3-065-581-12 (1) Video Cassette Recorder Operating Instructions PAL NTSC SLV-ED915PS/TH/ED818ME/SG SLV-ED817TH/ED815PS SLV-ED616ME/MJ/SG/ED515PS © 2001 Sony Corporation
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. The mains lead must only be changed at a qualified service shop. Precautions Safety • This unit operates on 110 – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Check that the unit’s operating voltage is identical with your local power supply.
Table of contents Getting Started Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: Step 7: Unpacking Setting up the remote commander Connecting the VCR Tuning your TV to the VCR Selecting a language Presetting channels Setting the clock Basic Operations 19 Playing a tape 22 Recording TV programmes 25 Recording TV programmes using the Easy Timer function 31 Setting the timer manually Search Operations 33 Searching for the beginning of an Easy Timer recorded programme 34 Searching for the current position o
Getting Started Step 1 Unpacking Check that you have received the following items with the VCR: • Remote commander • Aerial cable • R6 (size AA) batteries • Plug adaptor (For SLV-ED818ME and SLV-ED616ME/MJ only) Checking your model name The instructions in this manual are for the 10 models: SLV-ED915PS/ TH, ED818ME/SG, ED817TH, ED815PS, ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS. Check your model name by looking at the rear panel of your VCR. SLV-ED818ME is the model used for illustration purpose.
Step 2 Setting up the remote commander Getting Started Inserting the batteries Insert two R6 (size AA) batteries by matching the + and – on the batteries to the diagram inside the battery compartment. Insert the negative (–) end first, then push in and down until the positive (+) end clicks into position. Using the remote commander You can use this remote commander to operate this VCR and a Sony TV. Buttons on the remote commander marked with a dot (•) can be used to operate your Sony TV.
Step 3 Connecting the VCR Connect the aerial to your VCR and TV as shown below to watch TV programmes and VCR pictures on your TV. In addition, if your TV has audio/video (A/V) input jacks, we recommend you connect the VCR to your TV using an audio/video cable to get a better picture and sound.
Additional connections for SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and ED815PS only LINE OUT LINE IN Audio/video cable (not supplied) Getting Started To a TV that has audio/video input jacks This additional connection improves picture and sound quality. Connect the TV as shown on the right.
Step 4 Tuning your TV to the VCR If you have connected your VCR to the TV using the audio/video cable, skip this step. ?/1 ON/STANDBY RF CHANNEL 1 ON/STANDBY 2 PROGRAM +/– Press ?/1 ON/STANDBY to turn on the VCR. Press RF CHANNEL on the VCR. RF CHANNEL The factory-preset RF channel flashes in the display window for about three seconds. (RF32 is for SLV-ED818ME/SG and ED616ME/ MJ/SG and RF51 is for SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED817TH/ED815PS and ED515PS) Press RF CHANNEL again while the RF channel is flashing.
4 Press RF CHANNEL. The TV system indicator appears in the display window. RF CHANNEL PROGRAM Press PROGRAM +/– to select the correct TV system. If your TV system is Select G I I D/K K e.g. SLV-ED915PS/TH SP 5 Tune the TV to the same channel as shown in the display window so that the picture on the right appears on the TV screen. Refer to your TV manual for tuning instructions. If the picture does not appear clearly, see “To obtain a clear picture from the VCR” below.
Step 5 Selecting a language ?/1 You can change the on-screen display language from English to Arabic. Before you start… • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 MENU OK M/m 1 • ]/1 2 MENU Press ?/1 (on/standby) to turn on the VCR. Press MENU, then press M/m to move the cursor (B) to LANGUAGE and press OK. LANGUAGE / • ENGLISH PLAY SELECT END OK 3 PLAY Press M/m to select the desired language, then press OK.
Step 6 Presetting channels Presetting all receivable channels using the One Touch Tuning function PROGRAM +/– Getting Started First, we recommend that you preset the receivable channels in your area using the One Touch Tuning function or AUTO PRESET in the TUNER PRESET menu. Then, if some channels cannot be preset automatically, set them manually. If there are any unwanted channels among the preset ones, you can disable the channels.
Step 6: Presetting channels (continued) Presetting all receivable channels automatically Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the TV to the video channel. MENU OK M/m/
4 PLAY OK Press M/m to move the cursor (B) to AUTO PRESET, then press OK. PROG 1 •B / G D / K I SYSTEM NORMAL / CATV • NORM CATV AUTO PRESET 1 CHANNEL SET • ON AFT OFF FINE TUNING PLEASE WAIT Note • Picture might disappear for a few seconds during One Touch Tuning and auto presetting functions. This is for tuning procedure, and not a malfunction. Getting Started All receivable channels are preset in numerical sequence.
Step 6: Presetting channels (continued) Presetting channels manually PROG +/– Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the TV to the video channel. MENU OK M/m//. to move the cursor (B) to CHANNEL SET.
4 PROG Press PROG +/– to select the programme position. Selected programme position TUNER PRESET PROG14 SELECT SET 5 PLAY OK Press , repeatedly until the channel you want is displayed. Pressing < goes back to the previous channels.
Step 6: Presetting channels (continued) Disabling unwanted programme positions After presetting channels, you can disable unused programme positions. The disabled positions will be skipped later when you press the PROG +/– buttons. 1 In step 5 on page 15, press programme number button “0” twice to display the number “0” beside CHANNEL SET. 2 Press OK. If the picture is not clear Normally, the Auto Fine Tuning (AFT) function automatically tunes in channels clearly.
Step 7 Setting the clock MENU Before you start… • Turn on the VCR and the TV. • Set the TV to the video channel. 1 MENU Press MENU, then press M/m to move the cursor (B) to CLOCK SET and press OK. OK M/m/
Step 7: Setting the clock (continued) 4 PLAY OK Set the year, hour and minute in sequence, using , to select the item to be set, and M/m to select the digits. CLOCK SET 2 5 . 1 2 . 2 0 0 1 TUE 1 5 : 3 0 SELECT SET END 5 ] :[ :[ ] : [ OK ] Press OK to start the clock. PLAY OK Tip • To change the digits when setting, press < to return to the item to be changed, and select the digits using M/m. Note • The menu disappears automatically if you do not proceed for more than a few minutes.
Basic Operations Playing a tape EJECT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 DISPLAY H PLAY M FF m REW H PLAY M FF Basic Operations X PAUSE x STOP m REW COLOR SYSTEM 1 2 A EJECT X PAUSE x STOP Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. Insert a tape. The VCR turns on and starts playing automatically if you insert a tape with its safety tab removed.
Playing a tape (continued) 3 Press H PLAY. PLAY When the tape reaches the end, it will rewind automatically. OK Additional tasks To Press Stop play x STOP Pause play X PAUSE Resume play after pause X PAUSE or H PLAY Fast-forward the tape M FF during stop Rewind the tape m REW during stop Eject the tape Z EJECT To set the colour system If streaks appear during playback, press COLOR SYSTEM on the VCR to conform to the system that the tape was recorded in.
To use the time counter At the point on the tape that you want to find later, press CLEAR. The counter in the display window resets to “0:00:00.” Search for the point afterwards by referring to the counter. SP APC To display the counter on the TV screen, press DISPLAY. Press DISPLAY again and the counter will disappear from the TV screen.
Recording TV programmes INPUT SELECT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 PROG +/– DISPLAY REC SPEED z REC 1 2 3 Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. Insert a tape with its safety tab in place. PROG Press PROG +/– to select the programme position you want to record.
4 REC SPEED Press REC SPEED to select the tape speed, SP or LP. LP (Long Play) provides recording time twice as long as SP (Standard Play), however, SP produces better picture and audio quality. LP 5 REC APC Press z REC to start recording. The recording indicator lights up red in the display window. Recording indicator LP APC To check the remaining tape length Press DISPLAY. The white bar indicates the approximate length of tape remaining.
Recording TV programmes (continued) To record NTSC colour system programmes NTSC colour signals can be recorded on this VCR from the LINE-1 IN and LINE-2 IN (SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS only) jacks only. To select the line input, press INPUT SELECT or PROG +/– so that “L1” or “L2” (SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS only) appears in the display window. For tape speed, select SP or EP in step 4.
Recording TV programmes using the Easy Timer function The Easy Timer function allows you to make a timer recording of a programme without turning on your TV. Set the recording timer to record only one programme that will be broadcast within the next 24 hours using the EASY TIMER knob. If the VCR clock has not been set, you can also set the clock before setting the timer recording. Setting the Easy Timer PROGRAM +/– Before you start… • Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.
Recording TV programmes using the Easy Timer function (continued) 4 EASY TIMER Set the recording stop time in the same way as in step 2, then push the EASY TIMER knob. A programme number flashes. 5 EASY TIMER SP APC Turn the EASY TIMER knob clockwise or counterclockwise to select the programme you want to record. To select the tape speed, press REC SPEED. SP LP REC SPEED SP/LP (SP/EP) 6 EASY TIMER Push the EASY TIMER knob to confirm the setting.
Setting or changing the Easy Clock When “–:– –” is displayed in the display window, the VCR clock has not been set. You need to set the clock using the Easy Clock function before setting the timer. You can also change the current time using the Easy Clock function. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Programme number buttons EASY TIMER PROG +/– EASY TIMER knob EASY TIMER • When “–:– –” is displayed in the display window, push the EASY TIMER knob.
Recording TV programmes using the Easy Timer function (continued) 3 EASY TIMER Push the EASY TIMER knob to finish setting the clock. The VCR enters the timer recording setting mode. To continue the Easy Timer setting, go to step 2 in “Setting the Easy Timer” on page 25. SP START APC To quit the Easy Timer setting mode without changing any settings, push the EASY TIMER knob repeatedly until the t indicator appears in the display window.
To stop recording To stop the VCR while recording, press x STOP. To check or change the timer setting Push the EASY␣ TIMER knob repeatedly until the setting you want to check or change flashes. Then re-enter the new setting, if necessary. If you do not want to change any of the settings, push the EASY TIMER knob repeatedly until the t indicator appears in the display window. You can also change the timer setting using the TIMER SET/CHECK menu. For details, see page 41.
Recording TV programmes using the Easy Timer function (continued) Tips • To record from a source connected to the LINE-1 IN or LINE-2 IN (SLV-ED915PS/ TH, ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS only) jacks, press INPUT SELECT or PROG +/– or turn the EASY TIMER knob to display “L1” or “L2” (SLVED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS only) in the display window. • To record NTSC signals, set the tape speed to SP or EP. To record in the EP mode, set the tape speed to “LP” in the display window.
Setting the timer manually ?/1 You can preset up to eight programmes at a time. Before you start… • Check that the VCR clock is set to the correct time. • Insert a tape with its safety tab in place. Make sure the tape is longer than the total recording time. • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. INPUT SELECT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 PROG +/– OK M/m/
Setting the timer manually (continued) To record the same programme every day or the same day every week, press m while the date is flashing. For details, see “Daily/ weekly recording” below. To record from a source connected to the LINE-1 IN or LINE-2 IN (SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS only) jacks; press INPUT SELECT or PROG +/– to display “L1” or “L2”(SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG and ED616ME/MJ/SG/ ED515PS only) in the “PROG” position. 3 Press , to confirm the setting.
Search Operations Searching for the beginning of an Easy Timer recorded programme EASY TIMER knob If you record a programme using the Easy Timer function, you can easily find the beginning of the recording with the SEARCH MODE function. The SEARCH MODE indicator flashes when the VCR finishes making an Easy Timer recording. SEARCH MODE Push the EASY TIMER knob. The VCR turns on, rewinds to the beginning of the recorded programme and starts playback automatically. The SEARCH MODE indicator turns off.
Searching for the current position on a tape EASY TIMER knob This feature enables you to find the current position on a tape as well as the remaining time of the tape. SEARCH MODE 1 Press SEARCH MODE repeatedly until the REMAIN indicator appears in the display window as shown on the right. SP START APC n The SEARCH MODE indicator lights up. SP START APC 2 Push the EASY TIMER knob to display the tape meter on the TV screen. The SEARCH MODE indicator turns off.
Searching using the Blank Search function EASY TIMER knob This feature enables you to find a blank section on your tape. SEARCH MODE 1 Press SEARCH MODE repeatedly until the BLANK indicator appears in the display window. SP START APC The SEARCH MODE indicator lights up. Push the EASY TIMER knob on the VCR. SP The SEARCH MODE indicator turns off. The VCR fast-forwards to the end of the tape. Then, the VCR rewinds the tape to the last recorded programme.
Searching using the index function The VCR marks the tape with an index signal at the point where each recording begins. Use these signals as references to find a specific recording. The VCR can search up to 99 index signals ahead of or behind the current position. You can either use the INDEX SEARCH buttons on the remote commander or the SEARCH MODE button and EASY TIMER knob on the VCR. ./> INDEX SEARCH Using the INDEX SEARCH buttons on the remote commander 1 2 Insert an indexed tape into the VCR.
