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© 1997 by Sony Corporation
Operating Instructions
page 2
Before operating the unit, please read this manual
thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.
Mode d'emploi
page 44
Avant de faire fonctionner cet appareil, lisez
attentivement le présent mode d'emploi et conservez-le
pour toute référence ultérieure.
Manual de instrucciones
página 86
Antes de utilizar la unidad, lea este manual
detenidamente y consérvelo para futuras referencias.
Videocassette
Recorder
3-194-254-01(1)
SVT-L400
SVT
L400


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2
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the
cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
uninsulated "dangerous voltage"
within the product's enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock
to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
For the customers in the USA
WARNING
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
­ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
­ Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
­ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
­ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications
not expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
This device requires shielded interface cable to comply
with FCC emission limits.


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3
English
Table of Contents
Precautions ................................................................. 4
Features ...................................................................... 5
Location of Parts and Controls ................................ 6
Front Panel ........................................................... 6
Rear Panel ............................................................ 7
Display Window ................................................... 7
Connections ................................................................ 8
Connecting a Camera, Monitor and Microphone . 8
Connecting a Switcher ......................................... 8
Connecting Another Unit in Series ...................... 9
Connecting a Computer ........................................ 9
Setting the Language ............................................... 10
Setting the Clock ...................................................... 11
Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time ................... 12
Setting the Time/Date Display ........................... 12
Changing the Display Position of
the Time/Date Display ............................. 13
Setting the Buzzers .................................................. 14
Handling a Video Cassette ...................................... 15
Inserting a Video Cassette .................................. 15
Ejecting a Video Cassette ................................... 15
Protecting Your Cassette from Being Erased ..... 15
Setting the Operation Mode ............................... 15
Recording ................................................................. 16
Locking the Record Mode
-- Security Lock Function ....................... 17
Recording on the Same Cassette Repeatedly
-- Repeat Recording ................................ 17
Series Recording ................................................ 18
Recording after Power Interruption or Moisture
Condensation ............................................ 18
Setting the Mode at the End of the Tape ............ 19
Monitoring the Recording Condition ................. 20
Checking the Used Time .................................... 20
CAUTION
The format used for time lapse recording in this
video cassette recorder differs from the regular VHS
video format. This VCR can play cassettes recorded
in SP or EP mode. Cassettes recorded in EP mode
on this unit can be viewed on a normal VHS video
cassette recorder. However, cassettes recorded in
time lapse modes may show some picture noise
when played on a normal VHS video cassette
recorder.
Timer Recording ...................................................... 21
Day of the Week Recording ............................... 21
Daily Recording ................................................. 24
Setting the Holiday ............................................. 25
Recording Using an External Timer ................... 25
Changing/Cancelling the Timer Settings ........... 26
Alarm Recording ..................................................... 27
Connecting an Alarm Sensor .............................. 27
Setting the Alarm Speed and Duration ............... 27
Setting the Alarm Recording Mode ................... 29
Searching the Picture of the Alarm Recordings
-- Alarm Search....................................... 30
Scanning the Picture of the Alarm Recordings
-- Alarm Scan .......................................... 31
Displaying the Alarm List -- Alarm Recall ....... 31
Playback ................................................................... 32
Adjusting Pictures .............................................. 33
Searching the Time and Date
-- Time/Date Search ........................................ 34
Various Playback Modes ........................................ 35
Picture Search ..................................................... 35
Still Picture ......................................................... 35
Field-by-Field Picture ........................................ 35
Reverse Playback ............................................... 35
Maintenance ............................................................. 36
Terminals .................................................................. 37
TIMER OUT Terminal ....................................... 37
WARNING OUT Terminal ................................ 37
END OUT Terminal ........................................... 37
SW OUT Terminal ............................................. 38
CLOCK SET IN/OUT Terminals ...................... 39
RS-232C Interface .............................................. 40
REMOTE Jack ................................................... 40
Troubleshooting ....................................................... 41
Specifications ............................................................ 42


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4
Precautions
On safety
· Operate the unit on 120 V AC, 60 Hz only.
· The nameplate indicating operating voltage, power
consumption, etc., is located on the rear of the unit.
· Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet,
turn off the power, unplug the unit and have it
checked by qualified personnel before operating it
any further.
· Do not drop or place heavy objects on the power
cord. If the power cord is damaged, turn off the
power immediately. It is dangerous to use the unit
with a damaged power cord.
· Connect the power cord to the wall AC outlet.
For connecting the power source, see "Connecting a
Camera, Monitor and Microphone" on page 8.
· Unplug the unit from the wall outlet if it is not to be
used for several days or more.
· Disconnect the power cord from the wall AC outlet
by grasping the plug, not by pulling the cord.
On installation
· Do not place a heavy object on the unit.
· Allow adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat
build-up.
Do not place the unit on surfaces (rugs, blankets, etc.)
or near materials (curtains, draperies) that may block
the ventilation slots.
· Do not install the unit in a location near heat sources
such as radiators or air ducts.
· Place the unit to avoid direct sunlight.
· Do not install the unit in a place subject to
mechanical vibration or shock.
· Do not put magnetic objects close to the unit and
cassette tape. Magnetic fields may affect the color
reproduction of the unit and cause distortion.
· Whenever you changed the place of the installation,
degauss the unit.
· The unit is designed for operation in a horizontal
position.
Do not install it in an inclined position.
On operation
When the unit is not in use, turn the power off to
conserve energy and to extend its life.
On moisture condensation
If the unit is brought directly from a cold to a warm
location, moisture may condense on the video head
drum. In this condition, the tape may adhere to the
head drum and cause serious damage to the head. To
avoid damage caused by moisture condensation, be
sure not to leave a cassette inside the compartment
when the unit will not be used. If moisture
condensation is present, the "dddd" indicator flashes in
the display window and the
unit will not operate. When
the "dddd" indicator
disappears, you can operate
the unit.
On video cassettes
Remove and store video cassettes after recording or
playback.
On cleaning
As a safety precaution, unplug the unit before cleaning
it.
· To keep the unit looking brand-new, periodically
clean it with a mild detergent solution. Never use
strong solvents such as thinner or benzine, or abrasive
cleaners since they will damage the cabinet.
When cleaning, keep liquid away from electrical
contacts and connectors.
· When there is a buildup of dust on air vents, use a
vacuum cleaner to remove it.
On repacking
· Before repacking, disconnect all cables and
connecting cords.
· Do not throw away the carton and packing materials.
They make an ideal container with which to transport
the unit. When shipping the unit to another location,
repack it.
On transportation
When transporting the unit, protect it from vibration
and impact.
If you have any questions about this unit, contact your
authorized Sony dealer.


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5
Features
Clog detection
The VCR always checks that the video signal is
recorded without problem (in time lapse mode only).
If the recording cannot be made properly because the
recording head has become clogged, the VCR will give
a warning.
Time and date retrieval function
Because this unit uses a high-performance VASS,
recordings made in time lapse mode can be searched
by date and time, a valuable type of search function in
time lapse VCRs.
Forward/reverse field advance
This VCR offers improved search functions with the
ability to move both forwards and backwards between
fields.
Clock operation backup
When a power interruption occurs, the built-in
rechargeable battery will provide backup power for the
clock for up to 30 days.
Essential data, such as data setting, internal timer
settings, recording time, and mode settings, and alarm
recording mode settings are also retained.
Security lock
To guard against operation errors, this VCR locks all
of the buttons.
Monitoring the recording condition
You can check the recorded image during recording by
pressing a single button.
RS-232C interface
By installing an optional SVT-RS1A Computer
Interface Board, you can control this VCR from a
personal computer via RS-232C interface.
Field recording/field playback
Since this VCR records the picture in the EP mode
which records the picture in shorter interval, you can
record more information than the normal time lapse
VCR.
Example: In 168H recording mode using T-120 tape:
This VCR can record about 2.1 fields per seconds,
while the normal time lapse VCR records 0.7 fields.
Because single fields can be recorded one by one in
time lapse mode and all fields can be viewed
separately during playback, you can record more
information.
Various recording functions
· Repeat recording: When the tape reaches the end,
the VCR rewinds the tape and starts recording again
from the beginning of the tape.
· Timer recording: You can set the timer on daily
recording or weekly recording.
· Alarm recording: If an externally connected alarm
sensor is triggered, you can make a complete
recording of the situation that triggered the alarm.
Mode settings on monitor
You can set the modes for all functions, such as the
internal timer setting, the alarm recording mode
settings, etc. on the monitor.
Series recording function
This function permits long-term continuous recording
using two or more time lapse VCRs.
Multiple recording modes
The time lapse intervals for recording can be set in 7
steps. At the longest interval setting, available
recording time is a full 168 hours with one 120-minute
tape.
Used time indicator
This VCR has a built-in microprocessor equipped with
a calendar function and shows used time of head drum
and power on time on the monitor screen.