Video Cassette Recorder VRA431AT Owner’s Manual Important! Return your Warranty Registration Card within 10 days. See why inside.
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Introduction 3 Welcome to your VCR owner’s manual. This manual has six sections: Setting Up Your VCR; Description of Controls; Basic Operations; Recording; Playing; and Information You May Need. The instructions explain all of the VCR’s features, which are listed below. You cannot hurt your VCR by trying the features! So read on – and relax.
Table of Contents Setting Up Your VCR Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Before Using Your VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Hookups Without a Cable Box/Direct Broadcast System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Using Your VCR 5 Removing the Plastic Cover from the Front Panel A thin, plastic cover may protect the front panel of your VCR. Before using the VCR, lift a corner of the plastic, then peel it off. 1 Putting Batteries in the Remote Control 1 Remove the battery compartment lid on the bottom of the remote control by sliding it in the direction of the arrow. 2 2 3 3 Place two AA batteries inside the battery compartment with their + and – ends aligned as indicated.
Hookups Without a Cable Box / Direct Broadcast System The basic VCR/TV connection – antenna/cable to VCR to TV – is shown below. If you have a Cable Box or a Direct Broadcast System, please see pages eight-nine. If you have a Stereo TV, please see page 10. After you hook up the VCR, go to page 11 to turn on the VCR. 1 Disconnect the antenna or cable from your TV.
Hookups Without a Cable Box / Direct Broadcast System (cont’d) 7 3 Connect the RF coaxial cable (supplied) to the OUT Jack on the back of the VCR and to the ANTENNA IN Jack on the TV. (You may use either a snap-on type (supplied) or screw-on type of coaxial cable, whichever you prefer.
Hookups With a Cable Box / Direct Broadcast System There are two ways to connect your Cable Box/DBS to the VCR. With this connection: ● You may view any channel. ● You must select channels at the Cable Box/DBS. Channels cannot be changed at the VCR. ● You may not view a channel other than the one you are recording. ● You may not program channels at the VCR. ● You can only program a timer recording for one channel at a time.
Hookups With a Cable Box / Direct Broadcast System (cont’d) 9 With this connection: ● You may watch one channel while recording another. ● You may not record scrambled channels. 1 VCR ANT IN 2 Cable Box/DBS 75V ANT CAB / LE AUDIO IN OUT IN VIDEO OUT OUT CH3 CH4 RF coaxial cable Cable Signal RF coaxial cable 3 TV’s ANTENNA IN Jack Connections 1 2 Connect a Cable signal to the VCR’s ANT(enna) IN Jack.
Hookups With a Stereo TV 1 ANT antenna or cable to ANT(enna) IN Jack IN AUDIO OUT IN VIDEO VIDEO (yellow) and AUDIO (white) OUT Jacks OUT 2 3 Audio and Video IN Jacks on TV CH3 CH4 Video Cable Audio Cable ● Audio and Video cables are not supplied. 1 Connect the antenna or cable to the ANT(enna) IN Jack on the back of the VCR. 2 Connect a video cable to the yellow VIDEO OUT Jack on the back of the VCR. Then, connect the other end of the video cable to the VIDEO IN Jack on your TV.
Turning on Your VCR 11 Before turning on your VCR, make sure there are batteries in the remote control and the VCR and TV are connected correctly. ● Follow the steps on this page only when you plug the VCR power cord into the wall outlet for the first time. ● You can not program channels if you are using a Cable Box or a Direct Broadcast System. ● If you are not using a Cable Box/DBS, the clock may set itself automatically after you connect the antenna/Cable signal to the VCR and plug in the power cord.
Automatic Channel Setup Although your VCR may automatically memorize the channels you receive when you turn it on for the first time, this function lets you set up the channels again. 1 2 3-4 Press the VCR button. Press the MENU button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → PROGRAM VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP SET CLOCK TO END PUSH EXIT 3 Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select TUNER SET UP, then press the F.FWD/B button. POWER 1 2 VCR/TV EJECT TV VCR CBL/DBS PLAY REW F.
Automatic Channel Setup (cont’d) 13 Adding/Deleting Channels 1 2 3 3-4 Press the VCR button. Press the MENU button. Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select TUNER SET UP, then press the F.FWD/B button. 4 Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select ADD/DELETE CH, then press the F.FWD/B button. 1 5 2 7 POWER 124 125 1 2 3 → EJECT TV VCR CBL/DBS PLAY REW F.FWD STOP MENU STATUS/EXIT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 VCR PLUS+/ENTER 6 CLEAR CH 9 ALT.
Automatic Channel Setup (cont’d) Reviewing Memorized Channels 3-4 1 2 Press the VCR button. Press the MENU button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → PROGRAM VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP SET CLOCK TO END PUSH EXIT 3 Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select TUNER SET UP, then press the F.FWD/B button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → AUTO PROGRAMMING ADD/DELETE CH CH MEMORY REVIEW TO END PUSH EXIT 4 Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select CH MEMORY REVIEW, then press the F.FWD/B button.
Setting the Clock 15 There are two ways to set the clock. With manual clock setting, you tell the VCR the current time. With automatic clock setting, the VCR gets the current time from your local PBS station. It keeps track of the time by constantly referring to the time broadcasted by your PBS station. If you are using a Cable Box or Direct Broadcast System, you must set the clock manually.
Setting the Clock (cont’d) 5 Press two Number buttons for the hour(s) and two Number buttons for the minute(s). Then press 1 for AM or 2 for PM. For example, for 2:15 PM, press 02, 15, 2. ● Enter a 0 before a single-digit number. ● Entries that do not match the VCR’s internal calendar will cause a question mark (?) to appear on-screen. ● To make corrections, press the CLEAR button until the space for the number you want to correct is flashing. Then enter the correct number.
Setting the Clock (cont’d) 17 1 Press the VCR button, then press the MENU button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → PROGRAM VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP SET CLOCK 2-4 4 Automatic Clock Setting POWER 1 VCR/TV EJECT TV VCR CBL/DBS PLAY REW F.FWD TO END PUSH EXIT 2 3 Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select SET CLOCK, then press the F.FWD/B button. STOP 3 MENU STATUS/EXIT 1 2 4 5 7 8 VCR PLUS+/ENTER 3 6 If OFF appears to the right of AUTO CLOCK, press the F.FWD/B button to select ON.
Setting the Clock (cont’d) Time Zone When using the AUTO CLOCK function, you can specify your time zone. That way, the VCR will update the clock according to your time zone. 2-4 1 Press the VCR button, then press the MENU button. POWER 1 SELECT op CHOOSE B → PROGRAM VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP SET CLOCK VCR/TV EJECT TV VCR CBL/DBS PLAY REW F.FWD STOP TO END PUSH EXIT MENU 5 2 Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select SET CLOCK, then press the F.FWD/B button.
Daylight-Saving Time 19 You may program the VCR so its clock will automatically move forward one hour in April and turn back one hour in October. Daylight-Saving Time is set to ON when you receive your VCR. Turn Daylight-Saving Time ON or OFF by following the steps below. Before you begin: ● Make sure the clock is set. 1 2 Press the VCR button. Press the MENU button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → PROGRAM VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP SET CLOCK 3-4 POWER 1 VCR/TV TV VCR PLAY F.
Language Selection Follow the steps below to change the language of the on-screen displays. 1 2 Press the VCR button. Press the MENU button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → PROGRAM VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP SET CLOCK 3-4 1 5 2 POWER VCR/TV EJECT TV VCR CBL/DBS PLAY REW F.FWD STOP MENU STATUS/EXIT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 TO END PUSH EXIT 3 VCR PLUS+/ENTER SPEED CH 6 9 ALT. CH VOL 0 Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select VCR SET UP, then press the F.FWD/B button.
Child Lock 21 Child Lock prevents use of the VCR by deactivating the VCR feature buttons on the VCR and the remote control. To set the Child Lock, turn on the VCR power, then follow the steps below. 1 2 2-3 Press the VCR button. Press and hold the POWER button on the remote control until PL appears on the display panel. The VCR will turn off. When Child Lock is activated: ● The time will appear on the display panel. PL will appear on the display panel for two seconds every minute.
Setting the Remote to Operate a TV Your VCR remote control may operate your TV. If the remote control doesn’t operate your TV now, follow the steps below. 1&6 2 1 POWER Point the remote control at your TV and press the TV button. Then, press the POWER button. If your TV turns on or off, try the other TV buttons (see pages 24 - 25). If your TV doesn’t turn on or off, or if the other buttons don’t work, go to step 2. 2 4 TV CODES EMERSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 FISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the Remote to Operate a Cable Box/Direct Broadcast System 23 Your VCR remote control may operate your Cable Box or Direct Broadcast System (DBS). If the remote control doesn’t operate your Cable Box or DBS now, follow the steps below. 1&6 2 1 POWER Turn on the Cable Box/DBS. Then, point the remote control at your Cable Box/DBS and press the CBL/DBS button. Then, press the POWER button. If your Cable Box/DBS turns off, try the other Cable Box/DBS buttons (see pages 24 - 25).
Remote Control Buttons EJECT Button Press to eject the tape. POWER Button Press to turn on or off the VCR, TV, Cable Box, or Direct Broadcast System. (You must first press the VCR, TV, or CBL/DBS button.) Press and hold to set the Child Lock. Details are on page 21. VCR Button Press to operate the VCR. PLAY/o Button Press to play a tape; press to release Slow, Search, or Still mode and return to normal playback. Details are on page 46. Press to select an item in the VCR menu.
Remote Control Buttons (cont’d) 25 VCR/TV Button Use to select the signal that your TV receives. VCR Position ● Use to watch a tape, to watch a program while recording it, or to watch a TV broadcast using the CH(annel) o/p or Number buttons to change channels at the VCR. If the VCR light appears on the display panel of the VCR, it is in VCR position. TV Position ● Use to watch TV (changing channels at the TV) or to watch one program while recording another. Details are on page 32.
On-Screen Status Displays A status display will appear when you press the STATUS/EXIT button or certain function buttons. The contents of the status display will vary. To choose the status display mode, follow the steps below. If you select STATUS ON, then select COUNTER ONLY ON: ● Whenever you press the STOP/p button or the PLAY/o button, the status display will appear for five seconds. After five seconds, only the counter will remain on-screen. You must press the STATUS/EXIT button to remove it.
VCR Display Panel 27 Cassette Compartment Insert a tape here. PLAY REW F.FWD STOP EJECT PAUSE REC/OTR POWER VIDEO AUDIO CHANNEL VCR/TV REC(ord) Light This light appears during a recording. It flashes when a recording is paused. Timer Light This light glows when the VCR is turned off to set a timer recording or during a OneTouch Recording. It flashes if the power is off for a timer recording, but there is no tape in the VCR. It flashes when all timer recordings are finished. PWR.
Front Panel Remote Sensor Receives a signal from your remote control so you can operate your VCR from a distance. POWER Button Press to turn the VCR power on and off. VIDEO In Jack Connect a cable coming from the video out jack of a camcorder, another VCR, or an audio-visual source (laser disc player, video disc player, etc.) here. Details are on page 42. F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button When playback is stopped, press to fast forward the tape at high speed.
Rear Panel 29 ANT(enna) IN Jack Connect your antenna or cable here. Details are on pages six-10. AUDIO IN Jack Connect a cable coming from the AUDIO OUT Jack of a camcorder, another VCR, or an audio source here. Details are on page 42. AUDIO OUT Jack Connect a cable going to the AUDIO IN Jack of a camcorder, another VCR, or an audio system here. Details are on page 42.
Playing 1 2 Read and follow the steps below to play a tape. 1 Turn on the TV and set it to channel 3 or 4, whichever channel the CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the VCR is set to. Turn on the TV. Insert a tape in the VCR. 2 Insert a tape in the VCR. The PWR., VCR, and Cassette-Inside lights will appear on the display panel. If the tape’s record tab has been removed, playback will start automatically. 3 If playback does not start automatically, press the VCR button, then press the PLAY/o button.
Recording 31 1 2 Read and follow the steps below to record a television program. 1 Turn on the TV and set it to channel 3 or 4, whichever channel the CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the VCR is set to. Turn on the TV. Insert a tape in the VCR. 4 2 3 4 3 5 6 5 7 Insert a tape with its record tab intact in the VCR. Press the VCR button. If the VCR light appears on the display panel, go to step 5. If the VCR light does not appear, press the VCR/TV button once.
Recording One Channel/Watching Another 1 2 Press the VCR button. Press the REC(ord)/OTR button to start a recording of the current channel. (See page 31.) 1&6 4-5 3&7 3 POWER Press the VCR/TV button to put the VCR in TV position. The VCR light will disappear from the VCR’s display panel. 4 Press the TV button, then press the CH(annel) o/p or Number buttons to select the channel you want to watch at the TV.
One-Touch Recording 33 The One-Touch Recording (OTR) feature allows you to set an immediate timed recording 30 minutes to eight hours long. Before you begin: ● Set up the channels at the VCR. ● Select a recording speed (SP, SLP) with the SPEED button. ● Put a tape in the VCR. Make sure the tape’s record tab is intact and the tape is long enough to record the program(s). ● Place the VCR in VCR position. (The VCR light will appear on the display panel. If it does not, press the VCR/TV button once.
