Sony SLV-N900 Operating Instructions Manual
Sony SLV-N900 Operating Instructions Manual

Sony SLV-N900 Operating Instructions Manual

4 head hi-fi stereo vhs video cassette recorder
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3-081-016-11 (1) US
Video Cassette
Recorder

Operating Instructions

For customers in the USA
Many solutions to common problems and service information can be found at
www.sony.com/vcrhelp or contact Sony VCR service at 1 (800) VHS-
SONY.
To register your purchase of this product, visit:
www.sony.com/productregistration
For all other Sony product questions, please call Sony Customer
Information Services Company at 1-800-222-SONY (7669).
For Customers in Canada
If this product is not working properly, please call 1-877-602-2008 for
Peace of Mind Warranty Replacement service.
For other product related questions please contact our Customer
Information Service Centre at 1-877-899-7669 or write to us at: Customer
Information Service 115 Gordon Baker Road, Toronto, Ontario, M2H 3R6
SLV-N900
© 2003 Sony Corporation

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Summary of Contents for Sony SLV-N900

  • Page 1: Operating Instructions

    Recorder Operating Instructions For customers in the USA Many solutions to common problems and service information can be found at www.sony.com/vcrhelp or contact Sony VCR service at 1 (800) VHS- SONY. To register your purchase of this product, visit: www.sony.com/productregistration For all other Sony product questions, please call Sony Customer Information Services Company at 1-800-222-SONY (7669).
  • Page 2 • One blade of the plug is wider than the other for the purpose of safety and will fit into the power outlet only one way. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, contact your Sony dealer. Installing •...
  • Page 3: Important Safeguards

    Important Safeguards For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance, or the one described in the operating instructions and adhere to them. Power sources This set should be operated only from the type of power source...
  • Page 4 • Never place the set in a confined space, such as a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper ventilation is provided. • Do not place the set near or over a radiator or heat register, or where it is exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents Getting Started 6 Step 1 : Unpacking 7 Step 2 : Setting up the remote commander 10 Step 3 : Hookups 23 Step 4 : Selecting a language 24 Step 5 : Setting the clock 29 Step 6 : Presetting channels 33 Step 7 : Setting up the cable box/satellite receiver control 39 Step 8 : Setting up the VCR Plus+C Basic Operations...
  • Page 6: Getting Started

    Getting Started Step 1 : Unpacking Check that you have received the following items with the VCR: • Remote commander • Size AA (R6) batteries • 75-ohm coaxial cable with F-type connectors Unpacking...
  • Page 7: Step 2 : Setting Up The Remote Commander

    Using the remote commander You can use this remote commander to operate this VCR and a Sony TV. Buttons on the remote commander marked with a dot (•) can be used to operate your Sony TV. If the TV does not have the...
  • Page 8: Controlling Other Tvs With The Remote Commander

    Now you can use the ?/1, VOL +/–, CH +/–, and TV/VIDEO buttons to control your TV. You can also use the buttons marked with a dot (•) to control a Sony TV. To control the VCR, reset •TV / VIDEO to VIDEO.
  • Page 9 Notes • If you enter a new code number, the code number previously entered will be erased. • If the TV uses a different remote control system from the one programed to work with the VCR, you cannot control your TV with the remote commander. •...
  • Page 10: Step 3 : Hookups

    Plug and Play function. • Be sure you make connections firmly. Loose connections may cause picture distortion. • If your TV does not match any of the examples provided, see your nearest Sony dealer or qualified technician. Hookups...
  • Page 11 Caution Connections between the VCR’s VHF/UHF connector and the antenna terminals of the TV receiver should be made only as shown in the following instructions. Failure to do so may result in operation that violates the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission regarding the use and operation of RF devices.
  • Page 12: Audio/Video (A/V) Hookup

