Sony SLV-M20HF - Video Cassette Recorder Technical document

Video Cassette
Recorder
Hookup/Setup
©1998 by Sony Corporation
SLV-M20HF
3-862-974-11 (1)
TM

2
Precautions
Safety
• Operate the unit only on 120 V AC, 60 Hz.
• If anything falls into the cabinet, unplug the unit
and have it checked by qualified personnel
before operating it any further.
• This unit is not disconnected from the AC
power source (mains) as long as it is connected
to the wall outlet, even if the unit itself has been
turned off.
• 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.
• 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.

3
Table of contents
4 Step 1: Unpacking
5Step 2: Setting up the remote commander
8Step 3: Hookups
9Audio/video (A/V) hookup
11 Hookup 1: Using cable box control
14 Hookup 2: No cable box, or incompatible cable box with only a
few scrambled channels
17 Hookup 3: Antenna hookup
20 Hookup 4: Incompatible cable box with many scrambled
channels
23 Hookup 5: DSS (Digital Satellite System) receiver
26 Hookup 6: Incompatible cable box with only a few scrambled
channels, using an A/B switch
29 Selecting a language
30 Setting the clock
34 Setting up cable box control
39 Presetting channels
43 General setup information
45 Index to parts and controls
back cover
Index
* VCR Plus+, PlusCode and GUIDE Plus+ are trademarks of Gemstar Development Corporation. The
VCR Plus+ and GUIDE Plus+ systems are manufactured under license from Gemstar Development
Corporation and VCR Index Systems B.V., respectively.

4
• Remote commander
• Size AA (R6) batteries
• Audio/video cable (3-phono, 1-mini
to 3-phono, 1-mini)
• Monaural cable (1-mini to 1-mini)
Step 1
Unpacking
Check that you have received the following items with the VCR:
• Cable Mouse (cable box controller)
• 75-ohm coaxial cable with F-type
connectors
• Jack cover
• SmartFile labels

5
Inserting the batteries
Insert two size AA (R6) batteries by
matching the + and – on the batteries
to the diagram inside the battery
compartment.
Insert the negative (–) end first, then
push in and down until the positive (+)
end clicks into position.
Step 2
Setting up the remote commander
Using the remote commander
You can use this remote
commander to operate this VCR
and a Sony TV or AV receiver.
Buttons on the remote
commander marked with a dot
(•) can be used to operate your
Sony TV.
The RECEIVER VOL +/– and
MUTING buttons can be used to
operate your Sony AV receiver.
Remote sensor
Notes
• With normal use, the batteries should last about 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.
• Some Sony AV receivers may not be operated with the remote commander.
Set TV / VIDEO to
VIDEO and point at the remote sensor on the VCR
TV and point at the remote sensor on the TV
TV / VIDEO
MUTING
RECEIVER
VOL +/–
continued
To operate
the VCR
a Sony TV

6
Setting the COMMAND MODE switch
To remotely control the VCR with
the remote commander, set
COMMAND MODE on the
remote commander to the same
position as that on the VCR.
Usually set to VTR 3. Change the
position as shown below to
control other Sony VCRs:
VTR 1: For Sony Betamax format VCRs
VTR 2: For Sony 8mm format VCRs
VTR 3: For Sony VHS format VCRs
To change the command mode
position of the VCR, press and
hold COMMAND MODE on the
VCR for about two seconds and
repeat until the desired position
appears in the display window.
Controlling other TVs with the remote commander
The remote commander is preprogrammed to control non-Sony TVs. If your TV
is listed in the table below, set the appropriate manufacturer’s code number.
1Set TV / VIDEO at the top of the remote commander to TV .
2Hold POWER down, and enter your TV’s code number(s) using the
number buttons. Then release POWER.
Now you can use the POWER, VOL +/–, CH +/–, and TV/VIDEO buttons to
control your TV. You can also use the buttons marked with a dot (•) to
control a Sony TV. To control the VCR, reset TV / VIDEO to VIDEO .
Tip
• If you set your TV’s code number correctly while the TV is turned on, the TV turns
off automatically.
COMMAND
MODE
Step 2: Setting up the remote commander (continued)
COMMAND MODE
VTR
3
123
456

