Sony SLV-X815ME, SLV-X815PS, SLV-X815SG User Manual

3-810-473-11 (1)

Video Cassette
Recorder

Operating Instructions

PAL NTSC

SLV-X815ME
SLV-X815PS
SLV-X815SG

©1995 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.

Precautions

Safety

• This VCR 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 outlet,
even if the unit itself has been turned off.

• Unplug the unit from the wall outlet if you
do not intend to use it for an extended
period of time. To disconnect the cord, pull
it out by the plug, never by the cord.

Installing

• Allow adequate air circulation to prevent
internal heat buildup.

• Do not place the unit on surfaces (rugs,
blankets, etc.) or near materials (curtains,
draperies) that may block the ventilation
slots.

• Do not install the unit near heat sources
such as radiators or air ducts, or in a place
subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust,
mechanical vibration or shock.

• Do not install the unit in an inclined
position. It is designed to be operated in a
horizontal position only.

• Keep the unit and cassettes away from
equipment with strong magnets, such as
microwave ovens or large loudspeakers.

• Do not place heavy objects on the unit.

• If the unit is brought directly from a cold to
a warm location, moisture may condense
inside the VCR and cause damage to the
video head and tape. When you first install
the unit, or when you move it from a cold to
a warm location, wait for about one hour
before operating the unit.

Caution

Television programmes, films, video tapes and
other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such material may
be contrary to the provisions of the copyright
laws. Also, use of this recorder with cable
television transmission may require
authorization from the cable television
transmitter and/or programme owner.

Compatible colour systems

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

Introduction

2

Table of contents

Getting Started

4 Step 1: Unpacking
5 Step 2: Setting up the remote commander
6 Step 3: Connecting the VCR

8 Step 4: Tuning your TV to the VCR
10 Step 5: Selecting a language
11 Step 6: Setting the clock
13 Step 7: Tuning the VCR

Getting Started

Basic Operations

18 Playing a tape
21 Recording TV programmes
24 Recording TV programmes using

the timer

Additional Operations

27 Playing/searching at various

speeds

29 Recording TV programmes using

the quick timer

30 Checking/changing/cancelling

timer settings

31 Recording stereo programmes
32 Adjusting the picture
34 Changing menu options
35 Editing with another VCR

Additional Information

37 Troubleshooting
39 Specifications
40 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

• Audio/video cable (3-phono to 3­phono)

• Mains lead

• Plug adaptor (SLV-X815ME/X815SG)

Checking your model name

Getting Started

4

The instructions in this manual are for the 3 models : SLV-X815ME,
X815PS and X815SG. Check your model number by looking at the
rear panel of your VCR. The SLV-X815ME is the model used for
illustration purposes. Any difference in operation is clearly indicated
in the text, for example, “SLV-X815ME.”

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.

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.

Getting Started

Remote sensor

TV / VTR

To operate

the VCR
a Sony TV

Notes

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

VTR and point at the remote sensor on the VCR
TV and point at the remote sensor on the TV

Getting Started

5

Step 3

Connecting the VCR

AC IN

to mains

AERIAL OUT

AERIAL IN

: Signal flow

Aerial cable

1 Disconnect the aerial input 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 AC IN of the VCR to the mains

using the supplied mains lead.

AERIAL IN

AERIAL

IN

OUT

AERIAL

IN

OUT

Getting Started

6

Additional connections

To a TV that has phono type
audio/video input jacks

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

This VCR

LINE-1 IN
LINE OUT

AUDIO VIDEO

IN

VIDEO

AUDIO

right.

Audio/video cable

To a stereo system

You can improve sound quality by connecting a stereo system as shown below.

This VCR

AUDIO VIDEO
LINE-1 IN
LINE OUT

Audio cable (not supplied)

Stereo system

AUX IN

TV

Getting Started

Getting Started

7

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

PROGRAM +/–

ON/STANDBY

1 Press ON/STANDBY to turn on the VCR.

2 Press PROGRAM +/– until “L1” appears in the display window.

+

PROGRAM

–

3 Turn on your TV and select a programme position for video

playback.
Choose a channel between UHF 30 and 39 on the TV, where there is

no picture and no sound or only a steady rustling sound.
This channel will now be referred to as the video channel.

4 Tune the TV so that a blue screen appears on the TV screen.

Refer to your TV manual for tuning instructions.
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.
If the blue screen does not appear clearly, see “To obtain a clear blue

screen” on page 9.

