RCA 27F634T Service Manual
rca.com
User’s Guide
Changing Entertainment. Again.
Model 27F634T is pictured here.
Find Inside:
• Connecting .............. page 4
• Remote Control ...... page 9
• KidPass ..................... page 22
• Favorite Channel .... page 31
• Troubleshooting ..... page 37
Important Information
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified service personnel.
This symbol indicates “dangerous voltage“ inside
the product that presents a risk of electric shock or
personal injury.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric
shock, do not expose this product to
rain or moisture.
The apparatus shall not be exposed
to dripping or splashing and no
objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, should be placed on the
apparatus.
This symbol indicates that this product incorporates double insulation
between hazardous mains voltage and user accessible parts. When servicing
use only identical replacement parts.
This symbol indicates important instructions
accompanying the product.
Refer to the identification/rating label located on the back panel of your product for
its proper operating voltage.
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment
may void the user’s authority to operate it.
Caution: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
Caution: Using video games or any external accessory with fixed images for
extended periods of time can cause them to be permanently imprinted on the
picture tube (or projection TV picture tubes). ALSO, some network/program logos,
phone numbers, black borders (sides, top and bottom), etc. may cause similar
damage. This damage is not covered by your warranty.
Cable TV Installer: This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article 820-40
of the National Electrical Code (Section 54 of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1)
which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the
cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to
the point of cable entry as practical.
Important Stand and Base Safety Information
Choose the location for your TV carefully. Place the TV on a stand or base that is of
adequate size and strength to prevent the TV from being accidentally tipped over,
pushed off, or pulled off. This could cause personal injury and/or damage the TV.
Refer to the Important Safety Instructions on page 1.
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card (packed separately) and return it immediately. For US customers: Your RCA Consumer
Electronics product may also be registered at www.rca.com/productregistration. Registering this product allows us to contact you
if needed.
Product Information
Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of purchase. Attach it here and record the serial and
model numbers in case you need them. These numbers are located on the product.
Model No. _________________ Serial No. _____________________Purchase Date: ________________________
Dealer/Address/Phone: __________________________________________________________________________
Important Information
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read before operating equipment
1.
Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding
type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the
other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or third prong are provided for your safety.
When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched,
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
15. This product may contain lead and mercury. Disposal of these
16. Damage Requiring Service - The appliance should be serviced by
Note to the Cable TV system installer: This reminder is provided to call the Cable TV system installer’s attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC
(Section 54 of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1) 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.
manufacturer.
the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used,
use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.
long periods of time.
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such
as if the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, or if the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally,
or has been dropped.
materials may be regulated due to environmental considerations.
For disposal or recycling information, please contact your local
authorities or the Electronic Industries Alliance (www.eiae.org).
qualified service personnel when:
A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged;
B. Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the appliance;
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain;
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a
marked change in performance;
E. The appliance has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.
17. Tilt/Stability - All televisions must comply with recommended
international global safety standards for tilt and stability proper ties
of its cabinet design.
• Do not compromise these design standards by applying
excessive pull force to the front, or top, of the cabinet, which could
ultimately overturn the product.
• Also, do not endanger yourself, or children, by placing electronic
equipment/toys on the top of the cabinet. Such items could
unsuspectingly fall from the top of the set and cause product
damage and/or personal injury.
18. Power Lines - An outdoor antenna should be located away from
power lines.
19. Outdoor Antenna Grounding - If an outside antenna is connected
to the receiver, be sure the antenna 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 No. 70-
1984, 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 connectors, location of
antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and
requirements for the grounding electrode. See Figure below.
20. Object and Liquid Entry - Care should be taken so that objects
do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through
openings.
21. Battery usage CAUTION - To prevent battery leakage that may
result in bodily injury, property damage, or damage to the unit:
• Install all batteries correctly, with + and - aligned as marked on
the unit.
• Do not mix batteries (old and new or carbon and alkaline, etc.).
• Remove batteries when the unit is not used for a long time.
22. Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no
objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the
apparatus.
Example of Antenna Grounding
as per NEC - National Electrical Code
ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT
GROUND CLAMP
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)
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Connections & Setup
Things to Consider Before You Connect ......................................................................... 4
Protect Against Power Surges .................................................................................... 4
Protect Devices from Overheating ............................................................................4
Position Cables Properly to Avoid Audio Interference ............................................. 4
Use Indirect Light ........................................................................................................ 4
Getting a Signal ................................................................................................................5
Using the Antenna Input ...........................................................................................5
Using the Cable Input ................................................................................................. 5
Choose Your Connection ..................................................................................................
Y Pb Pr Connection ..................................................................................................... 6
S-Video Connect
Plug in the TV .................................................................................................................... 9
Put batteries in the Remote ............................................................................................. 9
How to Use the Remote Control to Complete the Initial Setup ....................................
Turn on the TV ...................................................................................................................
Complete the Initial Setup .............................................................................................10
Choose the Menu Language .................................................................................... 10
Tuning to a Channel ................................................................................................. 10
Using the INPUT Button .................................................................................................. 12
Explanation of Jacks ....................................................................................................... 13
The Front of Your TV ......................................................................................................
ion ..........................................................................................................8
14
6
9
9
Chapter 2: Using the TV Features
Front Buttons ............................................................................................................15
Side View Buttons ..................................................................................................... 15
Channel Banner ............................................................................................................... 16
Parental Controls and V-Chip .........................................................................................
How V-Chip Works .................................................................................................... 17
Activate Parental Control ...............................................................................................
Resetting the Password ............................................................................................17
To Set V-Chip TV Programming Limits: .................................................................... 18
The V-Chip Rating Screen ......................................................................................... 18
Blocking Age-Based Ratings ....................................................................................18
Blocking Specific Content Themes ........................................................................... 19
Blocking USA V-Chip Movie Ratings ........................................................................ 20
Blocking Canadian V-Chip Movie Ratings ............................................................... 21
V-Chip Exempt Program Block ................................................................................. 21
Activate KidPass ........................................................................................................ 22
Block Channel ........................................................................................................... 22
Front Panel Lock ....................................................................................................... 23
Change Your Password ............................................................................................. 23
17
17
2
Table of Contents
Chapter 3: Using the TV’s Menu System
Sound Menu .................................................................................................................... 24
Picture Menu ...................................................................................................................
Setup Menu ..................................................................................................................... 27
Parental Control Menu ..................................................................................................
Time Menu .......................................................................................................................33
Notepad Menu ................................................................................................................ 34
Chapter 4: Other Information
USA V-Chip Rating System ............................................................................................. 35
Canadian English V-Chip Rating System .......................................................................
Canadian French V-Chip Rating System ........................................................................
Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................................
Limited Warranty ............................................................................................................
Care and Cleaning ...........................................................................................................
FCC Information .............................................................................................................. 42
26
32
35
36
37
39
41
3
Chapter 1: Connections & Setup
Things to Consider Before You Connect
Protect Against Power Surges
• Connect all devices before you plug any of their power cords into the wall outlet.
• Turn off the TV and/or device before you connect or disconnect any cables.
• Using a surge protector can help prevent damage to your TV from electrical power surges. In
case of lightning, unplug your TV.
• Make sure all antennas and cables are properly grounded. Refer to the Important Safety
Instructions packed separately.
Protect Devices from Overheating
• Don’t block ventilation holes on any of the devices. Arrange the devices so that air can
circulate freely.
• Don’t stack devices.
• If you place devices in a stand, make sure you allow adequate ventilation.
• If you connect an audio receiver or amplifier, place it on the top shelf so the heated air from
it won’t flow around other devices. Position Cables Properly to Avoid Audio Interference
Position Cables Properly to Avoid Audio Interference
• Insert each cable firmly into the designated jack.
• If you place devices above the TV, route all cables down the side of the back of the TV
instead of straight down the middle of the TV.
