Sony SLV-GA55ME, SLV-GA35SG, SLV-GA35PS, SLV-GA55TH, SLV-GA55PS User Manual

...
Page 1
3-867-577-13 (1)
ON/STANDBY
SONY
VIDEO CASSETTE PLAYER
Step 3
Video Cassette Player
Operating Instructions
SLV-GA35ME/PS/SG/TH SLV-GA55ME/MES/PS/SG/TH SLV-GA65MJ
©1999 by Sony Corporation

Getting Started

Step 1
Unpacking
Check that you have received the following items with the unit:
• Remote commander
PAL NTSC
PAL NTSC 4.43
PAL NTSC
• Plug adaptor (SLV-GA35ME, GA55ME, GA55MES and GA65MJ)
Connecting the unit
Connect the aerial to your unit and TV as shown below to watch TV programmes and video pictures on your TV. In addition, if your TV has audio/video (A/V) input jacks, we recommend you connect the unit to your TV using an audio/video cable to get a better picture and sound.
Connecting the aerial
Aerial cable (supplied)
AERIAL OUT
AERIAL IN
AERIAL IN
to mains
2 Connect AERIAL OUT of the unit and
the aerial input of your TV using the supplied aerial cable.
AERIAL
OUT
IN
3 Connect the mains lead to the mains.
Use the supplied plug adaptor, if necessary, depending on the design of the mains (SLV-GA35ME, GA55ME, GA55MES and GA65MJ).
Additional connections
To a TV that has audio/video input jacks
This additional connection improves picture and sound quality. Connect the TV as shown below.
If you want to use the Trinitron TV Synchro Play function, this connection is necessary. (If your TV has two or more inputs, connect the audio/video cable to the VIDEO IN 1 jacks.)
• R6 (Size AA) batteries
• Aerial cable
Step 2
Setting up the remote commander
Checking your model name
The instructions in this manual are for the 10 models: SLV-GA35ME, GA35PS, GA35SG, GA35TH, GA55ME, GA55MES, GA55PS, GA55SG, GA55TH and GA65MJ. Check your model number by looking at the rear panel of your unit. The SLV-GA65MJ is the model used for illustration purposes. Any difference in operation is clearly indicated in the text, for example, “SLV-GA35ME only.”
Remote sensor
: Signal flow
1 Disconnect the aerial cable from your
TV and connect it to AERIAL IN on the rear panel of the unit.
AERIAL
OUT
IN
Step 4
Tuning your TV to the unit
If you have connected your unit to the TV using the audio/video cable, skip this step.
?/1 ON/STANDBY
H PLAY
This unit
AUDIO VIDEO
LINE IN LINE OUT
TV
IN
VIDEO AUDIO
Audio/video cable (not supplied)
3 Tune the TV until the video picture
below is clearly displayed on the TV screen.
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 the unit and a Sony TV. To operate this unit, point at the remote sensor on the unit. To operate the TV, point at the remote sensor on the TV. Buttons in the shaded area of the remote commander 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.
TV/VIDEO a (TV power)
?/1
(on/standby) PROG (CH) +/–
VOL +/–
To
Turn the TV to standby or active mode
Turn on the TV power Increase (+) or decrease (–)
the TV volume Change the TV
programme position Select an input source
of the TV either from aerial in or from line in
Notes
• With normal use, the batteries should last about three to six months.
• If you do not use the remote commander for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.
• Do not use a new battery with an old one.
• Do not use different types of batteries.
Press
?/1 (on/standby)
a (TV power) VOL +/–
PROG (CH) +/–
TV/VIDEO
1 Press ?/1 ON/STANDBY to turn on
the unit.
2 Turn on your TV and select a
programme position for the video 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 video picture. Refer to the instruction manual of your TV for details.
Refer to your TV manual for tuning instructions.
You have now tuned your TV to the unit. From now on, whenever you want to play a tape, set the TV to the video channel.
To obtain a clear playback picture
If the video picture does not appear clearly in step 3 above, turn the RF CHANNEL screw on the rear panel of the unit with a screwdriver to a position where the TV clearly displays the playback picture.
To select the TV system
For your TV to receive the correct signal from your unit, you must set the TV SYSTEM switch on the rear panel of the unit to either G (for system B/G) or K (for system D/K). If this switch is set to the wrong position, the sound will be distorted.
RF CHANNEL
TV SYSTEM
G K
Page 2

