GE VG4271 User Manual

WARNING

To reduce risk of fire or shock hazard, do not

expose this product to rain or moisture.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE

RISKOFELECTRICSHOCK PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE

DO NOT OPEN PERSONNEL.

This symbol indicates "dangerous

This symbol indicates A, voltage" inside the product that

important instructions _ presents a risk of electric shock or

accompanying the product, personal injury.

Cautions

Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, match the wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.

Attention: Pour 6viter les chocs 61ectriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqfi 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.

Care and Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or the dusting attachment of your vacuum cleaner to dust

yourVCR. Remove dust from both top and bottom ventilation holes.

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. A

nonabrasive, antistatic cleaner/polisher is recommended.

ProductRegistration

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 receiver. Model No. VG4271

Serial No.

Purchase Date:

Dealer/Address/Phone:

First Things First ............................................................. 3

Setting up the VCR ........................................................ 7

Using the Menu to Set up Features ............................. 8

Language ................................................................... 8

Cable Box Setup ........................................................ 9

VCR Channels List ................................................... 10

To Auto Channel Search ..................................... 10

Changing the Signal Type ................................... 11

Adding or Removing Channels .......................... 12

Time and Date ......................................................... 12

Auto Clock Set Feature ........................................ 12

Setting the Time Zone ......................................... 13

Setting Daylight-Saving Time ............................. 13

Manually Setting the Time and Date ................. 14

Additional Set-up Features in the

Preferences Menu ..................................................... 14

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

Auto Play ................................................................. 15

EnergySaver ............................................................ 16

Front Panel Brightness (VCR Display) ................... 16

Preferred Tape Speed ............................................. 16

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

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

Playing a Tape ............................................................. 19

Automatic Rewind ...................................................... 20

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

Recording .................................................................... 20

Check the Safety Tab .............................................. 20

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

Recording Features ..................................................... 22

Express Recording (XPR) ....................................... 22

Timer Recording ...................................................... 23

Stopping a Timer Recording .................................. 24

Reviewing and Clearing Programs ........................ 24

Recording Broadcast Stereo TV or SAP (Second

Audio Program) .................................................... 25

Recording Audio Only ............................................ 25

Playing Back Audio Only ........................................ 26

Using Two VCRs For Copying and Editing Tapes ..... 26

Other Features ............................................................... 27

Picture Search Options ............................................... 28

Forward and Reverse Search ................................. 28

Slow Motion ............................................................ 28

Commercial Scan (SEARCH button) ...................... 29

Frame Advance ....................................................... 29

Index Search ............................................................ 29

Zero Search ............................................................. 30

Pro-Tect Plus Locking .................................................. 31

Tracking ........................................................................ 31

Time Counter ............................................................... 31

On-screen Displays ..................................................... 32

Audio Set-up Features ................................................ 32

Reception ................................................................. 33

Tape Playback .......................................................... 33

Connections ................................................................... 35

Connecting Your VCR ................................................. 36

Jacks and Cables ..................................................... 36

Choosing a VCR Connection ................................. 37

Advantages of Audio/Video Cable Connections .. 37

TV with RF Jack Only .......................................... 38

TV with Audio/Video jacks .................................. 39

TV with Audio/Video Jacks and Cable Box to

Unscramble Pay Channels Only ...................... 40

References ...................................................................... 41

Front Panel .................................................................. 42

Indicator Panel ............................................................ 43

Back Panel ................................................................... 44

Troubleshooting Tips .................................................. 45

Finding the Video Input Channel ............................... 49

Cleaning the VCR ........................................................ 50

Specifications .............................................................. 50

Limited Warranty ........................................................ 51

Index ................................................................................. 52

Welcome To Your New VCR...

To help you get started using your VCR with as

little reading as possible, we've put all the basic information needed in the first three sections. So

that you start off quickly, there's even an initial setup feature the first time you turn on your VCR. This will walk you through several set up steps at

one time.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Getting Started

Before the initial setup, though, learning about the time and date, your remote control's features, working with channels, and basic video tape operations is essential for you to get all that you can out of the VCR. Once you are comfortable with

these features, feel free to refer to other sections

because they cover the more detailed information.

II I

What Remains?

The final sections of this manual contain

playback and recording information, a section on detailed connections, and a reference section

including troubleshooting tips, warranty

information, and an index.

READ ME! 1

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

Step 1: 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 the batteries into the remote's back panel. Match the

positive (+) and negative (-) ends of each battery to the

diagram inside the battery 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 RFOUT jacks as shown to the right for a good signal.

If you have a TV with AUDIONIDEO jacks, use these jacks for a better connection. Refer to the section, Connections, toward

the back of the manual, for additional connection options.

