SONY EV-BS3000 Hi8 Video Deck Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your SONY EV-BS3000 Hi8 Video Deck. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the device to ensure proper functionality and to maximize your enjoyment of its features.

Figure 1: SONY EV-BS3000 Hi8 Video Deck

2. Key Features

• Hi8 Format Compatibility: Supports both SP (Standard Play) and LP (Long Play) modes for recording and playback of Hi8 tapes.
• Advanced Audio: Equipped with both AFM-Hi-Fi stereo and PCM stereo audio capabilities for high-quality sound recording and playback.
• Image Enhancement: Features built-in TBC (Time Base Corrector) to reduce image jitter and DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) circuits to minimize image graininess, ensuring clearer video output.
• U-Mechanism: Incorporates a reliable U-mechanism for stable tape transport.
• Release Year: Originally released in 1991 as a high-end model.
• Note: This model is not compatible with RC time code or data code functions.

3. Parts and Controls

3.1 Front Panel

Figure 2: Front Panel Overview

• POWER Button and Lamp: Turns the unit on/off and indicates power status.
• PUSH OPEN Button: Opens the cassette compartment.
• EJECT (▲) Button: Ejects the Hi8 cassette.
• Cassette Insertion Slot: Where Hi8 tapes are inserted.
• PLAYER Buttons and Lamp: Controls playback functions (Play, Stop, Pause) and indicates playback status.
• RECORDER Buttons and Lamp: Controls recording functions (Record, Stop, Pause) and indicates recording status.
• Travel Direction Indicator Lamp: Shows the current tape movement direction.
• FRAME (◄, ►) Buttons: Advances or rewinds video frame by frame.
• EDIT SHUTTLE RING: For precise video editing control.
• SYNCHRO EDIT STANDBY Button and Lamp: Prepares for synchronized editing.
• SYNCHRO EDIT START/PAUSE Button and Lamp: Initiates or pauses synchronized editing.
• Audio Monitor Lamp (PCM, Hi-Fi STEREO): Indicates the active audio monitoring mode.
• BS MONITOR Lamp: Indicates BS (Broadcast Satellite) monitor status.
• BS Audio Display Lamp: Displays BS audio signal status.
• BS Decoder Input Display Lamp: Displays BS decoder input status.
• Headphone Jack (Stereo Mini Jack): For connecting headphones.
• Mic Jack (Monaural Mini Jack): For connecting an external microphone.
• Line Input/Output Terminals (S-Video, Video, Audio L/R): For connecting external video and audio devices.
• Control L Terminal (Stereo Mini-Mini Jack): For connecting compatible control devices.

3.2 Top Panel

Figure 3: Top Panel Controls

• DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) Button: Activates/deactivates digital noise reduction.
• Counter Reset Button: Resets the tape counter.
• TV/Video Switch Button: Switches between TV and video input.
• CL (Reset) Button: Resets certain settings.
• Recording Time (SP/LP) Switch Button: Selects between SP and LP recording modes.
• Input Switch Button: Selects the video/audio input source.
• TV/BS Switch Button: Switches between TV and BS (Broadcast Satellite) input.
• Headphone Level Knob: Adjusts headphone volume.
• Audio Monitor Switch (PCM/Mix/Standard (Hi-Fi)): Selects audio monitoring mode.
• Recording Level Knob: Adjusts audio recording level.
• BS Monitor Button: Activates BS monitoring.
• Quick Timer Button: Sets quick timer recording.
• Index Button: Marks index points on the tape.
• Index Write Button: Writes index information.
• Index Erase Button: Erases index information.
• Program Recording (On/Off) Button: Activates/deactivates programmed recording.
• Program Confirmation Button: Confirms programmed recording settings.
• Edit Button: For editing functions.
• Record Button: Initiates recording.
• Audio Dubbing Button: Allows adding new audio to a recorded video.
• Tape Transport Buttons (Rewind ◄◄, Play ►, Fast Forward ►►, Stop ■, Pause Ⅱ): Controls tape movement.
• Channel/Index (+/-) Buttons: Changes channels or navigates index points.

