Zenith VCS342, VCM322 OPERATING GUIDE

Installation and Operating Guide | Warranty

Model Numbers | VCS342 • VCM322 | Video Cassette Recorders

© Copyright 2003, Zenith Electronics Corporation

Safety Precautions

WARNING

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

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.

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 enclo-

sure 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 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.

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

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.)

SERIAL NUMBER: The serial number is found on the back of this unit. This number is unique to this unit and not available to others. You should record requested information here and retain this guide as a permanent record of your purchase.

Model No. ___________________________

Serial No. ___________________________

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].

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 the AC line, press POWER on and allow at least two hours for the VCR to dry out.

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.

2

FEATURES

•Auto Clock Set System

•Energy Save Function

•Easy Operations

•MTS Hi-Fi Stereo

•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)

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Features/Contents/Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 VCR Features Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

VCR SETUP

Connections for Your VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7 Control Names and Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-10 Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12 Onscreen Display (OSD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Setting the Onscreen Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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 VHS Hi-Fi Stereo System/MTS Broadcast . . . . . .32-33 Tape Counter Memory Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Editing a Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Operating Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Video Head Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover

RECORDING PLAYBACK SETUP VCR INTRODUCTION

ACCESSORIES

Remote Control RF Coaxial Cable

power eject

menu			clear
	ch/trk
adj	enter		adj
tv/vcr			sp/slp
	ch/trk
stop	pause	slow	rec/itr
rew		play	ff
			cm skip
			EZ review
			input

Check to make sure that all accessories listed 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.

INFORMATION ADDITIONAL

3

INTRODUCTION

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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.

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.Do 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.

4

VCR FEATURES CHART

This page shows the features of your VCR and the differences between the models.

FEATURES	VCS342	VCM322
4-Heads (Special Video Effects)	Yes	Yes
Full Load/Quick Start	Yes	Yes
Auto Head Cleaner	Yes	Yes
Audio System	MTS Hi-Fi Stereo	Monaural
Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks	Stereo	Monaural
Remote Control	Yes	Yes
Auto/Manual Band Select	Yes	Yes
Auto/Manual Channel Search	Yes	Yes
Channel Capability (CATV & TV)	181	181
Record Speeds SP/SLP	Yes	Yes
Playback Speeds SP/LP/SLP	Yes	Yes
Auto Playback System	Yes	Yes
Auto/Manual Digital Tracking	Yes	Yes
Instant Recording	Yes	Yes
Timer-Controlled Recording	Yes	Yes
Auto Playback Tape Speed Adjust	Yes	Yes
Slow-Motion Video (4-head VCR)	Yes (1/19)	Yes (1/19)
Pause/Still Video	Clear	Clear
Real-Time Tape Counter	Yes	Yes
Visual Search	Yes	Yes
Logic Search	Yes	Yes
CM Skip	Yes	Yes
English/Spanish/French Menus	Yes	Yes
1-Year, 8-Event Timer	Yes	Yes
Message Center Front Panel Display	Yes	Yes
Easy Power On	Yes	Yes
Easy Review	Yes	Yes
Easy Information	Yes	Yes
Auto Clock Set System	Yes	Yes
Hook-up Cable (VCR to TV)	Yes	Yes
Energy Saving	Yes	Yes

1.Model VCS342 is used for the description, operation, and details provided in this operating guide.

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

INTRODUCTION

5

CONNECTIONS FOR YOUR VCR

Required connections for your VCR.

CONNECTIONS WITHOUT A CABLE BOX

VCR SETUP

Turn off power or unplug VCR			Antenna
before making any connections.
	Flat Wire
Back Panel of Stereo VCR	(300 ohm)

AUDIO

R300/75 ohm

				ANT.IN		Adaptor
LINE1(AUX1)	IN	OUT			OR	(Not provided)
	IN	OUT	L		OR
				VHF/UHF
				/CATV		Cable TV
							Connection Panel of Typical TV
			3 4			Wall Jack
		VIDEO	CH.
							IN	IN
									VHF/UHF/CATV
							OUT	OUT
							R AUDIO L	VIDEO	ANT
									IN

This cable is provided with your VCR.

CONNECTIONS WITH A CABLE BOX

	Back Panel of		AUDIO
	Stereo VCR			R
					ANT.IN
	LINE1(AUX1)		OUT
				L	VHF/UHF
		IN	OUT		/CATV
				3	4
Back Panel of			VIDEO	CH.
			Cable TV
Typical Cable Box
			Wall Jack
CH3	CH4
CABLE
OUT	IN

Turn off power or unplug VCR before making any connections.

Connection Panel of Typical TV

	IN	IN
			VHF/UHF/CATV
	OUT	OUT	ANT
	R AUDIO L	VIDEO
			IN

This cable is provided

with your VCR.

6

CONNECTIONS FOR YOUR VCR (Cont’d)

AUDIO/VIDEO (A/V) CONNECTIONS TO TV

Turn off power or unplug VCR before making any connections.

Connection Panel of Typical Monaural TV

CONNECTIONS WITHOUT A CABLE BOX

Back Panel of Stereo VCR

Jack panel of Accessory

		AUDIO
			R	OUT	OUT
LINE1(AUX1)	IN	OUT		VHF/UHF	IN
				IN
			L	R-AUDIO-L	VIDEO
	IN	OUT		/CATV

34

VIDEO CH.

