RCA VR349 Owner’s Manual

video cassette recorder

user's guide

VR349

RISKOF 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.

ING

This symbol indicates

"dangerous voltage = inside

the product that presents a

This symbol indicates

important instructions accompanying the product.

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 bviter leschocs blectriques, introduire

la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne

correspondante de la prise et pousserjusqO au fond.

Refer to the identification/rating label located on the back panel of your product for its proper operating voltage.

FCCRegulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this

equipment may void the user's authority to operate it. Cable TV Installen This reminder isprovided 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 the product registration card and return it immediately. Returning this card allows usto 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 product.

Model No. VR349

Serial No.

Purchase Date:

Dealer/Address/Phone:

First Things First ......... ..................................................... 3

Setting up the VCR ......................................................... 7

Using the Menu to Set Up Features ................................................. 8

Language .......................................................................................... 8

Cable Box Setup ............................................................................ 8

VCR Channels List ....................................................................... 10

To Auto Channel Search ...................................................... 10

To Change the SignalType ................................................... I I

To Add or Remove Channels ............................................. I I

Time and Date .............................................................................. 12

Set Daylight-SavingTime .................................................... .. 12

Set the Time and Date ......................................................... 12

VCR Plus+ Channels ................................................................... 13

Additional Set-Up Features in the Preferences Menu ................ 16

Remote VCRI/VCR2 Option ................................................... 16

Auto Play ........................................................................................ 17

EnergySaver ................................................................................... 17

Tape Speed .................................................................................... 18

VCR Basics ..................................................................... 19

Remote Buttons .................................................................................. 20

Component Buttons ................................................................... 20

VCR Function Buttons ................................................................ 20

"IV Function Buttons ................................................................... 2 I

Playing a Tape ....................................................................................... 22

Automatic Rewind ....................................................................... 23

Tape Eject ...................................................................................... 23

Recording ............................................................................................. 23

Check the SafetyTab ................................................................... 23

Recording ...................................................................... 25

Recording Features ............................................................................ 26

Express Recording (XPR) .......................................................... 26

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

Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ ............................................ 28

Setting Up the Channel List ................................................ 28

UsingVCR Plus+ .................................................................... 28

Stopping aTimer Recording ...................................................... 30

Reviewing and Clearing Programs ........................................... 30

UsingTwoVCRs for Copying and EditingTapes ........................... 31

Programming the Remote ............................................ 33

About Programming the Remote ................................................... 34

Programming the Remote to Control a TV .......................... 34

Programming the Remote to Control a Digital

Satellite Receiver or Cable Box ......................................... 36

Other Features .............................................................. 37

Picture Search Options ..................................................................... 38

Forward and Reverse Search ............................................. 38

Slow Hodon ........................................................................... 38

Commercial Scan (Search Button) .................................... 38

Frame Advance ...................................................................... 39

Index Search ........................................................................... 39

Zero Search ............................................................................ 40

Pro-Tect PlusTM Locking Feature .................................................... 40

Time Counter ...................................................................................... 4 I

On-Screen Displays ............................................................................ 4 I

Tracking ................................................................................................. 42

Connections .............. :................................................... 43

Conne_ingYourVCR ........................................................................ 44

Jacks and Cables ........................................................................... 44

RF Jacks and Coaxial Cables (F-_/pe) ............................... 44

Choosing a VCR Connection ................................................... 45

Advantages of Audio/Video Cable Connections ............ 45

Don't Forget About the Auto'i'V/VCR Feature ............. 45

TVWith RF Jack Only ....................................................................... 46

TV With Audio/Video Jacks .............................................................. 47

"l'VWith Audio/Video Jacks and Cable Box to

Unscramble Pay Channels Only ................................................ 48

References ..................................................................... 49

Front Panel ........................................................................................... 50

Back Panel ............................................................................................ 5 I

Indicator Panel ..................................................................................... 51

TroubleshootingTips .......................................................................... 52

Specifications ....................................................................................... 55

Cleaning theVCR ................................................................................ 55

Limited Warrant 7 ....................................................... ......................... 56

Index ...................................................................................................... 57

H I, MY NAM E IS ROG ER...

and I wrote this User's Guide. It's my job to see

that you have a rewarding user manual experience. You'll find that I've arranged this manual to clearly

explain all yourVCR's features.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

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?

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.

These note boxes give you tips for

I READ ME!

your new video cassette recorder.

