Sony RDR-HX900 User manual

2-187-189-11(2)
© 2004 Sony Corporation
DVD Recorder
Operating Instructions
RDR-HX900

2
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard,
do not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not
open the cabinet. Refer servicing
to qualified personnel only.
The AC power cord must be
changed only at a qualified
service shop only.
CAUTION
The use of optical instruments with this
product will increase eye hazard. As
the laser beam used in this DVD
recorder is harmful to eyes, do not
attempt to disassemble the cabinet.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel
only.
This symbol is intended
to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage”
within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended
to alert the user to the
presence of important
operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
For customers in the U.S.A
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located at
the rear of the unit.
Record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to them
whenever you call upon your Sony dealer
regarding this product.
Model No. RDR-HX900
Serial No.______________
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any change or
modifications not expressly approved
in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
Note
This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the
following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna.
– Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet
on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are
registered trademarks of Gemstar
Development Corporation. The VCR
Plus+ system is manufactured under
license from Gemstar Development
Corporation.
In the United States, TV GUIDE and
other related marks are registered
marks of Gemstar-TV Guide
International, Inc. and/or one of its
affiliates. In Canada, TV GUIDE is a
registered mark of Transcontinental
Inc., and is used under license by
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.
The TV Guide On Screen system is
manufactured under license from
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.
and/or one of its affiliates.
The TV Guide On Screen system is
protected by one or more of the
following issued United States patents
6,498,895, 6,418,556, 6,331,877;
6,239,794; 6,154,203; 5,940,073;
4,908,713; 4,751,578; 4,706,121.
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
meters.
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 use the recorder in a place
subject to extreme changes in
temperature (temperature gradient
less than 10 °C/hour).
• 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 recorderon topof
a heat source, such as a VCR or
AV amplifier (receiver).
• Do not move the recorder with its
AC power cord connected.
• Do not move the recorder for one
minute after you have unplugged
the AC power cord. After one
minute, move the recorder without
shock or vibration.
• Do not disconnect the AC power
cord while the power is on.
• Do not attempt to change the hard
disk. This may result in a
malfunction.
Should the hard disk be damaged,
you cannot recover lost data. The
hard disk is only a temporary
storage space.
On placement
• Place the recorder in a location
with adequate ventilation to

3
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
confinedspacesuchasabookshelf
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.
• Topreventfireorshockhazard,do
not place objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, on the
apparatus.
On power sources
• The recorder is not disconnected
from the AC power source as long
asit is connectedtothe walloutlet,
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, grasp the plug itself;
never pull the cord.
• Before disconnecting the AC
power cord, check that the
recorder’s hard disk is not
operating (recording or dubbing)
on the front panel display.
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 programs, films, video
tapes, discs, and other materials
maybecopyrighted.Unauthorized
recording of such material may be
contrary to the provisions of the
copyright laws. Also, use of this
recorder with cable television
transmission may require
authorization from the cable
television transmitter and/or
program owner.
• This product incorporates
copyright protection 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.Reverseengineering
or disassembly is prohibited.
Copy guard function
Since the recorder has a copy guard
function,programs 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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
1Read these instructions.
2Keep these instructions.
3Heed all warnings.
4Follow all instructions.
5Do not use this apparatus near
water.
6Clean only with dry cloth.
7Do not block any ventilation
openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
8Do not install near any heat
sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
9Do not defeat the safety purpose
of the polarized or grounding-
type plug. A polarized plug has
two blades with one wider than
the other. A grounding type plug
has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are
provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into
your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.
10 Protect the power cord from
being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs,
conveniencereceptacles,and the
point where they exit from the
apparatus.
11 Only use attachments/
accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12 Use only with the cart, stand,
tripod,bracket,ortablespecified
by the manufacturer, or sold
with the apparatus. When a cart
is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.
13 Unplug this apparatus during
lightning storms or when unused
for long periods of time.
14 Refer all servicing to qualified
service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such
as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled
or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has
been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
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.

