5.”
continued
Getting Started
17
Page 18
Manual setup –– Presetting channels (continued)
7 If the TV sound is distorted or noisy, press
PLAY
OK
>/./?// to move the cursor (”) to
SYSTEM, then select B/G or D/K so that
you get the better sound.
TUNER
SYSTEM [ ]D / K
NORMAL / CATV
CHANNEL SET [ ]
AFT [ ]ON
FINE TUNING
SELECT
SET
PROG 4
[]NORM
C
21
:
:
8 To allocate another channel to another programme position, repeat
steps from 5 to 7.
9 Press OK.
PLAY
OK
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 OK.
Getting Started18
Page 19
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 OK.
3 Select TUNER, then press OK.
4 Select FINE TUNING.
The fine tuning meter appears.
Getting Started
SYSTEM [ ]D / K
NORMAL / CATV
CHANNEL SET [ ]
AFT [ ]OFF
FINE TUNING
SELECT
SET
[]NORM
C
:
:
PROG 4TUNER
21
––––––
––
Selected programme
position
5 Press ?// to get a clearer picture, then press 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
19
Page 20
Basic Operations
Playing a tape
6 EJECT
DISPLAY
COUNTER
RESET
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0
REPLAY
NTSC PB
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.
Basic Operations
20
· PLAY
P PAUSE
)# FF
p STOP
03 REW
Page 21
3 Press · 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.
Press
p STOP
P PAUSE
P PAUSE or · PLAY
)# FF during stop
03 REW during stop
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 set the colour system
If the playback picture has no colour, or streaks appear during playback, set
the SYSTEM option in the VIDEO OPTIONS menu to conform to the system
that the tape was recorded in (see page 40). (Normally set the option to
AUTO.)
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
21
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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 >/./?// for tape
operation.
Basic Operations
22
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Recording TV
programmes
DISPLAY
COUNTER/
REMAIN
TV/VIDEO
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0
1 Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.
To record from a decoder, turn it on.
r REC
PROG +/–
INPUT SELECT
SP/LP
p STOP
Basic Operations
2 Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.
continued
Basic Operations
23
Page 24
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.
REC
6 Press r REC to start recording.
in the display window.
record.
LP (Long Play) provides recording time twice as long as SP,
however, SP (Standard Play) produces better picture and audio
quality.
The recording indicator lights up red in the display window.
Recording indicator
LP
SP
SP
LP
VIDEO
VIDEO
VIDEO
VIDEO
Basic Operations
24
To stop recording
Press p STOP.
Page 25
To check the remaining time
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
the
indicator also appears in the display window.
0 : 00 : 22
SP
Time counter
1H46M
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 39).
To watch another TV programme while recording
1 Press TV/VIDEO on the remote commander 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.
Safety tab
continued
Basic Operations
Basic Operations
25
Page 26
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 VIDEO/AUDIO
L/R jacks using INPUT SELECT.
• 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.
When using a decoder, make sure to leave it on.
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 tape with 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.
Basic Operations
26
Page 27
Recording TV
programmes
using the timer
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.
• To record from a decoder, turn it on.
• Turn on your TV and set it to the
video channel.
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0
ON/STANDBY
INPUT SELECT
MENU
>/./?//
OK
p STOP
Basic Operations
• MENU
1 Press MENU and select TIMER, then press
OK.
PLAY
OK
TIMER
TIME
DATE
–:–– –:––
TODAY ––
SP / LP
SP
SELECT
SET
OK
:
:
:OK
continued
Basic Operations
WE21.9
PROG
27
Page 28
Recording TV programmes using the timer (continued)
2 Set the date, programme position, start
PLAY
OK
INPUT
SELECT
and stop times, and tape speed:
1 Press / to flash each item in turn.
2 Press >/. to set each item.
To correct a setting, press ? 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 29.
• To record from a decoder or other source connected to the LINE-1
(TV) or LINE 2 IN VIDEO/AUDIO L/R jacks, press INPUT
SELECT to display “L1” or “L2” in the “PROG” position.
3 Press OK to complete the setting.
PLAY
OK
• ON/
4 Press ON/STANDBY to turn off the VCR.
STANDBY
To stop recording
To stop the VCR while recording, press p STOP on the VCR.
indicator appears in the display window and the VCR
The
stands by for recording.
