RCA TV-VCR User Manual

TV/VCR

User’s Guide

Changing Entertainment. Again.

Important Information

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage" inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or

personal injury.

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 important instructions accompanying the product.

Caution: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of

plug to wide slot, fully insert.

Attention: Pour éviter les chocs électriques, introduire la lame la plus

large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqú au fond.

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.

If fixed (non-moving) images are left on the screen for long periods, they may be permanently imprinted on the picture tube. Such images include network logos, phone numbers, and video games. This damage is not covered by your warranty. Extended viewing of channels displaying these images should be avoided.

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.

Product Registration

Please fill out this product registration card and return it immediately. Returning the card allows us to contact you if needed.

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. The numbers are located on the back of the television.

Model No.__________________________________________________________________________________________

Serial No. __________________________________________________________________________________________

Purchase Date:______________________________________________________________________________________

Dealer/Address/Phone: ______________________________________________________________________________

Introduction

Key Features Overview

Your TV/VCR is equipped with features that will add to your TV/VCR viewing experience. The following information summarizes these features. Chapter 3 provides more information about the rest of the TV/VCR’s features and how to use them.

TV GUIDELINES AGE D L S V FV TV-Y - - - - TV-Y7 - - - - TV-G - - - - TV-PG TV-14 TV-MA - -

SELECT / : SET OK PREVIOUS : QUIT MENU

MPAA G - PG - PG-13 - R BLOCK NC-17 BLOCK X BLOCK

SELECT / : SET OK PREVIOUS : QUIT MENU

TV/VCR back panel

ANT/CABLE

VIDEO

AUDIO

LINE IN

IN 1

LINE COMPONENT-IN OUT

:VIEW :BLOCK

AUDIO VIDEO

(CB)

P (CR)

This is the back of model T20TF668. If you have model T27TF668, you’ll notice the ANT/CABLE jack is on the right side and has a VIDEO LINE OUT jack.

V-Chip: Parental Controls

Description: You can block programs and movies by content, age-based ratings, and/or movie ratings.

Requirements:

• Set up the TV GUIDELINES and MPAA menus in the TV/VCR’s main MENU

(Chapter 3 has details).

• The broadcasters must use the rating system when they send the program to your TV/VCR in order for your TV/VCR to block the program.

Component Input Jacks

Description: The jacks on the back of your TV/VCR labeled COMPONENT-IN can be used to connect a component with Component Output jacks (like a DVD Player). Component video connections provide a higher quality picture because the video signal is divided into three parts instead of being compressed into one.

Requirements: A component with Component Output Jacks, and three video grade cables that you’ll use to connect the component to the TV/VCR.

INDX 2

0:30.00 10:00AM OCT.15

Index Search

Description: Provides a quicker way to find segments of a program on a videotape. The details are explained on page 30.

(This page intentionally left blank)

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction

Key Features Overview ....................................................................................................1

V-Chip: Parental Controls...........................................................................................1

Component Input Jacks ............................................................................................. 1

Index Search ...............................................................................................................1

Chapter 2: Connections & Setup

Things to Consider Before You Connect .........................................................................6

Protect Against Power Surges ................................................................................... 6

Protect Components from Overheating ................................................................... 6

Position Cables Properly to Avoid Audio Interference ............................................ 6

Important Stand and Base Safety Information ........................................................ 6

Use Indirect Light ....................................................................................................... 6

Cables Needed to Connect Components to Your TV/VCR........................................ 6

Choose Your Connection .................................................................................................. 7

Connection: TV/VCR Only ................................................................................................ 8

Connection: TV/VCR + DVD Player .................................................................................. 9

Connection: TV/VCR + Satellite Receiver ...................................................................... 10

Plug in the TV/VCR ......................................................................................................... 11

Put Batteries in the Remote ........................................................................................... 11

How to Use the Remote Control to Complete the Interactive Setup .........................11

Turn on the TV/VCR ........................................................................................................11

Initial Setup ..................................................................................................................... 12

Select a Language .................................................................................................... 12

Automatically Searching for Channels .................................................................... 12

Add or Erase Channels .............................................................................................13

Turn off the Energy Save feature ............................................................................13

VCR Basics ....................................................................................................................... 14

