Zenith VR2106, VR4206HF, VR4106 Owner’s Manual

®

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Return the

Product

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WARNING:

TO REDUCE IHE RISK OF ELECTRIC, SHOCK DO NOT
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE

PARTS INSIDE. REFER TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARDS, DO NOT EXPOSE

THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

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.

Safety Tips

Refer to the "Safety Tips" section of this operating guide
for important safety considerations.

Note to Cable TV System Installer

This reminder is provided to call the cable TV system in-
staller's attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that pro-

vides 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.

Power-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 by altering it in any way.

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE
BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

ATTENTION

POUR I_VITER LES CHOCS I_LECTRIQUES, INTRO-
DUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE
DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE

ET POUSSER JUSQU'AU FOND.

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 rea-
sonable protection against harmful interference in a residen-
tial installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harm-

ful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular

installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio or television reception, which can be deter-
mined 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.

This class B digtal apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

"Ce appareil num6rique de la class b respecte toutes les
exigences du R_gulament sur le mat6riel brouillier du

Canada."

Copyright © Zenith Electronics Corporation 1996

2

VCRWARN[

SAFETY TIPS

Important safeguards for you and your new product

Your product has been manufactured and tested with your safety in mind. However, impropc_ 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 section of the operating guide can help you get many years of enjoyment and

safe operation that are built into your new product.

1. Read Instructions 9.

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

2. Follow Instructions 10.
All operating and use instructions should be fol-

lowed.

Retain Instructions

o

The safety and operating instructions should be re-

tained for future reference.

.

Heed Warnings

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

5. Cleaning

Unplug this product from the wall outlet before

11. Power Sources

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,

12. Line-Cord Polarization

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 manufac-
turer's instructions, and should use a mounting

accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

8. Transporting Product

A product and cart combination should be moved

13. Power-Cord Protection

with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven
surfaces may cause the product and cart combina-

tion to overturn.

Attachments

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

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 sur-
face. 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.

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.

This product is equipped with a polarized alternat-

ing-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 pur-
pose of the polarized plug.

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 at-
tention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles,

and the point where they exit from the product.

ENGSAF4

PORTABLE CART WARNING

3

SAFETY TIPS

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 con-
ductors, location of antenna-discharge unit,
connection to grounding electrodes, and require-
ments for the grounding electrode.

EXAMPLE OF GROUNDING ACCORDING TO

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE INSTRUCTIONS

Antenna Lead in Wire

Ground

(NEC Section 810-20)

Grounding Conductors
(NEC Section 810-21)

_ ! Antenna Discharge Unit

/'/ Power Service Grounding

NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

Ground Clamps

Electrode System (NEC
Art 250, Part H)

15. Lightning
For added protection for this product (receiver) dur-

ing 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 elec-
tric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into
such power lines or circuits. When installing an out-
side 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 volt-

age 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 dan-
gerous 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 fol-

lowing 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 re-

quire 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 per-

formance.

21. Replacement Parts

When replacement parts are required, be sure the

service technician has used replacement parts speci-
fied 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.

ENGSAF4

SAFETY WARNINGS ................................... 2

SAFETY TIPS .......................................... 3

GENERAL INFORMATION .............................. 6

Introduction ............................................. 6

Installation Considerations ................................. 6

VCR Features Chart ....................................... 7

BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR VCR ..................... 8