Operations

Playing/searching at various speeds

H PLAY
m 3 REW
x STOP
A EJECT
M # FF
X PAUSE
NTSC PB
COLOR SYSTEM
Z EJECT
DISPLAY
3/# SEARCH
y SLOW X PAUSE M FF H PLAY x STOP m REW
1 Turn on your TV and set it to the video
channel.
2 Insert a tape.
(SLV-GA35ME/PS/SG/TH) The unit turns on, and starts playing automatically.
(SLV-GA55ME/MES/PS/SG/TH and GA65MJ) The unit turns on, and starts playing automatically if you insert a tape with its safety tab removed.
3 Press H PLAY (if playback did not
start in step 2).
PLAY
When the tape reaches the end, it will rewind automatically.
Additional tasks
Playback options
Stop play Pause play Resume play after
pause Fast-forward the tape
Rewind the tape
View the picture during fast-forward or rewind
Play at high speed
Play in slow motion
Rewind and start play
Eject the tape Resume normal
playback
Operation
Press x STOP. Press X PAUSE. Press X PAUSE or
H PLAY. Press M FF (M # FF
on the unit) during stop. Press m REW
(m 3 REW on the unit) during stop.
During fast-forward, hold M FF (M # FF on the unit) down. During rewind, hold m REW (m 3 REW on the unit) down.
• During playback or pause, press
# SEARCH or 3 SEARCH.
• During playback or pause, hold down M FF (M # FF on the unit) or m REW (m 3 REW on the unit). When you release the button, normal playback resumes.
During playback or pause, press y SLOW .
During stop, press H PLAY on the unit while holding down m 3 REW on the unit.
Press Z EJECT. Press H PLAY.
To set the colour system
If streaks appear during playback, set COLOR SYSTEM on the unit to conform to the system that the tape was recorded in. (Normally set the switch to AUTO.)
If your tape was recorded in
PAL NTSC MESECAM
Set COLOR SYSTEM to
PAL/MESECAM NTSC PAL/MESECAM
To play an NTSC-recorded tape
Set NTSC PB on the unit according to the colour system of your TV.
If your TV is
PAL NTSC 4.43 NTSC 3.58
Set NTSC PB to
ON PAL TV NTSC 4.43 NTSC 3.58
(SLV-GA55ME/MES/PS/ SG/TH and GA65MJ only)
To view the tape status on the screen
Press DISPLAY. The following information appears on the TV screen.
LINE 1
STEREO
Remaining tape length
–
SE
::
SP
000
Tape speed*
* Appears for a few seconds when the DISPLAY
button is pressed and when the mode is changed.
Time counter
22
To turn the display off, press DISPLAY again.
Notes
• The sound is muted during playback at various speeds and pause.
• You can eject a tape even when the power is off. When you press Z EJECT, the unit turns on automatically. After ejecting the tape, the unit turns off again.
• When the pause mode lasts for more than approximately five minutes, the unit will automatically enter the playback mode.
• Tapes recorded in the LP mode of NTSC system on other VCRs can be played back on this unit, but the picture quality cannot be guaranteed.
• The counter resets to “0:00:00” whenever a tape is inserted.
• 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.
• Streaks or snow cannot be eliminated completely in the various playback operations, especially in the slow motion mode.
• On screen symbols may shake while playing or searching at various speeds.
• 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, and
– the colour density increases or decreases.

Turning on the unit and TV to start playback (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 unit and TV with the audio/ video cable. 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 unit.
Operation
Make sure that the TV’s power is in standby mode.

Adjusting the picture

Although the unit automatically adjusts the picture when playing a tape, distortions or noise may occur if the tape was recorded in poor condition. If so, manually adjust the resolution, colour and tracking.
RESOLUTION CONTROL II
buttons
STD PICT
AUTO/MANU V/v NORMAL/
SLOW/STILL ADJUST M/m/</,
Resolution Control II
STANDARD PICTURE
Adjusting the resolution and colour
1 While playing a tape, press M/m/</
, RESOLUTION CONTROL II (up/ down/left/right button on the unit) to display the RESOLUTION CONTROL II menu.
The RESOLUTION CONTROL II buttons light up.
RESOLUTION CONTROL II
C
•••••
O
••••
•••
+
L O
••••••
•••••
RESOLUTION
R
2 Press </, RESOLUTION
CONTROL II (left/right button on the unit) to get a clearer picture.
3 Press M/m RESOLUTION CONTROL
II (up/down button on the unit) to get the best picture colour.
Wait for several seconds until the RESOLUTION CONTROL II menu disappears.
To resume the automatic adjustment
Press STANDARD PICTURE on the remote commander (STD PICT on the unit) so that the RESOLUTION CONTROL II buttons turn off.
Press TRINITRON TV SYNCHRO PLAY and hold the remote commander in place for about two seconds.
The unit and TV turn on, and the TV is set to the video channel. If there is a tape in the unit, 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 in the remote
commander 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.
Adjusting the tracking
Press V/v TRACKING NORMAL/SLOW/ STILL ADJUST to obtain the best possible picture. The distortion should disappear as you press one of the two buttons. If you cannot get a clear picture with manual adjustment, press TRACKING AUTO/ MANU to return to automatic adjustment.
About Optimum Picture Control (OPC) (SLV-GA35ME/PS/ SG/TH only)
Optimum Picture Control (OPC) automatically improves playback quality by adjusting the unit to the condition of the video heads and tape.
The OPC function automatically works on all types of tapes, including rental tapes and the tapes that were not recorded with OPC.
About Adaptive Picture Control (APC) (SLV-GA55ME/ MES/PS/SG/TH and SLV-GA65MJ only)
Adaptive Picture Control (APC) automatically improves recording and playback quality by adjusting the unit to the condition of the video heads and tape.
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 unit adjusts to the tape using the APC function. This adjustment is retained until the tape is ejected.
Tip
• Adjust the picture using V/v NORMAL/ SLOW/STILL ADJUST if:
– streaks appear while playing in slow motion – the picture shakes while pausing
Notes
• The auto tracking function works automatically when you play back a tape just after inserting it.
• There is a delay of a few seconds before the unit actually starts recording while the unit analyses the tape. To avoid the delay, first set the unit to recording pause and press z REC to have the unit analyse the tape. After ten seconds, press X PAUSE to start recording immediately. If you press X PAUSE before ten seconds, the APC function is cancelled.
• While playing a MESECAM recorded tape, you cannot adjust the colour using the RESOLUTION CONTROL II function.
• Sufficient picture quality may not be obtained when playing back tapes recorded on another VCR or tapes in poor condition.
• When a tape recorded with the copyguard system is played back, intermittent distortion may appear in the upper portion of the picture. However, this is not a malfunction of the unit.
Page 3

Editing with another unit

(SLV-GA55ME/MES/PS/SG/TH and GA65MJ only)
Editing (when recording on this unit)
You can make a copy of a tape using this unit for recording or playback. The unit cannot record TV programmes directly since it does not have a TV tuner.

