1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Sony Manuals
  4. VCR
  5. SLV-SF990G
  6. Operating instructions manual

Sony SLV-SF990G Operating Instructions Manual

Sony operating instructions video cassette recorder slv-sf990g
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

3-062-324-11 (1)
Video Cassette
Recorder
Operating Instructions
The SmartFile function in this model meets the requirements of EU, EFTA,
Central and Eastern Europe
PAL NTSC 4.43
SLV-SF990G
©2000 Sony Corporation
Chlorine free paper

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Sony SLV-SF990G

Summary of Contents for Sony SLV-SF990G

  • Page 1 3-062-324-11 (1) Video Cassette Recorder Operating Instructions The SmartFile function in this model meets the requirements of EU, EFTA, Central and Eastern Europe PAL NTSC 4.43 SLV-SF990G ©2000 Sony Corporation Chlorine free paper...
  • Page 2 If the plug supplied with this equipment has a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station. Precautions Safety •...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents Getting Started 4 Step 1 : Unpacking 5 Step 2 : Setting up the remote commander 11 Step 3 : Connecting the VCR 18 Step 4 : Tuning your TV to the VCR 21 Step 5 : Setting up the VCR with the Auto Set Up function 22 Step 6 : Setting the clock 26 Step 7 : Setting the Set-Top Box 33 Selecting a language...

  • Page 4: Getting Started

    Getting Started Step 1 : Unpacking Check that you have received the following items with the VCR • Remote commander • R6 (size AA) batteries • Aerial cable Unpacking • Set-Top Box controller • SmartFile labels...

  • Page 5: Step 2 : Setting Up The Remote Commander

    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 symbol near the remote sensor, this remote commander will not operate the TV.
  • Page 6 TV control buttons Set the TV to standby mode Select an input source: aerial in or line in Select the TV’s programme position Adjust the TV’s volume Switch to TV (Teletext off) Switch to Teletext Select the sound Use FASTEXT Setting up the remote commander AUDIO MONITOR FASTEXT buttons...
  • Page 7 Call up the on-screen display Change the Teletext page Operate the TV menu Switch to/from wide mode of a Sony wide TV (For other manufactures’ wide TVs, see “Controlling other TVs with the remote commander”.) Notes • With normal use, the batteries should last about three to six months.

  • Page 8: Controlling Other Tvs With The Remote Commander

    Controlling other TVs with the remote commander The remote commander is preprogrammed to control non-Sony TVs. If your TV is listed in the table below, set the appropriate manufacturer’s code number. Set TV/VIDEO at the top of the remote commander to TV.
  • Page 9 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, 03, 04, 05 Aiwa Akai Blaupunkt 10, 21 Brionvega C.G.M...
  • Page 10 • If you enter a new code number, the code number previously entered will be erased. • If you remove the batteries of the remote commander for more than a few minutes, the code number may be reset to 01 (Sony). In this case, reset the appropriate code number. Setting up the remote commander...

  • Page 11: Step 3 : Connecting The Vcr

    Step 3 : Connecting the VCR We recommend connecting your VCR to your TV using a Scart (EURO- AV) cable. You must still connect your VCR to your TV with an aerial cable as well. If you use the Scart (EURO-AV) cable for connecting, you will improve the picture and sound quality playback of your VCR and make the set up easier.
  • Page 12 AERIAL OUT connector. • For a correct SmartLink connection, you will need a Scart cable which the 21 pins are completely connected (for example a Sony cable reference VMC-2121HG). Please refer to your TV’s instruction manual as well for this connection.
  • Page 13 About the SMARTLINK features If the connected TV complies with SMARTLINK, NexTView Link, MEGALOGIC , EASYLINK / CinemaLink , Q-Link or T-V LINK , you can use the SMARTLINK function after you complete the steps on the previous page (the SMARTLINK indicator appears in the VCR’s display window when you turn on the TV).You can enjoy the following SMARTLINK features.
  • Page 14 Connection to your TV with an aerial cable only 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.
  • Page 15 Connection to your TV and Set-Top Box (STB) If you don’t use a STB, skip to page 18. If your STB has a Scart (EURO-AV) connector The illustration below shows an example of connecting the STB to LINE-4 IN. In this case, set the STB CONNECTION setting to LINE-4 (see page 26).
  • Page 16 If your STB does not have a Scart (EURO-AV) connector Set the STB CONNECTION setting to RF (see page 26). iLINE- 1 (TV) : Signal flow * If your TV doesn’t have a Scart (EURO-AV) connector, the Scart cable connected to the VCR is not required.

  • Page 17: Additional Connections

    This additional connection improves picture and sound quality. Connect the TV as shown on the right using a commercially available connecting cable like the Sony VMC-810. If your TV has only one audio input jack, use a connecting cable like the Sony VMC- 910MS.

  • Page 18: Step 4 : Tuning Your Tv To The Vcr

    Step 4 : Tuning your TV to the VCR If you have connected your VCR to the TV with an aerial cable only Turn on your TV and press ?/1 (on/standby) to turn on the VCR. • Pull down the drop down panel. Press briefly RF CHANNEL on the VCR.
  • Page 19 If the screen does not appear clearly in step 5 above, press PROGRAM +/–, so that another RF channel appears.Then tune the TV to the new RF channel until a clear picture appears. SONY VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER continued Tuning your TV to the VCR...
  • Page 20 • If in step 3 the green screen does not appear, select the "AV/EXTERNAL" source on your TV (please refer to your TV instruction manual). Tuning your TV to the VCR RF CHANNEL PROGRAM +/– AUTO SET UP SMARTLINK EDIT AUTO SET UP SMARTLINK EDIT SONY VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER STEREO VIDEO NICAM STEREO VIDEO NICAM...

  • Page 21: Step 5 : Setting Up The Vcr With The Auto Set Up Function

    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 VIDEO Plus + system, and VCR clock automatically.

  • Page 22: Step 6 : Setting The Clock

    Step 6 : Setting the clock You must set the time and date on the VCR to use the timer recording features properly. If the VCR clock was not set in the Auto Set Up procedure, you need to set it manually. The Auto Clock Set function works only if a station in your area is broadcasting a time signal.

  • Page 23: The Clock

    Press CURSOR M/m to set the date. CURSOR Press CURSOR , to highlight the month and set the month pressing CURSOR CURSOR M/m. Set the year, hour, and minutes in sequence, pressing CURSOR , to CURSOR highlight the item to be set, and press CURSOR M/m to select the digits.

  • Page 24: Before You Start

    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. Press MENU, then press CURSOR M/m MENU to highlight SETTINGS and press OK. CURSOR Press CURSOR M/m to highlight CLOCK, then press OK.
  • Page 25 Press CURSOR M/m to highlight ON, then press OK. CURSOR Press CURSOR m to highlight CLOCK PROGRAM, then press OK. CURSOR Press CURSOR M/m until the programme position of the station that CURSOR carries the time signal appears. If the VCR does not receive the time signal from any station, AUTO ADJUST returns to OFF automatically.

  • Page 26: Step 7 : Setting The Set-Top Box

    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...
  • Page 27 • If you connect the STB using the aerial cable : CURSOR Press CURSOR M/m/</, to select RF and press OK. Press CURSOR M/m/</, to highlight PROGRAMME NO. and press OK. Enter the appropriate number using CURSOR M/m and press OK. •...
  • Page 28 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...
  • Page 29 STB brand Code numbers Diskxpress 211, 407, 469 Drake 279, 470 Dynasat Echostar 181, 407, 465 428, 685 Einhell Elta Emanon Emme Esse Engel Eurodec 535, 537 Europa Ferguson 078, 194, 347, 625, Fidelity 263, 686 Finlux 119, 355, 408, 425, 466, 525 Fraba Sat Fracarro...
  • Page 30 STB brand Lenco Lion Lupus Luxor Macab Magnavox Manhattan Maranz Maspro Matsui MediaSat Mediamarkt Memphis Micro Technology Minerva Mintec MNet Morgan’s Multistar Muratto Navex Neusat Newhaus Next-Wave Nikko Nokia Nordmende Oceanic Setting the Set-Top Box Code numbers STB brand 346, 384, 422, 432, Orbit Orbitec Oxford...
  • Page 31 531, 703, 720, 745 Schwaiger 194, 515 Scientific Atlanta 019, 028, 288 Seemann 407, 589, 637 380, 432, 529, 753 Siemens Skymaster 530, 639 Sony 286, 289, 293, 650, Stella STVI Sunstar 524, 805 Tandberg Tantec 308, 309, 347, 466 Tatung TechniSat...
  • Page 32 STB brand Wevasat Winersat Wisi Wolsey Gene 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 number with the programme number buttons.

