Page 1
3-859-241-11 (1)
Video Cassette
Player
Operating Instructions
SLV-XA125TK
SLV-XF245TK
©1996 by Sony Corporation
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
PAL NTSC 4.43
PAL NTSC
Page 2
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 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.
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 unit is designed to play back and
record using the following colour systems:
SLV-XA125TK
PA L
MESECAM
NTSC 4.43
Playback
•
•
•
Recording
–
–
–
SLV-XF245TK
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 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.
Playback
PA L
MESECAM
NTSC 4.43
NTSC 3.58
Recording of video sources based on other
colour systems cannot be guaranteed.
• 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.
•
•
•
•
Recording
•
•
•
•
Introduction
2
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
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Table of contents
Getting Started
4 Step 1: Unpacking
5 Step 2: Setting up the remote commander
6 Step 3: Connecting the unit
8 Step 4: Tuning your TV to the unit
Basic Operations
10 Playing a tape
Additional Operations
14 Playing/searching at various
speeds
16 Adjusting the picture
17 Editing with another VCR
Additional Information
19 Troubleshooting
21 Specifications
22 Index to parts and controls
Back cover
Index
Getting Started
Introduction
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
3
Page 4
Getting Started
Step 1
Unpacking
Check that you have received the following items with the unit:
• Remote commander
• R6 (Size AA) batteries
• Aerial cable
• Audio/video cable (3-phono to 3-phono)
(SLV-XF245 TK only)
• Mains lead
Checking your model name
The instructions in this manual are for the 2 models: SLV-XF245TK
and XA125TK. Check your model number by looking at the rear
panel of your unit. The SLV-XF245TK is the model used for
illustration purposes. Any difference in operation is clearly indicated
in the text, for example, “SLV-XA125TK only.”
Getting Started4
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
Page 5
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.
Getting Started
Using the remote commander
Remote sensor
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.
TV/VIDEO
;
u
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 mix different types of batteries.
Press
u
;
VOL +/–
PROG(CH) +/–
TV/VIDEO
Getting Started
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
5
Page 6
Step 3
AERIAL
OUT
IN
Connecting the unit
AERIAL OUT
AC IN AERIAL IN
to mains
: Signal flow
Aerial cable
1 Disconnect the aerial cable from your TV
and connect it to AERIAL IN on the rear
panel of the unit.
2 Connect AERIAL OUT of the unit and
the aerial input of your TV using the
supplied aerial cable.
3 Connect AC IN of the unit to the mains
using the supplied mains lead.
AERIAL
OUT
IN
Getting Started6
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
Page 7
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
right.
For SLV-XA125TK
This unit
AUDIO VIDEO
LINE OUT
Audio/video cable (not supplied)
For SLV-XF245TK
This unit
AUDIO VIDEO
LINE IN
LINE OUT
Audio/video cable
Getting Started
TV
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
TV
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
To a stereo system (SLV-XF245TK
only)
You can improve sound quality by
connecting a stereo system as
shown on the right.
This unit Stereo system
AUDIO VIDEO
LINE IN
LINE OUT
AUX IN
Audio cable (not supplied)
Getting Started
7
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
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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.
u (on/standby)
1 Press u (on/standby) to turn on the unit.
2 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.
3 Insert a tape recorded in the colour system matching your TV into
the cassette compartment.
The unit starts playing automatically if you insert a tape with its
safety tab removed.
4 Press · PLAY on the unit.
5 Tune the TV until the video playback picture is clearly displayed on
the TV screen.
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.
If the playback picture does not appear clearly, see “To obtain a clear
playback picture” on page 9.
Getting Started8
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
Page 9
To obtain a clear playback picture
If the playback picture does not
appear clearly in step 5 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.
Selecting 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
Getting Started
G
K
Getting Started
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
9
Page 10
Basic Operations
Playing a tape
6 EJECT
P PAUSE
3/#
SEARCH
) FF
· PLAY
p STOP
0 REW
PICTURE
NTSC PB
COLOR SYSTEM
1 Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.
2 Insert a tape.
(SLV-XA125TK)
The unit turns on, and starts playing
automatically.
Basic Operations
10
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
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(SLV-XF245TK)
The unit turns on, and starts playing
automatically if you insert a tape with its
safety tab removed.
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
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
PA L
NTSC
MESECAM
Press
p STOP
P PAUSE
P PAUSE or · PLAY
) FF or # SEARCH during playback
0 REW or 3 SEARCH during playback
) FF during stop
0 REW during stop
6 EJECT
Set COLOR SYSTEM to
PAL/MESECAM
NTSC
PAL/MESECAM
Basic Operations
continued
Basic Operations 11
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
Page 12
Playing a tape (continued)
To play an NTSC-recorded tape
Set NTSC PB on the unit according to the colour system of your TV.
If your TV is
PA L
NTSC 4.43
NTSC 3.58
Set NTSC PB to
ON PAL TV
NTSC 4.43
NTSC 3.58 (SLV-XF245TK only)
Watching a rental tape
Set PICTURE on the unit to RENTAL PICTURE. Noise will be reduced on
the playback picture. After watching the rental tape, set the switch back to
NORMAL.
