Sony MHC-GS200 User manual

1
Mini Hi-Fi
Component
System
Operating Instructions
4-239-952-12(2)
MHC-GS300AV
MHC-GS200
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on 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. _______________ Serial No. _______________
© 2002 Sony Corporation

2
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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.
To prevent fire, do not cover the ventilation of the
apparatus with news papers, table-cloths, curtains,
etc. And don’t place lighted candles on the apparatus.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place objects
filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.
Do not install the appliance in a confined space,
such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.
This appliance is classified as
a CLASS 1 LASER product.
This label is located on the
rear exterior.
Don’t throw away the battery with
general house waste, dispose of it
correctly as chemical waste.
ENERGY STAR®is a U.S. registered
mark.
As an ENERGY STAR®partner, Sony
Corporation has determined that this
product meets the ENERGY STAR®
guidelines for energy efficiency.
NOTICE FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN THE
U.S.A.
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.
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
• The use of optical instruments with this product will
increase eye hazard.
• You are cautioned that any changes or modifications
not expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
Note to CATV system installer:
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.
NOTICE FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN
CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE
THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION
CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS
THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO
PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.
MHC-GS300AV only
This stereo system is equipped with the Dolby* Pro
Logic Surround decoder.
* Manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic”, and the
double-D symbol ; are trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories. Confidential unpublished works.
©1992-1997 Dolby Laboratories. All rights
reserved.

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Table of Contents
List of Button Locations
and Reference Pages
Main unit........................................................ 4
Remote Control.............................................. 6
Getting Started
Hooking up the system .................................. 8
Inserting two size AA (R6) batteries into the
remote ................................................... 10
Setting up your speakers
for Dolby Pro Logic*............................ 11
Setting the clock .......................................... 12
CD/MP3 files
Loading a CD............................................... 13
Playing a CD — Normal Play/
Shuffle Play/Repeat Play ...................... 14
Programing CD tracks — Program Play ..... 15
Labeling a CD — Disc Memo ..................... 16
Playing a disc with MP3 files ...................... 18
Tuner
Presetting radio stations ............................... 20
Listening to the radio
— Preset Tuning/Manual Tuning ......... 22
Labeling the preset stations
— Station Name ................................... 22
Tape
Loading a tape.............................................. 23
Playing a tape............................................... 23
Recording to a tape
— CD Synchro Recording/Recording
Manually/Program Edit ........................ 24
Timer-recording radio programs.................. 25
Sound Adjustment
Adjusting the sound
— GROOVE/V-GROOVE................... 26
Selecting the sound effect ............................ 27
Selecting the surround effect ....................... 27
Enjoying Dolby Pro Logic Surround
sound* ................................................... 28
Selecting the sound formation*
— Multi room selector .........................28
Display
Turning off the display
— Power Saving Mode......................... 29
Using the display ......................................... 29
Other Features
Enhancing video game sound
— Game Sync....................................... 30
Mixing video game sound with other sound
source — Game Mixing .......................31
Falling asleep to music — Sleep Timer....... 31
Waking up to music — Daily Timer ........... 32
Using an Optional Keyboard
Setting the keyboard ....................................33
Labeling titles through the keyboard ........... 33
Operating the system through
the keyboard ......................................... 33
Optional Components
Hooking up optional components ................ 34
Listening to audio from a connected
component ............................................ 35
Recording audio from a connected
component ............................................ 35
Recording on a connected component ......... 35
Connecting a sub woofer speaker* ..............36
Connecting a DVD player* ......................... 36
Troubleshooting
Problems and remedies ................................37
Messages ...................................................... 39
Additional Information
Precautions................................................... 40
Specifications............................................... 42
* MHC-GS300AV only

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ALPHABETICAL ORDER
A – O
5.1CH/VIDEO (MD) wg (35 –37)
ALBM +/–4(19)
AUDIO IN L/R jacks qk (34)
CD wk (14 –17, 19, 24)
CD SYNC 0(24, 25)
CLEAR wa (16, 22, 39)
DISC SELECT qf
(13 –17, 19, 24)
DISPLAY e; (22, 29, 30, 39)
Display window 2
DOLBY PRO LOGIC 6(12, 28)
ENTERws (15 –17, 20 –22, 25,
26, 32)
GAME wf (30)
GAME MIXING w; (31)
KEYBOARD INPUT jack qh
(33)
MENU wl (16, 17, 20 –22)
MULTI ROOM 9(28)
Illustration number
r
List of Button Locations and Reference Pages
How to use this page
Use this page to find the location of
buttons and other parts of the system that
are mentioned in the text.
Main unit
MHC-GS300AV
P – Z
PAUSE X5(15, 23 –25)
PHONES jack qg
PLAY MODE/DIRECTION wd
(14 –17, 23 –25)
PRESET +/–4(20 –22)
PRESET EQ 8(27)
REC zPAUSE/START qs
(24, 25)
REPEAT/FM MODEwd (15, 22)
STOP xqa (15, 23, 24, 35, 39)
SURROUND MODE 7(27)
TAPE wh (23)
Tape deck 3
TIMER SELECTwd (26, 32, 37)
TIMER SET wd (12, 25, 32)
TUNER/BAND wj (20 –22)
TUNING +/–4(20 –22)
VIDEO IN jack ql (34)
VOLUME qj
BUTTON DESCRIPTIONS
=/1 (power) 1
m(rewind) 4
nN(play) 4
M(fast forward) 4
.(go back) 4
>(go forward) 4
ZPUSH (front cover) qd
ZPUSH (tape deck) 3
PLAY MODE/DIRECTION wd (14 –17, 23 –25)
RR
Name of button/part Reference page
1
e;
wl
wk
wj
wh
wg
wd
wf
ws
wa
w;
ql
qk
2345
6
7
8
9
q;
qs
qa
qd
qf
qj
qg
qh

List of Button Locations and Reference Pages
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MHC-GS200
ALPHABETICAL ORDER
A – O
ALBM +/–4(19)
AUDIO IN L/R jacks qk (34)
CD wj (14 –17, 19, 24)
CD SYNC 0(24, 25)
CLEAR wa (16, 22, 39)
DISC SELECT qf
(13 –17, 19, 24)
DISPLAYwl (22, 29, 30, 39)
Display window 2
ENTER ws (15 –17, 20 –22, 25,
26, 32)
GAME wd (30)
GAME MIXING w; (31)
KEYBOARD INPUT jack qh
(33)
MENU wk (16, 17, 20 –22)
P – Z
PAUSE X 5(15, 23 –25)
PHONES jack qg
PLAY MODE/DIRECTION 8
(14 –17, 23 –25)
PRESET +/–4(20 –22)
REC zPAUSE/START qs
(24, 25)
REPEAT/FM MODE 9(15, 22)
STOP xqa (15, 23, 24, 35, 39)
TAPE wg (23)
Tape deck 3
TIMER SELECT 7(26, 32, 37)
TIMER SET 6(12, 25, 32)
TUNER/BAND wh (20 –22)
TUNING +/–4(20 –22)
VIDEO IN jack ql (34)
VIDEO (MD) wf (35, 37)
VOLUME qj
BUTTON DESCRIPTIONS
=/1 (power) 1
m(rewind) 4
nN(play) 4
M(fast forward) 4
.(go back) 4
>(go forward) 4
ZPUSH (front cover) qd
ZPUSH (tape deck) 3
1
wl
wk
wj
wh
wg
wf
ws
wd
wa
w;
ql
qk
2345
6
7
8
9
q;
qs
qa
qd
qf
qg
qh
qj

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ALPHABETICAL ORDER
A – O
5.1CH wg (36)
ALBM +/ALBM –qa qk (19)
BALANCE LEFT/RIGHT 2
(12)
CD wd (14 –17, 19, 24)
CENTER +/–4(12)
DISC +/DISC –qs qj
(13 –16, 19)
DISPLAY 8(22, 29, 30)
GAME 6(30)
GROOVE qf (26)
P – Z
PRESET EQ qd (27)
PRESET +/PRESET –q; w;
(20 –22)
PRO LOGIC wj (12, 28)
REAR +/–5(12)
SLEEP 1(31)
SURROUND qh (27)
TAPE 7(23)
TEST TONE wf (12)
TUNER/BAND ws (20 –22)
TUNING +/TUNING –9ql
(20 –22)
VIDEO (MD) wh (35, 37)
VOL +/–qg
Remote Control
For MHC-GS300AV
BUTTON DESCRIPTIONS
@/1 (power) 3
nN(play) wa
X(pause) wa
x(stop) wa
.(go back) w;
m(rewind) ql
M(fast forward) 9
>(go forward) q;
5
6
7
4
qs
qd
qf
8
qa
9
0
qj
qh
qg
qk
123
ql
w;
ws
wa
wj
wg
wh
wd
wf

List of Button Locations and Reference Pages
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For MHC-GS200
ALPHABETICAL ORDER
A – O
ALBM +/ALBM –qd w; (19)
CD wg (14 –17, 19, 24)
CD SYNC wf (24, 25)
DISC +/DISC –qf ql
(13 –16, 19)
DISPLAY wh (22, 29, 30)
ENTER 5(15 –17, 20 –22, 25,
26, 32)
GAME 6(30)
GROOVE qh (26)
P – Z
PLAY MODE 2(14 –17, 23)
PRESET EQ qg (27)
PRESET +/PRESET –qs wa
(20 –22)
REC wd (24)
REPEAT 3(15)
SLEEP 1(31)
SURROUND qk (27)
TAPE 7(23)
TUNER/BAND 8(20 –22)
TUNING +/TUNING –qa ws
(20 –22)
VIDEO (MD) 9(35, 37)
VOL +/–qj
BUTTON DESCRIPTIONS
@/1 (power) 4
nN(play) 0
X(pause) 0
x(stop) 0
.(go back) wa
m(rewind) ws
M(fast forward) qa
>(go forward) qs
6
7
8
9
5
qf
qg
qh
0
qd
qa
qs
ql
qk
qj
w;
1234
wa
ws
wd
wh
wg
wf

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* MHC-GS300AV only
Front speaker (Right)
FM antenna
AM loop antenna
Front speaker (Left)
Getting Started
Rear surround
speaker (Right)*Rear surround speaker (Left)*Center surround speaker*
Hooking up the system
Perform the following procedure 1to 5to hook up your system using the supplied cords and
accessories. MHC-GS300AV is the model used for illustration purpose.

Getting Started
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1Connect the front speakers.
Connect the speaker cords to the FRONT
SPEAKER jacks on the unit as shown
below.
RL
+
–
Insert only the stripped portion
Solid (3)
Stripe (#)
3Connect the center surround speaker.
(MHC-GS300AV only)
Connect the speaker cords to the
SURROUND SPEAKER CENTER jacks
on the unit as shown below.
+
–
Insert only the stripped portion
Solid (3)
Stripe (#)
Stripe (#)
2Connect the rear surround speakers.
(MHC-GS300AV only)
Connect the speaker cords to the
SURROUND SPEAKER REAR jacks on
the unit and to the jacks on the rear
surround speakers as shown below.
+
–
Insert only the stripped portion
Solid (3)
4Connect the FM/AM antennas.
Set up the AM loop antenna, then connect
it.
Jack type A
FM75Ω
AM
ANTENNA
UU
AM loop
antenna
Extend the
FM antenna
horizontally
continued
Jack type B
FM75Ω
AM
U
ANTENNA
AM loop
antenna
Extend the
FM antenna
horizontally

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5Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
The demonstration appears in the display.
When you press ?/1, the system turns on
and the demonstration automatically ends.
Note on placement
Be sure to place this unit on a horizontal place.
If the unit is slanted, it may cause malfunction
or damage to the system.
To connect optional components
See page 34 for details.
Notes
•Keep the speaker cords away from the antennas to
prevent noise.
•Do not place the rear surround speakers on top of a
TV. This may cause distortion of the colors in the
TV screen.
•Be sure to connect both left and right rear surround
speakers. Otherwise, the sound will not be heard.
•The type of speakers supplied vary according to the
model you purchased (see “Specifications”on
page 42).
Inserting two size AA (R6)
batteries into the remote
E
e
eE
Tip
With normal use, the batteries should last for about
six months. When the remote no longer operates the
system, replace both batteries with new ones.
Note
If you do not use the remote for a long period of time,
remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from
battery leakage.
Hooking up the system (continued)

Getting Started
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Setting the center speaker
Attach the supplied speaker pads to the bottom
of the center surround speaker to stabilize the
speaker and prevent it from slipping.
Place the center surround speaker at about the
same height as the front speakers. Align the
center surround speaker with the front speakers
or place it slightly back from the position of the
front speakers.
Setting the rear speakers
Place the rear surround speakers facing each
other at about 60 to 90 cm above your listening
position.
60 to 90 cm
Rear surround
speaker
Setting up your speakers
for Dolby Pro Logic
(MHC-GS300AV only)
Positioning the speakers
Each speaker should face the listening position.
Better surround effect will result if all speakers
are set at the same distance from the listening
position.
Place the front speakers 5 to 10 cm or more
away from the left and right of the television.
Place the center speaker on the top-center of
the TV set.
The placement of rear speakers greatly depends
on the configuration of the room. The rear
speakers may be placed on both sides of the
listening position Aor behind the listening
position B.
Tip
For MHC-GS300AV customers, you can connect an
optional sub woofer speaker (see page 36).
Front (L)
Center
Front (R)
Rear (R)Rear (L)
continued

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Adjusting the speaker volume
of each speaker
— Test tone
1Press DOLBY PRO LOGIC (or PRO
LOGIC on the remote).
“DOLBY PL ON”appears.
2Press TEST TONE on the remote.
The test tone is heard from the speakers in
the following order and the display changes
as in the parentheses.
Front left (LEFT) tCenter (CENTER) t
Front right (RIGHT) tRear (REAR) t
Front (LEFT) t…
3From your listening position, adjust the
volume and balance by pressing the
buttons on the remote until the volume
level of the test tone from each speaker
sounds the same.
To adjust Press
the balance
between the front
left and front right
speakers
Setting the clock
1Press =/1 to turn on the system.
2Press TIMER SET.
3Press .or >repeatedly to set the
hour.
4Press ENTER.
5Press .or >repeatedly to set the
minute.
6Press ENTER.
To adjust the clock
1Press TIMER SET.
2Press .or >repeatedly to select
“CLOCK SET”, then press ENTER.
3Do the same procedures as step 3 to 6
above.
Notes
•The clock settings are canceled when you
disconnect the power cord or if a power failure
occurs.
•You cannot set the clock in Power Saving Mode.
BALANCE LEFT or
BALANCE RIGHT
repeatedly while “LEFT”,
“RIGHT”or “CENTER”
appears.
Setting up your speakers for Dolby
Pro Logic (continued)
the balance
between the rear
left and rear right
speakers
BALANCE LEFT or
BALANCE RIGHT
repeatedly while “REAR”
appears.
the volume of the
center speaker CENTER + or CENTER –
repeatedly.
the volume of the
rear speakers REAR + or REAR – repeatedly.
4Press TEST TONE on the remote when
you finish adjusting.
The test tone turns off.
Note
The test tone feature works only for Dolby Pro Logic
Surround sound.

CD/MP3 files
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CD/MP3 files
Loading a CD
You can load up to 60 discs into this unit.
Turn on the system before you load discs.
You can also load and play discs with MP3
files. See “Playing a disc with MP3 files”on
page 18 for MP3 files.
1Open the front cover by pressing
ZPUSH on the front cover.
Disc slot at the loading
position
(located at the very front)
Disc number
The disc number* at the loading position
appears in the display. As you turn DISC
SELECT, the disc number changes.
* If you have already loaded discs, the disc
number at the playing position appears. When
you turn DISC SELECT, the displayed disc
number changes to the one at the loading
position. Disc number
3Insert a disc with the label side facing
right.
Notes
•Make sure you have loaded the disc into each
slot at a right angle to the rotary table. If the
disc is not put in straight, it may damage the
unit or the disc.
•Make sure the rotary table comes to a complete
stop before loading or removing discs.
With the label
side facing
right
4Repeat steps 2 and 3 to load additional
discs.
continued
Front cover
2Turn DISC SELECT (or press DISC –or
DISC + on the remote) until you find the
disc slot where you want to insert a
disc, while checking the disc number
(written beside every slot and also
indicated in the display).

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The tracks on all CDs in the
order you want them to be
played (see “Programing
CD tracks”on page 15).
4Press nN.
The MP3 files in the folder
on the CD you have selected
in random order.
PGM (Program
Play)
The tracks on the CD you
have selected in random
order.
The tracks on all CDs in
random order.
1 DISC SHUF
(Shuffle Play)
All MP3 files in the folder
on the CD you have selected
in original order.
ALL DISCS SHUF
(Shuffle Play)
The CD you have selected
in original order.
ALBM
(Normal Play)
All CDs in the disc tray
continuously.
1 DISC (Normal
Play)
5Close the front cover by pressing
ZPUSH on the front cover.
The rotary table turns and the disc slot at the
loading position is set to the playing
position.
Removing discs
After following step 1 of “Loading a CD”on
page 13, remove the discs. Then close the front
cover.
Notes
•Always close the front cover except when you load
or remove discs.
•Do not load an empty 8 cm CD adaptor. It may
damage the unit.
•Do not attach anything such as seals or sleeves to
CDs. It may damage the unit or the disc.
•If you drop a disc into the unit and the CD will not
go into the slot correctly, consult your nearest Sony
dealer.
•When transporting the unit, remove all discs from
the unit.
•If you want to remove the disc played, open the
front cover. The disc comes to the loading position.
Remove the disc after the rotary table comes to a
complete stop.
Tip
You can display the original Disc Memos instead of
total number of tracks and total playing time (see
“Labeling a CD”on page 16) to locate the disc easily
when you start playing.
When you select a CD-TEXT disc or disc with MP3
files, the disc title is displayed instead of total number
of tracks and total playing time.
Playing a CD
—Normal Play/Shuffle Play/Repeat
Play
You can play up to 60 CDs continuously. This
system lets you play the CD in different play
modes.
Disc number
Track number Playing time
1Press CD to switch the function to CD.
2When you want to specify the disc for
1 DISC, turn DISC SELECT (or press
DISC –or DISC + on the remote) until
the desired disc number or Disc Memo
appears.
3In stop mode, press PLAY MODE/
DIRECTION (or PLAY MODE on the
remote*1) repeatedly until the mode you
want appears.
Select To play
ALL DISCS
(Normal Play)
Loading a CD (continued)
ALBM SHUF
(Shuffle Play)

CD/MP3 files
15
US
Programing CD tracks
—Program Play
You can make a program of up to 25 tracks
from all the CDs in the order you want to play
them.
1Press CD to switch the function to CD.
2Press PLAY MODE/DIRECTION (or
PLAY MODE on the remote*) repeatedly
until “PGM”appears.
3Turn DISC SELECT (or press DISC –or
DISC + on the remote) to select a CD.
To program all the tracks on a CD at once,
go to step 5 with “CDAL”displayed.
4Press .or >repeatedly until the
desired track appears.
Disc number
Note
“ALBM”or “ALBM SHUF”appears even if you
have selected a non-MP3 disc or an MP3 disc with no
folders. In this case, the disc is played in the
“1 DISC”or “1 DISC SHUF”play mode,
respectively. See “Playing a disc with MP3 files”on
page 18 for MP3 files.
Other Operations
To Do this
Stop play
Pause Press PAUSE X(or Xon the
remote). Press again to resume play.
Select a track During play or pause, press >(to
go forward) or .(to go back).
Turn DISC SELECT to the right (to
go forward) or to the left (to go
back) and release it when you reach
the desired CD (or press DISC +or
DISC –on the remote).
Play repeatedly
(Repeat Play) Press REPEAT/FM MODE (or
REPEAT on the remote*1) during
play until “REP”or “REP 1”
appears.
REP*2: For all the tracks on a CD
up to five times (or endlessly for
MP3 files when “SHUF”is
displayed).
REP 1*3: For a single track only.
To cancel Repeat Play, press
REPEAT/FM MODE (or REPEAT
on the remote*1) until “REP”or
“REP 1”disappears.
*1MHC-GS200 only
*2For all the tracks on all CDs, press PLAY MODE/
DIRECTION (or PLAY MODE on the remote*1)
repeatedly in stop mode to select “ALL DISCS”.
However, you cannot select “ALL DISCS SHUF”
and “REP”at the same time.
*3When you select “REP 1”, that track is repeated
endlessly until Repeat Play is canceled.
continued
Selected track
number Playing time of selected track
5Press ENTER.
The track is programed. The programed
track and corresponding step (playing order)
appear.
6Program additional discs or tracks.
To program Repeat steps
Other discs 3 and 5
Other tracks on the
same disc 4 and 5
Other tracks on other
discs 3 to 5
7Press nN.
Press STOP x(or xon the
remote).
Find a point in
a track During play, press and hold M(to go forward) or m(to go back).
Release it when you find the desired
point.
Select a CD in
stop mode
Select a folder
of MP3 files Press ALBM –or ALBM + repeatedly after step 2.

16
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Perform step 6.
To program the MP3 files
After step 3, press ALBM –or ALBM +
repeatedly until the folder you want appears,
and then go to step 4. To program all the files
on a folder at once, proceed to step 5 with
folder name displayed.
Tips
•The program you made remains after Program Play
finishes. To play the same program again, press CD,
then press nNin Program Play mode.
•“––.––” appears when the total CD program time
exceeds 100 minutes, when you select a CD track
whose number is 21 or over or when you programed
an MP3 file.
•The programed disc and track numbers remain until
you erase them, so that the system plays only the
existing disc and track numbers if you replace discs.
However, the disc and track numbers that are not
found in the system or on the disc are deleted from
the program, and the rest of the program is played
in the programed order.
* MHC-GS200 only
Clear the entire
program
Press .or >repeatedly
during Program Play.
Clear a track or
disc from the
end
Press CLEAR in stop mode.
Other Operations
To Do this
Press PLAY MODE/DIRECTION
(or PLAY MODE on the remote*)
repeatedly until “PGM”
disappears.
Check the
program
Cancel Program
play
Labeling a CD
—Disc Memo
You can label up to 60 CDs with titles of up to
20 characters. Whenever you load a labeled
CD, the title appears in the display.
You can also label CDs using an optional
keyboard (see “Labeling titles through the
keyboard”on page 33).
Notes
•You cannot label a CD-TEXT disc.
•To ensure that Disc Memos are not erased from
memory, have the system connected to a wall outlet
at least once a day.
•You can label a CD only during Normal Play (when
“1 DISC”, “ALL DISCS”or “ALBM”is displayed)
in stop mode.
1Press CD to switch the function to CD.
If “SHUF”or “PGM”appears, press PLAY
MODE/DIRECTION (or PLAY MODE on
the remote*) repeatedly until both
disappear.
2Turn DISC SELECT (or press DISC –or
DISC + on the remote) until the disc
number you want to label appears.
3Press MENU.
4Press .or >repeatedly until
“NAME IN”appears.
5Press ENTER.
The cursor appears.
6Turn DISC SELECT until the character
you want appears.
You can input the following characters:
•Upper cases (A –Z)
•Numbers (0 –9)
•Symbols (‘–⁄, + < > _ = `)
Programing CD tracks (continued)
Press and hold CLEAR in stop
mode.
Add tracks or
discs to the end
of program in
stop mode

CD/MP3 files
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7Press M.
The character you selected in step 6 stops
flashing and the cursor shifts to the right.
8Repeat steps 6 and 7 to complete the
entire title.
If you make a mistake
Press mor Muntil the character you
want to change flashes, then repeat steps 6
and 7.
To erase a character
Press CLEAR while the character is
flashing. You cannot insert characters.
9Press ENTER to complete the labeling
procedure.
To cancel labeling
Press MENU.
Tip
When you replace a disc with a CD-TEXT disc, the
disc title of the CD-TEXT disc is automatically
restored. The Disc Memo of the CD-TEXT disc is no
longer stored (disappears) when the disc is removed.
Note that you cannot change the Disc Memo of a
CD-TEXT disc.
Note
The Disc Memo stores the number of the slot in
which the CD was loaded. Re-enter the Disc Memo
when loading a new CD into that slot.
Checking the Disc Memos
1Press CD to switch the function to CD.
2Press MENU.
3Press .or >repeatedly until
“NAME CHECK”appears, then press
ENTER.
4Turn DISC SELECT to select the Disc
Memos stored in the system memory
between 01 and 60, then press MENU.
To check the current Disc Memo
Press DISPLAY repeatedly until the Disc
Memo appears in stop mode.
Erasing a Disc Memo
1Press CD to switch the function to CD.
If “SHUF”or “PGM”appears, press PLAY
MODE/DIRECTION (or PLAY MODE on
the remote*) repeatedly until both disappear.
2Press MENU.
3Press .or >repeatedly until “NAME
ERASE”appears, then press ENTER.
4Turn DISC SELECT to select the disc
number with the Disc Memo you want to
erase, then press ENTER.
Erasing all Disc Memos of all
discs
1Press CD to switch the function to CD.
If “SHUF”or “PGM”appears, press PLAY
MODE/DIRECTION (or PLAY MODE on
the remote*) repeatedly until both disappear.
2Press MENU.
3Press .or >repeatedly until “ALL
ERASE”appears, then press ENTER.
4Press ENTER again until “COMPLETE”
appears.
* MHC-GS200 only

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Playing a disc with MP3
files
About MP3 files
MP3 (MPEG 1 Audio Layer-3) is a standard
technology and format for compressing a sound
sequence. The file is compressed to about 1/10
of its original size. Sounds outside the range of
human hearing are compressed while the
sounds we can hear are not compressed.
Playback of some MP3 files may not be
possible, depending on the encoding.
Notes on discs
You can play MP3 files recorded on CD-ROMs
CD-Rs (recordable CDs), and CD-RWs
(rewritable CDs).
The disc must be in the ISO 9660*1level 1 or
level 2 format, or Joliet in the expansion
format.
You can use a disc recorded in Multi Session*2.
*1 ISO 9660 Format
The most common international standard for the
logical format of files and folders on a CD-ROM.
There are several specification levels. In Level 1,
file names must be in the 8.3 format (no more than
eight characters in the name, no more than three
characters in the extension “.MP3”) and in capital
letters. Folder names can be no longer than eight
characters. There can be no more than eight nested
folder levels. Level 2 specifications allow file
names and folder names up to 31 characters long.
Each folder can have up to 8 trees.
For Joliet in the expansion format (file and folder
names can have up to 64 characters) make sure of
the contents of the writing software, etc.
*2Multi Session
This is a recording method that enables adding of
data using the Track-At-Once method.
Conventional CDs begin at a CD control area
called the Lead-in and end at an area called Lead-
out. A Multi Session CD is a CD having multiple
sessions, with each segment from Lead-in to Lead-
out regarded as a single session.
CD-Extra: This format records audio (audio CD
data) on the tracks in session 1 and data on the
tracks in session 2.
Mixed CD: This format records data on the first
track and audio (audio CD data) on the second and
subsequent tracks of a session.
Notes
• With formats other than ISO 9660 level 1 and 2,
folder names or file names may not be displayed
correctly.
• When naming, be sure to add the file extension
“MP3” to the file name.
• If you put the extension “MP3” to a file other than
MP3, the unit cannot recognize the file properly and
will generate random noise that could damage your
speakers.
• The following discs take a longer time to start
playback.
– a disc recorded with complicated tree structure.
– a disc recorded in Multi Session.
– a disc to which data can be added (non-finalized
disc).
• The encoding method (i.e., the bit rate selected for
encoding) will affect the sound quality of the MP3
files.
• The bit rate typically used for MP3 files is
128 kbps.
Cautions when playing a disc that is
recorded in Multi Session
CD-DA (audio) data or MP3 files stored on a Multi
Session CD may be subject to some restrictions on
playback.
– If the disc begins with a CD-DA session, it is
recognized as a CD-DA (audio) disc, and
playback continues until an MP3 session is
encountered.
– If the disc begins with an MP3 session, it is
recognized as an MP3 disc, and playback
continues until a CD-DA (audio) session is
encountered.
– The playback range of an MP3 disc is determined
by the tree structure of files produced by
analyzing of the disc.
– A disc with a mixed CD format will be
recognized as a CD-DA (audio) disc.

CD/MP3 files
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The playback order of the MP3 files
The playback order of the folders and files is as
follows:
1
2
6
3
5
7
1
2
6
7
4
8
3
5
8
4
9
Folder (album)
MP3 file (track)
Tree 1 Tree 2 Tree 3 Tree 4 Tree 5
(root)
Notes
•When the disc is inserted, the player reads all the
files on that disc. If there are many folders or non-
MP3 files on the disc, it may take a long time for
play to begin or for the next MP3 file to start play.
•Do not save unnecessary folders or files other than
MP3 ones in the disc to be used for MP3 listening.
We recommend that you do not save other types
files or unnecessary folders on a disc that has MP3
files.
•A folder that does not include an MP3 files is
skipped.
•Maximum folder number: 150 (including root
folder and empty folders)
•The maximum number of MP3 files and folders that
can be contained on a single disc is 300.
•Playback is possible up to 8 levels.
Tip
To specify a desired playback order, before the folder
or file name, input the order by number (e.g., “01,”
“02”), then record contents onto a disc. (The order
differs depending on the writing software.)
Listening to an MP3 file
You can also play discs with MP3 files on this
system. See “Playing a disc with MP3 files”on
page 18 for MP3 files.
1Press CD to switch the function to CD.
2Turn DISC SELECT (or press DISC –or
DISC +) to select the desired disc with
MP3 files.
3Press ALBM –or ALBM + repeatedly to
select the desired folder.
4When you want to specify a file in the
folder, press .or >repeatedly to
select the desired file.
Proceed to step 5 when you start playing
from the first file in the folder.
5Press nN.
Tip
You can perform the operations described under
“Playing a CD”(page 14) and “Programing CD
tracks”(page 15) only for the files in the folder.
Note
When playing back an MP3 file, the playback elapsed
time indication may differ from the actual time in the
following cases.
–When you play back a VBR (variable bit rate)
MP3 file
–When you perform Fast Forward or Rewind
(Manual Search)

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Tuner
Presetting radio stations
You can preset up to 20 FM stations and 10
AM stations. You can then tune in any of those
stations simply by selecting the corresponding
preset number.
There are two ways to store the station presets.
To Method
Automatic Tuning Preset
Manual Tuning Preset
Setting presets through
automatic tuning
1Press TUNER/BAND repeatedly to
select “FM”or “AM”.
2Press and hold TUNING –or + until the
frequency indication starts to change,
then release it.
Scanning stops automatically when the
system tunes in a station. “TUNED”and
“ST”(for a stereo program) appear.
If “TUNED”does not appear and the
scanning does not stop
Set the frequency of the desired radio
station as described in steps 2 through 7 of
“Setting presets through manual tuning”.
3Press MENU.
4Press PRESET –or + repeatedly until
“MEMORY”appears, then press
ENTER.
A preset number appears.
Preset number
5Press PRESET –or + repeatedly to
select the desired preset number.
6Press ENTER.
“COMPLETE”appears.
The station is stored.
7Repeat steps 1 to 6 to store other
stations.
Automatically tune in
all of the stations that
can be received in your
area and then store
them manually
Manually tune in and
store the radio
frequency of your
favorite stations