Sony SLV-ED85TH, SLV-ED85PS User Manual

3-058-427-12 (1)

Video Cassette
Recorder

Operating Instructions

PAL NTSC

SLV-ED85PS/TH
SLV-ED55PS

© 2000 by Sony Corporation

G

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 VCR8
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
23 Recording TV programmes
26 Recording TV programmes using

the Easy Timer function

32 Setting the timer manually

Additional Operations

34 Playing/searching at various

speeds

35 Setting the recording duration

time

36 Synchronised recording

(SLV-ED85PS/TH only)

38 Checking/changing/cancelling

timer settings

40 Recording stereo and bilingual

programmes (SLV-ED85PS/TH
only)

41 Searching the beginning of an

Easy Timer recorded programme

42 Searching using the index

function

44 Searching using the Time Search

function

45 Adjusting the picture
47 Changing menu options
48 Editing with another VCR

Additional Information

50 Troubleshooting
53 Specifications
54 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

Checking your model name

4 Getting Started

The instructions in this manual are for the 3 models: SLV-ED85PS,
ED85TH and ED55PS. Check your model number by looking at the
rear panel of your VCR. SLV-ED85PS is the model used for illustration
purpose. Any difference in operation is clearly indicated in the text,
for example,“SLV-ED55PS 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

123

To operate

the VCR

a Sony TV

Notes

• The TV/VIDEO button selects an input source of the TV from 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 to

VIDEO and point at the remote sensor on the VCR

TV and point at the remote sensor on the TV

Getting Started

5

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

to mains

: Signal flow

AERIAL IN

AERIAL IN

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.

6 Getting Started

AERIAL

IN

OUT

AERIAL

IN

OUT

Additional connections

Note

• (SLV-ED85PS/TH)
To listen to playback sounds in stereo, you

must connect your VCR to a TV with
audio/video input jacks or to a stereo
system as shown below.

Getting Started

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.

If you want to use the Trinitron TV
Synchro Play function (see page 22),
this connection is necessary. (If your TV
has two or more inputs, connect the
audio/video cable to the VIDEO IN 1
jacks.)

To a stereo system (SLV-ED85PS/TH
only)

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

For SLV-ED85PS/TH only

LINE-1 OUT

Audio/video cable (not supplied)

For SLV-ED55PS only

LINE-1
OUT

Audio/video cable (not supplied)

LINE-2 OUT

LINE IN

LINE IN

LINE IN

Audio cable (not supplied)

Getting Started

7

Step 4

SP

APC

Tuning your TV to the VCR

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

ON/STANDBY

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

?/1 ON/STANDBY

PROGRAM +/–RF CHANNEL

2 Press RF CHANNEL on the VCR.

The factory-preset RF channel flashes in the display window for

RF CHANNEL

about three seconds.
Press RF CHANNEL again while the RF channel is flashing.
The VCR signal is output through this channel to the TV.

SP

APC

3

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 TV has the programme position, such as 0, that is reserved for

a VCR. In this case, select that programme position for the VCR
picture. Refer to the instruction manual of your TV for details.

4 Press RF CHANNEL.

The TV system indicator appears in the display window.

RF CHANNEL

PROGRAM

8 Getting Started

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

If your TV system is Select

+–

B/G G
II
D/K K

Selected TV system

5 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.

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, 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

Getting Started

Note

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

Getting Started

9

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

123
456
789

0

MENU

OK
M/m

• ]/1

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

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 the AUTO PRESET in the TUNER
PRESET menu. Then, if some channels could not be preset automatically, set
them manually; if there are any unwanted channels among the preset ones,
you can disable the channels.

Presetting all receivable
channels using the One
Touch Tuning function

ONE TOUCH

TUNING

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

Getting Started

PROGRAM +/–

APC

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. Select the correct TV system and preset channels using the
TUNER PRESET menu as shown on the next page.

Tip

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

continued

Getting Started

11

Step 6: Presetting channels (continued)

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORM

• CATV

B / G

•

D / K

I

OFF

SELECT
SET

:

[]

:

[

]

ON•

1

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORM

ON••

CATV

B / G

•

D / K

I

OFF

1

SELECT
SET

:

[]

:

[

]

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

[]

:

[

:

• D / K
NORM

1

ON••

]

CATV

OFF

SYSTEM
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT

FINE TUNING
SELECT
SET

I

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

PLAY

OK

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

PLAY

OK

12 Getting Started

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.

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

To preset CATV channels, select CATV.

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

PLAY

OK

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.

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

•

SYSTEM
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

PLEASE WAIT

B / G

NORM

•

ON

•

1

D / K

CATV

OFF

I

Getting Started

continued

Getting Started

13

Step 6: Presetting channels (continued)

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

[]

:

[

:

• D / K
NORM

2

1

ON••

]

CATV

OFF

SYSTEM
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT

FINE TUNING
SELECT
SET

I

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

PLAY

OK

to NORMAL/CATV, then select NORM.
To preset CATV channels, select CATV.

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

PLAY

OK

14 Getting Started

CHANNEL SET.

TUNER PRESET PROG10

B / G

[]

:

[

:

[]

:

[

:

• D / K
NORM

2

1

ON••

]

B / G

• D / K
NORM

2

1

ON••

]

CATV

OFF

CATV

OFF

SYSTEM
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT

FINE TUNING
SELECT
SET

TUNER PRESET PROG10

SYSTEM

NORMAL / CATV

AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET

AFT

FINE TUNING
SELECT
SET

I

I

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

:

[]

:

[

]

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.

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:

Selected programme
position

TUNER PRESET PROG14

B / G

[]

:

[

:

• D / K
NORM

2

1

ON••

]

CATV

OFF

SYSTEM
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT

FINE TUNING
SELECT
SET

I

Getting Started

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

–

System I

SA4–SA13

B21–B69

S1–S41, S01–S05

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.

8 Press OK.

PLAY

OK

continued

Getting Started

15

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

•

B / G

NORM

3

ON••

– – – –– – – –

]

PROG14

D / K

5

Selected programme position

I

CATV

OFF

TUNER PRESET

SYSTEM
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

[

SET

:

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

Step 7

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.

PLAY

OK

2 Press M/m to set the date.

PLAY

OK

The day of the week is set automatically.

MENU

OK
M/m/</,

CLOCK SET

1 . 1 . 20 00 SA 0 : 00

[]

SELECT

:

[

SET

:

[]

:

[

:

]

]

END:[ OK ]

CLOCK SET

2 . 1 . 20 00 TU 0 : 005

SELECT
SET
END:[ OK ]

Getting Started

3 Press , to flash the month and set the

PLAY

OK

month using M/m.

CLOCK SET

2.1.200 0:0052

[]

SELECT

:

[

SET

:

END:[ OK ]

Getting Started

0

MO

]

continued

17

Step 7: Setting the clock (continued)

CLOCK SET

2 .1 .2000 MO52 5:301

SELECT
SET
END:[ OK ]

:

[]

:

[

]

4 Set the year, hour and minute in sequence,

PLAY

OK

using , to flash 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 during 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