• If your antenna uses 300-ohm twin lead cables, do not coil the cables. Also, keep the twin
lead cables away from audio/video cables.
Use Indirect Light
Don’t place the TV where sunlight or room lighting will be directed toward the screen. Use soft
or indirect lighting.
4
(DIGITAL
ANTENNA)
DTV ANT
(ANTENNA
INPUT)
(DIGITAL
ANTENNA)
DTV ANT
TV ANT
Connections & Setup
Getting a Signal
Your TV is capable of receiving both off-air (via an antenna) digital signals and cable/analog
signals. The off-air digital signal can be used by both high definition and standard definition TVs,
like this set. The off-air digital signal picture that you receive will be superior to an analog signal.
You may experience a delay of several seconds before digital off-air pictures appear, both when
you first turn on the digital signals and when you change channels. This is normal.
Using the Antenna Input
Connect a coaxial cable from an off-air antenna to the DTV ANT jack (top) to receive off-air digital channels.
Jack Used What You Need What you need to know...
Coaxial cable
Digital (off-air) signals can only enter this
TV through the top RF jack.
If you need help deciding what type of
Indoor OR
antenna to use, go to antennaweb.org.
By entering where you live, this mapping
Top INPUT
Outdoor Antenna
program tells you what local analog and
digital stations are available to you.
Using the Cable Input
Cable/analog signals can only enter this TV through the bottom RF jack.
Jack Used What You Need What you need to know...
Connect a coaxial cable from cable jack
to the TV ANT jack (bottom) to receive
cable channels.
If you wish, you can use this input to
connect a second antenna connection.
Bottom INPUT
Coaxial cable
Indoor OR
Outdoor Antenna
When using both of these jacks, use the ANTENNA button on the
remote to toggle between the off-air digital and cable/analog signals.
ANTENNA
button
Chapter 1 5
Graphics contained within this publication are for representation only.
(ANTENNA
INPUT)
VIDEO OUT
(OUTPUT)
(INPUT)
(DIGITAL
ANTENNA)
DTV ANT
TV AN
T
(
ANTENNA
INPUT
)
V
COMPONENT VIDEO
Y Pb Pr
VIDEO
INPUT
L R
AUDIO
VIDEO
OUTPUT
S-VIDEO
OUT
S-VIDEO
IN
L R
AUDIO
L R
AUDIO
VIDEO IN
(INPUT)
Connections & Setup
Choose Your Connection
There are several ways to connect your TV, depending on the devices you want to connect and
the quality of the signal you want to achieve. An excellent connection is achieved using
Y Pb Pr jacks. Connections will vary according to the types of outputs jacks each external device
can accommodate (i.e., DVD players usually have Y Pb Pr outputs but video game consoles do
not).
Y Pb Pr Connection
Back of TV
Go to page 5 for
instructions on
getting a signal.
DVD Player
2
3
6
INPUT
button
Connections & Setup
Viewing the Picture from the Connected Device
The device in this example, a DVD player, is connected to the TV’s Y Pb Pr and
VIDEO IN audio jacks. To view the DVD player:
1. Turn on the TV and the DVD player.
2. Use the INPUT button on the remote control to toggle through the Video Input
Channels until you see CVID displayed in the channel banner.
Connecting the Device
This connection allows you to connect a device that has Y Pb Pr jacks, for example, a
DVD player. If the device you are connecting also has S-Video or composite video, we
recommend you use the component video input for better quality.
The illustration on the previous page shows how to connect a DVD to your TV using
component (Y Pb Pr) and audio cables.
Using the example of a DVD player:
Component Video
cables (Y Pb Pr) are
color coded- Green,
Blue and Red
Audio cables are color
coded- Red= right audio;
white= left audio
1. Connect your cable and/or off-air antenna as described on page 5.
2. Connect your Y Pb Pr component video cables.
Connect three video grade cables to the Y Pb Pr jacks on the back of the TV and
to the Y Pb Pr outputs on the DVD player. Y Pb Pr cables are colored green, blue
and red. Just match the colors on the cables and Y Pb Pr jacks.