STEP 4: Plug in the VCR

Your VCR's power cord has a plastic band strung through the

blades. Remove plastic band before plugging the cord

into the power outlet. To remove the band, cut with a pair of scissors and pull it free of the blades. Once the plastic is removed,

match the wide blade of the power cord to the wide slot in the

power outlet. Be sure to insert the plug completely.

VCR

CABLE, CABLE BOX, OR ANTENNA'A_ _'_

IN FROM ANTENNA

VHF/UHF

OUT TO 33/

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 ANTENNA connectors 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 with the remote control's INPUT button to see the signal. If you

have trouble understanding the VIDEO INPUT CHANNEL,

look to page 49 for a more detailed explanation.

STEP 6: Turn on the VCR

Press POWER on the VCR's front panel or the VCR button on the remote control to turn on the VCR. The first time you turn the VCR on, a menu screen appears. This is the start of an initial set up which helps you set different options for your VCR.

STEP 7: Quick Set Guide

The Quick Set Guide is an automated procedure that

automatically helps you set your VCR. The first time you turn on your VCR, the first screen of the guide appears. Use the remote

control's number buttons to select your choice.

Select a language. Seleccione un idioma.

Choisissez une langue.

1>English 2 Espa_ol

3 Frangais

1. Press 1 for English, 2 for Espafiol (Spanish), or 3 for Frangais (French).

The remaining menus throughout the set up will appear in the chosen language. Just follow the step-by-step procedures until setup is complete.

If the menu does not appear:

Make sure the TV is tuned to the same channel as the 3 CH 4 switch or the TV's video line input (see page 49

for more information)

(Continued on next page)

VCR Viewing Channel

R AUDIO L VIDEO ANTENNAINFROM O

OUT @-- @-- @

AUIDEO VHF/UHF

N e--e--e ...... O

3CH 4

/ I

Channel 3/4 switch

A/V input/output jacks

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

The 3-4 switch on the back of the VCR determines which TV channel

is used to see VCR output. When using the AUDIO/VIDEO jacks

to connect your VCR, tune your TV to the TV's video input channel with the INPUT button on your remote

control. For more information about selecting your video input channel,

see page 49.

• Make sure the VCR indicator is on in the VCR display if you connected your VCR using the IN FROM ANT and

RF OUT jacks

• Check your connections.

If you chose to set up your VCR options individually instead of using the initial set up, then go to the next section.

STEP 8: Accessing Menus

The MENU and number buttons on your remote control let you access, select, and change your VCR's preferences. For example, to

select a different preferred on-screen language than the one you selected during the initial set up:

1. Press MENU on the remote to display the VCR MAIN MENU

VCR MAIN MENU

I Timer Recodings 2 Time

3 Channels 4 Setup

5 Preferences 6 Audio

7 Language

0 Exit

2. Press 7 to display the LANGUAGE menu

LANGUAGE

Select a language.

1>English 2 Espafiol 3 Franqais

Press MENU to continue

On the remote control, press 1 for English, 2 for Espafiol

(Spanish), or 3 for Frangais (French). An arrow will highlight

your choice between the number and the language. Press

MENU to continue back to the MAIN MENU.

From this point, all other on-screen menus work in similar ways using the remote control's buttons to follow on-screen

instructions. Now that you understand how to move around through menus,

go to the next section, Additional Set-Up Features, to set up

individual menus of your VCR.

On-Screen Guide and

Additional Set-up Features

Below is a list of set-up features that you need to

set up before using your VCR for the first time.

• Preferred Language

• Cable Box Connections

• VCR Channel List (Auto Channel Search)

• Auto Clock Set

• Time Zone and Daylight Saving (Auto Clock)

• Manual Time and Date Set

• Remote VCR1/VCR2

• Auto Play

• EnergySaver

• Front Panel Brightness

• Preferred Tape Speed

SETTING UP THE VCR I

II I

Using the Menu to Set up Features

You can set up your VCR's features by using the remote control's buttons to enter your choices from on-screen

instructions. Each menu item is explained in this section.

You can set up features individually by using the menu system.

Each feature that appears in the initial set up is explained in this

section as well as a few others you may want to set up before you

begin using your VCR.

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 Timer Recodings 2 Time

3 Channels 4 Setup

5 Preferences 6 Audio

7 Language

0 Exit

2. Press 7 to select the LANGUAGE menu.

LANGUAGE

Select a language.

1>English 2 Espafiol 3 Frangais

Press MENU to continue

Select English, Espafiol (Spanish), or Frangais (French) by

pressing the appropriate number on the remote control's key pad. An arrow beside the number you press indicates

your current selection.

Cable Box Setup

This setup applies only when all channels are received through a cable box. In this case, the VCR will automatically enter the channel used to view cable box programming. Your VCR will

use this channel for all future timer recordings.

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU

1 Timer Recodings 2 Time

3 Channels 4 Setup

5 Preferences 6 Audio

7 Language

0 Exit

2. Press 3 to display the CHANNELS menu.

CHANNELS

1 Auto Channel Search 2 Add/Remove Channels

3 Signal Type: CABLE 4 Cable Box Setup

0 Exit

Press4 to displayGABLE BOX SETUP. Then select

one ofthethreechoices.

CABLE BOX SETUP

Do you use your cable box to receive ALL

channels or only SOME channels?

1 ALL channels 2 Only SOME channels

3 Cancel setup

If you selected ALL channels, enter the output channel of your cable box (usually 03 or 04), or press INPUT for video line input and press MENU.

CABLE BOX SETUP

On what channel does the VCR receive signals

from the cable box? (usually 3, 4. or Video)

Enter 01-13 or INPUT Press MENU to cancel

(Continued on next page)

Video Input Channel? If you are having trouble finding your

TV's video INPUT channel, refer to page 49 for more information or the

troubleshooting section starting on page 45 in the References section of

the manual.

Cable Box Setup

ALL channels: enter two numbers for output channel of your cable box

or press INPUT. Only SOME channels: if you only

use the cable box to tune premium

channels. Cancel setup: select to cancel.

CABLE BOX SETUP

On what channel does the VCR receive signals

from the cable box? (usually 3, 4 or video)

Press CLEAR to correct Press MENU to continue

Once you complete the setup, the VCR confirms that the VCR will now receive all signals on the designated channel.

For example:

CABLE BOX SETUP

The VCR will now receive all signals

from the cable box on channel 04.

Press MENU to continue

VCR Channels List

If you use a cable box for all channels, this step is not necessary.

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.

To Auto Channel Search

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU

1 Timer Recodings 2 Time

3 Channels 4 Setup

5 Preferences 6 Audio

7 Language

0 Exit

2. Press 3 to display the CHANNELS menu.

(Continued on next page)

CHANNELS

1 Auto Channel Search 2 Add/Remove Channels 3 Signal Type: CABLE

4 Cable Box Setup

0 Exit

3. Press 1 to display the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu.

AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH

What type of signal are you using?

I Cable TV

2 Antenna 3>Detect Automatically

0 Cancel

4. Select one of the three AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH options:

• Cable TVsearches for cable channels

• Antenna searches for local broadcast stations

• DetectAutomaticallywill make this decision for you

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

Now scanning channel 14

Press any key to cancel

The VCR begins scanning for the available channels--this takes about one to two minutes. When the scan is complete,

the VCR tunes to the lowest channel number. At this point,

pressing CHAN up or down on the remote control or VCR

should only select the active channels.

Chan_ng the Signal Type

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

2. Press 3 to display the CHANNELS menu.

3. Press 3 to change the Signal Type between CABLE and

ANTENNA.

Adding or Removing Channels

You may want to add or remove channels after you Auto Channel Search, especially if some of the channels have weak signals or you don't want to watch them.

Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. Press 3 to display the CHANNELS menu. Press 2 to display the ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS screen.

Use the CHAN up or down keys on the remote 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

4. When at the selected channel, if added, press CLEAR to remove. If removed, press INFO to add.

Time and Date

The VCR gives you two ways to set the time and date: manually, and the Auto Clock Feature. The Auto Clock Feature enables the

VCR to update the clock each time the VCR is turned off. The Auto Clock is advantageous because it updates the time for you automatically.

Before you set the time and date, set the Auto DST (Daylight-

Saving Time) feature to ON or OFF for your area.

Auto Clock Set Feature

The Auto Clock Set feature is set to ON at the factory. In the ON setting, the VCR looks for a channel carrying XDS (Extended Data Services) information. XDS updates the clock using the Coordinated Universal Time. There are certain steps that are

required, such as Auto Channel Search, setting the Time Zone,

and setting the Daylight Saving feature before the Auto Clock feature works.

Auto Clock Information

With a cable box, the VCR will not

reset the clock after a power outage unless the cable box is turned on to

the channel carrying the XDS signal.

If AUTO CLOCK SET is unsuccessful,

try tuning the VCR to (or cable box) to a channel carrying the broadcast

information (usually PBS), then turn

the VCR off. If the time does not set within 10 minutes, set the time and

date manually through the menu items.

Check your local cable system or TV stations for availability of channels

with XDS.

Setting the Time Zone

1. Press MENU on the remote control to display the VCR Main Menu.

2. Press 2 to display TIME menu

3. Press 3 to set the time zone.

SET TIME ZONE

What is your Time Zone? I Eastern

2 Central 3 Mountain 4 Pacific 5 Alaska 6 Hawaii 7>Automatic Press MENU to continue

If you select AUTOMATIC for your time zone, the VCR

sets the clock using the first Coordinated Universal Time

information it finds. If the time is not correct, select another

time zone or set the time and date manually through the

menu system. An arrow beside the number marks your

choice. Once selected, hit MENU to continue.

