RCA VRS420 User Manual

video cassette recorder

user's guide

VRS420

SHOCK DO NOT OPEN I

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside.

Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

_i This symbol indicates

"dangerous voltage" inside

the product that presents a
risk of electric shock or

personal injury.

This symbol indicates

important instructions
accompanying the product.

Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
wide slot, insert fully into adapter.

Attention: Pour _viter les chocs _lectriques, introduire la lame la plus

large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusq0

au fond.

Refer to the identification/rating label located on the back panel of your
product for its proper operating voltage.

FCCRegulations 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.

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately.
Returning this card allows us to contact you if needed.

Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof
of purchase. Attach it here and record the serial and model numbers in
case you need them. The numbers are located on the back
of the product.

Model No. VRS420
Serial No.
Purchase Date:
Dealer/Address/Phone:

First Things First .............................................................. 3

Setting up the VCR ......................................................... 7

Using the On-Screen Guide ............................................................... 8

Using the Menu to Set Up Features ................................................. 8

Language .......................................................................................... 8

VCR Channels List ......................................................................... 9

To Auto Channel Search ........................................................ 9

To Change the SignalType ................................................... 0

To Add or Remove Channels ............................................. 0

Time and Date .............................................................................. 0

Set Daylight-Saving Time ...................................................... I

Set the Time and Date ......................................................... I

VCR Plus+ Channels ................................................................... 2

Additional Set-Up Features

in the PREFERENCES Menu ............... ....................................... 14

RemoteVCRI/VCR2 Option .................................................... 15

Auto Play........................................................................................ 16

Auto TV/VCR ................................................................................ 16

VCR Basics ..................................................................... 17

Remote Buttons .................................................................................. 18

Component Buttons ................................................................... 18

VCR Function Buttons ................................................................ 18

TV Function Buttons ................................................................... 19

Playing aTape ....................................................................................... 20

Tape Eject ............................................................................................. 20

Recording ............................................................................................. 2 I

Check the Safety Tab ................................................................... 2 I

Automatic Rewind .............................................................................. 21

Recording ............................................................... 23

Recording Features ............................................................................ 24

Express Recording ....................................................................... 24

Timer Recording .......................................................................... 25

Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ ............................................ 26

Stopping a Timer Recording ...................................................... 28

Reviewing and Clearing Programs ........................................... 28

Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes .................... 29

Programming the Remote ............................................ 31

To Control aTV .................................................................................. 32

Other Features .............................................................. 35

Picture Search Options ..................................................................... 36

Forward and Reverse Search .................................................... 36

Slow Motion .................................................................................. 36

Commercial Scan (SEARCH Button) ...................................... 36

Frame Advance ............................................................................. 37

Index Search .................................................................................. 37

Zero Search .................................................................................. 38

Time Counter ...................................................................................... 38

On-Screen Displays ............................................................................ 39

Tracking ................................................................................................. 39

Connections .................................................................. 41

Things to Know Before Connecting Components ..................... 41

Connecting Your VCR ........................................................................ 42

Jacks and Cables ........................................................................... 42

Choosing a VCR Connection ................................................... 43

Advantages of Audio/Video Cable Connections ................. 43

Don't Forget About the Auto TV/VCR Feature .................... 43

TV with RF Jack Only ................................................................. 44

TV with Audio/Video Jacks ........................................................ 45

TV with Audio/video Jacks and Cable Box to

Unscramble Pay Channels Only .......................................... 46

Appendix A: Reference ................................................ 47

Front Panel ........................................................................................... 48

Back Panel ............................................................................................ 48

Display Panel ........................................................................................ 49

Troubleshooting Tips .......................................................................... 50

Specifications ....................................................................................... 53

Cleaning theVCR ................................................................................ 53

Limited Warranty ................................................................................ 54

Index .............................................................................. 55

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HI, MY NAME IS ROGER...

and I wrote this User's Guide. It's my job to see that

you have a rewarding user manual experience.
Also, I think you'll be pleased with the features that

can be accessed through the on-screen menus.

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FIRSTTHINGS FIRST

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READ THE FIRSTTHREE SECTIONS

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The first three sections of the manual introduce you
to yourVCR, and show you how to set theVCR up

and use the on-screen menus. Reading these

sections gives you the basic information you need to
use yourVCR.

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WHAT'S LEFT?

The rest of the book highlights playback and

recording information, contains a detailed

connections section and a reference section that

includes troubleshooting tips, limited warranty

and index.

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READ ME!

These note boxes give you tips for
your new video cassette recorder.

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STEP 1" UNPACK THE BOX

The following items come packed in the box:

• VCR

• Remote control

• RF coaxial cable

STEP 2: INSTALL BATFERIES IN THE

REMOTE CONTROL

Follow these steps whenever you need to install or change the
batteries in your VCR remote.

1. Remove the cover of the battery compartment.

2. Place batteries in remote, matching the + and - ends of each
battery to the diagram inside the compartment.

3. Replace the cover.

STEP 3: CONNECT YOUR VCR

If you connect your VCRto your home antenna or cable system
and then to your TV, use the VCR's ANT.IN and RFOUT jacks for a
good signal as shown.

If you have a TV with AUDIO/VIDEO jacks, use the audio/video

jacks on the TV and VCR for a better connection. Refer to the

Connections section, toward the back of the manual.

CABLE, CABLE BOX OR_ANTENNA

VCR

_IN

TV

ANT.IN

RF OUT

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i_ CABLE/

ANTENNA

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STEP 4: PLUG IN THE VCR

Match the wide blade of the plug with the wide slot in the
outlet or adapter. Be sure to insert the plug completely. If you
are using an adapter, make sure that both the plug is inserted

completely in the adapter and the adapter is inserted completely
in the outlet.

STEP 5: TUNE THE TV

Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel. The VCR viewing
channel is channel 3 or 4 or the TV's video input.

If you connect your VCR using the ANTENNA connectors with
RF coaxial cable, set the 3CH.4 switch to channel 3 or
channel 4--the channel you want to use on your TV.

If you connect your VCR using the AUDIONIDEO jacks with
audio/video cables, select the TV's video input to see the

signal. See the TV Owner's Manual.

STEP 6:TURN ON THE VCR

Press POWER to turn on the VCR.

STEP 7: ACCESS TH E MENUS

The MENU and number buttons let you access, select and change
menu items. For example, to change the Auto Play setting, you
would do the following:

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU

1 VCR PLus+

2 Timer Recordings

3 Time

4 Channels
5 Preferences

6 Language

0 Exit

VCR Viewing Channel
When using the ANTENNA jacks to

connect your VCR, tune your TV to
channel 3 or 4.

When using the audio/video jacks to
connect your VCR, tune your TV to the

TV's video input.

#

2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCESmenu.

PREFERENCES

1 Remote ControL: VCR1
2 Auto PLay: ON

3 Auto TV/VCR: ON

0 Exit

3. Press 2 to switch Auto Play to ON or OFF.

PREFERENCES

1 Remote ControL: VCR2
2 Auto PLay: OFF

3 Auto TV/VCR: ON

0 Exit

See Set-Up Features for detailed information about the Auto
Play feature.

STEP 8: SET UPTHE VCR

Once you understand how to move around and/or through the
menus, go to the next section to set up your VCR.

6

SET-UP FEATURES

Below is a list of set-up features that you may want

to set up before you begin using yourVCR for the
first time:

• Select a Language

• Set upVCR Channel List (Auto Channel Search)

• Set Automatic Daylight-SavingTime

• Set theTime and Date

• Set upVCR Plus+ Channels

• Set the RemoteVCRI/VCR2 feature

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SETTING UPTHE VCR

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• Set theAuto Play feature

• Set the Auto TV/VCR feature

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USING THE MENU TO SET UP FEATURES

You can set up features by using the menu system. Each feature
is explained in this section.

