SHARP VC-411U, VC-420U, VC-811U, VC-820U User Manual

1

VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER

OPERATION MANUAL

Please read this operation manual carefully

before using the VCR.

General

Information

Setting Up

Basic

Operations

Special

Functions

Helpful

Hints

Recording

MODEL

VC-A410U
VC-A411U
VC-A420U
VC-H810U
VC-H811U
VC-H820U

Detail: Please see page 15

[IMPORTANT]

EZ SET UP (AUTO CHANNEL/CLOCK SET UP)

! Connect Antenna/Cable

to VCR first.

@ Then, plug into AC

Power Outlet.

# Do not press the POWER

button until completion of
EZ SET UP.

$ EZ SET UP complete.

POWER VCR REC

REMOTE SENSOR

TAMPER
PROOF

TIMER

Flash slowly

POWER VCR REC

REMOTE SENSOR

TAMPER
PROOF

TIMER

Flashing

POWER VCR REC

REMOTE SENSOR

SET MENU

S.PICTURE

TAMPER

PROOF

TIMER

(VC-H820U)

2

This video cassette recorder (VCR) uses “ONLY” cassette
tapes, NTSC video signals and 120 V AC, 60 Hz (standard
household

current).
For future reference, record the model and serial number (located
on the rear of the VCR) in the space provided.

Model No.:

—————————

Serial No.:

—————————

WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT

EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION

This symbol warns the user of
uninsulated voltage within the
unit that can cause dangerous
electric shocks.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF

ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER. NO USER­SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.

This symbol alerts the user that
there are important operating
and maintenance instructions in
the literature accompanying this
unit.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF

PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

WARNING—Keep your VCR away from electrical and magnetic appliances which could impair performance.

Be sure to position your VCR away from your TV or video monitor by at least 8ⴖ.

WARNING OF DEW FORMATION

Whenever your VCR is moved from a cold to a warm environment, it is important that you plug the unit in, turn
the power on and allow it to sit for about 2 hours before attempting to play a tape. This period will allow any dew
formation to evaporate. Failure to do so may result in tape and/or video head damage.
After the 2 hour evaporation period, you may witness a “snowy” picture for the first few minutes of VCR
operation. This picture noise will disappear shortly thereafter.

As an ENERGY STAR

®

Partner, SHARP has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR

®

guidelines for energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.
WHAT IS ENERGY STAR

®

TVs and VCRs use energy both when they are on and when they are off. North Americans spend more than $1
billion a year of energy consumed by TVs and VCRs when they are not in use. The new ENERGY STAR

®

models will reduce that energy “leakage” by up to 75 percent. Ultimately, this will mean more than $500 million a
year in energy savings for consumers.

The energy savings will help reduce the burning of fossil fuels and the related carbon dioxide pollution that
contributes to global warming. If every North American family replaced their TVs and VCRs with ENERGY

STAR

®

models, it would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by five million tons every year -- equivalent to

eliminating the pollution from more than one million cars.
By using ENERGY STAR® products, you will save money on your electric bills and use less energy. This not

only makes good economic sense but also good for our environment.

3

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS AND PRECAUTIONS

CAUTION

READ THE SAFETY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS before operating your VCR.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS AND HEED ALL WARNINGS on your VCR and in this manual.

INSTALLATION

1. Operate only from a power source indicated on your VCR or in this manual. If you are
unsure of your power supply, ask your local power company.

2. As a safety feature, your VCR is equipped with either a 2-wire polarized plug (one
plug blade bigger than the other) or a 3-wire grounded plug (a third pin for
grounding). The 2-wire polarized plug will fit only one way into the power outlet. The
3-wire grounded plug will fit only into a grounding-type power outlet.

If the plug does not fit, ask your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not
modify the plug. To do so will void the safety feature.

3. Protect and route power cords so they will not be stepped on or pinched by anything
placed on or against them. Be especially careful at plug-ins, convenience receptacles
or cord exit points from the VCR. Frayed power cords or damaged plugs are
hazardous. Have them replaced by a qualified service technician.

Overloaded wall outlets and extension cords may cause fire or electrical shock
hazards.

4. Do not cover or block ventilation holes in the VCR cabinet. Doing so may damage the
VCR or cassette or cause fire.

Do not place your VCR on a soft surface which could block ventilation holes on the
bottom. Avoid enclosed installations such as bookshelves or racks unless ventilation
is adequate.

5. Avoid excessive humidity, sudden temperature changes or temperature extremes.
Dew may form inside your VCR or on the cassette.

