GE VG4250 User Manual
VCR User’s Guide
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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: ___________________________________________________________________________
i
VG4250
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.
ON OFF
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REVERSE PLAY FORWARD
STOP
RECORD
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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.
Requirements: Point the remote control at the active component and press the
ON•OFF button to see if it can be operated.
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.
Introduction
Requirements: 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 WHO•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: Locks the VCR so that buttons on the front panel and remote
control won’t operate the VCR. This feature protects timer programs from
frustrating accidents such as being left on at the time of recording.
Requirements: Lock the VCR by pressing and holding the POWER button on
the remote control for six seconds. The front panel display will blink for several
seconds. The VCR unlocks by pressing and holding the POWER button on the
remote control, again for six seconds. The front panel display will blink again
and release the lock on the system.
Chapter 1 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.
Broadcast Stereo or Second Audio Program
(SAP)
Description: Some TV programs are broadcast with broadcast stereo or Second
Audio Program information (usually for a simulcast dubbed foreign language).
Requirements: You must set up the audio preferences.
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.
SQPB S-VHS Quasi Playback
Description: Your VCR will be able to play back tapes recorded in S-VHS or SVHS-ET mode (in VHS quality).
Requirements: Insert a tape recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS-ET mode and press the
PLAY button on the remote control or PLAY•PAUSE on the VCR.
2 Chapter 1
Table of Contents
Key Features Overview
Connections & Setup
Things to Consider Before Connecting Components ............................................. 6
Cable Considerations ................................................................................................ 6
Choose Your Connection ...........................................................................................7
Using the RF Coaxial Cable to Connect the VCR to a TV ................................. 7
TV + VCR .............................................................................................................. 8
TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver ............................................................................. 9
TV + VCR + Cable Box .......................................................................................10
Set the VCR’s CH 3/4 Switch ................................................................................... 11
Plug in the VCR ........................................................................................................ 11
Put Batteries in the Remote Control .......................................................................11
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 ................................................................................................................13
Playing a Tape .................................................................................................... 13
Automatic Rewind ............................................................................................. 13
Tape Eject ...........................................................................................................13
Recording ................................................................................................................. 13
Check the Safety Tab ......................................................................................... 13
........................................................................................... 1
.............................................................................................. 5
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
Auto Channel Searching ............................................................................ 17
Changing the Signal Type .......................................................................... 18
Adding or Removing Channels.................................................................. 18
Time and Date .................................................................................................... 19
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
Additional Set Up Features in the Preferences Menu .......................................... 21
Remote VCR1/VCR2 Option ..............................................................................21
Auto Play ............................................................................................................ 21
Auto TV/VCR ...................................................................................................... 22
EnergySaver ...................................................................................................... 22
Front Panel Brightness (VCR Display) ............................................................. 22
Tape Speed ........................................................................................................ 23
Set Auto Repeat ................................................................................................. 23
......................................................................... 15
3
Table of Contents
Using the Remote Control
Using the Remote Control to Control Components .............................................. 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 ...................................................................... 32
Reviewing and Clearing Programs ............................................................ 32
Recording Broadcast Stereo TV or SAP (Second Audio Program) ............... 32
Copying and Editing Tapes Using Two VCRs .................................................. 33
Picture Search Options ............................................................................................33
Forward and Reverse Search ........................................................................... 33
Commercial Scan .............................................................................................. 34
Slow Motion ...................................................................................................... 34
Frame Advance .................................................................................................. 34
Index Search ......................................................................................................35
Go-To Search ..................................................................................................... 36
Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking Feature ............................................................................. 36
Tracking .................................................................................................................... 36
Time Counter ............................................................................................................ 37
On-Screen Displays ................................................................................................. 37
.................................................................................. 25
.................................................................................... 29
Other Information
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................... 40
General Problems .............................................................................................. 40
Playback Problems ............................................................................................41
Recording Problems .......................................................................................... 43
Front Panel ............................................................................................................... 44
Display Panel ............................................................................................................45
Back Panel ................................................................................................................ 46
Specifications ........................................................................................................... 47
Cleaning the VCR ..................................................................................................... 47
GE VCR WARRANTY................................................................................................ 48
Finding the TV’s Video Line Input ...........................................................................49
Advanced Connection ............................................................................................. 50
TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver ........................................................................... 50
Glossary ....................................................................................................................51
................................................................................................... 39
4
Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
Chapter Overview:
• Things to Consider Before Connecting
• Choosing Your Connection
• Making Connections
• Navigating On-Screen Menus
• Completing the QuickSet™ Guide
• Basic Recording
5
Connections & Setup
Things to Consider Before Connecting Components
Protect Components From Power Surges
• Connect all components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet.
