Hitachi DV-DS163E User manual

SERVICE MANUAL
SPECIFICATIONS AND PARTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR IMPROVEMENT
HDD/DVD RECORDER
May 2006
SM0607
DV-DS163E
DV-DS163E(UK)
DV-DS253E
DV-DS253E(UK)
DO NOT RESELL OR DIVERT IMPROPERLY.

Contents - 1
Table of Contents
1 Safety Precaution for Repair............ 1-1
1-1 Cautions ..................................................1-1
1-2 Electrostatic Protection Measures...........1-2
1-3 Cautions When Handling DVD Drive .......1-2
1-4 Cautions When Handling HDD................1-3
1-5 Lead-Free Solder..................................... 1-4
1-6 Notes When Using Service Manual......... 1-5
2 General Description.......................... 2-1
2-1 Overview .................................................2-1
2-1-1 Service method .................................... 2-1
2-1-2 Disc information....................................2-2
2-2 Specifications ..........................................2-4
2-3 Major Differences from Previous Model ..2-5
2-4 Function Differences from
Previous Model .......................................2-6
2-5 Names of Parts........................................ 2-7
2-6 HDMI Connection .................................... 2-10
2-7 List of Abbreviations and Terms for DVD
Recorder.................................................. 2-11
3 Details of Servicing and
Troubleshooting................................ 3-1
3-1 How to Remove Disc from Faulty
Recorder.................................................. 3-1
3-2 Initialization.............................................. 3-2
3-2-1 Factory Set .......................................... 3-2
3-2-2 HDD Format ........................................3-2
3-3 Troubleshooting HDD ..............................3-3
3-4 Checking Versions of Firmware and
Updating .................................................3-4
3-4-1 Version check procedure......................3-4
3-4-2 Method of starting up firmware update
program ................................................3-4
3-4-3 Main firmware updating procedure ......3-5
3-4-4 Loader firmware updating procedure ..3-6
3-4-5 Main/Loader firmware simultaneous
updating procedure .............................. 3-6
3-5 Troubleshooting .......................................3-7
3-5-1 Troubleshooting electronic system .......3-7
4 Disassembly and Reassembly......... 4-1
4-1 Order of Disassembly..............................4-1
4-2 Disassembly ............................................4-2
(1) Top Cover, Fan .......................................... 4-2
(2) Front Block ................................................ 4-3
(3) TIMER-1 P.C.B, TIMER-2 P.C.B,
Front Panel ................................................4-3
(4) MAIN P.C.B ...............................................4-4
(5) Power Cable, SMPS P.C.B ........................ 4-5
(6) HDMI Block, HDMI P.C.B ..........................4-6
(7) Front Frame, DVD Block, DVD Drive Unit,
LOADER P.C.B.......................................... 4-7
(8) HDD Block, HDD P.C.B, HDD ...................4-8
(9) CARD P.C.B ..............................................4-9
(10) I/O P.C.B..................................................4-10
(11) Rear Panel .............................................. 4-10
5 Exploded View and Parts List .......... 5-1
5-1 Exploded View......................................... 5-1
5-2 Parts List ................................................. 5-2
S Schematic, Wiring Diagrams............ S-1
S-1 Wiring Diagram........................................S-1
S-2 SMPS Schematic Diagram......................S-2
S-3
POWER Schematic Diagram (I/O P.C.B) ....S-3
S-4 TUNER/SYSTEM Schematic Diagram
(I/O P.C.B)................................................S-4
S-5 JACK Schematic Diagram
(I/O P.C.B) ......S-5
S-6 DECODER Schematic Diagrams
(I/O P.C.B)................................................S-6
S-7 TIMER-1,TIMER-2 Schematic Diagram
(TIMER-1,TIMER-2 P.C.B).......................S-7
S-8 HDMI Schematic Diagram
(HDMI P.C.B) ..S-8
-TO BE ADDED-
S-9 Circuit Waveforms .................................... S-9
S-10 Circuit Voltage Chart .............................. S-10
C Circuit Board Diagrams.................... C-1
C-1 I/O Circuit Board Diagram .......................C-1
C-2 SMPS Circuit Board Diagram..................C-3
C-3 TIMER-1 Circuit Board Diagram..............C-3
C-4 TIMER-2 Circuit Board Diagram..............C-3
C-5 HDMI Circuit Board Diagram...................C-4
C-6 HDD Circuit Board Diagram ....................C-4

Contents - 2
B Block Diagrams................................. B-1
B-1 Overall Block Diagram............................. B-1
B-2 SMPS Circuit Block Diagram...................B-2
B-3 POWER (I/O Board) Circuit Block
Diagram................................................... B-3
B-4 AUDIO/VIDEO Circuit Block Diagram...... B-4
B-5 SYSTEM Circuit Block Diagram .............. B-5

1 - 1
Safety Precaution for Repair
1
1-1 Cautions
CAUTION
There is a high-voltage section inside the DVD video
recorder. When repairing or inspecting it, take great care
to prevent electric shock: Use an isolating transformer,
wear gloves, etc.
Many electrical and mechanical parts have special safety-related characteristics. These are often not
evident from visual inspection nor can the protection afforded by them necessarily be obtained by using
replacement components rated for a higher voltage, wattage, etc. Replacement parts which have these
special safety characteristics are identified in this Service Manual. Electrical components having such
features are identified by marking with a on the schematics and the parts list in this Service Manual.
The use of a substitute replacement component which does not have the same safety characteristics as
the HITACHI recommended replacement one, shown in the parts list in this Service Manual, may create
shock, fire, or other hazards. Product safety is continuously under review and new instructions are
issued from time to time. For the latest information, always consult the current HITACHI Service Manual.
A subscription to, or additional copies for, HITACHI Service Manual may be obtained at a nominal
charge from HITACHI SALES CORPORATION.
PRODUCT SAFETY NOTICE
CAUTION
This product contains a laser diode of
higher class than 1. To ensure contin-
ued safety, do not remove any covers
or attempt to gain access to the in-
side of the product. Refer all servicing
to qualified personnel.

