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 (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.
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.
Introduction
2
Page 3
Table of contents
Getting Started
4Step 1: Unpacking
5Step 2: Setting up the remote commander
6Step 3: Hookups
Basic Operations
11 Playing a tape
Additional Operations
15 Playing/searching at various
speeds
17 Adjusting the picture
18 Editing with another VCR (SLV-
XF247PL only)
Additional Information
20 General setup information
21 Troubleshooting
23 Specifications
24 Index to parts and controls
back cover
Index
Getting Started
Introduction
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
• 75-ohm coaxial cable with F-type
connectors
• Audio/video cable (3-phono to
3-phono) (SLV-XF247PL only)
Checking your model name
Getting Started
4
The instructions in this manual are for the 2 models: SLV-XA127PL,
and XF247PL. Check your model number by looking at the rear
panel of your unit. The SLV-XF247PL is the model used for
illustration purposes. Any difference in operation is clearly indicated
in the text, for example, “SLV-XA127PL only.”
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.
Insert the negative (–) end first, then push
in and down until the positive (+) end
clicks into position.
Getting Started
Using the remote commander
You can use this remote
Remote sensor
commander to operate the unit
and a Sony TV. To operate this
unit, point at the remote sensor
REC
on the unit. To operate the TV,
point at the remote sensor on
the TV.
TV/VIDEO
; (TV power)
u
(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 mix different types of batteries.
Press
u (on/standby)
; (TV power)
VOL +/–
PROG (CH) +/–
TV/VIDEO
Getting Started
5
Page 6
Step 3
Hookups
Selecting the hookup
There are basically two ways to hookup this unit depending on whether
your TV has audio/video inputs or not.
If your TV has audio/video inputs
See “Audio/video (A/V) hookup” on pages 7 and 8.
If your TV doesn’t have audio/video inputs
See “Antenna hookup” on pages 9 and 10.
Before you get started
• Turn off the power to all equipment.
• Do not connect the AC power cords until all of the connections are
completed.
• Be sure you make connections firmly. Loose connections may cause
picture distortion.
• If your TV doesn’t match any of the examples provided, see your nearest
Sony dealer or qualified technician.
Getting Started
6
Page 7
Audio/video (A/V) hookup
If your TV has audio/video (A/V) input jacks, you will get a better picture
and sound if you hook up your unit using these connections.
For SLV-XF247PL, you should also connect the audio outputs of your unit or
TV to your stereo system for a true “home theater” experience.
You’re finished setting up the unit after you’ve made the connections.
If your TV doesn’t have A/V inputs, see page 9 for antenna hookup.
(For SLV-XA127PL)
A Use this hookup if your TV has stereo jacks
This unit
TV
AUDIO VIDEO
LINE OUT
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
Audio/video cable (not supplied)
B Use this hookup if your TV doesn’t have stereo jacks
Getting Started
This unit
AUDIO VIDEO
LINE OUT
Audio/video cable (not supplied)
TV
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
continued
Getting Started
7
Page 8
Step 3: Hookups (continued)
(For SLV-XF247PL)
A Use this hookup if your TV has stereo jacks
This unit
AUDIO VIDEO
LINE 1 IN
LINE 1 OUT
TV
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
AUDIO OUT
Audio/video cable (supplied)
B Use this hookup if your TV doesn’t have stereo jacks
This unit
AUDIO VIDEO
LINE 1 IN
LINE 1 OUT
Video cable (not supplied)Audio cable (not supplied)
Note (SLV-XF247PL only)
• To play a tape in stereo, you must use the A/V connection.
TV
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
Stereo receiver
AUX IN
Stereo receiver
AUX IN
Getting Started
8
Page 9
Antenna hookup
Make the following connections if your TV doesn’t have A/V inputs.
A Use this hookup if you’re using:
• VHF/UHF antenna (you get channels 2–13 and channels 14 and higher)
• UHF-only antenna (you get channels 14 and higher)
• Separate VHF and UHF antennas
Rear of TV
VHF/UHF
A
Match the type of
connector on your
TV: A, B, or C.
B
This unit
VHF/UHF
IN
OUT
or
VHF
UHF
or
VHF
C
Antenna cable (supplied)
UHF
B Use this hookup if you’re using a VHF-only antenna (you get
channels 2–13 only)
Rear of TV
Match the type of
connector on your
A
TV: A, B, or C.
B
For connector types
B and C, no UHF
connection is
required.
C
This unit
VHF/UHF
IN
OUT
Antenna cable (supplied)
VHF/UHF
or
or
VHF
UHF
VHF
UHF
Getting Started
If you cannot connect your antenna cable to the unit directly
If your antenna cable is a flat cable (300-ohm twin lead cable), attach an external
antenna connector (not supplied) so you can connect the cable to the VHF/UHF IN
connector. If you have separate cables for VHF and UHF antennas, you should use a
U/V band mixer (not supplied). For details, see page 20.
continued
Getting Started
9
Page 10
Step 3: Hookups (continued)
Antenna hookup: Video cassette player setup
When connecting the unit to the TV using only the antenna cable, you must
set the RF UNIT switch on the rear of the unit so that the TV can receive the
correct signal from the unit.
1Set the RF UNIT switch to
CH 3 or CH 4, whichever
channel is not used in your
area. If both are used, set the
switch to either channel.
2Insert a recorded tape into
the tape compartment.
(SLV-XA127PL)
The unit turns on and starts
playing automatically.
(SLV-XF247PL)
The unit turns on and starts
playing automatically if you
insert a tape with its safety
tab removed.
RF UNIT
CH3
CH4
3Press TV/VTR to turn on the
TV/VTR indicator in the
display window.
4Press · PLAY (if playback
didn’t start in step 2).
5Turn on your TV and set it to
the channel you selected in
step 1 (channel 3 or 4).
The video playback picture
will be clearly displayed on
the TV screen.
Whenever you use the unit,
set the TV to the channel
selected in step 1.
TV/VTR
· PLAY
Getting Started
10
Page 11
Basic Operations
Playing a tape
6 EJECT
3/#
SEARCH
P PAUSE
) FF
· PLAY
p STOP
0 REW
Basic Operations
1Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.
2Insert a tape.
The unit turns on, and starts playing
automatically if you insert a tape with its
safety tab removed.
PLAY
3Press · PLAY.
When the tape reaches the end, it will rewind automatically.
REC
continued
Basic Operations
11
Page 12
Playing a tape (continued)
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
Notes
• 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.
• You can play back tapes recorded in the SP and EP mode.
Press
p STOP
P P AUSE
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
Basic Operations
12
Page 13
Selecting the sound
during playback
(SLV-XF247PL only)
Press AUDIO MONITOR to select
the sound you want. Each press
of the button changes the
indicator in the display window.
When you play a tape recorded in
stereo or with a bilingual sound
track, the Hi-Fi Stereo indicator in
the display window lights up.
AUDIO
MONITOR
To listen to a
Stereo tape’ s
Stereo sound
Left channel
Right channel
Standard sound*
*1 Usually the mixed sound of left and right channels (monaural)
*2 Usually the main sound (monaural)
Bilingual tape’s
Main and sub sounds
Main sound
Sub sound
1
Standard sound*
2
Press AUDIO MONITOR until the
display window indicator shows
L/R
L
R
No indication
How sound is recorded on a video tape
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.
StereoBilingual
Usually mixed
Normal audio track
(monaural)
Hi-fi audio track
(main track)
Notes
• To listen to playback sounds in stereo, you must use the AUDIO OUT connections.
• When you play back 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.
left/right channels
Stereo sound
(left/right channels)
Usually main
sound
Main (left channel)
Sub (right channel)
Basic Operations
continued
Basic Operations
13
Page 14
Playing a tape (continued)
Turning on the unit and TV, and starting playback
automatically (Trinitron TV Synchro Play)
You can only use this function if your TV is made by Sony (Trinitron TV).
How to connect to use this function
Connect the unit and TV with the audio/video cable (see “Audio/video (A/
V) hookup” on page 7). Be sure to connect the audio/video cable to the
VIDEO IN 1 jacks on the TV if the TV has two inputs or more. The TV must
be placed where it will respond to the remote commander while you are
pointing it at the unit.
Operation
Make sure that the TV’s power is in standby mode.
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.
Basic Operations
14
Page 15
Additional Operations
Playing/searching
at various speeds
· PLAY
0 3 REW
) # FF
SLOW +/–
3/#
SEARCH
7 FRAME
) FF
· PLAY
REC
Playback options
Fast-forward/rewind
View the picture during fast-
forward or rewind
Play at high speed
Play in slow motion
Play frame by frame
Rewind and start 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 03 REW on the unit down and press
· PLAY on the unit.
continued
Additional Operations
15
Page 16
Playing/searching at various speeds (continued)
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.
Notes
• Streaks or snow cannot be eliminated completely in the various playback
operations, especially in the slow motion mode.
• The sound is muted during these operations.
• If you press 7 FRAME during playback, playback continues at the normal speed
but the sound is muted. Press · PLAY to resume normal playback.
Additional Operations
16
Page 17
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/MANU to return to
automatic adjustment.
TRACKING
AUTO/MANU
$/4
TRACKING
NORMAL/
SLOW
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 and the tapes that were not recorded with OPC.
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.
Additional Operations 17
Page 18
Editing with another VCR (SLVXF247PL only)
How to connect to record on this unit
This unit (Recorder)
LINE 1 IN
Audio/video cable (not supplied)
: Signal flow
Tips
• If the other VCR is a monaural type, use a commercially available 3-phono to
2-phono type audio/video cable.