1. Make Equipment Connections ............................ 8

2. Connect the Power ...................................... 8

3. Set Position of the CH3/CH4 Switch ....................... 8

4. Select Language for VCR Menus/Displays ................... 8

5. Set Date and Time for Clock .............................. 8

6. Select Tuning Band for VCR ............................. 9

7. Use Auto Channel to Find Channels ........................ 9

8. Use CH. ADD/DEL to Create Favorite Channels .............. 9

9. Select Other Menu Options ............................... 9

CONNECTIONS FOR YOUR VCR ....................... 10

Connections Without a Cable Box .......................... 10

Connections With a Cable Box ............................. 10

Audio/Video (A/V) Connections to TV ...................... 11

Accessory Audio/Video (A/V) Connections to VCR ............ 11

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS ............. 12

Items on the Front Panel .................................. 12

LED Front Panel Indicators ................................ 12

VCR Status Displays ..................................... 13

VCR Status Display Operation ............................. 13

VCR Status Display Options ............................... 13

t.lock Menu ............. 10

How to Set Clock ....................................... 16

Timer Menu ........................................... 16

How to Use Timer ....................................... 16

Setup Menu ............................................ 17

Audio Menu ........................................... 17

WATCHING TV THROUGH VCR ....................... 18

VCR is Turned Off ...................................... 18

VCR Is Turned On and You Want to Select Channels at TV ..... 18

VCR Is Turned On and You Want to Select Channels at VCR .... 18

Camcorder ls Connected to VCR ........................... 18

PLAYING TAPES ..................................... 19

Automatic Playback (No Safety Tab) ........................ 19

Manual Playback (Has Safety Tab) ......................... 19

Unloading the Cassette from the VCR ....................... 19

Auto/Manual Tracking Adjustment ......................... 19

Real-Time Tape Counter ................................. 19

Pause/Forward/Reverse Slow-Motion Video .................. 19

Tape Rewind and Fast Forward ............................ 19

Reverse/Forward Search and Jet Search ...................... 19

Index Search ........................................... 19

INSTANT RECORDING ................................ 20

Recording What You Are Watching On TV .................. 20

Recording By Using Preset Time Periods .................... 20

Recording One Program While Watching Another Program ..... 20

TIMER-CONTROLLED RECORDING ................... 21

Recording While You Are Away ........................... 21

VCR Operation with Timer Turned Off or On ................. 21

REMOTE CONTROL SC2105 ........................... 14

Remote Control Operation ................................. 14

Remote Control Keys .................................... 14

Installing Batteries ....................................... 14

VCR MENU OPERATIONS ............................. 15

Available Menus ........................................ 15

Basic Menu Operation .................................... 15

How to Access Menus .................................... 15

Auto Daylight Savings Menu .............................. 15

SERVICE INFORMATION ............................. 22

Before Calling for Service ................................ 22

Automatic Video Head Cleaning ........................... 23

Cabinet Cleaning ........................................ 23

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VCR

REPLACEMENT PRODUCT REGISTRATION CARD

AVISO PARA NUESTROS CL1ENTESDE HABLA HISPANA

YOUR ZENITH VCR WARRANTY

GENERAL INFORMATION

Introduction

Welcome into the family ol Zenith Video Cassette Recorder
owners. This guide provides instructions on how to operate

your new VCR. It includes a section containing Safety Tips.
We urge you to read this publication carefully so that you will
receive full enjoyment from your new Zenith VCR for many
years to come.

Your VCR has been designed and built to give you the very best
in quality, features and performance. There are thousands of
Zenith authorized video recorder service centers throughout the
U.S., Canada and Mexico who can attend promptly and effec-
tively to ordinary service needs.

If you should have an unusual performance or service problem

that cannot be satisfactorily resolved by your Zenith authorized
video recorder service center, contact us at:

Installation Considerations

Before you install your VCR...

Ventilation -- Proper ventilation keeps your VCR
running cool. Air circulates through perforations in

the back and bottom of the cabinet. Do not block
these vents or you will shorten the life of your

VCR.
Power Source -- Your VCR is designed to oper-

ate on normal household current, 120 volt 60 Hertz
AC. Do not attempt to operate it on DC current.

Power Cord -- Your VCR power cord has a
polarized plug as required by Underwriters' Labo-
ratories. It has one regular blade and one wide
blade and fits only one way into a standard electri-
cal outlet. If the blades will not enter either way,

your outlet is very old and non-standard. A new outlet should
be installed by a qualified electrician.

Safe Operation -- Your VCR is manufactured

usual stress caused by dropping or mishandling,
and tested with your safety in mind. However, un-

exposure to flood, fire, rain or moisture, or acciden-

tal spilling of liquids into the VCR, can result in
potential electrical shock or fire hazards. If this happens, have
your VCR checked by a service technician before using it

again.

Please read and observe each safety point in the "Safety
Tips" section of this operating guide when installing and

using your VCR.

Zenith Electronics Corporation
Customer Service Department

1000 Milwaukee Avenue

Glenview, Illinois 60025-2493
Telephone: [phone]

Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Central "l'inic

Send tile model number, serial number, and date of purchase
or original installation, with a full explanation of the problem

and the service history. We will welcome the opportunity to
look into your specific question or problem and to be of assis-

tance in resolving it promptly.
The model and serial numbers of your new VCR are located

on the VCR cabinet. For your future convenience and protec-
tion, we suggest that you record these numbers here:

Model No.