1 - 2
Safety Precaution for Repair > Electrostatic Protection Measures / Cautions When Handling DVD Drive
1-2 Electrostatic Protection Measures
Semiconductor components can be damaged by static electricity charged on clothes, human
body, etc. Take great care when handling components to avoid electrostatic damage, and perform
servicing in an environment where grounding is complete.
(1) Grounding work bench
Lay out an antistatic mat on work bench, and then use the ground plate to ground the work bench.
Antistatic mat
Ground
1M ohm
1M ohm
Antistatic wrist strap
1-3 Cautions When Handling DVD Drive
The optical pickup in DVD drive has a high precision structure: Be sure to observe the following
cautions.
1) Do not subject optical pickups to any severe vibrations or
impact during movement, installation or disassembly.
2) When performing repair work, do not perform disassembly
any further than that described in this manual.
3) Never turn the semi-variable resistors for adjustment in
optical pickup or DVD drive.
4) NEVER look into the objective lens in optical pickup or
directly view the laser light: You could lose your eyesight.
Do not directly look at laser light
from pickup.
(2) Grounding human body
Use an antistatic wrist strap to discharge any static electricity charged on the body. Also, use a
tester for wrist strap to make sure that the wrist strap is working normally. Note, however, that
static electricity charged on clothes will not be discharged by wrist strap: Therefore do not allow
your clothes to touch the semiconductor components.

1 - 3
1-4 Cautions When Handling HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
HDD is a high precision device, and is very susceptible to vibrations or impact. Even if HDD
operates normally immediately after it has been subjected to vibrations or impact, a problem may
occur after it is used for a while: When servicing, take great care with the following.
There are two types of HDD: CSS format (head remains on disk regardless of operation status)
and ramp loading format (head moves away from disk during no operation). The impact resistance
characteristics are slightly different for the two. When servicing, observe the following cautions
regardless of the format:
(1) Cautions during unpacking
1) Do not subject the HDD to any impact when placing on desk: The head hitting against the desk
could result in damage.
2) If condensation occurs because of the environment, leave the HDD without being turned on for at
least 3 hours until it adapts to surrounding environment. If the HDD is turned on while the head
is sticking to disk because of condensation, the disk may be damaged.
(2) Cautions during transportation
An HDD is more susceptible to vibrations or impact when it is turned on or operating than during
no operation.
1) Do not move the HDD while it is turned on: If the HDD is subject to any impact while the disk is
rotating, i.e., the head hitting against the disk, breakage could result.
2) Move the HDD approximately 2 minutes (approximately 30 seconds for surveillance system
devices) after turning it off and unplugging its power cord from AC outlet. The disk will still be
rotating by inertia immediately after the HDD is turned off: Subjecting the HDD to movement at
this time could destroy it.
(3) Cautions during operation
1) Do not unplug the power cord from AC outlet during operation: This could damage the data on
HDD. Be sure to turn the HDD off before unplugging the power cord.
2) Do not hit the HDD: The head hitting the disk could result in breakage.
(4) Caution during packing
1) Use the packing material of relevant model: Material superior in impact resistance is used. Using
other packing materials could result in fault.
(5) Cautions when handling unassembled HDD
1) Hold the HDD at both sides so that the circuit board surface is facing below: Holding the HDD at
the top and bottom could cause the head to drift, which could result in fault.
2) Do not touch the terminal or pattern on circuit board.
3) Place HDD on a spot where cushion is pasted with the circuit board surface facing below.
4) Do not hold or place stacked HDDs.
5) Do not drop or hit HDD against anything: Dropping HDD from even 5 mm high on a work bench
with high stiffness could cause fault.
Safety Precaution for Repair > Cautions When Handling HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

1 - 4
1-5 Lead-Free Solder
The printed circuit board that uses lead-free solder is adopted. To protect the global environment,
use the recommended lead-free solder also during servicing.
Read and observe the following before soldering:
Caution
ALWAYS wear protective goggles during soldering so that no solder smoke or scattered solder enters
the eye. Lead-free solder may scatter at high temperatures of 600°C.
(1) Characteristics of lead-free solder
The melting point of lead-free solder is 30-40°C higher than that of lead based solder.
Point to be soldered Tip temperature
Surface-mounted (chip) parts [other than
those shown below]
320 ± 30°C
[heating time: less than 5 seconds]
Surface-mounted (chip) parts [for DVD
cameras, cellular phones only]
350 ± 10°C
[heating time: less than 3 seconds]
Discrete parts 380 ± 30°C
Chassis, metal shield, etc. 420 ± 30°C
(2) Lead-free solder for servicing
Use the following lead-free solder for servicing:
Recommended lead-free solder and composition of alloy (wt%): Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu or equivalent
Information:
For composition of alloy, Sn is tin; Ag is silver; Cu is copper; Bi is bismuth; Pb is lead.
(3) Soldering iron for servicing
The temperature of soldering iron tip must be adjusted according to the points to be soldered: Use
an antistatic soldering iron with thermal control function.
When removing components, take care not to damage any surrounding component or pattern. When
attaching components, observe the heating time in the following table so that the components are
not destroyed by heat.
Tip temperatures for different soldering points:
Safety Precaution for Repair > Lead-Free Solder
(4) Cautions when using lead based solder
It is recommended that you use lead-free solder when servicing, but it is also possible to service
using lead based solder. However, if lead based solder is used for servicing, take care with the
following:
1) Before using lead based solder, remove the lead-free solder completely from the point to be
soldered.
2) For additional soldering for repair, set the soldering iron tip temperature for lead-free solder,
mix lead based solder and lead-free solder sufficiently. Do not perform any repair using the
bare soldering iron tip without adding solder, since it will cause secondary failure due to lack of
strength.

