Zenith VCM321 OPERATING GUIDE

© Copyright 2003, Zenith Electronics Corporation

Installation and Operating Guide | Warranty

Model Number | VCM321 | Video Cassette Recorder

Safety Precautions

This 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 mainte-

nance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the product.

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:
FCC Part 15

This product 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 product is operated in a residential installation. This
product 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 product does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the product 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 product and
receiver.

• Connect the product 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.

FCC WARNING: This equipment may generate or use radio
frequency energy. Changes or modifications to this
equipment may cause harmful interference unless the
modifications are expressly approved in the instruction
manual. The user could lose the authority to operate this
equipment if an unauthorized change or modification is
made.

FCC COMPLIANCE: The responsible party for this product’s
compliance is:
Zenith Electronics Corporation, 2000 Millbrook Drive,
Lincolnshire, IL 60069, USA
Phone: [phone].

IMPORTANT COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: Many television
programs and films are copyrighted. In certain circum­stances copyright law may apply to private in-home video
taping of copyrighted materials.

WARNING

2

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE

BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
ATTENTION: POUR ÉVITER LES CHOC ÉLECTRIQUES,
INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS
LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER
JUSQU’AU FOND.

WARNING: Do not drop the power cord tying band into
the unit. Doing so might cause a fire or an electrical
shock. (See page 10.)

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.

MOISTURE CONDENSATION

If you pour a cold liquid into a glass, water vapor in the
air will condense on the surface of the glass. This is
moisture condensation. Moisture condensation on the
head drum, one of the most crucial parts of the unit,
will cause damage to the tape. When the VCR is exposed
to a rapid temperature change from cold to warm, some
condensation will occur. Under this condition, connect
the power cord to a standard AC power outlet, press
POWER to turn the VCR on and allow at least two hours
for the VCR to dry out.

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.

SERIAL NUMBER: The serial number is found on the back
of this unit. The number is unique to this unit only.
You should write the serial number below and retain this
guide as a permanent record of your purchase.
Model No. VCM321
Serial No.

3

CONTENTSFEATURES

INTRODUCTION

Features/Contents/Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

VCR Features Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

VCR SETUP

Connections for Your VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7

Front Panel Controls and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9

Connection Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12

Onscreen Displays (OSD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Onscreen Menus Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Setup Menu Features and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Channel/Source Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17

Viewing TV Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Video Cassette Tapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19-20

PLAYBACK

Normal Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21-22

Special Effects Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23-24

RECORDING

Normal Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Timer Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26-28

Instant Timer Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Dubbing and Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EZ Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Tape Counter Memory Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Editing a Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Operating Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Video Head Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

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

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover

• Auto Clock Set System

• Energy Save Function

• Easy Operations

• 1 Year/8 Event Timer with
DAILY and WEEKLY Functions

• Auto Power and Playback
Functions

• Instant Timer Recording

• Real-Time Tape Counter,
Tape Remaining Time

• Clean Still, Slow, Frame
Advance, Commercial Skip

• Auto Tracking Function/Auto
Head Cleaner

• Onscreen Function Display

• Trilingual Onscreen
Programming Menus
(English/Spanish/French)

Check to make sure that all accessories listed to the left have
been included with your VCR.

•

Depending on your antenna system, you may need a different
type of Combiner (Mixer) or Separator (Splitter). These are avail­able at most electronics stores. For further details, see your near­est authorized service center.

ACCESSORIES

INTRODUCTION

VCR SETUP PLAYBACK

RECORDING

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Remote Control RF Coaxial Cable

power

eject

menu clear

ch/trk

enter

adj

adj

sp / slptv / vcr

ch/trk

rec / itr

stop

pause slow

rew play ff

cm skip

EZ review

input

4

INTRODUCTION

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions. - All these safety and

operating instructions should be read before the
product is operated.

2. Keep these instructions. - The safety, operating

and use instructions should be retained for future
reference.

3. Heed all warnings. - All warnings on the product

and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.

4. Follow all instructions. - All operating and use

instructions should be followed.

5. Do not use this product near water. – For

example: near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen
sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement; or near a
swimming pool; and other areas located near
water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth. – Unplug this product

from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use
liquid cleaners.

7.

Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc­tions. -

Slots and openings in the cabinet are pro­vided for ventilation and to ensure reliable opera­tion of the product and to protect it from over­heating. 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.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.