Getting Started

8

To check to see if the TV tuning is correct

Set the TV to the video channel and press PROGRAM +/– on the VCR. If
the TV screen changes to a different programme each time you press
PROGRAM +/–, the TV tuning is correct.

To obtain a clear blue screen

If the blue screen does not
appear clearly in step 4 above,
turn the RF CHANNEL screw at
the rear of the VCR with an RF
screwdriver to a position where
the TV clearly displays the blue
screen.

Selecting the TV system

For your TV to receive the correct
signal from your VCR, you must
set the TV SYSTEM switch at the
rear of the VCR 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

GK

Getting Started

Getting Started

9

ENGLISH

::[ V v ]

[ EXECUTE ]

•

LANGUAGE /

/

Step 5

Selecting a
language

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

Before you start...

• Turn on the VCR and the TV.

• Set the TV to the video channel.

•MENU

1 Press MENU.

2 Press CURSOR >/. to move the cursor

•CURSOR

•EXECUTE

(z) to LANGUAGE and press EXECUTE.

MENU
CURSOR
>/./?//

EXECUTE

MENU

TIMER SET / CHECK
SET UP MENU
TUNER PRESET
CLOCK SET
LANGUAGE / /

SELECT : [ ]
SET : [ EXECUTE ]

LANGUAGE /

ENGLISH

•

SELECT :
END :

/

[ V v ]
[ EXECUTE ]

3 Press CURSOR >/. to flash the desired

language, then press EXECUTE.

Getting Started

10

•CURSOR

•EXECUTE

Step 6

Setting the clock

You must set the time and date on the
VCR to be able to use the timer
recording features properly. You can set
the VCR clock using the on-screen
display.

Before you start…

• Turn on the VCR and the TV.

• Set the TV to the video channel.

•MENU

1 Press MENU.

MENU
CURSOR
>/./?//

EXECUTE

MENU

TIMER SET / CHECK
SET UP MENU
TUNER PRESET
CLOCK SET
LANGUAGE / /

SELECT : [ ]
SET : [ EXECUTE ]

Getting Started

2 Press CURSOR >/. to move the cursor

•CURSOR

•EXECUTE

(z) to CLOCK SET , then press EXECUTE.

3 Press CURSOR >/. to set the day.

•CURSOR

The day of the week is set automatically.

4 Press CURSOR / to flash the month and

•CURSOR

set the month using CURSOR >/..

CLOCK SET

1 . 1 . 19 96 MON 0 : 00

SELECT

[]
[]

SET::
END : [ EXECUTE ]

CLOCK SET

2 .1.1996 THU 0:00

5

SELECT

[]
[]

SET::
END : [ EXECUTE ]

CLOCK SET

2 . 1 .1996 WED 0 :0052

SELECT

[]
SET::[ ]
END : [ EXECUTE ]

continued

Getting Started

11

Step 6 : Setting the clock (continued)

5 Set the year, hour and minutes in

•CURSOR

•EXECUTE

6 Press EXECUTE to start the clock.

Tip

• To change the digits during setting, press CURSOR ? to return to the item to be

Note

• The menu disappears automatically if you don’t proceed for more than a few

sequence, using CURSOR / to flash the
item to be set, and CURSOR >/. to select
the digits.

changed, and select the digits using CURSOR >/..

minutes.

CLOCK SET

2 . 1 .1996 WED52 5:301

SELECT

[]
SET::[ ]
END : [ EXECUTE ]

Getting Started

12

Step 7

Tuning the VCR

First, we recommend that you preset the
receivable channels in your area using
automatic presetting. Then, if some
channels could not be preset
automatically, you can preset them
manually; if there are any unwanted
channels among the preset ones, you can
disable the channels.

Before you start…

• Turn on the VCR and the TV.

• Set the TV to the video channel.

Presetting all receivable channels automatically

•MENU

1 Press MENU.

2 Press CURSOR >/. to move the cursor

•CURSOR

•EXECUTE

(z) to TUNER PRESET, then press
EXECUTE.

