Sony SLV-ED95MI Users guide

3-058-424-12 (1)

Video Cassette
Recorder

Operating Instructions

PAL NTSC

G

SLV-ED95MI

© 2000 by Sony Corporation

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 (M)
colour systems. Recording of video sources
based on other colour systems cannot be
guaranteed.

About colour systems

Different countries use different colour
systems and TV systems. These systems
handle such things as video playback and
recording differently. Using your VCR in a
country that is on a colour system not
supported by this VCR may cause problems
such as playback without sound, a vertically
rolling picture, etc.
This VCR is compatible with most of the
existing colour systems (NTSC, PAL, and
MESECAM) and TV systems (B/G, D/K, I,
and M) except for those used in France, Brazil,
Argentina, and Uruguay.

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: Presetting channels
25 Step 6: Setting up the G-CODE* system
28 Step 7: Changing/disabling programme positions
32 Step 8: Setting the clock

Getting Started

Basic Operations

34 Playing a tape
38 Recording TV programmes
41 Recording TV programmes using

the Easy Timer function

47 Recording TV programmes using

the G-CODE system

50 Setting the timer manually

Additional Operations

52 Playing/searching at various

speeds

53 Setting the recording duration

time

54 Synchronised recording
56 Checking/changing/cancelling

timer settings

58 Recording stereo and bilingual

programmes

60 Searching the beginning of an

Easy Timer recorded programme

* G-CODE is a registered trademark of Gemstar Development Corporation. The G-CODE system

is manufactured under license from Gemstar Development Corporation.

61 Searching using the index

function

63 Searching using the Time Search

function

64 Adjusting the picture
66 Changing menu options
67 Connecting to a VCR or stereo

system

Additional Information

69 Troubleshooting
73 Specifications
74 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

4 Getting Started

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.

Getting Started

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.

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

Remote sensor

TV / VIDEO

123

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

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.

If the 3-pin plug does not fit into the mains outlet, detach the plug
by loosening the screw, then use the 2-pin plug inside.

6 Getting Started

AERIAL

IN

OUT

AERIAL

IN

OUT

Additional connections

Note

• To listen to playback sounds in stereo, you
must use either of the connections shown
below.

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 37),
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

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

Getting Started

LINE-1 OUT

LINE IN

Audio/video cable (not supplied)

LINE-2 OUT

LINE IN

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.

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 instr uction 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 colour system and TV system are Select

+–

PAL I I

NTSC M M

D/K K
B/G G

SP

Selected TV system

APC

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 you select the wrong TV system in step 4, the picture may not
appear. Select the appropriate TV system and tune the TV again.

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).

9Getting Started

Step 5

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.

If you live in the area where various TV systems coexist, and have channels
that do not match the TV system you selected in automatic presetting, reset
the TV system for those channels (see “Resetting the TV system” on page

15). If the channels do not match the TV system, the sound may be distorted
or noisy, or the colour TV programme may become black and white, etc.

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. 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.

10 Getting Started

Presetting all receivable

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORMON••CATV

B / G

•

D / K

MI

OFF

1

SELECT
SET

:

[]

:

[

]

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORMON••CATV

B / G

•

D / K

MI

OFF

1

SELECT
SET

:

[]

:

[

]

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORMON••CATV

B / G

•

D / K

MI

OFF

1

SELECT
SET

:

[]

:

[

]

channels automatically

Before you start…

• Turn on the VCR and the TV.

• Set the TV to the video channel.

MENU

MENU

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

cursor (B) to TUNER PRESET and press
OK.

PLAY

PLAY

OK

OK

MENU

OK
M/m/</,

Getting Started

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

PLAY

OK

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

PLAY

OK

to SYSTEM, then select B/G, D/K, I or M,
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.

continued

11Getting Started

Step 5: Presetting channels (continued)

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET

NORMON••CATV

B / G

• D / K

MI

OFF

1
AFT
FINE TUNING

PLEASE WAIT

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

PLAY

OK

Notes

• The channel numbers besides CHANNEL SET may not be the same as those in your

• If the received channel is on cable TV, “C” appears on the left of the channel in step

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.

area. This is because this VCR’s channel search system is based on the fixed TV
system that has the widest channel coverage. If necessary, apply your local channel
numbers to the programme positions (see “Presetting channels manually” on page

13).

4 in most areas. However, this will not be applied in some areas (see pages 17 to 24
for reference).

12 Getting Started

Presetting channels

TUNER PRESET PROG10

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORMON••CATV

B / G

• D / K

MI

OFF

21

SELECT
SET

:

[]

:

[

]

TUNER PRESET PROG10

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORMON••CATV

B / G

•

D / K

MI

OFF

21

SELECT
SET

:

[]

:

[

]

TUNER PRESET PROG10

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORMON••CATV

B / G

•

D / K

MI

OFF

21

SELECT
SET

:

[]

:

[

]

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/</,

Getting Started

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

PLAY

OK

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

PLAY

OK

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

CHANNEL SET.

continued

13Getting Started

Step 5: Presetting channels (continued)

TUNER PRESET PROG14

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORMON••CATV

B / G

•

D / K

MI

OFF

21

SELECT
SET

:

[]

:

[

]

TUNER PRESET PROG14

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORMON••CATV

B / G

•

D / K

MI

OFF

35

SELECT
SET

:

[]

:

[

]

TUNER PRESET PROG14

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORMON••CATV

B / G

•

D / K

MI

OFF

35

SELECT
SET

:

[]

:

[

]

PROG

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 order
shown on page 17 to 24.

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, I or
M, whichever is applicable in your area.

Selected programme
position

7 To allocate another channel to another programme position, repeat

8 Press OK.

PLAY

OK

14 Getting Started

steps 4 and 5.

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 14, press programme number button “0” twice to

display the number “0” beside CHANNEL SET.

2 Press OK.

Resetting the TV system (only for areas where
various TV systems coexist)

If the sound is distorted or noisy, or the colour TV programme becomes
black and white, etc., that channel may not be matched to the proper TV
system. In this case, try the following steps.

1 Press PROG +/– or programme number buttons to select the

programme position that has the channel with above described
conditions.