3. Connect your audio cables.
Connect the audio (white and red) cables to the VIDEO IN R and L Audio jacks on
the back of the TV and to the audio output jacks on the DVD player.
Just match
the colors.
Important - Y Pb Pr cables can only be used with the VIDEO IN audio jacks located
on the back of the TV. You cannot use any other input jacks on this TV for this
connection.
Chapter 1 7
L AUDIO R
S-VIDEO
H-PHONE
VIDEO
VIDEO
INPUT
L R
AUDIO
VIDEO
OUTPUT
S-VIDEO
OUT
S-VIDEO
IN
L R
AUDIO
L R
AUDIO
Connections & Setup
S-Video Connection
Side of TV
3
Go to page 5 for
instructions on
getting a signal.
2
Video Game Console
S-Video cable
Audio cables
Viewing the Picture from the Connected Device
The device in this example, a video game console, is connected to the TV’s S-Video and
audio jacks located on the side of the TV. To view the video game console:
1. Turn on the TV and the video game console.
2. Use the INPUT button on the remote control to toggle through the Video Input
INPUT
button
Channels until you see SVID displayed in the channel banner.
Connecting the Device
This connection allows you to connect a device, such as a video game console, that has an
S-Video jack. Refer to the illustration below which uses S-Video and audio cables.
Using the example of a video game console:
1. Connect your cable and/or off-air antenna as described on page 5.
2. Connect your S-Video cables.
S-Video cables fit into a special shaped jack which will be labeled S-Video. Connect the
S-Video cable to the jack on the side of the TV and the jack on the video game console.
3. Connect your audio cables.
Connect the audio (white and red) cables to the R and L Audio jacks on the side of the
TV and to the audio output jacks on the video game console. Just match the colors.
8
Connections & Setup
Plug in the TV
Plug the end of the power cord into a grounded wall outlet. Insert the plug completely into the
outlet.
Put batteries in the Remote
• Remove the battery compartment cover from the back of the remote by pushing down
and sliding off the cover.
• Insert 2 fresh “AA” batteries. Make sure the polarities (+ and -) are aligned correctly to the
diagram inside the battery compartment.
• Replace the cover.
How to Use the Remote Control to
Complete the Initial Setup
The technical term is “Navigation” - how you move through the
on-screen menus. The method is the same throughout the menu screens:
highlight your choice and select it.
OK button
Arrow
buttons
To highlight a menu item, press the arrow buttons on the remote to
highlight one of the items listed on the screen. Use the up or down
arrow button to move up or down. Use the right or left arrow button to
move right or left.
To select the item that you’ve highlighted, press OK.
Note: Highlighted means that the menu item stands out from
other menu items on the list (appears darker, brighter or a
different color).
Turn on the TV
Press ON•OFF on the remote, or press POWER on the TV’s front panel.
Chapter 1 9
Go Back
Auto Ch. Search ...
List & Labels ...
Closed Caption ...
Favorite CH ...
Language English...
Auto. format 4:3
SETUP
< >
Go Back
Signal Source Analog...
Analog Sig. Type Cable...
Start Running...
Channel 12
SETUP
< >
Go Back
Auto Ch. Search ...
List & Labels ...
Closed Caption ...
Favorite CH ...
Language English...
Auto. format 4:3
SETUP
< >
_12
012-1_ _
Connections & Setup
Complete the Initial Setup
The SETUP screen is the first screen you’ll see when you turn on the TV. (It is
located in the Main menu). This part of the SETUP allows the TV to search for
all channels viewable through your off-air digital antenna and your cable/analog
antenna connections. This is sometimes called auto programming.
1. In the SETUP menu, use the arrow buttons to select Auto Ch. Search. Then
press OK.
2. Press the right arrow button to scroll through the Signal Source (Digital,
Analog, Both).
3. With the Signal Source chosen, press the arrow down button to select Start
and press OK. AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH runs for several minutes as it finds
all the available channels.
4. Once the search is complete, you can begin watching TV. For information
on customizing your channels or menu options, go to Chapter 3.
Note: After you complete the Auto Channel Search you may see an
additional screen. “Time stored in the TV may be incorrect after a loss of
power. Please check the time in the Time menu” may appear, reminding
you that the time setting is incorrect. Go to page 33 for more information.
Cable channel
example entry
Digitalchannel
example entry
10
Choose the Menu Language
To set the language, use the arrow buttons to highlight Language. The default
language is English. To choose another language, press the right arrow button
on the remote.
Tuning to a Channel
Cable/analog station numbers display on your TV in a rectangle as you enter the numbers.
You can enter digits to access a channel. In the example below, you can enter 12 or 012 to
get the same channel. To enter a one-digit channel, such as channel 8, use two digits. For
example, enter 0 then 8. After entering the channel, press OK. The CLEAR button on the
remote clears all entries.
Digital off-air station numbers display in a larger rectangle that can contain up to six numbers.
Numbers to the left of the - (dash) are the main channel number; numbers to the right are the
subchannel numbers for stations that broadcast more than one signal. For example, if channel
12 is broadcasting subchannel signals, you would enter numbers that would access the other
signals. (example: 12-1, 12-2, 12-3). Press the right arrow to access the subchannel entry. Once
you’ve made all entries, press OK. The CLEAR button on the remote clears all entries.
Note: You may experience a delay of several seconds before digital off-air pictures
appear, both when you first turn on the digital signals and when you change channels.
This is normal.
Connections & Setup
SKIP 00:30
ANTENNA Toggles between the off-air digital channel source and the
cable/analog channel signal source. Refer to page 5 for a full description.
Arrow buttons (
to adjust the menu controls.
(0-9) Number buttons Enter channel numbers (refer to the previous page), time
settings (refer to page 33), labels (refer to page 28) and notepad messages (refer
to page 34).
CC Toggles closed captioning on and off when closed-caption menu option is
turned on.
CH + or CH - Scans up or down through all the available stations on either
your cable/analog or off-air digital connection. Press once to change the channel
up or down; press and hold to continuously change channels.
CLEAR Removes any menu or display from the screen and returns you to
normal TV viewing.
FAV (Favorite) Press to browse the channels in your
31 for more information.
GO BACK Returns you to the previous channel or menu.
INFO Brings up the channel banner. Press again to remove. Refer to page 16
for more information.
INPUT Toggles through the available Video Input Channels (VID1, CVID,
FRNT, SVID and current channel).
, , , ) Used to highlight different items in the TV menu and
Favorite List. Refer to page
MENU Brings up the MAIN MENU system.
MUTE Reduces the TV’s volume to its minimum level. Press again to restore
the volume.
OK When in the menu system, selects highlighted items.
ON•OFF Turns the TV on and off.
PRESETS Resets picture options to original factory settings.
SKIP Press once before changing channels; watch the screen for the
SKIP box (
will appear. Enter the new channel number. The TV will change to the new
channel and return to the original channel in 30 seconds. Press repeatedly to
add more time.
SLEEP Allows you to activate/deactivate the sleep timer by taking you to the
Sleep Timer menu. Refer to page 33.
SOUND Press to select one of the five sound settings when viewing
cable/analog antenna signals (Standard, Music, Speech, Theatre or Personal).
Refer to page 24 for more information.
VOL - or VOL + Decreases or increases the TV’s volume.
) to appear. Press the SKIP button again - 30 seconds
Chapter 1 11
Connections & Setup
Using the INPUT Button
Use the INPUT button to scroll through the available Video Input Channels to view
components you have connected to the TV.
1. Make sure the component you want to view is turned ON.
2. Press INPUT to tune to an available Video Input Channel and view the component.
3. To return to the previous channel, continue pressing INPUT.
12
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