4
Table of Contents
WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Ways to Use Your DVD Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Quick Guide to Disc Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Hookups and Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Hooking Up the Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Step 1: Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Step 2: Connecting the Antenna Cable and Set Top Box Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Step 3: Connecting the Video Cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Step 4: Connecting the Audio Cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Step 5: Connecting the Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Step 6: Preparing the Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Step 7: Easy Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Connecting a VCR or Similar Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Guide to Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Using the On-Screen Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Using the TV Guide On Screen System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Using the Title List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Using the “Disc Info” Screen (disc settings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Checking the Play Information and Playing Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
How to Enter Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Before Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Timer Recording (TV GUIDE/Manual/VCR Plus+) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Checking/Changing/Canceling Timer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Recording Without the Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Recording From a VCR or Similar Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Playing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Chasing Playback/Simultaneous Rec and Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Searching for a Title/Chapter/Track, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Playing MP3 Audio Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Before Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Editing a Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Creating and Editing a Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Dubbing (HDD yDVD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Before Dubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Dubbing a Single Title (Title Dub) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Dubbing Multiple Titles (Dub Selected Titles) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

5
DV/Digital8 Dubbing (DV tHDD/DVD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Before DV/Digital8 Dubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Recording an Entire DV/Digital8 Format Tape (One Touch Dubbing) . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Program Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Settings and Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Using the Setup Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Antenna Reception and Language Settings (Settings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Video Settings (Video) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Audio Settings (Audio) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Recording and Parental Control Settings (Features) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Disc and Remote Control Settings/Factory Settings (Options) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Easy Setup (Resetting the Recorder) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Self-diagnosis Function (When letters/numbers appear in the display) . . . . . . . . . . 101
Notes About This Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
About i.LINK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Guide to Parts and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Language Code List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Cable Box/Satellite Receiver Brand Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
About this manual
• In this manual, the internal hard disk drive is written as “HDD,” and “disc” is used as a general reference for the
HDD, DVDs, or CDs unless otherwise specified by the text or illustrations.
• 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.
• The explanations regarding discs in this manual refer to discs created on this recorder. The explanations do not apply
to discs that are created on other recorders and played back on this recorder.

6
Ways to Use Your DVD Recorder
Control your cable box or satellite receiver – Set top box control
,Connect the supplied set top box controller
to have the recorder change the channel of
your cable box or satellite receiver during a
timer recording (page 14).
Easily search for programs with the TV Guide On Screen system – TV Guide
,The TV Guide On Screen system displays a
free television program listing. Search for
your favorite program alphabetically or by
category, such as movies or sports, and then
set the timer to record that program with
just the push of a button (page 46).
Quickly access recorded titles – Title List
,Display the Title List to see all of the titles
on the disc, including recording date,
channel, recording mode and thumbnail
image (page 37). The recorder will
automatically take program label
information from the TV Guide On Screen
data* and display it as the title name
(page 37).
* not available in some areas.
103 CH 103!
Promotional
Panel
Promotional
Panel
LISTINGS 8:05 PROMOTIONSSORT
ALPHABETICAL SPORTSMOVIES
All Fantasy
Action Horror
Adventure Musical
Animated Mystery
Biography Romance
Comedy Sci-Fi
Documentary Western
Drama War
Move down to select a subcategory for Movies.
Move right for Sports, left for ALPHABETICAL.
1.5/4.7GB
Sort
Date
Title
Number
My Movies
TITLE LIST ORIGINAL
1 2ch 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Wed 9/15 1:00PM( 1H00M)SP
2 5ch 8:00PM - 9:00PM
Fri 9/17 8:00PM( 1H00M)SLP
3 12ch 9:00AM - 9:30AM
Sat 9/25 9:00AM( 0H30M)EP
4 3ch 8:00PM - 8:30PM
Sat 9/25 8:00PM( 0H30M)SLP
2ch
5ch
12ch
3ch
Title List

