Zenith B32A34Z, B27A34Z, B36A34Z OPERATING GUIDE

machine numbers B27A34Z B32A34Z B36A34Z

operating guide / warranty

hookup directory

glossary

your on-screen menus

page

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

WARNING:

TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARDS, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

POWER CORD POLARIZATION:

CAUTION: To Prevent Electric Shock, Match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert. ATTENTION: Pour éviter les chocs électriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne

correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu’au fond.

NOTE TO CABLE/TV INSTALLER:

This reminder is provided to call the cable TV system installer’s attention to Article 820-40 of the National Electric Code (U.S.A.). The code 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 the cable entry as practical.

REGULATORY INFORMATION:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION:

Do not attempt to modify this product in any way without written authorization from Zenith Electronics Corporation. Unauthorized modification could void the user’s authority to operate this product.

RECORD YOUR MODEL NUMBER (Now, while you can see it)

The model and serial number of your new TV are located on the back of the TV cabinet. For your future convenience, we suggest that your record these numbers here:

MODEL NO.____________________________________ SERIAL NO.____________________________________

WARNING

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

B-WARN-DV-2 12/98

PAGE 2

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PAGE 3

Important safeguards for you and your new product

Your product has been manufactured and tested with your safety in mind. However, improper use can result in potential electrical shock or fire hazards. To avoid defeating the safeguards that have been built into your new product, please read and observe the following safety points when installing and using your new product, and save them for future reference.

Observing the simple precautions discussed in this booklet can help you get many years of enjoyment and safe operation that are built into your new product.

This product complies with all applicable U.S. Federal safety requirements, and those of the Canadian Standards Association.

(Continued on next page)

1. Read Instructions

All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.

2. Follow Instructions

All operating and use instructions should be followed.

3. Retain Instructions

The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

4. Heed Warnings

All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

5. Cleaning

Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

6. Water and Moisture

Do not use this product near water for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool.

7. Accessories

Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

8. Transporting Product

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

9. Attachments

Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

10. Ventilation

Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.

11. Power Sources

This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. For products intended to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.

12. Line-Cord Polarization

This product is equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

13. Power-Cord Protection

Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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(Continued from previous page)

14. Outdoor Antenna Grounding

If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code (U.S.A.), ANSI/ NFPA 70 provides information with regard to 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.

15. Lightning

For added protection for this product (receiver) during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.

16. Power Lines

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 fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.

17. Overloading

Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

18. Object and Liquid Entry

Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

19. Servicing

Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

20. Damage Requiring Service

Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

a. If the power-supply cord or plug is damaged. b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into

the product.

c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.

d. If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.

e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.

f. If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.

21. Replacement Parts

When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

22. Safety Check

Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

23. Wall or Ceiling Mounting

The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

24. Heat

The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Antenna Lead in Wire

Antenna Discharge Unit (NEC Section 810-20)

Grounding Conductor (NEC Section 810-21)

Ground Clamps Power Service Grounding

Electrode System (NEC Art 250, Part H)

Ground Clamp

Electric Service

Equipment

Example of Grounding According to National Electrical Code Instructions

NEC - National Electrical Code

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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PAGE 5

Turn to the next page to begin your TV setup

Table Of Contents

Safety Warnings 2 Important Safety Instructions 3 - 4 Table of Contents 5

Step 1. Hook Up TV

Hookup Directory 6

TV and other Equipment Hookups

Antenna 7 Cable service 8 Antenna with VCR 9 Cable service with VCR 10 Super VHS/VCR/Digital Video Disk Player 11 Audio Equipment: Stereo 12

Step 2. Channel Search and Reception Setup

EZ Program 13

(Select Antenna, or cable service and perform

channel search) Remote Control TV Mode Key Functions 14 Remote On-Screen Menu Operation 15 Front Panel Controls 16 Basic TV Operation, Tuners and Picture Sources 17 On-Screen Menus/Displays Overview 18 On-Screen Displays 19

Step 3. Customize Your TV’s Features

Setup Menu (Starts with page 13, EZ Program)

Add/Del/Surf 20

EZ Clock 21

Captions Caption/Text 22

Language 23

Special Features Menu

EZ Timer Setup, Sleep Timer 24 On and Off Time, On/Off Timer 25 Channel Labels 26 XDS Display 27 Parental Control 28 - 29 EZ Demo (On-screen menus overview) 30

Audio Menu 31

Bass, Treble, Balance, Audio Mode, Front Surround, EZ Sound Rite, Speakers, EZ Sound

Video Menu 32

Contrast, Brightness, Color, Tint, Sharpness, Color Temp, EZ Picture

PIP Menu 33

Color, Tint, Size

Source Menu 34

Main Screen Picture, PIP Inset Picture

PIP (Picture-in-Picture) 35 - 36 - 37

Overview, and Operation Remote Control Programming 38 - 44 Maintenance 45 Trouble Shooting 46 - 47 Glossary 48 Zenith Accessory Products Inside Back Cover Warranty Back Cover

EZ Features are designed to make your viewing experience less work.

EZ Clock Sets the clock manually or automatically. EZ Demo Shows menus and displays on this TV. EZ Mute Turns sound off, while picture remains. EZ Picture Customizes video level settings. EZ Program Finds the channels in your area automatically. EZ Sound Adjusts sound output to match the broadcasting source. EZ SoundRite Maintains and even sound level. EZ Timer Sets times to turn the TV on and off.

Note: Design and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

Hookup Directory

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If you are using an antenna and no other equipment, go to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7

If you subscribe to cable service and no other equipment, go to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8

If you are using an antenna and have a VCR, go to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9

If you subscribe to cable service and have a VCR, go to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 10

This page directs you to the appropriate page for hook up your Entertainment Machine

IMPORTANT!!

Use this page to decide where you need to begin your setup. First, find the line below that best describes what you want to do, then go to that page number. Note: Design and specifications are subject to change without prior notification.

Cable TV wall jack

Cable box

In Out

Cable TV wall jack

Cable box

Out

Antenna only

Cable only

Antenna with VCR

Cable and VCR

Other

If you have a Super VHS VCR, a DVD Player, or Audio equipment, go to . . . . . . . . . . . pages 11-12

Mini glossary

75 OHM RF CABLE The wire that comes from an off air antenna or cable service provider. Each end looks like a hex shaped nut with

a wire sticking through the middle, and it screws onto the threaded jack on the back of your TV.

300-75 OHM ADAPTER A small device that connects a two-wire 300 ohm antenna to a 75 ohm RF jack. They are usually about an

inch long with two screws on one end and a round opening with a wire sticking out on the other end.

Hook Up an Off Air Antenna

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Connect an off air antenna to your Entertainment Machine

Hook up your Entertainment Machine

, see diagrams at right.

Remove the back of the remote and put in two AAA batteries.

Plug in your TV. Do not plug it into a switched outlet.

Go to page 13 to EZ Program your Entertainment Machine

RF coaxial wire (75ohm)

Antenna

TV back

TV back panel (expanded view)

Antenna / Cable

TV back

Flat wire (300 ohm)

Antenna

300/75 ohm Adapter

TV back panel (expanded view)

Antenna / Cable

If you have a 75 ohm RF cable, then you don’t need any adapters!

Remember, when screwing RF cables onto jacks, clockwise tightens, and counterclockwise loosens.

A 300 to 75 ohm adapter is not included with your Zenith Entertainment Machine

back of

remote

120 V AC 60 Hz

Hook Up Cable Service (CATV)

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Connect Cable service to your Entertainment Machine

Hook up your Entertainment MachineTM, see diagrams at right.

Remove the back of the remote and put in two AAA batteries.

Plug in your TV. Do not plug it into a switched outlet.

Go to page 13 to EZ Program your Entertainment Machine

Mini glossary

CABLE SERVICE The wire that supplies all your cable TV (CATV) stations.

Cable TV wall jack

Cable box

Out

RF coaxial wire (75ohm)

3 4

output switch

TV back panel (expanded view)

Antenna / Cable

TV back

TV back panel (expanded view)

Antenna / Cable

TV back

If you’re using a cable box, leave your TV on channel 3 or 4 and use your cable box to change channels.

Remember to set the cable box output switch to channel 3 or 4.

If you’re using a cable box, EZ Program (page 13) might only find the channel your cable service is on (usually channel 3 or 4). Don’t worry, that’s all you need!

back of

remote

120 V AC 60 Hz

1 2

Without Cable Box

With Cable Box

Hook up your Entertainment Machine

, see diagrams at right.

Remove the back of the remote and put in two AAA batteries.

Plug in your TV. Do not plug it into a switched outlet.

Go to page 13 to EZ Program your Entertainment Machine

Hook Up Antenna and a VCR

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Connect your off air antenna and VCR to your Entertainment Machine

TV back panel (expanded view)

Typical TV back

RF coaxial wire (75ohm) not included with TV

Out

Audio

R-L Out

Video

Out

3 4

VCR back

VCR back A/V panel

Out

3 4

VCR back

VCR back A/V panel

Flat wire (300 ohm)

Antenna

300/75 ohm Adapter

Round wire (75ohm)

Antenna

output

switch

output switch

A/V cables not included with TV

A/V cables

not included with TV

TV back panel (expanded view)

Typical TV back

RF coaxial wire (75ohm) not included with TV

Audio

R-L Out

Video

Out

back of

remote

120 V AC 60 Hz

Remember to set the VCR output switch to channel 3 or 4.

Use Video sources for better picture and sound.

Without A/V cable hookup, VCRs will not play videocassettes in stereo sound.

(VCR with Round Antenna Wire)

(VCR with Flat Wire Antenna Adapter)

PAGE 9

Hook Up Cable (CATV) and a VCR

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PAGE 10

Connect Cable service and a VCR to your Entertainment Machine

Leave your VCR and your television tuned to channel 3 oor 4 and use the cable box to change channels.

Remember to set the cable box output switch to channel 3 or 4.

Use Video sources for better picture and sound.

No A/V cables are included with your Zenith Entertainment Machine

. Without A/V cable hookups, VCRs will not play videocassettes in stereo sound.

TV back panel (expanded view)

Typical TV back

RF coaxial wire (75ohm) not included with TV

Out

Audio

R-L Out

Video

Out

3 4

VCR back

VCR back A/V panel

Out

3 4

VCR back

VCR back A/V panel

output switch

output

switch

A/V cables not included with TV

A/V cables

not included with TV

TV back panel (expanded view)

Typical TV back

RF coaxial wire (75ohm) not included with TV

Audio

R-L Out

Video

Out

Cable TV wall jack

Cable box

Out

3 4

output switch

Cable TV wall jack

RF coaxial wire (75ohm)

back of

remote

120 V AC 60 Hz

Hook up your Entertainment Machine

, see diagrams at right.

Remove the back of the remote and put in two AAA batteries.

Plug in your TV. Do not plug it into a switched outlet.

Go to page 13 to EZ Program your Entertainment Machine

With Cable Box

Without Cable Box

Mini glossary

SUPER S-VHS VCR Provides higher quality picture and sound than ordinary VCRs when connected to the S-Video in jacks. DVD PLAYER Digital Video Disks use the S-Video in jacks to provide the highest quality reproduction available from

this technology.

Connecting a S-VHS VCR or DVD player to your Entertainment Machine

Super VHS VCR/DVD Player

Locate the Ant In jack on the back of your S-VHS VCR. Connect the cable line coming from your wall directly to this jack.

Now locate the Out to TV jack. Connect a cable from the Out to TV jack to the Antenna/Cable jack on the back of your TV.

Find the audio and S-Video jacks on the back of your S-VHS VCR, and connect them following the instructions provided with your equipment.

Use Video/Audio sources for better picture and sound.

To use with PIP: go to the Source Menu (page 34) and choose the jack you’ve connected your S-VHS (S-VHS 1,-2) as the Main or PIP source.

Typical TV back

Out

3 4

Super VHS VCR

Back A/V panel

Cables not included with TV

Audio

R-L Out

S-Video

Out

Attach to cable wall jack, cable box, or antenna

Super VHS VCR

DVD (Digital Video Disk) Player

Simply connect the S-Video/Audio out on the DVD to the S-VHS 1, R-L Audio or S-VHS 2, R-L Audio In on the TV.

DVD Player Jacks

PAGE 11

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PAGE 12

Audio Hookups

A/V cables

not included with TV

Typical TV back

R-L Audio

Input

Stereo

System

Locate the jacks marked Variable Out. These are for the stereo system. Connect the stereo system’s cables, according to their color (red is the right channel, white the left) to these jacks.

Before you begin plugging in your stereo system, it’s a good idea to put it in its approximate place first. That way you know how much wire you have or will need.

Get the best sound possible from your Entertainment Machine

Mini glossary

OFF AIR ANTENNA The device receiving the program signal broadcast over-the-air. CABLE Your EZ Program selection, if you subscribe to a cable service.

EZ Program (Channel Search)

1 2

3 4

Use EZ Program to automatically find and store in the TV’s memory all the channels in your area. Select:

Antenna: if you receive off air signal reception. Cable: if you subscribe to a cable service.

PRG

POWER

CABLE

VCR

AUX TV

SURF

ENTER

FLASHBK MUTE

CHANNEL

VOLUME VOLUME

123 456 7089

REWIND FFWD

RECORD

QUIT

PIP

SWAP

FREEZ

TV/VCR

SOURCE

PAUSE TIMER

PLAY

STOP

Setup Menu

EZ Program Add/Del/Surf EZ Clock Captions Caption/Text Language

To Program

123

3/5

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Note: EZ Program finds channels being received by the TV tuner. See page 17 for instructions on using the Cable Box or VCR tuners.

Cable will not work unless you subscribe to a cable service.

PAGE 13

With the remote control in hand, press POWER to turn on your Entertainment MachineTM.

Press MENU repeatedly until the Setup menu appears. Using the UP or DOWN arrow on the remote control,

select EZ Program on your screen. Press a RIGHT or LEFT arrow to reach the EZ Program

menu. Using the UP or DOWN arrow, choose either Off Air

Antenna, or Cable on your screen. Note: The option that is blinking is selected.

Press a RIGHT or LEFT arrow to begin the channel search.

When the search is complete, press QUIT to return to TV viewing.

4/6

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Remote Key Functions in TV Mode

Note: Pressing TV puts remote into TV operating mode

A quick list of the keys on your remote and what they do in TV mode, see page 44 for remote key functions in the 6 additional programmable modes...

PRG

POWER

CABLE

VCR

AUX TV

SURF

ENTER

FLASHBK MUTE

CHANNEL

VOLUME VOLUME

123 456

7 0

REWIND FFWD

RECORD

QUIT

PIP

SWAP

FREEZ

TV/VCR SOURCE

PAUSE TIMER

PLAY

STOP

PRG (PROGRAM)

Programs your remote to operate

other products.

See page 38.

FLASHBK (FLASHBACK)

Return to the last channel viewed.

Selects AM/PM in Clock/Timer menus.

POWER

Turns TV On or Off

CABLE/VCR/AUX/TV

Selects remote operating mode.

CHANNEL (UP/DOWN)

Flip through available channels.

MUTE

Turns sound Off and On while the picture remains. Press once to quiet sound, press again to mute, press again to restore sound.

ENTER

Shows the Channel/Time

display. Press after channel num-

bers for instant selection.

NUMBER KEYPAD

Selects channels directly and enters numeric values for some options

Shows on-screen

menus for TV mode. See page 18.

UP/DOWN ARROWS

The Up/Down arrows select options.

remote control part number

MBR3457Z

(124-233-01)

TIMER

Displays the Sleep Timer Menu. See

“Timer Setup” on page 24 for more

information.

VOLUME LEFT/RIGHT

Adjusts the sound levels on your Entertainment Machine

QUIT

Removes on-screen display from view. If no display is on, switches Surround sound feature On and Off on some TVs.

TV/VCR-SOURCE

Switches between watching TV through your antenna/cable, or through your VCR.

Keys dedicated to VCR functions will still operate your VCR while the remote is in TV mode.

CC (CLOSED CAPTIONING)

Displays the closed caption menu.

LEFT/RIGHT ARROWS

The Left/Right arrows adjust

options.

LED INDICATOR LIGHT

Lights when keys are pressed.

PIP FEATURES

For PIP (Picture-in-Picture)

operation. See page 36.

SURF

Turns on and off custom channel

selection mode.

When Surf mode is active, CHANNEL

Up/Down keys “Surf” through the

channels you’ve selected.

Mini glossary

MENU On-screen displays you use to program the TV features. SELECT Pressing the UP or DOWN arrow repeatedly will “select” or highlight menu options. ADJUST Use the LEFT or RIGHT arrow to choose or change the selected menu option. QUIT When finished with programming, press QUIT to exit on-screen menus and return to TV viewing.

PRG

CABLE

VCR

AUX TV

ENTER

FLASHBK

CHANNEL

123 456 7089

REWIND

RECORD

PIP

SWAP

FREEZ

PAUSE TIMER

PLAY

STOP

SURF

MUTE

POWER

VOLUME VOLUME

QUIT

FFWD

TV/VCR SOURCE

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PAGE 15

On-Screen Menu Operation

1 2

3 4

Use either the remote or the TV front controls to access the on-screen menus

Setup Menu

EZ Program Add/Del/Surf EZ Clock Captions Caption/Text Language

EZ Mute

123

On-screen menus automatically disappear after 15 seconds. Use the NUMBER keypad to enter numerical values for menu adjustments

when required. Remote must be in the TV mode for it to control the TV.

Press TV on the remote to select TV mode.

Press MENU repeatedly until the desired menu appears. Use the UP or DOWN arrow on the remote control, to “select”

an option like Captions on your screen. Use the RIGHT or LEFT arrow to “adjust” the selected option. Press QUIT when finished, to return to TV viewing. In the Clock, and Timer menus, use the NUMBER keypad to set

the clock, and timer features.

Front Panel Controls

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PAGE 16

How to use your front control panel to operate the menus

channel

volume

power

channel

volume

power

To access the on-screen menus, press MENU. Pressing MENU repeatedly will cycle through the available menus.

Once the menu you want appears, SELECT the feature you want to change using the DOWN or UP arrow Channel buttons.

ADJUST or change the selected feature using the LEFT or RIGHT Volume buttons.

Note: If the feature you want to change requires you to enter numerical values, use the remote control.

Menus disappear after fifteen seconds. To get them back, press MENU again.

If you’ve lost your remote, you can get a new one by calling 1-800-255-6790 to purchase a replacement.

When using the on-screen menus, the buttons on the front panel correspond to the remote control buttons as follows:

CHANNEL = Select Up/Down VOLUME = Adjust Left/Right

Typical 6-Button Panel

3 2

enter adjust select menu volume channel power

+ 36 hidden pages