2 Press MENU, then select TUNER PRESET and press OK.
3 Select SYSTEM and select the TV system on which you can obtain the

best sound and picture.

4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 for other positions you want to reset the TV

system to.

5 Press OK.

Getting Started

continued

15Getting Started

Step 5: Presetting channels (continued)

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.

D / K

NORMON••CATV

3

– – – –– – – –

]

PROG14

B / G

5

Selected programme position

MI

OFF

TUNER PRESET

SYSTEM

•

NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

[

SET

:

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

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

Notes

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

• The channel numbers besides CHANNEL SET may not be the same as those in your
area. This is because this VCR’s channel search system is based on the fixed TV
system that has the widest channel coverage. If necessary, apply your local channel
numbers to the programme positions (see “Presetting channels manually” on page

13).

16 Getting Started

Channel numbers in the CHANNEL SET field and the corresponding channels

TV system

Country

Channel number
in the CHANNEL
SET field

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Europe

E2
E3
E4
E5
E6
E7
E8

E9
E10
E11
E12

E21
E22
E23
E24
E25
E26
E27
E28
E29
E30
E31

B/G

Australia New

Zealand

Corresponding channels

AS0

1
2
6
7
8
9

9A

10
11

3
4

28
29
30

31, 32

1

2
3
4
5
6
7
8

9
10
11

Morocco

M6

M7
M8
M9

M10

IndonesiaWestern

Getting Started

1A

2A
3A
4A
5A
6A
7A
8A

9A
10A
11A

continued

17Getting Started

Step 5: Presetting channels (continued)

TV system

Country

Channel number
in the CHANNEL
SET field

32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63

Europe

E32
E33
E34
E35
E36
E37
E38
E39
E40
E41
E42
E43
E44
E45
E46
E47
E48
E49
E50
E51
E52
E53
E54
E55
E56
E57
E58
E59
E60
E61
E62
E63

B/G

Australia New

Zealand

Corresponding channels

33
34
35
36
37
38

39, 40

41
42
43
44
45
46

47, 48

49
50
51
52
53
54

55, 56

57
58
59
60
61
62

63, 64

65
66
67
68

Morocco

IndonesiaWestern

18 Getting Started

TV system

Country

Channel number
in the CHANNEL
SET field

64
65
66
67
68
69
70
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
C7
C8

C9
C10
C11
C12
C13
C14
C15
C16
C17
C18
C19
C20
C21
C22
C23
C24
C25
C26

Europe

E64
E65
E66
E67
E68
E69

S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
S6
S7
S8

S9
S10
S11
S12
S13
S14
S15
S16
S17
S18
S19
S20
S21
S22
S23
S24
S25
S26

B/G

Australia New

Zealand

Corresponding channels

69

5

5A

Morocco

M4
M5

IndonesiaWestern

Getting Started

continued

19Getting Started

Step 5: Presetting channels (continued)

TV system

Country

Channel number
in the CHANNEL
SET field

C27
C28
C29
C30
C31
C32
C33
C34
C35
C36
C37
C38
C39
C40
C41
C42
C43
C44
C45
C46

Europe

S27
S28
S29
S30
S31
S32
S33
S34
S35
S36
S37
S38
S39
S40
S41
S01
S02
S03
S04
S05

B/G

Australia New

Zealand

Corresponding channels

Morocco

IndonesiaWestern

20 Getting Started

TV system

Country

Channel
number in
the
CHANNEL
SET field

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

D/K

Europe

R1

R6
R7

R12

R2
R3
R4
R5
R8

R9
R10
R11
R21
R22
R23
R24
R25
R26
R27
R28
R29
R30
R31

IM

China South

UK/Hong

Kong

Ireland U.S.A.

Africa

Corresponding channels

A
1
2
3
7
8

4
5

9

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

B21
B22
B23
B24
B25
B26
B27
B28
B29
B30
B31

B

C

D

E

J

F

G

H

I

4
5

10

6
7
8

9
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

2, C2

3
7
8
9

12
13

J

K

5

10
11

14, W+29, W+30

15, 16, W+31

17, W+32

18, W+33, W+34

19, 20, W+35

21, W+36

22, W+37, W+38

23, 24, W+39

25, W+40

26, W+41, W+42

27, 28, W+43

JapanEast

Getting Started

J-5
J-6
J-7

J-10
J-11
J-12

S1

J-8
J-9

J13

J14, J15

J16
J17

J18, J19

J20
J21

J22, J23

J24
J25

J26, J27

continued

21Getting Started

Step 5: Presetting channels (continued)

TV system

Country

Channel
number in
the
CHANNEL
SET field

32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62

D/K

Europe

R32
R33
R34
R35
R36
R37
R38
R39
R40
R41
R42
R43
R44
R45
R46
R47
R48
R49
R50
R51
R52
R53
R54
R55
R56
R57
R58
R59
R60

IM

China South

UK/Hong

Kong

Ireland U.S.A.

Africa

Corresponding channels

24

25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49

B32
B33
B34
B35
B36
B37
B38
B39
B40
B41
B42
B43
B44
B45
B46
B47
B48
B49
B50
B51
B52
B53
B54
B55
B56
B57
B58
B59
B60
B61
B62

32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62

29, W+44

30, W+45, W+46

31, 32, W+47

33, W+48

34, W+49, W+50

35, 36, W+51

37, W+52

38, W+53, W+54

39, 40, W+55

41, W+56

42, W+57, W+58

43, 44, W+59

45, W+60

46, W+61, W+62

47, 48, W+63

49, W+64

50, W+65, W+66

51, 52, W+67

53, W+68

54, W+69, W+70

55, 56, W+71

57, W+72

58, W+73, W+74

59, 60, W+75

61, W+76

62, W+77, W+78

63, 64, W+79

65, W+80

66, W+81, W+82

67, 68, W+83

69, W+84

JapanEast

J28
J29

J30, J31

J32
J33

J34, J35

J36
J37

J38, J39

J40
J41

J42, J43

J44
J45

J46, J47

J48
J49

J50, J51

J52
J53

J54, J55

J56
J57

J58, J59

J60
J61
J62

22 Getting Started

TV system

Country

Channel
number in
the
CHANNEL
SET field

63
64
65
66
67
68
69

70
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
C7
C8
C9

C10
C11
C12
C13
C14
C15
C16
C17
C18
C19
C20
C21
C22
C23

D/K

Europe

IM

China South

UK/Hong

Kong

Ireland U.S.A.