    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 VCR using these connections. For a true “home theater” experience, you should connect the audio outputs of your VCR or TV to your stereo system.
  • Page 13 C Use this hookup if your TV has the Control S function LINE LINE IN 1 AUDIO VIDEO CONTROL S IN Video cable (not supplied) Audio/video cable (not supplied) Notes • To play a tape in stereo, you must use the A/V connection. •...
  • Page 14 Hookup 1 (Plug and Play) Antenna hookup Make the following connections if you are using an antenna (if you do not have cable TV). A Use this hookup if you are using: • VHF/UHF antenna (you get channels 2–13 and channels 14 and higher) •...
  • Page 15 Hookup 1 : VCR setup Plug the VCR into the AC outlet. The VCR automatically presets the VCR’s clock and TV channels when the VCR is plugged into the AC outlet. AC power cord to AC outlet The VCR starts presetting the clock and channels.
  • Page 16 Hookup 2 (Plug and Play) You have no cable box, or a cable box with only a few scrambled channels Recommended use Use this hookup if you do not have a cable box. Also use this hookup if your cable system scrambles only a few channels.
  • Page 17 Hookup 2 : VCR setup Plug the VCR into the AC outlet. The VCR automatically presets the VCR’s clock and TV channels when the VCR is plugged into the AC outlet. AC power cord to AC outlet The VCR starts presetting the clock and channels.
  • Page 18: Connecting A Cable Box With Many Scrambled Channels

    Hookup 3 Connecting a cable box with many scrambled channels Recommended use Use this hookup if your cable system scrambles all or most channels. What you can do with this hookup • Record any channel by selecting the channel on the cable box What you cannot do •...
  • Page 19 Hookup 4 Using the cable box/satellite receiver control feature Recommended use You should use this hookup if you have a cable box, especially if your cable system scrambles all or most channels. This hookup allows the VCR’s cable box/satellite receiver control feature to control the channels on the cable box, simplifying the recording process.
  • Page 20 After you have completed hookup… After you have completed hookup, plug the VCR into the AC outlet and see “Step 4 : Selecting a language” on page 23. AC power cord to AC outlet Hookups...
  • Page 21 Hookup 5 Connecting to a digital satellite receiver Recommended use Use this hookup if you have a digital satellite receiver that is compatible with an infrared remote control. It allows the VCR’s cable box/satellite receiver control feature to control the channel on the digital satellite receiver, simplifying the recording process.
  • Page 22 After you have completed hookup… After you have completed hookup, plug the VCR into the AC outlet and see “Step 4 : Selecting a language” on page 23. AC power cord to AC outlet Note • To successfully record a program from the digital satellite receiver, proceed as follows: –...
  • Page 23: Step 4 : Selecting A Language

    Step 4 : Selecting a language You can change the on-screen display language. Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the “VCR Output CH” to “3CH” or “4CH” in ADVANCED OPTIONS menu (page 69). If both are used, set the “VCR Output CH”...
  • Page 24: Step 5 : Setting The Clock

    Step 5 : Setting the clock Using the Auto Clock Set feature Some TV and cable channels transmit time signals with their broadcasts. Your VCR can pick up this time signal to automatically set the clock. The Auto Clock Set feature works only if a channel in your area is broadcasting a time signal.
  • Page 25 Press M/m to select AUTO, then press OK. PLAY Press M/m to select the item you want. Then press < PLAY • For “Clock set CH” Leave the setting to AUTO to have the VCR automatically search for a channel that carries a time signal.
  • Page 26 Notes • The clock cannot be set automatically if you do not receive a channel that carries a time signal in your area. If so, set the clock manually (page 27). • If there are only a few channels in your area that carry time signals, setting the clock automatically may take up to about 20 minutes.
  • Page 27: Before You Start

    Using Manual Clock Set Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the “VCR Output CH” to “3CH” or “4CH” in ADVANCED OPTIONS menu (page 69). If both are used, set the “VCR Output CH” to either channel. If your TV is connected to the VCR using A/V connections, set the TV to video input.
  • Page 28 Press M/m to set the month. PLAY Press , to flash the day and press M/m to set the day. PLAY Set the year, hour, and minutes in the same way as the day. The day of the week is set automatically. Press OK or MENU to start the clock.
  • Page 29: Step 6 : Presetting Channels

    Step 6 : Presetting channels (Skip this section if you are using a cable box or digital satellite receiver control.) This VCR is capable of receiving VHF channels 2 to 13, UHF channels 14 to 69 and unscrambled CATV channels 1 to 125. First, we recommend that you preset the receivable channels in your area using automatic presetting methods.
  • Page 30 Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to “Ant/Cable.” PLAY • To preset cable TV channels: Press PLAY • To preset VHF and UHF channels: Press PLAY Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to “Auto preset,” then press OK. PLAY All receivable channels are preset in numerical sequence.
  • Page 31: Presetting/Disabling Channels Manually

    Presetting/disabling channels manually Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the “VCR Output CH” to “3CH” or “4CH” in ADVANCED OPTIONS menu (page 69). If both are used, set the “VCR Output CH” to either channel. If your TV is connected to the VCR using A/V connections, set the TV to video input.
  • Page 32 Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to “Channel add/erase,” then press OK. PLAY • To preset a channel: Press the number buttons to enter the channel number, then press ENTER. Press PLAY MENU • CH • To disable a channel: Press CH +/–...
  • Page 33: Step 7 : Setting Up The Cable Box/Satellite Receiver Control

    Step 7 : Setting up the cable box/satellite receiver control (Skip this section if you are using Hookup 1, 2, or 3.) Your VCR includes a cable box/satellite receiver control feature that allows the VCR to control cable boxes or digital satellite receivers equipped with an infrared remote control.
  • Page 34 Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to “Cable Box/Sat. Control,” then press OK. PLAY Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to “Cable Box/Sat.” PLAY Press PLAY Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to “Brand Code No.” PLAY Press satellite receiver code number.
  • Page 35 If you want to control a cable box, press output channel, then press OK. PLAY If you want to control a digital satellite receiver, select LINE, then press Press MENU to exit the menu. MENU to select the cable box <...
  • Page 36 Note • Cable box/satellite receiver control may not be compatible with all brands of cable boxes and DirecTV receivers. • Only Sony digital cable box is available for Cablevision. Cable box brand Code numbers Anvision...
  • Page 37 To ensure correct operation • Place the cable box or digital satellite receiver so that it may not block the sensor window on the VCR. • Do not place the cable box or digital satellite receiver on top of the TV. •...
  • Page 38 If you cannot get your VCR to control the cable box or digital satellite receiver • Check the position of the cable box or digital satellite receiver. • Place the cable box or digital satellite receiver on top of the VCR. Do not place the cable box or digital satellite receiver and VCR away form each other.
  • Page 39: Step 8 : Setting Up The Vcr Plus+C

    Step 8 : Setting up the VCR Plus+C system How the VCR Plus+C system works Whenever you want to record a TV program, all you need to do is look up the “PlusCode” number, a number assigned to each program published in the TV section of most newspapers, cable TV listings, and even TV GUIDE magazine.
  • Page 40 Press MENU. MENU Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to “Tuner preset,” then press OK. PLAY Setting up the VCR Plus+C 3® system MENU M/m/</, MAIN MENU Timer set / check Clock set Tuner preset Cable Box / Sat. Control Advanced options Language / Idioma / Langue Select...
  • Page 41 Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to “Guide channel setup,” then press OK. PLAY The upper row shows VCR Plus+C shows TV channels or cable box out put channels. Press </, to select PLAY the channel number that does not match the guide channel. •...
  • Page 42: Basic Operations

    Basic Operations Playing a tape Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. Insert a tape. The VCR turns on and starts playing automatically if you insert a tape with its safety tab removed. Playing a tape Z EJECT CLEAR DISPLAY...
  • Page 43 Press H PLAY. When the tape reaches the end, it will rewind automatically. PLAY Additional tasks Stop play Pause play Resume play after pause Fast-forward the tape Rewind the tape Eject the tape To play a recently watched scene You can immediately rewind and playback the scene you want to watch again. During playback, press REPLAY.
  • Page 44 To use the time counter Press CLEAR at the point on the tape that you want to find later. The counter in the display window resets to “0:00:00.” To search for the counter “0:00:00” point automatically, see “To search for the counter 0:00:00 point” on page 67. To display the counter on the TV screen, press DISPLAY.
  • Page 45: Recording Tv Programs

    Recording TV programs Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. To record from a cable box, turn it on. Insert a tape with its safety tab in place. TV/VIDEO COUNTER/ REMAIN DISPLAY ENTER SP/EP CH +/– INPUT SELECT z REC...
  • Page 46 Press CH +/– to select the channel or line input video source you want to • CH record. Press SP/EP to select the tape speed, SP or EP. SP / EP EP (Extended Play) provides recording time three times as long as SP (Standard Play).
  • Page 47 To watch another TV program while recording Press TV/VIDEO to turn off the VIDEO indicator in the display window. If your TV is connected to the VCR using A/V connections, set the TV to the TV’s antenna input; if not, skip this step. Select another channel on the TV.
  • Page 48: Recording Tv Programs Using The Dial Timer

    Recording TV programs using the Dial Timer The Dial Timer function allows you to make timer recordings of programs without turning on your TV. Set the recording timer to record up to eight programs that will be broadcast within a month using the DIAL TIMER.
  • Page 49 Press DIAL TIMER to set the start time. DIAL TIMER “START” and “Current time” appear alternately in the display window. Turn DIAL TIMER to set the recording start time. DIAL TIMER You can set the recording start time in 15 minute intervals or adjust the time in one minute intervals by pressing the CHANNEL +/–...
  • Page 50 Press DIAL TIMER. DIAL TIMER “CH” and “Current channel” appear alternately in the display window. Turn DIAL TIMER to set the channel number. DIAL TIMER To record from a source connected to the LINE IN 1 or LINE-2 IN jacks, turn DIAL TIMER or press INPUT SELECT to display “L1”...
  • Page 51 To set the clock Hold down DIAL TIMER so that “MONTH” and “1” appear alternately in the display window. However, if the clock has already been set, the current setting appears. Turn DIAL TIMER to set the month. Press DIAL TIMER. “DAY”...
  • Page 52 About the Demonstration Mode The Dial Timer function has a Demonstration Mode that allows the user, such as a salesperson, to enter more than eight examples of timer settings when demonstrating the use of the Dial Timer. It cancels the FULL notice which appears if eight programs have already been set.
  • Page 53 Recording TV programs using the VCR Plus+C 3® system Just enter the PlusCode number listed in the TV program guide. The date, time and channel number of that program are set automatically. You can preset up to eight programs together with the DIAL TIMER and manual timer settings at one time.
  • Page 54 Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to “Enter code.” PLAY Press the number buttons to enter the PlusCode number. If you make a mistake, press < and re- enter the correct number. PLAY Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to “Mode.” PLAY Press </, to select ONCE, MO~FR, or WEEKLY:...
  • Page 55: Recording Tv Programs Using The Vcr Plus+C System

    Press OK to confirm the setting. To enter another setting, repeat steps 1 to 7. PLAY Press MENU to exit the menu. MENU Press ?/1 to turn off the VCR. The TIMER indicator appears in the display window and the VCR stands by for recording.
  • Page 56: Setting The Timer Manually

    Setting the timer manually If the VCR Plus+C system is not available in your area, follow the instructions below to set the timer to record programs. You can preset up to eight programs together with the DIAL TIMER and the VCR Plus+C time.
  • Page 57: To Stop Recording

    Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to set/check, ” PLAY If necessary, press M/m to move the cursor (B) to the row that is to be set. PLAY Set the channel number, start and stop time, date, and tape speed: PLAY Press , to flash each item in turn.
  • Page 58 Daily/weekly recording In step 4 above, press m to select the recording pattern. Each time you press m, the indication changes as shown below. Press M to change the indication in reverse order. MO~FR t SUN’S t MON’S t ... t SAT’S t 1 month later t (dates count down) t the current date To use the VCR after setting the timer To use the VCR before a timer recording begins, just press ?/1.
  • Page 59: Locking The Vcr (Child Lock)

    Locking the VCR (Child Lock) After you have set the timer, you can lock all of the buttons on the VCR so that the settings are not canceled by mistake. To lock the VCR When the VCR is turned on, hold down ?/1 POWER on the VCR until “LOC” appears in the display window.
  • Page 60: Additional Operations

    Additional Operations Playing/searching at various speeds TRACKING +/– Playback options View the picture during fast- forward or rewind Play at high speed Play at twice the normal speed During playback, press ×2. Play in slow motion Play frame by frame To resume normal playback Press H PLAY.
  • Page 61 To use the shuttle ring in normal mode During playback or pause, turn the shuttle ring clockwise or anticlockwise. Each change in the shuttle ring position changes the playback mode in the following way. Slow motion in reverse Normal speed in reverse Double speed in reverse...
  • Page 62: Quick Timer Recording

    Quick Timer Recording After you have started recording, you can have the VCR stop recording automatically after a specified duration. While recording, press z REC. The c indicator appears in the display window. Press z REC repeatedly to set the duration time. Each press advances the time in increments of 30 minutes.
  • Page 63: Checking/Changing/Canceling Timer Settings

    Checking/changing/canceling timer settings Before you start… • Turn on the TV and set it to the video channel. Press ?/1 to turn on the VCR. Press MENU. CLEAR MENU M/m/</, continued Checking/changing/canceling timer settings...
  • Page 64 Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to “Timer set/check,” then press OK. • If you want to change a setting, go on to the next step. • If you do not need to change the settings, press MENU, then turn off the VCR to return to recording standby.
  • Page 65: Recording Stereo And Bilingual Programs

    Recording stereo and bilingual programs Recording stereo programs When you receive a program broadcast in stereo, press AUDIO MONITOR to display STEREO on the TV screen. You can also select LEFT, RIGHT, or MONO. If there is noise in the stereo program, select MONO. The sound will be recorded in monaural (on both hi-fi and normal audio tracks) but with less noise.
  • Page 66: Searching Using Various Functions

    Searching using various functions The VCR automatically marks the tape with an index signal at the point where each recording begins. You can easily find a specific point using various search functions. To search using the index function (Scan and Play) The VCR automatically marks the tape with an index signal at the point where each recording begins.
  • Page 67 To search for the counter 0:00:00 point To mark a point on the tape that you want to find later, reset the tape counter to “0:00:00.” The VCR automatically fast-forwards or rewinds to the 0:00:00 point on the tape counter. Press SEARCH.
  • Page 68: Adjusting The Picture (Tracking)

    Adjusting the picture (tracking) Although the VCR automatically adjusts the tracking when playing a tape, distortion may occur if the recording is in poor condition. In this case, manually adjust the tracking. Press TRACKING +/– on the VCR to display the tracking meter.
  • Page 69: Changing Menu Options

    Changing menu options Press MENU. Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to “Advanced options,” then press OK. Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to the option to change. Press </, to change the setting, then press OK. Press MENU to exit the menu. Menu choices Initial settings are indicated in bold print.
  • Page 70 Setting the RF Output channel When connecting the VCR to the TV using only the antenna cable, you must set the “VCR Output CH” in the ADVANCED OPTIONS menu so that the TV can receive the correct signal from the VCR.
  • Page 71: Editing With Another Vcr

    Editing with another VCR How to connect to record on this VCR This VCR (Recorder) LINE-2 IN 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 and connected to this VCR’s LINE-2 IN jacks, connect the audio plug to the AUDIO L (white) jack.
  • Page 72: Operation (When Recording On This Vcr)

    Operation (when recording on this VCR) Before you start editing • Turn on the VCR and the TV and set it to the video channel. • Press INPUT SELECT or CHANNEL +/– to display “L1” or “L2” in the display window. •...
  • Page 73: Additional Information

    Additional Information Antenna information Attaching the external antenna connector 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 VCR. Loosen the screws on the antenna connector. Wind the twin leads around the screws on the antenna connector.
  • Page 74: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting If you have any questions or problems not covered below, please consult your nearest Sony dealer. Symptom The ?/1 switch does not function. The power is turned on but the VCR does not operate. The clock has stopped and “--:--”...
  • Page 75 Symptom The timer does not operate. A tape cannot be inserted. The remote commander does not function. The channels on the VCR cannot be changed. The tracking meter does not appear on the screen. You cannot control other TVs. The VCR needs to be cleaned. Symptoms caused by contaminated video heads •...
  • Page 76: Specifications

    75-ohm coaxial cable with F-type connectors (1) Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. NERGY ® is a U.S. registered mark. As an NERGY ® Partner, Sony Corporation has determined that this product meets the guidelines for energy efficiency. NERGY ®...
  • Page 77: Index To Parts And Controls

    Index to parts and controls Refer to the pages indicated in parentheses ( ) for details. Front panel A ?/1 POWER switch (55) (57) B Remote sensor (7) C Tape compartment D A EJECT button (43) E m REW (rewind) button (43) (60) F H PLAY button* (43) G M FF (fast-forward) button (43) (60) H JOG button (60)
  • Page 78: Display Window

    Display window A TIMER/recording indicator (55) (57) B LP indicator (46) C Tape indicator (46) D VIDEO indicator (47) (70) Index to parts and controls E Time counter/clock/line/channel indicator (44) (46) (72) F SAP indicator (65) G Hi-Fi indicator (65) H SP/EP indicator (46)
  • Page 79: Rear Panel

    Rear panel A AC power cord (10) (15) (17) B LINE OUT AUDIO R/AUDIO L/VIDEO jacks (12) C LINE IN 1 AUDIO R/AUDIO L/VIDEO jacks (71) D RF IN (FROM ANT.) connector (14) (16) (18) E RF OUT (TO TV) connector (14) (16) (18) F CONTROL S IN jack Index to parts and controls...
  • Page 80: Remote Commander

    Remote commander Index to parts and controls A •TV / VIDEO switch (7) B Z EJECT button (43) C TV/VIDEO button (8) (47) D CLEAR button (44) (64) E DISPLAY button (46) F SP (Standard Play)/EP (Extended Play) button (46) G INPUT SELECT button (47) (72) H z REC (record) button (46) (62) I y SLOW button (60)
  • Page 81 L ?/1 (power) switch (8) (55) (57) M COUNTER/REMAIN button (46) N AUDIO MONITOR button* (65) O VCR Plus+ button* (53) P Number buttons* (47) (54) Q ENTER button (47) R CH (channel) +/– buttons* (8) (46) S VOL (volume) +/– buttons (8) T SEARCH button (66) U REPLAY button (43) V ×2 button (60)
  • Page 82: Index

    Index Adjusting picture 68 tracking 68 Advanced option 69 Antenna hookup 14 Audio track 65 Audio/video (A/V) hookup 12 Auto Clock Set 24 Auto Tape Speed 55 Cable hookup 10 Channel line-up chart 39 Child Lock 59 Cleaning the video heads 74 Clock setting 24 Commercial Skip 43 Connecting...
  • Page 84: Quick Reference To Using The Vcr

    2 Insert a tape and press H PLAY. To record a program 1 Press MENU and select “Timer set/check.” Sony Corporation Printed in China 2 Set the channel, time, date, and tape speed. 3 Press OK. 4 Insert a tape.

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