Sony RDR-VX500 (RDRVX500) User manual

US Model
Canadian Model
SERVICE MANUAL
VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER/
DVD RECORDER
SPECIFICATIONS
RMT-V505
TS-10 MECHANISM
Refer to the SERVICE MANUAL of VHS MECHANI-
CAL ADJUSTMENT MANUAL VII for MECHANICAL
ADJUSTMENTS. (9-921-790-11)
— Continued on next page —
RDR-VX500
Laser
Semiconductor laser
Format
VHS NTSC standard
Video recording system
tary head helical scanning
FM system
Video heads
Double azimuth four heads
Video signal
NTSC color, EIA standards
Tape speed
SP: 33.35 mm/s (13/ 8 inches/s)
EP: 11.12 mm/s (7/
16 inches/s)
LP: 16.67 mm/s (11/
16 inches/s),
Ro
Maximum recording/playback time
8 hrs. in EP mode (with T-160 tape)
Rewind time
Approx. 1 min (with T-120 tape)
playback only
Tuner section
Channel coverage
VHF 2 to 13
UHF 14 to 69
CATV A-8 to A-1, A to W, W+1 to
System
Antenna
75-ohm antenna terminal for VHF/UHF
Inputs and outputs
LINE 1 IN and LINE 2 IN
VIDEO IN, phono jack (1 each)
Input signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms,
unbalanced, sync negative
AUDIO IN, phono jacks (2 each)
Input level: 327 mVrms
Input impedance: more than 47 kilohms
LINE 2 IN
S VIDEO, 4-pin, mini-DIN jack
Y: 1.0 Vp-p, unbalanced, sync negative
C: 0.286 Vp-p, load impedance 75 ohms
DV IN, 4-pin jack, i.LINK S100
W+84
LINE OUT
VIDEO OUT, phono jack (1)
Output signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms,
unbalanced, sync negative
AUDIO OUT, phono jacks (2)
Standard output: 327 mVrms
Load impedance: 47 kilohms
Output impedance: less than 10 kilohms
DVD recorder section
Audio recording format
Dolby Digital
Video recording format
MPEG Video
VCR section
Timer section
Clock
Quartz locked
Timer indication
12-hour cycle
Timer setting
12 programs in total (max.)

— 2 —
Power back-up
Back-up duration: 0 min
5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F)
Storage temperature
−20°C to 60°C (−4°F to 140°F)
Operating humidity
25% to 80%
Dimensions including projecting parts
and controls (w/h/d)
Approx. 430 ×85 ×334 mm
(Approx. 17 ×3.4 ×13
1
/ 4 inches)
Supplied accessories
Remote commander (remote) (1)
Size AA (R6) batteries (2)
Antenna cable (1)
Audio/video cord (1)
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
General
Power requirements
120 V AC, 60 Hz
Power consumption
42 W
Mass
Approx. 5.9 kg (Approx. 13.0 lbs)
Operating temperature
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
OPTICAL, Optical output jack
COAXIAL, phono jack
Output signal: 0.5 Vp-p, 75 ohms
COMPONENT VIDEO OUT (Y, Pb, Pr)
Phono jack
Y: 1.0 Vp-p/Pb, Pr: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 ohms
S VIDEO OUT
4-pin, mini-DIN jack
Y: 1.0 Vp-p, unbalanced, sync negative
C: 0.286 Vp-p, load impedance 75 ohms
−18 dBm (wave length: 660 nm)

— 3 —
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
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 0OR DOTTED
LINE WITH MARK 0ON 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.
CAUTION:
The use of optical instrument with this product will increase eye
hazard.
Fig. A. Using an AC voltmeter to check AC leakage.
1.5 k Ω 0.15 µFAC
voltmeter
(0.75 V)
To Exposed Metal
Parts on Set
Earth Ground
LEAKAGETEST
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 0.5 mA (500 microamperes).
Leakage current can be measured by any one of three methods.
1. A commercial leakage tester, such as the Simpson 229 or RCA
WT-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. Measuringthevoltagedropacrossaresistor by means of aVOM
or battery-operated AC voltmeter. The “limit” indication is
0.75V,so analog meters must haveanaccuratelow-voltage scale.
The Simpson 250 and Sanwa SH-63Trd are examples of a
passiveVOM that is suitable. Nearly all battery operated digital
multimeters that have a 2VAC range are suitable. (See Fig. A)
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. Lookfor unauthorized replacement parts,particularlytransistors,
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
ofdeterioration. Pointthemouttothecustomerandrecommend
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 exposedmetal parts forACleakage. Check
leakage as described below.
SAFETY CHECK-OUT
After correcting the original service problem, perform the following
safety checks before releasing the set to the customer:
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 higher 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 IDENTIFIÉS PAR UNE MARQUE 0
SUR LES DIAGRAMMES SCHÉMATIQUES ET LA LISTE
DES PIÈCES SONT CRITIQUES POUR LA SÉCURITÉ
DE FONCTIONNEMENT. NE REMPLACER CES COM-
POSANTS QUE PAR DES PIÈCES SONY DONT LES
NUMÉROS SONT DONNÉS DANS CE MANUEL OU DANS
LES SUPPLÉMENTS PUBLIÉS PAR SONY.

— 4 —
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Precautions
1Safety Precautions ······························································ 5
2Servicing Precautions ························································ 7
3ESD Precautions································································· 8
4Handling the Optical Pick-up ············································· 9
1. General
Hookups and Settings ······················································1-3
Basic Operation ·······························································1-8
DVD Recording ·····························································1-11
Playing Discs ·································································1-13
VCR Recording ·····························································1-16
Playing VHS Tapes ························································1-18
DVD Editing··································································1-19
Dubbing (TAPA yDVD) ···········································1-21
DV Dubbing (DV yDVD)·········································1-22
Settings and Adjustments ··············································1-23
Additional Information··················································1-26
2. Disassembly and Reassembly
2-1 Cabinet and PCB ····························································2-1
2-1-1 Cabinet Top Removal ·····················································2-1
2-1-2 Ass’y Botton Cover Removal·········································2-1
2-1-3 Ass’y Front Panel Removal············································2-1
2-1-4 Chassis Removal ····························································2-2
2-1-5 VCR Main PCB Removal ··············································2-2
2-2 Circuit Board Locations ·················································2-3
2-3 VCR Deck Parts Locations ············································2-4
2-3-1 Top View ········································································2-4
2-3-2 Bottom View···································································2-6
2-4 VCR DECK····································································2-7
2-4-1 Holder FL Cassette Ass’y Removal ·······························2-7
2-4-2 Lever FL Arm Ass’y Removal ·······································2-7
2-4-3 Lever FL Door Removal ················································2-8
2-4-4 Slider FL Drive, Gear FL Cam Removal ·······················2-8
2-4-5 Gear Worm Wheel Removal···········································2-9
2-4-6 Cable Flat Removal ························································2-9
2-4-7 Motor Loading Ass’y Removal ····································2-10
2-4-8 Bracket Gear, Gear Joint 2, 1 Removal ························2-10
2-4-9 Gear Loading Drive, Slider Cam,
Lever Load S, T Ass’y Removal ··································2-11
2-4-10Gear Loading Drive, Slider Cam,
Lever Load S, T Ass’y Assembly ·································2-11
2-4-11Lever Pinch Drive, Lever Tension Drive Removal·······2-12
2-4-12Lever Tension Ass’y, Band BrakeAss’y Removal·······2-12
2-4-13Lever Brake S, TAss’y Removal ·································2-13
2-4-14Gear Idle Ass’y Removal ·············································2-13
2-4-15Disk S, T Reel Removal ···············································2-14
2-4-16Holder Clutch Ass’y Removal······································2-14
2-4-17Lever Up Down Ass’y, Gear CenterAss’y Removal ···2-15
2-4-18Guide Cassette Door Removal ·····································2-15
2-4-19Lever Unit Pinch Ass’y, Plate Joint,
Spring Pinch Drive Removal ········································2-16
2-4-20Lever #9 GuideAss’y Removal ···································2-16
2-4-21FE Head Removal ························································2-17
2-4-22ACE Head Removal ·····················································2-17
2-4-23Slider S, TAss’y Removal ···········································2-18
2-4-24Plate Ground Deck, Cylinder Ass’y Removal··············2-18
2-4-25Hook Capstan, Belt Pulley Removal ····························2-19
2-4-26Motor Capstan Ass’y Removal ····································2-19
2-4-27Post #8 Guide Ass’y Removal······································2-20
2-4-28Level Head CleanerAss’y Removal ····························2-20
2-4-29How to Eject the Cassette Tape ····································2-20
2-5 The Table of Cleaning, Lubrication and
Replacement Time about Principal Parts ·····················2-21
3. Block Diagram ..........................................................3-1
4. PCB Diagrams
4-1 VCR Main PCB·······························································4-3
4-2 DVD Main PCB ······························································4-7
4-3 Jack PCB ·······································································4-11
4-4 DV Input PCB ·······························································4-15
4-5 Function Timer PCB······················································4-15
5. Schematic Diagrams
◆Block Identification of Main PCB·········································5-3
5-1 S.M.P.S (VCR Main PCB) ··············································5-5
5-2 Power (VCR Main PCB) ·················································5-7
5-3 Logic (VCR Main PCB)··················································5-9
5-4 A/V (VCR Main PCB) ··················································5-11
5-5 Hi-Fi (VCR Main PCB) ················································5-13
5-6 Function Timer (Function Timer PCB) ·························5-15
5-7 Encoder (DVD Main PCB) ···········································5-17
5-8 Decoder (DVD Main PCB) ···········································5-19
5-9 Video Decoder and Connector (DVD Main PCB) ········5-21
5-10 DV Interface and 1394 Connector (DVD Main PCB)···5-23
5-11 Audio DAC and ADC (DVD Main PCB)······················5-25
5-12 Connectors and Power (DVD Main PCB)·····················5-27
5-13 Mts/Tuner (JACK PCB) ················································5-29
5-14 AV IN/OUT (JACK PCB) ·············································5-31
5-15 Component/Super Out (JACK PCB) ·····························5-33
6. Alignment and Adjustments
6-1 VCR Adjustment ·····························································6-1
6-1-1 Reference·········································································6-1
6-1-2 Head Switching Point Adjustment ··································6-3
6-2 VCR Mechanical Adjustment··········································6-4
6-2-1 Tape Transport System and Adjustment Locations ·········6-4
6-2-2 Tape Transport System Adjustment·································6-5
6-2-3 Reel Torque ···································································6-10
7. Troubleshooting ·················································7-1
8. Repair Parts List
8-1 Exploded Views ·······························································8-2
8-1-1 Cabinet Assembly ····························································8-2
8-1-2 VCR Mechanical Parts (Top Side) ··································8-3
8-1-3 VCR Mechanical Parts (Bottom Side) ····························8-4
8-2 Electrical Parts List ·························································8-5