Selecting the sound during
playback (SLV-XF245TK only)
Press AUDIO MONITOR to select
the desired sound. Each press of the
button changes the display on the
unit. When you play a tape
AUDIO MONITOR
recorded in stereo or with a
bilingual sound track, the HiFi
indicator on the unit lights up.
To listen to a
Stereo tape’s
Stereo sound
Left channel
Right channel
Standard sound*
* The mixed sound of left and right channels (monaural)
Bilingual tape’s
Main and sub sounds
Main sound
Sub sound
Standard sound*
Press AUDIO MONITOR until the
display window indicator shows
“L/R”
“L”
“R”
No indication
12
Basic Operations
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
Page 13
How sound is recorded on a video tape (SLV-XF245TK only)
The unit 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
channels
Normal audio track
(monaural)
Hi-fi audio track
(main track)
Stereo sound
(left/right
channels)
Notes
• 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.
• To listen to playback sounds in stereo, you must use the AUDIO OUT connections
(SLV-XF245TK only).
• When you play a tape recorded in monaural, the sound is heard in monaural
regardless of the AUDIO MONITOR setting.
• You cannot select the sound to listen to while recording.
• You can playback tapes recorded in the SP mode only.
• You can eject a tape even when the power is off. When you press 6 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.
Mixed left/right
channels
Main (left channel)
Sub (right channel)
Basic Operations
Basic Operations 13
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
Page 14
Additional Operations
Playing/searching
at various speeds
& SLOW +/–
7 FRAME
Playback options
Fast-forward/rewind
View the picture during fastforward or rewind
Play at high speed
Play in slow motion
Play frame by frame
Rewind and start play
· PLAY
0 REW
Operation
During stop, press ) FF or 0 REW.
During fast-forward, hold ) FF down. During rewind, hold
0 REW down.
During playback or pause, press # SEARCH or 3 SEARCH.
During playback or pause, press & SLOW+/–. Press the +/–
buttons to change the speed.
During pause, press 7 FRAME to advance the picture one frame.
Hold the button down to play one frame each second.
During stop, hold 0 REW on the unit down and press · PLAY
on the unit.
) FF
3/#
SEARCH
) FF
· PLAY
0 REW
Additional Operations
14
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
Page 15
To resume normal playback
Press · PLAY.
Tip
• If the picture shakes while in the still mode, adjust the picture using $/4
TRACKING NORMAL/SLOW STILL ADJUST on the unit.
Notes
• Streaks or snow cannot be eliminated completely in the various playback
operations.
• The sound is muted during these operations.
Additional Operations 15
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
Page 16
Adjusting the
picture
Adjusting the tracking
Although the unit automatically
adjusts the tracking when
playing a tape, distortion may
occur if the tape was recorded in
poor condition. If so, manually
adjust the tracking.
Press $/4 TRACKING
NORMAL/SLOW 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/MANUAL to return to
automatic adjustment.
About OPC
OPC (Optimum Picture Control) 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. You can play a tape using the OPC function even if the tape was not
recorded with it.
Notes
• The auto tracking function works automatically when you play back a tape just
after inserting it.
• 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.
$/4
TRACKING
NORMAL/
SLOW
TRACKING
AUTO/
MANUAL
16
Additional Operations
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
Page 17
Editing with another VCR
(SLV-XF245TK only)
How to connect to record on this unit
This unit (Recorder)
LINE IN
LINE OUT
VMC-810 audio/video cable (not supplied)
: Signal flow
Tips
• If the other VCR is a monaural type, use a connecting cable like the Sony VMC910MS.
Notes
• Make sure you connect the plugs to jacks of the same colour.
• When connecting the units, do not simultaneously connect the LINE IN and LINE
OUT jacks on your unit with the other VCR. A humming noise may occur if you do
this.
TV
Other VCR (Player)
continued
Additional Operations 17
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
Page 18
Editing with another VCR (continued)
Operation (when
P PAUSE
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.
Before you start editing
• Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.
r REC
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) unit.
Search for the point to start recording and press P PAUSE.
3 Press r REC on this unit to set it to recording pause.
4 To start editing, press the P PAUSE buttons on both units at the same
time.
To stop editing
Press the p STOP buttons on both units.
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.
18
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 the Sony V-25CL video head cleaning cassette.
Tips
• To edit more precisely, press the P PAUSE buttons on the units to release pause.
• To cut out unwanted scenes while editing, press P PAUSE on this unit when an
unwanted scene begins. When that scene ends, press P PAUSE again to resume
recording.
Note
• You can record tapes only in SP mode.
Additional Operations
Safety tab
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
Page 19
Additional Information
Troubleshooting
If you have any questions or problems not covered below, please consult your
nearest Sony service facility.
Symptom
The u (on/standby) switch
does not function.
The power is turned on but the
unit does not operate.
The VCR 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.
Symptoms caused by contaminated video heads
• Normal picture • Rough picture • Unclear picture
Remedy
• Connect the mains lead securely.
• Moisture condensation occurs. 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 u to restart the unit. If the unit
does not work after pressing u again, disconnect the
mains lead from the mains. Wait for at least 15
seconds. Then reconnect mains, and press u 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 $/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.
• No picture (or
black & white
screen appears)
initial terminal
Additional Information
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
continued
19
Page 20
Troubleshooting (continued)
Symptom
The tape starts playing as soon
as it is inserted.
The tape is ejected when you
press r REC.
Recording*
No tape can be inserted.
The remote commander does
not function.
Others
The unit needs to be cleaned.
* SLV-XF245TK only
Remedy
• The safety tab has been removed. To record on this
tape, cover the tab hole.
• Check that the safety tab has not been removed.
• 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 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.
20
Additional Information
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
Page 21
Specifications
System
RF output signal
UHF channels 30 to 39
Aerial out
75-ohm asymmetrical aerial socket
Inputs and outputs
LINE IN (SLV-XF245TK only)
VIDEO IN, phono jack (1)
Input signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms,
unbalanced, sync negative
AUDIO IN,
phono jack (2)
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) (SLV-XA125TK)
phono jack (2) (SLV-XF245TK)
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
10 W
Operating temperature
5°C to 40°C
Storage temperature
–20°C to 60°C
Dimensions
Approx. 355 x 102 x 283.5 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)
Mains lead (1)
Audio/video cable (3-phono to 3-phono)
(SLV-XF245TK only) (1)
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
Additional Information
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
21
Page 22
Index to parts and controls
Refer to the pages indicated in parentheses ( ) for details.
Front panel (SLV-XA125TK)
Front panel (SLV-XF245TK)
HI-FI
REC
L R
1 u (on/standby) switch/indicator (8)
2 § EJECT button (11)
3 Tape compartment
4 Tape operation indicators
5 HiFi L/R indicators (SLV-XF245TK
only) (12)
6 REC (recording) indicator (SLV-
XF245TK only)
7 AUDIO MONITOR button (SLV-
XF245TK only) (12)
8 03 REW button (11, 14)
22
Additional Information
9 · PLAY button (11)
!º )# FF button (11, 14)
!¡ r REC button (SLV-XF245TK only)
(18)
!™ p STOP button (11)
!£ P PAUSE button (11)
!¢ PICTURE switch (12)
!∞ NTSC PB switch (12)
!§ COLOR SYSTEM switch (11)
!¶ Remote sensor (5)
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
Page 23
Rear panel (SLV-XA125TK)
Rear panel (SLV-XF245TK)
1 AC IN connector (6)
2 RF CHANNEL screw (9)
3 AERIAL OUT connector (6)
4 LINE IN VIDEO/AUDIO L/R
jacks (SLV-XF245TK only) (17)
5 LINE OUT VIDEO/AUDIO jacks
(SLV-XA125TK only) (7)
LINE OUT VIDEO/AUDIO L/R
jacks (SLV-XF245TK only) (7)
6 AERIAL IN connector (6)
7 TV SYSTEM switch (9)
continued
Additional Information
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
23
Page 24
Index to parts and controls (continued)
Remote commander
1 6␣ EJECT button (11)
2 TV/VTR button (This button doesn’t
3 TV buttons (Only for TV) (5)
4 7␣ FRAME button (14)
5 TRACKING AUTO/MANUAL
6 r REC button (For SLV-XF245TK
work for this unit)
TV/VIDEO
; (TV power)
u (Power standby)
VOL +/–
PROG (CH) +/–
button (16)
only) (18)
24
Additional Information
7 P␣ PAUSE button (11)
8 0␣ REW button (11, 14)
9 p␣ STOP button (11)
!º u (on/standby) switch (8)
!¡ & SLOW +/– buttons (14)
!™ $/4TRACKING NORMAL/SLOW
STILL ADJUST buttons (16)
!£ 3/# SEARCH buttons (11, 14)
!¢ ·␣ PLAY button (11)
!∞ )␣ FF button (11, 14)
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
Page 25
Index
A, B
Accessories supplied 4
Adjusting
picture 16
tracking 16
Aerial hookup 6
Audio track 13
Auto head cleaner 18
AV connection 7
C
Cleaning the video
heads 19
Colour system
compatible colour
systems 2
setting 11
Connecting
the VCR and your TV 6
to a TV with audio/
video jacks 7
D
Dubbing. See Editing
E, F, G
Editing 17
N
Normal audio track 13
NTSC-recorded tapes 12
O
OPC (Optimum Picture
Control) 16
P, Q
Picture adjustment. See
Adjusting
Playback 10
at various speeds 11, 14
frame-by-frame 14
slow motion 14
R
Recording 18
Remote commander 5
Rental tape 12
RF CHANNEL screw 9
S
Safety tab 18
Searching at various
speeds 14
SP mode 13
H, I, J, K, L
Hi-fi audio track 13
M
Monitoring
during playback 12
Sony Corporation
T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
Tracking adjustment. See
Adjusting
Tuning your TV to the
unit 8
TV system 9
SLV-XF245TK/XA125TK 3-859-241-11 (1)
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