Playing a Tape...........................................................................................................14

Basic Recording ........................................................................................................14

Chapter 2: The Remote Control

The Buttons on the Remote Control ............................................................................. 16

Programming the Remote to Operate Other Components .........................................18

Find Out If You Need to Program the Remote ....................................................... 18

How to Program the Remote .................................................................................. 18

How to Use the Remote After You’ve Programmed It ................................................ 19

How to Order A New Remote Control .......................................................................... 19

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 3: Features

Parental Controls and V-Chip ......................................................................................... 22

How V-Chip Works ...................................................................................................22

New Rating Systems .................................................................................................22

Set the TV GUIDELINES Rating Limits ...................................................................... 23

Set the MPAA Rating Limits.....................................................................................25

Download New Rating System ................................................................................26

Turning V-Chip Block On and Off............................................................................ 26

Recording Features ......................................................................................................... 27

Recording Speeds .....................................................................................................27

Recording Pause .......................................................................................................27

Types of Recording ...................................................................................................27

Timer Recording .......................................................................................................27

Copying and Editing Tapes ...................................................................................... 29

One-Touch Recording............................................................................................... 29

Picture Search Options ...................................................................................................30

Frame Advance ......................................................................................................... 30

Slow Motion ............................................................................................................. 30

Index Search .............................................................................................................30

Tracking..................................................................................................................... 31

Time Counter ............................................................................................................ 31

Audio Features................................................................................................................ 32

Reception .................................................................................................................. 32

Tape Playback ........................................................................................................... 32

Chapter 4: Using the TV/VCR’s Menu System

How to Use Your TV/VCR’s Menu System..................................................................... 34

TIME Menu ...............................................................................................................34

To set the clock. ................................................................................................. 34

Accessing Menus ...................................................................................................... 34

Exiting from a menu ................................................................................................ 34

To set the on timer or sleep timer..................................................................... 35

VIDEO ADJUST Menu ...............................................................................................36

AUDIO ADJUST Menu .............................................................................................. 36

SELECT LANGUAGE Menu ........................................................................................ 37

Setting Closed-Caption Modes ................................................................................37

Additional Setup Features .......................................................................................38

Chapter 5: Additional Information

Troubleshooting..............................................................................................................40

Front Panel ......................................................................................................................43

Back Panel ....................................................................................................................... 44

Care and Cleaning .......................................................................................................... 44

RCA TruFlat TV/VCR Combination Limited Warranty ................................................... 45

Finding the TV/VCR’s Video Line Input Channel .......................................................... 46

Accessories ......................................................................................................................47

Index ................................................................................................................................ 49

Chapter 1

Connections & Setup

Chapter Overview:

• Things to Consider Before You Connect

• Choose Your Connection

• Connections

• Plug in the TV/VCR

• Put Batteries in the Remote

• Turn on the TV/VCR

• Initial Setup

• VCR Basics

Changing Entertainment. Again.

Graphics used within this publication are for representation only.

Connections & Setup

Things to Consider Before You Connect

Protect Against Power Surges

• Connect all components before you plug any of their power cords into the wall outlet.

• Turn off the TV/VCR and/or component before you connect or disconnect any cables.

• Make sure all antennas and cables are properly grounded. Refer to the Important

Safeguards sheet packed with your TV/VCR.

Protect Components from Overheating

• Don’t block ventilation holes on any of the components. Arrange the components so that air can circulate freely.

• Don’t stack components.

• When you place components 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 components.

Position Cables Properly to Avoid Audio Interference

• Insert each cable firmly into the designated jack.

• If you place components above the TV/VCR, route all cables down the side of the back of

the TV/VCR instead of straight down the middle of the back of the TV/VCR.

• 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.

Important Stand and Base Safety Information

Choose the location for your TV/VCR carefully. Place the TV/VCR on a stand or base that is of adequate size and strength to prevent the TV/VCR from being accidentally tipped over, pushed off, or pulled off. This could cause personal injury and/or damage to the TV/VCR. Refer to the Important Safeguards sheet packed with your TV/VCR.

Use Indirect Light

Don’t place the TV/VCR where sunlight or room lighting will be directed toward the screen. Use soft or indirect lighting.

Cables Needed to Connect Components to Your TV/VCR

The pictures below show the cables needed for the connections represented in this book.

Note: Audio/Video cables (A/V cables for short) are usually sold as a bundled set, but the connection picture in this book shows each cable separately for better visibility.

6 Chapter 1

Connections & Setup

Choose Your Connection

There are several ways to connect your TV/VCR. Please use the following chart to determine which connection is best for you. Proceed to the appropriate page, and connect your TV/VCR.

TV/VCR

Components

DVD Player

Satellite

Connection Go To Title

TV/VCR Only page 8

TV/VCR + DVD Player page 9

TV/VCR + Satellite Receiver page 10

Chapter 1 7

Connections & Setup

TV/VCR back panel

TV/VCR

ANT/CABLE

VIDEO

AUDIO

LINE COMPONENT-IN

LINE IN

IN 1

OUT

From Antenna/Cable Feed

Note: This is the back of model T20TF668. If you have model T27TF668, you’ll notice the ANT/CABLE jack is on the right side and it has a VIDEO LINE OUT jack.

Connection: TV/VCR Only

AUDIO VIDEO

P (CB)

P (CR)

1. Connect the antenna/cable feed to the TV/VCR

Connect your TV antenna/cable feed’s RF coaxial cable to the ANT/CABLE jack on the TV/VCR.

Go To Page 11

8 Chapter 1

TV/VCR

DVD Player

TV/VCR back panel

ANT/CABLE

75 W

From antenna or cable feed

DVD player back panel

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO

Connections & Setup

Note: If you have model

VIDEO

AUDIO

LINE IN

LINE

COMPONENT -IN

OUT

IN 1

AUDIO VIDEO

PB (CB)

PR (CR)

T27TF668, the placement of the jacks is different from the TV/VCR back panel illustrated here.

Note: The back of your DVD

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUTPUT

YPBP

S-VIDEO

player might not look exactly like the one shown here.

Connection: TV/VCR + DVD Player

1. Connect your cable or antenna to your TV/VCR

Connect the RF coaxial cable from your cable feed, cable box, or off-air antenna to the ANT/CABLE jack on the back of your TV/VCR.

2. Connect your DVD Player to your TV/VCR

To achieve the best picture quality, use the COMPONENT INPUT jacks on the back of the TV/VCR to connect the TV/VCR to your DVD Player.

Note: Recording can’t be done in the COMPONENT INPUT (video/audio) mode.

If your DVD Player doesn’t have Component Jacks, use audio/video cables to connect the TV/VCR to the DVD Player using the LINE IN VIDEO and AUDIO L and R jacks on the TV/VCR. Instructions for both scenarios follow:

Optimum Connection (illustrated above)

A. Connect three video grade cables to the COMPONENT-IN VIDEO jacks on the back of the TV/VCR – labeled Y,

PB (CB), PR (CR).

B. Connect the other ends of the video cables to the corresponding Component Output Jacks on your DVD Player

(sometimes labeled Y, Pb, Pr).

C. Connect audio cables to the COMPONENT-IN jacks labeled AUDIO L and R and to the Audio Output jacks on

the DVD Player (sometimes labeled AUDIO OUT L and R).

Normal Connection

A. Connect audio/video cables to the LINE IN/IN 1 jacks on the back of the TV/VCR (labeled VIDEO and AUDIO L

and R). Audio/video cables usually are bundled as a set. Usually, they are color-coded (yellow is video, red is right audio, and white is left audio).

B. Connect the other ends of the a/v cables to the audio and video output jacks on the back of the DVD Player

(sometimes labeled AUDIO OUT L and R).

Go To Page 11

Chapter 1 9

Connections & Setup

TV/VCR back panel

TV/VCR

Satellite receiver back panel

VIDEO

ANT/CABLE

OUT

VIDEO

AUDIO

S-VIDEO

LINE COMPONENT-IN

LINE IN

IN 1

OUT

IN FROM ANT

OUT TO TV

AUDIO VIDEO

SATELLITE

Note: If you have model T27TF668, the placement of the jacks is different

P (CB)

P (CR)

CH3 CH4

from the TV/VCR back panel illustrated here.

Note: The back of your satellite receiver might not look

exactly like the one shown here.

