Optimus 16-421 General Information, Tape Selection, Recording Speeds, Erase Protection

16-421.fm Page 26 Tuesday, July 20, 1999 12:01 PM

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.

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.

Tape	SP	LP	SLP
Length
T-60	1 hour	2 hours	3 hours
	(60 min.)	(120 min.)	(180 min.)
T-120	2 hours	4 hours	6 hours
	(120 min.)	(240 min.)	(360 min.)
T-160	22/3 hours	51/3 hours	8 hours
	(160 min.)	(320 min.)	(480 min.)

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.

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.

Erase-Protection Tab

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