LA N GUAG E

Select your preferred language, and the on-screen displays will
appear in that language.

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU

1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings

3 Time

4 Channels

5 Preferences

6 Language

0 Exit

2. Press 6 to display the LANGUAGE menu.

LANGUAGE

Select a language.

1-*English
2 Espanol

3 Fran_ais

Press MENU to continue

3. Press 1for English, 2 for Espahol (Spanish), or 3 for
Fran_ais (French).

VCR CHANNELS LIST

If you use a cable box for all channels, this step is not
necessary. Your VCR may come with a channel list preset at

the factory. Even though your VCR may come with a list, it's

possible that you may want to add or eliminate some

channels depending on whether they are active.

On-screen Menus

Not all the VCR screens are shown in

his manual when explaining the
eatures.

AII Channels 1

If you do not use a cable box for ALL
channels, then you will want to use a

channel list (Auto Channel Search).

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To Auto Channel Search
Auto channel search memorizes the channels available through

your signal type--cable or antenna.

1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language

0 Exit

2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.

CHANNELS

1 Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels

3 Signal Type: CABLE
4 VCR Plus+ Channel List

0 Exit

3. Press 1 to display the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu.

AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH

What type of signal
are you using?

I Cable TV
2 Antenna
3_Detect Automatically

0 Cancel

4. Select one of the three AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH options.
Choices one and two are self-explanatory. If you choose

Detect Automatically, the VCR automatically detects which
signal system you have attached to your VCR.

AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH

Now scanning channel 14

Press any key to cancel

Detect Automatically

A strong cable or antenna signal in
your area may cause Auto Detect

to mis-detect. If this should

happen, select 1 or 2 for the
system you have.

Auto Channel Search

Use the Auto Channel Search

feature to place all available
channels in memory.

If you ever change cable or
antenna signals, you may need to
Auto Channel Search again.

The VCR begins scanning for the available channels--this
takes about one to two minutes. The lowest channel istuned

once the search iscomplete. Pressing CHANNEL up or down
now selects the active channels.

To Change the Signal Type

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.

3. Press 3 to change the Signal Type between CABLE and
ANTENNA.

CHANNELS

I Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove ChanneLs
3 Signal Type: CABLE

4 VCR PLus+ Channel List

0 Exit

To Add or Remove Channels
You may want to add or delete channels after you Auto Channel

Search, especially if some of the channels have weak signals or

you don't want to watch them.

.

2.

3.

Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.

Press 2 to display the ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS screen. Use
CHANNEL up or down, or number buttons, to go to the

channels you want to delete or add.

ADDIREMOVE CHANNELS

Channel 115

is presently ADDED

Press CLEAR to remove
Press MENU to exit

ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS

Channel 115
is presently REMOVED

Press INFO to add
Press MENU to exit

TIME AND DATE

Before you set the time and date, set the Auto DST (Daylight-
Saving Time) feature to ON or OFF for your area.

Selecting Channels '"

The CHANNEL up and down
buttons accessthose channels

active in your VCR channel list.
You can :still access channels not

in the channel list by using the
number buttons on the remote.

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Set Daylight-Saving Time

1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU

1 VCR Plus+

2 Timer Recordings
3 Time

4 Channels
5 Preferences

6 Language

0 Exit

,

Press 3 to display the TIME menu.

TIME

1 Set time and date

2 Auto DST: ON

Set the Time and Date

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings

3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences

6 Language

0 Exit

2. Press 3 to display the TIME menu.
rTime and Date 1

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The time and date must be set before a
timer recording can be programmed.

3. Press 1to display the SETTIME AND DATE screen.

SET TIME AND DATE

Time --:--

(hh:mm)

Date --1--1--

Press MENU to cancel

4. Enter the data using the number buttons. Press 0 before
single-digit numbers and follow the on-screen directions.

SET TIME AND DATE

Time 12:34 PM

Date 10/24197 Friday

Press CLEAR to correct
Press MENU to set

VCR PLUS+ CHANNELS

Using VCR Plus+ can make programming timer recordings for

cable or off-air antenna easier, but you have to put in a little
time right now to set up a channel list. A worksheet and
abbreviated codes for typical cable services in the U.S. and

Canada are provided on the following pages.

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU

1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings

3 Time
4 Channels

5 Preferences

6 Language

0 Exit

VCR Plus+ Channel List

Refer to your local television list for
a complete VCR Plus+ channel list

for your viewing area or contact
your cable company. Using the list

may save you some time.

t,

VCR PLUS+ WORKSHEET

Broadcast or VCR Plus+ Channel Channel Number

Cable-TV Station Number** You Receive the

Name Station On*

HBO 33
ESPN 34

Two-DigitVCR Plus+ Channel

Numbers for CableTV

(USA List)

35 American Movie Classics
39 Arts &-Entertainment

57 Black Entertainment
54 Bravo
42 Cable News Network
45 Cinemax

98 Cinemax 2
37 The Discovery Channel

53 The Disney Channel
63 Entertainment Television

34 ESPN Sports Network
47 The Family Channel

33 Home Box Office
95 Home Box Office 2
96 Home Box Office 3

51 The Learning Channel
46 Lift,time

58 The Movie Channel
48 Music Television

49 The Nashville Network
38 Nickelodeon

64 NostalgiaTelevision
99 Q_alityValue Cable

41 Showtime

97 Showtime 2
59 Sports Channel

52 Turner Network Television

44 USA-Network
62 Video Hits I

93 Viewer's Choice I
94 Viewer's Choice 2

55 WGN Chicago

43 wri'BS Atlanta

60 WWOR-NewYork

*Check your local or cable listing for the channel number you receive this station on.

**Check your local listing for broadcast or VCR Plus+ channel number assigned.

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2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.

CHANNELS

1 Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels

3 Signal Type: CABLE
4 VCR PLus+ Channel List

0 Exit

3. Press 4 to display the VCR Plus+ Channel List screen.

VCR+ Channel My Channel

5 --
4 --
3 -> -> -> --
2 --

1 --

Use CH+/- to select

Press 0-9 to change
Press MENU to save

4. Enter the data following the on-screen directions using your
worksheet.

VCR+ Channel My Channel

5 46
4 --

3 -> -> -> 23
2 --

1 --

Use CH+/- to select
Press 0-9 to change

Press MENU to save

Screen is for an example only.

ADDITIONAL SET-UP FEATURES IN THE

PREFERENCES MENU

The features in this section are all accessed through the

PREFERENCESmenu.

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1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU

1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels

5 Preferences

6 Language

0 Exit

2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCESmenu.

PREFERENCES

1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON

0 Exit

Now you are ready to select an item from the menu to set up.

REMOTE VCR1/VCR2 OPTION

If you own a compatible RCA, GE, or ProScan remote that has a

VCR2, VCR2mLD, or DVDoVCR2 button, this feature allows you to
set this VCR to respond to that button.

Press 1 to select the Remote Control item. Then press the VCR2,

VCR2°LD, or DVDoVCR2 button to change.

PREFERENCES

I Remote Control: VCR1

2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON

Exit

PREFERENCES

(PRESS VCR2 TO CHANGE)

2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON

0 Exit

The VCR will only respond to the compatible remote°s VCR2,
VCR2°LD, or DVD°VCR2 button. If you change the remote setting

to VCR2, the remote that came with your VCR will no longer
control it.

