Optimus 16-421 - Manual (Page 26)

26
RECORDING
GENERAL INFORMATION
You can use the following methods to record
with your TV/VCR.
• Immediate recording
• Quick timer recording
• Automatic timer recording
• Dubbing
Notes:
• Your TV/VCR automatically records the
audio signal and adjusts the sound level
while it records.
• The video tape you use for recording must
have the erase-protection tab in place. If
the tab is removed, the TV/VCR automati-
cally ejects the tape if you try to record on it
(see “Erase Protection”).
• You cannot use the TV/VCR to record one
program while you watch another.
• If you want to record from a VCR or other
audio/video source with A/V outputs, see
“Dubbing (Copying) a Tape” on Page 30.
Recording Speeds
There are three VHS recording speeds: SP
(standard play), LP (long play), and SLP (super
long play).
SP (standard play) is the fastest recording
speed and results in the highest quality picture,
but uses the most tape.
LP (long play) records more slowly than SP but
more quickly than SLP. LP provides a better
quality picture than SLP and uses less tape than
SP.
SLP (super long play) records more slowly and
uses less tape, but the picture quality is not as
high as with a recording made at the SP speed.
Note: The TV/VCR plays back tapes at the
speed in which they were recorded.
Tape Selection
The quality of tape you use greatly affects
record/playback quality and the life of the TV/
VCR. High-grade tape has a better oxide coat-
ing that helps prevent dirty video heads and
gives the best results. Use only video cassettes
that display the official
logo.
Although T-160 video cassettes offer the long-
est recording time, they contain thinner tape that
is more likely to jam. We suggest you use T-120
or shorter length tape.
The following chart shows the maximum record-
ing times for different-length tapes at the three
recording speeds.
Erase Protection
Video cassettes have an erase-protection tab to
prevent accidental erasure. To prevent record-
ing on a tape, break off the tab using a screw-
driver. The cassette automatically ejects if you
try to record on the tape.
If you want to record on a video cassette that
has had its tab removed, put a piece of heavy
plastic tape over the erase-protection tab hole.
Tape
Length
SP LP SLP
T-60 1 hour
(60 min.) 2 hours
(120 min.) 3 hours
(180 min.)
T-120 2 hours
(120 min.) 4 hours
(240 min.) 6 hours
(360 min.)
T-160 2 2 /
3
hours
(160 min.)
5 1 /
3
hours
(320 min.)
8 hours
(480 min.)
Erase-Protection Tab
16-421.fm Page 26 Tuesday, July 20, 1999 12:01 PM