RCA VR342 Owner’s Manual
video cassette recorder
user's guide
VR342
nEC_IYED_ 0Or0 i ISS?
m m m _
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
This symbol indicates
"dangerous voltage" inside
the product that presents a
risk of electric shock or
personal injury.
Caution" To reduce the risk of electric shock, match
wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
Attention: Pour _viter les chocs_lectriques, introduire
la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne
correspondante de la prise et pousser jusq_ 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.
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.
This symbol indicates
important instructions
accompanying the product.
PRODUCT REG ISTRATION
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately.
Returning this card allows usto contact you if needed.
Keep your salesreceipt 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 player.
Model No. VR342
Serial No.
Purchase Date:
Dealer/Add ress/Phone:
First Things First .............................................................. 3
Setting up the VCR ......................................................... 7
Using the Menu to Set Up Features ................................................. 8
Language .......................................................................................... 8
VCR Channels List ......................................................................... 8
To Auto Channel Search ........................................................ 9
To Change the SignalType ................................................... 10
To Add or Remove Channels ............................................. 10
Time and Date .............................................................................. 10
Set Daylight-SavingTime ...................................................... I I
Set the Time and Date ......................................................... I I
Additional Set-Up Features in the PREFERENCES Menu .......... 12
RemoteVCR I/VCR2 Option .................................................... 13
Auto Play........................................................................................ 13
Auto "I-V/VC R................................................................................ 14
VCR Basics ..................................................................... 15
Remote Buttons .................................................................................. 16
Playing a Tape ....................................................................................... 17
Tape Eject ............................................................................................. 17
Recording ............................................................................................. 18
Check the SafetyTab ................................................................... 18
Automatic Rewind .............................................................................. 18
Recording ............................................................... 19
Recording Features ............................................................................ 20
Express Recording ....................................................................... 20
Timer Recording .......................................................................... 2 I
Stopping aTimer Recording ...................................................... 22
Reviewing and Clearing Programs ........................................... 22
UsingTwoVCRs for Copying and EditingTapes. ................... 23
Other Features .............................................................. 25
Picture Search Options ..................................................................... 26
Forward and Reverse Search .................................................... 26
Slow Motion .................................................................................. 26
Commercial Scan (SEARCH Button) ...................................... 26
Frame Advance .............................................................................27
Index Search ..................................................................................27
Zero Search ..................................................................................28
Time Counter ......................................................................................28
On-Screen Displays ............................................................................29
Tracking .................................................................................................29
Connections .................................................................. 31
Things to Know Before Connecting Components ..................... 3 I
ConnectingYourVCR ........................................................................32
Jacks and Cables ...........................................................................32
Choosing a VCR Connection ...................................................33
Advantages of Audio/Video Cable Connections ...................33
Don't ForgetAbout the Auto TVNCR Feature ....................33
TV with RFJack Only .................................................................34
TV with Audio/Video Jacks........................................................35
TV with AudioNideo Jacks and Cable Box to
Unscramble PayChannels Only ..........................................36
Appendix A: Reference ................................................ 37
Front Panel ........................................................................................... 38
Back Panel ............................................................................................39
Indicator Panel.....................................................................................39
Troubleshooting Tips..........................................................................40
Specifications ....................................................................................... 43
Cleaning the VCR ................................................................................ 43
Limited Warranty ................................................................................ 44
Index .............................................................................. 45
,
H I, MY NAME IS SUSAN...
and I wrote this User's Guide. It's my job to see
that you have a rewarding user manual experience.
Also, I think you'll be pleased with the features
that can be accessed through the on-screen
menus.
READ THE FIRSTTHREE SECTIONS
The first three sections of the manual introduce
you to yourVCR, and show you how to set theVCR
up and use the on-screen menus. Reading these
sections gives you the basic information you need
to use yourVCR.
WHAT'S LEFT?.
FIRSTTHINGS FIRST
1
V
V
Y
I
The rest of the book highlights playback and
recording information, contains a detailed
connections section, and a reference section that
includes troubleshooting tips, limited warranty, and
index.
V
i
These note boxes give you tips for
your new video cassette recorder.
3
STEP 1: UNPACK WHAT'S IN THE BOX
The following items come packed in the box:
• VCR
• Remote control
• RFcoaxial cable
STEP 2: INSTALL BATFERIES IN THE
REMOTE CONTROL
Follow these steps whenever you need to install or change the
batteries in your VCR remote.
1. Remove the cover of the battery compartment.
2. Place batteries in remote, matching the + and - ends of each
battery to the diagram inside the compartment.
3. Replace the cover.
STEP 3: CONNECT YOUR VCR
If you connect your VCR to your home antenna or cable system
and then to your TV, use the VCR'sANT.IN and RFOUT jacks for a
good signal as shown.
If you have a TV with AUDIONIDEO jacks, use these audio/video
jacks on the TV and VCR for a better connection. Refer to the
Connections section, toward the back of the manual.
(TABLE,CABLEBOX, OR_ANTENNA
VCR
TV
4
STEP 4: PLUG IN THE VCR
Match the wide blade of the plug with the wide slot in the
outlet. Be sure to insert the plug completely.
STEP 5: TUNE THE "IV
Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel. The VCR viewing
channel ischannel 3 or 4 or the TV's video input.
If you connect your VCR using the ANTENNA connectors with
RF coaxial cable, set the 3CH.4 switch to channel 3 or channel
4--the channel you want to use on your TV.
If you connect your VCR using the AUDIO/VIDEO jacks with
audio/video cables, select the TV's video input to see the
signal. See the 7"VOwner's Manual.
STEP 6: TURN ON THE VCR
Press POWER to turn on the VCR.
STEP 7: ACCESS THE MENUS
The MENU and number buttons let you access,select and change
menu items. For example, to change the Auto Play setting, you
would do the following:
1. Press MENU to bring up the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Time
3 Channets
4 Preferences
5 Language
0 Exit
VCR Viewing Channel
When using the ANTENNA jacks to
connect your VCR, tune your TV to
channel 3 or 4.
When using the audio/video jacks to
connect your VCR, tune your TV to the
TV's video input.
5
o
Press 4 to display the PREFERENCESmenu.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto PLay: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
0 Exit
.
Press 2 to switch Auto Play to ON or OFE
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR2
2 Auto PLay: OFF
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
0 Exit
See Setting Up the VCR for detailed information about the
Auto Play feature.
STEP 8: SET UP THE VCR
Once you understand how to move around andlor through the
menus, go to the next section to set up your VCR.
6
SI:T-U P FEATU RI:S
Below is a list of set-up features that you may
want to set up before you begin using yourVCR
for the first time:
• Select a language
V
SE'I-FING UP THE VCR
2
I
• Set upVCR channel list (Auto Channel Search)
• Set automatic daylight-saving time
• Set the time and date
• Set the RemoteVCRI/VCR2 feature
• Set the Auto Play feature
• Set the AutoTV/VCR feature
V
V
V
V
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USING THE MENU TO SET UP FEATURES
You can set up features by using the menu system. Each feature
is explained in this section.
LANGUAGE
Select your preferred language, and the on-screen displays will
appear in that language.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR RAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Time
3 Channels
4 Preferences
5 Language
0 Exit
. Press5 to select and display the LANGUAGE menu.
LANGUAGE
Select a Language.
l_English
2 Espanot
3 Fran_ais
Press RENU to continue
3. Press 1 for English, 2 for EspaSol (Spanish), or 3 for
Fran_;ais (French).
VCR CHANNELS LIST
If you use a cable box for all channels, this step is not
necessary. Your VCR may come with a channel list preset at
the factory. Even though your VCR may come with a list, it's
possible that you may want to add or eliminate some
channels depending on whether they are active.
If you do not use a cable box for ALL
channels, then you will want to use a
AII Channels ]
channel list (Auto Channel Search).
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To Auto Channel Search
Auto channel search memorizes the channels available through
your signal type--cable or antenna.
1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR flAIN RENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Time
3 Channels
4 Preferences
5 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 3 to display the CHANNELS menu.
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE
0 Exi t
3. Press 1 to display the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu_
AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
What type of signal
are you using?
1 Cable TV
2 Antenna
3_0etect Automatically
0 Cancel
4. Select one of the three AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH options.
Choices one and two are self-explanatory. If you choose
Detect Automatically, the VCR automatically detects which
signal system you have attached to your VCR.
AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
No_ scanning channel 14
Pness any key to cancel
Detect Automatically
Auto Channel Search
Use the Auto Channel Search
feature to place all available
channels in memory.
If you ever change cable or
antenna signals, you may need to
Auto Channel Search again.
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The VCR begins scanning for the available channels--this
takes about one to two minutes. The lowest channel is tuned
once the search is complete. Pressing CHANNEL up or down
should only select the active channels.
To Change the Signal Type
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press3 to display the CHANNELS menu.
3. Press3 to change the Signal Type between CABLE and
ANTENNA.
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE
0 Exit
To Add or Remove Channels
You may want to add or remove channels after you Auto
Channel Search, especially if some of the channels have weak
signals or you don't want to watch them.
1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press3 to display the CHANNELS menu.
3. Press2 to display the ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS screen. Use
CHANNEL up or down, or number buttons, to go to the
channels you want to remove or add.
ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS
Channel 115
is presently ADDED
Press CLEAR to remove
Press MENU to exit
ADD/REROVE CHANNELS
Channel 115
is presently REROVED
Press INFO to add
Press RENU to exit
TIME AND DATE
Before you set the time and date, set the Auto DST (Daylight-
Saving Time) feature to ON or OFFfor your area.
Selecting Channels
The CHANNEL up and down buttons
access those channels active in your
VCR channel list.
You can still accesschannels not in
the channel list by using the number
buttons on the remote control.
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Set Daylight-Saving Time
1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR NAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Time
3 ChanneLs
4 Preferences
5 Language
0 Exit
,
Press 2 to display the TIME menu.
TIRE
1 Set time and date
2 Auto DST: ON
0 Exit
3. Press 2 to turn Auto DST:ON or OFF.
Select ON if you want the VCR's clock to automatically
adjust for daylight-saving time.
Select OFF if you do not want the VCR's clock to adjust
for daylight-saving time.
Set the Time and Date
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR RAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Time
3 ChanneLs
4 Preferences
5 Language
0 Exit
,
Press 2 to display the TIME menu.
TIRE
1 Set time and date
2 Auto DST: ON
0 Exit
he time and date must be set before
ime and Date 1
timer recording can be programmed.
Spring forward; Fall backward
In the Spring, daylight-saving time
begins on the first Sunday in April.
Because the clock automatically
changes from 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM
(forward one hour), remember to
include the extra hour for timer
recording that falls within this
time frame.
In the Autumn, daylight-saving time
ends on the last Sunday in October.
The VCR clock automatically changes
from 2:00 AM to 1:00 AM (back one
hour). Therefore, it can affect your
recording length.
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3. Press 1 to display the SETTIME AND DATE screen.
SET TIME AND DATE
Time --:--
(hh:mm)
Date --/--/--
Press MENU to cancel
.
Enter the data using the number buttons. Press 0 before
single-digit numbers and follow the on-screen directions.
SET TIHE AND DATE
Time 12:34 PR
Date 10124197 Friday
Press CLEAR to correct
Press MENU to set
ADDITIONAL SET-UP FEATURES IN THE
PREFERENCES MENU
The features in this section are all accessedthrough the
PREFERENCESmenu.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR RAIN RENU
1T4mer Recordings
2 Time
3 ChanneLs
4 Preferences
5 Language
0 Exit
. Press4 to display the PREFERENCESmenu.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto PLay: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
0 Exit
Time/Date Display
Pressing |NFO on the remote displays
the time and date on the screen.
(
]
Now you are ready to select an item from the menu to set up.
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REMOTE VCR1/VCR2 OPTION
If you own a compatible RCA, GE, or ProScan remote that has a
VCR2, VCR2oLD, or DVD-VCR2 button, this feature allows you to
set this VCR to respond to that button.
Press 1 to select the Remote Control item in the menu. Then
press the VCR2, VCR2eLD, or DVD-VCR2 button to change.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto PLay: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
O Exit
PREFERENCES
(PRESS VCR2 TO CHANGE)
2 Auto PLay: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
0 Exit
The VCR will only respond to the compatible remote's VCR2,
VCR2eLD, or DVD,VCR2 button. If you change the remote setting
to VCR2, the remote that came with your VCR will no longer
control it.
Use the compatible remote to change the remote setting back to
VCR1. Display the PREFERENCESmenu, press 1,and then press
VCR1. Then the remote that came with the VCR will be able to
control it again.
AUTO PLAY
This feature allows the VCR to automatically start playing when
you insert a tape with the safety tab removed. Press2 to switch
between ON or OFF.
Select ON if you want a tape with its safety tab removed to
start playing automatically when the tape is inserted.
Select OFF if you do not want a tape with its safety tab
removed to start playing automatically.
Changing the Remote Control option
to VCR2 disables the remote that
Remote Control Option 1
came with your VCR.
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