• You can also use the LINE 2 IN jacks on the front of the unit.
Notes
• Make sure you connect the plugs to the 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.
Other VCR (Player)
LINE OUT
TV
Additional Operations
18
Page 19
Operation (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.
P PAUSE
REC
Before you start editing
• Turn on your TV and set it to the
video channel.
INPUT SELECT
TAPE SPEED
r REC
1Set INPUT SELECT to LINE 1 (or LINE 2).
2Set TAPE SPEED to select the tape speed, SP, or EP.
EP (Extra Play) provides a recording time three times as long as SP
(Standard Play). However, SP produces better picture quality.
3Insert 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.
4Insert a tape with its safety tab in place into this (recording) unit.
Search for the point to start recording and press P PAUSE.
5Press r REC on this unit to set it to recording pause.
The REC indicator lights up in the display window.
6To 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.
Safety tab
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.
Additional Operations 19
Page 20
Additional Information
General setup
information
Attaching an external antenna connector
300-ohm to 75-ohm matching transformer
When using a 300-ohm twin lead cable for a
VHF/UHF antenna, use an antenna connector
(not supplied) to connect the antenna to the
unit.
1Loosen the screws on the
antenna connector .
2Wind the twin leads around the
screws on the antenna
connector.
3Retighten the screw.
75-ohm to 300-ohm matching transformer
When using a TV with the 300-ohm VHF
terminal, use this type antenna connector (not
supplied) to connect the 75-ohm coaxial cable
to the TV.
1Connect the 75-ohm coaxial
cable to the antenna connector.
2Attach the 300-ohm Y type
terminal to the TV.
Attaching a UHF/VHF band mixer
When using both a 75-ohm coaxial cable and a
300-ohm twin lead cable for a VHF/UHF
antenna, use a UHF/VHF band separator/
mixer (not supplied) to connect the antenna to
the unit.
1Loosen the screws on the mixer.
2Wind the twin leads around the
screws on the mixer.
3Retighten the screws.
4Connect the 75-ohm coaxial
cable to the mixer.
75-ohm coaxial
cable
to the 300-ohm VHF terminal
on the TV
300-ohm twin
lead cable
75-ohm coaxial
cable
Antenna connector
(not supplied)
300-ohm twin
lead cable
Antenna
connector (not
supplied)
UHF/VHF
band
separator/
mixer (not
supplied)
20
Additional Information
Page 21
Troubleshooting
If you have any questions or problems not covered below, please consult your nearest Sony
service facility.
Symptom
The POWER 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 r REC.
Nothing happens when you
Recording
press r REC.
Remedy
• Connect the mains lead securely.
• Moisture condensation occurs. Turn the power off,
unplug the AC power cord 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 POWER to restart the unit. If the
unit does not work after pressing POWER again,
disconnect the mains lead from the mains. Wait for at
least 15 seconds. Then reconnect mains, and press
POWER 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.
• The video heads are dirty (see the next page). Clean
the video heads using a video head cleaning cassette.
If a 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 liquid-type cleaning
cassette other than Sony’s, 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.
• 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
switch, LINE 1 or LINE 2.
continued
Additional Information
21
Page 22
Troubleshooting (continued)
Symptom
No tape can be inserted.
The remote commander does
not function.
Others
The unit needs to be cleaned.
Remedy
• 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.
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.
Symptoms caused by contaminated video heads
• Normal picture
• Rough picture• Unclear picture
• No picture (or
black & white
screen appears)
initial
contamination
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.
22
Additional Information
Page 23
Specifications
System
Format
VHS NTSC standard
Video recording system (SLV-XF247PL only)
Rotary head helical scanning FM system
Video heads
Double azimuth two heads
Video signal
NTSC color, EIA standards
Tape speed
SP: 33.35 mm/s
EP: 11.11mm/s
Maximum recording (SLV-XF247PL only)/playback
time
9 hrs. in EP mode (with T-180 tape)
Fast-forward and rewind time
Approx. 4 min. 30 sec. (with T-120 tape)
Tuner section
RF output channel
VHF channel 3 or 4
Antenna
75-ohm antenna terminal for VHF/UHF
Inputs and outputs
LINE 1 IN/LINE 2 IN (SLV-XF247PL)
VIDEO IN, phono jack (1)
Input signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms,
unbalanced, sync negative
AUDIO IN, phono jacks (2)
Input level: 327 mVrms
Input impedance: more than 47 kilohms
LINE OUT (SLV-XA127PL)
LINE 1 OUT (SLV-XF247PL)
VIDEO OUT, phono jack (1)
Output signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms,
unbalanced, sync negative
AUDIO OUT,
phono jack (1) (SLV-XA127PL)
phono jacks (2) (SLV-XF247PL)
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 × 100 × 280 mm (w/h/d)
including projecting parts and controls