Africa

Corresponding channels

50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57

6

B63
B64
B65
B66
B67
B68
B69

63
64
65
66
67
68
69

11

(12)

13

70

71, 72

73
74

75, 76

77
78
79

A-2, A-3

A-1

A
B
C
D

E, F

G
H

I

L, M

N
O
P
Q
R

S, T

U
V
W

W+1, W+2

W+3
W+4

JapanEast

Getting Started

J-3, M1

M2
M3
M4
M5
M6

M7, M8

M9

M10

J-4

S2
S3

S4, S5

S6
S7
S8

S9, S10

S11
S12
S13

S14, S15

S16
S17

continued

23Getting Started

Step 5: Presetting channels (continued)

TV system

Country

Channel
number in
the
CHANNEL
SET field

C24
C25
C26
C27
C28
C29
C30
C31
C32
C33
C34
C35
C36
C37
C38
C39
C40
C41
C42
C43
C44
C45
C46

D/K

Europe

IM

China South

UK/Hong

Kong

Ireland U.S.A.

Africa

Corresponding channels

W+5, W+6

W+7
W+8

W+9, W+10

W+11
W+12

W+13, W+14

W+15
W+16

W+17, W+18

W+19
W+20

W+21, W+22

W+23
W+24

W+25, W+26

W+27
W+28

4, 4A

6
A-5
A-4

JapanEast

S18, S19

S20
S21

S22, S23

S24
S25

S26, S27

S28
S29

S30, S31

S32
S33

S34, S35

S36
S37

S38, S39

S40
S41

J-1
J-2

Notes

• There may be a case that the same area channel may appear repeatedly as the other
channel number in the CHANNEL SET field.

• The shadow in the table shows the adjustable RF output channel range (see page 8
for reference).

24 Getting Started

Step 6

SET UP CH AND G-CODE
PROG CH

SELECT

GUIDE CH

MOVE PROG
ERASE PROG

–
–
–
–
–

–––

–––

–––

–––

–––

:

[

]

:

[ CLEAR ]

:

[]

1
2
3
4
5

12

3
9

56

27

Setting up the
G-CODE system

The G-CODE system is a feature in Sony
VCRs that simplifies programming the
VCR to make timer recordings. To use
the G-CODE system, each programme
position needs to be matched with its
G-CODE guide channel. To get the guide
channel numbers, look in the
programme guide for your area that
features G-CODE numbers.

If you want to record satellite broadcast
using the G-CODE system, see page 27.

Before you start…

• Turn on the VCR and the TV.

• Set the TV to the video channel.

Setting the guide channels

MENU

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

cursor (B) to SET UP CH AND G-CODE
and press OK.

PLAY

OK

The preset channels are displayed on the
screen.

MENU

OK
M/m/</,

SET UP CH AND G-CODE
PROG CH

1

3
2
3
4
5

SELECT
MOVE PROG
ERASE PROG

–

9

–

12

–

27

–

56

–

[]

:

]

[

:
:

[ CLEAR ]

GUIDE CH

–––
–––
–––
–––
–––

Getting Started

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

PLAY

OK

row on which you want to set the guide
channel.

To display other pages for programme
positions 6 to 50, press M/m repeatedly.

continued

25Getting Started

Step 6: Setting up the G-CODE system (continued)

SET UP CH AND G-CODE
PROG CH

SELECT GUIDE CH

GUIDE CH

CONFIRM

[

]

–
–
–
–
–

–––

–––

–––

–––

–––

[

]

:

:

[]

1
2
3
4
5

12

3
9

56

27

SET UP CH AND G-CODE
PROG CH

SELECT GUIDE CH

GUIDE CH

CONFIRM

[

]

:

:

[]

1
2
3
4
5

12

3
9

56

27

–
–
–
–
–

–––

–––

6

–––

–––

[

]

3 Press / twice to flash the guide channel

PLAY

OK

column.

4 Press M/m to select the guide channel

PLAY

OK

number assigned in the programme guide.

5 Press </, to confirm the setting.

6 To set the guide channel of another station, repeat steps 2 to 5.

7 Press OK.

26 Getting Started

PLAY

OK

PLAY

OK

SET UP CH AND G-CODE
PROG CH

1
2
3
4

5
SELECT
MOVE PROG
ERASE PROG

GUIDE CH

3

–

9

–

12

–

27

–

56

–

[]

:

]

[

:
:

[ CLEAR ]

If you want to change the programme positions of the stations,
proceed to step 2 of “Step 7: Changing/disabling programme
positions” on page 28.

–––
–––

–––
–––

6

Setting up the G-CODE system for satellite

TUNER PRESET PROG 6

NORMAL / CATV

SYSTEM
AUTO PRESET

CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

NORMON••CATV

B / G

•

D / K

MI

OFF

30

SELECT
SET

:

[]

:

[

]

broadcasts (if applicable)

When your satellite tuner is connected via the AERIAL IN connector, first
you have to set the programme position for each satellite channel using the
TUNER PRESET menu. Then set the guide channel number for each satellite
channel using the SET UP CH AND G-CODE menu.

If your satellite tuner is connected via the LINE-1 IN jacks, you do not have
to set programme positions nor guide channel numbers for satellite
channels. Skip the following operations.

1 Turn on the satellite tuner.
2 Press MENU, then select TUNER PRESET and press OK.
3 Press PROG +/– to select a programme position you want to use for

watching a satellite channel.

4 Select CHANNEL SET, then press / to tune

the VCR to the satellite tuner.
The channel number displayed beside

CHANNEL SET is used for receiving all
satellite broadcasts from the satellite tuner.

5 Press PROG +/– to select another programme position for another

satellite channel, and press the programme number buttons to enter the
same channel number as the one displayed in step 4.

Repeat this step for all satellite channels.

6 Set the guide channel number for each programme position assigned to

the satellite channel, following the procedures on page 25.

Notes

• The G-CODE system used in this VCR is for Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong,
Macau, etc. and cannot be used in areas such as U.S.A, Canada, Japan, Korea,
Taiwan and U.K.

