RCA RV-9968 User Manual

USER'S
GUIDE

RV-9968
RV-9978

AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Information

This device generates and uses radio frequency (RF) energy, and if not installed and used properly, this
equipment may cause interference to radio and television reception.

This equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC
Rules. These rules are designed to provide reasonable protection against radio and television interference in a
residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in particular
installations.

If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception (which you can determine by turning
the equipment off and on), try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient the receiving antenna (that is, the antenna for the radio or television that is “receiving” the
interference).

• Move the unit away from the equipment that is receiving interference.

• Plug the unit into a different wall outlet so that the unit and the equipment receiving interference are on
different branch circuits.

If these measures do not eliminate the interference, please consult your dealer or an experienced radio/
television technician for additional suggestions.

Also, the Federal Communications Commission has prepared a helpful booklet, “How To Identify and Resolve
Radio TV Interference Problems.” This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402. Please specify stock number 004-000-00345-4 when ordering copies.

For Your Safety

The AC power plug is polarized (one blade is wider than the other) and only fits into AC power
outlets one way. If the plug won’t go into the outlet completely, turn the plug over and try to
insert it the other way. If it still won’t fit, contact a qualified electrician to change the outlet,
or use a different one. Do not attempt to bypass this safety feature.

For Your Records

In the event that service should be required, you may need both the model number and the serial number. In
the space below, record the date and place of purchase, and the serial number:

Model No. RV-9968/RV-9978
Remote Control No. CRK67G
Date of Purchase _____________________________________________
Place of Purchase ________________________________________________
Serial No. ____________________________________________________

Service Information

This product should be serviced only by those specially trained in appropriate servicing techniques. For
instructions on how to obtain service, refer to the warranty included in this Guide.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

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

SEE MARKING ON BOTTOM / BACK OF PRODUCT

THE EXCLAMATION
POINT WITHIN THE
TRIANGLE IS A
WARNING SIGN
ALERTING YOU OF
IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS
ACCOMPANYING
THE PRODUCT.

WARNING:

OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

TO PREVENT FIRE

THE LIGHTNING
FLASH AND ARROW­HEAD WITHIN THE
TRIANGLE IS A
WARNING SIGN
ALERTING YOU OF
"DANGEROUS
VOLTAGE" INSIDE
THE PRODUCT.

2

Table of Contents

first things first ................................................. 4

unpack the receiver.................................................................. 4

basic connections...................................................................... 4

connecting, placing & balancing the speakers ........ 5

connecting the antennas ................................................... 7

connecting for power ............................................................ 7

using headphones ..................................................................... 7

receiver controls & operations................... 8

general controls....................................................................... 8

display messages .......................................................................... 9

tuning the receiver .................................................................. 9

using swap audio ....................................................................... 10

connecting auxiliary components ........... 11

before you connect................................................................... 11

connecting a satellite receiver ........................................ 12

connecting complimentary components .................. 12

connecting a compact disc ................................................. 13

connecting a tape deck .......................................................... 13

Connecting a passive subwoofer ...................................... 13

The ultimate connection ..................................................... 14

using the universal remote control........ 16

battery installation................................................................ 16

basic controls.............................................................................. 16

programming the universal remote ............................. 19

remote tv codes ................................................... 22

remote vcr codes................................................. 23

remote audio & cable codes............................ 24

Care and Maintenance .................................... 25

Troubleshooting Tips .............................................................. 25

Care and Cleaning..................................................................... 25

equipment specifications....................................................... 25

index ......................................................................... 26