Use the compatible remote to change the remote setting back to

VCR1. Display the PREFERENCESmenu, press 1, and then press

VCR1. Then the remote that came with the VCR will be able to
control this VCR again.

Remote Control Option
Changing the remote option to

VCR2 disables the remote that
came 'with your VCR.

15

AUTO PLAY

This feature allows the VCRto automatically start playing when
you insert a tape with the safety tab removed. Press 2 to switch

between ON or OFF.

Select ON if you want a tape with its safety tab removed to
start playing automatically when the tape is inserted.

Select OFF if you do not want a tape with its safety tab
removed to start playing automatically.

AUTO TV/VC R

This feature controls whether the TVNCR switch changes
automatically to the VCR mode when the VCR is turned on. Press

3 to switch between ON and OFF.

Select ON if you want the VCR to switch to the VCR mode
when the VCR is turned on or a cassette is inserted. This only

applies if you connect the ANT.IN and RF OUT jacks of your

VCR and TV and watch your VCR on channel 3 or 4 of

your T_.

Select OFF if you want the VCR to remain in the TV mode.
This is useful if you watch your VCR on the TV's video input

and you don't want your antenna/cable signal interrupted by
the VCR.

Auto TV/VCR

Pressing TV,VCR on the remote
will still switch between the VCR

and TV mode.
VCR mode: VCR indicator in the

indicator panel lights.
TV mode:: VCR indicator turns off.

16

LEARN THE BASICS TO GET

YOU STARTED

TheseVCR basics should be enough for you to

begin enjoying yourVCR. Learning the remote
control functions, playing a recorded tape, and
recording a program should do just that.

However, there are other features that
enhance the enjoyment of yourVCR, but they
aren't necessary to get you started. If you want
to learn more about yourVCR, just keep

reading.

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VCR BASICS

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VCR Basics tells you what you need
to know in order to watch a movie

or tape your favorite show.

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REMOTE BUTFONS

The remote control is capable of controlling your VCR and many

brands of televisions. If you have a RCA, ProScan, or GE TV, you
may be able to control it without having to program the remote.

COMPONENT BU'IIFONS

OFF Turns off VCR when remote is set to control the VCR. Also

turns some compatible components on and off.
"IV Turns on a compatible RCA, ProScan, or GE TV and sets the

remote to control the TV. Also used with the OFF button to turn
on a different brand of TV (if programmed) and sets the remote

to control the TV.

VCR Turns on a compatible RCA, ProScan, or GE VCR and sets

the remote to control the VCR.

VCR FUNCTION BUTTONS

CHAN Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in the

VCR's channel memory.
CLEAR Resets time counter to 0:00:00. Allows you to change

entries when setting the clock or a timer recording.
F.ADV Lets you view one frame with each press of the button

when tape is in pause.
FORWARD Fast forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped.

Searches forward through a tape during playback. Starts slow-
motion playback when tape is paused.

GO BACK Switches between two channels. Select one channel
and then select another using the number buttons. Press GO

BACK to switch between the two channels. In menu mode, press
to go back to previous menu.

INFO Shows the status displays on the TV screen.
INPUT Selects between the line input and the VCR's tuner. Line

input refers to the signal coming from the component connected
to the audio/video input jacks on the back of the VCR.

MENU Brings up VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen. Used to
select a menu item or exit a menu.

FF

RECORD

"IV VCR

© ©

PLAY FORWARD

STOP PAUSE

INF0

©

SEARCH

©

©

MUTE

0

GO BACK

CLEAR MENU SPEED

8

0

v TRACKING • F.ADV

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Numbers (0 through 9) Select a channel up to 99 by
pressing two numbers. Select a cable channel over 99 by

pressing and holding 1 until 1 - - appears on the screen. Then

press the other two numbers.

OFF Turns off the VCR when the remote is set to control the
VCR. Turns off other components if remote is programmed.

PAUSE Pauses playback or recording. PressPAUSE again to
return to playback or recording.

PLAY Plays atape.
RECORD Starts VCR recording. Also used for express

recording.
REVERSE Rewinds the tape when the VCR is stopped.

Searches backward through a tape during playback. Starts
slow-motion playback when tape is paused.

SEARCH Displays Index and Zero Search menus on TV screen
when VCR is stopped. Advances the tape 30 seconds of

recorded material during playback. Each press advances the

tape an additional 30 seconds up to five minutes.

SPEED Selects a recording speed (SPor SLP).
STOP Stops the current VCRfunction such as record,

playback, rewind, or fast forward.
TRACKING Up or Down Lets you manually reduce the

streaks that may appear on the picture during play, slow

motion, or pause. Reduces picture "jitter" during stop-action
playback.

TV,VCR Switches the picture signal so that it either comes
from the VCR or cable/antenna system.

TV FUNCTION BUTTONS

CHAN Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in

the TV's channel memory.

CLEAR Removes menus or status displays from the screen.
GO BACK Switches between two channels. Select one

channel and then select another using the number buttons.
Press GO BACK to switch between the two channels.

INFO Shows the TV's status displays on the TV screen.
MUTE Reduces volume to minimum level.

I TV Buttons 1

The TV buttons may not control all

features of all models of RCA,
ProScan, and GE TVs.

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Numbers (0 through 9) Select a channel up to 99 by pressing

two numbers. Select a cable channel over 99 by pressing and

holding 1 until 1 - - appears on the screen. Then press the other

two numbers.

OFF Turns the TV off.

VOL Up and Down Raises and lowers sound of TV.

PLAYI NG A TAPE

1. Tune the TV to your VCR viewing channel
(3, 4, or TV's video input).

2. Insert a tape in the VCR.

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If the Auto Play feature is set to ON, the tape automatically
begins playback (if the safety tab on the cassette is removed).

* Press FWD or REV (FORWARD or REVERSEon remote) to

position the tape.

* Press PLAY.PAUSE (if necessary) on the VCR (PLAY on

remote) to begin tape play.

* Press PLAY*PAUSE on VCR (PAUSE on remote) for

stop action.

* Press TRACKING up or down to remove any streaks from

the picture, if necessary.

* Press STOP*EJECT on VCR (STOP on remote) to stop

playback.

TAPE EJECT

Press STOP*EJECT on the VCR when it isstopped to
eject the tape.

Pause

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Automatic Tracking

The VCR has automatic tracking which
adjusts the picture when playing back
a tape recorded on another VCR.
Automatic tracking is turned on
whenever a tape is inserted or the
VCR's power is turned on.

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RECORDING

If you want to record something that you're watching, you can
use basic recording.

1. Set the tape speed by pressing SPEEDon the remote (see
margin note for information about tape speed settings).

2. PressRECORD to begin recording.

3. PressSTOP.EJECT on the VCR (STOP on the remote) to stop
recording.

If you just want to pause the recording for a short time (like
during a commercial), press PLAY-PAUSE on the VCR (PAUSE
on the remote) instead of STORo

CH ECK TH E SAFETY TAB

No matter which recording option you use, you need to make
sure there is a tape in the VCR and that the tape's safety tab
is in place. You cannot record on a tape with the safety tab

removed.

SafetyTab

If the safety tab is removed and you want to record over it,

simply cover the hole with vinyl tape.

Tape Speeds

SP (Standard Play)
Gives the best quality recording, but

fewer programs can be recorded on
the tape. Special effects such as

pause, slow motion, picture search,

and frame advance work well when
you play back tapes recorded in

this speed.

LP (Long Play)
Your VCR is capable of playing back
tapes recorded in LP. You cannot

record in the LP speed.
SLP (Super Long Play)

Gives three times the recording time
of tapes recorded in SP. Special
effects such as pause, slow motion,
picture search, and frame advance
work well when you play ba(:k

tapes recorded in this speed.

