3-860-804-23 (1)
Vid e o Ca sse t t e
Pla ye r
Operating Instructions
PAL NTSC 4.43
SLV-XA17ME/SG
SLV-XA37ME/SG
©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
13 Playing/ searching at various
speeds
15 Adjusting the picture
16 Editing with another VCR
Ad d it io n a l In fo rm a t io n
18 Troubleshooting
20 Specifications
21 Index to parts and controls
24 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
• Aerial cable
• Plug adaptor
• R6 (Size AA) batteries
(SLV-XA17ME/ XA37ME only)
Ch e ckin g yo u r m o d e l n a m e
The instructions in this manual are for the 4 models: SLV-XA17ME,
XA17SG, XA37ME, and XA37SG. Check your model number by
looking at the rear panel of your unit. The SLV-XA37ME is the model
used for illustration purposes. Any difference in operation is clearly
indicated in the text, for example, “SLV-XA17ME 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
Select an input source on the TV either aerial in or line in
PROG(CH) +/ –
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
2
3
Disconnect the aerial cable from your TV
and connect it to AERIAL IN on the rear
panel of the unit.
AERIAL
OUT
IN
AERIAL
OUT
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 adapter, if necessary, depending on the
design of the mains (SLV-XA17ME/ XA37ME only).
6
Getting Started
Ad d it io n a l co n n e ct io n s
To a TV that has phono type
audio/video input jacks
For SLV-XA17ME/SG
This unit
This additional connection
improves picture and sound quality.
Connect the TV as shown on the
right.
TV
AUDIO VIDEO
LINE OUT
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
If you want to use the Trinitron TV
Synchro Play function (see page 12),
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-XA37ME/SG
This unit
TV
AUDIO VIDEO
LINE IN
LINE OUT
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
Audio/video 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.
(SLV-XA17ME/ SG)
The unit turns on, and starts playing automatically.
(SLV-XA37ME/ SG)
The unit turns on, and 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.
(SLV-XA17ME/ SG)
The unit turns on, and starts playing
automatically.
(SLV-XA37ME/ SG)
The unit turns on, and starts playing
automatically if you insert a tape with its
safety tab removed.
3
PLAY
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
PAL/ MESECAM
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
continued
Basic Operations
11
Pla yin g a t a p e (co n t in u e d )
Tip
•
You can play back tapes recorded in the SP, LP, and EP mode.
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.
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 TV’s 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
commander’s signal limitations.
•
Do not press TRINITRON TV SYNCHRO PLAY while playing back a video tape. If
you do so, the TV’s input source will momentarily switch to the TV’s tuner.
Basic Operations
12
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
03 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, hold
forward or rewind
Play at high speed
Play in slow motion
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 03 REW on the unit down and press
· PLAY on the unit.
continued
Additional Operations 13
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.
Additional Operations
14
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
playing a tape, distortion may
occur if the tape was recorded in
poor condition. If so, manually
adjust the tracking.
TRACKING
AUTO/
MANU
$/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 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 15
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 (SLV-XA37ME/
SG o n ly)
TV
This unit (Recorder)
LINE IN
Other VCR (Player)
LINE OUT
Audio/video cable (not supplied)
: Signal flow
Tip
•
Use a commercially available 2-phono to 2-phono type audio/ video cable. If the
other VCR has the AUDIO L and R jacks, use a commercially available 3-phono to
2-phono type audio/ video cable.
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
16
P PAUSE
Op e ra t io n (w h e n
re co rd in g o n t h is u n it )
(SLV-XA37ME/SG o n ly)
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.
TAPE SPEED
r REC
Before you start editing
• Turn on your TV and set it to the video channel.
1
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).
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.
2
3
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.
4
5
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.
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.
Additional Operations 17
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 unit’s mechanism when there is something
wrong with the tape or when the mechanism is
The unit 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.
The playback picture 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.
The picture is not clear.
•
•
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 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.
Adjust the vertical hold control on the TV or monitor.
The picture rolls vertically
during picture search.
•
•
The tape is defective. Use a new tape.
The picture has no sound.
The safety tab has been removed. To record on this
tape, cover the tab hole.
The tape starts playing as soon
as it is inserted.
The tape is ejected when you
press r REC.
•
•
Check that the safety tab has not been removed.
Nothing happens when you
Make sure the tape is not at its end.
press r REC.
18
Additional Information
Symptom
Remedy
No tape can 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 unit.
Replace all the batteries in the remote commander with
new ones if they are weak.
The unit needs to be cleaned.
•
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.
* SLV-XA37ME/ SG only
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
• No picture (or
black & w hite
screen appears)
• Normal picture
• Rough picture
• Unclear picture
terminal
initial
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.
Additional Information 19
Sp e cifica t io n s
Syst e m
RF output signal
UHF channels 30 to 39
Aerial out
Su p p lie d a cce sso rie s
Remote commander (1)
R6 (Size AA) batteries (2)
Aerial cable (1)
75-ohm asymmetrical aerial socket
Plug adaptor
(SLV-XA37ME/ SLV-XA17ME only) (1)
In p u t s a n d o u t p u t s
LINE IN (SLV-XA37ME/ SG only)
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
VIDEO IN, phono jack (1)
Input signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms,
unbalanced, sync negative
AUDIO IN, phono jack (1)
Input level: 327 mVrms
Input impedance: more than 47 kilohms
LINE OUT
VIDEO OUT, phono jack (1)
Output signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms,
unbalanced, sync negative
AUDIO OUT, phono jack (1)
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 x 100 x 280 mm (w/ h/ d)
including projecting parts and controls
Mass
Approx. 3.8 kg
20
Additional Information
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-XA17ME/SG)
Fro n t p a n e l (SLV-XA37ME/SG)
REC
1 ON/ STANDBY switch/ indicator (8)
2 Tape compartment
9 P PAUSE button (11)
NTSC PB switch (11)
0
3 Tape operation indicators
4 03 REW button (11, 13)
5 · PLAY button (10)
!¡ COLOR SYSTEM switch (11)
!™ REC (recording) indicator (SLV-
XA37ME/ SG only)
!£ TAPE SPEED switch (SLV-
6 )# FF button (11, 13)
XA37ME/ SG only) (17)
7 r REC button (SLV-XA37ME/ SG
!¢ Remote sensor (5)
only) (17)
!∞ § EJECT button (11)
8 p STOP button (11)
continued
Additional Information 21
In d e x t o p a rt s a n d co n t ro ls (co n t in u e d )
Re a r p a n e l (SLV-XA17ME/SG)
Re a r p a n e l (SLV-XA37ME/SG)
1 Mains lead (6)
5 LINE OUT AUDIO/ VIDEO jacks (7)
6 AERIAL IN connector (6)
7 TV SYSTEM switch (9)
2 RF CHANNEL screw (9)
3 AERIAL OUT connector (6)
4 LINE IN AUDIO/ VIDEO
jacks (SLV-XA37ME/ SG only) (16)
22
Additional Information
Re m o t e co m m a n d e r
1 6 EJECT button (11)
2 TV control buttons (Only for TV) (5)
TV/ VIDEO
; (TV power)
u (on/ standby)
VOL +/ –
PROG (CH) +/ –
3 EFFECT button (This button doesn’t
work with this unit.)
4 TRACKING AUTO/ MANU button
(15)
5 TV/ VTR button (This button doesn’t
work with this unit.)
6 r REC button (SLV-XA37ME/ SG
only) (17)
7 AUDIO MONITOR button (This
button doesn’t work with this unit.)
8 P PAUSE button (11)
9 0 REW button (11, 13)
0 · PLAY button (10)
!¡ p STOP button (11)
!™ TRINITRON TV SYNCHRO PLAY
button (12)
!£ u (on/ standby) switch (8)
!¢ $/ 4 TRACKING NORMAL/ SLOW
STILL ADJUST buttons (15)
!∞ SLOW +/ – buttons (13)
!§ =/ + AMS buttons (These
buttons don’t work with this unit.)
!¶ 3/ # SEARCH buttons (11, 13)
!• 7 FRAME button (13)
!ª ) FF button (11, 13)
Additional Information 23
In d e x
A, B
Accessories supplied
O
4
OPC (Optimum Picture
Control) 15
Adjusting
picture 15
P, Q
tracking 15
Picture adjustment. See
Aerial hookup
6
Adjusting
Auto head cleaner 17
Playback 10
AV connection
7
at various speeds 11, 13
frame-by-frame 13
C
Cleaning the video
heads 18
R
Recording 17
Colour system
Remote commander
RF CHANNEL screw
5
compatible colour
systems
setting 11
Connecting
2
9
S
the unit and your TV
to a TV with audio/
6
Safety tab 17
Searching at various
speeds 13
video jacks
7
SP mode 12, 17
D
Dubbing. See Editing
T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
Tracking adjustment. See
Adjusting
E, F, G, H, I, J, K
Editing 16
EP mode 12, 17
Trinitron TV Synchro
Play 12
Tuning your TV to the
unit
8
L, M
LP mode 12, 17
TV system
9
N
NTSC-recorded tapes 11
24
Additional Information
|