VCR User’s Guide Changing Entertainment. Again.
Important Information WARNING To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. CAUTION 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.
Introduction Key Features Overview Your VCR is equipped with features that will add to your recording and viewing experience. The following information summarizes a few of these features. Chapter 4 provides more information about the rest of the VCR’s features and how to use them. VCR Plus+® System The VCR Plus+ system allows for simple timer recording programming by using a single PlusCode® programming number found in most TV program listings.
Introduction Commercial Scan Description: The purpose of Commercial Scan is to assist you in searching forward on a tape through a block of commercials. Requirements: A Commercial Scan is performed in 30-second units. Each press of the remote control’s SEARCH button adds an additional 30-seconds, up to a maximum of 5 minutes (10 total presses of the SEARCH button). If you press the SEARCH button and the timer is within the 4:30-5:00 range, then the timer will be set to 5:00.
Table of Contents Key Features Overview ....................................................................................................... 1 Connections & Setup ........................................................................................................... 5 Things to Consider Before Connecting Components .......................................................... 6 Cable Considerations ..........................................................................................................
Table of Contents Using the Remote Control ............................................................................................... 25 Using the Remote Control .................................................................................................. 26 Buttons of the Remote Control ................................................................................... 26 Using the INPUT Button ........................................................................................
Chapter 1 Connections & Setup Chapter Overview: • Things to Consider Before Connecting • Choosing Your Connection • Making Connections • Why You Should Connect with Audio/Video Jacks • Navigating On-Screen Menus • Completing the QuickSet™ Guide • Basic Recording Changing Entertainment. Again.
Connections & Setup Things to Consider Before Connecting Components Protect 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. Position Cables to Avoid Audio Hum or Interference • Insert all cable plugs firmly into their jacks.
Connections & Setup Using the RF Coaxial Cable to Connect the VCR to a TV This graphic shows the RF coaxial cable supplied with your VCR. This will be the cable used for the basic connections represented in this chapter. Notes: To hear stereo sound, you will need to purchase Audio/Video (A/V) cables (not provided) and connect the VCR to the TV. A/V jacks and cables also provide a superior image and sound quality. For details about using this advanced setup, see the instructions on page 53.
Connections & Setup TV (back panel) VIDEO AUDIO R L / MONO IN L OUT TV CABLE/ ANTENNA S-VIDEO VCR 1 ANT. IN AUDIO R VCR L OUT RF OUT IN CH. VIDEO 2 3 4 From Cable or Antenna TV + VCR Need Some Help? If you prefer, we can provide you with the name of an Authorized Service Representative who will visit your home for a fee to install your electronic entertainment system and to instruct you in its operation. For details about this service, call 1-888-206-3359.
Connections & Setup TV AUDIO VIDEO R L / MONO IN L OUT CABLE/ ANTENNA TV S-VIDEO 1 VCR ANT. IN AUDIO VCR R L OUT RF OUT IN CH. VIDEO 3 4 2 SATELLITE RECEIVER IN FROM ANT CH3 CH4 OUT OUT TO TV VIDEO lite S l ate R L S-VIDEO SATELLITE IN 3 From Cable or TV Antenna 4 From Satellite TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver Note: Your television and/or satellite receiver back panels may not look exactly like the models shown here.
Connections & Setup TV VIDEO AUDIO R L / MONO IN L OUT TV CABLE/ ANTENNA S-VIDEO VCR 1 VCR ANT. IN AUDIO R L OUT RF OUT IN CH. VIDEO CABLE BOX 3 4 2 IN FROM ANT C eB abl ox CH3 CH4 OUT TO TV S-VIDEO 3 From Cable Feed TV + VCR + Cable Box Need Some Help? If you prefer, we can provide you with the name of an Authorized Service Representative who will visit your home for a fee to install your electronic entertainment system and to instruct you in its operation.
Connections & Setup Set the VCR’s CH 3/4 Switch The CH 3/4 switch on back of the VCR determines what channel the TV must be tuned to see the VCR’s image. Choose whichever channel is not used locally in your area. Note: If you connected components using A/V jacks and cables, the VCR’s signal must be viewed using the TV’s Video Line Input.
