GE VGN550 User Manual
VGN550
VCR User’s Guide
We bring good things to life.
i
Introduction
WARNING
To reduce the risk of
fire or shock hazard,
do not expose this VCR
to rain or moisture.
Important Information
WARNING
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This symbol indicates Òdangerous
voltageÓ inside the product that
presents a risk of electric shock or
personal injury.
This symbol indicates important
instructions accompanying the
product.
Cautions
CAUTIONS: To reduce the risk of electric shock, fully insert plug into socket.
Operate VCR only on 100-240 volts (+/Ð 10%), 50/60 Hz AC power.
¥ It is important that you read and follow the safety information and operating instructions.
¥ Ensure that the main supply in your house complies with that indicated on the
identification and rating label located at the back of your appliance.
¥ Install the VCR horizontally, away from a source of heat ( fireplace) or appliances creating
strong magnetic or electric fields (engines).
Follow the drawing below for leaving space around your VCR to insure proper ventilation.
¥ If your VCR or a cassette has been stored in a very cold atmosphere for a certain amount of
time, for example during transportation in the winter, wait approximately two hours
before using your VCR.
¥ The openings located on the top and the bottom are for ventilation purposes. They should
not be obstructed.
¥ In the case of lightning, it is recommended to disconnect the VCR from the external aerial.
¥ By design, this VCR is not for industrial use, but only for domestic operation.
7 cm
10 cm
10 cm
Partial or complete recording of copyright protected works made
without explicit permission from the copyright holder are illegal.
OR
7 cm
10 cm
Side View of VCR
Auto Head Cleaner________________ 19
Pause for Stop-Action______________ 20
Slow Motion______________________ 20
Digital Auto Tracking _____________ 20
Manual Tracking __________________20
Picture Search ____________________ 21
Variable Speed Picture Search
and Frame Advance Using
JOG SHUTTLE on Remote ________21
DISPLAY Button __________________ 22
Time Counter_____________________ 22
Index Search _____________________ 23
Zero Search ______________________ 24
Commercial Scan _________________ 24
Recording a Program
Types of Recordings ___________________ 25
Using the Recording Features
Recording Speeds _________________ 25
Recording Pause __________________ 25
Basic Recording Ð
Operating Instructions _____________ 26
Watch a TV Channel While VCR
is Recording a Different Channel ____ 26
Recording While You're Away
Timer Recording __________________ 27
Select Cable Box or Satellite
Receiver Channel _______________ 28
Check or Clear a
Timer Recording _______________ 28
Timer Recording From the
VCRÕs Line Input _______________ 28
One Touch Recording _________________ 29
Recording Broadcast Stereo TV or SAP___ 30
Recording Audio Only_________________ 31
Using Two VCRs for Copying
and Editing Tapes__________________ 32
Using Dual Remote with AutoEdit ______ 32
References
Location of Controls
Front Panel_______________________ 33
Back Panel _______________________ 34
Display Panel __________________ 34-35
Trouble Checks ____________________ 36-37
Specifications_________________________ 38
Cleaning the VCR _____________________ 38
Index _____________________________ 39-41
1
Introduction
Table of Contents
Important Information
Warnings______________________________ i
Cautions ______________________________ i
Hooking Up the VCR
Choosing a Hookup ____________________ 2
Antenna or Cable System Without a
Cable Box _________________________ 3
Cable System With Cable Box to
Unscramble All Channels ___________ 4
Cable System With Cable Box to
Unscramble Only Pay Channels______ 5
Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes_ 6
Setting Up the VCR
Startup
Check Accessories With VCR ________ 7
Attach Power Cord to Back of VCR ___ 7
Insert Batteries in Remote ___________ 7
Turn on the TV ____________________ 8
Turn on the VCR ___________________ 8
Select the VCRÕs Output Channel ____ 8
Select the Language/Escoge una
Lengua _________________________ 9
Place Channels in the VCRÕs
Memory_________________________ 9
Add or Remove Channels from
VCRÕs Memory _________________ 10
Use TV•VCR Button _______________ 10
Set the Time and Date _____________ 11
Using the Remote Control
Component, VCR, TV, Cable Box, and
Digital Satellite System
Receiver Function Buttons _____ 12-13
Controlling a VCR ____________________ 14
Controlling a TV ______________________ 15
Controlling a Cable Box or Digital
Satellite System Receiver _________ 16
Controlling an Auxiliary RCA
Component_____________________ 17
Playing a Tape
Operating Instructions
Video Playback Mode _____________ 18
Play a Tape_______________________ 18
Using the Playback Features
Tape Playback: HI-FI/LINEAR/MIX
Feature________________________ 19
2
Hooking Up the VCR
Choosing a Hookup
The hookups on pages 3 through 7 are divided into two hookup types: Basic (A) and
Advanced (B).
The Basic hookup shows the backs of TVs that have only an antenna/cable connection.
It is the easier of the two and additional accessories may not be needed.
The Advanced hookup shows the VCR hooked up to a monitor/receiver
(TV with audio and video jacks). This type of connection may improve the picture
quality as well as convenience of operation.
Answer the questions to choose the hookup for your VCR.
1. How do you receive your TV signals?
Choose one answer from below.
A. Outside antenna Ð Turn to page 3.
B. Rabbit ears (set-top) and/or bow tie antenna Ð Turn to page 3.
C. Cable System Ð Go to question 2.
2. What type of Cable-TV system* do you have?
Choose one answer from below.
A. Cable without a box Ð Turn to page 3.
B. Cable box to unscramble all the channels Ð Turn to page 4.
C. Cable box to unscramble only pay channels, such as HBO, Showtime,
Cinemax, etc. Ð Turn to page 5.
*You may need to contact your local cable company for assistance.
Optional Hookups
How to hook up two VCRs for copying tapes?
A. Select a hookup by answering the questions above.
B. Then modify the connections as shown on page 6.
3
Hooking Up the VCR
VIDEO
IN
OUT
ANTENNA
AUDIO
IN
OUT
RIGHT
RIGHT
L/MONO
L/MONO
Back of VCR
Back of TV
300/75 Ohm
Adapter
OR
From Antenna
or Cable
Cable/
Antenna
OR
VHF
UHF
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
75 to 75/300 Ohm
Separator
Antenna or Cable System Without a Cable Box
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV.
3.
Tune the TV to channel 3 to view the VCR.
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality, hi-fi stereo playback, and
more convenient operation Ñ use of
TV•VCR button not required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
If your TV is not stereo, connect its audio jack to
the VCRÕs AUDIO L/MONO jack to hear sound
from both channels.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV.
3.
Tune the TV to its video input to watch the
VCR.
Continue to page 7.
Continue to page 7.
VIDEO
IN
OUT
ANTENNA
AUDIO
IN
OUT
RIGHT
RIGHT
L/MONO
L/MONO
S-VIDEO
AUDIO
CABLE /
ANTENNA
L /
MONO
RIGHT
VIDEO
INPUT
INOUT
Back of TV
Audio/Video Cables
Back of VCR
From Antenna
or Cable
OR
300/75 Ohm
Adapter
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
Signal
Splitter
A
B
4
Hooking Up the VCR
Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels
VIDEO
IN
OUT
ANTENNA
AUDIO
IN
OUT
RIGHT
RIGHT
L/MONO
L/MONO
OUTIN
Cable Box
From Cable
RF Coaxial
Cable
Back of VCR
Back of TV
Cable/
Antenna
OR
VHF
UHF
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
75 to 75/300 Ohm
Separator
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
3.
Tune the TV to channel 3 to view the VCR.
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality, hi-fi stereo playback, and
more convenient operation Ñ use of TV•VCR
button not required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
If your TV is not stereo, connect its audio jack to
the VCRÕs AUDIO L/MONO jack to hear sound
from both channels.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
3.
Tune the TV to its video input to watch the
VCR.
Continue to page 7.
Continue to page 7.
A
B
Caution: The unauthorized recording of
television programs or other materials may
infringe the rights of others.
From Cable
RF Coaxial
Cable
Signal
Splitter
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
Cable Box
OUTIN
RF Coaxial
Cable
Back of VCR
RIGHT
L/MONO
IN
OUT
RIGHT
L/MONO
AUDIO
Audio/Video Cables
MONO
S-VIDEO
AUDIO
RIGHT
Back of TV
VIDEO
INPUT
L /
VIDEO
ANTENNA
IN
OUT
INOUT
CABLE /
ANTENNA
5
Hooking Up the VCR
Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble Only Pay Channels
(such as HBO, Showtime, Pay-Per-View, etc.)
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
3.
Tune the TV to channel 3 to view the VCR.
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality, hi-fi stereo playback, and
more convenient operation Ñ use of
TV•VCR button not required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
If your TV is not stereo, connect its audio jack to
the VCRÕs AUDIO L/MONO jack to hear sound
from both channels.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
3.
Tune the TV to its video input to watch the
VCR. All pay channels are viewed through
the VCR.
Continue to page 7.
Continue to page 7.
VIDEO
IN
OUT
ANTENNA
AUDIO
IN
OUT
RIGHT
RIGHT
L/MONO
L/MONO
OUTIN
Cable Box
From Cable
RF Coaxial
Cable
Back of VCR
Back of TV
Cable/
Antenna
OR
VHF
UHF
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
75 to 75/300 Ohm
Separator
A
B
From Cable
Signal
Splitter
Cable Box
OUTIN
Back of VCRBack of VCR
ANTENNA
RIGHT
L/MONO
RF Coaxial
Cable
(supplied)
IN
OUT
RIGHT
S-VIDEO
L/MONO
VIDEO
AUDIO
Audio/Video Cables
VIDEO
INPUT
L /
MONO
AUDIO
RIGHT
IN
OUT
INOUT
CABLE /
ANTENNA
Back of TV
6
Hooking Up the VCR
Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes
VIDEO
IN
OUT
ANTENNA
AUDIO
IN
OUT
RIGHT
RIGHT
L/MONO
L/MONO
VIDEO
IN
OUT
ANTENNA
AUDIO
IN
OUT
RIGHT
RIGHT
L/MONO
L/MONO
Playback VCR
From Antenna, Cable
or Cable Box
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
Recording VCR
Audio/Video
Cables
RF Coaxial
Cable
or
Use the previously selected
hookup to the TV.
Option A hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection which
requires fewer accessories.
1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5 and
then modify with this connection.
2. Set the VCR output channel to either channel 3
or 4.
See page 8 for details.
You will tune the recording VCR to this channel to
receive the signal from the playback VCR.
3. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional accessories
not provided.
4. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV.
5.
Option B hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved copy
quality and hi-fi stereo recording.
1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5 and
then modify with this connection.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories not
provided.
If your TV is not stereo, connect its audio jack to the
VCRÕs AUDIO L/MONO jack to hear sound from both
channels. If the VCR does not have a MONO jack, you
may need a Y-adapter.
3. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV.
4.
Select the line (audio/video) input on the
recording VCR to receive the signal from the
playback VCR.
Continue to page 7.
Continue to page 7.
B
A
Caution: The unauthorized recording of
television programs or other materials
may infringe the rights of others.
Playback VCR (only)
ANTENNA
RIGHT
IN
OUT
RIGHT
AUDIO
Audio/Video
Cables
RIGHT
IN
OUT
RIGHT
Audio/Video
Cables
L/MONO
L/MONO
L/MONO
L/MONO
AUDIO
VIDEO
VIDEO
IN
OUT
Recording VCR
ANTENNA
IN
OUT
or
Use the previously selected
hookup to the TV.
From Antenna, Cable
or Cable Box
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
7
Setting Up the VCR
1. Check accessories with VCR.
Contact your dealer if any items are missing.
2. Attach power cord to back of VCR.
3. Insert batteries in remote.
Remote
(Stock No. 221405)
SEARCH
VOL
VOL
MUTE
PREV CH
DISPLAY
INPUT
1
4
7
TV•VCR
3
6
9
2
5
8
0
CLEAR
SPEED
REW
PLAY FF
STOP
PAUSE
REC
MENU
PROG
*
P
O
W
E
R
V
C
R
1
S
A
T
•
C
A
B
L
E
T
V
V
C
R
2
•
L
D
A
U
X
C
H
A
N
C
H
A
N
TRACKING
3
4
SLOW
–
+
J
O
G
S
H
U
T
T
L
E
EDIT
RF Coaxial Cable
(Stock No. 221407)
2 “AAA” Batteries
Startup
Power Cord
(Stock No. 221408)
Power Cord
(Stock No. 221423)
OR
2nd2nd
1st
OR
2nd
2nd
4. Turn on the TV.
A. Turn on the TV.
B. If you used one of the basic hookups, tune the TV to channel 3.
If you used one of the advanced hookups, tune the TV to the
TVÕs video input. (See TV ownerÕs manual for details.)
5. Turn on the VCR.
Press VCR1 on the remote.
6. Select the VCR’s output channel.
A. Press VCR1 on the remote.
B. Press MENU•PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU
on the TV screen.
C. Press 4 to display the PREFERENCES menu.
D. Press 3 to select either 3 or 4 as the output channel for your
VCR. This is the channel to which you tune your TV to see the
picture from the VCR.
¥ If you select Output Channel: 3, you will view the VCRÕs
output on channel 3 of your TV.
¥ If you select Output Channel: 4, you will view the VCRÕs
output on channel 4 of your TV.
If you change the output channel, remember to tune your TV
to the channel you selected (3 or 4) to watch the VCR.
8
Startup
Setting Up the VCR
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Set Clock
3 Channels
4 Preferences
5 Language
6 Audio
0 Exit
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Front Panel: AUTO
3 Output Channel: 3
4 Play NTSC as: NTSC
0 Exit
9
Setting Up the VCR
Startup
7. Select the language/Escoge una lengua.
This feature lets you select English or Spanish as the language for
your on-screen menus.
A. Press MENU•PROG on remote to see VCR MAIN MENU on the
TV screen.
B. Press 5 to display the LANGUAGE menu.
¥ Press 1 to display the menus in English.
¥ Press 2 to to display the menus in Spanish.
8. Place channels in the VCR’s memory.
Channels 2 through 13 including line inputs (L1 and L2) are in the
VCRÕs memory when you first turn it on. The VCR stops on these
channels when you press CHANNEL up or down. To get
additional channels available on your antenna or cable system,
you must use the Auto Channel Search feature of the VCR. If you
ever change cable or antenna signals, you may need to auto
channel search again.
See Cable Box Setup on page 28.
A. Press VCR1 to set remote to control VCR.
B. Press MENU•PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU
on the TV screen.
If the menu does not appear on the TV screen:
¥ Press VCR1 and then press MENU•PROG.
¥ If you have used one of the basic hookups, make sure the
TV is tuned to the same channel (3 or 4) as the Output
Channel selected in the PREFERENCES menu.
Check VCR indicator in display panel Ñ it should be on.
Press TV•VCR to turn it on.
¥ If you have connected your VCR using one of the advanced
hookups, tune your TV to its video input (refer to TV
OwnerÕs manual).
¥ Check the connections.
C. Press 3 to select CHANNELS.
D. Press 1 to begin Auto Channel Search.
Wait until the channel numbers stop changing. The TV will
then tune to the lowest channel found. Press CHANNEL up or
down to select the active channels.
The VCR automatically selects ANTENNA or CABLE for the
Signal Type feature in the CHANNELS menu. If you need to
change the setting manually, press 3.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Set Clock
3 Channels
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE
4 Cable Box Setup
0 Exit
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Set Clock
3 Channels
4 Preferences
5 Language
LANGUAGE/IDIOMA
Select a language.
Escoge una lengua.
1 English (Inglés)
2 Spanish (Español)
Press MENU to continue
10
Setting Up the VCR
Startup
9. Add or remove channels from the VCR’s memory.
You may want to add or remove channels if some of the channels
are not active, have weak signals, or you do not want to watch
them.
A. Press VCR1 on the remote.
B. Press MENU•PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU
on the TV screen.
C. Press 3 to display the CHANNELS menu.
D. Press 2 to display the ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS menu.
E. Follow the directions on the screen.
F. Add or remove more channels by entering channel numbers or
using the CHANNEL buttons.
10. Use TV•VCR button.
Skip this step if you used one of the advanced hookups.
When using one of the basic hookups, the TV•VCR button lets you
switch between the picture coming from the VCR or the picture
from the TV channel. This button lets you record a program on
the VCR while watching another channel on the TV. Details are on
page 26.
The VCR will automatically switch the TV¥VCR setting to VCR
every time the VCR is turned on, a tape with the safety tab
removed is inserted, or you press PLAY.
A. Press VCR1 to set the remote to control the VCR.
B. Press TV•VCR to see the picture from the VCR.
The VCR indicator lights in the display panel.
C. Press CHANNEL up or down to change channels on the VCR.
The channel number changes in the display panel.
D. Press TV•VCR to see the TV channels.
The VCR indicator does not light in the display panel. Change
channels using the TVÕs remote.
E. Return the TV to the VCR viewing channel (3 or 4) Ñ the same
Output Channel you selected in step 6.
F. Press VCR1, then TV•VCR to switch back to the picture from
the VCR.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Set Clock
3 Channels
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels
ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS
CH 03
is presently ADDED
Press CLEAR to remove
Press MENU to exit
11
Setting Up the VCR
Startup
11. Set the time and date.
When you first turn on the VCR, Ð Ð : Ð Ð appears in the
clock area of the VCRÕs display panel.
A. Press MENU•PROG on remote to see VCR MAIN
MENU on the TV screen.
B. Press 2 to display SET CLOCK.
C. Enter the time and date with the number buttons on
the remote.
¥ Press 0 before single-digit numbers.
Example: press 0, then 5, then 0, then 7 for a
time of 5:07. Press 1 for AM or 2 for PM.
¥ Press CLEAR on the remote to change incorrect
entries.
D. Press MENU•PROG to remove the SET CLOCK
menu from the TV screen and start the clock.
E. Press 0 to exit the menu system.
Whenever you press DISPLAY on the
remote, the time and date appear on the
TV screen and the time appears in the
display panel.
SLP
VCR
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Set Clock
3 Channels
4 Preferences
5 Language
6 Audio
0 Exit
SET CLOCK
Time --:--
(hh:mm)
Date --/--/--
Press MENU to exit
12
Using the Remote Control
Buttons
SEARCH
VOL
VOL
MUTE
PREV CH
DISPLAY
INPUT
1
4
7
TV•VCR
3
6
9
2
5
8
0
CLEAR
SPEED
REW
PLAY FF
STOP
PAUSE
REC
MENU
PROG
*
P
O
W
E
R
V
C
R
1
S
A
T
•
C
A
B
L
E
T
V
V
C
R
2
•
L
D
A
U
X
C
H
A
N
C
H
A
N
TRACKING
3
4
SLOW
–
+
J
O
G
S
H
U
T
T
L
E
EDIT
AUX (Auxiliary)
Used with POWER button to turn on
compatible RCA audio component.
(See page 17.)
SAT•CABLE
Turns on a compatible RCA cable box
or digital satellite system receiver.
(See page 16.)
Used with POWER button to turn on
another brand of cable box, other
than RCA, when the remote is
programmed to control that cable
box. (See page 16.)
TV
Turns on a compatible GE, RCA, or
ProScan TV and sets the remote to
control the TV. Used with POWER
button to turn on another brand of
TV, other than GE, when the remote
is programmed to control that TV.
(See page 15.)
VCR1
Turns on a compatible GE, RCA, or
ProScan VCR and sets remote to
control the VCR.
VCR2•LD
Turns on a compatible GE, RCA, or
ProScan VCR and sets remote to
control VCR when it has been setup.
(See page 14.)
Used with POWER button to turn on
compatible RCA or ProScan
LaserDisc player.
Arrow Buttons ( )
Used for frame advance and variable
speed picture search when JOG
SHUTTLE is turned on.
CHAN Up or Down
Selects next higher or lower channel in
the VCRÕs channel memory.
CLEAR
Resets time counter to 0:00:00.
Allows you to change entries when
setting the clock or VCR for a timer
recording.
DISPLAY
Shows VCR operating displays on the
TV screen.
Displays the time counter.
EDIT
Signals two properly connected
compatible VCRs to begin copying a
tape. (See page 32.)
FF (Fast Forward)
Fast forwards the tape when the VCR
is stopped.
Searches the picture in forward
motion during playback.
INPUT
Turns the line input on or off.
L1 or L2 appears in VCRÕs display
panel and VIDEO1 or VIDEO2 appears
on TV screen.
Line input refers to the signal coming
from the component connected to the
audio/video input jacks on the back
(L1) or front (L2) of the VCR.
JOG SHUTTLE and Indicator Light
Used with arrow buttons for frame
advance and variable speed search.
(See page 21.)
The indicator in the middle of the
arrow buttons lights when JOG
SHUTTLE is turned on.
MENU•PROG
Displays the VCR MAIN MENU on the
TV screen.
Removes a menu from the screen.
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 1Ð Ð
appears on the screen. Then press the
other two numbers.
Component Buttons
Press one of the buttons to set the remote to operate that component.
VCR Function Buttons
Press VCR1 (VCR2•LD) to set remote to control the VCR to use the
function buttons.
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