Sony SLV-780HF User manual

SONY.
Video Cassette
Recorder
Operating Instructions
VHS
inldlPa
vcrils+-
SLV-780HF
© 1994 by Sony Corporation

WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
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.
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.
Precautions
Safety
* Operate the unit only on 120V AC, 60 Hz.
* If anything falls into the cabinet, unplug the unit and have it
checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.
* One blade of the plug is wider than the other for the purpose of
safety and will fit into the power outlet only one way. If you are
unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, contact your Sony
dealer.
Unplug the unit from the wall outlet if you do not intend to use
it for an extended period of time. To disconnect the cord, pull it
out by the plug, never by the cord.
Installing
¢ Allow adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat buildup.
* Do not place the unit on surfaces (rugs, blankets, etc.) or near
materials (curtains, draperies) that may block the ventilation
slots.
* Do not install the unit near heat sources such as radiators or air
ducts, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust,
mechanical vibration or shock.
Do not install the unit in an inclined position. It is designed to be
operated in a horizontal position only.
¢ Keep the unit and cassettes away from equipment with strong
magnets, such as microwave ovens or large loudspeakers.
2 Introduction
* Do not place heavy objects on the unit.
If the unit is brought directly from a cold to a warm location,
moisture may condense inside the VCR and cause damage to the
video head and tape. When you first install the unit, or when
you move it from a cold to a warm location, wait for about one
hour before operating the unit.
Information
For customers in the USA
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.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly
approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
Caution
Television programs, films, video tapes and other materials may
be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such material may be
contrary to the provisions of the copyright laws. Also, use of this _
recorder with cable television transmission may require
authorization from the cable television transmission and/or
program owner.
Owner's record
The model number is located at the rear and front of the unit and
the serial number on the top. Record these numbers in the spaces
provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony
dealer regarding this product.
Model No. Serial No.

Table of contents
35
38
42
45
47
49
50
51
52
54
56
57
59
60
63
back
cover
Welcome!
Getting Started
Step 1: Unpacking
Step 2: Setting up the remote commander
Step 3: Hookups
Selecting a language (Canadian model only)
Setting the clock
Presetting channels
Setting up cable box control
Setting up VCR Plus+
Using the ADVANCED OPTIONS
Basic Operations
Playing a tape
Recording TV programs
Recording TV programs using the timer
Recording TV programs using VCR Plus+
Checking /changing /cancelling timer settings
Additional Operations
Playing /searching at various speeds
Adjusting the picture
Searching using the index function
Editing
Editing with another VCR
Synchronized editing
Additional Information
General setup information
Troubleshooting
Specifications
Index to parts and controls
Index
Quick reference to using the VCR
Introduction
3

Welcome!
4
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Sony Video Cassette Recorder (VCR).
Here
are
some
of
the
features
you'll
enjoy
with
your
VCR:
Easy Set Up feature that sets up the clock, cable box control and
presets channels easily using the EASY SET UP button
Auto Clock™ Set feature that sets and adjusts the time and date
automatically
Cable
box
control
that
allows
your
VCR
to
control
channel
selection
on
most
brands
of
cable
boxes
VCR
Plus+*
system
that
lets
you
quickly
and
easily
preset
the
VCR
to
record
programs
Adaptive Picture Control (APC) that automatically optimizes
recording and playback performance
Remote
commander
that
features
multi-brand
TV
control
*
VCR
Plus+
and
PlusCode
are
trademarks
of
Gemstar
Development
Corporation.
VCR
Plus+
system
is
manufactured
under
license
from
Gemstar
Development
Corporation.

ee
a
: a
Check
that
you
have
the
following
items:
Getting started
Step
1:
Unpacking
e Remote commander
e Size AA (R6) batteries
~<—
e Audio/video cable
(3-phono to 3-phono)
Gx
e
Cable
Mouse
(cable
box
controller)
e 75-ohm coaxial cable with
F-type connectors
e AC power cord
Getting Started
)
papers Bunje5

Step 2: Setting up the
remote commander
Notes
With normal use, the
batteries should last for
approximately three to six
months.
If you do not use the remote
commander for an extended
period of time, remove the
batteries to avoid possible
damage from battery
leakage.
Do not use a new battery
with an old one.
Do not use different types of
batteries.
6 Getting Started
Inserting the batteries
Insert two size AA (R6) batteries by matching the + and — on the
batteries to the diagram inside the battery compartment.
Using the remote commander
You can use this remote commander to operate this VCR and a Sony
TV. The POWER, VOL +/-, CH +/-, TV/VTR, channel number,
ENTER, DISPLAY and AUDIO MONITOR buttons on the remote
commander can be used to operate your TV.
Remote sensor
To operate Set [Ty to
the VCR and point at the remote sensor on the VCR
a Sony TV and point at the remote sensor on the TV

Notes
Controlling
other
TVs
with
the
remote
commander
e
Ifthe
TV
uses
a
different
remote
control
system
from
The
remote
commander
is
preprogrammed
to
control
non-Sony
TVs.
If
the
one
programmed
to
your
TV
is
listed
in
the
table
below,
set
the
appropriate
manufacturer’s
work
with
the
VCR,
you
code
number.
cannot control your TV with
the
remote
commander.
1
Set
[TV]/
on
the
top
of
the
remote
commander
to
[TV].
¢
If
you
enter
a
new
code
2
Press
and
hold
down
EXECUTE,
and
then
enter
your
TV’s
code
number,
the
code
number
number(s)
using
the
number
buttons.
Press
the
ENTER
button.
Then
ab
previously
entered
will
be
release
EXECUTE
oe.
erased.
fA
*
When
you
replace
the
Code
numbers
are
listed
below.
batteries
of
the
remote
Now
you
can
use
the
POWER,
VOL
+/-,
CH
+/-
and
TV/VTR
buttons
commander,
the
code
to
control
your
TV.
To
control
the
VCR,
reset
[TV]/[VTR]
to
[VTRI.
number automatically resets
to 1 (Sony). Reset the
:
Code
numbers
of
controllable
TVs
appropriate
code
number.
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.
Manufacturer
Code
number
Manufacturer
Code
number
Sony
1
Philco
3,4
Akai
4
Philips
8
AOC 4 Pioneer 16
Centurion
12
Portland
3
Coronado
3
Quasar
6,18
Curis-Mathes
12
Radio
Shack
5,14
Daytron
12
RCA
4,10
Fisher 11 Sampo 12
General Electric 6, 10 Sanyo 11
Hitachi 2,3 Scott 12
J.C.Penney
4,12
Sears
7,10,
11
Jvc 9 Sharp 3,5, 18
KMC 3 Sylvania 8, 12
Magnavox
3,8,
12
Teknika
3,
8,
14
Marantz
4,13
Toshiba
7
MGA/
Mitsubishi
4,12,
13,17
Wards
3,4,
12
NEC
4,12
Yorx
12
Panasonic
6,
18
Zenith
15
Getting Started 7

Step 3: Hookups
Caution
Connections between the
VCR’s VHF/UHF connector
and the antenna terminals of
the TV receiver should be
made only as shown in the
following instructions. Failure
to do so may result in
operation that violates the
regulations of the Federal
Communications Commission
regarding the use and
operation of RF devices. Never
connect the output of the VCR
to an antenna or make
simultaneous (parallel)
antenna and VCR connections
at the antenna terminals of
your receiver.
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.
8 Getting Started
Selecting the best hookup option
Before you can use your VCR for the first time, you need to connect it to
your TV and set it up to receive programs for viewing and recording.
This section explains how to hook up and set up your VCR so that you
can start enjoying it right away. There are, however, many types of TVs
available and many ways in which your TV can be hooked up. For these
reasons, this manual describes several ways your VCR can be
connected.
To hook up your VCR so that it works best for you, first scan through
the table below. Then use the accompanying diagrams and procedures
on the following pages to set up your VCR.
If you have Use Refer to
TV that has audio/video inputs Audio/video(A/V) hookup, Page 9
then follow one of the hookups
below.
Cable box that is compatible with Hookup 1 Page 10
the VCR's cable box control
feature
No cable box or incompatible Hookup 2 Page 12
cable box with only a few scram-
bled channels
Antenna only, no cable TV Hookup 3 Page 14
Incompatible cable box Hookup 4 Page 16
with many scrambled
channels
Incompatible cable box Hookup 5 Page 18
with only a few scrambled
channels, using an A/B
switch
After you've completed the connections, follow the instructions for
setup including VCR Plus+ setup. During setup, if you need more
details of the procedure described, page numbers are provided where
you can find complete, step-by-step instructions.
After you've completed the setup, you're ready to use your VCR.
Procedures differ depending on the hookup you used. For an overview,
refer to “Quick reference to using the VCR” on the back cover.
Before you get started
e Turn off the power to all equipment.
¢ Do not connect the AC power cords until all of the connections are
completed.
e Be sure you make connections firmly. Loose connections may cause
picture distortion.
¢ If your TV doesn’t match any of the examples provided, see your
nearest Sony dealer or qualified technician.

: : If your TV has audio/video (A/V) input jacks, you will get a better
PANU Te [royAVi Te [toe (UA Malerel ce 9) picture and sound if you hook up your VCR using these connections. In
addition, for a true “home theater” experience, you should connect the
audio outputs of your VCR or TV to your stereo system. If your TV
doesn’t have A/V inputs, see the following pages for antenna or cable
hookups.
If you're planning to use your VCR only to play back pictures and
movies, you're finished setting up the VCR after you’ve made these
connections. If you want to record off-air or off your cable TV system,
complete these connections first, and then go to the following pages for
antenna or cable hookups.
A Use this hookup if your TV has stereo jacks
VCR
Stereo
receiver
AUDIO VIDEO
Audio/video cable (supplied)
B Use this hookup if your TV doesn’t have stereo jacks
VCR
Stereo
receiver
AUDIO VIDEO
AINV hookup: VCR setup
After
you’ve
connected
your
TV
and
completed
antenna
or
cable
hookup,
use
the
following
procedure
to
set
up
the
VCR.
Press MENU and select Set AUTO ANT SEL to
ADVANCED OPTIONS. OFF and press EXECUTE.
MENU
TIMER SET/CHECK
TUNER PRESET
CLOCK SET
SET VCR Plus+ CHANNELS
CABLE BOX_CONTROL
Use to select an
item,then push [EXECUTE
ADVANCED OPTIONS
AUTO ANT SEL OFF
AUTO STEREO
im DIMMER
AUDIO MIX
NORMAL AUDIO
APC
GUIDE LAMP
TAPE SELECT
For details, see page 34.
Note
To play a tape in stereo, you must use the A/V connection.
Getting Started 9

Using cable box
Recommended use
This hookup is recommended for most cable systems with cable boxes.
It allows the VCR’s cable box control feature to control the channel on
the cable box, simplifying the recording process. You should use this
hookup if you have a cable box, especially if your cable system
scrambles all or most channels. A list of compatible cable boxes is on
What you can and can’t do with this hookup
e Record any channel using the VCR’s cable box control feature to
select channels on the cable box
e Record with the cable box turned off
e Record one channel while watching another channel
control
page 29.
What you can do
What you can’t do
r
Cable box
CONTROL S
OUT
FRU ;PLUG IN
i (rower )
' CABLE BOX
Oy ContAo
Rear of TV
Cable Mouse
VHF/UHF
sehedeaita
A
Match
the
type
of
f
connector
on
your
TV: A, B, or C.
or
VHF
H
©
For
connector
types
A
vsicissdunnnsctvastck
Sha
eis
Utie
©
connection
is
required.
UHF
or
UHF
i Positioning the Cable Mouse
: Position the Cable Mouse on the cable box as
i shown below. Make sure that the front of the
; Cable Mouse projects out above the cable box
} sensor so that signals from the Cable Mouse are
mm... transmitted correctly to the cable box. Do not
place the cable box on top of the VCR.
Cable Mouse Cable Mouse
= ls — =~ =)
Cable box Sensor Cable box
Front view Side view
10 | Getting Started