7
Play the beginning of a title while it is being recorded – Chasing Playback
,If you are using a DVD-RW (VR mode) or
the HDD, you can watch a program from
the beginning while it is being recorded
(page 60).
Watch one title while recording another – Simultaneous Rec and Play
,If you are using a DVD-RW (VR mode) or
the HDD, you can watch a previously
recorded program while recording another
program on the same disc (page 60).
Copy a recorded title to and from the HDD – Dubbing (HDD yDVD)
,Create copies of your favorite titles for
safekeeping by dubbing them to a DVD, or
make a copy of your friend’s recordings by
dubbing them to the HDD (page 72).
Automatically dub DV/Digital8 tapes – DV/Digital8 Dubbing (DV tHDD/DVD)
,Connect your digital video camera to the
DV IN jack and automatically dub the
entire contents or just selected scenes to a
DVD disc (page 77).
A list of recordable and playable discs is on page 8.
Recording
The game isn’t over
yet, but I’ll start
watching it from the
beginning now.
Recording
I think I’ll watch
yesterday’s golf game
now, even though I
am recording a movie.
Dubbing
Control
Dubbing

8
Quick Guide to Disc Types
Recordable and playable discs
Usable disc versions (as of May 2004)
• 4x-speed or slower DVD+RWs
• 2x-speed or slower DVD-RWs (Ver.1.1, Ver.1.1
with CPRM*1)
• 8x-speed or slower DVD+Rs
• 8x-speed or slower DVD-Rs (Ver.2.0)
“DVD+RW,” “DVD-RW,” “DVD+R,” and “DVD-R,”
are trademarks.
*1 CPRM (Content Protection for Recordable Media) is
a coding technology that protects copyrights for
images.
*2 Only if the recording mode is SP, HSP, or HQ, and
“DVD Rec. Picture Size” is set to “16:9.”
*3 Erasing titles does not free up disc space.
Type Disc
Logo
Icon
used in
this
manual
Formatting
(new discs) Compatibility with other DVD players (finalizing)
Hard disk
drive
(internal)
(Formatting
unnecessary) –
DVD+RW Automatically
formatted
Playable on DVD+RW
compatible players
(automatically finalized)
DVD-
RW
VR
mode Format in VR mode (page 40)
Playable only on VR mode
compatible players
(finalization unnecessary)
Video
mode Format in Video mode (page 40)
Playable on most DVD players
(finalization necessary)
(page 40)
DVD+R Automatically
formatted
Playable on most DVD+R
compatible players (finalization
necessary) (page 40)
DVD-R Automatically
formatted
Playable on most DVD players
(finalization necessary)
(page 40)
HDD
+RW
-
RWVR
-
RW Video
+R
-
R

9
Discs that cannot be recorded on
• 4x-speed compatible DVD-RWs (Ver. 1.2/4x)
• DVD-RWs (Ver. 1.0)
• DVD+RWs that are not 2.4x-speed compatible
• Dual layer discs
• 8 cm discs
Recording Features Editing Features
Rewrite
(page 45)
Auto
Chapter
(page 91)
Manual
Chapter
(page 68)
Record
16:9 sizes
(page 51)
Change
title name
(page 65)
Delete
title
(page 66)
A-B Erase
(page 66) Playlist (page 68)
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes No
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes No Yes *2Yes Yes No No
No Yes No No Yes Yes *3No No
No Yes No Yes *2Yes Yes *3No No
,continued

10
Playable discs
Discs that cannot be played
• All CD-ROMs (including PHOTO CDs)
• CD-Rs/CD-RWs, other than those recorded in
music CD format, MP3 format, or Video CD
format
• Data part of CD-Extras
• DVD-ROMs
• DVD Audio discs
• DVD-RAMs
• HD layer on Super Audio CDs
• DVD VIDEOs with a different region code
(page 11)
• A disc recorded in a color system other than
NTSC, such as PAL or SECAM
zHint
This DVD recorder can play 8 cm CDs and 8 cm DVDs
as well.
Type Disc
Logo
Icon
used in
this
manual
Characteristics
DVD VIDEO Discs such as movies that can be purchased or rented
VIDEO CD VIDEO CDs or CD-Rs/CD-RWs in VIDEO CD/Super
VIDEO CD format
CD MusicCDs orCD-Rs/CD-RWsin music CD format thatcan
be purchased
DATA CD CD-ROMs/CD-Rs/CD-RWs created on a PC or similar
device in music format containing MP3 audio tracks
DVD
VCD
CD
DATA CD

