Owner’s record The model and serial numbers are located at the rear of the unit. Record these numbers in the spaces provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. _________________________ Serial No. _________________________...
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If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, contact your Sony dealer. • Unplug the unit from the wall outlet if you do not intend to use it for an extended period of time.
Table of contents Getting Started Step 1: Unpacking Step 2: Setting up the remote commander Step 3: Hookups 30 Selecting a language 31 Setting the clock 38 Setting up cable box control 43 Presetting channels 49 Setting up VCR Plus+* Basic Operations 52 Playing a tape 54 Recording TV programs...
Getting Started Step 1 Unpacking Check that you have received the following items with the VCR: • Remote commander • Size AA (R6) batteries • Audio/video cable (3-phono to 3- phono) Getting Started • 75-ohm coaxial cable with F-type connectors •...
(+) end clicks into position. 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. To operate...
Now you can use the POWER, 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 .
• If your TV doesn’t match any of the examples provided, see your nearest Sony dealer or qualified technician. * DSS is a registered trademark of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics Corporation. Audio/video (A/V) hookup, then follow one of the hookups below.
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Step 3: Hookups (continued) 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. In addition, for a true “home theater” experience, you should connect the audio outputs of your VCR or TV to your stereo system.
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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.
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Step 3: Hookups (continued) Hookup 1 Using cable box control 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 control feature to control the channel on the cable box, simplifying the recording process.
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Hookup 1: VCR setup Set 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. For details, see page 78. If you made A/V connections (from page 8), you can skip this step.
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Step 3: Hookups (continued) Hookup 1: VCR Plus+ channel setup Find the VCR Plus+ Channel Listing in your program guide. For details, see page 49. If the channels in the program guide are different from the channels that you actually use on your TV, set the channels that are different as follows.
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Hookup 2 No cable box, or incompatible 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 company cannot supply a cable box that is compatible with the VCR’s cable box control feature, and your cable system scrambles only a few channels.
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Step 3: Hookups (continued) Hookup 2: VCR setup Set 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. For details, see page 78. If you made A/V connections (from page 8), you can skip this step.
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Hookup 2: VCR Plus+ channel setup Find the VCR Plus+ Channel Listing in your program guide. For details, see page 49. If the channels in the program guide are different from the channels that you actually use on your TV, set the channels that are different as follows.
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Step 3: Hookups (continued) Hookup 3 Antenna hookup Make the following connections if you’re using an antenna (if you don’t have cable TV). A Use this hookup if you’re using: • VHF/UHF antenna (you get channels 2–13 and channels 14 and higher) •...
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Hookup 3: VCR setup Set 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. For details, see page 78. If you made A/V connections (from page 8), you can skip this step.
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Step 3: Hookups (continued) Hookup 3: VCR Plus+ channel setup Find the VCR Plus+ Channel Listing in your program guide. For details, see page 49. If the channels in the program guide are different from the channels that you actually use on your TV, set the channels that are different as follows.
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Hookup 4 Hookup 4 Hookup 4 Incompatible cable box with many scrambled channels Recommended use Use this hookup if your cable company cannot supply a cable box that is compatible with the VCR’s cable box control feature, and your cable system scrambles all or most channels.
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Step 3: Hookups (continued) Hookup 4: VCR setup Set 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. For details, see page 78. If you made A/V connections (from page 8), you can skip this step.
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Hookup 4: VCR Plus+ channel setup Find the VCR Plus+ Channel Listing in your program guide. For details, see page 49. Enter all the channels you want to record and the cable box output channel (usually 2, 3, or 4). For details, see page 50. 1 Press MENU and select SET VCR PLUS+ CHANNELS.
Step 3: Hookups (continued) Hookup 5 DSS (Digital Satellite System) receiver Recommended use Use this hookup if you have a DSS receiver. It allows the VCR’s cable box control feature to control the channel on the DSS receiver, simplifying the recording process.
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Hookup 5: VCR setup Set 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. For details, see page 78. If you made A/V connections (from page 8), you can skip this step.
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Step 3: Hookups (continued) Automatic clock setting Once you’ve set up the VCR, it automatically sets the clock the first time you turn off the VCR. After that, whenever you turn off the VCR, it checks the time and adjusts the clock, even for Daylight Saving Time. The VCR sets the clock by picking up a time signal provided by some TV channels.
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Hookup 6 Incompatible cable box with only a few scrambled channels, using an A/B switch Recommended use By using an A/B switch (not supplied), this hookup allows you to record both scrambled and unscrambled channels conveniently. What you can do with this hookup •...