A/V cables are not provided with VCR.

Accessory

Component:

Another VCR,

Camcorder,

Video Camera,

Satellite Receiver,

Laser Disc Player

Turn off power or unplug VCR before making any connections.

SETUP VCR

7

CONTROL NAMES AND LOCATIONS

FRONT

VCR SETUP

CASSETTE COMPARTMENT

PAUSE

Where the video cassette is inserted.

To put playback on still (page 23) or

to pause recording (page 25).

POWER

To turn the VCR on and off.

REC/ITR

While plugged into an AC

To record normally (page 25) or to

outlet, the VCR consumes

activate Instant Timer Recording

2W of electrical power in

(page 29).

OFF condition.

STOP/EJECT

INFRARED REMOTE SENSOR

To stop the tape.

Receives the signal from the

To eject the tape in the VCR.

infrared remote control.

CHANNEL (D/E)

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

VIDEO IN/AUDIO IN (L/R) JACKS (LINE2)

VCR Function Indicator Panel

Details are on the next page.

REW (Rewind)

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

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

NOTE

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

PLAY

To play back a recorded tape (page 21).

FF (Fast Forward)

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

8

CONTROL NAMES AND LOCATIONS (Cont’d)

INDICATOR PANEL

Cassette indicator TIMER indicator

Lights while a cassette is
inserted, and flashes while
				TIMER
ejecting a cassette.
			REC
Record indicator			VCR	AM

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

Clock/Tape operation indicator

HI — VCR turned on. BYE — VCR turned off.

AM indicator

(PM is not displayed)

SETUP VCR

Front Panel Display shows which VCR function you are using. For example, when you press SP/SLP, SP or SLP appears

to indicate the tape speed. As you change channels, the channel numbers appear. The current time shows even while the VCR is off.

Playback Messages

FF (Fast Forward) — Tape is advancing rapidly.

CUE — Tape is advancing rapidly in playback mode for visual search.

REV — Tape is reversing rapidly in playback mode for visual search.

PLAY — Tape is playing at normal playback speed.

REW (Rewind) — Tape is rewinding rapidly.

SLW — Tape is playing at slow-motion speed.

STILL — Playback is paused on one frame.

STOP — Tape rewind or playback has stopped.

Record Messages

RECP — Recording is paused.

SP or SLP — Displays the recording speed. REC — VCR is recording.

STOP — Recording has stopped.

Tuner Messages

L1 or L2 — Auxiliary channel is selected for viewing equipment connected to Audio/Video jacks on front or rear of the VCR.

Ch _ — VCR is tuned to Channel _. HI — VCR turned on.

BYE — VCR turned off.

9

CONTROL NAMES AND LOCATIONS (Cont’d)

REAR

ANTENNA INPUT CONNECTOR

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

VCR SETUP

AUDIO OUT (L/R) JACKS; Connect these output jacks 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 terminal on an external unit (TV/Monitor, Another VCR).

AUDIO IN (L/R) JACKS; Connect the audio output cable(s) from an external unit (Audio system, TV/Monitor, Another VCR) to these jacks.

VIDEO IN JACK; Connect the video output cable from an external unit (TV/Monitor, Another VCR) to this jack.

NOTE

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

WARNING : Do		not drop the
					VCR OUTPUT CHANNEL SELECT SWITCH
power cord tying		band into the				Set this switch to channel 3 or 4.
unit. Doing so might cause a fire
or an electrical shock.
						VHF/UHF/CATV ANTENNA OUTPUT CONNECTOR
POWER CORD
						Connect this terminal to the VHF or UHF
Connect only to an AC 120V, 60Hz outlet.						antenna terminals on the back of a TV.

SET POSITION OF THE CH3/CH4 SWITCH

3 4					Tune
					TV to
	CH.				Ch.3

OR

3 4					Tune
					TV to
CH.					Ch.4

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.

10

REMOTE CONTROL

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.

	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 34).
	D E F G 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, 34).
	SP/SLP
	Use to select recording speed (page 25).
	SLOW
input	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 input or tuner.
	NUMBER buttons
	Use these buttons, numbered 0-9, to select a channel.

SETUP VCR

11

REMOTE CONTROL (Cont’d)

VCR SETUP

MENU

Displays the programming menu on the TV screen. Quits the current screen or Pop-up, or returns to the currently tuned channel (pages 14, 16).

CH/TRK (channel/tracking) (D/E)

• To scan up or down through memorized channels (page 16).

• To manually adjust the tape’s picture onscreen (page 21).

TV/VCR

To view channels selected by the VCR tuner or by the TV tuner (pages 10, 25).

STOP

To stop playback or recording (pages 21, 25).

input

REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION

Aim the remote control at the sensor on the front panel of the VCR.

HOW TO INSTALL THE BATTERIES

1.Remove the battery compartment cover.

2.Insert 2 “AAA”-size batteries, match “+” and “-”.

3.Replace the cover.

NOTES

•The remote control will not operate properly if something comes between the VCR and the remote control.

•If the effective range is short, try new batteries.

•An object between the VCR and remote control may block the invisible light beam and operation will be impossible.

•Batteries installed with incorrect polarity may leak and damage your Remote Control.

•Do not mix old and new batteries or carbon types with alkaline types.

•Remove the batteries from the battery compartment if the remote control will not be used for a long time.

AAA

AAA

12