VG4251 VCR User’s Guide We bring good things to life.
Introduction Important Information WARNING To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose this VCR to rain or moisture. WARNING RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. This symbol indicates “dangerous voltage” inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or personal injury.
Introduction Table of Contents Important Information Slow Motion______________________ 14 Warnings______________________________ i Automatic Tracking _______________ 14 Cautions ______________________________ i Manual Tracking__________________ 14 Note to Cable TV Installer _______________ i DISPLAY Button __________________ 15 Product Registration ____________________ i Time Counter_____________________ 15 Commercial Scan _________________ 16 Hooking Up the VCR Index Search ____________________
Hooking Up the VCR Choosing a Hookup The hookups on pages 3 through 5 are divided into two hookup types: Basic (A) and Advanced (B). The basic hookups show the backs of TVs that have only an antenna/cable connection. It is the easier of the two and additional accessories may not be needed. The advanced hookups show the VCR hooked up to a monitor/receiver (TV with audio and video jacks). This connection may improve the picture quality as well as convenience of operation.
Hooking Up the VCR Antenna or Cable System Without a Cable Box A. Basic hookup. A Use this hookup for a simple connection which requires fewer accessories. From Antenna or Cable 300/75 Ohm Adapter 1. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR to either channel 3 or 4. Back of VCR VIDEO You will tune the TV to this channel and use the TV•VCR button to watch the VCR. AUDIO L OR ANT. IN R IN 2. Connect as shown. RF OUT OUT CH. 3 4 This connection may require additional accessories not provided.
Hooking Up the VCR Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels A. Basic hookup. Use this hookup for a simple connection which requires fewer accessories. A From Cable Back of VCR 1. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR to either channel 3 or 4. Cable Box RF Coaxial Cable VIDEO AUDIO L You will tune the TV to this channel and use the TV•VCR button to watch the VCR. IN ANT. IN R OUT IN CH. 3 2. Connect as shown.
Hooking Up the VCR Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble Pay Channels Only (such as HBO, Showtime, Pay-Per-View, etc.) A. Basic hookup. A Use this hookup for a simple connection which requires fewer accessories. From Cable 1. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR to either channel 3 or 4. Back of VCR Cable Box You will tune the TV to this channel and use the TV•VCR button to watch the VCR. RF Coaxial Cable VIDEO AUDIO L IN ANT. IN R OUT IN 3 RF OUT OUT CH. 2. Connect as shown.
Hooking Up the VCR Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes Option A hookup. A Use this hookup for a simple connection which requires fewer accessories. Playback VCR From Antenna, Cable or Cable Box 1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5 and then modify with this connection. VIDEO AUDIO L ANT. IN R IN 2. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on the playback VCR to either channel 3 or 4. 4 You will tune the recording VCR to this channel to receive the signal from the playback VCR. Recording VCR 3.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 1. Check accessories with VCR. Contact your dealer if any items are missing. POWER TV•VCR PLAY REW REC INPUT STOP DISPLAY FF PAUSE SPEED 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 PREV CH CLEAR MENU SEARCH - F.ADV 2 “AA” Batteries 0 CHANNEL TRACKING + SLOW RF Coaxial Cable (Stock No. 221396) Remote (Stock No. 221342) 2. Insert batteries in remote.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 3. Turn on the TV. A. Turn on the TV. B. If you used one of the basic hookups, tune the TV to the channel selected with the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR. If you used one of the advanced hookups, tune the TV to the TV’s video input. (See TV owner’s manual for details.) 4. Turn on the VCR. A. Press POWER on the remote. 5. Place channels in the VCR’s memory.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 6. Add or remove channels from the VCR’s memory. You may want to add or remove channels if some of the channels are not active, have weak signals, or you do not want to watch them. We recommend channels be placed in memory using the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH feature described on the previous page before adding or removing channels. Channels 2-13 and VID1 were placed in memory at the factory. VCR MAIN MENU 1 Timer Recordings 2 Set Clock 3 Channels CHANNELS A.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 9. Use TV•VCR button. Skip this step if you used one of the advanced hookups. When using one of the basic hookups, the TV•VCR button lets you switch between the picture coming from the VCR or the picture from the TV channel. This button lets you record a program on the VCR while watching another channel on the TV. Details are on page 19. A. Press TV•VCR to see the picture from the VCR. The VCR indicator lights in the display panel. B.
Using the Remote Control VCR Function Buttons VCR Function Buttons CHANNEL Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCR’s channel memory. POWER TV•VCR PLAY REW REC INPUT 1 4 7 PREV CH STOP DISPLAY 2 PAUSE SPEED 6 5 DISPLAY Shows VCR operating displays on the TV screen. Displays the time counter. FF (Fast Forward) Fast forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. 9 8 Allows you to change entries when setting the clock or VCR for a timer recording. F.