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

• If you inadvertently entered a guide channel number, press M/m repeatedly to reset
the “GUIDE CH” column to “---.” “---” appears between 1 and 255.

• The VCR does not allow entering the guide channel number, if the same number
has been set.

• If you use a satellite tuner connected via the LINE-1 IN jacks, you do not have to set
up the G-CODE guide channels. Just record a satellite programme using the
G-CODE number, and the VCR automatically records the programme from the
LINE-1 IN jacks.

• When you record a satellite broadcast using the G-CODE number, you need to
select the desired channel on the satellite tuner manually.

Getting Started

27Getting Started

Step 7

SET UP CH AND G-CODE
PROG CH

GUIDE CH
1
2
3
4
5

12

3
9

56

27

–
–
–
–
–

–––

6

2

12

16

SELECT
MOVE PROG
ERASE PROG

:

[

]

:

[ CLEAR ]

:

[]

SET UP CH AND G-CODE
PROG CH

GUIDE CH
1
2
3
4
5

12

3
9

56

27

SELECT
SET GUIDE CH
CONFIRM

:

[

]

[

]

:

:

[]

[

–
–
–

–
–

–––

2

12

16

6

]

Changing/
disabling
programme
positions

After setting the channels and G-CODE
guide channels, you can change the
programme positions as you like. If any
programme positions are unused or
unwanted, you can disable them.

Before you start…

• Turn on the VCR and the TV.

• Set the TV to the video channel.

Changing programme positions

e.g. Moving the programme position from 3 to 1.

MENU

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

cursor (B) to SET UP CH AND G-CODE
and press OK.

PLAY

OK

MENU

OK
M/m/</,

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

28 Getting Started

PLAY

OK

row on which you want to change the
programme position, then press ,.

To display other pages for programme
positions 6 to 50, press M/m repeatedly.

3 Press M/m until the selected channel and

PLAY

OK

guide channel row moves to the desired
programme position.

The selected channel and guide channel
are inserted at the new programme
position and the intermediate channels are

SET UP CH AND G-CODE
PROG CH

[

1

12
2
3
4
5

SELECT
SET GUIDE CH
CONFIRM

–

3

–

9

–

27

–

56

–

[]

:

]

[

:
:

]

[

GUIDE CH

]

6

16

2

12

–––

displaced to fill the gap.

4 Press < to confirm the setting.

PLAY

OK

5 To change the programme position of another station, repeat steps 2

to 4.

6 Press OK.

PLAY

OK

Getting Started

continued

29Getting Started

Step 7: Changing/disabling programme positions (continued)

SET UP CH AND G-CODE
PROG CH

GUIDE CH
1
2
3
4
5

9

12

56

27

3

SELECT
MOVE PROG

:

[

]

:

[]

–
–
–
–
–

–––

12

16

2
6

ERASE PROG

:

[ CLEAR ]

123
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0

Disabling unwanted
programme positions

Note

• Be sure to select the programme
position you want to disable correctly.
If you disable a programme position
by mistake, you need to reset that
channel manually.

Before you start…

• Turn on the VCR and the TV.

• Set the TV to the video channel.

CLEAR

MENU

OK
M/m

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

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

30 Getting Started

MENU

PLAY

OK

PLAY

OK

cursor (B) to SET UP CH AND G-CODE
and press OK.

row on which you want to disable.
To display other pages for programme

positions 6 to 50, press >/. repeatedly.

SET UP CH AND G-CODE
PROG CH

1

3
2
3
4
5

SELECT
MOVE PROG
ERASE PROG

–

9

–

12

–

27

–

56

–

[]

:

]

[

:

:

[ CLEAR ]

GUIDE CH

16

2
6

12

–––

CLEAR

3 Press CLEAR.

The selected row will be cleared as shown
on the right.

SET UP CH AND G-CODE
PROG CH

1

3

2

9
0

3
4

27

5

56

[]

SELECT
MOVE PROG
ERASE PROG

:

[

:
:

[ CLEAR ]

GUIDE CH

16

–

2

–

–––

–

12

–

–––

–

]

4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 for any other programme positions you want

to disable.

5 Press OK.

PLAY

OK

Getting Started

31Getting Started

Step 8

CLOCK SET

1.1.2000 SA 0:00

SELECT
SET
END:[ OK ]

:

[]

:

[

]

CLOCK SET

2 .1.2000 TU 0 :005

SELECT
SET
END:[ OK ]

:

[]

:

[

]

CLOCK SET

2.1.200 0:0052

0

MO

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.

PLAY

OK

2 Press M/m to set the date.

PLAY

OK

The day of the week is set automatically.

MENU

OK
M/m/</,

3 Press , to flash the month and set the

32 Getting Started

PLAY

OK

month using M/m.

4 Set the year, hour and minute in sequence,

CLOCK SET

2 .1 .2000 MO52 5:301

SELECT
SET
END:[ OK ]

:

[]

:

[

]

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.

Getting Started

33Getting Started

Basic Operations

Playing a tape

m 3 REW

H PLAY

M # FF

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0

Z EJECT

TRINITRON TV
SYNCHRO PLAY

CLEAR
DISPLAY

X PAUSE

H PLAY

M # FF

x STOP

m 3 REW

COLOR

SYSTEM

A EJECT

X PAUSE

x STOP

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 Operations34

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 3 REW during stop

Z EJECT

Basic Operations

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 66.

If your TV is

PA L

NTSC 4.43

NTSC 3.58

Set NTSC PB to

ON PAL TV

4.43

3.58

continued

35Basic Operations

Playing a tape (continued)

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.

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 66 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 NTSC system on other 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 3 REW or x STOP button. These buttons are used for menu
operations.

Basic Operations36

Turning on the VCR and TV, and starting playback
automatically (Trinitron TV Synchro Play)

You can only use this function if your TV is made by Sony (Trinitron TV).

How to connect to use this function

Connect the VCR and TV with the audio/video cable (see “To a TV that has
audio/video input jacks” on page 7). Be sure to connect the audio/video
cable to the VIDEO IN 1 jacks on the TV if the TV has two inputs or more.
The TV must be placed where it will respond to the remote commander
while you are pointing it at the VCR.

