video cassette recorder user's guide VR525
Important Information 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. This symbol indicates important instructions accompanying the product. Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
TABLE OF CONTENTS First Things First .............................................................. 3 Setting Up the VCR ......................................................... 7 Using the Menu to Set up Features .................................................. 8 Language .......................................................................................... 8 VCR Channels List......................................................................... 8 To Auto Channel Search ..........................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Commercial Scan (SEARCH BUTTON) ................................ 30 Frame Advance ............................................................................. 31 Go-To Search ................................................................................ 31 Index Search.................................................................................. 31 Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking Feature .................................................... 32 Tracking ........................................
First Things First Hi, my name is Liz… First things first ➣ and I wrote this User’s Guide. It’s my job to see that you have a rewarding user manual experience. You’ll find that I’ve arranged this manual to clearly explain all of your VCR’s features. 1 2 Setting Up the VCR ➣ Read the First Three sections 3 VCR Basics ➣ The first three sections of the manual introduce you to your VCR, and show you how to set the VCR up and use the on-screen menus.
First Things First Step 1: Unpack What’s in the Box The following items come packed in the box: • VCR • Remote control • RF coaxial cable STEP 2: Install Batteries In the Remote Control Follow these steps whenever you need to install or change the batteries in your VCR remote. 1. Remove the cover of the battery compartment. 2. Place the batteries in the remote, matching the + and – ends of each battery to the diagram inside the compartment. 3. Replace the cover.
First Things First STEP 4: PLUG IN THE VCR Match the wide blade of the plug with the wide slot in the outlet. Be sure to insert the plug completely. STEP 5: TUNe THE TV Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel. The VCR viewing channel is channel 3 or 4 or the TV’s video input. • If you connect your VCR using the ANTENNA connectors with RF coaxial cable, set the 3 CH. 4 switch to channel 3 or channel 4 — the channel you want to use on your TV.
First Things First 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu. 1 2 3 4 PREFERENCES Remote Control: VCR1 Auto Play: ON Auto TV/VCR: ON EnergySaver: 2:00 0 Exit 3. Press 2 to switch Auto Play to ON or OFF.
Setting Up the VCR on-screen guide and Additional Set-up features • Set Time and Date • Set up VCR Plus+ Channels • Set the Remote VCR1/VCR2 feature • Set the Auto Play feature • Set the Auto TV/VCR feature • Set the EnergySaver feature 3 VCR Basics 4 recording OTHER FEATURES 5 5 ➣ Set up VCR Channel List (Auto Channel Search) ➣ • ➣ Select a Language 2 Setting Up the VCR ➣ • First things first ➣ Below is a list of set-up features that you may want to set up before you begin using you
Setting Up the VCR USING THE MENU to set up features You can set up features by using the menu system. Each feature is explained in this section. language Select your preferred language, and the on-screen displays will appear in that language. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 6 to select the LANGUAGE menu. LANGUAGE Select a language.
Setting Up the VCR To Auto Channel Search 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. CHANNELS 1 2 3 4 Auto Channel Search Add/Remove Channels Signal Type: CABLE VCR Plus+ Channel List 0 Exit 3. Press 1 to display the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu. AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH What type of signal are you using? 1 Cable TV 2 Antenna 3>Detect Automatically 0 Cancel 4.
Setting Up the VCR To Change the Signal Type 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. 3. Press 3 to change the Signal Type between CABLE and ANTENNA. To Add or Remove Channels You may want to add or remove channels after you Auto Channel Search, especially if some of the channels have weak signals or you don’t want to watch them. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. 3.
Setting Up the VCR 2. Press 3 to display the TIME menu. TIME 1 Set Time and Date 2 Auto DST: ON 0 Exit 3. Press 2 to turn Auto DST: ON or OFF. • Select ON if you want the VCR’s clock to automatically adjust for daylight-saving time. • Select OFF if you do not want the VCR’s clock to adjust for daylight-saving time. Set the Time and Date 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 3 to display the TIME menu. 3. Press 1 to display the SET TIME AND DATE menu.
Setting Up the VCR VCR PLUS+ CHANNELS Using VCR Plus+ can make programming timer recordings for cable or off-air antenna easier, but you have to put in a little time right now to set up a channel list. A worksheet and abbreviated codes for typical cable services in the U.S. and Canada are provided. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
Setting Up the VCR VCR Plus+ Worksheet Broadcast or Cable-TV Station Name VCR Plus+ Channel Number** Hbo 33 ESPN 34 Channel Number You Receive the Station On* Two-Digit VCR Plus+ Channel Numbers for Cable TV (Canadian List) 67 Allarcom Pay Television/ Superchannel 44 Arts & Entertainment 72 Cable News Network-Headline News 61 Cable News Network 70 Canadian Home Shopping Network 56 Canal Famille 69 Cathay International Television Inc 68 Chinavision Canada Corp 60 Country Music Televis
Setting Up the VCR Additional SET-UP features in the Preferences menu The features in this section are all accessed through the PREFERENCES menu. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu. 1 2 3 4 PREFERENCES Remote Control: VCR1 Auto Play: ON Auto TV/VCR: ON EnergySaver: 2:00 0 Exit Now you are ready to select an item from the menu to set up.