Connections & Setup Using the Remote Control to Navigate On-Screen Menus The technical term is “Navigation” – how you move through the on-screen menus. The theory is the same for all the menu screens; use the corresponding number button on the remote control select it. To choose an on-screen item, press the remote control’s corresponding number button. Note: Selecting a menu item can take you to another menu, activate a choice, or activate a data entry field (such as the hour field in the Set Time menu).
Connections & Setup VCR Basics Once your initial settings are complete, you can begin using your VCR. In order to begin, you must first understand some basic concepts. Playing a Tape 1. Tune the TV to your VCR viewing channel (03, 04, or the video line input). 2. Insert a tape in the VCR. If the Auto Play feature is set to ON, the tape automatically begins playback (if the safety tab on the tape is removed). .
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Chapter 2 Using the VCR’s Menu System Chapter Overview: • Setting Up the VCR’s Preferences • Using On-Screen Menus • Cable Box Setup • Setting Time and Date • Setting VCR Preferences Changing Entertainment. Again.
Using On-Screen Menus Using On-Screen Menus to Set Up Features You set up many of the VCR’s features by using the menu system as discussed in the previous chapter. Each feature that appears in the QuickSet Guide is explained in this section as well as a few other features you should set up to get the most out of your VCR. Note: Not all the VCR screens are shown in this manual when explaining how to access features.
Using On-Screen Menus CABLE BOX SETUP 4. Select one of the three choices. If “ALL Channels” is selected, enter the output channel of the cable box (usually 03 or 04), or if A/V jacks connect the VCR to the TV, press the INPUT button on the VCR’s remote control. 5. Once you complete the setup, the VCR confirms that it will now receive all signals on the designated channel.
Using On-Screen Menus Changing the Signal Type This feature is useful if your cable signal goes out; it allows you to switch to a regular antenna for alternate television reception. CHANNELS 1 2 3 4 5 6 1. Press the MENU button to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press the 4 button to choose CHANNELS. 3. Press 3 to choose between Signal Type: Cable and Antenna. When finished, press 0 to exit back to the Main Menu and 0 again to exit to normal viewing.
Using On-Screen Menus Time and Date Your VCR gives you two ways to set the time and date; manually or by using the Auto Clock Set feature. Using Auto Clock Set enables the time to be updated each time the VCR is turned off by using time and date information carried in certain broadcast signals. Auto Clock Set Feature The Auto Clock Set feature is set to ON by default at the factory. In the ON setting, the VCR looks for a channel carrying time data and updates the clock automatically.
Using On-Screen Menus Setting Daylight-Saving Time 1 2 3 4 TIME Set Time and Date Auto Clock Set: ON Set Time Zone Set Daylight Saving 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 3 to choose TIME. 3. Press 4 to choose SET DAYLIGHT SAVING. 4. Select the appropriate option. Time Data was found on channel 20. 0 Exit SET DAYLIGHT SAVING Notes: DST stands for Daylight–Saving Time.
Using On-Screen Menus 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PREFERENCES Remote Control: Auto Play: Auto TV/VCR: EnergySaver: Front Panel: Tape Speed: Set Auto Repeat VCR1 ON ON 2:00 BRIGHT SLP Additional Set Up Features in the Preferences Menu Note: The features described on the following pages are all accessed through the PREFERENCES menu. To Access the PREFERENCES menu: 0 Exit The PREFERENCES menu allows changes to be made to a variety of different VCR features. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2.
Using On-Screen Menus 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PREFERENCES Remote Control: Auto Play: Auto TV/VCR: EnergySaver: Front Panel: Tape Speed: Set Auto Repeat VCR1 ON ON 2:00 BRIGHT SLP 0 Exit Auto TV/VCR To control whether the VCR’s TV/VCR setting changes automatically to VCRviewing mode when turned on, use the Auto TV/VCR setting. To Access Auto TV/VCR: In the PREFERENCES menu, press 3 repeatedly to toggle between Auto TV/VCR: ON and OFF.
