JVC HR-J456EN, HR-J656EN Instruction Manual

2 EN

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing the JVC VHS video cassette recorder. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions
contained on this page to ensure safe use of your new VCR.

CAUTIONS

WARNING: DANGEROUS VOLTAGE INSIDE
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO

NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.

The POWER button does not completely shut off mains
power from the unit, but switches operating current on and off.
“ ” shows electrical power standby and “ ” shows ON.

This unit is produced to comply with Standard IEC Publ. 65.

POWER SYSTEM:

This set operates on voltage of AC 110 – 220V`, 50/60 Hz
with automatic switching.

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

IMPORTANT:

It may be unlawful to record or play back copyrighted
material without the consent of the copyright owner.

CAUTION

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

time, it is recommended that you disconnect the power
cord from the AC 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 AC outlet prior to
connecting or disconnecting any signal lead or aerial.

n Changes or modifications not approved by JVC could

void user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Warning on lithium battery

The battery used in this device may present a fire or
chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not recharge,
disassemble, heat above 100°C or incinerate.
Replace battery with Panasonic (Matsushita Electric),
Sanyo, Sony or Maxell CR2025; use of another battery may
present a risk of fire or explosion.

n Dispose of used battery promptly.
n Keep away from children.
n Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in fire.

HOW TO USE THIS INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

● All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table
Of Contents on page 3. Use this when searching for
information on a specific procedure or feature.

● The Index on pages 42 – 44 lists frequently-used terms,
and the number of the first page on which they are used
or explained in the manual. This section also illustrates
the controls and connections on the front and rear panel,
the front display panel and the remote control.

● The Z mark signals a reference to another page for
instructions or related information.

● Operation buttons necessary for the various procedures
are clearly indicated through the use of illustrations at
the beginning of each major section.

BEFORE YOU INSTALL YOUR NEW
VCR . . .

. . . please read thoroughly the cautions on this page.

NTSC

N-PAL

n Cassettes marked “VHS” (or “S-VHS”) can be used with this

video cassette recorder. However, only “VHS” recordings can
be played back in this model.

n HQ VHS is compatible with existing VHS equipment.

CONTENTS

EN 3

NSTALLING YOUR NEW VCR 4

I

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

NITIAL SETTINGS 6

I

Plug & Play .................................................. 6

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

Clock ............................................................ 9

Summer Time (Daylight saving time)........................ 11

Tuner .......................................................... 12

Set Receivable Channels ..........................................12

Add Or Delete A Channel........................................13

IMPLE PLAYBACK AND

S

RECORDING 14

Simple Playback ......................................... 14

Simple Recording ........................................ 15

LAYBACK AND RECORDING
FEATURES 16

P

Playback Features ...................................... 16

Still Picture/Frame-By-Frame Playback.....................16

Slow Motion/Reverse Slow Motion ..........................16

Variable-Speed Search/Reverse Motion Playback .....16

High-Speed Search ..................................................17

Skip Search ..............................................................17

Index Search ............................................................17

Instant ReView.........................................................18

Manual Tracking ......................................................18

Repeat Playback ......................................................19

Counter Reset ..........................................................19

Tape Position Indicator ............................................19

Next-Function Memory............................................19

Superimpose ............................................................20

Select The Soundtrack (HR-J656EN only) .................21

B.E.S.T. Picture System ................................ 22

Preparation ..............................................................22

Playback ..................................................................23

Recording ................................................................24

Video System ............................................. 25

Recording Features ..................................... 26

Record One Program While

Watching Another....................................................26

Display Elapsed Recording Time..............................26

Stereo And SAP (Second Audio Program)

(HR-J656EN only) ....................................................27

To Record SAP Programs (HR-J656EN only) .............27

PECIAL FEATURES 36

S

TV Multi-Brand Remote Control .............................. 36

Cable Box Multi-Brand Remote Control ...................37

DBS Receiver Multi-Brand Remote control ..............38

ROUBLESHOOTING 39

T

POWER ....................................................... 39

TAPE TRANSPORT ........................................ 39

PLAYBACK .................................................. 39

RECORDING ................................................ 39

TIMER RECORDING ......................................40

OTHER PROBLEMS ....................................... 40

Q

PLAYBACK .................................................. 41

RECORDING ................................................ 41

TIMER RECORDING ......................................41

I

FRONT VIEW ............................................... 42

REAR VIEW ................................................. 43

FRONT DISPLAY PANEL ................................ 43

REMOTE CONTROL ...................................... 44

S

UESTIONS AND ANSWERS 41

NDEX 42

PECIFICATIONS 45

IMER RECORDING 28

T

Express Timer Programming ....................... 28

Check, Cancel And Revise Programs ....................... 30

Auto SP→LP Timer ..................................................31

Auto Timer............................................................... 31

Instant Timer Recording (ITR)....................... 32

DITING 33

E

Edit To Or From Another VCR ...................... 33

Edit From A Camcorder ............................... 34

4 EN

VIDE

Basic Connections

Connect the power plug to an
AC outlet

before installing the

lithium battery. (See below)

AC Outlet

AC Power Cord

Antenna or Cable

Flat Feeder

Matching Transformer
(not supplied)

INSTALLING YOUR NEW VCR

ANT. IN
(Antenna or Cable input)

Coaxial Cable

PAUSE/
AV
COMPU

-LINK

AUDIO

VIDEO

CH3 CH4

OUTIN

ANT. IN

R

L

RF OUT

Back of VCR

RF OUT

Back of VCR

TV

CH3 CH4

RF Cable (supplied)

75 ohm terminal

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Be sure to connect the power plug to an AC outlet first
before installing the lithium battery; otherwise, the battery’s
service life will be drastically shortened.

1

Installing/Removing the lithium battery

Make sure that the power plug is connected to an AC outlet

1

and turn off the VCR power.

2 Open the battery cover while pressing the release tab as

illustrated.

3 Insert a lithium battery with the plus (+) side facing you and

push it in.

● To remove the lithium battery, press the latch A down-

ward using a pointed non-metallic object, then pull out
the lithium battery.

4 Close the battery cover until it clicks in place.

234

Release tab

A

EN 5

1

2

3

CHECK CONTENTS

Make sure the package contains all of the accessories
listed in “SPECIFICATIONS” (Z pg. 45).

SITUATE VCR

Place the VCR on a stable, horizontal surface.

CONNECT VCR TO TV

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

RF Connection

●

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

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

on the rear of the VCR.

c– Connect the supplied RF cable between the RF

OUT jack on the rear of the VCR and the TV’s
antenna terminal. Select channel 3 or 4 on your
TV corresponding to the CH3 – CH4 switch setting
on the back of the VCR.

AV Connection

●

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

a– Connect the antenna, VCR and TV as shown in

the illustration.

b– Connect an Audio/Video Cable between the AUDIO

OUT and VIDEO OUT jacks on the rear of the VCR
and the AV IN jacks on the TV. Select video input
mode or A/V input mode on your TV. Refer to the
TV Instruction Manual.

For HR-J456EN:

If your TV has AUDIO IN L (MONO) and R connectors,
connect the VCR to the L (MONO) connector.

NOTES:

●

The VCR channel is the channel on the TV which will receive
the audio and video signals from the VCR. The VCR’s CH3­CH4 switch, on the back of the VCR, sets the VCR channel to
CH3 or CH4.

●

The CH3–CH4 switch is preset to the CH3 position.
Set to CH4 if CH3 is used for broadcasting in your area and
set the channel on the TV to correspond to the VCR’s CH3–
CH4 switch setting.

●

If RF connection to TV is used, when switching from VCR to TV
mode and from TV to VCR it may be necessary to issue a CH UP
and then CH DOWN on TV to obtain a good quality picture.

●

Even if you are using AV cables to connect your VCR to your
TV, you must also connect it using the RF cable. This will
ensure that you can record one show while watching another
(Z pg. 26).

●

For full identification of the VCR’s rear panel, refer to the
Index (REAR VIEW Z pg. 43).

4

5

CONNECT VCR TO
POWER SOURCE

Connect the power plug to an AC outlet.

FINAL PREPARATION FOR
USE

Select the VCR channel (3 or 4) by setting the switch on
the rear of the VCR as shown in the illustration.
Perform Plug & Play (Z pg. 6 and 7).

6 EN

POWER

CH5∞

OK

Plug & Play

INITIAL SETTINGS

The Plug & Play function simplifies installation by guiding you
through the procedures of setting the language, clock and tuner
channels — simply follow the on-screen menus that appear
when the POWER button is first pressed to power on the VCR
after you connect the power plug to an AC outlet.

Before starting...

● Connect the TV antenna cable to the ANT. IN jack on the
VCR and plug the power cord into the AC outlet.

● Turn on the TV and select the VCR channel 3 or 4 (or AV
mode).

POWER

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IMPORTANT

● Don’t press any buttons on the VCR or remote control
that are not directly related to the steps you are
performing while Plug & Play is in progress.

● If you perform Plug & Play successfully during
installation, there’s no need to separately perform the
Language Select, Clock Set or Channel Set procedures,
but if adjustments become necessary they can be
performed as follows:
– To change the selected language Z pg. 8
– To reset or adjust the time Z pg. 9
– To confirm the summer time adjust Z pg. 11
– To add/delete channels manually Z pg. 13
– To reset the tuner after moving to a different location

Z pg. 12

PERFORM PLUG & PLAY
SETUP

Press POWER.

1

● The Language Select screen appears.

SELECT LANGUAGE

2

Move the highlight bar
(arrow) to your desired
language “ENGLISH” or
“ESPAÑOL” by pressing

CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH
JOG %fi, then press OK or
PUSH JOG #.

● The Clock Set screen
appears.

SELECCION DE IDIOMA

ENGLISH

=ESPAÑOL

ELEGIR CON (5,∞) Y (OK)
PRESIONE (MENU) P/TERMINAR

1

3

CH+/–

OK

PUSH JOG

3

4

5

SET TIME

Press CH
PUSH JOG
hour, then press OK or
PUSH JOG #.

● Press and hold either

5

(+/–) or

∞
%

to set the

fi

button to delay or
advance the time by 30
minutes.

CLOCK SET

TIME DATE YEAR
– –:– – 1/ 1 98

PRESS (5,∞), THEN (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

SET DATE

Press CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi to set the date,
then press OK or PUSH JOG #.

● Press and hold either button to change the date by 15
days.

SET YEAR

Press CH

5

(+/–) or PUSH JOG

∞

%

to set the year.

fi

OK

123

MENU

CH5∞

456

89

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2

6

7

EN 7

START AUTO CHANNEL
SET

Press MENU.

