Sony SL-HFR70 Video Cassette Recorder

OWNER'S RECORD

The model and serial number of your set are located at the rear. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. SL-HFR70 Serial No. 817819

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Warning
• Precautions
• CONNECTIONS
• ADJUSTMENTS
• OPERATIONS
• GENERAL
• SPECIFICATIONS
• TROUBLE CHECKS

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Symbol Explanation:

• A triangle with a lightning bolt inside indicates the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
• An exclamation mark in a triangle indicates the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

INFORMATION

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy. If not installed and used properly, it may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with FCC Rules, designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur. If interference occurs, the user is encouraged to try correcting it by:

• Reorienting the receiving antenna.
• Relocating the equipment with respect to the receiver.
• Moving the equipment away from the receiver.
• Plugging the equipment into a different outlet so that equipment and receiver are on different branch circuits.

Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. The booklet "How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems" from the U.S. Government Printing Office may be helpful.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

The photos used in this manual are of the silver type.

PRECAUTIONS

On safety:

• This unit operates only on 120 V ac, 60 Hz.
• Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet, unplug the unit and have it checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.
• This unit is equipped with a polarized ac power cord plug (one blade wider than the other). Should you be unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If it still fails to fit, contact your dealer. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.
• Unplug the unit from the wall outlet if it is not to be used for an extended period of time. To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord itself.

On installation:

• Allow adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat build-up. Do not place the unit on surfaces (rugs, blankets, etc.) or near materials (curtains, draperies) that may block the ventilation slots. [Illustration: Shows airflow around the unit].
• Do not install the unit near heat sources such as radiators or air ducts or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust, mechanical vibration or shock. [Illustration: Sun and heat waves symbol].
• The unit is designed for operation in a horizontal position. Do not install it in an inclined position.
• Keep the unit and cassette tapes away from equipment with strong magnets, as for example a microwave oven or a large loudspeaker.
• Do not place any heavy object on the unit.

On operation:

• When the unit is not in use, turn the power off to conserve energy and to extend its useful life.
• Remove and store video cassettes after recording or playback.
• Store the cassettes in their cases and keep them in an upright position to prevent intrusion of dust and uneven winding.

On cleaning:

• Clean the cabinet, panel and controls with a dry soft cloth, or a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution.
• Do not use any type of solvent, such as alcohol or benzine, which might damage the finish.

On repacking:

• Do not throw away the carton and packing materials. They make an ideal container in which to transport the unit. When shipping the unit to another location, repack it as illustrated on the carton.

If you have any questions about this unit, contact your Sony service facility.

CONNECTIONS

Before making connections:

• Turn off the TV.
• Connect the ac power cord after all the connections of the video cassette recorder and the TV have been completed.
• Make connections firmly. A loose connection may cause a distorted picture.

ANTENNA/CABLE AND TV CONNECTION

Disconnect the TV antenna cables from the TV receiver and connect them to the recorder, then connect the recorder and the TV.

Combination VHF/UHF antenna

Most combination antennas are equipped with a U/V band separator (signal splitter). Take off the separator and connect the cable directly to the recorder. Use the removed separator to connect the recorder and the TV.

[Diagram: Shows a combination antenna connected via a U/V band separator to the recorder's VHF/UHF IN, and the TV's antenna input. A 75-ohm coaxial cable is shown connecting the recorder's VHF/UHF OUT to the TV's antenna input. Notes indicate optional F-type connector and the use of a 75-ohm coaxial cable.]

* Use an optional RFC-8 extension cable, 8 m (25 ft) long, if the supplied 75-ohm coaxial cable is not long enough.

If you need a separator or a complete antenna system, see your Sony dealer or a qualified technician.

VHF antenna

When the cable is a 300-ohm ribbon type lead-in (flat):

[Diagram: Shows a 300-ohm twin lead antenna connected via an EAC-25 antenna connector (supplied) to the recorder's VHF/UHF IN. The recorder's VHF/UHF OUT is connected to the TV's VHF and UHF terminals.]

When the cable is a 75-ohm coaxial type (round):

[Diagram: Shows a 75-ohm coaxial cable connected directly to the recorder's VHF/UHF IN. The recorder's VHF/UHF OUT is connected to the TV's VHF and UHF terminals.]

UHF antenna

Attach an optional EAC-66 U/V band separator to the VHF/UHF OUT connector of the recorder, and connect to the VHF and UHF antenna terminals of the TV.

[Diagram: Shows a UHF antenna connected via an EAC-66 U/V band separator to the recorder's VHF/UHF OUT, which is then connected to the TV's UHF antenna terminal.]

When both VHF and UHF antennas are connected

Attach an optional EAC-66 U/V band separator (mixer) to the VHF/UHF IN connector of the recorder, and connect the antennas to the U/V band separator. Then attach another optional U/V band separator to the VHF/UHF OUT connector of the recorder, and connect to the VHF and UHF antenna terminals of the TV.

[Diagram: Shows VHF and UHF antennas connected to an EAC-66 U/V band separator (mixer), which connects to the recorder's VHF/UHF IN. Another EAC-66 U/V band separator connects the recorder's VHF/UHF OUT to the TV's VHF and UHF terminals.]

When a TV has a 75-ohm UHF/VHF antenna terminal

Easy connection of the recorder to the TV can be made with a supplied 75-ohm coaxial cable regardless of the types of antenna.

[Diagram: Shows an antenna connected via a 75-ohm coaxial cable to the recorder's VHF/UHF IN, and the recorder's VHF/UHF OUT connected via a 75-ohm coaxial cable to the TV's 75-ohm UHF/VHF antenna terminal.]

Caution:

Connections between the recorder VHF/UHF OUT connector and the antenna terminals of a TV receiver should be made only as shown in these instructions. Failure to do so may result in operation that violates the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission regarding the use and operation of RF devices. Never connect the output of the recorder to an antenna or make simultaneous (parallel) antenna and recorder connections at the antenna terminals of your receiver.

Once the connections explained above have been made, the antenna TV signals, as well as the signal from the recorder, will be fed to the TV and you can view TV programs in the usual way.

CATV cable

We recommend that you consult your cable company to make sure that the cable is properly connected.

[Diagram: Shows a CATV cable connected to the recorder's VHF/UHF IN, and the recorder's VHF/UHF OUT connected to the TV's antenna input.]

When a TV is not a cable TV compatible type:

Connect the cable TV channel converter between the recorder and the TV so that you can watch another cable TV program while recording one cable TV program.

[Diagram: Shows a CATV cable connected to the recorder's VHF/UHF IN, and the recorder's VHF/UHF OUT connected to a channel converter, which is then connected to the TV's antenna input.]

Note to cable TV system installer in the U.S.A.:

This reminder is provided to call the cable TV system installer's attention to Article 820-22 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

How to attach an F-type connector:

1. Prepare the cable end: 7 mm (1/4 inch) for the outer conductor, 10 mm (3/8 inch) for the inner conductor.
2. Pass the ring over the cable.
3. Fold back the outer conductor: 3 mm (1/8 inch).
4. Crimp the connector onto the cable.

How to attach an EAC-25 external antenna connector:

1. Connect the 300-ohm twin lead to the connector.
2. Plug into the VHF/UHF IN connector.

How to attach an EAC-66 U/V band separator (mixer):

[Diagram: Shows a 300-ohm twin lead connected to the EAC-66, which has a 75-ohm coaxial cable output.]

COLOR MONITOR CONNECTION

To obtain a better-quality picture, connect a color monitor, such as the Sony Profeel Trinitron Component TV, instead of a conventional TV receiver. When a component TV is combined with the speaker system as illustrated, you can enjoy tapes recorded with Beta hi-fi system. If you use a component TV tuner together with the monitor, connect the recorder and the TV tuner in the same way as for a conventional TV receiver. For details, refer to the instruction manual of the TV tuner.

[Diagram: Shows the rear of the SL-HFR70 with cables connecting VIDEO OUT to Component TV's VIDEO IN, and AUDIO LINE OUT to Component TV's AUDIO IN. An optional VMC-608MS/609MS cable is indicated.]

POWER CONNECTION

Connect the power plug into a wall outlet.

ADJUSTMENTS

ADJUSTING THE TV

Adjust your TV receiver to receive the signal from your recorder. When you have connected a color monitor, the following adjustment is not necessary.

[Diagram: Shows the front panel of the SL-HFR70 with controls labeled: POWER ON/OFF, EJECT, TV/VTR, INPUT SELECT, CHANNEL +/-, STOP, PLAY. The rear panel shows RF UNIT selector.]

If you do not have a recorded video cassette tape

• Set the RF UNIT located at the rear to 3 CH or 4 CH whichever channel is not active in your area.
• Press POWER ON/OFF. The indicator lights up.

If you have a recorded video cassette tape

1. Press TV/VTR to display the VTR indicator in the window.
2. Check that INPUT SELECT is set to TUNER, then select an active channel in your area with CHANNEL +/- on the recorder.
3. Insert the cassette with the round window to the left.
4. Press PLAY.

Check! Check that the program displayed on the screen changes when a different channel is selected on the recorder. If the program does not change, repeat the preceding steps.

Check! Check that the display on the screen changes when you stop the tape by pressing STOP on the recorder. (To eject the cassette, press EJECT.) If the program does not change, repeat the preceding steps.

Now your TV receiver is tuned to the recorder. Whenever you use the video recorder, you should set the TV to the channel which you have chosen above.

Steps for TV tuning:

1. Turn on the TV.
2. Set the TV receiver to either VHF channel 3 or 4 to agree with the RF UNIT setting.
3. The TV program selected on the recorder or the tape program will be displayed on the TV screen. If a picture does not appear or is not clear, fine-tune the channel on the TV. (Refer to the TV receiver's instruction manual for details.)

PRESETTING THE ACTIVE CHANNELS IN YOUR AREA

Your recorder is capable of receiving VHF channels 2-13, UHF channels 14-69, and cable TV channels 14-36 (A-W), 66-94 (W+30-W+58), 98 (A-2), 99 (A-1), and 100-125 (W+59-W+84). See cable TV channel chart on page 10.

You can preset 14 channels so that only the desired channels will appear in sequence when you press the CHANNEL + or - button on the recorder.

[Diagram: Shows the tuning compartment with controls labeled: TUNING CHANNELS, SET, TUNING, CHANNEL +/-, CLEAR, AFT ON/OFF. An indication window shows 'VTR', '00:00:00', 'COUNTER', 'TUNE', 'CATV'.]

TUNING CHANNELS

1. Press SET. The "TUNE" indicator will appear in the window position.
2. Select a channel memory position with the CHANNEL +/- buttons on the recorder while tuning. [Illustration: Shows the CHANNEL +/- buttons and the indication window.]
3. Press + or TUNING (in the tuning compartment) once. The first channel appearing on your TV will be memorized. If this is not the channel you wish, then repeat pressing TUNING until the desired channel appears on your TV. Every time you press TUNING, a higher-numbered channel will be tuned in by pressing +, and a lower-numbered channel by -. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for other channel memory positions to be tuned in.
4. Press SET so that "TUNE" indicator disappears.

