RCA VGM300 User Manual
VGM300
VCR User’s Guide
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i
Introduction
WARNING
To reduce the risk of
fire or shock hazard,
do not expose this VCR
to rain or moisture.
Important Information
Cautions
WARNING
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.
This symbol indicates Òdangerous
voltageÓ inside the product that
presents a risk of electric shock or
personal injury.
This symbol indicates important
instructions accompanying the
product.
CAUTIONS: To reduce the risk of electric shock, fully insert plug into socket.
Operate VCR only on 100-240 volts (+/Ð 10%), 50/60 Hz AC power.
¥ It is important that you read and follow the safety information and operating instructions.
¥ Insure that the main supply in your house complies with that indicated on the
identification sticker located at the back of your appliance.
¥ Install the VCR horizontally, away from a source of heat ( fireplace) or appliances creating
strong magnetic or electric fields (engines).
Follow the drawing below for leaving space around your VCR to insure proper ventilation.
¥ If your VCR or a cassette has been stored in a very cold atmosphere for a certain amount of
time, for example during transportation in the winter, wait approximately two hours
before using your VCR.
¥ The openings located on the top and the bottom are for ventilation purposes. They should
not be obstructed.
¥ In the case of lightning, it is recommended to disconnect the VCR from the external aerial.
¥ By design, this VCR is not for industrial use, but only for domestic operation.
7 cm
10 cm
10 cm
Partial or global recording of copyright protected works made
without explicit permission from the copyright holder are illegal.
7 cm
10 cm
Side View of VCR
Using the Playback Features
Auto Head Cleaner________________ 16
Pause for Stop-Action______________ 16
Frame Advance ___________________ 16
Slow Motion______________________ 17
Picture Search ____________________ 17
Digital Auto Tracking _____________ 17
Manual Tracking __________________17
DISPLAY Button __________________ 18
Time Counter_____________________ 18
Index Search _____________________ 19
Zero Search ______________________ 19
Commercial Scan _________________ 19
Recording a Program
Types of Recordings ___________________ 20
Using the Recording Features
Recording Speeds _________________ 20
Recording Pause __________________ 20
Basic Recording Ð
Operating Instructions _____________ 21
Watch a TV Channel While VCR
is Recording a Different Channel ____ 21
Recording While You're Away
Timer Recording __________________ 22
Select Cable Box or Satellite
Receiver Channel _______________ 23
Check or Clear a
Timer Recording _______________ 23
Timer Recording From the
VCRÕs Line Input _______________ 23
One Touch Recording _________________ 24
Using Two VCRs for Copying
and Editing Tapes_________________ 25
Using Dual Remote with AutoEdit ______ 25
References
Location of Controls
Front Panel_______________________ 26
Back Panel _______________________ 27
Display Panel __________________ 27-28
Specifications_________________________ 29
Cleaning the VCR _____________________ 29
Trouble Checks ____________________ 30-31
Index _____________________________ 32-33
1
Introduction
Table of Contents
Important Information
Warnings______________________________ i
Cautions ______________________________ i
Hooking Up the VCR
Choosing a Hookup ____________________ 2
Antenna or Cable System Without a
Cable Box _________________________ 3
Cable System With Cable Box to
Unscramble All Channels ___________ 4
Cable System With Cable Box to
Unscramble Only Pay Channels______ 5
Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes_ 6
Setting Up the VCR
Startup
Check Accessories With VCR ________ 7
Attach Power Cord to Back of VCR ___ 7
Insert Batteries in Remote ___________ 7
Turn on the TV _____________________7
Turn on the VCR ___________________ 8
Select the VCRÕs Output Channel ____ 8
Select the VCRÕs Video System_______ 8
Select the Language/Escoge una
Lengua/Selecione o Idioma________ 8
Place Channels in the VCRÕs
Memory_________________________ 9
Add or Remove Channels from
VCRÕs Memory __________________ 9
Use TV•VCR Button _______________ 10
Set the Time and Date _____________ 10
Using the Remote Control
Controlling a VCR ____________________ 11
Component, VCR, and TV Buttons____ 12-13
Controlling a TV ______________________ 14
Playing a Tape
Operating Instructions
NTSC Video Playback Mode________ 15
Play a Tape_______________________ 15
2
Hooking Up the VCR
Choosing a Hookup
The hookups on pages 3 through 7 are divided into two hookup types: Basic (A) and
Advanced (B).
The Basic hookup shows the backs of TVs that have only an antenna/cable connection.
It is the easier of the two and additional accessories may not be needed.
The Advanced hookup shows the VCR hooked up to a monitor/receiver
(TV with audio and video jacks). This type of connection may improve the picture
quality as well as convenience of operation.
Answer the questions to choose the hookup for your VCR.
1. How do you receive your TV signals?
Choose one answer from below.
A. Outside antenna Ð Turn to page 3.
B. Rabbit ears (set-top) and/or bow tie antenna Ð Turn to page 3.
C. Cable System Ð Go to question 2.
2. What type of Cable-TV system* do you have?
Choose one answer from below.
A. Cable without a box Ð Turn to page 3.
B. Cable box to unscramble all the channels Ð Turn to page 4.
C. Cable box to unscramble only pay channels, such as HBO, Showtime,
Cinemax, etc. Ð Turn to page 5.
*You may need to contact your local cable company for assistance.
Optional Hookups
How to hook up two VCRs for copying tapes?
A. Select a hookup by answering the questions above.
B. Then modify the connections as shown on page 6.
3
Hooking Up the VCR
VIDEO
IN
OUT
ANTENNA
AUDIO
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
Back of VCR
Back of TV
300/75 Ohm
Adapter
OR
From Antenna
or Cable
Cable/
Antenna
OR
VHF
UHF
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
75 to 75/300 Ohm
Separator
Antenna or Cable System Without a Cable Box
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV.
3.
Tune the TV to channel 3 to view the VCR.
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality and more convenient
operation Ñ use of TV•VCR button not
required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
If your TV is stereo, you may need a Y-adapter
to hear sound from both channels.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV.
3.
Tune the TV to its video input to watch the
VCR.
Continue to page 7.
Continue to page 7.
VIDEO
IN
OUT
ANTENNA
AUDIO
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
S-VIDEO
AUDIO
CABLE /
ANTENNA
L /
MONO
RIGHT
VIDEO
INPUT
INOUT
Back of TV
Audio/Video Cables
Back of VCR
From Antenna
or Cable
OR
300/75 Ohm
Adapter
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
Signal
Splitter
A
B
4
Hooking Up the VCR
Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels
VIDEO
IN
OUT
ANTENNA
AUDIO
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
OUTIN
Cable Box
From Cable
RF Coaxial
Cable
Back of VCR
Back of TV
Cable/
Antenna
OR
VHF
UHF
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
75 to 75/300 Ohm
Separator
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
3.
Tune the TV to channel 3 to view the VCR.
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality and more convenient
operation Ñ use of TV•VCR button not
required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
If your TV is stereo, you may need a Y-adapter
to hear sound from both channels.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
3.
Tune the TV to its video input to watch the
VCR.
Continue to page 7.
Continue to page 7.
A
B
Caution: The unauthorized recording of
television programs or other materials may
infringe the rights of others.
From Cable
RF Coaxial
Cable
Signal
Splitter
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
Cable Box
OUTIN
RF Coaxial
Cable
Back of VCR
IN
OUT
VIDEO
AUDIO
Audio/Video Cables
VIDEO
INPUT
RIGHT
S-VIDEO
AUDIO
L /
MONO
Back of TV
IN
OUT
ANTENNA
IN
OUT
INOUT
CABLE /
ANTENNA
5
Hooking Up the VCR
Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble Only Pay Channels
(such as HBO, Showtime, Pay-Per-View, etc.)
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
3.
Tune the TV to channel 3 to view the VCR.
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality and more convenient
operation Ñ use of TV•VCR button not
required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
If your TV is stereo, you may need a Y-adapter
to hear sound from both channels.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
3.
Tune the TV to its video input to watch the
VCR. All pay channels are viewed through
the VCR.
Continue to page 7.
Continue to page 7.
VIDEO
IN
OUT
ANTENNA
AUDIO
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
OUTIN
Cable Box
From Cable
RF Coaxial
Cable
Back of VCR
Back of TV
Cable/
Antenna
OR
VHF
UHF
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
75 to 75/300 Ohm
Separator
A
B
From Cable
RF Coaxial
Cable
(supplied)
Signal
Splitter
Cable Box
OUTIN
IN
OUT
Audio/Video Cables
S-VIDEO
Back of TV
AUDIO
VIDEO
VIDEO
INPUT
RIGHT
AUDIO
L /
MONO
Back of VCRBack of VCR
ANTENNA
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
INOUT
CABLE /
ANTENNA
6
Hooking Up the VCR
Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes
VIDEO
IN
OUT
ANTENNA
AUDIO
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
VIDEO
IN
OUT
ANTENNA
AUDIO
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
Playback VCR
From Antenna, Cable
or Cable Box
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
Recording VCR
Audio/Video
Cables
RF Coaxial
Cable
or
Use the previously selected
hookup to the TV.
Option A hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection which
requires fewer accessories.
1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5 and
then modify with this connection.
2. Set the VCR output channel to either channel 3
or 4.
See page 8 for details.
You will tune the recording VCR to this channel to
receive the signal from the playback VCR.
3. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional accessories
not provided.
4. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV.
5.
Option B hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved copy
quality and more convenient operation Ñ use of
TV•VCR button not required.
1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5 and
then modify with this connection.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories not
provided.
If your TV is stereo, you may need a Y-adapter to hear
sound from both channels.
3. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV.
4.
Select the line (audio/video) input on the
recording VCR to receive the signal from the
playback VCR.
Continue to page 7.
Continue to page 7.
B
A
Caution: The unauthorized recording of
television programs or other materials
may infringe the rights of others.
Playback VCR (only)
ANTENNA
IN
OUT
AUDIO
Audio/Video
Cables
IN
OUT
AUDIO
Audio/Video
Cables
IN
OUT
VIDEO
Recording VCR
IN
OUT
VIDEO
IN
OUT
ANTENNA
IN
OUT
RF Coaxial Cable
or
Use the previously selected
hookup to the TV.
From Antenna, Cable
or Cable Box
(supplied)
7
continued on next page
Setting Up the VCR
1. Check accessories with VCR.
Contact your dealer if any items are missing.
2. Attach power cord to back of VCR.
3. Insert batteries in remote.
4. Turn on the TV.
A. Turn on the TV.
B. If you used one of the basic hookups, tune the TV to channel 3.
If you used one of the advanced hookups, tune the TV to the TVÕs
video input. (See TV ownerÕs manual for details.)
Remote
(Stock No. 221406)
SEARCH
VOL
VOL
MUTE
PREV CH
DISPLAY
INPUT
1
4
7
TV•VCR
3
6
9
2
5
8
0
CLEAR
SPEED
REW
PLAY FF
STOP
PAUSE
REC
MENU
PROG
*
P
O
W
E
R
V
C
R
1
T
V
V
C
R
2
•
L
D
C
H
A
N
C
H
A
N
TRACKING
3
4
SLOW
–
+
EDIT
F.ADV
RF Coaxial Cable
(Stock No. 221407)
2 “AAA” Batteries
Startup
Power Cord
(Stock No. 221408)
2nd
1st
5. Turn on the VCR.
Press VCR1 on the remote.
6. Select the VCR’s output channel.
A. Press VCR1 on the remote.
B. Press MENU•PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU
on the TV screen.
C. Press 4 to display the PREFERENCES menu.
D. Press 3 to select either 3 or 4 as the output channel for your
VCR. This is the channel to which you tune your TV to see the
picture from the VCR.
¥ If you select Output Channel: 3, you will view the VCRÕs
output on channel 3 of your TV.
¥ If you select Output Channel: 4, you will view the VCRÕs
output on channel 4 of your TV.
If you change the output channel, remember to tune your TV to
the channel you selected (3 or 4) to watch the VCR.
7. Select the VCR’s video system.
A. Press VCR1 on the remote.
B. Press MENU•PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU
on the TV screen.
C. Press 4 to display the PREFERENCES menu.
D. Press 4 to select the type of video that is broadcast in your area.
¥ Select Video System: AUTO to have the VCR automatically
select the type of video.
¥ Select Video System: PAL if PAL video is broadcast in your
area.
¥ Select Video System: NTSC if NTSC video is broadcast in
your area.
8
Startup
Setting Up the VCR
8. Select the language/Escoge una lengua/Selecione o idioma.
This feature lets you select English, Spanish, or Portuguese as the
language for your on-screen menus.
A. Press MENU•PROG on remote to see VCR MAIN MENU on the
TV screen.
B. Press 5 to display the LANGUAGE menu.
¥ Press 1 to display the menus in English.
¥ Press 2 to to display the menus in Spanish.
¥ Press 3 to to display the menus in Portuguese.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Set Clock
3 Channels
4 Preferences
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Set Clock
3 Channels
4 Preferences
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Set Clock
3 Channels
4 Preferences
5 Language
LANGUAGE
Select a language.
1 English
2 Spanish
3 Portuguese
Press MENU to continue
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Front Panel: AUTO
3 Output Channel: 3
4 Video System: AUTO
5 Play NTSC as: NTSC
0 Exit
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Front Panel: AUTO
3 Output Channel: 3
4 Video System: AUTO
5 Play NTSC as: NTSC
0 Exit
9
Setting Up the VCR
Startup
10. Add or remove channels from the VCR’s memory.
You may want to add or remove channels if some of the channels
are not active, have weak signals, or you do not want to watch
them.
A. Press VCR1 on the remote.
B. Press MENU•PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU
on the TV screen.
C. Press 3 to display the CHANNELS menu.
D. Press 2 to display the ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS menu.
E. Follow the directions on the screen.
F. Add or remove more channels by entering channel numbers or
using the CHAN up or down on the remote or CHANNEL up or
down on the VCR.
continued on next page
9. Place channels in the VCR’s memory.
Channels 2 through 13 including line inputs (L1 and L2) are in the
VCRÕs memory when you first turn it on. The VCR stops on these
channels when you press CHAN up or down on the remote or
CHANNEL up or down on the VCR. To get additional channels
available on your antenna or cable system, you must use the Auto
Channel Search feature of the VCR. If you ever change cable or
antenna signals, you may need to auto channel search again. See Cable
Box Setup on page 23.
A. Press VCR1 to set remote to control VCR.
B. Press MENU•PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU on
the TV screen.
If the menu does not appear on the TV screen:
¥ Press VCR1 and then press MENU•PROG.
¥ If you have used one of the basic hookups, make sure the TV is
tuned to the same channel (3 or 4) as the Output Channel
selected in the PREFERENCES menu.
Check VCR indicator in display panel Ñ it should be on. Press
TV•VCR to turn it on.
¥ If you have connected your VCR using one of the advanced
hookups, tune your TV to its video input (refer to TV OwnerÕs
manual).
¥ Check the connections.
C. Press 3 to select CHANNELS.
D. Press 1 to begin Auto Channel Search.
Wait until the channel numbers stop changing. The TV will then
tune to the lowest channel found. Press CHAN up or down on the
remote or CHANNEL up or down on the VCR to select the active
channels.
The VCR automatically selects ANTENNA or CABLE for the Signal
Type feature in the CHANNELS menu. If you need to change the
setting manually, press 3.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Set Clock
3 Channels
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE
4 Cable Box Setup
0 Exit
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Set Clock
3 Channels
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels
ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS
CH 03
is presently ADDED
Press CLEAR to remove
Press MENU to exit
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