Sony Rdr-gx350 User manual

System

Laser: Semiconductor laser

Channel coverage (Except AUS,SP):

NTSC (national television system

committee)/PAL-M (Phase alternation

line-system M)/PAL-N (Phase

alternation line-system N)

VHF (very high frequency): 2 to 13

UHF (ultra high frequency): 14 to 69

CATV (cable television): A8 to A1,

A to W, W+1 to W+84

Channel coverage (AUS,SP):

Oceanian Model:

PAL/SECAM (B/G, D/K, I, L)

Except Oceanian models:

PAL/SECAM (B/G, D/K, I)/NTSC

VHF: E2 to E12, R1 to R12, Italian A

to H, Ireland A to J, South Africa 4

to 11, 13, AS0 to AS12, NZ1 to NZ11

UHF: E21 to E69, R21 to R69, B21 to

B69, AS28 to AS69

CATV: S01 to S05, S1 to S20

HYPER S21 to S41

The above channel coverage merely ensures

the channel reception within these ranges. It

does not guarantee the ability to receive

signals in all circumstances. For details, see

“Receivable channels” (page 100).

Video reception:

Frequency synthesizer system

Audio reception: Split carrier system

Aerial out:

75-ohm asymmetrical aerial socket

Timer: Clock: Quartz locked/Timer

24-hour cycle (digital)

Except (E,CND)/

12-hour cycle (digital) (E,CND)

Power back-up duration: 1 hour

Video recording format:

MPEG-2, MPEG-1

Audio recording format/applicable bit rate:

Dolby Digital 2 ch 256 kbps/128 kbps

(in EP, SLP, and SEP mode), PCM

SPECIFICATIONS

SERVICE MANUAL

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

RMT-D245A/D245P/D246A/D246P

Australia New

Zealand Model

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

Argentina Model

RDR-GX350

Brazilian Model

RDR-GX350

Canadian Model

RDR-GX350/HX750

E Model

RDR-GX350/HX750

Singapore Model

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

Taiwan Model

RDR-HX750

DVD RECORDER

Photo : RDR-HX750

RMT-D246P

Inputs and outputs

LINE OUT

(AUDIO): Phono jack/2 Vrms/10 kilohms

(VIDEO): Phono jack/1.0 Vp-p

(S VIDEO): 4-pin mini DIN/Y: 1.0 Vp-p,

C: 0.3 Vp-p (PAL) (AUS, SP ONLY)

C: 0.286 Vp-p (NTSC)

LINE 1/LINE 2/LINE 3*

* LINE 3 ONLY for these destinations:

(GX350: CND/HX750: TW, CND, E)

(AUDIO): Phono jack/2 Vrms/more than

22 kilohms

(VIDEO): Phono jack/1.0 Vp-p

(S VIDEO): 4-pin mini DIN/Y: 1.0 Vp-p,

C: 0.3 Vp-p (PAL) (AUS, SP ONLY)

C: 0.286 Vp-p (NTSC)

DV IN: 4-pin/i.LINK S100

DIGITAL OUT (COAXIAL): Phono jack/

0.5 Vp-p/75 ohms

COMPONENT VIDEO OUT

(Y, PB/CB, PR/CR) (Except CND):

Phono jack/Y: 1.0 Vp-p,

PB/CB: 0.7 Vp-p, PR/CR: 0.7 Vp-p

(Y, PB, PR) (CND ONLY):

Phono jack/Y: 1.0 Vp-p,

PB: 0.7 Vp-p, PR: 0.7 Vp-p

HDMI OUT: HDMI 19-pin-Standard

Connector

USB:

RDR-HX750/HX950:

USB jack Type A (For connecting

digital still camera, Memory card

reader and USB memory)

USB jack Type B (For connecting

PictBridge-compatible printers)

General

Power requirements:

220 – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz

(AUS, SP ONLY)

110 – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz

(E, BR, AR ONLY)

120 V AC, 60 Hz (CND ONLY)

110 V AC, 60 Hz (TW ONLY)

Power consumption:

RDR-GX350: 22W

RDR-HX750/HX950: 42W

Dimensions (approx.):

430 ×66.5 ×286 mm

(width/height/depth) incl. projecting parts

Hard disk drive capacity:

RDR-HX750: 160 GB

RDR-HX950: 250 GB

Mass (approx.):

4.4 kg (HX750/HX950)

3.6 kg (GX350)

Operating temperature: 5°C to 35°C

Operating humidity: 25% to 80%

Supplied accessories

Power cord/(Mains lead) (1)

Antenna cable/Aerial cable (1)

Audio/Video cord (1)

Remote commander (remote) (1)

RDR-HX750/HX950:

Set top box controller (1)

Size AA (R6) batteries (2)

Plug adaptor (E ONLY)

Specifications and design are subject to

change without notice.

– 2 –

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

SAFETY CHECK-OUT

1. Check the area of your repair for unsoldered or poorly-soldered

connections. Check the entire board surface for solder splashes

and bridges.

2. Check the interboard wiring to ensure that no wires are “pinched”

or contact high-wattage resistors.

3. Look for unauthorized replacement parts, particularly transistors,

that were installed during a previous repair. Point them out to the

customer and recommend their replacement.

4. Look for parts which, though functioning, show obvious signs of

deterioration. Point them out to the customer and recommend their

replacement.

5. Check the line cord for cracks and abrasion.

Recommend the replacement of any such line cord to the

customer.

6. Check the B+ voltage to see it is at the values specified.

7. Check the antenna terminals, metal trim, “metallized” knobs,

screws, and all other exposed metal parts for AC leakage. Check

leakage as described below.

WARNING!!

WHEN SERVICING, DO NOT APPROACH THE LASER EXIT WITH

THE EYE TOO CLOSELY. IN CASE IT IS NECESSARY TO

CONFIRM LASER BEAM EMISSION, BE SURE TO OBSERVE

FROM A DISTANCE OF MORE THAN 25 cm FROM THE SURFACE

OF THE OBJECTIVE LENS ON THE OPTICAL PICK-UP BLOCK.

CAUTION:

The use of optical instrument with this product will increase eye

hazard.

CAUTION

Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other

than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation

exposure.

SAFETY-RELATED COMPONENT WARNING!!

COMPONENTS IDENTIFIED BY MARK OR DOTTED LINE

WITH MARK ON THE SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS AND IN THE

PARTS LIST ARE CRITICAL TO SAFE OPERATION. REPLACE

THESE COMPONENTS WITH SONY PARTS WHOSE PART

NUMBERS APPEAR AS SHOWN IN THIS MANUAL OR IN

SUPPLEMENTS PUBLISHED BY SONY.

After correcting the original service problem, perform the following

safety checks before releasing the set to the customer:

LEAKAGE TEST

The AC leakage from any exposed metal part to earth ground and from

all exposed metal parts to any exposed metal part having a return to

chassis, must not exceed 0.5mA (500 microampers). Leakage current

can be measured by any one of three methods.

1. A commercial leakage tester, such as the Simpson 229 or RCA

TW-540A. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions to use these

instruments.

2. A battery-operated AC milliammeter. The Data Precision 245 digital

multimeter is suitable for this job.

3. Measuring the voltage drop across a resistor by means of a VOM

or battery-operated AC volmeter. The “limit” indication is 0.75V,

so analog meters must have an accurate low voltage scale. The

Simpson 250 and Sanwa SH-63Trd are examples of a passive

VOM that is suitable. Nearly all battery operated digital multimeters

that have a 2V AC range are suitable. (See Fig. A)

Unleaded solder

Boards requiring use of unleaded solder are printed with the lead-free

mark (LF) indicating the solder contains no lead.

(Caution: Some printed circuit boards may not come printed with the

lead free mark due to their particular size.)

: LEAD FREE MARK

Unleaded solder has the following characteristics.

• Unleaded solder melts at a temperature about 40°C highter than

ordinary solder.

Ordinary soldering irons can be used but the iron tip has to be

applied to the solder joint for a slightly longer time.

Soldering irons using a temperature regulator should be set to about

350°C

Caution: The printed pattern (copper foil) may peel away if the

heated tip is applied for too long, so be careful!

• Strong viscosity

Unleaded solder is more viscous (sticky, less prone to flow) than

ordinary solder so use caution not to let solder bridges occur such

as on IC pins, etc.

• Usable with ordinary solder

It is best to use only unleaded solder but unleaded solder may also

be added to ordinary solder.

ATTENTION AU COMPOSANT AYANT RAPPORT

À LA SÉCURITÉ!

LES COMPOSANTS IDENTIFÉS PAR UNE MARQUE SUR LES

DIAGRAMMES SCHÉMATIQUES ET LA LISTE DES PIÈCES SONT

CRITIQUES POUR LA SÉCURITÉ DE FONCTIONNEMENT. NE

REMPLACER CES COMPOSANTS QUE PAR DES PIÈSES SONY

DONT LES NUMÉROS SONT DONNÉS DANS CE MANUEL OU

DANS LES SUPPÉMENTS PUBLIÉS PAR SONY.

To Exposed Metal

Parts on Set

0.15 F 1.5k AC

Voltmeter

(0.75 V)

Earth Ground

Fig.A. Using an Acvoltmeter to check AC leakage.