1 - 5
(3) Identifying sides A/B in circuit board diagrams
1) Board with pattern on one side only and parts on both sides:
Side A: Shows discrete parts.
Side B: Shows leadless parts, viewed from the pattern side.
2) Board with patterns and parts on both sides:
Sides A and B are identified without any predetermined rules.
(4) Indicating model names
The indication of models is defined as follows:
1) The common parts of model names are omitted.
Example: When indicating VM-D975LA and VM-D875LA:
VM-D975LA/D875LA, D975LA/D875LA
2) If there is no difference in models going to different destinations, the indication of destination is
omitted.
Example: When indicating DZ-MV350E(AU) and DZ-MV350E(SW): DZ-MV350E
1-6 Notes When Using Service Manual
(1) Value units used in parts list
Certain symbols are indicated as shown below for value units of resistors, capacitors and coils in
parts list. When you read them, note the following regular indications:
(2) Values in schematic diagrams
The values, dielectric strength (power capacitance) and tolerances of the resistors (excluding
variable resistors) and capacitors are indicated in the schematic diagrams using abbreviations.
Certain symbols are indicated for value units: When you read them note the regular indications in
tables below:
Safety Precaution for Repair > Notes When Using Service Manual
Parts Indication in list Regular indication
Resistor KOHM ..........................................k
Capacitor UF .................................................F
PF..................................................pF
Coil UH ................................................H
MH ................................................ mH
[Resistors] [Capacitors]
[Coils]
Item Indication
Value No indication................................
K.................................................... k
M................................................... M
Tolerance No indication ................................ ±5%
(All tolerances other than ±5% are
indicated in schematic diagrams)
Power
capacitance
No indication................................ 1/8W
(1/16 W for leadless resistors with no
indication)
All capacitances other than the above
are indicated in schematic diagrams.
Item Indication
Value No indication................................ F
P.................................................... pF
Dielectric
strength
No indication ............................... 50V
(All dielectric strengths other than
50 V are indicated in schematic
diagrams)
Item Indication
Value .................................................... H
m ................................................... mH

2 - 1
General Description
2-1 Overview
The HDD/DVD recorder models DV-DS253E and DS163E all incorporate 250-GB and 160-GB
HDDs, made by Hitachi Global Storage Technologies.
The DVD recorder block contains a DVD multi-drive: It is compatible with recording and playback
of a variety of media – 5x DVD-RAM, 4x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-R, 4x DVD+RW, 16x DVD+R and 8x
DVD+R DL.
2-1-1 Service method
Basically, components are replaced when servicing the HDD/DVD recorder. However, the service
method is different for high-density packaging PCBs and precision components.
Refer to the following table and perform the designated, appropriate servicing. Any changes that
occur in the service method will be published using service bulletin, etc.
Do not perform any servicing other than that described in this manual.
2
Fig. 2-1-1 Component Location
Component Service method
(a) HDD Unit replacement
(b) TIMER-2 P.C.B Component replacement
(c) CARD P.C.B Component replacement
(d) DVD Drive Unit Unit replacement
(e) TIMER-1 P.C.B Component replacement
(f) MAIN P.C.B Circuit board assembly replacement
(g) HDMI P.C.B Component replacement
(h) I/O P.C.B Component replacement
(i) LOADER P.C.B Component replacement
(j) SMPS P.C.B Component replacement
(k) HDD P.C.B Component replacement
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(j)
(k)
(i)

2 - 2
General Description > Overview
2-1-2 Disc information
Recordable and Playable Discs
DVD-RAM
•DVD-RAM discs can be formatted for VR mode recording.
•These Discs can be recorded on repeatedly. Recordings can be erased, then you can record again on
the same Disc.
•Playable on DVD-RAM compatible players.
•Recordings can be extensively edited.
•Only DVD-RAM standard Version 2.0, 2.1 and 2.2 discs can be used in this unit.
•You cannot use the cartridge-type DVD-RAM disc in this unit.
DVD-RW
• DVD-RW discs can be formatted for VR mode recording or Video mode recording.
•These Discs can be recorded on repeatedly. Recordings can be erased, then you can record again on
the same Disc.
[VR mode]
•Recordings can be extensively edited
•Playable only on VR mode compatible players (after finalization)
[Video mode]
•Playable on regular DVD players (after finalization)
•Limited editing features
DVD-R
•These Discs can be recorded only once. After you finalize a DVD-R, you cannot record on it or edit it.
•DVD-R discs can be only formatted to Video mode.
•Playable on regular DVD players (after finalization).
•Limited editing features
DVD+RW
•These Discs can be recorded on repeatedly. Recordings can be erased, then you can record again on
the same Disc.
•Playable on DVD+RW compatible players (automatically finalization)
•The edited contents are playable on DVD+RW compatible players only after finalization
•Recordings can be edited the title/chapter
DVD+R
•These Discs can be recorded only once. After you finalize a DVD+R, you cannot record on it or edit it
any more.
•Playable on DVD+R compatible players (after finalization)
•Any edited contents are not be compatible on DVD+R compatible players. (Hide, chapter combine,
added chapter mark, etc.)
•Limited title/chapter editing features.
DVD+R DL
•These Discs can be recorded only once. After you finalize a DVD+R DL, you cannot record on it or
edit it any more.
•Storage space is nearly doubled with double layer DVD+R media, allowing consumers to record up to
8.5GB of video on a single DVD+R DL disc.
•Playable on DVD+R compatible players (after finalization)
•Any edited contents are not be compatible on DVD+R DL compatible players. (Hide, chapter combine,
added chapter mark, etc.)
•Limited title/chapter editing features.

2 - 3
General Description > Overview
4HERECORDABLE$6$DISCS%XAMPLE
.OTE
)FA$6$27$6$27DISCISRECORDEDUSINGAPERSONALCOMPUTEROROTHER$6$RECORDERYOUCANNOTFORMATTHE
DISCUSINGTHISRECORDER3OIFYOUWANTTOUSETHEDISCONTHISRECORDERYOUMUSTFORMATTHEDISCUSINGTHEORIGINAL
RECORDER
4HEABOVEDISCSWERECHECKEDFORUSABILITYIN
$ISCSPECIFICATIONSMAYBECHANGEDWITHOUTNOTICE
0LAYABLE$ISCS
$6$CMCMDISC
s $ISCSSUCHASMOVIESTHATCANBEPURCHASEDORRENTED
6IDEO#$6#$CMCMDISC
s 6)$%/#$SOR#$2S#$27SIN6)$%/#$3UPER6)$%/#$FORMAT
!UDIO#$CMCMDISC
s -USIC#$SOR#$2S#$27SINMUSIC#$FORMATTHATCANBEPURCHASED
#$2#$27CMCMDISC
s #$2#$27DISCSTHATCONTAINAUDIOTITLES$IV8¤-07-!OR*0%'FILES
.OTES
s $EPENDINGONTHECONDITIONSOFTHERECORDINGEQUIPMENTORTHE#$227OR$6$227DISCITSELFSOME
#$227OR$6$227DISCSCANNOTBEPLAYEDONTHEUNIT
s )MAGESTAKENWITHA(ITACHI$6$VIDEOCAMERAONCM$6$2DISCSTHATHAVENOTBEENFINALIZEDCANBEPLAYED
ONTHEUNIT!DDITIONALRECORDINGANDFINALIZATIONCANNOTBEPERFORMED
s $ONOTATTACHANYSEALORLABELTOEITHERSIDETHELABELEDSIDEORTHERECORDEDSIDEOFADISC
s $ONOTUSEIRREGULARLYSHAPED#$SEGHEARTSHAPEDOROCTAGONAL$OINGSOMAYRESULTINMALFUNCTIONS
s $EPENDINGONTHERECORDINGSOFTWARETHEFINALIZATIONSOMERECORDEDDISCS#$227OR$6$227MAYNOT
BEPLAYABLE
s $6$227$6$227AND#$227DISCSRECORDEDUSINGAPERSONALCOMPUTERORA$6$OR#$2ECORDER
MAYNOTPLAYIFTHEDISCISDAMAGEDORDIRTYORIFTHEREISDIRTORCONDENSATIONONTHE2ECORDERSLENS
s )FYOURECORDADISCUSINGAPERSONALCOMPUTEREVENIFITISRECORDEDINACOMPATIBLEFORMATTHEREARECASESIN
WHICHITMAYNOTPLAYBECAUSEOFTHESETTINGSOFTHEAPPLICATIONSOFTWAREUSEDTOCREATETHEDISC#HECKWITHTHE
SOFTWAREPUBLISHERFORMOREDETAILEDINFORMATION
.OTESON$6$SAND6IDEO#$S
3OMEPLAYBACKOPERATIONSOF$6$SAND6IDEO#$SMAYBEINTENTIONALLYFIXEDBYSOFTWAREMANUFACTURERS!STHIS
UNITPLAYS$6$SAND6IDEO#$SACCORDINGTODISCCONTENTDESIGNEDBYTHESOFTWAREMANUFACTURERSOMEPLAYBACK
FEATURESOFTHEUNITMAYNOTBEAVAILABLEOROTHERFUNCTIONSMAYBEADDED
2EFERALSOTOTHEINSTRUCTIONSSUPPLIEDWITHTHE$6$SAND6IDEO#$S3OME$6$SMADEFORBUSINESSPURPOSES
MAYNOTBEPLAYEDONTHEUNIT
$6$2!- $6$27 $6$2 $6$27 $6$2 $6$2$,
-AXELL§§§ -AXELL§§§ -AXELL§§§ -AXELL§§ -AXELL§§§ -AXELL§
-ITSUBISHI§§ 6ICTOR§§ 6ERBATIM§§ 3/.9§ -ITSUBISHI§§§ -ITSUBISHI§§
&UJIFILM§§ 6ERBATIM§ 4HATS§§ -ITSUBISHI§ 2ICOH§§§§ 
 -ITSUBISHI§§  2ICOH§§ 6ERBATIM§ 
  

2 - 4
2-2 Specifications
General Description > Specifications
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
General
Power requirements AC 220-240V, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption 35W
Dimensions (approx.) 430 × 59 × 298 mm (w × h × d)
Mass (approx.) 4.1 kg
Operating temperature 5°C to 35°C
Operating humidity 10 % to 80 %
Television system PAL B/G, SECAM L/L´ colour system (253E/163E),
PAL B/G, SECAM I/I´ colour system (253E(UK)/163E(UK))
Recording format PAL
Recording
Recording format DVD Video Recording, DVD-VIDEO
Recordable media HDD, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+RW,
DVD+R, DVD+R (Double Layer)
Recordable time
(DVD)
DVD (4.7GB): Approx. 1 hour (XP mode), 2 hours (SP mode),
4 hours (LP mode), 6 hours (EP mode)
DVD+R DL (8.5GB): Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes (XP mode),
3 hours 30 minutes (SP mode),
7 hours 0 minutes (LP mode), 10 hours 30 minutes (EP mode)
Recordable time
(HDD)
DV-DS253E
HDD (250GB): Approx. 66 hours (XP mode), 129 hours (SP mode),
239 hours (LP mode), 338 hours (EP mode)
DV-DS163E
HDD (160GB): Approx. 48 hours (XP mode), 84 hours (SP mode),
156 hours (LP mode), 222 hours (EP mode)
Video recording format
Sampling frequency 27MHz
Compression format MPEG 2 (VBR support)
Audio recording format
Sampling frequency 48kHz
Compression format Dolby Digital
Playback
Frequency response DVD (PCM 48 kHz): 8 Hz to 20 kHz, CD: 8 Hz to 20 kHz
DVD (PCM 96 kHz): 8 Hz to 44 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio More than 100 dB (AUDIO OUT connector)
Harmonic distortion Less than 0.008 % (AUDIO OUT connector)
Dynamic range More than 95 dB (AUDIO OUT connector)
Inputs
AERIAL IN Aerial input, 75 ohms
VIDEO IN 1.0 Vp-p 75 ohms, sync negative, RCA jack × 2 / SCART × 2
AUDIO IN 2.0 Vrms more than 47 kohms, RCA jack (L, R) × 2 / SCART × 2
DV IN 4 pin (IEEE 1394 standard)
Outputs
VIDEO OUT 1 Vp-p 75 ohms, sync negative, RCA jack × 1 / SCART × 2
COMPONENT VIDEO OUT (Y) 1.0 V (p-p), 75 ohms, negative sync, RCA jack × 1
(Pb)/(Pr) 0.7 V (p-p), 75 ohms, RCA jack × 2
HDMI video/audio output 19 pin (HDMI standard, Type A)
Audio output (digital audio) 0.5 V (p-p), 75 ohms, RCA jack × 1
Audio output (optical audio) 3 V (p-p), 75 ohms, Optical connector × 1
Audio output (analog audio) 2.0 Vrms (1 kHz, 0 dB), 600 ohms, RCA jack (L, R) × 1 / SCART × 2

