RCA VPT 385 User Manual
VideoCas sette
Recorder
Owner’s Manual
Wahanty Registration
No other RCA Video Cassette Recorder has the same serial number as yours. It is important that you
record the number and other vital information here, in case your VCR is stolen or in case you need a
complete description for any other reason. You will find the model and serial numbers on the back of
the VCR. You will also find both numbers recorded on your registration form.
Purchase Date_________________________________________________________
Dealer
_________________________
^_______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________
Model:
VCR registration is very important so that you can be contacted should there be a safety inspection,
modification, or product recall under applicable laws or regulations or otherwise. The dealer who sold
you the VCR should have registered it and given you a copy of the registration form.
If your dealer did not give you a copy of the registration, contact him promptly and ask for it. You
must be able to show your registration or evidence of purchase date to any RCA Authorized VCR
Servicenter or the RCA Service Company to receive warranty parts and service. We suggest you attach
your sales slip and warranty registration to this booklet and keep them in a safe place for future
reference.
Serial Number
Safety Precautions
Your VCR operates on 120 volts, 60 Hz (normal household current) and has a
polarized plug. Because one blade of the plug is wider than the other, the plug fits in
the wall socket only one way. Do not defeat the safety feature of this plug. If you
need an extension, use a polarized cord.
Caution: To prevent electric shock do not use the polarized plug on this Video
Cassette Recorder with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the
blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
Mise en garde: Pour prévenir les chocs électriques, ne pas utiliser la fiche polarisée de
cet appareil avec une rallonge, une prise de courant ou une autre sortie, à moins que
les lames puissent être insérées à fond sans qu’aucune partie soit laissée à découvert.
WARNING: To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this VCR to rain or moisture.
Illustrated below is the label on the back of your Video Cassette Recorder.
11«, ajiiiuui tji a iigiiiuing iidsii wuiuji a iiiangic is inicnueu lo aieri me user lo me presence oi
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
An exclamation point within a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of importan
, operating and maintenance (service) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover or back. No user-serviceable
parts are inside. If you spill liquid on the VCR, disconnect the power cord to prevent possible fire or
shock hazard and consult authorized service personnel. Moisture can damage internal parts. Refer all
service to RCA VCR Authorized Servicenter personnel or the RCA Service Company only.
Caution: Maintain electrical safety. Powerline-operated equipment or accessories connected to this
unit should bear the UL listing mark or CSA certification mark on the accessory itself and should not
have been modified so as to defeat the safety features. This will help avoid any potential hazard from
electric shock or fire. If in doubt, contact qualified service personnel.
Note to Cable TV Installer:
This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article 820-22 of the National Electrical Code
(Section 54 of Canadian Electrical Code, Part I), 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.
Caution:
the rights of others.
The unauthorized recording of television programs and other materials may infringe
Contents
Using This Manual
Congralulalions on your choice of an RCA VCR. You
have selected a high-quality, precision-engineered
instrument designed to give you years of video and
audio enjoyment.
To get the best performance from your new VCR, it is
important that you carefully read and follow the
operating instructions in this manual in the sequence in
which they are presented.
Should you experience a problem, please follow the
“Trouble Checks” near the end of this manual. The
warranty on the back cover describes what RCA will do
for you should your new VCR need service during the
warranty period. It also tells you how and from whom
you should request service.
Warranty Registration
Safety Precautions
Installation
• Unpacking, Choosing Location
• General Installation Information.............................................................. 2
• Antenna Connections............................................................................ 3.4
• Cable-TV Connections.......................................................................... 5-6
• TV Monitor/Receiver Connections
What Your VCR Will Do.............................................................................. 8
Video Cassettes
Basic Operation
• Basic Operating Controls and Displays................................................ 10
• Inserting/Removing Cassettes............................................................... 10
• Turning on Your VCR for the First Time
• Programming Active Channels into VCR’s
Tuner........................................................................................................ 11
• Deleting Channels from the Scan List................................................. 11
• Adding Channels to the Scan List........................................................ 11
• Setting TV to VCR Channel
• Setting the UCTi/rK Switch .................................................................. 12
• Simplified Installation Checklist
Remote Control
• Battery Installation.................................................................................. 13
Setting the Clock.......................................................................................... 14
First Recording and Playback .................................................................... 15
Operating Controls (Detailed)............................................................... 16-17
Special Effects and Features
• Pause During Recording
• Pause for Stop-Action Playback............................................................ 17
• Frame Advance
• Slow Motion............................................................................................. 18
• Picture Search.......................................................................................... 18
• Tape Counter............................................................................................ 18
• Memory Stop........................................................................................... 18
• Tracking Control..................................................................................... 18
Quick Reference Operating Guides
• Normal TV Viewing
• Recording with TV Off
• Recording and Viewing the Same Program
• Recording and Viewing Different Programs...................................... 20
• Basic Playback......................................................................................... 20
• Recording from Another VCR.............................................................. 21
• Camera Recording .................................................................................. 22
Express Recording........................................................................................ 23
Programming the Timer......................................................................... 24-25
Timer Recording........................................................................................... 26
Alternate Remote Control Units................................................................. 27
Cabinet Cleaning.......................................................................................... 28
Trouble Checks............................................................................................. 28
Index (Alphabetical) ................................................................................... 29
Specifications......................................................................... Back Cover
Warrantj’................................................................................. Back Cover
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Inside Front Cover
Inside Front Cover
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11
12
12
13
17
17
19
19
19
2
7
9
Instàllation
Unpacking
When you unpack your new VCR, be sure you have
removed all the accessories and information sheets. We
recommend that you save the packing materials and box
in case you ever need to ship or store your VCR.
The accessories supplied for connecting your antenna,
VCR. and TV set are shown here. The remote control
unit and its batteries are also packed in with the VCR.
5 300-ohm fiat lead-tn (twin-lead)
aioog
oSSSi
OE
©01
VCR Coaxial RF Cable
(RCA Accessory Mo. RT023)
n
O
S
300/75-Ohm Transformer
(RCA Accessory No. AH018)
Remote Control Batteries
(Size "AA" 1.5 volt )
Location
• Choose a location that is convenient, but away from
sources of heat such as direct sunlight and heating
units.
3
OSes
©-©
O'
0 © 0
© 0 ©
© 0 0
L
nc/i
Remote Control
• If the VCR is to be installed in an equipment rack or
cabinet with other devices, be sure that there is
adequate ventilation at the back and around the sides
of the components. The VCR should not be placed on
or directly above a stereo amplifier because of the
heat that rises from the amplifier.
• Choose a flat surface at least as large as the VCR so
that it rests on its mounting feet. It is important that
air can pass through the ventilation holes in the
bottom of the unit to prevent it from overheating. Do
not operate the VCR on a rug or carpet because the
pile will obstruct these holes.
Some TV sets may cause interference in home VCR’s.
To avoid interference and get the best performance from
your VCR. follow these guidelines:
• When placing the VCR under a TV, keep at least 18
inches between the bottom of the TV and the top of
the VCR.
• If interference is present when the VCR is used on top
of the TV or at the 18-inch distance below the set.
move the VCR to a position beside the TV.
• If moving the VCR does not solve the interference
problem, try plugging the VCR into a different wall
socket.
• If interference continues after all the above, call your
dealer or service representative.
You may find the following booklet prepared by the
Federal Communications Commission helpful;
¡nte rfe re nc e H a nd bo ok
This booklet is available from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402
General Installation Information
IMPORTANT
There are two basic steps for connecting your new
VCR to your present TV and antenna(s) or cable-TV.
The first step is to disconnect the antenna(s) or cableTV from the TV and reconnect it to the VCR. The
second step is to connect the VCR to the TV. Be sure
you do both steps.
Since there are many different types of antennas and
TV's, there are several ways to make the above
connections. Therefore, the instructions have been
divided into two sets, one set for connections to your
own antenna(s) on pages 3 and 4, and another set for
connections to a cable-TV system on pages 5 and 6. If
you have a TV monitor/receiver, you may want to
make the additional connections described on page 1.
The antenna is the “signal receiver” that picks up TV
broadcasts. Some modern antennas receive both VHF
(Very High Frequency) channels 2 through 13, and
UHF (Ultra High Frequency) channels 14 through 83.
Some antennas are designed only for VHF reception and
others are designed only for UHF reception.
TYPICAL
OUTDOOR ANTENNA
.w,
TYPICAL
INDOOR ANTENNA
Signals from your antenna are conducted through flat
“twin-lead" cable, or through round “coaxial” cable.
Cable-TV (CATV) supplies television signals directly by
round cable without the need for a home antenna.
Cable-TV delivers both VHF and UHF channels and
programs not available from a home antenna.
In most situations you will get better picture quality if
you use an outdoor antenna or connect your TV and
VCR to a cable-TV system. If this is not possible, use a
good quality indoor antenna. Your indoor antenna
should have separate leads for VHF and UHF if you are
in an area with both VHF and UHF stations - or you
may use separate VHF and UHF indoor antennas.
Antenna Connections
Disconnect Existing Antenna from TV and Connect it to VCR.
(Your antenna connections will probably resemble those in one of the diagrams on this page.)
—
. * 1. If your existing antenna is connected
to your TV like this:
CABLE(S)
FROM
ANTENMA
----
B.
c.
1. If your existing antenna is connected
to your TV like this:
CABLE(S)
FROM
ANTENNA
VHF
-------------------------------------------UHF
---------------
- f- -^=33^
1. If your existing antenna is connected
to your TV like this:
CABLE
FROM
ANTENNA
r--i r(Qh-
----
BACK
OF TV
VHF
UHF
BACK
OF TV
VHF
UHF
BACK
OF TV
VHF
2. Disconnect the antenna from your TV and
connect it to your VCR like this:
=3aS
-------------
VHF
FROM ANTENNA
UHF
FROM ANTENNA
-or-
2. Disconnect the antenna from your TV and
connect it to your VCR like this:
VHF
FROM ANTENNA
UHF
FROM ANTENNA
-or-
2. Disconnect the antenna from your TV and
connect it to your VCR like this:
VHF
FROM ANTENNA
-I nQh
:;.d
I BACK OF VCR I
W :;:d
sJ'
I BACK OF VCR I
COMBINATION
D.
SEPARATOR
1. If your existing antenna is connected
to your TV like this:
UHF
BACK
OF TV
COMBINATION
VHF UHF
•Optional accessory available from your RCA dealer or electronic supply store.
Q-n-
BAND
SEPARATOR I
_________
UHF
FROM ANTENNA
-or-
2. Disconnect the antenna from your TV and
connect it to your VCR like this: (or replace
splitter with a band separator and connect
as shown above in step C2.)
UHF
FROM
SPLITTER
Transformer*
(Such as RCA #AH011)
Antenna Connections (Continued)
Connect VCR to back of TV.
2.
(The antenna connections on the back of your TV will probably resemble those in one of the diagrams below.)
A.
1. If the antenna connection on the
back of your TV looks like this:
H
VHF
OR
UHF
BACK OF TV
® F
® u
2. Connect the VCR to your TV like this:
VHF
TV
SCREWS
UHF TV
SCREWS
r>
1. If the antenna connection on the
back of your TV looks like this;
2. Connect the VCR to your TV like this:
VMF
ROUND
TV JACK
VHF TV
SCREWS
UHF TV
SCREWS
BACK OF TV
1. If the antenna connection on the
back of your TV looks like this:
2. Connect the VCR to your TV like this:
BACK OF TV
VHF
ROUND
TV JACK
UHF
ROUND
TV JACK
Cable-TV Connections
Your VCR is designed to receive unscrambled cable
channels 1 through 48 plus 98 and 99 without a
“converter box”. (These channels are sometimes
designated 2 through 13. A through W, W+1 through
W+ 12, A-2, A-1 and A-8.)
IF YOUR AND YOUR CABLE-TV THEN USE
TV IS; SYSTEM HAS: DIAGRAM(S):
cable-compatible
not
cable-compatible
no scrambled channels A
some or ail channels
scrambled
no scrambled channels
some or all channels
scrambled
B or C
D
D
The manner in which you interconnect your VCR and
TV with a cable-TV system is dependent primarily on
(a) whether your TV is cable-compatible and (b) whether
any channels on your cable-TV system are scrambled.
Use the Selection Chart at the left to determine which
one of the following four Cable-TV connection diagrams
(A-D) you should use.
Note: If you wish to also record one or more local UHF
channels that your Cable-TV system does not offer, first
follow the appropriate cable-TV connection instructions
described below, then connect your UHF antenna to
your VCR as described in the section titled “Antenna
Connections".
• DISCONNECT CABLE TV
B
FROM CONVERTER
FROM
CABLE
TV
SYSTEM
TO
CONVERTER
CONNECT CABLE TV TO VCR
FROM
CABLE TV
SYSTEM
------
DISCONNECT
FROM
YOUR
CONVERTER
NO
UHF __
CONNECTIONS
i BACK OF VCRi
When you use this set of connections, keep your TV
tuned to the channel you have been using (usually
channel 3 or 4) and use the converter box as you
always have for normal TV viewing and for viewing
some other channel while you are reeording.
CONNECT VCR TO CONVERTER. DO NOT CHANGE
I ORIGINAL CONNECTION
I FROM CONVERTER TO TV
r'
VHP
VCR
COAXIAL I
RF CABLE I
(SUPPLIED) I
DISCONNECT
CONVERTER BOX
DO NOT
BACK OF TV
ROUND
TV JACK
When you want to view the channel you are
recording, or when you play the VCR, tune the
“converter box” to the same channel that you have
set the channel switch on the back of the VCR, either
channel 3 or 4. (This is called the “VCR channel”
throughout the operating instructions in this manual.)
(Continued on next page)
Cable-TV Connections (continued)
C. When you use these connections the A-B switch is
used to select either the converter output or the VCR
output. This arrangement will let you use your VCR
G) Disconnect Cable-TV from converter. Q) Connect splitter to converter.
G) Disconnect TV from converter cable. ® Connect splitter to VCR.
Q) Connect Cable-TV to input of splitter. Q) Connect converter to A-B switch.
Viewing any cable-TV channel while you record some
other channel with the VCR.
Viewing all scrambled channels.
Viewing cable channels when the VCR is turned off.
(Cable channels 2 through 13 can also be viewed with the
VCR turned off and the A-B switch set to position “B.”)
as a “remote-controlled converter box” when you are
not recording, as explained below the diagram.
0 Connect VCR to A-B switch.
® Connect A-B switch to TV.
• Playing a recording,
• Viewing a nonscrambled chaimel at the same time you
are recording it (channel selected with the VCR tuner).
Note: When you set the A-B switch to “B,” tune your TV to
the same channel that you have selected on the back of your
VCR (3 or 4). This is called the “VCR channel” throughout
this manual.
D, This
• Viewing any cable-TV channel while you record some
• Viewing any cable-TV channel when your VCR is turned
Note: When you set the A-B switch to “B," tune your TV to
VCR (3 or 4). This is called the “VCR channel” throughout
system requires two “converter boxes” from
your cable-TV company, and there may be an
additional charge. All channels must be selected with
(3 Disconnect Cable-TV from converter. (*) Connect splitter to each of the converters.© Connect VCR to A-B switch.
0 Disconnect TV from converter cable. (D Connect one converter to A-B switch. (i) Connect A-B switch to TV.
0 Connect Cable-TV to input of splitter. (J) Connect other converter to VCR.
other channel with the VCR.
off.
the converter boxes, both for recording and norma!
TV viewing.
• Playing a recording.
• Viewing any channel at the same time you are recording
it. Select the channel with the converter that is connected
to the VCR, and tune the VCR to the output channel of
the converter (usually 3 or 4).
the same channel that you have selected on the back of your
this manual.
TV Monitor/Receiver Connections
I— Direct Video and Audio Connections
Connecting the video output and audio output jacks of
your VCR to the corresponding video and audio input
jacks of your TV monitor/receiver may produce a
slightly better picture during playback. This “direct”
signal connection bypasses the TV tuner during
playback.
FROM HOME VHF ANTENNA
OR CABLE-TV
SYSTEM
TYPICAL
MONITOR/
RECEIVER
INPUTS
SIGNAL
SPLITTER
(NOT SUPPLIED)
SUCH AS RCA
= AH020*
UHF
FROM HOME
ANTENNA SYSTEM
(USED ONLY IF YOU
HAVE HOME UHF ANTENNA)
TO VHF
ANTENNA
CONNECTIONS
ON TV
TO UHF ANTENNA
CONNECTIONS ON TV
------
(USED ONLY IF YOU
HAVE HOME UHF ANTENNA)
‘Optional accessory available from your RCA dealer.
Operating Instructions:
• F or n or ma l VH F o r c ab le -TV v ie wi ng in de pe nd en t o f
VCR , place TV Monitor/Receiver in TU NE R
mode and select channels with TV Monitor/
Receiver tuner.
• For view in g of cha nn el bein g re co rd ed , place TV
Monitor/Receiver in V ID EO IN PU T mode. Use
VCR tuner to select channel.
For reco rd in g one cha nn el wh ile view in g ano th er,
place TV Monitor/Receiver in TUN E R mode. Use
VCR tuner to select channel to be recorded. Use
TV Monitor/Receiver tuner to select channel to be
viewed.
For pl ay ba ck of r eco rd ed pr og ra m, place TV
Monitor/Receiver in VID E O IN PU T mode.
What Your VCR Will Do
Broadcast/Cable Frequency-Synthesis Tuner
Provides accurate selection of VHF/UHF or up to 50
unscrambled cable channels.* Quartz-controlled
electronics automatically lock the system onto the
signal, eliminating the need for fine tuning. Bright, easyto-read channel display.
*Local systems may vary; check your cable company’s
compatibility requirements.
Infrared Remote Control
Provides wireless VCR control from the comfort of an
easy chair. It controls the major functions of the VCR,
plus Slow Motion, Frame Advance, Slow-Motion
Tracking, Memory Stop, and Clock/Timer
Programming, This VCR can also be operated with an
RCA Distal Command remote control and integrated
into a unified RCA audio/video system.
Remote Programming
With RCA’s advanced remote control, all VCR timer
programming can be done using the remote control. At
the touch of a button, simple easy-to-follow prompts
appear on the VCR’s display to guide the viewer through
each programming sequence. Built-in computer memory
can be preset up to a year in advance to record as many
as four programs automatically. Backup circuitry retains
programming instructions to prevent VCR memory loss
in case of brief power interruptions.
Express Recording
{XP R)
XPR lets you record for up to four hours without
programming the timer. Simply select the channel and
the starting time (immediately or up to 24 hours delayed
start) and select the length of time you wish to record.
The rest is automatic.
Conventional Playback
Your VCR uses the standard VHS recording system so
that pre-recorded VHS tapes and tapes recorded on any
other VHS-type VCR can also be played. Your VCR
will play VHS cassettes recorded at any of the three
standard speeds. It automatically selects the same speed
for playback that was used for recording the cassette. By
using the electronic tape counter and the F A ST
FO RW A RD and R E WI ND controls, you can “cue” to
any starting point on the tape before you begin
playback. ,
Auto Programming
Preset available channels into VCR’s electronic scan
memory at the touch of a single button. Eliminates
cumbersome manual programming steps. After
automatic programming, channels can be selected by
remote control scanning — either up or down, AD D and
ERA SE buttons also are included for tailoring memory
scan list to personal preference.
Picture Search
The FA ST -F O RW A RD and R E WI ND buttons can be
used for “Picture Search” when you play a tape. When
you press and hold one of these buttons the playing
speed is increased so that you can quickly locate the
picture you want to view. Normal playing speed resumes
and sound is restored when you release the button. A
picture is displayed when you search a tape reeorded at
any speed, but quality is best for tapes recorded at SLP.
Pause - Stop Action - Frame Advance
Pressing the PA U S E button stops the tape’s forward
motion for “stop-action” viewing during playback, or to
eliminate unwanted material when you are recording.
After you have stopped the action during playback, the
FRA M E A DV A NC E
you advance the tape one frame at a time so that you can
see all the motion details. Stop-action and frame
advance are designed for use at the SLP speed. They
may be used on tapes recorded at other speeds, but the
picture quality will not be as good as that at SLP.
button on the remote control lets
Slow Motion
Press SL OW on the remote unit or press P L A Y during
play/pause to change from normal playing speed to slow
motion. The PLA Y button will restore normal playing
speed. Slow Motion is designed for use at the SLP speed.
It may be used on tapes recorded at other speeds, but
the picture quality will not be as good as that at SLP.
Memory Stop
When the tape counter is displayed instead of time, fast
forward and rewind will stop when the counter reads
0000. By resetting the counter to 0000 at the desired
point on the tape, you can stop at this point for repeated
viewing of a certain scene.
Automatic Rewind
Your VCR automatically rewinds and then stops when it
comes to the end of the tape. To avoid accidental erasure
during Unattended Recording and Express Recording,
the VCR stops at the end of the tape but does not
rewind.
Power Off from Rewind
You can turn off the power during rewind, and the VCR
will finish rewinding and turn off automatically.
Automatic Play/Power On
If the VCR is off, it will turn on automatically when you
insert a cassette.
When you insert a cassette with the safety tab removed,
the VCR will automatically turn on and start playing the
tape.
VHS HQ Picture Quality
This VCR incorporates VHS HQ (High Quality)
circuitry for improved picture quality. It is fully
compatible with earlier VHS VCRs.
Fluorescent Function Displays
Vivid, easy-to-read graphic displays show when VCR is
in “Play,” “Record,” “Fast Forward” or “Rewind”
modes. Includes readouts for channel and tape speed, as
well as time/day (or tape counter to indicate relative
position of programs on cassette). Counter memory
automatically stops tape at desired point during rewind
or fast forward.
8
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