MENU

TIMER SET / CHECK
SET UP MENU
TUNER PRESET
CLOCK SET
LANGUAGE / /

SELECT : [ ]
SET : [ EXECUTE ]

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

SYSTEM B / G• D / K
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT
SET::

MENU
CURSOR
>/./?//

EXECUTE

NORMON••CATV
1

[]
[]

Getting Started

OFF

continued

Getting Started

13

Step 7 : Tuning the VCR (continued)

3 Press CURSOR >/./?// to move the

•CURSOR

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

4 Press CURSOR >/./?// to move the

•CURSOR

cursor (z) to NORMAL/CATV, then select
NORM.

To preset CATV channels, select CATV.

5 Press CURSOR >/. to move the cursor

•CURSOR

•EXECUTE

(z) to AUTO PRESET, then press
EXECUTE.

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

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

SYSTEM B / G• D / K
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT

[]
[]

SET::

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

SYSTEM B / G• D / K
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT

[]
[]

SET::

TUNER PRESET PROG 1

SYSTEM B / G• D / K
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

PLEASE WAIT

NORM
1

ON••

NORM
1

ON••

NORM
1

ON••

CATV

OFF

CATV

OFF

CATV

OFF

Getting Started

14

Presetting channels
manually

MENU
CURSOR
>/./?//

EXECUTE

PROG+/–

Getting Started

•MENU

1 Press MENU.

2 Press CURSOR >/. to move the cursor

•CURSOR

•EXECUTE

(z) to TUNER PRESET, then press
EXECUTE.

3 Press CURSOR >/./?// to move the

•CURSOR

cursor (z) to NORMAL/CATV, then select
NORM.

To preset CATV channels, select CATV.

MENU

TIMER SET / CHECK
SET UP MENU
TUNER PRESET
CLOCK SET
LANGUAGE / /

SELECT : [ ]
SET : [ EXECUTE ]

TUNER PRESET PROG10

SYSTEM B / G• D / K
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT

[]
[]

SET::

TUNER PRESET PROG10

SYSTEM B / G• D / K
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT

[]
[]

SET::

NORM
21

ON••

NORM
21

ON••

CATV

OFF

CATV

OFF

continued

Getting Started

15

Step 7 : Tuning the VCR (continued)

4 Press CURSOR >/. to move the cursor

•CURSOR

•PROG

5 Press PROG +/– to select the programme

(z) to CHANNEL SET.

position.

6 Press CURSOR / repeatedly until the

•CURSOR

channel you want is displayed. Pressing
CURSOR ? goes back to the previous
channels.

The channels are scanned in the following
order:

Channel coverage System D/K System B/G

VHF R1–R12 E2–E12
UHF R21–R69 E21–E69
CATV (TV distribution) — S1–S41, S01–S05

If you know the number of the channel you want, press the
programme number buttons. For example, for channel 5, first press
“0” and then press “5.”

TUNER PRESET PROG10

SYSTEM B / G• D / K
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT

[]
[]

SET::

NORM
21

ON••

CATV

OFF

Selected programme
position

TUNER PRESET PROG14

SYSTEM B / G• D / K
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT

[]
[]

SET::

TUNER PRESET PROG14

SYSTEM B / G• D / K
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT

[]
[]

SET::

NORM
21

ON••

NORM
35

ON••

CATV

OFF

CATV

OFF

7 If the TV sound is distorted or noisy, press

•CURSOR

•EXECUTE

CURSOR >/./?// to move the
cursor (z) to SYSTEM, then select either
B/G or D/K, whichever is applicable in
your area.

TUNER PRESET PROG14

SYSTEM B / G• D / K
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SELECT
SET::

[]

8 To allocate another channel to another programme position, repeat

steps 4 to 7.

9 Press EXECUTE.

Getting Started

16

[]

NORM
35

ON••

CATV

OFF

Disabling unwanted programme positions

After tuning the TV channels, you can disable unused programme positions.
The disabled positions will be skipped later when you press the PROG +/–
buttons.

1 Press MENU, then select TUNER PRESET and press EXECUTE.
2 Select CHANNEL SET.
3 Press PROG +/– until the programme position you want to disable

appears beside “PROG” on the TV screen.

4 Press programme number button “0” twice to display the number “0”

beside CHANNEL SET.

5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 for other positions you want to disable.
6 Press EXECUTE.

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 position for which you cannot

obtain a clear picture.