From Antenna/Cable Feed

From Satellite

Connection: TV/VCR + Satellite Receiver

1. Connect the satellite receiver to the TV/VCR

A. Connect one end of an RF coaxial cable (not included) to the TV/VCR’s

ANT/CABLE jack. Connect the other end to the satellite receiver’s antenna output jack (sometimes labeled OUT TO TV).

B. Connect the A/V cables. Connect audio cables to the TV/VCR’s LINE IN/IN 1

AUDIO (L and R) jacks and the other ends to the satellite receiver’s corresponding audio output jacks. Connect one end of the video cable to the TV/VCR’s LINE IN/ IN 1 VIDEO jack, and the other end to the satellite receiver/cable box’s video output jack.

2. Connect antenna or cable to your satellite receiver

Connect the coaxial cable from your antenna, cable feed, or cable box to the Antenna Input jack on the satellite receiver (sometimes labeled IN FROM ANT).

3. If necessary, connect the satellite’s antenna cable to the satellite receiver

If the coaxial cable from the satellite dish antenna isn’t already connected to the satellite receiver’s input jack (sometimes labeled SATELLITE IN), connect it now.

Go To Page 11

10 Chapter 1

Connections & Setup

Plug in the TV/VCR

Plug the end of the power cord into the wall outlet. Match the wide blade of the plug with the wide slot in the outlet. Insert the plug completely into the outlet.

Put Batteries in the Remote

1. Remove the battery compartment cover on the remote.

2. Insert new batteries. Match the polarities (+ and -) on the batteries with the diagram on the remote.

3. Put the battery compartment cover back on the remote.

ON•OFF button

Arrow buttons (up, down, left, right), and the OK button

ON•OFF

DVD

MUTE SKIP

TIMER INFO

MENU CLEAR

123

456

789

INPUT

REVERSE PLAY FORWARD

RECORD

SLOW – INDEX

VOL

VCR2

STOP PAUSE

SAT•CABLE

AUX

GO BACKSOUND

ANTENNA

SPEED

TVVCR

How to Use the Remote Control to Complete the Initial Setup

VOL

The technical term is called “navigation” – how you move through the on-screen menus. The theory is the same throughout the menu screens: highlight your choice and select it.

To highlight or point to an item on the screen, press the arrow buttons on the remote (you’ll notice the triangular icon moves). Use the up or down arrow button to move up or down respectively. Use the left or right arrow buttons to move left or right respectively.

To select an item you’ve highlighted, press the OK button

Turn on the TV/VCR

To turn on the TV/VCR, press the ON•OFF button on the remote or the POWER button on the front of the TV/VCR (the POWER indicator on the front of the TV/VCR lights).

Note: If the screen seems dim, you need to turn off the Energy Save feature. Instructions are on page 13.

Chapter 1 11

Connections & Setup

Initial Setup

The first time you turn on your TV/VCR, you’ll be asked to set a few screens so that your TV/VCR will be set up correctly. Complete the following steps to set up your TV/VCR.

SELECT LANGUAGE

ENGLISH ESPANOL FRANCAIS

SELECT / : SET OK

CONNECT ANTENNA OR CABLE.

START AUTO CH PRESET?

YES OK NO MENU

PLEASE WAIT AUTO PROGRAMMING

AIR 2

STOP OK

Select a Language

The first time you turn on the TV/VCR, the SELECT LANGUAGE menu appears on the screen. If you want the on-screen menus to appear in English, press the OK button on the remote control. If you want the on-screen menus to appear in a different language, follow these steps.

1. Press the down arrow on the remote to highlight ESPANOL (Spanish) or FRANCAIS (French).

2. Press OK to select the language.

Note: If you need to change the language later, you can access this menu from the Main menu - go to page 37 for instructions.

Automatically Searching for Channels

The next part of the initial setup asks you if you want to start AUTO CH PRESET (also called auto programming or auto channel search) – this enables the TV/VCR to search for all of the channels that are viewable through your cable TV connection or off-air antenna.

1. If you’ve connected your antenna or cable, press the OK button on the remote (auto programming starts).

When the search is complete the TV/VCR will automatically tune to the first channel in the channel list.

To stop, press the OK button on the remote control.