11
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. Also, 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) labeled with identical region
codes. This system is used to protect copyrights.
DVD VIDEOs labeled 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
labeled even though playing the DVD VIDEO is
prohibited by area restrictions.
Music discs encoded with copyright protection
technologies
This product is designed to playback discs that
conform to the Compact Disc (CD) standard.
Recently, various music discs encoded with
copyright protection technologies are being
marketed by some record companies. Please be
aware that among those discs, there are some that
do notconform to theCD standard and may not be
playable by this product.
Notes
• You cannot mix VR mode and Video mode on the same
DVD-RW. To change the disc’s format, reformat the
disc (page 40). Note that the disc’s contents will be
erased after reformatting.
• You cannot shorten the time required for recording
even with high-speed discs. Also, you cannot record on
the disc if the disc is not 1x speed compatible.
• It is recommended that you use discs with “For Video”
printed on their packaging.
• You cannot add new recordings to 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.
• If the disc contains PC data unrecognizable by this
recorder, the data may be erased.
• Some DVD+RWs/DVD+Rs, DVD-RWs/DVD-Rs, 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 finalized. For more information, see the
operating instructions for the recording device.
ALL
RDR–XXXX
00V 00Hz
00W NO.
0-000-000-00
XRegion code

12
Hookups and Settings
Hooking Up the Recorder
Follow steps 1 to 7 to hook up and adjust the
settings of the recorder.
Notes
• Plug 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 power cord of each
component before connecting.
Step 1: Unpacking
Check that you have the following items:
• Audio/video cord (pinplug ×3 ypinplug ×3)
(1)
• Power cord (1)
• Antenna cable (1)
• Remote commander (remote) (1)
• Set top box controller (1)
• Size AA (R6) batteries (2)
Step 2: Connecting the
Antenna Cable and Set Top
Box Controller
Select one of the following antenna hookups. Do
not connect the power cord until you reach “Step
5: Connecting the Power Cord” (page 21).
Using the cable box/satellite
receiver control function
The cable box/satellite receiver control function
can be used with hookup A or B. It allows the
recorder to control a cable box or satellite receiver
via the supplied set top box controller. The
recorder controls channels on the cable box or
satellite receiver for timer recording. You can also
use the recorder’s remote control to change
channels on the cable box/satellite receiver
whenever the cable box/satellite receiver is turned
on, even if the recorder is turned off.
To use the cable box/satellite receiver control
function, you need to connect the set top box
controller and set the code number and output
channel (page 24). After setting up the cable box/
satellite receiver control, check that the recorder
can correctly control the cable box or satellite
receiver (page 28).
Note to CATV system installer (in USA)
This reminder is provided to call the CATV
system installer’s attention to Article 820- 40 of
the NEC that provides guidelines for proper
grounding and, in particular, specifies that the
cable ground shall be connected to the grounding
system of the building, as close to the point of
cable entry as practical.
Notes
• If your antenna is a flat cable (300-ohm twin lead
cable), use an external antenna connector (not
supplied) to connect the antenna to the recorder.
• If you have separate cables for VHF and UHF
antennas, use a UHF/VHF band mixer (not supplied) to
connect the antenna to the recorder.
• If you have made hookup A or B and want to use the
TV Guide On Screen system, the cable box must be
turned on, the set top box controller must be connected,
and “Set Top Box Control” in Settings Setup must be
set to “On” (page 86) to download the TV Guide On
Screen data.
• If you are using the TV Guide On Screen system and
the recorder is receivingTV Guide On Screendata, you
may not be able to use the remote control to change
channels on the cable box when the recorder is off.
Wait until the recorder has finished receiving TV
Guide On Screen data.
If you have Hookup
Cable box or satellite receiver with a
video/audio output A (page 13)
Cable box with an antenna output
only B (page 14)
Cable without cable box, or antenna
only (no cable TV) C (page 15)