Playing a Tape Operating Instructions To Play a Tape 1. Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3, 4, or TV’s video input to see the picture from the VCR. 2. Insert a tape in the VCR. VCR automatically turns on. The cassette-in indicator lights, and the VCR indicator lights if the Auto TV/VCR feature is set to ON. The tape automatically begins playback if the safety tab on the cassette has been removed and the Auto Play feature is turned on. POWER STOP• EJECT RECORD CHANNEL TRACKING Safety Tab 3.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features Auto Play Feature This feature lets you tell the VCR whether you want it to automatically start playing a tape that is inserted with the safety tab removed. 1. Press MENU on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen. 2. Press 4 to display the PREFERENCES menu. 3. Press 1 to select Auto Play: ON or OFF.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features Frame Advance Frame advance lets you view one stop-action frame after another. Frame advance works best for tapes recorded in the SP or SLP speed. 1. Press PAUSE to stop the action. PAUS appears in the VCR’s display panel. 2. Press F.ADV each time you want to view a frame of the scene. 3. Press PAUSE or PLAY on the remote or PLAY•PAUSE on the VCR to resume normal playback. Slow Motion You can view the picture in slow motion during play or play pause.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features DISPLAY Button 1. Press DISPLAY to display the status of the VCR, channel number, time counter, date, time, and tape speed on the TV screen. The VCR status will appear in the display panel. STOP Press DISPLAY The time and date must be set before they are displayed. If you do not press DISPLAY again, these displays will time out. CH 05 Status Displays Will Time Out 11/18/96 Mon 01:30AM SLP 2.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features Commercial Scan (SEARCH Button) This is useful for scanning commercials or short program segments. 1. Press SEARCH once during playback to advance the tape approximately 60 seconds. 2. Press SEARCH twice during playback to advance the tape approximately 120 seconds. SRCH+ appears in the VCR’s display panel. Index Search The VCR has a “VHS Index Search System” that automatically records an index mark on the tape every time you begin recording a program.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features Tape Playback: HI-FI/LINEAR/MIX Feature The VCR records the same audio on both the hi-fi and linear tracks on the tape. The hi-fi stereo sound is recorded on separate left and right stereo channels. Monaural sound is recorded on the linear track. To enjoy hi-fi sound, connect your VCR to a stereo television or amplifier/receiver using the audio/video jacks. The Tape Playback: HI-FI/LINEAR/MIX feature lets you select which audio you play back.
Recording a Program Types of Recordings Your VCR provides different types of recording. These types are explained in the following sections: Basic Recording – Operating Instructions One Touch Recording Recording While You're Away Timer Recording Recording Broadcast Stereo TV or SAP (Second Audio Program) Recording Audio Only Using Two VCRs for Copying Tapes Using the Recording Features Recording Speeds Press SPEED on the remote to select a recording speed (SP or SLP).
Recording a Program Types of Recordings Basic Recording – Operating Instructions To Make a Recording Turn on the TV and tune it to the VCR viewing channel, either 3, 4, or TV’s video input channel. 1. Insert a tape with safety tab in place. The cassette-in indicator lights in the VCR’s display panel. 2. If using one of the basic hookups, make sure the VCR indicator appears in the VCR’s display panel. If not, press TV•VCR to turn it on. 3. Select recording speed using SPEED on the remote.
Recording a Program One Touch Recording One touch recording lets you record up to four hours without using the timer program feature. The VCR will turn off automatically at the end of the recording. POWER STOP• EJECT RECORD CHANNEL REW PLAY • PAUSE FWD VCR SLP REC TRACKING Display showing 30 minutes remaining for one touch recording. Operating Instructions 1. Turn on the VCR. 2. Insert a tape with safety tab in place. 3. Select the channel you want to record. 4.
Recording a Program Recording While You’re Away (Timer Recording) The timer program feature lets you program the VCR to record up to eight different programs within a one year period. Before setting the timer, make sure that: • The clock is set correctly. • A tape with safety tab has been inserted with enough tape to record the programs. Setting a Timer Recording 1. Press MENU on remote to display VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 1 to display TIMER RECORDINGS menu. 3. Press 1 to display Create a New Program menu.
Recording a Program Recording While You’re Away Checking or Clearing Timer Recordings 1. Press MENU on remote to display VCR MAIN MENU on TV screen. 2. Press 1 to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu. 3. Press 2 for Review Existing Progs. feature. 4. Press MENU to display information for the next program. 5. Press CLEAR when the program you want to erase appears on the screen. VCR MAIN MENU 1 Timer Recordings TIMER RECORDINGS 1 Create a New Program 2 Review Existing Progs.
Recording a Program Recording Broadcast Stereo TV or SAP (Second Audio Program) Some TV programs are broadcast with stereo audio or a second audio language (SAP). The Reception: STEREO/MONO/SAP feature lets you select the type of audio you want to record. To Record Stereo Broadcast TV or SAP Turn on the TV and tune it to the VCR viewing channel, either 3, 4, or TV’s video input. 1. Insert a tape with safety tab in place. 2.
Recording a Program Recording Audio Only You can record audio only from another audio source connected to the AUDIO IN (L and R) jacks on the back of the VCR. Any video on the tape will be erased when you record audio only. To Record Audio Only 1. Press the INPUT button to select a line input. Press INPUT to record from the AUDIO IN jacks on the back of the VCR. VID1 appears in the VCR’s display panel. The VCR will record audio from the audio equipment connected to the AUDIO IN jacks. 2.
Recording a Program Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes Operating Instructions (Refer to hookup on page 6.) Use this VCR as the playback VCR and the other as the recording VCR. 1. Turn on the TV and VCRs. 2. Tune TV to the VCR viewing channel, either 3, 4, or TV’s video input. 3. If you have connected your VCR using Option A (page 6), tune recording VCR to channel 3 or 4 — the one selected on the back of the playback VCR.
References Location of Controls Front Panel Tape Compartment POWER STOP • EJECT CHANNEL RECORD REW PLAY• PAUSE FWD TRACKING Remote Sensor CHANNEL or TRACKING Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCR’s channel memory. Adjusts tracking during playback or pause. FWD (Fast Forward) Fast forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. Used for one touch recording. Remote Sensor Receives signals from the remote control. Aim the remote at this sensor with no objects between them.
References Location of Controls Back Panel VIDEO AUDIO L ANT. IN R IN OUT CH. 3 RF OUT 4 CH3 CH4 Switch Selects the channel to which you will tune the TV to see the VCR picture if you connect the VCR using one of the basic hookups. ANT. (Antenna) IN Connector Receives the signal from an antenna or cable system that is attached to this connector. RF OUT Connector Passes signal to TV using the cable supplied.
References Display Panel TIMER Indicator Cassette-in Indicator AM STEREO SAP HI-FI TIMER VCR SLP REC Tape Speed Indicator REC Indicator Cassette-in Indicator ( Time, Time Counter, Channel Number (or Line Indicator), and Status Indicators ) Lights when a tape is in the VCR. Flashes while tape is ejecting. Channel Number, Line Indicator (VID1), Time, Time Counter, or Status Indicator The current time, time counter, channel number, or line indicator (VID1) appears here.
References Specifications Format: VHS Record/Playback System: Video: 4-Head Audio: 2 Hi-Fi record/playback system Video Signal System: EIA standard: NTSC color Antenna: 75-ohm external VHF/UHF combined antenna terminal Tuner: USA: 181 channels capability* (125 cable channels) Canada: 178 channels capability* (122 cable channels) Type: AutoProgramming frequency synthesis Power Requirement: 120V AC, 60 Hz Power Consumption: 19 watts Dimensions: 3.54 inches high (90 mm) 14.
References Trouble Checks Sometimes problems can be easily solved by checking a few basic things. Check below before you call for help or take your VCR to an Authorized GE VCR Servicenter. Trouble Here's what to try: No power • Plug VCR into an operating outlet. • Check connections. VCR does not respond to remote • Remove batteries and hold down one or more buttons for several seconds to drain the microprocessor inside the remote to reset it. Reinstall the batteries and try remote again.
References Trouble Checks Trouble Here's what to try: Streaks in picture during normal playback • Some snow/streaks are normal during search, frame advance, slow-motion, or stop-action playback. Will not record • VCR is in pause mode. Press PAUSE. • Safety tab removed from cassette. • Make sure the line indicator (VID1) is turned off in VCR’s display panel for normal recording from the VCR’s tuner. Press INPUT to turn off the line indicator. Rewind does not operate • Tape already rewound.
References Limited Warranty What your warranty covers: • Any defect in material or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: • Ninety days for labor charges. • One year for parts. • The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental or 45 days from date of shipment to the rental firm, whichever comes first. • Pay any Authorized GE VCR Servicenter the labor charges to repair your VCR.
References Index Accessories, Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Add or Remove Channels from Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS Menu . . . . .9 Advance, Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 ANT. (Antenna) IN Connector . . . . .3-6,27 Antenna Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,3 AUDIO and VIDEO Jacks . .3-6,17,22,24,27 AUDIO Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17,23,24 Audio Only, Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For your nearest Authorized Servicenter call toll-free in the U.S.A. 1-800-447-1700 Canadian Consumers – Your toll free numbers are: English: 1-800-522-0338 French: 1-800-522-0445 If your VCR needs service, please contact your dealer or the nearest Servicenter from the yellow pages. Please do not send any products to the Indianapolis address listed in this manual or on the carton. This will only add delays in service for your product.
