Sony SL-HF950ES User manual

AEP Model
E Model
September, 1985
System
SPECIFICATIONS
Video recording system
Rotary two-head helical scanning
Audio recording system
Video signal
Aerial input
Beta hi-fi PAL system (2 channels)
(Recording on the conventional audio
track is monaural.)
SL-HF950ES
CCIR standards, PAL and DDR
SECAM colour
SL-HF950E
CCIR standards, PAL colour
75-ohm, asymmetrical aerial socket
Stereo/bilingual system (SL-HF950ES only)
West-German two-carrier system
Channel coverage
SL-HF950ES
VHF: Western European channels
E2 - U20
UHF: Western European channels
E21 - E68
(Up to 30 programmes can be preset.)
SL-HF950E
VHF: Western European channels
E2-€12
UHF: Western European channels
E21 - E68
(Up to 30 programmes can be preset.)
RF output signal
UHF channels E30 to E39 (variable)
75 ohms, unbalanced
Video
Super Beta hi-ii
CX CHASSIS
Horizontal resolution
280 lines (Super Beta PRO mode)
Beta hi-fi PAL sound
Frequency response
20 Hz to 20 kHz (MPX FILTER OFF)
Wow and flutter
Dynamic range
Less than 0.005 % WRMS
More than 80 dB
Inputs and outputs
Video input
Video output-
Audio inputs
Beta
VIDEO
VIDEO IN: BNC connector
1.0 V (p-p) ~58 V (p-P)
75 ohms, unbalanced,
sync negative
VIDEO OUT: BNC connecter
1.0 V (p-p) +0.1 V (p-p)
75 ohms, unbalanced,
sync negative
AUDIO IN: 2 phono jacks
47 kilohms, —10 dBs
(OdBs = 0.775V rms)
Microphone: -60dBs, for ow-
impedance microphone
— Continuecoon page 2 —
CASSETTE REC) RDER
SONY.

Audio outputs AUDIO OUT: 2 phono jacks
Load impedance less than 10 kilohms
-10 dBs with 47 kilohms load,
unbalanced
Headphones: Stereo phone jack
—26 dBs, 8ohms
Video/audio output
21-pin EXROCONNECTOR
CONTROL § input
Minijack
CONTROL L input/output
5-pin connector
CONTROL L
GND
DC OUT (8 V, 100 mA)
Tape transport
Tape speed 18.73 mm/sec.
Maximum recording time
2 hours 10 min. (with Sony L-500 cas-
sette)
3 hours 15 min. (with L-750)
Fast forward/rewind time
Within 5 min. (with L-500)
Timer
Clock
Time indication
24-hour cycle
Timer setting Only for recording
6 events/3 weeks, adjustable for any
day or for all 7 days of the week or for
every week
Crystal lock
General
Power requirements
110 - 240 V AC + 10 %, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption
SL-HF950ES: 39W
SL-HF950E: 36W
Storage temperature
—20° C to +60° C (—4° F to +140° F)
Operating temperature
5° C to 40° C (41° F to 104° F)
Approx. 430 x 95 x 405 mm (w/h/d)
(17 x 3 4/4 x 16 inches)
including projecting parts and controls
Approx. 10.5 kg (23 Ibs) net
Dimensions
Weight
Accessories supplied
Video cassette tape (1)
75-ohm coaxial cable for recorder to TV connection (1)
Remote Commander RMT-223 with two IEC designation
R6 batteries (1)
RF channel adjustment screwdriver (1)
Design and specifications subject to change without
notice.
Note
This appliance conforms with EEC Directives 76/889 and
82/499 regarding interference suppression.

SAFETY CHECK-OUT
After correcting the original service problem, perform the following
safety checks before releasing the set to the customer:
1. Check the area of your repair for unsoldered or
poorly-soldered connections. Check the entire
board surface for solder splashes and bridges.
2. Check the interboard wiring to ensure that no
wires are “pinched” or contact high-wattage
resistors.
3. Look for unauthorized replacement parts, par-
ticularly transistors, that were installed during a
previous repair. Point them out to the customer
and recommend their replacement.
SAFETY-RELATED COMPONENT WARNING !!
COMPONENTS IDENTIFIED BY SHADING AND MARK
ON THE SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS, EXPLODED
VIEWS 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. CIRCUIT ADJUSTMENTS
THAT ARE CRITICAL TO SAFE OPERATION ARE
IDENTIFIED IN THIS MANUAL. FOLLOW THESE PRO-
CEDURES WHENEVER CRITICAL COMPONENTS ARE
REPLACED OR IMPROPER OPERATION IS SUSPECTED.
4.
Look for parts which, though functioning, show
obvious signs of deterioration. Point them out
to the customer and recommend their replace-
ment.
Check the B+ voltage to see it is at the values
specified.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Title
1. GENERAL
1-1. Precautions ....... flies oa Peay ete, Sana 6
1-2. Technical Information. ..............
1-3. Location and Function of Controls .......,
1-4.
On-Screen
Display
.................
1-5. Cassette Insertion .............0..0.
1-6. TV Programme Recording
(Beta hi-fi recording). ...............
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1-8.
Useofthe
Time
Counter
.............
1-9.
Index
Function.
..............004.
1-10. Timer-Activated Recording ............
1-11.
Tape
Editing
................0004
1-12.
TV
Station
Programming
............
i
1-13. Clock Setting. ...................

