Sony SLV-SF990G User manual

filename[01GB02COV-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
3-062-324-11 (1)
Video Cassette
Recorder
Operating Instructions
The SmartFile function in this model meets the requirements of EU, EFTA,
Central and Eastern Europe
©2000 Sony Corporation
SLV-SF990G
PAL NTSC 4.43
Chlorine free paper

2WARNING
filename[01GB03GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
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.
Mains lead must only be changed at a qualified
service shop.
Notice for customers in the United
Kingdom
A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is fitted to
this equipment for your safety and convenience.
If the 13A fitted plug does not match the outlet
socket in your home, please refer to your Appointed
Sony Dealer for advice.
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be
replaced, a 5 AMP fuse approved by ASTA or BSI
to BS1362, (i.e., marked with or mark)
must be used.
If the plug supplied with this equipment has a
detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse
cover after you change the fuse. Never use the plug
without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse
cover, please contact your nearest Sony service
station.
Precautions
Safety
• This unit operates on 220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz.
Check that the unit’s operating voltage is
identical with your local power supply.
• If anything falls into the cabinet, unplug the unit
and have it checked by qualified personnel before
operating it any further.
• The unit is not disconnected from the mains as
long as it is connected to the mains, 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.
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.
Caution
Television programmes, 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
transmitter and/or programme owner.
Compatible colour systems
This VCR is designed to record using the PAL
colour system and play back using the PAL and
NTSC 4.43 colour systems. Recording of video
sources based on other colour systems cannot be
guaranteed.
VIDEO Plus + is a registered trademark of Gemstar
Development Corporation. VIDEO Plus + system is
manufactured under license from Gemstar
Development Corporation.
SmartFile is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
ASA

3
Table of contents
Getting Started
filename[306232411SF990GTOC.fm] model name1[SLV-SE700G] model name2[SLV-SE700I]
model name3[SLV-SE800G] model name4[SLV-SE800I]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
Table of contents
Getting Started
4Step 1 : Unpacking
5Step 2 : Setting up the remote commander
11 Step 3 : Connecting the VCR
18 Step 4 : Tuning your TV to the VCR
21 Step 5 : Setting up the VCR with the Auto Set Up function
22 Step 6 : Setting the clock
26 Step 7 : Setting the Set-Top Box
33 Selecting a language
34 Presetting channels
37 Setting/changing the station names
39 Changing/disabling programme positions
43 Setting your personal code
Basic Operations
45 Playing a tape
48 Recording TV programmes
52 Recording TV programmes using the
VIDEO Plus + system
57 Setting the timer manually
Additional Operations
60 Playing/searching at various speeds
62 Setting the recording duration time
63 Synchronized Recording
65 Checking/changing/cancelling timer
settings
67 Recording stereo and bilingual
programmes
69 Searching using the index function
70 Adjusting the picture
72 Changing menu options
Editing
75 Connecting to a VCR or stereo
system
77 Basic Editing
78 Audio dubbing
SmartFile function
80 About the SmartFile function
82 Recording using the SmartFile
function
87 Selecting and playing a programme
88 Checking the contents of a tape
90 Labelling a recorded programme and
tape
98 Registering the contents of a
recorded tape in the SmartFile label
100 Protecting a recorded programme
102 Erasing the data of an unwanted
programme
Additional Information
104 Troubleshooting
110 Specifications
111 Index to parts and controls
116 Menu chart
Back cover
Index

4Unpacking
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
Getting Started
Step 1 : Unpacking
Check that you have received the following items with the VCR
:
•Remote commander
•R6 (size AA) batteries
•Set-Top Box controller
•SmartFile labels
•Aerial cable

Getting Started
5
Setting up the remote commander
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
Step 2 : Setting up the remote commander
Inserting the batteries
Insert two R6 (size AA) 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. Buttons on the
remote commander marked with a
dot (•) can be used to operate your
Sony TV. If the TV does not have
the symbol near the remote
sensor, this remote commander
will not operate the TV.
123
456
789
0
g
Remote sensor
[TV] / [VIDEO]
To operate Set [TV] / [VIDEO] to
the VCR [VIDEO] and point at the remote sensor on the VCR
a Sony TV [TV] and point at the remote sensor on the TV
continued

6Setting up the remote commander
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
TV control buttons
To Press
Set the TV to standby mode ?/1
Select an input source: aerial in or line in t TV/VIDEO
Select the TV’s programme position Programme number buttons,
–/––, PROG +/–
Adjust the TV’s volume 2+/–
Switch to TV (Teletext off) a(TV)
Switch to Teletext /(Teletext)
Select the sound AUDIO MONITOR
Use FASTEXT FASTEXT buttons
123
456
789
0
Programme
number
buttons
WIDE PROG +/–
c/C
?/1
AUDIO MONITOR
t TV/VIDEO
2+/–
/
FASTEXT buttons
–/– –
a
Menu
buttons
DISPLAY