3.3 Rear Panel

Figure 4: Rear Panel Connections

• Control L Terminal: For connecting compatible control devices.
• AFC Input Terminal: Automatic Frequency Control input.
• Decoder Input Terminal (Video, Audio L/R): For connecting external decoders.
• BS-IF Input Terminal (from BS Antenna): For connecting a Broadcast Satellite antenna.
• Channel Switch Button (from Antenna): Switches antenna channels.
• VHF/UHF Input Terminal: For connecting VHF/UHF antennas.
• Timer Line Switch: Activates/deactivates timer functions.
• Power Outlet: For connecting the power cord.
• Remote Control Mode Switch: Selects the remote control operating mode.
• Optical Digital Audio Output Terminal: For digital audio output.
• Bitstream Output Terminal: For digital bitstream output.
• Power for Converter (D/A Interlock) Switch: Controls power for a D/A converter.
• Monitor Output Terminal (TV): For connecting to a TV or monitor.
• CS/Line Input 1 Terminal (S-Video, Video, Audio L/R): For connecting CS (Communication Satellite) or other line input devices.
• Line Output Terminal (S-Video, Video, Audio L/R): For connecting to other recording or display devices.

4. Setup

4.1 Power Connection

1. Ensure the SONY EV-BS3000 is placed on a stable, level surface with adequate ventilation.
2. Connect the power cord to the AC IN terminal on the rear panel of the video deck, then plug the other end into a standard electrical outlet.

4.2 Connecting to a Display Device (TV/Monitor)

To view playback or monitor recording, connect the video deck to a TV or monitor.

1. For standard video and audio, use RCA (yellow for video, white for left audio, red for right audio) cables. Connect the Line Output Terminals on the EV-BS3000 to the corresponding input terminals on your TV or monitor.
2. For higher quality video, use an S-Video cable. Connect the S-Video output terminal on the EV-BS3000 to the S-Video input on your TV or monitor. You will still need to connect audio cables separately.
3. Select the appropriate input source (e.g., AV1, Video 1, S-Video) on your TV or monitor.

4.3 Connecting a Source Device (e.g., Camcorder, VCR)

To record from another device, connect it to the EV-BS3000.

1. For standard video and audio, use RCA cables. Connect the output terminals of your source device to the Line Input Terminals on the EV-BS3000.
2. For higher quality video, use an S-Video cable. Connect the S-Video output terminal of your source device to the S-Video Input Terminal on the EV-BS3000. Audio cables must be connected separately.
3. If using a BS antenna, connect it to the BS-IF Input Terminal.

5. Operation

5.1 Basic Playback

1. Ensure the video deck is powered on and connected to a TV/monitor.
2. Press the PUSH OPEN button to open the cassette compartment.
3. Insert a Hi8 tape into the Cassette Insertion Slot until it clicks into place. The compartment will close automatically.
4. Press the PLAYER Play (►) button. The video will begin playing on the connected TV/monitor and the built-in display.
5. Use the PLAYER Stop (■), Pause (Ⅱ), Rewind (◄◄), and Fast Forward (►►) buttons to control playback.
6. Adjust the volume on your TV or monitor.

5.2 Basic Recording

1. Ensure the video deck is powered on and a blank Hi8 tape is inserted.
2. Connect your source device (e.g., camcorder, another VCR) to the appropriate Line Input Terminals on the EV-BS3000.
3. Press the Input Switch Button to select the correct input source.
4. On your source device, start playback of the content you wish to record.
5. On the EV-BS3000, press the RECORDER Record (●) button to begin recording. The recording lamp will illuminate.
6. To stop recording, press the RECORDER Stop (■) button.
7. You can monitor the recording progress on the connected TV/monitor or the built-in display.

5.3 Using TBC and DNR

The EV-BS3000 features built-in TBC (Time Base Corrector) and DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) to improve video quality.

• TBC: Automatically corrects timing errors in the video signal, reducing picture jitter and improving stability, especially with older or unstable tapes. This function is always active.
• DNR: Press the DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) Button on the top panel to activate or deactivate the noise reduction feature. This helps to reduce random visual noise (graininess) in the video.

6. Maintenance

6.1 Cleaning the Unit

• Wipe the exterior of the unit with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, use a cloth lightly dampened with water or a mild detergent, then wipe dry.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or alcohol, as these can damage the finish.

6.2 Tape Head Cleaning

Over time, tape heads can accumulate dirt, leading to poor picture and sound quality. If you experience distorted playback or recording, the tape heads may need cleaning.

• Use a dry-type Hi8 head cleaning cassette. Follow the instructions provided with the cleaning cassette carefully.
• Avoid excessive use of cleaning cassettes, as they can cause wear on the tape heads.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter problems with your SONY EV-BS3000, refer to the following common issues and solutions:

If the problem persists after trying these solutions, please contact Sony customer support or a qualified service technician.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries regarding your SONY EV-BS3000 Hi8 Video Deck, please refer to the official Sony website or contact your local Sony customer service center. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.