SECTION 1
GENERAL
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.
NOTE ON THE SL-HF950ES
AND SL-HF950E
This instruction manual covers the SL-HF950ES and SL-
HF950E.
The principal differences between the models are indi-
cated in the following table. The differences are clearly
mentioned in the text required.
SL-HF950ES SL-HF950E
E
Colour system cae ane SECAM PAL
TV channel VHF E2 - U20 VHF E2- E12
coverage UHF E21 - £68 UHF E21 - E68
Stereo/bilingual
TV programme Provided Not provided
reception
The illustrations used in this manual are of the SL-
HF9S5O0ES.
1-1. PRECAUTIONS
On safety
e This unit operates on 110 —- 240 V ac, 50/60 Hz.
eShould any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet,
turn off the unit and have it checked by qualified per-
sonnel before operating it any further.
e@To disconnect the mains lead (ac power cord), pull it
out by the plug. Never pull the lead itself.
e@ The unit is not disconnected from the mains (ac power
source) as long as it is connected to the mains outlet,
even if the unit itself has been turned off.
On installation
e@ Allow adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat
build-up. Do not place the unit on surfaces (rugs, blan-
kets, etc.) or near materials (curtains, draperies) that
may block the ventilation grille.
e Do not install the unit near heat sources such as radi-
ators or air ducts or in a place subject to direct sun-
light, excessive dust, mechanical vibration or shock.
e The unit is designed for operation in a horizontal posi-
tion. Do not install it in an inclined position.
eKeep the unit and cassette tapes away from equip-
ment with strong magnets, such as a microwave oven,
large loudspeakers, etc.
On operation
e@When the unit is not to be used for a long period, turn
the unit off to conserve energy and to extend the use-
ful life of your unit.
e@ Remove and store video cassettes after recording or
playback. Always store the cassette in its case to
keep the tape away from dust.
On cleaning
Clean the cabinet, panel and controls with a dry soft
cloth. Do not use a moistened cloth or any type of sol-
vent, such as alcohol or benzine, which might damage
the finish.
On repacking
Do not throw away the carton and packing materials.
They make an ideal container in which to transport the
unit. When shipping the unit to another location, repack
it as illustrated on the carton.
On colour broadcasting systems
This machine is designed to record and play back using
the PAL colour system (SL-HF950E) or the PAL and DDR
SECAM colour systems (SL-HF950ES). Recording and
playback of video sources based on other colour sys-
tems cannot be guaranteed.
If you have any questions about this unit, contact your
Sony dealer.

REMOVAL OF THE TRANSIT
SCREWS
The cassette compartment is secured with three transit
screws to prevent it from sliding out while the unit is
being transported.
Before operating the unit, be sure to remove the transit
screws, using a screwdriver. Store the screws in the
screw holes at the rear, and put them back in the
original positions when transporting the unit.
Screw holes
Rear view
Transit screws
1-2. TECHNICAL INFORMATION
HIGH QUALITY SOUND
What is Beta hi-fi PAL recording?
In conventional recording, audio signals are recorded
on the audio track and the video signals on the video
track. On Beta hi-fi recording, audio signals are record-
ed on the video track together with the video signals.
In this recorder’s Beta hi-fi PAL system, audio signals
are recorded first, using the 2 audio heads, then video
signals are recorded over the audio signals with an azi-
muth offset, using the 2 video heads.
Beta hi-fi audio signals are frequency-modulated and
recorded on 2 channels, so you can record a stereo or bi-
lingual programme with sound clearly superior to that of
a conventiona! audio recording.
Conventional
audio track
(monaural)
Audio signal
Video + audio
FM track
Control track
Video signal
Video heads
For recording/playback of video signals
Audio heads
For recording/
playback of
Beta hi-fi audio
signals
Audio/controi heads
For recording/playback of conventi»mal audio
signals and control signals
Beta hi-fi recording on this recorder
This recorder simultaneously records audio sqnals on
the video track (Beta hi-fi recording) and on the conven-
tional audio track (in monaural), so that tapes recorded
with this recorder can be played back on an ordinary
video cassette recorder without a Beta hi-fi system.