Operation

Make sure that the TV’s main power is on.

Press TRINITRON TV SYNCHRO PLAY and hold the remote commander in
place for about two seconds.

The VCR and TV turn on, and the TV is set to VCR reception. If there is a
tape in the VCR, playback starts automatically.

Notes

• If the Trinitron TV Synchro Play function does not work properly:

– Wait a few moments, and press the button again.
– Replace both of the batteries with new ones, and press the button again.

Note that this function may not operate some Sony TVs because of the remote
commander’s signal limitations.

• Do not press TRINITRON TV SYNCHRO PLAY while playing back a video tape. If
you do so, the TV’s input source will momentarily switch to the TV’s tuner.

Basic Operations

37Basic Operations

Recording TV programmes

DISPLAY

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0

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

z REC

PROG +/–

SP/LP
(SP/EP)

INPUT SELECT

PROG

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

record.

Basic Operations38

SP

APC

SP/LP

4 Press SP/LP (SP/EP) to select the tape speed (SP or LP for the PAL

(SP/EP)

colour system, and SP or EP for the NTSC colour system).

LP (Long Play) provides recording time twice as long as SP
(Standard Play). EP (Extra Play) provides recording time three times
as long as SP. 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

39Basic Operations

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 IN or LINE-2 IN jacks. Press INPUT

SELECT or PROG +/– to display “L1” or “L2” 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.

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 NTSC

system.

Basic Operations40

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.

SP/LP

(SP/EP)

EASY TIMER

1 Press 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 43.

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 Press the EASY TIMER knob to confirm the start time setting.

The STOP indicator appears.

SP

STOP
APC

continued

41Basic 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 press

EASY TIMER

5 Turn the EASY TIMER knob clockwise or counterclockwise to select

SP/

LP

(SP/EP)

EASY TIMER

6 Press the EASY TIMER knob to confirm the setting.

the EASY TIMER knob.

A programme number flashes.

the programme you want to record.

To select the tape speed, press
SP/LP (SP/EP).

The

indicator appears in

t

the display window and the
VCR stands by for recording.

SP

LP

SP

APC

APC

Basic Operations42

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.

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0

Programme
number
buttons

EASY

TIMER

PROG +/–

EASY TIMER

knob

EASY TIMER

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

EASY TIMER knob.

• To change the clock setting, press 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.

CLOCK

START

APC

SP

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 Press 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.

CLOCK

START

APC

SP

Basic Operations

continued

43Basic Operations

Recording TV programmes using the Easy Timer function
(continued)

EASY TIMER

3 Press the EASY TIMER knob to confirm the clock setting.

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 41.

To quit the Easy Timer setting mode without changing any settings,
press 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:

START

indicator

t

APC

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

Press EASY TIMER knob

Turn EASY TIMER knob
or hold PROGRAM +/–
down

Press PROGRAM +/–

Turn EASY TIMER knob
or press PROGRAM +/–

Turn EASY TIMER knob
or press PROGRAM +/–

Do this on the remote
commander

Press EASY TIMER

Hold PROG +/– down

Press PROG +/–

Press PROG +/– or
INPUT SELECT

Press PROG +/–

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 Operations44

To stop recording

To stop the VCR while recording, press x STOP.

To check or change the timer setting

Press 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, press the EASY TIMER knob repeatedly
until the

You can also change the timer setting using the TIMER SET/CHECK menu.
For details, see page 56.

To cancel the timer setting

To cancel the Easy Timer setting while doing the 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 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 the Easy Timer recording

The SEARCH indicator starts flashing when the VCR finishes the Easy Timer
recording. To watch the recorded programme, press the EASY TIMER knob.
The VCR turns on, starts searching, then automatically starts playback from
the beginning of the recording. For details, see page 60.

t

Basic Operations

continued

45Basic Operations

Recording TV programmes using the Easy Timer function
(continued)

Tips

• To record from a source connected to LINE-1 IN or LINE-2 IN jacks, press INPUT
SELECT or PROG +/– or turn the EASY TIMER knob to display “L1” or “L2” in the
display window.

• To record NTSC signals, set the tape speed to SP or EP. To set to the EP mode,
display “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 G-CODE system or the TIMER
SET/CHECK menu. For details, see pages 47 and 50.

• 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 G-CODE system or the
TIMER SET/CHECK menu. For details, see page 32.

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

Basic Operations46

Recording TV

CODE

programmes
using the G-CODE
system

Just enter the G-CODE number, listed in
the TV programme guide, for the
programme you want to record. The
date, times and programme position of
that programme are set automatically.
You can preset up to eight programmes
at a time.

Before you start…

• Check that the VCR clock is set to the
correct time.

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

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

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0

?/1

CLEAR

G-CODE

Programme
number
buttons

SP/LP
(SP/EP)

OK
?//

Basic Operations

G-CODE

1 Press G-CODE.

G–CODE

G–CODE NO. SP / LP

[ –––––––– – ]

SET

:[ 0 – 9 ]

SP / LP

:[ SP / LP ]

continued

[ SP ]

47Basic Operations

Recording TV programmes using the G-CODE system (continued)

CODE

CODE

G–CODE NO. SP / LP

[ LP ]

[ 82477691– ]

DATE START STOP

CANCEL

:[ CLEAR ]

RECORDING TIME

PROG

25 .

12

MO 19 : 00

20 : 00

6

LP

2 Press the programme number buttons to

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0

enter the G-CODE number for the
programme you want to record.

If you make a mistake, press CLEAR and
re-enter the correct number.

G–CODE

G–CODE NO. SP / LP

[ 82477691– ]

• ONCE DAILY WEEKLY

[

:

SELECT
CONFIRM :[ OK ]
CANCEL

]

:[ CLEAR ]

[ SP ]

3 Press SP/LP (SP/EP) to select SP or LP.

SP/LP

(SP/EP)

4 Select ONCE, DAILY or WEEKLY by using

PLAY

OK

</,, then press OK:

To record

Only once

Everyday Monday to Friday

Once a week

Select

ONCE

DAILY

WEEKLY

The date, start and stop times, programme position, and tape speed
appear on the TV screen.

If the information is not correct, press CLEAR to cancel the setting.

5 To enter another setting, repeat steps 1 to 4.
6 Press ?/1 to turn off the VCR.

• ]/1

indicator appears in the display window and the VCR

The

t

stands by for recording.

G–CODE

G–CODE NO. SP / LP

• ONCE DAILY WEEKLY

[

:

SELECT
CONFIRM
CANCEL

]

[ OK ]

:
:[ CLEAR ]

[ LP ][ 82477691– ]

Basic Operations48

To stop recording

To stop the VCR while recording, press x STOP.

To record satellite broadcasts

If you connect the satellite tuner and the VCR, you can record satellite
programmes using the G-CODE number if applicable.

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 Repeat the steps described on pages 47 and 48.
4 Keep the satellite tuner turned on until the VCR finishes recording the

satellite programme for which you have made a timer setting.

Tips

• To cancel the procedure, press G-CODE before pressing OK.

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

Notes

• The G-CODE system used in this VCR is for Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong,
Macau, etc. and cannot be used in areas such as U.S.A., Canada, Japan, Korea,
Taiwan, and U.K.

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

Basic Operations

49Basic Operations

Setting the timer

TIMER SET / CHECK MO

25 .1

DATE START STOP PROG

– .–– –: –– – : –– –– –
– .–– –: –– – : –– –– –
– .–– –: –– – : –– –– –
– .–– –: –– – : –– –– –
– .–– –: –– – : –– –– –
– .–– –: –– – : –– –– –
– .–– –: –– – : –– –– –
– .–– –: –– – : –– –– –

2

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0

TIMER SET / CHECK MO

25 . 1

DATE START STOP PROG

2.5

12 MO– : –– – : –– ––

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

PROG +/–

INPUT SELECT

MENU

OK
M/m/</,

MENU

1 Press MENU and select TIMER SET/

PLAY

OK

2 Set the date, start and stop times,

PLAY

OK

Basic Operations50

CHECK, then press OK.

programme position, and tape speed:

1 Press , to flash each item in turn.
2 Press M/m 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, 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
jacks; press INPUT SELECT or PROG +/– to display “L1” or “L2” in
the “PROG” position.

3 Press , to confirm the setting.

PLAY

OK

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.

4 Press OK.

PLAY

OK

5 Press ?/1 to turn off the VCR.

• ]/1

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 n SU-SA (Sunday to Saturday) n MO-SA (Monday to

Saturday) n MO-FR (Monday to Friday) n EVERY SA ..... n EVERY MO n

EVERY SU n 1 month later n (dates count down) n 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 the SP/LP (SP/EP) button.

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

Note

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

inserted.

Basic Operations

51Basic Operations

Additional Operations

Playing/searching at various speeds

×2

H PLAY

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 while pausing.

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 have snow when playing at high speed in reverse.

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

y SLOW
H PLAYm 3 REW M # FF

M # FF

m 3 REW

Operation

During fast-forward, hold M # FF down. During rewind, hold
m 3 REW down.

• During playback, press M # FF or m 3 REW on the remote
commander.

• During playback, hold M # FF or m 3 REW down. 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 3 REW on the remote

commander. Hold the button down to play one frame each
second.

During stop, press H PLAY on the VCR while holding
0 3 REW down on the VCR.

Additional Operations52

Setting the recording duration time

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

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0

1 While recording, press z REC.

indicator appears in the display window.

The

t

SP

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

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.

z REC

APC

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.

indicator turns off and the VCR returns

t

Additional Operations 53

Synchronised recording

The Synchronised Recording feature enables you to record from the
connected equipment such as a satellite tuner, a cable TV decoder or a TV
that has a timer function. Once you set the timer on the other equipment, the
VCR will start recording the programme synchronised with the timer.

How to connect to use this function

Connect the other equipment to the LINE-1 IN jacks of this VCR.

This VCR (Recorder)

LINE-1 IN

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

: Signal flow

Satellite tuner, etc.

LINE OUT

To prepare the Synchronised recording

SYNCHRO

REC

SP/LP

(SP/EP)

1 Press INPUT SELECT or PROG +/– on the remote commander to

display “L1” in the display window.

2 Set the timer on the equipment to the time of the programme you want

to record, then turn it off.

3 Insert a tape with its safety tab in place. Make sure the tape is longer

than the total recording time.

Additional Operations54

4 Press SP/LP (SP/EP) to select the tape speed (SP or LP for the PAL

colour system, and SP or EP for the NTSC colour system).

5 Hold SYNCHRO REC down for more than two seconds.

The SYNCHRO REC button lights up and the VCR stands by for
recording.

The VCR automatically turns on and starts recording when it receives
video/audio signals from the connected equipment.

To cancel the Synchronised recording

Press SYNCHRO REC so that the button’s light turns off.

To stop recording

Press x STOP while recording.
The VCR automatically stops recording when the tape reaches the end or

when the other equipment stops transmitting the video/audio signals.

Notes

• Some TVs or other equipment automatically turn off in a certain time if you do not
operate it after it turns on with the timer. In this case the Synchronised Recording
also stops automatically.

• The Synchronised Recording starts and stops according to the signals from the
connected equipment. Refer also to the instruction manual of the connected
equipment for its timer function.

• Some equipment keeps transmitting signals even though the power is off. In this
case, the Synchronised Recording feature does not work because the VCR will not
be able to know when to start recording. To record the programme, set the timer on
the VCR. If you use a satellite tuner or a cable TV decoder, make sure to turn it on.
For details, see “Setting the timer manually”.

• If the settings for timer recording and Synchronised Recording overlap, the
programme that starts first has priority and the second programme starts recording
only after the first programme has finished.

Additional Operations 55

Checking/

TIMER SET / CHECK MO

DATE START STOP PROG

.6 1 7:00 8:00 6

SP

.8 1 1 : 00 0 : 00 50

MO

– 0:12 3 :00 227

3:00 0:00

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

SA
MO

SA

EVERY

SU

2

1

LP
LP
SP

25 .1

2

2

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0

changing/
cancelling timer

?/1

settings

Before you start…

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

CLEAR

MENU

OK
M/m/</,

Additional Operations56

1 Press ?/1 to turn on the VCR.
2 Press MENU, then select TIMER SET/CHECK:

• 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.