Synchronised recording

(SLV-GA55ME/MES/PS/SG/TH and GA65MJ only)
To prepare the Synchronised recording
SYNCHRO REC
TAPE SPEED
How to connect to record on this unit
TV
This unit (Recorder)
LINE IN
Other VCR (Player)
LINE OUT
VMC-710HG/720HG audio/video cable
(not supplied)
: Signal flow
Tip
• Use a commercially available connecting cable such as the Sony VMC-710HG/720HG. If the other VCR has the AUDIO L and R jacks, use a connecting cable such as the Sony VMC­910HG (3-phono to 2-phono).
Notes
• Make sure you connect the plugs to jacks of the same colour.
• If you connected this unit to both the LINE IN and LINE OUT jacks of the other VCR, select the input correctly to prevent a humming noise.
• Make sure you set the CONNECT LINE-1 switch to OTHERS.
z RECX PAUSE
TAPE SPEED
Before you start editing
• Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.
1 Set TAPE SPEED to select the tape
speed (SP or LP for the PAL colour system, and SP or EP for the NTSC colour system).
LP provides a recording time twice as long as SP. EP provides a recording time three times as long as SP. However, SP produces better picture quality.
2 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.
3 Insert a tape with its safety tab in place
into this (recording) unit. Search for the point to start recording and press X PAUSE.
4 Press z REC on this unit to set it to
recording pause.
5 To start editing, press the X PAUSE
buttons on both units at the same time.
To stop editing
Press the x STOP buttons on both units.
To check the remaining tape length
Press DISPLAY. The white bar indicates the approximate length of the tape recording.
LINE 1
STEREO
Remaining tape
–
SE
::
000
length
22
Time counter
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 unit will start recording the programme synchronised with the timer.
How to connect to use this function
Connect the other equipment to the LINE IN jack of this unit.
This unit (Recorder)
CONNECT
LINE-1
TV
OTHERS
LINE IN
TV, Satellite tuner, etc.
LINE OUT
VMC-710HG/720HG audio/video cable
(not supplied)
: Signal flow
Setting the CONNECT LINE-1 switch
When you connect the other equipment to the LINE IN jacks, set the CONNECT LINE­1 switch on the rear of the unit following the table below to allow better signal transmission to your TV.
If the unit is connected to
TV Satellite, cable TV
decoder, etc.
Set the CONNECT LINE-1 switch to
TV OTHERS
1 Set the timer on the equipment to the
time of the programme you want to record, then turn the equipment off.
2 Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.
Make sure the tape is longer than the total recording time.
3 Set TAPE SPEED to select the tape
speed (SP or LP for the PAL colour system, and SP or EP for the NTSC colour system).
4 Hold SYNCHRO REC down for more
than two seconds. The SYNCHRO REC button lights up
and the unit stands by for recording.
The unit automatically turns on and starts recording when it receives audio/video 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 unit automatically stops recording
when the tape reaches the end or when the other equipment stops transmitting the audio/video 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 unit will not be able to know when to start recording.
To turn the display off, press DISPLAY again.
To save a recording
To prevent accidental erasure, break off the safety tab as illustrated. To record on a tape again, cover the tab hole with adhesive tape.
Safety tab
Tips
• To edit more precisely, press the X PAUSE buttons on the units to release pause.
• To cut out unwanted scenes while editing, press X PAUSE on this unit when an unwanted scene begins. When that scene ends, press X PAUSE again to resume recording.
Page 4

Additional Information

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.
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 cord, pull it out by the plug, never by the cord.
Installing
• Allow adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat buildup.
• Do not place the unit on surfaces (r ugs, 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.