HIGH QUALITY PICTURE
—Technology behind Super Beta (PAL)
Super Beta standard mode
Betamax provides a high-resolution picture thanks to its
high relative tape-to-head speed produced with the
large diameter head drum.
Super Beta standard made offers even sharper and de-
tailed picture reproduction by improving the emphasis
characteristics of video signals in recording and the
noise canceller characteristics in playback.
Super Beta PRO mode
In addition to the technology mentioned above, with the
use of the highest-grade tape, the FM carrier frequency
of the luminance signal is shifted up by 500 kHz. The re-
sults are higher resolution of the picture and improved
signal-to-noise ratio of the chrominance signal. (Fig. 1)
Other technical extras
This SL-HF950ES/E employs a compression circuit for
recording current of the chrominance signal for better
signal-to-noise ratio. (Fig. 2) In addition, the newly devel-
oped ‘‘DA (Double Azimuth) PRO 4 HEAD” reduces inter-
ference between adjacent video tracks resulting in high-
er quality picture reproduction. These technologies
contributes to overall picture quality of the SL-HF950ES/
E.
Notes
eSuper Beta PRO mode must be used with highest-
grade tapes such as Sony PRO-X or equivalent tapes
from other tape manufacturers.
eThe tapes recorded in Super Beta should be played
back in Super Beta mode.
Fig. 1 Frequency response
\ Super Beta PRO
mode
at high level signal
Conventional
Super Beta PRO
mode
at low level signal
Conventional
(MH2)
Fig. 2 Chrominance signal-to-noise ratio
SL-HF950ES/E
Chrominance S/N
Conventional
50 100 (%)
Chrominance signal level

1-3. LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF CONTROLS
Front [5]
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[25] (24) [23] 22) [21] (20) {19
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18) (17) (46) (15) (14) [13
({]ON/STANDBY switch and indicator
Press to turn on the unit. The indicator will light up.
Press again to turn it off.
The timer section will continue to operate and the
time will be displayed even if the ON/STANDBY
switch is off.
(2) EJECT button
Press to remove the cassette. This button does not
function when the recorder is turned off.
(3)REMOTE SENSOR
Detects the remote control signal transmitted from
the supplied Remote Commander.
[4] Display window
Shows the recorder is in
© TIMER REC indicator:
timer standby mode. It is also displayed during
timer recording including quick timer recording.
© VTR indicator: Shows the recorder is in VTR
mode.
© Week indicators: Show the week in which the
timer recording will take place. See page 25.
© Day of the week indicators
© STEREO indicator (SL-HF950ES only):
a stereo broadcast is being received.
Shows
@ SC (simulcast) indicator: Shows the INPUT SE-
LECT switch is set to SIMUL.
PROG (programme) number: Shows the
programme number selected with the PROG +/—
buttons. When the INPUT SELECT switch is set
to LINE/PCM, the indication will change to ‘‘AU”.
Index indicators: Appear when the index func-
tion is activated. See page 22.
Cassette indicator: Shows a cassette is insert-
ed.
Turn-on time setting indicator
Event number
Turn-on time of a timer recording
Time counter: Shows the approximate tape run-
ning time.
Turn-off time setting indicator
Clock/turn-off time: Normally shows the current
time. Shows the turn-off time of a time: record-
ing during timer setting and checking.
BILINGUAL indicator (SL-HF950ES only) :
a bilingual broadcast is being received.
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[5] Cassette compartment
The compartment slides out when the & EJECT but-
ton or the VW OPEN/CLOSE button is pressed. To slide
it in, press the VW OPEN/CLOSE button.
[6] WOPEN/CLOSE button
Press to slide out the cassette compartment regard-
less of whether the tape is running or not. Press again
to slide in the cassette compartment.
—38—

