Sony RDR-VX511 User Manual

2-650-209-11(2)© 2005 Sony CorporationVideo Cassette Recorder/DVD RecorderOperating InstructionsRDR-VX511For customers in the U.S.AOwner’s RecordThe m

10How to Use the On-Screen MenusThe following three displays are mainly used to operate this recorder. Once you become familiar with the basic operati

100Format DVD (DVD-RWs only)Selects the format for an unused DVD-RW, when first inserted.VCR FunctionPress ENTER and select “Tape Length,” “Auto Play,

101Settings and AdjustmentsParental (DVD VIDEOs only)Playback of some DVD VIDEOs can be limited according to a predetermined level, such as the age of

102Command ModeChanges the command mode of this recorder if other DVD equipment is assigned the same command mode. Be sure to match the COMMAND MODE s

103Additional InformationAdditional InformationTroubleshootingIf you experience any of the following difficulties while using the recorder, use this t

104SoundThere is no sound., Re-connect all connections securely., The connecting cord is damaged., The input source setting on the amplifier or the co

105Additional InformationThe subtitle language cannot be changed or turned off., Multilingual subtitles are not recorded on the DVD VIDEO., The DVD VI

106The c indicator flashes after timer recording is set., Insert a recordable disc (page 28)., Insert a disc with enough space for the recording., The

107Additional Information, Turn the power off and unplug the AC power cord., The program that starts first has priority and the second program starts

108Notes About This RecorderOn adjusting volumeDo not turn up the volume while listening to a section with very low level inputs or no audio signals.

109Additional InformationSpecificationsSystem[DVD recorder section]LaserSemiconductor laserAudio recording formatDolby DigitalVideo recording formatMP

11TOOLSThe TOOLS menu appears when you press TOOLS. You can search for a title/chapter/track, check the playing and remaining time, or change audio an

110GeneralPower requirements120 V AC, 60 HzPower consumption40 WPower back-upBack-up duration: 0 minOperating temperature5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F)Sto

111Additional Informationi.LINK baud ratei.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies according to the equipment. Three maximum baud rates are defined: S100 (app

112Guide to Parts and ControlsFor more information, see the pages in parentheses.Front panelButtons on the recorder have the same function as the butt

113Additional InformationRemoteFor DVD functionsButtons with an orange dot next to them can be used with your TV when the TV/DVD·VIDEO switch is set t

114V ?/1 (on/standby) button (22)W CH (channel) +/– buttons* (20, 46)X VOL (volume) +/– buttons (20)Y TV/VIDEO button (20)Z INPUT SELECT button (46, 5

115Additional InformationFor VCR functions A TV/DVD·VIDEO switch (20)B Z OPEN/CLOSE (eject) button (67)C Number buttons* (20)SET button (20)D CLEAR bu

116Front panel displayA DVD Playing/recording statusB Disc type/recording formatC Audio signal indicatorsD STEREO indicator (45, 73)E SAP (Second Audi

117Additional InformationGlossaryChapter (page 38)Sections of a picture or a music feature that are smaller than titles. A title is composed of severa

118Interlace formatInterlace format shows every other line of an image as a single “field” and is the standard method for displaying images on televis

119Additional InformationTUR TurkishVIE VietnameseZAF AfrikaansAbbreviation Language

12Hookups and SettingsHooking Up the RecorderFollow steps 1 to 7 to hook up and adjust the settings of the recorder.Notes• Plug cords securely to prev

120IndexWords in quotations appear in the on-screen displays.Numerics16:9 23, 954:3 Letter Box 23, 954:3 Pan Scan 23, 95A“A-B Erase” 57“Add” 63, 65ADV

121“Manual Set” 94MARKER 39MENU 32MenuTop menu 32“Modify” 63“Move” 63MP3 audio tracks 40NNEXT 34, 69Number buttons 20, 38OOne Touch Dubbing 91On-scree

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13Hookups and SettingsA: Cable box or satellite receiver with a video/audio outputWith this hookup, you can record any channel on the cable box or sat

14B: Cable box with an antenna output onlyWith this hookup, you can record any channel on the satellite receiver or cable box. Be sure that the satell

15Hookups and SettingsStep 3: Connecting to Your TVConnect the supplied audio/video cord to the LINE OUT (AUDIO L/R/VIDEO) jacks of the recorder.To en

16If your TV has component video input jacksConnect the COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jacks using a component video cord (not supplied) or three video cords (no

17Hookups 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

18A Connecting to audio L/R jacksThis connection uses a stereo amplifier’s (receiver’s) two front speakers for sound.You can enjoy the surround functi

19Hookups and SettingsStep 5: Connecting the Power CordPlug the recorder and TV power cords into an AC outlet. After you connect the power cord, you m

2WARNINGTo reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabi

20Controlling a Sony TV with the remoteYou can use this remote to operate your Sony TV. Use the buttons marked with an orange dot (•).Slide the TV/DVD

21Hookups and SettingsNotes• Depending on the connected unit, you may not be able to control your AV amplifier (receiver) with some or any of the butt

22Step 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,

23Hookups and Settings7 Select whether or not you have a cable connection.If you use an antenna only (no cable TV), select “Antenna.”For all other con

2414Press ENTER when “Finish” appears.Easy Setup is finished. All connections and setup operations are complete.To return to the previous displayPress

25Hookups and Settings3 Select “Options,” and press ENTER.4 Select “Command Mode,” and press ENTER.5 Select the command mode (“DVD 1,” “DVD 2,” or “DV

26Connecting Another VCR or Similar DeviceAfter disconnecting the recorder’s power cord from an AC outlet, connect the other VCR or similar recording

27Hookups and SettingsConnecting to the LINE 1 IN jacksYou can connect a second VCR or similar device.z HintWhen the connected equipment outputs only

28Quick Guide to Disc TypesRecordable and Playable DiscsUsable disc versions (as of May 2005)• 4×-speed or slower DVD+RWs• 2×-speed or slower DVD-RWs

29Quick Guide to Disc TypesDiscs that cannot be recorded on• DVD-RWs (Ver.1.0)• DVD+RWs that are not 2.4×-speed compatible•8 cm discs• DVD-R DL (Dual

3be operated in a horizontal position only.• Keep the recorder, discs, and cassettes away from equipment with strong magnets, such as microwave ovens,

3012 cm/8 cm DiscsPlayable Discs“DVD VIDEO” and “CD” logos are trademarks.* A logical format of files and folders on DATA-CDs, defined by ISO (Interna

31Quick Guide to Disc TypesDiscs that cannot be played• CD-Rs/CD-RWs, other than those recorded in music CD format, MP3 or JPEG format, or Video CD fo

32DVD PlaybackPlaying1 Press DVD to operate the DVD recorder.2 Press Z OPEN/CLOSE, and place a disc on the disc tray.3 Press Z OPEN/CLOSE to close the

33DVD PlaybackPlayback OptionsButton Operation DiscZ OPEN/CLOSE Stops playing and opens the disc tray. All discsAUDIO Selects one of the audio tracks

34SUR(surround)Surround lets you enjoy surround sound effects by using sound imaging to create virtual rear speakers from a stereo TV or two front spe

35DVD PlaybackTo resume normal playback, press H PLAY.z Hints• You can change playback options, such as subtitle, audio track, angle, etc., using the

36Playing quickly with sound (Scan Audio) (DVDs with Dolby Digital soundtracks only)You can play quickly with dialog or sound during FF1 fast-forward

37DVD PlaybackLocking the recorder (Child Lock)You can lock all of the buttons on the recorder so that the settings are not canceled by mistake.With t

384 Select the title, and press ENTER.The sub-menu appears.5 Select “Play,” and press ENTER.Playback starts from the selected title on the disc.About

39DVD PlaybackNoteDepending on the disc, you may not be able to use the TOOLS menu to search for a title/chapter/track, or enter the time code for a p

4About 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

40Playing MP3 Audio TracksYou can play MP3 audio tracks on DATA CDs (CD-Rs/CD-RWs) or DATA DVDs (DVD+RWs/DVD-RWs/DVD+Rs/DVD-Rs).1 Press DVD to operate

41DVD PlaybackSee the instructions supplied with the CD-R/CD-RW/DVD-R/DVD-RW drives and the recording software (not supplied) for details on the recor

423 Select “Photo,” and press ENTER.The “Photo” display appears.4 Select a folder, and press ENTER.To display the previous or next page, press ./>.

43DVD Playback• Progressive and lossless compression JPEG image files are not supported.• The image size that the recorder can display is limited to w

44D Remaining disc space (in stop mode)Remaining time of the current title (during playback)E Channel or input source*F Date and time* Title type (ori

45DVD RecordingDVD RecordingBefore RecordingBefore you start recording…• This recorder can record on various discs types. Select the disc type accordi

46Unrecordable picturesPictures with copy protection cannot be recorded on this recorder. Recording stops when a copy guard signal is detected.* The r

47DVD Recording5 Press REC MODE repeatedly to select the recording mode.The display changes on the TV screen as follows:For details about the recordin

48A Disc typeB Recording statusC Recording timeD Recording modeE Remaining disc spaceF Channel or input sourcez HintYou can view the information also

49DVD Recording3 Press Z OPEN/CLOSE to close the disc tray.Wait until “LOAD” disappears from the front panel display.Unused DVD-RWs are formatted in V

5Table of ContentsWARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Preca

50adjusts the recording mode. Select “AUTO” for “Mode” when setting the timer.z Hints• You can play the recorded program by selecting the program titl

51DVD Recording4 Press REC MODE repeatedly to select the recording mode.The display changes on the TV screen as follows:For details about the recordin

52Changing or Canceling DVD Timer Settings (Timer List)You can change or cancel timer settings using the Timer List menu.1 Press SYSTEM MENU.The Syste

53DVD Recording• You cannot change the timer settings for a recording currently underway.• The Timer List displays both the DVD recorder and VCR timer

544 Press REC MODE repeatedly to select the recording mode.The display changes on the TV screen as follows:For details about the recording mode, see p

55DVD EditingDVD EditingBefore EditingThis recorder offers various edit options for various disc types. Before you edit, check the disc type in the fr

56z HintYou can switch the Title List to show original or Playlist. While the Title List menu is turned on, press ORIGINAL/PLAYLIST repeatedly.Notes•

57DVD Editing4 Select an option, and press ENTER.You can select from the following:“Title Erase”: Erases the selected title. Select “OK” when asked fo

58“Start” is selected.4 Press ENTER at the start point of the section to be erased (point A).You can use H PLAY, , ./>, x STOP, and X PAUSE to find

59DVD Editing6 Select “Yes,” and press ENTER.The display asks whether to use the same title name as before.To use the same name, select “Yes” and pres

6VCR OperationVCR Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Playing . . . . . . . . . . . . .

60Changing the Name of a TitleYou can enter a title name of up to 32 characters. Since the displayed number of characters is limited, their appearance

61DVD EditingCreating a PlaylistPlaylist titles allow you to edit without changing the original recordings (see “Edit options for DVD-RWs (VR mode)” o

62Playing a Playlist title1 Press TITLE LIST.2 Press ORIGINAL/PLAYLIST to switch to the “Playlist” Title List.3 Select a Playlist title, and press ENT

63DVD Editing4 Select “Edit Playlist,” and press ENTER.The “Playlist” Title List appears. 5 Select a Playlist title, and press ENTER.The sub-menu appe

644 Press ENTER.The display asks for confirmation.5 Select “Yes,” and press ENTER.The display asks whether to use the same title name as before.To use

65DVD EditingMoving a scene (Move)You can change the scene order within the Playlist title.1 Follow steps 1 to 7 of “Editing a Playlist” (page 62).2 S

66Formatting/Renaming/Protecting a DiscThe “Disc Setting” display allows you to check the disc information or change the disc name. Depending on the d

67VCR PlaybackVCR PlaybackPlaying1 Press VIDEO to operate the VCR.2 Insert a tape.Playback starts automatically if you insert a tape with its safety t

68Adjusting the picture (tracking) You can manually adjust tracking if the recording quality is too poor to be remedied by the VCR’s automatic trackin

69VCR PlaybackPlayback Options*1Can be pressed up to four times to forward about two minutes.*2For 10 seconds in SP or LP mode/for 15 seconds in EP mo

7

70Searching Using Various FunctionsThe VCR automatically marks the tape with an index signal at the point where each recording begins.You can easily f

71VCR PlaybackDisplaying the Playing Time and Play InformationYou can check playback information, such as elapsed or remaining time, recording mode, e

72Selecting the Sound During PlaybackPress AUDIO repeatedly during playback.* No indicator appears in the front panel display when you play a tape wit

73VCR RecordingVCR RecordingBefore RecordingBefore you start recording…• This VCR records in VHS format, not S-VHS format.• Check that the tape is lon

74VCR Recording Without the Timer1 Press VIDEO to operate the VCR.2 Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.3 Press CH +/– or INPUT SELECT repeated

75VCR RecordingWhen the counter reaches “0:00,” the recorder stops recording and turns off.To cancel the Quick TimerPress z REC repeatedly until the c

76VCR Timer RecordingYou can set the timer for a total of 12 programs together with DVD and VCR timer recording, up to one month in advance. Follow th

77VCR Recording6 Press SYSTEM MENU to turn off the menu.To stop recordingPress x STOP twice. If timer settings overlapThe program that starts first ha

78Recording From Connected Equipment With a Timer (Synchro Rec)You can set the recorder to automatically record programs from connected equipment that

79VCR RecordingNotes• The recorder starts recording only after detecting the video signal from the connected equipment. The beginning of the program m

8What is a Video Cassette Recorder/DVD Recorder?This is a DVD recorder with built-in VHS video deck, and allows recording/playback of DVD discs and VH

804 Select the timer setting you want to change or cancel, and press ENTER.The sub-menu appears.5 Select one of the options, and press ENTER.“Edit”: C

81VCR RecordingRecording From Connected Equipment Without a TimerYou can record from a connected VCR or similar device. For connection details, see “C

82Dubbing (TAPE y DVD)Dubbing From a VHS Tape to a DVDYou can easily record (dub) a VHS tape to a disc. Before dubbing, make the necessary audio setti

83Dubbing (TAPE y DVD)z Hints• A black (no signal) screen at the end of the dubbed disc is not a malfunction. This screen is recorded if a time discre

842 Insert a source disc.3 Press DVD to operate the DVD recorder.4 Press TOP MENU or TITLE LIST to select a title.5 Start playing the DVD, and then pr

85Dubbing (TAPE y DVD)5 Select “Program Dubbing,” and press ENTER.6 Select “Create Dubbing List,” and press ENTER.If you have performed Program Dubbin

86To stop dubbingPress x STOP.Note that it may take a few seconds for the recorder to stop dubbing.z Hints• The brightness of the playback picture may

87Dubbing (TAPE y DVD)1 Press DVD to operate the DVD recorder.2 Insert a disc.3 Press SYSTEM MENU while the recorder is in stop mode.The System Menu a

88DV/D8 Dubbing (DV/D8 t DVD)Before DV/D8 DubbingThis section explains dubbing with a digital video camera via the DV IN jack on the front panel. If y

89DV/D8 Dubbing (DV/D8 t DVD)Dubbing From a DV/D8 Format Tape to a DVDYou can record a DV/D8 format tape onto a disc. The recorder controls the digita

9Creating your own program - PlaylistRecord a program on a DVD-RW (VR mode), then erase, move or add scenes as you like without changing the original

9010Select “DV Audio Input,” and press ENTER.“Stereo 1”: Records original sound only. Normally select this when dubbing a DV format tape.“Stereo 2”: R

91DV/D8 Dubbing (DV/D8 t DVD)• Noise may occur when you switch the audio sampling mode (48 kHz/16 bits t 32 kHz/12 bits).Dubbing an entire DV/D8 forma

92Settings and AdjustmentsUsing the Setup DisplaysBy using the setup displays, you can make various adjustments to items such as picture and sound, as

93Settings and AdjustmentsSome items display a dialog box that requires additional settings.Example: When “Parental” in “Options” setup is selected.5

94All receivable channels are preset in numerical sequence. Manual SetPresets or disables channels manually.If some channels could not be set using th

95Settings and Adjustmentsautomatically search for a channel that carries a time signal.◆ Time ZoneSelect the time zone for your area, or select “Auto

96NoteDepending on the disc, “4:3 Letter Box” may be selected automatically instead of “4:3 Pan Scan” or vice versa.Black LevelSelects the black level

97Settings and Adjustmentsz HintThe “Progressive” setting can be canceled by pressing X PAUSE on the recorder continuously for five seconds or more, o

98If you connect a component that does not accept the selected audio signal, a loud noise (or no sound) will come out from the speakers, and may affec

99Settings and AdjustmentsNoteSound will be interrupted during Scan Audio.DV Audio InputNoteSelect “Stereo 2” or “Mix” if you have added a second audi