VG4259 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 product 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 Òdangerous voltageÓ inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or personal injury.
Introduction Table of Contents Important Information Zero Search________________________ 18 Warnings______________________________ i Blank Search _______________________ 19 Cautions ______________________________ i Frame Advance ____________________ 19 Note to Cable TV Installer _______________ i Automatic Tracking ________________ 19 Product Registration ____________________ i Manual Tracking ___________________ 19 TAPE PLAYBACK: HI-FI/LINEAR_____ 20 Hooking Up the VCR Choosing a Hookup ________
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 hookup shows 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 hookup shows the VCR hooked up to a 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 basic connection which requires fewer accessories. From Antenna or Cable 1. Set the 3CH.4 switch on back of VCR to either channel 3 or 4. Tune the TV to this channel and use the TV•VCR button to watch the VCR. 300/75 Ohm Adapter Back of VCR R IN FROM ANT. AUDIO1 OR L VHF/UHF OUT 2. Connect as shown. This connection may require additional accessories not provided. OUT TO TV IN 3 CH.
Hooking Up the VCR Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels A. Basic hookup. A Use this hookup for a basic connection which requires fewer accessories. From Cable 1. Set the 3CH.4 switch on back of VCR to either channel 3 or 4. Tune the TV to this channel and use the TV•VCR button to watch the VCR. Back of VCR Cable Box IN RF Coaxial Cable R IN FROM ANT. AUDIO1 OUT L 2. Connect as shown. This connection may require additional accessories not provided.
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. Use this hookup for a basic connection which requires fewer accessories. A From Cable Back of VCR 1. Set the 3CH.4 switch on back of VCR to either channel 3 or 4. Tune the TV to this channel and use the TV•VCR button to watch the VCR. Cable Box IN RF Coaxial Cable R IN FROM ANT. AUDIO1 OUT L VHF/UHF OUT 2. Connect as shown.
Hooking Up the VCR Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes Option A hookup. A Use this hookup for a basic connection which requires fewer accessories. Playback VCR From Antenna, Cable or Cable Box R IN FROM ANT. AUDIO1 1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5 and then modify with this connection. L VHF/UHF OUT OUT TO TV IN 3 CH. 4 2. Set the 3CH.4 switch on the playback VCR to either channel 3 or 4. Tune the recording VCR to this channel to receive the signal from the playback VCR.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 1. Check accessories with VCR. Contact your dealer if any items are missing. 2 “AA” Batteries POWER VCR PAUSE TV CABLE REC PLAY REW FF SLOW•F.ADV STOP 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 SEARCH CHAN MUTE VOL 0 INPUT TV•VCR PREV CH DISP MENU CLEAR SPEED TRACKING Remote (Stock No. 234011) RF Coaxial Cable (Stock No. 221346) 2. Insert batteries in remote. 3. Turn on the TV. A. Turn on the TV. B.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 5. Place channels in the VCR’s memory. The first time you turn on the VCR or after a power interruption, the VCR displays a message on the TV screen prompting you to perform the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH. If the message does not appear, go to Step A below. If the message appears, follow the directions on the screen.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 7. Select the language. The VCR displays the on-screen menus in the English, Spanish, or French language. The word ÒLanguageÓ cycles through the different languages when the VCR MAIN MENU is displayed on the TV screen. VCR MAIN MENU 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 VCR PLUS+ TIMER RECORDINGS TIME CHANNELS PREFERENCES AUDIO LANGUAGES A. Press MENU on remote to display the VCR MAIN MENU. B. Press 7 to display the LANGUAGE, IDIOMA or LANGUE menu. The arrow indicates which language is selected.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 10. 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 television channels. This button lets you record a program on the VCR while watching another channel on the TV. Details are in the ÒRecordingÓ section. A. Press VCR to set the remote to control the VCR. B. Press TV•VCR to see the picture from the VCR.
Using the Remote Control Controlling a TV The VCRÔs remote is preprogrammed to control the basic functions of a compatible GE, RCA, or ProScan TV. Also, you can set up the remote to control other manufacturerÔs brands. To program the remote, enter the remote code numbers that correspond to your brand. Program the Remote for a TV 1. Turn on the TV. 2. Point the VCR remote at the TV. 3. Hold the TV button and press two number buttons to enter the code for your brand. 4. Release the buttons. 5.
Using the Remote Control Remote Control Component Buttons Press one of the buttons to set the remote to operate that component. POWER VCR PAUSE TV CABLE REC PLAY REW TV Turns on a compatible GE, RCA, or ProScan TV and sets the remote to control the TV. Used with POWER button to turn on another brand of TV as described on page 11. VCR Sets the remote to control the VCR. FF SLOW•F.ADV 1 CABLE Used with POWER button to turn on a compatible cable box or satellite receiver as described on page 14.
Using the Remote Control Remote Control VCR Function Buttons (continued) REC (Record) Starts the VCR recording. SLOW•F.ADV (Frame Advance) Used for one touch recording. Advances a tape one frame with each press of the button when tape is paused during playback. REW (Rewind) Rewinds the tape when the VCR is stopped. Quickly searches a tape in reverse motion during playback. SEARCH Displays the INDEX, ZERO and BLANK search menus on the TV screen. Used for slow-motion playback.
Using the Remote Control Controlling a Cable Box or a Satellite Receiver The CABLE button on the VCRÕs remote is preprogrammed to control a compatible RCA cable box or GE, RCA, or ProScan satellite receiver. If your cable box is another manufacturerÕs brand and has its own remote, you will probably be able to program the VCRÕs remote to control it. To program the VCRÕs remote, enter the code that corresponds to your brand. Program the Remote for a Cable Box or Satellite Receiver 1.
Playing a Tape Playback To play a tape 1. Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3, 4, or the TVÕs video input to see the picture from the VCR. 2. Insert a tape in the VCR. The VCR automatically turns on and the VCR indicator lights. The VCR automatically begins playback if the safety tab on the tape has been removed and the AUTO PLAY feature is turned on. POWER STOP•EJECT CHANNEL TV•VCR RECORD VCR REW PLAY•PAUSE FWD A M TRACKING Safety Tab 3.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features Picture Search You can search for a specific tape location during playback by fast forwarding or rewinding the tape. Sound is turned off during picture search. Picture search works best for tapes recorded in the SP or SLP speed. Fast Forward Search 1. Press FF on the remote or FWD on the VCR to search forward at a faster-than-normal speed. 2. Press FF or PLAY on the remote or FWD or PLAY•PAUSE on the VCR to return to playback. Rewind Search 1.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features DISP (DISPLAY) Button The DISP button shows the status of the VCR channel number, time counter, date, time and tape speed on the TV screen. The time and date must be set before they can be displayed. STOP Press DISPLAY 1. Press DISP. If you do not press DISP again, this display times out. CH 05 0:30:00 Status Displays 08/04/96 SUN 01:30AM SLP 2. Press DISP again to display only the time counter on the TV screen. 0:30:00 3.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features Index Search The VCR has a ÒVHS Index Search SystemÓ that automatically records an index mark on the tape every time you begin recording a program. Your VCR has two index playback features. To locate the program you want to play, select a specific index number or search by scanning. Some index marks may be missed by the VCR. ¥ A mark too close to the current location on the tape. ¥ The mark at the beginning of a recorded segment of five minutes or less.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features Blank Search The VCR searches for blank portions of the tape that are more than six seconds long. BLANK SEARCH 1. Insert the prerecorded tape and press STOP. SEARCHING FOR BLANK AREA 2. Press SEARCH three times to display the BLANK SEARCH menu. 3. Press FWD on the VCR or FF on the remote to begin searching for six seconds of blank tape. A message appears on the screen if a blank area is not found. PRESS FF TO BEGIN PRESS SEARCH TO EXIT 4.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features TAPE PLAYBACK: HI-FI/LINEAR Feature The VCR records the same audio on both the Hi-Fi and linear tracks on the tape. The Hi-Fi sound is recorded on separate left and right stereo channels. Mono 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 feature lets you select which audio you play back.
A Recording and Playback Feature COMMERCIAL A ADVANCE™ COMMERCIAL ADVANCEª is a patented technology that detects and marks most commercials on your tape for any recording that is more than 15 minutes long. During playback, the VCR automatically skips the detected commercial segments or you can choose to manually skip them. This feature reduces three minutes of commercials into approximately 8-12 seconds of fast forwarding in the SLP speed.
A Recording and Playback Feature COMMERCIAL ADVANCE™ To Select a Background for Playback VCR MAIN MENU 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu. 3. Press 7 to select CA DISPLAY: BLUE or VIDEO. ¥ Select BLUE to have the VCR display a blue screen while it advances through the block of marked commercials.
Recording a Program Recordings Your VCR provides different recording options. These options are explained in this section of the manual. Recording Speeds Press SPEED on the remote to select a recording speed (SP or SLP). The speed you select appears on the TV screen. Tapes recorded in LP can be played in this VCR. SP (Standard Play) gives the best quality recording. That is why most prerecorded, rental tapes are recorded in SP. Fewer programs can be recorded on the tape.
Recording a Program One Touch Recording One Touch recording lets you record up to four hours without using the timer program feature. The VCR turns off automatically at the end of the recording. POWER STOP•EJECT CHANNEL TV•VCR RECORD VCR REW PLAY•PAUSE FWD TRACKING Display showing 30 minutes remaining for recording RECORD 1. Turn on the VCR. 2. Insert a tape with its safety tab in place. 3. Select the channel you want to record. 4. Use SPEED on the remote to select a recording speed. 5.
Recording a Program Recording While You’re Away (VCR Plus+* Recording) VCR Plus+ Setup A VCR Plus+ channel number is assigned for each broadcast or cable channel. These numbers are listed in most publications that list PlusCode* numbers. 1. Prepare the worksheet for the VCR Plus+ channels that are different from the channels you receive them on. Refer to the chart below for standardized VCR Plus+ channel numbers. 2. Press MENU on the remote to display the VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen.
Recording a Program VCR Plus+TM Channel Worksheet Use this worksheet to create a list from which you can set up your VCR Plus+ channel list. Broadcast or Cable TV Station Name VCR Plus+ Channel Number* (Such as ABC, NBC, CBS, etc.) (See Standardized VCR Plus+ Channel Chart) Channel Number You Receive This Station On** * Check your local listing for VCR Plus+ channel numbers assigned to network stations. ** Check your local or cable listing for the channel numbers to enter in this column.
Recording a Program Recording While You’re Away (VCR Plus+ Recording) The VCR Plus+ and timer program features let you program the VCR to record up to eight different programs within a one year period. Before using VCR Plus+ to record a program, make sure that: ¥ The clock is set correctly. ¥ A tape with safety tab has been inserted with enough tape to record the program(s). ¥ The remote is set to control the VCR Ñ using VCR. ¥ The VCR is set up for VCR Plus+ programming. Setting a VCR Plus+ Recording 1.
Recording a Program Recording While You’re Away (Timer Recording) The timer program and VCR Plus+ features let 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 its safety tab in place has been inserted with enough tape to record the programs. ¥ The remote is set to control the VCR Ñ using VCR. Setting a Timer Recording 1. Press MENU on the remote to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2.
Recording a Program Recording While You’re Away (Timer Recording) Checking or Clearing VCR Plus+ or Timer Recordings 1. Press MENU on the remote to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 2 to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu. 3. 4. Press 2 to display the REVIEW EXISTING PROGS menu. Each entered program is displayed for a few seconds in sequence. Press MENU for next program or CLEAR to erase the program.
Recording a Program Stereo Broadcast 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 the TVÕs video input. 1. Insert a tape with its safety tab in place. 2.
Recording a Program RECORDING AUDIO You can record audio only from another audio source connected to the AUDIO1 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 or 0,0 on the remote to hear the source attached to the AUDIO jacks. VIDEO appears on the TV screen. The VCR records audio from the audio equipment connected to the AUDIO1 (L and R) IN jacks. 2.
Recording a Program Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes Operating Instructions (Refer to hookup on page 6.) Use one VCR as the playback VCR and the other as the recording VCR. Caution: The unauthorized recording of television programs and other materials may infringe the rights of others. 1. Turn on the TV and VCRs. 2. Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel, either 3, 4, or the TVÕs video input. 3.
References Location of Controls Front Panel Tape Compartment POWER STOP•EJECT CHANNEL TV•VCR RECORD VCR REW PLAY•PAUSE FWD A M TRACKING Remote Sensor CHANNEL or TRACKING up or down RECORD Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCRÕs channel memory. Starts the VCR recording. Used for one touch recording. Adjusts tracking during playback. Remote Sensor FWD (Fast-Forward) Receives signals from the remote control. Fast-forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped.
References Location of Controls Display Panel VCR Indicator Power Indicator Hi-Fi Indicator VCR Hi-Fi TIMER Timer Indicator A M Current Time, Channel Number, or Line Indicator (L), or Status Hi-Fi Indicator Lights when TAPE PLAYBACK feature is set to HI-FI. TIMER Indicator Shows VCR is set for timer recording when VCR is turned off. Power Indicator Lights when the VCR is turned on. Flashes during a recording. Flashes when the timer recording is set and there is no cassette in the VCR.
References Specifications Format: VHS Record/Playback System: Video: 4-Head Audio: VHS Hi-Fi Stereo 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: 23 watts Dimensions: 3.5 inches high (89 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 and reset it. Re-install the batteries and try remote again.
References Trouble Checks Trouble Here's what to try: VCR Plus+ or timer recording not made or wrong program recorded ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ VCR makes noise when stopped ¥ VCR is removing tape from heads. This is normal. The head cylinder inside the VCR continues to rotate for a few minutes after you put the VCR in the stop mode. Will not AUTO-SEARCH active channels correctly ¥ Check antenna connections. ¥ Check SIGNAL TYPE: CABLE/ANTENNA feature. See page 8.
References A Questions and Answers About COMMERCIAL ADVANCE™ Question Answer Will commercials be scanned through only on playback of recordings? A Yes. The VCR does not rewind and mark commercial segments until after recording is finished. How fast does the COMMERCIAL ADVANCEª VCR scan through the commercial breaks? In SLP tape speed, a 3-minute commercial break is scanned through in approximately 8-12 seconds. In SP, it takes about 25-35 seconds.
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 + and – Buttons .......................................................12,13,16 3CH.4 Switch.......................................................3-6,7,10,33 Accessories, Included .........................................................7 Add or Remove Channels from Memory........................8 ADD/REMOVE CHANNEL Menu.....................................8 ALERT SOUND Feature ..................................................10 Antenna Connections .......................................
References Index Registration Card.................................................................i REMOTE CONTROL Feature .........................................32 Remote Control ............................................................12,13 Remote Sensor ...................................................................33 Remove or Add Channels from Memory.......................8 Review Programs Feature ...............................................29 REW Button...................................
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