STEP 1: UNPACK _WHAT'S IN THE BOX

The following items come packed in the box:

• VCR

• Remote control

• RF coaxial 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's IN FROM ANTENNA and OUT TO "IVjacks for a good signal as shown.

If you have a TV with AUDIO/VIDEO jacks, use these jacks for

better picture and sound quality. If you have a stereo TV with left and right Audio/Video jacks, connect the VCR's AUDIO OUT to the TV's left audio input. Refer to the Connections section,

toward the back of the manual for more details.

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.

CABLE, CABLE BOX, OR_ANTENNA

VCR

AUmO

_@-@ m_@-@

STEP S: TUNE THE TV

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 TV Owner's Manual.

STEP 6: TURN ON THE VCR

Press POWER to turn on the VCR.

STEP 7: INTERACTIVE SETUP

The first time the VCR isturned on, Interactive Setup--a brief series of on-screen menus--appears. These menus assist in setting

up several of the VCR's features. Use the remote's number buttons to select options.

1. PressI for English, 2 for Espa_iol(Spanish), or 3 for Fran(;ais (French).

SeLect a Language. Setecctone un tdtoma.

Cho|sissez une tangue.

1>EngLish 2 Espaflot

3 Franyet$

The remaining Interactive Setup menus will appear in the language you choose. Follow the on-screen instructions to

complete the process.

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.

STEP 8: ACCESS THE MENUS

When you've completed Interactive Setup, try out the VCR's

regular on-screen 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. PressMENU to bring up the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR RAZN NENU

1VCR PLus+

2 Ttmer Recordings 3 Time

4 ChanneLs 5 Preferences

6 Language

0 Exit

2. Press5 to display the PREFERENCESmenu.

PREFERENCES

1 Remote ControL: VCR1

2 Auto PLay: ON 3 EnergySaver: 2:00

4 Tape Speed: SLP

0 Exit

3. Press2 to switch AUTO PLAY to ON or OFF.

PREFERENCES

1 Remote ControL: VCR1 2 Auto PLay: OFF

3 EnergySaver: 2:00 4 Tape Speed: SLP

0 Ex|t

See Setting Up the VCR for detailed information about the Auto Play feature. Once you understand how to use the

menus, move on to the next section.

SET-UP FEATURES

Below is a list of features that you may want to set up before you begin using yourVCR for the first

time.

• Select a language

• Set upVCR channel list (AUTO CHANNEL

SEARCH)

• Set up for a cable box

• Set automatic daylight-saving time

• Set the time and date

• Set upVCR Plus+ channels

• Set the REMOTEVCRI/VCR2 feature

• Set the AUTO PLAY feature

• Set the EnergySaver TM feature

• Set the preferred tape speed

SETI'ING UP THE VCR

USING THE MENU TO SET UP FEATURES

You canchange the setup of the VCR's features using the menu

system. Each feature isexplained in this section.

LANGUAGE

Select your preferred language, and the on-screen displays will appear in that language.

1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU

1 VCR PLus+ Z Ttmer Recordings 3 Ttme 4 ChanneLs 5 Preferences

6 Language

0 Exit

2. Press6 to select and display the LANGUAGE menu.

LAN6UAGE

SeLect a Language.

1>EngLish

2 EspsnoL 3 Frsn[a|s

Press MENU to conttune

3. Select English, Espar3ol(Spanish), or Fran_;ais(French).

CABLE BOX SETUP

This setup applies only when all channels are received through the cable box. The VCR will automatically enter the output

channel of the cable box when programming your VCR for timer

recordings.

Not all the VCR screens are shown in this manual when explaining the

On-screen Menus 1

features.

1. PressMENUto displaytheVCRMAINMENU.

VCR HAXN MENU

1VCR PLus+ 2 Timer Recordings

3 Time

4 ChanneLs 5 Preferences

6 Language

0 Exit

2. Press4 to display the CHANNELS menu.

CHANNELS

1 Auto Channel Search 2 Add/Remove ChanneLs

3 Signal Type: CABLE

4 VCR PLus+ Channel List 5 CabLe Box Setup

0 Exit

3. Press5to display CABLE BOX SETUP.Then select one of the three choices.

CABLE BOX SETUP

Do you use your cable box to receive ALL

channels or only SOME channels.

1 ALL channels 2 OnLy SORE channels

3 Cancel setup

If you select ALL CHANNELS, enter the output channel of your cable box, usually 03, 04, or video line input and

press MENU.