To record from a decoder or other source, leave the connected
equipment switched on.
TIMER
TIME
DATE
–:–– –:––
TODAY ––
SP / LP
SP
SELECT
SET
OK
:
:
:OK
WE21.9
PROG
Basic Operations
28
Page 29
Daily/weekly recording
In step 2 above, press . to select the recording pattern. Each time you press
., the indication changes as shown below. Press > 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)
nTODAY
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 wish
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.
The
indicator turns off and the VCR switches on. Remember to press
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.
Basic Operations
continued
Basic Operations
29
Page 30
Recording TV programmes using the timer (continued)
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 39).
Note
• The indicator flashes in the display window when you press ON/STANDBY
with no tape inserted.
Basic Operations
30
Page 31
Additional Operations
Playing/searching
at various speeds
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03 REW
Playback options
View the picture during fastforward or rewind
Play at high speed
Play at twice the normal
speed
Play in slow motion
Play frame by frame
Rewind and start play
· PLAY
)# FF
Operation
During fast-forward, press and hold )# FF. During rewind,
press and hold 03 REW.
• During playback, press )# FF or 03 REW.
• During playback, press and hold )# FF or 03 REW.
When you release the button, resume normal playback.
During playback, press × 2.
During playback, press & SLOW.
During pause, press )# FF or 03 REW. Press and hold
)# 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.
× 2
& SLOW
)# FF
03 REW
continued
Additional Operations 31
Page 32
Playing/searching at various speeds (continued)
To resume normal playback
Press · PLAY.
Tip
• Adjust the picture using TRACKING +/– 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 Operations32
Page 33
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.
123
456
789
0
VIDEO
SP
0:00 0:30 1:00 10:30 11:00
QUICK TIMER
To extend the duration
Press QUICK TIMER repeatedly to set to the new duration.
To stop recording
To stop the VCR while recording, press p STOP.
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.
Additional Operations 33
Page 34
Checking/
changing/
cancelling timer
settings
Before you start…
• Turn on your TV and set it to the
video channel.
ON/STANDBY
CLEAR
123
456
789
0
MENU
>/./?//
OK
1 Press ON/STANDBY to turn on the VCR.
2 Press MENU and select LIST, then press 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 OK, then turn off the VCR to
LIST
DATE
9. 12
15900 2000
26930 0001
8. 12
0
000
17. 12
MO
–FR
–
MO
SU 217212 2000
–––––– ––– –
–. –
SA
22300 000
SA–
0
0
return to recording standby.
Additional Operations34
WE21.9
PROGTIME
VPS
PDC
LP
3
VPS
PDC
SP
44500 530
LP
VPS
PDC
1000 100
LP
L
SP
L
VPS
PDC
LP
Page 35
3 Press >/. to select the setting you want to
change or cancel, then press OK.
The selected setting appears in the TIMER
menu.
4 To change the setting, press ?// to flash
TIMER
TIME
DATE
19 : 00 20 : 00
TODAY 35
SP / LP
LP
SELECT
SET
OK
:
:
:OK
the item you want to change, and press >/.
to reset it.
To cancel the setting, press CLEAR.
5 Press 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.
WE21.9
PROG
Programme 1
Programme 2
Programme 1
Programme 2
about 20 seconds
Will be cut off
about 20 seconds will be cut off
Additional Operations 35
Page 36
Selecting stereo and bilingual
programmes
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 40).
left/right channels
Stereo sound
(left/right channels)
Bilingual
Usually main sound
Main (left channel)
Sub (right channel)
Additional Operations36
Page 37
Adjusting the picture
Adjusting the tracking
Although the VCR automatically adjusts the tracking when playing a tape
(the indicator flashes in the display window, then goes off), distortion
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 40.
indicator lights up). To resume
TRACKING
Tracking meter
VIDEO OPTIONS
OPC
EDIT [ OFF
SYSTEM [ AUTO]
SELECT
SET
[ON
:
:
]
]
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
Additional Operations 37
Page 38
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, press
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 press P PAUSE to start recording.