  • Page 33: Selecting A Language

    Selecting a language If you prefer an on-screen lanuage other than English, use the on screen display to select another language. Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the TV to the video channel. Press MENU, then press CURSOR M/m MENU to highlight SETTINGS and press OK.

  • Page 34: Presetting Channels

    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. Press MENU, then press CURSOR M/m MENU to highlight SETTINGS and press OK.
  • Page 35 Press PROG +/– to select the programme PROG position. Press OK to highlight the channel number row, then press CURSOR M/m to CURSOR start tuning. The VCR starts searching for a channel and displays the first one it finds on the TV screen.
  • Page 36 Disabling unwanted programme positions After tuning the TV channels, you can disable unused programme positions. The disabled positions will be skipped later when you press the PROG +/– buttons. You can also disable unwanted programme positions using the CHANNEL LIST menu (see page 39).

  • Page 37: Setting/Changing The Station Names

    Setting/changing the station names You can also set and change station names as you like (up to 5 characters). The set station names are displayed on the TV screen when you change the programme position on the VCR. Before you start… •...
  • Page 38 • If you want to set the station name, press CURSOR , twice to highlight CURSOR the station name column only. • If you don’t want to set the station name, go to step 7. Enter the station name. 1 Press CURSOR M/m to select a CURSOR character.

  • Page 39: Changing/Disabling Programme Positions

    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. Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. •...
  • Page 40 Press CURSOR M/m to highlight the row on which you want to change the CURSOR programme position, then press CURSOR ,. To display other pages for programme positions 6 to 60, press CURSOR M/m repeatedly. Press CURSOR M/m until the selected channel row moves to the desired CURSOR programme position.
  • Page 41 Disabling unwanted programme positions After presetting channels, you can disable unused programme positions.The disabled positions will be skipped later when you press the PROG +/– buttons. Press MENU, then press CURSOR M/m MENU to highlight LISTS, and press OK. CURSOR Press CURSOR M/m to highlight CHANNEL LIST, then press OK.
  • Page 42 Press CURSOR M/m to highlight the row which you want to disable. CURSOR 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.

  • Page 43: Setting Your Personal Code

    Setting your personal code This VCR is equipped with a security function that assures quick identification of your set in case of a robbery. Just enter the Personal Code to personalize your set. Once you enter your personal code, you can check it any time but can never change it.
  • Page 44 Press OK. A confirmation screen appears. If the displayed personal code is correct, press OK to confirm the setting and to return to the normal display. If the displayed personal code is wrong, press CLEAR to cancel the code CLEAR and re-enter it restarting from step 2.

  • Page 45: Basic Operations

    Basic Operations Playing a tape NTSC PB 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. Press H PLAY. PLAY When the tape reaches the end, it will rewind automatically.
  • Page 46 Additional tasks Stop play Pause play Resume play after pause Fast-forward the tape Rewind the tape Eject the tape To play an NTSC-recorded tape Set NTSC PB at the rear of the VCR according to the colour system of your TV. When your TV is PAL only PAL and NTSC...
  • Page 47 Starting playback automatically with one button (One Touch Play) If you use the SMARTLINK connection, you can turn on the VCR and the TV, set the TV to the video channel, and start playback automatically with one button. Insert a tape. The VCR automatically turns on.

  • Page 48: Recording Tv Programmes

    Recording TV programmes Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. To record from a decoder or other source, turn it on. Insert a tape with its safety tab in place. Recording TV programmes COUNTER/REMAIN DISPLAY t TV/VIDEO INPUT SELECT PROG +/–...
  • Page 49 • To record a normal channel. PROG Press PROG +/– until the programme position number you want appears in the display window. • To record a video source from the LINE-1 (TV) or LINE-4 (Scart) INPUT SELECT connector, or the LINE-2 IN or LINE-3 IN jacks. Press INPUT SELECT until L1, L2, L3 or L4 appears in the display window.
  • Page 50 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. The Time counter In order to get an accurate remaining time indication, be sure the TAPE LENGTH item in the TAPE OPTIONS menu is set according to the tape type you use (see page 73).
  • Page 51 Notes • If a tape has portions recorded in both PAL and NTSC systems, the time counter reading will not be correct. This discrepancy is due to the difference between the counting cycles of the two video systems. • You cannot watch a PAY-TV/Canal Plus programme while recording another PAY-TV/Canal Plus programme.

  • Page 52: Recording Tv Programmes Using The Video Plus + System

    Recording TV programmes using the VIDEO Plus + system The VIDEO Plus + system is a feature that simplifies programming the VCR to make timer recordings. Just enter the PLUSCODE NO. listed in the TV programme guide. The date, times, and programme position of that programme are set automatically.
  • Page 53 Press TIMER. TIMER • When you set TIMER OPTIONS to VARIABLE: The TIMER METHOD menu appears on the TV screen. Press CURSOR CURSOR M/m to select VIDEO Plus +, then press OK. • When you set TIMER OPTIONS to VIDEO Plus +: The VIDEO Plus +, menu appears on the TV screen.
  • Page 54 Press OK. CURSOR The date, start and stop times, programme position, tape speed, and VPS/PDC setting appear on the TV screen. If “– –” appears in the “PROG.” (programme) column (this may happen for local broadcasts), you have to set the appropriate programme position manually.
  • Page 55 Press ?/1 to turn off the VCR. indicator appears in the display window and the VCR stands by for recording. To stop recording To stop the VCR while recording, press x STOP. Daily/weekly recording In step 4 above, press CURSOR m to select the recording pattern. Each time you press CURSOR m, the indication changes as shown below.
  • Page 56 Tips • To set the programme position with a two digit number, press –/– – (ten’s digit) button followed by the programme number button. • To set the programme position, you can also use the PROG +/– or programme number buttons.

  • Page 57: Setting The Timer Manually

    Setting the timer manually If the VIDEO Plus + system is not available in your area, follow the instructions below to set the timer to record programmes. … Before you start • Check that the VCR clock is set to the correct time and date.
  • Page 58 Press TIMER • When you set TIMER OPTIONS to VARIABLE: The TIMER METHOD menu appears on the TV screen. Press CURSOR M/ CURSOR m to select STANDARD, then press • When you set TIMER OPTIONS to STANDARD: The TIMER menu appears on the TV screen.
  • Page 59 Press ?/1 to turn off the VCR. indicator appears in the display window and the VCR stands by for recording. To record from a decoder or other sources, leave the connected equipment switched on. To stop recording To stop the VCR while recording, press x STOP. Daily/weekly recording In step 2 above, press CURSOR m to select the recording pattern.

  • Page 60: Additional Operations

    Additional Operations Playing/searching at various speeds Playback options Fast-forward or rewind View the picture during fast- forward or rewind Rewind and start play Playing/searching at various speeds Operation During stop, press MFF or mREW. During fast-forward, hold MFF down. During rewind, hold mREW down.

  • Page 61: Using The Shuttle Ring

    Using the shuttle ring With the shuttle ring, 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 anticlockwise. Each change in the shuttle ring position changes the playback mode, and the corresponding mark appears on the TV screen for a few seconds in the following way if the on- screen display function is on :...

  • Page 62: Setting The Recording Duration Time

    Setting the recording duration time After you start 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. Each press advances the time in increments of 30 minutes.