Using the SEARCH MODE button and EASY TIMER knob on the VCR EASY TIMER knob SEARCH MODE 1 Press SEARCH MODE on the VCR repeatedly until “INDEX” appears in the display window (the SEARCH MODE indicator lights up). SP 2 APC Turn the EASY TIMER knob to specify how many index signals ahead or behind you want to search: • To search ahead, turn the EASY TIMER knob clockwise. • To search backwards, turn the EASY TIMER knob counterclockwise. SP START APC 3 Push the EASY TIMER knob.
Searching using the Time Search function EASY TIMER knob You can easily find a specific point on a tape by using the Time Search function. For example, you can find a recorded section 15 minutes ahead of or behind the current position of a tape by using the Time Search function. 1 SEARCH MODE Press SEARCH MODE repeatedly until “TIME” appears in the display window (the SEARCH MODE indicator lights up).
Additional Operations Playing/searching at various speeds ×2 H PLAY m REW y SLOW M FF H PLAY 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, press M FF or m REW on the remote commander. • During playback, hold down M FF or m REW. When you release the button, normal playback resumes. Play at twice the normal speed During playback or pause, press ×2.
Setting the recording duration time After you have started recording in the normal way, you can have the VCR stop recording automatically after a specified duration. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 z REC 1 While recording, press z REC. The t indicator appears in the display window. SP APC 2 Press z REC repeatedly to set the duration. Each press advances the time in increments of 30 minutes.
Checking/ changing/ cancelling 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 OK M/m/
Checking/changing/cancelling timer settings (continued) 3 Press M/m to select the setting you want to change or cancel: • To change the setting, press
Recording stereo and bilingual programmes (for SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and ED815PS only) This VCR can record and receive stereo and bilingual sound. When a stereo or bilingual sound is received, the STEREO indicator appears in the display window. For SLV-ED915PS/TH only In the ZWEITON (German stereo) system This VCR automatically receives and records stereo and bilingual programmes based on the Zweiton system.
Recording stereo and bilingual programmes (continued) Bilingual programme To listen to On-screen display Display window Main MAIN STEREO Sub SUB STEREO Main and sub MAIN/SUB STEREO Standard sound* No indicator No indicator * Usually the main sound (monaural) For SLV-ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and ED815PS only This VCR can record stereo and bilingual programmes only through the line input (the stereo indicator appears on the TV screen and the display window).
How sound is recorded on a video tape The VCR records sounds 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.
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 tape was recorded in poor condition. If so, manually adjust the tracking. Press the TRACKING +/– buttons on the VCR to display the tracking meter. The distortion should disappear as you press one of the two buttons (the indicator lights up).
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 in the SET UP MENU (The APC indicator lights up in the display window). e.g. SLV-ED915PS/TH SET UP MENU 1/2 AUDIO MIX ON • OFF HIFI AUDIO STD • NICAM OFF APC • ON PAL / MESECAM • AUTO PAL MESECAM NTSC PB • ON PAL TV 4.
Changing menu options 1 Press MENU, then select SET UP MENU. e.g. SLV-ED915PS/TH SET UP MENU 1/2 AUDIO MIX ON • OFF HIFI AUDIO STD • NICAM OFF APC • ON PAL / MESECAM • AUTO PAL MESECAM NTSC PB • ON PAL TV 4. 43 3. 58 SELECT SET 2 3 Press M/m to select the option to change, then press
Editing Editing with another VCR How to connect to record on this VCR e.g. SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and ED815PS This VCR (Recorder) TV Other VCR (Player) LINE-1 IN LINE OUT VMC-810HG audio/video cable (not supplied) e.g.
Editing with another VCR (continued) How to connect to a stereo system (SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and ED815PS only) Connect LINE-1 IN AUDIO or LINE-2 IN AUDIO (SLV-ED915PS/TH and ED818ME/SG only) on this VCR to the audio output jacks on the stereo system, using the RK-C510HG audio cable (not supplied). Tips SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and ED815PS • 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.
Basic editing (when recording on this VCR) Before you start editing • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. • Press INPUT SELECT or PROG +/– to display “L1” or “L2” (SLVED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS only) in the display window. • Press REC SPEED to select the tape speed. X PAUSE z REC 1 Insert a source tape with its safety tab removed into the other (playback) VCR. Search for the point to start playback and set it to playback pause.
Audio dubbing (SLV-ED818ME/SG and ED616ME/MJ/ SG only) This feature lets you record over the normal audio track. The monaural sound previously recorded is replaced while the original hi-fi sound remains unchanged. Use this feature to add commentary to a tape that you have recorded with a camcorder. CLEAR AUDIO DUB 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 PAUSE Before you start editing • Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel. • Press INPUT SELECT or PROG +/– to display “L1” or “L2” in the display window.
Additional Information Troubleshooting Clock Power If you have any questions or problems not covered below, please consult your nearest Sony service facility. Symptom Remedy The ?/1 ON/STANDBY switch does not function. • Connect the mains lead to the mains securely. The power is turned on but the VCR does not operate. • Moisture condensation has occured. Turn the power off, unplug the mains lead and leave the VCR to dry for over four hours.
Symptom Remedy A TV programme does not appear on the TV screen. • Make sure the TV is set to the video channel. If you are using a monitor, set it to video input. • Select the correct source with the INPUT SELECT or PROG +/– buttons. Select a programme position when recording TV programmes; select “L1”or “L2” (SLVED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS only) when recording from other equipment. TV reception is poor. • Adjust the TV aerial.
Symptoms caused by contaminated video heads • Normal picture • Rough picture initial contamination • Unclear picture • No picture (or black & white screen appears) terminal Sapphire tape cleaner The unit incorporates a sapphire tape cleaner which cleans a video tape when it is loaded. This cleaner can prevent the video heads from contamination by removing dust or mold from a tape with its sapphire edge. Head Condition Sensor The Head Condition Sensor checks the condition of the video heads.
Specifications System General Colour system PAL, MESECAM, NTSC 3.58, NTSC 4.
Index to parts and controls Refer to the pages indicated in parentheses ( ) for details.
Index to parts and controls (continued) Display window STEREO SP CLOCK START STOP NICAM LP APC EP 1 Timer indicator (26) 2 NICAM indicator (43) (SLV-ED915PS/TH only) 3 STEREO indicator (43) (SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and ED815PS) 4 Tape speed indicator (23) 5 CLOCK indicator (27) 58 NTSC PAL 8 APC (Adaptive Picture Control) indicator (47) 9 Tracking indicator (46) 0 Colour system indicator (20) qa TV system/time counter/ programme/clock indicator (9, 21, 22, 27, 51) 6 START indicator (25)
Rear panel (for SLV-ED915PS/TH, ED818ME/SG, ED817TH and ED815PS) 1 2 3 5 4 1 Mains lead (6) 4 AERIAL OUT connector (6) 2 LINE-1 IN AUDIO R/L/VIDEO jacks (49) 5 LINE OUT AUDIO R/L/VIDEO jacks (7) 3 AERIAL IN connector (6) Rear panel (for SLV-ED616ME/MJ/SG and ED515PS only) 1 2 5 3 4 1 Mains lead (6) 4 AERIAL OUT connector (6) 2 LINE-1 IN AUDIO/VIDEO jacks (49) 5 LINE OUT AUDIO (MONO)/ VIDEO jacks (7) 3 AERIAL IN connector (6) continued Additional Information 59
Index to parts and controls (continued) Remote commander 1 TV/VIDEO remote control switch (5) 2 Z␣ EJECT button (20) 3 TV/VIDEO button (for TV) (5) 4 INPUT SELECT button (24, 32) 5 CLEAR button (21, 42) 6 EASY TIMER button (28) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 7 R2 (Reality Regenerator) button (46) 8 z␣ REC button (23, 40) 9 REC SPEED button (23) 0 ×2 button (39) qa MENU button (10, 48) qs Tape/menu operation buttons X PAUSE/M button (20) x STOP/m button (20) m REW (rewind)/< button (20, 39) M FF (fast-forw
Index A H Accessories supplied 4 Adjusting picture 16, 39, 46 tracking 39, 46 Aerial hookup 6 AFT (Auto Fine Tuning) 16 APC (Adaptive Picture Control) 47 Audio dubbing 52 Audio track 45 A/V (audio/video) connection 7 Head Condition Sensor Hi-fi audio track 45 B 55 I, J, K Index Search 36 S L Language selecting 10 LP mode 23 M Monitoring audio during playback 44 during recording 43 Blank Search 35 C Cancelling timer settings 41 Changing timer settings 41 Checking timer setting 41 Cleaning the vide