How to Program a Sony 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR

Whether you have an old Sony 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR or a new one built into a DVD/VCR combo, programming it to record something in advance remains essentially the same. Its timer system is like any other video cassette recorder, allowing you to program a set time period for recording. To do this, you need to access the VCR menu screen, and you will need its remote control to do this. The VCR clock must then be correctly set first before you can begin programming the timer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Go to the "Menu" button on the VCR's remote control to bring up the menu screen on the TV. (The VCR must already be turned on). Use the directional keys to find the "Clock Set" option. Follow the on-screen instructions and use either the directional or numerical buttons to set the present date and time.

2. Use the Menu button once more and select the "Timer Set" option. This will bring up a screen where, step-by-step with the directional buttons, you will enter the start time of your program, the stop time, the channel you will record and whether you want to record in Short Play (SP) or Extended Play (EP). Follow the on-screen instructions to enter everything and indicate when you're done.

3. Insert a recordable cassette tape into the VCR. If it doesn't have a write protect tab on it, the timer won't activate and should indicate this by ejecting the tape. (A tape without a tab will play automatically when inserted). If you want to record on a tape with no tab, cover the write protect hole with adhesive tape.

4. Press the "Timer" button on either the VCR console itself or the remote control to activate the timer. The VCR will shut off and remain off until the set start time, when it will automatically start recording for the programmed time period.

Tips & Warnings

• If the TV and VCR is connected to a cable or satellite receiver, set the channel to the one the cable/satellite signal goes to or the VCR's Line In (L-1) channel. Run a test record to see which channel works. Short Play recording will give you better picture and sound quality on the tape. Extended Play will allow you to record longer amounts of time.