6. To avoid costly damage or injury, place your VCR flat on a solid, stable surface free
from vibrations; do not place any heavy objects on top of it. Use only a cart, stand,
tripod, bracket or table recommended by the manufacturer; follow all instructions
regarding their use exactly.

7. An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination
to overturn.

OPERATION/CLEANING

1. Keep your VCR away from electrical and magnetic appliances which could impair
performance. Be sure to position your VCR away from your TV or video monitor by at
least 8ⴖ.

2. Keep your VCR away from wet locations such as bathtubs, sinks, laundries, wet
basements and swimming pools.

3. Use only accessories recommended by the manufacturer to avoid fire, shock or other
hazards.

4. If your VCR has been exposed to rain, moisture or strong impact, unplug it and have
it inspected by a qualified service technician before resuming use.

5. Unplug your VCR and disconnect it from the antenna and/or cable system during a
lightning storm or an extended period of discontinued use.

6. Unplug your VCR before cleaning. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Do not use
cleaning fluids or aerosols which could enter the unit and cause damage, fire or
electrical shock. These substances may also mar the finish of your VCR.

7. Never open or remove covers or make any adjustments not described in this manual.
Attempting to do so could expose you to dangerous electrical shock or other hazards.
It may also cause serious damage to your VCR.

2

3

4

6

7

6

5

1

General

Information

4

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS AND PRECAUTIONS

ANTENNA LEAD-IN
WIRE

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

ANTENNA
DISCHARGE
UNIT
(NEC SECTION
810–20)

GROUNDING
CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION
810–21)

GROUND CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)

GROUND CLAMP

8

8. Keep liquids and foreign objects away from your VCR. Never operate your VCR if
any liquid or foreign object has entered it. Electrical shorts could result and possibly
cause fire or shock hazards. Unplug your VCR immediately and have it inspected by
a qualified service technician.

OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING AND POWER LINES

1. If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to your VCR, be sure the antenna or cable system is
grounded, thus providing some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810 of
the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No.70-1984, provides information regarding proper grounding of the
mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes and requirements for the
grounding electrode. See diagram below.

EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA

GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL

ELECTRICAL CODE

NEC—NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

SERVICE

1. Do not attempt to service this VCR yourself. Instead, unplug it and contact a qualified service technician. (See
LIMITED WARRANTY at the end of this manual.)

2. Be sure the service technician uses authorized replacement parts or their equivalents. Unauthorized parts
may cause fire, electrical shock, or other hazards.

3. Following any service or repair, be sure the service technician performs safety checks to certify that your VCR
is in safe operating order.

OTHERS

1. For Your Information: Your full understanding of the following is appreciated. Parliament by statute has
decreed that it is illegal to make copies of copyrighted material of any manner or kind without the consent of
the copyright owner, subject to the “Fair Dealing” exceptions in the Act penalties may be imposed on those
guilty of making such copies.

2. Normally, your VCR does not require head cleaning. However, the heads may become clogged when an old
or damaged tape is used. If the playback picture becomes blurred, the heads may need cleaning. Head
cleaning should be performed by a qualified technician. Contact the nearest Sharp Factory Service Center or
Authorized Service Station. Do not use a cleaning tape unless it is new and of high quality. Excessive use of
cleaning tapes may also damage the heads.

2. An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light
or power circuits, or where it can come into contact with power lines or circuits. When installing an outside
antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from coming into contact with power lines or circuits;
contact with them might be fatal.

5

CONTENTS

General Information

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS AND

PRECAUTIONS................................................... 3

Features ................................................................. 6

Accessories ........................................................... 6

Major Components of Your VCR ......................... 7

Remote Control ..................................................... 8

• Inserting the Batteries

Recording a TV Program ...................................... 25

• Without a Cable Box or Digital Satellite
Receiver

• With a Cable Box or Digital Satellite Receiver

• To Watch Another TV Program While
Recording

• Cassette Erase Protection

• Recording Speeds

• Recording Hi-Fi Stereo Sound

• Recording MTS (Multi-channel TV Sound)
Broadcasts

• Monitor Output When Receiving a SAP
Broadcast

• Tape Dubbing Connection Instructions

Simple Recording Timer....................................... 28

• Changing the Contents of the Simple
Recording Timer

• Cancelling the Simple Recording Timer

Recording with the Timer ..................................... 29

• Confirming Timer Programs

• Cancelling Timer Programs

Recording

Connecting the VCR ............................................. 9

• RF Connection

• AV Connection

• After the Connection

• Setting the 3 ↔ 4 Output Channel Selector

Cable TV Connections .......................................... 10

Menu Screen.......................................................... 14

OSD (On Screen Display) ..................................... 14

• How to Display Indicators

EZ Set Up (With Auto Clock Setting)................... 15

Setting the Language............................................ 16

Setting the Clock................................................... 16

• Auto Clock Setting

• Manual Clock Setting

• Automatic Daylight Saving-Time (D.S.T.)
Adjustment

Setting the Channels ............................................ 19

• Adding Channel Memory/Erasing Channel
Memory

Mode Selection...................................................... 21

Setting Up

Playback................................................................. 22

• Inserting a Video Cassette

• Playback

• Fast Forward and Rewind

• Video Search

• Slow Motion Playback (only with the remote
control)