Cassette

T-120

T-160

Recording Time

SP SLP
2Hr 6Hr
2Hr 8Hr

40Min

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SEVERAL RECORDING OPTIONS

Now that you've gone through the necessary

steps to operate yourVCR, rll explain the
different recording features that are available to
suit your needs.

Recording Features:

• Recording (explained in VCR
Basics section)

• Express Recording

• Timer Recording

• Timer Recording withVCR Plus+

• Copying and Editing Tapes

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RECORDING

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RECORDING FEATURES

There are four ways to record programs:

• Recording lets you press one button to start recording a
program. (See VCRBasics section.)

• Express Recording lets you start recording a program you

are watching, and then set the VCR to automatically stop
recording after a designated period of time.

• Timer Recording lets you program the VCR to automatically

start and stop recording at a predetermined time.

• Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ lets you program the VCR

just by entering a PlusCode number found in some TV guides.

EXPRESS RECORDING

Use express recording when you want to quickly record the

remaining portion of the program you are watching.

1. Set the tape speed by pressing the SPEED button on the

remote.

2. Press the RECORD button to begin recording.

3. Repeatedly press the RECORD button to set up the
recording duration.

Rec Ch 36
Record Length 0:00

Press REC to set Length

Rec Ch 36
Record Length 1:30

Press REC to set length

Each press of the RECORD button increases the recording

time (up to 4 hours).
The VCR continues to record for the amount of time you

indicate, and then automatically turns off.

Express Recording

Express recording is a great way to

tape the, last quarter of the game, or
the last part of a movie when you

have to leave.

To stop an express recording, press
and hold STOP on the remote

(STOP-EJECT on the VCR) for a
few seconds.

24

TIMER RECORDING

You can set up as many as eight timer recording programs.

1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU

1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings

3 Time

4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language

0 Exit

.

Press 2 to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu.

TIMER RECORbINGS

1 Create a New Progam
2 Review Existing Progs.

3 Use VCR Plus+ Code

0 Exit

3. Select 1to Create a New Program.

How often should this
program record?

1 One time
2 Daily (every day)
3 Weekdays (M-F)
4 Weekly (once per week)

0 Cancel

4. Select how often you want the program to record.

Program 1 (One time)

Channel --

Start Time
End Time --:--
Start Date --/--/--
Tape Speed SLP

Press MENU to cancel

5. Enter the data for the program with the number buttons.

The data includes the channel number (press INPUT to select
the line input), start time including AM or PM, and end time.
The start date is automatically entered based on the VCR

clock. Both the date and speed can be changed.

25

, Review the information to make sure it is correct, and then

press MENU to save.

Program 1 (One time)

Channel 03 Cable
Start Time 08:00 PM
End Time 09:30 PM
Start Date 10/24/97 Fri

Tape Speed SLP

I=SP 2=SLP

Press CLEAR to correct
Press MENU to save

Program 1 has been saved

Remember to insert a
recordabel tape and

turn the VCR off before
the program start time.

Press MENU to continue

TIMER RECORDING WITH VCR PLUS+

You can use VCR Plus+ to simplify timer programming if you have
cable TV and don't receive all channels through a cable box or if

you get your TV signal off-air.

Setting Up the Channel List

If you did not set up the VCR Plus+ channel list, you can do it now.

1. Display the CHANNELS menu from the VCR MAIN MENU.

2. Display the VCR Plus+ Channel List menu.

3. Go to Setting Up Your VCR if you need more information on
setting up your VCR Plus+ channel list.

Using VCR Plus+

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

VCR MAIN MENU

1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences

6 Language

0 Exit

VCR MAIN MENU

1 VCR Plus+

2 Timer Recordings
3 Time

4 Channels

CHANNELS I

1 Auto Channel Search

2 Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE

4 VCR Plus+ Channel List

VCR+ Channel My Channel

5 46
4 --

3 -> -> -> 23
2 --
1 --

Use CH+/- to select

Press 0-9 to change
Press MENU to save

.

Press 1 to display the VCR PLUS+ menu.

VCR PLUS+

Enter pluscode number

(from TV listing)

Press MENU to cancel

VCR Plus+and PlusCode are registeredtrademarksof Gemstar Development Corporation

26

, Enter the VCR PlusCode shown in your local television

programming guide.

VCR PLUS+

Enter pluscode number

(from TV Listing)

12876

Press CLEAR to correct
Press MENU when done

4. Press MENU to enter the VCR PlusCode number.

.

.

How often should this
program record?

1 One time
2 Daily (every day)

3 Weekdays (M-F)
4 Weekly (once per week)

0 Cancel

Indicate how often you want the program to be
recorded.

Program 1 (One time)

Channel 03 Cable
Start Time 08:00 PM

End Time 09:30 PM
Start Date 10/24/97 Fri

Tape Speed SLP

Press CLEAR to correct
Press MENU to save

Change the speed with the SPEEDbutton on the remote
or the program end time with the CLEAR button on the
remote (if necessary).

Changing the end time comes in handy when you are
recording a program such as a sporting event that may

exceed the scheduled broadcast time.

7. Press MENU to save the program.

VCR Plus+ Recording

Clock must be set correctly.
Insert a tape with the safety tab in

place and enough tape to record the
program.

PROGRAMS OVERLAP appears if you
have entered two programs where

the times overlap.
UNRECOGNIZED NUMBER... PLEASE

RE-ENTER appears when the VCR does
not recognize the PlusCode number.

Turn on the cable box and tune it to
the channel you want to record

before the recording is to begin.

27

STOPPING A TIMER RECORDING

To stop or cancel a timer recording in progress (even an express

recording):

• Press and hold the STOP button on the remote (STOP,EJECT
button on the VCR).

REVIEWING AND CLEARING PROGRAMS

To review programs that you have already set up:

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

2. Press 2 to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu.

TIMER RECORDINGS

1 Create a New Progam

2 Review Existing Progs,
3 Use VCR Plus+ Code

0 Exit

3. Press 2 to display the Review Existing Progs. screen.

Program 1 (One time)

Channel 104 Cable

Start Time 12:00 AM
End Time 01:30 AM

Start Date 10/24/97 Fri
Tape Speed SLP

Press CLEAR to erase
Press MENU for next prog.

4. Press CLEARto erase or MENU to see the next program.

28

USING TWO VCRS FOR COPYING AND EDITING

TAPES

Use one VCR as the playback VCR and the other asthe
recording VCR.

1. Turn on the TV and VCRs.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel (either 3, 4, or TV's

video input).
If you connected your VCR using the ANT.IN and RFOUT

jacks, tune the recording VCRto channel 3 or 4--the one

selected on the back of the playback VCR.
If you connected your VCR using the audio/video jacks, press

INPUT on the recording VCR's remote to select the line input.
Insert the tape you want to copy into the playback VCR.

Insert a blank tape with safety tab in place into the

recording VCR.

When you reach the point on the tape or program where you
want to begin copying, press PLAY-PAUSE and then

PLAY.PAUSE again on the playback VCR. You may need to

adjust the tracking.

Press the RECORDbutton, then press PLAY.PAUSE, on the

recording VCR.

Press the PLAY-PAUSE buttons on both VCRsat the same
time to begin copying the tape.

8. To edit segments that you do not want to copy:

• Press PLAY-PAUSE on recording VCR to pause copying.

• Locate the next segment you want to copy on playback
VCR by using FWD, REV, and PLAY.PAUSE, and then press

PLAyoPAUSE.