Additional Operations38
Page 39
Changing menu options
1 Press MENU, then select SETTINGS.
2 Select OPTIONS.
3 Press >/. to select the option you want to change:
• To change the TAPE OPTIONS or VIDEO OPTIONS
1 Press OK after selecting TAPE OPTIONS or VIDEO OPTIONS.
TAPE OPTIONS
AUTO TAPE SPEED
TAPE SELECT [ ]1
[]ON
OPTIONS
TAPE OPTIONS
VIDEO OPTIONS
AUDIO MIX [ ]OFF
POWER SAVE
RF MODULATOR[[]]
SELECT
SET
VIDEO OPTIONS
59
OPC
EDIT [ OFF
SYSTEM [ AUTO]
OFF
ON
:
:
OK
[ON
]
]
• To change the other options
4 Press 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
SELECT
SET
:
:
SELECT
SET
:
:
2 Press >/. to select the option, then press ?// to change the
setting.
Press ?// to change the setting.
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
Additional Operations 39
Page 40
Changing menu options (continued)
VIDEO OPTIONS menu choices
Menu option
OPC
EDIT
SYSTEM
OPTIONS menu choices
Menu option
AUDIO MIX
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 minimise picture deterioration when editing.
• OFF to turn off EDIT.
• AUTO to set the colour system automatically.
•PAL to play back a tape recorded in the PAL colour system.
• MESECAM to play back a tape recorded in the MESECAM colour
system.
For details, see page 21.
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 36.
•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 when 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 Operations40
Page 41
Editing with another VCR
How to connect to record on this VCR
This VCR (Recorder)
LINE-2 IN
VMC-810 audio/video cable (not supplied)
: Signal flow
Notes
• Make sure you connect the plugs to jacks of the same colour.
• If the other VCR is a monaural type, leave the red plugs unconnected.
• If you connected this VCR to both the LINE IN and LINE OUT jacks of the other
VCR, select the input correctly to prevent a humming noise.
TV
Other VCR (Player)
LINE OUT
continued
Additional Operations 41
Page 42
Editing with another VCR (continued)
This VCR (Recorder)
… LINE-1 IN
Other VCR (Player)
VMC-2121 EURO-AV cable
: Signal flow
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.
(not supplied)
TV
EURO-AV
(Scart)
Additional Operations42
Page 43
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”
(“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 Operations 43
Page 44
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
The picture rolls vertically
during picture search.
The picture has no sound.
The sound is unstable or has an
echo.
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.
• 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.
Symptoms caused by contaminated video heads
• Normal picture
initial
contamination
44
Additional Information
• Unclear picture• Rough picture
• No picture (or
black & white
screen appears)
terminal
Page 45
Symptom
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
press r REC.
Nothing happens when you
press r REC.
The timer does not operate.
Timer recording Recording
Remedy
• 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.
• Make sure the TV system is correctly set for your TV.
• Make sure SYSTEM (B/G or D/K) in the TUNER
PRESET menu is set to the system in your area.
• 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 decoder is turned on.
• 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.
continued
Additional Information
45
Page 46
Troubleshooting (continued)
Symptom
A tape cannot be inserted.
The remote commander does
not function.
The tracking indicator does not
Others
appear on the screen.
The VCR needs to be cleaned.
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 mater does not appear when playing back
an NTSC-recorded tape.
• 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.
46
Additional Information
Page 47
Specifications
System
Channel coverage
VHS E2-E12, R1-R12
UHF E21-E69, R21-R69
CATV S1-S41, S01-S05
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
VIDEO IN, phono jack (1)
Input signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms,
unbalanced, sync negative
AUDIO IN, phone jack (2)
Input level: 327 mVrms
Input impedance: more than 47 kilohms
LINE-2 OUT
AUDIO OUT, Phono jack (2)
Rated output level: 327 mVrms
Load impedance: 47 kilohms
Output impedance: less than 10 kilohms
VIDEO OUT, Phono jack (1)
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 (w/h/d)
including projecting parts and controls
Mass
Approx. 4.6 kg
Supplied accessories
Remote commander (1)
R6 (size AA) batteries (2)
Aerial cable (1)
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
Additional Information
47
Page 48
Index to parts and controls
Refer to the pages indicated in parentheses ( ) for details.