Serial No.

• Plugging in Your VCR -- Be sure to plug your VCR into
an "unswitched" AC power source. The "switched" AC
outlets found on some video equipment will not continue
supplying power to the VCR once the equipment is turned

off. If the power to the VCR is interrupted for an extended
time, you will have to reset the clock in the VCR.

• Keep the video recorder and video cassette away from

strong magnetic fields.

• Use only Zenith approved and recommended accessory
units with your Zenith video recorder to avoid potential

hazards.

• Save the shipping carton and packing material. They will

come in handy if you ever have to ship your video re-
corder. For maximum protection, re-pack the video
recorder as it was originally shipped from the factory.

Moisture condensation is apt to occur under the following
conditions:

• When the video recorder is moved from a cold place to a

warm place.

• Under extremely humid conditions.

In locations where moisture condensation may occur:

• Keep the power cord plugged into an AC outlet and the

POWER switch set to ON. This will help prevent conden-

sation from occurring.

• When condensation has occurred, it will not evaporate

quickly once the power is switched on. Wait a few hours
for the video recorder to become dry before using the
video recorder.

V('RINI R5

VCR FEATURES CHART

FEATURES
2-Heads

4-Heads (Special Video Effects)
Full Load/Quick Start

Auto Head Cleaner

Audio System

Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks
Remote Control SC2105

Auto/Manual Band Select
Auto/Manual Channel Search

Channel Capability (CATV & TV)
Record Speeds SP/EP
Playback Speeds SP/LP/EP
Auto Playback System
Auto/Manual Digital Tracking
Instant Recording
Timer-Controlled Recording

VR2106

X

N/A

X
X

Monaural

(No Audio Menu)

Monaural

X
X
X

181

X

X
X
X
X

X

VR4106

N/A

X
X
X

Monaural

(No Audio Menu)

Monaural

X
X

X

181

X
X
X
X
X
X

VR4206H F

N/A

X
X
X

MTS Hi-Fi Stereo

(Has Audio Menu)

Stereo

X
X

X

181

X
X
X
X
X
X

Auto Tape Speed Adjust
Forward/Reverse Slow-Motion

Video (4-head VCR)
Pause/Still Video

Real-Time Tape Counter
Index Search

Speed Search
Jet Search

English/Spanish/French Menus

l-Year, 8-Event Timer

LED Front Panel Indicators

Auto Daylight Savings Time
Hook-up Cable (VCR to TV)

1. Model VR4206HF 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.
X = Feature is provided N/A = Feature is Not Available

X

N/A

Noise

X
X

X

X
X

X
X
X

X

Variable 1/6 to 1/32

X
X

Clear

X
X
X

X
X

X
X

X
X

X
X

Variable 1/6 to 1/32

Clear

X
X
X

X
X

X

X
X
X

BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR VCR

1'his VCR is "menu" operated. In other words, features and
characteristics of the VCR are adjusted by selecting options
on "menus" that appear on the TV screen. Therefore, you

should carefully review the menus in this operating guide.
In particular, see the "VCR Menu Operations" section for

information on how to access the menus and select an item
on the menu.

1. Make Equipment Connections

(Required) Typical connections for your VCR are provided

in the "Connections for Your VCR" section of this operating

guide. Determine your video system needs, then make the
connections shown on the applicable diagrams.

Back Panel of Stereo VCR

[-- R- AUDIO-L --I-VIDEO -I

5.,1®=,®1oo,®1

I®'"®1'"®1

IN

VHFIUHF/CATV

w

2. Connect the Power

(Required) Plug your VCR into an unswitched 120 Vac,
60 Hz household power outlet. Turn on the VCR by pressing

the POWER switch on the remote control or on the front
panel of the VCR.

power outlet. Otherwise, when the
Do not plug the VCR into a switched

power is switched off, the VCR turns
off. You may then have to reset the time
and date, and reprogram operational
features.

WALL

SWITCH

3. Set Position of the CH3/CH4 Switch
(Required) The CH3/CH4 switch on the back panel of the

VCR determines which channel is used by the VCR 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

CH3; then try the switch in CH4 position and turn your TV
to CH4.