– 3 –

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SERVICE NOTE

1. Disc Removal Procedure in the Tray cannot be Ejected

(Forced Ejection) ................................................................... 5

2. Board Connection, Service Remote Controller.................... 5

3. Model Name Setting Method when Engine is replaced ....... 6

4. HOW TO DIAGNOSE HDD FAILURE ................................. 7

4-1. Defective HDD ............................................................. 7

4-2. HDD Recognition status .............................................. 7

4-3. Display [E01] on FLD with unrecognized HDD ......... 8

4-4. Display [E02] on FLD................................................... 9

4-5. When playing a video, MP3, or JPG,

the contents freeze...................................................... 9

4-6. Factory Check ........................................................... 10

4-7. Self Test ..................................................................... 10

4-8. Performance Check .................................................. 11

1. GENERAL

WARNING ........................................................................... 1-1

Precautions.......................................................................... 1-1

Quick Guide to Disc Types................................................ 1-1

Hookups and Settings ................................................................ 1-2

Hooking Up the Recorder................................................... 1-2

Step 1: Connecting the Aerial Cable .................................. 1-3

Step 2: Connecting the Video Cords/HDMI Cord ............. 1-3

Step 3: Connecting the Audio Cords/HDMI Cord ............. 1-4

Step 4: Connecting the AC Power Cord (Mains Lead)..... 1-4

Step 5: Preparing the Remote ............................................ 1-4

Step 6: Easy Setup ............................................................. 1-5

Connecting a VCR or Similar Device................................. 1-5

Connecting to a Satellite or Digital Tuner .......................... 1-6

Eight Basic Operations

—Getting to Know Your DVD Recorver ............................ 1-6

Inserting a Disc ................................................................... 1-6

Recording a Programme .................................................... 1-6

Playing the Recorded Programme (Title List)................... 1-6

Displaying the Playing Time and Play Information ............ 1-7

Changing the Name of a Recorded Programme............... 1-7

Labelling and Protecting a Disc .......................................... 1-8

Playing the Disc on Other DVD Equipment (Finalise) ...... 1-8

Reformatting a disc ............................................................. 1-9

Timer Recording ......................................................................... 1-9

Before Recording ................................................................ 1-9

Time Recording ................................................................. 1-10

Checking/Changing/

Cancelling Timer Settings (Timer List) ....................... 1-11

Recording From Connected Equipment .......................... 1-11

Playback.................................................................................... 1-11

Playing the Recorder Programme/DVD .......................... 1-11

Playing from the Beginning of the Programme You Are

Recording (Chase Play) .............................................. 1-13

Playing a Previous Recording While Making Another

(Simultaneous Rec and Play) ..................................... 1-13

Searching for a Time/Title/Chapter/Track, etc. .............. 1-13

Erasing and Editing ................................................................... 1-14

Before Editing..................................................................... 1-14

Erasing and Editing a Title ................................................ 1-14

Erasing and Editing a Chapter.......................................... 1-15

Creating and Editing a Playlist .......................................... 1-15

Dubbing (HDD <—> DVD) ......................................................... 1-16

Before Dubbing.................................................................. 1-16

HDD/DVD Dubbing ........................................................... 1-16

Dubbing Using Dubbing List ............................................. 1-16

Making a Backup Disc (DVD Backup) ............................ 1-17

DV Camcorder Dubbing ........................................................... 1-17

Before DV Camcorder Dubbing ....................................... 1-17

Dubbing an Entire DV Format Tape

(DV One Touch Dubbing)............................................ 1-18

Dubbing Selected Scenes (Manual Dubbing) ................. 1-18

Playing from a DV Camcorder ......................................... 1-18

Audio Tracks ............................................................................. 1-18

Playing Audio Tracks from CD/DVD................................ 1-18

Searching for an Audio Track .......................................... 1-19

About Jukebox .................................................................. 1-19

Preparing for Using Jukebox ........................................... 1-19

Playing Audio Tracks Using Jukebox/USB Device ........ 1-20

Managing Audio Tracks on the Music Jukebox ............. 1-20

JPEG Image Files ..................................................................... 1-21

About the “Photo Album” Function ................................... 1-21

Preparing for Using the “Photo Album” Function ............ 1-21

Using the “Photo Album” List............................................ 1-22

Managing JPEG Image Files on the HDD ....................... 1-22

Printing JPEG Image Files ............................................... 1-23

Setting and Adjustments ........................................................... 1-23

Disc Settings (Disc Setup) ............................................... 1-23

Recording Settings (Basic) .............................................. 1-23

Aerial Reception Settings (Tuner) ................................... 1-24

Video Settings (Video In/Out) ........................................... 1-25

Audio Input Settings (Audio In) ......................................... 1-25

Audio Output Settings (Audio Out) .................................. 1-25

Language Settings (Language) ........................................ 1-25

Recording Settings (Recording)....................................... 1-26

Playback Settings (Playback) .......................................... 1-26

HDMI Settings (HDMI Output) ......................................... 1-27

Other Settings (Options) .................................................. 1-28

Additional Information................................................................ 1-28

Troubleshooting ................................................................ 1-28

Resetting the Recorder..................................................... 1-30

Notes About This Recorder ............................................. 1-30

Specifications..................................................................... 1-30

Notes on MP3 Audio Tracks, JPEG Image Files,

and DivX Video Files.................................................... 1-30

About i.LINK ....................................................................... 1-30

Guide to Parts and Controls............................................. 1-31

2. DISASSEMBLY

2-1. Upper Case ......................................................................... 2-1

2-2. Tray Cover Assembly......................................................... 2-1

2-3. Front Panel Section............................................................. 2-2

2-4. FR-274 Board, FL-178 Board ............................................ 2-2

2-5. DVD Drive............................................................................ 2-3

2-6. DC FAN ............................................................................... 2-3

2-7. Hard Disk (Except GX350) ................................................ 2-4

2-8. AV-117 Board ...................................................................... 2-4

2-9. VCD-001 Board ................................................................... 2-5

2-10. Power Supply Block ............................................................ 2-5

2-11. Circuit Boards Location....................................................... 2-6

3. BLOCK DIAGRAMS

3-1. Overall Block Diagram ........................................................ 3-1

3-2 AV-117 Block Diagram........................................................ 3-3

3-3. RD-065 Block Diagram ....................................................... 3-5

3-4. FR274, FL178, VDC-001 Block Diagram .......................... 3-7

3-5. Power Line Block Diagram ................................................. 3-9

– 4 –

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

4. PRINTED WIRING BOARDS AND

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS

4-1. Frame Schematic Diagram................................................. 4-1

4-2. Printed Wiring Boards and Schematic Diagrams.............. 4-3

• Waveforms

AV-117 Board ................................................................. 4-4

VDC-001 Board .............................................................. 4-4

• AV-117 (IT Controller, IR) Schematic Diagram ........... 4-5

• AV-117 (Power/Fan Cont.) Schematic Diagram ......... 4-7

• AV-117 (Video/Audio) Schematic Diagram .................. 4-9

• AV-117 (Euro) Schematic Diagram ............................ 4-11

• FL-178 (DV, USB, Remocon Receiver, Power SW)

Schematic Diagram...................................................... 4-13

• FL-274 (FL Driver, Line 2 In, Function SW)

Schematic Diagram...................................................... 4-15

• RD-065 (Power Block) Schematic Diagram .............. 4-17

• RD-065 (Emma Block) Schematic Diagram .............. 4-19

• RD-065 (Video/Audio Block) Schematic Diagram ..... 4-21

• RD-065 (Memory Block) Schematic Diagram ........... 4-23

• RD-065 (SATA/IDE IF) Schematic Diagram .............. 4-25

• RD-065 (HDMI/DV/USB Block)

Schematic Diagram...................................................... 4-27

• RD-065 (DVD Drive) Schematic Diagram ................. 4-29

• VDC-001 (Video Encoder) Schematic Diagram......... 4-31

• Power Block (SRV2058EK) Schematic Diagram ....... 4-33

• Power Block (SRV2059WW) Schematic Diagram..... 4-35

• AV-117 Printed Wiring Board....................................... 4-37

• FL-178 Printed Wiring Board ....................................... 4-39

• FL-274 Printed Wiring Board ....................................... 4-41

• RD-065 Printed Wiring Board ...................................... 4-43

• VDC-001 Printed Wiring Board ................................... 4-45

• Power Block (SRV2058EK) Printed Wiring Board ..... 4-47

• Power Block (SRV2059WW) Printed Wiring Board ... 4-49

5. IC PIN FUNCTION DESCRIPTION

5-1. IT Control IC

(IC101:LC87F05J2A-F59AO-E (AV-117 BOARD)).......... 5-1

5-2. AV Encoder/Decoder IC

(IC1001:MC10050F1-105-LU1-A (RD-65 BOARD)) ....... 5-4

6. SERVICE MODE

6-1. SERVICE MODE MAP........................................................ 6-2

6-2. Diagnostic Mode ................................................................. 6-3

6-2-1. Model Setting .......................................................... 6-3

6-2-2. Service Mode.......................................................... 6-4

6-2-3. Version Information and Other Information

(First screen).......................................................... 6-4

6-2-4. RF Level Simplified Diagnosis (Subscreen1)....... 6-5

6-2-5. HDD Information for the HDD return sheet

(Simplified measurement mode)............................ 6-6

6-2-6. Cautions for handling the HDD.............................. 6-7

6-2-7. HDD Error Logging ................................................ 6-9

6-2-8. ATA/ATAPI History - ERR .................................. 6-10

6-2-9. How to confirm HDD Access Flow ..................... 6-10

6-2-10.ATA/ATAPI Debugging Screen Second Screen and .

LD Deterioration Judgment (for writer)............... 6-11

6-2-11.History of VR Recording-related Errors ............. 6-13

6-2-12.DV Service Mode ................................................. 6-17

6-2-13.EPG Service Mode .............................................. 6-19

6-2-14.Aging Mode ........................................................... 6-21

6-2-15.HDD Check Mode ................................................ 6-22

6-3. Setup Related Menu.......................................................... 6-23

6-3-1. Firmware Downloading ........................................ 6-23

6-3-2. Area-Specific Channel Setting............................. 6-23

6-3-3. OSD Filter Setting................................................. 6-24

7. ELECTRICAL ADJUSTMENT

7-1. Video System Adjustment................................................... 7-1

7-2. Video System Adjustment (RDR-HX730).......................... 7-3

8. REPAIR PARTS LIST

8-1. Exploded Views ................................................................... 8-1

8-1-1. Overall Section............................................................... 8-1

8-1-2. Chassis Section ............................................................. 8-2

8-2. Electrical Parts List ............................................................. 8-3

– 5 –

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

SERVICENOTE

1. DISC REMOVAL PROCEDURE IN THE TRAY CANNOT BE EJECTED (FORCED EJECTION)

1. Remove the upper case.

2. Insert the stiff wire in the hole and eject the tray.

NOTES DURING THE FORCED EJECTION

1. If the forced ejection is executed while a blank disc media (DVD±RW, ±R) exists on the tray

• Insert a DVD-ROM (DVD test disc, DVD software available on the market, or the like) in the tray and then close the tray.

Note1:Note1:

Note1: If you close the tray while it is empty, ejection of the tray becomes impossible.

Note2:Note2:

Note2: If you close the tray with a CD disc inserted in it, the CD can be ejected. However, if you close the tray while it is empty, there can be a

case that ejection of the tray becomes impossible.

Note3:Note3:

Note3: Even if you replace the DVD drive unit while the tray remains under the state as described above, the situation cannot be improved.

2. If the tray cannot be ejected while the disc is not inserted

• Execute the forced ejection.

• Insert a DVD-ROM (DVD test disc, DVD software available on the market, or the like) on the tray and try to close the tray.

(There are cases that it recovers the trouble.)

3. Contents of forcedly ejected blank disc media (DVD±RW, ±R) can be damaged. (There can be a case that initialization is also impossible.)

2. BOARD CONNECTION, SERVICE REMOTE CONTROLLER

The stiff wire

Open the tray

Hole

Extension cable

(J-6090-201-A)

SERVICE REMOTE CONTROLLER

(J-6090-203-A)

AV-117 board : CN101(40core

)

RD-065 board : CN2301(40core)

– 6 –

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

3. MODEL NAME SETTING METHOD WHEN ENGINE IS REPLACED

Required equipment:

• Remote controller (RMT-D245A/D245P/D246A/D246P)

• Service remote controller (J-6090-203-A)

• Monitor

Model name delete method

1. Turn the main POWER ON.

2. Press the following buttons on the service remote controller in this order.:

“ESC” k“CHAP” k“1”

* Confirm that the above operation is performed in the state that the screen has exited all settings such as “Home Menu” or “Simple Setting”.

3. Turn the main POWER OFF.

4. Turn the main POWER ON. (The screen as shown in Fig. 1 appears.)

5. Select “2” on the screen by using the service remote controller.

* If “1” is selected on the screen, the machine will not work at all. Be sure to select “2”.

6. Find out the tentative model name from the Correspondence Table (Table 1) for the client machine. Then, enter the 4-digit “Input No.” on the

screen using the service remote controller.

7. The model name setting method is complete. (Screen disappears.)

* Upon completion of the model name setting, be sure to press both “ENTER” and “3” simultaneously on the service remote controller

without fail. It sets the remote control code “3”.

Fig.1 S-company/P-company selection

Table1 Correspondence table between tentative model name and final product name

[Recorder's Model Setting]

Input the number using the remote for Service

> ?

Input No. Manufacturer

[ 1 : P ]

[ 2 : S ]

Modelname

Tentative model name

AR AUS BR CND E SP TW

RDR-GX350 MRX-1610/E32 MRX-1605/AU2 MRX-1610/BR4 MRX-1610/CA2 MRX-1610/E32 MRX-1610/SP7 —

RDR-HX750 — MRX-1630/AU2 — MRX-1640CA2 MRX-1640/E32 MRX-1630/SP7 MRX-1640/TW1

RDR-HX950 — MRX-1650/AU2 — — — MRX-1650/SP7 —

—7 —

4. HOWTO DIAGNOSE HDD FAILURE

4-1. Defective HDD

There are four symptoms of defects in the HDD.

1. “E01”is displayed on the FLD.

(The HDD is not recognized or is not authorized.)

2. “E02”is displayed on the FLD.

3. When playing a video, MP3, or JPG, contents freeze.

4. Irregular noises from the HDD

4-2. HDD Recognition status

How to enter Recognition status and sub screen mode.

•While the GUI screen is not displayed, use the service remote controller and press “ESC”key followed by “DISP”key.

•While the first screen is displayed, press “DIG/ANA”key repeatedly until the desired subscreen is displayed.

The subscreens change.

MRX-1635/EC1 VERSION : 1.01

: RELEASE 104

Rev. 1. 5895

: 1.178 OK

: DVD-RW DVR-L12X OK

1.00 OK

: 000800004940

: WDC WD2500AAJS 9 250

DEVICE : E2R-FEx1.0 FLASH : 64M

REGION : 2 C: 0000400259

HDCP : 0000400259

SYSCON

TUNERCON

DRIVE

PIC SERIAL

HDD INT

•Details on HDD data are described below:

HDD : WDC1023456 # 160

Capacity of the HDD (unit: Gbytes)

HDD identification error indication

HDD model name

Service remote controller

(Part code: J-6090-203-A)

HDD identification

conditions

Failure to physically

identify the HDD (no

connection, defective

HDD, interface error).

Physical identification of

HDD possible, but not

identified

Physical identification of

HDD possible, HDD

identified, but failure in

logical formatting.

Physical identification of

HDD possible, HDD

identified, and correct

logical formatting (HDD

correctly identified).

Details on HDD data

are described below.

Blank space

WDC 10234564 # 160

WDC 10234564 ! 160

WDC 10234564 160

Remarks

Check the connection to the

SATA cable and power cable.

Replace the SATA cable or

power cable.

Replace the HDD.

Replace the FE or part in the

SATA/ATA communication.

“#”indicates that the HDD is

unauthorized.

“!”indicates an HDD

authorization error. Initialize

the HDD.

FL Display

REPAIR

E01

E02

Normal

OS Display

“Repaining the HDD”.

“HDD repair is

complete”.

An error occurred.

Please consult your

nearest Sony dealer.

Note that contents on

the HDD may be

erased when servicing

this unit.

The Hard Disk Drive

info is incorrect.

Use the Disk Setup

menu to reformat.

– 8 –

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

4-3. Display [E01] on FLD with unrecognized HDD

*For information about replacing the HDD, see

Section 2, page 2-5.

After replacing the HDD, perform “Factory Check”

on “Service Note”, page 10.

Write down the HDD information before performing

Factory Check.

Note the information on pages 6-6, 6-9, and 6-10

of Chapter 6, “Service Mode”.

Always replace the HDD with an HDD with the

same capacity.

E01

END

Is “#” displayed?

Reconnect the SATA

cable. Does the problem

still occur?

Replace the SATA cable.

Does the problem

still occur?

Replace the HDD with a new

one and perform Factory Check.

YES

Is the HDD free from

irregular noises?

YES

Does the problem

still occur?

Replace the Engine and reinstall the original HDD.

There may be a malfunction with the Engine. Reinstall the original HDD.

Then, follow the procedure to replace the Engine.

After replacing the Engine, perform “Setting the Model Name” on “Service Note”, page 6.

YES

Does the problem

still occur?

Another defect

has occurred.

YES

Unauthorized HDD

Replace the SATA Cable

Final check

Replace the HDD

Note: Performing “Final Check” will not erase the HDD data.

– 9 –

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

4-4. Display [E02] on FLD

4-5. When playing a video, MP3, or JPG, the contents freeze

Note: When performing Factory Check, the data saved to the HDD

by the customer is erased.

Obtain customer consent before performing Factory Check.

E02

END

Is the HDD free from

irregular noises?

YES

Factory check

Final check

Replace the HDD

When playing a video, MP3, or JPG,

the contents freeze.

(An error is not displayed on the FLD.)

Display the ATA/ATAPI history by using

“HDD Access Flow” on page 6-10.

(If the symptoms do not reappear,

perform “Self Test” on page 10.)

Is the HDD free from

irregular noises?

Does Performance Check

show no problems?

YES

Does the history show

no errors?

YES

END

Final check

Replace the HDD

– 10 –

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

4-7. Self Test

Final Check

SELF TEST ( SMART TEST ) and Performance Check

SELF TEST

This is a simplified diagnosis for the HDD.

A serious failure in the HDD can be detected with this test.

Time required for testing: Approx. 60 sec.

How to start/terminate the diagnostic program

Use the remote control unit for servicing.

• How to start: Press the “ESC”, “CX”, “0”, and “1” keys simultaneously.

• How to terminate: Press the “ESC” key.

Execute Self-Test.

• Press the “3” key on the remote control unit for servicing while the menu screen is displayed.

• When the following screen is displayed, press the “1” key to start the Self-Test.

Diagnosis results

• Without an error: “. . . Completed” is displayed.

Then, proceed to the Extended Self-Test.

• With an error: “. . . Error” is displayed. Look at the number in Test Result.

If the place value for tens is 1 or 2, execute the Self-Test again.

If it is from 3 to 7, the HDD must be replaced.

Note: If the result of the second test is the same, replacement of the HDD is required.

Example: No error

4-6. Factory Check

1. Pull out and then reconnect the AC cable.

2. Press the “ESC” key followed by the “P.RUN” key to start Formatting.

3. When “B COMPLETE” appears, the Factory Check is complete.

4. Press the “Power” button. The unit starts normally.

When Factory Check has finished completely without error, reset the Recording Error History and the ATA/ATAPI with the Clear key.

Note: Performing “Self Test” will not erase the HDD data.

Recording Error History Display

07-03-19 12:36:06 ESFSYS INIT

07-03-19 12:36:06 HDD Zero MR

07-03-19 12:36:06 HDD Initialze

07-03-19 12:36:06 HDD Zero MR

07-03-19 12:27:27 Status NG

Note: When performing Factory Check, the data saved to the HDD by

the customer is erased.

Obtain customer consent before performing Factory Check.

Example: With an error

– 11 –

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

4-8. Performance Check

Press the “ESC” key, then the “A.MON” key.

This is a reading test across all sectors of the HDD.

Data recorded on the HDD will not be erased, because no writing operation is performed.

Time required for testing: Approx. 45 min/160 G

75 min/250 G

130 to 150 min/500 G

When Performance Check finishes completely without error, reset the ATA/ATAPI History ERROR with the Clear key.

Fig 1. FL Display Flow

* The logo for Factory Check and Performance Check is recorded in the ATA/ATAPI History Error.

0:Factory Check start 0 0 000000

Power On

FL display specification

HDD factory Check HDD performance Check

aNormal display aError display

1:Power ON Test

Random Write/Read/Compare Test

3:ID Sequential Read Verify Test

OD Sequential Read Verify Test

5:Format

7:Power ON Test

8:Power OFF Test

9:Power ON Test

a:Power OFF Test

b:Complete

6:Power OFF Test 6 0 000000

7 0 000000

8 0 000000

9 0 000000

0 000000

COMPLETE

1 0 000000 81 0 00000

HDD ERR 01

HDD ERR 02

aError display

HDD ERR 81

HDD ERR 82

HDD ERR 03

HDD ERR 04

HDD ERR 05

HDD ERR 07

HDD ERR 09

2 0 000000

** *****

H M S

80 0 00000

aNormal display

83 0 00000

H M S

84 COMPLETE

** *****

H M S

** *****

H M S

5 FM

*****

H M S

80:Performance Check start

81:Power ON Test

82:

all Sequential Read Verify Test

83:Power OFF Test

84:Complete

Power off

Power On15s

Power off

Power On

15s

20s

15s

Power off

Power On

Power off

1-1

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

Copy guard function

Since the recorder has a copy

guard function, programmes

received through an external

tuner (not supplied) may contain

copy protection signals (copy

guard function) and as such may

not be recordable, depending on

the type of signal.

If you have any questions or

problems concerning your

recorder, please consult your

nearest Sony dealer.

About this manual

• In this manual, the internal

hard disk drive is written as

“HDD,”and“disc”isusedas a

generalreferencefor theHDD,

DVDs, or CDs unless

otherwise specified by the text

or illustrations.

• Icons, such as , listed

at the top of each explanation

indicate what kind of media

can be used with the function

being explained.

• Instructions in this manual

describe the controls on the

remote. You can also use the

controls on the recorder if they

have the same or similar

names as those on the remote.

• The on-screen display

illustrations used in this

manual may not match the

graphics displayed on your TV

screen.

• Oceanian models are used for

illustration purposes.

• The explanations regarding

DVDs in this manual refer to

DVDscreatedonthisrecorder.

The explanations do not apply

to DVDs that are created on

other recorders and played

back on this recorder.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Caution: This recorder is

capable of holding a still

video image or on-screen

display image on your

television screen

indefinitely. If you leave the

still video image or on-

screen display image

displayed on your TV for an

extended period of time you

risk permanent damage to

your television screen.

Plasma display panels and

projection televisions are

especially susceptible to this.

Check your model name

The instructions in this

manual are for 2 models:

RDR-HX750 and RDR-

HX950. Check your model

name by looking at the front

panel of the recorder.

DVD

Quick Guide to Disc Types

Recordable and playable discs

Type Disc Logo

Icon used

in this

manual

Formatting

(new discs)

Compatibility with other

DVD players (finalising)

Hard disk

drive

(internal)

mode

Select“VideoMode

Off” in “HDD

Recording Format”

(page 109)

Dub HDD contents to a

DVD (VR mode) to play

on other DVD players

Video

mode

Select“VideoMode

On” (default) in

“HDD Recording

Format” (page 109)

Dub HDD contents to a

DVD(Videomode) toplay

on other DVD players

DVD+RW

Automatically

formatted in +VR

mode (DVD+RW

VIDEO)

Playable on DVD+RW

compatible players

(automatically finalised)

DVD-RW

mode

Format in VR mode

(page 27)

Playable only on VR mode

compatible players

(finalisation unnecessary)

Video

mode

Format in Video

mode (page 27)

Playable on most DVD

players (finalisation

necessary) (page 36)

DVD+R Automatically

formatted in +VR

mode (DVD+R

VIDEO)

Playable on most DVD

players (finalisation

necessary) (page 36)

DVD+R DL

DVD-R VR

mode

Format in VR mode

(page 27)*1

Formatting is

performed in the

“Format” setup

(page 38).

Playable only on DVD-R

in VR mode compatible

players (finalisation

necessary) (page 36)

DVD-R

Video

mode

Automatically

formatted in Video

mode

Playable on most DVD

players (finalisation

necessary) (page 36)

HDD

+RW

RWVR

RWVideo

RVR

RVideo

,continued

• Do not move the recorder for

one minute after you have

unplugged the AC power cord

(mains lead).

• Do not attempt to replace or

upgrade the hard disk by

yourself, as this may result in

malfunction.

If the hard disk drive should

malfunction, you cannot recover

lost data. The hard disk drive is

only a temporary storage space.

About repairing the hard

disk drive

• The contents of the hard disk

drive may be checked in case

of repair or inspection during a

malfunction or modification.

However, the contents will not

be backed up or saved by

Sony.

• If the hard disk needs to be

formatted or replaced, it will

be done at the discretion of

Sony. All contents of the hard

disk drive will be erased,

including contents that violate

On power sources

• The recorder is not

disconnected from the AC

power source (mains) as long

as it is connected to the wall

outlet, even if the recorder

itself has been turned off.

• If you are not going to use the

recorder for a long time, be

sure to disconnect the recorder

from the wall outlet. To

disconnect the AC power cord

(mains lead), grasp the plug

itself; never pull the cord.

On placement

• Place the recorder in a location

with adequate ventilation to

prevent heat build-up in the

recorder.

• Do not place the recorder on a

soft surface such as a rug that

might block the ventilation

holes.

• Do not place the recorder in a

confined space such as a

bookshelf or similar unit.

• Do not place the recorder in a

location near heat sources, or

in a place subject to direct

sunlight, excessive dust, or

mechanical shock.

• Do not place the recorder in an

inclined position. It is

designed to be operated in a

horizontal position only.

• Keep the recorder and discs

away from equipment with

strong magnets, such as

microwave ovens, or large

loudspeakers.

• Do not place heavy objects on

the recorder.

On recording

Make trial recordings before

making the actual recording.

On compensation for lost

recordings

Sony is not liable and will not

compensate for any lost

recordings or relevant losses,

including when recordings are

not made due to reasons

including recorder failure, or

when the contents of a recording

are lost or damaged as a result of

recorder failure or repair

undertaken to the recorder. Sony

will not restore, recover, or

replicate the recorded contents

under any circumstances.

Copyrights

• Television programmes,films,

video tapes, discs, and other

materials may be copyrighted.

Unauthorized recording of

such material may be contrary

to the provisions of the

this recorder with cable

television transmission may

require authorization from the

cable television transmitter

and/or programme owner.

• This product incorporates

technology that is protected by

U.S. patents and other

intellectual property rights.

Use of this copyright

protection technology must be

authorized by Macrovision,

and is intended for home and

other limited viewing uses

only unless otherwise

authorized by Macrovision.

Reverse engineering or

disassembly is prohibited.

• This Product includes

FontAvenue®fonts licenced

by NEC corporation.

FontAvenue is a registered

trademark of NEC

corporation.

,continued

SECTION1

GENERAL This section is extracted from instruction

manual. (3-210-862-41)

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or electric

shock,do not exposethisapparatus

to rain or moisture.

To avoid electrical shock, do not

openthe cabinet. Referservicing to

qualified personnel only.

The power cord (mains lead) must

be changed only at a qualified

service shop.

Batteries or batteries installed

apparatus shall not be exposed to

excessive heat such as sunshine,

fire or the like.

CAUTION

Theuse of opticalinstruments with

this product will increase eye

hazard. As the laser beam used in

this DVD recorder is harmful to

eyes,do not attemptto disassemble

the cabinet.

Refer servicing to qualified

personnel only.

This label is located on the laser

protective housing inside the

enclosure.

Precautions

• This unit operates on 220 –

240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Check that

the unit’s operating voltage is

identical with your local power

supply.

• To prevent fire or shock hazard,

do not place objects filled with

liquids, such as vases, on the

apparatus.

• Install this system so that the

power cord (mains lead) can be

unplugged from the wall socket

immediately in the event of

trouble.

Disposal of Old Electrical

& Electronic Equipment

This symbol is applicable only in

the European Union and other

European countries with separate

collection systems.

Precautions

This equipment has been tested

and found to comply with the

limits set out in the EMC

Directive using a connection

cable shorter than 3 metres.

On safety

Should any solid object or liquid

fall into the cabinet, unplug the

recorder and have it checked by

qualified personnel before

operating it any further.

About the hard disk drive

The hard disk has a high storage

density, which enables long

recording durations and quick

access to the written data.

However, it can easily be

damaged by shock, vibration or

dust, and should be kept away

from magnets. To avoid losing

important data, observe the

following precautions.

• Do not apply a strong shock to

the recorder.

• Do not place the recorder in a

location subject to mechanical

vibrations or in an unstable

location.

• Do not place the recorder on

top of a hot surface, such as a

VCR or amplifier (receiver).

• Do not use the recorder in a

place subject to extreme

changes in temperature

(temperature gradient less than

10 °C/hour).

• Do not move the recorder with

its AC power cord (mains

lead) connected.

• Do not disconnect the AC

power cord (mains lead) while

the power is on.

• When disconnecting the AC

power cord (mains lead), turn

off the power and make sure

that the hard disk drive is not

operating (the clock is

displayed in the front panel

display for at least 30 seconds

and all recording or dubbing

has stopped).

1-2

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

Usable disc versions (as of April 2007)

• 8x-speed or slower DVD+RWs

• 6x-speed or slower DVD-RWs (Ver.1.1,

Ver.1.2 with CPRM*2)

• 16x-speed or slower DVD+Rs

• 16x-speed or slower DVD-Rs (Ver.2.0,

Ver.2.1 with CPRM*2)

• 8x-speed or slower DVD+R DL (Double

Layer) discs

• 8x-speed or slower DVD-R DL (Dual

Layer) discs (Ver.3.0 with CPRM*2)

“DVD+RW,” “DVD-RW,” “DVD+R,” “DVD+R

DL,” “DVD-R,” and “DVD-R DL” are trademarks.

*1 When an unformatted DVD-R is inserted into

this recorder, it is automatically formatted in

Video mode. To format a new DVD-R in VR

mode, format in the “Format” setup (page 38).

*2 CPRM (Content Protection for Recordable

Media) is a coding technology that protects

copyrights for images.

Discs that cannot be recorded on

• DVD-RAMs

“DVD VIDEO” and “CD” are trademarks.

DivX, DivX Certified, and associated logos are

trademarks of DivX, Inc. and are used under

license.

DivX®is a video file compression technology,

developed by DivX, Inc.

* If the DVD-RAM has a removable cartridge,

remove the cartridge before playback.

Discs that cannot be played

• PHOTO CDs

• CD-ROMs/CD-Rs/CD-RWs that are

recorded in a format different from the

formats mentioned in the table above.

• Data part of CD-Extras

•BDs

• HD DVDs

• Discs recorded with an AVCHD-

compatible DVD video camera

• DVD-ROMs/DVD+RWs/DVD-RWs/

DVD+Rs/DVD-Rs that do not contain

DVD Video, DivX video, JPEG image

files, or MP3 audio tracks.

• DVD Audio discs

• Cartridge-only type DVD-RAMs.

• HD layer on Super Audio CDs

• DVD VIDEOs with a different region code

(page 12).

• DVDs that were recorded on a different

recorder and not correctly finalised.

Maximum recordable number of titles

* The maximum length for one title is 12 hours.

Playable discs

Type Disc Logo Icon used in

this manual Characteristics

DVD VIDEO

Discs such as movies that can be

purchased or rented

This recorder also recognises DVD-

RAMs* as DVD Video compatible

discs.

