RCA VRM420, VRM421 User Manual

User’s Guide
Please read therse instructions before operating this product for the first time.
VCR
Changing Entertainment. Again.
VRM420/VRM421
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.
Caution: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
Cable TV Installer: This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article 820-40 of the National Electrical Code 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.
Power Consumption:
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
120 V ~ 60Hz
17W
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
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.
ONOFF
TV
REVERSE
RECORD
INFO
MUTE
CLEAR MENU
1
4
7
P
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VCR
PLAY FORWARD
STOP PAUSE
A
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SEARCH
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GO BACK
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SPEED
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F.ADV
TRACKING
Universal Remote Control
Description: The VCR’s remote control can operate most RCA, GE, and Proscan TVs with no additional steps. It can also be programmed to operate many other brands of TVs with just a few steps.
Requirements: Point the remote control at the active component and press the ON•OFF button to see if it can be operated.
Introduction
Rec Ch 36 Record Length 1:30
Press REC to set length
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.
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.
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 only output jacks on the rear panel). 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.
1
Introduction
Child Lock Protection System
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 until the front panel display will blinks for several seconds. The VCR unlocks by pressing and holding the ON•OFF button on the remote control, again until the front panel display blinks for several seconds.
SQPB S-VHS Quasi Playback
Description: Your VCR will be able to play back tapes recorded in Super VHS mode (S-VHS or S-VHS-ET). Super VHS tapes played back on this VCR will be displayed in standard 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
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
Setting the Time Zone ........................................................................................... 19
Setting Daylight-Saving Time ............................................................................... 19
Setting Time and Date Manually .......................................................................... 20
Additional Set Up Features in the Preferences Menu ....................................................... 20
Remote VCR1/VCR2 Option .......................................................................................... 20
Auto Play .......................................................................................................................21
Auto TV/VCR.................................................................................................................. 21
EnergySaver................................................................................................................... 21
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 TV with the VCR’s Remote Control ............................................................... 28
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
Copying and Editing Tapes Using Two VCRs ............................................................... 34
Picture Search Options ........................................................................................................ 34
Forward and Reverse Search ........................................................................................ 34
Slow Motion .................................................................................................................. 35
Frame Advance ............................................................................................................. 35
Index Search .................................................................................................................. 35
Go-To Search ................................................................................................................. 36
Child Lock (VCR-Disabling Feature) .................................................................................... 36
Tracking................................................................................................................................ 36
Time Counter ....................................................................................................................... 37
On-Screen Displays ..............................................................................................................38
............................................................................................... 25
.................................................................................................. 31
Other Information
Troubleshooting Tips ........................................................................................................... 40
General VCR Problems .................................................................................................. 40
Recording Problems ...................................................................................................... 41
Playback Problems ........................................................................................................ 41
Cleaning the VCR ................................................................................................................43
Specifications ....................................................................................................................... 43
Front Panel .......................................................................................................................... 44
Display Panel ....................................................................................................................... 45
Back Panel ............................................................................................................................ 46
Finding the TV’s Video Line Input ...................................................................................... 47
Advanced Connection ......................................................................................................... 48
TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver ....................................................................................... 48
Index .................................................................................................................................... 49
.............................................................................................................. 39
4
Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
Chapter Overview:
Things to Consider Before Connecting
Cable Considerations
Making the Connection
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 TVs 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 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 48 in the Other Information chapter of the manual.
6 Chapter 1
RF Coaxial Cable
Choose Your Connection
Connections & Setup
Using the RF Coaxial Cable to Connect the VCR to a TV
The picture on the next page 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 48.
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 47.
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
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Chapter 1 7
TV + VCR +
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Cable Box page 10
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Connections & Setup
TV (back panel)
VIDEO
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CABLE/ ANTENNA
ANT. IN
RF OUT
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OUT IN
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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 TVs antenna input jack.
2. Connect the antenna/cable feed to the VCR
Connect your TVs antenna/cable feed RF coaxial cable (not included) to the ANT. IN jack on the 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.
8 Chapter 1
Go To Page 11
Connections & Setup
TV
VIDEO
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AUDIO
L / MONO
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IN
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OUT
S-VIDEO
CABLE/ ANTENNA
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Satellite
ANT. IN
RF OUT
IN
CH3 CH4
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From Satellite
VCR
SATELLITE RECEIVER
VIDEO
OUT
AUDIO
OUT IN
VIDEO
CH
3 4
2
IN FROM ANT
R
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OUT TO TV
S-VIDEO
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 RF OUT jack on the back of the VCR and the other end to the TVs antenna input jack.
2. Connect satellite receiver to the VCR
Connect one end of another RF coaxial cable (not included) to the antenna output jack on the satellite receiver and the other end to the ANT. IN jack on the VCR.
3. Connect the antenna to your satellite receiver
If necessary, connect an antenna or cable line feed (not included) to the antenna input jack on the satellite receiver.
4. Connect the satellite feed to the satellite receiver
Connect the satellite receivers RF coaxial cable feed (not included) to the satellite input jack on the satellite receiver.
Chapter 1 9
Go To Page 11
Connections & Setup
TV
V
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VCR
VIDEO
AUDIO
L / MONO
R
IN
L
OUT
S-VIDEO
CABLE/ ANTENNA
R
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AUDIO
OUT IN
VIDEO
CH
3 4
ANT. IN
RF OUT
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CABLE BOX
x
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B
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VIDEO
OUT
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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 TVs antenna input jack.
2. Connect the cable box to the VCR
Connect one end of a second RF coaxial cable (not included) to the cable boxs TV output jack and the other end to the ANT. IN jack on the VCR.
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.
10 Chapter 1
Go To Page 11
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 VCRs 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 Finding the TVs Video Line Input on page 47 in the Other Information section of this manual.
Plug in the VCR
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 being programmed. Press the TV button on the remote control and then the ON•OFF 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 TVs 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 TVs video line input. For more information see Finding the TV’s Video Line Input on page 47 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 controls 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
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.
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 VCRs menus are accessed through the Main Menu. Press the remote control’s MENU button to start.
Note: If you get a prompt saying The Auto Clock Set was unsuccessful. Would you like to set the time and date? then time information may not be
available in your area. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the time and date manually which will automatically turn off the Auto Clock Set.
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 on-screen menus.
For example, if you decide to run the QuickSet Guide again, you can access the Setup menu by pressing the remote controls 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 controls 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).
.
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.
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 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 ONOFF button and the VCR will turn off after finishing. If the tape has no safety tab, it will be ejected.
Tape Eject
Press the EJECT button on the VCR when stopped to eject the tape. You can also press and hold the remote controls 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 Recording Speed on page 22 for information about recording speeds).
2. Press the RECORD button to begin recording.
Safety Tab
Chapter 1 13
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.
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