SLV-740HF Sony Video Cassette Recorder (160-8430) Connections I Faxback Doc. # 33003 Step 3: Hookups (1 thru 2) Caution: Connections between the VCR's VHF/UHF connector and the antenna terminals of the TV receiver should be made only as shown in the following 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 VCR to an antenna or make simultaneous (parallel) antenna and VCR connections at the antenna terminals of your receiver. N0TE to CATV system installer This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's attention to Article 820-40 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. Selecting the best hookup option Before you can use your VCR for the first time, you need to connect it to your TV and set it up to receive programs for viewing and recording. This section explains how to hook up and set up your VCR so that you can start enjoying it right away. There are, however, many types of TVs available and many ways in which your TV can be hooked up. For these reasons, this manual describes several ways your VCR can be connected. To hook up your VCR so that it works best for you, first scan through the table below. Then use the accompanying diagrams and procedures on the following pages to set up your VCR. If you have Use Refer to TV that has audio/video inputs Audio/video (A/V) hookup, Page 7 then follow one of the hookups below. No cable box or cable box Hookup 1 Page 8 with only a few scrambled channels Cable box that is compatible Hookup 2 Page 10 with the VCR's optional cable box control feature Antenna only, no cable TV Hookup 3 Page 12 Cable box with many Hookup 4 Page 14 scrambled channels Cable box with only a few Hookup 5 Page 16 scrambled channels, using an A/B switch After you've completed the connections, follow the instructions for setup including VCR Plus+ setup. During setup, if you need more details of the procedure described, page numbers are provided where you can find complete step-by-step instructions. After you've completed the setup, you're ready to use your VCR. Procedures differ depending on the hookup you used. For an overview, refer to "Quick reference to using the VCR" on the back cover. Before you get started Turn off the power to all equipment. Do not connect the AC power cords until all of the connections are completed. Be sure you make connections firmly. Loose connections may cause picture distortion. If your TV doesn't match any of the examples provided, see your nearest Sony dealer or qualified technician. Audio/video (A/V) hookup If your TV has audio/video (A/V) input jacks, you will get a better picture and sound if you hook up your VCR using these connections. In addition, for a true "home theater" experience, you should connect the audio outputs of your VCR or TV to your stereo system. If your TV doesn't have A/V inputs, see the following pages for antenna or cable hookups. If you're planning to use you VCR only to play back pictures and movies, you're finished setting up the VCR after you've made these connections. If you want to record off-air or off your cable TV system, complete these connections first, and then go to the following pages for antenna or cable hookups. A/V hookup: VCR setup After you've connected your TV and completed antenna or cable hookup, use the following procedure to set up the VCR. NOTE: To play a tape in stereo, you must use the A/V connection. Hookup 1 No cable box or Cable box with only a few scrambled channels Recommended use Use this hookup if you do not have a cable box. Also use this hookup if your cable system scrambles only a few channels. What you can and can't do with this hookup What you can do Record any unscrambled channel by selecting the channel on the VCR What you can't do Record scrambled channels that require a cable box Hookup 1: VCR setup 1. Set the RF UNIT switch to CH 3 or CH 4, whichever channel is not used in your area. If both are used, set the switch to either channel. If you made A/V connections (from page 7), you can skip this step. 2. Press EASY SET UP on the VCR. The SET UP menu appears. 1. (Canadian model only) The LANGUAGE menu appears. Change the on-screen language to French (FRANCAIS) if desired, and press EXECUTE. For details, see page 19. 2. The CLOCK SET menu appears. Select AUTO and press EXECUTE. For details, see page 20. 3. The CABLE BOX CONTROL menu appears. Select OFF and press EXECUTE. For details, see page 26. 4. The TUNER PRESET menu appears. Set ANTENNA/CABLE to CABLE and press EXECUTE. For details, see page 23. 5. The AUTO PRESET starts. For details, see page 23. Hookup 1: VCR Plus+ channel setup 1. Find the VCR Plus+ Channel Listing in your program guide. For details on the VCR Plus+ Channel Listing, see page 29. 2. If the channels in the program guide are different from the channels that you actually use on your TV, set the channels that are different as follows: Press MENU and select SET VCR Plus+ CHANNELS. Enter the program guide channel, then the channel you use on your TV. Your actual TV channel Press EXECUTE. Automatic clock setting Once you've set up the VCR, it automatically sets the clock the first time you turn off the VCR. After that, whenever you turn off the VCR, it checks if the clock displays the current time. If not, it adjusts the clock automatically. Make sure to leave the cable box on. The VCR set the clock by picking up a time signal that's provided by some TV channels. With the automatic clock setting feature you don't have to set the clock or even adjust to Daylight Saving Time. If you want to use the timer to record right away, or if the channels in your area do not carry time signals, set the clock manually. For details, see pages 20-22. You are now ready to use your VCR A Quick reference to operations is provided on the back cover to help you quickly enjoy the basic functions. These procedures differ slightly depending on the hookup used. Make a note of which hookup you used (Hookup 1) so that you can always follow the correct instructions. Hookup 2 Using optional cable box control A Cable Mouse is available as an optional accessory for this model. You can order directly from Sony by calling 1-800-488-SONY (7669) and asking for Cable Mouse RM-CM101. Recommended use This hookup is recommended for most cable systems with cable boxes. It allows the VCR's optional cable box control feature to control the channel on the cable box, simplifying the recording process. You should use this hookup if you have a cable box, especially if your cable system scrambles all or most channels. A list of compatible cable boxes is on page 27. Use the optional Cable Mouse (not supplied) for this hookup. What you can and can't do with this hookup What you can do Record any channel using the VCR's cable box control feature to select channels on the cable box What you can't do Record with the cable box turned off Record one channel while watching another channel Hookup 2: VCR setup 1. Set the RF UNIT switch to CH 3 or CH 4, whichever channel is not used in your area. If both are used, set the switch to either channel. If you made A/V connections (from page 7), you can skip this step. 2. Turn on your cable box. 3. press EASY SET UP on the VCR. The SET UP menu appears. 1. (Canadian model only) The LANGUAGE menu appears. Change the on-screen language to French (FRANCAIS) if desired, and press EXECUTE. For details, see page 19. 2. The CLOCK SET menu appears. Select AUTO and press EXECUTE. For details, see page 20. 3. The CABLE BOX CONTROL menu appears. Select OFF and press EXECUTE. For details, see page 26. 4. The TUNER PRESET menu appears. Set ANTENNA/CABLE to CABLE and press EXECUTE. For details, see page 26. 5. The AUTO PRESET starts. For details, see page 26. If your cable box is not compatible, check with you cable company to see if they can provide a compatible cable box. If not, use Hookup 1 (if you have only a few scrambled channels) or Hookup 4 (if you have many scrambled channels). Hookup 2: VCR Plus+ channel setup 1. Find the VCR Plus+ Channel Listing in your program guide. For details on the VCR Plus+ Channel Listing, see page 29. 2. If the channels in the program guide are different from the channels that you actually use on your TV, set the channels that are different as follows: Press MENU and select SET VCR Plus+ CHANNELS. Enter the program guide channel, then the channel you use on your TV. Your actual TV channel Press EXECUTE. Automatic clock setting Once you've set up the VCR, it automatically sets the clock the first time you turn off the VCR. After that, whenever you turn off the VCR, it checks if the clock displays the current time. If not, it adjusts the clock automatically. Make sure to leave the cable box on. The VCR set the clock by picking up a time signal that's provided by some TV channels. With the automatic clock setting feature you don't have to set the clock or even adjust to Daylight Saving Time. If you want to use the timer to record right away, or if the channels in your area do not carry time signals, set the clock manually. For details, see pages 20-22. You are now ready to use your VCR A Quick reference to operations is provided on the back cover to help you quickly enjoy the basic functions. These procedures differ slightly depending on the hookup used. Make a note of which hookup you used (Hookup 2) so that you can always follow the correct instructions. (WL/EB 5/13/96)