Specifications

System
Colour system
PAL, MESECAM, NTSC 4.43 NTSC 3.58 (SLV-GA55ME/MES/PS/SG/TH and
GA65MJ
only)
RF output signal
UHF channels 30 to 39 (B/G, D/K)
Aerial out
75-ohm asymmetrical aerial socket
Inputs and outputs
LINE IN (SLV-GA55ME/MES/PS/SG/TH and GA65MJ)
VIDEO IN, phono jack (1) Input signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms, unbalanced, sync negative AUDIO IN, phono jack (1) Input level: 327 mVrms Input impedance: more than 47 kilohms
LINE OUT
VIDEO OUT, phono jack (1) Output signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms, unbalanced, sync negative AUDIO OUT, phono jack (1) Standard output: 327 mVrms Load impedance: 47 kilohms Output impedance: less than 10 kilohms
• If the unit is brought directly from a cold to a warm location, moisture may condense inside the unit and cause damage to the video head and tape. When you first install the unit, or when you move it from a cold to a warm location, wait for about one hour before operating the unit.
Caution
Television programmes, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such material may be contrary to the provisions of the copyright laws. Also, use of this recorder with cable television transmission may require authorization from the cable television transmitter and/or programme owner.
Compatible colour systems
• Check the colour systems of your unit using the table below.
Model name
SLV-GA55ME/ MES/PS/SG/TH SLV-GA65MJ
SLV-GA35ME/ PS/SG/TH
Recording of video sources based on other colour systems cannot be guaranteed.
• To play back tapes recorded with the PAL and MESECAM colour systems, you need a TV or colour monitor compatible with these systems.
• Tapes recorded with the NTSC colour system can be played back on this unit using a TV or a colour monitor for the PAL colour system.
Colour system
Recording
PAL MESECAM NTSC 4.43 NTSC 3.58
Playback
PAL MESECAM NTSC 4.43 NTSC 3.58
PAL MESECAM NTSC 4.43
General
Power requirements
110 – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption
10 W (SLV-GA35ME/PS/SG/TH) 12 W (SLV-GA55ME/MES/PS/SG/TH and GA65MJ)
Operating temperature
5°C to 40°C
Storage temperature
–20°C to 60°C
Dimensions
Approx. 355 × 96 × 293 mm (w/h/d) including projecting parts and controls
Mass
Approx. 3.8 kg
Supplied accessories
Remote commander (1) R6 (Size AA) batteries (2) Aerial cable (1) Plug adaptor (SLV-GA35ME, GA55ME, GA55MES and GA65MJ only)
(1)
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
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 unit does not operate.
The unit enters standby mode or turns off automatically.
Power
The playback picture does not appear on the TV screen.
The picture is not clear.
Playback
The picture rolls vertically during picture search.
The picture has no sound.
The tape starts playing as soon as it is inserted.
The tape is ejected when you press z REC.
Recording*
Nothing happens when you press z REC.
A tape cannot be inserted.
The remote commander does not function.
The unit needs to be cleaned.
Others
The indicator lights on the unit are flashing. The RESOLUTION CONTROL II menu appears automatically.
* SLV-GA55ME/MES/PS/SG/TH and GA65MJ only
Auto head cleaner
The unit incorporates an auto head cleaner which cleans the video heads when a tape is loaded or unloaded. When the heads are not sufficiently clean, even after a tape has been loaded/unloaded several times, use a video head cleaning cassette.
Remedy
• Connect the mains lead securely.
• Moisture condensation has occured. Turn the power off, unplug the mains lead and leave the unit to dry for over an hour.
• The auto safety system is triggered to protect your tape and the unit’s mechanism when there is something wrong with the tape or when the mechanism is overloaded. Press ?/1 ON/STANDBY to restart the unit. If the unit does not work after pressing ?/1 ON/STANDBY again, disconnect the mains lead from the mains. Wait for at least 15 seconds. Then reconnect the mains, and press ?/1 ON/STANDBY again. If the unit still does not work, please consult your nearest Sony service facility.
• Make sure the TV is set to the video channel. If you are using a monitor, set it to video input.
• Adjust the tracking with the V/v NORMAL/SLOW/ STILL ADJUST buttons.
• Make sure the COLOR SYSTEM switch is set to the position corresponding to the colour system which the tape was recorded with.
• The video heads are dirty (see below). 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, as it may damage the video heads.
• The video heads may have to be replaced. Consult your local Sony service facility for more information.
• Adjust the vertical hold control on the TV or monitor.
• The tape is defective.
• If you made A/V connections, check the audio cable connection.
• 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 a tape is not already in the tape compartment.
• Make sure you are pointing the remote commander at the remote sensor on the unit.
• Replace all the batteries in the remote commander with new ones if they are weak.
• 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.
• The demonstration mode has been turned on. Cancel the demonstration mode by pressing STD PICT.
Demonstration mode
The demonstration mode will activate when you press STD PICT and the RESOLUTION CONTROL II down button on the unit at the same time.
When demonstration mode starts during playback, RESOLUTION CONTROL II menu appears and the level of picture adjustment changes automatically.
When demonstration mode starts during power off and Synchronised Recording off, the indicator lights on the unit flash.
To cancel the demonstration mode
Press STD PICT.
Symptoms caused by contaminated video heads
• Normal picture • Rough picture • Unclear picture
initial
contamination
• No picture (or black & white screen appears)
terminal
Sapphire tape cleaner
The unit incorporates a sapphire tape cleaner which cleans a video tape when it is loaded. This cleaner can prevent the video heads from contamination by removing dust or mold from a tape with the sapphire edge.
Sony Corporation
Loading...