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.
Introduction 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+® SILVER 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 TIMER RECORDINGS 1 Create a New Program 2 Review Existing Progs. 3 Use VCR Plus+ Code Express Recording (XPR) Description: XPR quickly records the remaining portion of a program already in progress. XPR is a great way to capture the end of a sporting event that has run into overtime or a live broadcast that runs long. Requirements: Repeatedly press the Record button on the VCR front panel or remote control to set the desired duration of time to record.
Table of Contents Product Registration ............................................................................................................. i Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 Key Features Overview ......................................................................................................... 1 Connections & Setup .......................................................................
Table of Contents Using the Remote Control ............................................................................................... 25 Remote Control Buttons ..................................................................................................... 26 Using the INPUT Button ............................................................................................... 28 Operating a TV with the VCR’s Remote Control ...............................................................
Chapter 1 Connections & Setup Chapter Overview: • Things to Consider Before Connecting • Choosing Your Connection • Making Connections • 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 58.
Connections & Setup TV (back panel) VIDEO AUDIO R L / MONO IN TV L OUT CABLE/ ANTENNA S-VIDEO VCR 1 VCR ANT. IN AUDIO R L OUT RF OUT IN CH. VIDEO 3 2 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 TV OUT CABLE/ ANTENNA S-VIDEO 1 VCR VCR ANT. IN AUDIO R L OUT RF OUT IN CH. 3 VIDEO 4 2 SATELLITE RECEIVER IN FROM ANT CH3 CH4 OUT OUT TO TV te e llit Sa VIDEO 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 TV L OUT 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 ox eB l b Ca 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 STOP•EJECT TV•VCR 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: • 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 8 0 PREFERENCES Remote Control: VCR1 Auto Play: ON Auto TV/VCR: ON EnergySaver: 2:00 Front Panel: AUTO Tape Speed: SLP Set Auto Repeat COMMERCIAL ADVANCE Exit The PREFERENCES menu allows changes to be made to a variety of different VCR features. 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: 1.
Using On-Screen Menus 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 PREFERENCES Remote Control: VCR1 Auto Play: ON Auto TV/VCR: ON EnergySaver: 2:00 Front Panel: AUTO Tape Speed: SLP Set Auto Repeat COMMERCIAL ADVANCE 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 Remote Control Buttons The backlit remote has a light button ( ) that glows in the dark. Press this button to light the buttons on the remote. The remote buttons remain lit when they are pressed within a few seconds of each other. If a button is not pressed within approximately seven seconds, the light turns off to conserve battery power.
Using the Remote Control Numbers (0 through 9) Select a channel up to 99 by pressing two numbers. Select a cable channel over 99 by pressing and holding 1 until 1 – – appears on the screen. Then press the other two numbers. PAUSE Pauses playback or recording. Press PAUSE again to return to playback or recording. PLAY Plays a tape. RECORD Starts VCR recording. Also used for Express recording. REVERSE Rewinds the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches backward through a tape during playback.
Using the Remote Control Using the INPUT Button Use the INPUT button to toggle through the available Video Line Input sources (L1, L2, and regular broadcasting signals) and regular broadcast signals. Video Line Input allows you to view the image from a connected device (like a camcorder) through the VCR. 1. Press the remote control’s VCR button to activate VCR-controlling mode. Make sure that the VCR is turned ON. 2. Press the remote control’s INPUT button to tune to the Video Line Input source.
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 ........................
Using the Remote Control Operating the TV After you set up the remote control, see which buttons operate your TV: 1. Point the remote control at the TV, and press the TV button. If the TV does not turn on, press the TV button and then press the ON •OFF button. 2. You may want to experiment to see which buttons operate your TV. Try pressing buttons, such as VOL and MUTE. See the button descriptions in this chapter for details about what each remote control button does.
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+® SILVER System The VCR Plus+ SILVER system makes VCR set up easier by setting and updating the clock and channel list for you automatically. During the first-time QuickSet Guide setup, the VCR prompts you to enter your zip code. Soon after, the VCR clock will set itself and your VCR Plus+ system channel list will be input for you. Time, date, and VCR Plus+ system information are downloaded from participating TV stations over your antenna or cable system.
VCR Features Mapping VCR Plus+ Channels Manually Using the VCR Plus+ SILVER system can make taping timer recordings for cable or off-air antenna easier. If your VCR Plus+ SILVER system setup failed during the QuickSet, then you will need to map the channels for your local service manually. A worksheet and abbreviated codes for typical cable services in the U.S. and Canada are provided. VCR PLUS+ SETUP 1 Set channel lists 2 Auto VCR Plus+: 1. Press the MENU button to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2.