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

• To change the setting, press </, to flash 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 Operations 57

Recording stereo and bilingual programmes

In ZWEITON (German stereo) system

This VCR automatically receives and records stereo and bilingual
programmes based on the ZWEITON system. When a stereo or bilingual
programme is received, the STEREO indicator appears in the display
window.

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 NICAM system

This VCR receives and records stereo and bilingual programmes based on
the NICAM system (the NICAM indicator appears). When a stereo or
bilingual programme is received, the STEREO indicator appears in the
display window.

To record a NICAM programme, HIFI AUDIO in the SET UP MENU should
be set to NICAM (initial setting). To check the menu setting, see page 66.

To select the sound while recording

Press AUDIO MONITOR to select the sound you want.

Stereo programme
To listen to

Stereo
Standard sound*

* Usually the mixed sound of left and right channels (monaural)

On-screen display

STEREO
No indicator

Display window

STEREO
No indicator

Additional Operations58

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

Selecting the sound while playing

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*

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

On-screen display

STEREO

L CH
R CH
No indicator

Display window

STEREO

STEREO
STEREO
No indicator

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 listen to playback sounds 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.

• 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 59

Searching 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 this
SEARCH function. The SEARCH
indicator flashes when the VCR finishes
the Easy Timer recording.

Press the EASY TIMER knob.
The VCR turns on, rewinds to the beginning of the recorded programme and

starts playback automatically.

Tip

• To stop the flashing of the SEARCH indicator, first turn the VCR on, then press the

SEARCH button. (Do not press any button at this point, otherwise this SEARCH
mode will be cancelled.) To start the SEARCH function, press the SEARCH button
once. If you press the SEARCH button repeatedly, you can enter the index search or
Time Search mode (for details, see pages 62 and 63).

Notes

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

– The VCR starts recording other programmes.
– You press H PLAY, M # FF , m 3 REW or A EJECT button while the VCR is

on.

• With this SEARCH function, you can find the beginning of a programme recorded

using the Easy Timer function only.

EASY TIMER

knob

SEARCH

Additional Operations60

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 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. The playback starts from the point
about five seconds ahead of the specified
index mark.

./>
INDEX
SEARCH

continued

Additional Operations 61

Searching using the index function (continued)

Using the SEARCH button
and EASY TIMER knob on
the VCR

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

display window (the SEARCH indicator lights up).

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

SP

EASY TIMER

knob

SEARCH

APC

START

APC

3 Press the EASY TIMER knob.

The VCR starts searching. The playback starts (the SEARCH 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.

Additional Operations62

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
portion 15 minutes ahead of or behind
the current position of a tape by using
the Time Search function.

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

(the SEARCH indicator lights up).

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

length of the time portion 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 portion 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

APC

APC

3 Press the EASY TIMER knob.

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

SP

The VCR starts playback automatically when the tape counter reaches
the specified point (the SEARCH 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.

Additional Operations 63

APC

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 goes 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

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

2
2

SOFTREAL (status of playback started) DYNA (dynamic)

Tracking meter

2

R

Additional Operations64

About the Adaptive Picture Control (APC) function

SET UP MENU

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 (with the APC indicator
in the display window lit).

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 goes 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.

Additional Operations 65

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.

3 Press OK to return to the original screen.

Menu choices

Initial settings are indicated in bold print.

Menu option

AUDIO MIX

HIFI AUDIO

APC

PAL/MESECAM

NTSC PB

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 58.

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 35.

SET UP MENU

AUDIO MIX
HIFI AUDIO
APC
PAL / MESECAM

NTSC PB

•

ON PAL TV 4. 43 3. 58
SELECT
SET

•

AUTO

[]

:

[

:

ON

•

PAL

]

OFF

•ON
NICAM

•STD
OFF

MESECAM

Additional Operations66

Connecting to a VCR or stereo system

How to connect to record on this VCR

This VCR (Recorder)

LINE-2 IN

Other VCR (Player)

LINE OUT

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

: Signal flow

TV

How to connect to a stereo system

Connect LINE-2 IN AUDIO on this VCR to the audio output jacks on the
stereo system, using the RK-C510HG audio cable (not supplied).

Tips

• 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 jacks 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).

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.

continued

Additional Operations 67

Connecting to a VCR or stereo system (continued)

Operation
(when recording on this VCR)

Before you start editing

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

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

• Press SP/LP (SP/EP) to select the tape
speed (SP or LP for the PAL system,
and SP or EP for the NTSC system).

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.

Additional Operations68

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

PowerClock

VCR does not operate.

The clock has stopped and
“–:– –” lights 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.

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 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. 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 71). 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 72.

• 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.

continued

Additional Information

69

Troubleshooting (continued)

Symptom

No TV programmes 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

The SYNCHRO REC button
turns off while recording or
does not go back to recording
standby mode.

The Synchronised Recording
function does not work.

The programme recorded with
the Synchronised Recording
function is incomplete.

Synchronised Recording

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” when
recording from other equipment.

• Adjust the TV aerial.

• Make sure SYSTEM (B/G, D/K, I, or M) 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. Reset the clock and
timer.

• The tape has reached its end. Insert a new tape and

press SYNCHRO REC again.

• The connected equipment was not turned off.

Turn off the connected equipment and press
SYNCHRO REC again.

• There was a power failure. Press SYNCHRO REC

again.

• If the settings for timer recordings and Synchronised

Recording overlap, the programme that starts first has
priority and the second programme starts recording
only after the first programme has finished.

• There was a power failure. Press SYNCHRO REC

again.

70

Additional Information

Symptom

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.

Remedy

• 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 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.

• 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.

Symptoms caused by contaminated video heads

• Normal picture • Rough picture

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

initial

contamination

terminal

continued

Additional Information

71

Troubleshooting (continued)

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 the sapphire edge.

Head Condition Sensor

The Head Condition Sensor checks the video heads condition. 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. 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).