VIDEO CD VIDEO CDs or CD-Rs/CD-RWs in

VIDEO CD/Super VIDEO CD format

CD Music CDs or CD-Rs/CD-RWs in

music CD format

DATA DVD —

DVD+RWs/DVD+Rs/DVD-RAMs*

containing MP3 audio tracks or DivX

video files

DVD-RWs/DVD-Rs/DVD-ROMs

containing MP3 audio tracks, JPEG

image files or DivX video files

DATA CD —CD-ROMs/CD-Rs/CD-RWs

containing either MP3 audio tracks,

JPEG image files or DivX video files

DVD

VCD

DATA DVD

DATA CD

Disc Number of titles

HDD* 999

DVD-RW/DVD-R 99

DVD+RW/DVD+R 49

DVD+R DL 49

DVD-R DL 99

,continued

Note on playback operations of DVD

VIDEOs/VIDEO CDs

Some playback operations of DVD VIDEOs/

VIDEO CDs may be intentionally set by

software producers. Since this recorder plays

DVD VIDEOs/VIDEO CDs according to the

disc contents the software producers

designed, some playback features may not be

available. See the instructions supplied with

the DVD VIDEOs/VIDEO CDs.

Region code (DVD VIDEO only)

Your recorder has a region code printed on

the rear of the unit and will only play DVD

VIDEOs (playback only) labelled with

identical region codes. This system is used to

protect copyrights.

DVD VIDEOs labelled will also play

on this recorder.

If you try to play any other DVD VIDEO, the

message “Playback prohibited by region

code.” will appear on the TV screen.

Depending on the DVD VIDEO, no region

code indication may be labelled even though

playing the DVD VIDEO is prohibited by

area restrictions.

Music discs encoded with copyright

protection technologies

This product is designed to play back discs

that conform to the Compact Disc (CD)

standard.

Recently, various music discs encoded with

marketed by some record companies. Please

be aware that among those discs, there are

some that do not conform to the CD standard

and may not be playable by this product.

Note on DualDiscs

A DualDisc is a two sided disc product which

mates DVD recorded material on one side

with digital audio material on the other side.

However, since the audio material side does

not conform to the Compact Disc (CD)

standard, playback on this product is not

guaranteed.

bNotes

• Some DVD+RWs/DVD+Rs, DVD-RWs/DVD-

Rs, DVD-RAMs, or CD-RWs/CD-Rs cannot be

played on this recorder due to the recording

quality or physical condition of the disc, or the

characteristics of the recording device and

authoring software. The disc will not play if it has

not been correctly finalised. For more

information, see the operating instructions for the

recording device.

• You cannot mix VR mode and Video mode on the

same DVD-RW. To change the disc’s format,

reformat the disc (page 38). Note that the disc’s

contents will be erased after reformatting.

• You cannot shorten the time required for

recording even with high-speed discs.

• It is recommended that you use discs with “For

Video” printed on their packaging.

• You cannot add new recordings to DVD+Rs,

DVD-Rs, or DVD-RWs (Video mode) that

contain recordings made on other DVD

equipment.

• In some cases, you may not be able to add new

recordings to DVD+RWs that contain recordings

made on other DVD equipment. If you do add a

new recording, note that this recorder will rewrite

the DVD menu.

• You cannot edit recordings on DVD+RWs,

DVD-RWs (Video mode), DVD+Rs, or DVD-Rs

that are made on other DVD equipment.

• If the disc contains PC data unrecognizable by

this recorder, the data may be erased.

• You may not be able to record, edit, or dub on

some recordable discs, depending on the disc.

• Do not insert any discs that cannot be recorded or

played on this recorder. This may cause the

recorder to malfunction.

ALL

Region code

Hookups and Settings

Hooking Up the Recorder

Follow steps 1 through 6 to hook up and adjust the settings of the recorder. Do not connect the

AC power cord (mains lead) until you reach “Step 4: Connecting the AC Power Cord (Mains

Lead)” on page 19.

bNotes

• See “Specifications” (page 123) for a list of supplied accessories.

• Plug in cords securely to prevent unwanted noise.

• Refer to the instructions supplied with the components to be connected.

• You cannot connect this recorder to a TV that does not have a video input jack.

• Be sure to disconnect the AC power cord (mains lead) of each component before connecting.

1-3

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

Step 1: Connecting the Aerial Cable

Connect the aerial cable by following the steps below.

1Disconnect the aerial cable from your TV, and connect it to AERIAL IN on the rear

panel of the recorder.

2Connect AERIAL OUT of the recorder to the aerial input of your TV using the supplied

aerial cable.

DVD recorder

to AERIAL OUT

to AERIAL IN

Aerial cable (supplied)

: Signal flow

to aerial input

Wall

Hookups and Settings

Step 2: Connecting the Video Cords/HDMI Cord

Select one of the following patterns, Athrough D, according to the input jack on your TV

monitor, projector, or audio component such as an AV amplifier (receiver). This will enable

you to view pictures.

Audio/video

cord

(supplied)

Componentvideocord

(not supplied)

(yellow)

TV, projector, or audio

component

TV, projector, or

audio component

(green)

S-video cord

(not supplied)

TV, projector, or audio

component

(red)(blue)

: Signal flow

to COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

to LINE OUT

(S VIDEO)

to LINE OUT (VIDEO)

DVD recorder

HDMI cord

(not supplied)

TV, projector, or audio

component

to HDMI OUT

(green) (red)(blue)

,continued

AVideo input jack

You will enjoy high quality images.

CComponent video input jacks (Y, PB/CB,

PR/CR)

You will enjoy accurate colour reproduction

and high quality images.

If your TV accepts progressive 525p/625p

format signals, use this connection and set

“Progressive” to “Compatible” in the “Easy

Setup” setup (page 22). Then set

“Component Video Out” to “Progressive” in

the “Video In/Out” setup to send progressive

video signals. For details, see “Component

Video Out” on page 102.

DHDMI input jack

Use a certified HDMI cord (not supplied) to

enjoy high quality digital picture and sound

through the HDMI OUT jack.

When connecting a Sony TV that is

compatible with the HDMI control function,

see page 17.

When connecting to the HDMI jack

Follow the steps below. Improper handling

may damage the HDMI jack and the

connector.

1Carefully align the HDMI jack on the

rear of the recorder and the HDMI

connector by checking their shapes.

Make sure the connector is not upside

down or tilted.

2Insert the HDMI connector straight into

the HDMI jack.

Do not bend or apply pressure to the

HDMI connector.

bNotes

• Be sure to disconnect the HDMI cord when

moving the recorder.

• Do not apply too much pressure to the cabinet

wall, if you place the recorder on the cabinet with

the HDMI cord connected. It may damage the

HDMI jack or the HDMI cord.

• Do not twist the HDMI connector while

connecting to or disconnecting from the HDMI

jack to avoid damaging the HDMI jack and

connector.

When playing “wide screen” images

Some recorded images may not fit your TV

screen. To change the picture size, see

page 109.

If you are connecting to a VCR

Connect your VCR to the LINE IN jack on

the recorder (page 24).

bNotes

• Do not connect more than one type of video cord

between the recorder and your TV at the same

time.

• You cannot connect the HDMI OUT jack

(connection D) to DVI jacks that are not HDCP

compliant (e.g., DVI jacks on PC displays).

• Component video and RGB signals are not output

when using the HDMI connection.

* This DVD recorder incorporates High-Definition

Multimedia Interface (HDMI™) technology.

HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition

Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered

trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

Not straightConnector is upside

down

Hookups and Settings

By connecting Sony components that are

compatible with the HDMI Control function

with an HDMI cord (not supplied), operation

is simplified as below:

• One-Touch Play (page 50)

• System Power-Off

When you turn the TV off by using the

power button on the TV’s remote, the

components compatible with the HDMI

Control function turn off automatically.

To prepare for the ‘BRAVIA’ Theatre Sync

features

Set “HDMI Control” to “On” in the “HDMI

Output” setup (page 113). For details on TV

settings, refer to the operating instructions

supplied with the TV.

bNotes

• Depending on the connected component, the

HDMI Control function may not work. Refer to

the operating instructions supplied with the

component.

• The recorder supports only the playback option of

HDMI Control. “Player” appears on the TV

screen when using the HDMI Control functions.

About the HDMI Control

functions for ‘BRAVIA’ Theatre

Sync (for HDMI connections

only)

1-4

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

Step 3: Connecting the Audio Cords/HDMI Cord

Select one of the following patterns, Aor B, according to the input jack on your TV monitor,

projector, or audio component such as an AV amplifier (receiver). This will enable you to listen

to sound.

* The yellow plug is used for video signals (page 15).

ADigital audio input jack

If your audio component has a Dolby*1

Digital, DTS*2, or MPEG audio decoder and

a digital input jack, use this connection. You

can enjoy Dolby Digital (5.1ch), DTS

(5.1ch), and MPEG audio (5.1ch) surround

effects.

If you connect a Sony audio component that

is compatible with the HDMI control

function, refer to the operating instructions

supplied with the audio component.

VIDEO

AUDIO

INPUT

Audio component with

a decoder

(white)

TV, projector, or

audio component

Audio/video cord

(supplied)

: Signal flow

Coaxial digital cord

(not supplied)

to DIGITAL OUT (COAXIAL)

to LINE OUT (R-AUDIO-L)

Rear (L)

DVD recorder

(red)

(yellow)*

(yellow)

(white)

(red)

[Speakers]

Front (L)

[Speakers]

to coaxial/HDMI digital input

Rear (R)

Front (R)

Subwoofer

Centre

HDMI cord

(not supplied)

to HDMI OUT

Hookups and Settings

BAudio L/R (left/right) input jacks

This connection will use your TV’s or audio

component’s two speakers for sound.

zHint

For correct speaker location, see the operating

instructions supplied with the connected

components.

bNotes

• Do not connect your TV’s audio output jacks to

the LINE IN (R-AUDIO-L) jacks at the same

time. This will cause unwanted noise to come

from your TV’s speakers.

• With connection B, do not connect the LINE IN

(R-AUDIO-L) and LINE 2 OUT (R-AUDIO-L)

jacks to your TV’s audio output jacks at the same

time. This will cause unwanted noise to come

from your TV’s speakers.

• With connection A, after you have completed the

connection, make the appropriate settings in the

“Audio Out” setup (page 104). Otherwise, no

sound or a loud noise will come from your

speakers.

• When you connect the recorder to an audio

component using an HDMI cord, you will need to

do one of the following:

– Connect the audio component to the TV with

the HDMI cord, or

– Connect the recorder to the TV with a video

cord other than HDMI cord (component video

cord, S-video cord, or audio/video cord).

*1 Manufactured under license from Dolby

Laboratories.