Variable
speed
playback
buttons
and
indicators
During
playback
(in
normal,
still,
fast
motion
or
slow
motion
picture
mode),
press
one
of
these
buttons
to
select
the
desired
playback
speed.
The
indicator
on
the
button
lights.
When
the
indicator
of
the
>
FWD
FRAME
button
lights,
the
picture
advances.
When
the
indicator
of
the
REV
<
FRAME
button
lights,
the
pic-
ture
moves
in
the
reverse
direction.
plq
STILL
button:
For
still
picture
1/10
button:
For
slow
motion
picture
at
4/10
normal
speed
1/5
button:
For
slow
motion
picture
at
*/s
normal
speed
x 1 button: For normal speed picture
x 2 button: For double-speed picture
x9
button:
For
fast
motion
picture
at
9
times
normal
speed
FRAME buttons
During normal or variable speed playback, these but-
tons are used to select the direction of playback.
Press the > FWD button for forward picture, or the
REV < button for reverse picture.
These buttons are also used for frame-by-frame play-
back.
During
pause
of
playback
or
in
still
picture
mode, press the > FWD button to advance the picture
by one frame, or the REV < button to reverse the pic-
ture by one frame. If either button is kept depressed,
the picture moves frame by frame continuously.
[8] PROG (programme) +/— buttons
Press + to advance or — to reverse the programme
numbers. Also used for clock setting and timer set-
ting.
(10) Tuning compartment
All the switches and buttons for programming sta-
tions are in this compartment.
SEARCH
© RESET button: Toclear the programmed station,
press this button.
© AFT button and lamp: The AFT circuit activates
automatically after the stations are tuned and
memorized with automatic and manual pro-
gramming. The AFT famp will illuminate. If you
wish to restore the AFT on the station which has
been fine-tuned manually with the FINE buttons,
press the AFT button.
© FINE + and — buttons: Press to fine-tune the
station.
© AUTO PROGRAM (automatic programming) but-
ton: To preset the receivable stations automa-
tically, press this button.
© Tuning lamps: Lights to indicate the tuning
band.
@
SEARCH
+
and
-
buttons:
Press
to
tune
in
a
station.
Press
the
—
button
to
get
a station
of
lower
frequency
and
the
+ button
to
get
a station
of
higher
frequency.
(\4] INSERT indicators
The AUDIO indicator lights when the AUDIO INSERT
button is pressed, and the VIDEO indicator lights
when the VIDEO INSERT button is pressed.
{12} Function buttons
<q REW button: Press to rewind the tape.
® PLAY button: Press to play the tape back.
pe
FF
button:
Press
to
advance
the
tape
rapidly.
@ STOP button: Press to stop the tape.
1} PAUSE/pi@ STILL button: Press to stop the tape
for a moment during recording or playback. Press
again to release the pause mode.
@ RECORD button: Press to start recording.
(13) SUPER BETA indicator
This indicator lights when the SUPER BETA selector
is set to the SUPER BETA (STD or PRO) position.
[14] EDIT indicator
This indicator lights when the EDIT switch is set to
the lower position.
(15) INDEX button
This button is used for the index search or index scan
operation. See page 23.
(16) GO TO ZERO button
In stop mode, press this button to advance or rewind
the tape to approximately the “OHOOMO00S” point on
the time counter.
(17, COUNTER RESET button
Press to reset the time counter to “OHOOMO0S”.
{i8] TV/VTR select button
This button is operable when a TV is connected to the
recorder’s 21-pin EUROCONNECTOR.
To view a TV programme selected by the PROG but-
tons on the recorder or to monitor the picture being
recorded, press this button so that the VTR indicator
appears in the display window. When the p>» PLAY
button on the recorder is pressed, the recorder is au-
tomatically set in the VTR mode. To view a TV pro-
gramme in the usual manner, press this button so
that the indicator goes off. When the recorder is
turned
off,
the
recorder
is
automatically
set
in
the
TV
mode.
—9—

REC LEVEL (recording level) controls
Used to adjust the audio recording level of Beta hi-fi
recording. Normally set-these controls to 5 (green po-
sition) for recording TV programmes.
(20)PEAK PROG (programme) METER/BETA HI-FI
TRACKING meters
When the LEVEL METER selector is set to ON, these
meters show the peak input levels of the left and right
channels during Beta hi-fi recording, and recorded
levels during playback.
When the LEVEL METER selector is set to BETA HI-FI
TRACKING, the meters show the audio tracking ad-
justment. Adjust the audio tracking for optimum
sound reproduction of a tape on which only the sound
has been recorded in Beta hi-fi.
(21} Beta hi-fi lamp
Lights to show Beta hi-fi recording, or playback of a
Beta hi-fi recorded tape regardless of the BETA HI-FI
selector’s position.
(22} SOUND lamp
When the RECORD mode selector is set to SOUND,
this lamp lights to show audio recording. It also lights
when a tape with audio signals only is being played
back.
23} MIC (microphone) jack (minijack)
Connect a microphone to record the sound from it on
the conventional audio track.
PHONES jack (stereo phone jack)
Connect headphones to monitor the sound.
[25] PHONE LEVEL control
Adjust the sound volume of the headphones.
Inside the front panel
TIMER REC
pi
CLOCK SET button: Press to initiate clock set-
ting.
CLEAR button: Press to erase the memory of the
timer setting.
CHECK button: Press to check timer settings.
TIMER SET button: Press to initiate timer set-
ing.
NEXT button: Press to advance to the next item
to be set during clock or timer setting.
TIMER REC ON/OFF button: Press to activate
timer recording. Press it again to deactivate
timer recording or quick timer recording in timer
standby mode or while recording.
eo 0 860 8 O
[27] QUICK TIMER button
Press to set the recording duration up to 4 hours in
units of 30 minutes.
(28) TONE selector
Normally set to HIGH. If the high frequencies of the
playback sound recorded on the conventional audio
track seem exaggerated, set to LOW.

[23]BETA HI-FI selector
Selects the video track or the conventional audio
track for sound playback.
AUTO: Normally, set to' this position. The recorder
will automatically select the video track for Beta
hi-fi recorded tapes or the conventional audio track
for tapes recorded without the Beta hi-fi system.
NORMAL: Set to this position when you wish to lis-
ten to the sound recorded on the conventional
audio track of a Beta hi-fi recorded tape.
(30] AUDIO MONITOR selector
When the BETA HI-FI selector is set to AUTO, select
the sound to be listened to. See page 18.
When the BETA HI-FI selector is set to NORMAL, the
sound being recorded or already recorded on the con-
ventional audio track is heard, regardless of the posi-
tion of this selector.
(3]LEVEL METER selector
Set to ON to turn on the PEAK PROG METER. :
Set to OFF to turn the meter off. Set to BETA HI-FI
TRACKING to adjust the audio tracking of a tape on
which the sound only has been recorded in Beta hi-fi.
(32]DISPLAY switch
Normally set to ON. To turn off the on-screen display
on the TV or monitor, set to OFF.
(3]SUPER BETA selector
Normally keep this selector at NORMAL. To record or
play back in Super Beta, set to STD or PRO. See page
16.
(34)EDIT switch
Normally keep this switch at the upper position.
When editing a tape onto another recorder, set to the
lower position.
(35) SHARPNESS control
Used to adjust the sharpness of the playback picture
if necessary. Normally set the control at the center
detent
position.
(36) INPUT SELECT switch
Select the programme to be recorded.
TUNER: For recording TV programmes
SIMUL: For recording FM simulcast programmes
LINE/PCM: For recording signals connected to the
VIDEO IN and AUDIO IN jacks
[37] TRACKING controls
Normally keep these controls at the center detent po-
sition. Turning either of the controls may help clear
possible streaks or noise bands on the screen. See
“Picture adjustment for variable speed playback” on
page 20.
The NORMAL control is also used for Beta hi-fi track-
ing adjustment.
(33) MPX FILTER (multiplex filter) switch
Normally set to ON for Beta hi-fi recording. The multi-
plex filter cuts off the high-frequency signals which
sometimes grate on the ear. If you wish to record
without cutting the high frequencies, set to OFF.
(33]RECORD mode selector
VIDEO: Normally, set to this position. Sound and
picture are recorded in Beta hi-fi.
SOUND: Set to this position to record sound only
in Beta hi-fi.
(40}INSERT buttons
Use these buttons to “ insert” anew recording onto a
part of a recorded tape. Press the AUDIO button to in-
sert sound on the conventional audio track. Press the
VIDEO button to insert picture and/or Beta hi-fi sound
on the video track.
(41}INDEX buttons
Press the MARK button to mark an index signal at the
desired point during recording or playback. To erase
a prerecorded index signal, locate the index signal
and press the ERASE button.

Rear
{42} RF CHANNEL screw
If there is interference on the factory-preset channel
for RF output and the signal of this recorder cannot
be displayed clearly on the TV screen, adjust this
screw with the supplied screwdriver.
{43] AERIAL OUT socket
Connect the aerial input of the TV receiver using the
supplied cable.
(44]DX/LOCAL switch
Normally set this switch to DX. If the TV signal is very
strong, set the switch to LOCAL.
[45] AERIAL IN socket
Connect the aerial cable.
(46) AC mains lead
(47) CONTROL L connector (5 pin)
Connect to the CONTROL L connector of other Sony
Products for various system operations.
(48) EU ROCONNECTOR (21 pin)
Connect to the 21-pin EUROCONNECTOR of another
recorder, TV or video monitor.
[4] TEST SIGNAL switch
Set to ON to obtain the test pattern for adjusting the
TV so that it can receive the signal from the recorder.
(50}STILL ADJ (still picture adjustment) knob
If the still or slow motion picture appears to shake,
turn this knob until it stabilizes.
(51) VIDEO IN jack (BNC type)
Connect
to
the
video
output
of
a
camera,
another
video
cassette
recorder,
a
PCM
digital
audio
proces-
sor, etc.
(52) VIDEO OUT jack (BNC type)
Connect
to
the
video
input
of
another
video
cassette
recorder,
a
video
monitor
or
a
PCM
digital
audio
proc-
essor.
(3]CONTROL S input jack (minijack)
Connect
to
the
CONTROL
S$
output
jack
of
other
Sony
products for various system operations.
(54) AUDIO IN jacks (phono type)
Connect
to
the
audio
outputs
of
a
camera
or
another
video
cassette
recorder,
or
to
the
recording
outputs
of a stereo amplifier.
[55] AUDIO OUT jacks (phono type)
Connect
to
the
audio
inputs
of
a
video
monitor
or
an-
other
video
cassette
recorder,
or
to
the
auxiliary
in-
puts
or
tape
inputs
of
a
stereo
amplifier.

1-4. ON-SCREEN DISPLAY
The various operation modes of this recorder are dis-
played on the screen of the connected TV or monitor.
Note
The on-screen display does not appear when there is no
picture on the screen.
WHEN A TV PROGRAMME IS SELECTED
The programme number is displayed when the INPUT
SELECT switch is set to TUNER or SIMUL and the +/-
PROG button is pressed.
The programme number will be turned off in several sec-
onds.
Simulcast
indicator*
Programme
number
or
AU
*The SC indicator appears when the INPUT SELECT switch is set to
SIMUL.
Tape operation mode indicators
dd
Rewind
DId
D
Playback
IID
DD
Fast-forward
QII
(44)
Reverse
picture
search
Ye
(DD)
Forward
picture
search
Vell
Dil
Playback
pause
Re
Oo
Recording
Agel
oll
Recording
pause
A/Ve
x9
-x9
A/Veli
x2
~—xe
Variable
speed
yp
i
playback
Sbr?
x1
—*1
eae
3
indicates
the
ope
v5
-17
5
reverse
direction.
DDI
1710-1710
WHEN THE TAPE IS IN OPERATION
The time counter and the tape operation mode are dis-
played.
Most of the tape operation mode indicators will be auto-
matically turned off in several seconds.
The time counter normally remains displayed. To turn
off the counter, press the COUNTER DISPLAY button on
the Remote Commander. To recall the counter display,
press the same button again.
Note
Once the on-screen time counter is turned off with the
COUNTER DISPLAY button, it will not appear even when
the recorder is turned off and on again.
Index function
indicators
Time counter
(hour/minute/second)
Tape operation mode
indicator
Still picture
Forward frame-by-frame picture
Reverse frame-by-frame picture
Video insert
Video insert pause
Audio insert
Audio insert pause
Audio/video insert
Audio/video insert pause
Manual index signal mark or erase
Index scan
Index search
ae eer