  • Page 63: Synchronized Recording

    Synchronized Recording You can set the VCR to automatically record programmes from equipment such as a programmable Set Top Box by connecting the equipment to the LINE-4 IN connector. The connected equipment must have a timer function for this feature to work.
  • Page 64 Recording programmes using the Synchronized Recording function … Before you start • Insert a tape with its safety tab in place. Make sure the tape is longer than the total recording time. Set the timer on the STB to the time of the programme you want to record, then turn it off.

  • Page 65: Checking/Changing/Cancelling Timer Settings

    Checking/changing/cancelling 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 CURSOR M/m to highlight LISTS and press OK. MENU CURSOR M/m/</, CLEAR continued...
  • Page 66 Press CURSOR M/m to highlight TIMER LIST, then press OK: • If you want to change or cancel a setting, go on to the next step. • If you do not need to change or cancel the settings, press MENU, then turn off the VCR to return to recording standby.

  • Page 67: Recording Stereo And Bilingual Programmes

    Recording stereo and bilingual programmes In NICAM system This VCR receives and records stereo and bilingual programmes based on the NICAM system (the NICAM indicator appears). When a stereo or bilingual programme is received, the STEREO indicator appears in the display window. To record a NICAM programme, HIFI AUDIO in the AUDIO OPTIONS menu should be set to NICAM (initial setting).
  • Page 68 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 (monaural) Hi-fi audio track...

  • Page 69: Searching Using The Index Function

    Searching using the index function The VCR marks the tape with an index signal at the point where each recording begins. Use these signals as references to find a specific recording. The VCR can search up to 99 index signals ahead or behind the current position.

  • Page 70: Adjusting The Picture

    Adjusting the picture Adjusting the tracking Although the VCR automatically adjusts the tracking when playing a tape (the 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. During playback, press TRACKING +/–...
  • Page 71 OPC recording Whenever you insert a tape and start recording for the first time, the VCR adjusts to the tape using the OPC function (the OPC indicator flashes rapidly). This adjustment is retained until the tape is ejected. To deactivate the OPC function Set OPC to OFF in the VIDEO OPTIONS menu.

  • Page 72: Changing Menu Options

    Changing menu options Press MENU, then select OPTIONS and press Press CURSOR M/m to highlight the kind of option to change, VIDEO OPTIONS, AUDIO OPTIONS, TAPE OPTIONS or OTHER OPTIONS, then press OK. Press CURSOR M/m to select the option, then press OK to enter the pop up menu.
  • Page 73 AUDIO OPTIONS menu Initial settings are indicated in bold print. Menu option Set this option to AUDIO MIX • ON to listen to the hi-fi and normal audio tracks at the same time. The AUDIO MONITOR button will not function. •...
  • Page 74 OTHER OPTIONS menu Initial settings are indicated in bold print. Menu option BUZZER DIMMER POWER SAVE TIMER OPTIONS TV DIRECT REC Note • When you set a timer recording or a synchronized recording, the indicators in the display window remain on, even though POWER SAVE is set to ON. Changing menu options Set this option to •...

  • Page 75: Editing

    Editing Connecting to a VCR or stereo system How to connect to record on your VCR Connect the line outputs of the other VCR to the LINE IN connector or jacks of your VCR. Refer to the examples A and B and choose the connection that best suits your VCR.

  • Page 76: How To Connect To A Stereo System

    How to connect to a stereo system Connect the LINE-2 IN AUDIO L/R jacks on your VCR to the audio output jacks 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. •...

  • Page 77: Basic Editing

    Basic Editing (when recording on your VCR) Before you start editing... • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. Press INPUT SELECT to display “L2” (or “L3” or “L4”) in the display window. • Press SP/LP to select the tape speed, SP or •...

  • Page 78: Audio Dubbing

    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. …...
  • Page 79 Note • After you use this feature, the audio in playback mode is automatically set to monaural. To listen to both the hi-fi and normal audio Set AUDIO MIX to ON in the AUDIO OPTIONS menu (see page 73). Use this feature to listen to dubbed audio over the original hi-fi audio.