● Receivable channels in
your area are automati­cally assigned to the CH

5

∞ (+/–) buttons, and

non-receivable channels
are skipped.

● If the tuner channels have
been set properly “SCAN
COMPLETED” will be displayed on the screen. If “NO
SIGNAL” is displayed on the screen, make sure that the
antenna cable is connected to the VCR properly and
press OK or PUSH JOG #. The VCR will try Auto
Channel Set again.

AUTO CHANNEL SET

SCANNING...

PRESS (MENU) TO END

RETURN TO NORMAL
SCREEN

Press MENU.

MENU

0

1

3

4

CH+/–

OK

PUSH JOG

8 EN

POWER

MENU

CH5∞

OK

Language

INITIAL SETTINGS (cont.)

This VCR offers you the choice to view on-screen messages in
Spanish or English (not including messages superimposed on the
TV picture). Select the desired language using this procedure. The
default setting is “ESPAÑOL”.

Turn on the TV and select the VCR channel 3 or 4 (or AV
mode).

POWER

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2

4

CH+/–

1

2

3

4

TURN ON THE VCR

Press POWER.

ACCESS MAIN MENU
SCREEN

Press MENU.

ACCESS INITIAL SET
SCREEN

On the Main Menu screen,
move the highlight bar
(arrow) to “AJUSTE
INICIAL” by pressing CH

5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG
%fi, then press OK or

PUSH JOG #.

MAIN MENU

FUNCTION SET
TUNER SET

= INITIAL SET

PRESS (5,∞), THEN (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

SELECT LANGUAGE

Move the highlight bar
(arrow) to “IDIOMA” by
pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or
PUSH JOG %fi, then
press OK or PUSH JOG #
to select the desired
language.

INITIAL SET

CLOCK SET

=LANGUAGE ENGLISH

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

1

MENU

3

OK

PUSH JOG

RETURN TO NORMAL
SCREEN

Press MENU.

5

Clock

POWER

MENU

CH5∞

OK

EN 9

TURN ON THE VCR

Press POWER.

1

Turn on the TV and select the VCR channel 3 or 4 (or AV
mode).

POWER

MENU

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1

3

2

4

CH+/–

OK

2

3

4

5

ACCESS MAIN MENU
SCREEN

Press MENU.

ACCESS INITIAL SET
SCREEN

On the Main Menu screen,
move the highlight bar
(arrow) to “INITIAL SET”
by pressing CH 5∞ (+/–)
or PUSH JOG %fi, then
press OK or PUSH JOG #.

MAIN MENU

FUNCTION SET
TUNER SET

= INITIAL SET

PRESS (5,∞), THEN (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

ACCESS CLOCK SET
SCREEN

Move the highlight bar
(arrow) at the Initial Set
screen to “CLOCK SET” by
pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or

PUSH JOG %fi, then press
OK or PUSH JOG #.

INITIAL SET

=CLOCK SET

LANGUAGE ENGLISH

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

SET TIME

Press CH 5∞ (+/–) or
PUSH JOG %fi until the

desired time appears, then
press OK or PUSH JOG #.

● Press and hold CH 5∞
(+/–) or PUSH JOG%
to change the time by 30
minutes.

fi

CLOCK SET

TIME DATE YEAR
– –:– – 1/ 1 98

PRESS (5,∞), THEN (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

PUSH JOG

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

10 EN

MENU

CH5∞

OK

6

7
8

INITIAL SETTINGS (cont.)

SET DATE

Press CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi until the desired
date appears, then press OK or PUSH JOG #.

● Press and hold CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi to
change the date by 15 days.

SET YEAR

Press CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi until the desired
year appears.

START CLOCK

Press MENU and normal screen appears.

● Summer Time (Daylight saving time) adjust is
automatically activated. (See page 11.)

MENU

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3

2

4

OK

PUSH JOG

To Make Corrections While
Setting

Press OK or PUSH JOG # until the item you want to change
blinks, then press CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi.

CH+/–

MENU

CH5∞

OK

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EN 11

Summer Time (Daylight
saving time)

Once you have set the clock, whenever your local time enters
Summer Time or goes back to regular time, you can easily make
the 1-hour time adjustment using this function.

ACCESS MAIN MENU
SCREEN

Press MENU.

1

ACCESS INITIAL SET SCREEN

On the Main Menu screen,

2

2

move the highlight bar
(arrow) to “INITIAL SET”
by pressing CH 5∞ (+/–)
or PUSH JOG %fi, then
press OK or PUSH JOG #.

ACCESS CLOCK SET SCREEN

Move the highlight bar

4

CH+/–

3

(arrow) at the Initial Set
screen to “CLOCK SET” by
pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or

PUSH JOG %fi, then press
OK or PUSH JOG #.

MAIN MENU

FUNCTION SET
TUNER SET

= INITIAL SET

PRESS (5,∞), THEN (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

INITIAL SET

=CLOCK SET

LANGUAGE ENGLISH

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

MENU

CONFIRM SUMMER TIME
ADJUST SCREEN

3

OK

4

PUSH JOG

“SUMMER TIME ADJUST”
appears while the hour
digits are blinking.

CLOCK SET

TIME DATE YEAR
22:45 31/7 98 WED

SUMMER TIME ADJUST

PRESS (5,∞), THEN (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

MAKE THE 1-HOUR TIME
ADJUSTMENT

Add or substract 1 hour at the Summer Time Adjust

5

screen by pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi,
then press OK or PUSH JOG #.

RETURN TO NORMAL
SCREEN

Press MENU.

6

12 EN

POWER

MENU

CH5∞

OK

INITIAL SETTINGS (cont.)

Set Receivable Channels

Tuner

Turn on the TV and select the VCR channel 3 or 4 (or AV
mode).

POWER

MENU

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1

3

2

4

CH+/–

OK

PUSH JOG

1

2

3

4

TURN ON THE VCR

Press POWER.

ACCESS MAIN MENU
SCREEN

Press MENU.

ACCESS TUNER SET
SCREEN

Move the highlight bar
(arrow) to “TUNER SET”
by pressing CH 5∞ (+/–)
or PUSH JOG %fi, then
press OK or PUSH JOG #.

MAIN MENU

FUNCTION SET

= TUNER SET

INITIAL SET

PRESS (5,∞), THEN (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

PERFORM AUTO CHANNEL
SET

Move the highlight bar
(arrow) to “AUTO
CHANNEL SET” by
pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or

PUSH JOG %fi, then press
OK or PUSH JOG #.

● Receivable channels in
your area are
automatically assigned to
the CH 5∞ (+/–) buttons,
and non-receivable
channels are skipped.

NOTES:

●

At the end of Auto
Channel Set, “SCAN
COMPLETED” appears
on screen.

●

If the scan was unsuccessful, “SCAN COMPLETED–
NO SIGNAL–” appears on screen. Check the
connections and start again.

TUNER SET

BAND TV

=AUTO CHANNEL SET

MANUAL CHANNEL SET

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

AUTO CHANNEL SET

SCANNING...

PRESS (MENU) TO END

INFORMATION

The VCR detects the band (TV or CATV) and selects the
correct band automatically during Auto Channel Set.
The selected band will be displayed on the right side of

“BAND” on the Tuner Set screen.

RETURN TO NORMAL
SCREEN

Press MENU.

5

NOTE:

If the VCR’s memory backup expires because of a power
failure, set receivable channels again.

MENU

CH5∞

OK

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NUMBER

EN 13

Add Or Delete A Channel

ACCESS MAIN MENU
SCREEN

Press MENU.

1

ACCESS TUNER SET
SCREEN

Move the highlight bar (arrow) to “TUNER SET” by

2

3

pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi, then press
OK or PUSH JOG #.

ACCESS MANUAL
CHANNEL SET SCREEN

Move the highlight bar
(arrow) to “MANUAL
CHANNEL SET” by
pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or

PUSH JOG %fi, then press
OK or PUSH JOG #.

TUNER SET

BAND TV
AUTO CHANNEL SET

=MANUAL CHANNEL SET

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

MENU

CH+/–

ADD OR SKIP DESIRED
CHANNEL

1

4

3

OK

PUSH JOG

Input the channel number
using the NUMBER keys or
by pressing CH 5∞ (+/–)
or PUSH JOG %fi, then
press OK or PUSH JOG
to set to “ADD” or “SKIP”
as required. Repeat for
each channel you want to
add or skip.

#

MANUAL CHANNEL SET

(CATV)

CH 45 ADD

PRESS NUMBER KEY (0–9)

OR (5,∞), THEN (OK)

PRESS (MENU) TO END

RETURN TO NORMAL
SCREEN

Press MENU.

5

14 EN

FF

PLAY

REW

STOP/EJECT

PLAY

STOP

Simple
Playback

Turn on the TV and select the VCR channel 3 or 4 (or AV
mode).

SIMPLE PLAYBACK AND RECORDING

LOAD A CASSETTE

Make sure the window side is up, the rear label side is

1

facing you and the arrow on the front of the cassette is
pointing towards the VCR. Don’t apply too much
pressure when inserting.

● The VCR’s power comes on automatically.

● The counter is automatically reset to “0:00:00”.

● If the cassette’s record safety tab has been removed,

playback begins automatically.

FIND PROGRAM START
POINT

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

2

START PLAYBACK

Press PLAY. “B.E.S.T. PICTURE SYSTEM” appears on the
screen (when B.E.S.T. is set to “ON” Z pg. 22).

3

STOP PLAYBACK

Press STOP or STOP/EJECT. Then press STOP/EJECT
to remove the cassette.

4

REW (Rewind)

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FF (Fast-Forward)

Usable cassettes

VHS
T-30 (ST-30**)
T-60 (ST-60**)
T-90
T-120 (ST-120**)
T-160 (ST-160**)
ST-210**

VHS-C*
TC-20 (ST-C20**)
TC-30 (ST-C30**)
TC-40 (ST-C40**)

* 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 VHS cassette.

** This video recorder can record on regular VHS and

Super VHS cassettes. However, it will record regular
VHS signals only.

Simple

STOP/EJECT

STOP

PLAY

PAUSE

REC

EN 15

LOAD A CASSETTE

Make sure the record safety tab is intact. If not, cover the
hole with adhesive tape before inserting the cassette.

1

Recording

Turn on the TV and select the VCR channel 3 or 4 (or AV
mode).

CH5∞

TV/VCR

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ENTER

2

4

CH+/–

NUMBER

2

3
4

5

SELECT RECORDING
CHANNEL

Press CH 5∞ (+/–). Or press the appropriate NUMBER
keys, then press ENTER. (The channel changes after a
few seconds whether you press ENTER or not.)

● If you use the RF connection, by pressing the TV/VCR
button, select VCR mode to view the program to be
recorded.

SET TAPE SPEED

Press SP/LP (EP) to set the recording speed.

START RECORDING

Press and hold REC and press PLAY on the remote
control, or press REC on the VCR’s front panel.

B.E.S.T. takes place at the beginning of both the first
SP and the first LP (or EP) recording after inserting the
cassette (when B.E.S.T. is set to “ON”, Z pg. 22).

PAUSE/RESUME
RECORDING

Press PAUSE. Press PLAY to resume recording.

● During record pause, you can change the recording
channel by using the CH 5∞ (+/–) buttons or
NUMBER keys.

B.E.S.T. will not take place if the tape speed is
changed while in record pause mode.

1

PLAY

REC

3

SP/LP (EP)

PAUSE

STOP RECORDING

Press STOP or STOP/EJECT. Then press STOP/EJECT to
remove the cassette.

6

Recording Resume Function

If there is a power outage during recording (or Instant Timer
Recording or timer recording), the recording will resume
automatically when power is restored to the VCR.

Accidental erasure prevention

● To prevent accidental recording on a recorded cassette,
remove its record safety tab.
To record on it later, cover the hole with adhesive tape.

Record safety tab

16 EN

PLAY

CH5∞

PAUSE

PLAY

PLAYBACK AND RECORDING FEATURES

Still Picture/Frame-By-

Playback
Features

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Frame Playback

PAUSE DURING PLAYBACK

Press PAUSE. If there is vertical jitter, use the CH 5 (+)
∞ (–) button to correct the picture.

or

1

ACTIVATE FRAME-BY­FRAME PLAYBACK

Press PAUSE repeatedly to advance one frame at a time.

2

To resume normal playback, press PLAY.

Slow Motion/Reverse Slow
Motion

2

1

4

CH+/–

PAUSE

To resume normal playback, press PLAY.

OR

Press PUSH JOG £ repeatedly for forward frame-by­frame playback or PUSH JOG ™ repeatedly for
reverse frame-by-frame playback.

ACTIVATE SLOW-MOTION
PLAYBACK

For hands-free slow-motion, press and release PUSH
JOG ™ during playback to decrease speed in the
forward direction. Continue to press and release PUSH
JOG ™ to select the reverse slow motion, reverse

play and reverse search modes.

OR

During still picture, press and hold PUSH JOG £ for
forward slow motion, or press and hold PUSH JOG
™ for reverse slow motion. Release to return to still
picture.

OR

For forward slow motion during still picture, press and
hold PAUSE for more than 2 seconds. Press PAUSE
again to return to still picture.

PUSH JOG

Variable-Speed Search/
Reverse Motion Playback

ACTIVATE VARIABLE-SPEED
SEARCH

During playback, repeatedly press and release PUSH

1

To resume normal playback, press PLAY.

JOG ™ or £ to select the search speed.

● To increase the speed in the forward direction, press
and release £ repeatedly to select the various
forward search modes.

● To decrease the speed in the forward direction, press
and release ™.

● To play in reverse slow motion, and in reverse play
mode, continue to press ™ repeatedly after
selecting all the forward slow motion modes.

123

FF

PLAY

REW

PLAY

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2

4

EN 17

High-Speed Search

ACTIVATE HIGH-SPEED
SEARCH

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

1

To resume normal playback, press PLAY.

NOTE:

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

resumes.

Skip Search

SKIP OVER UNWANTED
SECTIONS

Press SKIP SEARCH once to four times during playback.

1

Each press initiates a 30-second period of fast motion
playback. Normal playback resumes automatically.

NOTE:

To return to normal playback during a Skip Search,
press PLAY.

REW

1

3

SKIP SEARCH

FF

Index Search

Index codes are placed on the tape at the start of each
recording. You can find and automatically play back from the
start of any recording using the Index Search function.

START SEARCH

PUSH JOG

While the tape is stopped, press PUSH JOG ™ or
£.

1

ACCESS DISTANT CODE

To access a recording 2–9 index codes away, press

2

NOTE:

An index code is not placed on the tape when recording is
paused and then resumed.

PUSH JOG ™ or £ repeatedly until the correct
number is displayed on screen (only if SUPERIMPOSE is
set to ON (Z pg. 20). Playback begins automatically
when the desired recording is located.

● If necessary press REW or FF when play starts to
search visually to find the very beginning of the
desired program.

18 EN

CH5∞

FF

REW

REVIEW

PLAYBACK AND RECORDING FEATURES (cont.)

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0

2

4

Instant ReView

At the press of a button, you can power up your VCR, rewind the
tape and begin viewing the most recent timer-recorded program.

ACTIVATE INSTANT REVIEW

After ensuring that the Timer mode is disengaged, press

1

Manual Tracking

Once playback begins, the VCR’s automatic tracking function is
engaged. If tracking noise appears in the picture, you can
override this and make the adjustment manually.

REVIEW.

● The power comes on and the VCR rewinds to the index
code indicating the start of the last timer-recorded
program, then begins playback automatically.

● You can access a program 2–9 index codes away
from the current position on the tape. If, for example,
you have 5 programs recorded and you want to
watch the third one, press REVIEW three times.

● If necessary press REW or FF when play starts to
search visually to find the very beginning of the
desired program.

● If the tape is already rewound when REVIEW is
pressed, it will play the tape from the beginning. It
will not fast forward to an index code.

● The Instant Review function will also operate if the
VCR’s power is on.

REW

CH+/–

ENGAGE MANUAL
TRACKING MODE

1

FF

3

1

During playback, press the CH 5 (+) and ∞ (–) buttons
on the VCR’s front panel simultaneously to cancel the
automatic tracking mode and enable manual tracking
adjust.

ADJUST MANUAL
TRACKING

(+) or

(–) on the VCR’s front panel or

∞

2

Press CH 5
remote. Press briefly for fine adjust, or press and hold for
coarse adjust. Watch the screen and continue adjusting
until optimum picture and sound quality are achieved.

RE-ENGAGE AUTOMATIC
TRACKING

Press the CH 5 (+) and ∞ (–) buttons on the VCR’s front
panel simultaneously.

3

● When automatic tracking is re-engaged, B.E.S.T. is
automatically activated.

NOTES:

●

To obtain a noiseless still picture it may be necessary to adjust
tracking in slow playback and then engage Pause.

●

Manual tracking is possible during hands-free slow-motion.
During hands-free slow-motion playback, simply press CH
(+) or ∞ (–) on the VCR’s front panel or remote to adjust
tracking.

5

PLAY

STOP

POWER

PAUSE

FF

PLAY

REW

DISPLAY

STOP/EJECT

Repeat Playback

START REPEAT

Press and hold PLAY (until “ ” blinks on the front

1

display panel) during playback, then release.

● The entire tape is played back 50 times.

STOP REPEAT

To stop, press STOP or STOP/EJECT at any time.

EN 19

C.RESET

REW

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3

POWER

2

Counter Reset

NOTE:

Pressing PLAY, REW, FF, PAUSE or PUSH JOG ™ or

£

also stops Repeat Playback.

RESET COUNTER TO ZERO

Press C.RESET.

2

TIMER

4

FF

PAUSE

1

NOTE:

By pressing the DISPLAY button, you can change the
display to show the counter reading, channel number
or clock time. (Channel number is not displayed during
playback.)

Tape Position Indicator

The Tape position indicator
appears on screen when, from the
stop mode, you press FF or REW,
or perform an Index Search or
Instant ReView. The position of “ ”
in relation to “B” (Beginning) or
“E” (End) shows you where you are
on the tape.

+++

BE

COUNT 0:33:27

PUSH JOG

NOTES:

●

“SUPERIMPOSE” must be set to “ON”, or the indicator will
not appear (Z pg. 20).

●

It may take a few seconds for the Tape Position Indicator to be
displayed.

Next-Function Memory

The Next Function Memory “tells” the VCR what to do after
rewinding. Before continuing, ensure that the VCR is in stop
mode.

a– For Automatic Start Of Playback After Tape Rewind . . .
. . . press REW, then press PLAY within 2 seconds.
b– For Automatic Power Off After Tape Rewind . . .
. . . press REW, then press POWER within 2 seconds.
c– For Automatic Timer Standby After Tape Rewind . . .
. . . press REW, then press TIMER within 2 seconds.

NOTE:

It is not possible to select the Automatic Timer functions if the
cassette’s record safety tab is removed.

20 EN

CH5∞

MENU

OK

MENU

PLAYBACK AND RECORDING FEATURES (cont.)

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1

3

OSD

2

4

CH+/–

OK

Superimpose

This function, switchable between ON and OFF, determines
whether or not operational indicators will appear on screen.

ACCESS MAIN MENU
SCREEN

Press MENU.

1

ACCESS FUNCTION SET
SCREEN

Move the highlight bar (arrow) to “FUNCTION SET” by

2

3

pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi, then press
OK or PUSH JOG #.

SELECT SUPERIMPOSE SET
MODE

HR-J456EN HR-J656EN

FUNCTION

AUTO TIMER OFF

= SUPERIMPOSE ON

AUTO SP

=LP TIMER OFF

B.E.S.T. ON
VIDEO SYSTEM AUTO

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

Move the highlight bar (arrow) to “SUPERIMPOSE” by
pressing CH

OK or PUSH JOG # to select the desired mode:
a– Select “ON” if you want the superimposed opera-

tional indications on the TV screen.

b– Select “OFF” if you do not want the superimposed

operational indications on the screen.

5

(+/–) or PUSH JOG

∞

=SUPERIMPOSE ON

FUNCTION

AUTO TIMER OFF

AUTO SP

=LP TIMER OFF

2ND AUDIO RECORD OFF
AUDIO MONITOR HI-FI
B.E.S.T. ON
VIDEO SYSTEM AUTO

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

%

, then press

fi

PUSH JOG

RETURN TO NORMAL
SCREEN

Press MENU.

To recall an indication

1 Press OSD.

n All indications corresponding to the current status are

displayed for 5 seconds. After that, the counter
information and RECORD PAUSE if in the Record
Pause mode, are left displayed on the screen.

2 Press OSD again to clear the display.

The superimposed indication on the TV screen tells you what the VCR is doing.

Tuned-in channel or AUX(iliary) mode

When the channel is changed, the new

channel is displayed on the screen for 5

seconds.

Clock time

Stereo program indication

(HR-J656EN only)

Second Audio Program indication

(HR-J656EN only)

Tape position indicator

Video System indicator

Audio mode indications (HR-J656EN only)

CH 125 RECORD
THU 12:00 PAUSE
STEREO ] SP
SAP

+++

BE

NTSC
HI–FI COUNT –1:23:45

4

NOTES:

●

If you engage the Record Pause mode, RECORD PAUSE is
displayed regardless of the Superimpose mode setting.

●

If you select a channel on which no signal is received, the
channel number is displayed regardless of the Superimpose
mode setting.

INDEX-1

Counter reading

Operation mode

When the operation mode is changed,
the new mode is displayed — RECORD
(5 sec.), PLAY (5 sec.), FF/REW (5 sec.
when engaged from Stop mode),
RECORD PAUSE (for as long as Pause is
engaged), and ITR *:** (5 sec.).

Tape speed indication

“Cassette Loaded” mark

When a cassette is loaded, the mark is
displayed for 5 seconds. It blinks when the
VCR’s EJECT button is pushed.

INDEX indication

MENU

CH5∞

MENU

OK

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1

3

2

4

CH+/–

OK

PUSH JOG

EN 21

Select The Soundtrack
(HR-J656EN Only)

Your VCR can record two soundtracks simultaneously (Normal
and Hi-Fi) and play back the selected one, or both together. Or,
when viewing a pre-recorded tape that contains two separate
Hi-Fi audio programs, you can choose to listen to either one by
selecting either “Hi-Fi L” or “Hi-Fi R” in step 3.

ACCESS MAIN MENU
SCREEN

Press MENU.

1

ACCESS FUNCTION SET
SCREEN

Move the highlight bar (arrow) to “FUNCTION SET” by

2

3

pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi, then press
OK or PUSH JOG #.

SELECT AUDIO MONITOR
SET MODE

Move the highlight bar
(arrow) to “AUDIO
MONITOR” by pressing

CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH
JOG %fi, then press OK or
PUSH JOG # to select the

desired mode:

a– Hi-Fi
b– Hi-Fi L
c– Hi-Fi R
d– Normal
e– Mix

=AUDIO MONITOR HI-FI

FUNCTION
AUTO TIMER OFF
SUPERIMPOSE ON
AUTO SP

=LP TIMER OFF

2ND AUDIO RECORD OFF

B.E.S.T. ON
VIDEO SYSTEM AUTO

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

RETURN TO NORMAL
SCREEN

Press MENU.

4

NOTES:

●

If the tape being played back has no Hi-Fi soundtrack, the
Normal soundtrack will be heard no matter what choice you
make in step 3.

●

If RF connection is used for TV, even if Hi-Fi audio monitor is
selected the sound will be mono and will be reproduced in
both loudspeakers.

22 EN

POWER

MENU

CH5∞

OK

PLAYBACK AND RECORDING FEATURES (cont.)

B.E.S.T.
Picture System

Turn on the TV and select the VCR channel 3 or 4 (or AV
mode).

The B.E.S.T. (Biconditional Equalized Signal Tracking) checks
the condition of the tape during recording and playback, and
compensates for poor reproduction to provide the best quality
recording and playback pictures. *The default setting is “ON”.

Preparation

TURN ON THE VCR

Press POWER.

1

ACCESS MAIN MENU
SCREEN

Press MENU.

2

ACCESS FUNCTION SET
SCREEN

3

Move the highlight bar
(arrow) to “FUNCTION
SET” by pressing CH 5∞
(+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi,
then press OK or PUSH
JOG #.

MAIN MENU

= FUNCTION SET

TUNER SET
INITIAL SET

PRESS (5,∞), THEN (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

MENU

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1

3

POWER

2

4

OK

PUSH JOG

CH+/–

4

5

SELECT B.E.S.T. MODE

HR-J456EN HR-J656EN

FUNCTION
AUTO TIMER OFF
SUPERIMPOSE ON
AUTO SP

=B.E.S.T. ON

Move the highlight bar (arrow) to “B.E.S.T.” by pressing

CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi, then press OK or
PUSH JOG # to set to “ON” or “OFF”.

=LP TIMER OFF

VIDEO SYSTEM AUTO

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

=B.E.S.T. ON

FUNCTION
AUTO TIMER OFF
SUPERIMPOSE ON
AUTO SP

=LP TIMER OFF

2ND AUDIO RECORD OFF
AUDIO MONITOR HI-FI

VIDEO SYSTEM AUTO

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

NOTE:

When recording or when playing back tapes recorded
on this VCR, set the B.E.S.T. to “ON”.

RETURN TO NORMAL
SCREEN

Press MENU.

EN 23

PLAY

PLAY

Playback

The VCR assesses the quality of the tape once you start
playback.

Perform steps 1 and 2 on page 14 (“Simple Playback”) before
continuing.

START PLAYBACK

Press PLAY.

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3

1

● The VCR adjusts the
playback picture quality
based on the quality of
the tape in use.

B.E.S.T. PICTURE SYSTEM

NOTES:

●

When using rental tapes,
or tapes recorded on other VCRs, set “B.E.S.T.” in step
4 of the Preparation procedure to either “ON” or
“OFF” as desired to give the best picture (Z pg. 22).

●

The B.E.S.T. Picture System screen only appears at the

2

4

beginning of automatic tracking. Even though the
screen doesn’t appear after that, the B.E.S.T. function
is operative.

●

To display the B.E.S.T. Picture System screen,
“SUPERIMPOSE” must be set to “ON” or the B.E.S.T.
Picture System screen will not appear (Z pg. 20).

24 EN

PLAY

PLAY

+++

+

PAUSE

REC

PLAYBACK AND RECORDING FEATURES (cont.)

Recording

Perform steps 1 – 3 on page 15 (“Simple Recording”) before
continuing.

START RECORDING

Press and hold REC and

1

press PLAY on the remote
control, or press REC on
the VCR’s front panel.

● The VCR takes about 7
seconds to assess the
quality of the tape in
use, then recording
begins with the picture
level optimized.

DURING B.E.S.T.

START END

B.E.S.T. PICTURE SYSTEM

REC

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NOTES:

●

B.E.S.T. occurs immedi­ately prior to both the
first SP and the first LP
(or EP) recording after
inserting the cassette. It

2

4

PAUSE

does not take place
during recording.

●

In the case of timer
recording, B.E.S.T. takes
place for both SP and LP (or EP) before the first timer
recording after inserting the cassette (regardless of the
tape speed selected for that recording).

●

Once the cassette is ejected, the B.E.S.T. data is
canceled. The next time the cassette is used for
recording, B.E.S.T. is re-performed.

●

While B.E.S.T. is operative, the PAUSE button will not
function.

●

To display the B.E.S.T. Picture System, “SUPERIM­POSE” must be set to “ON” or the B.E.S.T. Picture
System screen will not appear (Z pg. 20).

B.E.S.T. COMPLETE

START END

+++

B.E.S.T. PICTURE SYSTEM

+

ATTENTION

n As B.E.S.T. takes place before recording actually starts,

there is a delay of about 7 seconds after REC and PLAY on
the remote, or REC on the VCR’s front panel, are pressed.
To make sure you record the desired scene or program
completely, first perform the following steps:

1) Press and hold PAUSE, and press REC to engage the
RECORD PAUSE mode.

● The VCR then automatically checks the condition of

the tape and, after about 7 seconds, re-enters RECORD
PAUSE.

2) Press PLAY to start recording.

n If you want to bypass B.E.S.T. and start recording right

away, set “B.E.S.T.” to “OFF” in step 4 of the Preparation
procedure (Z pg. 22).

EN 25

OK

CH5∞

MENU

ACCESS MAIN MENU

Video System

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7

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2

4

SCREEN

Press MENU.

1

ACCESS FUNCTION SET
SCREEN

Move the highlight bar (arrow) to “FUNCTION SET” by

2

3

pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi, then press
OK or PUSH JOG #.

ACCESS VIDEO SYSTEM
SET SCREEN

HR-J456EN HR-J656EN

FUNCTION
AUTO TIMER OFF
SUPERIMPOSE ON
AUTO SP

=LP TIMER OFF

B.E.S.T. ON

= VIDEO SYSTEM AUTO

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

Move the highlight bar (arrow) to “VIDEO SYSTEM” by
pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi, then press
OK or PUSH JOG # to set to “AUTO”, “PAL-N” or
“NTSC”.

AUTO TIMER OFF
SUPERIMPOSE ON
AUTO SP
2ND AUDIO RECORD OFF
AUDIO MONITOR HI-FI
B.E.S.T. ON

=VIDEO SYSTEM AUTO

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

FUNCTION

=LP TIMER OFF

MENU

CH+/–

RETURN TO NORMAL
SCREEN

1

Press MENU.

4

3

OK

PUSH JOG

MODE WHEN YOU USE

AUTO mode Normally set to the “AUTO” position.
(color signal) AUTO mode detects the type of the received

When the tape cannot be detected automatically, the switch
should be set manually.

NTSC mode Use this mode when you playback an NTSC

PAL-N mode Use this mode when you playback an PAL-N

TV color system or the type of the video format

of the tape to be played back automatically.

tape on an NTSC TV set (or duplicate a tape
from an NTSC VCR).

tape on a PAL-N TV set (or record a video
signal in the PAL-N system).

NOTES:

●

The tape speed depends on the type of the received TV color
system or the type of the video format of the tape to be played
back. If it is PAL-N system, SP or LP appears on the TV screen.
If it is NTSC system, SP or EP appears on the TV screen.

●

When you do not receive an NTSC broadcast or playback an
NTSC tape in NTSC mode, nothing appears on the TV screen.

26 EN

PLAYBACK AND RECORDING FEATURES (cont.)

Record One Program While

Recording
Features

TV/VCR

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C.RESET

1

0

3

OSD

2

4

Watching Another

ENGAGE TV MODE

During recording...

1

● Press TV/VCR. The VCR’s VCR indicator goes out. (If
you are using the RF connection (Z pg. 4) to view
the output from your VCR, the TV broadcast being
recorded disappears.)

● If you are using the AV connection (Z pg. 4) to view
the output from your VCR, change the TV’s input
mode from AV to TV.

SELECT CHANNEL FOR
VIEWING

Use the TV’s channel selector to set the channel you

want to watch.

2

Display Elapsed Recording
Time

RESET COUNTER TO ZERO

Before recording starts, press C.RESET. The counter

1

resets to zero and displays the exact elapsed time as the
tape runs.

DISPLAY ELAPSED TIME ON
SCREEN

During recording, press OSD at any time to see the

2

elapsed time.
All indications corresponding to the current status of the
VCR are displayed for 5 seconds. The counter display
remains on the screen indicating the elapsed time.
Press OSD again to remove the display.

● Make sure “SUPERIMPOSE” is set to “ON” (Z pg.

20).

● The indications are not recorded.

123

MENU

CH5∞

OK

456

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1

EN 27

Stereo And SAP
(Second Audio Program)
(HR-J656EN Only)

Your VCR’s built-in MTS decoder enables reception of Multi­channel TV Sound broadcasts.
When the channel is changed...

● The “STEREO” indication appears on the screen for about 5
seconds if the program is a stereo broadcast.

● The “SAP” indication appears on the screen for about 5
seconds if the program is an SAP broadcast.

● Both indications appear when a stereo program is
accompanied by SAP audio.

To Record Stereo Programs . . .

. . . simply follow the basic recording procedure.

To Listen To Stereo Soundtrack During Recording . . .

. . . set “AUDIO MONITOR” to “HI-FI” at the Function Set
screen (Z pg. 21).

To Record SAP Programs...

2

4

(HR-J656EN Only)

ACCESS MAIN MENU SCREEN

Press MENU.

1

CH+/–

ACCESS FUNCTION SET SCREEN

Move the highlight bar (arrow) to “FUNCTION SET” by

2

pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi, then press
OK or PUSH JOG #.

MENU

3

OK

PUSH JOG

NOTES:

●

If a SAP program is received and “2ND AUDIO RECORD” is
set to “ON”, the SAP audio is recorded on both the Normal
and Hi-Fi tracks. The main audio program is not recorded.

●

If a non-SAP program is received, the main audio is recorded
on both the Hi-Fi and Normal audio tracks.

SELECT 2ND AUDIO RECORD SET
MODE

Move the highlight bar

3

(arrow) to “2ND AUDIO
RECORD” by pressing CH

5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG
%fi, then press OK or

PUSH JOG # to set to
“ON”.

RETURN TO NORMAL SCREEN

Press MENU.

4

FUNCTION
AUTO TIMER OFF
SUPERIMPOSE ON
AUTO SP

=2ND AUDIO RECORD OFF

=LP TIMER OFF

AUDIO MONITOR HI-FI
B.E.S.T. ON
VIDEO SYSTEM AUTO

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

28 EN

STOP+/–

DATE+/–

CH5∞

Express Timer
Programming

Turn on the TV and select the VCR channel 3 or 4 (or AV
mode).

NUMBER "0"

START+/–

PROG.

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2

4

CH+/–

TIMER RECORDING

You can directly program the VCR’s timer to record up to 8
shows, as far as a year in advance. Remember, the clock must be
set before you can program the timer (Z pg. 6 or 9).

LOAD A CASSETTE

Make sure the record safety tab is intact. If not, cover

1

the hole with adhesive tape, then load it into the VCR.

● The VCR comes on, and the counter is reset,
automatically.

ACCESS PROGRAM
SCREEN

Press PROG.. (If you’re just

2

starting out,
“PROGRAM 1” appears.)

PRESS (+/–, SP/LP, 8=DAILY,

PRESS (PROG.) TO END

PROGRAM 1

START STOP

– –:– – = – –:– –

DATE CH

– –/– –/– – – – – SP

9=WEEKLY), THEN (0K)

SET PROGRAM START TIME

Press START +/– to enter

3

the time you want
recording to start.

● Press and hold START
+/– to move in 30-

minute increments, or
press and release
repeatedly to move 1
minute at a time.

PRESS (+/–, SP/LP, 8=DAILY,

PRESS (PROG.) TO END

PROGRAM 1

START STOP

20:00 = – –:– –

DATE CH

– –/– –/– – – – – SP

9=WEEKLY), THEN (0K)

SET PROGRAM STOP TIME

Press STOP +/– to enter the time you want recording to

4

stop.

● Press and hold STOP +/– to move in 30-minute
increments, or press and release repeatedly to move 1
minute at a time.

SET PROGRAM DATE

Press DATE +/–. (The current date is displayed on

screen. The date you enter appears in its place.)

5

3

SET CHANNEL NUMBER

Press CH 5∞ (+/–).

6

● Holding down CH 5∞ (+/–) rapidly scans through

● If you are using a cable box, enter the cable box

● To timer-record cable or satellite channels through an

the channels.

channel, not the channel to be recorded. The channel
to be recorded must be selected on the cable box.
(The cable box channel is the VCR’s channel that
displays the channels received by the cable box.)

external tuner connected to the VCR’s external input
connectors, set to “AUX”. With this VCR, press the
NUMBER key “0” and/or CH 5∞ (+/–) to select
depending on the connector being used – “L-1” for
the rear AUDIO/VIDEO IN connector, or “F-1” for the
front AUDIO/VIDEO IN connector. (You can only
select “F-1” for HR-J456EN.)

10:00

11:00

12:00

PROG.

NUMBER "8"

SP/LP (EP)

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1

2

4

NUMBER "9"

TIMER

EN 29

SET TAPE SPEED

Press SP/LP (EP) to set the tape speed.

7

RETURN TO NORMAL
SCREEN

Press PROG. or OK. “PROGRAM COMPLETED”

8

appears on the screen for about 5 seconds, then normal
screen appears.

ENGAGE TIMER MODE

Press TIMER. The VCR turns off automatically and “‰”

is displayed on the display panel.

9

To Timer-Record Weekly Or Daily Serials . . .

. . . anytime during steps 2 through 8, press WEEKLY (NUMBER
key “9”) for weekly serials or DAILY (NUMBER key “8”) for
daily serials (Monday–Friday). Either “WEEKLY” or “DAILY”
appears on the screen. Pressing the button again makes the
corresponding indication disappear.

3

OK

NOTES:

●

To disengage the timer before recording starts, press TIMER
again. Pressing once more re-engages it.

●

In case of a power failure after programming, the VCR’s memory
backup keeps your selections (if the lithium battery is not
exhausted).

●

Programs that start after midnight must have the next day’s date.

●

After timer recording is completed, the VCR’s power goes off
automatically.

●

You can program the timer while a regular recording is in
progress; the on-screen menu will not be recorded.

●

If the end of tape is reached during timer recording, the
cassette is automatically ejected.

●

When timer-recording cable or satellite channels through an
external tuner, be sure to keep the cable box or satellite
receiver’s power ON.

ATTENTION

If there is a conflict in the timer schedule and one program
overlaps with another, only the parts shown below in gray
will be recorded.

Pattern 1: The program with the lower program number

Program 1

Program 2

Pattern 2: The program that is broadcast earlier will be

Program 1

Pattern 3: The program that is broadcast earlier will be

will be recorded.

10:00

recorded.

10:00

Program 2

recorded, followed by the remaining portion of
the other program.

11:00

CH10
CH40 Not recorded

11:00

CH10
CH40

12:00

12:00

Not recorded

Program 1

CH10

Program 2

CH40

Not recorded

30 EN

STOP+/–

DATE+/–

POWER

MENU

CH5∞

OK

PROG. CHECK

SP/LP (EP)

POWER

TIMER RECORDING (cont.)

Check, Cancel And Revise
Programs

DISENGAGE TIMER

Press TIMER, then press POWER.

1

ACCESS PROGRAM
CHECK SCREEN

Press PROG. CHECK.

2

PR START STOP CH DATE
1 8:00 10:00 12 24/12
2 10:00 10:45 40 25/12
3 11:30 01:00 125 25/12
4
5
6
7
8

PRESS (CHECK) TO NEXT

CANCEL

START+/–

MENU

123
456

89

7

0

1

3

2

TIMER

4

OK

PUSH JOG

CH+/–

ACCESS PROGRAM
SCREEN

Press PROG. CHECK again to check more information.

3

To Cancel Or Revise A Program...

Each time you press PROG. CHECK, the next program’s
information appears.

CANCEL OR REVISE A
PROGRAM

To cancel a program, press CANCEL.
To revise a program, press the appropriate button:

4

START+/–, STOP+/–, DATE+/–, CH 5∞ (+/–), SP/LP
(EP).

RETURN TO NORMAL
SCREEN

Press PROG. CHECK as many times as necessary. If

there are still programs remaining, go to step 6.

5

RE-ENGAGE TIMER

Press TIMER.

6

EN 31

Auto SP→LP Timer

If there is not enough tape to record the entire program in SP
mode, the VCR automatically switches to LP (with PAL-N) or EP
(with NTSC) mode to allow complete recording.

For Example . . .

Recording a program of 210 minutes in length onto a 180­minute tape

Approximately 150 minutes

SP mode

Total 210 minutes

Make sure you select “ON” at the Auto SP→LP Timer screen
before performing timer programming.

Approximately 60 minutes

LP (EP) mode

ACCESS MAIN MENU
SCREEN

Press MENU.

1

ACCESS FUNCTION SET
SCREEN

Move the highlight bar (arrow) to “FUNCTION SET” by

2

3

pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi, then press
OK or PUSH JOG #.

SELECT AUTO SP→LP
TIMER SET MODE

HR-J456EN HR-J656EN

FUNCTION
AUTO TIMER OFF
SUPERIMPOSE ON

=AUTO SP

Move the highlight bar (arrow) to “AUTO SP→LP
TIMER” by pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi,
then press OK or PUSH JOG # to set to “ON”.

=LP TIMER ON

B.E.S.T. ON
VIDEO SYSTEM AUTO

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

= AUTO SP

FUNCTION
AUTO TIMER OFF
SUPERIMPOSE ON

=LP TIMER ON

2ND AUDIO RECORD OFF
AUDIO MONITOR HI-FI
B.E.S.T. ON
VIDEO SYSTEM AUTO

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

RETURN TO NORMAL
SCREEN

Press MENU.

Auto Timer

When the Auto Timer is set to ON the timer is automatically
engaged when the VCR’s power is turned off. It is automatically
disengaged when the VCR is powered back on.

ACCESS MAIN MENU
SCREEN

Press MENU.

1

ACCESS FUNCTION SET
SCREEN

Move the highlight bar (arrow) to “FUNCTION SET” by

2

pressing CH 5∞ (+/–) or PUSH JOG %fi, then press
OK or PUSH JOG #.

SELECT AUTO TIMER SET
MODE

HR-J456EN HR-J656EN

3

=AUTO TIMER OFF

Move the highlight bar (arrow) to “AUTO TIMER” by

pressing CH
OK or PUSH JOG # to set to “ON” or “OFF”.

FUNCTION

SUPERIMPOSE ON
AUTO SP

=LP TIMER OFF

B.E.S.T. ON
VIDEO SYSTEM AUTO

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

5

(+/–) or PUSH JOG

∞

=AUTO TIMER OFF

FUNCTION

SUPERIMPOSE ON
AUTO SP

=LP TIMER OFF

2ND AUDIO RECORD OFF
AUDIO MONITOR HI-FI
B.E.S.T. ON
VIDEO SYSTEM AUTO

SELECT WITH (5,∞) AND (OK)
PRESS (MENU) TO END

%

, then press

fi

RETURN TO NORMAL
SCREEN

Press MENU.

4

NOTE:

For safety, when “AUTO TIMER” is set to “OFF”, all other VCR
functions are disabled while the Timer mode is engaged. To
disengage the timer, press TIMER.

4

NOTES:

●

If you have programmed the VCR to timer-record 2 or more
programs, the second program and those thereafter may not
fit on the tape if you set the Auto SP→LP Timer mode to
“ON”. In this case, make sure the mode is not engaged, then
set the tape speed manually during timer programming.

●

In order to ensure that the recording fits on the tape, this feature
may leave a slight non-recorded section at the end of the tape.

●

There may be some noise at the point on the tape where the
VCR switches from SP to LP (or EP) mode.

●

The Auto SP→LP Timer feature is not available during ITR
(Instant Timer Recording), and the feature will work with the
following tapes: T-30, T-60, T-90, and T-120.

32 EN

REC

Instant Timer
Recording

TIMER RECORDING (cont.)

This easy method lets you record from 30 minutes to 6 hours
(selectable in 30-min. increments) and shuts the VCR off after
recording is finished.

START RECORDING

Press REC on the front panel.

1

(ITR)

[HR-J656EN]

[HR-J456EN]

SP

VCR

VCR

SP

ENGAGE ITR MODE

Press REC again. “ ” blinks and 0:30 appears on the

front display panel.

2

SET RECORDING
DURATION

If you want to record for more than 30 minutes, press

3

NOTES:

●

●

●

REC to extend the time. Each press extends recording
time by 30 minutes.

You can only perform ITR using the REC button on the VCR’s
front panel.
After you set the ITR time, the previous display reappears.
To check the remaining time, press REC once during record-
ing and the remaining time will be displayed for about 5
seconds. Be careful not to press REC again within these 5
seconds, or you will round the recording time up to the next
30 minute increment.

EDITING

EN 33

You can use your VCR as the player or the recorder.

Edit To Or
From Another
VCR

Player Your VCR

PAUSE/
AV
COMPU

-LINK

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO IN AUDIO IN

VIDEO OUT

Audio/Video Cable
(not supplied)

MAKE CONNECTIONS

Connect an Audio/Video cable between your VCR’s VIDEO

OUT and AUDIO OUT connectors and another VCR’s

1

VIDEO IN and AUDIO IN connectors.

For HR-J656EN...

● When connecting to a monaural VCR, connect your
VCR’s AUDIO OUT L connector to the AUDIO IN
connector on the monaural VCR.

For HR-J456EN...

● When connecting to a Hi-Fi VCR, connect your VCR’s
AUDIO OUT connector to the AUDIO IN L connector
on the Hi-Fi VCR.

LOAD CASSETTES

Insert the playback cassette into your VCR and the cassette

to be recorded on into the other VCR.

2

SET RECORDER’S INPUT MODE

Set to “AUX”. With this VCR, press the NUMBER key

3

“0” and/or CH 5∞ (+/–) to select depending on the
connector being used – “L-1” for the rear AUDIO/
VIDEO IN connector, or “F-1” for the front AUDIO/
VIDEO IN connector. (You can only select “F-1” for
HR-J456EN.)

START PLAYER

Set to its play mode.

Recorder

VCR

NUMBER "1"

STOP

123
456

89

7

0

1

Another VCR

POWER

NUMBER "2"

2

4

4

NOTE:

If the player is equipped with a superimpose/OSD
disable feature then set “SUPERIMPOSE” to “OFF”
before pressing PLAY (Z pg. 20).

START RECORDER

Set to its record mode.

5

Control Two JVC VCRs

The remote control is capable of controlling two JVC VCRs
independently; one set to respond to your remote control’s A code
control signals and another set to respond to B code control
signals. The remote control is preset to send A code signals
because your VCR is initially set to respond to A code signals. You
can easily modify your VCR to respond to B code signals.

1 Unplug the VCR’s power cord from the AC outlet.
2 While holding down VCR on the remote control, press the

NUMBER key “2” and then press STOP.

3 Plug the VCR’s power cord back into the AC outlet.
4 Press POWER on the remote control to turn the VCR’s power

on.

The VCR will now respond only to B-code commands.
To set the VCR back to respond to A code signals, repeat the same
procedure as shown above except pressing NUMBER key “1”
instead of “2” in step 2.
You can control two VCRs with the same remote control by
switching the remote’s code between A and B.

34 EN

EDITING (cont.)

You can use a camcorder as the player and your VCR as the
recorder.

Edit From A
Camcorder

VIDEO IN

Recorder

AUDIO
IN

To rear panel PAUSE
connector

Mini-plug cable (not supplied)
(JVC camcorder only)

VIDEO OUT

Your VCR

MAKE CONNECTIONS

Connect an Audio/Video cable (not supplied) between

1

the camcorder’s VIDEO OUT and AUDIO OUT
connectors and your VCR’s VIDEO IN and AUDIO IN
connectors.

● When a JVC Master Edit Control-equipped camcorder is
used, the camcorder is capable of controlling your VCR.
The Mini-plug cable is a mono 3.5 mm mini-plug to
mono 3.5 mm mini-plug connector.

For HR-J656EN...

● When using a monaural camcorder, connect its
AUDIO OUT connector to the AUDIO IN L connec­tor on the monaural VCR.

For HR-J456EN...

● When using a Hi-Fi camcorder, connect its AUDIO
OUT L connector to the AUDIO IN connector on
your VCR.

LOAD A CASSETTE

Insert the cassette to be recorded on into the recorder

and the playback cassette into the camcorder.

2

Camcorder

Player

NUMBER "0"

AUDIO OUT

EDIT

123
456

89

7

0

1

3

SET RECORDER’S INPUT
MODE

Set to “AUX”. Press the NUMBER key “0” and/or CH

5

3

2

4

CH+/–

∞ (+/–) to select depending on the connector being
used – “L-1” for the rear AUDIO/VIDEO IN connector,
or “F-1” for the front AUDIO/VIDEO IN connector. (You
can only select “F-1” for HR-J456EN.)

START PLAYER

Set the camcorder to its play mode.

4

NOTE:

If the camcorder is equipped with a superimpose/OSD
disable feature then set its superimpose or display
feature to “OFF” before pressing play.

START RECORDER

Set your VCR to its record mode.

5

● If you are using a JVC Master Edit Control-equipped
camcorder, it can put the recorder automatically into
Record mode. (Refer to camcorder’s instruction
manual.)

EN 35

123
456

89

7

0

1

3

2

4

36 EN

TV

VCR

TV VOL –

TV/VCR

STOP

TV CH –

123
456

89

7

0

1

3

TV CH+

POWER

ENTER

2

4

TV VOL+

NUMBER

SPECIAL FEATURES

TV Multi-Brand Remote
Control

The VCR’s remote control can control several functions on JVC
remote control TVs and on the brands of remote control TVs
listed below.

TURN ON THE TV

Turn the power on using the TV’s remote control.

1

SET TV BRAND CODE

Refer to the chart at bottom left. While holding down

2

3

TV on the VCR’s remote control, enter your TV’s brand

code using the NUMBER keys, then press STOP.

Follow the example shown below.

● Once you have set the remote control to operate the
TV, you don’t have to repeat this step until you
replace your remote control’s batteries.

● GRADIENTE and PHILICO have several different
codes. If the TV does not function with one code, try
entering another.

OPERATE TV

Press TV and POWER in succession to see if the TV’s

power goes off as it should. If it does, try other operations.

● The POWER, TV/VCR, TV CH +/–, TV VOL +/– and
NUMBER keys on the remote can all be used to

operate the TV. *For some brands of TV, you must
press ENTER after having pressed the NUMBER keys.

● To operate your TV, press TV first, then press the
corresponding button: POWER, TV/VCR, TV CH +/–,
and NUMBER keys (or ENTER). TV VOL can be used
without pressing TV.

● To operate your video recorder, press the VCR button
to set the remote control to the Video mode.

TV BRAND NAME BRAND CODE

JVC 01
GRADIENTE 02, 11, 12, 16
PHILIPS 03
CCE 03
SANYO 04
PHILICO 05, 09, 17
SHARP 06
TOSHIBA 07
MITSUBISHI 08
SAMSUNG 10
LG 11
RCA 12
PANASONIC 13
GRUNDIG 14
SONY 15
NEC 16
NOBLEX 18

NOTE:

Depending on the kind of TV, there may be cases where some
or all functions cannot be operated using the remote control.

(Ex.) To set remote control to PHILIPS 03:

TV

Hold
down

0

3

Press in succession

STOP

Release

CABLE/DBS

ENTER

POWER

EN 37

Cable Box Multi-Brand
Remote Control

The VCR’s remote control can control functions on the brands
of cable boxes listed below. Some cable box brands have more
than one code. If your cable box does not function with a
specified code, try other codes.

123
456

89

7

0

1

STOP

3

TV CH –

CABLE BOX BRAND NAME BRAND CODE

ARCHER 01, 05, 17
CABLETENNA 01, 17
CABLEVIEW 15, 16, 17
CITIZEN 15, 16, 17
CURTIS 02
DIAMOND 01, 17
GC BRAND 15, 16, 17
GEMINI 15
GENERAL INSTRUMENTS 01, 04, 06, 11, 12, 15
HAMLIN 10, 18, 23
JASCO 15
JERROLD 01, 04, 06, 11, 12, 15
NOVAVISION 02
OAK 07
PANASONIC 13, 14
PULSER 15, 16, 17
RCA 13, 14
REGAL 10, 18
REMBRANDT 01, 16, 17
SAMSUNG 05, 16, 24
SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA 02
SIGMA 07
SL MARX 05, 16, 17, 24
SPRUCER 13, 14
STARGATE 05, 15, 16, 17, 24
TELEVIEW 05, 16, 24
TOCOM 01, 04, 16
UNIKA 01, 17
UNIVERSAL 16, 17
VIDEOWAY 03, 09
ZENITH 03, 09
LG 26
TAIHAN (DEHAN) 27

2

4

TV CH+

NUMBER

TURN ON THE CABLE BOX

Turn the power on using the cable box’s remote control.

1

ENTER CABLE BOX BRAND

While holding down CABLE/DBS on the VCR’s remote

2

3

NOTES:

●

●

●

control, use the NUMBER keys to enter the cable box
brand number from the chart at bottom left and then
press STOP.

Follow the example shown below.

● Once you have set the remote control to operate the
cable box, you don’t have to repeat this step until you
replace the remote control’s batteries.

● Some cable boxes have several different codes. If the
TV does not function with one code, try entering
another.

OPERATE CABLE BOX

Press CABLE/DBS and POWER in succession to see if

the cable box’s power goes off as it should. If it does,
try other functions.

● To operate your cable box, press CABLE/DBS first,
then press the corresponding button: POWER, TV CH
+/– and NUMBER keys (or ENTER).

● For some brands of cable box, you must press ENTER
after having pressed the NUMBER keys.

Depending on the kind of cable box, there may be cases
where some or all functions cannot be operated using the
remote control.
It’s not possible to set the remote control for both your cable
box and your DBS receiver at the same time; you can only set
the remote control to the brand of either one.
You have to subscribe to a cable service to receive cable
channels.

(Ex.) To set remote control to ARCHER 01:

CABLE/

DBS

Hold
down

0

1

Press in succession

STOP

Release

38 EN

CABLE/DBS

123
456
7

1

STOP

TV CH –

ENTER

2

89
0

3

4

TV CH+

POWER

NUMBER

SPECIAL FEATURES (cont.)

DBS Receiver Multi-Brand
Remote Control

The VCR’s remote control can control functions on the brands
of DBS (Direct Broadcast Satellite) receivers listed below.

TURN ON THE DBS
RECEIVER

Turn the power on using the DBS receiver’s remote

control.

1

ENTER DBS RECEIVER
BRAND

While holding down CABLE/DBS on the VCR’s remote

2

3

control, use the NUMBER keys to enter the DBS receiver
brand number from the chart at bottom left and then
press STOP.
Follow the example shown below.

● Once you have set the remote control to operate the
DBS receiver, you don’t have to repeat this step until
you replace the remote control’s batteries.

OPERATE DBS RECEIVER

Press CABLE/DBS and POWER in succession to see if

the DBS receiver’s power goes off as it should. If it
does, try other functions.

DBS BRAND NAME BRAND CODE

ECHOSTAR (DISH Network) 51
PRIMESTAR 50
SONY (DSS) 41
RCA (DSS) 40

● To operate your DBS receiver, press CABLE/DBS first,
then press the corresponding button: POWER,
TV CH +/– and NUMBER keys (or ENTER).

● Depending on the satellite receiver you may have to
press ENTER after having pressed the NUMBER keys.

NOTES:

●

Depending on the kind of DBS receiver, there may be cases
where some or all functions cannot be operated using the
remote control.

●

Though ECHOSTAR has a number of different remote codes,
this remote control is applicable only to one of those codes
preset at the factory.

●

It’s not possible to set the remote control for both your cable
box and your DBS receiver at the same time; you can only set
the remote control to the brand of either one.

●

You have to subscribe to a satellite broadcaster to receive
DBS channels.

(Ex.) To set remote control to RCA 40:

CABLE/

DBS

Hold
down

4

Press in succession

0

STOP

Release

TROUBLESHOOTING

Before requesting service for a problem, use this chart and see if you can repair the trouble yourself. Small problems are often easily
corrected, and this can save you the trouble of sending your VCR off for repair.

EN 39

POWER

SYMPTOM

1. The power won’t come on.

2. The clock works, but the VCR’s
power won’t come on.

3. The remote control won’t function.

TAPE TRANSPORT

SYMPTOM

1. The cassette gets stuck partway
during loading, and is ejected.

PLAYBACK

SYMPTOM

1. The tape is running but the picture
won’t appear.

2. Noise appears during visual search.

3. (HR-J656EN only) Breaks are
noticeable in Hi-Fi soundtrack.

4. The playback picture is blurred or
interrupted, even though TV
broadcasts are clear.

5. (HR-J656EN only) The Hi-Fi
soundtrack cannot be heard.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

● The power cord is disconnected.

● The timer mode is engaged with

Auto Timer set to “OFF” (Z pg. 31).

● The batteries are discharged.

● The remote control is set to the

wrong operating mode.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

● The cassette was inserted incorrectly.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

● If you’re using the RF OUT connec­tion (Z pg. 4), the channel selector
on the TV is set incorrectly.

● If you’re using the AV connection
(Z pg. 4), the TV is set to the wrong
mode.

● This is normal.

● Automatic tracking is engaged.

● The video heads may be dirty.

● The AUDIO MONITOR option was

set incorrectly.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Connect the power cord.
Press TIMER to disengage.

Replace the dead batteries with new
ones.
Press the appropriate button (TV or
CABLE/DBS or VCR) depending on
the unit you want to operate.
(Z pg. 36 – 38, 44)

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Make sure the cassette’s window is
facing up, the rear label side is facing
you and the arrow on the front of the
cassette is pointing towards the VCR.
Then insert the cassette.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Set the channel selector to channel 3
or 4.

Set the TV to its AV mode.

Disengage Auto Tracking and adjust
the tracking manually (Z pg. 18).

The heads must be cleaned. Consult
your JVC dealer.

Set AUDIO MONITOR to “HI-FI”
(Z pg. 21).

RECORDING

SYMPTOM

1. Recording won’t start.

2. TV broadcasts won’t record
properly.

3. Tape-to-tape editing won’t work.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

● There’s no cassette loaded.

● The loaded cassette has had its

record safety tab removed.

● The VCR has been set to its AUX
mode by mistake.

●The VCRs or the camcorder and the
VCR have been incorrectly con­nected.

● The power to one or more of the
units has not been turned on.

● The recorder’s input mode has been
set incorrectly.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Insert a cassette.
Remove the cassette and cover the
hole with adhesive tape, or load a
cassette on which the record safety
tab is intact.

Set the VCR to the appropriate
channel.

Refer to the directions and the
illustration under “Edit To Or From
Another VCR” (Z pg. 33) or “Edit
From A Camcorder” (Z pg. 34) and
properly connect the units.
Make sure the power to all units is on.

Select the recorder’s appropriate
input mode.

CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

40 EN

TIMER RECORDING

TROUBLESHOOTING (cont.)

SYMPTOM

1. Timer recording won’t work.

2. Timer programming won’t work.

3. ‰ and ] on the front display
panel won’t stop blinking.

4. The cassette is automatically
ejected, and ‰ and ] on the
front display panel won’t stop
blinking.

5. ‰ blinks for 10 seconds and the
timer mode is disengaged.

6. The cassette is automatically
ejected, the power shuts off and ‰
and ] won’t stop blinking.

7. “PROGRAM FULL” is displayed on
the screen.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

● The clock and/or the timer have
been set incorrectly.

● The timer is not engaged.

● The VCR has not been set up properly.

● Timer recording is in progress.

● The timer is engaged but there’s no

cassette loaded.

● The loaded cassette has had its
record safety tab removed.

● TIMER has been pressed when there
are no programs in memory, or the
timer record program information
has not been programmed correctly.

● The end of tape was reached during
timer recording.

● All 8 programs of the VCR’s timer
memory are used.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Set the clock and/or timer correctly.

Press TIMER and check to make sure
that ‰ appears on the front display
panel.
Re-perform the set-up procedures.

Timer programming can’t be performed
when timer recording is in progress.
Wait until it finishes.

Load a cassette with the record safety
tab intact, or with the hole covered
with adhesive tape.

Remove the cassette and cover its
hole with adhesive tape, or replace it
with a cassette on which the safety
tab is intact.

Check the programmed data and re­program as necessary, then press
TIMER again.

The program may not have been
recorded in its entirety. Next time
make sure you have enough time on
the tape to record the entire program.

Wait until a space in memory clears,
or cancel unnecessary program
information (Z pg. 30).

OTHER PROBLEMS

SYMPTOM

1. When scanning channels, some of
them are skipped over.

2. The channel can’t be changed.

3. The remote control won’t operate
your TV or cable box or DBS
receiver.

4. “– –:– –” is displayed on the front
display panel.

● Those channels have been preset to

● Recording is in progress.

● The remote control brand setting is

● The lithium battery is exhausted

● A power outage has occurred

POSSIBLE CAUSE

be skipped.

incorrect.

ATTENTION

This VCR contains microcomputers. External electronic noise or interference can cause microcomputer to malfunction. If the VCR
does not operate correctly switch its power off and unplug the power cord from the AC supply. Wait for a while and then plug the
power back in. Eject and check the condition of the cassette. If everything appears normal resume operating the VCR as usual.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

If you need the skipped channels,
restore them (Z pg. 13).

Press PAUSE to pause the recording,
change channels, then press PLAY to
resume recording.

Re-set the remote control to the
correct brand (Z pg. 36 or 37 or 38).

Replace the lithium battery with a new
one, (Z pg. 4) and re-set the clock.
Reset the clock.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

EN 41

PLAYBACK

Q. What happens if the end of the tape is reached

during playback or search?

A. The tape is automatically rewound to the beginning.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Q. Can the VCR indefinitely remain in the still mode?
A. No. It stops automatically after 5 minutes to protect

the heads.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Q. During search, slow, still and frame-by-frame

playback, I can’t hear any audio. What’s the
problem?

A. This is normal.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Q. During search, still and frame-by-frame playback,

the picture is intermittent. What’s the cause?

A. Picture loss occurs when these types of playback are

attempted with a tape recorded in LP mode. Pressing
PLAY to return to normal playback will restore the
picture.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Q. When returning from multi-speed search to normal

playback, the picture is disturbed. Should I be
concerned about this?

A. No, it is normal.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Q. Noise bars appear during multi-speed search. What’s

the problem?

A. This is normal.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

RECORDING

Q. When I pause and then resume a recording, the end

of the recording before the pause is overlapped by
the new recording. Why does this happen?

A. This is normal. It reduces distortion at the pause and

resume points.

○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Q. Can the VCR indefinitely remain in the Record-Pause

mode?

A. No. The VCR automatically goes to its Stop mode

after 5 minutes to protect the heads. When paused
during Instant Timer Recording (ITR), the VCR shuts
off automatically after 5 minutes.

○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Q. What happens if the tape runs out during recording?
A. The VCR automatically rewinds it to the beginning.

TIMER RECORDING

Q. REC and ‰ remain lit on the front display panel. Is

there a problem?

A. No. This is a normal condition for a timer recording

in progress.

○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Q. Can I program the timer while I’m watching a tape

or a TV broadcast?

A. Yes, but while you are setting the timer you won’t see

the tape’s or broadcast program’s picture as it is
replaced by the on-screen menu. The audio from the
tape or broadcast program will be present during the
setting of the timer.

Q. When playing back programs that have been timer-

recorded with consecutive times (such one program
from 8:00 to 9:00 and another one from 9:00 to
10:00), the picture and sound become momentarily
distorted at the point where the first program ends
and the second program begins. Is this a
malfunction?

A. No. This is normal.

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Q. Other than preventing further recording, what effect

does removing the safety tab have?

A. It disables marking of index codes.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Q. Sometimes, during Index Search, the VCR can’t find

the program I want to see. Why not?

A. There may be index codes too close together.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Q. During playback, on-screen operational indicators

sometimes jitter. Why does this happen?

A. If the condition of the tape being played back is not

good, jittering of the video (including on-screen
indicators) may occur.

42 EN

FRONT VIEW [J656EN]

INDEX

1

POWER

PUSH JOG

VIDEO

(MONO)

L – AUDIO – R

/OK

7 8

1 POWER Button (Z pg. 6)
2 Cassette Loading Slot
3 MENU Button (Z pg. 7)
4 Rewind [REW] Button (Z pg. 14)
5 PLAY Button (Z pg. 14)
6 Fast-Forward [FF] Button (Z pg. 14)
7 VIDEO/AUDIO Input Connectors (Z pg. 34)

* The HR-J456EN has only one AUDIO input

connector.

2

+

8
4
0

6

15dB

NORM

VCR

SP

CH

43 5

PLAY

MENU

REW

REC STOP/EJECT PAUSE

#@! $09

%

6

FF

8 PUSH JOG ™ Button (Z pg. 16, 17)
9 PUSH JOG £ Button (Z pg. 16, 17)

OK Button (Z pg. 6)

0 Front Display Panel (Z pg. 43)
! Remote Control Sensor
@ Channel [CH]

5

Button (Z pg. 15, 28)

∞

# Record [REC] Button (Z pg. 15)
$ STOP/EJECT Button (Z pg. 14)
% PAUSE Button (Z pg. 16)

REAR VIEW

EN 43

1

1 Power Cord (Z pg. 4)
2 PAUSE/AV COMPU-LINK Connector

• PAUSE Connector (Z pg. 34)

• AV COMPU-LINK Connector (no function)

3 ANT. IN Connector (Z pg. 4)
4 Lithium Battery Compartment (Z pg. 4)
5 CH (Channel) 3/4 Switch (Z pg. 4)

FRONT DISPLAY PANEL

PAUSE/
AV
COMPU

-LINK

AUDIO

VIDEO

CH3 CH4

2

3

OUTIN

ANT. IN

R

L

RF OUT

854

76

6 VIDEO/AUDIO Input Connectors (Z pg. 34)

* The HR-J656EN only.

7 VIDEO/AUDIO Output Connectors (Z pg. 33)

* The HR-J456EN has only one AUDIO output

connector.

8 RF OUT Connector (Z pg. 4)

[J656EN]

[J456EN]

+

8
4

0
6

15dB

NORM

1

1

54

3 2

SP

VCR

6

VCR

6

5

2

3

SP

7

7

1 Symbolic Mode Indicators

STILL:
PLAY:
FF/REW VARIABLE
SEARCH:

SLOW:

RECORD:

RECORD PAUSE:

2 Timer Mode Indicator
3 Tape Speed Indicators (Z pg. 15)
4 Audio Level Meter
5 “Cassette Loaded” Mark
6 VCR Mode Indicator (Z pg. 26)
7

Channel Display [“L-1” and “F-1” for AUX mode]
Counter Display (Z pg. 14)
Clock Display (Z pg. 6)

44 EN

u
i

y

(

Q

1

3

7

6

2

8

4

9

5

0
!
@
#
$

^

&

*

e

w

q

)

r
t

p

o

%

W

INDEX (cont.)

REMOTE CONTROL

CABLE/

VCR

123
456
7

C. RESET

CANCEL

START STOP DATE

PROG.

1

REW

REC

MENU

T

V

V

O

L

–

The glow-in-the-dark buttons shown in white on the
illustration above are helpful when using the remote control
in darkened rooms.

Buttons with a small dot on the left side of the name can
also be used to operate your JVC TV after pressing the TV
button.

Installing Batteries

1

Open the battery compartment cover.

2 Insert 2 “AA”-size batteries (provided) in the direction

indicated under the battery cover.

3 Replace the cover.

DBS

TV

TV/VCR

ENTER/OSD

DAILY(M-F)

89

AUX

0

EXPRESS PROGRAMMING

PROG.

CHECK

PLAY

STOP

3

H

C

V

+

T

PUSH JOG

–

T

V

H

C

POWER

DISPLAY

WEEKLY

TIMER

SKIP SEARCH

FF

PAUSE

OK

T

2

4

CH

+

L

O

V

V

1 TV Button (Z pg. 36)
2 VCR Button (Z pg. 36)
3 TV/VCR Button (Z pg. 26)
4 Instant REVIEW Button (Z pg. 18)
5 NUMBER Buttons (Z pg. 15)
6 CANCEL Button (Z pg. 30)

Counter [C.] RESET Button (Z pg. 19)

7 STOP +/– Button (Z pg. 28)
8 START +/– Button (Z pg. 28)
9 PROG. Button (Z pg. 28)
0 PROG. CHECK Button (Z pg. 30)
! Rewind [REW] Button (Z pg. 14)
@ Record [REC] Button (Z pg. 15)
# STOP Button (Z pg. 14)
$ MENU Button (Z pg. 7)
% PUSH JOG %fi Button (Z pg. 6)

TV Channel [CH] +/– Button (Z pg. 36, 37, 38)

^ CABLE/DBS Button (Z pg. 37, 38)
& POWER Button (Z pg. 6)
* ENTER Button (Z pg. 15)

On-Screen Display [OSD] Button (Z pg. 20)

( DISPLAY Button (Z pg. 19)
) DAILY Timer Recording Button (Z pg. 29)
q WEEKLY Timer Recording Button (Z pg. 29)
w “AUX” Mode Select Button (Z pg. 34)
e TIMER Button (Z pg. 29)
r DATE +/– Button (Z pg. 28)
t Channel [CH] +/– Button (Z pg. 15, 28)
y SKIP SEARCH Button (Z pg. 17)
u Recording Speed [SP/LP (EP)] Button (Z pg. 15)
i PLAY Button (Z pg. 14)
o Fast-Foward [FF] Button (Z pg. 14)
p PAUSE Button (Z pg. 16)
Q OK Button (Z pg. 6)
W PUSH JOG ™£ (@#) Button

(Z pg. 16, 17)
TV Volume [VOL] +/– Button (Z pg. 36)

How To Use

The remote control can operate most of your VCR’s functions.

1 Point the remote control toward the sensor window.
2 Press the appropriate operation button.
3 The maximum operating distance of the remote control is

about 8 m.

NOTES:

●

This remote control can also operate various brands of TVs,
Cable Boxes and DBS Receivers; press the appropriate
button (TV or CABLE/DBS or VCR) depending on the unit
you want to operate. For details, Z pg. 34 – 36.

●

If the remote control doesn’t work properly, remove its
batteries, wait a short time, replace the batteries and then
try again.

SPECIFICATIONS

EN 45

GENERAL

Power requirement : AC 110 – 220 V` , 50/60 Hz
Power consumption

Power on : 22 W (HR-J656EN)

: 20 W (HR-J456EN)

Power off : 5 W

Temperature

Operating : 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F)

Storage : –20°C to 60°C (–4°F to140°F)
Operating position : Horizontal only
Dimensions (W x H x D) : 400 x 94 x 277 mm

(15-3/4" x 3-3/4" x 10-1/8")
Weight : 3.4 kg (7.5 lbs)
Format : VHS NTSC standard
Maximum recording time

SP : 240 min. with E-240 (PAL-N)

video cassette

: 160 min. with T-160 (NTSC)

video cassette

LP : 480 min. with E-240 (PAL-N)

video cassette

EP : 480 min. with T-160 (NTSC)

video cassette

VIDEO/AUDIO

Signal system : PAL-N-type color signal and

CCIR monochrome signal,

625 lines/50 fields

: NTSC-type color signal and

EIA monochrome signal, 525

lines/60 fields
Recording/
Playback system : DA-4 (Double Azimuth) head

helical scan system
Signal-to-noise ratio : 45 dB
Horizontal resolution : 240 lines (PAL-N)

: 230 lines (NTSC)

Frequency range

Normal audio : 70 Hz to 10,000 Hz
Hi-Fi audio (HR­J656EN only) : 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz

Input/Output : RCA connectors

HR-J656EN: (IN x 2, OUT x 1)

HR-J456EN: (IN x 1, OUT x 1)

TUNER

Tuning system : Frequency-synthesized tuner
Channel coverage

VHF : Channels 2–13
UHF : Channels 14–69
CATV : 113 Channels

RF output : Channel 3 or 4 (switchable;

preset to Channel 3 when
shipped) 75 ohms,
unbalanced

TIMER

Clock reference : Quartz
Program capacity : 1-year programmable timer/

8 programs

Memory backup time : Approx. 6 months

Estimated figure based on
supplied fresh battery; actual
performance may differ.

ACCESSORIES

Provided accessories : RF cable,

Infrared remote control unit,
Lithium battery CR2025,
“AA” battery x 2

Specifications shown are for SP mode unless otherwise specified.
E. & O.E. Design and specifications subject to change without
notice.

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

1. DO NOT place the VCR ...

... 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 VCR’s ventilation openings.

3.

DO NOT place heavy objects on the VCR or remote control.

4.

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

5.

AVOID violent shocks to the VCR during transport.

**MOISTURE CONDENSATION

Moisture in the air will condense on the VCR when you move it
from a cold place to a warm place, or under extremely humid
conditions—just as water droplets form on 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 VCR’s power 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.

MEMO

MEMO