2 - 5
2-3 Major Differences from Previous Model
General Description > Major Differences from Previous Model
ł: Same as on left
Item DV-DS253E/DS163E DV-DS251E/DS161E
Appearance
Dimensions 430(W) x 298(D) x 59(H)mm 432(W) x 371.5(D) x 60.5(H)mm
Power consumption Approx. 35 W ł
CPRM Yes ł
Recordable media DVD-RAM
DVD-RW
DVD-R
DVD+RW
DVD+R
DVD+R DL
ł
Playable media DVD-RAM
DVD-RW
DVD-R
DVD+RW
DVD+R
DVD+R DL
CD-R/CD-RW (CD-DA, DivX, MP3,
WMA, JPEG format)
ł
HDD DV-DS253E: 250GB DV-DS251E: ł
DV-DS163E: 160GB DV-DS161E: ł
Remote control DV-DS253E/DS163E:
DV-RM253E
DV-DS253E(UK)/DS163E(UK):
DV-RM253E(UK)
DV-DS251E/DS161E:
DV-RM251E
DV-DS161E(UK):
DV-RM251E(UK)
Memory card slot For CF/MD/ST1 MD: x1
For SD/Mini SD/MMC/MMC Plus/
RS MMC/MMC Mobile/xD: x1
For CF/MD: x1
For SD/MMC/SMC/xD: x1
DV input terminal x1 (IEEE 1394 standard) ł
S-Video input terminal x1 ł
Video/Audio input terminals x4 (RCA: x2, SCART: x2) ł
Component video output terminal x1 (RCA) ł
S-Video output terminal Not provided ł
Video output terminal x3 (RCA: x1, SCART: x2) ł
Analog audio output terminals x3 (RCA: x1, SCART: x2) ł
Digital audio output terminals x2 (Optical: x1, Coaxial: x1) ł
HDMI terminal x1 ł
Video out select switch Provided ł

2 - 6
General Description > Function Differences from Previous Model
2-4 Function Differences from Previous Model
ł: Same as on left
Item DV-DS253E/DS163E DV-DS251E/DS161E
Recording
Recording Mode 4 mode (XP/SP/LP/EP) ł
Time Shift Provided ł
Clip Recording Provided ł
Instant Timer Recording Provided ł
Timer Recording Provided ł
Recording from DV Input Provided ł
Dubbing
HDD to DVD Provided ł
DVD to HDD Provided ł
One Touch Copy (HDD to DVD) Provided ł
One Touch Copy (DVD to HDD) Provided ł
FR (Flexible Recording) Mode Provided ł
Fast copying Mode Provided ł
Title List
Adding Chapter Markers Provided ł
Changing Title Thumbnails Provided ł
Making a New Playlist Provided ł
Adding Title/Chapters Provided ł
Deleting Title/Chapter Provided ł
Deleting a Part Provided ł
Time Search Provided ł
Sort Provided ł
Combining Titles Provided ł
Divide Provided ł
Combining Chapters Provided ł
Moving a Playlist Chapter Provided ł
Hide a Chapter/Title Provided ł
Playback
Displaying Disc Information Provided ł
Commercial Advance (CM Skip) Not provided Provided
Random Provided ł
Repeat A-B Provided ł
Time Search Provided ł
Zoom Provided ł
Marker Search Provided ł
Manual Skip Provided (15 second) ł
DivX Movie File Playback Provided ł
Audio CD Playback Provided ł
MP3 Playback Provided ł
WMA file Playback Provided ł
JPEG File Viewing Provided ł
P in P Not provided ł

2 - 7
2-5 Names of Parts
General Description > Names of Parts
Front Panel
POWER button
Switches the recorder ON or OFF.
(As to the indication of the Operate switch, “ I ”
shows ON and “”shows electrical power
stand-by.)
(OPEN/CLOSE)
Opens or closes the disc tray.
HDD/DVD
Set the recorder’s mode to HDD or DVD.
(STOP)
Stops playback or recording.
/ (PLAY/PAUSE)
Starts playback.
Pause playback or recording temporarily, press
again to exit pause mode.
(REC)
Starts recording. Press repeatedly to set the
recording time.
PROG. ( / )
Scans up or down through memorized channels.
RESOLUTION
Sets the output resolution for HDMI and
COMPONENT/PROGRESSIVE SCAN VIDEO OUT
jacks.
–HDMI: 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i
–COMPONENT: 576i, 576p
Disc Tray
Insert a disc here.
Display window
Shows the current status of the recorder.
T/S: Indicates the timeshifting mode.
REC: The recorder is recording.
HDD: The recorder is HDD mode.
DVD: The recorder is DVD mode.
HDD DVD: The recorder is dubbing.
TV: Indicates when the recorder is in TV tuner
mode.
: Indicates when the recorder is in timer
recording or a timer recording is programmed.
: Indicates clock, total playing
time, elapsed time, title number, chapter/track
number, channel, etc.
Remote Sensor
Point the recorder remote control here.
MEMORY CARD Slot 1
Insert a memory card (CF/MD/ST1 MD).
MEMORY CARD Slot 2
Insert a memory card (SD/Mini SD/MMC/
MMC Plus/RS MMC/MMC Mobile/xD).
DV IN
Connect the DV output of a digital camcorder.
INPUT 4 (S-VIDEO IN)
Connect the S-Video output of an external source
(TV/ Monitor, VCR, Camcorder, etc.).
INPUT4 (VIDEO IN/AUDIO IN (Left/Right))
Connect the audio/video output of an external
source (Audio system, TV/ Monitor, VCR,
Camcorder, etc.).
Note:
The (OPEN/CLOSE) button will not operate with
this recorder turned off. After turning the recorder on to
display the clock in the Display window, press the
(OPEN/CLOSE) button.

