GE VG4061 User Manual

VCR User’s Guide

VG4061

We bring good things to life.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

WARNING

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 reduce the risk of 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.

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.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or
shock hazard, do not expose
this product to rain or moisture.

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.

Product Registration

Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately.
Returning this 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 product.

Model No. _VG4061_________________________________________________
Serial No. _____________________________________________________
Purchase Date: ________________________________________________
Dealer/Address/Phone: ________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

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 .............................................9

To Change the Signal Type .......................................10

To Add or Remove Channels....................................10

Time and Date..................................................................10

Set Daylight-Saving Time .........................................11

Set the Time and Date...............................................11

VCR Plus+ Channels ........................................................12

Additional Set-up Features in the PREFERENCES Menu ... 14

Remote VCR1/VCR2 Option ............................................15

Auto Play..........................................................................16

Auto TV/VCR ....................................................................16

VCR Basics ........................................................17

Remote Buttons.....................................................................18

Component Buttons ........................................................18

VCR Function Buttons .....................................................18

TV Function Buttons........................................................19

Playing a Tape ........................................................................20

Tape Eject...............................................................................20

Recording...............................................................................21

Check the Safety Tab .......................................................21

Automatic Rewind.................................................................21

Recording ................................................................23

Recording Features ...............................................................24

Express Recording ..........................................................24

Timer Recording ..............................................................25

VCR Plus+ Recording ......................................................26

Stopping a Timer Recording...........................................28

Reviewing and Clearing Programs ................................28

Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes ..........29

Programming the Remote..................................31

To Control a TV ................................................................32

7

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Other Features...................................................35

Picture Search Options .........................................................36

Forward and Rewind Search ..........................................36

Slow Motion ....................................................................36

Commercial Scan (SEARCH Button)..............................36

Frame Advance................................................................37

Index Search ....................................................................37

Zero Search......................................................................38

Time Counter .........................................................................38

On-Screen Displays...............................................................39

Tracking..................................................................................39

Connections.......................................................41

Things to Know Before Connecting Components ..............41

Connecting Y our VCR............................................................42

Jacks and Cables .............................................................42

Choosing a VCR Connection .........................................43

Advantages of Audio/Video Cable Connections ..........43

Don’t Forget About the Auto TV/VCR Feature ...............43

TV With RF Jack Only......................................................44

TV With Audio/Video Jac ks ............................................45

TV With Audio/Video Jacks and Cable Box to

Unscramble Pay Channels Only.................................46

Appendix A: Reference......................................47

Front Panel.............................................................................48

Display Panel .........................................................................49

Back Panel..............................................................................50

T roubleshooting Tips ............................................................51

Specifications ........................................................................54

Cleaning the VCR...................................................................54

Limited Warranty...................................................................55

Index .................................................................56

2

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Hi, my name is SUSAN...

and I wrote this User’s Guide. It’s my job to see that
you have a rewarding user manual experience. Also, I
think you’ll be pleased with the features that can be
accessed through the on-screen menus.

Read the First Three Sections

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. Reading these sections
gives you the basic information you need to use your
VCR.

What’s Left?

The rest of the book highlights playback and recording
information, contains a detailed connections section,
and a reference section that includes troubleshooting
tips, limited warranty, and index.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

1

➣

SETTING UP THE VCR

2

➣

VCR BASICS

3

➣

RECORDING

4

➣

PROGRAMMING THE

5

REMOTE

5

➣

OTHER FEATURES

6

5

CONNECTIONS

7

7

READ ME!

These note boxes give you tips for
your new video cassette recorder.

➣

3

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 batteries in remote, matching the + and – ends of each

battery to the diagram inside the compartment.

3. Replace the cover.

Step 3: Connect Your VCR

If you connect your VCR to your home antenna or cable system
and then to your TV, use the VCR’s ANT.IN and RF OUT jacks for
a good signal as shown.

If you have a TV with AUDIO/VIDEO jacks, use the audio/video
jacks on the TV and VCR for a better connection. Refer to the

Connections

section, toward the back of the manual.

CABLE, CABLE BOX, OR ANTENNA

VCR

AUDIO

VIDEO

IN

OUT

TV

3 CH. 4

ANT.IN

RF OUT

CABLE/

ANTENNA

4

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 ANT.IN and RF OUT jacks
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.

• If you connect your VCR using the AUDIO/VIDEO jacks with
audio/video cables, select the TV’s video input to see the
signal. See the

TV Owner’s Manual

.

Step 6: Turn On the VCR

Press VCR on the remote to turn on the VCR.

Step 7: Access the Menus

The MENU and number buttons let you access, select, and
change menu items. For example, to change the Auto Play
setting, you would do the following:

1. Press MENU to bring up the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language

0 Exit

VCR V iewing Channel

When using the ANT. IN and RF OUT
jacks to connect your VCR, tune your
TV to channel 3 or 4.

When using the AUDIO/VIDEO jacks to
connect your VCR, tune your TV to the
TV’s video input channel.

5

FIRST THINGS FIRST

2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu

PREFERENCES

1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON

0 Exit

3. Press 2 to switch Auto Play ON or OFF.

PREFERENCES

1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: OFF
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON

0 Exit

.

See

Setting Up the VCR

for detailed information about the

Auto Play feature.

Step 8: Set Up the VCR

Once you understand how to move around and/or through the
menus, go to the next section to set up your VCR.

6

SETTING UP THE VCR

Set-Up Features

Below is a list of set-up features that you may want to
set up before you begin using your VCR for the first
time:

• Select a Language

• Set up VCR Channel List (Auto Channel Search)

• Set Automatic Daylight-Saving T ime

• Set the 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

FIRST THINGS FIRST

1

➣

SETTING UP THE VCR

2

➣

VCR BASICS

3

➣

RECORDING

4

➣

PROGRAMMING THE

5

REMOTE

5

➣

OTHER FEATURES

6

5

CONNECTIONS

7

7

7

➣

7

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.

VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language

0 Exit

2. Press 6 to display the LANGUAGE menu.

LANGUAGE
Select a language.
1→English

2 Espanol
3 Francais

Press MENU to continue

˜

˜

3. Press 1 for English, 2 for Español (Spanish), or 3 for
Français (French).

VCR Channels List

If you use a cable box for
Your VCR may come with a channel list preset at the factory.
Even though your VCR may come with a list, it’s possible that
you may want to add or eliminate some channels depending on
whether they are active.

all channels

, this step is not necessary.

On-screen Menus

Not all the VCR screens are shown in
this manual when explaining
the features.

All Channels

If you do not use a cable box for

ALL

channels, then you will want to use a
channel list (Auto Channel Search).

8

SETTING UP THE VCR

To Auto Channel Search

Auto channel search memorizes the channels available through
your signal type--cable or antenna.

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language

0 Exit

2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.

CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search

2 Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE
4 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. Select one of the three AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH options.
Choices one and two are self-explanatory. If you choose

Detect Automatically, the VCR automatically detects which
signal system you have attached to your VCR.

AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH

Now scanning channel 14

Press any key to cancel

Detect Automatically

A strong cable or antenna signal in
your area may cause Auto Detect to
mis-detect. If this should happen,
select 1 or 2 for the system you have.

Auto Channel Search

Use the Auto Channel Search feature
to place all available channels in
memory.

If you ever change cable or antenna
systems, you may need to Auto
Channel Search again.

9

SETTING UP THE VCR

The VCR begins scanning for the available channels--this
takes about one to two minutes. The lowest channel is tuned
once the search is completed. Pressing CHANNEL up or
down now selects the active channels.

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.

CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search

2 Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE
4 VCR Plus+ Channel List

0 Exit

To Add or Remove Channels

You may want to add or delete 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 CHANNELS menu.

3. Press 2 to display the ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS menu. Use
the CHANNEL up or down, or number buttons, to go to the
channels you want to remove or add.

ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS

Channel 115
is presently ADDED

Press CLEAR to remove
Press MENU to exit

ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS

Channel 115
is presently REMOVED

Press INFO to add
Press MENU to exit

Selecting Channels

Time and Date

Before you set the time and date, set the Auto DST (Daylight­Saving Time) feature to ON or OFF for your area.

10

The CHANNEL up and down buttons
access those channels active in your
VCR channel list.

You can still access channels not in
the channel list by using the number
buttons on the remote control.

SETTING UP THE VCR

Set Daylight-Saving Time

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language

0 Exit

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 the 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.

VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language

0 Exit

2. Press 3 to display TIME menu.

TIME
1 Set time and date

2 Auto DST: ON

0 EXIT

Time and Date

The time and date must be set
before a timer recording can be
programmed.

Spring forward; Fall backward

In the Spring, daylight-saving time
begins on the first Sunday in April.
Because the clock automatically
changes from 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM
(forward one hour), remember to
include the extra hour for timer
recording that falls within this time
frame.

In the Autumn, daylight-saving time
ends on the last Sunday in October.
The VCR clock automatically
changes from 2:00 AM to 1:00 AM
(back one hour). Therefore, it can
affect your recording length.

11

SETTING UP THE VCR

3. Press 1 to display the SET TIME AND DATE screen.

SET TIME AND DATE
Time --:--

(hh:mm)
Date --/--/--

Press MENU to cancel

4. Enter the data using the number buttons. Press 0 before
single-digit numbers and follow the on-screen directions.

SET TIME AND DATE
Time 12:34 PM

Date 11/18/97 Tuesday

Press CLEAR to correct
Press MENU to set

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 on the following pages.

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language

0 Exit

Time/Date Display

Pressing INFO on the remote
displays the time and date on the
screen.

VCR Plus+ Channel List

12

Refer to your local television list for
a complete VCR Plus+ channel list
for your viewing area or contact
your cable company. Using the list
may save you some time.

SETTING UP THE VCR

VCR Plus+ Worksheet

Broadcast or

Cable-TV Station

Name

Hbo 33
ESPN 34

VCR Plus+ Channel

Number**

Channel Number

You Receive the

Station On*

Two-Digit VCR Plus+ Channel

Numbers for Cable TV

(USA List)

35 American Movie Classics
39 Arts &-Entertainment
57 Black Entertainment
54 Bravo
42 Cable News Network
45 Cinemax
98 Cinemax 2
37 The Discovery Channel
53 The Disney Channel
63 Entertainment T elevision
34 ESPN Sports Network
47 The Family Channel
33 Home Box Office
95 Home Box Office 2
96 Home Box Office 3
51 The Learning Channel
46 Lifetime
58 The Movie Channel
48 Music T elevision
49 The Nashville Network
38 Nickelodeon
64 Nostalgia T elevision
99 Quality Value Cable
41 Showtime
97 Showtime 2
59 Sports Channel
52 Turner Network Television
44 USA-Network
62 Video Hits 1
93 Viewer’s Choice 1
94 Viewer’s Choice 2
55 WGN Chicago
43 WTBS Atlanta
60 WWOR-New Y ork

*Check your local or cable listing for the channel number you receive this station on.

**Check your local listing for broadcast or VCR Plus+ channel number assigned.

See next page for Canadian List

13

SETTING UP THE VCR

2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.

CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search

2 Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE
4 VCR Plus+ Channel List

0 Exit

3. Press 4 to display the VCR Plus+ Channel List screen.

VCR+ Channel My Channel
5 -­ 4 -­ 3 -> -> -> -­ 2 -­ 1 --

Use CH+/- to select
Press 0-9 to change
Press MENU to save

4. Enter the data following the on-screen directions using your
worksheet.

VCR+ Channel My Channel
5 46
4 -­ 3 -> -> -> 23
2 -­ 1 --

Use CH+/- to select
Press 0-9 to change
Press MENU to save

Screen is for an example only.

Additional Set-up Features in the
PREFERENCES Menu

The features in this section are all accessed through the
PREFERENCES menu.

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 Television
63 Family Channel
62 First Choice
96 First Choice Two
97 First Choice Three
99 First Choice Four
90 House of Commons
91 La Chaine Francaise
51 The Learning Channel
65 MeteoMedia/The W eather Network
48 MuchMusic Network
55 MusiquePlus
52 Nashville Network
73 Newsworld/CBC
53 Le Reseau des Sports
43 The Sports Network
64 Super Ecran
37 Super Ecran B
98 Super Ecran C
66 Telatino Network
46 TV5 Montreal
92 Viewer’s Choice 1
93 Viewer’s Choice 2
94 Viewer’s Choice 3
95 Viewer’s Choice 4
71 Vision TV: Canada’s Faith Network
38 Youth TV, Canada Inc.

14

SETTING UP THE VCR

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language

0 Exit

2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu.

PREFERENCES

1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON

0 Exit

Now you are ready to select an item from the menu to set up.

Remote VCR1/VCR2 Option

If you own a compatible GE, RCA, or ProScan remote that has a
VCR2, VCR2•LD, or VCR2 •DVD button, this feature allows you to
set this VCR to respond to that button.

Press 1 to select the Remote Control item in the menu. Then press
the VCR2, VCR2•LD, or VCR2 •DVD button to change.

PREFERENCES

1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON

0 Exit

PREFERENCES

(PRESS VCR2 TO CHANGE)
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON

0 Exit

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 the VCR.

Use the compatible remote to change the remote setting back to
VCR1. Display the PREFERENCES menu, press 1, and then press
VCR1. Then the remote that came with the VCR will be able to
control it again.

Remote Control Option

Changing the Remote Control
option to VCR2 disables the
remote that came with your VCR.

15

SETTING UP THE VCR

Auto Play

This feature allows the VCR to automatically start playing when
you insert a tape with the safety tab removed. Press 2 to switch
between ON or OFF.

• Select ON if you want a tape with its safety tab removed to
start playing automatically when the tape is inserted.

• Select OFF if you
removed to start playing automatically.

do not

want a tape with its safety tab

Auto TV/VCR

This feature controls whether the TV/VCR switch changes
automatically to the VCR mode when the VCR is turned on.
Press 3 to switch between ON and OFF.

• Select ON if you want the VCR to switch to the VCR mode
when the VCR is turned on or a cassette is inserted.

only applies if you connect the ANT.IN and RF OUT jacks of
your VCR and TV and watch your VCR on channel 3 or 4 of
your TV

• Select OFF if you want the VCR to remain in the TV mode.
This is useful if you watch your VCR on the TV’s video input
and you don’t want your antenna/cable signal interrupted
by the VCR.

.

This

16

Auto TV/VCR

Pressing TV•VCR on the remote
will still switch between the VCR
and TV mode.

VCR mode: VCR indicator in the
display panel lights.

TV mode: VCR indicator turns off.

VCR BASICS

Learn the Basics to Get You Started

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.

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.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

1

➣

SETTING UP THE VCR

2

➣

VCR BASICS

3

➣

RECORDING

4

➣

PROGRAMMING THE

5

REMOTE

5

➣

OTHER FEATURES

6

5

CONNECTIONS

7

7

7

VCR Basics tells you what you
need to know in order to watch a
movie or tape your favorite show.

➣

17

VCR BASICS

Remote Buttons

The remote control is capable of controlling your VCR and many
brands of televisions. If you have a GE, RCA, or ProScan TV, you
may be able to control it without programming the remote.

OFF

TV

VCR

Component Buttons

OFF Turns off VCR when remote is set to control the VCR. Also
turns some compatible TVs on and off.

TV Turns on a compatible GE, RCA, or ProScan TV and sets the
remote to control the TV. Also used with the OFF button to turn
on a different brand of TV (if programmed) and sets the remote
to control the TV.

VCR Turns on a compatible GE, RCA, or ProScan VCR and sets
the remote to control the VCR.

VCR Function Buttons

CHAN 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.

F.ADV Lets you view one frame with each press of the button
when tape is in pause.

FORWARD Fast forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped.
Searches forward through a tape during playback. Starts slow­motion playback when tape is paused.

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 previous menu.

REVERSE PLAY FORWARD

2

5
8

U

T

STOP PAUSE

A

N

H

C

C

H

A

SEARCH

GO BACK

N

SPEED

3
6
9

•

V

T

V

O

L

V

C

R

RECORD

INFO

L

O

V

MUTE

CLEAR MENU

1
4
7

P

N

I

0

TRACKING





F.ADV

INFO Shows the status displays on the TV screen.
INPUT Selects between the line input and the VCR’s tuner. Line

input refers to the signal coming from the component connected
to the audio/video input jacks on the back of the VCR.

MENU Brings up VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen.

18

VCR BASICS

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.

OFF Turns off the VCR when the remote is set to control the
VCR. Turns off other components if remote is programmed.

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. Starts slow­motion playback when tape is paused.

SEARCH Displays Index and Zero Search menus on TV screen
when VCR is stopped. Advances the tape approximately 30
seconds of recorded material during playback. Each press
advances the tape an additional 30 seconds up to five minutes.

SPEED Selects a recording speed (SP or SLP).
STOP Stops the current VCR function such as record, playback,

rewind, or fast forward.
TRACKING Up or Down 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.

TV Function Buttons

CHAN Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in
the TV’s channel memory.

CLEAR Removes menus or status displays from the screen.
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.

INFO Shows the TV’s status displays on the TV screen.
MUTE Reduces volume to minimum level.

TV Buttons

The TV buttons may not control all
features of all models of GE, RCA,
and ProScan TVs.

19

VCR BASICS

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.

OFF Turns the TV off.
VOL Up and Down Raises and lowers sound of TV.

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.

REV

RECORD

POWER

CHANNELSTOP•EJECT

TRACKING

PLAY•PAUSE

If the Auto Play feature is set to ON, the tape automatically
begins playback (if the safety tab on the cassette is
removed).

• Press FWD or REV (FORWARD or REVERSE on remote)

to position the tape.

• Press PLAY•PAUSE (PLAY) (if necessary) to begin tape

play.

• Press PLAY•PAUSE (PAUSE) for stop action.

• Press TRACKING up or down to remove any streaks from

the picture, if necessary.

• Press STOP•EJECT (STOP) to stop playback.

Tape Eject

Press STOP•EJECT on the VCR when it is stopped to
eject the tape.

FWD

Pause

If you pause, the VCR automatically
switches from pause to stop after a
few minutes to reduce tape wear.

Automatic Tracking

The VCR has automatic tracking
which adjusts the picture when
playing back a tape recorded on
another VCR. Automatic tracking is
turned on whenever a tape is inserted
or the VCR’s power is turned on.

20

VCR BASICS

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 (see margin note for information about tape
speed settings).

2. Press the RECORD button to begin recording.

3. Press STOP (STOP•EJECT on VCR) to stop recording.
If you just want to pause the recording for a short time (like

during a commercial), press PAUSE (PLAY•PAUSE on VCR)
instead of STOP.

Check the Safety Tab

No matter which recording option you use, you need to make
sure there is a tape in the VCR, and that the tape’s safety tab is in
place. You cannot record on a tape with the safety tab removed.

Safety Tab

If the safety tab is removed and you want to record over it,
simply cover the hole with vinyl tape.

Automatic Rewind

During playback, the VCR automatically rewinds the tape if the
tape reaches the end and stops.

During recording, the VCR automatically rewinds the tape if it
reaches the end. While rewinding, you can press POWER (OFF
on the remote) and the VCR will turn off after rewinding.

Tape Speeds

SP (Standard Play)
Gives the best quality recording,
but fewer programs can be
recorded on the tape. Special
effects such as pause, slow motion,
picture search, and frame advance
work well when you play back
tapes recorded in this speed.

LP (Long Play)
Your VCR is capable of playing back
tapes recorded in LP. You cannot
record in the LP speed.

SLP (Super Long Play)
Gives three times the recording
time of tapes recorded in SP.
Special effects such as pause, slow
motion, picture search, and frame
advance work well when you play
back tapes recorded in this speed.

Recording Time

Cassette SP SLP

T-120 2Hr 6Hr
T-160 2Hr 8Hr

40Min

21

RECORDING

Several Recording Options

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 features:

• Recording (explained in

• Express Recording

• Timer Recording

• Copying and Editing Tapes

VCR Basics

section)

FIRST THINGS FIRST

1

➣

SETTING UP THE VCR

2

➣

VCR BASICS

3

➣

RECORDING

4

➣

PROGRAMMING THE

5

REMOTE

5

➣

OTHER FEATURES

6

5

CONNECTIONS

7

7

7

7

➣

23

RECORDING

Recording Features

There are four ways to record programs:

• Recording lets you press one button to start recording a
program. (See

• Express Recording lets you start recording a program you are
watching, and then set the VCR to automatically stop recording
after a designated period of time.

• Timer Recording lets you program the VCR to automatically
start and stop recording at a predetermined time.

• Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ lets you program the VCR
just by entering a PlusCode number found in some TV guides.

Express Recording

VCR Basics

section.)

Use express recording when you want to quickly record the
remaining portion of the program you are watching.

1. Set the tape speed by pressing the SPEED button on the
remote.

2. Press the RECORD button to begin recording.

3. Repeatedly press the RECORD button to set up the
recording duration.

Rec Ch 36
Record Length 0:00

Press REC to set length

Each press of the RECORD button increases the recording
time (up to 4 hours).

The VCR continues to record for the amount of time you
indicate, and then automatically turns off.

Rec Ch 36
Record Length 1:30

Press REC to set length

Express Recording

Express recording is a great way to
tape the last quarter of the game, or
the last part of a movie when you
have to leave.

To stop an express recording, press
and hold STOP on the remote for a
few seconds (STOP•EJECT on
the VCR).

24

RECORDING

Timer Recording

You can set up as many as eight timer recording programs.

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 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.

How often should this
program record?

1 One time
2 Daily (every day)
3 Weekdays (M-F)
4 Weekly (once per week)

0 Cancel

4. Select how often you want the program to record.

Program 1 (One time)

Channel -­Start Time --:-­End Time --:-­Start Date --/--/-­Tape Speed SLP

Press MENU to cancel

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, end time. The
start date is automatically entered based on the VCR clock.
Both the date and speed can be changed when flashing.

Timer Recording Information

Clock must be set correctly.
Insert a tape with the safety tab in

place and enough tape to record the
program.

PROGRAMS OVERLAP appears if you
have entered two programs where
the times overlap.

For cable box, turn on the cable box
and tune it to the channel you want
to record before the recording is
to begin.

25

RECORDING

6. Review the information to make sure it is correct, and then
press MENU to save.

Program 1 (One time)

Channel 03 Cable
Start Time 08:00 PM
End Time 09:30 PM
Start Date 10/24/97 Fri
Tape Speed SLP
1=SP 2=SLP
Press CLEAR to correct
Press MENU to save

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

Timer Recording with VCR Plus+

You can use VCR Plus+ to simplify timer programming if you have
cable TV and don’t receive all channels through a cable box or if
you get your TV signal off-air.

Setting Up the Channel List

If you did not set up the VCR Plus+ channel list, you can
do it now.

1. Display the CHANNELS menu from the VCR MAIN MENU.

2. Display the VCR Plus+ Channel List screen.

3. Go to

Using VCR Plus+

Setting Up Your VCR

if you need more information on

setting up your VCR Plus+ Channel List.

VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences

CHANNELS

6 Language

1 Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels

0 Exit

3 Signal Type: CABLE
4 VCR Plus+ Channel List

VCR+ Channel My Channel
5 46
4 --

0 Exit

3 -> -> -> 23
2 -­ 1 --

Use CH+/- to select
Press 0-9 to change
Press MENU to save

1. Press MENU to bring up the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language

0 Exit

2. Press 1 to display the VCR PLUS+ menu.

VCR PLUS+

Enter pluscode number
(from TV listing)

-

Press MENU to cancel

VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are registered trademarks of Gemstar Development Corporation.

26

RECORDING

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 One time
2 Daily (every day)
3 Weekdays (M-F)
4 Weekly (once per week)

0 Cancel

5. Indicate how often you want the program to be
recorded.

Program 1 (One time)

Channel 03 Cable
Start Time 08:00 PM
End Time 09:30 PM
Start Date 11/18/97 Tue
Tape Speed SLP

Press CLEAR to adjust
Press MENU to save

6. Change the speed with the SPEED button on the remote
or the program end time with the CLEAR button on the
remote (if necessary).

Changing the end time comes in handy when you are
recording a program such as a sporting event that may
exceed the scheduled broadcast time.

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

VCR Plus+ Recording

Clock must be set correctly.
Insert a tape with the safety tab in

place and enough tape to record the
program.

PROGRAMS OVERLAP appears if you
have entered two programs where
the times overlap.

UNRECOGNIZED NUMBER... PLEASE
RE-ENTER appears when the VCR
does not recognize the PlusCode
number.

Turn on the cable box and tune it to
the channel you want to record
before the recording is to begin.

27

RECORDING

Stopping a Timer Recording

To stop or cancel a timer recording in progress (even an express
recording):

• Press and hold the STOP button on the remote
(STOP•EJECT on the VCR) for a few seconds.

Reviewing and Clearing Programs

To review programs that you have already set up:

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

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. Press 2 to display the Review Existing Progs. screen.

Program 1 (One time)

Channel 104 Cable
Start Time 12:00 AM
End Time 01:30 AM
Start Date 10/24/97 Fri
Tape Speed SLP

Press CLEAR to erase
Press MENU for next prog.

4. Press CLEAR to erase or MENU to see the next program.

28

RECORDING

PLAYBACK VCR

CABLE BOX

OR ANTENNA

RECORDING VCR

OR

OR

TO TV

TO TV

IN
OUT

3 CH. 4

ANT.IN

RF OUT

OUT

VIDEO

IN

AUDIO

3 CH. 4

ANT.IN

RF OUT

OUT

VIDEO

IN

AUDIO

Using Two VCRs for Copying and
Editing Tapes

Use one VCR as the

recording VCR

playback VCR

.

and the other as the

1. Turn on the TV and VCRs.

2. Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel (either 3, 4, or TV’s
video input).

3. If you connected your VCR using the ANT.IN and RF OUT
jacks, tune
selected on the back of the

If you connected your VCR using the AUDIO/VIDEO jacks
make sure you select the line input on the

4. Insert the tape you want to copy into the

recording VCR

to channel 3 or 4—the one

playback VCR

.

recording VCR

playback VCR

,

.

.

Insert a blank tape with safety tab in place into the

recording VCR

.

5. When you reach the point on the tape or program where you
want to begin copying, press PLAY•PAUSE and then
PLAY•PAUSE again on the

playback VCR

. You may need to

adjust the tracking.

6. Press the RECORD button, then press PLAY•PAUSE, on the

recording VCR

.

Caution:

The unauthorized recording of
television programs or other
copyrighted materials may
infringe on the rights of others.

7. Press the PLAY•PAUSE buttons on

both VCRs

time to begin copying the tape.

8. To edit segments that you do not want to copy:

• Press PLAY•PAUSE on

recording VCR

to pause copying.

• Locate the next segment you want to copy on

VCR

by using FWD, REV, and PLAY•PAUSE, and then

press PLAY•PAUSE.

• Press PLAY•PAUSE on

both VCRs

at the same time to

resume copying.

9. Press STOP•EJECT on

both VCRs

when you are finished.

at the same

playback

Two VCR Connection

29

PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE

Control Your Other Components...

The remote can be programmed to control a television.
It is programmed to control a GE, RCA, or ProScan TV.

Other manufacturer’ s brands need to be programmed.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

1

➣

SETTING UP THE VCR

2

➣

VCR BASICS

3

➣

RECORDING

4

➣

PROGRAMMING THE

5

REMOTE

➣

OTHER FEATURES

6

➣

CONNECTIONS

7

31

PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE

About Programming the Remote

The remote can be programmed to control other brands of
remote controllable TVs. It is already programmed to operate
most GE, RCA, and ProScan TVs.

Programming the Remote to Control a TV

If the TV does not turn on when you press the TV button, the
remote needs to be programmed.

Follow these steps to program the remote to control your
particular TV:

1. Turn on the TV.

2. Find your TV brand and code number(s) on the code list on
the next page.

3. Press and hold the TV button on the remote.

4. Enter the two-digit code from the code list.

5. Release TV, and then press CHAN up or down. If the TV
responds to the remote commands, the remote is
programmed.

6. If the TV does not respond, repeat these steps using the next
code in the list.

Operate the TV

After you set up the remote, see which buttons operate your TV.

1. Point the remote at the TV, and press the TV button.
If the TV does not turn on, press the TV button and then

press the OFF button.

2. You may want to experiment to see which buttons operate
your TV. Try pressing buttons, such as VOL and MUTE. See
“TV Function Buttons” in the

VCR Basic

section for details.

32

This remote may not operate all
models of the brands that are shown.

Note the difference between the TV
and VCR on-screen displays to see
which one the remote is operating.

PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE

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 ................... 06,12

Emerson...................................06

Envision ............................. 05,06

Fisher.................................. 05,08

GE ............................00,01,06,11

Goldstar ............................ 06,12

Hallmark..................................06

Hitachi ............................... 06,14

Infinity .......................................04

J C Penney ......00,01,06,09,12

JBL ..............................................04

Jensen ........................................06

JVC....................................... 10,11

Kawasho............................ 03,06

Kenwood ........................... 06,12

Loewe........................................04

Luxman ....................................06

LXI................................. 04,05,07

Magnavox.................... 04,06,12

Marantz ............................. 04,06

MGA.................................... 06,12

Mitsubishi ......................... 06,12

MTC ...........................................06

NAD...........................................07

NEC............................................06

Panasonic.................... 04,08,11

Philco............................ 04,06,12

Philips .....................03,04,06,12

Pioneer .....................................06

Portland............................. 06,12

ProScan ....................................01

Proton .......................................06

Quasar ......................................11

Radio Shack............... 01,05,13

RCA............................... 01,06,12

Realistic ....................................05

Sampo .......................................06

Samsung...................... 06,09,12

Sanyo .................................. 05,08

Sears ......................01,05,06,07,

08,10,12

Sharp .................................. 06,13

Sony............................................03

Soundesign..............................06

Sylvania........................ 04,06,12

Technics ....................................11

Techwood ................................06

Teknika......................................06

TMK ...........................................06

Toshiba ................... 05,07,08,09

Universal..................................00

Victor.........................................10

Wards ........ 00,01,04,06,12,13

Yamaha.....................................12

Zenith........................................02

33

OTHER FEATURES

Features to Enhance VCR Operation

• Picture Search Options

• Time Counter

• On-Screen Displays

• Tracking

FIRST THINGS FIRST

1

➣

SETTING UP THE VCR

2

➣

VCR BASICS

3

➣

RECORDING

4

➣

PROGRAMMING THE

5

REMOTE

5

➣

OTHER FEATURES

6

5

CONNECTIONS

7

7

7

➣

35

OTHER FEATURES

Picture Search Options

The most basic way to search during playback is using the
forward and reverse functions. This section contains several
other options available for searching a tape.

Search features work well for tapes recorded at the SP or
SLP speed.

Forward and Reverse Search

You can search a tape during play. Sound is turned off during
picture search. Search works best for tapes recorded at the SP
or SLP speed.

1. During playback, press FORWARD (FWD) to search forward
or REVERSE (REV) to search in reverse.

2. Press FORWARD (FWD) or REVERSE (REV) again or press
PLAY (PLAY•PAUSE) to return to normal playback.

Slow Motion

You can view a tape during play pause using slow motion.

1. Press FORWARD or REVERSE (FWD or REV) to begin slow­motion playback.

2. Use TRACKING up or down to remove any streaks from
the picture.

3. Press PLAY (PLAY•PAUSE) to return to normal playback.
The VCR switches automatically from slow-motion playback

to stop after a few minutes.

Commercial Scan (Search Button)

This is useful for skipping commercials or short program
segments.

• Press SEARCH on the remote once during playback to
advance the tape approximately 30 seconds of recorded
material.

• Each press of the SEARCH button adds an additional 30
seconds up to five minutes.

36

Insert Tape

Remember to insert a recorded tape
when using the search features.

OTHER FEATURES

Frame Advance

Frame advance lets you view one stop-action frame after
another.

1. Press PAUSE (PLAY•PAUSE) to freeze the action.

2. Press F.ADV each time you want to view the next frame of
the scene.

3. Press PAUSE or PLAY (PLAY•PAUSE) 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
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 on
the tape.

To Search:

1. Stop the tape and press SEARCH on the remote to display
the INDEX SEARCH menu on the TV screen.

2. If you want to search through a certain number of index
marks, press two number buttons to enter the number of
marks you want to search. Press CLEAR on the remote to
correct an entry.

3. Press FORWARD (FWD) to search forward or REVERSE (REV)
to search in reverse. The VCR will locate your index mark
and begin playback. If you did not enter a specific index
number, the VCR will locate the next index mark and
begin playback.

4. Press STOP to stop index searching.

Some index marks may be missed by the VCR:

• A mark too close to your location on the tape.

• The mark at the beginning of a recorded segment of five
minutes or less.

• The first index mark on the tape when you start at the
beginning of the tape.

INDEX SEARCH
Press REV or FWD

to begin scanning
or
enter a specific
index number
_ _

Press SEARCH to exit

INDEX SEARCH
Press REV or FWD

to begin search
Index number

12

Press SEARCH to exit

INDEX SEARCH
Searching for

index number 12...

Press STOP to cancel

37

OTHER FEATURES

Zero Search

The zero search feature enables the VCR to quickly return to a
counter reading of 0:00:00 anywhere on the tape. This is
especially convenient when you want to repeat a segment of the
tape several times.

1. Go to the beginning of the program you wish to return to.

2. Press INFO twice to display the time counter on the TV
screen.

3. Press CLEAR to reset the counter to 0:00:00.

4. Continue playing the tape.

5. Press STOP when you are ready to return to 0:00:00.

6. Press SEARCH on the remote twice to display the ZERO
SEARCH menu.

7. Press REVERSE (REV) to return to 0:00:00 on the tape.

ZERO SEARCH
Current tape counter is

2:17:25
Press REV to go to

0:00:00

Press SEARCH to exit

ZERO SEARCH
Searching for

0:00:00

Press STOP to cancel

Time Counter

The time counter shows the actual time it takes to record a program
or play back a segment of a recorded tape. It helps locate the
beginning or end of programs you taped. The time counter resets to
0:00:00 whenever the tape is ejected from the VCR.

For example, if you record a 30-minute program at the beginning of
the tape and you want to go to the end of that program to begin
another recording, you would:

1. Press INFO twice to display the time counter.

2. Press CLEAR to reset the time counter to 0:00:00.

3. Press FORWARD (FWD) to forward the tape until the time
counter reads 0:30:00.

4. Press STOP. This is the approximate end of the program. (You
may want to press PLAY to verify.) Now, you can begin
recording at this spot.

5. Press INFO to remove the time counter from the screen and
return to the normal display mode.

0:30:00

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

38

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. Press INFO to see the on-screen displays.

2. Press INFO again to have only the time counter remain on
the screen.

3. Press INFO again to return to the normal display.
No displays appear on the screen.

Turning off the VCR also resets the displays.

1

STOP CH 05 0:30:00

11/17/97 Mon 01:30PM SLP

On-screen display (times out)

0:30:00

2

T imer counter only
(does not time out)

3

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 TRACKING buttons to remove the
streaks or snow. You can also use tracking when you pause a
tape to reduce jittering of the picture.

When you manually adjust the picture, automatic tracking is
turned off. To turn automatic tracking back on, press both
TRACKING buttons on the front of the VCR at the same time, or
eject the tape and re-insert it.

Tracking has no effect during recording--only playback.

Normal display

39

CONNECTIONS

Things to Know Before Connecting
Components

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.

Position Cables Correctly to Avoid Audio Hum
or Interference

• 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.

• Try not to coil any twin-lead cables and keep them
away from the audio/video cables as much as
possible.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

1

➣

SETTING UP THE VCR

2

➣

VCR BASICS

3

➣

RECORDING

4

➣

PROGRAMMING THE

5

REMOTE

5

➣

• Make sure all antennas and cables are properly
grounded. Refer to the Safety T ips sheet packed with
your unit.

Protect Your Components from Overheating

• Do not block ventilation holes in any of the
components. Arrange the components so that air
can circulate freely.

• Do not stack components.

• Allow adequate ventilation when placing your
components in a stand.

• Place an amplifier or satellite receiver on the top
shelf of the stand so heated air rising from it will not
flow around other components.

OTHER FEATURES

6

5

CONNECTIONS

7

7

7

➣

41

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, 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.

RF Jack

Audio/Video Jacks and Cables (RCA-type)

The AUDIO/VIDEO jacks provide very good picture and sound
and can be used if your TV has audio/video input jacks.

These jacks are used for most audio/video connections. The
VCR AUDIO/VIDEO jacks are color coded (yellow for video and
white for audio). If your TV has two inputs for audio (stereo),
connect the one labeled mono. If one is not labeled mono, you
may need a Y-adapter.

Audio/Video Jack

42

CONNECTIONS

Choosing a VCR Connection

There are several different ways to hook up your VCR, depending
on whether or not you have cable, and if you have cable,
whether you have a cable box, and if some of the channels are
scrambled and...well, you get the picture.

Three connections are described in this section and one of them
should provide you with a VCR hookup that works.

• TV with RF jack only

• TV with audio/video jacks

• TV with audio/video jacks and cable box to unscramble pay
channels only

If you need to hook up additional components not shown in the
diagrams here (and are unsure of how to connect them), refer to
the instruction manual that came with that particular component.

Advantages of Audio/Video Cable
Connections

Using a simple coaxial cable connection gives you good picture
quality. If your television has audio/video jacks, I highly
recommend using them to get better picture and sound quality
when recording and playing back videotapes. These connections
give you more convenient operation by not having to share the
TV’s antenna signal.

Don’t Forget About the Auto TV/VCR
Feature

The TV/VCR switch controls whether the picture signal is coming
from the VCR or the TV.

Set the Auto TV/VCR feature to ON when using only ANT.IN and
RF OUT jacks and OFF when using the AUDIO and VIDEO OUT
jacks--so your TV signal is not interrupted when the VCR is
turned on.

43

CONNECTIONS

VCR

TV

CABLE/

ANTENNA

CABLE, CABLE BOX, OR ANTENNA

3 CH. 4

ANT.IN

RF OUT

OUT

VIDEO

IN

AUDIO

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. Return to

First Things First

, then follow the steps.

Using This Connection

Tune your TV to channel 3 or 4 whichever one you selected
with the 3 CH. 4 switch on the back of the VCR. Use the
TV•VCR button to watch the VCR.

Auto TV/VCR setting:

• Set the Auto TV/VCR feature to ON.

To play a tape:

1. Insert a tape.

2. If necessary, press PLAY.

To record one program and watch another:

1. Begin recording a program using one of the recording
options.

2. Press the TV•VCR button and select a different channel
on the TV.

44

CONNECTIONS

VCR

TV

INPUT 1

VIDEO

R

L/MONO

S-VIDEO

AUDIO

OUTPUT

R

L

INPUT 2

VIDEO

R

L/MONO

CABLE/

ANTENNA

3 CH. 4

ANT.IN

RF OUT

OUT

VIDEO

IN

AUDIO

CABLE, CABLE BOX, OR ANTENNA

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. Return to

First Things First

, then follow the steps.

Using This Connection

Tune your TV to its video input channel.

Auto TV/VCR setting:

• Set the Auto TV/VCR feature to OFF. Use of TV•VCR button is
not required.

To play a tape:

1. Insert a tape.

2. If necessary, press PLAY.

To record one program and watch another:

1. Begin recording a program using one of the recording
options.

2. Select a different channel on the TV.

45

CONNECTIONS

VCR

TV

CABLE

CABLE BOX

INPUT 1

VIDEO

R

L/MONO

S-VIDEO

AUDIO

OUTPUT

R

L

INPUT 2

VIDEO

R

L/MONO

CABLE/

ANTENNA

IN
OUT

3 CH. 4

ANT.IN

RF OUT

OUT

VIDEO

IN

AUDIO

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 pay 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. Connect cables as shown.

2. Return to

First Things First

, then follow the steps.

All scrambled channels must be viewed
through the VCR.

Using This Connection

Tune your TV to its video input channel.

Auto TV/VCR setting:

• Set the Auto TV/VCR feature to OFF. Use of the TV•VCR
button is not required.

To play a tape:

1. Insert a tape.

2. If necessary, press PLAY.

To record a scrambled or unscrambled program and watch another
unscrambled program:

1. Begin recording a scrambled program through the cable box

2. Select an unscrambled channel on the TV.

using one of the recording options.

46

APPENDIX A: 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.

47

APPENDIX A: REFERENCE

Front Panel

POWER

CHANNEL•TRACKING Up or Down Selects next higher or
lower channel in the VCR’s channel memory. Adjusts tracking
when a tape is playing.

CHANNELSTOP• EJECT

TRACKING

Remote Sensor

RECORD

REV

PLAY• PAUSE

FWD

FWD Forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the
picture forward during playback. Starts slow-motion playback
during play-pause.

PLAY•PAUSE Plays a tape. Pauses action for viewing
during playback. Pauses recording to prevent recording of
unwanted scenes.

POWER Turns the VCR on or off.
RECORD Starts VCR recording. Used for express recording.
Remote Sensor Receives signals from the remote control. Aim

the remote at this sensor.
REV Rewinds the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the

picture in reverse during playback. Starts slow-motion playback
during play-pause.

STOP•EJECT Stops the normal functions such as record,
playback, rewind, fast-forward, or pause. Ejects the tape when
the VCR is stopped.

48

APPENDIX A: REFERENCE

Display Panel

Cassette-In Indicator

TIMER

AM

VCR
SLP REC

Tape Speed Indicator

Cassette-In Indicator ( ) Lights when a tape is in the VCR.
Flashes when VCR is ejecting tape.

Channel Number, Line Indicator (VID1), Time, Time
Counter, or Status Indicator

The current time, time counter, channel number, or line input
(VID1) is displayed. Press the INFO button to switch between the
current time and elapsed-time counter. The status indicator s
show what the VCR is doing.

• BYE Turned off

• F.FWD Fast forward

• HI Turned on

• PLAY Playback

• PAUS Play pause

• REC Record

• REC.P Record pause

• REW Rewind

• SLOW Slow motion

• SRCH + Forward search

• SRCH – Reverse search

• STOP VCR stopped

• T.REC Timer recording

REC Indicator Lights when the VCR is recording. Tape Speed Indicator (SP or SLP) Displays recording speed

selected with SPEED button.
TIMER Indicator Lights when VCR is turned off and set for

timer recording. Flashes when timer recording is set and there is
no cassette in the VCR.

VCR Indicator (Applies Only if your VCR Viewing Channel
is 3 or 4) Press the TV•VCR button to turn on or off.

• VCR indicator on: Picture from VCR.

• VCR indicator off: Picture from TV channel.

49

APPENDIX A: REFERENCE

Back Panel

ANT.IN

VIDEO

AUDIO

IN

3 CH. 4

OUT

3 CH. 4 Switch Selects the channel to which you will tune
the TV to see the VCR picture if you connect the VCR using
the ANT.IN and RF OUT jacks.

AUDIO and VIDEO IN Jacks Receives signals from
another component, like a VCR or camcorder, when it is
connected to these jacks. Use INPUT on the remote to select.

AUDIO and VIDEO OUT Jacks Sends signals from VCR
to another component, like a TV or VCR, when it is
connected to these jacks.

ANT.IN Jack Receives a signal from an antenna or cable
system when attached.

RF OUT Jack Passes signal to TV using the cable supplied.

RF OUT

50

APPENDIX A: 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.

• Remove batteries and hold number button 1 for at least 60 seconds to drain the microprocessor inside
the remote. Release number 1 and replace the batteries.

• Remove all batteries for approximately 12 hours. Then replace batteries.

Remote no longer controls a GE, RCA, or ProScan TV

• Press TV to set remote to control a compatible TV.

• Check to make sure the remote is programmed to control a GE, RCA, or ProScan TV.

Remote no longer controls a compatible TV

• Press TV to set remote to control the compatible TV.

• Check to make sure there are no objects between the TV and remote.

• The batteries may need changing.

• Reprogram remote after batteries have been changed.

• Remove batteries and hold number button 1 for at least 60 seconds to drain the microprocessor inside
the remote. Release number 1, replace the batteries, and (if necessary) reprogram the remote.

• Remove all batteries for approximately 12 hours. Then replace batteries and (if necessary) reprogram the
remote.

Poor or no picture for normal TV viewing

• Check to make sure the VCR indicator is off.

• Check to make sure the TV is switched to an active channel.

• Check to make sure the antenna connections are secure and correct.

Snowy or no picture during playback

• Press TV•VCR to turn VCR indicator on.

• Check TV channel selected (3 or 4) to make sure it matches the channel selected with 3 CH. 4 switch on
back of VCR.

• Check to make sure the TV’s fine tuning is correct for the channel you have selected.

• Check video cable connections between VCR and TV monitor.

• Check to make sure the TV monitor is set to video input channel.

51

APPENDIX A: REFERENCE

• Try another tape.

• Some snow/streaks are normal during search, stop action, frame advance, and slow-motion
playback.

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.

• 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.

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 on the remote
(PLAY•PAUSE on the VCR) to return to normal playback.

Will not record

• Check to make sure the safety tab is intact.

• Check to make sure the VCR is not in the line mode. Press INPUT on the remote.

Rewind does not operate

• Check to make sure the tape is not already rewound.

Timer recording not made or wrong program recorded

• Make sure the correct VCR PlusCode is entered.

• Check to make sure the cable box was turned on when recording was to begin.

• Check to make sure the program was entered correctly (wrong channel or times).

• Power interruption. Reset the clock.

• Check to see if time and date are correct--including AM/PM.

• Check to make sure the program did not exceed the tape’s length or the tape was not rewound
beforehand.

• Check to make sure the VCR was turned off at the time recording was to start.

• Check to make sure there was a tape in the VCR and the cassette’s safety tab was intact.

• VCR ejects cassette when the end of the tape is reached during a timer recording.

• Check to make sure VCR Plus+ channel setup was completed correctly.

52

APPENDIX A: REFERENCE

Clock shows incorrect time or date

• Power interruption.

• Check to make sure the clock is set accurately (check AM/PM and date).

• Check Auto DST setting. The clock may have adjusted for daylight-saving time.

Time did not adjust for daylight-saving time

• Check to make sure Auto DST feature is turned on.

VCR makes noise when stopped

• VCR is removing tape from heads. This is normal. The head cylinder inside the VCR will continue to rotate for a few
minutes after you put the VCR in the stop mode.

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 need to auto channel search if using a cable box. Refer to the VCR Channel List or contact your cable
company for more information.

Cannot add or remove channels

• Channels must be placed in memory using the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH feature before channels can be added or
removed from channel memory.

Tape plays back in slow motion

• Press PLAY to return to normal playback.

Cannot select channels over 69

• Cable channels over 69 can only be selected if Signal Type: CABLE/ANTENNA feature is set to CABLE.

Cassette with safety tab removed does not start to play automatically

• Check to make sure the Auto Play ON/OFF feature is set to ON.

TIMER indicator flashes

• Check to make sure there is a cassette in the VCR when a timer recording is set.

On-screen menus appear in English, French, or Spanish

• Check Language feature.

53

APPENDIX A: REFERENCE

Specifications

Format: VHS
Record/Playback Video: 4-Head

System: Audio: Mono record/playback
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)

14.1 inches wide (360 mm)

12.2 inches deep (312 mm)

Weight: 8.14 pounds (3.7 kg)
Storage Temperature - 22˚F to +149˚F

Range: (-30˚C to +65˚C)
Operating +41˚F to +104˚F

Temperature Range: (+5˚C to +40˚C)

*Check your cable company‘s compatibility requirements.

Cleaning the VCR

Use a soft cloth or dusting attachment of your vacuum cleaner to
dust your VCR. Remove dust from the ventilation holes on the
top, back, sides, and bottom of the cabinet.

Plastic surfaces are easily scratched and can be marred by
alcohol and various solvents. Avoid excessive use of oil-based
furniture polishes since the materials used in the cabinet will
accumulate more dust. We recommend using a nonabrasive,
antistatic cleaner and polisher.

54

Specifications are subject to change.

APPENDIX A: REFERENCE

Limited Warranty

What your warranty covers:

• Any defect in material 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 GE VCR Servicenter the labor charges to repair your VCR.

• Pay any Authorized GE VCR Servicenter for the new or, at our option, refurbished replacement parts
required to repair your VCR.

How you get service:

• Take your VCR to any Authorized GE VCR Servicenter. To identify your nearest Authorized GE VCR
Servicenter, ask your dealer, look in the Yellow Pages, or call 1-800-447-1700.

• Show the service technician your evidence of purchase date.

• Pick up your VCR when repairs are completed.

What your warranty does not cover:

• Customer instruction. (Your Owner’s Manual clearly describes how to install, adjust, and operate your
VCR. Any additional information should be obtained from your Dealer.)

• Installation and related adjustments.

• Signal reception problems not caused by your VCR.

• Damage from misuse or neglect.

• Cleaning of video/audio heads.

• Remote control batteries.

• A VCR that has been modified or incorporated into other products or is used for institutional or other
commercial purposes.

• A VCR purchased or serviced outside the USA.

• Acts of God, such as but not limited to lightning damage.

Product Registration:

• Please complete and mail the Product Registration Card packed with your VCR. It will make it easier to
contact you should it ever be necessary. The return of the card is not required for warranty coverage.

How state law relates to this warranty:

• This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state
to state.

If you purchased your VCR outside the United States:

• This warranty does not apply. Contact your dealer for warranty information.

55

IndexINDEX

3 CH. 4 switch 5, 50
Accessing menus 5
Accessories, included 4
Add or remove channels 10
ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS menu 10
ANT.IN jack 4, 5, 16, 29, 42, 43, 50
Audio/video jacks 4, 5, 29, 42, 43, 50
Auto channel search 9
AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu 9
Auto DST ON/OFF feature 11
Auto play feature 16
Auto TV/VCR feature 16, 43, 44, 45, 46
Automatic rewind 21
Automatic tracking 20
Back panel controls 50
Basic recording 21
Batteries, installing in the remote 4
Cables

positioning 41

types of 42
Cassette-in indicator 49
CHAN buttons 10, 18, 19, 32
CHANNEL buttons 10, 48
Channel number display 49
Channel, viewing 5
Channels, add or remove 10
CHANNELS menu 9, 10, 14, 26
Choosing a VCR connection 43, 46
Cleaning the VCR 54
CLEAR button 18, 19, 27, 37, 38
Clearing programs 28
Commercial scan feature 36
Connecting components 41
Connections

audio/video cable 43

choosing 43

TV with audio/video jacks 45

TV with audio/video jacks and cable box to

unscramble pay channels only 46

TV with RF jack only 44
Contents 1
Controls

back panel 50

front panel 48
Copying and editing tapes 29
Display panel 49
Editing and copying tapes 29
Eject, tape 20

Express recording 24
F.ADV button 18, 37
FORWARD button 18, 20
Frame advance 37
Front panel controls 48
FWD button 20, 36, 37, 38, 48
GO BACK button 18, 19
Included accessories 4
Index search feature 37
INDEX SEARCH menu 37
INFO button 12, 18, 19, 38, 39, 49
INPUT button 18, 25, 29
Jacks, types of 42
Language feature 8
LANGUAGE menu 8
Limited warranty 55
Line indicator (VID1) 49
MENU button 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 26, 27
Menus, accessing 5
MUTE button 19
Number buttons 5, 10, 12, 19, 20
OFF button 18, 19, 20, 32
On-screen displays 39
Overheating 41
PAUSE button 19, 20, 21, 37, 39
Picture search options 36
PLAY button 19, 20, 36, 37, 38, 44, 45, 46
PLAY•PAUSE button 20, 21, 29, 36, 37, 48
Playing a tape 20
POWER button 21, 48
Power surges 41
PREFERENCES menu 14, 15
Problem solving 51
Programming the remote 31

to operate TVs 32
PROGRAMS OVERLAP message 25, 27
REC indicator 49
RECORD button 19, 21, 24, 29, 48
Recording

basic 21

express 24

speeds 21

timer 25

using two VCRs 29

VCR Plus+ 26
Remote

buttons 18

component buttons 18

56

Index

sensor 48
TV function buttons 19

VCR function buttons 18
Remote VCR1/VCR2 option 15
Remove or add channels 10
REV button 20, 36, 37, 38, 48
REVERSE button 19, 20
Review programs screen 28
Reviewing programs 28
Rewind, automatic 21
RF OUT jack 4, 5, 16, 29, 42, 43, 50
Safety tab 16, 21
SEARCH button 19, 36, 37, 38
Search features

commercial scan 36

forward 36

frame advance 37

index 37

reverse 36

slow motion 36

time counter 38

zero search 38
Sensor, remote 48
SET TIME AND DATE screen 12
Set up

first 3

language 8

using the menu 8

Using the PREFERENCES menu 14

VCR channels list 8
Signal type, cable or antenna 10
Solving problems 51

Specifications 54
Speed

LP 21

SLP 21

SP 21
SPEED button 19, 21, 24, 27, 49
Speeds, recording 21
Status indicators 49
STOP button 19, 20, 21, 28, 37, 38
STOP•EJECT button 20, 21, 29, 48
Stopping a timer recording 28
Tab, safety 21
Table of contents 1
Tape eject 20
Tape, playing a 20
Tape speed indicator 49

Tape speeds 21
Time and date 10

daylight-saving time 11

setting 11
Time counter 38
Time counter display 49
Time display 49
TIME menu 11
Timer recording 25

stopping 28
Timer recording with VCR Plus+ 26
TIMER RECORDINGS menu 25, 28
Tips, troubleshooting 51
Tracking 39
TRACKING buttons 19, 20, 36, 39, 48
Troubleshooting tips 51
TV button 18, 32
TV codes 33
TV function buttons 19
TV, programming the remote to control 32
TV•VCR button 16, 19, 43, 44, 45, 46, 49
UNRECOGNIZED NUMBER... PLEASE RE-ENTER
message 27
VCR, cleaning 54
VCR button 18
VCR channels list 8
VCR indicator 16, 49
VCR MAIN MENU 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 25, 26
VCR Plus+

channel list 26

channel list screen 14

menu 26

PlusCode number 27

set up channels 12

using 26

worksheet 13
Viewing channel 5
VOL buttons 20
Warranty, limited 55
ZERO search feature 38
ZERO SEARCH menu 38

57

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

©1997 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.
Trademark(s)® Registered
Marca(s) Registrada(s)

Printed in Korea

TOCOM 15226000