Sony DVP-NS638P Manual

The Sony DVP-NS638P is a progressive scan DVD player designed for high-quality video playback. It supports a wide range of disc formats including DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, Video CD, CD, CD-R/RW, and MP3 CDs. Key features include 108MHz/12-bit video DAC, component video output (Y, Pb, Pr), Dolby Digital and DTS output, virtual surround sound, and a sleek, compact design. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Your TV and Audio System 7. Playing Discs 8. Advanced Playback Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit, Remote Control (RMT-D197A), Batteries (R6, AA size), Audio/Video cable, Instruction Manual.

FeatureDescription
Progressive Scan OutputDelivers high-quality, flicker-free images on compatible TVs
Component Video Output (Y, Pb, Pr)For superior picture quality connection
108MHz/12-bit Video DACEnsures precise video signal processing
Dolby Digital / DTS OutputFor cinematic surround sound (decoder required)
Virtual Surround SoundCreates a wide sound field with just two speakers
Multi-format PlaybackPlays DVD, CD, Video CD, MP3, JPEG, and DivX files
Front Panel DisplayShows playback status and disc information
OPEN/CLOSEEjects and closes the disc tray
PLAY/PAUSE, STOPBasic playback controls
POWERTurns the player on/off (standby)

Installation

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place the player on a stable, level surface near your TV and audio system.

  1. Connect to TV: Use the provided composite A/V cable (yellow for video, red/white for audio) or, for best quality, use component video cables (Y, Pb, Pr) and separate audio cables.
  2. Connect to Audio System: Use digital optical or coaxial cable to connect the DIGITAL OUT jack to your AV receiver for Dolby Digital/DTS sound.
  3. Connect Power: Plug the AC power cord into a wall outlet (120V AC, 60Hz).
  4. Insert Remote Batteries: Install two R6 (AA) batteries into the remote control.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block vents on the sides and rear. Place away from heat sources.

First-Time Setup

Power on the player and your TV. Select the correct input source on your TV (e.g., VIDEO 1, COMPONENT).

  1. Initial Screen: The Sony logo or a blue screen may appear.
  2. Language Setup: Press HOME on the remote. Use the arrow keys to navigate to [Settings] > [Language Setup]. Select your preferred menu language.
  3. TV Type: In [Settings] > [Screen Settings] > [TV Type], select [4:3] or [16:9] to match your television.
  4. Progressive Scan: For compatible TVs, go to [Settings] > [Screen Settings] > [Output Video] and select [Progressive].
  5. Audio Settings: Configure Digital Output (PCM or Bitstream) and Dynamic Range Compression in the audio settings menu.

CAUTION! Do not move the player during disc playback.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access the Home Menu by pressing HOME on the remote. Front Panel: POWER, OPEN/CLOSE, PLAY/PAUSE, STOP.

Remote Control (RMT-D197A): POWER, Numeric buttons, OPEN/CLOSE, HOME, TOP MENU, MENU, PLAY, PAUSE, STOP, SKIP/SEARCH, AUDIO, SUBTITLE, ANGLE, DISPLAY, ZOOM, REPEAT, A-B, PROGRESSIVE.

Settings Menu:
Screen: TV Type (4:3, 16:9), Output Video (Interlace, Progressive), Screen Saver.
Audio: Digital Out (PCM, Bitstream), DRC (Dynamic Range Control), Downmix (Stereo, Surround).
Language: Menu, Audio, Subtitle, Disc Menu.
Parental Control: Set password and level (default may be 0000).
Custom Setup: Display, Sound, Others.

Connecting to Your TV and Audio System

For Best Picture (HDTVs): Use Component Video Cables (Y, Pb, Pr). Connect Y, Pb, Pr outputs on player to corresponding inputs on TV. Connect audio via separate L/R cables or digital audio.

For Standard Picture: Use the supplied Composite A/V cable (yellow video) or an S-Video cable.

For Surround Sound: Use a digital optical or coaxial cable from the player's DIGITAL OUT to your AV receiver's input.

  1. Turn off all equipment before making connections.
  2. Match cable colors to jack colors for composite connections.
  3. On your TV, select the corresponding input source (e.g., COMP, VIDEO 1).
  4. On your AV receiver, select the correct digital input.

Tip: Use high-quality cables for optimal video and audio performance.

Playing Discs

Supports DVD-Video, DVD±R/RW (Video mode), Video CD/SVCD, Audio CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, JPEG, DivX.

  1. Press OPEN/CLOSE to open the disc tray.
  2. Place a disc gently, label side up, in the tray.
  3. Press OPEN/CLOSE or PLAY to close the tray and start playback (if Auto Play is on).
  4. Use PLAY, PAUSE, STOP, SKIP (|<< / >>|), and SEARCH (< / >) for basic control.
  5. Press TOP MENU or MENU to access the disc's menu.
  6. To eject, press OPEN/CLOSE. Remove the disc and close the tray.

WARNING! Do not use discs with stickers or labels, as they may jam the mechanism. Do not touch the lens.

Advanced Playback Features

Zoom: Press ZOOM during playback to magnify the picture. Use arrow keys to pan.

Repeat: Press REPEAT to repeat a title, chapter, track, or all.

A-B Repeat: Press A-B at the start point, then again at the end point to loop a section.

Slow Motion: Press PAUSE, then press SLOW (or < or >) repeatedly to adjust speed.

Frame Advance: Press PAUSE, then press STEP (or >|) to advance frame by frame.

Audio/Subtitle/Angle: Press AUDIO, SUBTITLE, or ANGLE buttons to change tracks if available on the disc.

Display: Press DISPLAY to show playback information (time, chapter, audio format).

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the player from the AC outlet before cleaning.

  1. Cabinet: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn stains, use a cloth slightly dampened with water. Do not use solvents.
  2. Lens Cleaning: Generally not required. If playback problems occur due to dust, use a commercially available CD/DVD lens cleaner. Do not attempt to open the unit.
  3. Ventilation: Keep vents free of dust and obstructions.

CAUTION! Never use benzene, thinner, or other chemicals. Avoid locations with high humidity, dust, or direct sunlight.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that it does not cause harmful interference. Macrovision: This product incorporates copyright protection technology. DivX®, DivX Certified®, and associated logos are trademarks of DivX, LLC. Sony and the Sony logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. For customer support in the USA and Canada, visit www.sony.com/electronics/support or call 1-800-222-SONY (7669).

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cord not connectedEnsure the AC power cord is firmly plugged into the wall outlet and the player.
No pictureIncorrect TV input or connectionSelect the correct video input on your TV. Check all video cables are secure.
No soundAudio settings or connectionsCheck audio cables. In player menu, ensure Digital Out is set correctly for your system (PCM for TV, Bitstream for receiver).
Remote doesn't workBatteries, obstacles, distanceReplace batteries. Ensure clear path between remote and player's sensor. Operate within 23 feet.
Disc won't playDisc dirty, damaged, or incompatibleClean the disc. Ensure the disc format is supported (e.g., finalised DVD-R). Check for scratches.
Progressive scan not workingTV incompatible or setting incorrectEnsure your TV supports progressive scan. Enable Progressive in [Screen Settings] > [Output Video].
Picture is black & whiteIncorrect video connectionIf using composite (yellow) cable, do not select Component input on TV. Or, ensure S-Video/Component cables are fully inserted.
Player makes noiseDisc may be unbalanced or dirtyEnsure disc is clean and not warped. Noise during search is normal.

Reset: If the player freezes, unplug it from the AC outlet for one minute, then plug it back in.

Service: For persistent issues, contact Sony Customer Support: 1-800-222-SONY or www.sony.com/electronics/support.

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