Setting Up the VCR The VCR will only respond to the compatible remote’s VCR2, VCR2•LD, or VCR2•DVD button. If you change the remote setting to VCR2, the remote that came with your VCR will no longer control it. Use the compatible remote to change the remote setting back to VCR1. Display the PREFERENCES menu, press 1, and then press VCR on the VCR’s remote. AUTO PLAY This feature allows the VCR to automatically start playing when you insert a tape with the safety tab removed.
Setting Up the VCR EnergySaver By default, this VCR automatically turns off after two hours of inactivity. Press 4 to change the time delay, or to disable the feature. • OFF: The VCR will remain turned on until you shut it off. • 1:00, 2:00, or 3:00: The VCR turns off after one, two, or three hours of inactivity. Thirty seconds before shutting off, the VCR will warn you with a screen reading, “The VCR will turn off in 30 seconds. Press any key to cancel.
VCR BAsICS learn the basics To get you started 1 These VCR basics should be enough for you to begin enjoying your VCR. Learning the remote control functions, playing a recorded tape, and recording a program should do just that. 2 Setting Up the VCR ➣ ➣ 3 VCR Basics ➣ However, there are other features that enhance the enjoyment of your VCR, but they aren’t necessary to get you started. If you want to learn more about your VCR, just keep reading.
VCR Basics Remote Buttons CHANNEL Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCR’s channel memory. CLEAR Resets time counter to 0:00:00. Allows you to change entries when setting the clock or a timer recording. GO BACK Switches between two channels. Select one channel and then select another using the number buttons. Press GO BACK to switch between the two channels. In menu mode, press to go back to the previous menu. INFO Shows the status displays on the TV screen.
VCR BAsICS STOP Stops the current VCR function such as record, playback, rewind, or fast forward. TRACK – or + Lets you manually reduce the streaks that may appear on the picture during play, slow motion, or pause. Reduces picture “jitter” during stop-action playback. TV•VCR Switches the picture signal so that it either comes from the VCR or cable/antenna system. Playing a Tape 1. Tune the TV to your VCR viewing channel (3, 4, or TV’s video input). 2. Insert a tape in the VCR.
VCR Basics Automatic Rewind The VCR automatically rewinds the tape if it reaches the end of the tape during playback. While rewinding, you can press POWER and the VCR will turn off after rewinding. Tape Eject Press STOP•EJECT on the VCR (STOP on remote) when it is stopped to eject the tape. A tape can be ejected even when the VCR is off. Recording If you want to record something that you’re watching, you can use basic recording. 1. Set the tape speed by pressing the SPEED button on the remote. 2.
RECORDING SEVERAL recording OPTIONS Recording (explained in VCR Basics section) • Express Recording • Timer Recording • Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ • Copying and Editing Tapes 3 VCR Basics ➣ • 2 Setting Up the VCR ➣ Recording Features: First things first ➣ Now that you’ve gone through the necessary steps to operate your VCR, I’ll explain the different recording features that are available to suit your needs.
RECORDING Recording features There are four ways to record programs: • Recordinglets you press one button to start recording a program. (See VCR Basics section.) • Express Recordinglets you start recording a program you are watching, and then set the VCR to automatically stop recording after a designated period of time. • Timer Recordinglets you program the VCR to automatically start and stop recording at a predetermined time.
RECORDING Timer Recording You can set up as many as eight timer recording programs. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 2 to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu. TIMER RECORDINGS 1 Create a New Program 2 Review Existing Progs. 3 Use VCR PLUS+ Code 0 Exit 3. Select 1 to Create a New Program.
RECORDING 5. Enter the data for the program with the number buttons. The data includes the channel number (press INPUT to select the line input), start time including AM or PM, and end time. The start date is automatically entered based on the VCR clock. The date and/or speed can be changed when flashing. 6. Review the information to make sure it is correct, and then press MENU to save.
RECORDING 2. Press 1 to display the VCR PLUS+ menu. VCR PLUS+ Enter PlusCode Number (from TV listing) _ Press MENU to cancel 3. Enter the VCR PlusCode shown in your local television programming guide. VCR PLUS+ Enter PlusCode Number (from TV listing) 12876 Press CLEAR to correct Press MENU when done 4. Press MENU to enter the VCR PlusCode number. How often should this program record? 1 2 3 4 One time Daily (every day) Weekdays (M-F) Weekly (once per week) 0 Cancel 5.
RECORDING 7. Press MENU to save the program. Program 1 has been saved Remember to insert a recordable tape and turn the VCR off before the program start time. Press MENU to continue Stopping a Timer Recording To stop or cancel a timer recording in progress (even an express recording): • Press and hold the STOP button for a few seconds. REVIEWING AND CLEARING PROGRAMS To review programs that you have already set up: 1. Press 2 when the VCR MAIN MENU is displayed to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu.
RECORDING Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes Use one VCR as the playback VCR and the other as the recording VCR. 1. Connect the VCRs using the diagram below. 2. Turn on both VCRs and TV. 3. Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel (either 3, 4, or TV’s video input). 4. If you are using coaxial cables for the connection, tune recording VCR to channel 3 or 4—the one selected on the playback VCR. If you are using audio/video cables, select the line input on the recording VCR. 5.
OTHER FEATURES features to enhance VCR operation • Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking • Tracking • Time Counter • On-Screen Displays 2 Setting Up the VCR ➣ Picture Search Options First things first ➣ • 1 3 VCR Basics ➣ 4 recording ➣ 5 OTHER FEATURES ➣ 6 Connections 29
OTHER FEATURES Picture Search Options The most basic way to search during playback is using the FWD or REV buttons. This section contains several other options available for searching a tape. Forward and Reverse Search You can search a tape during playback. Sound is turned off during picture search. Search works well for tapes recorded at either the SP or SLP speed. 1. Press FWD to search forward or REV to search in reverse. 2. Press FWD or REV again or press PLAY to return to normal playback.
OTHER FEATURES FRAME ADVANCE Frame advance lets you view one-stop action frame after another during playback. Frame advance works well for tapes recorded at the SP or SLP speed. 1. Press PAUSE to “freeze” the action. 2. Press F.ADV each time you want to view a frame of the scene. 3. Press PAUSE or PLAY to return to normal playback. INDEX SEARCH The VCR has a “VHS Index Search System” that automatically records an index mark on the tape every time you start a recording.
OTHER FEATURES Go-To Search The Go-To Search feature enables the VCR to quickly locate a counter reading anywhere on the tape. When the VCR locates the counter reading, it will begin playback. 1. Press STOP. 2. Press SEARCH on the remote until the GO-TO SEARCH menu appears on the screen. 3. Press number buttons to enter the hour(s) and/or minutes of the counter reading you want the VCR to “go to”. Press CLEAR on the remote to correct an entry.
OTHER FEATURES 0:30:00 TRACKING Your VCR has automatic tracking which removes the streaks or snow from the picture. Automatic tracking is activated when you insert a tape or turn on the VCR. Occasionally you may need to manually adjust tracking, especially if the tape was recorded on a different VCR. Just use the TRACK buttons to remove the streaks or snow. You can also use tracking when you pause a tape to reduce jittering of the picture.
OTHER FEATURES ON-SCREEN DISPLAYS The INFO button shows the status of the VCR (STOP, PLAY, RECORD, etc.), channel number, time counter, date, time, and tape speed on the TV screen. The date and time must be set before they can be displayed. 1 Stop Ch 05 0:30:00 1. Press INFO to see the on-screen displays. 11/18/97 Tue 01:30PM SLP 2. Press INFO again to have only the time counter remain on the screen. 3. Press INFO again to have no displays appear on the TV screen. This is useful for dubbing tapes.
connections Things to Know Before Connecting Components 1 First things first ➣ Protect Your Components from Power Surges Connect all components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet. • Always turn off the TV and other components before you connect or disconnect any cables. Insert all cable plugs firmly into their jacks. • Place the audio/video cables to the sides of the TV’s back panel instead of straight down the middle after you connect your components.
connections Connecting Your VCR Refer to these pages to help you connect your VCR. Jacks and Cables RF Jacks and Coaxial Cables (F-type) The RF jacks provide good picture and mono sound quality, and must be used if audio/video connections are not available for your TV. These jacks are required for antenna or cable-TV connections. The RF jacks on the VCR are labeled ANT. IN and RF OUT. The coaxial cable supplied with your VCR is used to connect the VCR’s RF OUT jack and your TV’s antenna input.
connections Choosing a VCR Connection There are several different ways to connect your VCR, depending on whether or not you have cable service, and if you have a cable box, and whether some of the channels are scrambled, and maybe you have a satellite receiver along with cable (but no cable box), or a satellite receiver and no cable or...well, you get the picture. Five connections are described in this section and one of them should provide you with a VCR connection that works.
