Reference signal connection
The reference video input connector of the unit is provided with a loop-through connector which can be used to connect the input reference video signal to other equipment. When there is no loop-through connection, the reference video input connector is automatically provided with a 75-ohm termination.
Closed caption compatibility
Whether or not to include closed captions in a recording can be determined with menu items (for DSR-1500A only).

AC operations

The unit operates with an AC power source in the range 100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz.

Optional Accessories

DSBK-1501 Digital Input/Output Board
This interface enables digital video and audio signals in the SDI or SDTI (QSDI) format (either format to be selected with front panel buttons for input or with a menu item for output) and also AES/EBU-format digital audio signals to be transferred between this unit and digital Betacam VCRs or other digital equipment.
Internal and external time codes
An internal time code generator and reader enables time code compliant with SMPTE (for DSR-1500A)/EBU (DSR-1500AP) format to be recorded and played back. This allows editing to single frame precision. Outputting or inputting time code (LTC) to or from an external device is also possible using the TC IN/OUT connectors. The unit is also compatible with VITC.
DSBK-1504/1504P Analog Input Board
When this interface is installed, the unit can input analog video and audio signals. The same BNC type input connectors are used to input analog video signals in different formats selected with front panel buttons.
The analog video signals that can be input are as follows. Composite video signals S-video signals Component video signals (Y, RY and BY)

Using the CD-ROM Manual

The supplied CD-ROM includes operation manuals for the DSR-1500A/1500AP Digital Video Cassette Recorder (English, Japanese, French, German, Italian and Spanish versions).
Select and click the operation manual that you want to read. A PDF file of the operation manual opens.
CD-ROM System Requirements
The following are required to access the supplied CDROM disc. Computer: PC with MMX Pentium 166 MHz or faster CPU, or Macintosh computer with PowerPC CPU. - Installed memory: 32 MB or more - CD-ROM drive: 8 or faster Monitor: Monitor supporting resolution of or higher When these requirements are not met, access to the CDROM disc may be slow, or not possible at all.
If you lose the CD-ROM disc or become unable to read its content, for example because of a hardware failure, contact a Sony service representative.

* E-E mode: Abbreviation of Electric-to-Electric mode. In this mode, video and audio signals input to the VCR are output after passing through internal electric circuits, but not through magnetic conversion circuits such as heads and tapes. This can be used to check input signals and for adjusting input signal levels.
d SC (subcarrier phase) control Turn this control to accurately adjust the subcarrier phase of the composite video output signal of the unit with respect to the reference video signal. Use a cross-point (Phillips) screwdriver to turn it. e SYNC (synchronization phase) control Turn this control to accurately adjust the synchronization phase of the output video signal of the unit with respect to the reference video signal. Use a cross-point (Phillips) screwdriver to turn it. f Cassette compartment Accepts DVCAM, DV and DVCPRO (25 Mbps) videocassettes. For details of usable cassettes, see page 27. g LOCAL/REMOTE switch Selects whether the unit is operated from its front panel or from external equipment. REMOTE: The unit is operated from external equipment connected to the REMOTE connector or i.DV IN/ OUT connector on the rear panel. LOCAL: The unit is operated from its front panel or from a SIRCS-compatible remote control unit connected to the CONTROL S connector on the front panel. h EJECT button When you press this button, the cassette is automatically ejected after a few seconds. i MONITOR SELECT button Use this button and the METER CH-1/2 3/4 button to select the audio channels: for level indications on the audio level meters for audio output via the PHONES connector on the front panel for audio output via the MONITOR connector on the rear panel Depending on the setting made with the METER CH-1/2 3/4 button, the channels for output to the above meters and connectors are selected as follows. When CH-1/2 mode is selected with the METER CH-1/ 2 3/4 button:
Audio level meters CH-1 (channel 1) only. Only the left meter lights. CH-2 (channel 2) only. Only the right meter lights. PHONES connector MONITOR connector
c PHONES connector (stereo phone jack) and control knob Connect stereo headphones to the connector for audio monitoring during recording or playback. The control knob controls the volume of the headphones. It also controls the level of the audio signal output from the MONITOR connector on the rear panel. The settings made with the METER CH-1/2 3/4 button and MONITOR SELECT button select the audio channels for audio output via this connector. The same channel selection as for the audio level meters applies to this connector.
Channel 1 only Channel 1 only (monaural) Channel 2 only Channel 2 only (monaural) Channels 1 and 2 (mixed)
CH-1 and CH-2 (channels Channels and 2). and 2 (stereo) Both the left and right meters light.
A Audio input/output level control section
When CH-3/4 mode is selected with the METER CH-1/ 2 3/4 button:
Audio level meters CH-3 (channel 3) only. Only the left meter lights. CH-4 (channel 4) only. Only the right meter lights.

c CH1 1/2 (audio channel 1 or 1/2) button Each press of this button cycles through the following input audio signal selection options for audio channel 1 (when in 2-channel mode) or for audio channels 1 and 2 (when in 4-channel mode). Analog audio signal input to the AUDIO IN 1/3 connector (optional DSBK-1504/1504P board required) Digital audio signal in AES/EBU format input to the AUDIO (AES/EBU) IN 1/2 connector (optional DSBK1501 board required) SDI audio signal input to the SDI/SDTI (QSDI) IN connector (optional DSBK-1501 board required) Audio test signal (selected with the INT AUDIO SG menu item (see page 72) generated by the internal signal generator The selection made with this button is indicated by the AUDIO CH-1 1/2 indicators in the INPUT signal display section (see page 17). When analog audio is selected (optional DSBK-1504/ 1504P board required), the signal input to the AUDIO IN 1/3 connector is recorded either on channel 1 (when in 2channel mode) or on channels 1 and 3 (when in 4-channel mode). That is, in 4-channel mode, the same analog audio signal is recorded on channels 1 and 3. Using the REC/PB LEVEL control knobs with the VAR switch set to REC, it is possible to adjust the audio levels on the two channels separately. You can switch the audio recording mode with the REC MODE menu item (see page 71). The selection is indicated by the REC MODE display on the front panel. d CH2 3/4 (audio channel 2 or 3/4) button Each press of this button cycles through the following input audio signal selection options for audio channel 2 (when in 2-channel mode) or for audio channels 3 and 4 (when in 4-channel mode). Analog audio signal input to the AUDIO IN 2/4 connector (optional DSBK-1504/1504P board required) Digital audio signal in AES/EBU format input to the AUDIO (AES/EBU) IN 3/4 connector (optional DSBK1501 board required) SDI audio signal input to the SDI/SDTI (QSDI) IN connector (optional DSBK-1501 board required) Audio test signal (selected with the INT AUDIO SG menu item (see page 72) generated by the internal signal generator The selection made with this button is indicated by the AUDIO CH-2 3/4 indicators in the INPUT signal display section (see page 17). When analog audio is selected (optional DSBK-1504/ 1504P board required), the signal input to the AUDIO IN 2/4 connector is recorded either on channel 2 (when in 2channel mode) or on channels 2 and 4 (when in 4-channel mode). That is, in 4-channel mode, the same analog audio signal is recorded on channels 2 and 4. Using the REC/PB LEVEL control knobs with the VAR switch set to REC, it
is possible to adjust the audio levels on the two channels separately. You can switch the audio recording mode with the REC MODE menu item (see page 71). The selection is indicated by the REC MODE display on the front panel.

D Tape transport control section

REW PLAY F FWD STOP REC

e REC button d STOP button c F FWD button b PLAY button a REW button
a REW (rewind) button When you press this button, it lights and the tape starts rewinding. When the F. FWD/REW menu item under the AUTO EE SELECT menu item (see page 65) is set to PB, the picture appears on the monitor during rewind (maximum 85 times normal speed). b PLAY button When you press this button, it lights and playback begins. If you press this button during recording or editing, the recording or editing operation is stopped and this unit enters playback mode. c F FWD (fast forward) button When you press this button, it lights and the tape is fast forwarded. When the F. FWD/REW menu item under the AUTO EE SELECT menu item (see page 65) is set to PB, the picture appears on the monitor during fast forward (maximum 85 times normal speed). d STOP button Press this button to stop the current tape transport operation. e REC (record) button When you press this button while holding down the PLAY button, it lights and recording begins.
When the LOCAL/REMOTE switch is set to REMOTE (the REMOTE indicator is lit), no tape transport control buttons other than the EJECT and STOP buttons will work. This can be changed with the LOCAL ENABLE menu item (see page 65).

