2-186-506-12(1)© 2004 Sony CorporationVideo Cassette Recorder/DVD RecorderOperating InstructionsRDR-VX500For customers in the U.S.AOwner’s RecordThe m
10Quick Guide to DVD Disc TypesRecordable and playable discsUsable disc versions (as of June 2004)• 4x-speed or slower DVD+RWs• 2x-speed or slower DVD
100Video Settings (Video)Video settings will adjust items related to the image, such as size and color.Choose the settings according to the type of TV
101Settings and AdjustmentsPicture controlYou can adjust the video signal of the DVD or VIDEO CD (with PBC function off) from the player to obtain the
102Audio Settings (Audio)The Audio setup allows you to adjust the sound according to the playback and connection conditions.1 Press SYSTEM MENU while
103Settings and AdjustmentsDownmix (DVDs only)Switches the method for mixing down to two channels when you play a DVD which has rear sound elements (c
104Recording and VCR Settings (Features)The “Features” setup allows you to change the tape length, auto play and auto repeat settings.1 Press SYSTEM M
105Settings and AdjustmentsLanguage, Parental Control Settings/Factory Settings (Options)The “Options” setup allows you to set up other operational se
1062Select “Password,” and press ENTER.The selection items for “Password” are displayed.3 Select “On,” and press ENTER.4 Select “Rating Level,” and pr
107Settings and AdjustmentsEasy Setup (Resetting the Recorder)Select this to run the Easy Setup program.1 Press SYSTEM MENU while the recorder is in s
108Additional InformationTroubleshootingIf you experience any of the following difficulties while using the recorder, use this troubleshooting guide t
109Additional InformationThe picture does not fill the screen, even though the aspect ratio is set in “TV Type” in “Video” setup., The aspect ratio of
11Discs that cannot be recorded on• DVD-RWs (Ver.1.0)• DVD+RWs that are not 2.4x-speed compatible• Double layer discs• 8 cm discsRecording Features Ed
110The subtitle language cannot be changed or turned off., Multilingual subtitles are not recorded on the DVD VIDEO., The DVD VIDEO prohibits changing
111Additional InformationThe c indicator flashes after timer recording is set., Insert a recordable disc (page 10)., Insert a disc with enough space f
112, The timer recording will not be activated if the recorder is on at the preset time., The program that starts first has priority and the second pr
113Additional InformationNotes About This RecorderOn operation• If the recorder is brought directly from a cold to a warm location, or is placed in a
114SpecificationsSystemDVD recorder sectionLaserSemiconductor laserAudio recording formatDolby DigitalVideo recording formatMPEG VideoVCR sectionForma
115Additional InformationGeneralPower requirements120 V AC, 60 HzPower consumption42 WPower back-upBack-up duration: 0 minOperating temperature5°C to
116i.LINK baud ratei.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies according to the equipment. Three maximum baud rates are defined: S100 (approx. 100 Mbps*) S200 (
117Additional InformationGuide to Parts and ControlsFor more information, see the pages in parentheses.Front panelButtons on the recorder have the sam
118Remote for DVDButtons on the remote have the same function as the buttons on the recorder if they have the same or similar names. Buttons with an o
119Additional InformationT ?/1 (on/standby) button (30)U CH +/– (channel) buttons* (38, 48)V VOL (volume) +/– buttons (27)W TV/VIDEO button (27)X INPU
1212 cm/8 cm discsPlayable discs* A logical format of files and folders on DATA-CDs, defined by ISO (International Standard Organization).Discs that c
120Remote for VIDEOButtons on the remote have the same function as the buttons on the recorder if they have the same or similar names. Buttons with an
121Additional InformationFront panel displayA DVD Playing/recording statusB Disc type*/recording formatC Audio signal indicatorsD TV indicatorE STEREO
122GlossaryChapter (page 62)Sections of a picture or a music feature that are smaller than titles. A title is composed of several chapters. Depending
123Additional InformationInterlace format (page 101)Interlace format shows every other line of an image as a single “field” and is the standard method
124IndexWords in quotations appear in the on-screen displays.Numerics16:9 31, 100“3, 4 Ch Out”19, 984:3 Letter Box31, 1004:3 Pan Scan 31, 100A“A-B Era
125MManual Clock Set 99“Manual Set”98MARKER 62MENU57MenuTop menu 57“Modify” 86“Move”86MP3 audio tracks 63NNEXT 60, 78Number buttons27, 52, 62,71OOn-sc
126U“Unfinalize” 44Unrecordable pictures 48V“VCR Function” 104VCR Plus+ 32, 52, 71Video mode 10Video settings 100VR mode 10ZZOOM 59Zoom 65
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13Note on playback operations of DVD VIDEOs/VIDEO CDsSome playback operations of DVD VIDEOs/VIDEO CDs may be intentionally set by software producers.
14Recordable and playable VHS tapesThis VCR uses the VHS system.RecordingThis VCR records using the VHS system.z HintIf you do not want recorded conte
15Hookups and SettingsHookups and SettingsHooking Up the RecorderFollow steps 1 to 7 to hook up and adjust the settings of the recorder.Notes• Plug co
16A: Cable box or satellite receiver with a video/audio outputWith this hookup, you can record any channel on the cable box or satellite receiver. Be
17Hookups and SettingsB: Cable box with an antenna output onlyWith this hookup, you can record any channel on the satellite receiver or cable box. Be
18Step 3: Connecting to Your TVSelect one of the following patterns A or B, according to the input jack on your TV.NoteDo not connect more than one ty
19Hookups and SettingsA Connecting to audio/video input jacksIf your TV, monitor, projector, or other equipment has audio/video (A/V) input jacks, you
2WARNINGTo prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicin
20If your TV has an S video input jackConnect an S video cord (not supplied). You will enjoy high quality images.Make audio connections using the AUDI
21Hookups and SettingsIf your TV has component video input jacksConnect the COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jacks using a component video cord (not supplied) or t
22Notes• Consumers should note that not all high definition television sets are fully compatible with this product and may cause artifacts to be displ
23Hookups and SettingsStep 4: Connecting to Your AV/Amplifier (Receiver)Select one of the following patterns A or B, according to the input jack on yo
24Notes• Do not connect your TV’s audio output jacks to the LINE IN (AUDIO L/R) jacks at the same time. This will cause unwanted noise to come from yo
25Hookups and SettingsA Connecting to audio L/R input jacksThis connection will use your TV’s or stereo amplifier’s (receiver’s) two speakers for soun
26Step 5: Connecting the Power CordPlug the recorder and TV power cords into an AC outlet. After you connect the power cord, you must wait for a short
27Hookups and SettingsControlling TVs with the remoteYou can adjust the remote control’s signal to control your TV.If you connected the recorder to an
28Controlling the volume of your AV amplifier (receiver) with the remote1 Slide the TV/DVD·VIDEO switch to DVD·VIDEO.2 Hold down "/1, and enter t
29Hookups and SettingsIf you have a Sony DVD Player/Video Cassette Recorder or Video Cassette Recorder/DVD RecorderIf the supplied remote interferes w
3PrecautionsOn safetyShould any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet, unplug the recorder and have it checked by qualified personnel before op
30Step 7: Easy SetupFollow the steps below to make the minimum number of basic adjustments for using the recorder. If you do not complete Easy Setup,
31Hookups and Settings6 Select “Auto,” and press ENTER.The recorder will automatically search for a channel that carries a time signal when you turn o
3213Select whether or not you want to send a DTS signal to your amplifier (receiver), and press ENTER.If your AV amplifier (receiver) has a DTS decode
33Hookups and Settings2 Select “Setup,” and press ENTER.3 Select “Tuner Preset,” and press ENTER.4 Select “Guide Channel Setup,” and press ENTER.The u
34Connecting Another VCR or Similar DeviceAfter disconnecting the recorder’s power cord from an AC outlet, connect other VCR or similar recording devi
35Hookups and SettingsConnecting to the LINE 1 IN jacksYou can connect a second VCR or similar device.z HintWhen the connected equipment outputs only
36Notes• Do not connect the yellow LINE IN (VIDEO) jack when using an S video cord.• Do not connect the output jack of this recorder to another equipm
37Basic OperationBasic OperationPlaying a DVD Disc or VHS TapePlaying a DVD disc1 Turn on the TV.2 Press "/1.The recorder turns on.3 Switch the i
381 Turn on the TV.2 Press "/1.The recorder turns on.3 Switch the input selector on your TV so that the signal from the recorder appears on the T
39Basic Operation5 Press Z OPEN/CLOSE, and place a recordable disc on the disc tray.6 Press Z OPEN/CLOSE to close the disc tray.Wait until “LOAD” disa
4Copy guard functionSince the recorder has a copy guard function, programs received through an external tuner (not supplied) may contain copy protecti
407 Press REC MODE repeatedly to select the tape speed, “SP” or “EP.”“EP” (Extended Play) provides recording time three times as long as “SP” (Standar
41Basic OperationB “Timer” (pages 50, 69):Allows you to set a new timer recording setting.You can also display the Timer List menu, which allows you t
42Using the Title ListThe titles of programs recorded on a disc are displayed in the Title List.1 Press DVD to control the DVD recorder.2 Press Z OPEN
43Basic OperationUsing the DVD Disc Setting DisplaysWith the “Disc Setting” display, you can perform operations such as formatting and finalizing (pag
44z Hints• You can set protection for individual titles (page 82).• By reformatting, you can change the recording format on DVD-RWs, or record again o
45Basic OperationChecking the Play Information and Playing TimeYou can check the playing time and remaining time of the current title, chapter, or tra
46Changing the Name of a Recorded Program (Title Input)You can label a title, disc, or program by entering characters. You can enter up to 32 characte
47DVD RecordingDVD RecordingBefore RecordingBefore you start recording…• This recorder can record on various discs. Select the disc type according to
48Unrecordable picturesPictures with copy protection cannot be recorded on this recorder.* The recorded disc can be played only on CPRM compatible equ
49DVD Recording5 Press REC MODE repeatedly to select the recording mode.Each time you press the button, the display changes on the TV screen as follow
5About this manual• Instructions in this manual describe the controls on the remote. You can also use the controls on the recorder if they have the sa
50Checking the disc status while recordingYou can check the recording information such as recording time or disc type.Press DISPLAY during recording.T
51DVD Recording1 Press DVD to control the DVD recorder.2 Press Z OPEN/CLOSE, and place a recordable disc on the disc tray.3 Press Z OPEN/CLOSE to clos
52To confirm, change, or cancel timer recording See “Checking/Changing/Canceling DVD Timer Settings (Timer List)” on page 55.To use the Rec Mode Adju
53DVD Recording5 Press ENTER.The date, start and stop times, channel, and recording mode appear.The c indicator lights up in the front panel display,
544 Press REC MODE repeatedly to select the recording mode.Each time you press the button, the display changes on the TV screen as follows:For more de
55DVD RecordingChecking/Changing/Canceling DVD Timer Settings (Timer List)You can check, change, or cancel timer settings using the Timer List menu.1
56Recording from Connected Equipment without a TimerYou can record from a connected VCR or similar device. To connect other VCR or similar device, see
57Playing DiscsPlaying DiscsPlaying1 Press DVD to control the DVD recorder.2 Press Z OPEN/CLOSE, and place a disc on the disc tray.3 Press Z OPEN/CLOS
58To resume playback from the point where you stopped the disc (Resume Play)When you press H PLAY again after you stop the disc, the recorder resumes
59Playing DiscsPlayback optionsButtons Operations DiscsZ OPEN/CLOSE Stops play and opens the disc tray. All discsAUDIO Selects one of the audio tracks
6Table of ContentsWARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Precau
60SURROUND Selects one of the effects when pressed repeatedly.“Off”: No surround effect“Surround1”: Creates one set of virtual surround speakers.“Surr
61Playing DiscsTo resume normal playback, press H PLAY.To playback quickly with sound (Scan Audio) (DVD with Dolby Digital sound tracks only) Set “Sca
62Searching for a Title/Chapter/Track, etc.You can search a DVD by title or chapter, and VIDEO CD by track or scene. As titles and tracks are assigned
63Playing DiscsPlaying MP3 Audio TracksYou can play MP3 audio tracks on DATA CDs (CD-Rs/CD-RWs).1 Press DVD to control the DVD recorder.2 Place a DATA
64Notes• The recorder may not be able to play some DATA CDs created in the Packet Write format.• The recorder will play any data with the extension “.
65Playing Discs3 Select “Photo,” then press ENTER.4 Press ./> to select the next/previous album page, then press M/m/</, to select an image.To d
66About JPEG image filesYou can play JPEG image files on CD-Rs or CD-RWs. However, the discs must be recorded according to ISO9660 level 1 or level 2
67VCR RecordingVCR RecordingBefore RecordingBefore you start recording…Check that the tape is longer than the recording time.z HintTimer recordings wi
68To stop recordingPress x STOP.To pause recordingPress X PAUSE. To restart recording, press X PAUSE again.If you pause recording for more than 5 minu
69VCR RecordingChecking the remaining timePress DISPLAY.A Play modeB Time counterC Recording modeD Remaining timeE Current channelTo check the remaini
7VCR Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Before Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
701 Press VIDEO to control the VCR.2 Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.3 Press [TIMER].If the Timer programming (VCR Plus+) menu appears, pre
71VCR RecordingTo use the Auto Tape Speed functionWhen you are recording a program in the Auto mode and the remaining tape becomes shorter than the re
725 Press ENTER.The date, start and stop times, channel, and recording mode appear.The c indicator lights up in the front panel display, and the recor
73VCR Recording4 Press SYSTEM MENU while the recorder is in stop mode.5 Select “Setup,” and press ENTER.6 Select “Features,” and press ENTER.The “Feat
74Checking/Changing/Canceling VCR Timer Settings (Timer List)You can check, change, or cancel timer settings using the Timer List menu.1 Press SYSTEM
75VCR RecordingRecording from Connected Equipment without a TimerYou can record from a connected VCR or similar device. To connect other VCR or simila
76Playing VHS TapesPlaying1 Press VIDEO to control the VCR.2 Insert a tape.The VCR starts playing automatically if you insert a tape with its safety t
77Playing VHS TapesAdjusting the picture (tracking) Although the VCR automatically adjusts the tracking when playing a tape, distortion may occur if t
78Playback option*1You can press INSTANT ADVANCE up to 4 time. This allows you to fast forward up to 2 minutes in total.*2For 10 seconds in SP or LP
79Playing VHS TapesSearching Using Various FunctionsThe VCR automatically marks the tape with an index signal at the point where each recording begins
8Ways to Use Your Video Cassette Recorder/DVD RecorderWhat is a Video Cassette Recorder/DVD Recorder?, This is a DVD recorder with built-in VHS video
80Searching using the index function (Scan and Play)The VCR automatically marks the tape with an index signal at the point where each recording begins
81DVD EditingDVD EditingBefore EditingThis recorder offers various edit options for various disc types. Before you edit, check the disc type in the fr
82The advanced edit functions available for Playlist titles are:– Labeling a title (page 82).– Erasing a title (page 82).– Editing a Playlist scene (p
83DVD Editing4 Select an option, and press ENTER.You can make the following edits to the title.“Erase”: Erases the selected title. Select “OK” when as
84Creating chapters manuallyYou can manually insert a chapter mark at any point you like during playback.Press CHAPTER MARK at the point where you wan
85DVD Editing3 Select “Edit,” and press ENTER.4 Select “Create Playlist,” and press ENTER.“Start” is selected.5 Press ENTER at the starting point.You
86Editing a PlaylistYou can edit a scene of the Playlist titles.1 Press DVD to control the DVD recorder.2 Press SYSTEM MENU while the recorder is stop
87DVD EditingModifying a scene (Modify)You can change the start and end point of the selected scene.1 After step 7 of “Editing a Playlist” on page 86,
88Adding a scene (Add)You can add a scene before the selected scene.1 After step 7 of “Editing a Playlist” on page 86, select a scene, and press ENTER
89Dubbing (TAPE y DVD)Dubbing (TAPE y DVD)Dubbing from a Video to a DVDYou can record (dub) VHS tape video and audio to a disc. The audio switching an
9Quick access to recorded titles – Title List, Display the Title List to see all of the titles on the disc, including the recording date, channel, rec
907 Select “Video t DVD,” and press ENTER.The display for confirmation appears.8 Select “OK,” and press ENTER.Dubbing starts.To select the recording m
91Dubbing (TAPE y DVD)Dubbing from a DVD to a VideoYou can record (dub) DVD video and audio to a VHS tape. However, note that when you record copy-pro
928 Select “Dubbing,” and press ENTER.9 Select “DVD t Video,” and press ENTER.The display for confirmation appears.10Select “OK,” and press ENTER.Dubb
93DV Dubbing (DV t DVD)DV Dubbing (DV t DVD)Before DV DubbingThis section explains dubbing with a digital video camera via the DV IN jack on the front
94Dubbing from a DV Format Tape to a DVDYou can record a DV format tape onto a disc. The recorder controls the digital video camera. You can fast forw
95DV Dubbing (DV t DVD)9 Select “Audio,” and press ENTER.10Select “DV Audio Input,” and press ENTER.“Stereo 1”: Records original sound only. Normally
96Settings and AdjustmentsUsing the Setup DisplaysBy using the setup displays, you can make various adjustments to items such as picture and sound, as
97Settings and AdjustmentsSome items display a dialog box that provides further detailed settings.Example: The following dialog box appears when “Pare
984Select “Auto Preset,” and press ENTER.All receivable channels are preset in numerical sequence. Manual SetPresets or disables channels manually.If
99Settings and AdjustmentsClock Setting (Clock Set)The “Clock Set” setup helps you to make clock setting for the recorder.Select “Clock Set” in the “S
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