“Dolby” and the double-D symbol are

trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

*2 “DTS” and “DTS Digital Out” are registered

trademarks of DTS, Inc.

Step 4: Connecting the

AC Power Cord (Mains

Lead)

Connect the supplied AC power cord (mains

lead) to the AC IN terminal of the recorder.

Then plug the recorder and TV mains leads

(AC power cords) into the mains. After you

connect the AC power cord (mains lead),

you must wait for a short while before

operating the recorder. You can operate

the recorder once the front panel display

lights up and the recorder enters standby

mode.

If you connect additional equipment to this

recorder (page 24), be sure to connect the AC

power cord (mains lead) after all connections

are complete.

to mains

to AC IN

Step 5: Preparing the

Remote

You can control the recorder using the

supplied remote. Insert two R6 (size AA)

batteries by matching the 3and #ends on

the batteries to the markings inside the

battery compartment. When using the

remote,pointit at theremote sensor onthe

recorder.

bNotes

• If the supplied remote interferes with your other

Sony DVD recorder or player, change the

command mode number for this recorder

(page 21).

• Use the batteries correctly to avoid possible

leakage and corrosion. Should leakage occur, do

not touch the liquid with bare hands. Observe the

following:

– Do not use a new battery with an old battery, or

batteries of different manufacturers.

– Do not attempt to recharge the batteries.

– If you do not intend to use the remote for an

extended period of time, remove the batteries.

– If battery leakage occurs, wipe out any liquid

inside the battery compartment, and insert new

batteries.

• Do not expose the remote sensor (marked on

the front panel) to strong light, such as direct

sunlight or a lighting apparatus. The recorder may

not respond to the remote.

• When you replace the batteries of the remote, the

code number and Command Mode may be reset

to the default setting. Set the appropriate code

number and Command Mode again.

You can adjust the remote’s signal to control

your TV.

bNotes

• Depending on the connected unit, you may not be

able to control your TV with some or all of the

buttons below.

• If you enter a new code number, the code number

previously entered will be erased.

1Hold down TV [/1located at the

bottom of the remote.

Do not press the [/1button at the top of

the remote.

Controlling TVs with the

remote

TV 2+/–

Number

buttons

TV t

TV PROG

+/–

TV [/1

Hookups and Settings

2With TV [/1pressed down, enter the

TV’s manufacturer code using the

number buttons.

For instance, to enter “09,” press “0” then

“9.” After you enter the last number,

release the TV [/1button.

Code numbers of controllable TVs

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.

The remote performs the following:

If the supplied remote interferes with your

other Sony DVD recorder or player, set the

command mode number for this recorder and

the supplied remote to one that differs from

the other Sony DVD recorder or player after

you have completed “Step 6: Easy Setup.”

The default command mode setting for this

recorder and the supplied remote is DVD3.

You can check the current Command Mode

in the front panel display. For details, see

page 114.

You can change programme positions of the

recorder using the number buttons.

Example: for channel 50

Press “5,” “0,” then press ENTER.

Manufacturer Code number

Sony 01 (default)

Hitachi 24

JVC 33

Panasonic 17, 49

Philips 06, 08

Samsung 71

Sanyo 25

Thomson 43

Toshiba 38

Buttons Operations

TV [/1Turns your TV on or

off.

TV 2(volume)

+/– Adjusts the volume

of your TV.

TV PROG +/– Selects the

programme position

on your TV.

TV t(input

select) Switches your TV’s

input source.

If you have a Sony DVD player

or more than one Sony DVD

recorder

The default command mode setting for this

recorder and the supplied remote is DVD3.

The remote does not function if different

command modes are set for the recorder and

remote. Set the same command mode.

Changing programme positions

of the recorder using the

remote

Number

buttons

ENTER

1-5

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

Step 6: Easy Setup

Make the basic adjustments by following the

on-screen instructions in “Easy Setup.”

Be careful not to disconnect the cables or exit

the “Easy Setup” function during this

procedure.

1Turn on the recorder and your TV.

Then switch the input selector on your

TV so that the signal from the recorder

appears on your TV screen.

The “Language” display appears.

• If the “Language” display does not

appear, select “Easy Setup” in the

“Basic” setup from “Initial Setup” in

the System Menu (page 98).

2Select a language for the on-screen

displays using </M/m/,, and press

ENTER.

The initial settings message appears.

3Select “Start” using M/m, and press

ENTER.

Follow the on-screen instructions to

make the following settings.

Auto Channel Setting

Select “Auto Scan.” Then select your

country/region using </,, and press

ENTER. The programme position order

will be set according to the country/

region you select.

To skip this setting, select “Do not set.”

To set the programme positions

manually, see page 99.

Clock Setting

The “Auto” function cannot be used in

your area.

Select “Manual” to set the clock

manually. The “Manual Clock Setting”

display appears.

1Select the time zone for your area

using </,, and press m.

2Select “On” using </,if you are

now on summer time, and press

ENTER.

3Set the day, month, year, hour, and

minutes using </M/m/,, and

press ENTER to start the clock.

zHint

You can select the clock and date display. Set

“Display” of “Clock Setting” in the “Basic”

setup (page 97).

TV Screen Size (page 109)

If you have a wide-screen TV, select

“Wide (16:9).” If you have a standard

TV, select “Standard (4:3).” This will

determinehow“wide-screen”imagesare

displayed on your TV.

Progressive

When you connect a progressive format

TV to this recorder using the

COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jacks,

select “Compatible.”

HDD caution messages

Read the HDD caution messages, and

press ENTER.

4Select “Finish Setup” using M/m, and

press ENTER.

“Easy Setup” is completed.

[/1

</M/m/,,

ENTER

RETURN

TV [/1

Hookups and Settings

To return to the previous step

Press ORETURN.

zHint

If you want to run “Easy Setup” again, select “Easy

Setup” in the “Basic” setup from “Initial Setup” in

the System Menu (page 98).

Connecting a VCR or Similar Device

After disconnecting the recorder’s AC power cord (mains lead) from the mains, connect a VCR

or similar recording device to the LINE IN jacks of this recorder.

Use the DV IN jack on the front panel if the equipment has a DV output jack (i.LINK jack)

(page 72).

For details, refer to the instruction manual supplied with the connected equipment.

To record on this recorder, see “Recording from Connected Equipment” on page 47.

Connect a VCR or similar recording device to the LINE 1 IN jack of this recorder.

bNotes

• Pictures containing copy protection signals that prohibit any copying cannot be recorded.

• If you pass the recorder signals through a VCR, you may not receive a clear image on your TV screen.

Be sure to connect your VCR to the DVD recorder and to your TV in the order shown below. To watch

video tapes, watch the tapes through a second line input on your TV.

• If you disconnect the recorder’s AC power cord (mains lead), you will not be able to view the signals from

the connected VCR.

Connecting to the LINE 1 IN jack

OUTPUT

S VIDEO

AUDIO

VIDEO

DVD recorder

VCR, etc.

to LINE 1 IN

S-video cord

(not supplied)

: Signal flow

Audio/videocord

(not supplied)

VCRDVD recorder TV

Line input 1

Line input 2

DVD recorder

VCR TV

Hookups and Settings

Connect a VCR or similar recording device to the LINE 2 IN jacks of this recorder. If the

equipment has an S-video jack, you can use an S-video cord instead of an audio/video cord.

zHint

When the connected equipment outputs only monaural sound, connect to only the L(MONO) and VIDEO

input jacks on the front of the recorder. Do not connect the R input jack.

bNotes

• Do not connect the yellow LINE IN (VIDEO) jack when using an S-video cord.

• Do not connect the output jack of this recorder to another equipment’s input jack with the other

equipment’s output jack connected to the input jack of this recorder. This may cause noise (feedback).

• Do not connect more than one type of video cord between the recorder and your TV at the same time.

Connecting to the LINE 2 IN jacks on the front panel

OUTPUT

S VIDEO AUDIO

VIDEO

VCR, etc.

Audio/video cord

(not supplied)

S-video cord

(not supplied)

DVD recorder

: Signal flow

to LINE 2 IN

1-6

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

Connecting to a Satellite or Digital Tuner

Connect a satellite or digital tuner to this recorder using the LINE 1 IN jacks. Disconnect the

recorder’s AC power cord (mains lead) from the mains when connecting the tuner.

To use the Synchro Rec function, see below.

If you want to use the Synchro Rec

function

This connection is necessary to use the

Synchro-Recording function. See

“Recording from connected equipmentwitha

timer (Synchro Rec.)” on page 47.

bNotes

• Synchro-Recording does not work with some

tuners. For details, see the tuner’s operating

instructions.

• If you disconnect the recorder’s AC power cord

(mains lead), you will not be able to view the

signals from the connected tuner.

AUDIO

OUTPUT

RVIDEO

AUDI O

INPUT

VIDEO

to LINE OUT

Audio/video cord

(supplied)

Satellite tuner, etc.

DVD recorder

: Signal flow

to LINE 1 IN

Audio/video cord

(not supplied)

Eight Basic Operations — Getting to Know Your DVD Recorder

Eight Basic Operations

— Getting to Know Your DVD Recorder

1. Inserting a Disc

1Press DVD.

2Press Z(open/close), and place a

disc on the disc tray.

3Press Z(open/close) to close the disc

tray.

Wait until “LOAD” disappears from the

front panel display.

Unused DVDs are formatted

automatically.

• For DVD-RW discs

DVD-RWs are formatted in the

recording format (VR mode or Video

mode) set by “Format DVD-RW” of

“Basic” in the “Disc Setup” setup

(page 96).

• For DVD-R discs

DVD-Rsareautomaticallyformattedin

Video mode. To format an unused

DVD-R in VR mode, format the disc in

the “Format” setup (page 38) before

you make a recording.

If the disc is recordable on this recorder,

you can manually re-format the disc to

make a blank disc (page 38).

2. Recording a

Programme

This section introduces the basic operation to

record a current TV programme to the hard

disk (HDD) or to a disc (DVD). For an

explanation of how to make timer recordings,

see page 40.

1Press HDD or DVD.

If you want to record to a DVD, insert a

recordable DVD.

2Press PROG +/– to select the

programme position or input source

you want to record.

DVD

VCD CD

DATA CD

RWVR

RWVideo

+RW

RVR

DATA DVD

RVideo

DVD

Z(open/

close)

Recording/playing side facing down

+RW

RWVR

RWVideo

HDD

RVR

RVideo

HDD DVD

PROG +/–

TV t

REC MODE

zREC

xREC

STOP

DISPLAY

,continued

3Press REC MODE repeatedly to select

the recording mode.