— 5 —
PRECAUTIONS
1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1) Before returning an instrument to the customer, always make a
safety check of the entire instrument, including, but not limited
to, the following items:
(1) Be sure that no built-in protective devices are defective or have
been defeated during servicing.
(1)Protective shields are provided to protect both the technician
and the customer. Correctly replace all missing protective
shields, including any removed for servicing convenience.
(2)When reinstalling the chassis and/or other assembly in the
cabinet, be sure to put back in place all protective devices,
including, but not limited to, nonmetallic control knobs,
insulating fish papers, adjustment and compartment covers/
shields,and isolation resistor/capacitor networks. Donotoperate
this instrument or permit it to be operated without all protective
devices correctly installed and functioning.
(2) Be sure that there are no cabinet openings through which adults
or children might be able to insert their fingers and contact a
hazardous voltage. Such openings include, but are not limited
to, excessively wide cabinet ventilation slots, and an improperly
fitted and/or incorrectly secured cabinet back cover.
(3) Leakage Current Hot Check-With the instrument completely
reassembled, plug the AC line cord directly into a 120V AC
outlet. (Do not use an isolation transformer during this test.)
Use a leakage current tester or a metering system that complies
with American National Standards institute (ANSI) C101.1
Leakage Current forAppliances and Underwriters Laboratories
(UL) 1270 (40.7). With the instrument’s AC switch first in the
ONposition and then intheOFF position, measure from aknown
earth ground (metal water pipe, conduit, etc.) to all exposed
metal parts of the instrument (antennas, handle brackets, metal
cabinets, screwheads, metallic overlays, control shafts, etc.),
especially any exposed metal parts that offer an electrical return
path to the chassis.
Any current measured must not exceed 0.5mA. Reverse the
instrument power cord plug in the outlet and repeat the test. See
Fig. 1.
Anymeasurements not withinthelimits specifiedherein indicate
apotential shock hazard that must be eliminated before returning
the instrument to the customer.
(4) Insulation Resistance Test Cold Check-(1) Unplug the power
supply cord and connect a jumper wire between the two prongs
of the plug. (2) Turn on the power switch of the instrument. (3)
Measurethe resistance with an ohmmeter between the jumpered
AC plugand all exposedmetallic cabinet parts on the instrument,
such as screwheads, antenna, control shafts, handle brackets,
etc. When an exposed metallic part has a return path to the
chassis,the reading should be between 1 and 5.2 megohm.When
there is no return path to the chassis, the readingmust be infinite.
If the reading is not within the limits specified, there is the
possibilityof a shock hazard, and the instrument must be repared
and rechecked before it is returned to the customer. See Fig. 2.
DEVICE
UNDER
TEST
(READING SHOULD
NOT BE ABOVE
0.5mA)
LEAKAGE
CURRENT
TESTER
EARTH
GROUND
TEST ALL
EXPOSED METER
SURFACES
ALSO TEST WITH
PLUG REVERSED
(USING AC ADAPTER
PLUG AS REQUIRED)
2-WIRE CORD
Fig. 1 AC Leakage Test
Fig. 2 Insulation Resistance Test
2) Read and comply with all caution and safety related notes on or
inside the cabinet, or on the chassis.
3) DesignAlterationWarning-Do not alter or add to the mechanical
or electrical design of this instrument. Design alterations and
additions, including but not limited to, circuit modifications and
the addition of items such as auxiliary audio output connections,
mightalter the safety characteristics of this instrument and create
a hazard to the user. Any design alterations or additions will
make you, the servicer, responsible for personal injury or
property damage resulting therefrom.
4) Observe original lead dress. Take extra care to assure correct
lead dress in the following areas:
(1) near sharp edges, (2) near thermally hot parts (be sure that
leads and components do not touch thermally hot parts), (3) the
AC supply, (4) high voltage, and (5) antenna wiring. Always
inspect in all areas for pinched, out-of-place, or frayed wiring,
Do not change spacing between a component and the printed-
circuit board. Check the AC power cord for damage.
5) Components,parts,and/or wiring that appear to haveoverheated
or that are otherwise damaged should be replaced with
components, parts and/ or wiring that meet original
specifications.
Additionally, determine the cause of overheating and/or damage
and, if necessary, take corrective action to remove any potential
safety hazard.
Antenna
Terminal
Exposed
Metal Part
ohm ohmmeter

— 6 —
6) Product Safety Notice-Some electrical and mechanical parts
have special safety-related characteristics which are often not
evident from visual inspection, nor can the protection they give
necessarilybe obtained by replacingthem with components rated
for higher voltage, wattage, etc. Parts that have special safety
characteristics are identified by shading, an ( ) or a ( ) on
schematics and parts lists. Use of a substitute replacement that
does not have the same safety characteristics as the
recommended replacement part might create shock, fire and/or
other hazards. Product safety is under review continuously and
new instructions are issued whenever appropriate.

— 7 —
2 SERVICING PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION: Before servicing units covered by this service manual
and its supplements, read and follow the Safety Precautions section
of this manual.
Note: If unforseen circumstances create conflict between the
following servicing precautions and any of the safety precautions,
always follow the safety precautions. Remember: Safety First.
2-1 General Servicing Precautions
(1) a. Always unplug the instrument’sAC power cord from theAC
power source before (1) re-moving or reinstalling any
component, circuit board, module or any other instrument
assembly, (2) disconnecting any instrument electrical plug or
other electrical connection, (3) connecting a test substitute in
parallel with an electrolytic capacitor in the instrument.
b. Do not defeat any plug/socket B+ voltage interlocks with
which instruments covered by this service manual might be
equipped.
c. Do not apply AC power to this instrument and/or any of its
electrical assemblies unless all solid-state device heat sinks
are correctly installed.
d. Always connect a test instrument’s ground lead to the
instrument chassis ground before connecting the test
instrument positive lead. Always remove the test instrument
ground lead last.
Note: Refer to the Safety Precautions section ground lead last.
(2) The service precautions are indicated or printed on the cabinet,
chassis or components. When servicing, follow the printed or
indicated service precautions and service materials.
(3)The components used in the unit have a specified flame
resistance and dielectric strength.
When replacing components, use components which have the
same ratings. Components identified by shading, by ( ) or by
() in the circuit diagram are important for safety or for the
characteristics of the unit. Always replace them with the exact
replacement components.
(4) An insulation tube or tape is sometimes used and some
components are raised above the printed wiring board for safety.
The internal wiring is sometimes clamped to prevent contact
with heating components. Install such elements as they were.
(5) After servicing, always check that the removed screws,
components, and wiring have been installed correctly and that
the portion around the serviced part has not been damaged and
so on. Further, check the insulation between the blades of the
attachment plug and accessible conductive parts.
2-2 Insulation Checking Procedure
Disconnect the attachment plug from the AC outlet and turn the
power ON. Connect the insulation resistance meter (500V) to the
blades of the attachment plug. The insulation resistance between
each blade of the attachment plug and accessible conductive parts
(see note) should be more than 1 Megohm.
Note: Accessible conductive parts include metal panels, input
terminals, earphone jacks, etc.

— 8 —
3 ESD PRECAUTIONS
Electrostatically Sensitive Devices (ESD)
Some semiconductor (solid state) devices can be damaged easily
by static electricity.
Such components commonly are called Electrostatically Sensitive
Devices (ESD). Examples of typical ESD devices are integrated
circuits and some field-effect transistors and semiconductor chip
components.Thefollowing techniquesshould be used to help reduce
the incidence of component damage caused by static electricity.
(1) Immediately before handling any semiconductor component or
semiconductor-equipped assembly, drain off any electrostatic
charge on your body by touching a known earth ground.
Alternatively, obtain and wear a commercially available
discharging wrist strap device, which should be removed for
potential shock reasons prior to applying power to the unit under
test.
(2) After removing an electrical assembly equipped with ESD
devices, place the assembly on a conductive surface such as
aluminum foil, to prevent electrostatic charge buildup or
exposure of the assembly.
(3) Use only a grounded-tip soldering iron to solder or unsolder
ESD devices.
(4) Use only an anti-static solder removal devices. Some solder
removal devices not classified as “anti-static” can generate
electrical charges sufficient to damage ESD devices.
(5) Do not use freon-propelled chemicals. These can generate
electrical charges sufficient to damage ESD devices.
(6) Do not remove a replacement ESD device from its protective
package until immediately before your are ready to install it.
(Most replacement ESD devices are packaged with leads
electrically shorted together by conductive foam, aluminum foil
or comparable conductive materials).
(7) Immediately before removing the protective materials from the
leadsofareplacementESD device, touch the protective material
to the chassis or circuit assembly into which the device will be
installed.
CAUTION: Be sure no power is applied to the chassis or circuit,
and observe all other safety precautions.
(8) Minimize bodily motions when handling unpackaged
replacement ESD devices. (Otherwise harmless motion such as
the brushing together of your clothes fabric or the lifting of
your foot from a carpeted floor can generate static electricity
sufficient to damage an ESD device).

— 9 —
4 HANDLING THE OPTICAL PICK-UP
The laser diode in the optical pick up may suffer electrostatic
breakdown because of potential static electricity from clothing and
your body.
The following method is recommended.
(1) Place a conductive sheet on the work bench (The black sheet
used for wrapping repair parts.)
(2) Place the set on the conductive sheet so that the chassis is
grounded to the sheet.
(3) Place your hands on the conductive sheet(This gives them the
same ground as the sheet.)
(4) Remove the optical pick up block
(5) Perform work on top of the conductive sheet. Be careful not to
let your clothes or any other static sources to touch the unit.
◆Be sure to put on a wrist strap grounded to the sheet.
◆Be sure to lay a conductive sheet made of copper etc. Which is
grounded to the table.
Fig.3
(6) Short the short terminal on the PCB, which is inside the Pick-
UpASS’Y, before replacing the Pick-Up. (The short terminal is
shorted when the Pick-Up Ass’y is being lifted or moved.)
(7) After replacing the Pick-up, open the short terminal on the PCB.
THE UNIT
WRIST-STRAP
FOR GROUNDING
1M
1M CONDUCTIVE SHEET

— 10 —

1-1
1. GENERAL This section is extracted from instruction manual.
(2-186-506-11)
RDR-VX500
5
About this manual
•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.
•Theon-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.
*MP3 (MPEG1 Audio Layer 3) is a standard format defined by ISO/MPEG
which compresses audio data.
Icon Meaning
Functions available for DVD+RWs
Functions available for DVD-RWs in VR (Video
Recording) mode
Functions available for DVD-RWs in video mode
Functions available for DVD+Rs
Functions available for DVD-Rs
Functions available for DVD VIDEOs
Functions available for VIDEO CDs, Super
VCDs or CD-Rs/CD-RWs in video CD format or
Super VCD format
Functions available for music CDs or CD-Rs/CD-
RWs in music CD format
Functions available for DATA CDs (CD-Rs/CD-
RWs containing MP3*audio tracks or JPEG files)
Functions available for VHS VIDEOs
+RW
-
RWVR
-
RWVideo
+R
-
R
DVD
VCD
CD
DATA CD
8
Ways to Use Your Video Cassette Recorder/DVD Recorder
What is a Video Cassette Recorder/DVD Recorder?
,This is a DVD recorder with built-in VHS video deck. It allows recording to DVD+RWs,
DVD+Rs, DVD-RWs, DVD-Rs, and VHS tapes. In addition, you can also enjoy playback and
editing of DVD discs and VHS tapes.
Operation restrictions
*1 When pressing DVD, VHS tape playback stops.
*2 When pressing VIDEO, DVD playback stops.
Current operation
Possible simultaneous operations
VHS DVD
Playback Recording Playback Recording
Playing a VHS tape —No Yes*1 Yes*1
Recording on a VHS tape No — Yes Yes
Playing a DVD disc Yes*2 Yes*2 —No
Recording on a DVD disc Yes Yes No —
9
Quick access to recorded titles – Title List
,Display the Title List to see all of the titles
on the disc, including the recording date,
channel, recording mode, recording time
and movie thumbnail image (page 42).
Creating your own program – Playlist
,Record a program on a DVD-RW (VR
mode), then erase, move and add scenes at
will to create your own, original program
(page 84).
One touch button dubbing from VCR to DVD
,This recorder lets you dub from VHS tape
to DVD and from DVD to VHS tape with a
single deck (page 89).
*Note that when playing back and recording a DVD or
VHS tape that includes a copy protect signal, the copy
protect function will prevent normal recording.
Simple dubbing of DV tapes – DV Edit
,Connect your digital video camera to the
DV IN jack and simply dub the entire
contents or just selected scenes to a DVD
disc (page 93).
A list of recordable and playable DVD discs is on page 10.
Title List(Original) 10:10 AM
No. Title Length Edit
01 CH 23 >01:29:03
02 CH 66 >00:31:23
03 CH 95 >01:59:00
04 CH 97 >00:58:56
CH 23
Nov/16/2004
08:00 PM
T
Title List
Original
Playlist
Dubbing
Dubbing
Control
10
Quick Guide to DVD Disc Types
Recordable and playable discs
Usable disc versions (as of June 2004)
•4x-speed or slower DVD+RWs
•2x-speed or slower DVD-RWs (Ver.1.1, Ver.1.1
with CPRM
*1
)
•4x-speed or slower DVD-RWs (Ver.1.2, Ver.1.2
with CPRM)
•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 Unused DVD-RWs are formatted in VR mode
automatically.
*3 Erasing titles only frees up disc space if you erase the
last title.
*4 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)
DVD+RW Automatically
formatted
Playable on DVD+RW
compatible players
(automatically finalized)
DVD-
RW
VR
mode
Format in VR mode
*2
(page 43)
Playable only on VR mode
compatible players (finalization
unnecessary) (page 44)
Video
mode
Format in Video
mode
*2
(page 43)
Playable on most DVD players
(finalization necessary)
(page 44)
DVD+R Automatically
formatted
Playable on DVD+R compatible
players (finalization necessary)
(page 44)
DVD-R Automatically
formatted
Playable on most DVD players
(finalization necessary)
(page 44)
+RW
-
RWVR
-
RW Video
+R
-
R

1-2
11
Discs that cannot be recorded on
•DVD-RWs(Ver.1.0)
•DVD+RWs that are not 2.4x-speed compatible
•Double layer discs
•8cmdiscs
Recording Features Editing Features
Rewrite
(page 48)
Auto
Chapter
(page 104)
Manual
Chapter
(page 84)
Change
title name
(page 82)
Erase title
(page 82)
A-B Erase
(page 83)
Playlist
(page 84)
Yes Yes YesYesYes
*3
No No
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes No Yes Yes
*3
No No
No Yes No Yes Yes
*4
No No
No Yes No Yes Yes
*4
No No
,continued
12
12 cm/8 cm discs
Playable discs
*Alogical format of files and folders on DATA-CDs,
defined by ISO (International Standard Organization).
Discs that cannot be played
•CD-Rs/CD-RWs, other than those recorded in
music CD format, MP3 or JPEG 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
(see page 13)
•Adisc 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.
Operation
DVD+RW
DVD-RW
DVD+R DVD-R
VR mode Video mode
12 cm 8 cm 12 cm 8 cm 12 cm 8 cm 12 cm 8 cm 12 cm 8 cm
Playback Yes — Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes — Yes Yes
Recording Yes — Yes No Yes No Yes — Yes No
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 (with PBC function)
CD Music CDs or CD-Rs/CD-RWs in music CD
format that can be purchased
DATA CD
CD-Rs/CD-RWs created on a PC or similar
device in music format, or MP3 or JPEG format
that conforms to ISO9660* Level 1/Level 2
DVD
VCD
CD
DATA CD
13
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 “Please check the Regional code of this
disc.” 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 not conform to the CD standard and may not be
playable by this product.
Notes
•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.
•You cannot mix VR mode and Video mode on the same
DVD-RW. To change the disc’s format, reformat the
disc (page 43). 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.
ALL
NO.
RDR-VX500
X
Region code
14
Recordable and playable
VHS tapes
This VCR uses the VHS system.
Recording
This VCR records using the VHS system.
zHint
If you do not want recorded contents to be erased, break
off the erasure prevention tab. To record again on a tape
that has had the erasure prevention tab removed, cover
the hole with cellophane tape, etc.
Notes
•This VCR cannot record using the S-VHS system.
•Tapes recorded in EP (3×) mode by this VCR cannot be
played back on standard mode only VHS decks.
•Noisemay appear in the image when tapes recorded in
EP (3×) mode by this VCR are played back on other
VHS decks with 3×mode.
Playback
The VCR automatically identifies the recording
system and recording mode (SP (standard) or EP
(3×)) of recorded tapes during playback.
Notes
•You cannot play back foreign video software that uses
non-NTSC color TV systems (PAL, SECAM).
•When playing back tapes recorded using the S-VHS
system, the playback image may be disturbed.
Safety tab

1-3
15
Hookups and Settings
Hookups and Settings
Hooking Up the Recorder
Follow steps 1 to 7 to hook up and adjust the
settings of the recorder.
Notes
•Plugcords securely to prevent unwanted noise.
•Refer to the instructions supplied with the components
to be connected.
•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)
•Antenna cable (1)
•Remote commander (remote) (1)
•SizeAA (R6) batteries (2)
Step 2: Connecting the
Antenna Cable
Select one of the following antenna hookups. Do
not connect the power cord until you reach
“Connecting the Power Cord” on page 26.
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 Hookup
Cable box or satellite receiver with a
video/audio output
A (page 16)
Cable box with an antenna output
only
B (page 17)
Cable without cable box, or antenna
only (no cable TV)
C (page 17)
,continued 16
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) to the input jack
connected to the cable box or satellite receiver (LINE 1 IN).
VHF/UHF
LINE 1 IN LINE OUT
AUDIO OUT
IN
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/
DOLBYDIGITAL
COMPONENT
VIDEOOUT
AUDIO AUDI O
VIDEO VIDEO
SVIDEO OUT
R
L
Y
P
B
P R
OUT
L
R
ANT IN
RL S VIDEO
AUDIO
OUT VIDEO OUT
TO TV
LINE 1 IN
AUDIO
VIDEO
R
L
to LINE 1 IN
VCR-DVD recorder
Audio/video cord
(supplied)
: Signal flow
Cable box/satellite receiver
Wall
17
Hookups and Settings
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).
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
LINE 1 IN LINE OUT
AUDIO OUT
IN
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/
DOLBYDIGITAL
COMPONENT
VIDEOOUT
AUDIO AUDI O
VIDEO VIDEO
SVIDEO OUT
R
L
Y
P
B
P R
OUT
L
R
VHF/UHF
IN
OUT
ANT IN
TO TV
to VHF/UHF IN
Wall
VCR-DVD recorder
Antenna cable (supplied)
: Signal flow
Cable box
VHF/UHF
LINE 1 IN LINE OUT
AUDIO OUT
IN
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/
DOLBYDIGITAL
COMPONENT
VIDEOOUT
AUDIO AUDI O
VIDEO VIDEO
SVIDEO OUT
R
L
Y
P
B
P R
OUT
L
R
VHF/UHF
IN
OUT
VCR-DVD recorder
to VHF/UHF IN
: Signal flow
Wall
18
Step 3: Connecting to Your TV
Select one of the following patterns Aor B, according to the input jack on your TV.
Note
Do not connect more than one type of video cord between the recorder and your TV at the same time.
VHF/UHF
LINE 1 IN LINE OUT
AUDIO OUT
IN
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/
DOLBYDIGITAL
COMPONENT
VIDEOOUT
AUDIO AUDI O
VIDEO VIDEO
SVIDEO OUT
R
L
Y
P
B
P R
OUT
L
R
VIDEO
AUDIO
INPUT
L
R
LINE OUT
AUDIO
VIDEO
B
A
VHF/UHF
IN
OUT
Antenna cable
(supplied)
TV
: Signal flow
VCR-DVD recorder
TV or projector
(red) Audio/video cord
(supplied)
to LINE OUT (AUDIO L/R)
(white)
(yellow)
(yellow)
(white)
(red)

1-4
19
Hookups and Settings
A Connecting to audio/video input
jacks
If your TV, monitor, projector, or other equipment
has audio/video (A/V) input jacks, you will get
better picture and sound if you connect the
recorder using this connection.
B Connecting to an antenna input
jack
If your TV does not have audio/video (A/V) input
jack, connect the recorder to a TV using an
antenna cable.
Setting the RF Output channel
When connecting the recorder to the TV using
only the antenna cable, you must set the RF
Output channel in the “Tuner Preset” so that the
TV can receive the correct signal from the
recorder.
1Press "/1 to turn on the recorder.
2 Press TV/VIDEO repeatedly until “ TV ”
disappears from the front panel display.
3 Turn on your TV and set it to the channel 3.
When using channel 4 to receive the recorder
signal, see “3, 4 Ch Out” on page 98.
Yellow
White (L)
Red (R)
Yellow
White (L)
Red (R)
TV/VIDEO
"/1
,continued
20
If your TV has an S video input jack
Connect an S video cord (not supplied). You will enjoy high quality images.
Make audio connections using the AUDIO OUT L/R jacks when you connect the recorder using this
connection.
Notes
•Do not connect more than one type of video cord between the recorder and your TV at the same time.
•When recording a DVD, the DVD video signal is output to the S VIDEO OUT even if you switch the output to
VIDEO.
VHF/UHF
LINE 1 IN LINEOUT
AUDIO OUT
IN
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/
DOLBYDIGITAL
COMPONENT
VIDEOOUT
AUDIO AUDI O
VIDEO VIDEO
SVIDEO OUT
R
L
Y
P
B
P R
OUT
L
R
AUDIO
INPUT
LRS VIDEO
AUDIO OUT DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/
DOLBY DIGITAL
S VIDEO OUT
L
R
S video cord
(not supplied)
: Signal flow
VCR-DVD recorder
TV or projector
to S VIDEO OUT
(white) (red)
Audio cord
(not supplied)
(white)
(red)
to AUDIO OUT L/R
21
Hookups and Settings
If your TV has component video input jacks
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 set
“Progressive” of “Video” to “On” in the “Setup” display (page 101). The PROGRESSIVE indicator
lights up when the recorder outputs progressive signals.
Make audio connections using the AUDIO OUT L/R jacks when you connect the recorder using this
connection.
When playing “wide screen” images
Some recorded images may not fit your TV screen. To change the aspect ratio, see page 100.
zHint
Video signal can also be output from the COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jack when playing a VHS tape.
VHF/UHF
LINE 1 IN LINE OUT
AUDIO OUT
IN
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/
DOLBYDIGITAL
COMPONENT
VIDEOOUT
AUDIO AUDI O
VIDEO VIDEO
SVIDEO OUT
R
L
Y
P
B
P R
OUT
L
R
AUDIO OUT
COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT
L
R
COMPONENT VIDEO IN
P B P R Y
AUDIO
LR
INPUT
P B
P R
Y
(red)
(blue)
(green)
(green) (blue) (red)
Component video cord
(not supplied)
: Signal flow
VCR-DVD recorder
TV or projector
Audio cord
(not supplied)
(white) (red)
(white)
(red)
to AUDIO OUT L/R
to COMPONENT VIDEO OUT
,continued
22
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.
•When recording a DVD, the DVD video signal is output to the COMPONENT VIDEO OUT even if you switch the
output to VIDEO.

1-5
23
Hookups and Settings
Step 4: Connecting to Your AV/Amplifier (Receiver)
Select one of the following patterns Aor B, according to the input jack on your AV amplifier (receiver).
This will enable you to listen to DVD audio tracks through your AV amplifier (receiver).
*Theyellow plug is used for video signals (page 18).
zHints
•For correct speaker location, see the operating instructions supplied with the connected components.
•Digital audio signal can also be output when playing a VHS tape.
VHF/UHF
LINE 1 IN LINE OUT
AUDIO OUT
IN
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/
DOLBYDIGITAL
COMPONENT
VIDEOOUT
AUDIO AUDI O
VIDEO VIDEO
SVIDEO OUT
R
L
Y
P
B
P R
OUT
L
R
VIDEO
AUDIO
INPUT
L
R
LINE OUT
AUDIO
VIDEO
B
A
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/
DOLBY DIGITAL
AV amplifier (receiver)
with a decoder
(red)
AV amplifier (receiver)
Audio/video cord
(supplied)
: Signal flow
Coaxial digital cord
(not supplied)
to DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
(COAXIAL or OPTICAL)
to LINE OUT (AUDIO L/R)
Optical digital cord (not supplied)
Rear (L)
VCR-DVD recorder
(white)
(yellow)*
(yellow)
(white)
(red)
[Speakers]
Front (L)
[Speakers]
to coaxial
digital input
Rear (R)
Front (R)
Subwoofer
or
Center
to optical
digital input
,continued 24
Notes
•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.
•When recording a DVD, the DVD video signal is output to the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT even if you switch the output
to VIDEO.
25
Hookups and Settings
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 60)
Surround1
Surround2
Surround3
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*2 decoder 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
•Afteryou have completed the connection, make the
appropriate settings under “Audio Connection Setup”
in Easy Setup (page 30). Otherwise, no sound or a loud
noise will come from your speakers.
•The surround sound effects of this recorder cannot be
used when you connect using a coaxial or optical
digital cord.
•This recorder does not support Linear PCM playback
with 2 channels or more.
Yellow
White (L)
Red (R)
Yellow
White (L)
Red (R)
TV
TV
TV
: Virtual speaker
Coaxial cord
Optical cord
26
Step 5: Connecting the
Power Cord
Plug the recorder and TV power cords into an AC
outlet. After you connect the power cord, you
must wait for a short while before
operating the recorder.You can operate the
recorder only after the front panel display lights up
and the recorder enters standby mode.
If you connect additional equipment to this
recorder (page 34), be sure to connect the power
cord only after all connections are complete.
Step 6: Preparing the
Remote
You can control the recorder using the supplied
remote. Insert two size AA (R6) batteries by
matching the 3and #ends on the batteries to the
markings inside the battery compartment. When
using the remote, point it at the remote sensor
on the recorder.
Notes
•If the supplied remote interferes your other Sony DVD
Player/Video Cassette Recorder or Video Cassette
Recorder/DVD Recorder, change the command mode
number for this recorder (page 29).
•Usethebatteries correctly to avoid possible leakage
and corrosion. Do not touch the liquid with bare hands
should leakage occur. 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
lighting apparatus. The recorder may not respond to the
remote.
•Withnormal use,the batteries should last about three to
six months.
•Donot leave the remote in an extremely hot or humid
place.
•Do not drop any foreign object into the remote casing,
particularly when replacing the batteries.
AUDIO OUT DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/
DOLBYDIGITAL
SVIDEO OUT
L
R
to AC outlet

1-6
27
Hookups and Settings
Controlling TVs with the remote
You can adjust the remote control’s signal to
control your TV.
If you connected the recorder to an AV amplifier
(receiver), you can also use the supplied remote to
control the AV amplifier’s (receiver’s) volume.
Notes
•Depending on the connected unit, you may not be able
to control your TV or AV amplifier (receiver) with
some or all of the buttons below.
•If you enter a new code number, the code number
previously entered will be erased.
•When you replace the batteries of the remote, the code
number may be reset to the default setting. Set the
appropriate code number again.
1Slide the TV/DVD·VIDEO switch to TV.
2Hold down "/1.
3Enter your TV’s manufacturer code (see
below) using the number buttons.
4Release "/1.
When the TV/DVD·VIDEO switch is set to
TV, the remote performs the following:
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.
Press To
"/1 Turn your TV on or off
VOL +/– Adjust the volume of
your TV
CH +/– Select the channel on
your TV
TV/VIDEO Switch your TV’s input
source
Number buttons and
SET
Select the channel on
your TV
TV/DVD·VIDEO
switch
"/1
VOL +/–
Number
buttons,
SET
TV/VIDEO
CH +/–
Manufacturer Code number
Sony 01 (default)
Akai 04
AOC 04
Centurion 12
Coronado 03
Curtis-Mathes 12, 14
Daewoo 04, 22
Daytron 03, 12
Fisher 11
General Electric 04, 06, 10
Hitachi 02, 03, 04
J.C.Penney 04, 10, 12
JVC 09
KMC 03
LG/Gold Star 03, 04, 17
Magnavox 03, 04, 08, 12, 21
Marantz 04, 13
MGA/Mitsubishi 04, 12, 13, 17
NEC 04, 12
Panasonic 06, 19
Philco 02, 03, 04, 08
Philips 08, 21
Pioneer 06, 16
Portland 03
Proscan 10
Quasar 06, 18
Radio Shack 05, 10, 14
RCA 04, 10
Sampo 12
Samsung 03, 04, 12, 20
Sanyo 11, 14
Scott 12
Sears 07, 10, 11
Sharp 03, 05, 18
,continued
28
Controlling the volume of your AV
amplifier (receiver) with the remote
1Slide the TV/DVD·VIDEO switch to
DVD·VIDEO.
2Hold down "/1, and enter the
manufacturer code (see the table below)
for your AV amplifier (receiver) using the
number buttons.
3Release "/1.
The VOL +/– buttons control the AV
amplifier’s volume.
If you want to control the TV’s volume, slide
the TV/DVD·VIDEO switch to TV.
zHint
If you want to control the TV’s volume even when the
TV/DVD·VIDEO switch is set to DVD·VIDEO, repeat
the steps above and enter the code number 90 (default).
Code numbers of controllable AV amplifiers
(receivers)
If more than one code number is listed, try
entering them one at a time until you find the one
that works with your AV amplifier (receiver).
Sylvania 08, 12
Teknika 03, 08, 14
Toshiba 07, 18
Wards 03, 04, 12
Yorx 12
Zenith 14, 15
Manufacturer Code number
TV/DVD·VIDEO
switch
"/1
VOL +/–
Number
buttons
Manufacturer Code number
Sony 78, 79, 80, 91
Denon 84, 85, 86
Kenwood 92, 93
Onkyo 81, 82, 83
Pioneer 99
Sansui 87
Technics 97, 98
Yamaha 94, 95, 96
29
Hookups and Settings
If you have a Sony DVD Player/Video
Cassette Recorder or Video
Cassette Recorder/DVD Recorder
If the supplied remote interferes with your other
Sony DVD Player/Video Cassette Recorder or
Video Cassette Recorder/DVD Recorder, set the
command mode number for this recorder and the
supplied remote to one that differs from the other
Sony DVD Player/Video Cassette Recorder or
Video Cassette Recorder/DVD Recorder.
The default command mode setting for this
recorder and the supplied remote is DVD
COMBO3.
1 Press SYSTEM MENU.
The System Menu appears.
2 Select “Setup,” and press ENTER.
3Select “Options,” and press ENTER.
4Select “Command Mode,” and press
ENTER.
5Select the command mode (“Mode1,”
“Mode2,” or “Mode3”), and press ENTER.
6Slide the COMMAND MODE switch on the
remote so it matches the mode you
selected above.
To return to the previous display
Press ORETURN.
SYSTEM
MENU M/m,
ENTER
COMMAND
MODE switch
ORETURN
Setup
Disc Setting
Edit
Timer
Tuner Preset
Clock Set
Video
Audio
Features
Options
Setup 10:10 AM
Title List
Easy Setup
Setup
Disc Setting
Edit
Timer
Language
Parental
Front Display
Command Mode
Factory Setting
Options
: Auto
: Mode3
Title List
10:10 AM
: Auto
: DVD1 No
Setup
Disc Setting
Edit
Timer
Language
Parental
Front Display
Command Mode
Factory Setting
Options
Title List
Mode1
Mode2
Mode3
10:10 AM
30
Step 7: Easy Setup
Follow the steps below to make the minimum
number of basic adjustments for using the
recorder. If you do not complete Easy Setup, it
will appear each time you turn on your recorder.
Settings are made in the following order.
m
m
m
m
m
1Turn on the TV.
2Press "/1.
The recorder turns on.
3Switch the input selector on your TV so that
the signal from the recorder appears on
your TV screen.
When connecting the recorder to the TV using
only the antenna cable, see “Setting the RF
Output channel” on page 19.
“Initial setting necessary to operate the DVD
recorder will be made. You can change them
later using Setup.” appears.
•Ifthis message does not appear, select “Easy
Setup” in the “Setup” display to run Easy
Setup (page 107).
4Press ENTER.
The setup display for selecting the language
used in the on-screen display appears.
5Select a language, and press ENTER.
The setup display for clock setting appears.
OSD Language Setup
Clock Setup
Tuner and Channel Setup
TV Type Setup
Audio Connection Setup
Finished!
M/m/,,
ENTER
ORETURN
"/1
Select the screen language.
Easy Setup
English
Français
Español
Select a method for setting the clock.
If you select "Auto", this recorder will look
for a time signal when you turn it off.
Easy Setup
Auto
Manual

1-7
31
Hookups and Settings
6Select “Auto,” and press ENTER.
The recorder will automatically search for a
channel that carries a time signal when you
turn off the recorder after finishing Easy
Setup.
•If broadcasters in your area are not yet
sending time signals, select “Manual,” and
press ENTER. Press M/mto set the month
and press ,. Set the day, year, hour,
minutes, and AM/PM in the same way. The
day of the week is set automatically.
7Select whether or not you have a cable
connection.
If you use an antenna only (no cable TV),
select “Antenna.”
If you use a cable connection without a cable
box, select “Cable.”
8Press ENTER.
The Tuner Preset function automatically starts
searching for all of the receivable channels
and presets them.
To set the channels manually, see page 98.
After the Tuner Preset is finished, the setup
display for selecting the aspect ratio of the
connected TV appears.
9Select the setting that matches your TV
type.
“4:3 Letter Box”: For standard TVs.
Displays “wide screen” pictures with bands
on the upper and lower sections of the screen.
“4:3 Pan Scan”: For standard TVs.
Automatically displays “wide screen”
pictures on the entire screen and cuts off the
sections that do not fit.
“16:9”: For wide-screen TVs or standard TVs
with a wide screen mode.
For details, see “Video Settings (Video)” on
page 100.
10 Press ENTER.
The setup display for selecting the type of
Dolby Digital signal appears.
11 Select the type of Dolby Digital signal you
want to send to your amplifier (receiver).
If your AV amplifier (receiver) has a Dolby
Digital decoder, select “Dolby Digital.”
Otherwise, select “D-PCM.”
12 Press ENTER.
The setup display for selecting the type of
DTS signal appears.
Select the way in which you will receive
channels.
Easy Setup
Antenna
Cable
Easy Setup
Searching for receivable channels. 25
Please wait.
Select your TV screen type.
Easy Setup
16 : 9
4 : 3 Letter Box
4 : 3 Pan Scan
10:10 AM
Dolby Digital
Easy Setup
D-PCM
Dolby Digital
10:10 AM
DTS
Easy Setup
On
Off
10:10 AM
,continued 32
13 Select whether or not you want to send a
DTS signal to your amplifier (receiver),
and press ENTER.
If your AV amplifier (receiver) has a DTS
decoder, select “On.” Otherwise, select “Off.”
14 Press ENTER when “Finish” appears.
Easy Setup is finished. All connections and
setup operations are complete.
To return to the previous display
Press ORETURN.
zHint
If you want to run Easy Setup again, select “Easy Setup”
in the “Setup” display (page 107).
Note
To record TV programs using the timer, you must set the
clock accurately.
Setting Up the VCR Plus+®
System
Setting up your recorder involves coordinating the
TV channel number (the number you turn to on
your TV or recorder to watch a program) with the
guide channel (the number that’s assigned to that
channel in your TV program guide).
To find the guide channel numbers, look at the
“Channel Line-up Chart” in the program guide for
your area that features VCR PlusCode numbers.
Use the Channel Line-up Chart to coordinate the
guide channel number with the TV channel
number. For example, if HBO is listed in the
Channel Line-up Chart as channel 33, and the
recorder receives HBO on channel 5, coordinate
these numbers using the following procedure.
1Press SYSTEM MENU while the recorder is
stopped.
Easy Setup is finished.
Easy Setup
Finish
10:10 AM
M/m/</,,
ENTER
ORETURN
SYSTEM
MENU
Setup
Disc Setting
Edit
Timer
Title List(Original)
Title List
Press ENTER :
10:10 AM
Title Menu for DVD Title List.
33
Hookups and Settings
2Select “Setup,” and press ENTER.
3Select “Tuner Preset,” and press ENTER.
4Select “Guide Channel Setup,” and press
ENTER.
The upper row shows VCR Plus+ guide
channels assigned in the program guide and
the lower row shows TV channels or cable
box or satellite receiver out put channels.
5Select the channel number that does not
match the guide channel using </,.
6Enter the TV channel number using M/m.
If you made Hookup A (page 16) or Hookup
C (page 17) enter the actual channel number
on your TV (and the recorder).
If you made Hookup B (page 17) enter the
cable box output channel (Usually 2ch, 3ch, or
4ch). See the instructions supplied with your
cable box to confirm the cable box’s output
channel.
7Repeat steps 5 and 6 for each guide
channel number that does not match the TV
channel number.
8Press SYSTEM MENU to exit the menu.
To return to the previous display
Press ORETURN.
Setup
Disc Setting
Edit
Timer
Tuner Preset
Clock Set
Video
Audio
Features
Options
Setup
Title List
Easy Setup
10:10 AM
Setup
Setting
Edit
TimerList
Antenna/Cable TV
Auto Preset
Channel Add/Delete
3,4 Ch Out
Guide Channel Setup
: Cable TV
: 3CH
Tuner Preset
Title list
10:10 AM
Enter actual receiving channel
Guide Channel Setup
[ Guide CH ]
1 2 3 4 5 6
[ TV CH ] 12 3 4 5 6
Setup
Setting
Edit
TimerList
Antenna/Cable TV
Auto Preset
Channel Add/Delete
3,4 Ch Out
Guide Channel Setup
: Cable TV
: 3CH
Tuner Preset
Title list
10:10 AM
Enter actual receiving channel
[ Guide CH ]
[ TV CH ]
Guide Channel Setup
33 34 35 36 37 38
33 34 35 36 37 38
Setup
Setting
Edit
TimerList
Antenna/Cable TV
Auto Preset
Channel Add/Delete
3,4 Ch Out
Guide Channel Setup
: Cable TV
: 3CH
Tuner Preset
Title list
10:10 AM
Enter actual receiving channel
Guide Channel Setup
[ Guide CH ]
[ TV CH ] 534 35 36 37 38
33 34 35 36 37 38
34
Connecting Another VCR or Similar Device
After disconnecting the recorder’s power cord from an AC outlet, connect other VCR or similar recording
device to the LINE IN jacks of this recorder.
See also the instruction manual supplied with the connected equipment.
To record on this recorder, see “Recording from Connected Equipment with a Timer (Synchro Rec)” on
page 53 and page 72. Connect the equipment to the LINE 1 IN jacks of the recorder to record using the
Synchro Rec function.
Connecting to the LINE 2 IN jacks on the front panel
Connect other VCR or similar device to the LINE 2 IN jacks of this recorder. If the equipment has an
Svideojack, you can use an S video cord instead of an audio/video cord.
You can connect a second DVD player and record DVDs.
Note
You cannot record DVD video that contains a copy guard signal played back by another DVD player to a disc in this
recorder.
S VIDEO AUDIO
LR
VIDEO
(MONO)
DV IN
S VIDEO VIDEO
LINE 2 IN
L AUDIO R
OUTPUT
Other VCR, etc.
Audio/video cord
(not supplied)
S video cord
(not supplied)
to LINE 2 IN
VCR-DVD recorder
: Signal flow

1-8
35
Hookups and Settings
Connecting to the LINE 1 IN jacks
You can connect a second VCR or similar device.
zHint
When the connected equipment outputs only monaural sound, use audio cables that distribute monaural sounds to left/
right channels (not supplied).
VHF/UHF
LINE 1 IN LINEOUT
AUDIO OUT
IN
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
PCM/DTS/
DOLBYDIGITAL
COMPONENT
VIDEOOUT
AUDIO AUDI O
VIDEO VIDEO
SVIDEO OUT
R
L
Y
P
B
P R
OUT
L
R
LINE OUTPUT
AUDIO
RL
VIDEO
LINE 1 IN
AUDIO
VIDEO
R
L
Other VCR, etc.
VCR-DVD recorder
Audio/video cord
(not supplied)
: Signal flow
to LINE 1 IN
,continued
36
Notes
•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. Noise (feedback) may result.
•Pictures containing copy protection signals that prohibit any copying cannot be recorded.
•If you pass the recorder signals via the VCR, you may not receive a clear image on your TV screen.
Be sure to connect your VCR to the VCR-DVD recorder and 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 power cord, you will not be able to view the signals from the connected VCR.
•Do not connect more than one type of video cord between the recorder and your TV at the same time.
VCRVCR-DVD recorder TV
VCR VCR-DVD recorder TV
LINE 1 IN
LINE 2 IN
37
Basic Operation
Basic Operation
Playing a DVD Disc or VHS
Tape
Playing a DVD disc
1Turn on the TV.
2Press "/1.
The recorder turns on.
3 Switch the input selector on your TV so that
the signal from the recorder appears on the
TV screen.
When connecting the recorder to the TV using
only the antenna cable, see “Setting the RF
Output channel” on page 19.
4 Slide the TV/DVD·VIDEO switch to
DVD·VIDEO, then press DVD to control the
DVD recorder.
5Press ZOPEN/CLOSE, and place a disc on
the disc tray.
6Press ZOPEN/CLOSE to close the disc
tray.
Wait until “LOAD” disappears from the front
panel display.
Playback starts automatically depending on
the disc.
7 Press HPLAY.
To stop playback
Press xSTOP.
Playing a VHS tape
+R
DVD
-
RWVR
-
RW Video
+RW -
R
DVD
ZOPEN/
CLOSE
TV/DVD·VIDEO
switch
"/1
xSTOPHPLAY
With the playback side facing down
HPLAY
TV/DVD·VIDEO
switch
"/1
xSTOP
VIDEO
,continued
38
1Turn on the TV.
2Press "/1.
The recorder turns on.
3Switch the input selector on your TV so that
the signal from the recorder appears on the
TV screen.
When connecting the recorder to the TV using
only the antenna cable, see “Setting the RF
Output channel” on page 19.
4Slide the TV/DVD·VIDEO switch to
DVD·VIDEO, then press VIDEO to control
the VCR.
5Insert a tape.
The VCR starts playing automatically if you
insert a tape with its safety tab removed.
6Press HPLAY.
To stop playback
Press xSTOP.
Recording a Program to a
DVD Disc
The following explains how to record a current
TV program to a DVD disc.
1Turn on the TV.
2Press "/1.
The recorder turns on.
3Switch the input selector on your TV so that
the signal from the recorder appears on the
TV screen.
When connecting the recorder to the TV using
only the antenna cable, see “Setting the RF
Output channel” on page 19.
4Slide the TV/DVD·VIDEO switch to
DVD·VIDEO, then press DVD to control the
DVD recorder.
+R
-
RWVR
-
RWVideo
+RW -
R
zREC
TV/DVD·VIDEO
switch
"/1
xSTOP
ZOPEN/
CLOSE
CH +/–
DVD
REC MODE
INPUT
SELECT

1-9
39
Basic Operation
5Press ZOPEN/CLOSE, and place a
recordable disc on the disc tray.
6Press ZOPEN/CLOSE to close the disc
tray.
Wait until “LOAD” disappears from the front
panel display.
Unused DVD-RWs are formatted in VR mode
automatically.
To format in Video mode, see page 43.
7Press CH +/– or INPUT SELECT to select the
channel or input source you want to record.
8Press REC MODE repeatedly to select the
recording mode.
Each time you press the button, the display
changes on the TV screen as follows:
For more details about the recording mode,
see page 47.
9Press zREC.
“REC” appears in the front panel display and
recording starts.
Recording continues until you stop the
recording or the disc is full.
To stop recording
Press xSTOP.
Note that it may take a few seconds for the
recorder to stop recording.
zHint
This recorder can record on various discs. Select the disc
type according to your needs (page 10).
Recording a Program to a
VHS Tape
1Turn on the TV.
2Press "/1.
The recorder turns on.
3Switch the input selector on your TV so that
the signal from the recorder appears on the
TV screen.
When connecting the recorder to the TV using
only the antenna cable, see “Setting the RF
Output channel” on page 19.
4Slide the TV/DVD·VIDEO switch to
DVD·VIDEO, then press VIDEO to control
the VCR.
5Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.
6Press CH +/– or INPUT SELECT to select the
channel or input source you want to record.
With the playback side facing down
HQ SP LP EPHSP SLP
zREC
TV/DVD·VIDEO
switch
"/1
xSTOP
CH +/–
VIDEO
REC MODE
INPUT
SELECT
,continued 40
7Press REC MODE repeatedly to select the
tape speed, “SP” or “EP.”
“EP” (Extended Play) provides recording
time three times as long as “SP” (Standard
Play). However, “SP” produces better picture
and audio quality.
8Press zREC.
“REC” appears in the front panel display and
recording starts.
Recording continues until you stop the
recording or the tape reaches the end.
To stop recording
Press xSTOP.
Using the On-Screen Menus
This section introduces the System Menu, TOOLS
menu, and sub-menu. By using these displays, you
can perform most of the recorder’s operations.
System Menu
The System Menu appears when you press
SYSTEM MENU, and provides entries to all of
the recorder’s main functions, such as timer
recording and setup.
Select an option by pressing M/mand ENTER.
A“Title List” (page 42):
Press ENTER to display the “Title List”
menu, which shows recorded titles on the disc.
+R
DVD
VCD CD
DATA CD
-
RWVR
-
RWVideo
+RW -
R
M/m,
ENTER
SYSTEM
MENU TOOLS
ORETURN
Setup
Disc Setting
Edit
Timer
Title List(Original)
Title List
10:10 AM
41
Basic Operation
B“Timer” (pages 50, 69):
Allows you to set a new timer recording
setting.
You can also display the Timer List menu,
which allows you to check, change, or cancel
timer settings.
C“Edit” (page 81):
Allows you to create and edit a Playlist
(DVD-RW in VR mode only), record a DV
format tape onto a disc, dub from a DVD disc
to a VHS tape and dub from a VHS tape to a
DVD disc.
D“Disc Setting” (page 43):
Allows you to format or finalize a DVD.
E“Setup” (page 96):
Turns on the “Setup”display, which allows
you to set up the recorder to suit your
preferences.
Selectable options
The options that can be selected differ according
to the media.
In addition, the options that can be selected also
differ according to the operating mode and the
disc condition.
Example: When a disc or a VHS tape is in stop
mode.
*Unfinalized disc only
Notes
•The System Menu is not displayed when recording
DVD and dubbing a VHS tape to a disc.
•When the System Menu is displayed, DVD and
VIDEO buttons are not available.
Sub-menu
The sub-menu appears when you select an item
from a list menu (e.g. a title from the Title List
menu), and press ENTER. The sub-menu displays
options applicable only to the selected item. The
displayed options differ depending on the
situation and disc type.
Select an option by pressing M/mand ENTER.
Example: The Title List menu
TOOLS
The TOOLS menu appears when you press
TOOLS, and displays options. You can search for
a title/chapter/track, check the playing and
remaining time, or change audio and repeat
settings. The displayed options differ depending
on the media type.
Select the option by pressing M/mand ENTER.
Example: When you press TOOLS while a
DVD-RW (VR mode) is playing.
To return to the previous display
Press ORETURN.
Note
The TOOLS menu may not be displayed during DVD
recording.
Type Selectable options
+RW
-
RWVR
-
RWVideo
*
-
R
+R
**
DVD
VCD
DATA CD
CD
Title List(Original)
No. Title Length Edit
01 CH 23 >01:29:03
02 CH 66 >00:31:23
03 CH 95 >01:59:00
04 CH 97 >00:58:56
Play
Erase
Protect
Title Name
A·B Erase
CH 23
Nov/16/2004
08:00 PM
10:10 AM
T
Options for the selected item
Title 1/4
1/1
00:00:25
Chapter
Time
Audio
OFF
00:01:30
Repeat
Remain
Adjust Enter
T
C
ENTER
ENG Dolby 5.1 (1/3)
42
Using the Title List
The titles of programs recorded on a disc are
displayed in the Title List.
1Press DVD to control the DVD recorder.
2Press ZOPEN/CLOSE, and place a disc on
the disc tray.
3Press ZOPEN/CLOSE to close the disc
tray.
Wait until “LOAD” disappears from the front
panel display.
4Press TITLE LIST.
Example: DVD-RW in VR mode
ATitle type (DVD-RW in VR mode only):
Displays the title type, “Title List(Original)”
or “Playlist.”
BMovie thumbnail image
CTitle information:
Displays the title number, title name,
recording date, and recording mode.
“”indicates the protected title.
DClock
About the Title List for DVD-RWs (VR mode)
You can switch the Title List to show Original or
Playlist.
While the Title List menu is turned on, press
ORIGINAL/PLAYLIST repeatedly to select
either “Title List(Original)” or “Playlist.”
For details, see “Edit options for DVD-RWs (VR
mode)” on page 81.
To turn off the Title List
Press TITLE LIST.
Notes
•The Title List does not appear for DVD-RW (Video
mode), DVD+R, or DVD-R that have been finalized.
To view a title, press TOP MENU or MENU (page 57).
•The Title List may not appear for discs created on other
DVD recorders.
•Letters that cannot be displayed are replaced with an
“*.”
•When playback of the Title List movie thumbnail
image for the selected title finishes, the thumbnail
image display stops at the last image of the movie
thumbnail image.
+RW
-
RWVR
-
RW Video
-
R
+R
TITLE LIST
ZOPEN/
CLOSE
MENU
TOP MENU
ORIGINAL/
PLAYLIST
DVD
With the recording side facing down
Title List(Original)
No. Title Length Edit
01 CH 23 >01:29:03
02 CH 66 >00:31:23
03 CH 95 >01:59:00
04 CH 97 >00:58:56
CH 23
10:10 AM
Nov/16/2004
08:00 PM
T
1
2
3
4
3

1-10
43
Basic Operation
Using the DVD Disc Setting
Displays
With the “Disc Setting” display, you can perform
operations such as formatting and finalizing
(page 44).
1Press DVD to control the DVD recorder.
2Press ZOPEN/CLOSE, and place a disc on
the disc tray.
3Press ZOPEN/CLOSE to close the disc
tray.
Wait until “LOAD” disappears from the front
panel display.
4Press SYSTEM MENU while the recorder is
in stop mode.
5Select “Disc Setting,” and press ENTER.
The “Disc Setting” display appears.
6Select an option, and press ENTER.
A“Disc Name”:
Labels a disc. Enter the disc name in the
“Disc Name” display (page 46).
B“Disc Protect” (DVD-RW in VR mode
only):
Protects all titles on the disc. To cancel
the protection, select “Not protected.”
C“Disc Format” (DVD-RW/DVD+RW
only):
Erases all contents of the disc to make a
blank disc. For DVD-RWs, select a
recording format (“VR Mode” or “Video
Mode”) according to your needs.
D“Disc Finalize”:
Finalizes a disc (page 44).
E“Erase All Titles” (DVD-RW/
DVD+RW only):
Erases all titles on the disc (except the
protected titles).
To return to the previous display
Press ORETURN.
+
RW
-
RW VR
-
RW Video
-
R
+
R
ZOPEN/
CLOSE
SYSTEM
MENU
DVD
M/m/</,,
ENTER
ORETURN
With the recording side facing down
Setup
Disc Setting
Edit
Timer
Title List(Original)
Title List
10:10 AM
Press ENTER :
Title Menu for DVD Title List.
Setup
Disc Setting
Edit
Timer
Disc Setting
Title List
Disc Name :
Disc Protect : Not Protected
Disc Format : VR Mode
Disc Finalize : Unfinalized
Erase All Titles
10:10 AM
2
3
4
5
1
,continued
44
zHints
•You can set protection for individual titles (page 82).
•By reformatting, you can change the recording format
on DVD-RWs, or record again on DVD-RWs (Video
mode) that have been finalized.
Note
You can enter up to 32 characters for a disc name. The
disc name may not appear when the disc is played on
other DVD equipment.
Finalizing a disc (preparing a disc
for playback on other equipment)
Finalizing is necessary when you play discs
recorded with this recorder on other DVD
equipment.
When you finalize a DVD+RW, DVD-RW
(Video mode), DVD+R, or DVD-R, a DVD menu
will be automatically created, which can be
displayed on other DVD equipment.
Before finalizing, check the differences between
the disc types in the table below.
Differences between the disc types
1Follow steps 1 to 6 of “Using the DVD Disc
Setting Displays” on page 43 to select
“Disc Finalize” in the “Disc Setting”
display.
The display for confirmation appears.
2Select “Finalize,” and press ENTER.
The display for confirmation appears again.
3Select “OK,” and press ENTER.
The recorder starts finalizing the disc.
To unfinalize a DVD-RW (VR mode)
If you cannot record or edit on a DVD-RW (VR
mode) that has been finalized with other DVD
equipment (a message appears), unfinalize the
disc by selecting “Unfinalize” in step 2 above.
zHint
You can check whether the disc has been finalized or not.
If you cannot select “Finalize” in step 2 above, the disc
has already been finalized.
Notes
•Depending on the condition of the disc, recording, or
the DVD equipment, discs may not play even if the
discs are finalized.
•Therecorder may not be able to finalize the disc if it
was recorded on another recorder.
Discs are automatically finalized when
stopped recording. If you want to record
on it again, reformat the disc (page 43).
However, after reformatting the disc, all
recorded contents will be erased.
Finalizing 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
finalize the disc, especially if the
recording time is short. After finalizing,
you cannot edit or record on the disc. If
you want to edit or record on it again,
unfinalize or reformat the disc (page 43).
However, after reformatting the disc, all
recorded contents will be erased.
Finalizing is necessary when playing on
any equipment other than this recorder.
After finalizing, you cannot edit or
record on the disc. If you want to edit or
record on it again, unfinalize or reformat
the disc (page 43). However, after
reformatting the disc, all recorded
contents will be erased.
Finalizing is necessary when playing on
any equipment other than this recorder.
After finalizing, you cannot edit or
record on the disc.
-
RW VR
-
RW Video
+RW
-
R
+R
+RW
-
RW VR
-
RW Video
-
R
+R
Do you want to finalize this disc ?
Finalize Unfinalize
45
Basic Operation
Checking the Play
Information and Playing
Time
You can check the playing time and remaining
time of the current title, chapter, or track.
Press DISPLAY.
The information display appears.
The display disappears after a short time.
◆DVD
APlay mode
BPlaying time
CRecording mode
DRemaining time
ECurrent channel*
*Title type (Original or Playlist) for DVD-RW in VR
mode
◆VHS
FPlay mode
GTime counter
HRecording mode
IRemaining time
JCurrent channel
KDate and time
Note
The information display may not be displayed during
DVD recording.
Checking the playing/remaining
time
You can view the playing or time information
displayed on the TV screen and the front panel
display.
Press TIME/TEXT repeatedly.
The displays differ depending on the media type
or playing status.
◆Front panel display
Example: When playing a DVD
Example: When playing a CD
Playing time of the current track
m
Current track number
m
Clock
Example: When playing a VHS tape
Playing time
m
Remaining time
m
Clock
+
R
DVD
VCD CD
DATA CD
-
RWVR
-
RW Video
+RW -
R
TIME/TEXTDISPLAY
Play
1:23:45
HQ
Rem16:15
Original
Stop
0:30:00
SP
Rem01:30
CH 110
Mon Nov 01.2004 10:10AM qa
Playing time of the current title
Current title number and current chapter
number
Clock
46
Changing the Name of a
Recorded Program (Title
Input)
You can label a title, disc, or program by entering
characters. You can enter up to 32 characters for a
title or disc name, but the actual number of
characters displayed in the menus such as the Title
List will vary. When the display for entering
characters appears, follow the steps below.
1Select the character you want to enter
using M/m/</,, and press ENTER.
The selected character appears at the top of
the display.
Example: Disc Name
You can only enter characters and symbols
that are displayed.
To insert a space, select “Space.”
2Repeat step 1 to enter the remaining
characters.
To erase a character, move the cursor to the
right of the character at the input row. Select
“Backspace” and press ENTER.
To erase the character at the position of the
cursor, select “Delete” and press ENTER.
To insert a character, move the cursor to the
right of the point where you want to insert the
character. Select the character and press
ENTER.
To erase all of the characters, select “Clear”
and press ENTER.
3Select “Finish,” and press ENTER.
To cancel the setting, press ORETURN.
+R
-
RWVR
-
RWVideo
+RW -
R
M/m/</,,
ENTER
ORETURN
Disc Name
K_
A B C D E
F G H I J
K L M N O
P Q R S T
U V W X Y
Z
a b c d e
f g h i j
k l m n o
p q r s t
u v w x y
z
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 0
- _ + = •
~!@ # $
%^& ( )
Backspace Space Delete Clear Finish
10:10 AM
Disc Name
Kids _
A B C D E
F G H I J
K L M N O
P Q R S T
U V W X Y
Z
a b c d e
f g h i j
k l m n o
p q r s t
u v w x y
z
12345
67890
- _ + = •
~!@ # $
%^& ( )
Backspace Space Delete Clear Finish
10:10 AM
Input row