  • Page 80: Smartfile Function

    SmartFile function About the SmartFile function SmartFile allows you to view the contents of your video tape (recording date, channel, name etc.) on the TV screen. It is no longer necessary to rewind, fast- forward, or playback a tape to find out what is recorded on it. You can also locate and start playback of a specific programme or find the place from which you want to start recording by using this list.
  • Page 81 Labelling a recorded programme and tape (page 90) You can attach an electronic "label" to the video tape and its programmes on the SmartFile list. Labelling the recorded programmes enables you to find a programme easily when you want to play it back. If TV guide pages are available in the Teletext, recorded programmes are labelled automatically.

  • Page 82: Recording Using The Smartfile Function

    SmartFile tape. Note on the purchase of SmartFile labels • If you want to order additional SmartFile labels, contact your nearest Sony service facility. Notes • The SmartFile label is equipped with a memory chip. The memory chip may be damaged and cannot be used when you: - twist or fold the SmartFile label.
  • Page 83 Recording a programme on the SmartFile tape When recording a programme on the SmartFile tape, no matter what method you use to record the programme (normal recording, Video Plus+ recording, etc.), programme data (date, name, channel, recording start time , etc.) is stored in the memory of the SmartFile label.
  • Page 84 Checking the information of a recorded programme Press SMARTFILE. The SmartFile search list appears. The recording day of the week, start time, programme position, date, name, recording time and tape speed appear on the list.The longest space which doesn’t have any programme data (Blank Time space) appears as "BLANK TIME": Date Day of the week...
  • Page 85 Recording after locating the Blank Time space The SmartFile function identifies not only the largest amount of available blank space, but also recorded material that doesn’t have corresponding programme data stored in the SmartFile label. The longest available recording space (including programmes that are not stored on the SmartFile label) is referred to as "Blank Time space".
  • Page 86 Press OK. The VCR goes to the beginning of the Blank Time space and stops. Press PROG +/– to select the programme position you want to record. Press z REC to start recording. Notes • You may not be able to locate the beginning of the Blank Time space correctly in the step 4 above when : - the SmartFile tape contains one or more short length (less than about 20 minutes in the LP mode and about 11 minutes in the SP mode) programmes for which programme data is not...

  • Page 87: Selecting And Playing A Programme

    Selecting and playing a programme You can automatically locate and start playback of a programme recorded on the SmartFile tape. Select a programme in the SmartFile search list. The SmartFile search list can contain up to 12 programmes. … Before you start •...

  • Page 88: Checking The Contents Of A Tape

    Checking the contents of a tape You can display the programme data list of a SmartFile tape on the TV screen. It is not necessary to insert the tape into the VCR. This feature allows you to quickly find a specific programme or to find a tape with enough recording space.
  • Page 89 • If you press any button other than SP/LP or CURSOR M/m, the SmartFile check list disappears. Notes • You cannot display the SmartFile check list while : - you display the SmartFile list of a different SmartFile tape inserted into the VCR. - you display any other menu.

  • Page 90: Labelling A Recorded Programme And Tape

    Labelling a recorded programme and tape Some broadcast systems ensure a Teletext service in which the complete programmes and their data (title, date, channel, recording start time etc.) are stored day by day. A TV guide page corresponds to each day of the week.
  • Page 91 Select the programme position for which you want to set or change the TV guide page. Press MENU, then press CURSOR M/m to highlight SETTINGS and press OK. Press CURSOR M/m to highlight TV GUIDE PAGE and press OK. • The TV guide page numbers appear automatically when the VCR detects them (P301).
  • Page 92 Notes • In step 4 above, enter "000" if you don’t want to use the TV guide page number for automatic labelling. The VCR will instead store default data (date, programme position, duration etc.) in the label. • Refer to the Teletext information on your TV screen to get the TV guide page number with the programme titles and their start times.
  • Page 93 Labelling a recorded programme manually If Teletext data is not available, label and select the appropriate category of the recorded programme manually. Labelling manually takes priority over labelling automatically. You can also label the tape. Up to 18 characters can be input for a programme and tape label.
  • Page 94 Press CURSOR , The cursor moves to the programme label input position. Label the programme. 1 Press CURSOR M/m Each time you press character changes as shown below. At Bt ... t Z t special characters t ! t& t, (comma) t - (hyphen) t . (period) t 0 t 1 ...
  • Page 95 Press MENU to exit the menu. To erase the programme label Press CLEAR after step 3 above. The programme label is erased and the default recording data reappears. To erase the selected category Press CLEAR in step 7 above. The selected category is erased and the space becomes blank.
  • Page 96 Labelling a tape … Before you start • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. Insert a SmartFile tape. The SMARTFILE indicator lights up on the VCR. Press MENU and select SMARTFILE EDIT, then press OK. The SMARTFILE EDIT menu appears.
  • Page 97 Press CURSOR , The cursor moves to the title input position. Label the tape. 1 Press to select a character. CURSOR M/m Each time you press CURSOR M character changes as shown below. At Bt ... t Z t special characters t ! t&...

  • Page 98: Registering The Contents Of A Recorded Tape In The Smartfile Label

    Registering the contents of a recorded tape in the SmartFile label The VCR will register programmes recorded on a tape (even a non-SmartFile recorded tape) in the memory of a new SmartFile label by detecting the index signals indicating the start of recorded programmes.
  • Page 99 To check the information of a registered programme Press SMARTFILE. The SmartFile search list appears. The registered programme number, registration date and recording time appear in this list. Note that the registration date differs from the recorded date. Registration date Programme located in a recorded tape Estimated position of the...

  • Page 100: Protecting A Recorded Programme

    Protecting a recorded programme You can protect a recorded programme from accidental over-recording or erasure using the SmartFile function. When you start recording from a position prior to the protected programme, the recording stops automatically before the protected programme. … Before you start •...
  • Page 101 Press SMARTFILE. The SmartFile search list disappears. To unlock the protected programme Press in the 4 above. The CURSOR< over this programme. Tips • When you start recording from a position prior to the protected programme, the recording automatically stops no more than about four minutes in SP mode and about eight minutes in LP mode before the beginning of the protected programme.

  • Page 102: Erasing The Data Of An Unwanted Programme

    Erasing the data of an unwanted programme You can erase an unwanted programme from the SmartFile list. When you erase a programme from the list, that portion of tape becomes Blank Time space. … Before you start • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. Insert a SmartFile tape.
  • Page 103 Press CLEAR. The selected programme is erased from the SmartFile list. If you erase a programme by mistake, press to make the programme reappear. DISPLAY Press SMARTFILE. The SmartFile search list disappears. Notes • You cannot erase a protected programme from the SmartFile list. You have to first unlock the protected programme by following the instructions in “To unlock the protected programme‘...

  • Page 104: Additional Information

    Additional Information Troubleshooting If you have any questions or if your problems are not covered below, please consult your nearest Sony service facility. Problem summary The following table summarizes the reference numbers for the problems you might face. In order to solve your problem, please refer to the corresponding reference (S1=symptom1, S2=symptom2 ...) in the right column below.
  • Page 105 Adjust the tracking with the TRACKING +/– buttons (see page 70). t The video heads are dirty (see below). Clean the video heads using t The video heads may have to be replaced. Consult your local Sony t The recording condition of the tape is very poor and tracking cannot...

  • Page 106: Sound

    Picture TV reception is poor. Sound The picture has no sound. The sound is unstable or has an echo. You cannot select the left or the right channel while playing a tape Playback The tape starts playing as soon as it is inserted.

  • Page 107: Timer Recording

    Timer recording t Check that the clock is set. The timer does not operate properly. t The clock stops if the VCR is disconnected from the mains for more t Check that the safety tab has not been removed. t If the timer recording overlaps a programme protected by the t The starting point of the recording overlaps a protected programme.

  • Page 108: Cleaning

    Remote commander You cannot control your TV. Cleaning The VCR needs to be cleaned. Clock The clock has stopped and “–:– –” lights up in the display window. Power The ?/1 ON/ STANDBY switch does not function. Power The power is turned on but the VCR does not operate.

  • Page 109: Set-Top Box Control

    Set-Top Box control t Be sure to point the VCR remote commander only at the VCR’s The Set-Top Box Control function does not work t Be sure the STB controller is pointing at the set top box’s remote properly. t Make sure the STB controller is connected securely. t The STB tuner brand number may be deleted if you disconnect it t Make sure the POWER SAVE option is set to OFF in the OTHER You cannot watch the...

  • Page 110: Specifications

    Specifications System Channel coverage PAL (I) UHF B21 to B69 RF output signal UHF channels 21 to 69 Aerial out 75-ohm asymmetrical aerial socket Tape speed SP: PAL 23,39 mm/s (recording/playback) NTSC 33,35 mm/s (playback only) LP: PAL 11,70 mm/s (recording/playback) NTSC 16,67mm/s (playback only) EP: NTSC 11,12 mm/s (playback only)

  • Page 111: Index To Parts And Controls

    Index to parts and controls Refer to the pages indicated in parentheses ( ) for details. Front panel A ?/1 (on/standby) button/indicator (6) B SMARTFILE button (81) C SMARTFILE sensor (88) D CURSOR M/m buttons (88) E Tape compartment F REALITY REGENERATOR (RR) indicator (70) G SYNCHRO REC indicator (64) H Z (eject) button (46)

  • Page 112: Display Window

    Display window A Timer indicator (52), (57) B VPS (Video Programme System)/PDC (Programme Delivery Control) indicator (55) C Audio Dubbing indicator (78) D OPC (Optimum Picture Control) indicator (70) E SMARTLINK indicator (13) F Tape speed indicators (49) G VIDEO indicator (49) H STB indicator (49) SMARTLINK VIDEO...
  • Page 113 Rear panel A Mains lead (11), (14) B LINE-3 IN AUDIO R (right)/L (left)/VIDEO ENTREE LIGNE-3 AUDIO D/G/VIDEO C i LINE-1 (TV) i LIGNE-1 (TV) connector (11) D t LINE-4 IN t ENTREE LIGNE-4 connector (15) E STB CONTROL CONTROLEUR STB jack (15) F AERIAL IN ANTENNE ENTREE connector (11), (14)
  • Page 114 Remote commander A Z EJECT button (46) B Menu buttons (6) MENU button CURSOR M/m/</, buttons OK button D AUDIO MONITOR button (6), (67) E CLEAR button (45), (52), (65) F AUDIO DUB button* (78) G COUNTER/REMAIN button* (50) H Fastext button* I Fastext button* J t TV/VIDEO button (6) L WIDE button (for TV) (7)
  • Page 115 U TV / VIDEO remote control switch (5) V ?/1 (on/standby) button (6), (57) W COMMAND MODE Switch (7) X SMARTFILE button (83) Y Programme number buttons (6), (26) Z STB button (26) wj–/– –(ten’s digit) button (6), (50) wk INPUT SELECT button (49), (57) wl PROG (programme) +/–...

  • Page 116: Menu Chart

    Menu chart This VCR is equipped with an on-screen indication system which allows you a visual, quick and easy selection of the different menus. For a total view of all the menus, please refer to the following chart. OPTIONS TIMER LISTS OPTIONS SMARTFILE EDIT...
  • Page 117 VIDEO OPTIONS EDIT SHARPNESS NORMAL NORMAL RETURN SELECT : EXIT : MENU AUDIO OPTIONS AUDIO MIX HIFI AUDIO NICAM RETURN SELECT : EXIT : MENU TAPE OPTIONS AUTO LONG PLAY TAPE LENGTH E180 RETURN SELECT : EXIT : MENU OTHER OPTIONS BUZZER DIMMER POWER SAVE...
  • Page 120 EURO-AV connection 11 Hi-fi audio track 68 Index Search 69 Language selecting 33 LP mode 49 Menu options 72 Sony Corporation Printed in Europe Monitoring during playback during recording NICAM broadcasts 67 Normal audio track 68 OPC (Optimum Picture Con-...

Table of Contents