HDD Marks used in this manual Logos

DVD (VR) DVD (Video)

DVD-RW

DVD +RW

DVD+RW

DVDRAM

DVD-RAM

*13, 16

Re-recordable/ Erasable Editing of recorded programmes Recording of Copyonce protected material Playback in other players/recorders Chase play 16:9 and 4:3 programme recording

*3 *12

*14 *4

*6, 15

Bilingual broadcast *10, 11 recording of both audio channels

Notes to table

*1 Must be initialized for VR mode recording (page 108) *2 Must be initialized for Video mode recording (page 108) *3 Erasable, but free space does not increase *4 Cannot erase sections, edit chapters or use playlist editing *5 Must be compatible with DVD-R (VR) playback *6 Finalize using this recorder (may not playback in some units) (page 60) *7 Must be compatible with DVD-RW (VR) playback *8 Must be compatible with DVD+RW playback *9 Must be compatible with DVD-RAM playback *10 Only when HDD Recording Format is set to Video Mode Off (page 120)
*11 Only when the recording mode is not set to LPCM *12 CPRM-compatible discs only *13 Take the disc out of the cartridge before use. Only Panasonic and Maxell discs have been tested to work reliably with this recorder. Discs from other makers may become unusable when recorded or edited. *14 Erasing a title does not increase the available recording time, nor increase the number of recordable titles left. *15 Must be compatible with DVD+R playback *16 Depending on the disc, it may have to be initialized before it can be recorded (page 108). In this case, initialization will take about an hour.
is a trademark of DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation.

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 9

Using DVD-R DL/DVD+R DL discs
DVD-R DL (Dual-layer) and DVD+R DL (Double-layer) discs contain two recordable layers on a single side, giving about 1.8 times the recording capacity of a conventional single-layer disc. This unit can record to both DVD-R DL and DVD+R DL discs. If you intend to play DVD-R DL (Video mode) or DVD+R DL discs recorded on this unit on other DVD recorders/players, you must finalize them. (Note that some DVD recorders/players may not play even finalized DL discs.) This logo indicates that the disc is a DVD-R DL or DVD+R DL disc: The DVD side of a DualDisc plays in this product. DVD-Audio content will not play. For more detailed information on the DualDisc specification, please refer to the disc manufacturer or disc retailer.

Other disc compatibility

In addition to DVD, this recorder is compatible with a wide range of disc types (media) and formats. Playable discs will generally feature one of the logos on the disc and/or disc packaging shown below. Note however that some disc types, such as recordable CD (and DVD), may be in an unplayable format see below for further compatibility information.

Optimizing HDD performance
As you record and edit material on the HDD, the data on the disk becomes fragmented, eventually affecting the recorders performance. Before this happens, the recorder will warn you that it is time to optimize the HDD (which you can do from the Disc Setup menu; see Optimize HDD on page 108).

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 13

Before you start Symbols used in this manual
The following icons are provided to help you quickly identify which instructions you need for which kind of disc.

HDD DVD

HDD Any type of DVD disc (recordable or playback only), finalized or not. Commercially produced DVD, finalized Video mode DVD-R/-RW. Video mode DVD-R/-RW (unfinalized) VR mode DVD-R/-RW DVD+R DVD+RW DVD-RAM Audio CD Video CD Super VCD WMA or MP3 files DivX files All of the above