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Step 3: Hookups (continued) Hookup 6: VCR setup Set 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. For details, see page 78. If you made A/V connections (from page 8), you can skip this step.
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Preset the cable box output channel (usually 2, 3 or 4). For details, see page 45. 1 Press MENU and select TUNER PRESET. 2 Enter the cable box output channel. 3 Set MANUAL SET to ADD and press OK. Cable box output channel TUNER PRESET ANTENNA / CABLE •...
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Step 3: Hookups (continued) Hookup 6: VCR Plus+ channel setup Find the VCR Plus+ Channel Listing in your program guide. For details, see page 49. For unscrambled channels, if the channels in the program guide are different from the channels that you actually use on your TV, set the channels that are different as follows.
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Automatic clock setting Once you’ve set up the VCR, it automatically sets the clock the first time you turn off the VCR. After that, whenever you turn off the VCR, it checks the time and adjusts the clock, even for Daylight Saving Time. The VCR sets the clock by picking up a time signal provided by some TV channels.
Selecting a language You can change the on-screen display language. Press MENU, then press >/. to move the • MENU cursor (z) to LANGUAGE and press OK. When using the EASY SET UP procedure, skip this step. PLAY Press >/. to select ENGLISH, ESPAÑOL, or FRANÇAIS, then press OK.
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.
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Setting the clock (continued) Press ?// to select AUTO, then press PLAY Press ?// to select YES, then press OK. PLAY To activate the Auto Clock Set function, turn off the VCR. The VCR automatically sets the clock by searching for a channel that carries a time signal and sets your time zone and Daylight Saving Time (if applicable).
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If the clock is not activated Follow steps 1 and 2 in “Using the Auto Clock Set feature.” The AUTO CLOCK SET menu is displayed. Number buttons MENU >/./?/// AUTO CLOCK SET FULL AUTO CLOCK SET CH – – – TIME ZONE AUTO DAYLIGHT SAVING...
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Setting the clock (continued) Press ?// to select NO for FULL AUTO. PLAY Press >/. to move the cursor (z) to the item you want to set, then press ?// to PLAY make the setting. • For CLOCK SET CH Leave the setting to “–...
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Press OK. PLAY To activate the Auto Clock Set function, turn off the VCR. Note • If you use both the cable box control feature and the Auto Clock Set feature, the VCR automatically changes channels on the cable box until a channel that carries a time signal is found, whenever you turn off the VCR.
Setting the clock (continued) Using Manual clock set • MENU Press MENU, then press >/. to move the cursor (z) to CLOCK SET and press OK. When using the EASY SET UP procedure, skip this step. PLAY Press ?// to select MANUAL and press OK.
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Press >/. to set the month. PLAY Press / to flash the day and press >/. to set the day. PLAY The day of the week is set automatically. Set the year, hour, and minutes in the same way as the day. PLAY Press OK to start the clock.
VCR is turned off. To use cable box control, you need to connect the Sony RM- CM101 Cable Mouse (not supplied) (pages 10 and 22) and set the code number and output channel.
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Press the number buttons to enter the cable box/DSS receiver code number, then press .. Find your cable box/DSS receiver code number from the chart below. PLAY If you want to control a cable box, press ?// to select the output channel for the cable box, then press OK.
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To ensure correct operation • Place the Cable Mouse so that it hangs out over the cable box/DSS receiver front. • Do not place the cable box/DSS receiver on top of the VCR. • Position the cable box/DSS receiver away from the VCR. •...
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Setting up cable box control (continued) If you cannot get your VCR to control the cable box/DSS receiver • Check that the Cable Mouse is connected to the CABLE BOX CONTROL jack on the VCR. • Check the position of the Cable Mouse. •...
Presetting channels (Skip this section if you are using cable box/DSS 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.
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Presetting channels (continued) • To preset cable TV channels: Press ?// to set ANTENNA/CABLE to CABLE. PLAY • To preset VHF and UHF channels: Press ?// to set ANTENNA/CABLE to ANT. PLAY Press >/. to select AUTO PRESET, then press OK. PLAY All receivable channels are preset in numerical sequence.
Presetting/disabling channels manually • MENU Press MENU and select TUNER PRESET, then press OK. PLAY Number buttons, ENTER CH +/– MENU >/./?/// TUNER PRESET ANTENNA / CABLE AUTO PRESET MANUAL SET • • FINE TUNING continued Getting Started • CABLE ERASE...