E Menu control section

a MENU button b RESET (NO) button

MENU RESET(NO)

e fFgG (arrow) buttons Use these buttons to move around the menu items, and also to modify the initial time code value and user bit data. When the SEARCH ENABLE menu item (see page 65) is set to ENABLE, you can also use these buttons to carry out the following playback operations.
Playback type Direction Forward Reverse Forward Reverse Forward Reverse Operation to carry out Press the G button.

c TC PRESET button

d SET (YES) button
Playback in range 10 times normal speed Frame-by-frame playback Continuous playback in jog mode
Press the g button. Press the f button. Press the F button. Hold down the f button. Hold down the F button.

e fFgG buttons

Remove the cassette.

Inhibit the unit from Set the CHARA. DISPLAY menu item (see page 66) outputting text information to OFF. (time data, operation mode indications, etc.) to the video monitor. Change the time period before the unit switches from stop mode to standby off mode. Change the setting of the STOP TIMER menu item (see page 69).
Referece level for recording in DV (SP) format On many consumer DV devices, recording is carried out at a reference level of 12 dB. Threfore, when recording in DV (SP) format on this unit, using the fixed referenced level of 12 dB is recommended. When dubbing DVCAM source material recorded at a different reference level, you can carry out manual adjustment as described in the following.
Player (DSR-1800/1800P/1600a)/1600Pa)/ 1500A/1500AP) in E-E mode Audio input selection: INT SG/1 kHz REC mode: 2ch or 4ch depending on DVCAM source Reference level: Reference level of the DVCAM source VAR switchb): PRESET a) On the DSR-1600/1600P, tape recorded at the reference level is played back. b) DSR-1500A/1500AP only i.LINK/ SDTI (QSDI)/ SDI Recorder (DSR-1500A/ 1500AP) in E-E mode REC FORMAT: DV (SP) VAR switch: REC For each channel, observing the audio level meter, adjust the audio level to 12 dB with the level control knob.

Playback

This section describes the settings and operations necessary to perform playback on this unit. The same settings and operations apply whether you are using the unit as part of an editing system, for dubbing, or as a stand-alone player VCR. For the necessary connections for playback and the settings not covered in this section, see Chapter 5 Connections and Settings (page 85).

Settings for Playback

Video monitor Chapter 2 Recording and Playback
Player (DSR-1500A/1500AP)
Power on this unit by pressing on the
side of the POWER switch.
Power on the video monitor and set its switches as shown below.
Switch 75 termination switch Input switch Setting ON (or attach a 75 terminator.) Set according to the type of input signal from this unit.

Playback Procedure

LOCAL/ REMOTE switch

REPEAT

INC/DEC : ( )( )KEY SHIFT : ( )( )KEY CLEAR : RESET KEY DATA SAVE : SET KEY ABORT : TC PRESET KEY
To set the current time as the initial time code value
In step 2 above, set the RUN MODE menu item to FREE RUN, then set the current time (format: HH:MM:SS:FF = hours: minutes:seconds:frame number) in step 3 and subsequent steps.
Initial time code value setting screen

User bit setting screen

If you press the TC PRESET button while CNT value is being displayed, the message COUNTER MODE IS SELECTED. will appear on the monitor screen and CNT mode! will appear in the time counter display on the front panel. If this happens, press the COUNTER SELECT button to light the time data type indicator TC or U-BIT.
Synchronizing Internal and External Time Codes
The internal time code generator can be synchronized with an external time code (LTC) input to this unit.
Use the g and G buttons to move the flashing digit to the value to be changed. Use the f and F buttons to change the value of the flashing digit. Enter hexadecimal values (0 to 9, A to F) when setting user bit data.
To synchronize the internal time code to external time code
Input an external time code (LTC) signal to the TC IN connector, then set the TC MODE menu item (see page 68) to EXT REGEN. The internal time code generator locks onto the external time code and starts advancing. Once the internal time code generator has been synchronized in this way, you can disconnect the external time code input and this unit will maintain the synchronized time code.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have set the desired values for all digits. To set a value of 00:00:00:00, simply press the RESET (NO) button.
When the selected input mode is SDTI or i.LINK (the SDTI or i.LINK indicator is lit in the INPUT signal display section), setting the TC MODE menu item to EXT REGEN causes the internal time code generator to
automatically synchronize with the external time code input to the unit via the SDTI or i.LINK interface. Once an external time code signal has been input, the internal time code advancement mode and frame count mode are automatically set as follows: Advancement mode: FREE RUN Frame count mode: Same as external time code (drop frame or non-drop frame)
Press the MENU button in the menu control section.
To confirm external synchronization
Press the STOP button to put the unit into stop mode, then press the REC button. Look at the time counter display and check that the time code value displayed there matches the external time code value.
Press the f or F button to select AUTO FUNCTION.
Rerecording the Time CodeTC Insert Function
The TC insert function makes it possible to use the internal time code generator to rewrite time code or user bits when the time code recorded on a tape is discontinuous. When recording in DVCAM format, you can start recording time code from an initial value which can be set freely (see page 51).