9. D

o not defeat the safety purpose of the polar­ized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two

blades with one wider than the other.

A grounding

type plug has two blades and a
third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched particularly at plugs, conve­nience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the product.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified
by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, brack­et, or table specified by the manufacturer, or
sold with apparatus. When a cart is used,
use caution when moving the cart/product
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this product during lightning storms
or when unused for long periods of time.

14.

Refer all servicing to qualified service per­sonnel.

Servicing is required when the prod­uct has been damaged in any way, such as
power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liq­uid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the product, the product has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not oper­ate normally, or has been dropped.

PLEASE READ AND OBSERVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS OWNER’S
MANUAL. AND THOSE MARKED ON THE PRODUCT. RETAIN THIS BOOKLET FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.

This product has been designed and manufactured to assure personal safety. Improper use can result in
electric shock or fire hazard. The safeguards incorporated in this product will protect you if you observe the
following procedures for installation, use, and servicing.
This product does not contain any parts that can be repaired by the user.

DO NOT REMOVE THE CABINET COVER, OR YOU MAY BE EXPOSED TO DANGEROUS VOLTAGE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL ONLY.

5

INTRODUCTION

VCR FEATURES CHART

Features available on this VCR are listed below.

FEATURES

4-Heads (Special Video Effects)
Full Load/Quick Start Playback
Auto Head Cleaner
Monaural Audio System
Monaural Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks
Remote Control
Auto/Manual Band Select
Auto/Manual Channel Search
181 Channel Capability (CATV & TV)
Record Speeds SP/SLP
Playback Speeds SP/LP/SLP
Auto Playback System
Auto/Manual Digital Tracking
Instant Recording
Timer-Controlled Recording
Auto Playback Tape Speed Adjust
1/19 Slow-Motion Video (4-head VCR)
Clear No Noise Pause/Still Video
Real-Time Tape Counter
Visual Search
Logic Search
CM Skip
English/Spanish/French Menus
1-Year, 8-Event Timer
LED Front Panel Indicator
Easy Power On
Easy Review
Easy Information
Auto Clock Set System
Hook-up Cable (VCR to TV)
Energy Saving

VCR design and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

CONNECTIONS FOR YOUR VCR

6

Required connections for your VCR.

Back Panel of Monaural VCR

Connection Panel of Typical TV

Antenna

Flat Wire
(300 ohm)

300/75 ohm
Adaptor
(Not provided)

Cable TV
Wall Jack

This cable is provided

with your VCR.

OR

OR

Back Panel of

Typical Cable Box

CH3 CH4

CABLE

OUT IN

Back Panel of

Monaural

VCR

Connection Panel of Typical TV

Cable TV
Wall Jack

This cable
is provided

with your VCR.

Turn off power or unplug VCR
before making any connections.

Turn off power or unplug
VCR before making any
connections.

CONNECTIONS WITHOUT A CABLE BOX

CONNECTIONS WITH A CABLE BOX

VCR SETUP

7

VCR SETUP

CONNECTIONS FOR YOUR VCR (Contd.)

Use A/V connections for a better picture.

Connection Panel of Typical Monaural TV

Back Panel of Monaural VCR

Jack panel of Accessory

A/V cables are not provided with VCR.

AUDIO/VIDEO (A/V) CONNECTIONS TO TV

CONNECTIONS FOR ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT

Turn off power
or unplug VCR
before making
any connections.

Turn off power
or unplug VCR
before making
any connections.

Accessory
Component:
Another VCR,
Camcorder,
Video Camera,
Satellite Receiver,
Laser Disc Player

8

VCR SETUP

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS

FRONT

POWER

Turns the VCR on and off.
While plugged into an AC
outlet, the VCR consumes
2W of electrical power
when OFF.

CASSETTE COMPARTMENT

Insert video cassette here.

STOP/EJECT

Stops the tape.
Ejects the tape in the VCR.

PLAY

To play back a recorded tape
(page 21).

REW (Rewind)

To rewind the tape while in STOP
mode or for fast reverse picture
search (page 23).

INFRARED REMOTE SENSOR

Receives the signal from the
infrared remote control.

CHANNEL (DD/EE)

Use to scan up or down through
memorized channels (page 16)
or to manually adjust the tape’s
tracking onscreen (page 21).