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 Commercial Advance ® This feature uses patented technology to detect and mark most commercials on your tape for any recording that is more than 15 minutes long. Once recording is finished, the VCR rewinds the tape to the beginning of the recording and determines where the commercials are located. It then marks the beginning and end of the detected commercial segments, and when finished, returns the tape to the end of the recording. It does not erase commercials from the tape.
VCR Features COMMERCIAL ADVANCE 1 Marking: ON 2 Playback: AUTO 3 Display: Blue COMMERCIAL ADVANCE Playback Press 2 to switch between Playback: AUTO and MANUAL. • Select AUTO to have the VCR automatically advance through the blocks of marked commercials. It works with most 30, 45, and 60-second commercials. 0 Exit A commercial group starting with the first two minutes or last two minutes of a recording will not automatically be skipped.
VCR Features Movie Advance ® MOVIE ADVANCE helps you locate certain parts of prerecorded movies (rented or purchased). This feature works two ways: 1) you can go to the beginning of the movie, or, 2) you can skip from one preview to the next. MOVIE ADVANCE works only on tapes with the safety tab removed recorded in SP speed. MOVIE ADVANCE What type of tape is this? 1. To select MOVIE ADVANCE, insert a tape with its safety tab removed and press the SEARCH button on the remote control. 2.
VCR Features Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking Feature To protect set timer recordings and to disable the VCR for use, the unit can be locked so that the buttons on the front panel or remote control won’t work. • To Lock: Press and hold either the remote control’s ON•OFF or VCR button until the front panel display flashes. • To Unlock: Press and hold either the remote control’s ON•OFF or VCR button until the front panel display flashes for several seconds. Unlocking is the only way to turn on and use the VCR.
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 • COMMERCIAL ADVANCE Q&A • Front, Rear, and Display Panel Diagrams • Specifications • Care and Cleaning • 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 Streaks in picture during normal playback • Press one of the TRACKING buttons to move streaks up or down for the best picture. • Check to make sure the tape is of good quality and not worn out. 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.
Other Information Questions and Answers About ® Will commercials be scanned through only on playback of recordings? Yes. The VCR rewinds and marks commercial segments after a recording is finished. How fast does this feature scan through 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. Are commercials still recorded if I want to watch them? Yes.
Other Information RECORD STOP•EJECT TV•VCR POWER PLAY PA U S E VIDEO INPUT VIDEO LEFTMONO TAPE SPEED CHANNEL RIGHT REV FWD TRACKING INPUT 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.
Other Information REC VCR AM Display Panel Clock/Counter Displays current time, time counter, tape speed, or channel numbers when switching channels. FUNCTION DISPLAYS: dn & Ld (Down and Load) Front panel display alternates between these two words when time data is being downloaded. REC (Recording indicator) paused. The VCR is recording.
Other Information ANT. IN AUDIO R L OUT RF OUT IN CH. VIDEO 3 4 Back Panel ANT. IN jack Receives a signal from an antenna or cable system when the VCR is attached with RF 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. Use the INPUT button on the VCR or remote control to select the rear video line input A/V jacks (L1) to record from these jacks.
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: 17 watts (standby < 3 watts) Dimensions: 3.
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 Finding the TV’s Video Line Input TV Button ON•OFF TV VCR REVERSE PLAY FORWARD RECORD STOP PAUSE INFO CHAN SEARCH 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. 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. TV AUDIO VIDEO R L / MONO IN 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 ADVANCE A feature that allows the VCR to automatically mark qand skip commercial segments that are caught on home recordings. This feature does not remove the commercials from the tape. EnergySaver Automatically turns the VCR off after a user-defined period of inactivity.
Index Index A ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS screen 18 Audio playback type 46 selecting 46 Audio features, set up 46 AUDIO IN jacks 58 AUDIO menu 46 Audio/Video (A/V) jacks 17, 52, 54 Auto channel search 17 Auto clock feature 19 Auto play feature 13, 21 Auto TV/VCR feature 22 Automatic rewind 13 Automatic tracking 13, 44 B Back panel jacks 54 Batteries (remote control) 11 Broadcast stereo TV recording 35, 38 C Cable box setup 16 Cables positioning 6 CHANNEL buttons 17, 26 Channels, adding/removing 18 CHANNELS menu 1
Index Recording basic 13 broadcast stereo TV 35, 38 copying /editing tapes 38 Express (XPR) 2, 32 SAP 35, 38 speeds 23 timer 33 Remote component buttons 26 TV function buttons 27 Remote, batteries 11 Removing/adding channels 18 REV button 27, 38, 52 REVERSE button 13, 39 Reviewing timer programs 33 Rewind, automatic 13 RF OUT jack 54 S Safety tab 13, 21 SAP 35, 38 Search forward 39 reverse 39 SEARCH button 27, 40 Set up auto play feature 21 auto TV/VCR feature 22 cable box 16 Daylight-Saving 20 front panel
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