.

• Press PLAY-PAUSE on both VCRsat the same time to

resume copying.

Press STOP.EJECT on both VCRswhen you are finished.

Caution:

The unauthorized recording of
television programs or other
copyrighted materials may infringe
on the rights of others.

Two VCR Connection

. CABLE BOX

O TENNA

PLAYBACK VCR

I A NTINI I

(f --/

TO TV TO "IV

29

CONTROL YOUR TELEVISION

The remote may also operate yourTV. Initially, it is
programmed to control RCA, GE, and ProScan

models. Other manufacturers' brands need to be
programmed.

V

V

V

V

PROGRAMMING THE

REMOTE

¥

V

31

ABOUT PROG RAMMI NG TH E REMOTE

The remote can be programmed to control other brands of
remote controllable TVs. It is already programmed to operate
most RCA, ProScan, and GE TVs.

PROG RAMMI NG TH E REMOTE TO CONTROL

ATV

If the TV does not turn on when you press the TV button, the
remote needs to be programmed.

Follow these steps to program the remote to control your
particular TV:

.

2.

,

4.

5.

.

Turn on the TV.
Find your TV brand and code number(s) on the code list on

the next page.
Press and hold the TV button on the remote.

Enter the two-digit code from the code list.
Release TV, then press CHAN up or down. If the TV

responds to the remote commands, the remote is
programmed.

If the TV does not respond, repeat these steps using the next
code in the list.

OPERATE TH ETV

After you set up the remote, see which buttons operate your TV.

1. Point the remote at the TV and press the TV button.
If the TV does not turn on, press the TV button and then

press the OFF button.

2. You may want to experiment to see which buttons operate
your TV. Try pressing buttons, such as VOL and MUTE. See

"TV Function Buttons" in the VCRBasic Section for details.

This remote may not operate all

models of the brands that are shown.
Note the difference between theTV

and VCR on-screen displays to see
which one the remote is operating.

32

TV Codes

Akai ............................................03

AOC .................................... 06,12

Candle .......................................06

Citizen .......................................06

Colortyme ...............................06

Concerto ..................................06

Curtis Mathes ................. 01,06

Daewoo .............................06,12

Daytron .....................................06

Electrohome ................... 06,12

Emerson ...................................06

Envision .............................05,06

Fisher ..................................05,08

GE ............................00,01,06, I I

Goldstar ............................ 06,12

Hallmark ..................................06

Hitachi ...............................06,14

Infinity .......................................04

J C Penney ...... 00,01,06,09,12

JBL ..............................................04

Jensen ........................................06

JVC ....................................... I0, I I

Kawasho ............................ 03,06

Kenwood ........................... 06,12

Loewe ........................................04

Luxman ....................................06

LXI .................................04,05,07

P4agnavox ....................04,06,12

Marantz ............................. 04,06

MGA .................................... 06,12

Mitsubishi .........................06,12

MTC ...........................................06

NAD ...........................................07

NEC ............................................06

Panasonic ....................04,08, I I

Philco ............................04,06,12

Philips .....................03,04,06,12

Pioneer .....................................06

Portland ............................. 06,12

ProScan ....................................0 I

Proton .......................................06

Quasar ......................................I I

Radio Shack ............... 01,05,13

RCA ...............................01,06,12

Realistic ....................................05

Sampo .......................................06

Samsung ......................06,09,12

Sanyo .................................. 05,08

Sears ......................01,05,06,07,

08,10,12

Sharp .................................. 06,13

Sony ............................................03

Soundesign ..............................06

Sylvania ........................ 04,06,12

Technics ....................................I I

Techwood ................................06

Teknika ......................................06

TMK ...........................................06

Toshiba ...................05,07,08,09

Universal ..................................00

Victor .........................................I 0

Wards ........ 00,01,04,06,12,13

Yamaha ..................................... 12

Zenith ........................................02

33

FEATURES TO ENHANCE VCR

OPERATION

• Picture Search Options

• Time Counter

• On-Screen Displays

• Tracking

V

V

V

16

V

V

OTHER FEATURES

¥

35

PICTURE SEARCH OPTIONS

The most basic way to search during playback is using the forward

and reverse functions. This section contains several other options
available for searching a tape.

FORWARD AND REVERSE SEARCH

You can view a tape during play or play-pause. Sound is turned off
during picture search. Search works best for tapes recorded at the
SP or SLPspeed.

1. Press FORWARD (FWD) to search forward or REVERSE(REV) to
search in reverse.

2. Press FORWARD or REVERSEagai n or press PLAY to return to
normal playback.

SLOW MOTION

You can view a tape during play-pause using slow motion. Slow

motion works best for tapes recorded at the SP or SLPspeed.

1. Press FORWARD or REVERSE(FWD or REV)to begin slow-
motion playback when tape is paused.

2. Use TRACKING up or down to remove any streaks from
the picture.

3. Press PLAY(PLAY°PAUSE) to return to normal playback.
The VCR switches automatically from slow-motion playback to

stop after a few minutes.

COMMERCIAL SCAN (SEARCH BU'I-I'ON)

This is useful for skipping commercials or short program segments.

• Press SEARCH once during playback to advance the tape
approximately 30 seconds of recorded material.

• Each press of the SEARCH button adds an additional 30
seconds up to five minutes.

Insert Tape:
Remember to insert a recorded tape

when using the search features.

36

FRAME ADVANCE

Frame advance lets you view one-stop action frame after another
during playback. Frame advance works best for tapes recorded at

the SPor SLP speed.

.

.

Press PAUSE (PLAY-PAUSE) to "freeze" the action during
playback.

Press F.ADV on the remote each time you want to view the
next frame of the scene.

3. Press PAUSEor PLAY (PLAY-PAUSE) to return to normal
playback.

INDEX SEARCH

The VCR has a "VHS Index Search System" that automatically

records an index mark on the tape every time you start a

recording. During playback you can locate the program you want
to play by the number of index marks or by scanning. The VCR
will search forward or reverse from the location you are on the
tape.

To Search:

1. PressSTOR

.

.

.

Press SEARCH on the remote until the INDEX SEARCH menu
appears on the TV screen.

If you want to search through a certain number of index

marks, press two number buttons to enter the number of
marks you want to search. Press CLEAR on the remote to
correct an entry.

Press FORWARD (FWD) to search forward or REVERSE(REV)
to search in reverse. The VCR will locate your index mark and

begin playback. If you did not enter a specific index number,
the VCR will locate the next index mark and begin playback.

5. Press STOPto stop index searching.
Some index marks may be missed by the VCR:

• A mark too close to your location on the tape.

• The mark at the beginning of a recorded segment of five
minutes or less.

• The first index mark on the tape when you start at the
beginning of the tape.

INDEX SEARCH

Press REV or FWD
to begin scanning

or
enter a specific

index number

Press SEARCH to exit

INDEX SEARCH

Press REV or FWD
to begin search

Index number

12

Pre:_s SEARCH to exit

INDEX SEARCH

Searching for
index number 12...

Press STOP to cancel

37

ZERO SEARCH

The Zero Search feature enables the VCR to quickly return to a
counter reading of 0:00:00 anywhere on the tape. This is

especially convenient when you want to repeat a segment of the
tape several times.