2 - 8
General Description > Names of Parts
2EMOTE#ONTROL
NUMERICALBUTTONS
3ELECTSNUMBEREDOPTIONSINA
MENU
   LEFTRIGHTUPDOWN
3ELECTSANOPTIONINTHEMENU
 UPDOWN3CANSUPOR
DOWNTHROUGHMEMORIZEDCHANNELS
!"2EPEATSEQUENCE
!.',% 3ELECTSA$6$CAMERA
ANGLEIFAVAILABLE
!5$)/ 3ELECTSAN
AUDIOLANGUAGE$6$OR46AUDIO
CHANNEL#$
#(0!$$)NSERTSA
CHAPTERMARKERWHENPLAYING
RECORDING
#,%!2 2EMOVESA
TRACKNUMBERONTHE0ROGRAM,IST
ORAMARKONTHE-ARKER3EARCH
MENU
$)3#-%.5,)34
!CCESSESMENUONA$6$DISC
3WITCHESBETWEEN4ITLE,IST/RIGINAL
AND4ITLE,IST0LAYLISTMENU
$)30,!9 
!CCESSES/N3CREEN$ISPLAY
$5"").' #OPIES$6$
TO($$OR($$TO$6$
$6$ 3ELECTTHE
2ECORDERSFUNCTIONMODETO$6$
%.4%2
s !CKNOWLEDGESMENUSELECTION
s $ISPLAYSINFORMATIONWHILE
VIEWINGA46PROGRAM
($$3ELECTTHE
2ECORDERSFUNCTIONMODETO($$
(/-%!CCESSESOR
REMOVESTHE(/-%MENU
).054 #HANGESTHE
INPUTTOUSEFORRECORDING4UNER
!6OR$6).
-!.5!,3+)0
0RESSINGTHISBUTTONDURING
PLAYBACKWILLSKIPTOASCENE
SECONDSFORWARD
-!2+%2 -ARKS
ANYPOINTDURINGPLAYBACK
/0%.#,/3%
/PENSANDCLOSESTHEDISCTRAY
/PERATETHISBUTTONONLYAFTER
TURNINGTHERECORDERON
0!53%34%0
0AUSEPLAYBACKORRECORDING
TEMPORARILYPRESSAGAINTOEXIT
PAUSEMODE
0,!9
3TARTSPLAYBACK
)0/7%2
3WITCHESTHERECORDER/.OR/&&
2!.$/- 
0LAYSTRACKSINRANDOMORDER
2%#3TARTSRECORDING
0RESSREPEATEDLYTOSET
THERECORDINGTIME
2%#-/$% 3ELECTS
THERECORDINGMODE8030,0OR
%0
2%0%!4
2EPEATCHAPTERTRACKTITLEALL
2%3/,54)/.
3ETSTHEOUTPUTRESOLUTIONFOR($-)
2%452. 
s 2EMOVESTHEMENU
s $ISPLAYTHEMENUOFAVIDEO#$
WITH0"#
 3#!.
3EARCHBACKWARDORFORWARD
3%!2#(
$ISPLAYS-ARKER3EARCHMENU
3%450!CCESSESOR
REMOVESTHE3ETUPMENU
3(/76)%74ODISPLAY
THEPROGRAMMENUFOR3(/76)%7
3YSTEMPROGRAMMING
 3+)0
'OTONEXTCHAPTERORTRACK2ETURNS
TOBEGINNINGOFCURRENTCHAPTEROR
TRACKORGOTOPREVIOUSCHAPTEROR
TRACK
34/0
3TOPSPLAYBACKORRECORDING
35"4)4,%
3ELECTSASUBTITLELANGUAGE
4(5-".!),3ELECTSA
THUMBNAILPICTUREFORTHECURRENT
TITLEANDCHAPTERFORUSEINTHE
/RIGINALAND0LAYLISTMENU
4)-%22%#
$ISPLAYS4IMER2ECORDMENU
4)-%3()&4!CTIVATES
PAUSELIVE46PLAYBACKTIMESHIFT
FORALIVE46PROGRAM
4)4,%-%.5
$ISPLAYSTHEDISCS4ITLEMENUIF
AVAILABLE
46$6$ 4OVIEW
CHANNELSSELECTEDBYTHERECORDER
TUNERORBYTHE46TUNER
46#ONTROL"UTTONS
s 0/7%24URNSTHE46ONOROFF
s ).0543ELECTSTHE46SSOURCE
s 02/'n3ELECTS46SCHANNEL
s 6/,n!DJUSTS46SVOLUME
s -54%4EMPORARILYTURNS46
SOUND/&&PRESSAGAINTO
RESTORE
://- 
%NLARGES$6$VIDEOIMAGE

2 - 9
General Description > Names of Parts
2EAR0ANEL
!%2)!,
#ONNECTTHEAERIALTOTHISTERMINAL
($-)#ONNECTOR4YPE!
($-)OUTPUTPROVIDINGAHIGHQUALITYINTERFACEFOR
DIGITALAUDIOANDVIDEO
%52/!6$%#/$%2
#ONNECTTHEAUDIOVIDEOOUTPUTOFANEXTERNAL
SOURCE0AY46DECODER3ET4OP"OX6#2ETC
!66)$%//54
#ONNECTTOA46WITHVIDEOINPUTS
!66)$%/).
#ONNECTTHEVIDEOOUTPUTOFANEXTERNALSOURCE
!UDIOSYSTEM46-ONITOR6#2#AMCORDER
!6!5$)/).,EFT2IGHT
#ONNECTTHEAUDIOOUTPUTOFANEXTERNALSOURCE
!UDIOSYSTEM46-ONITOR6#2#AMCORDER
!6!5$)//54,EFT2IGHT
#ONNECTTOA46WITHAUDIOINPUTS
#/!8)!,$IGITALAUDIOOUTJACK
#ONNECTTODIGITALCOAXIALAUDIOEQUIPMENT
/04)#!,$IGITALAUDIOOUTJACK
#ONNECTTODIGITALOPTICALAUDIOEQUIPMENT
#OOLINGFAN
!#0OWER#ORD
0LUGINTOTHEPOWERSOURCE
2&/54
0ASSESTHESIGNALFROMTHE!%2)!,TOYOUR46
MONITOR
%52/!6!5$)/6)$%/
#ONNECTTOA46WITH3#!24JACK
6)$%//543%,%#43WITCH
3ELECTEITHER#/-0/.%.46)$%//54OR2'"
SIGNALOF%52/!6!5$)/6)$%/TERMINAL
DEPENDINGONHOWYOUCONNECTTHERECORDERTOTHE
46
#/-0/.%.402/'2%33)6%3#!.6)$%//54
90B0R
#ONNECTTOA46WITH90B0RINPUTS

2 - 10
General Description > HDMI Connection
2-6 HDMI Connection
)FYOUHAVEA($-)46ORMONITORYOUCANCONNECTITTO
THISRECORDERUSINGA($-)CABLE
"ESURETOUSEAN($-)CABLEWITH($-)LOGO

 #ONNECTTHE($-)JACKONTHERECORDERTOTHE($-)
JACKONA($-)COMPATIBLE46ORMONITOR(
 3ETTHE46SSOURCETO($-)REFERTO46S/WNERS
MANUAL
4IP
7HENYOUUSE($-) CONNECTIONYOUCANCHANGETHE
RESOLUTIONIPPORIFORTHE($-)
OUTPUTUSING2%3/,54)/.BUTTON
0RESSTHE2%3/,54)/.BUTTONONCETOSHOWTHE
CURRENTSETTINGINTHEDISPLAYWINDOWONTHEFRONTOFTHE
UNIT0RESSINGTHE2%3/,54)/.BUTTONAGAINWITHIN
ABOUTSECONDSSWITCHESTHERESOLUTIONSETTINGINTHE
FOLLOWINGORDERI P P I
s 7HENTHERESOLUTIONISSETTOPORITHE46
!SPECTSETTINGONTHE3ETUPMENUISFIXEDAThv
#AUTION
s 3OME46SWITH($-)INTERFACEDONOTSUPPORT
h0ROGRESSIVE3CAN/&&MODEIv)FNOIMAGE
APPEARSWHENTHE($-)CONNECTORSONRECORDERAND
THE46AREJOINEDCONNECTTHEANALOG6)$%//54
JACKTOTHEVIDEOINPUTON46INORDERTODISPLAYTHE
IMAGETHROUGHTHERECORDER4HENPRESSTHE
2%3/,54)/.BUTTONONTHEFRONTOFTHEUNIT
REPEATEDLYUNTILTHEIMAGEAPPEARS
s #HANGINGTHERESOLUTIONWHENTHERECORDERIS
CONNECTEDWITH($-)CONNECTORMAYRESULTIN
MALFUNCTIONS4OSOLVETHEPROBLEMTURNOFFTHE
RECORDERANDTHENTURNITONAGAIN
.OTES
s )FYOUR46IS./4CAPABLEOFHANDLINGK(Z
SAMPLINGFREQUENCYSETTHE;3AMPLING&REQ=OPTION
TO;K(Z=ONTHESETUPMENU
7HENTHISCHOICEISMADETHISUNITWILLAUTOMATICALLY
CONVERTANYK(ZSIGNALSTOK(ZSOYOURSYSTEM
CANDECODETHEM
s )FYOUR46ISNOTEQUIPPEDWITH$OLBY$IGITALAND
-0%'DECODERSETTHE;$OLBY$IGITAL=AND;-0%'=
OPTIONSTO;0#-=ONTHESETUPMENU
s )FYOUR46ISNOTEQUIPPEDWITH$43DECODERSETTHE
;$43=OPTIONSTO;/&&=ONTHESETUPMENU 
4OENJOY$43MULTICHANNELSURROUNDYOU
MUSTCONNECTTHISRECORDERTOA$43COMPATIBLE
RECEIVERVIAONEOFTHISRECORDERSDIGITALAUDIO
OUTPUTS
s 4HEARROWONTHECABLECONNECTORBODYSHOULDFACE
UPFORCORRECTALIGNMENTWITHTHECONNECTORONTHE
RECORDER
s )FTHEREISNOISEORLINESONTHESCREENPLEASECHECK
THE($-)CABLE
!BOUT($-)
($-)(IGH$EFINITION-ULTIMEDIA)NTERFACESUPPORTS
BOTHVIDEOANDAUDIOONASINGLEDIGITALCONNECTIONFOR
USEWITH$6$0LAYERS3ET4OP"OXESANDOTHER!6
DEVICES
($-)WASDEVELOPEDTOPROVIDETHETECHNOLOGIESOF
($#0(IGHBANDWIDTH$IGITAL#ONTENT0ROTECTION
($#0ISUSEDTOPROTECTDIGITALCONTENTTRANSMITTEDAND
RECEIVED
($-)HASTHECAPABILITYTOSUPPORTSTANDARD
ENHANCEDORHIGHDEFINITIONVIDEOPLUSSTANDARDTO
MULTICHANNELSURROUNDSOUNDAUDIO($-)FEATURES
INCLUDEUNCOMPRESSEDDIGITALVIDEOABANDWIDTHOFUP
TOGIGABYTESPERSECONDONECONNECTORINSTEADOF
SEVERALCABLESANDCONNECTORSANDCOMMUNICATION
BETWEENTHE!6SOURCEAND!6DEVICESSUCHAS$46S
($-)THE($-)LOGOAND(IGH$EFINITION-ULTIMEDIA
)NTERFACEARETRADEMARKSORREGISTEREDTRADEMARKSOF
($-)LICENSING,,#
!DDITIONAL)NFORMATIONFOR($-)
s 7HENYOUCONNECTA($-)OR$6)COMPATIBLEDEVICE
MAKESUREOFTHEFOLLOWINGS
n 4RYSWITCHINGOFFTHE($-)$6)DEVICEANDTHIS
RECORDER.EXTSWITCHONTHE($-)$6)DEVICEAND
LEAVEITFORAROUNDSECONDSTHENSWITCHONTHIS
RECORDER
n 4HECONNECTEDDEVICESVIDEOINPUTISSETCORRECTLY
FORTHISUNIT
n 4HECONNECTEDDEVICEISCOMPATIBLEWITH
§I§P§POR
§IVIDEOINPUT
s .OTALL($#0COMPATIBLE$6)DEVICESWILLWORKWITH
THISRECORDER
n )TSIMPOSSIBLECOPYPROTECTED$6$TITLESPLAYBACK
INNON($#0DEVICES
2EAROFTHERECORDER
($-)COMPATIBLE46

2 - 11
2-7 List of Abbreviations and Terms for DVD Recorder
General Description > List of Abbreviations and Terms for DVD Recorder
Index Abbreviation/Term Explanation
AAC3 See Dolby AC3.
BBlack Level Function to correct the gradations on dark portions to make dark scenes easier-
to-see.
CCPRM Content Protection for Recordable Media: Copyright protection function that is
suitable for online distribution of music.
CD-R One type of DVD standard disc, to which writing once is possible (recordable
type)
CD-RW One type of CD standard disc, to which writing up to 1000 times is possible
Component video
output terminals
Used for outputs of HDTV video signal format. Since signals for brightness and
colors are independently handled for components signals (Y: luminance signal;
PR/PB: chrominance signals), degrading of image will be reduced.
DDecoder A device that decodes the data coded and recorded on DVD Video and restores it
to video and audio signals. This processing is referred to as decoding.
Dynamic Range A difference between maximum and minimum levels of audio recorded on disc:
Measured in decibel (dB) units. If the dynamic range is compressed (audio
DRC), the minimum signal level will increase and the maximum signal level will
decrease: This will reduce the higher audio signal - such as burst sound - so that
the low-level audio signal - such as human voice - can be heard more clearly.
Dolby AC3 Audio coding format developed by Dolby Laboratories in U.S, also simply
referred as AC3 format: Supports 5-channel full-range sound and one channel for
sub-woofer sound playback.
DRC Dynamic Range Control: Adjusting the audio range of maximum and minimum
levels (dynamic range) will improve audio signal when, for example, dialog is
hard to hear or user is watching movies late at night.
DTS Digital Theater System: Sound system as for movie theaters developed by US
Digital Theater Systems, Inc. The number of channels provided by DTS is the
same for Dolby AC3.
DVD Digital Versatile Disc. A huge amount of digital data for video (movie) and audio
can be recorded on this disc, whose size is the same as CD.
DVD-Audio One type of DVD standard disc, on which high-quality audio can be recorded
DVD-R One type of DVD standard disc, to which writing once is possible (recordable
type)
DVD-RAM One type of DVD standard disc, to which writing up to 100,000 times is possible
DVD-RW One type of DVD standard disc, to which writing up to 1000 times is possible
DVD-Video One type of DVD standard disc, on which high-quality video and audio can be
recorded
DVD Video Format Video recording/playback standard that applies to DVD-Video, DVD-R and DVD-
RW
DVD Video
Recording Format
Video recording/playback standard that applies to DVD-RAM and DVD-RW: This
allows versatile editing functions, differing from the DVD Video Format.
HHDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface: A digital video/audio input/output
interface standard, mainly applied to home electronics and AV devices.
The specifications of DVI (Digital Visual Interface), the display connection
technology, were compiled for AV devices.
Although multiple cables for video, audio and control signals were previously
necessary to connect devices, only one cable is needed with HDMI.

2 - 12
Index Abbreviation/Term Explanation
II/P/B DVD recorders normally use data that is common between images, and
individually record different data for each image.
I-picture: Images recorded independently for the reference of commonly used
data.
P-picture: Images created from past I-picture or P-picture
B-picture: Images created from both I and P pictures, which interact between
both types
Since I-picture delivers the highest image quality, selecting I-picture is
recommended when adjusting image quality.
JJPEG Joint Photographic Expert Group: International standard format for compressing
still images.
MMPEG Moving Picture Experts Group: Standard related to compression of digital video
and audio. MPEG2 is a higher standard of MPEG and is applied to video (movie)
requiring higher quality.
MPEG Audio Layer
2
One of three audio compression standards (layers 1-3) defined by MPEG
MP3 MPEG1 Audio Layer-3: Audio data digital compression technology.
OOptical digital audio
output
Audio is usually converted to an electrical signal and transmitted from DVD to
a device such as amp: When audio is converted to a digital signal, this optical
digital audio output can be transmitted on optical fiber.
PPan & Scan/
Letterbox
Most DVD videos are produced assuming that they will be displayed on wide
TV screen (aspect ratio of 16:9): If they are displayed on TV screens with 4:3
aspect ratio, 16:9 images will not quite fit on 4:3 screens. There are two ways of
displaying 16:9 images on 4:3 TV:
· Pan & Scan: Cuts out the left and right ends of images and displays them on
whole screen.
· Letterbox: Reproduces 16:9 images on 4:3 screens with black bands across the
top and bottom of screen.
Playback Control
(PBC)
One format to play Video CD: User can select desired screens and data while
watching the displayed menu screen.
Progressive
playback function
This function converts interlaced images to non-interlaced images and displays
them. It can play back 24-frame/second images included in DVD movie software,
etc.
SS-Video Output The video signal is separated into chrominance (C) and luminance (L) signals
and transmitted to TV: This delivers clearer images.
Sampling
Frequency
Sampling slices audio waves (analog signal) at a specified time interval, and
digitizes the levels of the sliced waves. The slicing number per second is referred
to as the sampling frequency: The higher the number, the closer the sound to the
original.
WWMA Windows Media Audio: Codec that was developed by Microsoft Corporation in
USA.
Num. 3D surround This technology localizes sound at any position using only two front speakers,
by subjecting the L and R signals to matrix operation. It uses the four transfer
functions from L/R speakers located at specified positions to both ears of listener
located in a specified position, taking into account the shape of head and the
effect of earlobes, and the two transfer functions from any position to both ears.
General Description > List of Abbreviations and Terms for DVD Recorder