2 Press MENU, then select TUNER PRESET and press EXECUTE.
3 Select FINE TUNING. The fine tuning meter appears.

TUNER PRESET PROG14

SYSTEM B / G• D / K
NORMAL / CATV
AUTO PRESET
CHANNEL SET
AFT
FINE TUNING

SET : [ ]

NORM
35

ON••

Selected programme
position

CATV

OFF

Getting Started

4 Press CURSOR ?// to get a clearer picture, then press EXECUTE.

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

Note

• The menu disappears automatically if you don’t proceed for more than a few
minutes.

Getting Started

17

Basic Operations

Playing a tape

6 EJECT

COUNTER
RESET

DISPLAY

3/#

SEARCH

P PAUSE

DUAL MODE SHUTTLE (DMS) ring

1 Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.
2 Insert a tape.

The VCR turns on and starts playing
automatically if you insert a tape with its
safety tab removed.

Basic Operations

18

) FF

· PLAY
p STOP
0 REW

3 Press · PLAY.

PLAY

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

Additional tasks

To

Stop play
Pause play
Resume play after pause
Search forward

Search backward

Fast-forward the tape

Rewind the tape

Eject the tape

Press

p STOP
P PAUSE
P PAUSE or · PLAY

• Turn the DUAL MODE SHUTTLE (DMS) ring to #
during playback

• ) FF or # SEARCH during playback

• Turn the DMS ring to 3 during playback

• 0 REW or 3 SEARCH during playback

• Turn the DMS ring to ) FF during stop

• ) FF during stop

• Turn the DMS ring to 0 REW during stop

• 0 REW during stop

6 EJECT

To set the colour system

If streaks appear during playback, set COLOR SYSTEM on the VCR 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

Basic Operations

continued

Basic Operations

19

Playing a tape (continued)

To play an NTSC-recorded tape

Set NTSC PB at the rear of the VCR according to the colour system of your
TV.

If your TV is

PAL
NTSC 4.43
NTSC 3.58

To use the time counter

At the point on the tape that you want to find later, press COUNTER RESET.
The counter in the display window resets to “0H00M00S.” Search for the
point afterwards by referring to the counter.

H M S

To display the counter on the TV screen, press DISPLAY.

Notes

• The counter resets to “0H00M00S” 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 video 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.

Set NTSC PB to

ON PAL TV
NTSC 4.43
NTSC 3.58

Basic Operations

20

Recording TV
programmes

TAPE SPEED

PROG +/–

Basic Operations

r REC

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

continued

Basic Operations

21

Recording TV programmes (continued)

•PROG

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

record.

SP

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

TAPE

SPEED

LP provides recording time twice as long as SP, however, SP
produces better picture and audio quality.

LP

5 Press r REC to start recording.

REC

To stop recording

Press p STOP.

To check the remaining tape length

Press DISPLAY during playback or recording. The white bar indicates the
approximate length of tape remaining.

S

To watch another TV programme while recording

0 : 00 : 22

E

Remaining tape length
Time counter

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.

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.

Basic Operations

22

Safety tab

To record NTSC colour system programmes

NTSC colour signals can be recorded on this VCR.
For tape speed, select SP or EP in step 4.

EP provides recording time three times as long as SP, however, SP produces
better picture quality.
When playing back, the VCR automatically detects the tape speed.

Tips

• To select a programme position, you can use the programme number buttons on the
remote commander. For two-digit numbers, press the -/-- (ten’s digit) button
followed by the number buttons.

• You can select a video source from the LINE-1 IN or LINE-2 IN jacks using INPUT
SELECT.

• To cut out an unwanted scene while recording, press P PAUSE and turn the DUAL
MODE SHUTTLE ring on the VCR to rewind the tape to the beginning of the
unwanted scene, then press P PAUSE to resume recording.

• The display appears on the TV screen indicating information about the tape, but the
information won’t be recorded on the tape.

• If you don’t want to watch TV while recording, you can turn off the TV.

Notes

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

• The display will not appear while playing an NTSC-recorded tape.

Basic Operations

Basic Operations

23

Recording TV
programmes
using the timer

You can preset up to eight programs 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.

u

(on/standby)
MENU

CURSOR
>/./?//

EXECUTE

INPUT
SELECT

•MENU

1 Press MENU and select TIMER SET/

CHECK, then press EXECUTE.

•CURSOR

•EXECUTE

Basic Operations

24

25 .1

TIMER SET / CHECK WE

START STOP PROG

DATE

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

2

2 Set the date, start and stop times,

•CURSOR

programme position, and tape speed:
1 Press CURSOR / to flash each item in

turn.