1. Go to the beginning of the program you wish to return to.

2. Press CLEARto reset the counter to 0:00:00.

3. Continue playing the tape.

4. Press STOR

5. Press SEARCH on the remote twice to display the ZERO
SEARCH menu on the TV screen.

6. Press REVERSE(REV) to return to 0:00:00 on the tape.

7. Press STOPto stop Zero Searching.

ZERO SEARCH

Current tape counter

2:17:25

Press REV to go to

0:00:00

Press SEARCH to exit

ZERO SEARCH

Searching for

0:00:00

Press STOP to cancel

is

TIME COUNTER

The time counter shows the actual time it takes to record a
program or play back a segment of a recorded tape. It helps

locate the beginning or end of programs you taped. The time

counter resets to 0:00:00 whenever the tape is ejected from
the VCR.

For example, if you record a 30-minute program at the beginning
of the tape and you want to go to the end of that program to
begin another recording, you would:

1. Press INFO twice to display the time counter.

2. Press CLEARto reset the time counter to 0:00:00.

3. Press FORWARD (FWD) to forward the tape until the time
counter reads 0:30:00.

.

.

Press STOR This is the approximate end of the program. (You
may want to press PLAY to verify.) Now, you can begin

recording at this spot.
Press INFO to remove the time counter from the screen and

return to the normal display mode.

Hours

Minutes

0:30:00

J

Seconds

38

ON-SCREEN DISPLAYS

The INFO button shows the status of the VCR (STOP, PLAY,

RECORD, etc.), channel number, time counter, date, time and

tape speed on the TV screen. The date and time must be set

before they can be displayed.

1. Press INFO to see the on-screen displays.

2. Press INFO again to have only the time counter remain on
the screen.

3. Press INFO again to return to the normal display.

Turning off the VCR also resets the displays.

1

2

STOP CH 05 0:30:00

11/17/97 Mon 01:30PM SLP

On-screen d_play (times ou_

0:30:00

Time counter only

(does not time out)

3

TRACKING

Your VCR has automatic tracking which removes the streaks or
snow from the picture. Automatic tracking is activated when you
insert a tape or turn on the VCR. Occasionally you may need to
manually adjust tracking, especially if the tape was recorded on a

different VCR. Just use the TRACKING buttons to remove the
streaks or snow. You can also use tracking when you PAUSE a tape
to reduce jittering of the picture.

When you manually adjust the picture, automatic tracking is
turned off. To turn automatic tracking back on, press both

TRACKING buttons on the front of the VCR at the same time, or
eject the tape and re-insert it.

Tracking has no effect during recording--only playback.

Normal display

39

-/

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE

CON N ECTI NG COMPON ENTS

PROTECT YOUR 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.

V

¥

POSITION CABLES CORRECTLY TO AVOI D AUDIO
HUM OR INTERFERENCE

• Insert all cable plugs firmly into their jacks.

• Place the audio/video cables to the sides of theTV's back

panel instead of straight clown the middle after you
connect your components.

• Try not to coil any twin-lead cables and keep them away

from the audio/video cables as much as possible.

• Make sure all antennas and cables are properly grounded.

Refer to the Safety Tips sheet packed with your unit.

V

V

V

PROTECT YOUR COMPONENTS FROM

OVE RH EATI NG

• Do not block ventilation holes in any of the components.

Arrange the components so that air can circulate freely.

• Do not stack components.

• Allow adequate ventilation when placing your

components in a stand.

¥

CONNECTIONS

I

• Place an amplifier or satellite receiver on the top shelf of

the stand so heated air rising from it will not flow around
other components.

41

CONNECTING YOUR VCR

Refer to these pages to help you connect your VCR.

JACKS AND CABLES

RF Jacks and Coaxial Cables (F-type)

The RFjacks provide good picture and mono sound and must be
used if audio/video connections are not available for your TV.

These jacks are required for antenna or cable-TV connections.
The RFjacks on the VCR are labeled ANT.IN and RFOUT. The
coaxial cable supplied with your VCR is used to connect the
VCR's RF OUT jack and your TV's antenna input.

O

RFJack

Audio/Video Jacks and Cables (RCA-type)
The audio/video jacks provide very good picture and sound and

can be used if your TV has audio/video input jacks.
These jacks must be used for most audio/video connections. The

VCR audio/video jacks are color coded (yellow for video and
white for audio). If your TV has two inputs for audio (stereo),
connect the one labeled mono. If one is not labeled mono, you

may need a Y-adapter.

O

Audio/Video Jack

42

CHOOSING A VCR CONNECTION

There are several different ways to hook up your VCR, depending

on whether or not you have cable, and if you have cable, whether

you have a cable box, and if some of the channels are scrambled

and...well, you get the picture.
Three connections are described in this section and one of them

should provide you with a VCR hookup that works.

• _with RFjackonly

• TV with audio/video jacks

• TV with audio/video jacks and cable box to unscramble pay

channels only

If you need to hook up additional components not shown in the
diagrams here (and are unsure of how to connect them), refer to

the instruction manual that came with that particular component.

ADVANTAGES OF AUDIO/VI DEO CABLE
CONNECTIONS

Using a simple coaxial cable connection gives you good picture
quality. If your television has AN jacks, I highly recommend using
them to get even better picture quality when recording and

playing back videotapes. These connections give you more
convenient operation by not sharing the signal from the RFcable.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT TH E AUTO TV/VCR
FEATURE

The TVNCR switch controls whether the picture signal iscoming

from the VCR or the TV. You can change the setting manually by

using the TV.VCR button on the remote, or you can set the Auto

TVNCR feature to automatically switch to VCR mode when the

VCR is turned on. Set the Auto TVNCR feature to ON when using

only ANT.IN and RF OUT jacks and OFF when using the AN output
jacks--so your TV signal is not interrupted when the VCR is turned

on.

43

• J . i¸

i•

TV WITH RF JACK ONLY

This connection assumes:

• You are connecting an antenna, cable or cable box

system.

• Your television has only an RFinput jack.

This connection provides:

• Record one channel while watching another (except

when using a cable box for all channels).

To use this connection, you must have:

• (1) coaxial cable for cable or antenna connection; (2) for

cable box

To connect:

1. Connect cables as shown.

2. Return to First Things First, then follow the steps.

Using This Connection

Tune your TV to channel 3 or 4 whichever one you selected
with the switch on the back of the VCR. Use the TV.VCR
button to watch the VCR.

Auto TV/VCR Setting:

• Set the Auto TV/VCR feature to ON.

To play a tape:

1. Insert a tape.

2. If necessary, press PLAY.

To record one program and watch another:

1. Begin recording a program using one of the recording
options.

2. Pressthe TVoVCR button and select a different channel
on the TV.

VCR

TV

CABLE, CABLE BOX OR_AANTENNA

VIDEO AUDIO

_1_ RFOUT

44

TV WITH AUDIO/VIDEO JACKS

This connection assumes:

• You are connecting an antenna, cable or cable box system.

• Your television has audio/video jacks.

This connection provides:

• Record one channel while watching another (except when
using a cable box for all channels).

To use this connection, you must have:

• (1) coaxial cable for cable/antenna connection; (2) for cable
box

• (2) audio/video cables

To connect:

1. Connect cables as shown.

2. Return to First Things First, then follow the steps.

Using This Connection

Tune your TV to its video input channel. Use of the TV,VCR
button isnot required.

Auto TV/VCR Setting:

• Set the Auto TV/VCR feature to OFF.

To play a tape:

1. Insert a tape.

2. If necessary, press PLAY.

To record one program and watch another:

1. Begin recording a program using one of the recording

options.

2. Select a different channel on the TV.

VCR

CABLE, CABLE BOX O%TENNA

RF OUT

45

TV WITH AUDIO/VIDEO JACKS AND CABLE BOX
TO UNSCRAMBLE PAY CHANNELS ONLY

This connection assumes:

• You are using a cable box only to unscramble premium

channels.