CABLE BOX SETUP

On what channel does the VCR receive signals

from the cable box?

(usuaLLy 3, 4, or V_deo)

Press CLEAR to correct Press MENU to continue

CABLE BOX SETUP

The VCR wiLL now receive aLL signals from the cable box on channel 04.

Press MENU to continue

Once you complete the setup, the VCR confirms that Cable Box Setup iscomplete.

Cable Box Setup

ALL CHANNELS: enter two numbers for output channel of your cable box or

press INPUT.

ONLY SOME CHANNELS: If you only use the cable box to tune premium

channels. CANCEL SETUP:select to cancel.

All Channels

If you do not use a cable box for ALL

channels, then you will want to use a channel list (Auto Channel Search).

VCR CHANNELS LIST

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.

To AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH

1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU

1VCR PLus+

2 Timer Recordings

3 T4me 4 ChanneLs 5 Preferences

6 Language

0 Exit

2. Press4 to display the CHANNELS menu.

CHANNELS

1 Auto Channel Search 2 Add/Remove ChanneLs 3 Signal Type: CABLE

4 VCR PLus+ Channel Ltst 5 CabLe Box Setup

0 Exit

3. Press1to display the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu.

AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH

What type of signal

are you using?

1 CabLe TV

2 Antenna 3>Detect AutomaticaLLy

0 Cancel

4. Select one of the three AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH options. Choices one and two are self-explanatory. If you choose

DETECTAUTOMATICALLY, the VCR automatically detects which signal systemyou have attached to your VCR.

Detect Automatically

A strong cable or antenna signal in your area may cause Auto Detect

to mis-detect. If this should happen, select I or 2 for the

system you have.

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 SEARCHagain.

AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH

Nou scann4ng channel 14

Press any key to cancel

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. Now, pressing CHANNEL up or down should only select the active channels.

To Change the Signal Type

1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

2. Press4 to display the CHANNELS menu.

3. Press3to change the SIGNAL TYPE between CABLE and ANTENNA.

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. Press4 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 ts presently ADDED

Press CLEAR to remove Press MENU to exit

ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS

Channel 115 is presently REROVED

Press INFO to add Press MENU to exit

Selecting Channels

The CHANNEL up and down

buttons accessthose channels active in your VCR channel list. You can still accesschannels not in the channel list by using the

number buttons on the remote.

TIME AND DATE

Before you set the time and date, set the AUTO DST (Daylight- Saving Time) feature to ON or OFF for your area.

Set Daylight-Saving Time

1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU

1VCR PLus+ 2 Timer Recordings

3 Time

4 ChanneLs

5 Preferences

6 Language

0 Exit

Press3 to display the TIME menu.

TIME

1 Set Time and Date

2 Auto DST: ON

0 Exit

3. Press2 to turn AUTO DST:ON or OFF.

• Select ON if you want the VCR°sclock 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. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR RAIN MENU

1 VCR PLus+ 2 Timer Recordings

3 T4me 4 ChanneLs

5 Preferences

6 Language

0 Exit

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 falling 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.

Press3to display the TIME menu.

TIME

1 Set Till and Date 2 Auto DST: ON

0 Ex4t

PressI to display the SETTIME AND DATE screen.

SET TIME AND DATE

T41e --:--

(hh:lm)

Date --/--/--

Press MENU to canceL

4. Enter the data using the number buttons. Press0 before single-digit numbers and follow the on-screen directions.

SET TIME AND DATE

T|I! 12:34 PM

Date 10124197 Frtday

Press CLEAR to correct Press MENU to set

VCR PLUS+ CHANNELS

Using VCR Plus+ can make programming timer recordings for cable or off-air antenna easier, but you have to put in a little

time right now to set up a channel list. A worksheet and

abbreviated codes for typical cable services in the U.S. and Canada are provided on the following pages.

1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR HAIM MENU

1VCR PLus+ 2 T|ner Record|ngs

] Tile 4 ChanneLs

S Preferences 6 Language

0 Exit

Time/Date Display

VCR Plus+ Channel List

Refer to your local television list for a complete VCR Plus+ channel list

for your viewing area or contact your cable company. Using the list

may save you some time.

2. Press4 to display the CHANNELS menu.

CHANNELS

1 Auto Channel Search 2 Add/Remove ChanneLs

3 Signal Type: CABLE 4 VCR PLus+ Channel L_st

5 CabLe Box Setup

0 Exit

3. Press4 to display the VCR PLUS+CHANNEL LIST screen.

VCR+ Channel Ry Channel

5 ----

4 ----

3 -> -> -> --

2 ----

Use CH+I- to select

Press 0-9 to change Press NENU to save

Enterthe data following the on-screen directions using your

worksheet.

VCR+ Channel Ny Channel

5 46

4 ----

3 -> -> -> 23

2 ----

Use CH+/- to select Press 0-9 to change

Press flENU to save

Screen is for an example only.

Two-DigitVCR Plus+ Channel

Numbers for Cable TV

(USA List)

3S American Movie Classics 39 Arts &-Entertainment 57 Black Entertainment S4 Bravo 42 Cable News Network 45 Cinemax 98 Cinemax 2

37 The Discovery Channel 53 The Disney Channel

63 Entertainment Telovision 34 ESPN Sports Network

47 The Family Channel 33 Home Box OflEce

9S Home Box Office 2

96 Home Box Office 3 51 The Learning Channel

46 Ufetime

58 The Movie Channel 48 Music Television

49 The Nashville Network 38 Nickelodeon

64 Nostalgia Television 99 QualityValue Cable

41 Showtime 97 Showtime 2

59 Sports Channel 52 Turner NetworkTelevision

44 USA-Network 62 Video Hits I

93 Viewer's Choice I 94 Viewer's Choice 2

55 WGN Chicago

43 WTBS Adanta

60 VV_fOR-NewYork

See next page for Canadian List

VCR PLUS WORKSHEET

Broadcast or

Cable-TV Station

Name

HBO ESPN

VCR Plus+ Channel

Number**

33 34

Channel Number

You Receive the

Station On*

Two-DigitVCR Plus+ Channel

Numbers for CableTV

(Canadian List)

67 Allarcom PayTelevision/

Superchannel

44 Arts & Entertainment 72 Cable News Network-Headline

News

61 Cable News Network

70 Canadian Home Shopping Network 56 Canal Famille

69 Cathay InternationalTelevision Inc 68 Chinavision Canada Corp 60 Country Music Television 63 Family Channel

62 First Choice 96 First ChoiceTwo

97 First ChoiceThree 99 First Choice Four

90 House of Commons 91 La Chalne Francalse

51 The Learning Channel 65 MeteoMedia/TheWeather Network

48 MuchMusic Network 55 MusiquePlus

52 Nashville Network 73 Newsworld/CBC

53 Le Reseau des Sports 43 The Sports Network

64 Super Ecran 37 Super Ecran B

98 Super Ecran C 66 Telatino Network

46 TV5 Montreal 92 Viewer's Choice I

93 Viewer's Choice 2 94 Viewer's Choice 3

95 Viewer's Choice 4 71 VisionTV: Canada's Faith Network

38 YouthTV, Canada Inc.

eCheck your local or cable listing for the channel number you receive this station on.

**Check your local listing for broadcast or VCR Plus+ channel number assigned.

WHAT'S NEXT--ADDITIONAL SET-UP

FEATURES IN THE PREFERENCES MENU

The features in this section are all accessedthrough the PREFERENCESmenu.

1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU

1VCR PLus+ 2 Timer Recordings

3 Time 4 Channets 5 Preferences

6 Language

0 Exit

2. Press5to display the PREFERENCESmenu.

PREFERENCES

1 Remote ControL: VCR1

2 Auto PLay: ON 3 EnergySsver: 2:00 4 Tape Speed: SLP

0 Exit

Now you are ready to select an item from the menu to set up.

REMOTE VCR1/VCR2 OPTION

If you own a compatible RCA, GE, or ProScan remote that has a VCR2, VCR2mLD, or DVDmVCR2 button, this feature allows you to set this VCR to respond to that button.

Press1 to select the REMOTE CONTROL item. Then pressthe VCR2, VCR2mLD,or DVDmVCR2 button to change.

PREFERENCES

1 Remote ControL: VCR1 2 Auto PLay: ON

3 EnergySaver: 2:00

4 Tape Speed: SLP

i0 Exit

PREFERENCES

1 Remote ControL: VCR2 2 Auto PLay: OFF

3 EnergySaver: OFF 4 Tape Speed: SLP

0 EXXT

+ 42 hidden pages

RCA VR349 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual