Sony MJ User Manual

3-860-880-11 (1)  
Vid e o Ca sse t t e  
Pla ye r  
Operating Instructions  
PAL NTSC  
SLV-XA147JE/MJ/PS  
SLV-XF247ME/PS  
©1997 by Sony Corporation  
Ta b le o f co n t e n t s  
Ge t t in g St a rt e d  
4
5
6
8
Step 1: Unpacking  
Step 2: Setting up the remote commander  
Step 3: Connecting the unit  
Step 4: Tuning your TV to the unit  
Ba sic Op e ra t io n s  
10 Playing a tape  
Ad d it io n a l Op e ra t io n s  
15 Playing/ searching at various  
speeds  
17 Adjusting the picture  
18 Editing with another VCR  
Ad d it io n a l In fo rm a t io n  
21 Troubleshooting  
23 Specifications  
24 Index to parts and controls  
back cover  
Index  
Introduction  
3
Getting Started  
St e p 1  
Un p a ckin g  
Check that you have received the following items with the unit:  
• Remote commander  
• Audio/ video cable (3-phono to 3-  
phono) (SLV-XF247ME/ PS only)  
• R6 (Size AA) batteries  
• Plug adaptor  
(SLV-XA147JE/ MJ and XF247ME only)  
• Aerial cable  
Ch e ckin g yo u r m o d e l n a m e  
The instructions in this manual are for the 5 models: SLV-XA147JE,  
XA147MJ, XA147PS, XF247ME and XF247PS. Check your model  
number by looking at the rear panel of your unit. The SLV-XF247ME  
is the model used for illustration purposes. Any difference in  
operation is clearly indicated in the text, for example, “SLV-XA147JE  
only.”  
4
Getting Started  
St e p 2  
Se t t in g u p t h e re m o t e co m m a n d e r  
In se rt in g t h e b a t t e rie s  
Insert two R6 (size AA) batteries by  
matching the + and – on the batteries to  
the diagram inside the battery  
compartment.  
Usin g t h e re m o t e co m m a n d e r  
You can use this remote  
Remote sensor  
commander to operate the unit  
and a Sony TV. To operate this  
unit, point at the remote sensor  
on the unit. To operate the TV,  
point at the remote sensor on  
the TV.  
TV/VIDEO  
; (TV pow er)  
u
(on/standby)  
PROG (CH) +/–  
VOL +/–  
To  
Press  
Turn the TV to standby or active mode  
Turn on the TV power  
u (on/ standby)  
; (TV power)  
VOL +/ –  
Increase (+) or decrease (–) the TV volume  
Change the TV programme position  
PROG (CH) +/ –  
Select an input source of the TV either from aerial in or from line in TV/ VIDEO  
Notes  
With normal use, the batteries should last about three to six months.  
If you do not use the remote commander for an extended period of time, remove  
the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.  
Do not use a new battery with an old one.  
Do not mix different types of batteries.  
Getting Started  
5
St e p 3  
Co n n e ct in g t h e u n it  
AERIAL OUT  
Aerial cable (supplied)  
AERIAL IN  
to mains  
: Signal flow  
1
Disconnect the aerial cable from your TV  
and connect it to AERIAL IN on the rear  
AERIAL  
OUT  
panel of the unit.  
IN  
AERIAL  
OUT  
2
3
Connect AERIAL OUT of the unit and  
the aerial input of your TV using the  
supplied aerial cable.  
IN  
Connect the mains lead to the mains.  
Use the supplied plug adaptor, if necessary, depending on the  
design of the mains (SLV-XA147JE/ MJ and XF247ME only).  
6
Getting Started  
Ad d it io n a l co n n e ct io n s  
For SLV-XA147JE/MJ/PS  
This unit  
To a TV that has phono type  
audio/video input jacks  
This additional connection  
improves picture and sound quality.  
Connect the TV as shown on the  
right.  
TV  
AUDIO VIDEO  
LINE IN  
LINE OUT  
IN  
VIDEO  
AUDIO  
If you want to use the Trinitron TV  
Synchro Play function (see page 14),  
this connection is necessary. (If  
your TV has two or more inputs,  
connect the audio/ video cable to  
the VIDEO IN 1 jacks.)  