• Always turn off the TV and other components before you connect or disconnect any cables.
Position Cables to Avoid Audio Hum or Interference
• Insert all cable plugs firmly into their jacks.
• 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 (pictured on the next page) carries both sound
and picture information. This is the cable used in all connection diagrams illustrated in this
chapter of the manual.
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 56 in the Other Information chapter of this manual.
6 Chapter 1
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.
Connections & Setup
Using the RF Coaxial Cable to Connect the VCR to a TV
The RF coaxial cable supplied with your VCR will be the cable used for the
basic connections represented in this chapter.
Notes: To hear stereo sound, you will need to purchase Audio/Video (A/V) cables
(not provided) to connect the VCR to the TV. For details about this advanced
setup, see the instructions on page 56.
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 55.
Components
Connection Go To
Title
TV + VCR page 8
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Satellite Receiver page 9
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Cable Box page 10
Chapter 1 7
Connections & Setup
TV (back panel)
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VCR
VIDEO
AUDIO
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IN
L
OUT
S-VIDEO
CABLE/
ANTENNA
1
Need Some Help?
If you prefer, we can
provide you with the
name of an Authorized
Service Representative
who will visit your home
for a fee to install your
electronic entertainment
system and to instruct
you in its operation. For
details about this service,
call 1-888-206-3359.
R
C
V
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 satellite, 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.
OUT
AUDIO
VIDEO
ANT. IN
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CH.
3 4
RF OUT
2
From Cable
or Antenna
IN
Go To Page 11
8 Chapter 1
TV
VCR
Connections & Setup
VIDEO
AUDIO
L / MONO
R
IN
L
OUT
S-VIDEO
CABLE/
ANTENNA
TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver
Note: Your television and satellite receiver back panel 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 satellite receiver to the VCR
Connect an RF coaxial cable to the antenna output jack on the satellite
receiver and to the ANT. IN jack on the VCR.
3. Connect the antenna to your satellite receiver
If necessary, connect an antenna or cable box RF coaxial cable 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 to the satellite input
jack on the satellite receiver.
Go To Page 11
Chapter 1 9
Connections & Setup
CABLE/
ANTENNA
TV + VCR + Cable Box
Note: Your television and cable box back panel may not look exactly like the models
Need Some Help?
If you prefer, we can
provide you with the
name of an Authorized
Service Representative
who will visit your home
for a fee to install your
electronic entertainment
system and to instruct
you in its operation. For
details about this service,
call 1-888-206-3359.
10 Chapter 1
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 input jack.
2. Connect the cable box to the VCR
Connect one end of an RF coaxial cable to the cable box’s TV output jack
and the other end to the ANT. IN jack on the VCR.
3. Connect the cable feed to your cable box
Connect an RF coaxial cable feed to the antenna input jack on the cable
box.
Go To Page 11
Connections & Setup
Set the VCR’s CH 3/4 Switch
The CH 3/4 switch on back of the VCR determines what channel the TV must be tuned to see
the VCR’s image. Choose whichever channel is not used locally in your area.
Note: If you connected components using A/V jacks and cables, the VCR’s signal must be viewed
using the TV’s Video Line Input. 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 55 in the Other Information
chapter 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 it 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 any additional steps. Press the remote control’s TV button
and then the ON•OFF button to turn on a compatible TV. If neither button turns
on the TV, your remote control cannot operate it.
Tune the TV
Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel. The VCR viewing channel is either
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
03 or 04 (whichever was set on the CH 3/4 switch).
• 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 55 in the Other Information chapter of this manual.
Chapter 1 11
Connections & Setup
Using the Remote Control to Navigate On-screen Menus
The technical term is “Navigation” – how you move through the on-screen menus. Choosing a
menu item is the same for all on-screen displays; press the corresponding number button on the
remote control select the desired item.
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).
Select a language.
Seleccione un idioma.
Choisissez une langue.
1 English
2 Español
3 Français
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Time
3 Channels
4 Setup
5 Preferences
6 Audio
7 Language
0 Exit
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
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
12 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
VCR Basics
Once your initial settings are complete, you can begin using your VCR. In order to begin, you
must first understand some basic concepts.
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
• Cable Box Setup
Chapter 2
• Setting Time and Date
• Setting VCR Preferences
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