• Your TV has audio/video input jacks.

This connection provides:

• Recording a scrambled or unscrambled channel through the

cable box while watching an unscrambled channel.

To use this connection, you must have:

• (3) coaxial cables

• (2) audio/video cables

• (1) splitter

To connect:

1. Connect cables as shown.

2. Return to First Things First, then follow the steps.

Using This Connection

Tune your TV to its video input channel. Use of the TVoVCR

button is not required.

Auto TV/VCR Setting:

• Set the Auto TV/VCR feature to OFF.

To play a tape:

1. Insert a tape.

2. If necessary, press PLAY.

To record a scrambled or unscrambled program and watch
another unscrambled program:

1. Begin recording a scrambled program through the cable box
using one of the recording options.

2. Select an unscrambled channel on the TV.

C

All scrambled channels must be
viewed through the VCR.

CABLE

CABLE BOX

VCR

TV

}

RF OUT

46

This section gives you some additional information
about the VCR, including a description of the unit's

controls and display.

You also will find a Troubleshooting Tips section in this
Appendix, which might help to resolve some of those

simple problems.

Finally, this section contains your warranty
information.

47

FRONT PANEL

li

/ tl

/

Remote Sensor

CHANNEL-TRACKING Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCR's channel memory.
Adjusts tracking when a tape is playing.

FWD Forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the picture forward during playback. Starts slow
motion during play-pause.

PLAY,PAUSE Plays a tape. Pauses action for viewing during playback. Pauses recording to prevent recording
of unwanted scenes.

POWER Turns the VCR on or off.
RECORD Starts VCR recording. Used for express recording.

Remote Sensor Receives signals from the remote control. Aim the remote at this sensor.
REV Rewinds the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the picture in reverse during playback. Starts slow

motion during play-pause.

STOP-EJECT Stops the normal functions such as record, playback, rewind, fast-forward or pause. Ejects the
tape when the VCR is stopped.

BACK PANEL

ANT.IN

VIDEO AUDIO

3 CH. 4 Switch Selects the channel to which you will tune the TV to see the VCR picture if you connect the

VCR using the ANT.IN and RF OUT jacks.

ANT. IN Jack Receives a signal from an antenna or cable system when attached.

AUDIO and VIDEO IN Jacks Receives signals from another component, like a VCR or camcorder, when it is

connected to these jacks. Use INPUT on the remote to select.

AUDIO and VIDEO OUT Jacks Sends signals from VCR to another component, like a TV or VCR, when it is
connected to these jacks.

RF OUT Jack Passessignal to TV using the cable supplied.

48

DISPLAY PANEL

Cassette-In Indicator

J

!- I

.I IL!

I

TapeSpeedIndicator

Cassette-In Indicator (Q1) Lights when a tape is in the VCR. Flasheswhen VCR is

ejecting tape.

Channel Number, Line Indicator (VID1), Time, Time Counter, or Status

Indicator

The current time, time counter, channel number or line input (VID1) isdisplayed.

Press the INFO button to switch between the current time and elapsed-time counter.

The status indicators show what the VCR is doing.

• BYE Turned off

• F.FWD Fast forward

• HI Turned on

• PLAY Playback

• PAUS Play pause

• REC Record

• REC,P Record pause

• REW Rewind

• SLOW Slow motion

• SRCH + Forward search

• SRCH - Reverse search

• STOP VCR stopped

• T.REC Timer recording

REC Indicator Lights when the VCR is recording.

Tape Speed Indicator (SP or SLP) Displays recording speed selected with SPEED

button.

TIMER Indicator Lights when VCR isturned off and set for timer recording. Flashes
when timer recording is set and there is no cassette in the VCR.

VCR Indicator (Applies Only if your VCR Viewing Channel is 3 or 4) Pressthe
TVeVCR button to turn on or off.

• VCR indicator on: Picture from VCR.

• VCR indicator off: Picture from TV channel.

49

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

No power

• Check to make sure it isplugged into an operating outlet.

• Check to make sure your connections are correct.

VCR does not respond to remote

• PressVCR to set remote to control the VCR.

• Check to make sure there are no objects between the VCR and remote.

• The batteries may need changing.

• Make sure the Remote VCR1NCR2 setting isset to VCR1 so the remote that came packed with your VCR

can operate it.

• Remove batteries and hold number button 1for at least 60 seconds to drain the microprocessor inside

the remote. Release number 1 and replace the batteries.

• Remove all batteries for approximately 12 hours. Then replace batteries.

Remote no longer controls an RCA, ProScan, or GE TV

• Press TV to set remote to control a compatible TV.

• Check to make sure the remote is programmed to control an RCA, ProScan or GE TV.

Remote no longer controls a compatible TV

• PressTV to set remote to control the compatible TV.

• Check to make sure there are no objects between the component and remote.

• The batteries may need changing.

• Reprogram remote after batteries have been changed.

• Remove batteries and hold number button 1 for at least 60 seconds to drain the microprocessor inside

the remote. Release number 1, replace the batteries, and (if necessary) reprogram the remote.

• Remove all batteries for approximately 12 hours. Then replace batteries and (if necessary) reprogram the
remote.

Poor or no picture for normal TV viewing

• Check to make sure the VCR indicator is off.

• Check to make sure the TV is switched to an active channel.

• Check to make sure the antenna connections are secure and correct.

Snowy or no picture during playback

• Press TVoVCR to turn VCR indicator on.

• Check TV channel selected (3 or 4) to make sure it matches the channel selected with "3CH. 4 switch on
back of VCR.

• Check to make sure the TV's fine tuning is correct for the channel you have selected.

• Check video cable connections between VCR and TV monitor.

• Check to make sure the TV monitor is set to video input channel.

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• Try another tape.

• Some snow/streaks are normal during search, stop action, frame advance and slow-motion playback.

Streaks in picture during normal playback

• Pressone of the TRACKING buttons to move streaks up or down for the best picture.

• Check to make sure the tape is of good quality and not worn out.

Time counter not working or time counter not working in search modes

• The time counter does not advance during unrecorded portions of tape. When an unrecorded
segment of tape is encountered, the time counter will hold its count until recorded material is
detected again.

• A minus (-) will appear in front of the time if you rewind the tape farther back than a counter

reading of 0:00:00.

• The time counter disappears during search; this is normal.

Will not record or play

• Check to make sure there isa tape in the VCR.

• Try ejecting and reinserting the cassette.

• Check to make sure the tape is not broken.

• Check to make sure the VCR is not in pause mode. Press PAUSE or PLAY on the remote (PLAY•PAUSE
on the VCR) to return to normal playback.

Will not record

• Check to make sure the safety tab is intact.

• Check to make sure the VCR is not in the line mode. Press INPUT on the remote.

Rewind does not operate

• Check to make surethe tape isnot already rewound.

VCR plus+ or timer recording not made or wrong program recorded

• Check to make sure the correct VCR PlusCode isentered.

• Check to make sure the cable box was turned on when recording was to begin.

• Check to make sure the program was entered correctly (wrong channel or times).

• Power interruption. Reset the clock.

• Check to see if time and date are correct -- including AM/PM.

• Check to make sure the program did not exceed the tape's length or the tape was not rewound
beforehand.

• Check to make sure the VCR was turned off at the time recording was to start.

• Check to make sure there was a tape in the VCR and the cassette's safety tab was inta_.

• VCR ejects cassette when the end of the tape is reached during a timer recording.

• Check to make sure VCR plus+ setup was completed correctly.

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Internal clock shows incorrect time or date

• Power interruption.

• Check to make sure the clock isset accurately (check AM/PM and date).

• Check Auto DST setting. The clock may have adjusted for daylight-saving time.

Time did not adjust for daylight-saving time

• Check to make sure Auto DST feature isturned on.

VCR makes noise when stopped

• VCR is removing tape from heads. This is normal. The head cylinder inside the VCR will continue to rotate
for a few minutes after you put the VCR in the stop mode.

Will not Auto Channel Search active channels correctly

• Check to make sure the antenna connections are secure and correct.

• Check to make sure the Signal Type: CABLE/ANTENNA feature is set correctly.

• If Detect Automatically was selected for the Signal Type in the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu, try using

either CABLE TV or ANTENNA.

• May not need to auto channel search if using a cable box. Refer to the VCR Channel List or contact your

cable company for more information.

Tape plays back in slow motion

• Press PLAY to return to normal playback.

Cannot select channels over 69

• Cable channels over 69 can only be selected if Signal Type: CABLE/ANTENNA feature is set to CABLE.

Cassette with safety tab removed does not start to play automatically

• Check to make sure the Auto Play ON/OFF feature is set to ON.

TIMER indicator flashes

• Clock is not set.

• Check to make sure there is a cassette in the VCR when a timer recording is set.

Time counter disappears during searching

• This is normal.

On-screen menus appear in English, French or Spanish

• Check Language feature.

52

SPECIFICATIONS

Format:

Record/Playback
System:

Video Signal System:

Antenna:

Tuner:

Type:
Power Requirement:

Power Consumption:

Dimensions:

Weight:

Storage Temperature
Range:

Operating

Temperature Range:

VHS
Video: 4-Head

Audio: Mono record/playback system

EIA standard: NTSCcolor
75-ohm external VHF/UHF combined

antenna terminal
USA: 181 channels capability*

(125 cable channels)

Canada: 178 channels capability*

(122 cable channels)

AutoProgramming frequency synthesis
90-260VAC, 50/60Hz

17 watts

3.54 inches high (90 mm)

14.1 inches wide (360 mm)

10.75 inches deep (273 mm)

7.92 pounds (3.6 kg)

- 22°F to +149°F
(-30°Cto +65°C)

+41°F to +104°F

(+5°Cto +40°C)

*Check your cable company's compatibility requirements.

CLEANING THE VCR

Use a soft cloth or dusting attachment of your vacuum cleaner to

dust your VCR. Remove dust from the ventilation holes on the
top, back, sides, and bottom of the cabinet.

Plastic surfaces are easily scratched and can be marred by alcohol
and various solvents. Avoid excessive use of oil-based furniture

polishes since the materials used in the cabinet will accumulate
more dust. We recommend using a nonabrasive, antistatic

cleaner and polisher.

Specifications are subject to change.

3 CH. 4 switch 49

A

Accessing menus 5
Add or remove channels 10
ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS screen 10

ANT. IN jack 29, 43, 44, 45, 46, 49
AUDIONIDEOjacks 29, 45, 46, 49
AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu 9
Auto DST:ON or OFF feature 11
Auto play feature 16
Auto TV/VCR feature 16, 43
Automatic rewind 21
Automatic tracking 20

B

Basic recording 21

Basics, learn the 17

Batteries, installing in the remote 4

C

Cables

positioning 41

types of 42
CHAN buttons 18, 19, 32
CHANNEL buttons 48
Channel, viewing 5
Channels list, VCR 8
CHANNELS menu 9, 10, 14, 26
Choosing a VCR connection 43
Cleaning the VCR 53
CLEAR button 18, 27, 37, 38
Clearing programs 28
Commercial scan feature 36
Connections 41

audio/video cable 43
choosing 43

TV with audio/video jacks 45
TV with audio/video jacks and cable box to

unscramble pay channels only 46

TV with RFjack only 44

Contents 1
Controls

back panel 49

front panel 48

P

Display panel 49
Displays, on-screen 39

E

Eject, tape 20
Express recording 24

F

F.ADV button 18, 19, 37
First setup 3
First things first 3

FORWARD button 18, 20, 36
Frame advance 37
Front panel controls 48

• .

FWD button 20, 36, 31, 38, 48

G

GO BACK button 18, _,9

Important information 2
Index search feature 37

INFO button 18, 19, 38, 39
INPUT button 18, 25

55

J

Jacks, types of 42

I

Language feature 8
LANGUAGE menu 8

Limited warranty 54

M

MENU button 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 26, 27
Menus, accessing 5

MUTE button 19

N

Number buttons 12, 19, 20

O

OFF button 18, 19, 20, 32
On-screen displays 39
Overheating 41

P

PAUSE button 19, 20, 21, 37, 39
Picture search options 36
PLAY button 19, 20, 36, 37
PLAY*PAUSE button 20, 37, 48
Playing a tape 20
POWER button 48
POWER indicator 49
Power surges 41
PREFERENCESmenu 14, 15
Problem solving 50
Programming the remote 31

to operate TVs 32

PROGRAMS OVERLAP message 25° 27

R

RECORD button 19, 21, 24, 48
RECORD indicator 49
Recording

basic 21
express 24

speeds 21, 24

timer 25

VCR plus+ 26

Remote

buttons 18
component buttons 18

TV function buttons 19
VCR function buttons 18

Remote control

installing batteries 4

Remote sensor 48
REMOTE VCR1/VCR2 option 15

Remove or add channels 10
REV button 20, 36° 37, 38, 48
REVERSEbutton 19, 20, 36
Review programs screen 28
Reviewing programs 28

Rewind, automatic 21

RF OUT jack 29, 43, 44, 45, 46, 49

S

Safety tab 21

Search

commercial scan 36
forward 36
frame advance 37

index 37
reverse 36
slow motion 36
zero 38

SEARCH button 19, 36, 37, 38

Sensor,remote48

SETTIMEandDATEscreen12
Setup

channellist 26
first 3

language8

Signaltype

changing10

selecting10
Slowmotionplayback36
Solvingproblems50
Specifications53
Speed

LP21,24

SLP21, 24

SP21,24
SPEEDbutton 19,21,24
Speeds,recording21, 24
STOPbutton 19,20, 21, 24,28,37,38
STOPoEJECTbutton 20,24,48
Stoppingatimerrecording28

T

Tab, safety 21
Table of contents 1

Tape eject 20
Tape, playing a 20
Tape speeds 21, 24

Time and date

set 11

setting 10

Time counter 38
TIME menu 11
TIMER indicator 49
Timer recording 25

stopping 28

TIMER RECORDINGS menu 25, 28
Tips, troubleshooting 50
TRACKING buttons 19, 20, 36, 39, 48
Tracking feature 39

Troubleshooting tips 50
TV button 18, 32
TV codes 33
TV, programming the remote to control 32
TVoVCR button 16, 19, 4.3

V

VCR, cleaning 53
VCR button 18
VCR channels list 8
VCR indicator 49

VCRMAIN MENU 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 25, 26
VCR Plus+

CHANNEL LIST screen 14, 26

PlusCode number 27
setting up channels 12
stopping 28

using 26
worksheet for channels 13

VCR PLUS+ menu 26
Viewing channel 5

VOL buttons 20

V¢

Warranty, limited 54

Z

ZERO search feature 38
ZERO SEARCH menu 38

57

If your VCR needs service, please contact your dealer or the
nearest Servicenter from the yellow pages. Please do not
send any products to the Indianapolis address listed in this
manual or on the carton. This will only add delays in service

for your product.

THOMSON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

10330 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46290

©1997 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.
Trademark(s)® Registered

Marca(s) Registrada(s)
Printed in Mexico

TOCOM 15263490