JVC HR-A231EK, HR-A230ES User Manual

VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER

HR-A230EK
HR-A231EK
HR-A230ES

OPERATE

CH SET

STORE

A

B

CLOCK

DISPLAY

2

12453

ADD TIME

6

DAILY

WEEKLY

9

807

AUX

C.RESET

CANCEL

TIMER

TV

DATESTOP

START

PROG.

EXPRESS PROGRAMMING

AUDIO MONITOR

TV/VIDEO

TV VCR

(MONITOR)

P

R

O

G

C

H

E

C

K

3

G

O

O

K

R

P

O

V

L

.

V

T

1

PUSH JOG

The recorder illustrations appearing in this
instruction manual are of the HR-A230EK.

OPERATE





TIMER



TV PROG



D

W

SP
LP

I TR

M

EP

D

SP/LP

INSTRUCTIONS

q

6

TM

PAL

CONTENTS

SAFETY FIRST 2

Safety Precautions .................................... 2

Some Do’s And Dont’s ............................. 3

INSTALLING YOUR NEW RECORDER 4

Basic Connections ................................... 4

Tune The TV To Your Video Recorder ...... 5

Connection To A Satellite Receiver .......... 6

INITIAL SETTINGS 7

Tuner Set .................................................. 7

Clock Set ................................................. 8

PLAYBACK 10

Basic Playback ....................................... 10

Playback Features .................................. 11

RECORDING 15

Basic Recording ..................................... 15

Recording Features ................................ 16

TIMER RECORDING 17

Information On Video Plus+ .................. 17

Guide Channel Set .............................. 17

Video Plus+ Timer Recording ................. 19

Regular Timer Programming .................. 21

Check And Cancel Programmes .......... 23

PDC Recording ................................... 23

EDITING 24

Edit To Or From Another Video

Recorder ................................................ 24

Edit From A Camcorder ......................... 25

USING THE CONFIRMATION DISPLAY 26

Storing Channels Manually .................... 26

Delete A Channel .................................. 27

Change Station Preset Position ............... 27

Set Stations ............................................ 28

Fine-Tuning Channels Already Stored .... 29

TV STATION AND ID LIST 30
TV STATION CHANNEL NUMBER GUIDE

(U.K. ONLY) 31
TROUBLESHOOTING 32
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 34
INDEX 35
SPECIFICATIONS Back Cover

PU30425-1807-1

2

SAFETY FIRST

Safety Precautions

The rating plate and the safety caution are on the rear of the unit.

WARNING: DANGEROUS VOLTAGE INSIDE
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR

MOISTURE.

IMPORTANT

Connection to the mains supply in the United Kingdom.
DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment. If

the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your
home or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then
obtain a proper safety approved extension lead/adapter or
consult your dealer.

BE SURE to replace the fuse only with an identical
approved type, as originally fitted, and to replace the fuse
cover.

If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off remove the fuse and
dispose of the plug immediately, to avoid a possible shock
hazard by inadvertent connection to the mains supply.
If this product is not supplied fitted with a mains plug then
follow the instructions given below:
DO NOT make any connection to the Larger Terminal
coded E or Green.
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance
with the following code:

Blue to N (Neutral) or Black
Brown to L (Live) or Red

If these colours do not correspond with the terminal
identifications of your plug, connect as follows:
Blue wire to terminal coded N (Neutral) or coloured Black.
Brown wire to terminal coded L (Live) or coloured Red.

If in doubt — consult a competent electrician.

CAUTION

n When you are not using the recorder for a long period of

time, it is recommended that you disconnect the power
cord from the mains outlet.

n Dangerous voltage inside. Refer internal servicing to

qualified service personnel. To prevent electric shock or
fire hazard, remove the power cord from the mains
outlet prior to connecting or disconnecting any signal
lead or aerial.

IMPORTANT

n Please read the various precautions on p. 2 – 3 of this

instruction manual before installing or operating the
recorder.

n It should be noted that it may be unlawful to re-record

pre-recorded tapes, records, or discs without the consent
of the owner of copyright in the sound or video record­ing, broadcast or cable programme and in any literary,
dramatic, musical, or artistic work embodied therein.

The OPERATE button does not completely shut off mains
power from the unit, but switches operating current on and
off.

Video tapes recorded with this video recorder in the LP
(Long Play) mode cannot be played back on a single-speed
video recorder.