Audio/video cable (not supplied)  
For SLV-XF247ME/PS  
This unit  
TV  
AUDIO VIDEO  
LINE 1 IN  
IN  
LINE 1 OUT  
VIDEO  
AUDIO  
Audio/video cable (supplied)  
Stereo system  
This unit  
To a stereo system (SLV-XF247ME/  
PS only)  
AUDIO VIDEO  
LINE 1 IN  
LINE 1 OUT  
AUX IN  
You can improve sound quality by  
connecting a stereo system as  
shown on the right.  
Audio cable (not supplied)  
Getting Started  
7
St e p 4  
Tu n in g yo u r TV t o t h e u n it  
If you have connected your unit to the TV using the audio/ video cable, skip  
this step.  
ON/STANDBY  
ON/STANDBY  
1
2
Press ON/ STANDBY to turn on the unit.  
Turn on your TV and select a programme position for video  
playback.  
Choose a channel between UHF 30 and 39 on the TV where there is  
no picture and no sound or only a steady rustling sound.  
This channel will now be referred to as the video channel.  
3
Insert a tape recorded in the colour system matching your TV into  
the cassette compartment.  
The unit starts playing automatically if you insert a tape with its  
safety tab removed.  
4
5
Press · PLAY on the unit.  
Tune the TV until the video playback picture is clearly displayed on  
the TV screen.  
Refer to your TV manual for tuning instructions.  
You have now tuned your TV to the unit. From now on, whenever  
you want to play a tape, set the TV to the video channel.  
If the playback picture does not appear clearly, see “To obtain a clear  
playback picture” on page 9.  
8
Getting Started  
To obtain a clear playback  
picture  
If the playback picture does not  
appear clearly in step 5 above,  
turn the RF CHANNEL screw on  
the rear panel of the unit with a  
screwdriver to a position where  
RF CHANNEL  
the TV clearly displays the playback picture.  
To select the TV system  
For your TV to receive the correct  
signal from your unit, you must  
set the TV SYSTEM switch on the  
rear panel of the unit to either G  
(for system B/ G) or K (for system  
D/ K). If this switch is set to the  
TV SYSTEM  
wrong position, the sound will be  
distorted.  
G
K
Getting Started  
9
Basic Operations  
Pla yin g a t a p e  
6 EJECT  
3/#  
SEARCH  
P PAUSE  
) FF  
· PLAY  
p STOP  
0 REW  
NTSC PB  
COLOR SYSTEM  
1
2
Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.  
Insert a tape.  
The unit turns on, and starts playing  
automatically if you insert a tape with its  
safety tab removed.  
PLAY  
3
Press · PLAY.  
When the tape reaches the end, it will rewind automatically.  
Basic Operations  
10  
Additional tasks  
To  
Press  
Stop play  
Pause play  
p STOP  
P PAUSE  
Resume play after pause P PAUSE or · PLAY  
Search forward  
) FF or # SEARCH during playback  
Search backward  
Fast-forward the tape  
Rewind the tape  
Eject the tape  
0 REW or 3 SEARCH during playback  
) FF during stop  
0 REW during stop  
6 EJECT  
To set the colour system  
If streaks appear during playback, set COLOR SYSTEM on the unit to  
conform to the system that the tape was recorded in. (Normally set the  
switch to AUTO.)  
If your tape w as recorded in  
Set COLOR SYSTEM to  
PAL/ MESECAM  
PAL  
NTSC  
NTSC  
MESECAM  
PAL/ MESECAM  
To play an NTSC-recorded tape  
Set NTSC PB on the unit according to the colour system of your TV.  
If your TV is  
PAL  
Set NTSC PB to  
ON PAL TV  
NTSC 4.43  
NTSC 4.43  
NTSC 3.58  
NTSC 3.58  
continued  
Basic Operations  
11  
Pla yin g a t a p e (co n t in u e d )  
Notes  
Depending on your TV, the following may occur while playing an NTSC-recorded  
tape:  
– the picture is black and white,  
– the picture shakes,  
– no picture appears on the TV screen,  
– black streaks appear horizontally on the TV screen, and  
– the colour density increases or decreases.  
