Memorex MVR2040A User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES

VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER
VIDEOGRABADOR DE CASSETTE

MVR2040A

For your protection in the event of theft or loss of this product, please fill in the
information listed below which is for your own personal records.
Por su precaucion en caso de robo o pérdida de este producto, favor de llenar
la información listada baja que es para sus inscripciones personales de usted.

Date of purchase :
Fecha de compra :
Serial No. :
Número de serie :
Place od Purchase :
Lugar de compra :

When shipped from the factory, the TV/CATV menu option is set to the "CATV"
(Cable T ele vision) mode.
If not using CATV (Cable TV), set this menu option to the "TV" mode.
A la salida de fábrica, la opción de menú TV/CATV está en el modo "CATV"
(televisión por cable).
Si no se va a utilizar el CATV (TV cable), cambie la opción de este menú al
modo TV .

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly.
Antes de usar la unidad, lea detenidadmente este manual del usuario.

4C80401A-E(C-09) 25/2/99, 21:221

ATTENTION

ATENCION

TV/CATV MODE SELECTION

SELECCION DE MODO DE TV/CATV

ENGLISH

CAUTION:

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALI­FIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol
within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage within the product's
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

WARNING:

WARNING:

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equip­ment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try correcting the interference by one or
more of the following measures:

-

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

-

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

-

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

-

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance with the FCC
Rules could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

2

4C80401A-E(C-09) 25/2/99, 21:222

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

READ INSTRUCTIONS

1.

All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the unit is operated.

RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS

2.

The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

HEED WARNINGS

3.

All warnings on the unit and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS

4.

All operating and use instructions should be followed.

CLEANING

5.

Unplug this unit from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

ATTACHMENTS

6.

Do not use attachments not recommended by the unit's manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

WATER AND MOISTURE

7.

Do not use this unit near water. For example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool.

ACCESSORIES

8.

Do not place this unit on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The unit may
fall, causing serious injury, and serious damage to the unit. Use only with a cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer.

An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive

8A.

force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn.

VENTILATION

9.

Slots and openings in the cabinet and in the back or bottom are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable
operation of the unit and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The
openings should never be blocked by placing the unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This unit
should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat source. This unit should not be placed in built-in installa­tions such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer's instructions have
been adhered to.

POWER SOURCES

10.

This unit should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the rating plate. If you are not
sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your appliance dealer or local power company. For units
intended to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.

GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION

11.

This unit is equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the
other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert
the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug If your unit is equipped with a
3-wire grounding-type plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin, this plug will only fit into a grounding-type
power outlet. This too, is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your
electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug.

PORTABLE CART WARNING

(symbol provided by RETAC)

S3126A

ENGLISH

4C80401A-E(C-09) 25/2/99, 21:223

3

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (CONTINUED)

POWER-CORD PROTECTION

12.

Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the appliance.

LIGHTNING

13.

To protect your unit from a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time,
unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the unit
due to lightning and power line surges.

POWER LINES

14.

An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or
power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system,
extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits, as contact with them might be
fatal.

OVERLOADING

15.

Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords, as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY

16.

Do not push objects through any openings in this unit as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out
parts that could result in fire or electric shock. Never spill or spray any type of liquid into the unit.

OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING

17.

If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the unit, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded
so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and support­ing structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location
of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.

SERVICING

18.

Do not attempt to service this unit yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous
voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE

19.

Unplug this unit from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following
conditions:

a.

When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

b.

If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the unit.

c.

If the unit has been exposed to rain or water.

d.

If the unit does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions, as an improper adjustment of other controls
may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the
unit to its normal operation.

e.

If the unit has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.

f.

When the unit exhibits a distinct change in performance, this indicates a need for service.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

20.

When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician uses replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or those that have the same characteristics as the original parts.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

4

4C80401A-E(C-09) 25/2/99, 21:224

SAFETY CHECK

21.

Upon completion of any service or repairs to this unit, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to
determine that the unit is in proper operating condition.

22.

WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING

The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

HEAT

23.

The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER

24.