2 Press CURSOR >/. to set each item.
To correct a setting, press CURSOR ? to

return to that setting and reset.
To record the same programme every day or the same day every

week, press CURSOR . while the date is flashing. For details, see
“Daily/weekly recording” on page 26.

To record from a source connected to the LINE-1 IN or LINE-2 IN
jacks, press INPUT SELECT to display “L1” or “L2” in the “PROG”
position.

3 Press CURSOR / to confirm the setting.

•CURSOR

•EXECUTE

4 Press EXECUTE.

•

5 Press u to turn off the VCR.

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

The TIMER indicator appears in the display window and the VCR
stands by for recording.

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

25 . 1

TIMER SET / CHECK WE

DATE START STOP PROG

2.5

12

– : –– – : –– ––

WE

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

2

SP

Basic Operations

To stop recording

To stop the VCR while recording, press p STOP.

continued

Basic Operations

25

Recording TV programmes using the timer (continued)

To use the VCR after setting the timer

To use the VCR before a timer recording begins, just press u. The TIMER
indicator turns off and the VCR switches on. Remember to press u 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 program.

Daily/weekly recording

In step 2 above, press CURSOR . to select the recording pattern. Each time
you press CURSOR ., the indication changes as shown below. Press
CURSOR > to change the indication in reverse order.

the current date n SU-SA n MO-SA n MO-FR n EVERY SA .....

n EVERY MO n EVERY SU n 1 month later n (cycles backward)
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 TAPE SPEED.

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

Note

• “TIMER” flashes in the display window when you press u with no tape inserted.

Basic Operations

26

Additional Operations

Playing/searching
at various speeds

DMS ring

· PLAY

& SLOW +/–

× 2

SKIP

7

/7
FRAME
3/#
SEARCH

) FF

· PLAY

0 REW

Playback options

Fast-forward/rewind

View the picture during fast­forward or rewind

Play at twice the normal
speed

Play at high speed

Play in slow motion

Skip a scene

Play frame by frame

Play in reverse
Rewind and start play

Operation

• During stop, turn the DMS ring to ) FF or 0 REW and
release.

• During stop, press ) FF or 0 REW.

• During fast-forward, turn the DMS ring to ) FF. During
rewind, turn the DMS ring to 0 REW.

• During fast-forward, hold ) FF down. During rewind, hold
0 REW down.

During playback, press × 2.

During playback or pause, press # SEARCH or 3 SEARCH. To
change direction, press 7 FRAME or FRAME.

During playback or pause, press & SLOW+/–. Press the +/–
buttons to change the speed. To change direction, press
7 FRAME or FRAME.

During playback, press SKIP. Pressing once skips about 30
seconds.

During pause, press 7 FRAME or FRAME. Hold the
button down to play one frame each second.

During playback, press FRAME.
During stop, hold the DMS ring at the 0 REW position and

press · PLAY on the VCR, then release the DMS ring.

7

7

7

7

continued

Additional Operations 27

Playing/searching at various speeds (continued)

To resume normal playback

Press · PLAY.

Tip

• Adjust the picture using $/4 TRACKING NORMAL/SLOW STILL ADJUST if:
– streaks appear while playing in slow motion
– bands appear at the top or bottom while pausing
– the picture shakes while pausing.

Notes

• The playback sound is muted during these operations.

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

Additional Operations28

Recording TV
programmes
using the quick
timer

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

1 While recording, press QUICK TIMER once.

2 Press QUICK TIMER repeatedly to set the duration.

Each press advances the time in increments of 30 minutes.

QUICK
TIMER

0:00 0:30 1:00 10:30 11:00

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

To extend the duration

Press QUICK TIMER repeatedly to set to the new duration.

To stop recording

To stop the VCR while recording, press p STOP.

Tip

• You can also set the quick timer and start recording during the stop mode.

Additional Operations 29

Checking/
changing/
cancelling timer
settings

Before you start…

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

1 Press u to turn on the VCR.
2 Press MENU and select TIMER SET/CHECK:

• If you want to change a setting, go on to the
next step.

• If you do not need to change the settings,
press EXECUTE, then turn off the VCR to
return to recording standby.

3 Press CURSOR >/. to select the setting you want to change or cancel:

• To change the setting, press CURSOR ?// to flash the item you
want to change, and press CURSOR >/. to reset it. Then, press
CURSOR / repeatedly until the cursor (z) appears at the top of the
line.