You can eject a tape even when the power is off. When you press 6 EJECT, the unit  
turns on automatically. After ejecting the tape, the unit turns off again.  
When the pause mode lasts for more than approximately five minutes, the unit will  
automatically enter the playback mode.  
(SLV-XA147PS and XF247ME/ PS only)  
You can play back tapes recorded in the SP mode only.  
(SLV-XA147JE/ MJ only)  
You can play back tapes recorded in the SP, LP, and EP mode.  
Basic Operations  
12  
Se le ct in g t h e so u n d  
d u rin g p la yb a ck  
(SLV-XF247ME/PS o n ly)  
AUDIO  
Press AUDIO MONITOR to select  
the sound you want. Each press  
of the button changes the  
MONITOR  
indicator in the display window.  
When you play a tape recorded in  
stereo or with a bilingual sound  
track, the Hi-Fi Stereo indicator in  
the display window lights up.  
To listen to a  
Press AUDIO MONITOR until the  
display w indow indicator show s  
Stereo tapes  
Bilingual tapes  
Stereo sound  
Left channel  
Right channel  
Main and sub sounds  
Main sound  
L/ R  
L
Sub sound  
R
1
2
Standard sound*  
Standard sound*  
No indication  
1
* Usually the mixed sound of left and right channels (monaural)  
2
* Usually the main sound (monaural)  
How sound is recorded on a video tape  
The unit records sound onto two separate tracks. Hi-fi audio is recorded  
onto the main track along with the picture. Monaural sound is recorded  
onto the normal audio track along the edge of the tape.  
Stereo  
Usually mixed  
Bilingual  
Usually main  
left/right channels  
sound  
Normal audio track  
(monaural)  
Hi-fi audio track  
(main track)  
Stereo sound  
(left/right channels)  
Main (left channel)  
Sub (right channel)  
Notes  
• To listen to playback sounds in stereo, you must use the AUDIO OUT connections.  
• When you play back a tape recorded in monaural, the sound is heard in monaural  
regardless of the AUDIO MONITOR setting.  
You cannot select the sound to listen to while recording.  
continued  
Basic Operations  
13  
Pla yin g a t a p e (co n t in u e d )  
Tu rn in g o n t h e u n it a n d TV, a n d st a rt in g p la yb a ck  
a u t o m a t ica lly (Trin it ro n TV Syn ch ro Pla y)  
You can only use this function if your TV is made by Sony (Trinitron TV).  
How to connect to use this function  
Connect the unit and TV with the audio/ video cable (see “To a TV that has  
phono type audio/ video input jacks” on page 7). Be sure to connect the  
audio/ video cable to the VIDEO IN 1 jacks on the TV if the TV has two  
inputs or more. The TV must be placed where it will respond to the remote  
commander while you are pointing it at the unit.  
Operation  
Make sure that the TVs power is in standby mode.  
Press TRINITRON TV SYNCHRO PLAY and hold the remote commander in  
place for about two seconds.  
The unit and TV turn on, and the TV is set to the video channel. If there is a  
tape in the unit, playback starts automatically.  
Notes  
If the Trinitron TV Synchro Play function does not work properly:  
- Wait a few moments, and press the button again.  
- Replace both of the batteries in the remote commander with new ones, and press  
the button again.  
Note that this function may not operate some Sony TVs because of the remote  
commanders signal limitations.  
Do not press TRINITRON TV SYNCHRO PLAY while playing back a video tape. If  
you do so, the TVs input source will momentarily switch to the TVs tuner.  
Basic Operations  
14  
Additional Operations  
Pla yin g /se a rch in g  
a t va rio u s sp e e d s  
SLOW +/–  
3/#  
SEARCH  
· PLAY  
0 3 REW ) # FF  
7 FRAME  
) FF  
· PLAY  
0 REW  
Playback options  
Operation  
Fast-forward/ rewind  
During stop, press ) FF or 0 REW.  