7
Code
number
01
04
04
12
03
12
12
03, 04, 14
11
06, 10
03, 04, 17
02, 03
04, 12
Code
number
09
03
03, 08, 12
04, 13
04,12,13,17
04, 12
06, 19
03, 04
08
16
03
06, 18
05, 14
Code
number
04, 10
12
11
12
07, 10, 11
03, 05, 18
08, 12
03, 08, 14
07
03, 04, 12
12
15
Manufacturer
Sony
Akai
AOC
Centurion
Coronado
Curis-Mathes
Daytron
Emerson
Fisher
General Electric
Gold Star
Hitachi
J.C.Penny
Manufacturer
JVC
KMC
Magnavox
Marantz
MGA/Mitsubishi
NEC
Panasonic
Philco
Philips
Pioneer
Portland
Quasar
Radio Shack
Manufacturer
RCA
Sampo
Sanyo
Scott
Sears
Sharp
Sylvania
Teknika
Toshiba
Wards
Yorx
Zenith
Notes
• If the TV uses a different remote control system from the one programmed to work
with the VCR, you cannot control your TV with the remote commander.
• If you enter a new code number, the code number previously entered will be erased.
• When you replace the batteries of the remote commander, the code number may
automatically reset. Set the appropriate code number every time you replace the
batteries.
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.

8
Refer to
Pages 9 and 10
Pages 11 to 13
Pages 14 to 16
Pages 17 to 19
Pages 20 to 22
Pages 23 to 25
Pages 26 to 28
Hookups
Selecting the best hookup option
There are many ways in which your VCR can be hooked up. 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.
Step 3
Use
Audio/video (A/V) hookup, then
follow one of the hookups below.
Hookup 1
Hookup 2
Hookup 3
Hookup 4
Hookup 5
Hookup 6
After you’ve completed the connections, follow the instructions for setup.
During setup, if you need more details on 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 of the
supplied operating instructions.
Before you get started
• Turn off the power to all equipment.
• Do not connect the AC power cords until all of the connections are
completed.
• 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.
* DSSis a registered trademark of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics Corporation.
If you have
TV that has audio/video inputs
Cable box that is compatible with the
VCR’s cable box control feature
No cable box or incompatible cable box
with only a few scrambled channels
Antenna only, no cable TV
Incompatible cable box with many
scrambled channels
DSS*receiver
Incompatible cable box with only a few
scrambled channels, using an A/B
switch

9
Audio/video (A/V) hookup Pages 9 and 10
If your TV has audio/video (A/V) input jacks, you will get a better 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 your TV has the S-Link* (A/V bus control) function, hook up your VCR
using the connection shown on page 10. Your TV will automatically switch
to the A/V inputs for your VCR when you play back or operate menu on the
VCR.
If you’re not planning to use your VCR to record programs, you’re finished
setting up the VCR after you’ve made the connections shown on pages 9 and
10. 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.
* S-Linkis a trademark of Sony Corporation.
AUse this hookup if your TV has stereo jacks
Audio/video cable (supplied)
TV
VCR Stereo receiver
* Do not connect the miniplugs for this hookup.
TV
VCR Stereo receiver
BUse this hookup if your TV doesn’t have stereo jacks
continued
Audio cable (not supplied)
Video cable (not supplied)
LINE-1 IN
LINE OUT
AUDIO VIDEO
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
AUDIO OUT
AUX IN
*
*
VIDEO
AUDIO
IN
AUX IN
LINE-1 IN
LINE OUT
AUDIO VIDEO
Audio cable (not supplied)

10
Note
• To play a tape in stereo, you must use the A/V connection.
CUse this hookup if your TV has the S-Linkfunction
A/V hookup: VCR setup
VCR
After you’ve connected your TV and completed antenna or cable hookup,
use the following procedure to set up the VCR.
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 (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.
Press MENU and select
ADVANCED OPTIONS. Set AUTO ANT SEL to OFF and press the cursor stick (OK).
For details, refer to page 34 of the
supplied operating instructions.
Stereo receiver
Audio/video cable (supplied)
TV
Step 3: Hookups (continued)
Audio cable (not supplied)
S-LINK LINE-1 IN
LINE OUT
AUDIO VIDEO
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO AUDIO OUT
AUX IN
S-LINK
ADVANCED OPTIONS
SHARPNESS
TUNER AUDIO
AUDIO MIX
AUTO STEREO ON OFF
ON OFF
ON OFF
MAIN SAP
page1
AUTO ANT SEL
i
Use to se l ec t an
tem, then push
LH––
DEFAULT SPEED EP
/
i
Use to se l ec t an
tem, then push OK
MENU
ADVANCED OPTIONS
CLOCK SET
TUNER PRESET
TIMER SET / CHECK
LANGUAGE
CABLE BOX CONTROL
SMARTFILE EDIT

11
Hookup 1
Using cable box control
Recommended use
You should use this hookup if you have a cable box, especially if your cable
system scrambles all or most channels. This hookup allows the VCR’s cable
box control feature to control the channel on the cable box, simplifying the
recording process. A list of compatible cable boxes is on pages 35 and 36.
What you can do with this hookup
• Record any channel using the VCR’s cable box control feature to select
channels on the cable box
What you can’t do
• Record with the cable box turned off
• Record one channel while watching another channel
Pages 11 to 13
Rear of TV
Cable Mouse
VHF
Positioning the Cable Mouse
Place the Cable Mouse so that it
hangs out over the cable box
front.
Wall
AMatch the type of
connector on your
TV: A, B, or C.
B For connector types
B and C, no UHF
connection is
required.
C
UHF
VHF
Side view
or
or
Cable box
VCR
continued
( )
CABLE BOX
CONTROL
IN
OUT
VHF/UHF
PLUG IN
POWER
IN
OUT
CONTROL S
OUT
VHF/UHF
UHF

12
Step 3: Hookups (continued)
1Set the RF UNIT switch to
CH 3 or CH 4, whichever
channel is not used in your
area. If both are used, set
the switch to either channel.
For details, see page 43.
If you made A/V
connections (from page 9),
you can skip this step.
2Turn on your cable box.
3Press EASY SET UP on the VCR.
1The LANGUAGE menu appears. Change the
on-screen display language to Spanish
(ESPAÑOL) or French (FRANÇAIS) if desired,
and press the cursor stick (OK). For details, see
page 29.
2The CLOCK SET menu appears. Select AUTO
and press the cursor stick (OK). For details, see
page 30.
3The ZIP POSTAL CODE menu appears. Push
the cursor stick to >/./?//to enter the
ZIP/POSTAL CODE in your area and press the
cursor stick (OK). (You can also use the number
buttons to enter the ZIP/POSTAL CODE.)
4The CABLE BOX menu appears. Select ON. For
details, see page 34.
5Enter your cable box code number and push the
cursor stick to .. For details, see page 35.
Hookup 1: VCR setup
SET UP LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
ESPAÑOL
Use to se l ec t
Then push OK
Push EASY SET UP to quit
FRANÇAIS
SET UP
Use t o se l ec t
Then push
Pus h EASY SET UP to quit
AUTO
CLOCK SET
MANUAL
OK
SET UP
Use t o se l ec t
Push EASY SET UP to quit
CABLE BOX CONTROLCABLE BOX
BOX OUTPUT CH
BOX CODE NO.
CABLE MOUSE ON OFF
–
CH3
––
SET UP
Ref
Ma
CABLE BOX CONTROLCABLE BOX
BOX OUTPUT CH
BOX CODE NO.
CABLE MOUSE ON OFF
–
CH3
––
En t e r you r CABLE BOX
us ing keys
er to the Operat ing
nua l f o r the Code
0–9Code No.
EASY
SET UP
CH3
RF UNIT
CH4
k
SET UP
ZIP / POSTAL CODE
1
u
23––
si or
and eys
then
ZIPyournterEng 0–9
pu hsOK
,
,
ZIP POSTAL CODE
/POSTAL
CODE

13
6Select your cable box
output channel and
press the cursor stick
(OK).
Normal display
Automatic clock setting
Once you’ve set up the VCR, it automatically sets the clock the first time you
turn off the VCR. After that, whenever you turn off the VCR, it checks the
time and adjusts the clock, even for Daylight Saving Time. The VCR sets the
clock by picking up a time signal provided by some TV channels.
If you want to use the timer to record right away, or if the channels in your
area do not carry time signals, set the clock manually. For details, see page
32.
Note
• To use the Auto Clock Set feature, leave the cable box on.
continued
SET UP CABLE BOX
BOX OUTPUT CH
BOX CODE NO.
CABLE MOUSE ON OFF
0
CH3
18
CABLE BOX CONTROL
BOX CH. Then push OK
CABLEUse t o se l ec t
SET UP is done
SET UP
/
.

14
Step 3: Hookups (continued)
Hookup 2
No cable box, or incompatible cable box with only a
few scrambled channels
Recommended use
Use this hookup if you do not have a cable box. Also use this hookup if your
cable company cannot supply a cable box that is compatible with the VCR’s
cable box control feature, and your cable system scrambles only a few
channels.
What you can do with this hookup
• Record any unscrambled channel by selecting the channel on the VCR
What you can’t do
• Record scrambled channels that require a cable box
Pages 14 to 16
Connect this cable
directly to your TV if
you don’t have a
cable box.
VCR
VHF/UHF
A Match the type
of connector on
your TV: A, B, or
C.
For connector
types B and C, no
UHF connection
is required.
VHF
UHF
VHF
UHF
Cable box
Wall
or
or
C
B
Rear of TV
IN
OUT
VHF/UHF
IN
OUT

15
Hookup 2: VCR setup
1Set the RF UNIT switch to
CH 3 or CH 4, whichever
channel is not used in your
area. If both are used, set
the switch to either channel.
For details, see page 43.
If you made A/V
connections (from page 9),
you can skip this step.
2Press EASY SET UP on the
VCR.
1The LANGUAGE menu appears. Change the
on-screen display language to Spanish
(ESPAÑOL) or French (FRANÇAIS) if desired,
and press the cursor stick (OK). For details, see
page 29.
2The CLOCK SET menu appears. Select AUTO
and press the cursor stick (OK). For details, see
page 30.
3The ZIP POSTAL CODE menu appears. Push
the cursor stick to >/./?//to enter the
ZIP/POSTAL CODE in your area and press the
cursor stick (OK). (You can also use the number
buttons to enter the ZIP/POSTAL CODE.)
4The CABLE BOX menu appears. Select OFF and
press the cursor stick (OK).
5The TUNER PRESET menu appears. Set
ANTENNA/CABLE to CABLE and press the
cursor stick (OK). For details, see page 40.
continued
SET UP LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
ESPAÑOL
Use to se l ec t
Then push OK
Push EASY SET UP to quit
FRANÇAIS
SET UP
Use t o se l ec t
Then push
Push EASY SET UP to quit
AUTO
CLOCK SET
MANUAL
OK
SET UP
Use t o se l ec t
Push EASY SET UP to quit
CABLE BOX CONTROLCABLE BOX
CABLE MOUSE ON OFF
SET UP
ANTENNA / CABLETUNER PRESET
Use t o se l ec t
Then push
Push EASY SET UP to quit
ANT CABLE
OK
EASY
SET UP
CH3
RF UNIT
CH4
k
SET UP
ZIP / POSTAL CODE
1
u
23––
si or
and eys
then
ZIPyournterEng 0–9
pu hsOK
,
,
ZIP POSTAL CODE
/POSTAL
CODE

16
Step 3: Hookups (continued)
Normal display
6The AUTO PRESET
starts.
Automatic clock setting
Once you’ve set up the VCR, it automatically sets the clock the first time you
turn off the VCR. After that, whenever you turn off the VCR, it checks the
time and adjusts the clock, even for Daylight Saving Time. The VCR sets the
clock by picking up a time signal provided by some TV channels.
If you want to use the timer to record right away, or if the channels in your
area do not carry time signals, set the clock manually. For details, see page
32.
SET UP is done
SET UP
.
SET UP
AUTO PRESET TUNER PRESET
Plea
P
se wai t
ROCESS I NG
/

17
Hookup 3
Antenna hookup
Make the following connections if you’re using an antenna (if you don’t
have cable TV).
AUse this hookup if you’re using:
• VHF/UHF antenna (you get channels 2–13 and channels 14 and higher)
• UHF-only antenna (you get channels 14 and higher)
• Separate VHF and UHF antennas
Pages 17 to 19
VCR or
or UHF
BUse this hookup if you’re using a VHF-only antenna (you get
channels 2–13 only)
VCR
or
or
If you cannot connect your antenna cable to the VCR directly
If your antenna cable is a flat cable (300-ohm twin lead cable), attach an external
antenna connector (not supplied) so you can connect the cable to the VHF/UHF IN
connector. If you have separate cables for VHF and UHF antennas, you should use a
U/V band mixer (not supplied). For details, see page 44.
Match the type of
connector on your
TV: A, B, or C.
Rear of TV
VHF/UHF
Rear of TV
VHF/UHF
VHF
UHF
VHF
UHF
Match the type of
connector on your
TV: A, B, or C.
BFor connector types
B and C, no UHF
connection is
required.
VHF
VHF
UHF
A
C
A
B
C
continued
IN
OUT
VHF/UHF
IN
OUT
VHF/UHF

18
Step 3: Hookups (continued)
1Set the RF UNIT switch to
CH 3 or CH 4, whichever
channel is not used in your
area. If both are used, set
the switch to either channel.
For details, see page 43.
If you made A/V
connections (from page 9),
you can skip this step.
2Press EASY SET UP on the
VCR.
1The LANGUAGE menu appears. Change the
on-screen display language to Spanish
(ESPAÑOL) or French (FRANÇAIS) if desired,
and press the cursor stick (OK). For details, see
page 29.
2The CLOCK SET menu appears. Select AUTO
and press the cursor stick (OK). For details, see
page 30.
3The ZIP POSTAL CODE menu appears. Push
the cursor stick to >/./?//to enter the
ZIP/POSTAL CODE in your area and press the
cursor stick (OK). (You can also use the number
buttons to enter the ZIP/POSTAL CODE.)
4The CABLE BOX menu appears. Select OFF and
press the cursor stick (OK).
5The TUNER PRESET menu appears. Set
ANTENNA/CABLE to ANT and press the
cursor stick (OK). For details, see page 40.
Hookup 3: VCR setup
SET UP LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
ESPAÑOL
Use to se l ec t
Then push OK
Pus h EASY SET UP to quit
FRANÇAIS
SET UP
Use t o se l ec t
Then push
Push EASY SET UP to quit
AUTO
CLOCK SET
MANUAL
OK
SET UP
Use t o se l ec t
Pus h EASY SET UP to quit
CABLE BOX CONTROLCABLE BOX
CABLE MOUSE ON OFF
SET UP
ANTENNA / CABLETUNER PRESET
Use t o se l ec t
Then push OK
Push EASY SET UP to quit
ANT CABLE
EASY
SET UP
CH3
RF UNIT
CH4
k
SET UP
ZIP / POSTAL CODE
1
u
23––
si or
and eys
then
ZIPyournterEng 0–9
pu hsOK
,
,
ZIP POSTAL CODE
/POSTAL
CODE

19
Normal display
6The AUTO PRESET
starts.
Automatic clock setting
Once you’ve set up the VCR, it automatically sets the clock the first time you
turn off the VCR. After that, whenever you turn off the VCR, it checks the
time and adjusts the clock, even for Daylight Saving Time. The VCR sets the
clock by picking up a time signal provided by some TV channels.
If you want to use the timer to record right away, or if the channels in your
area do not carry time signals, set the clock manually. For details, see page
32.
continued
SET UP i s done
SET UP
.
SET UP
AUTO PRESET TUNER PRESET
Plea
P
se wai t
ROCESS I NG
/

20
Step 3: Hookups (continued)
Pages 20 to 22
Hookup 4Hookup 4
Hookup 4
Incompatible cable box with many scrambled
channels
Recommended use
Use this hookup if your cable company cannot supply a cable box that is
compatible with the VCR’s cable box control feature, and your cable system
scrambles all or most channels.
What you can do with this hookup
• Record any channel by selecting the channel on the cable box
What you can’t do
• Record with the cable box turned off
• Record one channel while watching another channel
• Select channels directly on the VCR
• Record programs with VCR Plus+
• Use the GUIDE Plus+ system
Cable box
Wall
VHF/UHF
Rear of TV
A
VHF
or
or
BFor connector
types B and C, no
UHF connection
is required.
UHF
VHF
UHF
C
VCR
Match the type of
connector on your
TV: A, B, or C.
IN
OUT
VHF/UHF
IN
OUT