DVD-Video

DVD (Video)
DVD (VR) DVD+R DVD+RW DVD-RAM CD Video CD Super VCD WMA/MP3 DivX ALL

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 14

Connections Chapter 2

Connections

Rear panel connections

ANTENNA R IN

INPUT 3

DIGITAL AUDIO OUT

S-VIDEO AV 2 (INPUT 1/DECODER) G-LINK

HDMI OUT

COAXIAL
OUT PB Y PR COMPONENT VIDEO OUT

OUTPUT

AV 1 (RGB) TV

CONTROL

1 ANTENNA IN (RF IN)/OUT Connect your TV antenna to the ANTENNA IN (RF IN) jack. The signal is passed through to the ANTENNA OUT jack for connection to your TV. 2 INPUT 3 Stereo analog audio, video and S-video inputs for connection to a VCR or other source component. 3 AV2 (INPUT 1/DECODER) AV connector Audio/video input/output SCART-type AV connector for connecting to a VCR, or other equipment with a SCART connector. The input accepts video, S-video and RGB. See AV2/L1 In on page 116 for how to set this up. 4 HDMI OUT HDMI output for high quality digital audio and video. 5 DIGITAL AUDIO OUT Coaxial digital audio jack for connecting to an AV amplifier/receiver, Dolby Digital/DTS/ MPEG decoder or other equipment with a digital input. 6 COMPONENT VIDEO OUT A high-quality video output for connecting to a TV or monitor with a component video input.
7 OUTPUT Stereo analog audio, video and S-video outputs for connection to a TV or AV amplifier/receiver. 8 AV1 (RGB)-TV AV connector Audio/video output SCART-type AV connector for connecting to a TV or other equipment with a SCART connector. The video output is switchable between video, Svideo and RGB. See page AV1 Out on page 115 for how to set this up. 9 G-LINK Use to connect the supplied G-LINK cable to enable GUIDE Plus+ to control an external satellite receiver, etc. 10 CONTROL IN Use to control this recorder from the remote sensor of another Pioneer component with a CONTROL OUT terminal and bearing the Pioneer mark. Connect the CONTROL OUT of the other component to the CONTROL IN of this recorder using a miniplug cord. 11 AC IN Power inlet

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 28

Getting started Chapter 4

Getting started

Switching on and setting up
When you switch the recorder on for the first time, you can make several basic settings using the Setup Navigator feature. This takes you through setting the clock, the internal TV tuner and the video output. If youre using the recorder for the first time, we strongly recommend you use the Setup Navigator before starting to use the recorder. 1 Switch on your TV and set the video input to this recorder.
Start the Setup Navigator.
k Setting t Line Complete this setup before you System start using your recorder. er Save Start P p Navigator Cancel Please use the Initial Setup if you want to make more detailed settings.
If you dont want to use the Setup Navigator, press to select Cancel, then press ENTER to exit the Setup Navigator.
2 Switch on the recorder. When you switch on for the first time, your TV should display the Setup Navigator screen (If the Setup Navigator doesnt appear, you can also access it from the Initial Setup menu; see page 113). If this recorder is connected to a compatible TV using a fully-wired 21-pin SCART cable, the recorder will take a few seconds to download country, TV screen size and language information. (Check the manual that came with your TV for compatibility information.)
5 Select the Auto Channel Setting (Auto Scan or Download from TV), or Do not set.
k Setting Auto Channel Setting Line System er Save P English Auto Scan Download from TV

p Navigator Do not Set

3 Choose a language (then press ENTER).

Initial Setup

Select Do not set if you want to skip channel setup (because they have already been set up, for example). You can only use the Download from TV feature if this recorder is connected to your TV using a fully-wired 21-pin SCART cable via the AV1 (RGB)-TV connector, and if your TV supports this function (check your TVs instruction manual for more details).
Basic Tuner Video In/ O ut Audio In Audio O ut Language Re cording Playback
Language Clock Setting Input Line System Pow er Save HELPp Setup N avig ator

Select your country.

k Setting Selection Country t Line System er Save Country P UK

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 29

Auto-tuning channels The Auto Scan option automatically scans and sets the channel presets.

Tuning 32/99 Cancel

If the time could not be set automatically, press RETURN to go back to the previous screen and select Manual. Manual clock setting If no stations in your area are broadcasting time signals, you can set the clock manually. Use the / buttons to set your time zone. You can set this by selecting a city or a time relative to GMT.

1 Select Editor from the Menu bar.

The Setup Area

The Setup Area is where you can set up the GUIDE Plus+ system for your particular region, TV reception conditions, and so on.
Making changes to your GUIDE Plus+ setup
1 Select Setup from the Menu bar.
Press ENTER to access the Basic Setup screen.

Basic Setup

2 Highlight the right channel tile of the channel you want to make a change to. 3 Press the RED Action button to change the channel source, or the GREEN Action button to enter a programme number. Each press of the RED Action button changes the channel source (Tuner, Ext. Rec. 1, etc.). To set a programme number, use the number buttons to enter a programme number then press ENTER (When set to Tuner, make sure that the programme number matches the preset number of this recorder for what you want to record).
Host Channel Setup GUIDE Plus+ System Information
2 Highlight the part you want to change.
You can change the Language, Country, Postal Code1 and the External Receiver settings. 3 Press ENTER to confirm.
Note 1 Making changes to the Country or Postal Code settings may require a new download of TV listings information. This can take up to 24 hours.