72

Additional Information

Specifications

System

Colour system

PAL, MESECAM, NTSC 3.58, NTSC 4.43

TV system

B/G, D/K, I, M

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
M: VHF A2 to A13/UHF A14 to A69/
CATV A-8 to A-1, A to W, W+1 to W+84

Stereo system

NICAM STEREO:B/G, I
ZWEITON German stereo: B/G

RF output signal

UHF channels 21 to 69

Aerial out

75-ohm asymmetrical aerial socket

Inputs and outputs

LINE-1 IN and LINE-2 IN

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-1 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

LINE-2 OUT

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

18 W

Operating temperature

5°C to 40°C

Storage temperature

–20°C to 60°C

Dimensions

Approx. 430 × 97 × 288 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 8 hours at a time

Supplied accessories

Remote commander (1)
R6 (size AA) batteries (2)
Aerial cable (1)

Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.

Additional Information

73

Index to parts and controls

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

Front panel

1 3

2

!ª

!•

!§

!¶

4

!¡!™!£

5

67

9

8!¢!∞ !º

1 ?/1 ON/STANDBY switch (8)

2 Remote sensor (5)

3 Tape compartment

4 A EJECT button (35)

5 m 3 REW (rewind) button (35, 52)

6 H PLAY button (35)

7 M # FF (fast-forward) button

(35, 52)

8 z REC (record) button (39)

9 x STOP button (35)

0 X PAUSE button (35)

qa SEARCH button/indicator (60, 62,

63)

qs EASY TIMER knob (41, 60, 62, 63)

qd PROGRAM/TRACKING +/–

buttons (8, 64)

qf SYNCHRO REC button (54)

qg SP (Standard Play)/LP (Long Play)/

EP (Extra Play) button (39)

qh COLOR SYSTEM button (35)

qj ONE TOUCH TUNING/

RF (Radio Frequency) CHANNEL
button (8, 10)

2

qk R

(Reality Regenerator) button (64)

ql LINE-2 IN VIDEO/AUDIO L/R

jacks (67)

74

Additional Information

Display window

STEREO
NICAM

1 Timer indicator (42)

2 NICAM indicator (58)

3 STEREO indicator (58)

4 Tape speed indicator (39)

5 CLOCK indicator (43)

6 START indicator (41)

7 STOP indicator (41)

Rear panel

SP
LP
EP

STOP

STARTCLOCK NTSC

APC

PAL

8 APC (Adaptive Picture Control)

indicator (65)

9 Tracking indicator (64)

0 Colour system indicator (35)

qa Time counter/clock/line/

programme/TV system indicator
(8, 36, 38, 43, 68)

qs Tape/recording indicator (39)

213

1 Mains lead (6)

2 LINE-2 OUT AUDIO R/L jacks (7)

3 AERIAL IN connector (6)

4 AERIAL OUT connector (6)

456

5 LINE-1 IN AUDIO R/L/VIDEO

jacks (54)

6 LINE-1 OUT AUDIO R/L/VIDEO

jacks (7)

continued

Additional Information

75

Index to parts and controls (continued)

Remote commander

123
456
789

0

1 TV / VIDEO remote control switch

(5)

2 Z EJECT button (35)

3 DISPLAY button (39)

4 TRINITRON TV SYNCHRO PLAY

button (37)

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

6 EASY TIMER button (44)

7 z REC button (39, 53)

8 SP (Standard Play)/LP (Long Play)/

EP (Extra Play) button (39)

9 ×2 button (52)

0 INPUT SELECT button (40, 51)

qa Tape/menu operation buttons

MENU button (11, 66)

X PAUSE/M button (35)
x STOP/m button (35)
m 3 REW (rewind)/< button

(35, 52)
M # FF (fast-forward)/, button
(35, 52)

H PLAY/OK button (35)
y SLOW button (52)

76

Additional Information

qs ?/1 (on/standby) switch (48)

2

qd R

(Reality Regenerator) button (64)

qf AUDIO MONITOR button (58)

qg G-CODE button (47)

qh CLEAR button (36, 48, 57)

qj Programme number /? (ten’s

digit) buttons (44, 48)

qk PROG (programme) +/– buttons

(38)

ql VOL (volume) +/– buttons (for TV)

w; ./> INDEX SEARCH buttons

(61)

Index

A, B

Accessories supplied 4
Adjusting

picture 16, 52, 64

tracking 52, 64
Aerial hookup 6
AFT (Auto Fine Tuning) 16
APC (Adaptive Picture

Control) 65
Audio track 59
AV (audio/video)

connection 7

C

Cancelling timer settings 56
Changing timer settings 56
Checking timer setting 56
Cleaning the video

heads 69
Clock setting 32
Colour system

compatible colour

systems 2

setting 35
Connecting

the VCR and your TV 6

to a stereo system 7

to a TV with audio/

video jacks 7
Counter 36

D

Disabling programme
position 15, 30

Dubbing. See Editing

E, F

Easy Clock 43
Easy Timer recording 41
Editing 67
EP mode 39

Sony Corporation

G

G-CODE

recording 47
setting 25

Guide channel setting 25

H

Head Condition Sensor 72
Hi-fi audio track 59

I, J, K

Index searching 61

L

LP mode 39

M

Monitoring audio

during playback 59
during recording 58

N

NICAM broadcasts 58
Normal audio track 59
NTSC-recorded tapes 35

O

One Touch Tuning 10

P, Q

Picture adjustment 16, 52, 64
Playback 34

at various speeds 52
frame-by-frame 52
slow motion 52

Presetting channels 10

automatically 11
manually 13
One Touch Tuning 10

R

R2 (Reality Regenerator) 64
Recording 38

bilingual
programmes 58
duration time 53

saving 39
stereo programmes 58
using the G-CODE
system 47
using the Easy Timer
function 41
while watching another

programme 39

Remote commander 5

S

Safety tab 39
Searching

at various speeds 52
the beginning of an Easy
Timer recorded
programme 60
using the index
function 61
using the Time Search

function 63
SP mode 39
Synchronised recording 54

T, U, V, W, X, Y

Time Search 63
Timer recording 50

cancelling timer

settings 56

changing timer

settings 56

checking timer

settings 56

daily/weekly

recording 51

Easy Timer 41

overlapping timer

recordings 57

using the G-CODE

system 47
Tracking adjustment 52, 64
Trinitron TV Synchro

Play 37
Tuning your TV to the

VCR 8
TV system 2, 8

Z

ZWEITON broadcasts 58