RCA VR355, VR545 User Manual
VCR
User’s Guide
Changing Entertainment. Again.
VR355/VR545
Important Information
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or
electric shock, do not expose
this product to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN.
This symbol indicates
"dangerous voltage" inside
the product that presents a
risk of electric shock or
personal injury.
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.
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.
Caution: To prevent 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.
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately. Returning the 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:___________________________________________________________________________________
Dealer/Address/Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________
i
VR355/VR545
Introduction
Introduction
Key Features Overview
Your VCR is equipped with features that will add to your recording experience. The following
information summarizes a few of these features. Chapter 3 provides more information about the
rest of the VCR’s features and how to use them.
ON•OFF
TV
REVERSE
RECORD
INFO
MUTE
CLEAR MENU
1
4
7
N
I
VCR
PLAY FORWARD
STOP PAUSE
A
H
N
SEARCH
C
V
O
L
O
L
V
GO BACK
C
N
H
A
SPEED
3
2
5
6
9
8
U
V
C
P
•
T
R
V
T
0
F.ADV
TRACKING
Unified Remote Control
Description: The VCR’s remote control can operate most RCA, GE, and Proscan
TVs with no additional steps.
Requirements: Point the remote at the active device to see if it can be
operated.
Rec Ch 36
Record Length 1:30
Press REC to set length
TIMER RECORDINGS
1 Create a New Program
2 Review Existing Progs.
0 Exit
Express Recording (XPR)
Description: XPR quickly records the remaining portion of a program in
progress. XPR is a great way to capture the end of a sporting event that has run
into overtime or a live broadcast that runs long.
Requirements: The Record button on the VCR front panel or remote control.
Timer Recordings
Description: Your VCR allows you to program up to eight different future
broadcasts to be recorded. You can catch a one-time, daily, or weekly broadcast
to record.
Requirements: The VCR’s clock must be set correctly. A tape with its safety tab
in place and enough tape to record a program must be inserted into the VCR.
For a cable box or satellite receiver, turn it on and tune it to the channel you
want to record before the recording is to begin.
ShowSaver™ Memory Protection
Description: Set timer programs are stored indefinitely using the VCR’s
permanent memory so you’ll never have to worry about losing your programs
due to an extended power outage.
Requirements: Store a daily or weekly timer program in the VCR’s memory.
1
Introduction
TIMER
Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking
Description: Locks the VCR so that buttons on the front panel and remote
control won’t operate the VCR. This feature protects timer programs from
frustrating accidents such as being left on at the time of recording.
Requirements: Lock the VCR by pressing and holding the ON•OFF button on
the remote control for six seconds until SAFE appears on the front panel display.
Unlock the VCR by pressing and holding the ON•OFF button on the remote
control, again for six seconds. SAFE disappears from the front panel display
when the lock on the system has been released.
SQPB S-VHS Quasi Playback
Description: Your VCR will be able to play back tapes recorded in S-VHS or
S-VHS-ET mode (in VHS quality).
Requirements: Insert a tape recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS-ET mode and pressing
the PLAY button on the remote control or PLAY•PAUSE on the VCR.