You may use the VCR menus for a test display. Press

TV/VCR on remote repeatedly until veR symbol appears

in the front panel display of the VCR. Press MENU on the
remote to see the main menu.

c.3_c., OR [_

__ CH3 CH4

4. Select Language for VCR Menus/Displays

(Optional) Select the language (English, Spanish or French)
you want for VCR menus and status displays. See LAN-

GUAGE SELECT option on the SETUP menu for details.

f_--------_ _ AUTOCHANNEL:

CLOCK TIMER SETUP AUDIO I SOURCESELECT:

[] to select II ON-SCREENDISPLAY:

tO adjust [ BtOToseleCtexitpress[]to__adjust

To exit press r_rJ_ j SETUP MENU WITH

M J LANGUAGE SELECT

MAIN MENU

TUNINGBAND:
CH.ADD/DEL:

HIGHLIGHTED

5. Set Date and Time for Clock

(Required) Set the clock in the VCR to the current date and
time. See CLOCK Menu for details.

_ lock must be set before you can use

[CLOCK TIMER SETUP AUOIO I TIME :11:06AM

any timer-controlled features of the

VCR, e.g. TIMER recordings.

oG i [] to select I lltoselect lilt°adj ust-O. _ to adju TO exit press

• / st I CLOCK MENU WITH

L To exit press r_r]_ J HIGHLIGHTED

MONTH

BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR VCR

6. Select Tuning Band for VCR
(Optional) Set the tuning band of the VCR for the type of

program signal you have connected to the ANT IN jack on
the back of the VCR. Choose TV if you have an antenna
connected to the VCR. Choose CATV if you have a cable

system (with or without a cable box) connected to the VCR.
See TUNING BAND option on SETUP menu for details.

CLOCK TIMER SETUP AUDIO

[] to select

I_ to adJust

To exit press _ J TUNING BAND

MAIN MENU HIGHLIGHTED

To exit press

SETUP MENU WITH

7. Use Auto Channel to Find Channels.

(Required) Use AUTO CHANNEL to find active channels
in your broadcast area. AUTO CHANNEL stores the active

channels in protected memory for access by using Channel
Up/Down. See AUTO CHANNEL option on SETUP menu

for details.

e

Select Other Menu Options

• Your VCR adjusts the clock automatically for

Daylight Savings Time. Select OFF for this option
if you do not want your clock to be adjusted for
Daylight Savings Time. Refer to Auto Daylight

Savings Menu (Special Menu) for details.

Special Menu

IPlto select [] to adjust

To exit press

• You may select the audio format (STEREO,
MONO or 2ND AUDIO) to be used when you re-

cord programs, if you have a stereo VCR. We rec-
ommend you set this option to STEREO for

recording most programs. Refer to the RECORD

MODE option on the AUDIO menu for details.

CLOCK TIMER SETUP AUDIO I

[] tO select I

to adjust [

_,, To exit press _ )

MAIN MENU

To exit

SETUP MENU WITH

AUTO CHANNEL

HIGHLIGHTED

8. Use CH. ADD/DEL to Create Favorite
Channels

(Optional) Use CH. ADD/DEL to change the list of active
channels found when using AUTO CHANNEL, so you can

create you own list of favorite channels. See CH. ADD/DEL
option on SETUP menu for details.

CLOCK TIMER SETUP AUDIOI

[] tO select I

to adjust I

To exit press _ )

MAIN MENU

SETUP MENU WITH

CHANNEL ADD/DEL

In to adjust

To oxtt press

HIGHLIGHTED

PLAYBACKMODE:

CLOCK TIMER SETUP AUDK_I

[] to select I

to adjust I

To exit press _ )

MAIN MENU

Bto select _ to adjust

To exit press

AUDIO MENU

You may select the audio format (HI-FI or

NORMAL) to be used when you play a tape, if
you have a stereo VCR. We recommend you set
this option to HI-FI for playback of most tapes.
Refer to the PLAYBACK MODE option on the

AUDIO menu for details.

You may prevent the VCR status from being
shown on your TV by using the ON-SCREEN
DISPLAY option on the SETUP menu. We rec-
ommend you keep this option to ON to show the
VCR status whenever it is provided by the VCR.

Refer to the SETUP menu for details.

CLOCK TIMER SETUP AUDIO

[] to select

to adjust

To exit press

_,.

MAIN MENU

To exit

SETUP MENU WITH

ON-SCREEN DISPLAY

HIGHLIGHTED

)il

B to adjust

J