View the picture during fast- During fast-forward, hold ) FF down. During rewind,  
forward or rewind  
Play at high speed  
Play in slow motion  
hold 0 REW down.  
During playback or pause, press # SEARCH or 3 SEARCH .  
During playback or pause, press SLOW+/ –. Press the +/ –  
buttons to change the speed.  
Play frame by frame  
Rewind and start play  
During pause, press 7 FRAME to advance the picture one  
frame. Hold the button down to play one frame each second.  
During stop, hold 0 3 REW on the unit down and press  
· PLAY on the unit.  
continued  
Additional Operations 15  
Pla yin g /se a rch in g a t va rio u s sp e e d s (co n t in u e d )  
To resume normal playback  
Press · PLAY.  
Tip  
If the picture shakes while in the still mode, adjust the picture using  
$/ 4 TRACKING NORMAL/ SLOW STILL ADJUST.  
Notes  
Streaks or snow cannot be eliminated completely in the various playback  
operations, especially in the slow motion mode.  
The sound is muted during these operations.  
If you press 7 FRAME during playback, playback continues at the normal speed  
but the sound is muted. Press · PLAY to resume normal playback.  
In the LP mode, you may see static or there may be no colour (SLV-XA147JE/ MJ  
only).  
Additional Operations  
16  
Ad ju st in g t h e  
p ict u re  
Ad ju st in g t h e t ra ckin g  
Although the unit automatically  
adjusts the tracking when  
TRACKING  
AUTO/MANU  
playing a tape, distortion may  
occur if the tape was recorded in  
poor condition. If so, manually  
adjust the tracking.  
$/4  
TRACKING  
NORMAL/  
SLOW  
Press $/ 4 TRACKING  
NORMAL/ SLOW to obtain the  
best possible picture. The  
distortion should disappear as  
you press one of the two buttons. If you cannot get a clear picture with  
manual adjustment, press TRACKING AUTO/ MANU to return to  
automatic adjustment.  
Ab o u t OPC  
OPC (Optimum Picture Control) automatically improves playback quality  
by adjusting the unit to the condition of the video heads and tape.  
The OPC function automatically works on all types of tapes, including rental  
tapes and the tapes that were not recorded with OPC.  
Notes  
The auto tracking function works automatically when you play back a tape just  
after inserting it.  
Sufficient picture quality may not be obtained when playing back tapes recorded on  
another VCR or tapes in poor condition.  
When a tape recorded with the copyguard system is played back, intermittent  
distortion may appear in the upper portion of the picture. However, this is not a  
malfunction of the unit.  
Additional Operations 17  
Ed it in g w it h a n o t h e r VCR  
Ho w t o co n n e ct t o re co rd o n t h is u n it  
TV  
This unit (Recorder)  
LINE 1 IN  
Other VCR (Player)  
LINE OUT  
Audio/video cable (not supplied)  
: Signal flow  
Tips  
(SLV-XA147JE/ MJ/ PS only)  
Use a commercially available 2-phono to 2-phono type audio/ video cable. If the  
other VCR has AUDIO L and R jacks, use a commercially available 3-phono to 2-  
phono type audio/ video cable.  
(SLV-XF247ME/ PS only)  
- If the other VCR is a monaural type, use a commercially available 3-phono to 2-  
phono type audio/ video cable.  
- You can also use the LINE 2 IN jacks on the front of the unit.  
Notes  
Make sure you connect the plugs to the jacks of the same colour.  
When connecting the units, do not simultaneously connect the LINE IN and LINE  
OUT jacks on your unit with the other VCR. A humming noise may occur if you do  
this.  
Additional Operations  
18  
SLV-XF247ME/PS  
Op e ra t io n (w h e n  
P PAUSE  
re co rd in g o n t h is u n it )  
You can make a copy of a tape using  
this unit for recording or playback.  
The unit cannot record TV  
programmes directly since it does not  
have a TV tuner.  