Front panel
1 ON/STANDBY switch/indicator
(10)
2 Tape compartment
3 § EJECT button (21)
4 03 REW (rewind) button (31)
5 · PLAY button (31)
6 )# FF (fast-forward) button (31)
7 r REC (record) button (43)
8 p STOP button (43)
9 P PAUSE button (43)
!º PROGRAM/TRACKING +/–
buttons (11, 32, 38)
!¡ AUTO SET UP/
RF (Radio Frequency) CHANNEL
button (10, 12)
!™ Remote sensor (5)
!£ LINE 2 IN VIDEO/AUDIO L/R
jacks (41)
48
Additional Information
Page 49
Display window
STEREO
SP
LP
EP
1 Timer indicator (28)
2 STEREO indicator (36)
3 Tape speed indicators (24)
4 VIDEO indicator (9, 25)
5 OPC (Optimum Picture Control)
indicator (37)
VIDEO OPC
6 Tracking indicator (37)
7 Time counter/clock/line/
programme position indicator (22,
24, 43)
8 Remaining time indicator (25)
9 Tape/recording indicator (22, 24)
continued
Additional Information
49
Page 50
Index to parts and controls (continued)
Rear panel
1 Mains lead (8)
2 AERIAL IN
ANTENNE ENTREE connector (8)
3 AERIAL OUT
ANTENNE SORTIE connector (8)
4 NTSC PB (playback) switch (21)
5 : LINE-1 (TV)
: LIGNE-1 (TV) connector (9)
6 LINE-2 OUT
VIDEO/AUDIO L/R jacks (9)
50
Additional Information
Page 51
Remote commander
123
456
789
0
1 TV / VIDEO remote control switch
(5)
2 6␣ EJECT button (21)
3 COUNTER RESET button (22)
4 DISPLAY button (25)
5 WIDE button (7)
6 TV/VIDEO button (9, 25)
7 ? (ten’s digit) button (26)
8 QUICK TIMER button (33)
9 r␣ REC (record) button (24)
0 SP (Standard Play)/LP (Long Play)
button (24)
!¡ INPUT SELECT button (24, 28)
!™ &␣ SLOW button (31)
!£ Tape/menu operation buttons (13,
21, 31, 34, 39)
MENU button
P PAUSE/> button
p STOP/. button
03 REW (rewind)/? button
)# FF (fast-forward)// button
· PLAY/OK button
!¢ ON/STANDBY switch (6, 28)
!∞ COUNTER/REMAIN button (25)
!§ AUDIO MONITOR button (36)
!¶ CLEAR button (35)
!• Programme number buttons (6, 26)
!ª PROG (programme) +/– buttons (6,
17, 24)
@º VOL (volume) +/– buttons (for TV)
(6)
@¡ × 2 button (31)
@™ REPLAY button (21)
Additional Information
51
Page 52
Index
A, B
Accessories supplied 4
Adjusting
picture 19, 32, 37
tracking 32, 37
Aerial hookup 8
AFT (Auto Fine Tuning) 19
ATP (Auto Tuner Preset) 12
Audio track 36
Auto Set Up 12
Auto Tape Speed 39
C
Cleaning the video heads 44
Clock setting 13
Colour system
compatible colour
systems 2
setting 21
Connecting
the VCR and your TV 8
to a TV with a EURO-AV
connector 9
to a TV with LINE IN
connector 9
Counter 22
D
Disabling programme
position 18
Dubbing. See Editing
E, F, G
Editing 41
EP mode 22
EURO-AV connection
10
L
Language selecting 15
LP mode 24
M
Monitoring
during playback 36
N
Normal audio track 36
O
OPC (Optimum Picture
Control) 37
P
Picture adjustment. See
Adjusting
Playback 20
at various speeds 31
frame-by-frame 31
slow motion 31
Power save 40
Presetting channels 12, 16
Q
Quick timer 33
R
Recording 23
saving 25
while watching another
programme 25
Remote commander 5
RF channel 10
S
Safety tab 25
Searching at various
speeds 31
SP mode 24
T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
Timer recording 27
cancelling timer
settings 34
changing timer
settings 34
checking timer
settings 34
daily/weekly
recording 29
overlapping timer
recordings 35
Tracking adjustment. See
Adjusting
H, I, J, K
Hi-fi audio track 36
Sony Corporation
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