Using On-Screen Menus Recording Speeds Tape Speed SP (Standard Play) Gives the best quality recording, but fewer programs can be recorded on the tape. You can choose as the preferred recording tape speed either Standard Play (SP) or Super Long Play (SLP). The speed selected appears in the VCR’s front display panel and in timer and VCR Plus+ system recording menus. SLP (Super Long Play) Gives three times the recording time of tapes recorded in SP mode.
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Chapter 3 Using the Remote Control Chapter Overview: • Buttons on the Remote Control • Programming the Remote to Operate Other Components • How To Use the Remote After You’ve Programmed It Changing Entertainment. Again.
Using the Remote Control Using the Remote Control The remote control is capable of controlling more than just your VCR. If you have compatible RCA, GE, or Proscan TV, you may be able to control it without having to program the remote. If you have another brand of TV, your VCR’s remote control may be able to operate it once it has been programmed. This chapter offers details about programming the remote control and operating TVs.
Using the Remote Control MUTE Lowers the TV volume to its minimum level. Press the MUTE button again to restore the TV’s volume to its previous state. ON•OFF PAUSE PLAY Turns the power of the active device (either the TV or VCR) on or off. Pauses playback and recording in VCR mode. Starts tape playback in VCR mode. RECORD Starts recording in VCR mode. REVERSE Rewinds a tape. In Playback mode, pressing and holding REVERSE starts reverse playback. In Stop mode, pressing REVERSE fast-rewinds.
Using the Remote Control Do You Need to Program the Remote? To determine whether the remote control needs to be programmed to operate your TV, turn the TV on, point the remote control at it, then press the remote control’s TV button (this puts the remote control into TV-operating mode and should automatically turn on most RCA, GE, and Proscan TVs). Press the remote control’s ON•OFF button to see if the TV responds to the command. If not, the remote control needs to be programmed to control that model TV.
Using the Remote Control TV Codes Akai ......................................... 03 AOC ..................................... 06,12 Candle ....................................... 06 Citizen ....................................... 06 Colortyme ................................. 06 Concerto ................................... 06 Curtis Mathes ....................... 01,06 Daewoo ............................... 06,12 Daytron ..................................... 06 Electrohome ........................
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Chapter 4 Using the VCR’s Features Chapter Overview: • Recording • Express Recording (XPR) • Timer Recordings • Using the VCR Plus+ System • Copying and Editing Tapes Changing Entertainment. Again.
VCR Features Recording Features Your VCR provides many ways to capture programming: 1. Recording lets you press one button to record a program. 2. Express Recording (XPR) allows recording to start while a program is being watched. This feature automatically stops recording after a designated period of time. 3. Timer Recording program the VCR for a daily, weekly, or one-time recording which will automatically start and stop at the times you set. 4.
VCR Features Timer Recording You can program up to eight different broadcasts to be recorded. Notes– In order for a timer recording to work: TIMER RECORDINGS 1 Create a New Program 2 Review Existing Progs. 3 Use VCR Plus+ Code How often should this 0 Exit program record? 1 2 3 4 One time Daily (every day) Weekdays (M-F) Weekly (once per week) Program 1 has been saved 0 Cancel Remember to insert a recordable tape and turn the VCR off before the program start time.
VCR Features VCR Plus+ System You can use the VCR Plus+ system to simplify programming timer recordings if you have cable TV and don’t receive all channels through a cable box or if you receive your TV signal off-air. Mapping VCR Plus+ Channels Using the VCR Plus+ system can make taping timer recordings for cable or off-air antenna easier. First, you will need to invest a little time to prepare the system for your area.
VCR Features Two-Digit VCR Plus+ System Channel Numbers for Cable TV (USA List) Two-Digit VCR Plus+ System Channel Numbers for Cable TV (Canadian List) 35 39 57 54 42 45 98 37 53 63 34 47 33 95 96 51 46 58 48 49 38 64 99 41 97 59 52 44 62 93 94 55 43 60 67 .................. Allarcom Pay Television/ Superchannel 44 ........................ Arts & Entertainment 72 ........................ Cable News NetworkHeadline News 61 ......................... Cable News Network 70 ...............
VCR Features VCR Plus+ System Worksheet Broadcast or Cable-TV Station Name VCR Plus+ System Channel Number** HBO 33 ESPN 34 Channel Number You Receive the Station On* *Check your local or cable listings for the channel number you receive this station on. **Check your local listings for broadcast or VCR Plus+ channel number assigned.
VCR Features Recording Broadcast Stereo TV or SAP (Second Audio Program) Some TV programs are broadcast with stereo audio or SAP (Second Audio Program). 1. Turn on the TV and tune it to the VCR viewing channel (either 03, 04, or the TV’s Video Line Input). 2. Insert a tape with its safety tab in place. 3. If your VCR viewing channel is 3 or 4, make sure the VCR indicator appears in the front display. If not, press the TV•VCR button on the remote control to turn it on. 4.
VCR Features Picture Search Options The basic way to search during playback is using the remote control’s FORWARD or REVERSE buttons (FWD and REV on the VCR). This section contains several other options available for searching a tape. Insert Tape: Don’t forget to insert a recorded tape when using the search features. Forward and Reverse Search You can search a tape during playback either forward or reverse in direction. Note: Sound is turned off during picture search. 1.
VCR Features Index Search The VCR has a “VHS Index Search System” that automatically records index marks on the tape every time you start a recording. During playback you can locate the program you want to play by the number of index marks or by scanning. The VCR will search forward or reverse from the location you are at on the tape. To Activate Index Search: INDEX SEARCH 1. While playing back, press the STOP button to freeze the action. 2.
VCR Features Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking Feature To disable VCR usage or to protect set timer recordings, the unit can be locked so that the buttons on the VCR or remote control don’t work. • To Lock: Press and hold either the remote control’s ON•OFF or VCR button until SAFE appears in the display to indicate Pro-Tect Plus is active. SAFE also appears if the VCR is turned on while the feature is activated.
VCR Features On-Screen Displays Pressing the INFO button displays the status of the VCR (Stop, Play Record, etc.) as well as the channel number, time counter position, date, time, and tape speed on the TV screen. Note: The date and time must be set before they can be displayed. 1 Stop Ch 05 11/18/01 Sun 0:30:00 1. Press the INFO button to show the on-screen displays. The current time is displayed in the VCR’s front panel. 2. Press INFO again to have only the time counter remain on the screen.
VCR Features AUDIO 1 Reception: STEREO 2 Tape Playback: HI-FI Audio Set-Up Features Your VCR’s audio setup features affect both tape playback and recordings. The features in this section are accessed through the AUDIO menu. To Display the Audio Menu: 0 Exit 1. Press the MENU button to bring up the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 7 to choose AUDIO. With the AUDIO menu displayed, you are ready to select an item from the menu to set up.
Chapter 5 Other Information Chapter Overview: • Troubleshooting • Specifications • Care and Cleaning • Front, Rear, and Display Panel Diagram • Warranty Information • Finding the TV’s Video Line Input • Advanced Connection Diagram • Glossary • Index Changing Entertainment. Again.
Other Information Troubleshooting Tips In this section, you will find answers to common recording, playback, and general VCR questions. Consulting with this section first when there is problem may help you answer common questions. General VCR Problems 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 the remote control • • • Check to make sure there are no objects between the VCR and the remote control.
Other Information Recording Problems Will not record • • • • • Make sure there is a recordable tape in the VCR. Eject then reinsert the tape. Make sure the tape is not broken. Make sure the VCR is not in pause mode. Press PAUSE or PLAY to return to normal playback. Make sure the Pro-Tect Plus feature is not active. A VCR Plus+ system or timer recording was not made or the wrong program recorded • • • • • • • • • • Make sure the correct PlusCode programming number is entered.
Other Information Time counter not working or time counter not working in search modes • • • 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 (–) will appear in front of the time if you rewind the tape farther back than a counter reading of 0:00:00. The time counter disappears during search; this is normal.
Other Information Specifications Format: VHS Record/Playback System: Video: 4-head Audio: VHS 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: 18 watts (standby < 3.3 watts) Dimensions: 3.
Other Information . Front Panel AUDIO (LEFT and RIGHT) and VIDEO In Jacks Receives signals from another component (like another VCR or camcorder) when connected to the VCR using A/V jacks. Use the INPUT button to select L2 to record from these jacks (L1 indicates the rear panel A/V jacks being active). CHANNEL TRACKING Up and Down and distortion. Adjusts the image quality by removing picture “noise” FWD Forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the picture forward during playback.
Other Information TIMER VCR Display Panel Clock/Counter Displays current time, time counter, tape speed, or channel numbers when switching channels. FUNCTION DISPLAYS: BYE The VCR is turned off. EJEC A tape is being ejected. FF A tape is fast-forwarding. HI The VCR is turned on. PLAY A tape is in playback mode. PLAY (Flashing) Playback is paused; a still-frame image is displayed. REC The VCR is recording. Also denotes a timer recording in progress. REC (Flashing) A recording is paused.
Other Information ANT. IN AUDIO R L OUT RF OUT IN CH. VIDEO 3 4 Back Panel CH. 3/4 switch Determines the channel to which the TV must be tuned in order to see the VCR’s picture. Not used when connecting the VCR to the TV using A/V cables. AUDIO (LEFT and RIGHT) and VIDEO IN jacks Receives signals from another component, such as another VCR or camcorder, when connected to these jacks.
Other Information RCA VCR Limited Warranty What your warranty covers: • Any defect in materials or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: • • 90 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.
Other Information TV Button ON•OFF TV VCR How to Find Your TV’s Video Input Channel You need to tune your TV to the video line input if you are using the VCR’s Audio/Video (A/V) OUT jacks to connect to the TV’s A/V input jacks. You must select the TV’s video line input before you can see the VCR’s menus, the cable/antenna reception, and the content that’s on a tape. PLAY FORWARD The video line input for TVs varies by brand and model.
Other Information Advanced Connection TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver • Using A/V and RF Coaxial Cables Note: Your satellite receiver and television back panels may not look exactly like the models shown here. This connection can also be used for a cable box. 1. Connect the VCR to the TV A. Connect one end of the supplied RF coaxial cable to the RF OUT jack on the back of the VCR and the other end to the TV’s antenna input jack. B. Connect the A/V cables.
Other Information Glossary A/V Jacks & Cables Commonly called “RCA-type” cables. Improves picture and sound quality over RF Coaxial cables. A/V cables are required for stereo audio. Commercial Scan A feature that advances the tape 30 seconds of recorded material during playback. Each press advances the tape an additional 30 seconds up to five minutes. EnergySaver Automatically turns the VCR off after a user-defined period of inactivity.
Index Index A ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS screen 18 Audio playback type 42 selecting 42 Audio features, set up 42 AUDIO IN jacks 53 AUDIO menu 42 Audio/Video (A/V) jacks 17, 48, 50 Auto channel search 17 Auto clock feature 19 Auto play feature 13, 21 Auto TV/VCR feature 22 Automatic rewind 13 Automatic tracking 13, 40 B Back panel jacks 50 Basic recording 13 Batteries (remote control) 11 Broadcast stereo TV recording 37 BYE display 49 C Cable box setup 16 Cables positioning 6 CHANNEL buttons 17, 26 Channels, addi
Index R REC display 49 Reception: STEREO/MONO/SAP feature 37, 42 RECORD button 13, 32, 37, 48 Recording basic 13 broadcast stereo 34 broadcast stereo TV 37 copying /editing tapes 37 Express (XPR) 1, 32 SAP 37 speeds 23 timer 33 VCR Plus+ 34 Remote, batteries 11 Removing/adding channels 18 REV button 37, 48 REVERSE button 13, 27, 38 Reviewing timer programs 33 REW display 49 Rewind, automatic 13 RF OUT jack 50 S SAFE display 40 Safety tab 13, 21 SAP 37 Search forward 38 reverse 38 SEARCH button 39 searching
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