connections TV with rf jack only This connection assumes: • You are connecting antenna, cable, or cable box system. • Your television has only an RF input jack. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Record one channel while watching another (except when using a cable box for all channels). To use this connection, you must have: • (1) coaxial cable for cable or antenna connection; (2) for cable box. To connect: 1. Connect cables as shown. 2.
connections TV with Audio/Video jacks This connection assumes: • You are connecting an antenna, cable, or cable box system. • Your television has audio/video jacks. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Record one channel while watching another (except when using a cable box for all channels). To use this connection, you must have: • (1) coaxial cable for cable/antenna connection; (2) for cable box • (2) audio/video cables To connect: 1. Connect cables as shown. 2.
connections TV with audio/Video jacks and Cable box to unscramble pay channels only This connection assumes: • You are using a cable box only to unscramble premium channels. • Your TV has audio/video input jacks. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Recording a scrambled or unscrambled channel through the cable box while watching an unscrambled channel. To use this connection, you must have: • (3) coaxial cables • (2) audio/video cables • (1) splitter To connect: 1.
appendix: reference This section gives you some additional information about the VCR, including a description of the unit’s controls and display. You also will find a Troubleshooting Tips section in this Appendix, which might help to resolve some of those simple problems. Finally, this section contains your warranty information.
appendix: reference Front Panel ^ ^ ^ ^ RECORD CHANNEL POWER RECORD VCR REV ^ ^ S T O P .E J E C T ^ ^ POWER P L A Y .P A U S E FWD TIMER TRACKING Remote Sensor CHANNEL/TRACKING Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCR’s channel memory. Adjusts tracking when a tape is playing. Press both together to recenter tracking. FWD Forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the picture forward during playback.
appendix: reference Indicator Panel POWER VCR RECORD TIMER POWER indicator Lights when the VCR is turned on. RECORD indicator Lights when the VCR is recording. TIMER indicator Lights during express recording and when VCR is turned off and set for timer recording. Flashes when timer recording is set and there is no cassette in the VCR. Also flashes when clock has not been set. VCR Indicator (Applies only if the VCR Viewing Channel is 3 or 4). Press the TV•VCR button to turn on or off.
appendix: reference Troubleshooting Tips No power • Check to make sure it is plugged into an operating outlet. • Check to make sure your connections are correct. VCR does not respond to remote • Press VCR to set remote to control the VCR. • Check to make sure there are no objects between the VCR and remote. • The batteries may need changing. • Make sure the Remote VCR1/VCR2 setting is set to VCR1 so the remote that came packed with your VCR can operate it.
appendix: reference Will not record or play • Check to make sure there is a tape in the VCR. • Try ejecting and reinserting the cassette. • Check to make sure the tape is not broken. • Check to make sure the VCR is not in pause mode. Press PAUSE or PLAY to return to normal playback. • Check the ProTect Plus™ feature. Rewind does not operate • Check to make sure the tape is not already rewound.
appendix: reference Will not AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH active channels correctly • Check to make sure the antenna connections are secure and correct. • Check to make sure the Signal Type: CABLE/ANTENNA feature is set correctly. • If Detect Automatically was selected for the Signal Type in the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu, try using either CABLE TV or ANTENNA instead. • May not be necessary if using a cable box for all channels. Contact your local cable company for more information.
appendix: reference Specifications Format: VHS Record/Playback System: Video: 4-head Audio: Mono 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: 17 watts Dimensions: 3.54 inches high (90 mm) 14.
appendix: reference Limited Warranty What your warranty covers: • Any defect in materials 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. What we will do: • Pay any Authorized RCA VCR Service Center the labor charges to repair your VCR.
appendix: reference 3 CH.4 switch 5, 43 A Accessing menus 5 Add or remove channels 10 ANT.
Index J Jack ANT.
Index Set up the VCR 6 Signal type, changing 10 SLOW button 18 Slow-motion search 30 SLP 20 Solving problems 44 SP 20 Specifications 47 SPEED button 18 STOP button 19 STOP•EJECT button 42 Stopping a timer recording 26 VCR Plus+ recording 25 VCR viewing channel 5 W Warranty, limited 48 X XPR (express recording) 22 T Tape eject 20 Tape Speeds 20 Time and date setting 11 Time Counter 33 TIMER indicator 43 Timer recording 22, 23 stopping 26 with VCR Plus+ 22 Tips, troubleshooting 44 TRACK buttons 19 Trackin
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. 10330 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290 ©1998 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Trademark(s)® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Printed in Japan TOCOM 15313740 Rev.