• Still Picture and Frame Advance

• Automatic Tracking Control System

• Manual Tracking Control

• Blue Screen Noise Elimination

• Quick Start with Full Loading Mechanism

• Full Automatic Playback

• Audio Output Mode

Basic Operations

Special Functions

Helpful Hints

Specifications........................................................ 35

Troubleshooting.................................................... 36

Service Information............................................... 36

LIMITED WARRANTY............................................ 38

Sharp Super Picture.............................................. 32

Recorded Section Auto Repeat ........................... 32

Auto Zero Back...................................................... 32

DPSS (Digital Program Search System) ............. 33

Skip Search............................................................ 33

Instant Replay........................................................ 33

Tamper Proof......................................................... 34

6

Features

Only for VC-H810U, VC-H811U, VC-H820U

• Hi-Fi Stereo Sound

• Built-in MTS (Multi-channel TV Sound) Decoder
— Lets you record stereo or SAP (Separate Audio

Program) broadcasts.

Common Features

• EZ Set Up — VCR tuner channels and clock are

automatically set for both Air and Cable channels.

• S-VHS Quasi Playback

Notes for S-VHS tape

• Playback of S-VHS recorded tapes is possible.

• Playback of S-VHS image quality is not available.

• Picture noise or distortion may appear on the screen

during playback in the SLOW or STILL mode.

• S-VHS recording is not available. However, HQ recording

is possible with S-VHS tape.

• Double-Azimuth 4-Heads

•19

µ

Clear Picture System (in EP mode) — For

enhanced picture quality in EP (Extended Play)
mode.

•

System for Better Resolution and Color Re-

production

• Multi-Language (English/Spanish/French) OSD
(On Screen Display) with Menu Screen Guidance
— On-screen setting and recording instructions.

• 181-channel PLL Quartz Synthesized Random
Access Tuner with Automatic Channel Setting

• Quick Start with Full Loading Mechanism

• 1-Year, 8-Event Programmable Timer

• Simple Recording Timer

• Unified Remote Control

Accessories

AA batteries for

the remote
control unit

Round coaxial cable

(75 Ohm, 1 m [3-1/4 ft.])

QCNW-8115AJZZ

or

(75 Ohm, 0.9 m [3-11/18 ft.])

QCNW-8530AJZZ

or

QCNW-8533GEZZ

or

QCNW-8555AJZZ

or

QCNW-8614AJZZ

Remote control unit

RRMCG1236AJSA

or

RRMCG1236AJSB

or

RRMCG1236AJSC

• Sharp Super Picture — Enhances picture quality

during playback.

• 5 Seconds Timer Backup

• Field-Still/Variable Slow/Frame Advance

• Automatic Daylight Saving-Time (D.S.T.)
Adjustment — Automatically adjusts VCR clock to

daylight saving-time.

• Blue Screen Noise Elimination

• Auto Tracking Control System — Automatically

adjusts tracking during playback.

• Digital Program Search System (DPSS) — Quickly
locates the beginning of a specific recording.

• Skip Search — Quickly operates a forward video
search in 30 second intervals, then resumes
playback.

• Instant Replay — Quickly operates a reverse video
search in 20 second intervals, then resumes
playback.

• Auto Zero Back — Quickly finds “0:00.00” point
and stops there.

• Recorded Section Auto Repeat — Continually
plays back a recorded section of the tape.

• Full Automatic Playback

• Tamper Proof — Prevents accidental change of the

operation mode.

• Up to 8 Hours of Recording and Playback (with
T-160 cassette)

Only for VC-A420U, VC-H820U

• Built-in Front AV Jacks — For easy connection of

audio/video equipment such as the Sharp Viewcam.

Be sure that the
following
accessories are
all included with
your VCR.

VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER

7

POWER VCR REC

REMOTE SENSOR

SET MENU

S.PICTURE

TAMPER

PROOF

TIMER

POWER button
(When pressed to turn on the VCR, POWER LED indicator
will light up. When the power is turned off, POWER LED
indicator will turn off.)

Major Components of Your VCR

[Front]

LED Indicator (explained throughout the operation instruction)

Cassette compartment (see Playback/Recording)

Basic function controls
(see Playback/Recording)

! POWER LED indicator

This indicator lights up whenever the VCR is turned on.

@ TIMER LED indicator

This indicator lights up when the VCR is set for timer
recording, Simple Recording Timer and Recording with
the Timer.

# VCR LED indicator

This indicator lights up when selecting “VCR” by using
the TV/VCR button.

$ REC LED indicator

This indicator lights up during recording. This indicator
flashes during REC-Pause.

% TAMPER PROOF (ÿ) LED indicator

This indicator lights up when the set mode is locked.

^ Remote Sensor

Point Remote Control at this window.

[Rear]

3 ↔ 4 OUTPUT CHANNEL selector

(see Setting the 3 ↔ 4 Output Channel Selector)

Connection terminals (see Tape Dubbing)

Connection terminals (see Connecting the VCR and

Cable TV Connections)

3 ↔ 4 OUTPUT CHANNEL selector

(see Setting the 3 ↔ 4 Output Channel Selector)

Connection terminals (see Tape Dubbing)

Connection terminals (see Connecting the VCR and

Cable TV Connections)

(VC-H810U, VC-H811U, VC-H820U)

(VC-A410U, VC-A411U, VC-A420U)

TAMPER

POWER TIMER VCR REC PROOF

!@#$% ^

(VC-H820U)

• The design may be slightly different depending on the
model.

REMOTE SENSOR

8

Remote Control

*: This button cannot be used for this model.

Inserting the Batteries

Make sure that the batteries have been properly installed first. Fit two batteries
type “AA”. If the remote control stops working, fit new batteries.

Ensure the batteries are fitted correctly, matching the polarities (j/k) indicated
in the remote control.

• Do not subject the remote control to shock, water or excessive humidity.

• The remote control may not function if the VCR sensor is in direct sunlight or any other
strong light.

• Incorrect use of batteries may cause them to leak or burst. Read the battery warnings and use the batteries properly.

• Do not mix old and new batteries, or mix brands in use.

• Remove the batteries if the remote control will not be operated for an extended period of time.

• If the remote control does not function properly when new batteries are installed, remove the batteries and keep pressing
any button for 10 seconds before re-installing them.

VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER

MENU button (p. 14)

ZERO BACK button (p. 32)

SKIP SEARCH button (p. 33)

REPLAY button (p. 33)

PAUSE/STILL button (p. 23)

TAMPER PROOF button (p. 34)

STOP button (p. 22)

FF button (p. 23)

∂/ƒ/ß/© button (p. 16)

REW button (p. 23)

REC button (p. 25)

TAPE SPEED button (p. 25)

Numbered buttons (p. 18)

PLAY button (p. 22)

j/k buttons (SLOW j/k,
DPSS j/k) (p. 33)

100/AM/PM button (p. 18)

CANCEL button (p. 31)

INPUT button (p. 27)

SLOW button (p. 23)

EJECT button (p. 22)

POWER button (p. 16)

CH (CHANNEL) ∂/ƒ buttons (p. 28)

ON SCREEN button (p. 14)
(*)

SET button (p. 16)

PROG. (PROGRAM) button (p. 29)

TV/VCR buttons (p. 16)

TV Functions Control buttons
(POWER, CH ∂/ƒ, VOL j/k and
TV/VIDEO)

• This Remote Control can control many
of SHARP’s TVs.

9

Connecting the VCR

The connection method differs depending on the type of TV.
If you have cable TV (CATV), see Cable TV Connections.

RF Connection (for connection to a TV without AV terminals)

! Disconnect the TV antenna from the TV.
@ Connect the TV antenna cable to the ANTENNA IN terminal on the rear of the VCR.
# Connect the TV OUT terminal on the rear of the VCR with the antenna terminal on the TV using a coaxial

cable. Select the TV channel 3 or 4 corresponding to the 3 ↔ 4 output channel selector of the VCR. (See

Setting the 3 ↔ 4 Output Channel Selector below.)

AV Connection (for connection to a TV with AV terminals)

! Disconnect the TV antenna from the TV.
@ Connect the antenna, VCR, and TV using the Audio/Video cable and coaxial cable (supplied) as shown.
# Select the video input mode or A/V input mode on your TV. (See the TV operation manual for details.)

• If your VCR is a monaural model, connect the audio cable to “AUDIO OUT” on the VCR.