• To cancel the setting, press TIMER CLEAR.

4 Press EXECUTE.

If any settings remain, turn off the VCR to return to recording standby.

TIMER CLEAR

u

(on/standby)
MENU

CURSOR
>/./?//

EXECUTE

25 .1

TIMER SET / CHECK WE

DATE START STOP PROG

MO

.6 1 7:00 8:00 6

2

.8 1 1 : 00 0 :00 50

WE

SA

MO

– 0:12 3:00 27

3:00 0:00 L2

EVERY

SU

2
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –
–.– – – : –– – : –– –– –

2

1

SP
LP
LP
SP

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

Programme 1
Programme 2

Additional Operations30

20 seconds

20 seconds will be cut off

Recording stereo programmes

The VCR can only record stereo and bilingual programmes through the line
input. When stereo or bilingual sound is input through the line input,
“STEREO” appears on the screen and in the display window. You cannot
select the sound to listen.

Selecting the sound during playback

Press AUDIO MONITOR to select the sound you want.

To listen to

Stereo/main and sub
(left and right channels)

Left channel/main
Right channel/sub
Standard sound*

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

On-screen display

STEREO

LCH
RCH
No indicator

How sound is recorded on a video tape

The VCR records sound onto two separate tracks. Hi-fi audio is recorded
onto the main track along with the picture. Monaural sound is recorded
onto the normal audio track along the edge of the tape.

Stereo Bilingual

Mixed left/right

Normal audio track
(monaural)

Hi-fi audio track
(main track)

channels

Stereo sound (left/
right channels)

Display window

STEREO

STEREO
STEREO
No indicator

Mixed left/right
channels

Main (left channel)
Sub (right channel)

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. For details, see page 33.

Additional Operations 31

Adjusting the picture

Adjusting the tracking

Although the VCR automatically adjusts the tracking when playing a tape
(the AUTO TRACKING indicator flashes in the display window, then lights
steadily), distortion may occur if the tape was recorded in poor condition. If
so, manually adjust the tracking.

Press $/4 TRACKING NORMAL/SLOW on the
VCR to display the tracking meter. 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/MANUAL
to return to automatic adjustment.

About Adaptive Picture Control (APC)

Adaptive Picture Control (APC) 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.

NORMAL TRACKING

Tracking meter

SET UP MENU

DIMMER •ON OFF
AUDIO MIX •ON OFF
APC •ON OFF

SELECT

[]
[]

SET::

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

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

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 r REC to have the VCR analyse the tape
(the APC indicator flashes rapidly). After the APC indicator stops flashing, press
P PAUSE to start recording immediately. If you want to start recording quickly
without using the APC function, first set the VCR to recording pause (the APC
indicator flashes slowly) and press P PAUSE to start recording.

Additional Operations32

Recucing streaks and/or snow

If you are not satisfied with the
picture quality while playing a tape,
even when the APC is on, try setting
RENTAL PICTURE to ON.

RENTAL PICTURE

Additional Operations 33

Changing menu options

1 Press MENU, then select SET UP MENU.

2 Press CURSOR >/. to select the option to

change, then press CURSOR ?// to
change the setting.

3 Press EXECUTE to return to the original

screen.

Menu choices

Initial settings are indicated in bold print.

Menu option

DIMMER
AUDIO MIX

APC

Set this option to

ON to make the display window dim, OFF to make it brighter.
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.
ON to switch on the APC (Adaptive Picture Control) function and

improve picture quality, OFF to switch off APC.

SET UP MENU

DIMMER
AUDIO MIX
APC ON• OFF

SELECT :
SET :

[ V v ]
[ B b ]

ON • OFF
ON • OFF

Additional Operations34

Editing with another VCR

How to connect to record on this VCR

This VCR (Recorder)

LINE-2 IN

VMC-910MS audio/video cable (not supplied)

: Signal flow

Notes

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

• If the other VCR is a monaural type, leave the red plugs unconnected.

• If you connected this VCR to both the LINE IN and LINE OUT jacks of the other

VCR, select the input correctly to prevent a humming noise.

• You can also use the LINE-1 IN jacks instead.

Other VCR (Player)

LINE OUT

TV

continued

Additional Operations 35

Editing with another VCR (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 to display “L2”
in the display window.

• Press TAPE SPEED 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 P PAUSE.

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

time.

To stop editing

Press the p STOP buttons on both VCRs.

Tips

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

• To cut out unwanted scenes while editing, press P PAUSE on this VCR when an

unwanted scene begins. When it ends, press P PAUSE again to resume recording
(Assemble Editing).

Note

• If you start recording following the procedure above, the VCR won’t start recording
with the APC function. To record a tape with the APC function, press r REC again
during recording pause in step 3 so that the VCR analyzes the tape. Then when you
start recording in step 4, press P PAUSE after the APC indicator stops flashing. If
you press P PAUSE before the APC indicator stops flashing, the APC function is
cancelled.

P PAUSE

r REC

Additional Operations36

Additional Information

Troubleshooting

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

Symptom

The ON/STANDBY switch

does not function.

The power is turned on but the

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 picture is not clear.

Playback

The picture rolls vertically
during picture search.

The picture has no sound.

The sound is unstable or has an
echo.

Remedy

• Connect the mains lead securely.

• Moisture condensation occurs. Turn the power off,
unplug the mains lead and leave the VCR to dry for
over an hour.

• The clock stops if the VCR is disconnected from the
mains for more than three 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.

• Adjust the tracking with the $/4 TRACKING
NORMAL/SLOW 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 V-25CL video head cleaning
cassette. If this cleaning cassette is 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 wet­type 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. Use a new tape.

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

Symptoms caused by contaminated video heads

• Normal picture

initial

• Unclear picture• Rough picture

• No picture (or
black & white
screen appears)

terminal

Additional Information

continued

37

Troubleshooting (continued)

Symptom

No TV programmes appear
on the TV screen.

TV reception is poor.

The tape starts playing as soon
as it is inserted.

Recording

The tape is ejected when you
press r REC.

Nothing happens when you
press r REC.

The timer does not operate.

Timer recording

No tape can be inserted.

The remote commander does
not function.

Others

The tracking indicator does not
appear on the screen.

The VCR needs to be cleaned.

Remedy

• Make sure the TV is set to the video channel. If you are
using a monitor, set it to video input.

• Adjust the TV aerial.

• Make sure the TV SYSTEM switch is set to the system

in your area.

• Adjust the RF CHANNEL screw at the rear of the VCR
with an RF screwdriver.

• Make sure SYSTEM (B/G or D/K) in the TUNER
PRESET menu is set to the system in your area.

• The safety tab has been removed. To record on this
tape, cover the tab hole.

• Check that the safety tab has not been removed.

• Make sure the tape is not at its end.

• Select the correct source with the INPUT SELECT

buttons. Select a programme position when recording
TV programmes; select “L1” or “L2”when recording
from other equipment.

• Check that the clock is set.

• Make sure a tape has been inserted.

• Check that the safety tab has not been removed.

• Make sure the tape is not at its end.

• Make sure a programme has been set for timer

recording.

• Make sure your timer settings have not already passed
the current time.

• The clock stops if the VCR is disconnected from the
mains for more than three hours. Reset the clock and
timer.

• Check that a tape isn’t already in the tape
compartment.

• Make sure you are pointing the remote commander at
the remote sensor on the VCR.

• Replace all the batteries in the remote commander with
new ones if they are weak.

• Make sure the TV / VTR remote control switch is set
correctly.

• The recording condition of the tape is very poor and
tracking cannot be adjusted, or the NTSC system is
being used.

• 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.

38

Additional Information

Specifications

System

Channel coverage

VHF R1 to R12, E2 to E12
UHF E21 to E69, R21 to R69
CATV S01 to S05, S1 to S41

RF output signal

UHF channels 30 to 39

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 OUT

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

General

Power requirements

110 – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz

Power consumption

24 W

Operating temperature

5°C to 40°C

Storage temperature

–20°C to 60°C

Dimensions

Approx. 430 x 109 x 310 mm (w/h/d)
including projecting parts and controls

Mass

Approx. 4.3 kg

Supplied accessories

Remote commander (1)
R6 (Size AA) batteries (2)
Aerial cable (1)
Mains lead (1)
Audio/video cable (3-phono to 3-phono) (1)
Plug adaptor (1) (SLV-X815ME/X815SG)

Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.

Additional Information

39

Index to parts and controls

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

Front panel

1 ON/STANDBY switch/indicator (8)

2 Tape compartment

3 INPUT SELECT button (23, 25)

4 6 EJECT button (19)

5 · PLAY button (19)

6 p STOP button (19, 22)

7 r REC button (22)

8 DUAL MODE SHUTTLE ring

(19, 27)

9 P PAUSE button (19)

!º PROGRAM +/– buttons (8)

!¡ TAPE SPEED button (22)

!™ RENTAL PICTURE switch (33)

!£ COLOR SYSTEM switch (19)

!¢ LINE-2 IN VIDEO/AUDIO L/R

jacks (35)

!∞ COUNTER RESET button (20)

!§ Remote sensor (5)

40

Additional Information

Display window

AUTOTRACKING

TIMER

REC

SP
EP
LP

1 TIMER indicator (25)

2 AUTO TRACKING indicator (32)

3 Tape speed indicator (22)

4 APC indicator (32)

5 STEREO indicator (31)

Rear panel

APC

H M S

6 Line/programme position indicator

(8, 22)

7 Time counter/clock (20)

8 REC (recording) indicator

9 Tape indicator

STEREO

1 AC IN connector (6)

2 LINE-1 IN VIDEO/AUDIO L/R

jacks (35)

3 RF CHANNEL screw (9)

4 AERIAL IN connector (6)

5 AERIAL OUT connector (6)

6 TV SYSTEM switch (9)

7 NTSC PB switch (20)

8 LINE OUT VIDEO/AUDIO L/R

DISP ON jacks (7)

continued

Additional Information

41

Index to parts and controls (continued)

Remote commander

1 6 EJECT button (19)
2 TV/VIDEO button (for TV) (5)

3 TIMER CLEAR button (30)

4 QUICK TIMER button (29)

5 AUDIO MONITOR button (31)

6 COUNTER RESET button (20)

7 INPUT SELECT button (23, 25)

8 TAPE SPEED button (22)

9 $/4TRACKING NORMAL/SLOW

!º TRACKING AUTO/MANUAL

!¡ &SLOW +/– buttons (27)

!™ /7 FRAME buttons (27)

!£ 3/# SEARCH buttons (19, 27)

STILL ADJUST buttons (32)

button (32)

7

42

Additional Information

!¢ 0 REW button (19, 27)

!∞ TV / VTR remote control switch (5)

!§ u (on/standby) switch (8, 25)

!¶ Menu operation buttons (10)

MENU button
CURSOR >/./?// buttons
EXECUTE button

!• Programme number / ? (ten’s

digit) buttons (23)

!ª WIDE button

switches the wide mode of a Sony
wide TV.

@º PROG +/– buttons (16, 22)
@¡ VOL +/– buttons (for TV)

@™ DISPLAY button (20, 22)

@£ SKIP button (27)
@¢ × 2 button (27)

@∞ r REC button (22)

@§ P PAUSE button (19)

@¶ ) FF button (19)

@• · PLAY button (19)

@ª p STOP button (19, 22)

Additional Information

43

Index

A, B

Accessories supplied 4
Adjusting

picture 32

tracking 32
Aerial hookup 6
AFT (Auto Fine Tuning) 17
APC (Adaptive Picture

Control) 32
AV connection 6

C

Cancelling timer settings 30
Changing timer settings 30
Cleaning the video

heads 37
Clock setting 11
Colour system

compatible colour

systems 2

setting 19
Connecting

the VCR and your TV 6

to a TV with audio/

video jacks 6
Counter 20

D

Disabling programme
position 17

Dubbing. See Editing

E, F, G

Editing 35
EP mode 23, 26, 36

H, I, J, K

Hi-fi audiotrack 31

L

Language selection 10
LP mode 22

M

Monitoring

during playback 31

N, O

Normal audio track 31
NTSC-recorded tapes 20

P

Picture adjustment. See
Adjusting

Playback 18

at various speeds 19, 27
frame-by-frame 27
skip 27
slow motion 27

Presetting channels 13

Q

Quick timer 29

R

Recording 21

saving 22
while watching another

programme 22

Remote commander 5

S

Safety tab 22
Searching at various

speeds 27
SP mode 22

T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z

Timer recording 24

cancelling timer
settings 30

changing timer
settings 30

checking timer
settings 30

daily/weekly
recording 26

overlapping timer
recordings 30

Tracking adjustment. See
Adjusting

Tuning the VCR 13
Tuning the VCR to your

TV 8
TV system 9

Sony Corporation