RCA VR540 User Manual
video cassette recorder
user's guide
VR540
Important Information
WARNING
RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
This symbol indicates
"dangerous voltage" inside
the product that presents a
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.
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 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.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or
shock hazard, do not expose
this product to rain or moisture.
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 the product registration card and return it immediately.
Returning this 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 product.
Model No.
Serial No.
Purchase Date:
VR540
Dealer/Address/Phone:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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 Signal Type .........................................................11
To Add or Remove Channels ....................................................11
Time and Date .................................................................................... 12
Set Daylight-Saving Time ............................................................. 12
Set the Time and Date ................................................................ 12
VCR Plus+ Channels .......................................................................... 13
VCR Plus+ Worksheet ................................................................ 15
What’s Next—Additional Set-Up Features in the
Preferences Menu.........................................................................16
Remote VCR1/VCR2 Option .................................................... 16
Auto Play........................................................................................ 17
Auto TV/VCR ................................................................................ 17
EnergySaverTM............................................................................... 18
Front Panel .................................................................................... 18
Tape Speed ....................................................................................18
VCR Basics ..................................................................... 19
Remote Buttons .................................................................................. 20
Component Buttons ...................................................................20
VCR Function Buttons................................................................20
TV Function Buttons ................................................................... 21
Playing a Tape .......................................................................................22
Automatic Rewind ....................................................................... 23
Tape Eject ...................................................................................... 23
Recording .............................................................................................23
Check the Safety Tab ................................................................... 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
Using VCR Plus+ .................................................................... 28
Stopping a Timer Recording ...................................................... 30
Reviewing and Clearing Programs ........................................... 30
Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes ........................... 31
7
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Programming the Remote............................................ 33
About Programming the Remote ................................................... 34
Programming the Remote to Control a␣ TV ................................. 34
Operate the TV ............................................................................ 34
TV Codes ...................................................................................... 35
Programming the Remote to Control a Digital Satellite
Receiver or Cable Box................................................................36
Operate the Cable Box or Digital Satellite Receiver ................. 36
Cable Box Codes ......................................................................... 36
Other Features .............................................................. 37
Picture Search Options ..................................................................... 38
Forward and Reverse Search ....................................................38
Slow Motion .................................................................................. 38
Commercial Scan (Search Button)...........................................38
Frame Advance ............................................................................. 39
Index Search..................................................................................39
Zero Search ..................................................................................40
Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking Feature .................................................... 40
Time Counter......................................................................................41
On-Screen Displays ............................................................................ 41
Tracking ................................................................................................. 42
Connections .................................................................. 43
Connecting Your VCR ........................................................................ 44
Jacks and Cables ........................................................................... 44
RF Jacks and Antenna Cables (F-type) .................................... 44
Choosing a VCR Connection .................................................... 45
Advantages of Audio/Video Cable Connections................... 45
TV With RF Jack Only .......................................................................46
TV With Audio/Video Jacks .............................................................. 47
TV with Audio/Video Jacks and Cable Box to
Unscramble Pay Channels Only................................................ 48
Reference ...................................................................... 49
Front Panel ........................................................................................... 50
Display Panel ........................................................................................ 50
Back Panel ............................................................................................ 51
Troubleshooting Tips.......................................................................... 52
Specifications ....................................................................................... 55
Cleaning the VCR................................................................................55
Limited Warranty ................................................................................ 56
Index ...................................................................................................... 57
2
First Things First
Hi, my name is Roger...
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 your VCR’s features.
Read the First Three sections
The first three sections of the manual introduce
you to your VCR, and show you how to set the VCR
up and use the on-screen menus. Reading these
sections gives you the basic information you need
to use your VCR.
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.
First things first
1
➣
Setting Up the VCR
2
➣
VCR Basics
3
➣
recording
4
➣
Program the Remote
5
➣
OTHER FEATURES
6
5
Connections
7
READ ME!
These note boxes give you tips for
your new video cassette recorder.
➣
3
First Things First
VCR
TV
3 CH. 4
VIDEOAUDIO
IN 1
OUT
IN FROM
ANT.
OUT TO TV
VHF/UHF
CABLE/
ANTENNA
CABLE, CABLE BOX, OR ANTENNA
Step 1: Unpack What’s in the Box
The following items come packed in the box:
• VCR
• Remote control
• RF antenna cable
STEP 2: Install Batteries 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 ANT. and OUT TO TV
jacks 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.
4
First Things First
STEP 5: TUNe THE TV
Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel. The VCR viewing
channel is channel 3 or 4 or the TV’s video input.
• If you connect your VCR using the ANTENNA connectors with
RF antenna 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 is turned 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. Press 1 for English, 2 for Español (Spanish), or 3 for Français
(French).
Select a language.
Seleccione un idioma.
Choisissez une langue.
1>English
2 Espanol
3 Francais
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.
5
First Things First
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. Press MENU to bring up the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR ON
4 EnergySaver: 2:00
5 Front Panel AUTO
6 Tape Speed: SLP
0 Exit
3. Press 2 to switch AUTO PLAY to ON or OFF.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: OFF
3 Auto TV/VCR: OFF
4 EnergySaver: 2:00
5 Front Panel: AUTO
6 Tape Speed: SLP
0 Exit
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.
6
Setting Up the VCR
Set-Up Features
Below is a list of features that you may want to set
up before you begin using your VCR for the first
time.
• Select a language
• Set up VCR channel list (AUTO CHANNEL
SEARCH)
• Set up for a cable box
• Set automatic daylight-saving time
• Set the time and date
• Set up VCR Plus+ channels
• Set the REMOTE VCR1/VCR2 feature
• Set the AUTO PLAY feature
• Set the AUTO TV/VCR feature
First things first
1
➣
Setting Up the VCR
2
➣
VCR Basics
3
➣
recording
4
➣
PROGRAMMING THE
5
REMOTE
5
➣
• Set the EnergySaverTM feature
• Set the Front Panel feature
• Set the preferred Tape Speed
OTHER FEATURES
6
5
Connections
7
7
➣
7
Setting Up the VCR
USING THE MENU to set up features
You can change the setup of the VCR’s features 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 MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 6 to select and display the LANGUAGE menu.
LANGUAGE
Select a language.
1>English
2 Espanol
3 Francais
Press MENU to contiune
˜
˜
3. Select English, Español (Spanish), or Français (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.
8
On-screen Menus
Not all the VCR screens are shown in
this manual when explaining the
features.
Setting Up the VCR
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 4 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. Press 5 to 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 SOME channels
3 Cancel setup
4. 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 Video)
04
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 is complete.
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).
9
Setting Up the VCR
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. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 4 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. 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>Detect 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.
Detect Automatically
A strong cable or antenna signal in
your area may cause Auto Detect
to mis-detect. If this should
happen, select 1 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 SEARCH again.
10
Setting Up the VCR
AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
Now scanning 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. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
3. Press 3 to 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. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
3. Press 2 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/REMOVE CHANNELS
Channel 115
is presently REMOVED
Press INFO to add
Press MENU to exit
Selecting Channels
The CHANNEL up and down
buttons access those channels
active in your VCR channel list.
You can still access channels not
in the channel list by using the
number buttons on the remote.
11
Setting Up the VCR
Time and Date
Before you set the time and date, set the AUTO DST (DaylightSaving Time) feature to ON or OFF for your area.
Set Daylight-Saving Time
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 3 to display the TIME menu.
TIME
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 MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
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.
12
Setting Up the VCR
2. Press 3 to display the TIME menu.
TIME
1 Set Time and Date
2 Auto DST: ON
0 Exit
3. Press 1 to display the SET TIME AND DATE screen.
SET TIME AND DATE
Time --:- (hh:mm)
Date --/--/--
Press MENU to cancel
4. Enter the data using the number buttons. Press 0 before
single-digit numbers and follow the on-screen directions.
SET TIME AND DATE
Time 12:34 PM
Date 10/24/97 Friday
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. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
Time/Date Display
Pressing INFO on the remote displays
the time and date on the screen.
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.
13
Setting Up the VCR
2. Press 4 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. Press 4 to display the VCR PLUS+ CHANNEL LIST screen.
VCR+ Channel My Channel
5 - 4 - 3 -> -> -> - 2 - 1 --
Use CH+/- to select
Press 0-9 to change
Press MENU to save
4. Enter the data following the on-screen directions using your
worksheet.
VCR+ Channel My Channel
5 46
4 - 3 -> -> -> 23
2 - 1 --
Use CH+/- to select
Press 0-9 to change
Press MENU to save
Screen is for an example only.
Two-Digit VCR Plus+ Channel
Numbers for Cable TV
(USA List)
35 American Movie Classics
39 Arts &-Entertainment
57 Black Entertainment
54 Bravo
42 Cable News Network
45 Cinemax
98 Cinemax 2
37 The Discovery Channel
53 The Disney Channel
63 Entertainment Television
34 ESPN Sports Network
47 The Family Channel
33 Home Box Office
95 Home Box Office 2
96 Home Box Office 3
51 The Learning Channel
46 Lifetime
58 The Movie Channel
48 Music Television
49 The Nashville Network
38 Nickelodeon
64 Nostalgia Television
99 Quality Value Cable
41 Showtime
97 Showtime 2
59 Sports Channel
52 Turner Network Television
44 USA-Network
62 Video Hits 1
93 Viewer’s Choice 1
94 Viewer’s Choice 2
55 WGN Chicago
43 WTBS Atlanta
60 WWOR-New York
14
See next page for Canadian List
Setting Up the VCR
VCR Plus++ Worksheet
Broadcast or
Cable-TV Station
Name
Hbo 33
ESPN 34
VCR Plus+ Channel
Number**
Channel Number
You Receive the
Station On*
Two-Digit VCR Plus+ Channel
Numbers for Cable TV
(Canadian List)
67 Allarcom Pay Television/
Superchannel
44 Arts & Entertainment
72 Cable News Network-Headline
News
61 Cable News Network
70 Canadian Home Shopping Network
56 Canal Famille
69 Cathay International Television Inc
68 Chinavision Canada Corp
60 Country Music Television
63 Family Channel
62 First Choice
96 First Choice Two
97 First Choice Three
99 First Choice Four
90 House of Commons
91 La Chaine Francaise
51 The Learning Channel
65 MeteoMedia/The Weather 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 1
93 Viewer’s Choice 2
94 Viewer’s Choice 3
95 Viewer’s Choice 4
71 Vision TV: Canada’s Faith Network
38 Youth TV, Canada Inc.
*Check 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.
15
Setting Up the VCR
What’s NEXT—Additional SET-UP
features in the Preferences menu
The features in this section are all accessed through the
PREFERENCES menu.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR ON
4 EnergySaver: 2:00
5 Front Panel AUTO
6 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, VCR2•LD, 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. Then press the
VCR2, VCR2•LD, or DVD•VCR2 button to change.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR ON
4 EnergySaver: 2:00
5 Front Panel AUTO
6 Tape Speed: SLP
0 Exit
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR2
2 Auto Play: OFF
3 Auto TV/VCR OFF
4 EnergySaver: 2:00
5 Front Panel: AUTO
6 Tape Speed: SLP
0 Exit
16
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