2
Table of Contents
Product Registration
Introduction
Key Features Overview ................................................................................................... 1
Connections & Setup
Things to Consider Before Connecting Components .......................................................... 6
Cable Considerations ............................................................................................................6
Choose Your Connection ...................................................................................................... 7
Using the RF Coaxial Cable to Connect the VCR to a TV .............................................. 7
TV + VCR .......................................................................................................................... 8
TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver ......................................................................................... 9
TV + VCR + Cable Box ................................................................................................... 10
Set the VCR’s CH 3/4 Switch ................................................................................................ 11
Plug in the VCR .................................................................................................................... 11
Put Batteries in the Remote Control .................................................................................. 11
Turn on the TV and VCR...................................................................................................... 11
Tune the TV.......................................................................................................................... 11
Using the Remote Control to
Navigate On-Screen Menus ............................................................................................. 12
Complete the QuickSet Guide...................................................................................... 12
Accessing Menus ........................................................................................................... 12
VCR Basics ............................................................................................................................ 13
Playing a Tape ............................................................................................................... 13
Automatic Rewind ........................................................................................................ 13
Tape Eject ......................................................................................................................13
Recording ............................................................................................................................. 13
Check the Safety Tab .................................................................................................... 13
............................................................................................................................ 1
............................................................................................................. i
........................................................................................................... 5
Using the VCR’s Menu System
Using On-Screen Menus to Set Up Features ...................................................................... 16
Language ....................................................................................................................... 16
Cable Box Setup ............................................................................................................ 16
VCR Channels List.......................................................................................................... 17
Auto Channel Searching ....................................................................................... 17
Changing the Signal Type ..................................................................................... 18
Adding or Removing Channels ............................................................................. 18
Time and Date............................................................................................................... 19
Auto Clock Set Feature.......................................................................................... 19
To Turn Auto Clock Set ON .............................................................................. 19
Setting the Time Zone ..................................................................................... 19
Setting Daylight-Saving Time .......................................................................... 20
Setting Time and Date Manually .......................................................................... 20
Additional Set Up Features in the Preferences Menu ....................................................... 20
Remote VCR1/VCR2 Option .......................................................................................... 21
Auto Play .......................................................................................................................21
Auto TV/VCR.................................................................................................................. 21
EnergySaver................................................................................................................... 22
Front Panel Brightness (VCR Display) .......................................................................... 22
Tape Speed .................................................................................................................... 22
Set Auto Repeat ............................................................................................................ 23
....................................................................................... 15
3
Table of Contents
Using the Remote Control
Using the Remote Control .................................................................................................. 26
Buttons of the Remote Control ................................................................................... 26
Using the INPUT Button ........................................................................................ 27
Operating a Television with the VCR’s Remote Control ................................................... 28
Using the VCR’s Features
Recording Features ............................................................................................................. 30
Express Recording (XPR) ............................................................................................... 30
Timer Recording............................................................................................................ 31
Stopping a Timer Recording ................................................................................. 31
Reviewing and Clearing Programs ....................................................................... 31
Copying and Editing Tapes Using Two VCRs ............................................................... 32
Picture Search Options ........................................................................................................ 32
Forward and Reverse Search ........................................................................................ 32
Slow Motion .................................................................................................................. 33
Frame Advance ............................................................................................................. 33
Index Search .................................................................................................................. 33
Zero Search.................................................................................................................... 34
Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking Feature ......................................................................................... 34
Tracking................................................................................................................................ 35
Time Counter ....................................................................................................................... 35
On-Screen Displays ..............................................................................................................36
............................................................................................... 25
.................................................................................................. 29
Other Information
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................. 38
General Problems .......................................................................................................... 38
Playback Problems ........................................................................................................ 39
Recording Problems ...................................................................................................... 41
Front Panel .......................................................................................................................... 42
Display Panel ....................................................................................................................... 43
Back Panel ............................................................................................................................ 44
Cleaning the VCR ................................................................................................................45
Specifications (VR355) ......................................................................................................... 45
Specifications (VR545) ......................................................................................................... 45
How to Find Your TV’s Video Input Channel ..................................................................... 46
Advanced Connection ......................................................................................................... 47
TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver ....................................................................................... 47
Warranty .............................................................................................................................. 48
Glossary ................................................................................................................................ 49
Index .................................................................................................................................... 50
.............................................................................................................. 37
4
Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
Chapter Overview:
• Things to Consider Before Connecting
• Choosing Your Connection
• Making Connections
• Why You Should Connect with Audio/Video Jacks
• Navigating On-Screen Menus
• Completing the QuickSet™ Guide
• Basic Recording
Changing Entertainment. Again.
5
Connections & Setup
Things to Consider Before Connecting Components
Protect Components From Power Surges
• Connect all components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet.
• Always turn off the TV and other components before you connect or disconnect any cables.
Position Cables to Avoid Audio Hum or Interference
• Insert all cable plugs firmly into their jacks.
• Place any Audio/Video (A/V) cables to the side(s) of the TV’s back panel instead of straight
down the back after connecting components.
• Try not to coil any twin-lead cables and keep them away from all A/V cables as much as
possible.
• Make sure all antennas and cables are properly grounded. Refer to the Safety Tips sheet
packed with your unit for detailed information.
Protect Components From Overheating
• Never block ventilation slots in any component. Arrange the components so that air can
circulate freely.
• Do not stack components.
• Allow adequate ventilation when placing components in a stand.
• Place an amplifier or satellite receiver on the top shelf of a stand so heated air rising from it
will not flow around other components.
Cable Considerations
The RF coaxial cable supplied with your VCR carries both sound and picture information. This
is the cable used in all connection diagrams illustrated in this chapter.
If your TV has A/V input jacks, you should use A/V cables (not supplied) to connect the VCR to
the TV. A/V cables provide better picture and sound quality than an RF coaxial cable. If you
would like to hook up your VCR using A/V cables, refer to the Advanced Connection
information on page 47 in the Other Information chapter of the manual.
6 Chapter 1
RF Coaxial Cable
Choose Your Connection
There are several ways to hook up your VCR depending on the components connected. Please use
the following chart to determine which connection is best for you and proceed to the appropriate
page.
Connections & Setup
Using the RF Coaxial Cable to Connect the VCR to a TV
This graphic shows the RF coaxial cable supplied with your VCR. This will be
the cable used for the basic connections represented in this chapter.
Notes: To hear stereo sound, you will need to purchase Audio/Video (A/V)
cables (not provided) and connect the VCR to the TV. A/V jacks and cables
also provide a superior image and sound quality. For details about using
this advanced setup, see the instructions on page 47.
Using A/V jacks to connect the VCR to the TV requires tuning to the TV’s
Video Line Input to see the VCR’s picture. For more information about
finding your TV’s Video Line Input, see page 46.
Components
V
T
TV
TV
Connection Go To
Title
TV + VCR page 8
R
C
V
TV + VCR +
R
C
V
R
C
V
C
t
i
l
l
e
t
a
S
B
le
b
a
Satellite Receiver page 9
e
TV + VCR +
x
Cable Box page 10
o
Chapter 1 7
Connections & Setup
TV (back panel)
TV
VCR
VCR
VIDEO
AUDIO
L / MONO
R
IN
L
OUT
S-VIDEO
CABLE/
ANTENNA
1
AUDIO
ANT. IN
OUT IN
VIDEO
CH
3 4
RF OUT
2
TV + VCR
Note: Your television back panel may not look exactly like the model
shown here.
1. Connect the VCR to the TV
Connect one end of the supplied RF coaxial cable to the RF OUT jack on
the back of the VCR and the other end to the TV’s Antenna IN jack.
2. Connect the antenna/cable feed to the VCR
Connect the cable or antenna RF coaxial cable to the ANT. IN jack on your
VCR.
Note: Flip the CH 3/4 switch on the back of the VCR to the channel that is
not used in your area. This will be the channel that the TV must be tuned
to in order to see the VCR’s picture.
Go To Page 11
From Cable
or Antenna
8 Chapter 1
TV
TV
VCR
VIDEO
Connections & Setup
AUDIO
L / MONO
R
IN
L
OUT
S-VIDEO
CABLE/
ANTENNA
VCR
a
S
AUDIO
OUT IN
VIDEO
CH
3 4
ANT. IN
RF OUT
1
2
SATELLITE
RECEIVER
IN FROM ANT
OUT
VIDEO
R
e
t
i
l
l
e
t
L
S-VIDEO
OUT TO TV
SATELLITE
3
From Cable
or TV Antenna
TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver
Note: Your television and/or satellite receiver back panels may not look
exactly like the models shown here.
1. Connect the VCR to the TV
Connect one end of the supplied RF coaxial cable to the VCR’s RF OUT
jack and the other end to the TV’s antenna input jack.
CH3
CH4
IN
4
From
Satellite
2. Connect satellite receiver to the VCR
Connect an RF coaxial cable to the RF OUT jack on the cable box and to
the CABLE/ANTENNA input jack on the TV.
3. Connect the antenna to your satellite receiver
If necessary, connect an antenna or cable box RF coaxial cable (not
included) to the antenna input jack on the satellite receiver.
4. Connect the satellite feed to the satellite receiver
Connect the satellite receiver’s RF coaxial cable feed (not included) to the
satellite input jack on the satellite receiver.
Go To Page 11
Chapter 1 9
Connections & Setup
TV
TV
VCR
R
C
V
VIDEO
AUDIO
L / MONO
R
IN
L
OUT
S-VIDEO
AUDIO
OUT IN
VIDEO
CH
3 4
CABLE/
ANTENNA
ANT. IN
RF OUT
1
2
CABLE BOX
IN FROM ANT
VIDEO
OUT
R
L
OUT TO TV
3
From Cable Feed
x
o
B
le
b
a
C
TV + VCR + Cable Box
Note: Your television and/or cable box back panels may not look exactly
like the models shown here.
1. Connect the VCR to the TV
Connect one end of the supplied RF coaxial cable to the RF OUT jack on
the back of the VCR and the other end to the TV’s Antenna IN jack.
2. Connect the cable box to the VCR
Connect one end of a second RF coaxial cable (not included) to the cable
box’s TV output jack and the other end to the ANT. IN jack on the VCR.
CH3
CH4
3. Connect the cable feed to your cable box
Connect the RF coaxial cable feed (not included) to the antenna input jack
on the cable box.
Go To Page 11
10 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
Set the VCR’s CH 3/4 Switch
The CH 3/4 switch on back of the VCR determines what channel the TV must be tuned to see
the VCR’s image. Choose whichever channel is not used locally in your area.
Note: If you connected components using A/V jacks and cables, the VCR’s signal must be
viewed using the TV’s Video Line Input. To find the Video Line Input, refer to the manual
that came with the TV or see How to Find Your TV’s Video Line Input on page 46 in the
Other Information section of this manual.
Plug in the VCR
Your VCR’s power cord has a plastic band strung through the blades. Remove the plastic band
before plugging the cord into the power outlet. To remove the band, cut with a pair of
scissors and pull it free of the blades. Once the plastic is removed, match the wide blade of the
power cord to the wide slot in the AC outlet. Be sure to insert the plug completely.
Put Batteries in the Remote Control
1. Remove the battery compartment cover on the remote control.
2. Insert new batteries matching the polarities (+ and –) on the batteries with
the diagram in the battery compartment.
3. Put the battery compartment cover back on the remote.
Turn on the TV and VCR
Turn on the TV and press the VCR button on the remote control to turn it on.
Note: If you have an RCA, GE, or Proscan TV, your VCR’s remote control
may be able to operate it without any additional steps. Press the TV button
on the remote control and then the ON•OFF button. If neither one turns on
the TV, it cannot be operated by the remote control.
Tune the TV
Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel. The VCR viewing channel is channel
3, 4, or the TV’s video line input.
• If you connect your VCR using RF coaxial cable only, turn the TV to
channel 3 or 4 (whichever was set on the CH 3/4 switch).
• If you connected the VCR using A/V jacks and cables, select the TV’s video
line input. For more information see How to Find the TV’s Video Line Input
on page 46 in the Other Information section of this manual.
Chapter 1 11
Connections & Setup
Using the Remote Control to Navigate On-Screen Menus
The technical term is “Navigation” – how you move through the on-screen menus. The theory is
the same for all the menu screens; press the corresponding number button on the remote
control to select the desired on-screen menu choice.
Note: Selecting a menu item can take you to another menu, activate a choice, or activate a
data entry field (such as the hour field in the Set Time menu).
Complete the QuickSet Guide
The menu system in your VCR allows you to customize your preferences as
well as use all the VCR’s features. To help you use the VCR as quickly as
possible, there is an initial QuickSet Guide that walks you through several
important setup steps at one time.
The first time you turn on the VCR, you will be able to set up available
Select a language.
Seleccione un idioma.
Choisissez une langue.
1 English
2 Español
3 Français
channels, time and date information, and more. The first menu you will see
asks which language you prefer to have the on-screen menus appear in.
Note: With numbered menu choices, press the corresponding number
button on the remote control to select it. In the case of the language
menu, press 1 for English, 2 for Español (Spanish), or 3 for Français (French).
The remaining menus throughout the setup will appear in the language chosen.
Just follow the step-by-step procedures until the QuickSet Guide is complete.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2 Time
3 Channels
4 Setup
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
All of the VCR’s menus are
accessed through the Main
Menu. Press the remote
control’s MENU button to
start.
Accessing Menus
The series of preferences that are set in the QuickSet Guide can also be
handled individually using the VCR’s on-screen menu system. There are other
settings not covered in the initial setup that are also handled using the onscreen menus.
For example, if you decide to run the QuickSet Guide again, you can access the
Setup menu by pressing the remote control’s MENU button. Once the Main
Menu is displayed, press the 4 button to choose Setup. From there, you can start
the QuickSet Guide from the beginning.
All on-screen menus are accessed the same way, starting in the Main Menu
which is displayed by pressing the remote control’s MENU button.
Note: See Chapter Two, Using On-Screen Menus, for details about
changing the VCR’s individual settings.
12 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
VCR Basics
Once your initial settings are complete, you can begin using your VCR. In order to begin, you
must first understand some basic concepts.
Playing a Tape
1. Tune the TV to your VCR viewing channel (03, 04, or the video line input).
2. Insert a tape in the VCR.
If the Auto Play feature is set to ON, the tape automatically begins playback
(if the safety tab on the tape is removed).
.
Automatic Tracking
The VCR has automatic tracking
which adjusts the picture when
playing back a tape recorded on
another VCR. To adjust tracking
manually, use the TRACKING -/+
buttons on the remote control.
• Press FWD or REV (FORWARD or REVERSE on the remote control) to
cue the tape at the desired starting position.
• Press PLAY (if necessary) to begin tape play.
• Press PAUSE for stop action.
• Press TRACKING up or down (TRACKING + or – on the remote
control) to remove any streaks from the picture, if necessary.
• Press STOP to stop playback.
Automatic Rewind
The VCR automatically rewinds the tape if it reaches the end of the tape during
playback. If the tape has the safety tab removed, you can press the ON•OFF
button to turn off the VCR once finished.
Safety Tab
Tape Eject
Press the EJECT button on the VCR when stopped to eject the tape. You can
also press and hold the remote control’s STOP button for three seconds.
Recording
To Capture Programming with Basic Recording Methods:
1. Set the tape speed by pressing the SPEED button on the remote control
(see Tape Speed on page 22 for information about recording speeds).
2. Press the RECORD button to begin recording.
3. Press the STOP button to halt recording.
If you just want to pause the recording for a short time (like during a
commercial), press PAUSE instead of STOP.
Check the Safety Tab
No matter which recording option you use, make sure there is a tape in the
VCR with its safety tab in place. You cannot record on a tape with its safety tab
removed. If the safety tab is removed and you want to record, simply cover the
hole with adhesive tape.
Chapter 1 13
This page left blank intentionally
Using the VCR’s Menu System
Chapter Overview:
• Setting Up the VCR’s Preferences
• Using On-Screen Menus
• Cable Box Setup
Chapter 2
• Setting Time and Date
• Setting VCR Preferences
Changing Entertainment. Again.
15
Loading...