Sharp VC-A230X User manual

VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER
OPERATION MANUAL
Please read this operation manual carefully
before using the VCR.
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CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
q
RECORDING
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS AND
PRECAUTIONS.. .................................................
3
Features
................................................................
4
Accessories
..........................................................
4
LOW POWER Feature
..........................................
5
Major Components of Your VCR ........................
6
Remote Control
....................................................
7
l Inserting the Batteries
Recording a TV
Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
l Cassette Erase Protection
l Recording a TV Programme
*To Watch Another TV Programme While
Recording
Simple Recording
Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
Recording with
the Timer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
l Confirming Timer Programmes
l Cancelling Timer Programmes
Connections .........................................................
8
Adjusting the Video Channel ..............................
8
Menu
Screen.. .......................................................
9
OSD (On Screen Display)
....................................
9
l How to Display Indicators
Setting
the Language...........................................
10
Setting the Clock ..................................................
11
Setting the Channels ...........................................
12
Channel SkiplCancelling
Skip.............................
14
Mode Selection
.....................................................
15
SETTING UP SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
New Sharp Super Picture
....................................
25
Zero-Back
Function .............................................
25
DPSS (Digital Programme Search
System) ...............................................................
25
Auto Repeat
..........................................................
26
Skip
Search...........................................................
26
Intelligent Timer Recording (JUST REC) ...........
26
New
Child-Proof Lock..........................................
27
VCR
Display.. ........................................................
28
Tape Remaining
Display......................................
29
Editing from a Camcorder to Your VCR.............
30
BASIC OPERATIONS HELPFUL HINTS
Specifications .......................................................
30
Before Calling for Service ...................................
31
Playback
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..*.......................
16
l Inserting a Video Cassette
l Playback
l Video Search
l Fast Forwarding and Rewinding
l Shuttle System
l Slow Motion Playback (with the Remote Control)
l Still Picture and Frame Advance
l Double Speed Playback
l Colour Mode
l NTSC Tape Play Back on PAL TV
l Auto Tracking Control System
l Auto Head Cleaning System
l Quick Start with Full Loading Mechanism
l Auto Rental Mode
*Blue Back
l Full Auto Playback

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS AND PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR NEW VCR, PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THIS OPERATION MANUAL AND THEN
SAVE IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE AS IT WILL BE USEFUL IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS OPERATING
YOUR VCR IN THE FUTURE.
Location and Handling
1. Air vents are provided in the VCR cabinet to prevent excessive temperatures
inside the unit. Do not place your VCR in closed spaces, cover it, or otherwise
block the vents.
2. Do not place the VCR in direct sunlight, or near heat sources.
3. Keep the VCR and tapes away from strong magnetic objects.
4. Do not insert or drop anything into the VCR through the air vents or cassette
compartment as this could cause serious damage, possibly resulting in fire.
5. Do not place any object containing water or other liquids on the VCR. In the event
that liquid should enter the cabinet, unplug the VCR immediately and contact the
retailer or a service centre approved by Sharp immediately.
6. Do not remove the VCR cabinet. Touching parts inside the cabinet could result in
electric shock and/or damage to the VCR. For service and adjustment inside the
cabinet, call a qualified dealer or service centre approved by Sharp.
7. The use of head cleaning tapes is not recommended as they may cause damage
to your machine.
Caution-Prevent Condensation
When moving the VCR from a cold place to a warm one, condensation (dew)
is likely to form on the VCR drum and heads.
If you try to play back or record in these circumstances, the videotape and
VCR may be damaged. arm
To prevent this, turn the power switch on and wait for a few hours for the VCR
to warm up and dry before attempting playback or recording.
This is particularly important before loading a cassette for the first time after
purchasing the VCR.
3

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS AND PRECAUTIONS
Service
Do not attempt to service this VCR yourself. Please carry out the user checks on page 31. If you still experience
a problem, contact your dealer or nearest Sharp service facility.
Others
Copyright may exist in material you wish to record. Copying such material without permission of the relevant
licensee(s) or owner(s) of the copyright is prohibited by law. SHARP is not in a position to authorize the
recording of copyright works and nothing in this manual should be read or implied as giving that authority.
a
Features
l MID-Drive (New Centre-Mounted Mechanism)
l HC!, (High Quality) Circuitry
*Multi Language On Screen Display (English, French, Spanish, Chinese)
*New Sharp Super Picture - Enhances picture quality during playback.
l OSD (On Screen Display) with Menu Screen Guidance
l DPSS (Digital Programme Search System)
*Quick Start with Full Loading Mechanism
l 365Day, 8-Programme Timer (Daily/Weekly Programmable)
*Auto Channel Tuning
048~Channel Preset PLL Frequency Synthesized Tuner
l Built-in Shuttle Control
l LOW POWER feature
l 60-minute Timer Memory Backup -Timer settings, etc. remain in memory after power
interruptions of up to 60 minutes.
l 380-times High Speed Rewinding Function ~ Enhances rewinding at a speed 380 times faster
than the LP mode recording/playback speed (only with an E-l 80 tape).
POWER SUPPLY:
The voltage supply of this VCR is AC 240 V, 50 Hz.
CASSETTE TAPE:
Use only video cassette tapes that carry the m or lvusi mark
a
Accessories
Be sure that the following accessories are all included with your VCR.
,
Coaxial cable
(TV-VCR cable) Remote control unit Two (R6 UM/SUM3 or AA) batteries
for the remote control unit

LOW POWER Feature
This model is equipped with a LOW POWER feature to save energy when the VCR is not in use.
STANDBY/LOW POWER button
Clock keeps time regardless of this button. This VCR is not equipped with a mains power switch. Accordingly, nominal
current to drive the clock is drawn at all times when the AC power cord is
plugged into a wall socket. If the VCR is not to be used for an extended period,
be sure to unplug the cord.
1. Definitions of POWER modes
POWER ON mode
9 VCR in operation or ready for operation.
l VCR display is on.
POWER STANDBY mode l VCR in standby mode.
l VCR display is on.
LOW POWER mode
l VCR display is off, but clock continues to keep time.
l Noise may appear on the screen when watching TV in this mode. If this
occurs, switch to POWER STANDBY mode.
l This mode cannot be used when the programmable timer is set to
TIMER ON.
2. In POWER ON mode
Each time STANDBY/LOW POWER on the VCR or STANDBY on the remote control is pressed, the
POWER MODE changes as shown below.
(Current)
POWER ON mode
+ POWER STANDBY mode
4
+ LOW POWER mode
l LOW POWER mode cannot be used when the programmable timer is set to TIMER ON
3. Switching from POWER STANDBY or LOW POWER mode to POWER ON
mode.
(14 @ POWER STANDBY mode
t0
(Press STOP on the remote control)
@ Press STOP on the VCR or the remote control to switch from POWER STANDBY mode to POWER ON
mode.
@Press STOP on the remote control to switch from LOW POWER mode to POWER ON mode.
@By pressing one of the tape operation buttons on the remote control (PLAY, REW, FF, etc.) with a video
tape in the VCR, the mode will automatically switch to POWER ON and the tape operation will begin.
r
/Video taoe must be loaded
5

Major Components of Your VCR
@ STANDBY/LOW POWER button (See page 5.)
@ EJECT button
@ Cassette compartment (See Playback, Recording.)
@ Basic function controls (See Playback, Recording.)
Channel tuning controls (See Setting the Channels.)
0 VCR Display (explained throughout the operation instructions)
The meaning of the main indicators is shown below. (This list does not include all indicators.)
l The display changes each time DISPLAY on the remote control is pressed. (See page 28.)
*Some of the indicators above will light up only for a couple of seconds when the VCR is set up the
corresponding mode.
Rear Connection terminals (See Connections on page 8.)

Remote Control
0 INPUT SELECT button
@ REW button
@PLAY/x 2 button
@ STOP button
@CHANNEL A/V button
@ VOLUME (VOL) @I/@ button
ffor Sham TV)
@ iF button ’
@ PAUSE/STILL (F. ADV) button
@ Numeric buttons
4%) AM/PM button
-
Digit select (When inputting up to
two digit numbers)
@ % button
(New Child-proof Lock)
@ SLOW/@/@ buttons (SLOW 010,
DPSS s/a)
@ ZERO BACK button
@ SKIP SEARCH button
@ MENU button
@~/,/A/V button
@ TIMER button
@ REC button
@ q TIME button
@I TIMER ON/OFF button
@ MODE OSD button
@ DISPLAY button
@I AUDIO OUT button
iNail)
l AUDIO OUT is printed in the
remote cbntrol. However this
function ,does not operate with
Ihis model.
@! SET button
@ CLEAR button
@TAPE SPEED button
@ STANDBY button
@I CH A/V buttons
(for Sharp TV)
@I INPUT SELECT button
(for Sharp TV)
@TV OPERATE button
(for Sharp TV)
Inserting the Batteries
First, install the batteries properly. Fit two R6 (UMISUM-3, AA) 1.5 volt batteries
(included) or equivalent. If the remote control stops working, insert new batteries.
Ensure the batteries are inserted correctly, matching the polarities (+I-) indicated
in the remote control.
l Do noi subject the remote control to shock, water or excessive humidity.
l The remote control may not function If ihe VCR sensor is in direct sunlight or any other strong light.
l Incorrect use of batteries may cause them to leak or burst. Read the battery warnings and use the batteries properly.
l Do not mix old and new batteries, or mix brands in use.
l Remove the batteries if you will not use the remote control for an extended period of time.
7

l!sl
Connections
0 Disconnecting TV Cable
Disconnect the aerial cable from the back of your TV set.
@Connecting Aerial Cable to VCR
Connect the aerial cable to the ANTENNA IN terminal of your VCR.
ANTENNA IN
@Connecting VCR to TV
Connect the supplied coaxial cable to the RF
OUT terminal of the VCR. Plug the other end into
your TV’s ANTENNA IN terminal.
TV back panel
RF OUT
l§il
Adjusting the Video Channel
To view the output of your VCR on the television screen, you must select an unused channel on your TV and
tune it to the output of your VCR (factory preset to UHF channel 37).
@Turn on the TV, select the AV channel or an unused channel on the TV, and turn on the power on the VCR.
(See page 5, item 3.)
@Load a prerecorded tape (not supplied) into the VCR.
@ If the erasure protection tab on the tape is removed, the VCR will automatically play back the tape.
Otherwise press PLAY/x2.
0 Tune the selected channel on the TV until the picture from the VCR is displayed on the TV screen. (This TV
channel must be selected each time the VCR is used.)
l If picture interference appears on the TV screen in step @above, you can change the video channel (RF
output channel from the VCR) with the following procedure. (If UHF channel 37 is an active broadcast channel in
your area, manually select a different channel (UHF 28 to UHF 69) (see below) and then retune your TV as
above.)
(A) Press STANDBY (LOW POWER) on the VCR or STANDBY on the remote control. The VCR enters POWER
STANDBY mode. (See page 5, item 2.)
(6) Keep pressing MENU for more than two seconds to light up the :i ‘?I!? F on the VCR display.
(C) Press CHANNEL v/A on the VCR or A/v button of 4:.
on the’r’emote control to manually select an unused
channel for use as the video channel, then press SET.
(D) Repeat steps @to @above using the newly selected video channel.

l!§i
Menu Screen
@ Press MENU to display the MENU screen.
@ Select the item you want by pressing A or ‘I on the remote control. Refer to
the pages listed below for details on each item.
The following 5 items can be set by using the On Screen Display (OSD).
. .:SELECT
SET:ENTER MENU:EXIT
1: TIMER Setting a timer recording (and checking it). (See page
22 for the setting procedure.)
MENU screen is a home screen used to select various screen functions. A sub-
menu will appear once you select an item for the menu.
@ Turn on your TV and select the video channel.
@ Turn on the VCR. (See page 5, item 3.)
2: MODE ..,,,,,..................., VCR operating conditions are set according to the broadcast reception and tape
playback conditions. (See page 15.)
3: CHANNEL PRESET ,,,,.. Setting the channels. (See page 12.)
4: CLOCK .,,,,,,....._.._......... Setting the present time. (See page 11 .)
5: LANGUAGE Selection of language to be used for the On Screen Display. (See page IO.)
@ Press SET. The screen changes to the item which you have selected.
@ To cancel the MENU screen, press MENU.
!!!A
OSD (On Screen Display)
The tape counter and VCR mode can be shown on the screen while you are playing back a tape or watching a
broadcast on the video channel.
ure)
-I-- -8
Simple
Recording timer
Clock disolav
Auto Repeat display
1-1 Calendar display
rme coun er
Tape remaining
---3)
DPSS>
l If the clock is not set, the time and date will not be displayed.
How to Display Indicators
0 Turn on your TV and select the video channel.
@ Turn on the VCR. Mode indicators are displayed in the AUTO display screen.
0 Each time MODE OSD is pressed, the screen changes as follows:
0 AUTO Display 4 @ FULL Display d
@ COUNTER Display d @ Display off
t
AUTO Display
When each of the operation buttons, numeric button, or CHANNEL A/v (CH A/v) is pressed, the current
mode or the number of the channel will be displayed in the upper section of the TV screen for about 3 seconds.
l When you record a video signal output from this VCR on another VCR, press MODE OSD to select Display Off. (If the mode
indicator is displayed on the screen, it is also recorded on the tape.)
9

!§I
Setting the Language
PREPARATION
*Select the video channel on your TV and turn power ON the VCR. (See page 5, item 3.)
l Language setting screen will appear when the VCR is used for the first time. If the power has been disconnected, clock
setting screen will appear first.
*While in MENU, the ~/v/d/
b buttons on the remote
control operates the following
functions (same functions on
the VCR):
A + CHANNEL A
7 + v CHANNEL
4 3 REW (Shuttle Ring)
b + FF (Shuttle Ring)
Y CHANNEL,
m
Changing Language
l If the language has already been set previously
Initial Setting of Language
A
SET
or #0
v
0
@ Select the language with A/v and press SET.
Ex.: ENGLISH
NoTE>
l Refer to page 11 to set the clock.
MENU
0
I)
Normal
Screen
’ and you want to change it, follow the steps below.
0 Press MENU.
Select item “LANGUAGE” with A/V and press SET.
@ Select the language with A/v and press SET.
Ex.: ENGLISH
@To return to the normal screen, press MENU.
10