limited warranty............................................... 27

Canadian service ................................................ 28

3

first things first

ENTER

FWD

GO BACK¥DISC

PLAYLIST

SWAP
AUDIO

SKIP

D

V

D

S

A

T

•

C

A

B

LE

T

V

P

O

WE

R

V

CR

TAPE CD

AM•FM

PLAY

REV

STOP PAUSEREC

GUIDE•RDM

MUTE

C

H

+

V

O

L

V

O

L

C

H

-

123

654

78

9

0

INPUT•SEEK

ANTENNA

INFO

CLEAR

RESET•REP

MENU

MOVE

TV MENU

SWAP PIP

CTR MODE

PIP

SELECT

BY-PASS

LEVEL

REAR

CTR

•

DELAY

CH CTRL

S

U

R

R

O

U

N

D

–

+

L

D

¥

V

C

R

2

AUDIO

TV CD TAPE VCR

IN OUTIN OUTIN IN

L

R

VCR

IN OUT OUT

MONITOR

VIDEO

SUB

WOOFER

AUDIO

RECEIVER

TV

VCR

OUT TO TV

CH3
CH4

LR

IN FROM ANT

VIDEO

IN
OUT

S-VIDEO

AUDIO

CABLE /
ANTENNA

L /

MONO

RIGHT

VIDEO
INPUT

INOUT

Unpack the Receiver

REMOTE SENSORTUNINGPOWER

VOLUME

Unpack the receiver and locate all the accessories. You
should have:

• one receiver unit;

• one RCA Universal Remote Control

(CRK67G);

• two packs - one pair each - of AAA batteries;

• one audio cable (two wires) with red and

white RCA connectors;

• one video cable (single wire) with yellow RCA

connectors;

• one external, detachable FM T-type antenna;

• one external AM loop antenna;

• one instruction book;

• one owner registration/survey card;

• and one safety leaflet.

SPEAKERS PRESET SCAN AUTO

PHONES

remote

VIDEO

IN L R

TEST

CENTER

TONE

MODE

HALL3 STEREOPRO LOGIC

central unit

video cable

AM loop

TVVIDEOVCRTAPECDFM/AMBYPASS

MIN MAX

audio cable

FM T-type antenna

TREBLEBASSBALANCE

Basic connections

Assuming you have a VCR, the following steps will help
you quickly set up your new receiver. If you have more
electronic components, consult the table of contents or
index for the page on which to find the connection
description that best suits your situation.

*The wires and jacks have been color-coded to assist
you.

1. Using an audio wire with red and white
connectors, connect the audio “OUT” jack on the
back of your stereo VCR to the audio “IN” jack
under the VCR heading on the back of the receiver.

2. Using the video cable with yellow connectors,
connect the video “OUT” jack on the back of your
VCR to the “VIDEO IN” or “VIDEO INPUT” on the
back of your TV. If there are multiple video jacks
on the back of your TV, use “VIDEO 1.”

NOTE: If your TV has more than one video input, make
sure the VCR and VIDEO buttons tune the TV to the
same channel that the receiver monitor out is plugged
into. Refer to the TV’s user’s guide for more
information.

4

first things first

Connecting, Placing &
balancing The speakers

Connecting the wires

Each speaker - the two main, two surround and one
central - has a designated set of terminals on the back
panel of the central unit.

Uncoil the speaker wires and locate the bare ends.
Press and hold down on the tab to open the red
terminal, then insert the red (+) wire. Release hold to
close tab. Use the same procedure for black (-) wire
into black terminal.

WARNING: Be sure to follow these instructions
carefully. The system can be damaged if speakers are
improperly connected.

SETTING UP FOR SURROUND SOUND

THE main SPEAKERS

The two main speakers should be set between six and
10 feet apart. Putting the speakers any closer or any
farther apart may result in distorted sound.

The speakers should also form a 45 degree angle to
the central listening point in the room, creating a
triangle of listening enjoyment.

NOTE: You may need to place the main speakers closer
together when not utilizing the center speaker. Do
not place them so close, however, that their
magnetic fields affect the TV’s reception.

2

3

THE CENTER SPEAKER

For optimal performance, you should try to place the
center speaker as close as possible to the same height
as the left and right main speakers. You should also
try to align all three speakers, or set the center
speaker slightly behind the left and right mains.
However, you should never place the center speaker
forward of the left and right mains, as this will distort
the sound for those listeners not seated in the center
of the room.

THE surround speakers

Placement of the surround speakers for optimal
performance is truly subject to the size and type of
room in which the system is to be placed.

The following are a few position suggestions.

1. Set the speakers on the side walls, facing each
other, approximately two to three feet above the
listeners head.

CENTER SPEAKER (8Ω)

SURROUND SOUND

AUDIO

RECEIVER

SPEAKER

CENTER CHANNEL

SPEAKER

MAIN SPEAKERS
(8Ω)

R

R

R

REAR SPEAKERS (16 Ω)

L

L

SURROUND SOUND

SPEAKER

5

First Things First

2. Aim the speakers directly at the two main
speakers, matching height to height. If the room is
sparsely decorated, it may be necessary to slightly
tilt the speakers down to increase sound
quality. If the room is densely decorated, it may be
necessary to face the speakers toward the rear
wall or at the ceiling.

3. Mount the speakers up on the ceiling. Set them a
few feet wide of the listeners and make sure they
are facing one another, not the floor.

Obviously there are many more possible positions, so it
may be necessary to simply experiment to find the
right balance for your situation.

SUBWOOFER

Before you begin, make sure that the subwoofer is
turned off and unplugged.

Connect your A/V receiver to the subwoofer as shown.

NOTE: A receiver with a single output should be
connected to the input labeled LOW-LEVEL INPUT.

SUBWOOFER

LOW-LEVEL
INPUT

RECEIVER

SUBWOOFER

OUT

Balancing your speakers

Your system is equipped with *, which
enables you to reproduce sound effects as they were
intended. But to do so, the speakers must be correctly
balanced.

To balance the speakers using the Test Tone, all
speakers must be connected to your receiver. Your
receiver must be in the Dolby Pro Logic Surround
Mode.

1. Press the TEST TONE button on the receiver front
panel. The receiver generates a “pink noise” and
applies it automatically at two-second intervals to
the left main channel, center channel, right main
channel and left and right rear channels
(simultaneously), in that order.

2. As the pink noise is generated, go to the spot in
the room where you are most likely to be when
listening to your system. The rear surround and
center speakers should be adjusted to equal the
level of output from the left and right main
speakers.

3. Make adjustments by pressing the REAR•CTR
button, and then the +/- button on your remote
control. The output from the selected speaker(s) is
adjusted accordingly.

A SAMPLE SET Up FOR SURROUNd
SOUND ENJOYMENT

Main

Left

Rear

Left

Center

TV

Main

Right

Rear

Right

Subwoofer

Opt.

* Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby, the double-D symbol ( ) and

“ Pro Logic” are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

6

First Things First

Each time you press the + or - button on your
remote control to adjust a channel, the receiver
provides you with two more seconds of pink noise
to that channel before moving on to the next.

4. Press the TEST TONE button again to end the test.
You may not need to check or adjust these levels again

unless you move your system, rearrange the speakers,
or change your preferred seating location in the room.

Connecting the
antennas

The AM and FM antennas connect to the AM and FM
terminals on the system’s back panel. They must be
hooked up for you to receive clear reception.

Uncoil the antenna wires and locate the bare ends.
Press down on the tab to open the terminal and insert
the wire. Snap the tab closed.

After connecting the antennas, extend them to their
full length and adjust their positioning for better
reception.

Sit Back and Listen ...

Fine tuning is best performed with the remote
control so that adjustments can be made from the
viewing or listening area.

ANTENNA

FM

AM
LOOP

Connecting for power

Make sure you connect all your other electronic
components and your speakers before plugging your
receiver into the outlet.

Plug the power cord in the wall outlet, matching the
wide blade of the plug with the wide slot in the outlet.
Be sure to insert the plug completely.

Using headphones

To listen privately through your audio system, use the
PHONES jack to the right of the volume dial on the
receiver.

NOTE: Headphones are not included.

Have a blast - Just not in your
ears!

Make sure you turn down the volume
before you put on the headphones.
Increase the volume to the desired level
after headphones are in place.

7

receiver controls & operations

REMOTE SENSORTUNINGPOWER

SPEAKERS PRESET SCAN AUTO

TEST

CENTER

TONE

MODE

PHONES

VIDEO

IN L R

HALL3 STEREOPRO LOGIC

general controls

POWER STAND BY/ON

The POWER STANDBY/ON button activates or
deactivates the system. When the system is activated,
the unit will default to the last mode it was in before
power was removed.

TUNING DOWN/UP

The TUNING DOWN/UP buttons allow you to scan the
active frequency for the radio station of your choice.

SPEAKERS

The SPEAKERS button allows to activate/deactivate
your speakers, giving you more control over the
customizing of your listening.

PRESET SCAN

The PRESET SCAN button allows you easy access for up
to 30 preset radio stations.

AUTO

The AUTO button allows you to select auto or manual
tuning.