Timer Recording Follow the steps below to program your VCR to record TV programs while you’re away from home. The VCR will turn itself on, record, and turn itself off automatically. Before you begin: ● Set up the channels at the VCR. ● Set the clock. ● Put a tape in the VCR. Make sure the tape’s record tab is intact and the tape is long enough to record the program(s). ● Put the VCR in VCR position. The VCR light will appear on the display panel. If it does not, press the VCR/TV button once.
Timer Recording (cont’d) 35 4 Use the Number buttons (1 - 8) to select a slot in which to store the timer recording. There are eight slots. Numbers for open slots will flash on-screen. NOTE: If you enter a number for a slot that has already been used to store a timer recording, PREVIOUSLY SET PROGRAM will appear on-screen briefly. Information about the program in that slot will appear on-screen. If this happens, press the STATUS/EXIT button, then select another number.
Timer Recording (cont’d) 8 11 Press the Number 1 button to record in SP speed or the Number 2 button to record in SLP speed. (See the chart below.) You cannot use the SPEED button at this time. ONE TIME PROGRAM PROGRAM 1 CHANNEL 10 TIME ON 09:30 PM TIME OFF 11:00 PM REC SPEED SLP SP=1 SLP=2 POWER VCR/TV EJECT TV VCR TO CORRECT PUSH CLEAR TO END PUSH EXIT CBL/DBS PLAY REW F.
Timer Recording (cont’d) 37 Checking or Cancelling Timer Recordings 2-3 1 With the VCR on and in VCR position (the VCR light will appear on the display panel), press the VCR button, then press the MENU button. 2 Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select PROGRAM, then press the F.FWD/B button. 3 Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select PROGRAM REVIEW, then press the F.FWD/B button.
Setting Up the VCR Plus+ Programming System 1 First, fill in the boxes on this page. It will only take a few minutes, and you must do it if you want the VCR Plus+ programming system to work properly. Since the channel numbers of the stations you receive may not be the same as the station numbers, and since channel numbers differ from area to area, you must program the VCR with your local channel information.
Setting Up the VCR Plus+ Programming System (cont’d) 39 2 Now, compare the channel numbers you have written in the VCR PLUS+ CH. and CABLE/TV CH. columns. For stations whose VCR Plus+ and Cable/TV channels do not match, you must tell the VCR the VCR Plus+ and Cable/TV channel numbers by following steps 3 - 7. Make each entry within 60 seconds of the previous entry. 3 4 5 6 Press the VCR button, then press the MENU button.
Timer Recording with the VCR Plus+ Programming System Follow these steps to set a timer recording with the PlusCode programming numbers in your TV guide. Before you begin: ● Set up the channels at the VCR (page 12). ● Set up the VCR Plus+ and Cable/TV channel numbers (pages 38 - 39). ● Set the clock (pages 15-18). ● Put a tape in the VCR. ● Make sure the VCR light appears on the display panel. If it does not, press the VCR/TV button once. Do each step within 60 seconds of the previous step.
Timer Recording with the VCR Plus+ Programming System (cont’d) 41 5 Press the Number 1 button to record in SP speed or the Number 2 button to record in SLP speed. Your selection will appear beside REC SPEED on-screen; SP=1 SLP=2 will continue to flash. For details about tape speed, see pages 36 and 50. You cannot use the SPEED button at this time. ONE TIME PROGRAM PROGRAM 1 CHANNEL 09 TIME ON 10:30 PM TIME OFF 11:30 PM REC SPEED SLP SP=1 SLP=2 START DATE 10/10/99 SUN.
Rerecording (Tape Duplication) 1. Audio cable from AUDIO OUT Jack of VCR 1 to AUDIO IN Jack of VCR 2 VCR 1 Playing VCR VCR 2 - Recording VCR ANT ANT IN IN AUDIO OUT AUDIO IN VIDEO OUT OUT CH3 CH4 IN VIDEO 2. Video cable from VIDEO OUT Jack of VCR 1 to VIDEO IN Jack of VCR 2 OUT CH3 CH4 3. RF coaxial cable from the OUT jack of VCR 2 to the TV’s ANTENNA IN Jack ● Audio and Video cables are not supplied. 1 2 3 Make the connections shown above. VCR 1 will play your tape.
Repeat Play 43 Follow the steps below to make the VCR play a tape over and over. 3 1 2 Press the VCR button. Press the MENU button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → PROGRAM VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP SET CLOCK TO END PUSH EXIT 3 1 4 2 POWER VCR/TV TV VCR CBL/DBS PLAY REW F.FWD STOP MENU STATUS/EXIT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 VCR PLUS+/ENTER Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select VCR SET UP, then press the F.FWD/B button. EJECT 5 6 CH 9 ALT.
Real-Time Counter Memory Follow the steps below to reset the real-time counter to zero at a tape location you want to refer to later. 1 2 Press the VCR button. POWER Play, fast forward, or rewind a tape to the location that you would like to refer to later. Press the STOP/p button to stop the tape. 3 Press the STATUS/EXIT button to see the status display. STOP 1:08PM CH10 1 2 3 VCR/TV EJECT TV VCR CBL/DBS PLAY REW F.
Time Search 45 Follow the steps below to program the VCR to search forward or backward on a tape a specific length of time. There must be a tape in the VCR. 1 2 Press the VCR button. Press the TIME SEARCH button. POWER 1 Within 10 seconds, use the Number buttons to enter the desired length of time you want to skip forward or backward. For example, for 1 hour, 25 minutes, press Number buttons 1, 2, 5. Or, for five minutes, press Number buttons 0, 0, 5. CBL/DBS PLAY REW F.
Special Effects Playback Forward and Reverse Searching (SP/LP/SLP) 1 During tape playback, press and release the F.FWD/B button or the REW(ind)/{ button. A fast forward or reverse picture search will begin. POWER During tape playback, press the F.FWD/B button or the REW(ind)/{ button, then press again. The VCR will now search in super high speed. CBL/DBS PLAY To return to playback, press the PLAY/o button. 1 EJECT TV VCR 2 Super High Speed Searching (LP/SLP) VCR/TV REW F.
Automatic Operation Features 47 The following playback features will always operate. Automatic Playback When you put a tape in the VCR, the power will come on automatically. If the tape’s record tab is missing, playback will begin. If a timer recording is set, the power will not come on automatically when you insert a tape with the record tab intact. If a timer recording is set and the VCR power is off, the VCR will eject the tape if the record tab is missing.
Helpful Hints If you are having problems with your product, check this list of problems and possible solutions before requesting service. You may be able to solve the problem yourself. If you need to call a customer service representative, please know the model number and serial number of your product before you call. This information is displayed on the back of the product. Also, please take a moment to identify the problem you are having, and be prepared to explain this to the representative.
Helpful Hints (cont’d) 49 The Number buttons won’t work for channels above 69. • Enter channel numbers as a two-digit number. If you want to select channels 100 and above, enter channel numbers as a three-digit number. (See page 24 for details.) TV programs cannot be watched normally. • Put the VCR in TV position. (Press the VCR/TV button so that the VCR light disappears from the display panel. For details, see page 28.
Glossary AUDIO IN/OUT Jacks: jacks located on the front and back of the VCR which are used to record audio from another source (IN) or to send audio to another system (OUT). Automatic Channel Setup: process in which the VCR memorizes all available channels. Then, when you press the CH(annel) o/p buttons, you only scan through channels you receive. Bands: settings that allow you to tune channels. • Antenna – VHF (very high frequency; channels 2 - 13) and UHF (ultra high frequency; channels 14 - 69).
Specifications 51 Video Heads Four heads Video Signal EIA standards; NTSC color Antenna VHF/UHF – 75 ohm external antenna terminal VHF Output Signal Channel 03 or 04 (switchable) 75 ohms unbalanced Power Requirement 120V AC; 60Hz Power Consumption 14W Operating Temperature 41°F (5°C) to 104°F (40°C) Relative Humidity 10% to 80% Weight 5.51 lbs. (2.5 kg.
Limited Warranty VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER 90 Days Free Labor/One Year Parts Exchange. This product must be carried in for repair. WHO IS COVERED? You must have proof of purchase to receive warranty service. A sales receipt or other document showing that you purchased the product is considered proof of purchase. WHAT IS COVERED? Warranty coverage begins the day you buy your product. For 90 days thereafter, all parts will be repaired or replaced, and labor is free.
Index 53 ac power cord.................................29 accessories .......................................56 alt.ch button.....................................25 ant(enna) in jack ...................6-10, 29 audio in/out jacks10, 28, 29, 42, 50 automatic playback .......................................47 rewind, eject, off........................47 menu button ....................................24 mute button .....................................24 batteries ...........................................
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES The following items are supplied with your VCR; they are provided to help you use or set up your VCR. POW ER VCR /TV VCR EJE CT TV CBL RE /DB S W PL ME NU ST AY OP F.F STA 1 /EX IT 2 4 PLU S+/E NTE R ED CLE AR 3 5 7 VCR 6 8 SPE CH 9 0 ALT TIM E SEA REC WD TUS .