Each time you press the button, the

display on the TV screen changes as

follows:

* Available when “Manual Rec. Mode” is set

to “On (go to setup)” in the “Recording”

setup (page 106).

For more details about the recording

mode, see page 40.

4Press zREC.

Recording starts.

When recording to the HDD, recording

stops after 12 hours of continuous

recording or when the HDD is full.

When recording to a DVD, recording

stops when the DVD is full.

To stop recording

Press xREC STOP.

Note that it may take a few seconds for

recorder to stop recording.

To watch another TV programme while

recording

Set your TV to the TV input using the TV t

button (page 20).

bNotes

• If you press the [/1button while recording, the

recorder stops recording and turns off.

• After pressing the zREC button, it may take a

short while to start recording.

• You cannot change the recording mode while

recording.

• If there is a power failure, the programme you are

recording may be erased.

You can check the recording information

such as recording time or disc type.

Press DISPLAY during recording.

The recording information appears.

ARecording mode

BRecording time

CDisc type/format

DRecording status

Press DISPLAY to turn off the display.

Checking the disc status while

recording

Eight Basic Operations — Getting to Know Your DVD Recorder

3. Playing the Recorded

Programme (Title List)

To play a recorded title, select the title from

the Title List.

1Press HDD or DVD.

If you select DVD, insert a DVD (see “1.

Inserting a Disc” on page 27).

Playback starts automatically depending

on the disc.

2Press TITLE LIST.

To show the 8-Title List, press <to

select “Title View,” and press ENTER,

then select “8 Titles” using M/m, and

press ENTER.

4-Title List (Example: HDD)

8-Title List

ADisc type:

Displays the media type, HDD or DVD.

BTotal number of titles

CSub-menu:

Press ,to display the sub-menu.

The sub-menu displays options

applicable only to the selected item. The

displayed options differ depending upon

the model, situation, and disc type.

DScroll bar:

Appears when all of the titles do not fit

on the list. To view the hidden titles,

press M/m.

+RW

RWVR

RWVideo

HDD

RVR

RVideo

</M/m/,,

ENTER

HDD DVD

TITLE LIST

PLAY

MODE

ORETURN

DISPLAY

Sub-menu

,continued

1-7

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

ETitle information:

Displays the title number, title thumbnail

picture (playback picture for the selected

title, still images for the other titles),

recording date, recordedstation name (or

programme position number), recording

mode, title name, and title size.

“Recording”: Indicates that the title is

currently being recorded.

: Indicates protected title.

“NEW”: Indicates that the title is newly

recorded (not played back) (HDD only).

: Press DISPLAY to display

“ .” “ ” indicates titles

containing “Copy-Once”copyprotection

signals (HDD only) (page 67).

: Indicates that the title is recorded

using the Update function.

Genre icons: Indicates the title’s genre

(HDD only).

FRemaining time of the current disc in

the current recording mode (example:

SP mode)

GDetailed information for the selected

title

The resume point time is shown in the 8-

Title List (HDD only).

3Select a title using M/m, and press

ENTER.

Playback starts from the selected title.

To stop playback

Press x(stop).

To scroll the list display by page (Page

mode)

Press ./>while the Title List is

displayed. Each time you press ./>,

the entire Title List changes to the next/

previous page of titles.

About the Title List for DVD-RWs/DVD-Rs

(VR mode)

You can switch the Title List to show

Original or Playlist titles.

1Press <while the Title List is

displayed.

2Select “Play List” using M/m, and press

ENTER.

3Select “Original” or “Play List” using M/

m, and press ENTER.

To change the title order for HDD (Sort

Titles)

1Press <while the Title List is

displayed.

2Select“SortTitles” usingM/m, and press

ENTER.

3Select the item using M/m, and press

ENTER.

To search for a title by genre (HDD only)

1Press <while the Title List is

displayed.

2Select “Genre” using M/m, and press

ENTER.

3Select a genre using M/m, and press

ENTER.

To change a title thumbnail picture

(Thumbnail)

After recording, the first scene of the

recording (thetitle) is automatically set as the

thumbnail picture.

You can select a favourite scene for the

thumbnail picture shown in the Title List.

1Press TITLE LIST.

For DVD-RWs/DVD-Rs (VR mode),

switch the Title Lists, if necessary.

2Select a title, and press ,.

The sub-menu appears.

Order Sorted

By Date In order of when the titles

were recorded. The title

that is recorded most

recently is listed at the

top.

Unseen Title In order of when the titles

were recorded. The title

that is recorded most

recently and has not been

played is listed at the top.

Playlist titles are not

displayed.

By Title In alphabetical order.

By Number In order of recorded title

number.

Eight Basic Operations — Getting to Know Your DVD Recorder

3Select “Edit” using M/m, and press

ENTER.

4Select “Set Thumbnail” using M/m, and

press ENTER.

The display for setting the thumbnail

point appears and the title starts to play.

5While watching the playback picture,

pressH,Xorcm/MC

to select the scene you want to set for a

thumbnail picture, and press X.

Playback pauses.

You can also select a scene using the

PLAY MODE button (page 57).

6Select “OK” using M/m, and press

ENTER.

The scene is set for the title’s thumbnail

picture.

To return to the Title List, press

ORETURN.

To change the thumbnail preview mode

(Set Preview) (HDD only)

Youcanselect“QuickPreview”or“Normal”

for the thumbnail preview mode in the Title

List.Set “SetPreview”in the“Options”setup

(page 115).

To turn off the Title List

Press TITLE LIST.

zHint

You can select “Title List” from the System Menu.

bNotes

• The title names may not appear for DVDs created

on other DVD recorders.

• It may take a few seconds for the thumbnail

pictures to be displayed.

• After editing, the title thumbnail picture may

change to the first scene of the recording (title).

• After dubbing, the title thumbnail picture set on

the source recording is cancelled.

• When the Title List does not appear by pressing

the TITLE LIST button, the DVD has no Title

List. In this case, try pressing the TOP MENU

button to display the DVD’s menu.

4. Displaying the Playing

Time and Play

Information

You can check the playing time ofthe current

title, chapter, track, or disc. Also, you can

check the disc name recorded on the DVD/

CD.

Press DISPLAY repeatedly.

The displays differ depending on the disc

type or playing status.

In stop mode

Example: DVD-RW in VR mode

DVD

VCD CD

DATA CD

RWVR

RWVideo

+RW

RVideo

HDD

DATA DVD

RVR

DISPLAY

,continued

During playback

Example: DVD-R in Video mode

APlaying status

BShows that the Resume Play is

available (page 50).

CCurrent selected recording mode

(maximum DVD recording time)

(page 40)

DRemaining time

EStation name and programme position

number

FAudio setting for the current

programme

GRecording restrictions for the current

programme

HDisc information

ITitle type (Original or Playlist) for

DVD-RW/DVD-R in VR mode

JDisc type/format (page 9)

Displays the finalised disc in Video

mode as “DVD-VIDEO.”

KTitle number-Chapter number

(page 57)

LPlaying time

MMulti-angles indicator (page 49)

NCopy-protected indicator (page 41)

OData transfer bar and rate

zHints

• When “On Screen Display” is set to “On”

(default) in the “Options” setup (page 114),

information automatically appears on the screen

when the recorder is operated.

• To increase disc space, see “To open up disc

space” (page 60).

bNote

Playing time of MP3 audio tracks may not be

displayed correctly.

Eight Basic Operations — Getting to Know Your DVD Recorder

5. Changing the Name of

a Recorded Programme

You can label a DVD, title, or programme by

entering characters. You can enter up to 64

characters for a title recorded in the HDD/

DVD-RW/DVD-R (VR mode), 40 characters

for a title recorded in the DVD+RW/DVD-

RW (Video mode)/DVD+R/DVD-R (Video

mode), but the actual number of characters

displayed in the menus such as the Title List

will vary. The steps below explain how to

change the name of the recorded programme.

1Press TITLE LIST.

2Select a title, and press ,.

The sub-menu appears.

3Select “Edit,” and press ENTER.

4Select “Title Name,” and press

ENTER.

The display for entering characters

appears.

The current name is displayed at the

input row.

5Move the cursor to the point where you

want to insert the character using

m/M.

To erase all of the characters, press and

hold CLEAR for 2 seconds or more.

6Select “Upper case” or “Lower case”

using ./>.

The characters for the selected type are

displayed.

The type of characters will change

according to the language you select in

“Easy Setup.”

7Press </M/m/,to select the

character you want to enter, and press

ENTER.

The selected character appears at the

input row.

To insert a space, press X(or select

“Space,” and press ENTER).

8Repeat steps 6 and 7 to enter the

remaining characters.

To erase a character, move the cursor to

the character at the input row, and press

CLEAR (or select “Clear,” and press

ENTER).

To insert a character, move the cursor to

the right of the point where you want to

insert the character. Then select the

character, and press ENTER.

To erase all of the characters, press and

hold CLEAR for 2 seconds or more.

+RW

RWVR

RWVideo

RVR

HDD

RVideo

</M/m/,,

ENTER

TITLE LIST

CLEAR

ORETURN

Input row

,continued

1-8

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

9Press x(or select “OK,” and press

ENTER).

To cancel the setting, press

ORETURN.

6. Labelling and

Protecting a Disc

You can execute options effective for the

entire disc in the “Disc Setup” setup.

1Insert a disc.

See “1. Inserting a Disc” on page 27.

2Press SYSTEM MENU.

The System Menu appears.

3Select “Disc Setup,” and press

ENTER.

Labelling a disc

</M/m/,,

ENTER

SYSTEM

+RW

RWVR

RWVideo

RVR

RVideo

Eight Basic Operations — Getting to Know Your DVD Recorder

4Select “Basic,” and press ENTER.

5Select “Input Disc Name,” and press

ENTER.

6Select “Next Screen,” and press

ENTER.

Enter the disc name (page 33).

bNote

You can enter up to 64 characters for a DVD-RW/

DVD-R (VR mode) disc name, and 40 characters

for a DVD+RW/DVD-RW (Video mode)/DVD+R/

DVD-R (Video mode) disc name. The disc name

may not appear when the disc is played on other

DVD equipment.

1Insert a disc.

See “1. Inserting a Disc” on page 27.

2Press SYSTEM MENU.

The System Menu appears.

3Select “Disc Setup,” and press

ENTER.

4Select “Basic,” and press ENTER.

5Select “Protect Disc,” and press

ENTER.

6Select “On,” and press ENTER.

7Press SYSTEM MENU to exit.

To cancel the protection

Select “Off” in step 6.

zHint

You can set protection for individual titles

(page 60).

Protecting a disc

RWVR

RVR

7. Playing the Disc on

Other DVD Equipment

(Finalise)

Finalising is necessary when you play discs

recorded with this recorder on other DVD

equipment.

When you finalise a DVD+RW, DVD-RW

(Video mode), DVD+R, or DVD-R (Video

mode), a DVD menu will be automatically

created, which can be displayed on other

DVD equipment.

Before finalising, check the differences

between the disc types in the table below.

Differences between disc types

1Insert a disc.

See “1. Inserting a Disc” on page 27.

2Press SYSTEM MENU.

The System Menu appears.

3Select “Disc Setup,” and press

ENTER.

4Select “Finalise,” and press ENTER.

5Select “Finalise,” and press ENTER.

Discs are automatically finalised

when removed from the recorder.

However, you may need to finalise

the disc for certain DVD

equipment, or if the recording time

is short. You can edit or record on

the disc even after finalising.

Finalising is unnecessary when

playing a disc on VR format

compatible equipment.

Even if your other DVD equipment

is VR format compatible, you may

need to finalise the disc, especially

if the recording time is short. You

can edit or record on the disc even

after finalising.

Finalising is necessary when

playing on any equipment other

than this recorder.

After finalising, you cannot edit or

record on the disc. If you want to

record on it again, unfinalise

(page 37) or reformat the disc

(page 38). However, if you

reformat the disc, all recorded

contents will be erased.

Finalising is necessary. The disc

can be played only on equipment

that supports DVD-R in VR mode.

After finalising you cannot edit or

record on the disc using this

recorder.

+RW

RWVR

RWVideo

RVR

RVideo

+RW

RWVR

RWVideo

RVR

Finalising is necessary when

playing on any equipment other

than this recorder.

After finalising, you cannot edit or

record on the disc.

RVideo

DISPLAY

</M/m/,,

ENTER

SYSTEM

Eight Basic Operations — Getting to Know Your DVD Recorder

6Select “Next Screen,” and press

ENTER.

For DVD-RW/DVD-R (VR mode), the

recorder starts finalising the disc. Go to

step 9.

7(DVD+RW/DVD-RW (Video mode)/

DVD+R/DVD-R (Video mode) only)

Select a title menu style, and press

ENTER.

The menu appears in the selected title

menu style when the “top menu” (or

“menu” for a DVD+RW/DVD+R) is

selected on the DVD equipment.

8(DVD+RW/DVD-RW (Video mode)/

DVD+R/DVD-R (Video mode) only)

Select “Yes,” and press ENTER.

The recorder starts finalising the disc.

9Press SYSTEM MENU to exit.

zHint

You can check whether the disc has been finalised

or not. Press DISPLAY after step 1 (page 31).

bNotes

• Depending on the condition of the disc,

recording, or the DVD equipment, discs may not

play even if the discs are finalised.

• The recorder may not be able to finalise the disc

if it was recorded on another recorder.

• Inserting an unfinalised disc into other DVD

equipment may damage the recorded contents.

• When using a DVD+RW, you can edit or record

on the disc even after finalising. However, the

title menu will not be displayed. Finalise the disc

again to display the title menu.

For DVD-RWs (Video mode)

DVD-RWs (Video mode) that have been

finalised to prohibit additional recording or

editing can be unfinalised to allow further

recording or editing.

For DVD-RWs (VR mode)

If you cannot record or edit on a DVD-RW

(VR mode) that has been finalised with other

DVD equipment, unfinalise the disc.

bNote

The recorder is not able to unfinalise DVD-RWs

(Video mode) that have been finalised on another

recorder.

1Insert a disc.

See “1. Inserting a Disc” on page 27.

2Press SYSTEM MENU.

The System Menu appears.

3Select “Disc Setup,” and press

ENTER.

4Select “Finalise,” and press ENTER.

Unfinalising a disc

RWVR

RWVideo

,continued

1-9

RDR-GX350/HX750/HX950

5Select “Unfinalise,” and press

ENTER.

6Select “Start,” and press ENTER.

The recorder starts unfinalising the disc.

Unfinalising may take several minutes.

8. Reformatting a Disc

New discs are automatically formatted when

inserted. If necessary, you can manually re-

format a DVD+RW, DVD-RW, or DVD-R

disc to make a blank disc. For DVD-RWs or

DVD-Rs, you can select a recording format

(VR mode or Video mode) according to your

needs.

1Insert a disc.

See “1. Inserting a Disc” on page 27.

2Press SYSTEM MENU.

The System Menu appears.

3Select “Disc Setup,” and press

ENTER.

+RW

RWVR

RWVideo

RVR

RVideo

</M/m/,,

ENTER

SYSTEM

Eight Basic Operations — Getting to Know Your DVD Recorder

4Select “Format,” and press ENTER.

5Select an item, and press ENTER.

“VR Mode”: Formats DVD-RWs/DVD-

Rs (VR mode or unrecorded discs) in VR

mode.

“Video Mode”: Formats DVD-RWs/

DVD-Rs in Video mode.

“Format DVD+RW”: Formats

DVD+RWs.

6Select “Start,” and press ENTER.

All contents on the disc are erased.

zHint

By reformatting, you can change the recording

format on DVD-RWs, or record again on DVD-

RWs that have been finalised.

bNote

You cannot reformat recorded DVD-Rs.

Timer Recording

Before Recording

Before you start recording…

• Check that the disc has enough available

space for the recording (page 31). For the

HDD, DVD+RWs, and DVD-RWs, you

can free up disc space by erasing titles

(page 60).

• Adjust the recording picture quality if

necessary (page 44).

bNote

To play a recorded disc on other DVD equipment,

finalise the disc (page 36).

Like the standard ×3 recording modes of

video tapes, you can select the desired

recording mode using the REC MODE

button.

Recording modes with higher quality provide

a more beautiful recording, but the large data

volume also results in a shorter recording

time.

Conversely, a longer duration provides a

longer recording time, but the lower data

volume results in a coarser picture quality.

Press REC MODE repeatedly to switch the

recording modes.

To select further options for recording mode

(manual recording mode), set “Manual Rec.

Mode” to “On (go to setup)” in the

“Recording” setup (page 106).

To record pictures in higher quality than HQ

mode on the HDD, set “Manual Rec. Mode”

to “On (go to setup),” and then select “HQ+.”

For details about manual recording mode, see

page 106.

For timer recording, you can also select

“AUTO” as recording mode, which

maximizesthe recordingqualityfor thespace

available on the disc (if recording to DVD),

or to fit onto a blank disc (if recording to

HDD).

*1 The approximate recording time is for 12 cm

DVD discs.

The approximate recording times for DVD+R DL

(Double Layer)/DVD-R DL (Dual Layer) discs

are as follows:

HQ: 1 hour 51 minutes

HSP: 2 hours 41 minutes

SP: 3 hours 35 minutes

LSP: 4 hours 29 minutes

ESP: 5 hours 23 minutes

LP: 7 hours 11 minutes

EP: 10 hours 46 minutes

SLP:14 hours 21 minutes

SEP: 17 hours 57 minutes

*2 When recording to DVD+RW or DVD+R, SLP

is the longest recording time available. If you

select SEP, the recording mode will

automatically revert to SLP.

zHint

To easily select a manual recording mode, press

REC MODE repeatedly to display “MN,” and

select a manual recording mode using </,.

Recording mode

Recording

mode

Approx. recording time

(hours)

HDD

DVD

RDR-

HX750

RDR-

HX950

HQ (High

quality) 34 53 1 hr.

1min.

HSP R50 79 1 hr.

30 min.

SP (Standard

mode) 68 105 2

LSP r84 130 2 hr.

30 min.

ESP r100 155 3

LP r135 210 4

EP r200 315 6

SLP r270 425 8

SEP*2 (Long

duration) 340 530 10

Timer Recording

bNotes

• The maximum continuous recording time to the

HDD is 12 hours for a single title. A title longer

than 12 hours is divided.

• Situations below may cause slight inaccuracies

with the recording time.

– Recording a programme with poor reception, or

a programme or video source of low picture

quality.

– Recording on a disc that has already been

edited.

– Recording only a still picture or just sound.

• Programmes are recorded in the following aspect

ratio.

– In the original aspect ratio, when recording to

the HDD (when “HDD Recording Format” is

set to “Video Mode Off” in the “Recording”

setup (page 109))/DVD-RWs/DVD-Rs (VR

mode).

– In 4:3 when recording to DVD+RWs/DVD+Rs.

• When recording to DVD-R DLs (Video mode),

the title is divided when the layer switches.

The recorder automatically receives and

records stereo and bilingual programmes

based on the ZWEITON system or the

NICAM system.

The HDD (when “HDD Recording Format”

is set to “Video Mode Off” in the

“Recording” setup (page 109)) and a DVD-

RW (VR mode) or DVD-R (VR mode) can

record both main and sub sounds. You can

switch between main and sub when playing

the disc.

The HDD (when “HDD Recording Format”

isset to“VideoModeOn” inthe “Recording”

setup (page 109)) and a DVD+RW, DVD+R,

DVD-RW (Video mode), or DVD-R (Video

mode) can record only one sound track (main

or sub) at a time. Select the sound track in the

“Audio In” setup before recording starts. Set

“Bilingual Recording” to “A/L” (default) or

“B/R” in the “Audio In” setup (page 103).

About HDD Recording format, see page 109.

ZWEITON (German stereo) system

When a stereo-based programme is received,

“Stereo” appears.

When a bilingual ZWEITON-based

programme is received, “L,” “R,” or “L+R”

appears.

NICAM system

To record a NICAM programme, be sure to

set “NICAM Select” to “NICAM” (default)

in the “Audio In” setup. If the sound is not

clear when listening to NICAM broadcasts,

set “NICAM Select” to “Standard”

(page 103).

zHint

You can select the audio (main or sub) while

recording bilingual programmes using the AUDIO

button. This does not affect the recorded sound.

Pictures with copy protection cannot be

recorded on this recorder.

* The recorded disc can be played only on CPRM

compatible equipment (page 9).

Recording stereo and bilingual

programmes

Unrecordable pictures

Copy control

signals

Recordable discs

Copy-Free

Copy-Once

(CPRM*)

Copy-Never None

+RW

RWVR

RWVideo

RVideo

HDD

RVR

HDD

RWVR

RVR

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