VCR Function Indicator Panel

Details are on the next page.

REC/ITR

To record normally (page 25) or to
activate Instant Timer Recording
(page 29).

PAUSE

To put playback in still mode (page 23)
or to pause recording (page 25).

FF (Fast Forward)

To advance the tape while in STOP mode or
for fast forward picture search (page 23).

VIDEO IN/AUDIO IN JACKS (LINE2)

Connect the audio/video output cable from
an external unit (Audio system, TV/Monitor,
Another VCR) to these jacks.

Use INPUT on remote to select A/V input
channels (LINE1 or LINE2).

NOTE

9

VCR SETUP

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS (Contd.)

INDICATOR PANEL

POWER indicator

Lights while a VCR is turned on.

TAPE IN indicator

Lights while a cassette is
inserted, and flashes while
ejecting a cassette.

VCR indicator

Use TV/VCR on the remote control to turn this
indicator ON or OFF.
ON: for playback, VCR programming or watching TV
programs through the VCR tuner
OFF: for watching TV programs through TV tuner

TIMER indicator

REC (record)
indicator

CONNECTION PANEL

REAR

ANTENNA INPUT CONNECTOR

Connect the VHF/UHF/CATV antenna to this terminal.

AUDIO OUT JACK: Connect this output jack to the audio input on an external unit (Audio
System, TV/Monitor, Another VCR).
VIDEO OUT JACK: Connect this output jack to the video input on an external device
(TV/Monitor, Another VCR).
AUDIO IN JACK: Connect the audio output cable from an external device (Audio
system, TV/Monitor, Another VCR) to this jack.
VIDEO IN JACK: Connect the video output cable from an external device (TV/Monitor,
Another VCR) to this jack.

Use INPUT to select A/V input channels (LINE1 or LINE2).

POWER CORD

Connect only to an AC 120V, 60Hz outlet.

VCR OUTPUT CHANNEL SELECT SWITCH

Set this switch to channel 3 or 4.

VHF/UHF/CATV ANTENNA OUTPUT CONNECTOR

Connect this terminal to the VHF or UHF
antenna terminals on the back of a TV.

WARNING : Do not drop the
power cord tying band into the
unit. Doing so might cause a fire
or an electrical shock.

10

VCR SETUP

The CH3/CH4 switch on the VCR’s back panel determines
which channel the VCR uses to send video signals to your TV.
The TV must be tuned to the same channel you set with the
CH3/CH4 switch to see tape playback and status displays from
the VCR. To determine which video channel provides the best
picture for your system, try the switch in CH3 position and tune
your TV to channel 3; then try the CH4 position and tune your
TV to channel 4.

For a test display, press TV/VCR on remote repeatedly until
the VCR indicator light appears in the VCR’s front panel
display. Press MENU on the remote to see the main menu.

SET POSITION OF THE CH3/CH4 SWITCH

Tune
TV to

Ch.3

Tune
TV to

Ch.4

OR

CH.

34

CH.

34

NOTE

11

VCR SETUP

REMOTE CONTROL

EJECT

To eject the tape in the VCR (page 18).

CLEAR

Cancels a timer recording (page 28).
Resets tape counter to 0:00:00 (page 32).

DD EE FF GG

ARROWS

Move up, down, left, right one row, column, or selection
(hold to repeat) (pages 14, 15).

ENTER

Accesses the onscreen menu (page 14).
Displays functions on the TV screen. Switches among
the clock, tape counter and tape remaining modes on
the display (pages 13, 32).

SP/SLP

Use to select recording speed (page 25).

SLOW

For slow motion playback (page 24).

CM SKIP

To fast forward picture search through 30 seconds of
recording (page 24).

EZ REVIEW

Replays the specified segment twice.

INPUT

Select the VCR’s line inputs or tuner.

NUMBER buttons

Use these buttons, numbered 0-9, to select a channel.

The remote control is used for most of the operations and features of the VCR. Before
proceeding, put batteries in the remote and become familiar with the buttons. Use only type
AAA batteries. The maximum operating distance is about 25 feet.
The POWER, PLAY, PAUSE, FF, REW and REC/ITR buttons on the remote control unit
perform the same functions as the corresponding buttons on the VCR. The following buttons
are on the remote control unit only.

input