GE VG4045 User Manual
VCR User’s Guide
VG4045
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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.
This symbol indicates
"dangerous voltage" inside
the product that presents a
risk of electric shock or
personal injury.
Caution: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug
to wide slot, fully insert.
Attention: Pour éviter les chocs électriques, introduire la
lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante
de la prise et pousser jusqú au fond.
Refer to the identification/rating label located on the back panel of your
product for its proper operating voltage.
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this
equipment may void the user’s authority to operate it.
Cable TV Installer: This reminder is provided to call your attention to
Article 820-40 of the National Electrical Code (Section 54 of the Canadian
Electrical Code, Part 1) which provides guidelines for proper grounding
and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to
the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry
as practical.
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
important instructions
accompanying the product.
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately. Returning the card allows us to contact you if
needed.
Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of purchase. Attach it here and record
the serial and model numbers in case you need them. The numbers are located on the back of the television.
Model No. _______________________________________________________________________________________
Serial No. _______________________________________________________________________________________
Purchase Date: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Dealer/Address/Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________
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VG4045
ON•OFF
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VCR
REVERSE PLAY FORWARD
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TRACKING
Introduction
Introduction
Key Features Overview
Your VCR is equipped with features that will add to your recording experience.
The following information summarizes a few of these features. Chapter 3
provides more information about the rest of the VCR’s features and how to use
them.
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F.ADV
Unified Remote Control
Description: The VCR’s remote control can operate most RCA, GE, and Proscan
TVs with no additional steps and can control most other remote-controllable
devices with just a few programming steps.
Requirements: Point the remote at the active device to see if it can be operated.
Program the remote if necessary following the steps in this manual.
Front Audio/Video Input Jacks
Description: The VCR has Audio/Video (A/V) input jacks on both the front
and rear of the unit (there are output jacks on the rear panel only). The front
A/V jacks make it easy to plug in an external A/V device, such as a camcorder.
VCR
TIMER
Requirements: Open the front door covering the front A/V jacks. Make sure
that all A/V connections are snug. To see a connected device’s image, turn the
VCR to its Video Line Input by pressing the remote control’s INPUT button.
ShowSaver™ Memory Protection
Description: Set timer programs are stored indefinitely using the VCR’s
permanent memory so you’ll never have to worry about losing your programs
due to an extended power outage.
Requirements: Store a daily or weekly timer program in the VCR’s memory.
Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking
Description: Guards preprogrammed VCRs to help avoid frustrating recording
accidents or interruptions from children.
Requirements: Set the VCR to Lock by pressing and holding the ON•OFF
button on the remote control for six seconds. SAFE will appear on the front
panel. The VCR unlocks by pressing and holding the ON•OFF button on the
remote control, again for six seconds.
1
Introduction
EnergySaver
Description: Set the VCR to turn off automatically after one, two, or three hours
of inactivity.
Requirements: Set the EnergySaver preferences.
Rec Ch 36
Record Length 1:30
Press REC to set length
INDEX SEARCH
Press REV or FWD
to begin scanning
OR
enter a specific
index number
_ _
Press SEARCH to exit
Express Recording (XPR)
Description: Allows the VCR to record for a preset amount of time without
having to set up a timer recording. You can quickly record the end of a program
that is running long or a live sporting event that has gone into overtime using
this feature
Requirements: Set the amount of time for the VCR to record using the remote
control’s RECORD button. The VCR must have a recordable tape inserted.
Index Search
Description: Index marks are recorded every time a recording is started. Index
mars make it easy to search to the beginning of a recorded program. During
playback, you can scan forward on the tape by entering any number of index
marks, or by simply scanning.
Requirements: Activate the Index Search mode using the remote control’s
SEARCH button.
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.
2
Table of Contents
Product Registration
Introduction
Key Features Overview ............................................................................................. 1
Connections & Setup
Things to Consider Before Connecting Components ............................................. 6
Cable Considerations ................................................................................................ 6
Choose Your Connection ...........................................................................................7
Turn on the TV and VCR .......................................................................................... 11
Tune the TV .............................................................................................................. 11
Using the Remote Control to Navigate On-Screen Menus .................................. 12
Complete the QuickSet Guide ..........................................................................12
Accessing Menus .............................................................................................. 12
VCR Basics ................................................................................................................12
Playing a Tape .................................................................................................... 13
Automatic Rewind ............................................................................................. 13
Tape Eject ...........................................................................................................13
Recording ................................................................................................................. 13
Check the Safety Tab ......................................................................................... 13
Using the VCR’s Menu System
Using On-Screen Menus to Set Up Features ........................................................ 16
Language ........................................................................................................... 16
Cable Box Setup ................................................................................................16
VCR Channels List ............................................................................................. 17
Time and Date .................................................................................................... 19
Additional Set Up Features in the Preferences Menu .......................................... 20
Remote VCR1/VCR2 Option ..............................................................................21
Auto Play ............................................................................................................ 21
Auto TV/VCR ...................................................................................................... 21
EnergySaver ...................................................................................................... 22
Front Panel Brightness (VCR Display) ............................................................. 22
Tape Speed ........................................................................................................ 22
Set Auto Repeat ................................................................................................. 23
................................................................................................................. 1
Auto Channel Searching ............................................................................ 17
Changing the Signal Type .......................................................................... 18
Adding or Removing Channels.................................................................. 18
Auto Clock Set Feature ...............................................................................19
To Turn Auto Clock Set ON ..................................................................19
Setting the Time Zone .......................................................................... 19
Setting Daylight-Saving Time .............................................................. 20
Setting Time and Date Manually ............................................................... 20
................................................................................................ i
.............................................................................................. 5
......................................................................... 15
3
Table of Contents
Using the Remote Control
Using the Remote Control ...................................................................................... 26
Buttons of the Remote Control ........................................................................ 26
Using the INPUT Button .............................................................................27
Using the VCR’s Features
Recording Features ..................................................................................................30
Express Recording (XPR) .................................................................................. 30
Timer Recording ................................................................................................ 31
Stopping a Timer Recording ...................................................................... 31
Reviewing and Clearing Programs ............................................................ 31
Copying and Editing Tapes Using Two VCRs .................................................. 32
Picture Search Options ............................................................................................32
Forward and Reverse Search ........................................................................... 32
Commercial Scan .............................................................................................. 33
Slow Motion ...................................................................................................... 33
Frame Advance .................................................................................................. 33
Index Search ......................................................................................................33
Zero Search ........................................................................................................ 34
Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking Feature ............................................................................. 35
Tracking .................................................................................................................... 35
Time Counter ............................................................................................................ 35
On-Screen Displays ................................................................................................. 36
Other Information
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................... 38
General Problems .............................................................................................. 38
Playback Problems ............................................................................................39
Recording Problems .......................................................................................... 41
Front Panel ............................................................................................................... 42
Display Panel ............................................................................................................43
Back Panel ................................................................................................................ 44
Specifications ........................................................................................................... 45
Cleaning the VCR ..................................................................................................... 45
GE VCR WARRANTY................................................................................................ 46
How to Find Your TV’s Video Input Channel .......................................................... 47
Advanced Connection ............................................................................................. 48
TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver ........................................................................... 48
Glossary ....................................................................................................................49
Index ......................................................................................................................... 50
................................................................................................... 37
.................................................................................. 25
.................................................................................... 29
4
Connections &
Setup
Chapter Overview:
• Things to Consider Before Connecting
• Choosing Your Connection
• Making Connections
Chapter 1
• Why You Should Connect with Audio/Video Jacks
• Navigating On-Screen Menus
• Completing the QuickSet™ Guide
• Basic Recording
5
Connections and 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.
• Place any Audio/Video (A/V) cables to the side(s) of the TV’s back panel instead of
straight down the back after connecting components.
• Try not to coil any twin-lead cables and keep them away from all A/V cables as much as
possible.
• Make sure all antennas and cables are properly grounded. Refer to the Safety Tips sheet
packed with your unit for detailed information.
Protect Components From Overheating
• Never block ventilation slots in any component. Arrange the components so that air can
circulate freely.
• Do not stack components.
• Allow adequate ventilation when placing components in a stand.
• Place an amplifier or satellite receiver on the top shelf of a stand so heated air rising from it
will not flow around other components.
Cable Considerations
The RF coaxial cable supplied with your VCR carries both sound and picture information. This
is the cable used in all connection diagrams illustrated in this chapter.
If your TV has A/V input jacks, you should use A/V cables (not supplied) to connect the VCR
to the TV. A/V cables provide better picture and sound quality than an RF coaxial cable. If you
would like to hook up your VCR using A/V cables, refer to the Advanced Connection information
on page 48 in the Other Information chapter of the manual.
6 Chapter 1
Connections and 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.
RF Coaxial Cable
Choose Your Connection
There are several ways to hook up your VCR depending on the components connected. Please
use the following chart to determine which connection is best for you and proceed to the
appropriate page.
Notes: Using A/V jacks and cables (cables not included) provide a superior image
and sound quality to RF Coaxial Cable. For details about using an advanced
setup, see the instructions on page 48.
Using A/V jacks to connect the VCR to the TV requires tuning to the TV’s Video
Line Input to see the VCR’s picture. For more information about finding your TV’s
Video Line Input, see page 47.
Components
Connection Go To
Title
TV + VCR page 8
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Satellite Receiver page 9
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Satellite
TV + VCR +
Cable Box page 10
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Connections and Setup
TV (back panel)
VIDEO
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RF OUT
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TV + VCR
Note: Your television back panel may not look exactly like the model shown here.
1. Connect the VCR to the TV
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 IN jack.
2. Connect the antenna/cable feed to the VCR
Connect the cable or antenna RF coaxial cable to the ANT. IN jack on your
VCR.
Note: Flip the CH 3/4 switch on the back of the VCR to the channel that is not
used in your area. This will be the channel that the TV must be tuned to in order
to see the VCR’s picture.
From Cable
or Antenna
8 Chapter 1
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SATELLITE
RECEIVER
VIDEO
VIDEO
OUT
Connections and Setup
AUDIO
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S-VIDEO
AUDIO
OUT IN
VIDEO
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ANTENNA
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RF OUT
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S-VIDEO
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3
From Cable
or TV Antenna
CH3
CH4
IN
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.
1. Connect the VCR to the TV
Connect one end of the supplied RF coaxial cable to the VCR’s RF OUT
jack and the other end to the TV’s antenna input jack.
2. Connect satellite receiver to the VCR
Connect an RF coaxial cable to the RF OUT jack on the cable box and to
the CABLE/ANTENNA input jack on the TV.
3. Connect the antenna to your satellite receiver
If necessary, connect an antenna or cable box RF coaxial cable (not
included) to the antenna input jack on the satellite receiver.
4. Connect the satellite feed to the satellite receiver
Connect the satellite receiver’s RF coaxial cable feed (not included) to the
satellite input jack on the satellite receiver.
Go To Page 11
Chapter 1 9
Connections and Setup
TV
VIDEO
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ANTENNA
ANT. IN
RF OUT
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CABLE BOX
IN FROM ANT
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3
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TV + VCR + Cable Box
Note: Your television and/or cable box back panels may not look exactly like the
models shown here.
1. Connect the VCR to the TV
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 IN jack.
2. Connect the cable box to the VCR
Connect one end of a second RF coaxial cable (not included) to the cable
box’s TV output jack and the other end to the antenna input jack on the
TV.
CH3
CH4
3. Connect the cable feed to your cable box
Connect the RF coaxial cable feed (not included) to the antenna input jack
on the cable box.
10 Chapter 1
Go To Page 11
Connections and 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. To find the Video Line Input, refer to the manual that came with
the TV or see How to Find Your TV’s Video Line Input on page 52 in 47 Other Information section
of this manual.
Plug in the VCR
Your VCR’s power cord has a plastic band strung through the blades. Remove the plastic band
before plugging the cord into the power outlet. To remove the band, cut with a pair of scissors
and pull it free of the blades. Once the plastic is removed, match the wide blade of the power
cord to the wide slot in the AC outlet. Be sure to insert the plug completely.
Put Batteries in the Remote Control
1. Remove the battery compartment cover on the remote control.
2. Insert new batteries matching the polarities (+ and –) on the batteries with
the diagram in the battery compartment.
3. Put the battery compartment cover back on the remote.
Turn on the TV and VCR
Turn on the TV and press the VCR button on the remote control to turn it on.
Note: If you have an RCA, GE, or Proscan TV, your VCR’s remote control may be
able to operate it without being programmed. Press the TV button on the remote
control and then the ON•OFF button. If neither one turns on the TV, see Using
the Remote Control starting on page 25 for details about programming the remote
control to operate other brands of TVs.
Tune the TV
Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel. The VCR viewing channel is channel
3, 4, or the TV’s video line input.
• If you connect your VCR using RF coaxial cable only, turn the TV to
channel 3 or 4 (whichever was set on the CH 3/4 switch).
Chapter 1 11
• If you connected the VCR using A/V jacks and cables, select the TV’s video
line input. For more information see How to Find the TV’s Video Line Input on
page 52 in the Other Information section of this manual.
Connections and 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 the on-screen menu choice.
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).
Complete the QuickSet Guide
The menu system in your VCR allows you to customize your preferences as well
as use all the VCR’s features. To help you use the VCR as quickly as possible,
there is an initial QuickSet Guide that walks you through several important
setup steps at one time.
The first time you turn on the VCR, you will be able to set up available
Select a language.
Seleccione un idioma.
Choisissez une langue.
1 English
2 Español
3 Français
channels, time and date information, and more. The first menu you will see
asks which language you prefer to have the on-screen menus appear in.
Note: With numbered menu choices, press the corresponding number button on the
remote control to select it. In the case of the language menu, press 1 for English, 2
for Español (Spanish), or 3 for Français (French).
The remaining menus throughout the setup will appear in the language chosen.
Just follow the step-by-step procedures until the QuickSet Guide is complete.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Time
3 Channels
4 Setup
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
All of the VCR’s menus are
accessed through the Main
Menu. Press the remote
control’s MENU button to start.
Accessing Menus
The series of preferences that are set in the QuickSet Guide can also be
handled individually using the VCR’s on-screen menu system. There are other
settings not covered in the initial setup that are also handled using the onscreen menus.
For example, if you decide to run the QuickSet Guide again, you can access the
Setup menu by pressing the remote control’s MENU button. Once the Main
Menu is displayed, press the 4 button to choose Setup. From there, you can start
the QuickSet Guide from the beginning.
All on-screen menus are accessed the same way, starting in the Main Menu
which is displayed by pressing the remote control’s MENU button.
Note: See Chapter Two, Using On-Screen Menus, for details about changing the
VCR’s individual settings.
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.
12 Chapter 1
Automatic Tracking
The VCR has automatic tracking
which adjusts the picture when
playing back a tape recorded on
another VCR. To adjust tracking
manually, use the TRACKING -/+
buttons on the remote control.
Connections and Setup
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).
• Press FWD or REV (FORWARD or REVERSE on the remote control) to
cue the tape at the desired starting position.
• Press PLAY (if necessary) to begin tape play.
• Press PAUSE for stop action.
• Press TRACKING up or down (TRACKING + or – on the remote
control) to remove any streaks from the picture, if necessary.
• Press STOP to stop playback.
Automatic Rewind
The VCR automatically rewinds the tape if it reaches the end of the tape during
playback. While rewinding, you can press the ON•OFF button and the VCR will
turn off after finishing. If the tape has no safety tab, it will be ejected.
Tape Eject
Press the EJECT button on the VCR when stopped to eject the tape. You can
also press and hold the remote control’s STOP button for three seconds.
Recording
To Capture Programming with Basic Recording Methods:
1. Set the tape speed by pressing the SPEED button on the remote control
(see Tape Speed on page 22 for information about recording speeds).
2. Press the RECORD button to begin recording.
3. Press the STOP button to halt recording.
If you just want to pause the recording for a short time (like during a
commercial), press PAUSE instead of STOP.
Check the Safety Tab
No matter which recording option you use, make sure there is a tape in the
VCR with its safety tab in place. You cannot record on a tape with its safety tab
removed. If the safety tab is removed and you want to record, simply cover the
hole with adhesive tape.
Safety Tab
Chapter 1 13
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Using the VCR’s
Menu System
Chapter Overview:
• Setting Up the VCR’s Preferences
• Using On-Screen Menus
Chapter 2
• Cable Box Setup
• Setting Time and Date
• Setting VCR Preferences
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