RCA VR642HF User Manual
USER’S
GUIDE
VR642HF
VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER
i
Introduction
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire
or shock hazard, do not
expose this product to
rain or moisture.
Caution: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
Attention: Pour Žviter les chocs Žlectriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la
borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqœ au fond.
Do not defeat the safety feature of the plug. The wide blade fits into the wall socket only one way.
If you need an extension cord, make sure it matches the plug of the product.
For U.S.A. Ñ Operate VCR only on 120 volts, 60Hz AC power (normal house power).
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the
userÕs authority to operate it.
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.
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: ________________________________________________________________
Dealer/Address/Phone: ________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Important Information
VR642HF
Cautions
Note To Cable TV Installer
Product Registration
WARNING
RISK OF 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.
This symbol indicates Òdangerous
voltageÓ inside the product that
presents a risk of electric shock or
personal injury.
This symbol indicates important
instructions accompanying the
product.
Introduction
Table of Contents
1
Important Information
Warnings______________________________ i
Cautions ______________________________ i
Note to Cable TV Installer _______________ i
Product Registration ____________________ i
Hooking Up the VCR
Choosing a Hookup ____________________ 2
Antenna or Cable System Without a
Cable Box _________________________ 3
Cable System With Cable Box to
Unscramble All Channels ___________ 4
Cable System With Cable Box to
Unscramble Only Pay Channels______ 5
Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes_ 6
Connecting a Stereo Amplifier/Receiver __ 7
Setting Up the VCR
Startup
Check Accessories With VCR ________ 8
Insert Batteries in Remote ___________ 8
Turn on TV________________________ 8
Turn on VCR ______________________ 8
Place Channels in VCR's Memory ____ 9
Add or Remove Channels from
VCR's Memory __________________ 9
Select the Language/Seleccione el
Idioma/SŽlectionner la Langue___ 10
Use TV¥VCR Button ______________ 10
Set the
AUTO TV/VCR Feature ______ 10
Set the Time and Date _____________ 11
Set the Automatic Daylight-
Saving Time ___________________ 11
Set the Display Panel Brightness ____ 12
Using the Remote Control
VCR Function Buttons _________________ 13
Playing a Tape
Playback _____________________________ 14
Using the Playback Features
AUTO PLAY Feature_______________ 15
AUTO REPEAT Feature ____________ 15
DISPLAY Button __________________ 16
Time Counter_____________________ 16
Index Search _____________________ 17
Zero Search ______________________ 17
Blank Search _____________________ 18
Picture Search ____________________ 18
Slow Motion______________________ 18
Pause for Stop-Action______________ 19
Frame Advance (F.ADV Button)_____ 19
Automatic Tracking _______________ 19
Manual Tracking__________________ 19
TAPE PLAYBACK: HI-FI/LINEAR/MIX
Feature________________________ 20
Recording and Playback
Feature
COMMERICALAADVANCE ____ 21-22
Recording a Program
Recordings ___________________________ 23
Recording Speeds _________________ 23
Normal Recording ____________________ 23
Watch a TV Channel While VCR
is Recording a Different Channel _ 23
Express Recording ____________________ 24
Recording While You're Away
Setting a Timer Recording__________ 25
Stopping a Timer Recording ________ 25
Timer Recording From the
VCRÕs Line Input _______________ 26
Checking or Clearing
Timer Recordings_______________ 26
Stereo Broadcast TV or SAP ____________ 27
Recording Audio Only_________________ 28
Using the Recording Features
Recording Pause __________________ 28
Pro-Tect Plusª Feature ____________28
Using Two VCRs for Copying
and Editing Tapes__________________ 29
Copying and Editing Tapes Using
Compatible Remote _____________ 29
References
Location of Controls
Front Panel_______________________ 30
Back Panel _______________________ 30
Display Panel_____________________ 31
Specifications_________________________ 32
Cleaning the VCR _____________________ 32
Questions and Answers About
COMMERICAL
A
ADVANCE_______ 33
Trouble Checks ____________________ 34-35
Limited Warranty _____________________ 36
Index ________________________________ 37
2
Hooking Up the VCR
Choosing a Hookup
The hookups on pages 3 through 5 are divided into two hookup types:
Basic (A) and Advanced (B).
The basic hookup shows the backs of TVs that have only an antenna/cable
connection. It is the easier of the two and additional accessories may not be
needed.
The advanced hookup shows the VCR hooked up to a TV with audio and video
jacks. This connection may improve the picture quality as well as convenience
of operation.
Answer the questions to choose the hookup for your VCR.
1. How does your TV receive signals?
Choose one answer from below.
A. Outside antenna Ð Turn to page 3.
B. Rabbit ears (set-top) and/or bow tie antenna Ð Turn to page 3.
C. Cable System Ð Go to question 2.
2. What type of Cable-TV system* do you have?
Choose one answer from below.
A. Cable without a box Ð Turn to page 3.
B. Cable box to unscramble all the channels Ð Turn to page 4.
C. Cable box to unscramble only pay channels, such as HBO, Showtime,
Cinemax, etc. Ð Turn to page 5.
*You may need to contact your local cable company for assistance.
Optional Hookups
How to hook up two VCRs for copying tapes.
A. Select a hookup by answering questions 1 and 2 above.
B. Then, modify the connections as shown on page 6.
How to hook up a stereo amplifier/receiver.
A. Select a hookup by answering questions 1 and 2 above.
B. Then, modify the connections as shown on page 7.
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the 3CH.4 switch on back of VCR to
either channel 3 or 4.
Tune the TV to this channel and use the
TV•VCR button to watch the VCR.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV.
4.
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality, Hi-Fi, stereo playback and
more convenient operation Ñ use of the
TV•VCR button is not required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional
accessories not provided. A Y-adapter may
be required to hear sound from both
channels if your TV is not stereo.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV.
3.
Tune the TV to its video input to watch the
VCR.
Set the AUTO TV/VCR feature to OFF.
See
page 10.
Continue to page 8.
Continue to page 8.
3
Hooking Up the VCR
OUT TO TV
IN FROM
ANT.
VHF/UHF
3 CH. 4
IN
AUDIO1
VIDEO1
R
L
OUT
Back of VCR
Back of TV
300/75 Ohm
Adapter
OR
From Antenna
or Cable
Cable/
Antenna
OR
VHF
UHF
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
75 to 75/300 Ohm
Separator
Antenna or Cable System Without a Cable Box
OUT TO TV
IN FROM
ANT.
VHF/UHF
3 CH. 4
IN
AUDIO1
VIDEO1
Back of VCR
R
L
OUT
S-VIDEO
AUDIO
CABLE /
ANTENNA
L /
MONO
RIGHT
VIDEO
INPUT
INOUT
From Antenna
or Cable
OR
Back of TV
300/75 Ohm
Adapter
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
Audio/Video Cables
A
B
4
Hooking Up the VCR
Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels
OUT TO TV
IN FROM
ANT.
VHF/UHF
3 CH. 4
IN
AUDIO1
VIDEO1
Back of VCR
R
L
OUT
OUTIN
Cable Box
From Cable
RF Coaxial
Cable
Back of TV
Cable/
Antenna
OR
VHF
UHF
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
75 to 75/300 Ohm
Separator
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the 3CH.4 switch on back of VCR to
either channel 3 or 4.
Tune the TV to this channel and use the
TV•VCR button to watch the VCR.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
4.
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality, Hi-Fi, stereo playback and
more convenient operation Ñ use of the
TV•VCR button is not required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional
accessories not provided. A Y-adapter may
be required to hear sound from both
channels if your TV is not stereo.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
3.
Tune the TV to its video input to watch the
VCR.
Set the AUTO TV/VCR feature to OFF. See
page 10.
Continue to page 8.
Continue to page 8.
A
B
From Cable
Back of VCR
R
AUDIO1
L
OUT
VIDEO1
Audio/Video Cables
S-VIDEO
Back of TV
IN
VIDEO
INPUT
RIGHT
AUDIO
L /
MONO
RF Coaxial
Cable
IN FROM
ANT.
VHF/UHF
OUT TO TV
3 CH. 4
INOUT
Cable Box
OUTIN
CABLE /
ANTENNA
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the 3CH.4 switch on back of VCR to
either channel 3 or 4.
Tune the TV to this channel and use the
TV•VCR button to watch the VCR.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
4.
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality, Hi-Fi, stereo playback and
more convenient operation Ñ use of the
TV•VCR button is not required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional
accessories not provided. A Y-adapter may
be required to hear sound from both
channels if your TV is not stereo.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
3.
Tune the TV to its video input to watch the
VCR. View all pay channels through the
VCR.
Continue to page 8.
Continue to page 8.
5
Hooking Up the VCR
Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble Only Pay Channels
(such as HBO, Showtime, Pay-Per-View, etc.)
OUT TO TV
IN FROM
ANT.
VHF/UHF
3 CH. 4
IN
AUDIO1
VIDEO1
Back of VCR
R
L
OUT
OUTIN
Cable Box
From Cable
RF Coaxial
Cable
Back of TV
Cable/
Antenna
OR
VHF
UHF
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
75 to 75/300 Ohm
Separator
A
B
From Cable
RF Coaxial
Cable
(supplied)
Signal
Splitter
Cable Box
OUTIN
R
AUDIO1
L
VIDEO1
Audio/Video Cables
S-VIDEO
Back of TV
OUT
RIGHT
AUDIO
MONO
Back of VCR
IN FROM
ANT.
VHF/UHF
OUT TO TV
IN
3 CH. 4
VIDEO
INPUT
INOUT
L /
CABLE /
ANTENNA
6
Hooking Up the VCR
Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes
OUT TO TV
IN FROM
ANT.
VHF/UHF
3 CH. 4
IN
AUDIO1
VIDEO1
R
L
OUT
OUT TO TV
IN FROM
ANT.
VHF/UHF
3 CH. 4
IN
AUDIO1
VIDEO1
R
L
OUT
Playback VCR
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
Recording VCR
Audio/Video
Cables
RF Coaxial
Cable
or
Use the hookup to the TV
as previously selected on
pages 3, 4, or 5.
From Antenna, Cable
or Cable Box
Option A hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5
and then modify with this connection.
2. Set the 3CH.4 switch on the playback
VCR to either channel 3 or 4.
Tune the recording VCR to this channel to
receive the signal from the playback VCR.
3. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
4. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV.
5.
Option B hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved copy
quality, Hi-Fi, stereo playback and more
convenient operation Ñ use of the TV•VCR
button is not required.
1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5
and then modify with this connection.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional
accessories not provided. A Y-adapter
may be required to hear sound from both
channels if your other VCR is not stereo.
3. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV.
4.
Select the line (audio/video) input on the
recording VCR to receive the signal from
the playback VCR.
Continue to page 8.
Continue to page 8.
B
A
Caution: The unauthorized recording of
television programs and other materials
may infringe the rights of others.
AUDIO1
VIDEO1
Recording VCR
AUDIO1
VIDEO1
Audio/Video
Cables
Use the hookup to the TV
as previously selected on
Playback VCR (only)
R
L
OUT
R
L
OUT
IN FROM
ANT.
VHF/UHF
OUT TO TV
IN
3 CH. 4
Audio/Video
IN FROM
ANT.
VHF/UHF
OUT TO TV
IN
3 CH. 4
or
pages 3, 4, or 5.
Cables
From Antenna, Cable
or Cable Box
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
7
Hooking Up the VCR
Connecting a Stereo Amplifier/Receiver
LEFT
RIGHT
PHONO TUNER TAPE AUX
REC PLAY
OUT TO TV
IN FROM
ANT.
VHF/UHF
3 CH. 4
IN
AUDIO1
VIDEO1
Back of VCR
R
L
OUT
Back of
Amplifier/Receiver
Audio/Video Cables
Record on the VCR from an
amplifier/receiver.
Connect your VCR to a stereo amplifier/
receiver to record stereo audio.
1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5
and then modify with this connection.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of amplifier/
receiver, VCR, and TV.
4. See ÒRecording Audio OnlyÓ on page 28.
Select the line input on the VCR to receive the
audio signal from the amplifier/receiver.
Play back stereo tapes or
receive a stereo broadcast
through an amplifier/receiver.
Connect your VCR to a stereo
amplifier/receiver to receive stereo
broadcasts or play back stereo tapes.
1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5
and then modify with this connection.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of amplifier/
receiver, VCR, and TV.
4. See ÒTape PlaybackÓ on page 20.
Back of VCR
R
AUDIO1
L
OUT
VIDEO1
IN
Back of
Amplifier/Receiver
LEFT
RIGHT
REC PLAY
PHONO TUNER TAPE AUX
IN FROM
ANT.
VHF/UHF
OUT TO TV
3 CH. 4
Audio/Video Cables
8
Setting Up the VCR
1. Check accessories with VCR.
Contact your dealer if any items are missing.
2. Insert batteries in remote.
3. Turn on the TV.
If you used one of the basic hookups, tune the TV to the channel selected with the
3CH.4 switch on back of VCR.
If you used one of the advanced hookups, tune the TV to the TVÕs video input. (See TV
ownerÕs manual for details.)
4. Turn on the VCR.
Press POWER on the remote.
The POWER and VCR indicators light in the VCRÕs display panel. -:-- appears in the clock
area of the display panel.
Remote
(Stock No. 221347)
CLEAR
MENU
SPEED
INPUT
F. ADV
TRACKING
STOP
PLAY
123
546
7
9
8
0
PAUSE
SLOW
SEARCH
REC
FF
REW
CHAN
POWER
DISPLAY
TV•VCR
PREV CH
RF Coaxial Cable
(Stock No. 221383)
2 “AA” Batteries
Startup
9
5. Place channels in the VCR’s memory.
The first time you turn on the VCR or after a power
interruption, the VCR displays a message on the TV screen
prompting you to perform the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH. If
the message does not appear, go to step A below. If the
message appears, follow the directions on the screen.
Wait until the channel numbers stop changing. This takes
about one to two minutes. The TV tunes to the lowest channel
found. Pressing CHANNEL up or down selects only the active
channels.
If you ever need to manually set up channels because you
change cable or antenna signals:
A. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU on the TV
screen. If this menu does not appear:
¥ Make sure the TV is tuned to same channel as the 3CH.4
switch on the VCR or the TVÕs video input (refer to TVÕs
manual).
¥ If you use a basic hookup, check the VCR indicator in
display panel Ñ it should be on. Press TV•VCR to turn
it on.
¥ Check the connections.
B. Press 3 to display the CHANNELS menu.
C. Press 1to begin AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH.
The VCR automatically selects the CABLE (cable TV) or
ANTENNA signal
To change the SIGNAL TYPE:
A. Follow steps A-B above.
B. Press 3 to switch the SIGNAL TYPE between CABLE and
ANTENNA.
6. Add or remove channels from the VCR’s memory.
You may want to add or remove channels if some of the
channels are not active, have weak signals, or you do not want
to watch them.
A. Press MENU on the remote to display the VCR MAIN
MENU.
B. Press 3 to display the CHANNELS menu.
C. Press 2to display the ADD/REMOVE CHANNEL display.
D. Follow the directions on the screen.
E. Add or remove more channels using the CHANNELup and
down buttons.
Setting Up the VCR
Startup
AUTO-SEARCH CHANNELS
CONNECT ANTENNA CABLE...
THEN PRESS CH UP
VCR MAIN MENU
1 TIMER RECORDINGS
2 TIME
3 CHANNELS
CHANNELS
1 AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
2 ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS
ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS
CHANNEL 03
IS PRESENTLY ADDED
PRESS CLEAR TO REMOVE
PRESS MENU TO EXIT
VCR MAIN MENU
1 TIMER RECORDINGS
2 TIME
3 CHANNELS
CHANNELS
1 AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
2 ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS
3 SIGNAL TYPE: CABLE
AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
NOW SCANNING CHANNEL 14
PRESS ANY KEY TO CANCEL
Setting Up the VCR
Startup
7. Select the language/Seleccione el idioma/
Sélectionner la langue.
The VCR displays the on-screen menus in the English, Spanish or
French language. The word ÒLanguageÓ cycles through the different
languages when the VCR Main Menu is displayed on the TV screen.
A. Press MENU on remote to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
B. Press 6to display the LANGUAGE or IDIOMA or LANGUE
menu. (English: LANGUAGE; Spanish: IDIOMA; French:
LANGUE).
¥ Press 1 to have the menus displayed in English (Ingles).
¥ Press 2 to have the menus displayed in Spanish (Espa–ol).
¥ Press 3 to have the menus displayed in French (Fran•ais).
8. Use TV•VCR button.
Skip this step if you used one of the advanced hookups.
When using one of the basic hookups, the TV•VCR button lets you
switch between the picture coming from the VCR or television
channels. Also, this button lets you record a program on the VCR
while watching another channel on the TV.
Details are on page 20.
A. Press TV•VCR to see the picture from the VCR.
The VCR indicator lights in the display panel.
B. Press CHANNEL up or down to change channels on the VCR.
The channel number changes on the TV screen.
C. Press TV•VCRto see the TV channels.
The VCR indicator does not light in the display panel.
Change channels using the TVÕs remote.
D. Return the TV to the VCR viewing channel Ñ CH3or CH4.
E. Press TV•VCR to switch back to the picture from the VCR.
9. Set the AUTO TV/VCR feature.
Skip this step if you used one of the basic hookups.
If you connected your VCR using the TVÕs video input, you can
prevent the VCR indicator from turning on automatically and
interrupting your TV signal.
A. Press MENU on remote to display VCR MAIN MENU.
B. Press 4 to display PREFERENCES.
C. Press 3to select AUTO TV/VCR: ON or OFF.
¥ Select ON if you used one of the basic hookups and watch
your VCR on channel 3 or 4 of your TV. Then, press the
TV•VCR button to switch between the picture coming from
the VCR (VCR indicator on) or television channels (VCR
indicator off).
¥ Select OFF if you used one of the advance hookups and watch
your VCR on the video input channel of your TV. The VCR
indicator does not turn on automatically.
Pressing TV•VCR on the remote turns the VCR indicator on
or off.
10
VCR MAIN MENU
1 TIMER RECORDINGS
2 TIME
3 CHANNELS
4 PREFERENCES
5 AUDIO
6 LANGUAGE
LANGUAGE
SELECT A LANGUAGE.
1➛ENGLISH
2 ESPAÑOL
3 FRANÇAIS
PRESS MENU TO CONTINUE
VCR MAIN MENU
1 TIMER RECORDINGS
2 TIME
3 CHANNELS
4 PREFERENCES
PREFERENCES
1 REMOTE CONTROL: VCR1
2 AUTO PLAY: ON
3 AUTO TV/VCR: ON
4 FRONT PANEL: AUTO
5 CA MARKING: ON
6 CA PLAYBACK: AUTO
7 CA DISPLAY: BLUE
8 AUTO REPEAT
0 EXIT
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