Preparation:

1. Open the tuning compartment on the top of the recorder.
2. Turn the recorder and the TV on. Make sure that the TV is set to the correct channel (channel 3 or 4) for the recorder.

TO CHANGE THE CHANNEL DISPLAY

The channel number display at the far right of the indication window can be made to indicate the actual channel received.

Press "CHANNEL 10" (in the tuning compartment) to change the tens-digit display and "CHANNEL 1" to change the units-digit display.

Every time "10" is pressed, the display changes: Blank → 1 → 2 → 3... → 9. CATV → CATV → CATV → CATV → CATV.

Every time "1" is pressed, the display changes: 0 → 1 → 2 → 3... → 9.

TO CANCEL AN UNUSED CHANNEL

1. Select the channel to be cancelled with the CHANNEL +/- button on the front panel.
2. Press SET so that "TUNE" indicator appears.
3. Press CLEAR.
4. Press SET so that "TUNE" indicator disappears.

Then the cancelled channel will be skipped when either of the CHANNEL +/- buttons on the recorder or on the Commander is pressed. To preset a channel in a position you have cancelled, follow steps 1-4 of "TUNING CHANNELS".

TO FINE-TUNE A WEAK STATION

If the picture of a particular channel is not acceptable, set AFT to the OFF position and press + or TUNING until the picture becomes clearer. When viewing this particular channel, do not set AFT to ON.

CABLE TV CHANNEL CHART

Cable TV systems use letters or numbers to designate channels. To tune in a channel, refer to this chart.

Note: Check with your local cable TV company for more complete information on the available channels.

* The designation of the cable TV channels conforms to the EIA/NCTA recommendation.

Note: Pay cable TV systems use scrambled or encoded signals and require special converters (decoders) in addition to the normal cable connection.

HANDLING THE VIDEO CASSETTES

Before loading:

• The safety tab on the rear of the cassette should not be removed for recording. When a new recording is made on a pre-recorded cassette, the previous recording will be erased automatically.
• To avoid erasing a recording, break off the safety tab on the rear using a screwdriver or similar object. [Illustration: Shows breaking off the safety tab.] If you cover the opening with a piece of plastic tape, you can re-record on the cassette.
• If you activate REC, QUICK TIMER, or TIMER REC ON/OFF, when the inserted cassette has its safety tab removed, the AUTO indicator will appear in the indication window and the cassette will be automatically ejected.

On loading:

Insert the cassette with the side that has the window up (you can see the tape through the window). [Illustration: Shows inserting a cassette with the window facing up and to the left.]

SETTING THE CLOCK

When you connect the AC power cord to a wall outlet, the clock indicates "Su AM 12:00" and it will blink to show that the clock is ready to be set.

[Diagram: Shows the front panel with CLOCK SET and NEXT buttons, and +/- buttons. An illustration shows the clock display changing.]

Example: to set for Wednesday afternoon at 3:56

1. Press CLOCK SET. Set the day with the + or - button until "We" (for Wednesday) appears.
2. Press NEXT. Set the hour with the + or - button until "PM3:00" appears. (AM 12:00 = midnight, PM 12:00 = noon)
3. Press NEXT. Set the minute with the + or - button until "PM3:56" appears.
4. Press NEXT. (For accurate setting, press NEXT at the same time with an announced time signal.) The clock will now show the current time.

The dots of the colon (:) alternately blink every 30 seconds.

+/- buttons: The + and - buttons can be used in two ways: When you keep a button pressed, the digits will advance continuously until the button is released. When you press and immediately release a button, the digits will advance by one.

OPERATIONS

RECORDING TV PROGRAMS

Caution: Television programs, films, video tapes and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such material may be contrary to the provisions of the copyright laws. Also, use of this recorder with cable television transmission may require authorization from the cable television transmitter and/or program owner.

[Diagram: Shows the front panel controls labeled 1 through 6: POWER ON/OFF, EJECT, REC MODE, TV/VTR, +/-, REC. Other controls are labeled: SUPER BETA to ON, INPUT SELECT to TUNER, STOP, PAUSE/STILL II/.]

Numbers in the illustration show the sequence of operation.

Preparation:

• Turn on the TV and select the channel for the recorder.
• Check that INPUT SELECT is set to TUNER.
• Check that SUPER BETA is set to ON.

1. Press POWER ON/OFF. The power indicator will light up.
2. Insert a cassette.
3. Select the recording tape speed with REC MODE. The length of recording time differs for each mode. Refer to the chart in the right column.
4. Press TV/VTR so that "VTR" indicator appears.
5. Select the channel to be recorded with the +/- buttons.
6. Slide REC to the right and video recording will begin.

To stop recording, press STOP

When the tape reaches its end, it will be rewound to the beginning.

To eject the cassette, press EJECT.

To turn the power off, press POWER ON/OFF.

Recording time available in each mode

To stop the tape momentarily:

Press PAUSE/STILL II/. The TV program can still be seen on the TV, but the picture will not be recorded. To resume recording, press PAUSE/STILL II/ again. Smooth, "gap-free" recordings can be made unless the recording tape speed is changed. To protect the video heads and the tape, the pause mode will be automatically released after about 8 minutes and recording will stop.

Note: The power can be automatically turned on by inserting a cassette without pressing POWER ON/OFF.

