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• Halogenated flame retardant not used in Front panel and Rear panel. Complete abolition of polystyrene foam: • Cushion materials formed by corrugated board used in packaging materials. is included as an indication of Sony’s consideration toward the environment. system...
Table of contents Getting Started 4 Index to parts and controls 9 Step 1 : Unpacking 10 Step 2 : Setting up the remote commander 14 Step 3 : Connecting the VCR 20 Step 4 : Tuning your TV to the 23 Step 5 : Setting up the VCR with the Auto Set Up function 26 Step 6 : Setting the clock...
Getting Started Index to parts and controls Refer to the pages indicated in parentheses ( ) for details. Front panel A ?/1 (on/standby) switch (20) B Tape compartment C Remote sensor (10) D A (eject) button (50) E Shuttle ring (68) F H (play) button (50) (68) G JOG button (69) H REC z (record) button (93)
Rear panel A Mains lead (14) (15) B DECODER/t LINE-3 IN DECODEUR/t ENTREE LIGNE- 3 connector (18) (19) (46) (71) (92) C AERIAL IN ANTENNE ENTREE connector (14) (15) D AERIAL OUT ANTENNE SORTIE connector (14) (15) Index to parts and controls E i LINE-1 (TV) i LIGNE-1 (TV) connector (15) (46)
Remote commander A Z EJECT button (50) B INPUT SELECT button (54) (66) (93) WIDE button (for TV) (12) C AUDIO MONITOR button (12) (75) D ×2 button* (68) E y SLOW button* (68) F SP (Standard Play)/LP (Long Play) button (52) DISPLAY button (12) (53) H - (ten’s digit) button (11) (54)
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Index to parts and controls M [TV] / [VIDEO] remote control switch (10) N ?/1 (on/standby) switch (11) (63) O COUNTER/REMAIN button (53) / (Teletext) button (for TV) (12) P AUDIO DUB button (94) a TV power on/TV mode select button (for TV) (12) Q ./>...
Step 1 : Unpacking Check that you have received the following items with the VCR: • Remote commander • R6 (size AA) batteries • Aerial cable • Set-Top Box controller Unpacking...
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...
WIDE AUDIO MONITOR FASTEXT buttons DISPLAY TV control buttons Set the TV to standby mode Select an input source: aerial in or line in Select the TV’s programme position Press t TV/VIDEO Programme number buttons, -, PROG +/– Setting up the remote commander t TV/VIDEO Programme number...
• Some buttons may not work with certain Sony TVs. Controlling other TVs with the remote commander The remote commander is preprogrammed to control non-Sony TVs. If your TV is listed in the following table, set the appropriate manufacturer’s code number.
If more than one code number is listed, try entering them one at a time until you find the one that works with your TV. To switch to wide mode, see the footnotes below this table for the applicable code numbers. Manufacturer Code number Sony , 02 Akai Ferguson Grundig , 11*...
Step 3 : Connecting the VCR If your TV has a Scart (EURO-AV) connector, see page 15. • Connection to your TV with an aerial cable only, see this page. • Connection to your TV and Set-Top Box, see page 17. •...
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If your TV has a Scart (EURO-AV) connector i LINE-1 (TV) Mains lead to mains : Signal flow Disconnect the aerial cable from your TV and connect it to AERIAL IN on the rear panel of the VCR. Connect AERIAL OUT of the VCR and the aerial input of your TV using the supplied aerial cable.
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About the SMARTLINK features If the connected TV complies with SMARTLINK, MEGALOGIC* EASYLINK* VIEW LINK* VCR automatically runs the SMARTLINK function after you complete the steps on the previous page (the indicator appears in the VCR’s display window when you turn on the TV).
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Connection to your TV and Set-Top Box (STB) Set-Top Box (STB) refers to a satellite or digital tuner. If your STB has a Scart (EURO-AV) connector, see page 18. If your STB does not have a Scart (EURO-AV) connector Set the STB CONNECTION setting to RF (see page 31). CONTROL STB controller’s side view...
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If your STB has a Scart (EURO-AV) connector The illustration below shows an example of connecting the STB to DECODER/LINE- 3 IN. In this case, set the STB CONNECTION setting to LINE3 (see page 31). STB controller’s side view (supplied) : Signal flow You can watch programmes from the Set-Top Box connected to this VCR on your TV even when the VCR is turned off using the Line Through function.
Additional connections To a stereo system You can improve sound quality by connecting a stereo system to the L/G jacks as shown on the right. To use the Line Through function when connecting to video equipment other than a Set-Top Box Using the Line Through function, you can watch programmes from other...
Step 4 : Tuning your TV to the VCR If your TV has a Scart (EURO-AV) connector, see page 21. If your TV does not have a Scart (EURO-AV) connector Follow the steps below so that your TV will properly receive the video signals from your VCR.
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RF channel appears. Then tune the TV to the new RF channel so that a clear picture appears. If your TV has a Scart (EURO-AV) connector Press ?/1 (on/standby) to turn on the VCR. SONY VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER RF CHANNEL PROGRAM +/– continued...
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Press RF CHANNEL on the VCR lightly. AUTO SET UP The currently set RF channel appears in the display window. The VCR signal is output through this channel to the TV. RF CHANNEL Press PROGRAM +/– to set the RF channel to OFF, and press RF PROGRAM CHANNEL again.
Step 5 : Setting up the VCR with the Auto Set Up function Before using the VCR for the first time, set up the VCR using the Auto Set Up function. With this function, you can set the language for the on-screen display, TV channels, guide channels for the ShowView system, and VCR clock automatically.
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Press AUTO SET UP lightly. AUTO SET UP The VCR starts searching for all of the receivable channels and presets them (in the appropriate order for your local area). RF CHANNEL If you want to change the order of the channels or disable unwanted programme positions, see “Changing/disabling programme positions”...
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Notes • If you stop the Auto Set Up function during step 3, you must repeat set up from step 1. • Whenever you operate the Auto Set Up function, some of the settings (ShowView, timer, etc.) will be reset. If this happens, you have to set them again. Setting up the VCR with the Auto Set Up function...
Step 6 : Setting the clock You must set the time and date on the VCR to use the timer features properly. The Auto Clock Set function works only if a station in your area is broadcasting a time signal. If the Auto Set Up function did not set the clock correctly for your local area, try another station for the Auto Clock Set function.
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Press M/m to set the day. PLAY Press , to highlight the month and set the month pressing M/m. PLAY Set the year, hour, and minutes in sequence, pressing , to highlight the PLAY item to be set, and press M/m to select the digits.
Changing the station for the Auto Clock Set function Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the TV to the video channel. • Refer to “Index to parts and controls” for button locations. Press MENU, then press M/m to MENU highlight SETTINGS and press OK.
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Press m to highlight CLOCK PROGRAM, then press OK. PLAY Press M/m repeatedly until the programme position of the station that PLAY carries a time signal appears. If the VCR does not receive a time signal from any station, AUTO ADJUST returns to OFF automatically.
Step 7 : Setting the Set-Top Box If you did not connect a Set-Top Box (STB), skip this step. Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the TV to the video channel. • Connect the STB controller, remove the protection sticker on the STB controller and place it on top of the STB, so that it hangs out over the infrared receptor on the STB front (see page 17).
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• If you connect the STB using the aerial cable: PLAY Press M/m/, to select RF and press OK. Press M/m to highlight PROGRAMME NO. and press OK. Enter the appropriate number using M/m and press OK. • If you connect the STB using the Scart (EURO-AV) cable: Press M/m/, to select LINE3 and press OK.
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Set-Top Box brand number To control the STB, enter the appropriate number corresponding to your STB brand. Some STBs may not operate at all with this VCR. STB brand ABsat Akai Alba Allantide Amstrad Andover Ankaro Anttron Arcon Armstrong Asat Astra Astro Audio Ton...
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STB brand Unitor Universum Vector Ventana Videoway VisiCable+ Vortec VTech Vtech Westminster Wevasat Note • To check if the brand number is entered correctly or not, press STB repeatedly to display “STB” in the display window then enter a three digit STB channel number with the programme number buttons.
Selecting a language You can change the on-screen display language from the one you selected with the Auto Set Up function. Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the TV to the video channel. •...
Presetting channels If some channels could not be preset using the Auto Set Up function, you can preset them manually. Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the TV to the video channel. • Refer to “Index to parts and controls” for button locations. Press MENU, then press M/m to MENU highlight SETTINGS and press OK.
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Press PROG +/– to select the • PROG programme position. Press M/m to highlight CHANNEL SET, then press OK. PLAY Press M/m repeatedly until the channel you want is displayed. The channels appear in the following PLAY order: • VHF E2 – E12 •...
If the picture is not clear Normally, the Auto Fine Tuning (AFT) function automatically tunes in channels clearly. However, if the picture is not clear, you may also use the manual tuning function. Press PROG +/– or the programme number buttons to select the programme position for which you cannot obtain a clear picture.
Changing/disabling programme positions After setting the channels, you can change the programme positions as you like. If any programme positions are unused or contain unwanted channels, you can disable them. You can also change the station names. If the station names are not displayed, you can enter them manually.
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Press M/m until the selected channel row moves to the desired programme PLAY position. The selected channel is inserted at the new programme position and the intermediate channels are displaced to fill the gap. Press OK to confirm the setting. PLAY To change the programme position of another station, repeat steps 3 through 5.
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Press M/m to highlight CHANNEL LIST, then press OK. PLAY Press M/m to highlight the row which you want to disable. PLAY Press CLEAR. CLEAR The selected row will be cleared as shown on the right. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for any other programme positions you want to disable.
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Changing the station names You can change or enter the station names (up to 5 characters). The VCR must receive channel information (for instance, SMARTLINK information) for station names to appear automatically. Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. •...
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Enter the station name. 1 Press M/m to select a character. PLAY Each time you press M, the character changes as shown below. A t B t … t Z t a t b t … t z t 0 t 1 t … t 9 t (symbols) t (blank space) t A 2 Press , to set the next character.
Setting the PAY-TV/Canal Plus decoder You can watch or record PAY-TV/Canal Plus programmes if you connect a decoder (not supplied) to the VCR. Connecting a decoder DECODER/t LINE-3 IN i LINE-1 (TV) Scart cable (not supplied) : Signal flow Setting PAY-TV/Canal Plus channels To watch or record PAY-TV/Canal Plus programmes, set your VCR to receive the channels using the on-screen display.
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Press M/m to highlight OPTIONS-2, then press OK. PLAY Press M/m to highlight DECODER/ LINE3, then press OK. PLAY Press M/m to highlight DECODER, then press OK. PLAY Press MENU to exit the menu. MENU The menu disappears from the TV screen. Press MENU again.
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Press M/m to highlight TUNER, then press OK. PLAY Press M/m to highlight NORMAL/ CATV, then press OK. PLAY Press M/m to highlight NORMAL, then press OK. PLAY To preset CATV (Cable Television) channels, select CATV. Press PROG +/– to select the desired •...
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Press M/m to select the PAY-TV/Canal Plus channels, then press OK. PLAY Press M/m to highlight PAY-TV/ CANAL+, then press OK. PLAY Press M/m to highlight ON, then press PLAY Press MENU to exit the menu. MENU • If you want to return to the previous menu, highlight RETURN and press OK. Notes •...
Basic Operations Playing a tape Before you start... • Refer to “Index to parts and controls” for button locations. 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.
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Notes • The counter resets to “0:00:00” whenever a tape is reinserted. • The counter stops counting when it comes to a portion with no recording. • The time counter does not appear on the TV screen when using an NTSC-recorded tape.
Recording TV programmes Before you start... • Refer to “Index to parts and controls” for button locations. Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. To record from a decoder, turn it on. Insert a tape with its safety tab in place. •...
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Press z REC to start recording. The recording indicator lights up red in the display window. Recording indicator To stop recording Press x STOP. To check the remaining time Press DISPLAY. 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 programme position, you can use the programme number buttons on the remote commander. For two-digit numbers, press the - (ten’s digit) button followed by the programme number buttons. • If you connect additional equipment to a LINE connector or jack, you can select the input signal using the INPUT SELECT or PROG +/–...
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Tips • The TV indicator appears in the display window after you press z REC in some situations such as: – when you are watching a source connected to the TV’s line input, or – when the TV tuner preset data for the programme position is different from the data in the VCR tuner preset.
Recording TV programmes using the Dial Timer The Dial Timer function allows you to make timer recordings of programmes without turning on your TV. Set the recording timer to record up to eight programmes, including settings made with other timer methods, that will be broadcast within the next month.
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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 PROGRAM +/–...
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Press DIAL TIMER The programme position or station name appears in the display window. Turn DIAL TIMER To record from a decoder or other source connected to one or more INPUT SELECT of the LINE inputs, turn to display the connected line in the display window. To record from the Set-Top Box, turn PROGRAM PROGRAM +/–...
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To use the VCR after setting the timer To use the VCR before a recording begins, just press ?/1. The turns off and the VCR switches on. Remember to press ?/1 to reset the VCR to recording standby after using the VCR. You can also do the following tasks while the VCR is recording: •...
Notes • If eight programmes have already been set using the ShowView system or the TIMER menu, “FULL” appears in the display window for about five seconds. • The indicator flashes in the display window when you complete the setting in step 9 with no tape inserted.
Recording TV programmes using the ShowView system The ShowView system is the feature that simplifies programming the VCR to make timer recordings. Just enter the ShowView number listed in the TV programme guide. The date, times, and programme position of that programme are set automatically. You can preset a total of eight programmes, including settings made with other timer methods.
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Press the programme number buttons to enter the ShowView number. If you make a mistake, press CLEAR and re-enter the correct number. CLEAR Press OK. The date, start and stop times, PLAY programme position or station name, tape speed, and VPS/PDC setting appear on the TV screen.
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If you want to change the date, tape speed, and the VPS/PDC setting: PLAY 1 Press </, to highlight the item you want to change. 2 Press M/m to reset it. • To record the same programme every day or the same day every week, see “Daily/weekly recording”...
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To use the VCR after setting the timer To use the VCR before a recording begins, just press ?/1. The turns off and the VCR switches on. Remember to press ?/1 to reset the VCR to recording standby after using the VCR. You can also do the following tasks while the VCR is recording: •...
Recording TV programmes using the timer You can preset a total of eight programmes, including settings made with other timer methods. … Before you start • Check that the VCR clock is set to the correct time and date. • Insert a tape with its safety tab in place. Make sure the tape is longer than the total recording time.
Set the date, start and stop times, programme position or station name, PLAY tape speed, and VPS/PDC function: 1 Press , to highlight each item in turn. INPUT SELECT 2 Press M/m to set each item. To correct a setting, press < to return to that setting and reset.
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To use the VCR after setting the timer To use the VCR before a recording begins, just press ?/1. The turns off and the VCR switches on. Remember to press ?/1 to reset the VCR to recording standby after using the VCR. You can also do the following tasks while the VCR is recording: •...
Additional Operations Playing/searching at various speeds … Before you start • Refer to “Index to parts and controls” for button locations. 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...
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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...
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. … Before you start • Refer to “Index to parts and controls” for button locations. While recording, press z REC.
Synchronized Recording You can set the VCR to automatically record programmes from equipment such as a satellite tuner by connecting the equipment to the DECODER/ LINE-3 IN connector. The connected equipment must have a timer function for this feature to work. When the connected equipment turns on, the VCR also automatically turns on and starts recording a programme from DECODER/LINE-3 IN.
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Press INPUT SELECT or PROG +/– to display “L3” in the display window. Set the timer on the connected equipment to the time of the programme you want to record, then turn it off. Press SP/LP to select the tape speed. Hold down SYNCHRO REC for more than two seconds.
Checking/changing/cancelling timer settings … Before you start • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. • Refer to “Index to parts and controls” for button locations. Press ?/1 to turn on the VCR. Press MENU, then press M/m to highlight LISTS and press OK. Press M/m to highlight TIMER LIST, then press OK: •...
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When the timer settings overlap The programme that starts first has priority and the second programme starts recording only after the first programme has finished. If the programmes start at the same time, the programme listed first in the menu has priority. Programme 1 Programme 2 Programme 1...
Recording stereo and bilingual programmes In ZWEITON (German stereo) system This VCR automatically receives and records stereo and bilingual programmes based on the ZWEITON system. When a stereo or bilingual programme is received, the STEREO indicator appears in the display window.
Bilingual programmes To listen to Main Main and sub Standard sound* * Usually the main sound (monaural) Selecting the sound during playback Press AUDIO MONITOR to select the sound you want. To listen to Stereo/main and sub (left and right channels) Left channel/main Right channel/sub Standard sound...
Searching using the Smart Search function If you record multiple programmes on a tape, you can use the Smart Search function to see what has been recorded on your tape. You can see information such as date, time, and programme position of the programmes recorded. You can also start playback directly from the selected programme using the SMART SEARCH screen.
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To record in a blank space Blank space on the tape will appear as a blank row in the SMART SEARCH screen. Select the last blank row in step 3, then press OK. The VCR rewinds/fast-forwards the tape to the beginning of the blank space, then stops. Start recording.
Storing, searching and deleting programme information (Smart Search Plus) You can store programme information, such as the recording date and time, and programme position, for a maximum of four tapes. You can select a programme and start playback, by recalling the information directly from the Smart Search Plus screen.
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Note • The SMART SEARCH screen will not appear before recording starts and programme information is stored, even if you press SMART SEARCH. To assign a memory number after recording After recording a programme, you can store the programme information as a new memory before ejecting the cassette.
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Searching for programme information stored on the memory bank number You can start playback of the recorded programme after calling the programme information from the four memory bank numbers. Before you start... • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. Insert the cassette for which you want to use the memory bank number.
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To exit the SMART SEARCH screen Press SMART SEARCH. Recalling the most recent programme information Programme information that is not saved in one of the memory bank numbers is erased when the cassette is ejected. The RECALL memory bank will temporarily memorize the programme information of the last tape used for recording in case that it is accidentally ejected.
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Press </, to select the memory bank number to delete. The programme information on the selected memory bank number appears. Check the information that you want to delete. Press CLEAR. The programme information is deleted. Press SMART SEARCH. The SMART SEARCH screen disappears. Note •...
Searching using the index function The VCR automatically marks the tape with an index signal at the point where each recording begins. Use these signals as references to find a specific recording. Insert an indexed tape into the VCR. Press ./> INDEX SEARCH. •...
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 turns off), distortion may occur if the recording is in poor condition. In this case, manually adjust the tracking.
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About the Optimum Picture Control (OPC) function The Optimum Picture Control (OPC) function automatically improves recording and playback quality by adjusting the VCR to the condition of the video heads and tape. To maintain better picture quality, we recommend that you set OPC to ON in the OPTIONS-1 menu (the OPC indicator lights up in the display window).
Reducing the VCR’s power consumption You can turn off the indicators in the display window when the VCR is off (standby mode) to reduce the VCR’s power consumption. Press MENU, then select OPTIONS and press OK. Press M/m to highlight OPTIONS-2, then press OK. Press M/m to select POWER SAVE, then press OK.
Changing menu options Press MENU, then select OPTIONS and press OK. Press M/m to highlight OPTIONS-1 or OPTIONS-2, then press OK. Press M/m to select the option, then press OK. Press M/m to change the setting, then press OK. Press MENU to return to the original screen. Menu choices Initial settings are indicated in bold print.
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Menu option Set this option to • NICAM to record NICAM broadcasts on the hi-fi audio HIFI AUDIO* track. • STANDARD to record standard sound on the hi-fi audio track. For details, see page 75. AUTO LONG PLAY • ON to change the timer recording tape speed automatically to the LP mode when the remaining tape length becomes shorter than the recording time.
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Menu option Notes • When the VCR stands by for recording, the indicators in the display window remain lit even when POWER SAVE is set to FULL or PARTIAL. • With the EDIT option ON, the OPC function does not work. * SLV-X9E only Changing menu options Set this option to...
Editing Connecting to a VCR or stereo system How to connect to record on this VCR Connect the line outputs of the other VCR to the LINE IN connector or jacks of this VCR. Refer to the examples A through C and choose the connection that best suits your VCR.
Example C Your VCR (Recorder) : Signal flow How to connect to a stereo system Connect the on the stereo system, using the RK-C510HG audio cable (not supplied). Notes • Make sure you connect the plugs to jacks of the same colour. •...
Basic editing 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 the connected line in the display window. • Press SP/LP to select the tape speed, SP or LP. •...
Audio dubbing This feature lets you record over the normal audio track. The monaural sound previously recorded is replaced while the original hi-fi sound remains unchanged. Use this feature to add commentary to a tape that you have recorded with a camcorder. Before you start...
25CLD, E-25CLDR, or T-25CLW video head cleaning cassette. If these cleaning cassettes are 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...
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• Adjust the tracking. • The video heads are dirty. Clean the video heads using the Sony T-25CLD, E-25CLDR, or T-25CLW video head cleaning cassette as explained above. • Make sure the TV is set to the video channel. If you are using a monitor, set it to video input.
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Symptom Remedy The SHOWVIEW menu • Check that TIMER OPTIONS in the OPTIONS-2 menu is or the TIMER menu does set correctly (see page 89). not appear. The VPS/PDC function • Check that the clock and the date are set correctly. does not operate •...
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Symptom The Set-Top Box control function does not work properly. You cannot watch the STB picture when the VCR is in standby mode or recording standby mode. A tape cannot be inserted. The remote commander does not function. The selected input line connector number does not appear in the display window.
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Symptoms caused by contaminated video heads • Normal picture • Rough picture initial contamination • No picture (or • Unclear picture black & white screen appears) terminal Troubleshooting...
Specifications System Channel coverage PAL (B/G) VHF E2 to E12 VHF Italian channel A to H UHF E21 to E69 CATV S01 to S05, S1 to S20 HYPER S21 to S41 RF output signal UHF channels 21 to 69 Aerial out 75-ohm asymmetrical aerial socket Tape speed SP: PAL...
Index Adjusting picture 40 tracking 85 Aerial hookup 14 AFT (Auto Fine Tuning) 40 Audio dubbing 94 Audio track 76 Auto Clock Set 28 Auto Long Play 89 Auto Set Up 23 Canal Plus 46 Changing the programme position 41 Changing the station name 44 Cleaning the video heads 95 Clock setting 26...
3 ... Turn on your TV and select a programme position for the VCR picture. 4 ... Tune the TV to the same channel shown in the VCR display window so that SONY VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER appears clearly on the TV screen. Refer to your TV’s instruction manual for tuning instructions.
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