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 45

Manual Host Channel setup
The GUIDE Plus+ system will automatically identify your Host Channel as soon as the recorder is put into standby for the first time. See the table on page 32 for a list of all the European Host Channels. If you know your Host Channel details (source and programme number) or if the automatic identification did not provide the expected result, you can identify your Host Channel manually. Select Host Channel Setup in the Setup area and follow the instructions on the TV. Select the correct source (e.g., internal tuner or external receiver) and enter the respective programme number (e.g., if you have to press 9 on the remote to watch your Host Channel, enter 9 as the programme number). When you next switch the recorder into standby the GUIDE Plus+ system will complete the Host Channel setup. You can reset the Host Channel settings at any time back to the default setting of automatic. Please be aware that resetting the Host Channel will erase all TV listings data. IR receiver of your external receiver. See Connecting to a cable box, satellite receiver or digital terrestrial receiver on page 18. The code that is listed under your brand could be wrong. Please try other codes for your brand under satellite, cable or terrestrial. Go to the Setup Area and choose one of the three options (cable, satellite or terrestrial) that you have not already tried. Follow the onscreen prompts to make sure that the GUIDE Plus+ system can change channels on your external receiver. If it does not work, repeat the process, choosing different reception and external receiver combinations until you have tried all the codes for your brand of receiver that are already in the GUIDE Plus+ system. If it still does not work, see below on how to receive new codes overnight. The unit has not yet received new codes. The nightly data downloads frequently include new codes for controlling external receivers. Please tune your external receiver to your local host channel and leave it on overnight. Switch this recorder into standby. The next morning, please perform the GUIDE Plus+ setup again to see if your external receiver can now be controlled. The external receiver that you use is currently not supported. If, after leaving your external receiver on overnight, and doing the Reception and External Receiver Setup again, it still does not respond, please call Customer Support to report your brand and model. My external receiver was successfully setup. However I have found that when the GUIDE Plus+ system has to change to a channel with a three-digit programme number in the external receivers preset, it does not work. It looks like the GUIDE Plus+ system can only send two digits.

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 47

The TV listings information doesnt update. The latest TV listings information is automatically downloaded by the recorder overnight. This only happens if the recorder is in standby; if the recorder is left on, it will not download. When not using the recorder, please switch it into standby. Data downloads can take several hours. The front panel display shows EPG when downloading. If you switch the recorder on while EPG is displayed, the download will be cancelled. The GUIDE Plus+ system is not supported in my area, but when I switch the recorder into standby, after a while the front panel display shows EPG. Can I stop this from happening? If the GUIDE Plus+ system is not supported in your area, please do not set the postal code in the GUIDE Plus+ setup (see Setting up the GUIDE Plus+ system on page 30). When the GUIDE Plus+ service starts in your area, please set the postal code again. The automatic Host Channel search failed or the GUIDE Plus+ system identified the wrong Host Channel for my region. You can identify your Host Channel manually. See Manual Host Channel setup on page 45 for how to do this.

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 48

Recording Chapter 6

Recording

About DVD recording
This recorder can record to DVD-R, DVDRW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, DVD-R DL and DVD+R DL media. DVD-R and DVD-RW discs can be initialized for Video mode or VR mode recording. Each has its advantages, and it depends on what you want to do with the recording which mode you choose. If you want to edit your recordings in any significant way, VR mode offers greater possibilities for cutting, copying, and changing the way the video is presented. Video mode is less flexible when it comes to editing, but it has the advantage that it is compatible with standard DVD players (many of which wont play VR mode discs1). Once a disc is initialized for a particular mode, all recording on that disc will be in that mode. DVD+RW discs can be initialized for +VR mode recording. DVD-RAM discs can be initialized for VR mode recording. DVD+R discs do not require initializing. Important The table below shows the maximum number of titles recordable per disc and the maximum number of chapters per title:
Disc type/rec. format DVD-R/-RW Video mode DVD-R/-RW/-RAM VR mode DVD+R/+RW
Max. titles (per disc) 49
Max. chapters (per title) 99 999*1 99*2
A maximum of 999 chapters are recordable per disc.