Check in the window:

[Diagram: Shows the indication window with labels for Lights during recording, Lights during pause, Channel to be recorded, Tape counter, and Recording time. Arrows indicate tape movement.]

RECORDING ONE TV PROGRAM WHILE VIEWING ANOTHER

You can record a TV program selected on the recorder while viewing another TV program on your TV.

1. To start recording the TV program, follow the procedure in "Recording TV programs."
2. Press TV/VTR so that the "VTR" indicator disappears.
3. Select the channel you want to view on the TV.

Notice: To change to channel 3 or 2 on your TV from the channel on which you have been viewing something from the video recorder, be sure to press TV/VTR first and then change to channel 3 or 2 on your TV. If TV/VTR is pressed after channel 3 or 2 is set on your TV, you might not get a picture. In this case, change your TV channel to another channel and then come back to channel 3 or 2.

In case you want to record a tape which is to be played back on another recorder from the very beginning of the tape, run the tape for about 15 seconds before starting recording. Otherwise you may miss the starting point during playback on the other machine.

NOTE ABOUT THE SUPER BETA SWITCH: Normally, keep this switch in the "ON" position to obtain high picture quality recordings and playback. Tapes recorded in other non-SuperBeta VCRs can be played on SuperBeta VCRs. Tapes recorded in SuperBeta can be played on other non-SuperBeta VCRs; however, some over-modulation noise may appear in the picture during playback. If you intend to play back on other non-SuperBeta VCRs, then set the SUPER BETA switch to "OFF" position when making your recordings.

PLAYING BACK A RECORDED TAPE

[Diagram: Shows the front panel controls labeled 1, 2, 3: POWER ON/OFF, EJECT, PLAY. Other controls labeled: SUPER BETA, REW, PAUSE/STILL II/, FRAME II, FF, SLOW.]

Numbers in the illustration show the sequence of operation.

Preparation:

• Turn on the TV and select the channel for the recorder.
• Set the SUPER BETA switch as follows: ON: for a tape recorded with this switch ON. OFF: for a tape recorded with this switch OFF or a tape recorded with another VCR which is not equipped with Super-Beta system.

1. Press POWER ON/OFF. The power indicator will light up.
2. Insert a cassette.
3. Press PLAY.

To stop playing, press STOP (Or press EJECT to take the cassette out.)

Check in the window:

[Diagram: Shows the indication window with labels for Lights during playback, Channel previously viewed, Tape counter, and time.]

During playback, the recorded speed mode is automatically selected and the selected speed indicator appears on the indication window.

To rewind the tape, press REW. To advance the tape rapidly, press FF.

TO PLAY BACK A TAPE RECORDED ON ANOTHER RECORDER

• If streaks or snow appear during normal playback, adjust TRACKING NORMAL for the best possible picture. Return the control to the center position after playing back the tape.
• To get a sharp picture, turn SHARPNESS toward SHARP.

[Diagram: Shows TRACKING control with SLOW, NORMAL, SOFT, SHARP settings, and SHARPNESS control.]

FREEZE PICTURE

Press PAUSE/STILL II/ during playback (in normal or slow mode). A freeze picture will be seen on the screen. Sound will be muted in the freeze picture. To resume normal playback, press PAUSE/STILL II/ again or press PLAY. To protect the video heads and the tape, the pause mode will be automatically released after about 8 minutes and playback will resume.

STOP-ACTION ADVANCE PICTURE

In freeze picture mode, press FRAME II. Each time the button is pressed momentarily, the picture advances by one frame. If FRAME II is kept pressed, the picture advances frame by frame continuously. Press PAUSE/STILL II/ again or press PLAY to resume normal playback.

SLOW MOTION PICTURE

During playback (in normal, freeze or slow mode), press SLOW 1/10 for 1/10 normal speed picture, or SLOW 1/5 for 1/5 normal speed picture. Sound will be muted in the slow motion picture. To resume normal playback, press PLAY.

TO OBTAIN BETTER PLAYBACK PICTURE

In freeze, stop-action advance or slow motion picture mode:

• If the picture seems to shake... Set the VCR to the freeze picture mode, and then press the STILL ADJ button in the tuning compartment until the picture stabilizes. As long as the same TV or color monitor is used, readjustment should not be necessary.
• If a noise band appears on the screen... Set the VCR to the slow motion picture mode, and then move the noise band by pressing the TRACKING SLOW ↑ or ↓ button. Readjustment may be necessary for the tapes recorded with each different VCR.

[Diagram: Shows TRACKING control and SLOW buttons.]

BETASCAN

Viewing the picture at a fast speed to find a particular scene.

During playback (normal, slow or freeze mode), keep FF pressed for fast-speed forward picture, or keep REW pressed for a fast-speed reverse picture. To resume the previous mode, release the button.

[Diagram: Shows REW, PLAY, FF buttons and indicates "for reverse picture" and "for forward picture".]

Streaks will appear and sound will be muted in the Betascan and Beta SkipScan pictures.

BETA SKIPSCAN

Viewing the picture momentarily during fast-forward or rewind.

In fast-forward mode, press FF to view a fast-speed forward picture. In rewind, press REW to view a fast-speed reverse picture. To resume fast forward or rewind mode, release the button.

[Diagram: Shows REW, PLAY, FF buttons and indicates "for reverse picture" and "for forward picture".]

AUTO PLAY

To start playback from the beginning of the tape.

In stop mode, keeping REW pressed, press PLAY. The AUTO and indicators light in the window during rewinding. After the tape is completely rewound, it will be automatically played back.

[Diagram: Shows REW, PLAY, FF buttons.]