13
Hookups and Settings
A: Cable box or satellite receiver with a video/audio output
With this hookup, you can record any channel on the cable box or satellite receiver. Be sure that the
satellite receiver or cable box is turned on.
To watch cable or satellite programs, you need to match the channel on the recorder (L1 or L3) to the
input jack connected to the cable box or satellite receiver (LINE IN 1 or 3). Note that satellite receiver
programs do not appear in the TV Guide On Screen system.
zHints
• If your cable box or satellite receiver has an S-video jack or component output jacks, you can use an S-video cord (not
supplied) or component video cord (not supplied) instead of the audio/video cord. When you connect using a
component video cord, connect the audio cords to the LINE IN jacks.
• If you connect an S-video cord to the LINE IN 1 jack or a component video cord, set “Line1 Input” in Video Setup to
“S Video” or “Component” (page 89). If you connect an S-video cord to the LINE IN 3 jack, set “Line3 Input” in
Video Setup to “S Video” (page 89).
VHF/UHF
IN
COMPONENT VIDEO IN
LINE IN DIGITAL OUT
VIDEO S VIDEO COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL
AUDIORL
1
3
LINE OUT
COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT
VIDEO S VIDEO AUDIORL
1
2
Y
P
B
P R
Y
P
B
P R
~AC IN
OUT
SET TOP BOX
CONTROL
CONTROL S IN
G-LINK
ANT IN
RL S VIDEO
AUDIO
OUT VIDEO OUT
COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT
TO TV
COMPONENT VIDEO IN
LINE IN
VIDEO S VIDEO AUDIORL
1
3
Y
P
B
P R
SET TOP BOX
CONTROL
Set top box
controller
(page 12)
to LINE IN
1 or 3
DVD recorder
Audio/video
cord (supplied)
: Signal flow
Place the set top box controller
near the remote sensor on the
cable box/satellite receiver.
Cable box/
satellite receiver Antenna cable
(supplied)
to antenna input
S-video cord (not
supplied)
to SET TOP BOX
CONTROL
Wall
TV
Component video cord
(not supplied)
Note
Do not connect a hi-
definition tuner using the
component video cords. This
recorder only accepts
standard definition interlace
signals.
to
COMPONENT
VIDEO IN
,continued

14
B: Cable box with an antenna output only
With this hookup, you can record any channel on the satellite receiver or cable box. Be sure that the
satellite receiver or cable box is turned on.
To watch cable programs, you need to match the channel on the recorder (2ch, 3ch, or 4ch) to the antenna
output channel on the cable box (2ch, 3ch, or 4ch).
VHF/UHF
IN
COMPONENT VIDEO IN
LINE IN DIGITAL OUT
VIDEO S VIDEO COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL
AUDIORL
1
3
LINE OUT
COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT
VIDEO S VIDEO AUDIORL
1
2
Y
P
B
P R
Y
P
B
P R
~AC IN
OUT
SET TOP BOX
CONTROL
CONTROL S IN
G-LINK
VHF/UHF
IN
OUT
ANT IN
TO TV
SET TOP BOX
CONTROL
to VHF/UHF IN
Wall
DVD recorder
to VHF/UHF OUT to antenna
input
Antennacable
(supplied)
: Signal flow
TV
to SET TOP
BOX
CONTROL
Set top box
controller
(supplied)
Cable box Place the set top box controller
near the remote sensor on the
cable box/satellite receiver.