DISPLAY FOR TIMER
When the TIMER SET button is pressed, the preset
events and the event in setting are displayed. The blink-
ing item is what you are setting.
Current day and time Simulcast indicator *
x t-7
ewe ee ee ee
fj.
Event
number
Turn-on
time
Programme
number
or AU
Turn-off time
‘2 20:00%21:00 12
Week indicators Day indicators
1-7 Every day 1 Monday
‘This week 2
Next week 3
The week after next 4
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
5 Friday
6 Saturday
7 + Sunday
Every week
When the CHECK button or the TIMER DISPLAY button
on the Remote Commander is pressed, the list of all pre-
set events appears.
Every time the CHECK button is pressed, the event num-
ber blinks in sequence to show that the setting of that
particular event can be changed or cleared.
:35
‘00921 :00
:00718:30
:30919:30
:00911:00
<=>
:—-9
When the CLEAR button is pressed, the event will be
erased from the memory.
3---
=< <=> —!=-=—
The timer display will be turned off when the TIMER DIS-
PLAY button is pressed again or when the CHECK but-
ton is pressed with the last event number blinking.
WHEN THE QUICK TIMER IS ACTIVATED
The recording duration and the programme number are
displayed. The display will be automatically turned off
in several seconds.
Recording duration
Simulcast indicator *
TIMER 3:00 SC 7
Programme number
or AU
*The SC indicator appears when the INPUT SELECT switch is set to
SIMUL.

BASIC OPERATIONS
1-5. CASSETTE INSERTION
1 Press the ON/STANDBY switch. The indicator on the
switch and the Beta hi-fi lamp will light.
Press the & EJECT button. The cassette compart-
ment slides out and the cassette holder is raised.
Insert a cassette with the arrow on the cassette to-
wards the front.
Cassette holder
ON/STANDBY/ /
4 Press the ¥ OPEN/CLOSE button. The cassette
compartment slides in and the’ indication ap-
pears in the display window.
v OPEN/CLOSE
In place of Step 4, you may press any of the function
buttons. The cassette compartment slides in and
the recorder directly goes into the selected tape op-
eration mode.
To eject the cassette
Press the 4 EJECT button. The cassette compartment
slides out and the cassette holder is raised. Take out
the cassette by hand.
Note
The & EJECT button does not function when the record-
er is turned off or during recording or audio/video insert-
ing.
To openiclose the cassette compartment
By pressing the VW OPEN/CLOSE button, the cassette
compartment can be slid out or in even while the tape is
running, allowing check of the remaining tape amount.
Notes on the cassette compartment
e@ Be careful not to trap your hand between the cassette
compartment and the cabinet when the compartment
is moving. If you should do so, the cassette compart-
ment will automatically stop and move in the opposite
direction in several seconds.
e Do not insert anything other than a cassette inside the
cassette holder and compartment.
@Do not push down on the cassette holder forcibly
when it is raised. If excessive force is applied, the pro-
tective device is activated to stop the cassette com-
partment movement and recorder operation. In this
case, press the VW OPEN/CLOSE button.
e Frequent moving of the cassette compartment during
recording is not recommended, since this may affect
the recording.

1-6. TV PROGRAMME RECORDING (Beta hi-fi recording)
Check before recording
The green position is the standard setting position for
Beta hi-fi recording.
Beta hi-fi lamp
REC LEVEL +5
LEVEL METER
BETA HI-FI > ON
= AUTO as er
RECORD
SUPER
BETA
> VIDEO — Normally
NORMAL
MPX FILTER
> ON INPUT SELECT > TUNER
Recording will be made both on the video track (Beta hi-
fi recording) and on the conventional audio track.
TO RECORD
Numbers in the illustration show the sequence of opera-
tion.
HHMI
@ STOP Il PAUSE
Turn on the TV and select the programme position
for the recorder.
Press the ON/STANDBY switch. The indicator on the
Switch and the Beta hi-fi lamp will light up.
Insert the cassette. See page 15.
Select the programme to be recorded with the +/-—
PROG buttons.
Press the @ RECORD button. The indicator on the
button will light and recording wil! begin.
@ If the inserted cassette does not have the safety
tab, the cassette will be automatically ejected.
oO PW HO =
To stop recording momentarily, press the if PAUSE but-
ton. The indicator on the button will light. The TV pro-
gramme.can be seen on the TV, but the picture will not
be recorded.
To resume recording, press the 1f PAUSE button again.
To protect the video heads and the tape, the pause
mode will be automatically released after about 8 min-
utes and recording will stop.
To stop recording, press the @ STOP button.
To eject the cassette, press the & EJECT button after
stopping the recording.
To view another TV programme while recording, simply
select the programme you want to view with the TV’s
programme selector.
When the tape reaches the end during recording, it will
be automatically rewound.
CAUTION
Television programmes, films, video tapes and other
materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such material may be con-
trary to the provision of the copyright laws.
SUPER BETA selector
NORMAL position: Normally keep the selector in this
position. When playing back tapes recorded on
other non-Super Beta recorders or tapes recorded
on this recorder by setting this selector tothe NOR-
MAL position, set the selector in this position.
SUPER BETA STD (standard) position: tn this position,
high quality recording and playback picture are ob-
tained.
SUPER BETA PRO position: If you use the highest-
grade tape such as Sony PRO-X or equivale nt tapes
from other tape manufacturers, further enhanced
picture quality is attained. With lower-grade tapes,
however, the picture quality will suffer somewhat.
When the SUPER BETA selector is set to the SUPER
BETA STD or PRO position, the SUPER BETAi ndicator
lights.
Note
The picture quality will suffer somewhat, if a tape
recorded in the SUPER BETA PRO or STD position is
played back on other non-Super Beta recorders, or on
this recorder with this selector set to NORMAL.

TO KEEP A RECORDED PROGRAMME FROM
BEING ACCIDENTALLY ERASED
When a new recording is made on a previously recorded
cassette, the previous recording will be automatically
erased.
To avoid erasing a record- To re-record on a cas-
ing sette which has had the
Break off the safety tab
using a screwdriver or
similar object.
safety tab removed
Cover the slot with a
piece of plastic tape.
If you activate the @ RECORD, TIMER REC ON/OFF,
VIDEO INSERT or AUDIO INSERT button with a cassette
with its safety tab removed inserted, the cassette will be
automatically ejected.
RECORDING A STEREO OR BILINGUAL
TV PROGRAMME (SL-HF950ES only)
When the CD STEREO indication appears in the display
window, a stereo programme is being received. The re-
cording procedure is the same as in “ TV programme re-
cording ’’. The sound is recorded both on the video track
(stereo) and on the conventional audio track (monaural).
Conventional
: Monaural recordin
audio track ene g
Video track Stereo recording
When the OOBII.INGUAL indication appears in the dis-
play window, a bilingual programme is being received.
The recording procedure is the same as in “TV pro-
gramme recording”’.
Both the local language (usually broadcast on channel
1) and the original language (usually broadcast on chan-
nel 2) are recorded on the video track, and only the lan-
guage on channel 1 is recorded on the conventional
audio track.
Conventional
Langua h 11
audio track See Se eas
Video track Languages on channels 1 and 2
The sound of a stereo or bilingual programme can be
monitored by selecting the desired sound with the
AUDIO MONITOR selector. See page 18.

1-7. PLAYBACK
Check before playback
AUDIO MONITOR > Normally
“CH1/2”
BETA HI-FI
— Normally eB }
“AUTO” SUPER BETA
— Normally
[BT NORMAL
(See page 16)
Numbers in the illustration show the sequence of opera-
tion.
eat
Turn on the TV and select the programme position
for the recorder.
Press the ON/STANDBY switch. The indicator on the
switch and the Beta hi-fi lamp will light up.
Insert the cassette. See page 15.
Press the pm PLAY button. The indicator on the but-
ton will light and playback will begin.
&O DO =
To stop playback, press: the m STOP button.
To rewind the tape, press the <q REW button.
To advance the tape rapidly, press the sp FF button.
To eject the cassette, press the & EJECT button.
When the tape reaches the end during playback, it will
be automatically rewound.
To stop playback momentarily, press the a8 PAUSE but-
ton. A still picture will be seen on the TV screen. To re-
sume playback, press the #8 PAUSE button again or
press the m» PLAY button.
The pause mode will be automatically released after
about 8 minutes and the playback will resume.
SELECTION OF PLAYBACK/RECORDING MONI-
TOR SOUND
For Beta hi-fi recorded tapes
Normally set the BETA HI-FI selector to AUTO. The
sound on the video track will be heard. To listen to the
sound on the conventional audio track, set the selector
to NORMAL.
Return the selector to AUTO after playing back the tape.
During normal playback, the Beta hi-fi lamp lights to
show that the tape is Beta hi-fi recorded. Therefore, the
lamp also lights when the sound on the conventional
audio track of a Beta hi-fi recorded tape is being played
back.
For Beta hi-fi recorded stereo or bilingual tapes
Set the BETA HI-FI selector to AUTO and select the
sound to be listened to through the speakers or head-
phones with the AUDIO MONITOR selector. Set to CH1/
2 to listen to the stereo sound or both languages. If you
want to listen only to the left or right channel of stereo
programmes or either language of bilingual pro-
grammes, set to CH1 or CH2, referring to the following
table.
AUDIO MONITOR Sound to be listened to through :
Left speaker Right spea ker
Left channel Right chan nel
(Language on channel 1) |(Language onchwannet 2)
Left channel
(Language on channel 1)
Right channel
(Language on channel 2)
(_) for bilingual programmes
Note
If this recorder is connected to a monaural TV or it is
connected to the aerial input of a TV, the sound will be
always heard in monaural.
For non-Beta hi-fi recorded tapes
A tape recorded on another recorder without Beta hi-fi
system is played back in the conventional way, regard-
less of the position of the BETA HI-Fl and AUDO* MONI-
TOR selectors.

PICTURE AND SOUND ADJUSTMENT
@7T0 adjust the sharpness of the playback picture, turn
the SHARPNESS control.
elf streaks or snow appear during playback of a tape
recorded on another recorder, adjust the NORMAL
TRACKING control for the best possible picture. Re-
turn the control to the centre position after playing
back that particular tape.
elf the sound of a tape recorded on another Beta hi-fi re-
corder is noisy or cannot be heard, adjust the NOR-
MAL TRACKING control.
elf the high frequencies of the playback sound record-
ed on the conventional audio track seem exaggerated,
set the TONE selector to LOW. Return it to HIGH after
playing back that particular tape.
e@ When playing back a tape with only the sound record-
ed in Beta hi-fi (that is, a tape recorded with the RE-
CORD mode selector set to SOUND), set the LEVEL
METER selector to BETA HI-FI TRACKING and adjust
the NORMAL TRACKING control so that the meters
deflect to the right as far as possible.
ae LEVEL
Oca
a
METER
ON.
TONE a
HIGH a OFF tell
fel | BETA HI-FI
TRACKING
LOW
TRACKING SHARPNESS
NORMAL SOFT SHARP
Note
The BETA HI-Fl TRACKING meters function properly
only when a tape recorded with the RECORD mode se-
lector set to SOUND is being played back. For tapes
recorded with the selector in the VIDEO position, the
meters do not deflect at all or deflect minimally.
VARIOUS PLAYBACK MODES
PICTURE SEARCH
—Viewing the picture at high speed to find a particular
scene
During playback, keep the <q REW or p® FF button
pressed to reverse or advance the picture at high speed.
Release the button at the desired point. Normal play-
back will resume. The picture search mode can also be
assured directly from the pause mode.
During playback
WW
->- b>
71*
PLAY FF
E 7, =
5 PAUS STI.| RECORD _
For reverse For forward
high-speed high-speed
playback playback
SKIP SCAN
—Viewing the picture momentarily in the fast-lorward
or rewind mode
During rewind or fast-forward mode, keep the <@ REW
button pressed for high-speed picture reverse, or keep
the pe FF button pressed for high-speed picture ad-
vance. The picture appears momentarily while eit her of
the buttons is pressed. Release the button at the de-
sired point. Normal rewind or fast forward mode will re-
sume.
LAY
= |
i
PAUSE/pee STILY | RECORD
a
For forward
high-speed plafoack
For reverse
high-speed
playback
Lights while the button
is kept depressed.
Streaks will appear durligg the
picture search and the X#Pp
scan modes.

AUTO PLAY
—To rewind the tape and automatically play it back
Press the m PLAY button and <q REW button simulta-
neously in stop mode. After the tape is rewound to the
beginning, it will be automatically played back.
Blinks while rewinding
VARIABLE SPEED PLAYBACK
During playback or pause of playback, press one of the
variable speed playback buttons. The indicator on the
button lights.
The sound will be muted during variable speed play-
back.
For
still
picture
For
fast
motion
picture at 9
times normal
speed
For double-speed fast
motion picture
For slow motion
picture at 1/10 normal
speed
For slow motion picture at
1/5 normal speed
For normal speed picture
To resume normal playback, press the pm PLAY button.
To change the playback speed, simply press the desired
variable speed playback button.
To reverse the direction of the variable speed playback,
press the REV < button. The indicator on the button
lights. To resume forward playback, press the > FWD
button.
During variable speed playback
= No]
a
Frame-by-frame playback
Play back the tape and press the 1] PAUSE/pi«@ STILL
button or the pg STILL button. Then press the > FWD
or REV < button momentarily. Each time the button is
pressed, the picture advances or reverses by one frame.
lf the > FWD or REV < button is kept depressed, the
picture advances or reverses frame by frame continu-
ously.
During playback
Picture adjustment for variable speed playback
elf the still picture appears to shake, turn the STILL
ADJ knob on the rear panel until the picture sta bilizes.
As long as the same TV. is used with this recorder, this
adjustment should not be needed so frequently.
elf
streaks
or
noise
bands
appear
in
still
picture
or
slow
motion
(2/s
or
4/10)
forward
picture
or
in
frameby-frame
playback,
adjust
the
SLOW
TRACKING
conto
§.
elf streaks or noise bands appear in normal (<1!) or dou-
ble speed (x 2) forward picture, adjust the NORMAL
TRACKING control.
Note
The Beta hi-fi lamp and the SOUND lamp donot light
during variable speed playback.