USE OF THE TAPE COUNTER

The tape counter indicates the approximate running time of the tape and the relative position of programs on the tape.

TO INDEX THE TAPE CONTENTS

Before starting recording or playback, press CLEAR/RESET to set the counter to "0H00m00s". By noting the counter reading at the desired point, you can easily find that point later by referring to the counter. Use the label on the cassette to list the programs and their counter readings.

[Diagram: Shows the counter display reading "0H 00M 00S".]

Notes:

• The counter reading is automatically reset to zero when a cassette is newly inserted.
• The counter reading will be retained in the memory even after the power is turned off, as long as the cassette is in the cassette compartment.
• The counter will not advance during any portion of a tape that is blank or unrecorded. So the counter can be used to find unrecorded sections on a tape.

To start playback automatically from the "0H00m00s" point:

Press TAPE RETURN, then PLAY after pressing TAPE RETURN. [Illustration: Shows TAPE RETURN and PLAY buttons.] The AUTO and indicators light in the window during rewinding or fast-forward mode.

Note: The tape return and tape return play cannot be activated when the counter reading is within ±0H00m29s.

TAPE RETURN/TAPE RETURN PLAY

To stop the tape at a particular point or play back from particular point:

1. During recording or playback, press CLEAR/RESET at the point you later want to locate.
2. When recording or playback is finished, stop the tape and press TAPE RETURN. The tape will be rewound or advance close to the point where the counter reads "0H00m00s".

TIMER-ACTIVATED RECORDING

Six recordings can be preset to be made for any day or every day within seven days, or on the same day every week. The clock time must first be set to the correct current time. To set the clock, see page 11.

BEFORE SETTING THE TIMER

• Make sure the cassette tape is long enough to record programs.
• Be sure the safety tab has not been removed. If removed, the cassette will be automatically ejected when TIMER REC ON/OFF is pressed.
• Press POWER ON/OFF to turn power on.
• Be sure a cassette is inserted in the compartment. Check the O indicator in the window.
• Select the recording tape speed. Check the indicator in the window.
• Slide INPUT SELECT to TUNER.
• Set SUPER BETA to ON.

Suppose you want to make a recording of channel 6 from 7:10 to 11:15 on Friday evening.

[Diagram: Shows the front panel controls including TIMER SET, CLOCK SET, CHECK, TIMER REC ON/OFF, NEXT, +/- buttons. An indication window shows program number, day, time, and turn-on/off indicators.]

1. Press TIMER SET. The program number (up to 6) appears. "1" indicates that you are making the first timer setting.
2. Set the day with the + or - button.
3. Press NEXT and set the turn-on hour with the + or - button. Make sure that AM or PM is properly set. (AM 12:00 = midnight, PM 12:00 = noon)
4. Press NEXT and set the minute with the + or - button.
5. Press NEXT and set the turn-off time as in steps 3 and 4.
6. Press NEXT and set the channel to be recorded with the + or - button.
7. Press NEXT. The tape counter and the current time will reappear.

Every time you press the NEXT button, the item to be preset will blink and you will be setting the item.

+/- buttons: To set the day of the week, the time and the channel, press the + button to advance, and the - button to go back.

Day indication: By pressing the + button, the day indication changes as follows:

Ex. Today is Friday. Su → Mo → Tu → We → Th → Fr → Sa → Fr → Sa → Th... → Sa → EVERY WEEK → EVERY WEEK → EVERY WEEK. (every day) (today) (tomorrow) (yesterday)

To record at the same time every day, select "Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa". To record at the same time and day every week, select the desired day indication with "EVERY WEEK".

WHEN A TIMER RECORDING IS FINISHED

When a timer recording is finished, the programming (except the everyday or every week setting) will be eliminated and the next timer recordings will move up one position each. For example, if you have preset 4 programs, when the first timer recording is finished, the fourth program position will be vacant. If TIMER SET is pressed, "4" will appear in the window.

QUICK TIMER RECORDING

You can immediately start a recording and set the recording duration as well simply by pressing QUICK TIMER. The duration can be set for up to 5 hours by 30-minute intervals. This function is also functional during a regular non-timer recording so that the recording stops and the power turns off after the preset duration.

1. Press QUICK TIMER when the recorder is turned off or in stop mode. The power will be turned on.
2. Choose the channel to be recorded with the + or - button. If you do not advance to the next step within 30 seconds, the recorder will turn off.
3. Press QUICK TIMER so that the recording starts. Now decide the recording duration.

Every time you press QUICK TIMER, the recording duration indication changes as follows: 0:30 → 1:00 → 1:30 → 2:00... → 5:00 → 0:00 (30 minutes, one hour, one and a half hour, two hours, five hours, zero hour).

When the recording starts, the duration indication decreases minute by minute to 0:00 and the recorder turns off automatically about 30 seconds after the recording has finished.

BEFORE THE TIMER-ACTIVATED RECORDING STARTS

To check the timer settings: Press CHECK. Every time you press CHECK, each program will be displayed.

To change the settings:

1. Press TIMER REC ON/OFF. The indicator turns off.
2. Press CHECK to select the program to be changed.
3. Press TIMER SET.
4. Press NEXT enough times until the item to be changed blinks.
5. Change the setting with the + or - button.
6. Press NEXT so that the tape counter and the current time appear.
7. Press TIMER REC ON/OFF again to reactivate the timer.

To erase the memory of a particular program:

1. Press TIMER REC ON/OFF. The indicator turns off.
2. Press CHECK to select the program to be erased.
3. Press CLEAR/RESET. The memory of the program will be eliminated.
4. If other programs have been preset for recording, press TIMER REC ON/OFF again to reactivate the timer.

To stop during a timer recording: Press TIMER REC ON/OFF. The recording will stop and the power will be turned off.

BETA HI-FI AUDIO RECORDING AND PLAYBACK

To enjoy high-fidelity stereo sound, connect an optional HFP-100 or HFP-200 Beta hi-fi processor.

Connection:

[Diagram: Shows the SL-HFR70, a Beta hi-fi processor, and an FM tuner/receiver. Cables connect the processor to the SL-HFR70's 28-pin connector and the FM tuner to the processor's AUDIO LINE IN. A CATV cable connects to an RF separator.]

For FM simulcast recording: For recording FM simulcasts, such as MTV (music TV), connect an FM stereo tuner to the AUDIO LINE IN jacks on the rear of the Beta hi-fi processor, as well as making the cable TV connection.

Specific notes on timer-activated recordings overlap:

There will be no error indication to inform you of the overlap. Even if there is an overlap, a recording will be made.

[Diagram: Shows two overlapping recording schedules, indicating Program 1 will be cut off.]

In this case, the recording of program 2 will begin before the first recording is completely finished. Consequently, the program 1 will be cut off in the middle of its recording.

If the power should be interrupted during timer recording (including quick timer recording): If the clock shows "AM 12:00" and blinks when the recorder is in the standby mode, all the timer settings have been erased. Reset the clock and timer settings. However, if the power interruption occurs while recording, the recording will then stop.

REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION

You can control almost all the functions of this video cassette recorder from your armchair using the supplied Remote Commander.

BATTERY INSERTION

1. Open the lid.
2. Insert two size AA (IEC designation R6) batteries with correct polarity.
3. Close the lid.

Battery life: In normal operation, batteries will last for about six months. If the range of the Remote Commander becomes noticeably shorter, replace the batteries with new ones. When the batteries are exhausted, the indicator will not light when the buttons on the Commander are pressed.

If the Remote Commander is not to be used for a long period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

OPERATION

[Diagram: Shows the remote control sensor on the recorder and the operating range. The remote control unit is shown with buttons labeled: POWER switch, TV/VTR button, CHANNEL +/- buttons, REC (record) buttons, II (frame) button, 1/10, 1/5 (slow playback) buttons, PLAY button, STOP button, II/ (pause/still) button, (fast-forward) button, (rewind) button. An indicator light is shown.]

The shorter the distance between the Remote Commander and the recorder, the wider the angle within which the recorder can be controlled.

Maximum distance: approx. 7 m (23 feet).

Remote sensor: Point the Commander here. There should be no obstacle between the Commander and the remote sensor.

Indicator: Lights up when any of the buttons on the Commander is pressed.

The buttons on the Commander except the REC buttons will function the same as the buttons on the recorder with the similar name or mark. (The auto play cannot be activated with the and buttons.)

EDITING TAPES

To edit a tape you will need two video recorders: one is to play back the original tape and the other is to edit.

CAUTION: Television programs, films, video tapes and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized duplication of such material may be contrary to the provisions of the copyright laws.

TO EDIT FROM/ONTO ANOTHER VCR

[Diagram: Shows a Playback VCR connected to an Editing VCR (SL-HFR70). Cables connect AUDIO OUT and VIDEO OUT from the Playback VCR to AUDIO IN and VIDEO IN on the Editing VCR. An optional VMC-600M cable is indicated.]

Set the INPUT SELECT switch of the editing VCR to LINE (line input), if provided.

TO EDIT FROM A VIDEO CAMERA RECORDER

An 8 mm format cassette filmed with a video camera recorder can be edited to a format cassette.

[Diagram: Shows a Sony CCD-V8 video camera recorder connected via RFU adaptor RFU-80 to the SL-HFR70. Cables connect AUDIO/VIDEO OUT from the camera to AUDIO IN and VIDEO IN on the SL-HFR70. A VMC-607M cable is indicated.]

Select VTR mode and play the tape back.

Set INPUT SELECT to LINE and start recording.

TO EDIT FROM A VCR EQUIPPED WITH THE CONTROL S (EDIT) OUTPUT

Only the particular scenes preset on the playback VCR will be edited (automatic assemble editing). Recording start/stop on the SL-HFR70 can be activated in synchronization with playback start/stop on the playback VCR.

[Diagram: Shows a Sony SL-HF900 (for playback) connected to the SL-HFR70 (for editing). Cables connect CONTROL S OUT (EDIT) and LINE OUT from the playback VCR to CONTROL S IN and AUDIO IN/VIDEO IN on the SL-HFR70. Optional RK-69A and VMC-608MS/609MS cables are indicated. A note mentions setting the EDIT switch to EDIT and presetting scenes.]

Set INPUT SELECT to LINE and set to the recording pause mode.

Use of the CONTROL S input jack: If this jack is connected to the CONTROL (S) output jack of a Sony color TV or TV tuner, this recorder can be controlled by pointing the supplied RMT-131 Remote Commander toward the remote sensor on the color TV or TV tuner.

[Diagram: Shows a Sony color TV (KV-20XBR/25XBR) with its Remote Commander. Cables connect CONTROL S OUT to the SL-HFR70's CONTROL S IN, and VIDEO OUT to VIDEO IN. The TV's Remote Commander is shown.]

Notes:

• The optional RM-E100 video editing controller allows easier editing between two VCRs.
• The required connecting cords may differ depending on VCRs. Refer to the instruction manual of the VCR.
• Avoid repetition of editing tapes, as the picture and tone quality will be impaired noticeably for newly edited tapes.

CAMERA RECORDING

CONNECTIONS:

• The camera must conform to American TV (EIA) standards.
• The use of a Sony HVA-220 AC adaptor is required.

[Diagram: Shows a Sony color video camera connected via its CAMERA REMOTE and AUDIO OUT/VIDEO OUT ports to the SL-HFR70's AUDIO IN/VIDEO IN ports. An AC adaptor HVA-220 is shown connected to the camera.]

OPERATION:

Set INPUT SELECT on the recorder to LINE. To start recording, slide REC on the recorder or on the Commander to the right. To stop recording, press STOP on the recorder or on the Remote Commander. To stop recording momentarily, press PAUSE/STILL II/ on the recorder or on the Commander. The tape run/stop button on your camera will not function with this recorder.

GENERAL

LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF CONTROLS

Front:

[Diagram: Shows the front panel of the SL-HFR70 with numbered controls 1 through 7. Labels are provided for each number.]

1. POWER ON/OFF switch and indicator: Press the POWER ON/OFF switch to turn the recorder on. The indicator will light up. To turn the recorder off, press this switch again. The indicator will go off. The timer section will continue to operate and the time will be displayed even if the POWER ON/OFF switch is off, as long as the AC power cord is plugged into a working outlet.
2. Cassette compartment and EJECT button: Press EJECT to take out the cassette.
3. Remote sensor: Detects the signals transmitted from the Remote Commander.
4. Indication window: Displays various indicators and information.
5. Buttons in the tuning compartment: Used for channel tuning and timer settings.
6. Buttons for clock and timer setting: Used for setting the clock and timer functions.
7. QUICK TIMER button: Functions only in non-timer recording. Press twice to start a quick timer recording. The recording duration can be set in 30-minute segments up to 5 hours. This button is also used to extend the on-going recording time.

Indication window details:

• a Lights during pause.
• b Lights when auto play, tape return, tape return play or automatic cassette eject is engaged.
• c Lights during playback.
• d Lights during recording.
• e Indicates VTR mode.
• f Indicates the timer program position during timer setting.
• g Day-of-the-week indicators.
• h Indicates the turn-on time of the timer during timer setting.
• i Lights when SET is pressed for presetting TV channels.
• j Channel number. When INPUT SELECT is set to LINE, the number will disappear.
• k Cable TV channel indicator.
• l Tape speed indicator.
• m Lights when TIMER REC ON/OFF or QUICK TIMER is pressed.
• n Clock display. During timer setting, the turn-off time is displayed.
• o Turn-off indicator.
• p Turn-on indicator.
• q Lights when a cassette is inside.
• r Tape counter. Indicates the approximate tape running time.
• s A sequence of arrows shows the speed and direction of tape movement. When a TV channel is being preset, the arrows show the approximate location of the channel in the band.

Rear Panel:

[Diagram: Shows the rear panel of the SL-HFR70 with numbered connections 19 through 28. Labels are provided for each number.]

• 19 VHF/UHF IN terminal: Connect a VHF/UHF TV antenna or CATV cable here.
• 20 VHF/UHF OUT terminal: Connect to the VHF antenna of the TV receiver. The signal of a VTR program (converted to channel 3 or 4) and the TV signal will be supplied to the TV receiver.
• 21 RF UNIT selector: Select the output channel at the VHF/UHF OUT terminal. Set the switch to 3CH or 4CH, whichever is not active in your area.
• 22 CONTROL S input jack (mini): Connect to the CONTROL S output jack of other Sony products for various systematic operations. Direct the Remote Commander to the remote sensor of the connected equipment. When this jack is connected to the CONTROL S OUT (EDIT) jack of the Sony SL-HF900 video cassette recorder, automatic assemble editing operation of the SL-HF900 can be activated with this recorder.
• 23 AUDIO IN jack (phono): This jack accepts audio signals. Connect it to the line output of a piece of audio equipment, such as an amplifier, tape recorder, or to the audio output of another video recorder.
• 24 AUDIO OUT jack (phono): This jack provides the audio signals from this recorder. Connect it to the line input of audio equipment, such as an amplifier, tape recorder, or to the video monitor.
• 25 BETA HI-FI connector (28-pin): Connect an optional HFP-100 or HFP-200 Beta hi-fi processor here for Beta HI-FI listening and recording. For recording FM simulcast, such as MTV (music TV), connect an FM stereo tuner as well as making the cable TV connection.
• 26 VIDEO IN jack (phono): This jack accepts video signals. Connect it to the video output of a camera or another video recorder.
• 27 VIDEO OUT jack (phono): This jack provides the video signals from this recorder. Connect it to the video input of another video recorder or a video monitor.
• 28 AC power cord.

Buttons in the tuning compartment:

• a AFT switch: Normally set to ON. The automatic fine tuning circuit locks in and maintains a sharp picture. When the signal is weak on a particular channel, set to OFF.
• b CLEAR button: Press to cancel the memory of a particular channel in order to reset or skip the unused channel.
• c STILL ADJ (adjust) button: If the freeze, stop-action advance or slow motion picture seems to shake, set the VCR to the freeze picture mode and press this button until the picture stabilizes.
• d SET button: Press to tune in a channel to be preset. The "TUNE" indicator appears in the window. After presetting, press again.
• e CHANNEL 10 and 1 buttons: Change the channel number displayed to match the channel received. Press "10" to change the tens-digit, and "1" to change the units-digit.
• f TUNING button: Press to tune in an active channel. Every time you press, a channel will be tuned in. The band indicator, L, M, H or U, of the band being scanned to tune in a channel will light up in the window.

