Sony SLV-ED915TH, SLV-ED815PS, SLV-ED915PS, SLV-ED818ME, SLV-ED616ME User Manual

3-065-581-12 (1)

Video Cassette
Recorder

Operating Instructions

PAL NTSC

SLV-ED915PS/TH/ED818ME/SG

/

SLV-ED817TH

SLV-ED616ME/MJ/SG

© 2001 Sony Corporation

ED815PS

/

ED515PS

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.
The mains lead must only be changed at a
qualified service shop.

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.

Precautions

Safety

• This unit operates on 110 – 240 V AC, 50/60
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 mains if you do
not intend to use it for an extended period of
time. To disconnect the lead, pull it out by
the plug, never by the lead.

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 four hours
before operating the unit.

Compatible colour/TV systems

• This VCR is designed to record and play
back using the PAL (B/G, D/K and I),
MESECAM (B/G and D/K) and NTSC
colour systems. Recording of video sources
based on other colour systems cannot be
guaranteed.

• NTSC colour signals can only be recorded
through the line input.

Introduction

2

Table of contents

Getting Started

4 Step 1: Unpacking
5 Step 2: Setting up the remote commander
6 Step 3: Connecting the VCR
8 Step 4: Tuning your TV to the VCR
10 Step 5: Selecting a language
11 Step 6: Presetting channels
17 Step 7: Setting the clock

Getting Started

Basic Operations

19 Playing a tape
22 Recording TV programmes
25 Recording TV programmes using

the Easy Timer function

31 Setting the timer manually

Search Operations

33 Searching for the beginning of an

Easy Timer recorded programme

34 Searching for the current position

on a tape

35 Searching using the Blank Search

function

36 Searching using the index

function

38 Searching using the Time Search

function

Additional Operations

39 Playing/searching at various

speeds

40 Setting the recording duration

time

41 Checking/changing/cancelling

timer settings

43 Recording stereo and bilingual

programmes (for SLV-ED915PS/
TH, ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and
ED815PS only)

46 Adjusting the picture
48 Changing menu options

Editing

49 Editing with another VCR
51 Basic editing
52 Audio dubbing (SLV-ED818ME/

SG and ED616ME/MJ/SG only)

Additional Information

53 Troubleshooting
56 Specifications
57 Index to parts and controls
Back cover

Index

Introduction

3

Getting Started

Step 1

Unpacking

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

• Remote commander

• R6 (size AA) batteries

• Aerial cable

• Plug adaptor (For SLV-ED818ME and
SLV-ED616ME/MJ only)

Checking your model name

4 Getting Started

The instructions in this manual are for the 10 models: SLV-ED915PS/
TH, ED818ME/SG, ED817TH, ED815PS, ED616ME/MJ/SG and
ED515PS. Check your model name by looking at the rear panel of your
VCR. SLV-ED818ME is the model used for illustration purpose. Any
difference in operation is clearly indicated in the text, for
example,“SLV-ED616ME only.”

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.
If the TV does not have the g
symbol near the remote sensor,
this remote commander will
not operate the TV.

Getting Started

Remote sensor

TV/VIDEO

To operate

the VCR

a Sony TV

Notes

• The TV/VIDEO button selects the TV’s input source (either aerial in or line in). The
button does not control this VCR.

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

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

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

• Do not use different types of batteries.

Set

TV/VIDEO

VIDEO

TV

and point at the remote sensor on the TV

to

and point at the remote sensor on the VCR

5Getting Started

Step 3

Connecting the VCR

Connect the aerial to your VCR and TV as shown below to watch TV
programmes and VCR pictures on your TV. In addition, if your TV has
audio/video (A/V) input jacks, we recommend you connect the VCR to
your TV using an audio/video cable to get a better picture and sound.

Connecting the aerial

AERIAL OUT

Mains lead

AERIAL IN

to mains

: Signal flow

Aerial cable (supplied)

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.

AERIAL IN

AERIAL

AERIAL

IN

OUT

IN

OUT

6 Getting Started

Additional connections

To a TV that has audio/video input
jacks

This additional connection improves
picture and sound quality. Connect the
TV as shown on the right.

For SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG,
ED817TH and ED815PS only

To a stereo system

You can improve sound quality by
connecting a stereo system as shown on
the right.

for SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG,
ED817TH and ED815PS only

LINE OUT

LINE IN

Audio/video cable (not supplied)

for SLV-ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS only

LINE OUT

LINE IN

Audio/video cable (not supplied)

LINE OUT AUDIO

LINE IN

Getting Started

Note

• To play a tape in stereo, you must
connect your VCR either to a TV with
audio/video input jacks or to a stereo
system as shown on above right.

Audio cable (not supplied)

7Getting Started

Step 4

Tuning your TV to the VCR

If you have connected your VCR to the TV using the audio/video cable, skip
this step.

?/1 ON/STANDBY

PROGRAM +/–RF CHANNEL

ON/STANDBY

1 Press ?/1 ON/STANDBY to turn on the VCR.

2 Press RF CHANNEL on the VCR.

RF CHANNEL

The factory-preset RF channel flashes in the display window for
about three seconds. (RF32 is for SLV-ED818ME/SG and ED616ME/
MJ/SG and RF51 is for SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED817TH/ED815PS and
ED515PS)

Press RF CHANNEL again while the RF channel is flashing.

The VCR signal is output through this channel to the TV.

3

8 Getting Started

e.g. SLV-ED915PS/TH

SP

Turn on your TV and select a programme position for the VCR picture.

This channel will now be referred to as the video channel.

Some TVs reserve a programme position, such as “0”, for a VCR. In
this case, select the reserved programme position for the VCR
picture. Refer to your TV’s instruction manual for details.

APC

4 Press RF CHANNEL.

RF CHANNEL

PROGRAM

The TV system indicator appears in the display window.

Press PROGRAM +/– to select the correct TV system.

If your TV system is Select

B/G G

II

D/K K

e.g. SLV-ED915PS/TH

SP

Getting Started

Selected TV
system

APC

5 Tune the TV to the same channel as

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.

6 Press RF CHANNEL.

RF CHANNEL

To obtain a clear picture from the VCR

If the picture does not appear clearly in step 5 above, first go to step 6 to
finish this procedure once. Then start from step 2. After pressing RF
CHANNEL twice in step 2 to display the RF channel, press PROGRAM +/–
so that another RF channel appears. Then tune the TV to the new RF channel
until a clear picture appears.

To set another RF channel number on the VCR, select a channel number that
does not receive a broadcast signal in your area and is clear of interference
from other channels.

If you cannot obtain a clear picture after performing this procedure, we
recommend you connect the VCR and TV using the audio/video cable (see
“To a TV that has audio/video input jacks” on page 7). If the same symptom
persists, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

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.

SONY VIDEO CASSETTE
RECORDER

Note

• If you set the wrong TV system, you may have no sound or sound may be distorted
(noisy sound).

9Getting Started

Step 5

Selecting a
language

You can change the on-screen display
language from English to Arabic.

Before you start…

• Turn on your TV and set it to the
video channel.

• ]/1

1 Press ?/1 (on/standby) to turn on the VCR.

123
456
789

0

?/1

MENU

OK
M/m

MENU

2 Press MENU, then press M/m to move the

cursor (B) to LANGUAGE and press OK.

PLAY

OK

3 Press M/m to select the desired language,

PLAY

OK

10 Getting Started

then press OK.

LANGUAGE /

LANGUAGE /

ENGLISH

•

[]

:

SELECT
END : [ OK ]

LANGUAGE /

ENGLISH

•

[
[ OK ]

]

:
:

Step 6

Presetting channels

First, we recommend that you preset the receivable channels in your area
using the One Touch Tuning function or AUTO PRESET in the TUNER
PRESET menu. Then, if some channels cannot be preset automatically, set
them manually. If there are any unwanted channels among the preset ones,
you can disable the channels.

Getting Started

Presetting all receivable
channels using the One
Touch Tuning function

ONE TOUCH

TUNING

To check if the channels are preset correctly

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 channels are preset correctly.

If the sound is distorted or noisy, the VCR is set to a TV system different
from your area’s system. Select the correct TV system and preset channels
using the TUNER PRESET menu as shown on the next page.

Press and hold ONE TOUCH TUNING on the VCR for more than
three seconds.

The VCR starts presetting the channels.

The WAIT indicator goes off when all receivable channels are preset.

ONE TOUCH

TUNING

SP

PROGRAM +/–

APC

Tip

• To stop the One Touch Tuning function, press ONE TOUCH TUNING or p STOP
on the VCR during the setting.

continued

11Getting Started

Step 6: Presetting channels (continued)

Presetting all receivable
channels automatically

Before you start…

• Turn on the VCR and the TV.

• Set the TV to the video channel.

MENU

1 Press MENU, then press M/m to move the

cursor (B) to TUNER PRESET and press
OK.

PLAY

OK

MENU

OK
M/m/</,

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

B / G

SYSTEM
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT
SET

• D / K I

[]

:

[

:

]

NORM

1

ON••

CATV

OFF

2 Press M/m/</, to move the cursor (B)

PLAY

OK

to SYSTEM, then select B/G, D/K or I,
whichever is applicable in your area. If
SYSTEM is set to the wrong position, the
sound will be distorted or noisy.

3 Press M/m/</, to move the cursor

PLAY

OK

12 Getting Started

(B) to NORMAL/CATV, then select
NORM.

To preset CATV channels, select CATV.

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

• D / K

SYSTEM
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT
SET

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

SYSTEM
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT
SET

B / G

[]

:

[

:

]

B / G

• D / K I

[]

:

[

:

]

NORM

• CATV
1

OFF

ON•

NORM

CATV

1

ON••

OFF

I

4 Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORM

ON

•

•

•

CATV

B / G

D / K

I

OFF

1

PLEASE WAIT

PLAY

OK

Note

• Picture might disappear for a few seconds during One Touch Tuning and auto

AUTO PRESET, then press OK.

All receivable channels are preset in
numerical sequence. When no more
receivable channels can be found,
presetting stops and the picture from the
lowest numbered channel is displayed on
the TV screen.

presetting functions. This is for tuning procedure, and not a malfunction.

Getting Started

continued

13Getting Started

Step 6: Presetting channels (continued)

TUNER PRESET PROG10

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORM

ON••

CATV

B / G

• D / K I

OFF

2

1

SELECT
SET

:

[]

:

[

]

Presetting channels
manually

Before you start…

• Turn on the VCR and the TV.

• Set the TV to the video channel.

MENU

1 Press MENU, then press M/m to move the

cursor (B) to TUNER PRESET and press
OK.

PLAY

OK

PROG +/–

MENU

OK
M/m/</,

TUNER PRESET PROG10

B / G

SYSTEM
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT
SET

• D / K I

[]

:

[

:

]

NORM

2

ON••

CATV

1

OFF

2 Press M/m/</, to move the cursor (B)

PLAY

OK

3 Press >/. to move the cursor (B) to

PLAY

OK

14 Getting Started

to NORMAL/CATV, then select NORM.

To preset CATV channels, select CATV.

CHANNEL SET.

TUNER PRESET PROG10

B / G

SYSTEM
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT
SET

• D / K I

[]

:

[

:

]

NORM

2

ON••

CATV

1

OFF

PROG

TUNER PRESET PROG14

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORM

ON••

CATV

B / G

• D / K I

OFF

3

5

SELECT
SET

:

[]

:

[

]

4 Press PROG +/– to select the programme

position.

Selected programme
position

TUNER PRESET PROG14

B / G

SYSTEM
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT
SET

• D / K I

[]

:

[

:

]

NORM

2

ON••

CATV

1

OFF

Getting Started

5 Press , repeatedly until the channel you

PLAY

OK

want is displayed.
Pressing < goes back to the previous

channels.

The channels are scanned in the following
order:

Channel coverage

VHF

UHF

CATV (TV distribution)

System B/G

E2–E12

E21–E69

S1–S41, S01–S05

System D/K

R1–R12

R21–R69

TUNER PRESET PROG14

SYSTEM
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

[]

:

SELECT

[

SET

:

System I

SA4–SA13

B21–B69

–

S1–S41, S01–S05

B / G

• D / K I
CATV

NORM

3

5

ON••

]

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.”

6 If the TV sound is distorted or noisy, press

PLAY

OK

M/m/</, to move the cursor (B) to
SYSTEM, then select B/G, D/K or
I whichever is applicable in your area.

7 To allocate another channel to another programme position, repeat

steps 4 and 5.

OFF

8 Press OK.

PLAY

OK

continued

15Getting Started

Step 6: Presetting channels (continued)

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 5 on page 15, press programme number button “0” twice to

display the number “0” beside CHANNEL SET.

2 Press 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 +/– to select the programme number for which you cannot

obtain a clear picture.

2 Press MENU, then select TUNER PRESET and press OK.
3 Select FINE TUNING.

The fine tuning meter appears.

4 Press </, to get a clearer picture, then press OK.

Note

• The menu disappears automatically if you do not proceed for more than a few
minutes.

16 Getting Started

TUNER PRESET

SYSTEM
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

[

SET

:

• D / K

B / G

NORM

5

3

ON••

– – – – – – – –

]

PROG14

Selected programme position

I

CATV

OFF

Note that the AFT (Auto Fine Tuning) setting switches to OFF.

Step 7

CLOCK SET

1.1.2001 MON 0:00

SELECT
SET
END:[ OK ]

:

[]

:

[

]

CLOCK SET

2 . 1 . 2001 THU 0 : 005

SELECT
SET
END:[ OK ]

:

[]

:

[

]

CLOCK SET

2.1.200 0:0052

1

TUE

SELECT
SET
END:[ OK ]

:

[]

:

[

]

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 M/m to move the

cursor (B) to CLOCK SET and press OK.

Getting Started

MENU

OK
M/m/</,

2 Press M/m to set the date.

3 Press , to select the month and set the

PLAY

PLAY

PLAY

OK

The day of the week is set automatically.

OK

month using M/m.

OK

continued

17Getting Started

Step 7: Setting the clock (continued)

CLOCK SET

2 . 1 . 20 0 1 TUE52 5:301

SELECT
SET
END:[ OK ]

:

[]

:

[

]

4 Set the year, hour and minute in sequence,

PLAY

OK

using , to select the item to be set, and
M/m to select the digits.

5 Press OK to start the clock.

PLAY

OK

Tip

• To change the digits when setting, press < to return to the item to be changed, and
select the digits using M/m.

Note

• The menu disappears automatically if you do not proceed for more than a few
minutes.

18 Getting Started

Basic Operations

Playing a tape

EJECT

CLEAR

123
456
789

0

H PLAY

M FF

x STOP

COLOR

SYSTEM

m REW

A EJECT X PAUSE

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.

DISPLAY

X PAUSE

H PLAY
M FF

x STOP

m REW

Basic Operations

continued

19Basic Operations

Playing a tape (continued)

3 Press H PLAY.

PLAY

OK

Additional tasks

To

Stop play

Pause play

Resume play after pause

Fast-forward the tape

Rewind the tape

Eject the tape

To set the colour system

If streaks appear during playback, press COLOR SYSTEM on the VCR to
conform to the system that the tape was recorded in. (Normally, the colour
system is correctly set whenever the tape is inserted.)

When the tape reaches the end, it will rewind automatically.

Press

x STOP
X PAUSE

X PAUSE or H PLAY
M FF during stop

m REW during stop

Z EJECT

If your tape was
recorded in

PA L

MESECAM

NTSC

Press COLOR SYSTEM until the indication below
appears in the display window.

PA L

PA L

NTSC

To play an NTSC-recorded tape

Set NTSC PB in the SET UP MENU according to the colour system of your
TV. For details, see page 48.

If your TV is

PA L

NTSC 4.43

NTSC 3.58

Basic Operations20

Set NTSC PB to

ON PAL TV

4.43

3.58

To use the time counter

At the point on the tape that you want to find later, press CLEAR. The
counter in the display window resets to “0:00:00.” Search for the point
afterwards by referring to the counter.

SP

APC

To display the counter on the TV screen, press DISPLAY. Press DISPLAY
again and the counter will disappear from the TV screen.

Notes

• When you play back a tape recorded in the PAL or MESECAM colour system,
streaks may appear even if the colour system setting is set to AUTO. If so, select the
colour system PAL or MESECAM in the PAL/MESECAM option of the SET UP
MENU (see page 48 for details).

• 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.

• If a tape has portions recorded in both PAL and NTSC systems, the time counter
reading will not be correct. This is due to the difference between the counting cycles
of the two colour systems.

• Depending on your TV, the following may occur while playing an NTSC-recorded
tape:

– the picture is 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.

• Tapes recorded in the LP mode of other NTSC system VCRs can be played back on
this VCR, but the picture quality cannot be guaranteed.

• While setting the menu on the TV screen, you cannot use the H PLAY, X PAUSE,
M FF, m REW or x STOP buttons. These buttons are used for menu operations.

Basic Operations

21Basic Operations

Recording TV
programmes

INPUT SELECT

123
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789

0

PROG +/–

DISPLAY

REC SPEED

z REC

1 Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.
2 Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.

PROG

3 Press PROG +/– to select the programme position you want to

record.

Basic Operations22

SP

APC

REC SPEED

4 Press REC SPEED to select the tape speed, SP or LP.

LP (Long Play) provides recording time twice as long as SP
(Standard Play), however, SP produces better picture and audio
quality.

LP

APC

5 Press z REC to start recording.

REC

The recording indicator lights up red in the display window.

Recording indicator

To stop recording

Press x STOP.

To check the remaining tape length

Press DISPLAY. The white bar indicates the approximate length of tape
remaining.

–

S

E

::

000

Remaining tape length

22

Time counter

To watch another TV programme while recording

1 If the TV is connected to the VCR using an audio/video cable, set the

TV to TV input. If the TV is connected to the VCR using only the aerial
cable, skip this step.

2 Select another programme position on the TV.

LP

APC

Basic Operations

To save a recording

To prevent accidental erasure, break off the safety
tab as illustrated. To record on the tape again,
cover the tab hole with adhesive tape.

Safety tab

continued

23Basic Operations

Recording TV programmes (continued)

To record NTSC colour system programmes

NTSC colour signals can be recorded on this VCR from the LINE-1 IN and
LINE-2 IN (SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and
ED515PS only) jacks only.

To select the line input, press INPUT SELECT or PROG +/– so that “L1” or
“L2” (SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS
only) appears in the display window.

For tape speed, select SP or EP in step 4.

EP (Extended Play) provides recording time three times as long as SP,
however, SP produces better picture and sound quality.

When playing a tape, the VCR automatically detects the tape speed.

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 IN or LINE-2 IN (SLV-ED915PS/TH,
ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS only) jacks. Press INPUT SELECT
or PROG +/– to display “L1” or “L2” SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG,
ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS only) in the display window.

• The display appears on the TV screen indicating information about the tape, but the
information will not be recorded on the tape.

• If you do not want to watch TV while recording, you can turn off the TV.

• You can have the VCR stop automatically after starting at a specified time. For
details, see “Setting the recording duration time” on page 40.

Notes

• The display does not appear during still (pause) mode or slow-motion playback.

• It may take up to one minute for the VCR to calculate and display the remaining
tape length after you press DISPLAY.

• The remaining tape length does not appear while playing or recording in the NTSC
system.

Basic Operations24

Recording TV programmes using the
Easy Timer function

The Easy Timer function allows you to make a timer recording of a
programme without turning on your TV. Set the recording timer to record
only one programme that will be broadcast within the next 24 hours using
the EASY TIMER knob. If the VCR clock has not been set, you can also set
the clock before setting the timer recording.

Setting the Easy Timer

Before you start…

• Insert a tape with its safety tab in
place. Make sure the tape is longer
than the recording time.

REC SPEED

SP/LP

(SP/EP)

EASY TIMER

1 Push the EASY␣ TIMER knob.

The START indicator appears in the display window.

If the clock has not been set,
“–:– –” appears. Go to step 2
in “Setting or changing the
Easy Clock” on page 27.

EASY TIMER

2 Set the recording start time by turning the EASY TIMER knob

clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the time by 15
minutes.

To increase or decrease the
time by one minute, press
PROGRAM +/–.

SP

SP

PROGRAM +/–

EASY TIMER

knob

START

APC

START

APC

Basic Operations

EASY TIMER

3 Push the EASY␣ TIMER knob to confirm the start time setting.

The STOP indicator appears.

SP

STOP
APC

continued

25Basic Operations

Recording TV programmes using the Easy Timer function
(continued)

EASY TIMER

4 Set the recording stop time in the same way as in step 2, then push

the EASY TIMER knob.

SP

LP

SP

APC

APC

A programme number flashes.

EASY TIMER

5 Turn the EASY TIMER knob clockwise or counterclockwise to select

the programme you want to record.

To select the tape speed, press
REC SPEED.

REC SPEED

SP/LP

(SP/EP)

EASY TIMER

6 Push the EASY TIMER knob to confirm the setting.

indicator appears in

The

t

the display window and the
VCR stands by for recording.

Basic Operations26

Setting or changing the
Easy Clock

When “–:– –” is displayed in the display
window, the VCR clock has not been set.
You need to set the clock using the Easy
Clock function before setting the timer.
You can also change the current time
using the Easy Clock function.

EASY TIMER

knob

EASY TIMER

1 • When “–:– –” is displayed in the display window, push the

EASY TIMER knob.

• To change the clock setting, push and hold the EASY␣ TIMER knob
on the VCR for more than three seconds.

The CLOCK indicator and the current clock setting appear in the
display window.

123
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789

0

SP

CLOCK

Programme
number
buttons

EASY

TIMER

PROG +/–

START

APC

Basic Operations

EASY TIMER

2 Set the current time using the EASY TIMER knob.

1 Turn the EASY TIMER knob clockwise or counterclockwise to

enter the current hour.

2 Push the EASY TIMER knob to confirm the hour setting.
3 Turn the EASY TIMER knob to increase or decrease the minutes

setting by a minute at a time.

SP

CLOCK

START

APC

continued

27Basic Operations

Recording TV programmes using the Easy Timer function
(continued)

EASY TIMER

3 Push the EASY TIMER knob to finish setting the clock.

The VCR enters the timer recording setting mode.

To continue the Easy Timer

SP

setting, go to step 2 in
“Setting the Easy Timer” on
page 25.

To quit the Easy Timer setting mode without changing any settings,
push the EASY TIMER knob repeatedly until the
appears in the display window.

To set the timer and clock setting using the remote commander

You can also use the remote commander to set the Easy Timer and Easy
Clock. The operations on the VCR and the remote commander correspond as
follows:

To

Confirm the setting and go to
the next setting

Change the time by 15 minutes
(in START/STOP mode)

Change the time by one minute
(in START/STOP mode)

Select the programme

Change the hour/minute by
one hour/minute (in CLOCK
mode)

Do this on the VCR

Push the EASY TIMER
knob

Turn the EASY TIMER
knob or hold PROGRAM
+/– down

Press PROGRAM +/–

Turn the EASY TIMER
knob or press PROGRAM
+/–

Turn the EASY TIMER
knob or press PROGRAM
+/–

START

indicator

t

Do this on the remote
commander

Press EASY TIMER

Hold PROG +/– down

Press PROG +/–

Press PROG +/– or
INPUT SELECT

Press PROG +/–

APC

You can also use the programme number buttons to set the clock, start and
stop times, and the programme you want to record. Just press the
programme number buttons to enter the hours and minutes. For example:

• To set the clock to “8:20”, press 0, 8, EASY TIMER , 2, 0 and EASY TIMER
in sequence.

• To set the start or stop time to “8:20”, press 0, 8, 2, 0 and EASY TIMER in
sequence.

If you make a mistake, re-enter the correct digits before pressing
EASY TIMER .

Basic Operations28

To stop recording

To stop the VCR while recording, press x STOP.

To check or change the timer setting

Push the EASY␣ TIMER knob repeatedly until the setting you want to check
or change flashes. Then re-enter the new setting, if necessary. If you do not
want to change any of the settings, push the EASY TIMER knob repeatedly
until the

You can also change the timer setting using the TIMER SET/CHECK menu.
For details, see page 41.

To cancel the timer setting

To cancel the Easy Timer setting while entering a setting, press CLEAR on
the remote commander or press PROGRAM + and – on the VCR at the same
time.

indicator appears in the display window.

t

To use the VCR after setting the timer

To use the VCR before a timer recording begins, just press ?/1. The
indicator turns off and the VCR switches on. Remember to press ?/1 to reset
the VCR to the timer recording standby mode 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.

To watch the recorded programme right after recording with the Easy
Timer

The SEARCH MODE indicator starts flashing when the VCR finishes the
Easy Timer recording. To watch the recorded programme, push the EASY
TIMER knob. The VCR turns on, starts searching, then automatically starts
playback from the beginning of the recording. For details, see page 33.

t

Basic Operations

continued

29Basic Operations

Recording TV programmes using the Easy Timer function
(continued)

Tips

• To record from a source connected to the LINE-1 IN or LINE-2 IN (SLV-ED915PS/
TH, ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS only) jacks, press INPUT
SELECT or PROG +/– or turn the EASY TIMER knob to display “L1” or “L2” (SLV­ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS only) in the display
window.

• To record NTSC signals, set the tape speed to SP or EP. To record in the EP mode,
set the tape speed to “LP” in the display window.

Notes

• You cannot set the Easy Timer if eight programmes have already been set.

• You can set the timer for only one programme using the Easy Timer function. If you
want to set the timer for other programmes, use the TIMER SET/CHECK menu.
For details, see page 31.

• You cannot set the date using the Easy Timer function. Set the date using the
CLOCK SET menu if you want to set the timer with the menu. For details, see page

17.

• The t indicator flashes in the display window when you complete the setting with
no tape inserted.

Basic Operations30

Setting the timer

TIMER SET / CHECK TUE

25 .1

DATE

START STOP PROG
–.– – –: –– – : –– –– –
–.– – –: –– – : –– –– –
–.– – –: –– – : –– –– –
–.– – –: –– – : –– –– –
–.– – –: –– – : –– –– –
–.– – –: –– – : –– –– –
–.– – –: –– – : –– –– –
–.– – –: –– – : –– –– –

2

TIMER SET / CHECK TUE

25 . 1

DATE START STOP PROG

2.5

12

TUE

– : –– – : –– ––

SP
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –

2

manually

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.

?/1

INPUT SELECT

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789

0

PROG +/–

Basic Operations

MENU

OK
M/m/</,

MENU

1 Press MENU and select TIMER SET/

PLAY

OK

2 Set the date, start and stop times,

PLAY

OK

CHECK, then press OK.

programme position, and tape speed:

1 Press , to select each item in turn.
2 Press M/m to set each item.

To correct a setting, press < to return to
that setting and reset it.

continued

31Basic Operations

Setting the timer manually (continued)

To record the same programme every day or the same day every
week, press m while the date is flashing. For details, see “Daily/
weekly recording” below.

To record from a source connected to the LINE-1 IN or LINE-2 IN
(SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS
only) jacks; press INPUT SELECT or PROG +/– to display “L1” or
“L2”(SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG and ED616ME/MJ/SG/
ED515PS only) in the “PROG” position.

3 Press , to confirm the setting.

4 Press OK.

5 Press ?/1 to turn off the VCR.

PLAY

OK

PLAY

OK

• ]/1

The cursor (B) appears at the beginning of the line. To enter another
setting, move the cursor to the next line and repeat step 2.

indicator appears in the display window and the VCR

The

t

stands by for recording.

To record from other equipment, leave the connected equipment
switched on.

To stop recording

To stop the VCR while recording, press x STOP.

Daily/weekly recording

In step 2 above, press m to select the recording pattern. Each time you press
m, the indication changes as shown below. Press M to change the indication

in reverse order.

the current date t SUN-SAT (Sunday to Saturday) t MON-SAT (Monday

to Saturday) t MON-FRI (Monday to Friday) t EVERY SAT ..... t EVERY

MON t EVERY SUN t 1 month later t (dates count down) t the
current date

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 REC SPEED button.

• To record NTSC signals, set the tape speed to SP or EP. To record in the EP mode, set
the tape speed to “LP”.

Note

• The t indicator flashes in the display window when you press ?/1 with no tape

Basic Operations32

inserted.

Search Operations

Searching for the
beginning of an
Easy Timer
recorded
programme

If you record a programme using the
Easy Timer function, you can easily find
the beginning of the recording with the
SEARCH MODE function. The SEARCH
MODE indicator flashes when the VCR
finishes making an Easy Timer
recording.

Push the EASY TIMER knob.

The VCR turns on, rewinds to the beginning of the recorded programme and
starts playback automatically. The SEARCH MODE indicator turns off.

Tip

• You can start the SEARCH MODE function after the flashing of the SEARCH
MODE indicator has been stopped. The flashing stops when you turn on the VCR
and press the SEARCH MODE button (Do not press any button at this point,
otherwise this SEARCH MODE function will be cancelled). To start the SEARCH
MODE function, press the SEARCH MODE button repeatedly until the SEARCH
MODE indicator flashes. Push the EASY TIMER knob. The VCR rewinds and starts
playback automatically.

If you continue to press the SEARCH MODE button while the SEARCH MODE
indicator is flashing, you can enter other search operations (For details, see the
following pages). Each press of the SEARCH MODE button changes the search
operations as follows:

REMAIN BLANK INDEX TIME Off

EASY TIMER

knob

SEARCH MODE

Notes

• This SEARCH MODE function will be cancelled (the SEARCH MODE indicator
turns off) if:

– The VCR starts recording other programmes.
– You press the H PLAY, M FF, m REW or A EJECT button while the VCR is

on.

33Search Operations

Searching for the
current position
on a tape

This feature enables you to find the
current position on a tape as well as the
remaining time of the tape.

EASY TIMER

knob

SEARCH MODE

1 Press SEARCH MODE repeatedly until the

REMAIN indicator appears in the display

SP

START

window as shown on the right.

The SEARCH MODE indicator lights up.

n

SP

START

2 Push the EASY TIMER knob to display

the tape meter on the TV screen.

The SEARCH MODE indicator turns off.
A cursor (x) indicates the current position
on the tape.

“REMAIN” and the remaining time of the tape appear in the display window in
the following order:

RE- MAIN

To stop the Search function

Press x STOP.

TAPE POSITION

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Tape meter

0:15 (remaining

time of the tape)

APC

APC

Notes

• To display the remaining time correctly, you may have to select the TAPE LENGTH in the SET
UP MENU according to the type of the tape that you are using. For details, see page 48.

• In step 2, the VCR automatically rewinds and fast-forwards the tape only if you press the
SEARCH MODE button right after you insert a tape. This is so that the VCR can measure the
current position on the tape.

• You cannot use this function during any recording mode.

34 Search Operations

Searching using
the Blank Search
function

This feature enables you to find a blank
section on your tape.

EASY TIMER

knob

SEARCH MODE

1 Press SEARCH MODE repeatedly until the

BLANK indicator appears in the display
window.

The SEARCH MODE indicator lights up.

2 Push the EASY TIMER knob on the VCR.

The SEARCH MODE indicator turns off.
The VCR fast-forwards to the end of the
tape. Then, the VCR rewinds the tape to
the last recorded programme. After a few
seconds, the VCR starts playback and
stops at the beginning of the blank
section.

“BLANK” and the remaining time of the
blank section appear alternately in the
display window for about one minute.

To stop searching

To stop the VCR while searching for a blank section, press x STOP.

Notes

• To display the remaining time correctly, you may have to select the TAPE LENGTH in the SET
UP MENU according to the type of the tape that you are using. For details, see page 48.

• In step 2, “FULL” will appear in the display window for about one minute, if:
– there is no blank section available on the tape.

– the remaining time of a blank section is less than one minute.

• The VCR can only detect the blank section between the end of the tape and the end of the last
recorded programme.

SP

SP

START

START

n

APC

APC

APC

Last recorded
programme

Blank section

End of tape

35Search Operations

Searching using

SEARCH

INDEX

8

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. The VCR can
search up to 99 index signals ahead of or
behind the current position. You can
either use the INDEX SEARCH buttons
on the remote commander or the
SEARCH MODE button and EASY
TIMER knob on the VCR.

Using the INDEX SEARCH
buttons on the remote
commander

1 Insert an indexed tape into the VCR.
2 Press ./> INDEX SEARCH repeatedly to specify how many

index signals ahead or behind you want to search:

• To search ahead, press > INDEX

SEARCH.

• To search backwards, press .INDEX

SEARCH.

The VCR starts searching and the index
number on the TV screen counts down to
zero. Playback starts from the point about
five seconds ahead of the specified index
mark.

./>

INDEX
SEARCH

36 Search Operations

Using the SEARCH MODE
button and EASY TIMER
knob on the VCR

1 Press SEARCH MODE on the VCR repeatedly until “INDEX” appears

in the display window (the SEARCH MODE indicator lights up).

EASY TIMER

knob

SEARCH MODE

SP

APC

2 Turn the EASY TIMER knob to specify how many index signals ahead

or behind you want to search:

• To search ahead, turn the EASY TIMER knob clockwise.

• To search backwards, turn the EASY TIMER knob counterclockwise.

SP

START

APC

3 Push the EASY TIMER knob.

The VCR starts searching. Playback starts (the SEARCH MODE
indicator turns off) from the point about five seconds ahead of the
specified index mark.

To stop searching

Press x 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 channel during
recording pause.

37Search Operations

Searching using
the Time Search
function

You can easily find a specific point on a
tape by using the Time Search function.
For example, you can find a recorded
section 15 minutes ahead of or behind
the current position of a tape by using
the Time Search function.

1 Press SEARCH MODE repeatedly until “TIME” appears in the display

window (the SEARCH MODE indicator lights up).

2 Turn the EASY TIMER knob clockwise or counterclockwise to set the

length of time you want the VCR to fast-forward or rewind the tape.
Each turn on the knob increases or decreases the duration by 15
minutes.

For example, if you want to watch a recorded section 15 minutes ahead
of the current position, turn the EASY TIMER knob once clockwise.

To change the time by one
minute, press PROGRAM
+/–.

SP

SP

EASY TIMER

knob

SEARCH MODE

APC

APC

3 Push the EASY TIMER knob.

The VCR starts searching and the tape counter starts counting until it
reaches the specified point.

The VCR starts playback automatically when the tape counter reaches
the specified point (the SEARCH MODE indicator turns off).

To stop searching

Press x STOP.

Tip

• The VCR can search up to three hours ahead of or behind the current position of a

tape.

38 Search Operations

SP

APC

Additional Operations

Playing/searching
at various speeds

×2

H PLAY

m REW M FF

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

To resume normal playback

Press H PLAY.

Tips

• Adjust the picture using TRACKING +/– on the VCR if:

– streaks appear while playing in slow motion.
– the picture shakes during pause.

To set tracking to the centre position, press both buttons (+/–) at the same time.

• If noise appears during pause or frame-by-frame playback, first switch to the slow
motion playback, then adjust the picture using TRACKING +/– on the VCR.

Notes

• The playback sound is muted during these operations.

• In LP or EP mode, noise may appear or there may be no colour.

• The picture may show noise when playing at high speed in reverse.

• On-screen symbols may shake while playing or searching at various speeds.

y SLOW

H PLAY

M FF

m REW

Operation

During fast-forward, hold down M FF. During rewind, hold
down m REW.

• During playback, press M FF or m REW on the remote

commander.

• During playback, hold down M FF or m REW. When you

release the button, normal playback resumes.

During playback or pause, press ×2.

During playback or pause, press y SLOW.

During pause, press M FF or m REW on the remote
commander. Hold down the button to play one frame each
second.

While the tape is stopped, hold down m REW on the VCR and
press H PLAY on the VCR.

Additional Operations 39

Setting the
recording
duration time

After you have started recording in the
normal way, you can have the VCR stop
recording automatically after a specified
duration.

1 While recording, press z REC.

indicator appears in the display window.

The

t

2 Press z REC repeatedly to set the duration.

Each press advances the time in increments of 30 minutes.

0:30 1:00 6:005:30 Normal recording

123
456
789

0

SP

z REC

APC

The tape counter decreases minute by minute to 0:00, then the VCR
stops recording and turns off automatically.

To extend the duration

Press z REC repeatedly to set to the new duration.

To cancel the duration

Press z REC repeatedly until the
to normal recording mode.

To stop recording

To stop the VCR while recording, press x STOP.

Additional Operations40

indicator turns off and the VCR returns

t

Checking/

TIMER SET / CHECK TUE

DATE START STOP PROG

.6 1 7:00 8:00 6

SP

.8 1 1 :00 0 : 00 50

MO

N– 0:12 3:00 227

3:00 0:00

L
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –

SUN
TUE

SAT

EVERY

SUN

2

1

LP
LP
SP

25 .1

2

2

changing/
cancelling timer

?/1

settings

Before you start…

• Turn on your TV and set it to the
video channel.

CLEAR

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0

MENU

OK
M/m/</,

1 Press ?/1 to turn on the VCR.
2 Press MENU, then select TIMER SET/CHECK and 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 return to recording standby.

continued

Additional Operations 41

Checking/changing/cancelling timer settings (continued)

3 Press M/m to select the setting you want to change or cancel:

• To change the setting, press </, to select the item you want to

change, and press M/m to reset it. Then, press , repeatedly until the
cursor (B) appears at the beginning of the line.

• To cancel the setting, press CLEAR.

4 Press OK.

If any timer 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

Additional Operations42

Recording stereo and bilingual
programmes (for SLV-ED915PS/TH,
ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and ED815PS
only)

This VCR can record and receive stereo and bilingual sound. When a stereo
or bilingual sound is received, the STEREO indicator appears in the display
window.

For SLV-ED915PS/TH only

In the ZWEITON (German stereo) system

This VCR automatically receives and records stereo and bilingual
programmes based on the Zweiton system.

To select bilingual sound while recording

Press AUDIO MONITOR to select the sound you want.

To listen to

Main

Sub

Main and sub

On-screen display

MAIN

SUB

MAIN/SUB

Display window

STEREO

STEREO

STEREO

In the NICAM system

This VCR receives and records stereo and bilingual programmes based on
the NICAM system (the NICAM indicator appears).

To record a NICAM programme, HIFI AUDIO in the SET UP MENU should
be set to NICAM (initial setting). To check the menu setting, see page 48.

To select bilingual 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)

On-screen display

STEREO

No indicator

Display window

STEREO

No indicator

continued

Additional Operations 43

Recording stereo and bilingual programmes (continued)

Bilingual programme

To listen to

Main

Sub

Main and sub

Standard sound*

* Usually the main sound (monaural)

On-screen display

MAIN

SUB

MAIN/SUB

No indicator

Display window

STEREO

STEREO

STEREO

No indicator

For SLV-ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and ED815PS only

This VCR can record stereo and bilingual programmes only through the line
input (the stereo indicator appears on the TV screen and the display
window). You cannot select the sound while recording.

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 CH

R CH

No indicator

Display window

STEREO

STEREO

STEREO

No indicator

* The mixed sound of left and right channels (monaural)

Additional Operations44

How sound is recorded on a video tape

The VCR records sounds 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 Bilingual

Usually mixed left/

Normal audio track
(monaural)

Hi-fi audio track
(main track)

Notes

• To play a tape in stereo, you must use the 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
SET UP MENU is set to OFF.

• (for SLV-ED915PS/TH only)
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.

right channels

Stereo sound (left/
right channels)

Usually main
sound

Main (left channel)
Sub (right channel)

Additional Operations 45

Adjusting the picture

NORMAL TRACKING

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Adjusting the tracking

Although the VCR automatically adjusts the tracking when playing a tape

indicator flashes in the display window, then turns off), distortion

(the
may occur if the tape was recorded in poor condition. If so, manually adjust
the tracking.

Press the TRACKING +/– buttons on the VCR to
display the tracking meter. The distortion should
disappear as you press one of the two buttons (the

indicator lights up). To resume automatic

tracking adjustment, eject the tape and reinsert it.

About the R2 (Reality Regenerator) function
(for SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and
ED616ME/MJ/SG only)

The R2 function automatically
adjusts the picture to the most
suitable quality during playback.

When playback starts, the R
function activates and the R
button lights up.

Each press of the button changes the effect and indication in the display
window as follows:

2

2

Tracking meter

2

R

Additional Operations46

SOFTREAL (status of playback started) DYNA (dynamic)

About the Adaptive Picture Control (APC) function

SET UP MENU 1/2

AUDIO MIX
HIFI AUDIO
APC
PAL / MESECAM

NTSC PB

PAL

AUTO

MESECAM

SELECT
SET

•ON

OFF

•STD

NICAM

•

•

ON PAL TV 4. 43 3. 58

•

ON

OFF

:

[]

:

[

]

The Adaptive Picture Control (APC) function
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 APC to
ON in the SET UP MENU (The APC indicator
lights up in the display window).

APC playback

The APC function automatically works on all types of tapes, including rental
tapes and tapes that were not recorded with APC.

APC recording

Whenever you insert a tape and first start recording, the VCR adjusts to the
tape using the APC function (the APC indicator flashes rapidly). This
adjustment is retained until the tape is ejected.

To deactivate the APC function

Press MENU and select SET UP MENU, then set APC to OFF. The APC
indicator in the display window turns off.

Tip

• To set the tracking to the centre position, press the TRACKING + and – buttons at
the same time.

Note

• 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
APC indicator flashes slowly) and press z REC to have the VCR analyse the tape
(the APC indicator flashes rapidly). After the APC indicator stops flashing, press
X PAUSE to start recording immediately. If you press X PAUSE before the APC
indicator stops flashing, the APC function is cancelled.

e.g. SLV-ED915PS/TH

Additional Operations 47

Changing menu options

1 Press MENU, then select SET UP MENU.

2 Press M/m to select the option to change, then

press </, to change the setting.

(For SLV-ED915PS/TH only)
The SET UP MENU has 2 pages. To select
page 2, press m repeatedly until page 2
appears. To select page 1 press M repeatedly
until page 1 appears.

3 Press OK to return to the original screen.

Menu choices

Initial settings are indicated in bold print.

Menu option

AUDIO MIX
(SLV-ED915PS/TH,
ED818ME/SG,
ED817TH and
ED815PS only)

HIFI AUDIO
(SLV-ED915PS/TH
only)

APC

PAL/MESECAM

NTSC PB

TAPE LENGTH

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 hi-fi and normal audio tracks separately. Select
the sound using the AUDIO MONITOR button.

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 43.

ON to switch on the APC (Adaptive Picture Control) function
and improve picture quality. OFF to switch off APC.

AUTO to have the VCR automatically select the colour system
for recording and playback. If the picture has no colour or
unusual colours, set to PAL or MESECAM according to your
local colour system.

ON PAL TV to play back an NTSC-recorded tape on a PAL TV.

4.43 or 3.58 according to the colour system of your NTSC TV.
For details, see page 20.

AUTO to have the VCR automatically select the tape length.
For E240, E260 or E300 tapes, set it according to the tape type
that you are using to display the remaining time correctly.

e.g. SLV-ED915PS/TH

SET UP MENU 1/2

AUDIO MIX

HIFI AUDIO
APC
PAL / MESECAM

•

AUTO

NTSC PB

•

ON PAL TV 4. 43 3. 58

[]

:

SELECT

[

SET

:

OFF

•ON
NICAM

•STD
OFF

ON

•

PAL

MESECAM

]

(For SLV-ED915PS/TH
only)

SET UP MENU 2/2

TAPE LENGTH

E240 E260 E300

•

AUTO

[]

SELECT

:

[

SET

:

]

Note

• You may not be able to display the remaining time correctly for an NTSC tape using
the TAPE LENGTH menu.

Additional Operations48

Editing

Editing with another VCR

How to connect to record on this VCR

e.g. SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and ED815PS

This VCR (Recorder)

LINE-1 IN

VMC-810HG audio/video cable (not supplied)

e.g. SLV-ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS

This VCR (Recorder)

LINE-1 IN

TV

Other VCR (Player)

LINE OUT

TV

Other VCR (Player)

LINE OUT

: Signal flow

VMC-710/720HG audio/video cable (not supplied)

continued

Editing 49

Editing with another VCR (continued)

How to connect to a stereo system (SLV-ED915PS/TH,
ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and ED815PS only)

Connect LINE-1 IN AUDIO or LINE-2 IN AUDIO (SLV-ED915PS/TH and
ED818ME/SG only) on this VCR to the audio output jacks on the stereo
system, using the RK-C510HG audio cable (not supplied).

Tips

SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and ED815PS

• If the other VCR is a monaural type and connected to this VCR’s LINE-2 IN jacks,
connect the audio plug to the AUDIO L (white) jack. The sound is recorded on both
right and left channels. When connecting to the AUDIO R (red) jack, the sound is
recorded only on the right channel.

• You can also use the LINE-1 IN jack instead. If the other VCR is a monaural type,
the sound is recorded only on the channel whose jack is connected to the audio
plug. To record on both right and left channels, connect the audio plugs to the
AUDIO R/L jacks using a VMC-910HG audio/video cable (not supplied).

SLV-ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS

• Use the following audio/video cable according to the type of the other VCR.

Jack

LINE-1 IN

LINE-2 IN

Notes

• Make sure you connect the plugs to the jacks of the same colour.

• If you connect this VCR to both the LINE IN and LINE OUT jacks of the other VCR,
select the input correctly to prevent a humming noise.

If the other VCR is: Use a cable such as:

Stereo type VMC-910HG (3-phono to 2-phono)

Monaural type VMC-710HG/720HG (2-phono to 2-phono)

Stereo type VMC-810HG (3-phono to 3-phono)

Monaural type VMC-910HG (3-phono to 2-phono)

Editing50

Basic editing

(when recording on this VCR)

Before you start editing

• Turn on your TV and set it to the
video channel.

• Press INPUT SELECT or PROG +/–
to display “L1” or “L2” (SLV­ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG,
ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS only)
in the display window.

• Press REC SPEED to select the tape
speed.

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 X PAUSE.

3 Press z REC on this VCR and set it to recording pause.
4 To start editing, press the X PAUSE buttons on both VCRs at the same

time.

X PAUSE

z REC

To stop editing

Press the x STOP buttons on both VCRs.

Tips

• To edit more precisely, press the X PAUSE buttons on the VCRs to release pause.

• To cut out unwanted scenes while editing, press X PAUSE on this VCR when an
unwanted scene begins. When it ends, press X PAUSE again to resume recording.

Note

• If you start recording following the procedure above, the VCR will not start
recording with the APC function. To record a tape with the APC function, press
z REC again during recording pause in step 3 so that the VCR analyses the tape.
Then when you start recording in step 4, press X PAUSE after the APC indicator
stops flashing. If you press X PAUSE before the APC indicator stops flashing, the
APC function is cancelled.

Editing 51

Audio dubbing
(SLV-ED818ME/SG
and ED616ME/MJ/
SG only)

This feature lets you record over the
normal audio track. The monaural
sound previously recorded is replaced
while the original hi-fi sound remains
unchanged. Use this feature to add
commentary to a tape that you have
recorded with a camcorder.

Before you start editing

• Turn on your TV and set it to the
video channel.

• Press INPUT SELECT or PROG +/– to
display “L1” or “L2” in the display
window.

1 Insert a source tape into the stereo system (or the playback VCR).

Search for the point to start playback and set it to playback pause.

2 Insert a prerecorded tape into this (recording) VCR. Search for the end

of the section to be replaced and press X PAUSE.
Make sure that the tape has its safety tab in place.

3 Press CLEAR to reset the counter to “0:00:00.”
4 Rewind the prerecorded tape to the beginning of the section to be

replaced.

The VCR pauses.

5 Press AUDIO DUB.

indicator appears in the display window.

The

6 To start editing, press the X PAUSE buttons on this VCR and the stereo

system (or other VCR) at the same time.

When the counter reaches “0:00:00”, audio dubbing stops automatically.

CLEAR
AUDIO DUB

123
456

PAUSE

To stop while editing

Press the x STOP buttons on this VCR and the stereo system (or other VCR).

To listen to both the hi-fi and normal audio (for SLV-ED818ME/SG only)

Set AUDIO MIX to ON in the SET UP MENU (page 48). Use this feature to
listen to dubbed audio over the original hi-fi audio. When AUDIO MIX is set
to ON, the AUDIO MONITOR button does not function. Remember to reset

Editing52

AUDIO MIX to OFF after playing the tape.

Additional Information

Troubleshooting

If you have any questions or problems not covered below, please consult your
nearest Sony service facility.

Symptom

The ?/1 ON/STANDBY switch
does not function.

The power is turned on but the

PowerClockPlayback

VCR does not operate.

The clock has stopped and
“–:– –” lights up in the display

window.

The playback picture does not
appear on the TV screen.

The playback picture has no
colour or unusual colour.

The picture or sound is distorted.

The picture is not clear, or a
message appears indicating that
the video heads need cleaning.

The picture rolls vertically
during picture search.

The picture has no sound.

The sound is unstable or has an
echo. (SLV-ED915PS/TH,
ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and
ED815PS only)

Remedy

• Connect the mains lead to the mains securely.

• Moisture condensation has occured. Turn the power
off, unplug the mains lead and leave the VCR to dry
for over four hours.

• The clock stops if the VCR is disconnected from the
mains for more than eight hours (for SLV-ED915PS/
TH, ED817TH, ED815PS and ED515PS only) and 24
hours (for SLV-ED818ME/SG and ED616ME/MJ/SG
only). 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 you made connections using the aerial cable only,
make sure the RF channel number is set correctly for
your area.

• Set the PAL/MESECAM option in the SET UP MENU
according to your local colour system.

• Adjust the tracking with the TRACKING +/– buttons.

• Make sure the colour system is set to the system that
the tape was recorded in.

• If you made connections using the aerial cable only,
make sure the TV system is set correctly for your area.

• The video heads are dirty (page 55). Clean the video
heads using the Sony T-25CLD, T-25CLW or E-25CLDR
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 they may damage the video heads.

• If a message appears, this indicates that the Head
Condition Sensor has detected dirty video heads.
Follow the on-screen message. For details about the
Head Condition Sensor, see page 55.

• 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.

• If you made A/V connections, check the audio cable
connection.

• If you made connections using the aerial cable only,
make sure the TV system is set correctly for your area.

• When you play a tape with the same sound recorded
on both the hi-fi and normal sound tracks, make sure
the AUDIO MIX option in the SET UP MENU is set to
OFF.

Additional Information

continued

53

Troubleshooting (continued)

Symptom

A TV programme does not
appear on the TV screen.

TV reception is poor.

The recorded picture has no

Recording

colour or unusual colour.

The tape starts playing as soon
as it is inserted.

The tape is ejected when you
press z REC.

Nothing happens when you
press z REC.

The timer does not operate.

Timer recording

A tape cannot be inserted.

The remote commander does
not function.

Others

The tracking meter does not
appear on the screen.

The VCR needs to be cleaned.

54

Additional Information

Remedy

• Make sure the TV is set to the video channel. If you are

using a monitor, set it to video input.

• Select the correct source with the INPUT SELECT or

PROG +/– buttons. Select a programme position when
recording TV programmes; select “L1”or “L2” (SLV­ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and
ED515PS only) when recording from other equipment.

• Adjust the TV aerial.

• Make sure SYSTEM (B/G, D/K or I) in the TUNER

PRESET menu is set to the system in your area.

• Set the PAL/MESECAM option in the SET UP MENU

according to your local colour system.

• 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.

• 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 are past the current

time.

• The clock stops if the VCR is disconnected from the

mains for more than eight hours (for SLV-ED915PS/
TH, ED817TH, ED815PS and ED515PS only) and 24
hours (for SLV-ED818ME/SG and ED616ME/MJ/SG
only). Reset the clock and timer.

• Turn the power off and unplug the mains lead.

• Check that a tape is not already in the tape

compartment.

• Make sure you are pointing the remote commander at

the remote sensor on the VCR.

• Replace all of the batteries in the remote commander

with new ones if they are weak.

• Make sure the

correctly.

• The recording condition of the tape is very poor and

tracking cannot be adjusted.

• 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.

TV/VIDEO

remote control switch is set

Symptoms caused by contaminated video heads

• Normal picture • Rough picture

• No picture (or
black & white
screen appears)• Unclear picture

initial

contamination

terminal

Sapphire tape cleaner

The unit incorporates a sapphire tape cleaner which cleans a video tape when it is
loaded. This cleaner can prevent the video heads from contamination by removing
dust or mold from a tape with its sapphire edge.

Head Condition Sensor

The Head Condition Sensor checks the condition of the video heads. If the heads are
dirty, a message will instruct you to insert a video head cleaning cassette.

The VCR may temporarily switch to a different head and resume playback. To switch
the heads, press H PLAY while the “PUSH [PLAY] TO RESUME TEMPORARILY”
message appears on the screen. Although playback will resume, the sound will be
monaural. You may have to manually adjust the tracking to get a better picture (see
“Adjusting the picture” on page 46). When playback is finished, be sure to clean the
heads with a video head cleaning cassette.

Be sure to use the Sony T-25CLD, T-25CLW or E-25CLDR 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).

Additional Information

55

Specifications

System

Colour system

PAL, MESECAM, NTSC 3.58, NTSC 4.43

TV system

B/G, D/K, I

Channel coverage

B/G: VHF E2 to E12/UHF E21 to E69/
CATV S01 to S05, S1 to S41
D/K: VHF R1 to R12/UHF R21 to R69
I: VHF SA4 to SA13/UHF B21 to B69/
CATV S01 to S05, S1 to S41

RF output signal

UHF channels 21 to 69 (B/G, D/K, I)

Aerial out

75-ohm asymmetrical aerial socket

Inputs and outputs

LINE-1 IN and LINE-2 IN (SLV-ED915PS/TH,
ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS
only)

VIDEO IN, phono jack (1 each)
Input signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms, unbalanced, sync
negative
AUDIO IN, phono jack (2 each)
Input level: 327 mVrms
Input impedance: more than 47 kilohms

LINE OUT

VIDEO OUT, phono jack (1)
Output signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms, unbalanced,
sync negative
AUDIO OUT, phono jack (2)
Standard output: 327 mVrms
Load impedance: 47 kilohms
Output impedance: less than 10 kilohms

General

Power requirements

110 – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz

Power consumption

16 W SLV-ED915PS/TH
14 W SLV-ED818ME/SG, ED817TH, ED815PS,

ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS

Operating temperature

5°C to 40°C

Storage temperature

–20°C to 60°C

Dimensions

Approx. 430 × 97 × 292 mm (w/h/d)
including projecting parts and controls

Mass

Approx. 4.1 kg

Power back-up

Built-in self-charging capacitor
Back-up duration:

up to eight hours at a time (SLV-ED915PS/TH,
ED817TH, ED815PS and ED515PS only)
up to 24 hours at a time (it may differ in actual
performance) (for SLV-ED818ME/SG and
ED616ME/MJ/SG only)

Supplied accessories

Remote commander (1)
R6 (size AA) batteries (2)
Aerial cable (1)
Plug adaptor (1) (included in some models.)

Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.

56

Additional Information

Index to parts and controls

Refer to the pages indicated in parentheses ( ) for details.

Front panel

1

!•

1 ?/1 ON/STANDBY switch (8)

2 Tape compartment

3 A EJECT button (20)

4 m REW (rewind) button (20, 39)

5 H PLAY button (20)

6 M FF (fast-forward) button

(20, 39)

7 z REC (record) button (23)

8 x STOP button (20)

9 X PAUSE button (20)

0 SEARCH MODE button/indicator

(33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)

qa EASY TIMER knob (25, 33, 34, 35,

36, 37, 38)

qs PROGRAM/TRACKING +/–

buttons (9, 46)

!¶

!§

2

qd Remote sensor (5)

qf REC SPEED SP (Standard Play)/LP

qg COLOR SYSTEM button (20)

qh ONE TOUCH TUNING/

qj R

qk LINE-2 IN VIDEO/AUDIO L/R

34 5

(Long Play)/EP (Extended Play)
button (26)

RF (Radio Frequency) CHANNEL
button (8, 11)

2

(Reality Regenerator) button (46)
(For SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/
SG, ED817TH and ED616ME/MJ/
SG only)

jacks (50)
(For SLV-ED915PS/TH and
ED818ME/SG only)

LINE-2 IN VIDEO/AUDIO
(MONO) jacks (50)
(For SLV-ED616ME/MJ/SG and
ED515PS only)

6

9!¡!™!£

8!¢!∞ !º

7

continued

Additional Information

57

Index to parts and controls (continued)

Display window



STEREO
NICAM

1 Timer indicator (26)

2 NICAM indicator (43)

(SLV-ED915PS/TH only)

3 STEREO indicator (43)

(SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG,
ED817TH and ED815PS)

4 Tape speed indicator (23)

5 CLOCK indicator (27)

6 START indicator (25)

7 STOP indicator (25)

SP
LP
EP

STOP

STARTCLOCK NTSC

APC

PAL



8 APC (Adaptive Picture Control)

indicator (47)

9 Tracking indicator (46)

0 Colour system indicator (20)

qa TV system/time counter/

programme/clock indicator

(9, 21, 22, 27, 51)

qs Audio dubbing indicator (52)

(SLV-ED818ME/SG and ED616ME/

MJ/SG only)

qd Tape/recording indicator (23)

58

Additional Information

Rear panel (for SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG,
ED817TH and ED815PS)

213

45

1 Mains lead (6)

2 LINE-1 IN AUDIO R/L/VIDEO

jacks (49)

3 AERIAL IN connector (6)

4 AERIAL OUT connector (6)

5 LINE OUT AUDIO R/L/VIDEO

jacks (7)

Rear panel (for SLV-ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS
only)

213

45

1 Mains lead (6)

2 LINE-1 IN AUDIO/VIDEO jacks

(49)

4 AERIAL OUT connector (6)

5 LINE OUT AUDIO (MONO)/

VIDEO jacks (7)

3 AERIAL IN connector (6)

continued

Additional Information

59

Index to parts and controls (continued)

Remote commander

123
456
789

0

TV/VIDEO

1

remote control switch (5)

2 Z␣ EJECT button (20)

3 TV/VIDEO button (for TV) (5)

4 INPUT SELECT button (24, 32)

5 CLEAR button (21, 42)

6 EASY TIMER button (28)

2

7 R

(Reality Regenerator) button (46)

8 z␣ REC button (23, 40)

9 REC SPEED button (23)
0 ×2 button (39)

qa MENU button (10, 48)

qs Tape/menu operation buttons

X PAUSE/M button (20)
x STOP/m button (20)
m REW (rewind)/< button (20,

39)
M FF (fast-forward)/, button (20,

39)
H PLAY/OK button (20)

qd ?/1 (on/standby) switch (32)

qf AUDIO MONITOR button

(This button doesn’t work for SLV­ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS)
(43)

60

Additional Information

qg AUDIO DUB (dubbing) button (51)

(for SLV-ED818ME/SG and
ED616ME/MJ/SG only)

qh Programme number /? (ten’s

digit) buttons (24, 28)

qj PROG (programme) +/– buttons (22)

qk VOL (volume) +/– buttons (for TV)

ql DISPLAY button (23)

w; ./> INDEX SEARCH buttons

(36)

wa y SLOW button (39)

Index

A

Accessories supplied 4
Adjusting

picture 16, 39, 46

tracking 39, 46
Aerial hookup 6
AFT (Auto Fine Tuning) 16
APC (Adaptive Picture
Control) 47
Audio dubbing 52
Audio track 45
A/V (audio/video)
connection 7

B

Blank Search 35

C

Cancelling timer settings 41
Changing timer settings 41
Checking timer setting 41
Cleaning the video
heads 53
Clock setting 17
Colour system

compatible colour
systems 2

setting 20
Connecting

the VCR and your TV 6

to a TV with audio/

video jacks 7

to a stereo system 7
Counter 21

D

Disabling programme
position 16
Dubbing. See Editing

E, F, G

Easy Clock 27
Easy Timer recording 25
Editing 49
EP mode 24

Sony Corporation

H

Head Condition Sensor 55
Hi-fi audio track 45

I, J, K

Index Search 36

L

Language selecting 10
LP mode 23

M

Monitoring audio

during playback 44
during recording 43

N

NICAM broadcasts 43
Normal audio track 45
NTSC-recorded tapes 20

O

One Touch Tuning 11

P, Q

Picture adjustment 16, 39, 46
Playback 19

at various speeds 39
frame-by-frame 39
slow motion 39

Presetting channels 11

automatically 12
manually 14
One Touch Tuning 11

R

R2 (Reality Regenerator) 46
Recording 22

bilingual
programmes 43
duration time 40
saving 23
stereo programmes 43

using the Easy Timer
function 25
while watching another
programme 23

Remote commander 5

S

Safety tab 23
Searching

at various speeds 39
for the current position
on a tape 34

the beginning of an Easy
Timer recorded
programme 33
using the Blank Search
function 35

using the index
function 36
using the Time Search
function 38

SP mode 23

T, U, V, W, X, Y

Time Search 38
Timer recording 31

cancelling timer
settings 41
changing timer
settings 41
checking timer
settings 41
daily/weekly
recording 32
Easy Timer 25
overlapping timer

recordings 42
Tracking adjustment 39, 46
Tuning your TV to the
VCR 8
TV system 2, 9, 15

Z

ZWEITON broadcasts 43

61