3-065-551-11 (1) Video Cassette Recorder Operating Instructions If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Services Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669) or write to: Sony Customer Information Services Center 6900-29 Daniels Parkway, PMB 330, Fort Myers, FL 33912 Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: SLV-N81/N71 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 1 Sony Drive, Park Ridge, NJ.07656 USA Telephone No.
WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. 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.
Important Safeguards For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance, or the one described in the operating instructions and adhere to them. Use Power sources This set should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label.
Service • Never place the set in a confined space, such as a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper ventilation is provided. • Do not place the set near or over a radiator or heat register, or where it is exposed to direct sunlight. Damage Requiring Service Unplug the set from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: • When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
Table of contents 6 7 9 27 28 35 41 48 55 Getting Started Getting Started Step 1 : Unpacking Step 2 : Setting up the remote commander Step 3 : Hookups Selecting a language Setting the clock Setting up the cable box control (SLV-N81 only) Presetting channels Setting up the VCR Plus+® GOLD system (SLV-N81 only) Setting up the VCR Plus+® system (SLV-N71 only) Basic Operations 59 Playing a tape 62 Recording TV programs 65 Recording TV programs using the Dial Timer 70 Recording TV programs using the VCR Plus+
Getting Started Step 1 : Unpacking Check that you have received the following items with the VCR: • Remote commander • 75-ohm coaxial cable with F-type connectors • Size AA (R6) batteries Check your model name The instructions in this manual are for the 2 models: SLV-N81 and N71. Check your model name by looking at the rear panel of your VCR. SLV-N81 is the model used for illustration purposes. Any difference in operation is clearly indicated in the text, for example, “SLV-N81 only.
Step 2 : Setting up the remote commander Inserting the batteries Getting Started Insert two size AA (R6) batteries by matching the + and – on the batteries to the diagram inside the battery compartment. Insert the negative (–) end first, then push in and down until the positive (+) end clicks into position. Using the remote commander You can use this remote commander to operate this VCR and a Sony TV. Buttons on the remote commander marked with a dot (•) can be used to operate your Sony TV.
Controlling other TVs with the remote commander The remote commander is preprogrammed to control non-Sony TVs. If your TV is listed in the following table, set the appropriate manufacturer’s code number. 1 Set •TV / VIDEO at the top of the remote commander to •TV. down ?/1, and enter your TV’s code number using the number buttons. 2 Hold Then release ?/1. Now you can use the ?/1, VOL +/–, CH +/–, and TV/VIDEO buttons to control your TV.
Step 3 : Hookups There are many ways in which your VCR can be hooked up. To hook up your VCR so that it works best for you, first scan through the table below. Then use the accompanying diagrams and procedures on the following pages to set up your VCR. If your TV has audio/video inputs, refer to pages 10 and 11 for audio/video (A/V) hookup. Then follow one of the hookups below. If your TV doesn’t have A/V inputs, go directly to one of the hookups below.
Audio/video (A/V) hookup If your TV has audio/video (A/V) input jacks, you will get a better picture and sound if you hook up your VCR using these connections. For a true “home theater” experience, you should connect the audio outputs of your VCR or TV to your stereo system. If your TV doesn’t have A/V inputs, see the following pages for antenna or cable hookups. If your TV has the Control S function, hook up your VCR (SLV-N81 only) using the connection shown on page 11.
C Use this hookup if your TV has the Control S function (SLV-N81 only) VCR Stereo receiver TV CONTROL S IN AUX IN IN VIDEO AUDIO OUT AUDIO CONTROL S OUT Audio/video cable (not supplied) Control S cable (not supplied) Audio cable (not supplied) Getting Started AUDIO VIDEO LINE-1 IN LINE OUT Notes • To play a tape in stereo, you must use the A/V connection. • Use the RK-G69 Control S cable (not supplied) for Control S connections.
Hookup 1 (SLV-N81 only) Using the cable box control feature Recommended use You should use this hookup if you have a cable box, especially if your cable system scrambles all or most channels. This hookup allows the VCR’s cable box control feature to control the channels on the cable box, simplifying the recording process. A list of compatible cable boxes is on pages 37 and 38.
Hookup 1 : VCR setup 1 If you made A/V connections (from page 10), you do not need to adjust the RF UNIT switch. 2 Turn on your cable box. 3 Press EASY SET UP on the VCR. Getting Started Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Press TV/VIDEO to display the VIDEO indicator in the VCR’s display window. Set the RF UNIT switch to CH3 or CH4, whichever channel is not used in your area. If both are RF UNIT used, set the switch to either CH3 CH4 channel. For details, see page 96.
4 The CABLE BOX CONTROL menu appears. Select ON. For details, see page 36. SET UP CABLE BOX CONTROL CABLE MOUSE ON OFF BOX CODE NO. BOX OUTPUT CH SELECT : NEXT : OK CANCEL : EASY SET UP 5 Enter your cable box code number and press OK. For details, see page 36. SET UP CABLE BOX CONTROL CABLE MOUSE ON BOX CODE NO. BOX OUTPUT CH ––– CH3 USE : 0–9 NEXT : OK CANCEL : EASY SET UP 6 Select your cable box output channel and press OK.
Hookup 2 (SLV-N81 only) Connecting to a digital satellite receiver What you can do with this hookup • Record any channels by using the Cable Mouse to select channels on the digital satellite receiver Getting Started Recommended use Use this hookup if you have a digital satellite receiver that is compatible with the Cable Mouse. It allows the VCR’s cable box control feature to control the channel on the digital satellite receiver, simplifying the recording process.
Hookup 2 : VCR setup Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Press TV/VIDEO to display the VIDEO indicator in the VCR’s display window. Set the RF UNIT switch to CH3 or CH4, whichever channel is not used in your area. If both are RF UNIT used, set the switch to either CH3 CH4 channel. For details, see page 96. 1 If you made A/V connections (from page 10), you do not need to adjust the RF UNIT switch. 2 Turn on your digital satellite receiver. 3 Press EASY SET UP on the VCR.
4 The CABLE BOX CONTROL menu appears. Select ON. For details, see page 36. SET UP CABLE BOX CONTROL CABLE MOUSE ON OFF BOX CODE NO. BOX OUTPUT CH 5 Enter your digital satellite receiver code number and press OK. For details, see page 36. SET UP CABLE BOX CONTROL CABLE MOUSE ON BOX CODE NO. BOX OUTPUT CH ––– CH3 Getting Started SELECT : NEXT : OK CANCEL : EASY SET UP USE : 0–9 NEXT : OK CANCEL : EASY SET UP 6 Set your digital satellite receiver output channel (BOX OUTPUT CH) to LINE and press OK.
Hookup 3 You have no cable box, or a cable box with only a few scrambled channels Recommended use Use this hookup if you do not have a cable box. Also use this hookup if your cable system scrambles only a few channels. What you can do with this hookup • Record any unscrambled channel by selecting the channel on the VCR What you can’t do • Record scrambled channels that require a cable box VCR Wall Rear of TV VHF/UHF VHF/UHF IN A OUT or VHF Match the type of connector on your TV: A, B, or C.
Hookup 3 : VCR setup 1 If you made A/V connections (from page 10), you do not need to adjust the RF UNIT switch. 2 Press EASY SET UP on the VCR. Getting Started Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Press TV/VIDEO to display the VIDEO indicator in the VCR’s display window. Set the RF UNIT switch to CH3 or CH4, whichever channel is not used in your area. If both are RF UNIT used, set the switch to either CH3 CH4 channel. For details, see page 96. EASY SET UP 1 The LANGUAGE menu appears.
4 (For SLV-N81 only) The CABLE BOX CONTROL menu appears. Select OFF and press OK. SET UP CABLE BOX CONTROL CABLE MOUSE ON OFF BOX CODE NO. BOX OUTPUT CH SELECT : NEXT : OK CANCEL : EASY SET UP 5 The TUNER PRESET menu appears. Set ANTENNA/CABLE to CABLE and press OK. For details, see page 42. SET UP TUNER PRESET ANTENNA / CABLE ANT CABLE SELECT : NEXT : OK CANCEL : EASY SET UP 6 The AUTO PRESET starts.
Hookup 4 Antenna hookup A Use this hookup if you’re using: • VHF/UHF antenna (you get channels 2–13 and channels 14 and higher) • UHF-only antenna (you get channels 14 and higher) • Separate VHF and UHF antennas Getting Started Make the following connections if you’re using an antenna (if you don’t have cable TV). Rear of TV VHF/UHF A or VCR B VHF/UHF IN OUT VHF Match the type of connector on your TV: A, B, or C.
Hookup 4 : VCR setup Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Press TV/VIDEO to display the VIDEO indicator in the VCR’s display window. Set the RF UNIT switch to CH3 or CH4, whichever channel is not used in your area. If both are RF UNIT used, set the switch to either CH3 CH4 channel. For details, see page 96. 1 If you made A/V connections (from page 10), you do not need to adjust the RF UNIT switch. 2 Press EASY SET UP on the VCR. EASY SET UP 1 The LANGUAGE menu appears.
4 (For SLV-N81 only) The CABLE BOX CONTROL menu appears. Select OFF and press OK. SET UP CABLE BOX CONTROL CABLE MOUSE ON OFF BOX CODE NO. BOX OUTPUT CH 5 The TUNER PRESET menu appears. Set ANTENNA/CABLE to ANT and press OK. For details, see page 42. SET UP TUNER PRESET ANTENNA / CABLE ANT CABLE Getting Started SELECT : NEXT : OK CANCEL : EASY SET UP SELECT : NEXT : OK CANCEL : EASY SET UP 6 The AUTO PRESET starts.
Hookup 5 Connecting a cable box with many scrambled channels Recommended use Use this hookup if your cable system scrambles all or most channels. What you can do with this hookup • Record any channel by selecting the channel on the cable box What you can’t do • Record with the cable box turned off • Record one channel while watching another channel Cable box Wall Rear of TV VHF/UHF IN A OUT or Match the type of connector on your TV: A, B, or C.
Hookup 5 : VCR setup 1 If you made A/V connections (from page 10), you do not need to adjust the RF UNIT switch. 2 Turn on your cable box. 3 Press EASY SET UP on the VCR. Getting Started Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Press TV/VIDEO to display the VIDEO indicator in the VCR’s display window. Set the RF UNIT switch to CH3 or CH4, whichever channel is not used in your area. If both are RF UNIT used, set the switch to either CH3 CH4 channel. For details, see page 96.
4 (For SLV-N81 only) The CABLE BOX CONTROL menu appears. Select OFF and press OK. SET UP CABLE BOX CONTROL CABLE MOUSE ON OFF BOX CODE NO. BOX OUTPUT CH SELECT : NEXT : OK CANCEL : EASY SET UP 5 The TUNER PRESET menu appears. Set ANTENNA/CABLE to ANT and press OK. For details, see page 42. SET UP TUNER PRESET ANTENNA / CABLE ANT CABLE SELECT : NEXT : OK CANCEL : EASY SET UP 6 The AUTO PRESET starts.
Selecting a language You can change the on-screen display language. MENU 1 MENU Press MENU, then press M/m to highlight SETTINGS and press OK. When using the EASY SET UP procedure, skip steps 1 and 2. M/m OK Getting Started Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the TV to the VCR channel (channel 3 or 4). If your TV is connected to the VCR using A/V connections, set the TV to video input. • Press TV/VIDEO to display the VIDEO indicator in the VCR’s display window.
Setting the clock Using the Auto Clock Set feature Some TV and cable channels transmit time signals with their broadcasts. Your VCR can pick up this time signal to automatically set the clock. MENU The Auto Clock Set feature works only if a channel in your area is broadcasting a time signal. If broadcasters in your area are not yet sending time signals, set the time manually (page 33). M/m OK Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the TV to the VCR channel (channel 3 or 4).
3 PLAY Press M/m to highlight AUTO, then press OK. AUTO CLOCK SET FULL AUTO CLOCK SET CH TIME ZONE DAYLIGHT SAVING OK YES RETURN 4 PLAY Press M/m to highlight FULL AUTO, then press OK. AUTO CLOCK SET FULL AUTO CLOCK SET CH TIME ZONE DAYLIGHT SAVING OK YES NO Getting Started SELECT : SET : OK QUIT : MENU RETURN SELECT : SET : OK QUIT : MENU 5 Press M/m to highlight YES, then press OK. PLAY OK 6 7 MENU Press MENU to exit the menu. To activate the Auto Clock Set function, turn off the VCR.
If the clock does not activate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Number buttons 0 MENU M/m OK 1 Follow steps 1 to 4 in “Using the Auto Clock Set feature.” The AUTO CLOCK SET menu is displayed. AUTO CLOCK SET FULL AUTO CLOCK SET CH TIME ZONE DAYLIGHT SAVING YES NO RETURN SELECT : SET : OK QUIT : MENU 30 Setting the clock filename[010get.
2 Press M/m to highlight NO for FULL AUTO and press OK. PLAY AUTO CLOCK SET FULL AUTO CLOCK SET CH TIME ZONE DAYLIGHT SAVING OK NO ––– AUTO AUTO RETURN Getting Started SELECT : SET : OK QUIT : MENU 3 Press M/m to highlight the item you want to set and press OK. Then press M/m to make the setting and press OK. PLAY OK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 • For CLOCK SET CH Leave the setting to “– – –” to have the VCR automatically search for a channel that carries a time signal.
Tip • If you want to return to the previous menu, highlight RETURN and press OK. Note • (SLV-N81 only) If you use both the cable box control feature and the Auto Clock Set feature, the VCR automatically changes channels on the cable box until a channel that carries a time signal is found whenever you turn off the VCR. If you want to stop the search, change the channel on the cable box with the channel buttons either on the VCR or on the remote commander. 32 Setting the clock filename[010get.
Using Manual Clock Set MENU M/m/
3 PLAY Press M/m to highlight MANUAL, then press OK. CLOCK SET 1 / 1 / 2 0 0 1 MON 1 2 : 0 0 AM OK SELECT SET END QUIT 4 Press M/m to set the month. : : : OK : MENU CLOCK SET PLAY 9 / 1 / 2 0 0 1 SAT 1 2 : 0 0 AM OK SELECT SET END QUIT 5 PLAY Press , to highlight the day and press M/ m to set the day. : : : OK : MENU CLOCK SET 9 / 2 8 / 2 0 0 1 FRI 1 2 : 0 0 AM OK SELECT SET END QUIT : : : OK : MENU 6 Set the year, hour, and minutes in the same way as the day.
Setting up the cable box control (SLV-N81 only) Your VCR includes a cable box control feature that allows the VCR to control most brands of cable boxes or digital satellite receivers via an optional Cable Mouse. With the cable box control, the VCR controls channels on the cable box or digital satellite receiver for timer recording.
2 Press M/m to highlight CABLE BOX CONTROL, then press OK. PLAY CABLE BOX CONTROL CABLE MOUSE OFF BOX CODE NO. BOX OUTPUT CH OK RETURN SELECT : SET : OK QUIT : MENU 3 Press M/m to highlight CABLE MOUSE, then press OK. PLAY OK 4 Press M/m to highlight ON, then press OK. PLAY OK CABLE BOX CONTROL CABLE MOUSE ON BOX CODE NO. BOX OUTPUT CH 097 CH3 RETURN SELECT : SET : OK QUIT : MENU 5 Press M/m to highlight BOX CODE NO., then press OK. PLAY When BOX CODE NO. is “– – –,” skip this step.
7 PLAY Press M/m to highlight BOX OUTPUT CH, then press OK. CABLE BOX CONTROL CABLE MOUSE ON BOX CODE NO. BOX OUTPUT CH OK CH2 CH3 CH4 LINE RETURN 8 PLAY OK 9 MENU If you want to control a cable box, press M/m to highlight the cable box output channel, then press OK. If you want to control a digital satellite receiver, select LINE, then press OK. Getting Started SELECT : SET : OK QUIT : MENU Press MENU to exit the menu.
Cable box brand Code numbers Cable box brand Code numbers Jerrold 014, 022, 025, 026, 035, 037, 058, 109, 287, 487 Sprucer 032, 318 Standard Components 107, 166 Linsay 451 Starcom 014, 026, 058, 109 Macom 044 Stargate 026, 051 Magnavox 038, 043, 080 STS 167 Memorex 011 Sylvania 012 Movie Time 089, 167, 214 T-Cable Teletext 116 Northcoast 325 Tandy 269 Novaplex 629 Tatung 108 NSC 074, 081, 167, 214 Teknica 157 Oak 018, 030, 259 TeleCaption 232 Panasonic 032, 118
Code numbers Sony 650 Echo Star 786 HTS 786 Digital satellite receiver brand Code numbers Hughes Network Systems 760 Panasonic 712 RCA 577 To ensure correct operation • Place the Cable Mouse so that it hangs out over the front of the remote sensor on the cable box or digital satellite receiver. • Do not place the cable box or digital satellite receiver on top of the VCR. • Position the cable box or digital satellite receiver away from the VCR.
To check the cable box control setting CH +/– on the remote commander. Does the channel indicator on the cable 1 Press box or digital satellite receiver change? (Point the remote commander at the 2 VCR, not at the cable box or digital satellite receiver.) Press all 10 number buttons (0 to 9) on the remote commander. Does the channel indicator on the cable box or digital satellite receiver change? If the answer to both 1 and 2 is “yes,” you have made the correct setting.
Presetting channels This VCR is capable of receiving VHF channels 2 to 13, UHF channels 14 to 69 and unscrambled CATV channels 1 to 125. First, we recommend that you preset the receivable channels in your area using automatic presetting methods. Then, if there are any unwanted channels, disable them manually. If you have already decided which channels you wish to preset, set them directly using manual presetting methods.
3 Press M/m to highlight ANTENNA/CABLE, then press OK. PLAY OK 4 PLAY • To preset cable TV channels: Press M/m to set ANTENNA/CABLE to CABLE, then press OK. OK TUNER PRESET CH ANTENNA / CABLE 1 CABLE AUTO PRESET MANUAL SET AFT FINE TUNING RETURN ADD ON SELECT : SET : OK QUIT : MENU PLAY OK • To preset VHF and UHF channels: Press M/m to set ANTENNA/CABLE to ANT, then press OK.
Tips • When receiving a VHF, UHF, or CATV channel, the display changes as follows each time you press DISPLAY. Channel number, program name, and station’s call letters (for SLV-N81 only) Getting Started Remaining tape length and time counter The bar indicator and pointer for searching for a specific place on a tape No display • If you want to return to the previous menu, highlight RETURN and press OK. continued Presetting channels 43 filename[010get.
Presetting/disabling channels manually 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Number buttons, ENTER 0 CH +/– MENU M/m OK 1 MENU Press MENU, then press M/m to highlight SETTINGS and press OK. SETTINGS TUNER PRESET SET VCR Plus+ sys. CH CABLE BOX CONTROL CLOCK SET LANGUAGE RETURN PLAY OK 44 SELECT : SET : OK QUIT : MENU Presetting channels filename[010get.
2 Press M/m to highlight TUNER PRESET, then press OK. PLAY TUNER PRESET CH ANTENNA / CABLE 1 CABLE AUTO PRESET OK MANUAL SET AFT FINE TUNING RETURN ADD ON 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 • To preset a channel: 1 Press the number buttons to enter the channel number, then press ENTER. 2 Press OK. 3 Press M/m to set MANUAL SET to ADD, then press OK.
If the picture is not clear Normally, the Auto Fine Tuning (AFT) function automatically tunes in channels clearly. If, however, the picture of a channel is not clear, you can also use the manual tuning function. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Number buttons, ENTER 0 MENU M/m/
2 Press M/m to highlight TUNER PRESET, then press OK. PLAY TUNER PRESET CH ANTENNA / CABLE 1 CABLE AUTO PRESET OK MANUAL SET AFT FINE TUNING RETURN ADD ON 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Press the number buttons to select the channel you want to fine-tune, then press ENTER.
Setting up the VCR Plus+® GOLD system (SLV-N81 only) How the VCR Plus+ GOLD system works Whenever you want to record a TV program, all you need to do is look up the “PlusCode” number, a number assigned to each program published in the TV section of most newspapers, cable TV listings, and even TV GUIDE magazine. Then, just enter the PlusCode number of the program you want and the VCR is automatically programmed to record that show. It’s that simple.
Setting up the VCR Plus+ GOLD system automatically (Smart Channel Mapping) The VCR can automatically set the guide channels in your area from ZIP/POSTAL CODE you entered in EASY SET UP. The VCR receives the program information signal and renews the data everyday after you complete the following procedure. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Getting Started If you are having trouble setting the guide channels, or if you have many scrambled channels, go to page 52 for manual VCR Plus+ GOLD system set up.
3 PLAY OK Press M/m to highlight SET VCR Plus+ sys. CH, then press OK. SET VCR Plus+ sys. CH SMART CHANNEL MAPPING AUTO MANUAL The SMART CHANNEL MAPPING menu appears. SELECT : SET : OK QUIT : MENU 4 PLAY OK Press M/m to highlight AUTO, then press OK. The instruction shown on the right appears on the TV screen for a few seconds, then the screen returns to the normal display.
• the first time you turn on the VCR after completing channel mapping • after selecting AUTO and pressing OK on the SMART CHANNEL MAPPING menu Channel map number Station ID SET VCR Plus+ sys.
Setting up the VCR Plus+ GOLD system manually To set the guide channels, use the Channel Line-up Chart to check that the guide channel numbers match the TV channel your VCR receives. For example, if HBO is listed in the Channel Line-up Chart as channel 33, and your VCR receives HBO on channel 5, you need to coordinate these numbers using the following procedure. If the guide and TV channel numbers are the same, you can skip this procedure.
3 Press M/m to highlight MANUAL, then press OK. PLAY SET VCR Plus+ sys. CH GUIDE CH –– OK 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Enter the guide channel number assigned in the program guide and press ENTER. –– Getting Started SET GUIDE CH LIST QUIT TV CH – : 0–9 : OK : MENU SET VCR Plus+ sys.
8 MENU After all settings are complete, press MENU to exit the menu. Tip • If you want to return to the previous menu, highlight RETURN and press OK. 54 Setting up the VCR Plus+® GOLD system (SLV-N81 only) filename[010get.
Setting up the VCR Plus+® system (SLV-N71 only) To set the guide channels, use the Channel Line-up Chart to check that the guide channel numbers match the TV channel your VCR receives. For example, if HBO is listed in the Channel Line-up Chart as channel 33, and your VCR receives HBO on channel 5, you need to coordinate these numbers using the following procedure. If the guide and TV channel numbers are the same, you can skip this procedure. 5:30 14 MOVIE Musical (2hrs.) 33044 2 SPORT Golf (1hr. 25min.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Number buttons, ENTER 0 MENU M/m/
2 Press M/m to highlight SET VCR Plus+ sys. CH, then press OK. PLAY SET VCR Plus+ sys. CH GUIDE CH –– OK 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Enter the guide channel number assigned in the program guide and press ENTER. –– Getting Started SET GUIDE CH LIST QUIT TV CH – : 0–9 : OK : MENU SET VCR Plus+ sys. CH GUIDE CH 25 TV CH – 25 0 SET TV CH LIST QUIT 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 • If you made Hookup 3 or 4: Enter the actual number on your TV (and VCR) and press ENTER.
7 MENU After all settings are complete, press MENU to exit the menu. Tip • If you want to return to the previous menu, highlight RETURN and press OK. 58 Setting up the VCR Plus+® system (SLV-N71 only) filename[010get.
Basic Operations Playing a tape Z EJECT CLEAR DISPLAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Basic Operations X PAUSE COMMERCIAL PASS H PLAY M FF x STOP m REW 1 Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. continued Playing a tape 59 filename[010BAS.
2 Insert a tape. 3 Press H PLAY. The VCR turns on and starts playing automatically if you insert a tape with its safety tab removed. PLAY When the tape reaches the end, it will rewind automatically.
Notes • Tapes recorded in the LP mode on other VCRs can be played back on this VCR but the picture quality cannot be guaranteed. • While displaying a menu on the TV screen, you cannot use H PLAY, X PAUSE, M FF, m REW, or x STOP buttons. • The counter resets to “0:00:00” whenever a tape is reinserted. • The counter stops counting when it comes to a portion with no recording. Basic Operations Playing a tape 61 filename[010BAS.
Recording TV programs TV/VIDEO COUNTER/ REMAIN DISPLAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 SP/EP 0 CH +/– z REC x STOP 62 1 Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. 2 Insert a tape with its safety tab in place. To record from a cable box, turn it on. Recording TV programs filename[010BAS.
3 • CH Press CH +/– to select the channel or line input video source you want to record. VIDEO APC EP 4 SP / EP Press SP/EP to select the tape speed, SP or EP. EP (Extended Play) provides recording time three times as long as SP (Standard Play). However, SP produces better picture and audio quality. VIDEO APC SP REC Press z REC to start recording. Basic Operations 5 The recording indicator lights up red in the display window. Recording indicator VIDEO APC SP To stop recording Press x STOP.
To watch another TV program while recording 1 Press TV/VIDEO to turn off the VIDEO indicator in the display window. the TV is connected to the VCR’s LINE OUT jacks, set the TV to the TV’s 2 Ifantenna input; if not, skip this step. Select another channel on the TV. 3 To save a recording To prevent accidental erasure, break off the safety tab as illustrated. To record on the tape again, cover the tab hole with adhesive tape.
Recording TV programs using the Dial Timer The Dial Timer function allows you to make timer recordings of programs without turning on your TV. Set the recording timer to record up to eight programs that will be broadcast within a month using the DIAL TIMER. The recording start time and recording stop time can be set at one minute intervals. ?/1 POWER CHANNEL +/– INPUT SELECT DIAL TIMER x STOP Before you start... • When using a cable box, turn it on. • Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.
3 DIAL TIMER Press DIAL TIMER. “START” and the current time appear alternately in the display window. VIDEO APC EP VIDEO APC EP 4 DIAL TIMER Turn DIAL TIMER to set the recording start time. You can set the recording start time in 15 minute intervals or adjust the time in one minute intervals by pressing the CHANNEL +/– buttons. VIDEO APC CHANNEL 5 DIAL TIMER EP Press DIAL TIMER. “STOP” and the recording stop time appear alternately in the display window.
7 DIAL TIMER Press DIAL TIMER. The channel number or station ID (SLV-N81 only) appears in the display window. VIDEO APC EP 8 DIAL TIMER Turn DIAL TIMER to set the channel number. To record from a source connected to the LINE-1 IN or LINE-2 IN jacks, turn DIAL TIMER or press INPUT SELECT to display “L1” or “L2”. INPUT SELECT If the CABLE BOX CONTROL setting is ON, you can change the channel number in units of 100 by pressing the CHANNEL +/– buttons (SLV-N81 only).
To set the clock 1 Turn DIAL TIMER so that “CLOCK” appears in the display window. DIAL TIMER. 2 Press “MONTH” appears in the display window. 3 Turn DIAL TIMER to set the month. DIAL TIMER. 4 Press “DAY” appears in the display window. and press DIAL TIMER to set the day and then the year. 5 Turn After you set the year, “CLOCK” appears in the display window again. 6 Turn and press DIAL TIMER to set the hour and minute. 7 When you have finished setting the time, press DIAL TIMER to start the clock.
About the Demonstration Mode The Dial Timer function has a Demonstration Mode that allows the user, such as a salesperson, to enter more than eight examples of timer settings when demonstrating the use of the Dial Timer. It cancels the FULL notice which appears if eight programs have already been set. Do not use the Demonstration Mode for making timer recordings. Doing so may cause the settings to be inaccurate. To activate the Demonstration Mode Press X PAUSE on the VCR while turning the DIAL TIMER.
Recording TV programs using the VCR Plus+ or VCR Plus+ GOLD system Just enter the PlusCode number listed in the TV program guide. The date, time and channel number of that program are set automatically. You can preset up to eight programs together with the DIAL TIMER and manual timer settings at one time. Before you start… • Check that the VCR clock is set to the correct time. • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. When using a cable box, turn it on. • Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.
2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Press the number buttons to enter the PlusCode number. If you make a mistake, press CLEAR and re-enter the correct number. CLEAR 3 SP / EP VCR Plus+ system SP / EP EP PlusCode # 12345––– USE : ONCE DAILY WEEKLY CONFIRM : E N T E R CANCEL : C L E A R QUIT : VCR Plus+ Press SP/EP to select the tape speed, SP or EP.
To use the VCR after setting the timer To use the VCR before timer recording begins, just press ?/1. The indicator disappears from the display window and the VCR switches on. Remember to press ?/1 to reset the VCR to the timer recording standby mode after using the VCR. You can also do the following tasks while the VCR is recording: • • • • Reset the counter (page 60). Display tape information on the TV screen (page 63). Check the timer settings (page 80). Watch another TV program (page 64).
Setting the timer manually If the VCR Plus+ or VCR Plus+ GOLD system is not available in your area, follow the instructions below to set the timer to record programs. Before you start… • Check that the VCR clock is set to the correct time. • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. When using a cable box, turn it on. • Insert a tape with its safety tab in place. Make sure the tape is longer than the total recording time.
2 Press M/m to highlight the line that is to be set, then press OK. PLAY OK 3 PLAY OK INPUT SELECT • CH Set the date, start and stop time, channel number, and tape speed: 1 Press M/m to set each item. 2 Press , to highlight and set each item in turn.
Daily/weekly recording In step 3 on page 74, press m to select the recording pattern. Each time you press m, the indication changes as shown below. Press M to change the indication in reverse order. the current date t SUN-SAT t MON-SAT t MON-FRI t EVERY SAT t ..... t EVERY MON t EVERY SUN t 1 month later t (dates count down) t the current date To use the VCR after setting the timer To use the VCR before timer recording begins, just press ?/1.
Locking the VCR (Child Lock) After you have set the timer, you can lock all of the buttons on the VCR so that the settings are not canceled by mistake. ?/1 POWER x STOP To lock the VCR When the VCR is turned on, hold down ?/1 POWER on the VCR until the indicator appears in the display window. The VCR turns off and the - indicator remains lit. The VCR will not work except for timer recordings. To unlock the VCR Hold down ?/1 POWER on the VCR until the - indicator disappears from the display window.
Additional Operations Playing/searching at various speeds 0 x2 y SLOW H PLAY m REW M FF M FF m REW Playback options Operation View the picture during fastforward or rewind During fast-forward, hold down M FF. During rewind, hold down m REW. Play at high speed • During playback, briefly press M FF or m REW on the remote commander. The tape continues to play at high speed. • During playback, hold down M FF or m REW. When you release the button, normal playback resumes.
Tip • Adjust the picture using the TRACKING +/– buttons if: – Streaks appear while playing in slow motion. – The picture shakes during pause. To set tracking to the center position, press both buttons (+/–) at the same time. Notes • The sound is muted during these operations. • Tapes recorded in the LP mode on other VCRs can be played back on this VCR but the picture quality cannot be guaranteed. • The picture may show noise when playing at high speed in reverse.
Setting the recording duration time After you have started recording, you can have the VCR stop recording automatically after a specified duration. z REC The indicator appears in the display window. VIDEO APC SP z REC repeatedly to set the duration time. 2 Press Each press advances the time in increments of 30 minutes. 0:30 1:00 5:30 6:00 Additional Operations 1 While recording, press z REC.
Checking/changing/canceling timer settings Before you start… • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. ?/1 CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 MENU M/m/
M/m to highlight the setting you want to 3 Press change or cancel. • To change the setting, press OK and press
Recording stereo and bilingual programs Recording stereo programs This VCR automatically receives and records stereo programs. When a stereo program is received, the STEREO indicator lights up. If there is noise in the stereo program, set AUTO STEREO in the ADVANCED OPTIONS menu to OFF. The sound will be recorded in monaural (on both hi-fi and normal audio tracks) but with less noise. For details, see page 92. Recording bilingual programs Normally, this VCR records only the main sound.
How sound is recorded on a video tape The VCR 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. Monaural sound Normal audio track Hi-fi audio track (main track) Stereo sound (left/right channels) Notes • To play a tape in stereo, you must use the A/V connections.
Searching using the index function The VCR automatically marks the tape with an index signal at the point where each recording begins. Use these signals as references to find a specific recording. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ./> INDEX SEARCH 1 Insert an indexed tape into the VCR. ./> INDEX SEARCH. 2 Press • To search ahead, press > INDEX SEARCH. • To search backwards, press . INDEX SEARCH. INDEX SEARCH The VCR starts searching, and playback starts automatically from that point.
Searching for a selected point on the tape You can easily find a specific point by moving the pointer on the TV screen. The VCR fast-forwards or rewinds to the point you indicate and starts playback automatically. DISPLAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Additional Operations
To cancel searching Press H PLAY or x STOP. To turn off the bar indication Press DISPLAY again. Notes • The figure on the bar indication represents the total time length of the inserted tape as shown below. The total time length may not be displayed correctly for: – Tapes other than T-60, T-120, or T-160. – Tapes recorded in more than one tape speed mode.
Locating a channel by Station ID (SLV-N81 only) You can select a TV program using the station’s ID. Before you start... • Set FAVORITE CH to OFF in the ADVANCED OPTIONS menu (page 93). 1 2 3 4 5 6 • If a cable box is connected to your VCR, turn it on. 7 8 9 0 ENTER CH +/– 3 Press CH +/– to select the station ID you want. 3 9 10 12 13 15 19 22 43 45 AAB CDE FGH IJK LMN OPQ RST UVW XYZ ABB Additional Operations 1 Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. ENTER.
Creating a favorite channel list with Station ID (SLV-N81 only) You can create your favorite channel list of TV channels with Station ID. You can store up to 10 channels with Station ID and select the channel from your favorite channel list. 0 ENTER CH +/– Before you start... • Set FAVORITE CH to ON in the ADVANCED OPTIONS menu (page 93). • If a cable box is connected to your VCR, turn it on.
Adjusting the picture Adjusting the tracking Although the VCR automatically adjusts the tracking when playing a tape (the indicator flashes in the display window, then turns off), distortion may occur if the recording is in poor condition. In this case, manually adjust the tracking. Press TRACKING +/– to display the tracking meter. The distortion should disappear as you press one of the two tracking buttons (the indicator lights up). To resume automatic tracking adjustment, eject the tape and reinsert it.
About the Adaptive Picture Control (APC) function The Adaptive Picture Control (APC) function automatically improves recording and playback quality by adjusting the VCR to the condition of the video heads and tape. To maintain better picture quality, we recommend that you set APC to ON on PAGE2 of the ADVANCED OPTIONS menu (The APC indicator lights up in the display window). For details, see page 93.
Changing menu options 1 Press MENU, then select ADVANCED OPTIONS and press OK. ADVANCED OPTIONS ADVANCED OPTIONS PAGE 1 AUTO ANT SELECT AUTO STEREO TUNER AUDIO TAPE SELECT AUTO TAPE SPEED FAVORITE CH ON ON MAIN AUTO ON ON PAGE 2 APC REALITY REGENERATOR SHARPNESS ON ON L H PREVIOUS RETURN NEXT RETURN SELECT : SET : OK QUIT : MENU SELECT : SET : OK QUIT : MENU M/m to highlight the option to change, then press OK. 2 Press To go to PAGE2, highlight NEXT and press OK.
Menu option Set this option to FAVORITE CH (SLV-N81 only) • ON when using favorite channel list. • OFF when using station ID list. For details, see pages 87 and 88. PAGE 2 Menu option Set this option to APC • ON to switch on the APC (Adaptive Picture Control) function and improve picture quality. • OFF to switch off APC. REALITY REGENERATOR (SLV-N81 only) • ON to switch on the Reality Regenerator function and restore the picture to its original quality during playback.
Editing with another VCR How to connect to record on this VCR This VCR (Recorder) TV LINE-2 IN Other VCR (Player) LINE OUT Audio/video cable (not supplied) : Signal flow Notes • Make sure you connect the plugs to jacks of the same color. • If the other VCR is a monaural type and connected to this VCR’s LINE-2 IN jacks, connect the audio plug to the AUDIO L (white) jack. The sound is recorded on both right and left channels.
Operation (when recording on this VCR) Before you start editing • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. X PAUSE • Press INPUT SELECT or CHANNEL +/– to display “L2” (or “L1”) in the display window. • Press SP/EP to select the tape speed, SP or EP. z REC a source tape with its safety tab removed into the other (playback) VCR. 1 Insert Search for the point to start playback and set it to playback pause. a tape into this (recording) VCR.
Additional Information General setup information Setting the RF unit When connecting the VCR to the TV using only the antenna cable, you must set the RF UNIT switch on the rear of the VCR so that the TV can receive the correct signal from the VCR. TV/VIDEO TV RF UNIT CH3 CH4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ?/1 POWER CHANNEL +/– the RF UNIT switch on the rear of the VCR to CH3 or CH4, whichever 1 Set channel is not used in your area. If both are used, set the switch to either channel.
Attaching the external antenna connector When using a 300-ohm twin lead cable for a VHF/UHF antenna, use the EAC-32 antenna connector (not supplied) to connect the antenna to the VCR. 300-ohm twin lead cable EAC-32 antenna connector (not supplied) 1 Loosen the screws on the antenna connector. 2 Wind the twin leads around the screws on the antenna connector. 3 Retighten the screws.
Troubleshooting Symptom Remedy The ?/1 switch does not function. • Connect the AC power cord securely. • Make sure the VCR is not locked. To unlock, hold down ?/1 POWER on the VCR until the - indicator disappears. The power is turned on but the VCR does not operate. • Moisture condensation has occurred. Turn the power off, unplug the AC power cord and leave the VCR to dry for over three hours. The clock has stopped and “–:– –” appears in the display window.
Symptom Remedy The timer does not operate. • • • • • • • • A tape cannot be inserted. • Check that a tape isn’t already in the tape compartment. The remote commander does not function. • Make sure you are pointing the remote commander at the remote sensor on the VCR. • Replace all the batteries in the remote commander with new ones if they are weak. • Make sure the •TV / VIDEO switch is set correctly. • If you are not using Control S, make sure that both miniplugs are disconnected.
Specifications System Timer section Format VHS NTSC standard Video recording system Rotary head helical scanning FM system Video heads Double azimuth four heads Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Tape speed Clock Quartz locked Timer indication 12-hour cycle Timer setting 8 programs (max.) Power back-up Built-in self-charging capacitor Back-up duration: up to 1 hour at a time SP: 33.35 mm/s (1 EP: 11.11 mm/s ( 7 3 8 inches/s) 16 inches/s) General 11 LP: 16.
Index to parts and controls Refer to the pages indicated in parentheses ( ) for details.
Display window STEREO VIDEO APC SAP LP SP EP A Timer indicator (67) (71) (74) B SAP (Second Audio Program) indicator (82) G RR (Reality Regenerator) indicator (SLV-N81 only) (90) H Tracking indicator (90) C STEREO indicator (82) I Child Lock indicator (76) D Tape speed indicator (63) J Time counter/clock/line/channel indicator (60) (63) (95) E VIDEO indicator (64) (96) F APC (Adaptive Picture Control) indicator (91) 102 RR K Remaining tape length indicator (63) L Tape/recording indicator (63) In
Rear panel SLV-N81 SLV-N71 E RF (Radio Frequency) UNIT switch (96) B CONTROL S IN jack (11) (94) (SLV-N81 only) F VHF/UHF IN connector (12) (15) (18) (21) (24) C CABLE BOX CONTROL (CONTROL S OUT) jack (12) (15) (SLV-N81 only) G VHF/UHF OUT connector (12) (15) (18) (21) (24) D LINE-1 IN AUDIO R/L/VIDEO jacks (15) (94) H LINE OUT AUDIO R/L/VIDEO jacks (10) Additional Information A AC power cord (9) continued Index to parts and controls 103 filename[010ADDI.
A •TV / VIDEO switch (7) Remote commander B Z EJECT button (60) C TV/VIDEO button (8) (64) D DISPLAY button (63) (85) E CLEAR button (60) (71) (81) F SP (Standard Play)/EP (Extended Play) button (63) 1 2 3 G INPUT SELECT button (64) (95) 4 5 6 H z REC (record) button (63) (79) 7 8 9 I y SLOW button (77) 0 J MENU button (27) (92) K X PAUSE/M button (27) (60) x STOP/m button (27) (60) m REW (rewind)/ < button (60) (77) M FF (fast-forward)/ , button (60) (77) H PLAY/OK button (27) (60) 104 Ind
L ?/1 (power) switch (8) (71) M COUNTER/REMAIN button (63) N AUDIO MONITOR button (82) O VCR Plus+ button (70) P Number buttons (71) Q ENTER button (71) (87) (88) 1 2 3 R CH (channel) +/– buttons (8) (63) 4 5 6 S VOL (volume) +/– buttons (8) 7 8 9 T ×2 button (77) 0 U . / > INDEX SEARCH buttons (84) V COMMERCIAL PASS button (60) Additional Information Index to parts and controls 105 filename[010ADDI.
Index A H Adjusting picture 46, 90 tracking 90 Advanced option 92 AFT (Auto Fine Tuning) 46 Antenna hookup 21 APC (Adaptive Picture Control) 91 Audio track 83 Audio/video (A/V) hookup 10 Auto Clock Set 28 Auto Tape Speed 92 Hi-fi audio track 83 C Cable box control cable box code number chart 37 setting 35 Cable hookup 9 Cable Mouse 12, 15 Channel line-up chart 48, 55 Child Lock 76 Cleaning the video heads 98 Clock setting 28 Connecting cable TV 12 external antenna connector 97 UHF/VHF band mixer 97 Cont
Quick reference to using the VCR Hookup 1 (SLV-N81 only) To play a tape 1 Set the TV to channel 3 or 4 (or to video input, if you made A/V connections). 2 Insert a tape and press H PLAY. To record a program 1 Turn on the cable box. 2 Press VCR Plus+ on the remote commander. 3 Enter the PlusCode number. 4 Select ONCE, DAILY, or WEEKLY, then press ENTER. 5 Insert a tape. 6 Press ?/1 to turn off the VCR. 7 Leave the cable box on. 2 Insert a tape and press H PLAY.