Tape transport buttons:

• REW (rewind): Press to rewind the tape. Also used for the reverse Betascan and Beta SkipScan functions and the auto play function.
• PLAY: Press to play back the tape. Also used for auto play function and tape return play.
• FF (fast-forward): Press to advance the tape rapidly. Also used for the forward Betascan and Beta SkipScan functions.
• STOP: Press to stop the tape.
• PAUSE/STILL II: Press to stop the tape momentarily during recording or playback. A freeze picture will be seen during playback. Press again to release pause mode.
• II► FRAME: During pause of playback (freeze picture mode), press to advance the picture by one frame. (Stop-action advance picture)
• SLOW: During playback or pause of playback, press 1/10 or 1/5 to obtain a slow motion picture (1/10 or 1/5 normal speed respectively).
• REC (record) button: Slide to the right to start recording. While a recording is being made, the indicator will light up in the window.

Buttons for clock and timer setting:

• CLEAR/RESET button: Press to cancel the memory of timer recording of a particular program during timer-recording presetting or checking. Or press to set the tape counter reading to "0h00m00s".
• CLOCK SET button: Press this button as the first step in setting the current time.
• CHECK button: Press to check the contents of the timer preset-tings.
• TIMER SET button: Press this button as the first step in setting or resetting timer recording.
• NEXT button: Press to advance to the next item to be set during clock or timer setting.
• TIMER REC ON/OFF button: Press to activate the timer recording. To deactivate the timer recording including quick timer recording, press again.
• TAPE RETURN button: In stop mode, press to advance or rewind the tape to the counter "0h00m00s" point approximately. When PLAY is pressed after TAPE RETURN, playback will start automatically after rewinding or fast-forward mode.
• TV/VTR button: To view a TV program selected by +/- buttons on the recorder or to monitor the picture being recorded, press this button so that the "VTR" indicator will appear. When PLAY on the recorder is pressed, the recorder is automatically set in the VTR mode. To view a TV program during recording, press this button so that "VTR" disappears. When the recorder is turned off, the recorder is automatically set in the TV mode.
• QUICK TIMER button: Functions only in non-timer recording. Press twice to start a quick timer recording. The recording duration can be set in 30-minute segments up to 5 hours. This button is also used to extend the on-going recording time.
• CHANNEL +/- buttons: Press "+" to advance or "-" to move backward the channel numbers, day of the week, hours and minutes.

SPECIFICATIONS

System

• Video recording system: Rotary two-head helical scanning
• Video signal: EIA standards, NTSC color
• Channel coverage: VHF channels 2-13, UHF channels 14-69, Cable TV channels 14-36, 66-94 and 98-125
• VHF output signal: Channel 3 or 4 (selectable), 75 ohms, unbalanced
• Antenna: 75-ohm external antenna terminal for VHF/UHF
• Video Input: VIDEO IN: phono jack, 1.0 V (p-p), 75 ohms, unbalanced, sync negative
• Video Output: VIDEO OUT: phono jack, 1.0 V (p-p), 75 ohms, unbalanced, sync negative
• Signal-to-noise ratio: Better than 45 dB
• Audio Input: AUDIO IN: phono jack, More than 47 kilohms, -10 dBs (0 dBs = 0.775 V rms)
• Audio Output: AUDIO OUT: phono jack, Less than 10 kilohms, -10 dBs (47 kilohms load), unbalanced
• Control S input: Minijack
• BETA HI-FI connector: 28 pin
• Frequency response: III: 50-10,000 Hz, II: 50-7,000 Hz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: Better than 40 dB
• Tape transport: Tape speed: BI: 4.0 cm/sec. (playback only), B: 2.0 cm/sec., III: 1.33 cm/sec.
• Maximum recording time: BI: 3 hours 20 min., BII: 5 hours (with Sony L-830 cassette)
• Fast forward time: Under 4 min. (L-500)
• Rewind time: Under 4 min. (L-500)
• Timer Clock: Synchronized with the power frequency, 12-hour cycle
• Timer setting: Only for recording, 6 events/7 days or every week

General

• Power requirements: 120 V ac ±10%, 60 Hz ±0.5%
• Power consumption: 38 W
• Operating temperature: 5°C to 40°C (41°F to +104°F)
• Storage temperature: -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F)
• Dimensions: Approx. 430 x 80 x 363 mm (w/h/d) (17×31/4 × 143/8 inches), incl. projecting parts and controls
• Weight: Approx. 7.3 kg (16 lb 2 oz)
• Remote Commander RMT-131: Remote control system: Infrared control. Power requirements: 3 V DC, 2 size AA batteries (IEC designation R6). Dimensions: Approx. 44 x 20 x 175 mm (w/h/d) (13/4 x 3/4 x 7 inches), including projecting parts and controls. Weight: Approx. 110 g (3.9 oz) with batteries.
• Accessories supplied: Remote Commander RMT-131 with 2 size AA batteries, EAC-25 external antenna connector (300-ohm to 75-ohm matching transformer) (1), 75-ohm coaxial cable with F-type connectors 2 m (6 feet) long (1).
• Optional accessories: Betamax video cassette tape, Video head cleaning cassette L-25CL.

Design and specifications subject to change without notice.

TROUBLE CHECKS

If any difficulty should arise during operation, first check the power cord connection, then go through the following list. Should the difficulty persist, unplug the unit and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

GENERAL

RECORDING