12 Chapter 1

Connections & Setup

TIME

TIMER CLOCK SET

CLOCK SET

AUTO CLOCK ON EDS CH AUTO

SELECT / : SET OK PREVIOUS : QUIT MENU

MONTH -- DAY -- YEAR --- TIME --:----

SELECT / : SET OK PREVIOUS : QUIT MENU

MENU TIME VIDEO ADJUST AUDIO ADJUST CLOSED CAPTION TIMER RECORDINGS LANGUAGE SETTING V-CHIP BLOCK

SETTING

SELECT / : SET OK PREVIOUS : QUIT MENU

FUNCTION

AUTO CH PRESET

CH SEARCH

CH MEMORY

CABLE

AIR 54

ADD

SELECT / : SET OK

PREVIOUS : QUIT MENU

SELECT / : SET OK PREVIOUS : QUIT MENU

Setting the Clock

The TV/VCR has an automatic clock setting feature that automatically sets the time from an EDS (Extended Data Service) channel when the power is turned off. If there is no EDS channel, the signal is weak, or you don’t want to wait for the time to be downloaded to the TV, you can set the clock manually (instructions are on page 35).

To set the clock.

1. Display the TIME menu, use the up or down arrow to select CLOCK SET and

press OK.

2. The CLOCK SET screen appears. Press the up or down arrow to select AUTO CLOCK ON and press OK.

The indicator moves to EDS CH. If you know the EDS channel in your area, use the up and down arrows to enter the number or select AUTO and press OK.

Turn off the power. The clock is set automatically using the EDS signal. It may take a few hours to set the clock.

Add or Erase Channels

You might want to add or erase some channels if they’re inactive, have weak signals, or you don’t want them in your channel list. The channel list is the list of channels that the TV/VCR tunes to when you press the channel up and/or channel down buttons.

Note: Even if you erase a channel, you can still tune to it by pressing the number buttons on the remote control.

1. Press MENU on the remote (the main MENU appears).

2. Press down arrow button to highlight SETTING.

3. Press OK (the SETTING menu appears).

4. Press the down arrow button to highlight CH MEMORY.

5. Press OK (the CH MEMORY menu appears). Follow the on-screen directions to ADD or ERASE a channel.

6. You can add or erase more channels by entering the channel number or pressing CH + or CH –.

7. To exit, press the MENU button.

Chapter 1 13

Connections & Setup

VCR Basics

Now that you’ve finished the initial setup, you can watch TV or start using the VCR part of your product.

Playing a Tape

1. Insert a tape in the TV/VCR.

If the safety tab on the videotape is removed, the tape automatically begins playback.

PAUSE REW PLAY FWD STOP/EJECT

POWER

PROGRAM

VOL- VOL+ CH+CH-

TIMER

RECORD

EVENT

REC

VIDEO L/MONO R

PHONES

2. Press the VCR button on the remote to put the remote in VCR mode.

• Press FORWARD or REVERSE on the remote to advance the tape

forwards or backwards respectively.

• Press PLAY (if necessary) to begin playing the tape.

• Press PAUSE for stop action.

• Press TRACKING + or - to remove any streaks from the picture, if

necessary.

• Press STOP to stop playing the tape.

• Press STOP/EJECT on the TV/VCR when the tape is stopped to eject the

tape.

Automatic Rewind

The TV/VCR automatically rewinds the tape when it reaches the end of the tape during playback.

Basic Recording

1. Insert a videotape, with its safety tab in place, into the TV/VCR.

Note: You can’t record on a tape with the safety tab removed. If the safety tab is removed and you want to record on the tape, simply cover the hole with adhesive tape.

2. Make sure the remote control is in VCR mode by pressing the VCR button.

3. Press RECORD to begin recording.

4. Press STOP when you want to stop recording.

If you want to pause the recording for a short time (such as during a commercial), press PAUSE instead of STOP.

Note: Recording can’t be done in the COMPONENT INPUT (video/audio) mode.

14 Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Remote Control

Chapter Overview:

• The buttons on the remote control

• Programming the remote to operate other components

• How to use the remote after you’ve programmed it

• How to order a new remote control

• Code list

Changing Entertainment. Again.

Graphics used within this publication are for representation only.

+ 39 hidden pages

RCA TV-VCR User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual