Sony SVT-L400 User manual

1997 by Sony Corporation
Operating Instructions page 2
Before operating the unit, please read this manual
thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.
Mode d’emploi page 44
Avant de faire fonctionner cet appareil, lisez
attentivement le présent mode d’emploi et conservez-le
pour toute référence ultérieure.
Manual de instrucciones página 86
Antes de utilizar la unidad, lea este manual
detenidamente y consérvelo para futuras referencias.
Videocassette
Recorder
3-194-254-01(1)
SVT-L400
SVT L400

2
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.
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.
For the customers in the USA
WARNING
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.
This device requires shielded interface cable to comply
with FCC emission limits.

3
English
Table of Contents
Precautions.................................................................4
Features ......................................................................5
Location of Parts and Controls ................................6
Front Panel ...........................................................6
Rear Panel ............................................................7
Display Window...................................................7
Connections ................................................................8
Connecting a Camera, Monitor and Microphone.8
Connecting a Switcher .........................................8
Connecting Another Unit in Series ......................9
Connecting a Computer........................................9
Setting the Language ...............................................10
Setting the Clock......................................................11
Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time ...................12
Setting the Time/Date Display ...........................12
Changing the Display Position of
the Time/Date Display .............................13
Setting the Buzzers ..................................................14
Handling a Video Cassette......................................15
Inserting a Video Cassette..................................15
Ejecting a Video Cassette...................................15
Protecting Your Cassette from Being Erased.....15
Setting the Operation Mode ...............................15
Recording .................................................................16
Locking the Record Mode
— Security Lock Function .......................17
Recording on the Same Cassette Repeatedly
— Repeat Recording................................17
Series Recording ................................................18
Recording after Power Interruption or Moisture
Condensation............................................18
Setting the Mode at the End of the Tape ............19
Monitoring the Recording Condition .................20
Checking the Used Time ....................................20
CAUTION
The format used for time lapse recording in this
video cassette recorder differs from the regular VHS
video format. This VCR can play cassettes recorded
in SP or EP mode. Cassettes recorded in EP mode
on this unit can be viewed on a normal VHS video
cassette recorder. However, cassettes recorded in
time lapse modes may show some picture noise
when played on a normal VHS video cassette
recorder.
Timer Recording......................................................21
Day of the Week Recording ...............................21
Daily Recording .................................................24
Setting the Holiday.............................................25
Recording Using an External Timer...................25
Changing/Cancelling the Timer Settings ...........26
Alarm Recording .....................................................27
Connecting an Alarm Sensor..............................27
Setting the Alarm Speed and Duration...............27
Setting the Alarm Recording Mode ...................29
Searching the Picture of the Alarm Recordings
— Alarm Search.......................................30
Scanning the Picture of the Alarm Recordings
— Alarm Scan..........................................31
Displaying the Alarm List — Alarm Recall.......31
Playback ...................................................................32
Adjusting Pictures ..............................................33
Searching the Time and Date
— Time/Date Search ........................................34
Various Playback Modes ........................................35
Picture Search.....................................................35
Still Picture .........................................................35
Field-by-Field Picture ........................................35
Reverse Playback ...............................................35
Maintenance .............................................................36
Terminals..................................................................37
TIMER OUT Terminal.......................................37
WARNING OUT Terminal................................37
END OUT Terminal...........................................37
SW OUT Terminal .............................................38
CLOCK SET IN/OUT Terminals ......................39
RS-232C Interface..............................................40
REMOTE Jack ...................................................40
Troubleshooting .......................................................41
Specifications............................................................42

4
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.
•Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet,
turn off the power, 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.
•Connect the power cord to the wall AC outlet.
For connecting the power source, see “Connecting a
Camera, Monitor and Microphone” on page 8.
•Unplug the unit from the wall outlet if it is not to be
used for several days or more.
•Disconnect the power cord from the wall AC outlet
by grasping the plug, not by pulling the cord.
On installation
•Do not place a heavy object on the unit.
•Allow adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat
build-up.
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 in a location near heat sources
such as radiators or air ducts.
•Place the unit to avoid direct sunlight.
•Do not install the unit in a place subject to
mechanical vibration or shock.
•Do not put magnetic objects close to the unit and
cassette tape. Magnetic fields may affect the color
reproduction of the unit and cause distortion.
•Whenever you changed the place of the installation,
degauss the unit.
•The unit is designed for operation in a horizontal
position.
Do not install it in an inclined position.
On operation
When the unit is not in use, turn the power off to
conserve energy and to extend its life.
On moisture condensation
If the unit is brought directly from a cold to a warm
location, moisture may condense on the video head
drum. In this condition, the tape may adhere to the
head drum and cause serious damage to the head. To
avoid damage caused by moisture condensation, be
sure not to leave a cassette inside the compartment
when the unit will not be used. If moisture
condensation is present, the “dddd” indicator flashes in
the display window and the
unit will not operate. When
the “dddd” indicator
disappears, you can operate
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 such as thinner or benzine, 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
Features
Clog detection
The VCR always checks that the video signal is
recorded without problem (in time lapse mode only).
If the recording cannot be made properly because the
recording head has become clogged, the VCR will give
a warning.
Time and date retrieval function
Because this unit uses a high-performance VASS,
recordings made in time lapse mode can be searched
by date and time, a valuable type of search function in
time lapse VCRs.
Forward/reverse field advance
This VCR offers improved search functions with the
ability to move both forwards and backwards between
fields.
Clock operation backup
When a power interruption occurs, the built-in
rechargeable battery will provide backup power for the
clock for up to 30 days.
Essential data, such as data setting, internal timer
settings, recording time, and mode settings, and alarm
recording mode settings are also retained.
Security lock
To guard against operation errors, this VCR locks all
of the buttons.
Monitoring the recording condition
You can check the recorded image during recording by
pressing a single button.
RS-232C interface
By installing an optional SVT-RS1A Computer
Interface Board, you can control this VCR from a
personal computer via RS-232C interface.
Field recording/field playback
Since this VCR records the picture in the EP mode
which records the picture in shorter interval, you can
record more information than the normal time lapse
VCR.
Example: In 168H recording mode using T-120 tape:
This VCR can record about 2.1 fields per seconds,
while the normal time lapse VCR records 0.7 fields.
Because single fields can be recorded one by one in
time lapse mode and all fields can be viewed
separately during playback, you can record more
information.
Various recording functions
•Repeat recording: When the tape reaches the end,
the VCR rewinds the tape and starts recording again
from the beginning of the tape.
•Timer recording: You can set the timer on daily
recording or weekly recording.
•Alarm recording: If an externally connected alarm
sensor is triggered, you can make a complete
recording of the situation that triggered the alarm.
Mode settings on monitor
You can set the modes for all functions, such as the
internal timer setting, the alarm recording mode
settings, etc. on the monitor.
Series recording function
This function permits long-term continuous recording
using two or more time lapse VCRs.
Multiple recording modes
The time lapse intervals for recording can be set in 7
steps. At the longest interval setting, available
recording time is a full 168 hours with one 120-minute
tape.
Used time indicator
This VCR has a built-in microprocessor equipped with
a calendar function and shows used time of head drum
and power on time on the monitor screen.

6
Location of Parts and Controls
Front Panel (Refer to pages in parentheses for details.)
!∞ rREC button
!§ REC CHECK button (20)
!¶ pSTOP button
!• 0REW button
!ª zPLAY button
@º )FF button
@¡ PPAUSE button
@™ ZREV button
@£ SEARCH button
@¢ MENU button (10)
@∞ SHIFT $/z buttons (10)
@§ COUNTER RESET button (32)
@¶ REC/PLAY SPEED +/– buttons (10)
1POWER indicator
2REPEAT indicator (17)
3Reset button (37)
4Cassette compartment
5POWER switch
6SHARPNESS control (32)
7TRACKING +/– buttons (33)
8TAPE switch (15)
9ALARM DURATION switch (27)
0REPEAT REC switch (17)
!¡ ON-SCREEN switch (12)
!™ TIMER button (22)
!£ MENU RESET button (19)
!¢ 6EJECT button (15)
1
5 6 7 89!º!¡!™!£ !¢ !∞ !§ !¶ !ª!• @º@¡@™@£@¢@∞ @§ @¶
243

7
Rear Panel (Refer to pages in parentheses for details.)
Display Window
1END OUT terminal (37)
2WARNING OUT terminal (37)
3COM (common) terminal (37)
4EXT TIMER terminal (25)
5SW OUT terminal (38)
6COM (common) terminal (38)
7ALARM OUT terminal (27)
8ALARM IN terminal (27)
9MIC IN jack (8)
0REMOTE jack (40)
!¡ AUDIO IN/OUT jacks (phono type)
!™ VIDEO IN/OUT jacks (BNC type) (8)
!£ AC IN (inlet) (8)
!¢ CLOCK SET OUT terminal (39)
!∞ CLOCK SET IN terminal (39)
!§ SERIES OUT terminal (9)
!¶ TIMER OUT terminal (37)
!• COM (common) terminal (37)
!ª SERIES IN terminal (9)
1Tape operation indicators
2Cassette indicator
3Power interruption indicator
4Tape speed/Alarm/Moisture condensation
5Security lock indicator
6Timer recording standby indicator
7OFF indicator
8Linear time counter/Timer recording indicator
OFF
SMH

8
Connecting a Switcher
Note
When you connect several cameras to a switcher,
synchronize the cameras.
If not, the picture will be disturbed.
Turn all the power off before making connections.
Connect the AC power cord last.
Connecting a Camera, Monitor
and Microphone
With the following connections, you can monitor the
picture and sound.
To connect an alarm sensor
Refer to page 27.
Connections
to VIDEO
OUT
Camera switcher
to EXT
TIMING
IN
Video camera Monitor
to video output
Use of BNC connector
Align pin with cutout, insert and
turn right to lock.
To remove, turn left and pull out.
Microphone
to MIC IN
to VIDEO IN
to AC IN
to a wall
outlet
to video
input
to VIDEO
IN
to SW OUT
to MONITOR OUT
Video camera
Monitor

9
Connecting a Computer
To connect to a computer, use the SVT-RS1A
Computer Interface Board (not supplied).
For details about installation and control from a
computer, see the instruction manual of the
SVT-RS1A.
Connecting Another Unit in
Series
For operation, refer to page 18.
Interface cable to be
connected to the RS-232C
connector must be shielded
as follows.
Video Camera
to SERIES IN to COM
to COM
to COM
to COM
to COM
to COMto SERIES IN
to SERIES
OUT
to SERIES
OUT
to SERIES IN
to VIDEO
IN
to SERIES
OUT to
VIDEO
OUT
to
VIDEO
OUT
to
VIDEO
OUT
to VIDEO
OUT
to VIDEO IN
Monitor
to
VIDEO
IN
to
VIDEO
IN
to
VIDEO
IN
RS-232C connector
(9-pin D-sub type)
To a computer
9-pin D-sub type cable
(not supplied)
Outer shell
Shield

10
Select either English, French or Spanish for the display
language.
1Turn on the power.
2Press MENU until the SET UP 1 display appears
on the monitor screen.
3Press SHIFT $so that ENGLISH flashes.
4Press REC/PLAY SPEED +/– to select the
language.
5Press SEARCH to return to the normal display.
Note
When you want to change the language again, repeat
steps 2 to 5 after step 5.
Setting the Language
15234
<SET UP 1>
∗DAYLIGHT SET NO USE
WEEK MONTH TIME
ON 1ST-SUN 04 02 : 00
OFF LST-SUN 10 02 : 00
∗CLOCK SET
01-01-00 SAT 00 : 00 : 00
∗LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
∗CLOCK SET
01- 01 - 00 SAT 00 : 00 : 00
∗LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
∗CLOCK SET
01- 01 - 00 SAT 00 : 00 : 00
∗LANGUAGE
FRANCAIS

11
5Set the day by pressing REC/PLAY SPEED +/–,
then press SHIFT z.
6Set the year by pressing REC/PLAY SPEED +/–,
then press SHIFT z.
7Set the hour by pressing REC/PLAY SPEED +/–,
then press SHIFT z.
8Set the minutes by pressing REC/PLAY SPEED
+/–, then press SHIFT z.
9Press REC/PLAY SPEED – simultaneously with a
time signal.
You can set the clock at the 00 second point.
10After setting the date and time, press SEARCH to
return to the normal display.
Set the clock to the current time and date on the
monitor screen. For Daylight Saving Time, proceed the
steps in “Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time” on page
12 first.
Example:
Set the date and time to 15:20 on October 15, 1997.
1Turn on the power of the equipment to be used.
2Press MENU until the SET UP 1 display appears
on the monitor screen.
The first display shows January 1, 2000.
3 Press SHIFT $to move the flashing to 01.
4 Set the month by pressing REC/PLAY SPEED +/–,
then press SHIFT z.
Setting the Clock
12
Time
Day of the week
Month-Day-Year
3-9
<SET UP 1>
∗DAYLIGHT SET NO USE
WEEK MONTH TIME
ON 1ST-SUN 04 02 : 00
OFF LST-SUN 10 02 : 00
∗CLOCK SET
01-01-00 SAT 00 : 00 : 00
∗LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
OFF LIST-SUN 10 02 : 00
∗CLOCK SET
10-01-00 SUN 00 : 00 : 00
∗LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
OFF LIST-SUN 10 02 : 00
∗CLOCK SET
10-15-00 SUN 00 : 00 : 00
∗LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
ON
1ST SUN
04
02
:
00
OFF LIST-SUN 10 02 : 00
∗CLOCK SET
10-15-97 WED 00 : 00 : 00
∗LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
OFF LIST-SUN 10 02 : 00
∗CLOCK SET
10-15-97 WED 15 : 00 : 00
∗LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
O S SU 0 0 00
OFF LIST-SUN 10 02 : 00
∗CLOCK SET
10-15-97 WED 15 : 20 : 00
∗LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
10

12
Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time
You can adjust to Daylight Saving Time when the
season changes.
1Press MENU, and the SET UP 1 display appears on
the monitor screen.
2Press REC/PLAY SPEED +/– to set DAYLIGHT
SET to NO USE or USE:
NO USE: no Daylight Saving Time adjustment is
made
USE: Daylight Saving Time adjustment is made
3Set the date and time the Daylight Saving Time
adjustment is made.
WEEK ON
Press
REC/PLAY SPEED +/– to set which day
the Daylight Saving Time adjustment is made:
1ST, 2ND, 3RD, 4TH or LST for first, second,
third, fourth or last week.
Then press SHIFT ”, and press
REC/PLAY
SPEED +/–
to select the day of the week:
SUN, MON, TUE, WED, THU, FRI or SAT
MONTH ON
Press
REC/PLAY SPEED +/– to set which
month the Daylight Saving Time adjustment is
made:
01, 02, 03, 04...1, 12 for January, February
.....December
TIME ON
Press
REC/PLAY SPEED +/– to set the time the
Daylight Saving Time adjustment is made. The
time can only be set between 01 and 23.
Then press SHIFT ”, and press
REC/PLAY
SPEED +/–
to set the minutes.
Setting the Clock
Setting the Time/Date Display
You can display four items of information (date, time,
number of alarm recordings and recording/playback
speed) and turn off each item which you do not want to
display.
1Turn on the power of the equipment to be used.
2Press MENU until the SET UP 2 display appears
on the monitor screen.
3 Press SHIFT $so that the item of DISPLAY to be set
flashes and
REC/PLAY SPEED +/– to set to Y(yes)
or N(no).
Example: When you set the date display to N.
4Press SEARCH to return to the normal display
(time/date screen).
To turn off the screen display
Set the ON-SCREEN switch to OFF.
Alarm count
Recording/playback
speed
Current time
Following the same procedures as WEEK ON,
MONTH ON and TIME ON, set WEEK OFF,
MONTH OFF and TIME OFF when the time is
changed back from the Daylight Saving Time to
standard time.
4Press SEARCH to return to the normal display.
<SET UP 1>
∗DAYLIGHT SET NO USE
WEEK MONTH TIME
ON 1ST-SUN 04 02 : 00
OFF LIST-SUN 10 02 : 00
∗CLOCK SET
10-15-97 WED 15 : 20 : 00
<SET UP 1>
∗DAYLIGHT SET USE
WEEK MONTH TIME
ON 1ST-SUN 04 02 : 00
OFF LIST-SUN 10 02 : 00
∗CLOCK SET
10-15-97 WED 15 : 20 : 00
<SET UP 2>
∗DISPLAY
DATE Y
TIME Y
ALARM COUNT Y
SPEED Y
∗BUZZER
ALARM IN Y
<SET UP 2>
∗DISPLAY
DATE N
TIME Y
ALARM COUNT Y
SPEED Y
∗BUZZER
ALARM IN Y
000
15:20:00
168

13
Changing the Display Position of
the Time/Date Display
You can change the position of the time/date display
that appears on the monitor screen.
1Turn on the power of the equipment to be used.
The normal display appears.
2Change the display position as follows.
To move the display downwards, press SHIFT $.
(When the display reaches the bottom of the
screen, the display returns to the top of the screen.)
To move the display rightwards, press SHIFT z.
(When the display reaches the right-hand edge of
the screen, the display returns to the left-hand edge
of the screen.)
Date
Alarm count
Recording/
playback speed
Time
Press SHIFT z.
Press SHIFT $.
Note
While recording, this function does not work.
10-15-97 WED 000
15:20:00 168
10-15-97 WED 000
15:20:00 168

14
Setting the Buzzers
You can turn on/off three types of buzzers:
•ALARM IN buzzer: beeps while it receives an
alarm signal. (See “Alarm Recording” for more
information on page 27.)
•TAPE END buzzer: beeps when the tape reaches its
end.
•KEY IN buzzer: beeps when you press a button.
1Turn on the power of the equipment to be used.
2Press MENU until the SET UP 2 display appears
on the monitor screen.
3Press SHIFT $so that the item to be set flashes
and REC/PLAY SPEED +/– to set to Y (yes) or N
(no).
4Press SEARCH to return to the normal display.
1423
ALARM
COUNT
Y
SPEED Y
∗BUZZER
ALARM IN Y
TAPE END Y
KEY IN N
COU
SPEED Y
∗BUZZER
ALARM IN Y
TAPE END Y
KEY IN N

15
Handling a Video Cassette
Protecting Your Cassette from
Being Erased
Remove the tab on the cassette with a screwdriver or a
similar tool as shown below. This protects your
cassette against an accidental recording.
If you want to record again on the cassette without its
safety tab, simply cover the safety tab hole with a
piece of plastic tape.
Setting the Operation Mode
You can set the mode for the VCR when a video
cassette is inserted on the SET UP 3 display.
1Press MENU until the SET UP 3 display appears
on the screen.
2Press SHIFT $to move the flashing to TAPE IN
MODE and set to STOP or REC by pressing REC/
PLAY SPEED +/–.
STOP: the VCR enters stop mode when a video
cassette is inserted.
REC: the VCR enters recording mode when a
video cassette is inserted.
3Press SEARCH to return to the normal display.
This section shows you how to insert a video cassette
into the VCR.
Inserting a Video Cassette
Insert the cassette into the cassette compartment by
slowly pressing its center with the arrow on the top.
When the cassette is inserted, the VCR automatically
turns on and the indicator lights in the display
window.
If you insert the cassette without its safety tab for
recording, the VCR ejects the cassette automatically.
Ejecting a Video Cassette
Press 6EJECT on the VCR.
You can eject the cassette even when the power is off.
When you press 6EJECT, the VCR turns on
automatically.
After ejecting the cassette, the VCR turns off again.
Recommended cassette
This VCR is designed and calibrated with 120-mimute
or 160-minute tape (T-120 or T-160). To ensure stable
operation and optimum picture quality, we recommend
that you use a Sony 120-minute tape for recording for
more than 40-hour recording mode.
To select the tape
Set the TAPE switch on the front to T-120 or T-160.
Cassette compartment
6EJECT
Safety
tab
<SET UP 3>
ALARM MODE
ALARM SPEED
ALARM DURATION
EXT TIME ADJ.
TAPE IN MODE
TAPE END MODE
TAPE END OUT
CLOG DETECT.
SERIES REC
RS-232C
Y1
6H
20S
01:00
STOP
REW
-3M
Y
N
9600

16
Recording Maximum recording time Interval Audio Tape
speed recording motion
6 (8) EP mode 6 8 1/60
18 (24) 18 24 1/20 Possible Continuous
30 (40) 30 40 1/12
48 (64) 54 72 0.15 Impossible Intemittent
72 (96) 78 104 0.22
96 (126) 102 134 0.28
120 (160) 126 168 0.35
168 (224) 174 232 0.48
T-120
tape T-160 tape
Time
lapse
mode
Recording
4Press rREC.
Recording starts.
To stop recording
Press pSTOP.
If recording does not start and the cassette is
ejected
The tab on the cassette is removed to protect against
accidental recording.
Notes
•This VCR records the picture in the EP mode though
you set the recording speed to “6” or “8”.
This VCR cannot record in the SP mode.
•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-seconds delay before the VCR actually
starts recording when rREC is pressed.
•This VCR is provided with a clog detection function.
In time lapse modes, if recording is not made
properly, the recording indicator will flash on the
display window and a warning signal will be output
from the WARNING OUT terminal. In this case, stop
recording immediately and check the VCR.
124
pSTOP 3
In the display window
Recording speed
This section shows you how to record the signal from
the video camera in the normal or time lapse mode, to
set the security lock and to record repeatedly on the
same cassette.
1Turn on the power of the equipment to be used.
2Insert the cassette.
3Set the recording speed by pressing REC/PLAY
SPEED +/–.
The recording speed changes depending on the
tape used (T-120 or T-160 tape).
Note
When using a T-120 tape in 48H, 72H, 96H, 120H and
168H modes, it is possible to record additionally 6
hours longer than the displayed recording time.
When using a T-160 tape in 64H, 96H, 126H, 160H
and 244H modes, it is possible to record additionally 8
hours longer than the displayed recording time.
SMH

17
Recording on the Same Cassette
Repeatedly — Repeat Recording
You can record on the same cassette repeatedly in two
different modes: R (repeat) 1 and R (repeat) 2.
1Set REPEAT REC to ON.
The REPEAT indicator lights.
2Press MENU until the SET UP 3 display appears
on the screen.
3Press SHIFT $to move the flashing to TAPE
END MODE and set the mode to R 1 or R 2 by
pressing REC/PLAY SPEED +/–.
R 1: If an alarm input is received during repeat
recording, the recording mode switches to alarm
recording. After the end of the tape is reached,
the tape is automatically rewound and stops at
the beginning. The OFF indicator lights in the
display window.
R 2: If an alarm input is received during repeat
recording, the recording mode switches to alarm
recording. Repeat recording is performed
regardless of whether an alarm input is received
or not.
4Press rREC.
Recording begins.
When the tape reaches the end, the tape is rewound
at the beginning and recording resumes.
Note
If REPEAT REC is set to OFF while repeat recording is in
progress, recording proceeds until the end of the tape is
reached and then stops automatically after the tape is
rewound at the beginning. The OFF indicator lights in the
display window.
REPEAT
indicator
Locking the Record Mode —
Security Lock Function
Locking the record mode is useful to guard against
accidental recording interruptions when the VCR is
used for surveillance or monitoring purposes.
To set the security lock
While pressing SHIFT z, press REC/PLAY SPEED +.
The indicator lights in the display window.
The security lock function also works in timer
recording and playback modes.
You can use the SHARPNESS control while the
security lock function is working.
To release the security lock
While pressing SHIFT z, press REC/PLAY SPEED –.
The indicator turns off.
REC/PLAY
SPEED +
SHIFT z
SHIFT zREC/PLAY
SPEED –
23
4
1
SMH
<SET UP 3>
ALARM MODE
ALARM SPEED
ALARM DURATION
EXT TIME ADJ.
TAPE IN MODE
TAPE END MODE
TAPE END OUT
CLOG DETECT.
SERIES REC
RS-232C
Y1
6H
20S
01:00
STOP
R1
-3M
Y
N
9600

18
<POWER FAILURE>
<DEW>
002 FAILURE
RECOVERY
001 FAILURE
RECOVERY
12-20
12-20
12-10
12-20
07:15
07:30
11:00
12:00
Recording after Power Interruption
or Moisture Condensation
If a power interruption occurs, The P indicator lights in
the display window and if a moisture condensation
occurs, the “dddd” indicator flashes. Even if a power
interruption or moisture condensation occurs while
recording, the internal batteries provide backup power
for memory for at least 30 days. The internal batteries
can be charged in about 48 hours.
If the power is interrupted during recording, the
recording starts automatically after power is restored.
To check power interruptions or moisture
condensation
Press MENU until POWER FAILURE/DEW display
appears.
This shows a count of the power interruption and
moisture condensation and the period when the
recording was interrupted.
Series Recording
Connect another SVT-L400 for series recording (for
details on connection, see page 9) and set each of the
units as follows.
Item Unit #1 Unit #2 Unit #3 and
subsequent
unit
SERIES REC on Y Y Y
SET UP 3 screen
TAPE END OUT on –3M –3M –3M
SET UP 3 screen
Cassette tape Loaded Loaded Loaded
Operating status Recording Turned off Turned off
REPEAT REC OFF OFF OFF
Security lock Locked Locked Locked
Timer recording OFF OFF OFF
When all of the settings are complete, set unit #1 in
recording mode and turn off the power of unit #2 and
subsequent unit.
When recording on unit #1 is complete, the power for
unit #2 turn on and recording begins (The recording
cannot be done for about 11 seconds.).
The unit #1 rewinds its tape and turns off.
When a T-120 or T-160 tape is used and TAPE END
OUT is set to –3M, the unit #2 starts recording before
the unit #1 stops so that recording is continued without
stop.
Recording
Count of power interruption
No recording
periods
Count of moisture condensation
MENU

19
To clear the P indicator
Press MENU RESET.
To clear the power interruption/moisture
condensation data
Press MENU until the POWER FAILURE/DEW
display appears and press MENU RESET with pointed
material.
MENU RESET
Setting the Mode at the End of
the Tape
You can set the mode of the tape operation when the
tape comes to the end during recording using the SET
UP 3 display.
When the REPEAT REC switch is set to OFF
1Press MENU until the SET UP 3 display appears
on the screen.
2Set TAPE END MODE to REW, STOP or EJECT
by pressing REC/PLAY SPEED +/–.
REW: when the tape comes to the end, the VCR
rewinds the tape automatically and enters stop
mode at the beginning of the tape.
STOP: when the tape comes to the end, the VCR
enters stop mode at once.
EJECT: when the tape comes to the end, the tape
is ejected at once.
3Press SEARCH to return to the normal display.
When the tape reaches the end
The OFF indicator lights in the display window.
Press 6EJECT, rREC, )FF, 0REW or
zPLAY to turn off the OFF indicator.
When the REPEAT REC switch is set to ON
Follows the steps 2 through 4 in “Recording on the
Same Cassette Repeatedly — Repeat Recording” on
page 17.
<SET UP 3>
ALARM MODE
ALARM SPEED
ALARM DURATION
EXT TIME ADJ.
TAPE IN MODE
TAPE END MODE
TAPE END OUT
CLOG DETECT.
SERIES REC
RS-232C
Y1
6H
20S
01:00
STOP
REW
-3M
Y
N
9600

20
Monitoring the Recording
Condition
You can check the recording condition by pressing
REC CHECK while recording in time lapse mode.
Press REC CHECK while recording.
After the tape is rewound for about three seconds and
played back for about two seconds, the unit returns to
the original recording mode.
Note
While monitoring the recording condition, recording is
interrupted.
Checking the Used Time
1Turn on the power of the equipment to be used.
2Press MENU until the USED TIME display
appears on the screen.
VIDEO: amount of time the video head has been
used
POWER: the amount of time the power has been
on.
3Press SEARCH to return to the normal display.
Recording
23
1
REC CHECK
2H
<USED TIME>
VIDEO
POWER
Y
00000H
00000H