4 5

VCR MAIN MENU

Timer Recodings Time

hannels

TIME I Set Time and Date 2 Auto Clock Set: ON 3 Set Time Zone

4 Set Daylight Savings

XDS Time Data was found on channel 20.

0 Exit

The TIME menu of your VCR.

Setting Daylight-Saving Time

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

2. Press 2 to display the TIME menu.

3. Press 4 to select SET DAYLIGHT SAVINGS.

SET DAYLIGHT SAVINGS

Does your area observe Daylight Savings Time from April to October?

I Yes. DST is observed 2 No

3 Automatic Press MENU to continue

4. Select one of the options.

• DST is the acronym for Daylight Saving Time.

• If you chose AUTOMATIC, the VCR sets the clock using the DST information broadcast in the signal (channel).

Manually Setting the Time and Date

if the Auto Clock Set was unsuccessful, set the clock through the menu option. The Auto Clock Set feature is automatically set to OFF when you set the clock this way.

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

2. Press 2 to display the TIME menu.

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

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 11/18/99 Thursday

Press CLEAR to correct Press MENU to set

Additional Set-up Features in the

Preferences Menu

The features in this section are all accessed through the

PREFERENCESmenu.

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu. Now you are ready to select an item from the menu to set up.

4 5

VCR MAIN MENU

Timer Recodings Time Channels

Setup

references

PREFERENCES

1 Remote Control: VCR2

2 Auto Play: ON 3 Auto TV/VCR: OFF

4 EnergySaver: 2:00

5 Front Panel: AUTO

6 Tape Speed: SLP

0 Exit

The VCR PREFERENCES menu

Remote VCR1/VCR2 Option

if you own a compatible RCA, GE, 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.

In the PREFERENCESmenu, press 1 to select the Remote

Control item. Then press the VCR2, VCR2.LD, or VCR2.DVD

button to change.

PREFERENCES

(Press VCR2 to Change) 2 Auto Play: ON 3 Auto TV/VCR: ON

4 EnergySaver: 2:00 5 Front Panel: AUTO

6 Tape Speed: SLP

0 Exit

PREFERENCES

1 Remote Control: VCR2 2 Auto Play: ON

3 Auto TV/VCR: OFF 3 EnergySaver: 2:00

5 Front Panel: AUTO 6 Tape Speed: SLP

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 it.

To change the setting back to VCR1, allowing the original

remote control which came with your VCR to control the unit, use the compatible remote to display the PREFERENCESmenu, press 1, then press the VCR button on the original remote

control.

Remote Control Option ]

Changing the remote option to VCR2| disables the remote that came with |

your VCR. J

Auto Play

This feature allows the VCR to automatically start playing when you insert a tape with the safety tab removed. In the

PREFERENCESmenu, press 2 on the remote control 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 do notwant a tape with its safety tab

removed to start playing automatically.

EnergySaver

By default, this VCR automatically turns off after two hours

of inactivity. In the PREFERENCESmenu, press 4 to change the time delay, or to disable the feature altogether.

• OFF: The VCR will remain turned on until you shut it off.

1:00, 2:00, or 3:00: The VCR turns off after one, two, or three hours of inactivity.

Thirty seconds before shutting off, the VCR will warn you with a screen reading, "The VCR will turn off in 30 seconds. Press any key to cancel."

If you use the VCR's tuner instead of your TV to tune channels,

you may want to turn this feature off.

4 5 6

VCR MAIN MENU

Timer Recodings Time

Channels Setup

Preferences

PREFERENCES

1 Remote Control: VCR2

2 Auto Play: ON 3 Auto TV/VCR: OFF

4 EnergySaver: 2:00

5 Front Panel: AUTO

6 Tape Speed: SLP

0 Exit

The VCRPREFERENCES menu

Front Panel Brightness (VCR Display)

You can change the brightness level of the fluorescent display panel on the front of the VCR. In the PREFERENCESmenu,

press 5 to switch between the options.

• AUTO brightens the display when the VCR is on and dims

the display when the VCR is off.

• BRIGHT keeps the display bright when the VCR is on or off.

• DIM keeps the display at a low brightness level at all times.

Preferred Tape Speed

You can set the preferred tape speed between Standard

Play (SP) and Super Long Play (SLP). In the PREFERENCES menu, press 6 to switch between the options.

• SP sets the preferred recording speed to SP.

• SLP sets the preferred recording speed to SLP.

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. 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 2Hr40Min 8Hr

+ 42 hidden pages

GE VG4271 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual