RCA VR651HF User Manual

VCR
User’s Guide
Changing Entertainment. Again.
VR651HF
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 VCR.
Model No._______________________________________________________________________________________
Serial No. _______________________________________________________________________________________
Purchase Date:___________________________________________________________________________________
Dealer/Address/Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________
i
VR651HF

Key Features Overview

Your VCR is equipped with features that will add to your recording and viewing experience. The following information summarizes a few of these features. Chapter 4 provides more information about the rest of the VCR’s features and how to use them.
VCR Plus+® System
The VCR Plus+ system allows for simple timer recording programming by using a single PlusCode® programming number found in most TV program listings.
Requirements: Make sure that VCR Plus+ system is active, that Auto Channel Search and time set features are correct.
Introduction
ONOFF
TV
VCR
PLAY FORWARD
REVERSE
RECORD
STOP PAUSE
A
H
N
SEARCH
INFO
C
V
O
L
O
L
V
GO BACK
MUTE
C
N
H
A
SPEED
CLEAR MENU
3
1
2
5
6
4
7
9
8
U
C
V
P
T
R
N
V
I
T
0
F.ADV
TRACKING
Rec Ch 36 Record Length 1:30
Press REC to set length
TIMER RECORDINGS
1 Create a New Program 2 Review Existing Progs. 3 Use VCR Plus+ Code
0 Exit
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 control at the active component and press the ON•OFF button to see if it can be operated.

Express Recording (XPR)

Description: XPR quickly records the remaining portion of a program already 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: Repeatedly press the Record button on the VCR front panel or remote control to set the desired duration of time to record.
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.
VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are registered trademarks of the Gemstar Development Corporation.
The VCR Plus+ system is manufactured under the license from Gemstar Development Corporation.
1
Introduction

Commercial Scan

Description: The purpose of Commercial Scan is to assist you in searching forward on a tape through a block of commercials.
Requirements: A Commercial Scan is performed in 30-second units. Each press of the remote control’s SEARCH button adds an additional 30-seconds, up to a maximum of 5 minutes (10 total presses of the SEARCH button). If you press the SEARCH button and the timer is within the 4:30-5:00 range, then the timer will be set to 5:00.
ShowSaver™ Memory Protection
Description: Set timer programs are stored indefinitely using the VCR’s permanent memory. This way, 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.
VCR
TIMER
HI-FI
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 POWER button on the remote control for six seconds until SAFE appears on the front panel display. Unlock the VCR by pressing and holding the POWER 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.
Front Audio/Video Input Jacks
Description: The VCR has Audio/Video (A/V) input jacks on both the front and rear of the unit (there are output jacks on the rear panel only). The front A/V jacks make it easy to plug in an external A/V device, such as a camcorder.
Requirements: Make sure that all A/V connections are snug. To see a connected device’s image, turn the VCR to its Video Line Input by pressing the remote control’s INPUT button.
Hi-Fi Quality Sound
Description: When using the VCR’s A/V jacks, you can feed stereo quality sound from your VCR to your TV or stereo. Stereo quality sound allows for two separate channels of sound (Left and Right) to be heard.
Requirements: Using A/V jacks and cables to connect the VCR to the TV or stereo (see page 53 for an advanced connection setup diagram).
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 press the PLAY button on the remote control or PLAY•PAUSE on the VCR.
2
Table of Contents
Key Features Overview
Connections & Setup
Things to Consider Before Connecting Components .......................................................... 6
Cable Considerations ............................................................................................................6
Choose Your Connection ...................................................................................................... 7
TV + VCR .......................................................................................................................... 8
TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver ......................................................................................... 9
TV + VCR + Cable Box ................................................................................................... 10
Set the VCRs 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
........................................................................................................... 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 ....................................................... 21
Remote VCR1/VCR2 Option .......................................................................................... 21
Auto Play .......................................................................................................................21
Auto TV/VCR.................................................................................................................. 22
EnergySaver................................................................................................................... 22
Front Panel Brightness (VCR Display) .......................................................................... 22
Tape Speed .................................................................................................................... 23
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 TV with the VCRs Remote Control ............................................................... 27
Do You Need to Program the Remote? ....................................................................... 28
Programming the Remote Control ....................................................................... 28
Operating the TV ................................................................................................... 28
Using the VCR’s Features
Recording Features ............................................................................................................. 32
Express Recording (XPR) ............................................................................................... 32
Timer Recording ............................................................................................................ 33
Stopping a Timer Recording ................................................................................. 33
Reviewing and Clearing Programs ....................................................................... 33
VCR Plus+ System .......................................................................................................... 34
Mapping VCR Plus+ Channels ............................................................................... 34
Using the VCR Plus+ System .................................................................................. 34
VCR Plus+ System Worksheet .......................................................................... 36
Recording Broadcast Stereo TV or SAP (Second Audio Program) .............................. 37
Copying and Editing Tapes Using Two VCRs ............................................................... 37
Picture Search Options ........................................................................................................ 38
Forward and Reverse Search ........................................................................................ 38
Slow Motion .................................................................................................................. 38
Frame Advance ............................................................................................................. 38
Commercial Scan ........................................................................................................... 38
Index Search .................................................................................................................. 39
Zero Search .................................................................................................................... 39
Pro-Tect Plus Locking Feature ......................................................................................... 40
Tracking................................................................................................................................ 40
Time Counter ....................................................................................................................... 40
On-Screen Displays ..............................................................................................................41
Audio Set-Up Features ........................................................................................................ 42
Tape Playback ...................................................................................................................... 42
............................................................................................... 25
.................................................................................................. 31
Other Information
Troubleshooting Tips ........................................................................................................... 44
General VCR Problems .................................................................................................. 44
Recording Problems ...................................................................................................... 45
Playback Problems ........................................................................................................ 45
Specifications ....................................................................................................................... 47
Cleaning the VCR ................................................................................................................47
Front Panel .......................................................................................................................... 48
Display Panel ....................................................................................................................... 49
Back Panel ............................................................................................................................ 50
RCA VCR Limited Warranty................................................................................................. 51
How to Find Your TV’s Video Input Channel ..................................................................... 52
Advanced Connection ......................................................................................................... 53
TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver ....................................................................................... 53
Glossary ................................................................................................................................ 54
Index .................................................................................................................................... 55
.............................................................................................................. 43
4

Connections & Setup

Chapter Overview:
Things to Consider Before Connecting
Choosing Your Connection
Making Connections
Chapter 1
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 53 in the Other Information chapter of the manual.
6 Chapter 1
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.
RF Coaxial Cable
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 53.
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 TVs Video Line Input, see page 52.
If you prefer, we can provide you with the name of an Authorized Service Representative who will visit your home for a fee to install your electronic entertainment system and to instruct you in its operation. For details about this service, call 1-888-206-3359.

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.
Components
Connection Go To Title
TV + VCR page 8
R
C
V
T
V
TV + VCR + page 9
R
C
V
T
V
atellite
S
Satellite Receiver
TV + VCR +
x
o
R
C
V
T
V
C
Chapter 1 7
B
e
l
b
a
Cable Box page 10
Connections & Setup
TV (back panel)
V
T
VCR
VIDEO
AUDIO
L / MONO
R
IN
L
OUT
S-VIDEO
CABLE/ ANTENNA
Need Some Help?
If you prefer, we can provide you with the name of an Authorized Service Representative who will visit your home for a fee to install your electronic entertainment system and to instruct you in its operation. For details about this service, call 1-888-206-3359.
AUDIO
R
C
V
OUT
IN
VIDEO
ANT. IN
R
L
RF OUT
CH.
3 4
1
2
From Cable or Antenna

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 VCRs picture.
Go To Page 11
8 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
TV
VIDEO
V
T
AUDIO
L / MONO
R
IN
L
OUT
S-VIDEO
CABLE/ ANTENNA
C
V
atellite
S
VCR
AUDIO
OUT
VIDEO
R
L
IN
CH.
3 4
R
SATELLITE RECEIVER
VIDEO
OUT
R
L
2
IN FROM ANT
OUT TO TV
S-VIDEO
ANT. IN
RF OUT
SATELLITE
IN
1
CH3 CH4
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.
4
From Satellite
Need Some Help?
If you prefer, we can provide you with the
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.
name of an Authorized Service Representative who will visit your home for a fee to install your electronic entertainment system and to instruct you in its operation. For details about this service, call 1-888-206-3359.
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
V
T
VCR
R
C
V
VIDEO
AUDIO
L / MONO
R
IN
L
OUT
S-VIDEO
CABLE/ ANTENNA
1
ANT. IN
R
L
RF OUT
CH.
3 4
OUT
AUDIO
IN
VIDEO
B
e
l
b
a
C
Need Some Help?
If you prefer, we can provide you with the name of an Authorized Service Representative who will visit your home for a fee to install your electronic entertainment system and to instruct you in its operation. For details about this service, call 1-888-206-3359.
CABLE BOX
x
o
2
S-VIDEO
IN FROM ANT
OUT TO TV
CH3 CH4
3
From Cable Feed

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 antenna input jack on the TV.
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 TVs 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 52 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 VCRs remote control may be able to operate it without being programmed. Press the TV button on the remote control and then the ONOFF button. If neither one turns on the TV, see Using the Remote Control starting on page 25 for details about programming the remote control to operate other brands of TVs.

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 52 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; use the corresponding number button on the remote control select it.
To choose an on-screen item, press the remote control’s corresponding number button.
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

Select a language. Seleccione un idioma. Choisissez une langue.
1 English 2 Español 3 Français
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 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.
VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Setup 6 Preferences 7 Audio 8 Language 0 Exit
All of the VCR’s menus are accessed through the Main Menu. Press the remote control’s MENU button to start.
Note: With numbered menu choices, press the corresponding number button on the remote control to automatically 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.

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 5 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 VCRs 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. While rewinding, you can press the ON•OFF button and the VCR will turn off after finishing. If the tape has no safety tab, it will be ejected.

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 23 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 VCRs Preferences
Using On-Screen Menus
Cable Box Setup
Chapter 2
Setting Time and Date
Setting VCR Preferences
Changing Entertainment. Again.
15
Using On-Screen Menus

Using On-Screen Menus to Set Up Features

You set up many of the VCR’s features by using the menu system as discussed in the previous chapter. Each feature that appears in the QuickSet Guide is explained in this section as well as a few other features you should set up to get the most out of your VCR.
Note: Not all the VCR screens are shown in this manual when explaining how to access features.

Language

Selecting your preferred language determines how the on-screen displays will appear. To change the language:

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

2. Press the 8 button to select LANGUAGE.
LANGUAGE
Select a language.
1>English 2 Español 3 Français
3. Select English, Spanish (Español), or French (Français).
Press MENU to continue
Is Something Missing?
These instructions will not show all of the step-by-step On­Screen Menus. Make sure to follow the instructions completely to get to the menus being discussed.
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search 2 Add/Remove Channels 3 Signal Type: CABLE 4 VCR Plus+ Setup 5 Cable Box Setup 6 SAT Setup

Cable Box Setup

This setup applies only when all channels are received through a cable box. In this case, the VCR will automatically enter the channel used to view cable box programming. Your VCR will use this channel for all future timer recordings.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.

3. Press 5 to display the CABLE BOX SETUP menu.

0 Exit
16 Chapter 2
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