Sony SVO-1630 User manual

Video Cassette
Recorder
3-201-538-01(2)
j
SVO-1630
Operating Instructions
Mode d’emploi
Manual de Instrucciones
US
FR
ES
1998 by Sony Corporation

2 (US)
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
For the 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.
Owner’s record
The model number is located at the front of the unit and the
serial number on the rear. Record the serial number in the
space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon
your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. SVO-1630 Serial No.
This player has a Y/C filtering
technique incorporated under license
from Faroudja Laboratories Inc.
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.
English WARNING
(FAROUDJA
logo)
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.
Declaration of Conformity
Model Number : SVO-1630
Trade Name : SONY
Responsible Party : Sony Electronics Inc.
Address : 1 Sony Drive, Park Ridge,
NJ.07656 USA
Telephone No. : 201-930-1000
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

3 (US)
US
English
Table of Contents
Overview
Precautions ................................................................4 (US)
Features......................................................................5 (US)
Location of Parts and Controls ................................6 (US)
Front panel ..................................................................... 6 (US)
Display window ............................................................. 7 (US)
Rear panel ......................................................................7 (US)
Remote commander ....................................................... 8 (US)
Setup
Setting Up the Remote Commander ........................9 (US)
Basic Connections ..................................................10 (US)
Setting the Language ..............................................11 (US)
Setting the Clock .....................................................12 (US)
Setting the clock...........................................................12 (US)
Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time ............................. 14 (US)
Basic Operations
Recording.................................................................16 (US)
Recording ..................................................................... 16 (US)
Sensor recording .......................................................... 17 (US)
Checking the tape threading......................................... 18 (US)
Checking the used time ................................................ 18 (US)
Playing aTape ..........................................................19 (US)
Playing a tape ............................................................... 19 (US)
Playing/searching at various speeds............................. 23 (US)
Repeat playback ...........................................................24 (US)
Using the index function .............................................. 26 (US)
Using the blank search function...................................28 (US)
One time play ............................................................... 29 (US)
Adjusting the Picture ..............................................30 (US)
Adjusting the Tracking................................................. 30 (US)
Using the Adaptive Picture Control (APC)..................31 (US)
Timer Recording/Playback......................................32 (US)
Timer recording/playback ............................................32 (US)
Checking/changing/cancelling timer settings .............. 36 (US)
Additional Operations
Editing with AnotherVCR .......................................38 (US)
Connecting another VCR for editing ........................... 38 (US)
Editing with another VCR............................................39 (US)
RecordingTV Programs ..........................................40 (US)
Connecting the VCR and TV .......................................40 (US)
Presetting channels....................................................... 42 (US)
Recording TV programs............................................... 45 (US)
Recording TV programs using the timer...................... 48 (US)
Others
Troubleshooting.......................................................50 (US)
Specifications ..........................................................52 (US)

4 (US)
Precautions
On safety
•Operate the unit on 120 V AC, 60 Hz only.
• The nameplate indicating operating voltage, power
consumption, etc., is located on the rear of the unit.
•If anything falls into the cabinet, unplug the unit and
have it checked by qualified personnel before
operating it any further.
• Do not drop or place heavy objects on the power
cord. If the power cord is damaged, turn off the power
immediately. It is dangerous to use the unit with a
damaged power cord.
•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.
On installation
•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.
On video cassettes
Remove and store video cassettes after recording or
playback.
On cleaning
As a safety precaution, unplug the unit before cleaning
it.
• To keep the unit looking brand-new, periodically
clean it with a mild detergent solution. Never use
strong solvents as thinner or benzene, or abrasive
cleaners since they will damage the cabinet. When
cleaning, keep liquid away from electrical contacts
and connectors.
• When there is a buildup of dust on air vents, use a
vacuum cleaner to remove it.
On repacking
• Before repacking, disconnect all cables and
connecting cords.
• Do not throw away the carton and packing materials.
They make an ideal container with which to transport
the unit. When shipping the unit to another location,
repack it.
On transportation
When transporting the unit, protect it from vibration
and impact.
If you have any questions about this unit, contact your
authorized Sony dealer.

5 (US)
Overview
Features
•Sensor recording that enables your VCR to record automatically
whenever video signals are input through the VIDEO IN jack
•Auto-repeat playback function that enables your VCR to repeat play of
only the recorded portion of the tape automatically
•Key inhibit function that locks the buttons on the VCR
•CONTROL S IN/OUT jacks that offer remote control of the tape
operation with other Sony video equipment
If you use the optional RM-V200 wired remote control unit, you can
control up to approximately 50 VCRs connected via CONTROL S IN/
OUT in series.
•Index scan/index search functions that easily locate the beginning of the
desired scene
•DUAL MODE SHUTTLE ring that easily advances and rewinds the tape
to locate a desired scene
•On-screen menu that displays information in three languages (English,
French or Spanish)
•Memory back-up function that, using a built-in rechargeable battery,
retains settings and adjustments (including the clock) for up to 30 days
when a power interruption occurs
•Timer recording/playback function that enables you to record/play at
preset times, daily or weekly, by setting the timer
•APC (Adaptive Picture Control) function that automatically optimizes
recording and playback performance
•SQPB1) that enables you to play video tapes recorded in S-VHS format
1) SQPB is an abbreviation of S-VHS Quasi Playback. The quality of the
picture is not as high as those of the original picture.
..........................................................................................................................................................................................................

6 (US)
Location of Parts and Controls
Refer to the pages indicated in ( ) for details.
Front panel
1POWER switch/indicator (16(US))
26EJECT button (19 (US))
3KEY INHIBIT ON/OFF switch (9(US))
4AUTO REPEAT ON/OFF switch (24(US))
5Cassette compartment (16 (US))
6TAPE SPEED (SP/EP) button (16(US))
7TIMER button (32 (US))
8rREC button (16(US))
9PPAUSE button (16 (US))
!º DUAL MODE SHUTTLE ring (19 (US))
!¡ (PLAY button (19 (US))
!™ pSTOP button (16(US))
!£ Remote sensor (9(US))
!¢ RESET button (50(US))
!∞ CH/TRACKING –/+ buttons (23 (US))
!§ Display window (7(US))
!¶ INPUT SELECT button (16 (US))
!• SAP button (47(US))
!ª REMOTE ON/OFF switch (9 (US))
@º SENSOR REC indicator (18(US))
@¡ SENSOR REC ON/OFF switch (18 (US))
@™ REC LEVEL (recording volume) control (18 (US))
@£ Headphones jack
@¢ PHONES LEVEL (headphones volume) control
6
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@º !¶!•@£@¢
134 567 8 9
!º!¡!™!£!∞!§
@™@¡ !ª
2
!¢

7 (US)
Display window
1Peak level meter
2TIMER indicator
3Tape operation indicators
4VTR indicator
5CATV indicator
6Linear time counter
7Clock
8Stereo/bilingual indicators
9Channel number indicator
!º Input mode indicators
!¡ AUTO indicator
!™ REC (recording) indicator
!£ KEY INHIBIT indicator
!¢ Cassette in indicator
!∞ Tape speed indicators (SP/EP)
!§ AUTO TRACKING indicator
Rear panel
1AC IN connector
2CONTROL S IN/OUT jacks (5(US))
3AUDIO IN R/L jacks (10(US))
4VIDEO IN jack (10(US))
5VHF/UHF IN/OUT jacks (40(US))
6RF CHANNEL 3/4 switch (41 (US))
7VIDEO OUT jack (10(US))
8AUDIO OUT R/L jacks (10(US))
1 3 4 52
678
L R
10
20
0
10
3
3
VTR
X 2
CATV
LINE
TUNER
AUTO
TIMER
REC
AUTO TRACKING
SP EP
KEY
INHIBIT
STEREO MAIN / L SAP SUB / R
AM
PM
H M S
123 56
7
8
9
!¡!™!£
!¢
4
0
!∞!§

8 (US)
Location of Parts and Controls
Remote commander
!¢
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
0
!¡
!™
!£
4
!∞
!§
!¶
!•
!ª
@º
@¡
@™
@£
@¢
@∞
16EJECT button (19 (US))
2Menu operation buttons (11(US))
MENU button
CURSOR 4/$/“/”buttons
EXECUTE button
3Number buttons and ENTER button (46(US))
4COUNTER RESET button (20(US))
5AUTO TRACKING button (30(US))
6INPUT SELECT button (16(US))
77FRAME button (23(US))
8&SLOW –/+ buttons (23 (US))
9BLANK SEARCH button (28(US))
!º INDEX button (26 (US))
!¡ 3/#SEARCH buttons (19(US))
!™ ·PLAY button (19 (US))
!£ pSTOP button (16(US))
!¢ [TV] / [VTR] remote control switch (9 (US))
!∞ POWER switch (16 (US))
!§ TIMER buttons
ON/OFF button (32(US))
CLEAR button (36 (US))
!¶ TV/VTR button (42(US))
!• AUDIO MONITOR button (22(US))
!ª DISPLAY button (20(US))
@º TAPE SPEED (SP/EP) button (16(US))
@¡ CH (channel) +/– button (11(US))
@™ VOL (volume) +/– button
@£ rREC button (16 (US))
@¢ PPAUSE button (16(US))
@∞ DUAL MODE SHUTTLE ring (19(US))

9 (US)
Inserting the batteries
Insert two size AA (R6) batteries (supplied) by
matching the + and – on the batteries to the diagram
inside the battery compartment.
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.
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 TV.
6
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To operate Set [TV] / [VTR] to
the VCR [VTR] and point at the remote sensor
on the VCR
a Sony TV TV and point at the remote sensor on
the [TV]
Setup
Setting Up the Remote Commander
Be sure to install the
batteries from the ’side.
To control the VCR with the remote
commander
•Set the REMOTE ON/OFF switch on the VCR to
ON.
•Set the SENSOR REC ON/OFF switch on the VCR
to OFF.
If the settings of these switches are incorrect, the
remote commander does not function.
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To disable the remote commander control
Set the REMOTE ON/OFF switch to OFF. At this
setting, you cannot control this VCR from the remote
commander.
Locking the buttons on the VCR
You can lock the buttons on the VCR. This is
convenient if you want to prevent accidental
operations while controlling this VCR with a wired
control unit (not supplied). It is also convenient when
you use this VCR in a public place; this protects the
VCR from mishaps caused by other people touching it.
To lock the buttons on the VCR
Set the KEY INHIBIT ON/OFF switch on the VCR to
ON.
“KEY INHIBIT” appears in the VCR’s display
window.
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To resume normal operation
Set the KEY INHIBIT ON/OFF switch to OFF.
REMOTE ON/OFF
KEY INHIBIT ON/OFF
Remote sensor
[TV]/[VTR]
SENSOR REC ON/OFF

10 (US)
Basic Connections
Before you get started
•Turn off the power of all equipment.
•Do not connect the AC power cords until all of the connections are
completed.
•Be sure to make connections firmly. Loose connections may cause
picture distortion.
With the following connections, you can monitor the picture and sound.
SVO-1630
Input sources
(another VCR, video camera,
CS tuner etc.)
Monitor
to VIDEO
OUT
to AUDIO
OUT R/L
to VIDEO
IN
to AUDIO
IN R/L
to VIDEO OUT to AUDIO
OUT R/L
to VIDEO INto AUDIO
IN R/L
Audio cable
(not supplied) Audio cable (not supplied)
Video cable
(not supplied)
Signal flow

11 (US)
Select either English, French or Spanish for the on-screen menu language.
1Press MENU.
The main menu appears on the TV screen.
1. CLOCK SET
DAYLIGHT SET
LANGUAGE
2. TIMER REC/PLAY SET
3. TUNER PRESET
4. SET UP
USED TIME
2Make sure that 1.CLOCK SET /DAYLIGHT SET/LANGUAGE is
selected, and press EXECUTE.
The LANGUAGE menu appears.
[ CLOCK SET ]
[ LANGUAGE ]
ENGLISH
[ DAYLIGHT SET ]
MODE NO USE
OFF LST - SUN 10 02 : 00
ON 1ST - SUN 04 02 : 00
01 - 01 - 00 00 : 00
WEEK MONTH TIME
3Press CURSOR 4/$to flash the language.
[ CLOCK SET ]
[ LANGUAGE ]
ENGLISH
[ DAYLIGHT SET ]
MODE NO USE
OFF LST - SUN 10 02 : 00
ON 1ST - SUN 04 02 : 00
01 - 01 - 00 00 : 00
WEEK MONTH TIME
4Select the language: ENGLISH, FRANCAIS or ESPANOL, using CH
+/–, then press EXECUTE.
The main menu appears in the selected language.
Example: ESPANOL
1. AJUSTE RELOJ
HORA DE VERANO
IDIOMA
2. AJUSTE GRAB TEMP/REP
3. MEM SINTONIZADOR
4. AJUSTE
TIEMPO USADO
5Press MENU to return to the normal display.
Setting the Language
MENU
CURSOR
4/$
EXECUTE
CH +/–

12 (US)
Setting the Clock
Setting the clock
Set the time and date to use the timer feature for recording/playback
programs.
1Press MENU.
The main menu appears.
1. CLOCK SET
DAYLIGHT SET
LANGUAGE
2. TIMER REC/PLAY SET
3. TUNER PRESET
4. SET UP
USED TIME
2Make sure that 1. CLOCK SET/DAYLIGHT SET/LANGUAGE is
selected, and press EXECUTE.
The CLOCK SET menu appears on the screen and the month flashes.
[ CLOCK SET ]
[ LANGUAGE ]
ENGLISH
[ DAYLIGHT SET ]
MODE NO USE
OFF LST - SUN 10 02 : 00
ON 1ST - SUN 04 02 : 00
01 - 01 - 00 00 : 00
WEEK MONTH TIME
3Set the month using CH +/–.
[ CLOCK SET ]
[ LANGUAGE ]
ENGLISH
[ DAYLIGHT SET ]
MODE NO USE
OFF LST - SUN 10 02 : 00
ON 1ST - SUN 04 02 : 00
07 - 01 - 00 00 : 00
WEEK MONTH TIME
4Press CURSOR ”to flash the day.
Set the day using CH +/–.
[ CLOCK SET ]
[ LANGUAGE ]
ENGLISH
[ DAYLIGHT SET ]
MODE NO USE
OFF LST - SUN 10 02 : 00
ON 1ST - SUN 04 02 : 00
07 - 04 - 00 00 : 00
WEEK MONTH TIME
MENU
CURSOR
Z/z
EXECUTE
CH +/–

13 (US)
5Press CURSOR ”to flash the year.
Set the year using CH +/–.
[ CLOCK SET ]
[ LANGUAGE ]
ENGLISH
[ DAYLIGHT SET ]
MODE NO USE
OFF LST - SUN 10 02 : 00
ON 1ST - SUN 04 02 : 00
07 - 04 - 99 00 : 00
WEEK MONTH TIME
6Press CURSOR ”to flash the hour.
Set the hour using CH +/–.
[ CLOCK SET ]
[ LANGUAGE ]
ENGLISH
[ DAYLIGHT SET ]
MODE NO USE
OFF LST - SUN 10 02 : 00
ON 1ST - SUN 04 02 : 00
07 - 04 - 99 15 : 00
WEEK MONTH TIME
7Press CURSOR ”to flash the minutes.
Set the minutes using CH +/–.
[ CLOCK SET ]
[ LANGUAGE ]
ENGLISH
[ DAYLIGHT SET ]
MODE NO USE
OFF LST - SUN 10 02 : 00
ON 1ST - SUN 04 02 : 00
07 - 04 - 99 15 : 00
WEEK MONTH TIME
8Press EXECUTE to start the clock.
Notes
•You cannot set the clock during timer recording/playback or in timer
recording/playback standby mode.
•To change or correct a setting before starting the clock, press CURSOR
“or ”to flash the item you want to change and reset it.
•To recall the date and clock on the screen, select 1. CLOCK SET/
DAYLIGHT SET/LANGUAGE in the main menu and press EXECUTE.

14 (US)
Adjusting to Daylight SavingTime
Adjust to Daylight Saving Time when the season changes.
1Display the DAYLIGHT SET menu.
Follow steps 1and 2in “Setting the clock” on page 12 (US).
[ CLOCK SET ]
[ LANGUAGE ]
ENGLISH
[ DAYLIGHT SET ]
MODE NO USE
OFF LST - SUN 10 02 : 00
ON 1ST - SUN 04 02 : 00
07 - 04 - 99 15 : 00
WEEK MONTH TIME
2Press CURSOR 4/$to flash the setting of “MODE”.
[ CLOCK SET ]
[ LANGUAGE ]
ENGLISH
[ DAYLIGHT SET ]
MODE NO USE
OFF LST - SUN 10 02 : 00
ON 1ST - SUN 04 02 : 00
07 - 04 - 99 15 : 00
WEEK MONTH TIME
3Select USE using CH +/– to make Daylight Saving Time adjustment.
[ CLOCK SET ]
[ LANGUAGE ]
ENGLISH
[ DAYLIGHT SET ]
MODE USE
OFF LST - SUN 10 02 : 00
ON 1ST - SUN 04 02 : 00
07 - 04 - 99 15 : 00
WEEK MONTH TIME
4Press CURSOR $, and set the date and time when the Daylight Saving
Time adjustment is to be made.
WEEK ON
Set the week to make Daylight Saving Time adjustment using
CH +/–: Select 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, 4TH or LST for the first, second,
third, fourth or last week.
Then press CURSOR ”and set the day of the week using CH +/–:
SUN, MON, ..., SAT.
MONTH ON
Press CURSOR ”and set the month using CH +/–: 01, 02, ..., 12
for January, February, ..., December.
TIME ON
Press CURSOR ”and set the time using CH +/–. The time can only
be set between 01 and 22.
Then press CURSOR ”and set the minutes using CH +/–.
Note
To correct settings before completing the settings, press CURSOR
“/”/4/$to flash the setting you want to change, and reset it.
Setting the Clock
MENU
CURSOR
Z/z/4/$
EXECUTE
CH +/–

15 (US)
5Press CURSOR $, and set the date and time to change back to
standard time in the same way.
6Press EXECUTE, and then press MENU to return to the normal
display.

16 (US)
Recording
Recording
This section shows you how to record the signal from the input sources
connected to the VCR.
1Turn on the power of the equipment to be used.
2Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.
The cassette in indicator flashes for about 5 seconds and the VCR
checks the tape threading.
During this period, ·PLAY, rREC, FF ), REW 0, SEARCH
#and SEARCH 3do not function.
See “Checking the tape threading” on page 18 (US) for details.
3Press INPUT SELECT until the LINE indicator appears in the VCR’s
display window.
4Set the recording speed, SP (standard play) or EP (extended play), by
pressing TAPE SPEED.
See “To select tape speeds” on page 17 (US).
5Start recording by pressing rREC.
The REC indicator on the VCR lights up. When the tape reaches the
end, the VCR automatically rewinds it to the beginning.
Notes
•If you insert a tape with its safety tab removed, the VCR will eject it
when you press rREC. To record on this tape, cover the tab hole on the
cassette with adhesive tape.
•If “DISPLAY” is set to ON in the SET UP menu, the current time or tape
counter, and “r” while recording, are displayed on the monitor screen
but are not recorded on the tape.
See “Displaying the time counter and current time” on page 20 (US) for details.
•Whenever you insert a tape and first start recording, Adaptive Picture
Control (APC) automatically improves recording quality by adjusting the
VCR to the condition of the video heads and tape. There is about a 6-
second delay before the VCR actually starts recording when rREC is
pressed.
See “Using the Adaptive Picture Control (APC)” on page 31 (US) for details.
•If a power interruption occurs while recording, the VCR will resume
recording as soon as the power is restored.
To stop recording
Press pSTOP.
To cut an unwanted scene while recording
Press PPAUSE, and press it again to resume recording.
Note
When the recording pause mode lasts for more than about 5 minutes, the
VCR enters the stop mode.
POWER
INPUT
SELECT
TAPE
SPEED
rREC
PPAUSE
pSTOP
PPAUSE
TAPE SPEED pSTOP
rREC
INPUT SELECT
POWER
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17 (US)
Basic Operations
To select tape speeds
When recording, select either SP (standard play) or EP
(extended play) by pressing TAPE SPEED. EP
provides recording time three times as long as SP.
However, SP provides better picture quality. You can
mix SP and EP on the same tape. When playing a tape,
the VCR automatically detects the tape speed. See the
table below for the maximum recording/playback time
in each speed.
Tape type Maximum recording/playback time
SP EP
T-160 2 hrs. 40 min. 8 hrs.
T-120 2 hrs. 6 hrs.
T-60 1 hr. 3 hrs.
T-30 30 min. 1 hr. 30 min.
Saving a recording
Video tapes have a safety tab to protect against
accidental recording. To prevent accidental erasure of
a recording, break off the safety tab with a screwdriver
or other similar tool. A tape with its safety tab
removed is ejected if you try to record on it.
To record on this tape, simply cover the tab hole with
adhesive tape.
Safety
tab
Adhesive tape
TAPE SPEED
REC LEVEL
Sensor recording
The VCR can automatically start recording whenever a
video signal is input through the VIDEO IN jack.
6
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1Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.
2Press TAPE SPEED to select the tape speed.
3Check that the REC LEVEL control is set to the
center position.
4Set the SENSOR REC ON/OFF switch to ON.
The SENSOR REC indicator lights up, and the
VCR turns off to stand by for sensor recording.
Notes
• If you insert a tape with its safety tab removed,
the SENSOR REC indicator will flash and the
VCR will eject it when you set the SENSOR REC
ON/OFF switch to ON.
• If no cassette has been inserted, the SENSOR
REC indicator will flash when you set the
SENSOR REC ON/OFF switch to ON.
5Input a video signal through the VIDEO IN jack.
The VCR starts recording. When the tape reaches
the end during recording, the VCR stops recording
and turns off.
If the video signal input stops, the VCR stops
recording and returns to the standby mode. The
SENSOR REC indicator remains lit.
To stop sensor recording
Set the SENSOR REC ON/OFF switch to OFF.
The VCR stops recording and turns off.
To cancel sensor recording
Set the SENSOR REC ON/OFF switch to OFF.
SENSOR REC ON/OFF SENSOR REC indicator

18 (US)
Recording
Checking the tape threading
To ensure correct operation, the VCR checks
automatically the tape threading whenever you insert a
tape, and it takes about 5 seconds. If an error is
detected, the VCR ejects the tape.
During this period, tape operation buttons such as ·
PLAY, rREC, FF ), REW 0, SEARCH #and
SEARCH 3do not function.
If you consider it unnecessary to check the tape
threading, you can cancel it in the SET UP menu.
1Press MENU and select 4.SET UP/USED TIME,
then press EXECUTE.
2Press CURSOR 4/$to flash the setting of
“THREAD CHECK”.
[ SET UP ]
[ USED TIME ]
HEAD 00005H
REPEAT MODE
APC
STOP TIMER
TIMER PB END
DISPLAY
REW
REPEAT
ON
OFF
5M
THREAD CHECK ON
3Set to OFF to cancel the tape threading check
using CH +/–.
[ SET UP ]
[ USED TIME ]
HEAD 00005H
REPEAT MODE
APC
STOP TIMER
TIMER PB END
DISPLAY
REW
REPEAT
ON
OFF
5M
THREAD CHECK OFF
4Press EXECUTE, and then press MENU to return
to the normal display.
Head counter
Checking the used time
You can check the amount of time the video head has
been used in the USED TIME menu.
1Press MENU and select 4. SET UP/USED TIME,
then press EXECUTE.
2Check the head counter.
[ SET UP ]
[ USED TIME ]
HEAD 00005H
REPEAT MODE
APC
STOP TIMER
TIMER PB END
DISPLAY
REW
REPEAT
ON
OFF
5M
THREAD CHECK ON
3Press MENU to return to the normal display.

19 (US)
Playing aTape
Playing a tape
This section shows you how to play a video tape.
1Turn on the power of the equipment to be used.
2Insert a tape.
The VCR turns on automatically.
The cassette in indicator flashes for about 5 seconds and the VCR
checks the tape threading.
During this period, ·PLAY, rREC, FF ), REW 0, SEARCH
#and SEARCH 3do not function.
See “Checking the tape threading” on page 18 (US) for details.
3Press ·PLAY to start playing.
When the tape reaches the end, the VCR automatically rewinds it to
the beginning. (The power remains on.)
Additional tasks
To Press
Stop play pSTOP
Pause play PPAUSE
Resume play after pause PPAUSE or ·PLAY
Search forward Turn the DUAL MODE SHUTTLE (DMS) ring to #
during playback
Search backward Turn the DMS ring to 3during playback
Fast-forward the tape Turn the DMS ring to FF )during stop
Rewind the tape Turn the DMS ring to REW 0during stop
Eject the tape 6EJECT
For further information on searching and playback functions, see “Playing/
searching at various speeds” on page 23 (US).
Note
The display will not appear during still mode, slow-motion playback, or
high-speed playback.
About SQPB (S-VHS Quasi Playback)
This videocassette recorder can play tapes recorded in S-VHS format.
However, the resolution and quality of the picture is not as high as those of
the original picture recorded in S-VHS format.
You cannot record programs in S-VHS format with this VCR.
PPAUSE
·PLAY
pSTOP
DUAL
MODE
SHUTTLE
ring
6EJECT
PPAUSE
6EJECT
DUAL MODE SHUTTLE ring
pSTOP (PLAY
6
rP
p
(

20 (US)
Playing aTape
Displaying the time counter and current time
You can turn the display on the screen on or off.
1Press MENU and select 4.SET UP/USED TIME, then press
EXECUTE.
The SET UP menu appears.
[ SET UP ]
[ USED TIME ]
HEAD 00000H
REPEAT MODE
APC
STOP TIMER
TIMER PB END
DISPLAY
REW
REPEAT
ON
OFF
5M
THREAD CHECK ON
2Press CURSOR 4/$to flash the setting of “DISPLAY”.
[ SET UP ]
[ USED TIME ]
HEAD 00000H
REPEAT MODE
APC
STOP TIMER
TIMER PB END
DISPLAY
REW
REPEAT
ON
OFF
5M
THREAD CHECK ON
3Select ON or OFF using CH +/–.
[ SET UP ]
REPEAT MODE
APC
STOP TIMER
TIMER PB END
DISPLAY
REW
REPEAT
ON
ON
5M
THREAD CHECK ON
[ USED TIME ]
HEAD 00000H
4Press EXECUTE, and then press MENU to return to the normal
display.
To switch the display between the time counter and current
time
Press DISPLAY.
Using the time counter
At the point on a tape that you want to find later, press COUNTER RESET
to reset the counter to “0H00M00S”. When you rewind or advance the tape
to this point, refer to the counter.
Notes
•When a tape is reinserted, the counter returns to “0H00M00S”.
•The counter will not work on tape portions with no recording.
•You can also refer to the time counter in the display window.
MENU
CURSOR
4/$
EXECUTE
DISPLAY
CH +/–
COUNTER
RESET