Getting Started
7
Setting up the remote commander
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
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 together.
•Do not use different types of batteries together.
•Some buttons may not work with certain Sony TVs.
Setting the COMMAND MODE switch
To control the Sony VCRs with
this remote commander, set
COMMAND MODE on the
remote commander to the same
position as the one on the VCR.
Usually, it is set to VTR3. Change
the position as shown below to
control other Sony VCRs :
VTR1 : For Sony Betamax
format VCRs
VTR2 : For Sony 8mm
format VCRs
VTR3 : For Sony VHS
format VCRs
Call up the on-screen display DISPLAY
Change the Teletext page c/C
Operate the TV menu Menu buttons
Switch to/from wide mode of a Sony wide TV (For other
manufactures’wide TVs, see “Controlling other TVs with
the remote commander”.)
WIDE
To Press
123
456
789
0
COMMAND
MODE
continued

8Setting up the remote commander
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
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.
* These buttons may not work with all TVs.
Tip
•When you set your TV’s code number correctly while the TV is turned on, the TV turns off
automatically.
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 programme
number buttons.Then release ?/1.
Now you can use the following TV control buttons to control your TV:
?/1, TV/VIDEO, programme number buttons, –/––(ten’s digit), PROG +/–,
2+/–, a(TV), /(Teletext), FASTEXT buttons, WIDE*, MENU*, CURSOR
M*/m*/<*/,*, and OK*.

Getting Started
9
Setting up the remote commander
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
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.
To switch to wide mode, see the footnotes below this table for the applicable code
numbers.
*1 Press WIDE to switch to the wide picture mode you want.
*2 Press WIDE, then press 2+/–to select the wide picture mode you want.
*3 Press WIDE. The menu appears on the TV screen.Then, press CURSOR M/m/</,to
select the wide picture you want and press OK.
Manufacturer Code number
Sony 01*1, 02, 03, 04, 05
Aiwa 32
Akai 68
Blaupunkt 10, 21
Brionvega 40
C.G.M 09
Colonad 03
Dual 44
Emerson 03, 04
Fenner 30, 31
Ferguson 52
Goldstar 03, 04, 17
Grundig 10*1, 11*1
Hitachi 24
Hyper 31
Inno-Hit 41
Irradio 20
ITT 15, 16, 69*3
JVC 33
Loewe 45
Mitsubishi 27*1, 28*1, 50*1, 51*1
Mivar 09
NEC 66
Nokia 15, 16, 69*3
Nordmende 35, 42
Orion 47, 48
Panasonic 17*1, 49
Philips 06*1, 07*1, 08*1
Phonola 18, 19
Pioneer 26
Saba 12, 13
Samsung 22, 23
Sanyo 25
Schneider 46
Seleco 14
Sharp 29
Siemens 39
Sinudyne 37
TEAC 67
Telefunken 36
Thomson 43*2
Toshiba 38
White
Westinghouse 34
Manufacturer Code number
continued

10 Setting up the remote commander
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
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.
•If you remove the batteries of the remote commander for more than a few minutes, the code
number may be reset to 01 (Sony). In this case, reset the appropriate code number.

Getting Started
11
Connecting the VCR
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
Step 3 : Connecting the VCR
We recommend connecting your VCR to your TV using a Scart (EURO-
AV) cable. You must still connect your VCR to your TV with an aerial
cable as well.
If you use the Scart (EURO-AV) cable for connecting, you will improve
the picture and sound quality playback of your VCR and make the set up
easier.
•Connection to your TV with an aerial cable only, see page 14.
•Connection to your TV and Set-Top Box, see page 15.
Connection to your TV with a Scart (EURO-AV) connector
1Disconnect the aerial cable from your
TV and connect it to AERIAL IN on
the rear panel of the VCR.
2Connect AERIAL OUT of the VCR
and the aerial input of your TV using
the supplied aerial cable.
Mains lead
iLINE-1
(TV)
AERIAL IN
Scart
(EURO-AV)
to mains Aerial cable (supplied)
AERIAL OUT
: Signal flow
Scart (EURO-AV) cable
(not supplied)
AERIAL IN
AERIAL
ANTENNE
IN
ENTREE
OUT
SORTIE
AERIAL
ANTENNE
IN
ENTREE
OUT
SORTIE
continued

12 Connecting the VCR
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
Notes
•If the TV is connected to the LINE-1 (TV) connector, setting the RF channel to OFF is
recommended (see page 20). In the OFF position, only the signal from the aerial is output
through the AERIAL OUT connector.
•For a correct SmartLink connection, you will need a Scart cable which the 21 pins are
completely connected (for example a Sony cable reference VMC-2121HG). Please refer to
your TV’s instruction manual as well for this connection.
3Connect LINE-1 (TV) on the VCR
and the Scart (EURO-AV) connector
on the TV with the optional EURO-
AV cable.
This connection improves picture and
sound quality.Whenever you want to
watch the VCR picture, press t TV/
VIDEO to display the VIDEO
indicator in the display window.
4Connect the mains lead to the mains.
You can now tune your TV to the VCR (see page 18).
LIGNE-1 (TV)
LINE-1 (TV)

Getting Started
13
Connecting the VCR
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
About the SMARTLINK features
If the connected TV complies with
SMARTLINK, NexTView Link,
MEGALOGIC*1, EASYLINK /
CinemaLink*2, Q-Link*3 or T-V
LINK*4 , you can use the
SMARTLINK function after you complete the steps on the previous page (the SMARTLINK
indicator appears in the VCR’s display window when you turn on the TV).You can enjoy the
following SMARTLINK features.
•Preset Download
You can download your TV tuner preset data to this VCR and tune the VCR according to that
data in Auto Set Up. This greatly simplifies the Auto Set Up procedure. Be careful not to
disconnect the cables or exit the Auto Set Up function during the procedure.
See “Setting up the VCR with the Auto Set Up function”on page 21.
•TV Direct Rec
You can easily record what you are watching on the TV (other than tapes being played on this
VCR). For details, see “Recording what you are watching on the TV (TV Direct Rec)”on
page 51.
•One Touch Play
With One Touch Play, you can start playback automatically without turning on the TV. For
details, see “Starting playback automatically with one button (One Touch Play)”on page 47.
•One Touch Menu
You can turn on the VCR and TV, set the TV to the video channel, and display the VCR’s on-
screen display automatically by pressing MENU on the remote commander.
•One Touch Timer
You can turn on the VCR and TV, set the TV to the video channel, and display the timer
recording menu (the TIMER METHOD menu, the TIMER menu or the VIDEO Plus + menu)
automatically by pressing TIMER on the remote commander. You can set which timer
recording menu is displayed using TIMER OPTIONS in the OTHER OPTIONS menu (see
page 74).
•Automatic Power off
You can have the VCR turn off automatically, if the VCR is not used for about 1 minute, after
you turn off the TV.
•NexTView Download
You can easily set the timer by using the NexTView Download function on your TV. Please
refer to your TV’s instruction manual.
*1 “MEGALOGIC”is a registered trademark of Grundig Corporation.
*2 “EASYLINK /CinemaLink”is a trademark of Philips Corporation.
*3 “Q-Link”is a trademark of Panasonic Corporation.
*4 “T-V LINK”is a trademark of JVC Corporation.
Note
•Not all TVs respond to the functions above.
TV
STEREO
AUTO SET UP
SMH
LPEP
SP VIDEO
EDIT
NICAM
VPS
PDC
OPC
SMARTLINK
continued

14 Connecting the VCR
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
Connection to your TV with an aerial cable only
1Disconnect the aerial cable from your
TV and connect it to AERIAL IN on
the rear panel of the VCR.
2Connect AERIAL OUT of the VCR
and the aerial input of your TV using
the supplied aerial cable.
3Connect the mains lead to the mains.
You can now tune your TV to the VCR (see page 18).
Mains lead
AERIAL IN
to mains
Aerial cable (supplied)
AERIAL OUT
: Signal flow
AERIAL IN
AERIAL
ANTENNE
IN
ENTREE
OUT
SORTIE
AERIAL
ANTENNE
IN
ENTREE
OUT
SORTIE

Getting Started
15
Connecting the VCR
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
Connection to your TV and Set-Top Box (STB)
If you don’t use a STB, skip to page 18.
If your STB has a Scart (EURO-AV) connector
The illustration below shows an example of connecting the STB to LINE-4 IN. In this case, set
the STB CONNECTION setting to LINE-4 (see page 26).
You can watch programmes from the Set-Top Box connected to this VCR on your TV even
when the VCR is turned off using the Line Through function. When you turn on the STB, this
VCR automatically sends the signal from the STB to the TV without turning itself on.
Note
•You cannot watch programmes from your STB on the TV while recording unless you record
a programme from your STB.
1Connect the STB to the LINE-4IN connector as shown above.
2Set POWER SAVE to OFF in the OTHER OPTIONS menu.
3Turn off the VCR.
To watch a programme from the STB, turn on the STB and the TV.
For details, see page 26.
AERIAL
OUT
Scart cable (supplied with
the STB)
Scart cable (not supplied)
Aerial cable (supplied)
STB
STBcontroller
Side view
(supplied)
iLINE-
1 (TV)
tLINE
- 4 IN
STB Control
: Signal flow
Scart
(EURO-AV)
AERIAL
IN
AERIAL IN
continued

16 Connecting the VCR
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
If your STB does not have a Scart (EURO-AV) connector
Set the STB CONNECTION setting to RF (see page 26).
* If your TV doesn’t have a Scart (EURO-AV) connector, the Scart cable connected to the
VCR is not required.
AERIAL
IN
Aerial cable
(not supplied)
Scart cable* (not supplied)
Aerial cable (supplied)
AERIAL
OUT
STB
STB
controller
Side view
(supplied)
iLINE-
1 (TV)
STB
Control
: Signal flow
Scart
(EURO-AV)
AERIAL IN

Getting Started
17
Connecting the VCR
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
Additional connections
To a stereo system
You can improve sound quality by
connecting a stereo system to the AUDIO
OUT R/L jacks as shown on the right.
To a TV that has phono type audio/
video input jacks (only if you don’t
connect the VCR and your TV using a
Scart (EURO-AV) connector)
This additional connection improves picture
and sound quality. Connect the TV as shown
on the right using a commercially available
connecting cable like the Sony VMC-810. If
your TV has only one audio input jack, use a
connecting cable like the Sony VMC-
910MS.
AUDIO OUT
R/L LINE IN
Audio cable (not supplied)
VMC-810 cable (not supplied)
LINE-2 OUT LINE IN

18 Tuning your TV to the VCR
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
Step 4 : Tuning your TV to the VCR
If you have connected your VCR to the TV with an aerial
cable only
1Turn on your TV and press ?/1(on/standby) to turn on the VCR.
Pull down the drop down panel.
2Press briefly RF CHANNEL on the VCR.
The factory-preset RF (Radio Frequency) channel appears in the display
window..
3Turn on your TV and select an unused programme position for the VCR
picture (for ex. programme position "0").
This programme position will be referred to as the video channel (for
watching your VCR on the TV) after tuning is completed.
g
RF CHANNEL
PROGRAM +/–
?/1
•
AUTO SET UP
RF CHANNEL
TV
STEREO
AUTO SET UP
S
M
H
LPEP
SP VIDEO
EDIT
NICAM
VPS
PDC
OPC
SMARTLINK

Getting Started
19
Tuning your TV to the VCR
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
To check if the TV tuning is correct
Set the TV to the video channel (for ex. programme position "0") and press
PROGRAM +/–on the VCR. If the TV screen changes to a different programme each
time you press PROGRAM +/–, the TV tuning is correct.
To obtain a clear picture from the VCR
If the screen does not appear clearly in step 5 above, press PROGRAM +/–, so that
another RF channel appears.Then tune the TV to the new RF channel until a clear
picture appears.
4Tune in the programme position you have
selected (for ex. programme position "0")
until the picture shown on the right appears
clearly on the TV screen (background must
be green).
Refer to your TV manual for tuning
instructions.
If the picture does not appear clearly, see
“To obtain a clear picture from the VCR”
below.
5Press RF CHANNEL.
You have now tuned your TV to the VCR. From now on, whenever you
want to play a tape, set the TV to the video channel (for ex. programme
position "0").
You can now set your VCR with the Auto Set Up function (see page 21).
SONY VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER
AUTO SET UP
RF CHANNEL
continued

20 Tuning your TV to the VCR
filename[01GB04GET-NP0.fm] model name1[SLV-SF990G(ENG)] model name2[]
[3-062-324-11 (1)]
If you have connected your VCR to the TV with a Scart
(EURO-AV) connector and an aerial cable as well
In order to avoid any interferences with existing broadcasts, we recom-
mend you to set RF channel to the OFF position.
Note
•If in step 3 the green screen does not appear, select the "AV/EXTERNAL" source on your TV
(please refer to your TV instruction manual).
1Turn on your TV and press ?/1(on/standby) to turn on the VCR.
Pull down the drop down panel.
2Press briefly RF CHANNEL on the VCR.
The factory-preset RF (Radio Frequency) channel appears in the display
window.
3Press PROGRAM +/- until the OFF indication appears in the display
window. The RF channel is then switched off.
The picture shown below appears clearly on the TV screen (background
must be green).
4Press RF CHANNEL again.
You can now set your VCR with the Auto Set Up function (see page 21).
g
RF CHANNEL
PROGRAM +/–
•
AUTO SET UP
RF CHANNEL
TV
STEREO
AUTO SET UP
S
M
H
LPEP
SP VIDEO
EDIT
NICAM
VPS
PDC
OPC
SMARTLINK
TRACKING
- PROGRAM +
TV
STEREO
AUTO SET UP
SMH
LPEP
SP VIDEO
EDIT
NICAM
VPS
PDC
OPC
SMARTLINK
SONY VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER
AUTO SET UP
RF CHANNEL