This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides
guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the
grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

ENGLISH

EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER THE

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

GROUND
CLAMP

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

NEC-NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
S2898A

ANTENNA LEAD IN WIRE

ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)

4C80401A-E(C-09) 25/2/99, 21:225

5

FEATURES

High Quality Picture Technology - This video cassette recorder marked "HQ" incorporates VHS high quality

technology. A built-in detail enhancer is used to boost the recorded signal and provide maximum picture quality in
playback. It is compatible with other VHS video cassette recorders.

Frequency Synthesized Tuning - Quartz locked direct access tuner automatically locks in each channel for perfect
reception.

Full Load Tape Transport - Permits rapid access between modes.
4 Video Head - Provides optimal picture quality for special effects playback.
8-Program/1-Month Programmable Timer with Everyday/Every Week Capability - The built-in timer allows

automatic absentee recording of up to 8 TV programs within 1month. It is also possible to record a program which is
broadcast at the same time everyday or every week.

On-Screen Display and Programming - When you select a channel or make other changes, the TV will show an
indicator on the screen for a few seconds. Clock settings, timer setting and other set-up operations can be carried
out using the on-screen display menu system.

Digital Auto Tracking - Automatically adjusts tracking during playback for the best possible picture.
181 Channel Tuner - Receives standard VHF and UHF broadcast channels and up to 113 cable channels.
One-Touch Timer Recording (OTR) - Simply by pressing the REC/OTR button, the VCR can be programmed for up

to 5 hours of recording with an immediate start.

Automatic Power On - When loading a cassette tape, this VCR will automatically turn on.
Automatic Playback - When loading a cassette tape without the erase prevention tab, this VCR will automatically

turn on and play back the cassette tape at the correct speed.
Automatic Rewind-Stop-Eject-Power Off - When a tape reaches its end during playback and recording, it will

automatically stop, rewind, stop, eject the tape and the VCR will turn off.
Automatic Repeat Play System - When the AUTO REPEAT option is turned on, this VCR will automatically play

back the same cassette tape repeatedly.
On-Screen 3 Language Display - You can select one of 3 languages; English, Spanish or French, for on-screen

programming.

Frame by Frame Advance - Press the SLOW button during still playback to advance the tape one frame at a time.
Slow Motion - This VCR provide slow motion which offers steady, noise-free playback at 1/10 normal speed.
Real Time Tape Counter - The counter displays on the screen the elapsed time in hours, minutes and seconds and

can be used to locate programs.

Channel Skip - An unwanted channel can be deleted when using the CHANNEL ▲ or ▼ button.
Fluorescent Multi-Function Display - Selected functions are immediately indicated on the diaplay.
2 Speed Picture Search - 3 or 5 times normal speed in SP mode (7X or 9X in LP and 9X or 15X in SLP).
3 Speed Record/Playback - Records and plays three tape speeds (SP, LP, SLP).
Skip Search - When the SKIP SEARCH button on the remote control is pressed during playback, the VCR will

automatically search forward through approximately 60 seconds of tape, and then return to normal playback.

Auto head Cleaning System - Cleans the video heads automatically when a cassette tape is loaded and ejected.

6

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

We recommend that you carefully read the descriptions and operating procedures contained in this Owner's
Manual prior to operating your new VCR.

PRECAUTIONS

PRECAUTIONS ....................................................................................................................................................... 8

LOCATION OF CONTROLS.................................................................................................................................. 10

REMOTE CONTROL ............................................................................................................................................. 12

BASIC CONNECTIONS......................................................................................................................................... 14

CATV (CABLE TV) CONNECTIONS ..................................................................................................................... 18

AUDIO/VIDEO CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................................................ 22

SETTING THE VIDEO CHANNEL ......................................................................................................................... 23

ON-SCREEN LANGUAGE SELECTION ............................................................................................................... 24

SETTING THE CLOCK .......................................................................................................................................... 25

SETTING THE CHANNELS................................................................................................................................... 26

NOISE ELIMINATION (BLUE SCREEN) ............................................................................................................... 29

ENGLISH

PLAYBACK

LOADING AND UNLOADING VIDEO CASSETTE TAPES ......................................................................................30

PLAYBACK ............................................................................................................................................................ 31

SPECIAL PLAYBACK ............................................................................................................................................ 33

RECORDING

RECORDING A TV PROGRAM............................................................................................................................. 35