BALANCE

The BALANCE dial allows you to manually adjust the
balance of sound coming from your speakers.

BASS

The BASS dial allows you to manually adjust the
amount of bass the unit emits.

TREBLE

The TREBLE dial allows you to manually adjust the
amount of treble the unit emits.

VOLUME

TVVIDEOVCRTAPECDFM/AMBYPASS

MIN MAX

TREBLEBASSBALANCE

FUNCTION Buttons

The function buttons include CD, TAPE, FM/AM, TV,
VCR, VIDEO.

TEST TONE

The TEST TONE button can only be used in the Dolby
Pro Logic mode. This feature allows you to balance
your speakers as they emit a sound, called a “pink
noise,” in the left, center, right and surround channels
sequentially for two seconds each.

NOTE: This process is explained more in-depth in
“Balancing Your Speakers,” page 4.

CENTER MODE

The CENTER MODE button allows you to select the
Normal, Phantom or Wide mode. These modes are only
available when Dolby Pro Logic or Dolby 3 Stereo are
activate.

NORMAL

The Normal mode can be activated in both Pro
Logic and 3 Stereo. This mode takes the low bass
frequencies from the center channel and
distributes them to the left and right main
speakers to maintain the program’s original
integrity.

PHANTOM

The Phantom mode can only be reached while the
Pro Logic mode is active. It uses the two main
speakers and the two surround speakers. The
center speaker is off and the sound that usually
comes from it is distributed through the left
and right main speakers.

8

receiver controls & operations

WIDE

The WIDE mode can be activated in both the Pro
Logic and the 3 Stereo modes. This mode utilizes
just the three front speakers - left main, right main
and center - with all audio delivered through the
center speaker. The center speaker
will reproduce the same bass levels as the left and
right main speakers.

SURROUND MODE

Included in the SURROUND MODE category are Dolby
Pro Logic, Dolby 3 Stereo, Hall and Bypass.

DOLBY PRO LOGIC

The Pro Logic mode uses all five speakers so the
sound envelopes the room.

DOLBY 3 STEREO

The 3 Stereo mode uses the two main and one
center speaker.

DISPLAY MESSAGES

HALL

The Hall mode recreates the effect of listening to a
concert or watching a play from inside a music
hall. It utilizes the main and surround speakers.

BYPASS

The Bypass mode utilizes just the main speakers.

MASTER VOLUME

The Master Volume dial allows you to adjust the level
of audio output.

PHONES

The receiver has been equipped with a Phones jack.
Plug your headphones - not included - into the jack
and listen to your favorite media in private.

The following is an example of all the display messages you may encounter while using your receiver. Specific
messages are referenced within the section(s) they apply.

DOLBY SURROUND
P R O • L O G I C
DOLBY 3 STEREO

CENTER MODE

NORMAL WIDE PHANTOM
HALL

TUNED

FM
AM

BYPASS

Tuning the Receiver

STEREO

Auto Tuning

MEMORYMUTE PRESET

MHz
kHz

AUTO
DELAY
TIME
REAR
CENTER

SPEAKERS OFF

mS
dB
ch

Use the AUTO feature to automatically search for

1. Push the FM/AM button on the receiver (or the
AM•FM button on the remote) to activate the
tuner.

2. Press the FM/AM button on the receiver (or the
AM•FM button on the remote) again to select the
FM or AM band.

stations of sufficient strength.
Press AUTO on your receiver (or the INPUT•SEEK

button on your remote) to put the receiver into AUTO
mode. “AUTO” appears in the display. Press TUNING
up or down button on the receiver to search. The tuner
finds and stops on the next station whose frequency is
strong enough to be received. To continue the search,

Tuning

press TUNING up or down button again.

Press the FF on your remote button to move up the AM
or FM band.

Press the REW button on your remote to move down
the AM or FM band.

Storing Stations in Memory

You can store up to 30 AM and FM stations. These
stations can be stored in random order.

9

receiver controls & operations

To Store a Station

1. Press the FM/AM button on the receiver (or the
AM•FM button on the remote) to turn on the
receiver.

2. Select the band—FM or AM.

3. Select the station you want to store in memory
using the methods described above.

4. Press the MENU-SELECT button on the remote.
“MEMORY” blinks in the display. While
“MEMORY” is blinking, press number buttons on
the remote for the station.

For stations 1, 2 or 3 press 0, then press 1, 2, or 3.
For stations 4 through 30, press the numbers
directly.

If the Memory indicator on the display turns off
before you preset your station selection, press
MENU-SELECT again.

If the receiver is disconnected from its power
source, the preset stations are maintained in
memory for up to 7 days.

To Play a Preset Station

Press the appropriate Preset Stations number. For
stations 1, 2 or 3 press 0, then press 1, 2, or 3. For
stations 4 through 30, press the numbers directly.

Or, press CH + on your remote to tune to the next
preset station or CH - to tune to the previous preset
station.

Preset Scanning

Use the PRESET SCAN button on the receiver’s front
panel to review the preset stations stored in the
tuner’s memory. “PRESET” and the station’s location in
memory appear in the display. The tuner automatically
scans all preset stations in order, pausing at each one
for approximately 5 seconds.

When the tuner reaches the station you want, press
PRESET SCAN to stop the scanning. If the scan is not
interrupted, the tuner reviews all preset stations in
order, stopping at the point where the scan began.

Using Swap Audio

To Use Swap Audio

When you are watching TV and turn on PIP, you can
turn on another video source and swap the sound from
the large picture coming from the TV to the small
picture coming from the other video source.

1. Press TV on the remote to turn on the TV and put
the receiver in TV mode.

2. Press the PIP button. The empty PIP appears on the
screen.

3. Activate a video source for the PIP. The picture
from the video source appears in the PIP.

4. Press TV.

5. Change to the TV channel you want to watch on
the
large screen.

6. Press SWAP AUDIO to swap the sound between the
large picture and the small picture.

7. To swap the video between the large picture and
the small picture, use the SWAP PIP button on the
remote.

If you swap the TV picture to the PIP and the other
video source to the large picture, you may not be
able to swap
the audio.

To Change the Video Source and
swap the audio

If you want to change the video source for the PIP and want to
be able to use SWAP AUDIO:

1. Turn off PIP.

2. Change the video source to another video
component connected to the receiver.

3. Press TV to watch the TV.

4. Press PIP. The video source appears in the PIP. The
video from the TV appears in the large picture.

5. Press SWAP AUDIO to swap the audio as you want.

The Swap Audio feature may not work with all TV
brands with the PIP feature.

If your TV has a PIP feature, see the TV’s user’s guide
for instructions for using it.

Swap audio lets you change the sound from the large
picture to the small picture when you are watching TV
and using picture-in-picture (PIP) with an external
video source.

10

connecting auxiliary components

ANTENNA

FM

VIDEO

VCR

MONITOR

AM
LOOP

TV CD TAPE VCR

L

R

AUDIO

IN OUT OUT

IN OUTIN OUTIN IN

SUB

WOOFER

MAIN SPEAKERS (8Ω)

+--+

R

+

R

REAR SPEAKERS (16Ω)

L

-

-

L

SPEAKER(8Ω)

+

- +

before you connect...

• Protect components from power surges.

• Connect all components before plugging any
power cords into the wall outlet.

• Always turn off the receiver and/or components
before you connect or disconnect any cables.

• Always make sure the color-coded plugs match the
color of the terminals in which they are inserted.
The connection cable plugs and jacks are color­coded as follows:

Speaker Terminals Red for positive (+) terminals.
Black for negative (-) terminals.

RCA Phono Type Terminals Red for the right (R)
channel. White for the left (L) channel.
Yellow for the video (V). Black for the subwoofer.
(Not Included)

• Some units may be supplied with connection plugs
that are color coded red and black
instead of red and white. In this case, the black
plug takes the place of the white plug.

• Contact Consumer Relations if you have questions
concerning the connections or components.

AC-120V 60Hz

CENTER

Position cables correctly to avoid
audio hum or interference

• Insert all cable plugs firmly into their jacks.

• Place audio/video cables to the sides of the
receiver’s back panel instead of straight down
the middle after you connect the components.

• Try not to coil any power cables and keep them
away from the audio/video cables as
much as possible.

• Make sure all antennas and cables are properly
grounded. Refer to the Safety Tips sheet
packed with your receiver.

Protect your components from over­heating

• Do not block ventilation holes in any component.
Arrange the components so that air can
circulate freely.

