VGM300 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. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. WARNING RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN This symbol indicates Òdangerous voltageÓ inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or personal injury.
Introduction Table of Contents Important Information Warnings______________________________ i Cautions ______________________________ i Hooking Up the VCR Choosing a Hookup ____________________ 2 Antenna or Cable System Without a Cable Box _________________________ 3 Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels ___________ 4 Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble Only Pay Channels______ 5 Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes_ 6 Setting Up the VCR Startup Check Accessories With VCR ________
Hooking Up the VCR Choosing a Hookup The hookups on pages 3 through 7 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 monitor/receiver (TV with audio and video jacks). This type of 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. Connect as shown. Back of VCR ANTENNA This connection may require additional accessories not provided. IN OR OUT 2. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV. IN IN OUT OUT AUDIO VIDEO 3. Continue to page 7. RF Coaxial Cable (supplied) Tune the TV to channel 3 to view the VCR.
Hooking Up the VCR Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels A. Basic hookup. A Use this hookup for a simple connection which requires fewer accessories. From Cable 1. Connect as shown. This connection may require additional accessories not provided. Back of VCR ANTENNA Cable Box IN RF Coaxial Cable OUT IN OUT 2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and cable box. IN IN OUT OUT AUDIO VIDEO 3. Continue to page 7. RF Coaxial Cable (supplied) Tune the TV to channel 3 to view the VCR.
Hooking Up the VCR Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble Only Pay Channels (such as HBO, Showtime, Pay-Per-View, etc.) A. Basic hookup. Use this hookup for a simple connection which requires fewer accessories. A From Cable Back of VCR 1. Connect as shown. Cable Box This connection may require additional accessories not provided. IN RF Coaxial Cable ANTENNA OUT 2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and cable box. IN IN IN OUT OUT OUT AUDIO VIDEO 3. Continue to page 7.
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 ANTENNA 1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5 and then modify with this connection. 2. Set the VCR output channel to either channel 3 or 4. See page 8 for details. IN IN OUT OUT IN OUT AUDIO VIDEO You will 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. VCR1 ER POW TV VCR2•LD PLAY REW STOP CHAN SEARCH CHAN 1 PREV CH 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 INPUT U SPEED G O M EN TV•VCR * PR CLEAR EDIT F.ADV SLOW + 3TRACKING4 Power Cord (Stock No. 221408) Remote (Stock No. 221406) 2. RF Coaxial Cable (Stock No. 221407) VOL MUTE – 2 “AAA” Batteries PAUSE VOL REC DISPLAY FF Attach power cord to back of VCR. 1st 3.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 5. Turn on the VCR. Press VCR1 on the remote. 6. Select the VCR’s output channel. A. Press VCR1 on the remote. B. Press MENU•PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen. VCR MAIN MENU 1 2 3 4 Timer Recordings Set Clock Channels Preferences C. Press 4 to display the PREFERENCES menu. D. Press 3 to select either 3 or 4 as the output channel for your VCR. This is the channel to which you tune your TV to see the picture from the VCR.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 9. Place channels in the VCR’s memory. Channels 2 through 13 including line inputs (L1 and L2) are in the VCRÕs memory when you first turn it on. The VCR stops on these channels when you press CHAN up or down on the remote or CHANNEL up or down on the VCR. To get additional channels available on your antenna or cable system, you must use the Auto Channel Search feature of the VCR. If you ever change cable or antenna signals, you may need to auto channel search again.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 11. 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 21.
Using the Remote Control Controlling a VCR The VCRÕs remote controls two compatible GE, RCA, or ProScan VCRs with the VCR1 and VCR2•LD buttons. Most compatible VCRs automatically respond to VCR1 without being programmed. If you own two compatible VCRs, test them to see if VCR1 turns on both VCRs. If it does, then you may want to program this VCR to respond to the VCR2•LD button on the remote. Program the VCR for Remote Control Set the Remote Control feature of the VCR to the VCR1 or VCR2•LD position.