15
Hookups and Settings
C: Cable without cable box, or antenna only (no cable TV)
Use this hookup if you watch cable channels without a cable box. Also use this hookup if you are using
a VHF/UHF antenna or separate VHF and UHF antennas.
With this hookup, you can record any channel by selecting the channel on the recorder.
VHF/UHF
IN
COMPONENT VIDEO IN
LINE IN DIGITAL OUT
VIDEO S VIDEO COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL
AUDIORL
1
3
LINE OUT
COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT
VIDEO S VIDEO AUDIORL
1
2
Y
P
B
P R
Y
P
B
P R
~AC IN
OUT
SET TOP BOX
CONTROL
CONTROL S IN
G-LINK
VHF/UHF
IN
OUT
DVD recorder
TV
to antenna input
to VHF/UHF IN
to VHF/UHF OUT
Antenna cable (supplied)
: Signal flow
Wall

16
Step 3: Connecting the Video Cords
Select one of the following patterns Athrough C, according to the input jack on your TV monitor,
projector, or AV amplifier (receiver). This will enable you to view pictures. Audio connections are
explained in “Step 4: Connecting the Audio Cords” (page 19).
Note
Do not connect more than one type of video cord between the recorder and your TV at the same time.
VHF/UHF
IN
COMPONENT VIDEO IN
LINE IN DIGITAL OUT
VIDEO S VIDEO COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL
AUDIORL
1
3
LINE OUT
COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT
VIDEO S VIDEO AUDIORL
1
2
Y
P
B
P R
Y
P
B
P R
~AC IN
OUT
SET TOP BOX
CONTROL
CONTROL S IN
G-LINK
VIDEO
AUDIO
INPUT
L
R
CONTROL S
INPUT
S VIDEO
P R
P B
Y
COMPONENT
VIDEO IN
B
A
C
Audio/video
cord (supplied)
Component video
cord (not supplied)
(yellow)
TV, projector, or AV
amplifier (receiver)
TV, projector, or AV
amplifier (receiver)
(green)
S-video cord
(not supplied)
TV, projector, or AV
amplifier (receiver)
(red) (blue)
(green)
(blue)
(red)
: Signal flow
to COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT
to LINE OUT (VIDEO) 1 or 2 to LINE OUT (S VIDEO) 1 or 2
DVD recorder
to CONTROL S IN
TV or other equipment with a
CONTROL S jack

17
Hookups and Settings
AConnecting to a video input jack
Connect the yellow plug of the audio/video cord
(supplied) to the yellow (video) jack. You will
enjoy standard quality images.
Note that you cannot use the PROGRESSIVE
button with this connection.
BConnecting to an S VIDEO input
jack
Connect an S-video cord (not supplied). You will
enjoy high quality images.
Note that you cannot use the PROGRESSIVE
button with this connection.
CConnecting to component video
input jacks (Y, PB, PR)
Connect the COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jacks
using a component video cord (not supplied) or
three video cords (not supplied) of the same kind
and length. You will enjoy accurate color
reproduction and high quality images.
If your TV accepts progressive 480p format
signals, you must use this connection and then
press PROGRESSIVE on the remote to send
progressive video signals. For details, see “Using
the PROGRESSIVE button” (page 18).
When playing “wide screen” images
Some recorded images may not fit your TV
screen. To change the aspect ratio, see page 87.
If you are connecting to a VCR
Connect your VCR to the LINE IN (VIDEO) jack
on the recorder (page 29).
If your TV has a CONTROL S jack
You can control the recorder by pointing the
remote at your TV. This feature is convenient
when you place the recorder and the TV away
from each other.
After connecting the recorder to other equipment
in pattern A, B, or Cabove, connect the
CONTROL S IN jack to your TV’s CONTROL S
(OUT) jack using a control S cord (not supplied).
See the instructions supplied with the TV to be
connected. Note that your TV’s input will not
automatically switch to this recorder when you
play a disc.
Yellow
White (L)
Red (R)
Yellow
White (L)
Red (R)
Green
Blue
Red
Green
Blue
Red
,continued

18
Using the PROGRESSIVE button
By using the PROGRESSIVE button on the
remote, you can select the signal format in which
the recorder outputs video signals: Interlace or
Progressive.
Connect the recorder using the COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT jacks (pattern Cabove), and press
PROGRESSIVE repeatedly. “PROGRESSIVE”
appears in the front panel display when the
recorder outputs progressive signals.
◆Progressive
Select this when:
–your TV accepts progressive signals, and,
–the TV is connected to the COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT jacks.
Note that the pictures will not be clear or no
picture will appear if you selectprogressive signal
output when either of the above conditions is not
met.
◆Interlace
Set to this position when:
–your TV does not accept progressive signals, or,
–your TV is connected to jacks other than the
COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jacks (LINE OUT
(VIDEO) or S VIDEO).
zHint
When you select progressive signal output, you can fine-
tune the signal according to the type of software you are
watching (page 88).
Notes
• Consumers should note that not all high definition
television sets are fully compatible with this product
and may cause artifacts to be displayed in the picture.
In the case of 480 progressive scan picture problems, it
is recommended that the user switch the connection to
the ‘standard definition’ output. If there are questions
regarding our TV set compatibility with this model
480p DVD recorder, please contact our customer
service center.
• TV Guide On Screen does not appear if you connect
your TV using the video or S-video jacks and press the
PROGRESSIVE button on the remote, even if your TV
accepts progressive signals.

19
Hookups and Settings
Step 4: Connecting the Audio Cords
Select one of the following patterns Aor B, according to the input jack on your TV monitor, projector,
or AV amplifier (receiver).
This will enable you to listen to sound.
zHint
For correct speaker location, see the operating instructions supplied with the connected components.
Note
Do not connect your TV’s audio output jacks to the LINE IN (AUDIO L/R) jacks at the same time. This will cause
unwanted noise to come from your TV’s speakers.
VHF/UHF
IN
COMPONENT VIDEO IN
LINE IN DIGITAL OUT
VIDEO S VIDEO COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL
AUDIORL
1
3
LINE OUT
COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT
VIDEO S VIDEO AUDIORL
1
2
Y
P
B
P R
Y
P
B
P R
~AC IN
OUT
SET TOP BOX
CONTROL
CONTROL S IN
G-LINK
VIDEO
AUDIO
INPUT
L
R
LINE OUT
VIDEO S VIDEO AUDIORL
1
2
B
A
DIGITAL OUT
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL
AVamplifier(receiver)
with a decoder
(red)
TV, projector, or AV
amplifier (receiver)
Audio/video
cord (supplied)
: Signal flow
Coaxial digital cord
(not supplied)
to DIGITAL OUT (COAXIAL or
OPTICAL)
to LINE OUT (R-AUDIO-L) 1 or 2
Optical digital cord (not supplied)
Rear (L)
DVD recorder
(white)
(yellow)*
(yellow)
(white)
(red)
[Speakers]
Front (L)
[Speakers]
to coaxial
digital input Rear (R)
Front (R)
Subwoofer
or
Center
* The yellow plug is used for video signals (page 17).
to optical
digital input
,continued

20
AConnecting to audio L/R input
jacks
This connection will use your TV’s or stereo
amplifier’s (receiver’s) two speakers for sound.
Connect using the audio/video cord (supplied).
• Surround effect (page 56)
TV: Dynamic, Wide, Night
Stereo amplifier (receiver): Standard, Night
Note
Do not connect your TV’s audio output jacks to the LINE
IN (AUDIO L/R) jacks at the same time. This will cause
unwanted noise to come from your TV’s speakers.
BConnecting to a digital audio
input jack
If your AV amplifier (receiver) has a Dolby*1
Digital or DTS*2decoder and a digital input jack,
use this connection.
Connect using a coaxial or optical digital cord (not
supplied).
• Surround effect
Dolby Digital (5.1ch), DTS (5.1ch)
*1 Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
“Dolby,” “Pro Logic,” and the double-D symbol are
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
*2 “DTS” and “DTS Digital Out” are trademarks of
Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
Notes
• After you have completed the connection, make the
appropriate settings under “Audio Connection” in Easy
Setup (page 24). Otherwise, no sound or a loud noise
will come from your speakers.
• The surround sound effects of this recorder cannot be
used with this connection.
Yellow
White (L)
Red (R)
Yellow
White (L)
Red (R) Coaxial cord
Optical cord