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Presetting channels (continued) • To preset a channel: 1 Press the number buttons to enter the channel number, then press ENTER. 2 Press ?// to set MANUAL SET to ADD. PLAY • To disable a channel: • CH 1 Press CH +/– to select the channel number.
If the picture is not clear Normally, the Auto Fine Tuning (AFT) function automatically tunes in channels clearly. If, however, the picture of a channel is not clear, you can also use the manual tuning function. • MENU Press MENU and select TUNER PRESET, then press OK.
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Presetting channels (continued) Press >/. to select FINE TUNING. PLAY The fine tuning meter appears. Press ?// to adjust to a clearer picture, then press OK. PLAY Note that the AFT setting switches to OFF. • To select the channel on step 2 above, you can also use the CH +/– buttons. In this case, you don‘t need to press ENTER.
Setting up VCR Plus+ How VCR Plus+ works Whenever you want to record a TV program, all you need to do is look up the program’s “PlusCode,” a number assigned to each program that’s published in the TV section of most newspapers, cable TV listings, and even TV GUIDE magazine.
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Setting up VCR Plus+ (continued) • MENU Press MENU, then press >/. to move the cursor (z) to SET VCR PLUS+ CHANNELS and press OK. PLAY Enter the channel number assigned in the program guide and press ENTER. Getting Started Number buttons, ENTER...
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• If you made Hookup 1 or 3: Enter the actual number on your TV (and VCR) and press ENTER. • If you made Hookup 2: Enter the cable output channel (usually 2, 3 or 4) and press ENTER. • If you made Hookup 4: Enter the actual number on your TV (and VCR) for an unscrambled channel and press ENTER.
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. Basic Operations 6 EJECT DISPLAY COUNTER RESET...
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Press · PLAY. PLAY When the tape reaches the end, it will rewind automatically. Additional tasks Stop play Pause play Resume play after pause Fast-forward the tape Rewind the tape Eject the tape To skip playback You can skip a portion of playback you don’t want to watch such as a commercial and restart playback by pressing a single button.
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. Basic Operations TV/VIDEO COUNTER/ REMAIN DISPLAY r REC CH +/–...
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INPUT Press INPUT SELECT until a channel number appears in the display SELECT window. Press CH +/– to select the channel you want to record. • CH 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), however, SP produces better picture and audio quality.
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Recording TV programs (continued) To check the remaining time Press DISPLAY repeatedly until the time counter appears on the TV screen. With the display on, press COUNTER/REMAIN to check the remaining time. Each time you press COUNTER/REMAIN, the time counter and the remaining time appear alternately.
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Tips • To select a channel, you can use the number buttons on the remote commander. Enter the channel number, then press ENTER. • You can select a video source from the LINE-1 IN or LINE-2 IN jacks using INPUT SELECT.
Recording TV programs using VCR Plus+ Just enter the program’s PlusCode listed in the TV program guide. The date, times and channel number of that program are set automatically. You can preset up to eight programs at a time. Before you start… •...
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Press the number buttons to enter the program’s PlusCode. If you make a mistake, press CLEAR and re-enter the correct number. Press SP/EP to select the tape speed, SP or SP / EP Press ?// to select ONCE, DAILY, or WEEKLY, then press SET: PLAY To record...
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Recording TV programs using VCR Plus+ (continued) To use the VCR after setting the timer To use the VCR before a timer recording begins, just press POWER. The indicator turns off and the VCR switches on. Remember to press POWER to reset the VCR in timer recording standby after using the VCR.
Setting the timer manually If VCR Plus+ is not available in your area, follow the instructions below to set the timer to record programs. Before you start… • Check that the VCR clock is set to the correct time. • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.
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Setting the timer manually (continued) Set the date, start and stop times, channel number, and tape speed: PLAY 1 Press / to flash each item in turn. 2 Press >/. to set each item. To correct a setting, press ? to return to that setting and reset.
Additional Operations Playing/searching at various speeds 0 REW Playback options View the picture during fast-forward or rewind Play at high speed Play in slow motion Play frame by frame Rewind and start play · PLAY Operation During fast-forward, hold rewind, hold REW down.
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Playing/searching at various speeds (continued) Using the shuttle ring on the VCR With the shuttle ring on the VCR, you can operate a variety of playback options. There are two ways for using the shuttle ring, normal mode and jog mode. To use the shuttle ring in normal mode During playback or pause, turn the shuttle ring clockwise or counterclockwise.
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To resume normal playback Press · PLAY. • Adjust the picture using the TRACKING +/– buttons on the VCR if: – Streaks appear while playing in slow motion. – The picture shakes while pausing. To set tracking to the center position, press both buttons (+/–) at the same time. •...
Searching for a selected point on the tape You can easily find a specific point by moving the pointer on the TV screen. The VCR fast-forwards or rewinds to the point you indicate and starts playback automatically. Press DISPLAY repeatedly until the scroll bar indication appears on the TV screen.
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Notes • The figure on the scroll bar represents the total time length of the inserted tape as shown below. The total time length may not be displayed correctly for: – tapes other than T-60, T-120, or T-160 – tapes recorded in more than one tape speed mode. Total time length Tape type T-60 or shorter...
Skip-searching automatically You can spot check a whole tape quickly. At intervals, the VCR skips playback while searching forward or backward. Hold ) # FF (or 0 3 REW) down more than two seconds during stop. “SKIP” indicator appears on the TV screen. The VCR searches forward (or backward) for about two minutes on the counter, then fast- forwards (or rewinds) for about ten minutes on...
Recording TV programs using the quick timer After starting recording in the normal way, you can have the VCR stop recording automatically after a specified duration. While recording, press QUICK TIMER once. indicator appears in the display window. Press QUICK TIMER repeatedly to set the duration. Each press advances the time in increments of 30 minutes.
Checking/ changing/ canceling timer settings Before you start… • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. Press POWER to turn on the VCR. Press MENU and select TIMER SET/CHECK: • If you want to change a setting, go on to the next step.
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When the timer settings overlap The program that starts first has priority and the second program starts recording only after the first program has finished. If the programs start at the same time, the program listed first in the menu has priority. Program 1 Program 2 Will be cut off...
Recording stereo and bilingual programs Recording stereo programs This VCR automatically receives and records stereo programs. When a stereo program is received, the STEREO indicator lights up. If there is noise in the stereo program, set AUTO STEREO in the ADVANCED OPTIONS menu to OFF.
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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. Normal audio track Hi-fi audio track (main track)
Adjusting the picture Adjusting the tracking Although the VCR automatically adjusts the tracking when playing a tape (the indicator flashes in the display window, then goes off), distortion may occur if the tape was recorded in poor condition. In this case, manually adjust the tracking.
Changing menu options Press MENU and select ADVANCED OPTIONS. Press >/. to select the option to change, then press ?// to change the setting. Press OK to return to the original screen. Menu choices Initial settings are indicated in bold print. Menu option AUTO STEREO TUNER AUDIO...
Editing with another VCR How to hook up to record on this VCR This VCR (Recorder) LINE-2 IN VMC-810 audio/video cable (not supplied) : Signal flow How to hook up to a stereo system Connect LINE-2 IN AUDIO on this VCR to the audio output jacks on the stereo system, using the RK-C510KS audio cable (not supplied).
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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 “L1” or “L2” in the display window. • Press SP/EP to select the tape speed, SP or EP.
Additional Information General setup information Setting the RF unit When connecting the VCR to the TV using only the antenna cable, you must set the RF UNIT switch on the rear of the VCR so that the TV can receive the correct signal from the VCR.
Attaching the external antenna connector When using a 300-ohm twin lead cable for VHF/UHF antenna, use the EAC-32 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. Retighten the screws.
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 they may damage the video heads. • The video heads may have to be replaced. Consult your local Sony dealer for more information.
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Symptom A TV program does not appear on the TV screen. TV reception is poor. The tape starts playing as soon as it is inserted. The tape ejects when you press r REC. Nothing happens when you press r REC. The timer does not operate.
Specifications System Format VHS NTSC standard Video recording system Rotary head helical scanning FM system Video heads Double azimuth four heads Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Tape speed SP: 33.35 mm/s (1 inches/s) EP: 11.11 mm/s ( inches/s) LP: 16.67 mm/s ( inches/s), playback only Maximum recording/playback time...
Index A, B Accessories supplied 4 Adjusting picture 47, 65, 74 tracking 65, 74 AFT (Auto Fine Tuning) 47 Antenna hookup 16 APC (Adaptive Picture Control) 74 Audio track 73 Audio/video (A/V) hookup 8 Cable box control cable box code number chart 39 setting 38 Cable hookup 10...
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(usually 2, 3, or 4). If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669) or write to: Sony Customer Information Center Sony Drive, Mail Drop #T1-11, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 2 Insert a tape and press ·...