Using the Remote Control Buttons Component Buttons Press one of the buttons to set the remote to operate that component. VCR1 ER POW TV VCR2•LD PLAY REC STOP DISPLAY CHAN FF PAUSE SEARCH VOL VOL REW MUTE 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, other than GE, when the remote is programmed to control that TV. (See page 14.
Using the Remote Control Buttons VCR Function Buttons (continued) PLAY Plays a tape. POWER Turns off VCR when remote is set to control the VCR. PREV CH (Previous Channel) Switches between two channels. Select one channel and then use the number buttons to select the other channel. Press PREV CH to switch between the two channels. REC (Record) Starts VCR recording. Used for one touch recording (OTR). See page 24. REW (Rewind) Rewinds the tape when the VCR is stopped.
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. The remote can also be set up to control other manufacturerÔs brands. To program the remote, enter 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.
Playing a Tape Operating Instructions NTSC Video Playback Mode You can select the type of playback for tapes recorded in NTSC. 1. Press MENU•PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen. 2. Press 4 to display the PREFERENCES menu. 3. Press 5 to select NTSC or PAL playback. ¥ Select Play NTSC as: PAL to have the tape play back in PAL. ¥ Select Play NTSC as: NTSC to have the tape play back in NTSC.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features Auto Head Cleaner The VCR has an automatic head cleaner that minimizes the need for professional head cleaning. Pause for Stop Action This feature stops the tape in action and allows you to examine the details of the scene. Stop action works best for tapes recorded in the SP and SLP speed. 1. Press PAUSE during playback to stop the action. STILL appears in the VCRÕs display panel. 2. Press TRACKING up or down to reduce any jittering of the picture. 3.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features Slow Motion You can view the picture in forward slow motion during play or play pause. SLOW up and down allow you to change the speed. Sound is turned off during slow-motion playback. Slow motion works best in the SP or SLP speed. 1. During playback, press SLOW – or + to start slowmotion playback. SLOW+ appears in the VCRÕs display panel. 2. Press SLOW + to increase the speed or – to decrease the speed. 3.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features DISPLAY Button 1. Press DISPLAY on the remote to display the status of the VCR, channel number, time counter, date, time, and tape speed on the TV screen. The time will appear in the display panel. STOP CH 05 Press DISPLAY Status Displays Will Time Out The time and date must be set before they are displayed. If you do not press DISPLAY again, these displays will time out. 11/18/95 Sat 01:30AM SLP 2.
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 stop and then start a new recording. During playback you can locate the program you want to play by the number of index marks. The VCR will automatically locate the index number you select. The VCR will search forward or reverse from the location you are on the tape. 1. Insert the prerecorded tape and press STOP. 2.
Recording a Program Types of Recordings Your VCR provides different types of recording. These types are explained in the following sections: Basic Recording Ð Operating Instructions Recording While You're Away Timer Recording One Touch Recording (OTR) Using Two VCRs for Copying Tapes Using the Recording Features Recording Speeds Press SPEED on the remote to select a recording speed (SP, LP, or SLP). The speed you select appears on the TV screen and in the VCRÕs display panel.
Recording a Program Basic Recording – Operating Instructions To Make a Recording Turn on the TV and tune it to the VCR viewing channel, either 3, 4, or TVÕs video input channel. 1. Insert a tape with safety tab in place. The cassette-in indicator lights in the VCRÕs display panel. 2. Press VCR1 (VCR2•LD) to set remote to control the VCR. 3. If using one of the basic hookups, make sure the VCR indicator appears in the VCRÕs display panel. If not, press TV•VCR to turn it on. 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. ¥ The remote is set to control the VCR Ñ using VCR1 (VCR2•LD).
Recording a Program Recording While You’re Away (Timer Recording) Select Cable Box (or Satellite Receiver) Channel If you receive all channels from a cable box (or satellite receiver) and complete Cable Box Setup, the VCR will automatically enter the output channel of your cable box (or satellite receiver) as the channel to be recorded in the TIMER RECORDINGS menu. 1. Press MENU•PROG to display the VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen. 2. Press 3 to select CHANNELS menu. 3.
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. RECORD VCR SLP H M 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. Select the desired recording speed using SPEED on the remote. 5.
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 VCR as the recording VCR. If you have two compatible VCRs, use the AutoEdit feature described below. 1. Turn on the TV and VCRs. 2. Tune TV to the VCR viewing channel, either 3, 4, or TVÕs video input. 3.
References Location of Controls Front Panel Tape Compartment Remote Sensor CHANNEL/TRACKING (Up or Down) Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCRÕs channel memory. Adjusts tracking when a tape is playing. EJECT Press when the VCR is stopped to eject the cassette. FWD (Fast Forward) Fast forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the picture forward during playback. INPUT Turns the line input on or off. L1 or L2 appears in VCRÕs display panel and VIDEO1 or VIDEO2 appears on the TV screen.
References Location of Controls Back Panel ANTENNA IN IN OUT OUT AUDIO VIDEO IN OUT ANTENNA IN Connector Receives the signal from an antenna or cable system that is attached to this connector. ANTENNA OUT Connector Passes signal to TV using the coaxial cable supplied. VIDEO and AUDIO IN Jacks Receives signals from another component, like a VCR or camcorder, when it is connected to these jacks. Use INPUT to select L1 in the VCRÕs display panel to record from these jacks.
References Location of Controls Display Panel Cassette-In VCR Tape Speed Channel Number or Line Indicator SLP AM Status Time Counter or Time Cassette-In Indicator ( ) Lights when a tape is in the VCR. Channel Number, L1, or L2 The channel number or line indicator (L1 or L2) is displayed. Select L1 to record from the jacks on the back of the VCR or L2 to record from the jacks on the front of the VCR. Status Indicators Show what the VCR is doing.
References Specifications Format: VHS Record/Playback System: Video: 4-Head Audio: 2 Mono record/playback system Video Signal System: PAL M and NTSC Recording and Playback Antenna: 75-ohm external VHF/UHF combined antenna terminal Tuner: USA: Type: AutoProgramming frequency synthesis Power Requirement: 100-240-V AC (+/- 10%), 50-60 Hz Power Consumption: 18 watts (6 watts in standby mode) Dimensions: 3.5 inches high (90 mm) 15.43 inches wide (392 mm) 12.1 inches deep (309.5 mm) Weight: 9.
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 Service Center. Trouble Here's what to try: No power ¥ Plug VCR into an operating outlet. ¥ Check connections. Clock shows incorrect time or date ¥ Power interruption. Clock area in display panel will show - -:- -. ¥ Clock was not set accurately (check AM/PM and date). ¥ Time counter display appears in display panel.
References Trouble Here's what to try: Time counter not working ¥ The time counter does not advance during unrecorded portions of tape. When an unrecorded segment of tape is encountered, the time counter will hold its count until recorded material is detected again. ¥ A minus (Ð) will appear in front of the time if you rewind the tape farther back than a counter reading of 0:00:00. Will not record or play ¥ No cassette in VCR. ¥ Eject and re-insert cassette. ¥ Broken tape Ñ try another cassette.
References Index Accessories, Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Add or Remove Channels from Memory . . . . . .9 ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS Menu . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Antenna Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,3 ANTENNA IN Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6,27 ANTENNA OUT Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6,27 Attaching Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 AUDIO and VIDEO IN Jacks . . . . . . . .6,23,25,26,27 AUDIO and VIDEO OUT Jacks .
References Index PREV CH (Previous Channel) Button . . . . . . . .13 Problems, Solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-31 Programming Remote to Control Compatible TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Programming Remote to Control VCR . . . . . . .11 PROGRAMS OVERLAP Message . . . . . . . . . . . .22 REC and RECORD Buttons . . . . . . .13,21,24,25,26 REC Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21,28 REC P (Record Pause) Indicator . . . . . . . . . .
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. 10330 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290-1024 USA ©1995 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.
