Sony SLV-M91HF - Video Cassette Recorder Manual

3-866-140-11(1)
Video Cassette
Recorder
©1999 by Sony Corporation
SLV-M91HF
Hookup/Setup

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.
• 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.
• 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.
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 three hours
before operating the unit.

3
* VCR Plus+, C3, ALLSET and PlusCode are trademarks of Gemstar Development Corporation. The
VCR Plus+ system is manufactured under license from Gemstar Development Corporation.
Table of contents
4Step 1: Unpacking
5Step 2: Setting up the remote commander
8Step 3: Hookups
9Audio/video (A/V) hookup
11 Hookup 1: Using cable box control
15 Hookup 2: No cable box, or incompatible cable box with only
a few scrambled channels
19 Hookup 3: Antenna hookup
23 Hookup 4: Incompatible cable box with many scrambled
channels
27 Hookup 5: DIRECTV digital satellite receiver
30 Hookup 6: Incompatible cable box with only a few scrambled
channels, using an A/B switch
35 Selecting a language
36 Setting the clock
42 Setting up the cable box control
47 Presetting channels
53 Setting up the VCR Plus+* GOLD system
58 General setup information
60 Index to parts and controls
back cover
Index

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
• SmartFile labels

5
Step 2
Setting up the remote commander
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.
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
To operate
the VCR
a Sony TV
TV / VIDEO
continued
MUTING
RECEIVER
VOL +/–
Set TV / VIDEO to
VIDEO and point at the remote sensor on the VCR
TV and point at the remote sensor on the TV

6
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.
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 two seconds and repeat
until the desired position appears
in the display window.
COMMAND
MODE
Step 2: Setting up the remote commander (continued)
COMMAND MODE
STEREO SAP
LP SP EPVIDEO APC EDIT
VTR
123
AV INSERT BLANK
123
456

7
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
change. Set the appropriate code number every time you replace the batteries.
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 down `/1, and enter your TV’s code number(s) using the number
buttons. Then release `/1.
Now you can use the `/1 , 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 .
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.
Manufacturer Code
number
Sony 01
Akai 04
AOC 04
Centurion 12
Coronado 03
Curis-Mathes 12
Daytron 12
Emerson 03, 04, 14
Fisher 11
General Electric 06, 10
Gold Star 03, 04, 17
Hitachi 02, 03
J.C.Penny 04, 12
Manufacturer Code
number
JVC 09
KMC 03
Magnavox 03, 08, 12
Marantz 04, 13
MGA/Mitsubishi 04, 12, 13, 17
NEC 04, 12
Panasonic 06, 19
Philco 03, 04
Philips 08
Pioneer 16
Portland 03
Quasar 06, 18
Radio Shack 05, 14
Manufacturer Code
number
RCA 04, 10
Sampo 12
Sanyo 11
Scott 12
Sears 07, 10, 11
Sharp 03, 05, 18
Sylvania 08, 12
Teknika 03, 08, 14
Toshiba 07
Wards 03, 04, 12
Yorx 12
Zenith 15

8
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.
If you have Use Refer to
TV that has audio/video inputs Audio/video (A/V) hookup, then Pages 9 and 10
follow one of the hookups below.
Cable box that is compatible with the Hookup 1 Pages 11 to 14
VCR’s cable box control feature
No cable box or incompatible cable box Hookup 2 Pages 15 to 18
with only a few scrambled channels
Antenna only, no cable TV Hookup 3 Pages 19 to 22
Incompatible cable box with many Hookup 4 Pages 23 to 26
scrambled channels
DIRECTV* digital satellite receiver Hookup 5 Pages 27 to 29
Incompatible cable box with only a few Hookup 6 Pages 30 to 34
scrambled channels, using an A/B
switch
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.
* DIRECTV is a trademark of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics Corporation.
Step 3

9
Audio/video (A/V) hookup
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
Pages 9 and 10
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)
Audio 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

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
push the cursor stick (OK).
For details, see page 32 of the
supplied operating instructions.
Stereo receiver
Audio/video cable (supplied)
TV
Step 3: Hookups (continued)
Audio cable (not supplied)
MENU
ADVANCED OPTIONS
CLOCK SET
TUNER PRESET
TIMER SET / CHECK
LANGUAGE
CABLE BOX CONTROL
SMARTFILE EDIT
SET VCR Plus+ CHANNELS
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––
,
S-LINK
AUDIO VIDEO
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO AUDIO OUT
AUX IN
S-LINK
LINE-1
IN
LINE
OUT

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 43 to 45.
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
Rear of TV
Cable Mouse
VHF/UHF
VHF
UHF
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
Pages 11 to 14
( )
CABLE BOX
CONTROL
IN
OUT
VHF/UHF
IN
OUT
CONTROL S
OUT
PLUG IN
POWER

12
Step 3: Hookups (continued)
SET UP LANGUAGE
Use t o se l ec t
Then push OK
Push EASY SET UP to quit
ENGLISH
ESPAÑOL
FRANÇAIS
Hookup 1: VCR setup
1Set the RF UNIT switch to
CH3 or CH4, whichever
channel is not used in your
area. If both are used, set
the switch to either channel.
For details, see page 58.
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 push the cursor stick (OK). For details, see
page 35.
2The CLOCK SET menu appears. Select AUTO
and push the cursor stick (OK). For details, see
page 37.
3The SMART CH MAPPING menu appears.
Move the cursor stick M/m/</,to enter the
ZIP/POSTAL CODE in your area and push 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 43.
CH3
RF UNIT
CH4
SET UP
Use t o se l ec t
Then push
Push EASY SET UP to quit
AUTO
CLOCK SET
MANUAL
OK
k
SET UP
ZIP / POSTAL CODE
1
u
23––
si or
and eys
then
ZIPyournterE ng 0–9
pu hs OK
,
,
SMART CH MAPPING
/POSTAL
CODE
SET UP
Ref
Ma
CABLE BOX CONTROL
CABLE 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

13
Normal display
Hookup 1: The VCR Plus+ GOLD system channel setup
1Press MENU, then select SET VCR Plus+
CHANNELS and push the cursor stick (OK).
2Select AUTO and push the cursor stick (OK).
3Press `/1 to turn off the VCR.
The VCR receives the program information signal from 0:00 am to 5:00 am
while the VCR is turned off, and set up the channel for the VCR Plus+
GOLD system recording. After channel setup is finished, you can record TV
programs using the VCR Plus+ GOLD system. For details, see page 54.
continued
5Enter your cable box code number and move the
cursor stick m. For details, see page 43.
SET UP
Ref
Ma
CABLE BOX CONTROL
CABLE BOX
BOX OUTPUT CH
BOX CODE NO.
CABLE MOUSE ON OFF
0
CH3
18
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.
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
MENU
ADVANCED OPTIONS
SMARTFILE EDIT
CLOCK SET
TUNER PRESET
TIMER SET / CHECK
LANGUAGE
CABLE BOX CONTROL
SET VCR Plus+ CHANNELS
SMART CHANNEL MAPPING
Use t o se l ec t
Then push OK
Push MENU to quit
AUTO MANUAL
6Select your cable box output channel and push
the cursor stick (OK).

14
Step 3: Hookups (continued)
Notes
• To use the Smart Channel Mapping feature, leave the cable box on.
• It takes about 1 hour to complete channel setup.
• The VCR can receive the program information signal only while the VCR is turned
off and no timer recordings are set.
• If the channels in your area don’t carry the program information signals, set the
program guide channels manually. For details, see page 56.
• If the Choose your Cable CH MAP menu appears the first time you turn on the
VCR after finishing channel setup, select the MAP number. For details, see page 55.
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␣40.
Note
• To use the Auto Clock Set feature, leave the cable box on.

15
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
Connect this cable
directly to your TV
if you don't have a
cable box.
VCR
VHF/UHF
AMatch 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
Pages 15 to 18
continued

16
Step 3: Hookups (continued)
Hookup 2: VCR setup
1Set the RF UNIT switch to
CH3 or CH4, whichever
channel is not used in your
area. If both are used, set
the switch to either channel.
For details, see page 58.
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 push the cursor stick (OK). For details, see
page 35.
2The CLOCK SET menu appears. Select AUTO
and push the cursor stick (OK). For details, see
page 37.
3The SMART CH MAPPING menu appears.
Move the cursor stick M/m/</,to enter the
ZIP/POSTAL CODE in your area and push 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
push the cursor stick (OK).
CH3
RF UNIT
CH4
SET UP LANGUAGE
Use to se l ec t
Then push OK
Push EASY SET UP to quit
ENGLISH
ESPAÑOL
FRANÇAIS
SET UP
Use t o se l ec t
Then push
Push EASY SET UP to quit
AUTO
CLOCK SET
MANUAL
OK
k
SET UP
ZIP / POSTAL CODE
1
u
23––
si or
and eys
then
ZIPyournterE ng 0–9
pu hs OK
,
,
SMART CH MAPPING
/POSTAL
CODE
SET UP
Use t o se l ec t
Push EASY SET UP to quit
CABLE BOX CONTROL
CABLE BOX
CABLE MOUSE ON OFF
EASY
SET UP

17
Normal display
Hookup 2: The VCR Plus+ GOLD system channel setup
1Press MENU, then select SET VCR Plus+
CHANNELS and push the cursor stick (OK).
2Select AUTO and push the cursor stick (OK).
3Press `/1 to turn off the VCR.
The VCR receives the program information signal from 0:00 am to 5:00 am
while the VCR is turned off, and set up the channel for the VCR Plus+
GOLD system recording. After channel setup is finished, you can record TV
programs using the VCR Plus+ GOLD system. For details, see page 54.
SET UP
AUTO PRESET TUNER PRESET
Plea
PROCESSING
se wai t
SET UP is done
SET UP
MENU
ADVANCED OPTIONS
SMARTFILE EDIT
CLOCK SET
TUNER PRESET
TIMER SET / CHECK
LANGUAGE
CABLE BOX CONTROL
SET VCR Plus+ CHANNELS
SMART CHANNEL MAPPING
Use t o se l ec t
Then push OK
Push MENU to quit
AUTO MANUAL
SET UP
ANTENNA / CABLETUNER PRESET
Use t o se l ec t
Then push
Push EASY SET UP to quit
ANT CABLE
OK
continued
5The TUNER PRESET menu appears. Set
ANTENNA/CABLE to CABLE and push the
cursor stick (OK). For details, see page 48.
6The AUTO PRESET starts.

18
Step 3: Hookups (continued)
Notes
• It takes about 1 hour to complete channel setup.
• The VCR can receive the program information signal only while the VCR is turned
off and no timer recordings are set.
• If the channels in your area don’t carry the program information signals, set the
program guide channels manually. For details, see page 56.
• If the Choose your Cable CH MAP menu appears the first time you turn on the
VCR after finishing channel setup, select the MAP number. For details, see page 55.
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␣40.

19
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
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 59.
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
IN
OUT
VHF/UHF
IN
OUT
VHF/UHF
Pages 19 to 22
continued

20
Step 3: Hookups (continued)
Hookup 3: VCR setup
1Set the RF UNIT switch to
CH3 or CH4, whichever
channel is not used in your
area. If both are used, set the
switch to either channel.
For details, see page 58.
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 push the cursor stick (OK). For details, see
page 35.
2The CLOCK SET menu appears. Select AUTO
and push the cursor stick (OK). For details, see
page 37.
3The SMART CH MAPPING menu appears.
Move the cursor stick M/m/</,to enter the
ZIP/POSTAL CODE in your area and push 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
push the cursor stick (OK).
CH3
RF UNIT
CH4
SET UP LANGUAGE
Use t o se l ec t
Then push OK
Push EASY SET UP to quit
ENGLISH
ESPAÑOL
FRANÇAIS
SET UP
Use t o se l ec t
Then push
Push EASY SET UP to quit
AUTO
CLOCK SET
MANUAL
OK
k
SET UP
ZIP / POSTAL CODE
1
u
23––
si or
and eys
then
ZIPyournterE ng 0–9
pu hs OK
,
,
SMART CH MAPPING
/POSTAL
CODE
SET UP
Use t o se l ec t
Push EASY SET UP to quit
CABLE BOX CONTROL
CABLE BOX
CABLE MOUSE ON OFF
EASY
SET UP