Pauses playback, or restarts playback when paused.
Note 1 If you want to play a DTS audio CD, make sure the recorder is connected to a DTS-compatible amp/receiver with a digital connection. Noise will be output through the analog outputs. Also make sure that STEREO is selected using the AUDIO (SHIFT + 4) button (see Switching audio channels on page 72). 2 When playing in PBC mode, some playback features, such as search, repeat and programme play are not available. You can play a PBC Video CD/Super VCD in non-PBC mode by starting playback using the Disc Navigator (see Using the Disc Navigator with playback-only discs on page 68).

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 66

Pauses playback, or restarts playback when paused. Press to start scanning. Press repeatedly to increase the scanning speed.

Playing DivX video files

The table below shows the basic playback controls for DivX video files.
Press to skip to previous/next track. When a PBC menu is displayed, press to display the previous/next page. (During playback you can also use the front panel CH +/ buttons.) During playback, enter a track number then press ENTER to skip directly to that track. Press CLEAR to clear a number entry and start again. While a PBC menu screen is displayed, use to select numbered menu items. Video CD only: Each press skips backward/forward progressively up to a maximum of two hours in either direction. Note that this function doesnt work when playing in PBC mode. While paused, press and hold to start slow-motion playback. Press repeatedly to change the playback speed (forward only). While paused, press to advance a single frame (forward only). Press to display the disc menu of a Video CD/Super VCD playing in PBC mode.
Press to start playback. If RESUME is displayed onscreen, playback starts from the place last stopped. Playback of titles (DivX les) proceeds in alphabetical order. Press to stop playback. You can resume playback from the same point by pressing PLAY. (Press STOP again to cancel the resume function.) Pauses playback, or restarts playback when paused. Press to start scanning. Press repeatedly to increase the scanning speed.
Press to skip to previous/next title. (During playback you can also use the front panel CH +/ buttons.) While paused, press to advance one frame. Press and hold to start slow motion playback (press repeatedly to change the slow motion play speed). Press to display the playback audio type; press repeatedly to change the playback audio type. Press to display subtitle information; press repeatedly to change subtitles.

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 75

Playing and recording from a DV camcorder Chapter 8
Playing and recording from a DV camcorder
You can play back and record video from a DV camcorder connected to the DV IN jack on the front panel of this recorder. Important If you connect a second recorder using a DV cable, you cannot control the second unit from this one. You cant control this unit remotely from a component connected to the DV IN jack. The recorder will only start recording from the DV IN jack if there is a valid signal. Recording will pause if the signal is interrupted during recording. If your source is copy-protected using Copy Guard, you will not be able to record it. See Restrictions on video recording on page 50 for more details.
Recording from a DV camcorder
The source signal must be DVC-SD format. You cant record date and time information from DV cassette. During DV recording, if a part of the tape is blank, or has copy-protected material on it, this recorder will pause recording. Recording will restart automatically when there is a recordable signal. However, if there is more than two minutes of blank tape, this recorder will stop recording and the camcorder should stop (depending on the camcorder).
Playing from a DV camcorder
1 Make sure your DV camcorder is connected to the front panel DV IN jack. 2 From the Initial Setup menu, check that the DV audio input is setup as you would like. See DV Input on page 117 for more on this. Check also that the Audio In settings for External Audio and Bilingual Recording are as you want them (see Audio In on page 116).
3 Select DV, then DV Video Playback from the Home Menu. 4 Start playback on the camcorder. Images from the camcorder should appear on your TV. To record the incoming video, press HDD/DVD to select the HDD or a DVD for recording, then press REC. Press STOP REC to finish recording. If there is no signal from the device connected to the DV jack, or the signal is copy-protected, recording will pause. It will automatically restart once there is a recordable signal.

Copying from a DV source

Using the recorders remote, you can control both the camcorder and this recorder. Important Some camcorders cannot be controlled using this recorders remote. For best results when recording from a DV camcorder to this recorder, we recommend cueing the camcorder to the place you want to start recording from and setting the camcorder to playpause.

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 76

1 Make sure your DV camcorder is connected to the front panel DV IN jack. Also, set the camcorder to VTR mode.
Set the recording quality. See Setting the picture quality/recording time on page 51 for detailed information. 3 From the Initial Setup menu, check that the DV audio input is setup as you would like. See DV Input on page 117 for more on this.
Check also that the Audio In settings for External Audio and Bilingual Recording are as you want them (see Audio In on page 116).
4 Select DV, then Copy from a DV Source from the Home Menu. DV recording only works when the DV camcorder is in VTR mode with a tape loaded.
If you restart recording after stopping the camcorder, the first few seconds of the camcorder tape will not be recorded. Use the pause button on your camcorder instead and recording will start immediately. HDD, DVD (VR Mode) and DVD-RAM only: A chapter marker is inserted every time there is a break in the timecode on the DV tape. This happens when the recording is stopped or paused then restarted, for example. If you dont want to see the DV recording screen during recording, press DISPLAY to hide it (press again to display). While recording, you cannot exit the DV recording screen using the HOME MENU or RETURN button.

DV Auto Copy

DV Auto Copy allows you to make an exact copy of the contents of a DV source to the HDD or a DVD. 1 Make sure your DV camcorder is connected to the front panel DV IN jack. Also, set the camcorder to VTR mode.
5 Select Record to Hard Disk Drive or Record to DVD. 6 Find the place on the camcorder tape that you want to start recording from. For best results, pause playback at the point from which you want to record. Depending on your camcorder, you can use this recorders remote to control the camcorder using the , , , , , and buttons.
Set the recording quality. See Setting the picture quality/recording time on page 51 for detailed information. 3 From the Initial Setup menu, check that the DV audio input is setup as you require. See DV Input on page 117 for more on this.

Select Start Rec.

Stop 1.02.22 Control with these buttons Start Rec Pause Rec Stop Rec HDD Rem. SP (2h00m/DVD) 32h45m Stop

Key Characters.,?!&1 abc2 def3 ghi4 jkl5 [cursor back] Key Characters mno6 pqrs7$ / *1
2 Select Edit > Set Thumbnail from the command menu panel. The thumbnail setting screen appears from which you can find the frame you want.
Disc Navigator (HDD) 4 Titles 9 Recent first 8 All Genres 7 HDD SP Remain 30h30m 10Titles 23:00 MON 7:00PM 11/29 FRI 3/12 Pr 4 SP Play 23:00 Fri 7:00PM SP 11/29Mon 3/12 Pr 4 2ch SP Title Name
Erase 2h00m(1.0G) 2h00m(1.0G) Set Thumbnail Erase Section Edit
20:00 FRI 3/12 Pr 9 SP Divide 20:00 Fri 3/12 Pr 9 SP
Chapter Edit 2h00m(1.0G) Multi-Mode Set Genre
22:00 THU 2/12 Pr 7 Lock SP Genre Name 22:00 Thu 2/12 Pr 7 SP
Cancel Cancel 1h00m(1.0G)
19:00 MON 29/11 Pr 2 SP 19:00 Mon 29/11 Pr 2 SP 1h00m(1.0G)
Use the playback controls ( , , , , etc.) to find a suitable frame, then press ENTER to set.
Set Thumbnail (HDD) 23:00 Fri 3/12 Pr 4 SP
tuv8 wxyz[cursor forward]

Rec. time

10-1 00.00.09.15 Play Pause OK OK Exit Exit
/ [change case] CLEAR [clear character] <space> [nish name input]
You can also use the chapter and time search features (press PLAY MODE (SHIFT CM SKIP and CM + 9)), and the BACK buttons.
()_/:;`^@#%|+= {}[]<>
lower-case: ; upper-case:
4 Select Exit to return to the Edit screen.

Set Thumbnail

HDD DVD (Video) DVD (VR) DVD+R DVD+RW DVD-RAM

Erase Section

You can change the thumbnail picture that appears in the Disc Navigator for a title to any frame that appears in that title.
Using this command you can delete a part of a title, ideal for cutting out the commercial breaks in a recording made from the TV.
1 Highlight the title you want to change the thumbnail picture for.
1 Highlight the title containing the section you want to erase.

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 83

2 Select Edit > Erase Section from the command menu panel.

3 edit.

HDD only: Select the type of
6 Select Yes to confirm, or No to cancel. In the thumbnail viewer you can see a few seconds of video either side of the marked section to see how the edit will look. When editing VR mode Original content, you may not be able to erase very short sections (less than five seconds).

4 To add a file/folder to the list, select it, then choose Select from the menu. An orange check mark box ( ) is shown by the item you selected. A blue check mark box ( ) appears on the folder select screen when files from that folder are selected.

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 104

1 Load a blank (or unfinalized Video mode) DVD-R or DVD-RW disc.

Creating a new folder

2 Select View/Edit Photos on the HDD from the menu.
1 From the folder list, display the menu.
3 Select the file(s) or folder(s) you want to copy. Copying a folder will copy all the files contained in it. To copy multiple folders, use the MultiMode; see Selecting multiple files or folders on page 103.
2 Select New Folder. The folder appears at the bottom of the folder list with the name F_number.
Select Folder Folder 007 Folder1 Folder2 Folder3 Folder4 Folder5 Folder6 Folder7 FolderFolder2 Files 999 Folder 999 MB

4 menu.

Select Copy to DVD from the
5 Select Yes to confirm or No to cancel. Folder names on the disc will be number PIONR. File names will be PHOT number. Note that during copying, any timer programmes set to start will not begin, and no other operation is possible. While Cancel is displayed, you can press ENTER to cancel.
There can be up to 999 folders on the HDD.

Erasing a file or folder

Editing files on the HDD
There are a number of commands you can use to edit and organize your pictures stored on the HDD.
1 Select the file(s) or folder(s) you want to erase. To erase multiple files or folders, use the Multi-Mode; see Selecting multiple files or folders on page 103. Erasing a folder will erase all the files contained in it. Please be careful! You cant erase files that have been locked. Folders containing locked files cant be erased. Unlocked files in the folder, however, will be erased.

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 105

3 Select File Options or Folder Options.
Start Slideshow Start Audio Slideshow File Options Copy to DVD Detailed Information FILE Multi-Mode
4 Select Copy or Copy Folder Contents.
Start Slideshow Erase Start Audio Slideshow Copy File Options Rename File Print Lock FILE Copy to DVD Detailed Information Multi-Mode Cancel
Select Erase or Erase Folder.

Remain 100.0 G

5 Select a folder to copy the folder(s)/file(s) to.
5 Select Yes to confirm, or No to cancel. You can also erase a file or folder by pressing CLEAR when the file or folder is highlighted. Press ENTER to confirm.

2 Select Finalize > Undo Finalize then Start.

Finalize settings

DVD-R DVD-RW DVD+R DVD+RW

Optimize HDD

Finalizing fixes the recordings in place so that the disc can be played on a regular DVD player or computer equipped with a suitable DVD-ROM drive. It is also possible to finalize DVD+RW discs. This is only necessary if you want to a player to display a title menu for the disc. See Playing your recordings on other DVD players on page 60 for detailed instructions.
As you record, erase and edit recordings, the HDD file system gradually becomes fragmented. Periodically, the HDD will need optimizing to clean up all the fragmented files. When the HDD needs optimizing the recorder will automatically display a message recommending optimization. Important Optimizing the HDD can take as long as eight hours. During optimization, playback and recording are not possible. Canceling optimization mid-way does not undo the optimization already done, so the HDD will be partly optimized.
Note 1 Once initialized for VR mode recording it is not possible to re-initialize the disc for Video mode recording. Also, once recorded in Video mode, the disc cannot be re-initialized for VR mode recording.

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 109

2 Start.
Disc Setup Basic Initialize Finalize Optimize HDD

Select Optimize HDD then

A progress bar indicates how long there is left to go. If no actions are carried out for more than 20 minutes after the optimization process is completed, the unit turns itself off.

Initialize HDD

When your HDD/DVD recorder is working without a problem this option is not visible in the Disc Setup menu. However, if the HDD file system becomes corrupted for some reason, you can initialize the HDD to fix the problem. Note that initializing the HDD will erase all the data on it.
Disc Setup Basic Initialize Finalize Initialize HDD Optimize HDD
Select Initialize HDD then

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The Video Adjust menu Chapter 14

The Video Adjust menu

Using the Video Adjust menu you can set up the picture quality for the built-in tuner and external inputs, for disc playback, and for recording. Memory2 user preset 2 Memory3 user preset 3 You can press DISPLAY to see the individual settings for the current preset (Tuner, VCR or DTV/LDP).

Only certain discs have parental lock and country/area code features. Check the disc packaging to see what features the disc has. If you forget your password you can reset it by resetting the recorder to its factory settings. See Resetting the recorder on page 139.

Angle Indicator

A camera icon appears on-screen during multi-angle scenes on a DVD-Video disc. Nothing is indicated on-screen when a multi-angle scene is showing.
HDMI Output (only available when an HDMI device is connected) Screen Resolution 1920 x 1080p 1920 x 1080i 1280 x 720p 720 x 576p (720 x 480p) 720 x 576i (720 x 480i) Constant 1920 x 1080p output. Constant 1920 x 1080i output. Constant 1280 x 720p output. Constant 720 x 576p output (when setting the Input Line System to 525 System, video is output in 720 x 480p). Constant 720 x 576i output (when setting the Input Line System to 525 System, video is output in 720 x 480i).
If you choose a setting that is incompatible with your TV you may not be able to see any picture at all. In this case, press OPEN/CLOSE while holding down the (Stop) button on the front panel to switch the setting (this also switches Component Video Out on page 115 to the default setting). If you have the Colour set to YCbCr 4:2:2, you cannot select 720 x 576i (720 x 480i).

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 122

Setting 4:3 Video Output Options Full Normal Explanation Select if your HDMI TV allows you to change the aspect ratio. Select if your HDMI TV does not allow you to change the aspect ratio. 4:3 video will be shown with bars on each side. Use if colours are weak and black appears to oat on the RGB (16235) setting. Use this setting if colours appear overly rich and the black too deep on the RGB (0255) setting. The video signal is output as a 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 component signal. This is the standard setting for HDMI-compatible devices. The video signal is output as a 8-bit YCbCr 4:4:4 component signal.

Colour

RGB (0255) RGB (16235) YCbCr 4:2:2

YCbCr 4:4:4

Depending on the connected device some settings may not be available. When a DVI device is connected, the YCbCr 4:2:2 and YCbCr 4:4:4 options are not available. You cannot choose YCbCr 4:2:2 when the Screen Resolution is set to 720x576i (720x480i).

Audio Output

Dolby Digital, MPEG and DTS sources are output as a bitstream signal. However, depending on the Audio Out setting, number of audio channels, and the HDMI-connected device, Linear PCM audio may be output. All audio signals are converted to Linear PCM (except DTS).
Bitstream Priority Select if the connected device is compatible with bitstream audio.
This setting is not available when a DVI device is connected.
Options On Screen Display On Off Front Panel Display On Off Remote Control Mode The recorder displays operation displays ( Stop, Play, etc.) on-screen. Switches off the on-screen operation displays. The time is shown in the front panel display when the recorder is in standby. The front panel display is switched off in standby.

The HDD/DVD recorders lens should not become dirty in normal use, but if for some reason it should malfunction due to dust or dirt, consult your nearest Pioneer-authorized service center. Although lens cleaners are commercially available, we do not recommend using them since some may damage the lens.

Storing discs

Although CDs and DVD discs are more durable than vinyl records, you should still take care to handle and store discs correctly. When youre not using a disc, return it to its case and store upright. Avoid leaving discs in excessively cold, humid, or hot environments (including under direct sunlight). Dont glue paper or put stickers onto the disc, or use a pencil, ball-point pen or other sharp-tipped writing instrument. These could all damage the disc.

Condensation

Condensation may form inside the recorder if it is brought into a warm room from outside, or if the temperature of the room rises quickly. Although the condensation wont damage the recorder, it may temporarily impair its performance. For this reason you should leave it to adjust to the warmer temperature for about an hour before switching on and using.
For more detailed care information see the instructions that come with discs.

DVR550H_WV_EN.book 139

Additional information Hints on installation
We want you to enjoy using this unit for years to come, so please bear in mind the following points when choosing a suitable location for it:

16 Moving the recorder

If you need to move the recorder, first remove the disc, if loaded, and close the disc tray. Next, press STANDBY/ON to switch the power to standby, checking that the POWER OFF indication in the display goes off. Wait at least two minutes. Lastly, disconnect the power cord. Never lift or move the unit during playback or recording discs rotate at a high speed and may be damaged.
Use in a well-ventilated room. Place on a solid, flat, level surface, such as a table, shelf or stereo rack.
Use in a place exposed to high temperatures or humidity, including near radiators and other heat-generating appliances. Place on a window sill or other place where the recorder will be exposed to direct sunlight. Use in a dusty or damp environment or in a room where it will be exposed to excessive cigarette smoke. Place directly on top of an amplifier, or other component in your stereo system that becomes hot in use. Use near a television or monitor as you may experience interference especially if the television uses an indoor antenna. Use in a kitchen or other room where the recorder may be exposed to smoke or steam. Use on a thick rug or carpet, or cover with cloth this may prevent proper cooling of the unit. Place on an unstable surface, or one that is not large enough to support all four of the units feet.

Instructions for Gameplay recording using the Pioneer DVR-550H-K DVD Recorder.
Note: Consult diagram on last page for the button layout of the remote control. 1. Turn on the video game console. 2. Make sure the correct time is set on the DVD Recorder by looking at the front panel. If necessary, to set the date/time: 2.1 Turn on the DVD Recorder and Press HOME MENU on the remote control and select Initial Setup, then press ENTER 2.2 Select Basic and then select Clock Setting. 2.3 Select Manual 2.4 Select the correct time zone (Canada Mountain) and press ENTER. 2.5 Set the current date and time and then press ENTER. 2.6 Press HOME MENU to exit. 3. Turn the DVD Recorder (Pioneer CVR-550H-K) on. To Start Recording NOTE: To maintain data redundancy, it is best to record gameplay footage to the units internal hard drive (HDD) and then copy the footage to DVD-Rs. You are advised to make multiple recordings (rather than one long recording). For example, record a single mission or level, then press STOP REC during an inactive sequence or pause-screen, and then begin recording again when you start a new level. 1. Press HDD/DVD (on the remote or the unit) until HDD appears on the screen. 2. Press REC MODE (on the remote or the unit)* so that SP 2h00m/DVD appears on screen. 3. Press INPUT SELECT (on the remote or the unit)* and select the appropriate source. (for example, L1 for the Xbox, L3 for the PS2). 4. To start recording gameplay footage, press REC (on the remote or the unit). 5. When finished a mission or level, press STOP REC (on the remote or the unit) to end recording. *Note: The REC MODE and INPUT SELECT buttons are hidden behind a panel on both the remote and the unit.
To Transfer Gameplay Recordings to DVD-R. 1. Press HDD/DVD (on the remote or the unit) until HDD appears on the screen. 2. Press HOME MENU on the remote control and select Copy, then press ENTER 3. Select HDD - > DVD and press ENTER 4. If you are asked to select a type of Copy List, select Create New Copy List and press ENTER 5. When prompted, insert a recordable disc (DVD-R) in the tray. It will take a few seconds for the disc to be read. 6. Select the titles from the list and press ENTER to add to the copy list. If you receive a message about edit points, please ignore. 7. When finished selecting titles, highlight Next and press ENTER 8. The copy list will appear. You can highlight Next and press ENTER. 9. On the next screen, make sure Recording Mode is set to High Speed and that Finalize is set to On. If you need to change the settings, select Recording Mode or Finalize and select ENTER, highlight High Speed or On respectively and press ENTER. 10. Highlight Start Copy and press ENTER 11. Select a menu template and press ENTER The recording process will take a few minutes. If again prompted to Finalize the DVD, select Yes. 12. When completed, press HOME MENU to exit. 13. Remove and Label the DVD with the following information: (Title of Game) VOB files, Disc # Date Your Name 14. Transfer files (VOB files on the DVD) to one of the computers in W700 that has the program MPED Video Wizard. 15. Quickly check the quality of each file in MPEG Video Wizard. If each file is of suitable quality, then delete the titles on the DVD Recorder. SPECIAL NOTES: Moving the DVD Recorder Do not move the recorder immediately after switching it off. If you need to move the recorder, please follow the steps below:
1 After the message POWER OFF is shown on the front panel display, wait at least two minutes. 2 Unplug from the wall socket. 3 Move the recorder.
Diagram 1. Remote Control for Pioneer DVR-550H-K DVD Recorder.