REC FORMAT [> REC FMT]: Select the recording format. REC INHIBIT [> REC INH]: Determine whether to prohibit recording on tape.
SEARCH ENABLE [> Search ENA]: Select whether to enable *DISABLE [>> DISABLE]: Do not enable. ENABLE [>> ENABLE]: Enable. playback in shuttle/jog mode by the use of the arrow (fFgG) buttons. MAX SRCH SPEED [> Max SHUTTLE [>> SHUTTLE]: SRCH]: Specify the Specify the maximum maximum tape speed in tape speed in search search (shuttle) mode and F. (shuttle) mode. FWD (fast forward)/REW F. FWD/REW [>> F. FWD/ (rewind) mode. REW]: Specify the maximum tape speed in F. FWD/REW mode. X60 [>>> X60]: Maximum 60 times normal speed *X32 [>>> X32]: Maximum 32 times normal speed X16 [>>> X16]: Maximum 16 times normal speed MAX [>>> MAX]: No maximum tape speed is specified. *X85 [>>> X85]: Maximum 85 times normal speed X60 [>>> X60]: Maximum 60 times normal speed X32 [>>> X32]: Maximum 32 times normal speed Note When this item is set to MAX, the playback video signal is muted. PREROLL TIME [> Preroll]: Set the preroll time. 15 SEC [>> 15 sec] to 0 SEC [>> 0 sec]: The preroll time can be set in one-second increments to between 0 and 15 seconds. A preroll time of at least 5 seconds is recommended when using this unit for editing. When an editing control unit such as the PVE-500 has been connected, this setting is disabled and the setting on the editing control unit is in effect. Operations such as the preroll time setting and the time data switching operation are also performed on the editing control unit. Factory default setting: 5 SEC [>> 5 sec] *STOP [>> STOP]: Stop mode STILL [>> STILL]: Output still pictures in search mode.
AFTER CUE-UP [> After CUE]: Select the operating mode following cue-up.
OPERATIONAL FUNCTION [Operational]: Operation settings

Description of settings

PLAY START [> PLAY start]: Set the timing for switching from 16 FRAME DELAY [>> 16 delay] to 4 FRAME DELAY [>> 4 stop mode to playback mode. delay]: The larger the numerical value, the longer the In an editing system including an editing control unit such as delay. the PVE-500, you can adjust this setting so that the delay Factory default setting: 5 FRAME DELAY [>> 5 delay] (for before switching to playback mode is the same on all the decks DSR-1500A) or 4 FRAME DELAY [>> 4 delay] (for DSRof the editing system. It is then no longer necessary to 1500AP) synchronize the decks for editing, and the preroll time can be shortened. AUTO REW [> Auto REW]: Select whether to rewind the tape DISABLE [>> DISABLE]: Do not rewind the tape automatically when recording or playback reaches the end automatically. of a tape. *ENABLE [>> ENABLE]: Rewind the tape automatically. *OFF [>> OFF]: Do not permit. A MODE CHANGE [> Aud change]: Determine whether or not to permit audio insert editing that uses a different audio ON [>> ON]: Permit. recording mode (2- or 4-channel mode) from that which was used for the tape loaded in the recorder. Note This is used when entirely changing the recording audio mode. At the IN and OUT points, audio recording is muted. DISPLAY CONTROL [Display]: Settings related to indications on the monitor and the unit CHARA. DISPLAY [> Chara disp]: Determine whether or not to output text (such as time code values) from the BY/ CPST (SUPER) connector. CHARA. POSITION [> Chara pos]: Set the position of text superimposed on output from the BY/CPST (SUPER) connector to the monitor. CHARA. TYPE [> Chara type]: Set the type of characters in text superimposed on output from the BY/CPST (SUPER) connector to the monitor.

