Video Cassette Recorder Operating Instructions 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 1 Sony Drive, Mail Drop #T1-11, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 Declaration of Conformity...
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• 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 •...
Table of contents Getting Started 4 Step 1 : Unpacking 5 Step 2 : Setting up the remote commander 7 Step 3 : Hookups 22 Selecting a language 23 Setting the clock 30 Presetting channels 37 Setting up the VCR Plus+ system (SLV-N60/AX20 only) Basic Operations 41 Playing a tape 44 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 Check your model name The instructions in this manual are for the 4 models: SLV-N60, AX20, N50, and AX10. Check your model number by looking at the rear panel of your VCR.
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. Set [TV] / [VIDEO] to...
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].
• 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. Hookup 1...
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.
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Completing A/V hookup: After you’ve connected your TV and completed antenna or cable hookup, return to this procedure to complete VCR set up. This will prevent unwanted noise in the RF channel. Press MENU and select ADVANCED OPTIONS. TIMER SET/CHECK SETTINGS ADVANCED OPTIONS SELECT :...
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Hookup 1 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) • UHF-only antenna (you get channels 14 and higher) •...
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Hookup 1 : VCR setup Set the RF UNIT switch to CH3 or CH4, whichever channel is not used in your area. If both are used, set the switch to either channel. For details, see page 72. If you made A/V connections (from page 8), you can skip this step.
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4 The AUTO PRESET starts. You have now completed hookup. If you want to use the VCR Plus+ system for recording, go to page 37 (SLV-N60/AX20 only). Automatic clock setting Once you’ve set up the VCR, it automatically sets the clock the first time you turn off the VCR.
Hookup 2 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 can’t do •...
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Hookup 2 : VCR setup Set the RF UNIT switch to CH3 or CH4, whichever channel is not used in your area. If both are used, set the switch to either channel. For details, see page 72. If you made A/V connections (from page 8), you can skip this step.
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4 The AUTO PRESET starts. PLEASE WAIT You have now completed hookup. If you want to use the VCR Plus+ system for recording, go to page 37 (SLV-N60/AX20 only). Automatic clock setting Once you’ve set up the VCR, it automatically sets the clock the first time you turn off the VCR.
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Hookup 3 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. What you can do with this hookup •...
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Hookup 3 : VCR setup Set the RF UNIT switch to CH3 or CH4, whichever channel is not used in your area. If both are used, set the switch to either channel. For details, see page 72. If you made A/V connections (from page 8), you can skip this step.
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4 The AUTO PRESET starts. You have now completed hookup. If you want to use the VCR Plus+ system for recording, go to page 37 (SLV-N60/AX20 only). Automatic clock setting Once you’ve set up the VCR, it automatically sets the clock the first time you turn off the VCR.
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Hookup 4 Connecting a 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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Hookup 4 : VCR setup Set the RF UNIT switch to CH3 or CH4, whichever channel is not used in your area. If both are used, set the switch to either channel. For details, see page 72. If you made A/V connections (from page 8), you can skip this step.
4 The AUTO PRESET starts. PLEASE WAIT Preset the cable box output channel (usually 2, 3 or 4). For details, see page 33. 1 Press MENU, then select SETTINGS and press OK. 2 Select TUNER PRESET and press OK. 3 Enter the cable box output channel. 4 Set MANUAL SET to ADD and press OK.
Selecting a language You can change the on-screen display language. Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the TV to the VCR channel (channel 3 or 4). If your TV is connected to the VCR using A/V connections, set the TV to video input.
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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Press M/m to highlight AUTO, then press PLAY Press M/m to highlight FULL AUTO, then press OK. PLAY Press M/m to highlight YES, then press OK. PLAY Press MENU to exit the menu. MENU To activate the Auto Clock Set function, turn off the VCR. “ACS” will flash in the display window.
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• If you want to return to the previous menu, highlight RETURN and press OK. Notes • The clock cannot be set automatically if you don’t receive a channel that carries a time signal in your area. If so, set the clock manually (see page 28). •...
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If the clock does not activate Follow steps 1 to 4 in “Using the Auto Clock Set feature.” The AUTO CLOCK SET menu is displayed. Press M/m to highlight NO for FULL AUTO and press OK. PLAY Setting the clock Number buttons MENU...
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Press M/m to highlight the item you want to set and press OK. Then press M/m to make PLAY the setting and press OK. • For CLOCK SET CH Leave the setting to “– – –” to have the VCR automatically search for a channel that carries a time signal.
Using Manual Clock Set Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the TV to the VCR channel (channel 3 or 4). If your TV is connected to the VCR using A/V connections, set the TV to video input.
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Press M/m to highlight MANUAL, then press OK. PLAY Press M/m to set the month. PLAY Press , to highlight 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.
Presetting channels 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. Then, if there are any unwanted channels, disable them manually.
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Press M/m to highlight ANTENNA/CABLE, then press OK. PLAY • To preset cable TV channels: Press M/m to set ANTENNA/CABLE to PLAY CABLE, then press OK. PLAY • To preset VHF and UHF channels: Press M/m to set ANTENNA/CABLE to ANT, then press OK.
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Tips • When receiving a VHF, UHF, or CATV channel, the display changes as follows each time you press DISPLAY. Channel number Remaining tape length and time counter The bar indicator and pointer for searching for a specific place on a tape (SLV-N60/AX20 only) No display •...
Presetting/disabling channels manually Press MENU, then press M/m to highlight MENU SETTINGS and press OK. PLAY Number buttons, ENTER CH +/– MENU SETTINGS TUNER PRESET SET VCR Plus+ CHANNELS CLOCK SET LANGUAGE RETURN SELECT : QUIT MENU continued Presetting channels...
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Press M/m to highlight TUNER PRESET, then press OK. PLAY • To preset a channel: Press the number buttons to enter the channel number, then press ENTER. Press OK. Press M/m to set MANUAL SET to ADD, then press OK. PLAY •...
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. Press MENU, then press M/m to highlight MENU SETTINGS and press OK.
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Press M/m to highlight TUNER PRESET, then press OK. PLAY Press the number buttons to select the channel you want to fine-tune, then press ENTER. Press M/m to highlight FINE TUNING, then press OK. PLAY The fine tuning meter appears. Press </, to adjust to a clearer picture, then press OK.
Setting up the VCR Plus+ system (SLV-N60/ AX20 only) How the VCR Plus+ 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.
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Press MENU, then press M/m to highlight MENU SETTINGS and press OK. PLAY Setting up the VCR Plus+ system (SLV-N60/AX20 only) Number buttons, ENTER MENU M/m/</, SETTINGS TUNER PRESET SET VCR Plus+ CHANNELS CLOCK SET LANGUAGE RETURN SELECT : QUIT MENU...
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Press M/m to highlight SET VCR Plus+ CHANNELS, then press OK. PLAY Enter the guide channel number assigned in the program guide and press ENTER. • If you made Hookup 1 or 3: Enter the actual number on your TV (and VCR) and press ENTER.
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After all settings are complete, press MENU to exit the menu. MENU • If you want to return to the previous menu, highlight RETURN and press OK. Setting up the VCR Plus+ system (SLV-N60/AX20 only)
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. Z EJECT CLEAR DISPLAY X PAUSE COMMERCIAL...
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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 skip playback By pressing a single button, you can skip a portion of playback you don’t want to watch (such as a commercial) and restart playback.
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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.” Search for the point afterwards by referring to the counter. VIDEO APC To display the counter on the TV screen, press DISPLAY.
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. Recording TV programs TV/VIDEO COUNTER/ REMAIN DISPLAY CH +/– z REC SP/EP x STOP...
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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).
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To watch another TV program while recording Press TV/VIDEO to turn off the VIDEO indicator in the display window. If the TV is connected to the VCR’s LINE OUT jacks, set the TV to TV input; if not, skip this step. Select another channel on the TV.
Recording TV programs using the Dial Timer (SLV-N60/AX20 only) 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.
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Turn DIAL TIMER to set the recording date. DIAL TIMER Press DIAL TIMER. DIAL TIMER “START” and the 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 +/–...
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Turn DIAL TIMER to set the recording stop time. DIAL TIMER You can set the recording stop time in 15 minute intervals or adjust the time in one minute intervals by pressing the CHANNEL +/– buttons. CHANNEL TRACKING Press DIAL TIMER. DIAL TIMER The channel number appears in the display window.
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To use the VCR after setting the timer To use the VCR before a timer recording begins, just press ?/1. The disappears from the display window and the VCR switches on. Remember to press ?/1 to reset the VCR to the timer recording standby mode after using the VCR. You can also do the following tasks while the VCR is recording: •...
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Notes • If eight programs have already been set using the VIDEO Plus+ system (SLV-N60/AX20 only) or the TIMER SET/CHECK menu, “FULL” appears in the display window for about five seconds. • If you set the clock using the Auto Clock Set function, the clock will adjust itself to the incoming time signal regardless of adjustments made with the Dial Timer.
Recording TV programs using the VCR Plus+ system (SLV-N60/AX20 only) 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.
Press the number buttons to enter the PlusCode number. If you make a mistake, press CLEAR and re-enter the correct number. CLEAR Press SP/EP to select the tape speed, SP or SP / EP Press M/m to highlight ONCE, DAILY, or WEEKLY, then press ENTER: PLAY To record...
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To use the VCR after setting the timer To use the VCR before timer recording begins, just press ?/1. The disappears from the display window and the VCR switches on. Remember to press ?/1 to reset the VCR to the timer recording standby mode after using the VCR. You can also do the following tasks while the VCR is recording: •...
Recording TV programs using the timer You can preset up to eight programs at a time. Before you start… • Check that the VCR clock is set to the correct time. • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.
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Press M/m to highlight the line that is to be set, then press OK. PLAY Set the date, start and stop time, channel number, and tape speed: PLAY Press M/m to set each item. Press , to highlight and set each item in turn.
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To use the VCR after setting the timer To use the VCR before timer recording begins, just press ?/1. The disappears from the display window and the VCR switches on. Remember to press ?/1 to reset the VCR to the timer recording standby mode after using the VCR. You can also do the following tasks while the VCR is recording: •...
Additional Operations Playing/searching at various speeds Playback options View the picture during fast- forward or rewind Play at high speed Play at twice the normal speed Play in slow motion Play frame by frame Rewind and start play To resume normal playback Press H PLAY.
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• Adjust the picture using the TRACKING +/– buttons if: – Streaks appear while playing in slow motion. – The picture shakes during pause. To set tracking to the center position, press both buttons (+/–) at the same time. Notes •...
Setting the recording duration time After you have started recording in the normal way, you can have the VCR stop recording automatically after a specified duration. While recording, press z REC. 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.
Checking/changing/canceling timer settings Before you start… • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. Press ?/1 to turn on the VCR. Press MENU, then press M/m to highlight TIMER SET/CHECK and press OK. • If you want to change a setting, go on to the next step. •...
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Press M/m to highlight the setting you want to change or cancel. • To change the setting, press OK and press </ , to highlight the item you want to change, then press M/m to reset it. • To cancel the setting, press CLEAR. Press OK.
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. The sound will be recorded in monaural (on both hi-fi and normal audio tracks) but with less noise.
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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)
Searching for a selected point on the tape (SLV-N60/AX20 only) 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 bar indication appears on the TV screen.
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Press </, to move the pointer (F) to the point where you want to start playback. The VCR starts searching and the cursor (x) moves toward the pointer. When the VCR locates the marked point, playback starts. To cancel searching Press H PLAY or x STOP.
Adjusting the picture Adjusting the tracking Although the VCR automatically adjusts the tracking when playing a tape (the display window, then turns off), distortion may occur if the recording is in poor condition. In this case, manually adjust the tracking. Press TRACKING +/–...
Changing menu options Press MENU, then select ADVANCED OPTIONS and press OK. Press M/m to highlight the option to change, then press OK. Press M/m to change the setting, then press OK. To adjust the sharpness, press </, and press OK. Press MENU to return to the original screen.
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Menu option Set this option to SHARPNESS • L (Low) through H (High) to adjust the sharpness of the picture. Select L to turn off the sharpness control. Changing menu options...
Editing with another VCR How to connect to record on this VCR This VCR (Recorder) LINE-2 IN VMC-810HG 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.
Operation (when recording on this VCR) Before you start editing • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. • Press INPUT SELECT or CHANNEL +/– to display “L2” (or “L1”) 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 a 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.
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 “–:– –”...
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Symptom The timer does not operate. A tape cannot be inserted. The remote commander does not function. 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 •...
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...
Index to parts and controls Refer to the pages indicated in parentheses ( ) for details. Front panel A ?/1 POWER switch (53) B Z EJECT button (42) C Tape compartment D Remote sensor (5) REW (rewind) button (42) (58) F H PLAY button (42) (58) FF (fast-forward) button (42) (58)
Display window STEREO SAP LP SP A Timer indicator (49) (53) (56) B SAP (Second Audio Program) indicator (63) C STEREO indicator (63) D Tape speed indicator (45) E VIDEO indicator (46) (72) F APC (Adaptive Picture Control) indicator (67) Index to parts and controls VIDEO APC G Tracking indicator (67)
Rear panel A AC power cord (7) B LINE-1 IN AUDIO R/L/VIDEO jacks (70) C RF (Radio Frequency) UNIT switch (72) D VHF/UHF IN connector (10) (13) (16) (19) E VHF/UHF OUT connector (10) (13) (16) (19) F LINE OUT AUDIO R/L/VIDEO jacks Index to parts and controls continued...
Remote commander Index to parts and controls A [TV] / [VIDEO] switch (5) B Z EJECT button (42) C TV/VIDEO button (6) (46) D DISPLAY button (45) (65) E CLEAR button (43) (53) (62) F INPUT SELECT button (46) (71) G z REC (record) button (45) (60) H SP (Standard Play)/EP (Extended Play) button (45)
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K ?/1 (power) switch (6) (53) L COUNTER/REMAIN button (45) M AUDIO MONITOR button (63) N VCR Plus+ button (52) (SLV-N60/AX20 only) O Number buttons (53) P ENTER button (53) Q CH (channel) +/– buttons (6) (45) R VOL (volume) +/– buttons (6) S y SLOW button (58) T ×2 button (58) U COMMERCIAL PASS button (42)
Hookup 2 To play a tape 1 Set the TV to channel 3 or 4 (or to video input, if you made A/V connections). Sony Corporation Printed in Malaysia 2 Insert a tape and press H PLAY. To record a program (For SLV-N60/AX20) 1 Turn on the cable box.