INPUT SELECT  
SLV-XA147JE/MJ  
r REC  
Before you start editing  
• Turn on your TV and set it to the  
video channel.  
P PAUSE  
1
2
(SLV-XF247ME/ PS only)  
Set INPUT SELECT to LINE 1  
(or LINE 2).  
(SLV-XA147JE/ MJ only)  
Set TAPE SPEED to select the  
tape speed (SP or LP for the PAL  
colour system, and SP or EP for  
the NTSC colour system).  
TAPE SPEED  
r REC  
LP provides a recording time twice as long as SP. EP provides a  
recording time three times as long as SP. However, SP produces better  
picture quality.  
3
4
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.  
Insert a tape with its safety tab in place into this (recording) unit.  
Search for the point to start recording and press P PAUSE.  
5
6
Press r REC on this unit to set it to recording pause.  
To start editing, press the P PAUSE buttons on both units at the same  
time.  
To stop editing  
Press the p STOP buttons on both units.  
continued  
Additional Operations 19  
Ed it in g w it h a n o t h e r VCR (co n t in u e d )  
To save a recording  
To prevent accidental erasure, break off the safety  
tab as illustrated. To record on a tape again, cover  
the tab hole with adhesive tape.  
Safety tab  
Tips  
To edit more precisely, press the P PAUSE buttons on the units to release pause.  
To cut out unwanted scenes while editing, press P PAUSE on this unit when an  
unwanted scene begins. When that scene ends, press P PAUSE again to resume  
recording.  
Note  
(SLV-XA147PS and XF247ME/ PS only)  
You can record tapes only in SP mode.  
Additional Operations  
20  
Additional Information  
Tro u b le sh o o t in g  
If you have any questions or problems not covered below, please consult your  
nearest Sony service facility.  
Symptom  
Remedy  
The ON/ STANDBY switch  
does not function.  
Connect the mains lead securely.  
The power is turned on but the  
unit does not operate.  
Moisture condensation occurs. Turn the power off,  
unplug the mains lead and leave the unit to dry for  
over an hour.  
The auto safety system is triggered to protect your tape  
and the units mechanism when there is something  
wrong with the tape or when the mechanism is  
The VCR enters standby mode  
or turns off automatically.  
overloaded. Press ON/ STANDBY to restart the unit.  
If the unit does not work after pressing ON/ STANDBY  
again, disconnect the mains lead from the mains. Wait  
for at least 15 seconds. Then reconnect mains, and  
press ON/ STANDBY again. If the unit still does not  
work, please consult your nearest Sony service facility.  
Make sure the TV is set to the video channel. If you  
are using a monitor, set it to video input.  
The playback picture does not  
appear on the TV screen.  
Adjust the tracking with the $/ 4 TRACKING  
NORMAL/ SLOW buttons.  
Make sure the COLOR SYSTEM switch is set to the  
position corresponding to the colour system which the  
tape was recorded with.  
The picture is not clear.  
The video heads are dirty (see the next page). Clean  
the video heads using a video head cleaning cassette.  
If a cleaning cassette is not available in your area, have  
the heads cleaned at your nearest Sony service facility  
(a standard service charge will be required). Do not  
use a commercially available wet-type cleaning  
cassette, as it may damage the video heads.  
The video heads may have to be replaced. Consult  
your local Sony service facility for more information.  
The picture rolls vertically  
during picture search.  
Adjust the vertical hold control on the TV or monitor.  
The tape is defective. Use a new tape.  
The picture has no sound.  
continued  
Additional Information  
21  
Tro u b le sh o o t in g (co n t in u e d )  
Symptom  
Remedy  
The tape starts playing as soon  
as it is inserted.  
The safety tab has been removed. To record on this  
tape, cover the tab hole.  
Check that the safety tab has not been removed.  
The tape is ejected when you  
press r REC.  
Make sure the tape is not at its end.  
(SLV-XF247ME/ PS only)  
Nothing happens when you  
press r REC.  
Select the correct source with the INPUT SELECT  
switch, LINE 1 or LINE 2.  
Check that a tape isnt already in the tape  
compartment.  
No tape can be inserted.  
Make sure you are pointing the remote commander at  
the remote sensor on the unit.  
Replace all the batteries in the remote commander with  
new ones if they are weak.  
The remote commander does  
not function.  
Clean the cabinet, panel, and controls with a dry soft  
cloth, or a soft cloth slightly moistened with a mild  
detergent solution. Do not use any type of solvent,  
such as alcohol or benzine.  
The unit needs to be cleaned.  
Au t o h e a d cle a n e r  
The unit incorporates an auto head cleaner which cleans the video heads when a tape  
is loaded or unloaded. When the heads are not sufficiently clean, even after a tape  
has been loaded/ unloaded several times, use a video head cleaning cassette.  
Symptoms caused by contaminated video heads  
• Normal picture  
• Rough picture  
• Unclear picture  
• No picture (or  
black & w hite  
screen appears)  
initial  
terminal  
Sa p p h ire t a p e cle a n e r  
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 the sapphire edge.  
22  
Additional Information  
Sp e cifica t io n s  
Syst e m  
Su p p lie d a cce sso rie s  
RF output signal  
Remote commander (1)  
UHF channels 30 to 39  
Aerial out  
R6 (Size AA) batteries (2)  
Aerial cable (1)  
75-ohm asymmetrical aerial socket  
Audio/ video cable (3-phono to 3-phono)  
(SLV-XF247ME/ PS only) (1)  
Plug adaptor  
In p u t s a n d o u t p u t s  
LINE IN (SLV-XA147JE/ MJ/ PS)  
(SLV-XA147JE/ MJ and XF247ME only) (1)  
LINE 1 IN/ LINE 2 IN (SLV-XF247ME/ PS)  
VIDEO IN, phono jack (1)  
Input signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms,  
unbalanced, sync negative  
AUDIO IN,  
Design and specifications are subject to change  
without notice.  
phono jack (1) (SLV-XA147JE/ MJ/ PS)  
phono jack (2) (SLV-XF247ME/ PS)  
Input level: 327 mVrms  
Input impedance: more than 47 kilohms  
LINE OUT (SLV-XA147JE/ MJ/ PS)  
LINE 1 OUT (SLV-XF247ME/ PS)  
VIDEO OUT, phono jack (1)  
Output signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms,  
unbalanced, sync negative  
AUDIO OUT,  
phono jack (1) (SLV-XA147JE/ MJ/ PS)  
phono jack (2) (SLV-XF247ME/ PS)  
Standard output: 327 mVrms  
Load impedance: 47 kilohms  
Output impedance: less than 10 kilohms  
Ge n e ra l  
Power requirements  
110 – 240 V AC, 50/ 60 Hz  
Power consumption  
10 W  
Operating temperature  
5°C to 40°C  
Storage temperature  
–20°C to 60°C  
Dimensions  
Approx. 355 × 100 × 280 mm (w/ h/ d)  
including projecting parts and controls  
Mass  
Approx. 3.8 kg  
Additional Information  
23  
In d e x t o p a rt s a n d co n t ro ls  
Refer to the pages indicated in parentheses ( ) for details.  
Fro n t p a n e l (SLV-XA147JE/MJ/PS)  
REC  
Fro n t p a n e l (SLV-XF247ME/PS)  
REC  
1 ON/ STANDBY switch/ indicator (8)  
p STOP button (11)  
2 LINE 2 IN VIDEO/ AUDIO L/ R jacks  
P PAUSE button (11)  
(SLV-XF247ME/ PS only) (18)  
!™ NTSC PB switch (11)  
3 Tape compartment  
COLOR SYSTEM switch (11)  
REC (recording) indicator  
4 Hi-Fi Stereo/ L/ R indicators (SLV-  
XF247ME/ PS only) (13)  
!∞ TAPE SPEED switch (SLV-XA147JE/  
5 Tape operation indicators  
MJ only) (19)  
6
03 REW button (11, 15)  
7 · PLAY button (10)  
)# FF button (11, 15)