• Do not stack components directly on top of each
other.

• Allow adequate ventilation when placing your
components in a stand.

• Place an amplifier near the top shelf of the stand
so heating air rising from it will not
flow around other components. If you have a
satellite receiver, you should place it on
the top shelf.

11

connecting auxiliary components

connecting a satellite receiver

Using a paired (red/white) stereo cable, a single
(yellow) video cable and two coaxial cables, connect
your new audio receiver to your satellite receiver as
shown to the right.

To watch TV programs in stereo after connection,
press TV and tune to the desired channel. To watch
satellite programming, press SAT•CABLE and tune to
the desired channel.

NOTE: Do not stack electronic components or other
objects on top of the satellite receiver. The slots on
top of the receiver must be left uncovered to allow
proper airflow to the unit. Blocking the airflow to the

RECEIVER

unit could impair performance or damage your
receiver and other components. Also, do not stack the
satellite receiver on top of a “hot component,” such as
an audio power amplifier.

RCA DSS

RECEIVER

AUDIO

L

PHONES

VIDEOR

AUDIO

SPEAKERS PRESET SCAN AUTO

VIDEO

IN L R

TO TV S-VIDEO

S-VIDEO

REMOTE SENSORTUNINGPOWER

IN FROM ANT

OUT TO TV

CENTER
MODE

HALL3 STEREOPRO LOGIC

SATELLITE

TEST
TONE

SATELLITE DISH

CH3
CH4

IN

VOLUME

MIN MAX

TVVIDEOVCRTAPECDFM/AMBYPASS

TREBLEBASSBALANCE

TV

S-VIDEO

TV CD TAPE VCR

L

R

PHONES

COMPLIMENTARY
COMPONENT

VIDEO
INPUT

RIGHT

INOUT

AUDIO

L /

MONO

IN OUT OUT

IN OUTIN OUTIN IN

AUDIO

REMOTE SENSORTUNINGPOWER

SPEAKERS PRESET SCAN AUTO

VIDEO

IN L R

VIDEO

L

R

AUDIO

connecting complimentary
components

CABLE /
ANTENNA

VIDEO

VCR

MONITOR

SUB

WOOFER

VOLUME

TEST

CENTER

TONE

MODE

HALL3 STEREOPRO LOGIC

TVVIDEOVCRTAPECDFM/AMBYPASS

MIN MAX

TREBLEBASSBALANCE

You can connect a laserdisc player, second VCR or
camcorder/video recorder to the VIDEO connection.

Using a paired (red/white) stereo cable and two single
(yellow) video cables, connect your new audio receiver
to the complimentary component as shown to the
right.

To play laserdiscs or videos, press the LD•VCR2 and
then play.

NOTES: When using this connection for a second VCR,
the recording option is not available.

If your camcorder or video camera does not have an
RCA-type terminal for audio/video, you can purchase
an adapter from an RCA dealer or electronic parts
store.

If the video connection is being used when you try to
hook up your video recorder or camcorder, connect
the component through any other available video
output.

12

connecting auxiliary components

AUDIO

TV CD TAPE VCR

IN OUTIN OUTIN IN

L

R

VCR

IN OUT OUT

MONITOR

VIDEO

SUB

WOOFER

AUDIO

RECEIVER

CD

PLAYER

LR

connecting a compact disc
player

Using one paired (red/white) stereo cable, connect
your new receiver to your compact disc player as
shown to the right.

To play a CD, press CD, put the receiver in CD mode
and press PLAY.

NOTE: The AUDIO SOURCE connection can be used as
input for any stereo audio signal.

TAPE

DECK

AUDIO

RECEIVER

IN OUT

L

RLR

TV CD TAPE VCR

L

R

AUDIO

VIDEO

VCR

MONITOR

IN OUT OUT

IN OUTIN OUTIN IN

SUB

WOOFER

connecting a Tape DECK

Using two paired (red/white) stereo cables, connect
your new receiver to your tape deck as shown in the
diagram to the right.

To play a tape, press TAPE and then PLAY. To record a
tape, turn on the audio source you want to record
from and then press RECORD on the tape player.

Connecting a passive subwoofer

Should you choose to use a passive subwoofer, the
hook up is slightly different from that of a powered
one.

If necessary, remove the vinyl covering from the ends
of the wires and twist the wire. Press down and hold
the tab on the back of the speaker. Insert the wire in
the hole, matching (+) to (+) and (-) to (-). Release the
tab and pull the wire gently to make sure it is securely
connected

Speaker

+

A/V Receiver
or Television

_

+

R

+

R

_

+

R

Subwoofer

_

+

L

_

_

+

L

_

_

+

L

Speaker

+

_

13

connecting auxiliary components

the ultimate connection

Should you choose to utilize your new receiver to its fullest potential by running all your audio components
through it, you will need purchase additional connectors. How many and what kind is purely situational.

The following is a complete description of all the jacks on the back of the receiver and how they can be utilized
to provide greater enjoyment. Remember when connecting audio and video cables that, in addition to being
color-coded for connection accuracy, RIGHT jacks always connect to RIGHT jacks and LEFT to LEFT, but IN jacks
connect to OUT jacks and OUT jacks connect to IN.

NOTE: Please be advised the jacks are given generalized names and locations. Your TV/VCR/cable box/satellite
receiver/ etc. might have a different configuration of jacks with different names. The diagrams below are
outlined in the simplest possible detail.

Step 1: Connecting your
sa tellite/cable receiver

Connect the “OUT” jack on your cable/satellite
receiver box to the “IN FROM ANTENNA” jack on the
back of your VCR.

Then connect the “OUT to TV” jack on the back of
your VCR to the “CABLE/ANTENNA” jack on the back
of your TV.

AUDO
RECEIVER

IN FROM ANT

OUT TO TV

VCR

CH3
CH4

TV CD TAPE VCR

L

R

AUDIO

IN

OUT

OUT INVIDEO

VIDEO

VCR

MONITOR

IN OUT OUT

IN OUTIN OUTIN IN

L

R

VCR

CABLE

BOX

IN

OUT

VIDEO

TV

IN OUT

IN
OUT

OUT

L
R

AUDIO

OR ANTENNA

IN FROM ANT

OUT TO TV

R

L

VIDEO
INPUT

CABLE /
ANTENNA

CH3
CH4

STEP 2: Connecting
your VCR to the receiver

Using video cables, connect the video VCR “IN” and
“OUT” jacks on the back of your receiver to the “OUT”
and “IN” video jacks on the back of your VCR.

Using audio cables, connect the right and left “IN” and
“OUT” audio VCR jacks on the back of your receiver to
the right and left “IN” and “OUT” jacks on the back of
your VCR.

14

connecting auxiliary components

Step 3: Connecting your receiver
to your TV

Using audio cables, connect the left and right “OUT”
audio jacks on the back of your TV to the TV audio
jacks on the back of your receiver.

CABLE

BOX

IN
OUT

OR ANTENNA

AUDIO

RECEIVER

TV CD TAPE VCR

L

R

AUDIO

TV

VIDEO

VCR

MONITOR

IN OUT OUT

IN OUTIN OUTIN IN

OUT

R

AUDIO

L

SUB

WOOFER

VIDEO
INPUT

CABLE /
ANTENNA

IN
OUT

LR

VIDEO

RIGHT

AUDIO

AUDIO

L /

MONO

S-VIDEO

TV CD TAPE VCR

L

R

VIDEO
INPUT

INOUT

VIDEO

VCR

MONITOR

IN OUT OUT

IN OUTIN OUTIN IN

IN FROM ANT

OUT TO TV

CABLE /
ANTENNA

TV

VCR

CH3
CH4

when you’re all connected....

When you’re all finished connecting your basic
components together, you’ll have quite a mess of wires
back there.

Add to this a tape deck, laserdisc player and second
VCR and you can imagine the confusion. Just be
patient and follow each component’s user’s guide and

AUDO
RECEIVER

you’ll be rewarded with excellent audio and hours of
top quality entertainment.

15

using the universal remote control

battery installation

The remote control operates on four batteries,
included with your system. Install them before
attempting to operate the remote.

1. Slide the battery compartment cover off the back
of the remote.

2. Insert 4 AAA batteries, matching the + and - ends
of each battery with the symbols in the
compartment.

3. Replace the cover.

O

P

R

WE

AM•FM

REV

CR

V

R

C

V

¥

D

L

TAPE CD

PLAY

STOP PAUSEREC

A

S

T

•

C

A

B

LE

T

V

2

D

V

D

FWD

Basic Controls

Your remote control is capable of operating most RCA
audio and video equipment. To use the remote control
effectively, always aim it directly at your receiver.

POWER Turns the AM/FM receiver off with two
presses. If you have multiple components turned on
and not the AM/FM receiver, pressing POWER once
turns off the last component turned on. Pressing
POWER again quickly turns off all other components.

VOL UP and DOWN Increases or decreases the
volume.

MUTE Turns off the receiver’s sound. Press again to
restore the sound.

Receiver Controls

AM•FM Activates the tuner and toggles between the
AM band and the FM band.

CTR MODE Changes the Center mode when using
Dolby Pro Logic Surround or Dolby 3 Stereo surround
modes. Press once and the current mode appears. Press
again to change the mode.

GUIDE•RDM

L

O

V

MUTE

1

4

C

C

2

5

78

INPUT•SEEK

0

CLEAR

INFO

MENU

MOVE

SELECT

PIP

PLAYLIST

BY-PASS

–

SWAP

AUDIO

+

H

H

-

3
6
9

ANTENNA

RESET•REP

+

CTR

•

REAR

LEVEL

SKIP

ENTER

V

O

L

GO BACK¥DISC

DELAY

CH CTRL

TV MENU

SWAP PIP

CTR MODE

S

U

D

R

N

R

U

O

16

using the universal remote control

DELAY/CH CTRL Selects the amount of Surround
Sound delay between the main and rear speakers.
Choose from 15, 20 or 30 milliseconds. Press once and
the current setting appears. Press again to change the
setting.

SURROUND Lets you select a Surround Mode: Dolby
Pro Logic Surround, Dolby 3 Stereo or Hall. Press once
to turn on the surround mode last selected. Press
again to change
the mode.

SWAP AUDIO Swaps the audio only from the large
picture to the small picture when you are watching TV
and using picture-in-picture (PIP).

Surround Sound Level Controls

+ Increases the volume in rear and center speakers.
– Decreases the volume in rear and center speaker.
BYPASS Turns on Bypass mode, which cancels all

Surround sound modes. Sound is generated without
effects.

REAR•CTR LEVEL Adjusts the balance level of the
rear and center speakers. Press once for Center. Press
again for Rear.

Receiver/Tuner Controls

CH + and CH – Tunes the receiver to the next or
previous preset station stored in the receiver’s
memory.

FWD Lets you manually move up the AM/FM band.
INPUT•SEEK Selects auto tuning or manual tuning

mode.
MENU SELECT Stores the selected station in the

receiver’s memory.

– On some RCA TV models, used to adjust menu
controls.

ANTENNA Changes the antenna input.
CH + and CH – Tunes the TV channel up and down.
CLEAR Removes any menu from the screen.
DELAY/CH CTRL In some RCA TV models, lets you

control the channel that appears in the PIP window or
the main screen in PIP mode.

GO BACK•DISC Returns to the previous channel.
GUIDE•RDM For some models, brings up 12 small

pictures (previews of the next 12 channels in the
channel list). Press again to turn off channel guide.

INFO Displays channel information.
INPUT•SEEK For some TV models, toggles through the

available input sources.
MENU SELECT For some models, stores channels in the

TV’s memory.
MOVE arrows In some models, when using PIP, moves

the small picture to another corner of the screen. Also,
used for menu navigation in some TV models.

Number Buttons Let you enter channel numbers and
time settings when needed.

PIP Turns on and off picture-in-picture on most RCA
TV models with PIP.

POWER Turns the TV off.
RESET•REP Returns picture quality controls to their

original settings.
SKIP To change channels, press once. The TV will wait

30 seconds before returning to the original channel.
Press repeatedly to increase the time.

Number Buttons Let you enter numbers when
needed.

REV Lets you manually move down the AM/FM band.

TV Controls

+ On some RCA TV models, used to adjust menu
controls.

SWAP PIP Swaps the main picture in the PIP window.
TV Turns on the TV and puts the remote in TV mode.
TV MENU Displays the TV’s on-screen menus.

VCR Controls

CH + and CH – Tunes to the next or previous channel
when watching TV through the VCR.

17