Sony SLV-XA145MJ Installation instructions manual

Introduction
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
2EN
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.
Precautions
Safety
• This unit operates on 110 – 240 V AC,
50/60 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 mains 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 unit 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.
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 unit is designed to record and play
back using the PAL, MESECAM, NTSC 3.58,
and NTSC 4.43 colour systems. Recording of
video sources based on other colour systems
cannot be guaranteed.
• Tapes recorded with the NTSC colour
system can be played back on this unit using
a TV or a colour monitor for the PALcolour
system.

Introduction 3EN
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
Table of contents
Getting Started
Getting Started
4Step 1: Unpacking
5Step 2: Setting up the remote commander
6Step 3: Connecting the unit
8Step 4: Tuning your TV to the unit
Basic Operations
10 Playing a tape
Additional Operations
14 Playing/searching at various
speeds
16 Adjusting the picture
17 Editing with another VCR
Additional Information
19 Troubleshooting
21 Specifications
22 Index to parts and controls
25 Index
EN

Getting Started4EN
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
Getting Started
Step 1
Unpacking
Check that you have received the following items with the unit:
• Mains lead
• Plug adaptor
(SLV-XA145ME/MJ/XF245ME only)
Checking your model name
The instructions in this manual are for the 5 models: SLV-XA145ME,
XA145MJ, XA145PS, XF245ME and XF245PS. Check your model
number by looking at the rear panel of your unit. The SLV-XA145ME
is the model used for illustration purposes. Any difference in
operation is clearly indicated in the text, for example, “SLV-XF245ME
only.”
• Remote commander
• R6 (SizeAA) batteries
• Aerial cable
• Audio/video cable (3-phono to 3-
phono) (SLV-XF245 only)

Getting Started 5EN
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
Getting Started
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.
Using the remote commander
You can use this remote
commander to operate the unit
and a Sony TV. To operate this
unit, point at the remote sensor
on the unit. To operate the TV,
point at the remote sensor on
the TV.
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 mix different types of batteries.
To
Turn the TV to standby or active mode
Turn on the TV power
Increase (+) or decrease (–) the TV volume
Change the TV programme position
Select an input source of the TV either from aerial in or from line in
Press
u
;
VOL +/–
PROG(CH) +/–
TV/VIDEO
Remote sensor
;
u
TV/VIDEO
PROG(CH) +/–
VOL +/–

Getting Started6EN
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
Step 3
Connecting the unit
to mains
1Disconnect the aerial cable from your TV
and connect it to AERIAL IN on the rear
panel of the unit.
2Connect AERIAL OUT of the unit and
the aerial input of your TV using the
supplied aerial cable.
3ConnectAC IN of the unit to the mains
using the supplied mains lead.
If the mains plug does not fit in the
wall outlet, use the supplied plug
adaptor (SLV-XA145ME/MJ/XF245ME
only).
: Signal flow
Aerial cable
AC IN AERIAL IN
AERIAL OUT
AERIAL
OUT
IN
AERIAL
OUT
IN

Getting Started 7EN
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
Getting Started
Additional connections
To a TV that has phono type
audio/video input jacks
This additional connection
improves picture and sound quality.
Connect the TV as shown on the
right.
To a stereo system (SLV-XF245
only)
You can improve sound quality by
connecting a stereo system as
shown on the right.
TV
This unit
Audio/video cable (not supplied)
For SLV-XA145
TV
This unit
Audio/video cable
For SLV-XF245
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
AUDIO VIDEO
LINE IN
LINE OUT
AUDIO VIDEO
LINE IN
LINE OUT IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
AUDIO VIDEO
LINE IN
LINE OUT
AUX IN
Audio cable (not supplied)
This unit Stereo system

Getting Started8EN
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
1Press u(On/Standby) to turn on the unit.
2Turn on your TV and select a programme position for video
playback.
Choose a channel between UHF 30 and 39 on the TV where there is
no picture and no sound or only a steady rustling sound.
This channel will now be referred to as the video channel.
3Insert a tape recorded in the colour system matching your TV into
the cassette compartment.
The unit starts playing automatically if you insert a tape with its
safety tab removed.
4Press ·PLAY on the unit.
5Tune the TV until the video playback picture is clearly displayed on
the TV screen.
Refer to your TV manual for tuning instructions.
You have now tuned your TV to the unit. From now on, whenever
you want to play a tape, set the TV to the video channel.
If the playback picture does not appear clearly, see “To obtain a clear
playback picture” on page 9.
Step 4
Tuning your TV to the unit
If you have connected your unit to the TV using the audio/video cable, skip
this step.
u(On/Standby)

Getting Started 9EN
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
Getting Started
To obtain a clear playback
picture
If the playback picture does not
appear clearly in step 5 above,
turn the RF CHANNEL screw on
the rear panel of the unit with a
screwdriver to a position where
the TV clearly displays the playback picture.
Selecting the TV system
For your TV to receive the correct
signal from your unit, you must
set the TV SYSTEM switch on the
rear panel of the unit to either G
(for system B/G) or K (for system
D/K). If this switch is set to the
wrong position, the sound will be
distorted.
RF CHANNEL
TV SYSTEM
K
G

SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
Basic Operations
10EN
Basic Operations
Playing a tape
1Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.
2Insert a tape.
The unit turns on, and starts playing
automatically if you insert a tape with its
safety tab removed.
PICTURE
NTSC PB
COLOR SYSTEM
6EJECT
PPAUSE
3/#
SEARCH
)FF
·PLAY
0REW
pSTOP

Basic Operations 11EN
Basic Operations
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
3Press ·PLAY.
When the tape reaches the end, it will rewind automatically.
Additional tasks
To
Stop play
Pause play
Resume play after pause
Search forward
Search backward
Fast-forward the tape
Rewind the tape
Eject the tape
Press
pSTOP
PPAUSE
PPAUSE or ·PLAY
)FF or #SEARCH during playback
0REW or 3SEARCH during playback
)FF during stop
0REW during stop
6EJECT
To set the colour system
If streaks appear during playback, set COLOR SYSTEM on the unit to
conform to the system that the tape was recorded in. (Normally set the
switch to AUTO.)
If your tape was recorded in
PAL
NTSC
MESECAM
Set COLOR SYSTEM to
PAL/MESECAM
NTSC
PAL/MESECAM
continued
PLAY

SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
Basic Operations
12EN
Playing a tape (continued)
Set NTSC PB to
ON PAL TV
NTSC 4.43
NTSC 3.58
If your TV is
PAL
NTSC 4.43
NTSC 3.58
To play an NTSC-recorded tape
Set NTSC PB on the unit according to the colour system of your TV.
To listen to a
Stereo tape’s
Stereo sound
Left channel
Right channel
Standard sound*
Press AUDIO MONITOR until the
display window indicator shows
“L/R”
“L”
“R”
No indication
* The mixed sound of left and right channels (monaural)
Bilingual tape’s
Main and sub sounds
Main sound
Sub sound
Standard sound*
Watching a rental tape
Set PICTURE on the unit to RENTALPICTURE. Noise will be reduced on
the playback picture. After watching the rental tape, set the switch back to
NORMAL.
Selecting the sound during
playback (SLV-XF245 only)
Press AUDIO MONITOR to select
the desired sound. Each press of the
button changes the display on the
unit. When you play a tape
recorded in stereo or with a
bilingual sound track, the HiFi
indicator on the unit lights up.
AUDIO MONITOR

Basic Operations 13EN
Basic Operations
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
How sound is recorded on a video tape (SLV-XF245 only)
The unit records sound onto two separate tracks. Hi-fi audio is recorded
onto the main track along with the picture. Monaural sound is recorded
onto the normal audio track along the edge of the tape.
Notes
• Depending on your TV, the following may occur while playing an NTSC-recorded
tape:
– the picture is black and white,
– the picture shakes,
– no picture appears on the TV screen,
– black streaks appear horizontally on the TV screen, and
– the colour density increases or decreases.
• To listen to playback sounds in stereo, you must use the AUDIO OUT connections
(SLV-XF245 only).
• When you play a tape recorded in monaural, the sound is heard in monaural
regardless of theAUDIO MONITOR setting.
• You cannot select the sound to listen to while recording.
• You can playback tapes recorded in the SP mode only.
• You can eject a tape even when the power is off. When you press 6EJECT, the unit
turns on automatically. After ejecting the tape, the unit turns off again.
• When the pause mode lasts for more than approximately five minutes, the unit will
automatically enter the playback mode.
Hi-fi audio track
(main track)
Stereo sound
(left/right
channels)
Mixed left/right
channels
Normal audio track
(monaural)
Stereo Bilingual
Main (left channel)
Sub (right channel)
Mixed left/right
channels

Additional Operations
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
14EN
Additional Operations
Playing/searching
at various speeds
)FF
0REW
·PLAY
&SLOW +/–
7FRAME
3/#
SEARCH
)FF
·PLAY
0REW
Playback options
Fast-forward/rewind
View the picture during fast-
forward or rewind
Play at high speed
Play in slow motion
Play frame by frame
Rewind and start play
Operation
During stop, press )FF or 0REW.
During fast-forward, hold )FF down. During rewind, hold
0REW down.
During playback or pause, press #SEARCH or 3SEARCH.
During playback or pause, press &SLOW+/–. Press the +/–
buttons to change the speed.
During pause, press 7FRAME to advance the picture one frame.
Hold the button down to play one frame each second.
During stop, hold 0REW on the unit down and press ·PLAY
on the unit.

Additional Operations 15EN
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
To resume normal playback
Press ·PLAY.
Tip
• If the picture shakes while in the still mode, adjust the picture using $/4
TRACKING NORMAL/SLOW STILLADJUST on the unit.
Notes
• Streaks or snow cannot be eliminated completely in the various playback
operations.
• The sound is muted during these operations.

Additional Operations
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
16EN
Adjusting the
picture
Adjusting the tracking
Although the unit automatically
adjusts the tracking when
playing a tape, distortion may
occur if the tape was recorded in
poor condition. If so, manually
adjust the tracking.
Press $/4TRACKING
NORMAL/SLOW to obtain the
best possible picture. The
distortion should disappear as
you press one of the two
buttons. If you cannot get a
clear picture with manual
adjustment, press TRACKING
AUTO/MANUAL to return to
automatic adjustment.
About OPC
OPC (Optimum Picture Control) automatically improves playback quality
by adjusting the unit to the condition of the video heads and tape.
The OPC function automatically works on all types of tapes, including rental
tapes. You can play a tape using the OPC function even if the tape was not
recorded with it.
Notes
• The auto tracking function works automatically when you play back a tape just
after inserting it.
• Sufficient picture quality may not be obtained when playing back tapes recorded on
another VCR or tapes in poor condition.
• When a tape recorded with the copyguard system is played back, intermittent
distortion may appear in the upper portion of the picture. However, this is not a
malfunction of the unit.
TRACKING
AUTO/
MANUAL
$/4
TRACKING
NORMAL/
SLOW

Additional Operations 17EN
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
TV
Other VCR (Player)
Tips
• (SLV-XA145 only)
If the other VCR has theAUDIO L and R jacks, use a commercially available
connecting cable like the Sony VMC-910MS.
• (SLV-XF245 only)
Use a commercially available connecting cable like the Sony VMC-810. If the other
VCR is a monaural type, use a connecting cable like the Sony VMC-910MS.
Notes
• Make sure you connect the plugs to jacks of the same colour.
• When connecting the units, do not simultaneously connect the LINE IN and LINE
OUT jacks on your unit with the other VCR. A humming noise may occur if you do
this.
VMC-710M/720M audio/video cable (not supplied)
This unit (Recorder)
LINE OUT
LINE IN
: Signal flow
continued
Editing with another VCR
How to connect to record on this unit

Additional Operations
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
18EN
Editing with another VCR (continued)
Operation (when
recording on this unit)
You can make a copy of a tape
using this unit for recording or
playback. The unit cannot record
TV programmes directly since it
does not have a TV tuner.
Before you start editing
• Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.
1Insert a source tape with its safety tab removed into the other
(playback) VCR. Search for the point to start playback and set it to
playback pause.
2Insert a tape with its safety tab in place into this (recording) unit.
Search for the point to start recording and press PPAUSE.
3Press rREC on this unit to set it to recording pause.
4To start editing, press the PPAUSE buttons on both units at the same
time.
To stop editing
Press the pSTOP buttons on both units.
To save a recording
To prevent accidental erasure, break off the
safety tab as illustrated. To record on a tape
again, cover the tab hole with adhesive tape.
Auto head cleaner
The unit incorporates an auto head cleaner which cleans the video heads
when a tape is loaded or unloaded. When the heads are not sufficiently
clean, even after a tape has been loaded/unloaded several times, use the
Sony V-25CL video head cleaning cassette.
Tips
• To edit more precisely, press the PPAUSE buttons on the units to release pause.
• To cut out unwanted scenes while editing, press PPAUSE on this unit when an
unwanted scene begins. When that scene ends, press PPAUSE again to resume
recording.
Note
• You can record tapes only in SP mode.
Safety tab
rREC
PPAUSE

19EN
Additional Information
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
Symptom
The u(On/Standby) switch
does not function.
The power is turned on but the
unit does not operate.
The VCR enters standby mode
or turns off automatically.
The playback picture does not
appear on the TV screen.
The picture is not clear.
The picture rolls vertically
during picture search.
The picture has no sound.
Troubleshooting
If you have any questions or problems not covered below, please consult your
nearest Sony service facility.
Additional Information
Power
Playback
continued
Remedy
• Connect the mains lead securely.
• Moisture condensation occurs. Turn the power off,
unplug the mains lead and leave the unit to dry for
over an hour.
• The auto safety system is triggered to protect your tape
and the unit’s mechanism when there is something
wrong with the tape or when the mechanism is
overloaded. Press uto restart the unit. If the unit
does not work after pressing uagain, disconnect the
mains lead from the mains. Wait for at least 15
seconds. Then reconnect mains, and press uagain. If
the unit still does not work, please consult your nearest
Sony service facility.
• Make sure the TV is set to the video channel. If you
are using a monitor, set it to video input.
• Adjust the tracking with the $/4TRACKING
NORMAL/SLOW buttons.
• Make sure the COLOR SYSTEM switch is set to the
position corresponding to the colour system which the
tape was recorded with.
• The video heads are dirty (see below). Clean the video
heads using the Sony V-25CL video head cleaning
cassette. If this cleaning cassette is not available in
your area, have the heads cleaned at your nearest Sony
service facility (a standard service charge will be
required). Do not use a commercially available wet-
type cleaning cassette, as it may damage the video
heads.
• The video heads may have to be replaced. Consult
your local Sony service facility for more information.
• Adjust the vertical hold control on the TV or monitor.
• The tape is defective. Use a new tape.
• Normal picture • Rough picture • Unclear picture • No picture (or
black & white
screen appears)
Symptoms caused by contaminated video heads
initial terminal

Additional Information
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
20EN
Symptom
The tape starts playing as soon
as it is inserted.
The tape is ejected when you
press rREC.
No tape can be inserted.
The remote commander does
not function.
The unit needs to be cleaned.
Remedy
• The safety tab has been removed. To record on this
tape, cover the tab hole.
• Check that the safety tab has not been removed.
• Check that a tape isn’t already in the tape
compartment.
• Make sure you are pointing the remote commander at
the remote sensor on the unit.
• Replace all the batteries in the remote commander with
new ones if they are weak.
• Clean the cabinet, panel, and controls with a dry soft
cloth, or a soft cloth slightly moistened with a mild
detergent solution. Do not use any type of solvent,
such as alcohol or benzine.
Troubleshooting (continued)
Recording
Others

21EN
Additional Information
SLV-XF245ME/PS/XA145ME/MJ/PS 3-858-193-13 (1)
System
RF output signal
UHF channels 30 to 39
Aerial out
75-ohm asymmetrical aerial socket
Inputs and outputs
LINE IN
VIDEO IN, phono jack (1)
Input signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms,
unbalanced, sync negative
AUDIO IN,
phono jack (1) (SLV-XA145)
phono jack (2) (SLV-XF245)
Input level: 327 mVrms
Input impedance: more than 47 kilohms
LINE OUT
VIDEO OUT, phono jack (1)
Output signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms,
unbalanced, sync negative
AUDIO OUT,
phono jack (1) (SLV-XA145)
phono jack (2) (SLV-XF245)
Standard output: 327 mVrms
Load impedance: 47 kilohms
Output impedance: less than 10 kilohms
General
Power requirements
110 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption
10 W
Operating temperature
5°C to 40°C
Storage temperature
–20°C to 60°C
Dimensions
Approx. 355 x 102 x 283.5 mm (w/h/d)
including projecting parts and controls
Mass
Approx. 3.8 kg
Specifications
Supplied accessories
Remote commander (1)
R6 (Size AA) batteries (2)
Aerial cable (1)
Mains lead (1)
Audio/video cable (3-phono to 3-phono)
(SLV-XF245 only) (1)
Plug adaptor
(SLV-XA145ME/MJ/ SLV-XF245ME only) (1)
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.