Failure to heed the following precautions may result in
damage to the recorder, remote control or video
cassette.

1. DO NOT place the recorder . . .

... in an environment prone to extreme temperatures or

humidity.
... in direct sunlight.
... in a dusty environment.
... in an environment where strong magnetic fields are

generated.
... on a surface that is unstable or subject to vibration.

2. DO NOT block the recorder’s ventilation openings.

3. DO NOT place heavy objects on the recorder or remote
control.

4. DO NOT place anything which might spill on top of the
recorder or remote control.

5. AVOID violent shocks to the recorder during transport.

TM

PAL

n Only cassettes marked "VHS" can be used with this

videorecorder.

n HQ VHS is compatible with existing VHS equipment.
n Video Plus+ and PlusCode are trademarks of Gemstar

Development Corporation. The Video Plus+ system is
manufactured under licence from Gemstar Development
Corporation.

MOISTURE CONDENSATION

Moisture in the air will condense on the recorder when you
move it from a cold place to a warm place, or under extremely
humid conditions—just as water droplets form in the surface of
a glass filled with cold liquid. Moisture condensation on the
head drum will cause damage to the tape. In conditions where
condensation may occur, keep the recorder turned on for a few
hours to let the moisture dry.

ABOUT HEAD CLEANING

Accumulation of dirt and other particles on the video heads
may cause the playback picture to become blurred or inter­rupted. Be sure to contact your nearest JVC dealer if such
troubles occur.

4-STEP QUICK SET UP

3

1

BASIC
CONNECTION

PAGE 4 PAGE 5

2 3

TUNE THE
TV TO YOUR
VIDEO
RECORDER

PAGE 7

TUNER SET

4

CLOCK SET

PAGE 8

Some Do's And Don'ts On The Safe
Use Of Equipment

This equipment has been designed and manufactured to meet international safety standards but, like any
electrical equipment, care must be taken if you are to obtain the best results and safety is to be assured.

DO read the operating instructions before you attempt to use the equipment.
DO ensure that all electrical connections (including the mains plug, extension leads and interconnec-

tions between pieces of equipment) are properly made and in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions. Switch off and withdraw the mains plug when making or changing connections.

DO consult your dealer if you are ever in doubt about the installation, operation or safety of your equip-

ment.

DO be careful with glass panels or doors on equipment.
DON'T continue to operate the equipment if you are in any doubt about it working normally, or if it is

damanged in any way — switch off, withdraw the mains plug and consult your dealer.

DON'T remove any fixed cover as this may expose dangerous voltages.
DON'T leave equipment switched on when it is unattended unless it is specifically stated that it is de-

signed for unattended operation or has a standby mode. Switch off using the switch on the
equipment and make sure that your family knows how to do this. Special arrangements may need
to be made for infirm or handicapped people.

DON'T use equipment such as personal stereos or radios so that you are distracted from the requirements

of road safety. It is illegal to watch television whilst driving.

DON'T listen to headphones at high volume, as such use can permanently damage your hearing.
DON'T obstruct the ventilation of the equipment, for example with curtains or soft furnishings. Overheat-

ing will cause damage and shorten the life of the equipment.

DON'T use makeshift stands and NEVER fix legs with wood screws — to ensure complete safety always

fit the manufacturer's approved stand or legs with the fixings provided according to the instruc­tions.

DON'T allow electrical equipment to be exposed to rain or moisture.

ABOVE ALL...

— NEVER let anyone especially children push anything into holes, slots or any other opening in the

case — this could result in a fatal electrical shock;

— NEVER guess or take chances with electrical equipment of any kind — it is better to be safe than

sorry!

4

F

INSTALLING YOUR NEW RECORDER

Basic Connections

Back of TV

Aerial terminal

21-pin SCART connector

RF Cable (provided)

21-pin SCART Cable

It's essential that your video recorder be properly connected.
Follow these steps carefully. THESE STEPS MUST BE COM­PLETED BEFORE ANY VIDEO OPERATION CAN BE PER­FORMED.

CHECK CONTENTS

Make sure the package contains all of the accessories
listed in “Specifications” (Z back cover).

1

SITUATE RECORDER

Place the recorder on a stable, horizontal surface.

2

CONNECT RECORDER TO
TV

The connection method you use depends on the type of
TV you have.

3

RF CONNECTION

●

To Connect To A TV With NO AV Input Terminals . . .

a– Disconnect the TV aerial cable from the TV.
b– Connect the TV aerial cable to the ANT. IN jack

on the rear panel of the recorder.

c– Connect the provided RF cable between the RF

OUT jack on the rear panel of the recorder and the
TV’s aerial terminal.

Before operating the recorder, make sure the TV’s preset
is set to the VIDEO preset.

AV CONNECTION

●

To Connect To A TV With AV Input Terminals . . .

a– Connect the aerial, recorder and TV as per “RF

CONNECTION”.

b– Connect an optional SCART cable between the

AV1 IN/OUT socket on the rear panel of the
recorder and the TV’s 21-pin SCART connector.

c– Set the RF OUT switch to OFF.

Before operating the recorder, make sure the TV is set to
the VIDEO (or AV) mode.

Mains Power
Cord

Mains outlet

CONNECT RECORDER TO
MAINS

Plug the end of the mains power cord into a mains
outlet.

4

RF OUT

ON–TEST–OF

Tune The TV To Your Video
Recorder

TV Aerial Cable

5

AV2 IN

RF OUT

ON–TEST–OFF

RF OUT switch

The video recorder sends picture and sound signals via the RF
connecting cable to your TV on UHF channel 36.

AV1 IN/OUT

TURN ON THE RECORDER

Press OPERATE.

1

SELECT OUTPUT MODE

Set the RF OUT switch on the back of the recorder to
TEST.

2

ANT. IN

32
40

RF OUT

RF output channel
adjustment screw

Back of Recorder

SET TV PRESET

Set your TV to the video preset (UHF channel 36). Two
white bars appear on screen vertically.

3

● Tune the TV until the bars are as clear as they can be.

● Your TV should be set to the preset designated for use

with a video recorder, or to a spare preset if there is
not a specified video preset on your TV.

RESET OUTPUT MODE

Return the RF OUT switch to ON.

4

NOTE:

If some interference noise is continually seen on the screen,
consult your JVC dealer.

6

INSTALLING YOUR NEW RECORDER (cont'd)

Connection To
A Satellite
Receiver

Outdoor Unit

The AV2 IN socket on the rear panel of your recorder allows
simple connection to a satellite receiver.

Aerial

Back of TV

Aerial terminal

Satellite Receiver
Unit

DECODER VCR TV

Mains outlet

Satellite Cable

TV Aerial cable

ANT. IN

RF OUT

21-pin SCART
connectors

EXT.2 EXT.1

ANT. IN

32
40

RF OUT

Back of Recorder

RF OUT

ON–TEST–OFF

AV2 IN

AV1 IN/OUT

NOTES:

●

When connecting your recorder to a TV equipped with 21-pin SCART connectors, follow the illustration above using the cables
shown in gray.

●

For details, check your satellite receiver’s instruction manual.

INITIAL SETTINGS

CH SET

OPERATE

TV PROG.

Tuner Set

1

2,5

7

Your recorder needs to memorise all necessary stations in preset
positions in order to record TV programmes. ATS+ (Auto Tuning
System) automatically assigns all receivable stations in your
area to call them up with the TV PROG. buttons without going
through any vacant channels.

The following procedure describes how to select automatic
channel setting.

TURN ON THE RECORDER

Press OPERATE.

1

q

6

ACCESS CH. SET DISPLAY

Press and hold CH SET for more than 2 seconds.
“AUTO” appears on the front display panel.

2

START AUTO CHANNEL SET

Press OK and “AUTO" blinks on the front display panel.

PUSH JOGfi%

4

2

12
45

8

7

0

1

3

3
6
9

OPERATE

TV PROG.

OK

3

1

3

ACCESS CONFIRMATION
DISPLAY

The preset position, channel and station name (ID – Z
pg. 30) of the stations located by your recorder appear

4

in a Confirmation display.
(Ex.)
Preset Position

Confirm all the stored stations by using PUSH JOG%fi.

Channel

≠

RETURN TO NORMAL
DISPLAY

Press CH SET.

● Using the Confirmation display, you can skip or add

5

NOTES:

●

●

preset positions, enter station names and perform
other operations. Refer to page 26 for the procedures.

● Depending on the reception conditions, the stations
may not be stored in order, and the station names
may not be stored correctly.

Fine tuning is performed automatically when you select
“AUTO CH SET”. If you want to perform it manually, refer to
page 29.
To set the tuner manually, refer to “Storing Channels Manually”
(Z pg. 26).