SETTING THE TIMER RECORDING .................................................................................................................... 38

ONE TOUCH TIMER RECORDING (OTR) ........................................................................................................... 41

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ON-SCREEN FUNCTION DISPLAY...................................................................................................................... 42

DUPLICATING A VIDEO TAPE ............................................................................................................................. 43

VIDEO GLOSSARY ............................................................................................................................................... 44

BEFORE REQUESTING SERVICE....................................................................................................................... 46

VIDEO HEAD CLEANING...................................................................................................................................... 48

SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................. 49

4C80401A-E(C-09) 25/2/99, 21:227

7

PRECAUTIONS

MOISTURE CONDENSATION

DO NOT OPERATE THIS VCR FOR AT LEAST TWO OR THREE HOURS WHEN MOISTURE IN THE AIR
CONDENSES ON THE VCR.

WHAT IS MOISTURE CONDENSATION?

When a cold liquid is poured into a glass, for example, water vapor in the air will condense on the surface of the
glass. This is called moisture condensation.

MOISTURE WILL CONDENSE ON THE UNIT IN THE FOLLOWING CASES;

When you move this VCR from a cold to a warm place.

•

After heating a cold room or under extremely humid conditions.

•

WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE THE ABOVE CONDITIONS,

Plug the power cord into an AC outlet, set the power switch to ON and leave the unit at room temperature until
moisture condensation disappears.
Depending on the surrounding conditions, this may take two or three hours.

Head Drum

Video Tape

If you cause a static discharge when touching the
VCR, and the VCR fails to function, simply unplug the
unit from the wall outlet, wait a few minutes and plug
it back in. The VCR should return to normal operation.

Do not place the VCR on or near appliances which
may cause electromagnetic interference, e.g. TV,
speakers, etc. Doing so may cause erratic operation
of the VCR including picture and/or sound distortion
or noise.

8

4C80401A-E(C-09) 25/2/99, 21:238

Avoid extreme heat.

104°F
(40

°

C)

Avoid extreme cold.

(5°C)
41

°

F

Avoid extreme moisture and dust.

The ventilation holes prevent overheating. Do not
block or cover these holes. Especially avoid covering
the holes with soft materials such as cloth or paper.

ENGLISH

Do not insert fingers or any other objects into the
cassette loading slot. Do not spray cleaner or wax
directly on the VCR or use forced air to remove dust.

Keep the VCR away from flower vases, sinks, etc. If
liquids should be spilled into the VCR, serious
damage will result. If you spill any liquids into the
VCR, unplug the AC power cord immediately and
consult qualified service personnel before attempting
to use the VCR again.

When you leave your home for a long time, unplug
the AC power cord.

Avoid places subject to strong vibration. Use in a
horizontal (flat) position only.

When you finish operating the VCR, always unload
the cassette and turn off the power.

To protect the VCR from a lightning storm, unplug
the AC power cord from the wall outlet and
disconnect the antenna.

If the polarized AC cord does not fit into a
non-polarized AC outlet, do not attempt to
file or cut the blade. It is the user's
responsibility to have an electrician replace
the obsolete outlet.

4C80401A-E(C-09) 25/2/99, 21:239

POWER SOURCE

AC Outlet

AC Plug

9

LOCATION OF CONTROLS

FRONT

VIDEDO AUDIOIN

13254

POWER

PLAY

STOP/EJECT

REC/OTR

CHANNEL

10

9

DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS

1.

Cassette Loading Slot - To insert or remove a

video tape.

2.

(Rewind) button - In the STOP mode, this

▲

▲

button rapidly winds the tape backwards. In the
PLAY mode, this button activates Reverse Search.

3.

PLAY button - Press to play a prerecorded tape.

▲

▲

4.

(Fast Forward) button - In the STOP mode,

this button rapidly winds the tape forward. In the
PLAY mode, this button activates Forward Search.

5.

POWER button - Turns the VCR power on and off.

6.

REC/OTR button - Press once to start normal

recording. Additional presses activate One Touch
Recording.

10

8

7.

STOP/EJECT button - Press once to stop the tape

7

in any mode. Press again (on the VCR) to eject the
tape.

8.

CHANNEL ▲ / ▼ buttons - Used to select a

channel for viewing or recording.

9.

Remote Sensor - Signals from the Remote

Control are received here.

10.

AUDIO/VIDEO IN jacks - Audio and video signal

cables from an external source can be connected
here.

6

4C80401A-E(P10-19) 25/2/99, 21:2410

FLUORESCENT DISPLAY

REAR

Timer Record

Tape Speed

One Touch Timer

Recording

OTR

SLP

Multi-Function Display

LOCATION OF CONNECTORS

Power Indicator

VCR
ATR
APM

VCR
ATR (Auto Tracking)
AM/PM

12

VIDEO

3CH 4CH

UHF/VHF

IN(ANT)

OUT(TV)

OUT IN

AUDIO

ENGLISH

3

6

DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS

AUDIO/VIDEO OUT Jacks - Used to output audio

1.

and video signals to a TV, amplifier or VCR.

AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks - Audio and video signal

2.

cables from an external source can be connected hear

VHF/UHF IN (ANT) Jack - Connect a VHF/UHF

3.

antenna or CATV cable to this jack.

4C80401A-E(P10-19) 25/2/99, 21:2411

4

5

VHF/UHF OUT (TV) Jack - Used to output VHF/UHF

4.

or CATV signals to a TV.

3/4 Channel Selector Switch - Selects the channel

5.

through which the VCR outputs its signal to a TV.

AC Power Cord - Connect to a 120V 60Hz outlet.

6.

11

REMOTE CONTROL

1

2

3
4

5
6

7
8

9
10
11
12
13

DESCRIPTION OF BUTTONS

1.

POWER button - Turns the VCR power on and off.

2.

Direct Channel Selection buttons (0-9) - Allow direct

access to any channel.

3.

CALL button - Displays the present time/day of the week,

channel, counter, speed selection and VCR mode on
the TV screen.

4.

INPUT SELECT button - Switches the program for

viewing between the VCR and an external input source.

5.

SLOW button - Press to play back a tape in slow

motion or to advance the tape one frame at a time
during still playback.

6.

REC/OTR button - Press once to start normal recording.

Additional presses activate One-touch Timer Recording

7.

PLAY button - Press to play a prerecorded tape.

8.

REW button - In the STOP mode, this button rapidly

winds the tape backwards. In the PLAY mode, this button
activates Reverse Search.

9.

STOP button - Press once to stop the tape.

10.

SPEED (SP/LP/SLP) selector button - Sets the tape

speed for recording.

11.

MENU button - Press to display the on-screen menu

function.

12.

SET +/– buttons - Used to set the clock, timer recording,

auto repeat, language and noise mute.

13.

AUTO/Manual TRACKING buttons - Allow automatic

or manual adjustment of tracking to minimize picture
noise during playback.

POWER EJECT

123

456

7809

CALL

REC/OTR

SPEED

MENU SET

AUTO

TV/VCR

SLOW

PLAY

STOP

–+

SET

TRACKING

–+

SKIP

CLOCK/

SEARCH

COUNTER

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

14

CHANNEL

+

–

15

16

COUNTER RESETINPUT SELECT

PAUSE/STILL

F.FWDREW

17

18

19

ENTER

CANCEL

TIMER REC

20
21

22

23

24

EJECT button - Press to eject the tape.
CHANNEL ▲ / ▼ buttons - Used to select a channel

for viewing or recording.
TV/VCR selector button - Switches between TV
and VCR.
COUNTER RESET button - Resets the Real Time
Counter to 00:00:00.
PAUSE/STILL button - During recording, this button
temporarily stops the tape. The "

" will appear on the
screen. During playback, it stops the tape and displays
a still image on the TV screen.
F. FWD button - In the STOP mode, this button rapidly
winds the tape forward. In the PLAY mode, this button
activates Forward Search.
ENTER button - Used to enter information for timer
recording, auto repeat, language and clock setting.
CANCEL button - Used to clear the selected timer
recording program.
TIMER REC button - Used to set the VCR to start
recording at a preset time.
CLOCK/COUNTER selector button - Switches
beyween the clock and the Real time tape counter.
SKIP SEARCH button - Press in playback mode to search
forward trough approximately 60 seconds of tape.

12

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