*+4 dBm [>>> +4dBm] 0 dBm [>>> 0dBm] 3 dBm [>>> 3dBm] (for DSR-1500AP only) 6 dBm [>>> 6dBm]
*+4 dB [>>> +4dB] 0 dB [>>> 0dB] 3 dB [>>> 3dB] (for DSR-1500AP only) 6 dB [>>> 6dB] SILENCE [>> silence]: Silent signal *1kHz SINE [>> 1kHz]: 1-kHz, 20 dB FS (for DSR-1500A) or 18 dB FS (for DSR-1500AP) sine wave signal When you select SG (audio test signal) as the audio input in the video/audio input setting section on the front panel, the audio test signal generated by the internal audio test signal generator is input.
AUDIO CONTROL [Audio]: Settings related to audio control JOG CONTROL [> Jog ctrl]: Select whether to adjust the audio playback speed during slow playback. SHUTTLE MUTE [> Shutl mute]: Set the audio muting conditions during shuttle playback.
Description of settings OFF [>> OFF]: Do not adjust the audio playback speed. *ON [>> ON]: Adjust the audio playback speed. *OFF [>> OFF]: Not muted. CUEUP or PREROLL [>> CUEUP]: Muted during cue-up or preroll operations. FULL [>> FULL]: Muted in shuttle mode. *CUT EDIT [>> Cut edit]: Cut editing (Discontinuity in audio signal may result at the editing point, causing noise during playback.) FADE IN/OUT [>> Fade]: Fade in and fade out

IN OUT

AUDIO EDIT [> Audio edit]: Specify the type of editing for audio signals.
DV PB ATT [> DV PB ATT]: When playing back a tape recorded in consumer DV format, select whether to attenuate the audio output level.
OFF [>> OFF]: Do not attenuate. *ON [>> ON]: Attenuate. Note This setting is valid only when the recording format setting is DVCAM. This is not valid for DV format.
INTERFACE SELECT [Interface]: Settings related to external interfaces VIDEO OUTPUT [> Video Out]: Select the format of analog video signals to be output from the three VIDEO OUT connectors (Y/CPST, RY/C/CPST, and BY/CPST (SUPER)). Note When this menu item is set to YR, B, the BY/CPST (SUPER) connector outputs the BY signal. In this case, changing the setting of an internal switch allows the text data for superimposition on the monitor screen to be output from the right-hand REF. VIDEO IN connector (marked ). For more information about this, consult your Sony dealer. DIGITAL OUTPUT [> Digit Out]: Select the format of signals to be output from the SDI/SDTI (QSDI) OUT1/OUT2 connectors (optional DSBK-1501 board required).
Description of settings *COMPOSITE [>> Composite]: Composite video signals S-VIDEO [>> S-Video]: S-video (separated Y and C) and composite video signals YR, B [>> YR, B]: Y, RY and BY component video signals
*SDI [>> SDI]: SDI format SDTI [>> SDTI]: SDTI (QSDI) format