≠

Station Name

≠

8

OPERATE

CLOCK

Clock Set

1

INITIAL SETTINGS (cont.)

If you performed Auto Channel Set (Z pg. 7), the recorder’s
built-in clock is also set automatically. The Auto and Manual
clock setting procedures are necessary when . . .

– a power outage of more than 3 minutes occurs.
– the tuner has been set manually.
– the user desires to set the clock slightly ahead of the actual time.
– the clock was not set even after Auto Tuner Set was performed.

Whether you perform Auto or Manual clock setting, you can
use the convenient Just Clock function.

Just Clock

The Just Clock function provides accurate time keeping through
automatic adjustments at regular intervals, by reading data from
a PDC signal.

q

6

The Just Clock option appears in the Just Clock display, and can
be set “ON” or “OFF” (the default setting is “ON”). Press OK
until the Just Clock setting begins blinking, then press PUSH
JOG%fi to change the setting.

Just Clock Preset Position

≠

2,4

2

12
45

8

7

0

1

3

3
6
9

OPERATE

OK

PUSH JOG

1

3

IMPORTANT: If you turn off Just Clock off, the accuracy of your

recorder’s built-in clock may be reduced, which could
adversely effect timer recording.

Both Auto and Manual clock setting procedures begin from step 3.

Preparation

TURN THE RECORDER ON

Press OPERATE.

1

ACCESS CLOCK SET
DISPLAY

Press CLOCK on the remote control. The Clock Set
display appears.

2

Auto Clock Set

SET CLOCK
AUTOMATICALLY

At the Clock Set display, press PUSH JOG . The Clock
Set display blinks and clock setting begins.

3

● If the Just Clock preset position isn't set to the preset
position on which Auto Clock data is received,
"Err"(or) appears, and then the display from step 2
reappears. To set the Just Clock preset position, press
OK until the Just Clock preset position begins
blinking, then cycle through the numbers by pressing
PUSH JOG%fi until the number representing the
preset position in which the station transmitting clock
setting data (BBC1, BBC2, etc.) is stored appears.

%

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE.

12

CLOCK

45

6

7

2

8
0

3
6
9

9

RETURN TO NORMAL
DISPLAY

Once clock setting is completed, press CLOCK to return
to the normal display.

4

q

6

Manual Clock Set

SET DATE AND TIME

Press PUSH JOG%fi to set the hour, then press OK. The
“minutes” display begins blinking. Repeat the proce-

3

dure to set the minutes, day, month and year.

Hour≠Minutes

After inputting the year, press OK and the Just Clock
display appears.

≠

Day≠Month

D

Year

≠

≠

M

3,4,

PUSH JOG

1

3

OK

3,4,
5

5

NOTES:

●

Just Clock (when set to "ON") enables adjustment of the
recorder's built-in clock every hour on the hour, except for 11
o'clock in the evening and midnight.

●

Just Clock is not effective when . . .
– the recorder’s power is on (unless the recorder is tuned to

the same preset selected in the Just Clock display).
– the recorder is in the Timer mode.
– a difference of more than 3 minutes exists between the

built-in clock’s time and the actual time.

●

If Just Clock is set to "ON", the recorder’s clock is automati­cally adjusted at the start/end of Summer Time.

●

Auto clock setting and Just Clock may not function properly
depending on the reception condition.

●

During Manual clock setting, if the day and month data are
invalid (such as 31st April), the month digits are cleared
automatically and the day digits begin blinking. Input the
correct data.

●

If, in step 3 of the Manual clock setting procedure, the year
digits are automatically cleared and the day digits begin
blinking, it is possible that you have input 29th February for a
non-leap year. Input the correct data.

SET JUST CLOCK

The default setting is “ON”. Set as desired by pressing

PUSH JOG%fi, then press OK.

4

● If you set to “OFF”, you can disregard the next step as
you won’t be able to receive regular clock adjustments.

SET CLOCK DATA SOURCE
PRESET POSITION

The recorder is preset to receive clock setting and
adjustment data from preset position 1. Press PUSH

5

JOG %fi to set the preset position to the number

representing the station transmitting clock setting data,
then press OK.

START CLOCK OPERATION

Press CLOCK.

6

10

PLAY

STOP

FF

PLAY

STOP/EJECT

REW

Basic

PLAYBACK

The easiest, most basic operation possible with your video
recorder is tape playback. Already-recorded signals on a video
tape are read by your video recorder and displayed on your TV
just like a TV programme.

Playback

1

2

2

12
45

7

8
0

3
6
9

3

LOAD A CASSETTE

Make sure the window side is up, the rear label side is
facing you and the arrow on the front of the cassette is

1

point toward the recorder. Don’t apply too much

2

q

6

pressure when inserting.

● The recorder power comes on automatically and the
counter is reset to 0:00:00.

● If the record safety tab has been removed, playback
begins automatically.

FIND PROGRAMME START
POINT

If the tape is advanced past the start point, press REW.
To go forward, press FF.

2

4

START PLAYBACK

Press PLAY.

3

STOP PLAYBACK

Press STOP on the remote or STOP/EJECT on the
recorder’s front panel. Then press STOP/EJECT to
remove the cassette.

4

2

REW

3

4

1

3

FF

Usable cassettes

2

● Compact VHS camcorder recordings can be played on
this video recorder. Simply place the recorded cassette
into a VHS Cassette Adapter and it can be used just like
any full-sized VHS cassette.

● This video recorder can record on regular VHS and
Super VHS cassettes. However, it will record and play
back regular VHS signals only. It is not possible to play
back a recorded Super VHS tape.

11

TV PROG.

FF

PLAY

PAUSE

PLAY

Take advantage of special functions possible with the recorder’s
controls or the remote control.

Playback
Features

REW

2

12
45
7

8
0

3
6
9

q

6

Still Picture/Frame-By-Frame
Playback

PAUSE DURING PLAYBACK

Press PAUSE. If there is vertical jitter, use the TV PROG.
buttons to correct the picture.

1

ACTIVATE FRAME-BY-FRAME
PLAYBACK

Press PAUSE again.

OR

2

Press PUSH JOG or .

To resume normal playback, press PLAY.

Slow Motion

ACTIVATE SLOW-MOTION
PLAYBACK

During still picture, press and hold PAUSE for 2
seconds, then release. Press and release again to return

1

to still picture.

OR

During still picture, press and hold PUSH JOG or .
Release to return to still picture.

To resume normal playback, press PLAY.

fi

%

fi

%

REW

PUSH JOG

1

3

TV PROG.

FF

PAUSE

Variable-Speed Search

ACTIVATE VARIABLE-SPEED
SEARCH

During playback, press PUSH JOG or .

● The more times you press, the faster the playback

1

To resume normal playback, press PLAY.

High-Speed Search

picture moves.

● To decrease speed, press the button for the opposite
direction.

fi

%

ACTIVATE HIGH-SPEED
SEARCH

During playback or still, press FF for forward high­speed search, or REW for reverse high-speed search.

1

● For short searches during playback or still, press and
hold FF or REW for over 2 seconds. When released,
normal playback resumes.

To resume normal playback, press PLAY.

12

TV PROG.

REVIEW

2

12
45

8

7

0

3
6
9

q

TV PROG.

PLAYBACK (cont.)

Manual Tracking

Your video recorder is equipped with automatic tracking
control. During playback, you can override this and adjust the
tracking manually by pressing the TV PROG. buttons.

6

OVERRIDE AUTOMATIC
TRACKING

Press SP/LP ( ) on the remote to engage manual
tracking.

1

ADJUST TRACKING
MANUALLY

Press TV PROG. + or – to adjust tracking.

2

RETURN TO AUTOMATIC
TRACKING

Press SP/LP ( ) on the remote to re-engage auto­matic tracking.

3

SP/LP

1

3

NOTE:

When a new tape is inserted, the recorder enters the automatic
tracking mode automatically.

Instant ReView

Simply by pressing a single button, the recorder power comes
on, rewinds, and begins playback of the last timer-recorded
programme. If you have several programmes recorded, you can
easily access any of them.

NOTE:

Before starting, make sure that the recorder is off and that the
Timer mode is disengaged.

ACTIVATE INSTANT
REVIEW

Press REVIEW. The recorder power comes on and the
recorder searches for the index code indicating the start

1

of the last timer-recorded programme. Once it’s found,
playback begins automatically.
The front display panel tells you how many
programmes have been recorded. If you have, for
example, 3 programmes, “REV 3” appears and blinks.
To watch the first of the 3 programmes, press REVIEW
three times. The recorder searches and begins playback
automatically. You can access a programme as far as 9
index codes away from the current tape position.

NOTE:

●

Instant ReView is not possible while the recorder is in the
Timer mode.