Coaxial cable

Antenna

ANTENNA IN
(antenna or
cable input)

TV OUT

Coaxial cable (supplied)

Audio/Video
cable (not
supplied)

VCR Rear

(Hi-Fi model)

TV

Setting the 3 ↔ 4 Output Channel Selector

The 3 ↔ 4 OUTPUT CHANNEL selector changes the VCR OUTPUT to standard

TV broadcasting signals. Both your TV and VCR must be set to the same
channel (i.e. TV on channel 3 and VCR OUTPUT CHANNEL selector on 3).
Your VCR is set to channel 3 at the factory, so your TV should be tuned to
channel 3 as well. If channel 3 is an active broadcast channel in your area, set

the VCR 3 ↔ 4 OUTPUT CHANNEL selector to 4 and tune your TV to channel 4.

After the Connection

Plug in the power cord of the TV. Then go to EZ Set Up.

3 ↔ 4 OUTPUT CHANNEL

selector

Rear of Your VCR

Connect the flat twin lead cable

to a transformer

(300 ohm to 75 ohm, not

supplied)

Setting Up

10

ANT/CABLE

VCR Rear (Hi-Fi model)

TV Rear

From CATV system

Cable TV Connections

Your VCR is capable of receiving the following non-scrambled channels.

• Scrambled channels can be received with the cable box supplied by your cable TV company.

Set the 3 ↔ 4 OUTPUT CHANNEL selector on the rear of the VCR to 3 or 4. (Factory preset: 3)

First check your TV/CATV system

Step Q Is your TV cable compatible with the VCR?

•YES → Go to Step W

•NO → Go to Step E

Step W Does your CATV system have some or all channels scrambled?

•YES → Go to

•NO → Go to

Step E Does your CATV system have some or all channels scrambled?

•YES → Go to

•NO → Go to Step R

Step R Choose the type below.

•Basic connection (only for

descrambled CATV signals.) → Go to - or

•To watch a CATV program while recording a TV program

by using the A/B switch. → Go to

Connection without a cable box

• Connect as shown. Then go to “After the Connection”.

Coaxial
cable
(Supplied)

11

ANT/CABLE

VCR Rear (Hi-Fi model)

From CATV system

TV Rear

OUTIN

Cable Box

Cable TV Connections

Connection with cable box

• Connect as shown. With this connection, it is possible to record descrambled CATV signals. Then go to “After
the Connection”.

• If the cable box is turned off, it will not output any signals, thus making it impossible to record or view a program from the
CATV system.

• In the case of the above connections, it is not possible to change channels using the VCR remote control. Only the cable
box can be used to change channels.

• Only one channel at a time can be programmed for recording programs with the timer. It is not possible to watch a TV
program different from the one being recorded.

• Depending on which terminals the TV has, a separate combiner (mixer) or separator (splitter) may be necessary.

•Connect as shown. With this connection, it is not possible to record CATV programs which have been
scrambled, but is possible to record one channel and watch the other one. Then go to “After the
Connection”.

Coaxial cable
(Not supplied)

Coaxial cable
(Supplied)

Coaxial
cable
(Supplied)

• With the above connection, ∂/ƒ of the VCR or the numbered buttons on the remote control can be used to select channels.

• Depending on which terminals the TV has, a combiner (mixer) or separator (splitter) may be necessary.

• To record one channel and watch another, the VCR must be set to the TV mode.

Coaxial cable
(Not supplied)

ANT/CABLE

VCR Rear (Hi-Fi model)

Cable Box

TV Rear

OUTIN

From
CATV
system

12

ANT/CABLE

VCR Rear (Hi-Fi model)

From
CATV
system

A

B

OUTIN

Cable Box

Cable TV Connections

Connection with cable box, A/B switch and splitter

By using an A/B switch or splitter, it is possible to switch between the cable box and the VCR output.
For example, while recording a TV program with the VCR, it is possible to watch a CATV program (including
descrambled programs) using the A/B switch.

• Connect as shown. Then go to “After the Connection”.

Splitter
(Not supplied)

Coaxial cable
(Not supplied)

Coaxial cable
(Supplied)

TV Rear

Using the A/B Switch

1. Set the A/B switch to the “A” position in the following situations.

! To watch a cable TV program while recording another program.
@ To watch a scrambled cable TV program.
# To watch a cable TV program when the VCR is turned off.

• Use the cable box to change channels.

• If you turn off the cable box, you cannot watch a CATV program.

2. Set the A/B switch to the “B” position in the following situations.

! To play back a cassette on the VCR.
@ To watch a program which is being recorded with the VCR tuner.
# To watch a program using the VCR tuner.

A/B switch
(Not supplied)

Coaxial cable
(Not supplied)