AUDIO OUTPUT [> Audio Out]: Select the channels for audio *1/2 CH [>> 1/2CH]: Output channel 1 to the AUDIO OUT 1/3 output from the AUDIO OUT 1/3 and 2/4 connectors. connector and channel 2 to the AUDIO OUT 2/4 connector. 3/4 CH [>> 3/4CH]: Output channel 3 to the AUDIO OUT 1/3 connector and channel 4 to the AUDIO OUT 2/4 connector. REMOTE I/F [> Remote I/F]: When remote-controlling this unit *9PIN [>> 9PIN]: Remote-control via the REMOTE connector. with the LOCAL/REMOTE switch set to REMOTE, select i.LINK [>> i.LINK]: Remote-control via the i.DV IN/OUT either the REMOTE connector or i.DV IN/OUT connector connector. (optional DSBK-1501 board required) for connecting a remote control unit.
SETUP BANK OPERATION [Setup Bank]: Settings related to menu bank operations RECALL BANK1 [> Recall 1]: Recall menu settings from menu bank 1. RECALL BANK2 [> Recall 2]: Recall menu settings from menu bank 2. RECALL BANK3 [> Recall 3]: Recall menu settings from menu bank 3. RECALL BANK4 [> Recall 4]: Recall menu settings from menu bank 4. SAVE BANK 1 [> Save 1]: Save current menu settings to menu bank 1. SAVE BANK 2 [> Save 2]: Save current menu settings to menu bank 2. SAVE BANK 3 [> Save 3]: Save current menu settings to menu bank 3. SAVE BANK 4 [> Save 4]: Save current menu settings to menu bank 4.
Description of settings (1) Select the bank you want to recall, then press the G button. Message RECALL OK? appears. (2) To recall, press the SET (YES) button. To quit recalling, press the RESET (NO) button.
(1) Select the bank you want to save, then press the G button. Message SAVE OK? appears. (2) To save, press the SET (YES) button. To quit saving, press the RESET (NO) button.
Menu banks This unit allows four different complete sets of menu settings to be saved in what are termed menu banks numbered 1 to 4. Saved sets of menu settings can be recalled for use as required. MENU GRADE [Menu grade]: Selection of menu items to be displayed Determine whether to display basic items only or both basic and enhanced items on the monitor screen and in the time counter display when using the menu. Description of settings *BASIC [> Basic]: Display basic items only. ENHANCED [> Enhanced]: Display both basic and enhanced items.
EE OUT PHASE settings for time code output
Use the following as reference information when setting the EE OUT PHASE menu item (see page 69). THROUGH mode In this mode, the LTC signal is output with the phase synchronized with the input time code signal. This mode is appropriate when recording signals from multiple devices on a number of VCRs. When the camcorder is in genlock mode, the time code precision is 0 frames. When the camcorder is not in genlock mode, it is 1 frame.

Video/audio signal connections
The following shows an example of video/audio signal connections in an A/B roll editing system. In this example, analog component signals are used as the video signals and XLR 3-pin connectors are used as audio input/output connectors.
VIDEO IN AUDIO IN 2/4 1/3

VIDEO INPUTS COMPONENT 2

PGM OUT COMPONENT 1

CH-1 OUT CH-2 OUT

1 VIDEO INPUTS COMPONENT 1 2
DPS-D7 or other delay unit
3 CH-1 IN CH-2 IN 3 LINE OUT 2 LINE OUT 1
DSR-1500A1500AP (player 1)

MIC/LINE 4 IN

AUDIO OUT 1/3

COMPONENT 1 OUTPUT

A 12-pin/3-BNC cross cable (not supplied; consult your Sony dealer about this cable.) Chapter 5 Connections and Settings
B 12-pin dubbing cable (not supplied) C Cable with XLR connectors (not supplied)

AUDIO OUTPUT CH-1

Settings on the DSR-1500A/1500AP (recorder)
Switch/menu item LOCAL/REMOTE switch Setting LOCAL
For details of the video/audio input and audio mode settings, see Settings for Recording on page 32.
CH1 IN LEVEL and CH2 IN Normally +4 dBm LEVEL menu items (see page 72) REC FORMAT menu item (see page 65) DVCAM (DVCAM indicator lights.)
Settings on the DSR-1500A/1500AP (player)
Switch/menu item LOCAL/REMOTE switch OUTPUT LEVEL menu item (see page 72) VIDEO OUTPUT menu item (see page 73) AUDIO OUTPUT menu item (see page 73) Setting LOCAL Normally +4 dBm YR, B (YR,B indicator lights.) 1/2 CH or 3/4 CH (CH 1/2 or CH 3/4 indicator lights.)
Connection of a video monitor
Set up the following connections to enable monitoring of video and audio signals on a video monitor. In addition to the video and audio signals, you can have time data, the operation mode of the unit, alarm messages, and other information displayed as text on the monitor screen by setting the CHARA. DISPLAY menu item (see page 66) to ON (factory default setting).
75 termination switch: ON (or attach a 75 terminator) Input switches: Set according to the type of input signals.

a) Three 75 coaxial cables are used, one each for Y, RY, and B-Y.
CH1 IN LEVEL and CH2 IN Normally +4 dBm LEVEL menu items (see page 72) REC MODE menu item (see page 71) REC FORMAT menu item (see page 65) 2 CHANNEL (48kHz) (REC MODE 2CH indicator lights.) DVCAM (DVCAM indicator lights.)
OUTPUT LEVEL menu items Normally +4 dBm (see page 72) VIDEO OUTPUT menu item (see page 73) AUDIO OUTPUT menu item (see page 73) YR, B (YR,B indicator lights.) 1/2 CH or 3/4 CH (CH 1/2 or CH 3/4 indicator lights.)
Adjusting the Sync and Subcarrier Phases
When using two or more players, as in an A/B roll editing system, it is necessary to synchronize the sync and subcarrier (for composite signals) phases of the signals to be edited. If they are not synchronized, picture instabilities or color break-up may occur at edit points. After configuring the editing system, use a vectorscope to adjust the sync and subcarrier phases of the recorder and players. Subcarrier phase adjustment is necessary when using composite signals and Y/C signals.
Switcher (DFS-500/500P) a) DSR-1500A/1500AP (recorder)
75 coaxial cable (A) b) 75 coaxial cable (B) b) Vectorscope (Sony Tektronix 1750/1751, etc.)
PVE-500 Editing Control Unit Chapter 5 Connections and Settings a) The sync and subcarrier phases of the output signal from the DFS-500/500P switcher are automatically adjusted. b) Ensure that the 75 coaxial cables (A) and (B) (not supplied) are of the same length.
Performing a phase adjustment operation
Press the SCH button on the vectorscope. The vectorscope switches to SCH mode. Press the B channel button on the vectorscope. This displays the black burst signal from the switcher. Press the EXT button on the vectorscope. This switches the vectorscope to external synchronization mode.
When component signals are used the subcarrier phase indicator does not appear.
Output the player 2 signal from the PVE-500, and repeat steps 6 and 7 to adjust the sync and subcarrier phases of the output from player 2.
Adjust the phase synchronization control on the vectorscope so that the sync and subcarrier phases are close to the reference line.

Sync phase

Subcarrier phase

Reference line

Align the sync and subcarrier phases of the black burst signal to the reference line.
Output the player 1 signal from the PVE-500. Press the A channel button on the vectorscope. This displays the sync and subcarrier phases (composite signals only) of the signal from player 1.

Head Cleaning

Always use the DVM12CL (mini size) or DV12CL (standard size) Cleaning Cassette to clean the video and audio heads. You can run the cleaning cassette for 10 seconds per cleaning operation. Follow the instructions for the cleaning cassette, as inappropriate use of the cleaning cassette can damage the heads. To clean the heads Insert the cleaning cassette. This automatically starts cleaning. You cannot operate any tape transport control buttons other than the EJECT button during the cleaning operation. After about 10 seconds, the cleaning cassette will be automatically ejected.

Troubleshooting

If an alarm message appears on the monitor screen, or if the unit appears to be malfunctioning, please check the following before contacting your Sony dealer.
Tape problems Symptom Recording is not possible. The units tape transport control buttons (PLAY, F FWD, REW, etc.) do not work. Cause Remedy The cassettes REC/SAVE switch is set Set the REC/SAVE switch to REC, or use another cassette. to SAVE. The REMOTE indicator in the display section is lit and the LOCAL ENABLE menu item is set to STOP & EJECT or ALL DISABLE. No cassette is loaded. Set the LOCAL/REMOTE switch to LOCAL to turn the REMOTE indicator off, or change the setting of the LOCAL ENABLE menu item (see page 65) to ALL ENABLE. Insert a cassette (see page 29).
The NO EDIT indicator The audio recording mode selected on When your current purpose is editing, set the LOCAL/ on the front panel lights this unit does not coincides with that of REMOTE switch to LOCAL to turn the REMOTE indicator up. the loaded tape. off and set the unit for the same audio recording mode as with the tape using the REC MODE menu item (see page 71), then set the switch to REMOTE to light the REMOTE indicator again. When your current purpose is recording, you can use the tape currently loaded in the unit. The recording format of the currently loaded tape is DV or DVCPRO. The recording format selected on this unit is DV (SP). Time data problems Symptom Cannot freely set the initial time data value. Cause Remedy The TC MODE menu item is set to EXT Change the setting of the TC MODE menu item (see page 68) to INT PRESET. REGEN. CNT is selected as the time data type to be displayed (the COUNTER time data type indicator is lit). The REMOTE indicator in the display section is lit and the LOCAL ENABLE menu item is set to STOP & EJECT or ALL DISABLE. The tape is running, The MENU button or TC PRESET but the time data is not button in the menu control section has shown in the time been pressed. counter display. Press the COUNTER SELECT button to make the TC or UBIT time data type indicator light up (the CNT value cannot be set freely). Set the LOCAL/REMOTE switch to LOCAL to turn the REMOTE indicator off or change the setting of the LOCAL ENABLE menu item (see page 65) to ALL ENABLE. Press the button once again to exit the menu control mode, time code preset mode, or digital hours meter display mode. (In either of the menu control mode and time code preset mode, the time data is not shown in the time counter display.) Replace the tape with one recorded in the DVCAM format. Select the DVCAM format.

A/B roll editing system 89 AC IN connector 22 Accessories 112 AES/EBU format 15 indicator 18 Alarm messages 106 Analog audio 8 audio input(s) 15, 111 audio outputs 112 Input Board 9 interfaces 8 recording 97 video 8 video inputs 111 video outputs 112 video/audio signal input section 23 video/audio signal output section 24 ANALOG indicator 18 Arrow buttons 21 Audio input/output level control section 14 level meters 13 performance 111 problem 105 test signal 15 AUDIO (AES/EBU) IN 1/2 and 3/4 connectors 25 OUT 1/2 and 3/4 connectors 25 AUDIO IN 1/3 and 2/4 connectors 23 AUDIO indicators 18, 19 AUDIO OUT 1/3 and 2/4 connectors 24 AUTO FUNCTION 77 Auto mode execution menu 77 Automatic cyclical playback 41
signal outputs 112 slow motion playback 8, 56 Digital hours meter 101 Display section 17 Drop frame indication 50 DSBK-1501/1504/1504P 9 Dubbing 57 SDTI (QSDI) 96 DV 19 input 15 DVCAM 19, 57 cassettes 28 digital dubbing 57 format 7
EBU time code 19 EDIT MODE indicator 20 Editing control unit settings 95 points 56 restriction 105 EE OUT PHASE 75 EJECT button 13 Error messages 106
F FWD button 20 FREE RUN 52 Front panel 12
Head cleaning 103 High-speed search 8, 56 transfer 113 Hours meter 9, 101
i.DV IN/OUT connector 22 i.LINK 15 indicator 17, 19 i.LINK (DV) 8 i.LINK DUBBING 77 Index pictures 115 Input problem 104 INPUT signal display section 17 Interfaces 8 Internal test signal generator 9 Internal time code generator 51 advancement 52
Digital hours meter 9 Input/Output Board 9 interfaces 8 jog sound 8 non-linear editing system 85 signal input/output section 25 signal inputs 111

Jog 56

audio 56 sound 8
LOCAL/REMOTE switch 13 LP 19
Maintenance 9, 101 Mark IN/OUT points 116, 117 Menu 61 AUDIO CONTROL 71 AUTO FUNCTION 77 changing settings 78 contents 64 DISPLAY CONTROL 66 indications 64 INTERFACE SELECT 73 MENU GRADE 74 OPERATIONAL FUNCTION 64 organization 61 resetting to default settings 81 SETUP BANK OPERATION 74 TAPE PROTECTION 69 TIME CODE 68 VIDEO CONTROL 70 MENU button 21 Menu control section 21 METER CH-1/2 3/4 button 14 MONITOR connector 24 SELECT button 13 Monitor problems 105 screen contents 50
PLAY button 20 Playback 38 compatibility 7 cyclical 41 procedure 39 settings 38 slow motion 8 Points A and B 41 POWER switch 13 Precautions 109 Processor adjustment range 111
Rear panel 22 REC button 20 REC FORMAT 65 REC INHI indicator 19 REC MODE display 20 REC RUN 52 REC/PB LEVEL control knobs 14 Recording 31 procedure 34 settings 32 Recording/playback tape format indicators 19 REF. VIDEO IN connectors 22 Reference video signals 88 Regular checks 101 Related equipment 112 REMOTE connector 22 indicator 19 Remote control 8 control connectors 112 mode indicators 19 REPEAT indicator 19 Repeat playback 41 Rerecording time code 53 RESET (NO) button 21 REW button 20 R-Y/C connector 23 R-Y/C/CPST connector 24