Zenith VRA423 OPERATING GUIDE

Operating Guide and
Warranty for your new Zenith
Entertainment Machine

Model

VRA423

thanks for

choosing zenith

R

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.

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

“Ce appareil numérique de la class b respecte toutes les exigences du Règulement sur le matériel brouillier
du Canada.”

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

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

MODEL NO.____________________________________
SERIAL NO.____________________________________

WARNING

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

SAFETY TIPS:

Refer to the “Safety Tips” leaflet that
came with your product for Important
Safety Instructions.

INSTALLATION PAGE 3

This page
shows the
features of
your VCR.

VCR Features Chart

FEATURES

VCR Plus+® Recording System
SpeakEZ Function
4-Heads (Special Video Effects)
Full Load/Quick Start
Auto Head Cleaner
MTS Hi-Fi Stereo Audio System
Front and Rear Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks
Remote Control MBR423
Auto/Manual Band Select
Auto/Manual Channel Search
181 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
Auto Playback Tape Speed Adjust
Forward/Reverse Slow-Motion Video (4-head VCR); Variable 1/10 to 1/32
Clear Pause/Still Video
Real-Time Tape Counter
Speed Search
CM Skip
English/Spanish/French Menus
1-Year, 8-Event Timer
LED Clock Front Panel Display
Auto Clock Set System
Hook-up Cable (VCR to TV)

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

INSTALLATIONPAGE 4

Required

connections

for your VCR

Connections for your VCR

Connections With a Cable Box

Connections Without a Cable Box

Back Panel of Stereo VCR

Back 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

IN

OUT OUT

IN

R

L

AUDIO

VIDEO

VHF/UHF/CATV

ANT

IN

ANT

IN

OUT

TO
TV

VHF/UHF/CATV

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

OUT

IN

OUT

CH3 CH4

IN

AUX 1

Turn off power or unplug VCR
before making any connections.

ANT

IN

OUT

TO
TV

VHF/UHF/CATV

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

OUT

IN

OUT

CH3 CH4

IN

AUX 1

Back Panel of

Typical Cable Box

CH3 CH4

CABLE

OUT IN

Back Panel of Stereo VCR Back Panel of Typical TV

IN IN

OUTOUT

R

L

AUDIO VIDEO

VHF/UHF/CATV

ANT

IN

Cable TV
Wall Jack

This cable is provided

with your VCR.

Turn off power or unplug VCR
before making any connections.

INSTALLATION PAGE 5

Optional
connections
for your VCR

Connections for your VCR

Audio/Video (A/V) Connections to TV

Use A/V connections for a better picture.

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

ANT

IN

OUT

TO
TV

VHF/UHF/CATV

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

OUT

IN

OUT

CH3 CH4

IN

AUX 1

OUT

IN

OUT

IN

R-AUDIO-L VIDEO

VHF/UHF/CATV

ANT

IN

Back Panel of Typical TV

A/V cable is not provided with VCR.

Back Panel of Stereo VCR

ANT

IN

OUT

TO
TV

VHF/UHF/CATV

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

OUT

IN

OUT

CH3 CH4

IN

AUX 1

Back Panel of Stereo VCR

OUT

IN

OUT

IN

R-AUDIO-L VIDEO

Jack panel of Accessory

A/V cable is 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.

Turn off power
or unplug VCR
before making
any connections.

INSTALLATIONPAGE 6

Things you

must do

before you

can operate

your VCR

Before you operate your VCR

1

2

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

SpeakEZ

CLOCK : 1
TIMER : 2
SETUP : 3
AUDIO : 4

PROGRAM 1
MONTH :
DAY :
START :
STOP :
CHANNEL :
SPEED :
REPEAT :
(1-8) to select program
ENTER to adjust program

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

SETUP MENU

AUTO PROGRAM: 1
CH. ADD/DEL: 2
SOURCE: 3
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY: 4
LANGUAGE SELECT: 5

CLOCK

MAIN MENU

TIMER SETUP AUDIO

Press NUMBER (1, 2, 3, 4) button

Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

AUDIO MENU

SpeakEZ: ON 1 ON 2 OFF
PLAYBACK:

RECORD:

CLOCK MENU

AUTO CLOCK SET(ON): 1
MANUAL CLOCK SET : 2

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

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 on the
remote or on the VCR’s front panel.

Do not plug the VCR into a switched
power outlet. Otherwise, when the
power is switched off, the VCR turns
off. You may then have to reset the
time and date, and reprogram opera­tional features.

Set Position of the CH3/CH4 Switch

(Required) 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 appears in
the VCR’s front panel display. Press MENU on
the remote to see the main menu.

TYPICAL ZENITH VCR

WALL

SWITCH

POWER

OUTLET

CH3 CH4

l - audio - r video

power stop/eject rew play f fwd pause sp/ep ch rec/itr

AM

VCR

PM

REC

Tune
TV to

Ch.3

TMR

Tune

OR

CH3 CH4

TV to

Ch.4

aux 2

INSTALLATION PAGE 7

Things you
must do
before you
can operate
your VCR

Before you operate your VCR

How to Access Menus

1. Press MENU to see Main Menu.

2. Press NUMBER (1, 2, 3, or 4) to see
desired sub menu to be used.

3. Press NUMBER to choose desired
option to be changed.

4. Press QUIT/CC to exit menu, or wait a
few minutes and the VCR returns to
normal operation.

Select SpeakEZ Function ON/OFF

A voice tells you how to use the features
in the menus if SpeakEZ is ON. (ON is
recommended.).
See the AUDIO Menu for details.

SpeakEZ only functions with
ENGLISH.

Select Language for VCR
Menus/Displays

(Optional) Select English, Spanish, or

French for VCR menus and status dis­plays. See the LANGUAGE SELECT option
on the SETUP menu for details.

enter

menu quit/cc

Selects

VCR tuner

Chooses and

modifies options

tv/vcr

123

456

789

0

vcr

cbl/
dbs

tv

power

program

ch

ch

vol

vol

eject

enter

mute

rec/itr

123

456

789

tv/vcr

adjvcr+

0

cm skip

sel

sel

menu quit/cc

memory sp/ep

p

a

u

s

e

s

t

o

p

play

rew f fwd

Point remote toward VCR

SpeakEZ

CLOCK : 1
TIMER : 2
SETUP : 3
AUDIO : 4

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

AUDIO MENU

SpeakEZ: ON 1 ON 2 OFF
PLAYBACK:

RECORD:

MAIN MENU

Press NUMBER

(1 or 2) to choose

ON or OFF

Press 4.

SETUP MENU

Press NUMBER (1, 2,

or 3) to select the

desired language

Press 5.

3

4

SETUP MENU

AUTO PROGRAM: 1
CH. ADD/DEL: 2
SOURCE: 3
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY: 4
LANGUAGE SELECT: 5

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

SETUP MENU

LANGUAGE SELECT : ENGLISH
1 ENGLISH 2 ESPAÑOL
3 FRANÇAIS
Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

INSTALLATIONPAGE 8

Some things
you must do

and others

you may

want to do

before you

can operate

your VCR

Before you operate your VCR

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

SETUP MENU

AUTO PROGRAM: 1
CH. ADD/DEL: 2
SOURCE: 3
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY: 4
LANGUAGE SELECT: 5

Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

SETUP MENU

SOURCE: TUNER (TV)

1 TV 2 CATV
3 AUX1 4 AUX2

SETUP MENU

Press NUMBER

(1, 2, 3, or 4) to

select the desired

source

Press 3.

Set Date and Time for Clock

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

Your VCR also has an Auto-Clock Set
feature. See CLOCK Menu for details.

The Timer features will not
function unless the Clock has
been set.

Select Source for VCR

(Optional) Set the source 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. Choose AUX1 (or AUX2) if
you have an accessory Audio/Video
(A/V) connected to the VCR.

See SOURCE option on SETUP menu for
details.

Use Auto Program to Find
Channels

(Required) Use AUTO PROGRAM to find

active channels in your broadcast area.
AUTO PROGRAM stores the active chan­nels that you can access by using the
Channel Up/Down arrows. See AUTO
PROGRAM on the SETUP Menu for
details.

Use CH. ADD/DEL to Create
Favorite Channels

(Optional) Use CH. ADD/DEL to change

the list of active channels found when
using AUTO PROGRAM, so you can list
your favorites. See CH.ADD/DEL on the
SETUP Menu for details.

6

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

SETUP MENU

AUTO PROGRAM: 1
CH. ADD/DEL: 2
SOURCE: 3
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY: 4
LANGUAGE SELECT: 5

QUIT = exit

SETUP MENU

AUTO PROGRAM: SEARCHING

SETUP MENU

Press 1.

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

SETUP MENU

AUTO PROGRAM: 1
CH. ADD/DEL: 2
SOURCE: 3
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY: 4
LANGUAGE SELECT: 5

Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

SETUP MENU

CH. ADD/DEL: CH. 2 ADD

SETUP MENU

Press NUMBER

(0-9) then ENTER

Press 2.

7

8

5

CLOCK MENU

AUTO CLOCK SET(ON): 1
MANUAL CLOCK SET : 2

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

CLOCK MENU

MONTH : 1 JANUARY
DAY : 1 THU
YEAR : 1998
TIME : 12:00 PM

Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

CLOCK MENU

Press NUMBER

(0-9) then ENTER to

set date and time

Press 2.

INSTALLATION PAGE 9

Things you
may want to
do before you
operate your
VCR.

Before you operate your VCR

9

Select Other Menu Options

Show or hide the VCR status on your
screen by using the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY
option on the SETUP menu. We recom­mend keeping this option ON. See the
SETUP menu for details.

If you have a stereo VCR, select the audio
format (HI-FI or NORMAL) to use when
you play a tape. We recommend setting
this option to HI-FI. See the PLAYBACK
MODE option on the AUDIO Menu for
details.

If you have a stereo VCR, select the audio
format (STEREO, MONO or SAP) to use
when recording. We recommend using
STEREO. See the RECORD MODE option on
the AUDIO Menu for details.

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

SETUP MENU

AUTO PROGRAM: 1
CH. ADD/DEL: 2
SOURCE: 3
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY: 4
LANGUAGE SELECT: 5

Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

SETUP MENU

ON-SCREEN DISPLAY: ON

1 ON 2 OFF

SETUP MENU

Press NUMBER

(1 or 2) to choose

ON or OFF

Press 4.

SpeakEZ

CLOCK : 1
TIMER : 2
SETUP : 3
AUDIO : 4

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

AUDIO MENU

SpeakEZ:
PLAYBACK: HI-FI 1 HI-FI

2 NORMAL

RECORD:

MAIN MENU

Press NUMBER

(1 or 2) to choose

HI-FI or NORMAL

Press 4.

SpeakEZ

CLOCK : 1
TIMER : 2
SETUP : 3
AUDIO : 4

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

AUDIO MENU

SpeakEZ:
PLAYBACK:

RECORD: STEREO 1 STEREO

2 MONO
3 SAP

MAIN MENU

Press NUMBER

(1, 2 or 3) to choose

STEREO, MONO, or SAP

Press 4.

INSTALLATIONPAGE 10

Before you

can record

programs

with VCR

Plus+®, you

must tell this

VCR the

PlusCode

TM

channels for

your area.

Setup for VCR Plus+® recording

Example of Completed Worksheet

VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are trademarks of Gemstar Development
Corporation. The VCR Plus+ system is manufactured under license
from Gemstar Development Corporation.

Introduction

These PlusCodeTMchannels must be mapped to the
active channels you found using AUTO PROGRAM
on the SETUP menu. An example of channel
mapping and a blank worksheet are provided for
your convenience. Check the TV schedule in your
local newspaper for the published PlusCode

TM

channels.
Note: The VCR PLUS+ system does not control the

cable box.

Channel Mapping Your VCR

PREPARATION (Already Done)

See “Before You Operate Your VCR” section.

1. Set Date and Time for Clock.

2. Select Tuning Band for VCR.

3. Use Auto Channel to find channels.

PRELIMINARY STEPS

1. Turn on VCR, TV, and cable box (if used).

2. Select TV (or CATV) for SOURCE on SETUP
menu.

3. Obtain listing of PlusCode channels.

CHANNEL MAPPING

1. Complete Channel Mapping Worksheet.

2. Press VCR+ on remote and follow all on-screen
instructions. Enter channels with Numbers.
Use ADJ (Left/Right) to erase (some models).

Channel found

via Auto Channel

(TV Ch/Cable Ch)

Network or
Station ID

Network or
Station ID

Worksheet with Channels Found

via Auto Channel

Published

PlusCode

Channel

(VCR+ Ch)

TM

2 CBS
5 NBC
7 ABC

9WB
11 PBS
20 PBS
23 WFBT
26 WCIU
32 WFLD
38 WSNS
50 WPWR
60 HSN
66 WGBO

Channel found

via AutoChannel

(TV Ch/Cable Ch)

PlusCodes
Ch.2:WBBM (CBS) 2
Ch.5:WMAQ (NBC) 5
Ch.7:WLS (ABC) 6
Ch.9:WGN (WB) 8
Ch.11:WTTW (PBS) 11 &19
Ch.20:WYCC (PBS) 20
Ch.26:WCIU (Ind.) 26
Ch.32:WFLD (Fox) 32
Ch.38:WCFC (Ind.) 3
Ch.44:WSNS (Tel.) 4
Ch.50:WPWR (UPN) 42
Ch.66:WGBO (Uni.) 46

Completed Worksheet for Channel Mapping

Published List of PlusCode

Channels

Published

PlusCode

Channel

(VCR+ Ch)

TM

22CBS
55NBC
76ABC

98WB
11 11 & 19PBS
20 20PBS
23 – –WFBT
26 26WCIU
32 32WFLD
38 4WSNS
50 42WPWR
60 – –HSN
66 46WGBO

CHANNELS,
VCR PLUS+

TM

INSTALLATION PAGE 11

Before you
can record
programs with
VCR Plus+®,
you must tell
this VCR the
PlusCode

TM

channels for
your area.

Setup for VCR Plus+® recording

On-Screen Instructions for TV Tuning Band

On-Screen Instructions for CATV Tuning Band

VCR PLUS

VCR+ program: 1
Ch Map Setup: 2
Ch Map Review: 3

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

VCR PLUS

Setup complete

Are your channels on
TV the same as in TV
listing?

1 Yes
2 No

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

Channel Map

to select to adjust
QUIT=exit

TV Ch VCR+ Ch

2 - -
3- ­4- ­5- ­6- ­7- -

Channel Map

to select to adjust
QUIT=exit

TV Ch VCR+ Ch

2 - -
3- ­4- ­5- ­6- ­7- -

Double Map

to select to adjust
QUIT=exit

TV Ch VCR+Ch 2nd VCR+Ch

2 2 - ­33 - -
4 4 - ­5 5 - ­6 6 - ­7 7 - -

START

Press VCR+

on remote

Press 0000 to show
Double Map Screen

3-Review

2-Setup

1-Yes

2-No

QUIT

QUIT

Channel mapping a

second PlusCode

Channel for

TV channel 3.

TM

Are your channels on
TV the same as in TV
listing?

1 Yes
2 No

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

Do you have a Cable
Box or DBS receiver?

1 Yes
2 No

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

Is the Cable Box or
DBS receiver connected
to VCR ‘ANT IN’?

1 Yes
2 No

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

Enter your Cable Box
or DBS receiver
output channel:

-
(Use to erase)

Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

VCR PLUS

VCR+ program: 1
Ch Map Setup: 2
Ch Map Review: 3

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

VCR PLUS

Setup complete

VCR PLUS

Setup complete

START

Press VCR+

on remote

Press 0000 to show
Double Map Screen

3-Review

2-No

1-Yes

1-Yes

1-Yes

ENTER

2-Setup

2-No

QUIT

QUIT

2-No

QUIT

Channel mapping a

second PlusCode
Channel for Cable

channel 3.

TM

Double Map

to select to adjust
QUIT=exit

Cable VCR+Ch 2nd VCR+Ch

1 1 - - ­2 2 - - ­33 - - -
4 4 - - ­5 5 - - ­6 6 - - -

Channel Map

to select to adjust
QUIT=exit

Cable Ch VCR+ Ch

1 - - -
2 - - ­3 - - ­4 - - ­5 - - ­6 - - -

Channel Map

to select to adjust
QUIT=exit

Cable Ch VCR+ Ch

1 - - -
2 - - ­3 - - ­4 - - ­5 - - ­6 - - -

Channel Map

to select to adjust
QUIT=exit

Cable Ch VCR+ Ch

1 - - -
2 - - ­3 - - ­4 - - ­5 - - ­6 - - -

INSTALLATIONPAGE 12

Before you

can record

programs

with VCR

Plus+®, you

must tell this

VCR the

PlusCode

TM

channels for

your area.

Setup for VCR Plus+® recording

Channel Mapping Worksheets

Channel found Network or Published

via Auto Channel Station ID PlusCode

TM

(TV Ch/Cable Ch) Channel (VCR+ Ch)

Channel found Network or Published

via Auto Channel Station ID PlusCode

TM

(TV Ch/Cable Ch) Channel (VCR+ Ch)

NOTE: Two PlusCodeTMchannel numbers may be listed f or certain networks or stations. Enter both

numbers on the worksheet. After you have “mapped” the first number, press 0000 to show the
Double Map menu. Then enter the second number next to the first one.

CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS PAGE 13

Descriptions
of items you
need to know
to operate
your VCR.

Front Panel Diagram

Front Panel Controls

These controls perform basic VCR operations—some of them light up as you use them. The Remote
performs basic as well as advanced VCR operations.

l - audio - r video

power stop/eject rew play f fwd pause sp/ep ch rec/itr

VCR
REC

AM
PM

TMR

aux 2

LED Clock Front Panel Indicators

POWER On/Off

Button

Cassette

Compartment

Channel Up/Down

Selector

Stop/Eject

Selector

PLAY, REW (Rewind),

F FWD (Fast Forward),

PAUSE Selector

LED Clock Front Panel

Display

Recording

Speed Selector

REC/ITR

(Instant Timer

Record) Selector

Audio/Video (A/V)

Auxiliary In Jacks

(AUX2)

A Cassette is in the VCR

VCR is Recording

Clock Time

Time is PM

Time is AM

VCR is in timer recording

VCR functions are available and
channels are selected at VCR

Front Panel Display shows which VCR function you
are using. For example, when you press SP/EP, SP
or EP appears to indicate the tape speed. As you
change channels, the channel numbers appear. The
current time shows even while the VCR is off.

Other messages include:
AU Auxiliary channel is selected for viewing

equipment connected to the A u di o/Vi d eo jack

on the front or rear of the VCR.
EP Extended Play speed is selected.
SP Standard Play speed is selected.

-:-- Clock is not set.
Err Error: Turn VCR On and OFF to er ase “Err” mes-

sage. If it is not erased, take VCR to an

authorized repair center.

VCR
REC

AM
PM
TMR

CONTROLS AND DISPLAYSPAGE 14

On-Screen

displays tell

you the

status of the

tape inserted

and VCR

functions.

VCR Status Displays

VCR Status Display

The VCR Status Display appears on the TV when a
VCR function starts, like when you change a
channel or select a different VCR mode. For
example, pressing STOP while the VCR is in PLAY
mode shows STOP in the display. Press ENTER on
the remote at any time (except Special Effect
Playback mode; SLOW, STILL etc.) to see the Status
Display.

Note:

If the VCR Status Display does not appear on the
TV screen, check the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY option
on the SETUP menu. Select ON to see the display.
See “VCR Menu Operations” section for details.

VCR Status Display Options

When the Status Display appears, press ENTER
repeatedly to see abbreviated displays, as follows:

1. Press ENTER to see Status Display.

2. Press ENTER a second time to show only the
tape counter position.

3. Press ENTER a third time to show only the tape
time remaining.

4. Press ENTER repeatedly until all displays are
removed.

PLAY HI-FI VCR CH 11
SP ST/SAP

15 MON
7:17 AM M-1:35:45

M-1:35:45 REM 1:35

Current mode of operation
(STOP, PAUSE, RECORD, PLAY, etc.)
and audio format of tape, where

Play=HI-FI or NORMAL (No display)

Tape Speed

EP=Extended Play
LP=Long Play
SP=Standard Play

Current date, day, and time

Current CH (Channel) selected
by using tuner in VCR

Audio format of signal
received by VCR tuner:
STEREO, MONO or ST/SAP

Real-time tape counter
M = Counter Memory is active
– = Tape is rewound past index

mark.

1:35:45 = Length of tape (in time)

1 = 1 hour
35 = 35 minutes
45 = 45 seconds

Typical VCR Status Display

on TV

Tape Counter Position

Tape Time Remaining

OPERATION PAGE 15

A quick list
of all the but­tons on your
remote control
and what
they do.

The Buttons on Your Remote

Installing Batteries

Be sure to install the batteries
provided with this remote. Match
positive (+) and negative (-) with
markings shown in battery com­partment.

After installing batteries, the
remote resets to the following
brand codes:
TV = 100, CABLE = 300

NOTE: All VCR operations and menu
options can be accessed by using
the remote control.

ADJ (ADJUST Left/Right) — Changes status of
menu options. Adjusts tape playback tracking while
in VCR mode.

CH (Up/Down) — Changes favorite channels. Also
selects AUX A/V input channel.

CM SKIP — Fast forwards picture search through
30 seconds of recording.

EJECT — Ejects the tape in the VCR.
ENTER — Programs menu options and shows VCR

status display.

F FWD (Fast Forward)—Advances tape rapidly.
MEMORY — Returns real-time tape counter to

zero (M 0:00:00).
MENU — Shows main menu. Accesses Zenith TV

menus while in the TV mode.
MUTE — Press to turn off TV sound. Press again to

restore TV sound.
Numbers — Chooses channels and enters pro-

gramming information.
PAUSE — Pauses tape temporarily during playback

or record.

PLAY — Begins tape playback.

POWER — Turns VCR On and Off. Also turns VCR

Timer Off and On, if programmed.
PROGRAM — Programs rem ote with bran d cod es for

your brand of TV and/or cable box (DBS).
QUIT/CC — Exits menu system. Selects closed

caption for some TVs while in TV mode.

REC/ITR — Begins tape recording.
REW (Rewind) — Rewinds tape to the beginning.
SEL (SELECT Up/Down) — Chooses on-screen

menu options.

SP/EP — Chooses tape recording speed.
STOP — Cancels playback or record modes.
TV/VCR — Switches source of TV picture between

TV channel and VCR channel selection. VCR func­tions are available in TV mode.

VCR/CBL(DBS)/TV — Selects operational mode of
remote.

VCR+ — Begins VCR Plus+® setup and accesses VCR
Plus+® recording.

VOL (VOLUME Up/Down) — Chang es volume o f TV.

Remote Control Operation

l - audio - r video

power stop/eject rew play f fwd pause sp/ep ch rec/itr

VCR
REC

AM
PM
TMR

aux 2

vcr

cbl/
dbs

tv

power

program

ch

ch

vol

vol

eject

enter

mute

rec/itr

123

456

789

tv/vcr

adjvcr+

0

cm skip

sel

sel

menu quit/cc

memory sp/ep

p

a

u

s

e

s

t

o

p

play

rew f fwd

Select VCR Mode,

aim at VCR

Select TV Mode,

aim at TV

Select CBL(DBS) Mode,

aim at cable box or DBS

POWER Button

MODE Selector

CBL

VCR/DBS/TV

Selecting Mode of Operation

1. Slide VCR/CBL(DBS)/TV selector to
desired position for VCR, cable box
(DBS), or TV operation.

2. Press POWER to turn On/Off the
selected equipment.

3. Refer to instructions with TV and/or
cable box (DBS) for operation.

AA

AA

OPERATIONPAGE 16

Your remote

control

operates the

common

features of

most, but not

all, models

and brands of

IR (infrared)

controlled TVs

and cable

converters

(DBS).

Programming Your Remote

Some functions of your products may not be controlled by
this remote. In such cases, use the original remote control
furnished with the product.

If you are using Zenith products, the remote comes pro­grammed for the most commonly used codes. For other
brands — or if your remote f ails to con trol your Z enith pr od­uct — you will have to program the remote.

Follow these steps for each product:

1. Locate the three-digit code for your brand and type of
equipment in the code tables below.

2. Slide VCR/CBL(DBS)/TV to choose TV or cable box (DBS)
mode of operation.

3. Press and hold PROGRAM while entering the brand code
for your equipment.

4. Enter the three-digit brand code and then release
PROGRAM. If your equipment does not work, repeat steps
3 and 4, or try a different brand code.

5. Write down the code that operates your equipment.
TV , CATV , DBS

vcr

cbl/
dbs

tv

power

program

ch

ch

vol

vol

eject

enter

mute

rec/itr

123

456

789

tv/vcr

adjvcr+

0

cm skip

sel

sel

menu quit/cc

memory sp/ep

p

a

u

s

e

s

t

o

p

play

rew f fwd

Program Button

VCR/DBS/TV
Mode Selector

CBL

TV Codes by Brand

TV Brand Name Codes

Admiral 151, 152, 110, 144
Citizen 156, 157, 158, 160, 161, 162
Curtis Mathes 115, 130, 113, 118, 144, 151
Daewoo 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150
Daytron 130, 115
Emerson 110, 111, 115, 131, 140, 143
Fisher 116, 125
Funai 153, 154
General Electric 102, 118, 127, 128, 144, 151
Goldstar 115, 122, 130, 131, 133, 146
Hitachi 119, 131, 132
JCPenney 102, 115, 124, 130, 133
JVC 109, 141
KTV 115, 130, 131, 138
LXI 104, 116, 123, 124, 125, 131

Magnavox 100, 101, 106, 107, 109, 114

115,

121, 122, 130, 131, 133

MGA/Mitsubishi 103, 115, 130
Montgomery Wards 115, 129, 131, 103, 113, 121
NEC 115, 130
Panasonic 104, 122, 127, 128, 133, 163
Philco 115, 121, 122, 131, 130, 150
Philips 121, 122
Pioneer 134
Proscan 118, 144, 151
Quasar 127, 128
Radio Shack 110, 111, 129
RCA 118, 144, 151
Realistic 110, 111, 129

Samsung 104, 115, 130, 131
Sanyo 116, 125

Cable Converter Codes by Brand

Cable Decoder

Codes

Brand Name

Arccher 336
Cableview 336
Citizen 336
Curtis Mathes 317
Eagle 306, 307, 310
GE 353
Gemini 302, 328, 333
General Instrument 327, 328
Gobrand 336
Hamlin 314, 330, 331
Jerrold 323, 324, 325, 326, 329
Kale Vision 334
Macom 311, 312, 342
Magnavox 307, 310, 337, 338
NSC 332, 334
OAK 301, 321, 322

TV Codes by Brand

TV Brand Name Codes

Scott 115, 130
Sears 104, 116, 123, 124, 125, 131
Sharp 112, 129, 131, 139
Sony 105

Sylvania 106, 107, 115, 121, 122, 130

133

Symphonic 153, 154
Toshiba 104, 123, 124

Wards 102, 113, 114, 115, 121, 130

131

XR1000 155
Zenith 100, 101

Cable Converter Codes by Brand

Cable Decoder

Codes

Brand Name

Panasonic 313, 320
Paragon 300
Philips 306, 307, 308, 309, 310
Pioneer 318, 319
Pluser 336
RCA 318
Regal 310
Regency 304
Samsung 334
Scientific Atlanta 317, 347, 335, 354
Simarx 318, 327
Sprucer 318, 320, 327

Standard 334
Components

Stargate 318, 327, 328
Teleview 336
Texscan 303
Tocom 315, 316
Uniden 348
Unika 336
Universal 351, 352
Vid Tech 339
Video Way 349
Viewstar 306, 307, 310
Zenith 300, 305, 311

DBS Codes by Brand

DBS Brand Name

Codes

RCA 356
Sony 355

OPERATION PAGE 17

Introducing
you to the
Main Menu
selections

Main Menu

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

SpeakEZ

CLOCK : 1
TIMER : 2
SETUP : 3
AUDIO : 4

PROGRAM 1
MONTH :
DAY :
START :
STOP :
CHANNEL :
SPEED :
REPEAT :
(1-8) to select program
ENTER to adjust program

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

SETUP MENU

AUTO PROGRAM: 1
CH. ADD/DEL: 2
SOURCE: 3
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY: 4
LANGUAGE SELECT: 5

CLOCK

MAIN MENU

TIMER SETUP AUDIO

Press NUMBER (1, 2, 3, 4) button

Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

AUDIO MENU

SpeakEZ: ON 1 ON 2 OFF
PLAYBACK:

RECORD:

CLOCK MENU

AUTO CLOCK SET(ON): 1
MANUAL CLOCK SET : 2

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

How to Access Menus

Menu operation is easy—just follow the instructions
shown at the bottom of the menu.

1. Press MENU to see main menu.

2. Press NUMBER (1, 2, 3, or 4) to see desired sub
menu to be used.

3. Press NUMBER to choose desired option to be
changed.

4. Press QUIT/CC to exit menu, or wait a few
minutes and the VCR returns to normal operation.

enter

menu quit/cc

Selects

VCR tuner

Chooses and

modifies options

tv/vcr

123

456

789

0

vcr

cbl/
dbs

tv

power

program

ch

ch

vol

vol

eject

enter

mute

rec/itr

123

456

789

tv/vcr

adjvcr+

0

cm skip

sel

sel

menu quit/cc

memory sp/ep

p

a

u

s

e

s

t

o

p

play

rew f fwd

Point remote toward VCR

Note:

Perform menu operations with the VCR and TV on,
and tune the TV to channel 3 or 4. The VCR must
also be in the VCR mode of operation. Press TV/VCR
repeatedly until VCR indicator appears in the front
panel.

OPERATIONPAGE 18

The Clock
Menu sets
the clock in
VCR to the
current time.

Clock Menu

The Clock Menu sets the clock in the VCR to the current
time. There are two options. AUTO and MANUAL

Auto Clock Set

AUTO automatically sets the clock in the VCR to the current
time and date. AUTO works only in areas where Data Service
(DS) signals are provided along with normal TV signals.

1. Press MENU to see Main Menu.

2. Press 1 to see Clock Menu on the Main Menu.

3. Press 1 to set the current time automatically on the
Clock Menu.

Notes:

We recommend that you set the clock using the MANUAL
method the first time you use your VCR. See MANUAL
option for details.

The clock must be set before you can record by using the
TIMER.

Manual Clock Set

The CLOCK Menu sets the clock in the VCR to the current
date and time.

Notes:

The clock must be set before you can record by using the
TIMER menu.

You may have to reset the clock if a power outage lasts for
more than 3 seconds.

How to Set Clock

1. Press MENU to see Main Menu.

2. Press 1 to see clock options.

3. Press 2 to adjust your options.

4. Press the NUMBER (0~9) then ENTER to specify current

date and time.

5. Press QUIT/CC to exit the menu system.

CLOCK MENU

MONTH : 1 JANUARY
DAY : 1 THU
YEAR : 1998
TIME : 12:00 PM

Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

CLOCK MENU

AUTO CLOCK SET(ON): 1
MANUAL CLOCK SET : 2

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

Typical CLOCK Menu with

date and time settings

OPERATION PAGE 19

The TIMER
Menu tells the
VCR when to
record a pro­gram on a day
and at a time
you specify

Timer Menu

PROGRAM 1
MONTH : 7 JULY
DAY : 20 MON
START : 11:16 AM
STOP : 11:46 AM
CHANNEL : 20 TV
SPEED : EP
REPEAT : ONCE
(1-8) to select program
to erase press (0)

PROGRAM 1
MONTH : 7 JULY
DAY : 20 MON
START : 11:16 AM
STOP : 11:46 AM
CHANNEL : 20 TV
SPEED : EP
REPEAT : ONCE
(1-8) to select program
to erase press (0)

You can specify eight different events to be recorded in a one-year period.

How to Use Timer

1. Choose TIMER menu as described in “How to
Access Menus.”

2. Press the Numbers on the Remote as needed for
the items in the menu, then press ENTER.

3. Press QUIT/CC to exit the menu system.

Note:

Set the VCR in TIMER mode by pressing POWER to
turn off the VCR. The TIMER indicator appears in the
front panel of the VCR.

You cannot operate the VCR manually while
it is recording. Pressing POWER stops the
recording.

To Erase a Program

1. Choose TIMER menu as described in “How to
Access Menus.”

2. Press NUMBER(1-8) to select desired PROGRAM to
be erased.

3. Press 0 to erase the program.

4. Press QUIT/CC to exit the menu system.

SpeakEZ

CLOCK : 1
TIMER : 2
SETUP : 3
AUDIO : 4

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

PROGRAM 1
MONTH :
DAY :
START :
STOP :
CHANNEL :
SPEED :
REPEAT :
(1-8) to select program
ENTER to adjust program

PROGRAM 8
MONTH :
DAY :
START :
STOP :
CHANNEL :
SPEED :
REPEAT :
(1-8) to select program
ENTER to adjust program

Press 2

Month of Recording

Day of Recording

Start Time of Recording

Stop Time of Recording

Channel of Recording

Speed of Recording

Frequency of Recording

Program Number
When highlighted, press NUMBER (1-

8) to choose program Number.

REPEAT OPTIONS

ONCE — Records once.
WEEKLY — Records once each week.
DAILY — Records one time each day,

Monday - Friday.

CHANNEL OPTIONS

To select an AUX channel, select the
next highest or lowest channel pro­grammed in the VCR with the CHAN­NEL Up/Down arrows.

SPEED OPTIONS (SP or EP)

The SP mode determines how much
tape is left and switches speed from
SP to EP, if necessary, to complete
recording the program. There will be
some picture and sound distortion at
the point of the speed change.

Press 0 to erase program

Follow
these
steps

OPERATIONPAGE 20

The SETUP
Menu cus-

tomizes the

VCR’s opera-

tion for your

particular

needs.

Setup Menu

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

SETUP MENU

AUTO PROGRAM: 1
CH. ADD/DEL: 2
SOURCE: 3
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY: 4
LANGUAGE SELECT: 5

Choose SETUP Menu as
described in “How to
Access Menus.”

AUTO PROGRAM Finds all active channels and stores them in the VCR’s memory for access

by Channel Up/Down. Press 1 to begin search.

CH. ADD/DEL Edits the channels found by AUTO PROGRAM. Use number keys followed by

ENTER to select the channel to be edited (e.g., to ADD channel 3, press 3
then ENTER). Press ENTER to ADD or DEL (Delete) channels to create your
own list of favorite channels.

SOURCE Selects TV, CATV, AUX1, or AUX2 as the source of the program to watch or

record. 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. Choose AUX1 if you want to see the program from accessory
equipment, such as a camcorder, connected to the Audio/Video (A/V) IN
jacks on the VCR rear panel. Choose AUX2 if you want to see the program
from accessory equipment, such as a camcorder, connected to the

Audio/Video (A/V) IN jacks on the VCR front panel.
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY Selects whether or not you see VCR Status Displays on the TV.
LANGUAGE SELECT Selects English, Spanish or French for VCR menus and displays on the TV.

OPERATION PAGE 21

The AUDIO
Menu specifies
the audio
format to be
used when
recording or
playing a
tape.

Audio Menu

SpeakEZ Turns SpeakEZ ON or OFF.

A voice tells you how to use the features you select in the menus if
SpeakEZ is ON. (ON is recommended.)

PLAYBACK Selects HI-FI or NORMAL for tape playback.

HI-FI (High Fidelity) provides stereo sound, if present on the tape, to the
left and right VCR AUDIO output jacks on the back of the VCR.
NORMAL provides monaural sound, regardless of the audio format present
on the tape.

RECORD Select the STEREO, MONO, or SAP for recording a program.

STEREO records sound from the left and right audio tracks in stereophonic
format.
MONO (Monaural) records sound in monaural format even if the program is
in stereo.
SAP records the Second Audio Program (SAP) track, if present, in addition
to the stereo audio tracks. SAP usually contains audio in another language.

The AUDIO Menu indicates
the audio format used
when recording or playing
a tape. Choose AUDIO
Menu as described in
“How to Access Menus.”

Press ENTER (and repeat)
to choose items in the
menu (some models).

Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

AUDIO MENU

SpeakEZ: ON 1 ON 2 OFF
PLAYBACK:

RECORD:

OPERATIONPAGE 22

This page

shows a

typical video

system and

explains how

to select

channels.

Watching TV Through the VCR

Selecting Channels when the VCR is OFF

1. Turn TV on.

2. Select channel you’d like to watch at the TV. If
you have a cable box, select channel 3 or 4 at
the TV. Selects cable box channels at the cable
box.

Selecting Channels at the TV when VCR is
ON

1. Turn TV and VCR on.

2. Place VCR in TV mode by pressing TV/VCR on
the remote repeatedly until the VCR indicator
disappears from the VCR front panel.

3. Select channel you’d like to watch at the TV. If
you have a cable box, select channel 3 or 4 at
the TV. Select cable box channels at the cable
box.

Selecting Channels at the VCR when VCR is
ON

1. Turn TV and VCR on.

2. Place VCR in VCR mode by pressing TV/VCR on
remote repeatedly until the VCR indicator
appears in the VCR front panel.

3. Select channels 3 or 4 at the TV. If you have
connected your VCR to the TV’s A/V input
jacks, select the A/V source at the TV for a
better picture.

4. Select the channel you’d like to watch at the
VCR. If you have a cable box, select channel 3
or 4 at the VCR. Select cable box channels at
the cable box.

IN OUT

Audio/Video Output to TV

VCR Output to TV
(Channel 3 or 4 when
VCR is on and TV/VCR
is in VCR position)

CH3 CH4

Cable Box

Output

to VCR

From

Cable- TV

System

Direct Cable

All-Channel

Antenna

Cable TV
Wall Jack

Typical
Cable Box

OUT

VHF/UHF/CATV

IN

AUDIO

OUT

VIDEO

OUT

RL

34

CHANNEL

Zenith Stereo VCR

VHF-UHF

CABLE IN

VIDEOINAUDIO

IN

RL

Zenith TV

Or

Or

OPERATION PAGE 23

This page
describes how
to connect a
camcorder to
your VCR.

Camcorder Connected to VCR

Select AUX for Viewing an Audio/Video
source like a Camcorder

1. With TV and VCR on, place VCR in VCR mode by
pressing TV/VCR on the remote (and repeat) until
the VCR indicator appears in the VCR’s front panel.

2. Select channel 3 (or 4) on the TV. Note: If your TV
has A/V jacks, you may get a better picture if you
connect your VCR there. (Then, select the A/V
source on the TV.)

3. At the VCR, Channel Down lower than the lowest
channel (or Channel Up above the highest) to
select “AUX2” Or, you may—
Choose the SETUP menu as described in “How to
Access Menus.”
Press 3 for the SETUP menu’s SOURCE item.
Press 4 for AUX2, then ENTER. (Press QUIT/CC to
exit.)

Turn off power or unplug VCR
before making any connections.

Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

SETUP MENU

SOURCE: TUNER (TV)

1 TV 2 CATV
3 AUX1 4 AUX2

Press 4 to select AUX2

SOURCE Shows the program source—TV, CATV, or AUX—selected for the VCR to receive.
TUNER The VCR is using its Tuner to receive programs from an antenna or cable.
TV Selects programs for the VCR from a rooftop-type antenna.
CATV Selects programs for the VCR from Cable TV.
AUX1 Selects programs for the VCR from the rear R-AUDIO-L—VIDEO IN jacks (where you may

have connected your camcorder).

AUX2 Selects programs for the VCR from the front R-AUDIO-L—VIDEO IN jacks (where you may

have connected your camcorder).

Items in the Menu

Front Panel of Stereo VCR

l - audio - r video

aux 2

A/V cable is not provided with VCR.

OPERATIONPAGE 24

This page

explains the

basics of

playing tapes

in your VCR.

Playing Tapes

Automatic Playback (No Safety Tab)

1. Tape playback begins automatically, if the safe­ty tab is removed from the cassette case. For
example, most rental movies have no safety
tab. Simply insert the prerecorded VHS cassette
into the VCR. Power turns on and playback
begins.

2. Select the channel 3 or 4 at the TV. Or, select
the TV’s AUX (Auxiliary) source to see the pic­ture, if you are using the A/V jacks.

Manual Playback (Has Safety Tab)

1. Press POWER to turn VCR on.

2. Insert a prerecorded VHS cassette into the VCR.

3. Press PLAY to begin playback.

4. Select the channel 3 or 4 at the TV. Or, select
the TV’s AUX (Auxiliary) source to see the
picture, if you are using the A/V jacks.

Unloading the Cassette from the VCR

1. Press STOP if the tape is playing.

2. Press STOP/EJECT at the VCR until the cassette
is ejected.

Note:

This VCR records only in SP and EP speeds. Your
VCR sets the playback speed automatically to the
speed used to record the tape.

(Continued on next page)

Cassette

Safety Tab

Shown in

Place

VHS Cassette Playback/Record Times

Cassette SP LP EP

Length (Standard Play) (Long Play) (Extended Play)

T-30 30 Minutes 1 Hour 1 Hour,

30 Minutes
T-60 1 Hour 2 Hours 3 Hours
T-120 2 Hours 4 Hours 6 Hours
T-160 2 Hours, 5 Hours, 8 Hours

40 Minutes 20 Minutes

vcr

cbl/

dbs

tv

power

program

ch

ch

vol

vol

eject

enter

mute

rec/itr

123

456

789

tv/vcr

adjvcr+

0

cm skip

sel

sel

menu quit/cc

memory sp/ep

p

a

u

s

e

s

t

o

p

play

rew f fwd

POWER

PLAY

STOP

TV/VCR

power stop/eject play

VCR’s Controls

OPERATION PAGE 25

This page
explains how
to use the
remote to play
tapes on your
VCR.

Playing Tapes

Auto/Manual Tracking Adjustment

Your VCR adjusts tracking automatically when
you play a tape. If the tape was recorded on
a different VCR, streaks (video noise) may
appear. While the tape is playing, press
ADJ. (

F/G

) to adjust the tracking manually.

Real-Time Tape Counter

Press ENTER twice to keep the tape counter
on the TV screen. Press ENTER repeatedly to
remove all displays. The counter resets to
0:00:00 when you insert a cassette or when a
tape is rewound to its beginning.

Pause/Forward/Reverse Slow-Motion
Video

(While in play mode) Press PAUSE for still
video. Press PAUSE again, and follow
on-screen instructions for Forward or Reverse
slow motion. Press F FWD or REW to control
slow speed during slow motion. Press PLAY to
resume normal tape playing.

Note: When the reverse slow mode continues
for more than 30 secondes, the VCR will auto­matically change to play mode.

Tape Rewind and Fast Forward

(While in Stop mode) Press and release REW
or F FWD (Fast Forward), as desired. Press
STOP when tape reaches desired location.

Reverse/Forward Search

(While in Play mode) Press and release REW or
F FWD, as desired. Press PLAY to resume
normal tape playing.

CM Skip (Commercial Skip)

(While in play mode) Pressing CM SKIP on the
remote skips commercials or other program
material. Pressing 1, 2, 3, or 4 times skips
30, 60, 90, or 120 seconds, respectively. CM
SKIP skips a full 120 seconds of commercials
in a few seconds, then resumes normal play­back.

vcr

cbl/
dbs

tv

power

program

ch

ch

vol

vol

eject

enter

mute

rec/itr

123

456

789

tv/vcr

adjvcr+

0

cm skip

sel

sel

menu quit/cc

memory sp/ep

p

a

u

s

e

s

t

o

p

play

rew f fwd

POWER

ENTER

PAUSE

REW (Rewind)

PLAY

F FWD
(Fast Forward)

STOP

CM SKIP
ADJUST

(

F/G

)

OPERATIONPAGE 26

Recording

what you are

watching

on TV.

Instant Recording

Options You Can Use While Recording

Instant recording lets you record until you reach
the end of tape or you press STOP to stop record­ing.

1. Turn TV and VCR on.

2. Place VCR in VCR mode by pressing TV/VCR on
the remote repeatedly until the VCR indicator
appears in the VCR front panel.

3. Select channel 3 or 4 at the TV. If you have
connected your VCR to the TV’s A/V input jacks,
select the A/V source at the TV for a better pic­ture.

4. Select the channel to be watched and recorded
at the VCR. If you have a cable box, select the
cable box output channel (usually 3 or 4) at the
VCR. Select cable box channels at the cable box.

5. Insert a VHS cassette tape into the VCR.

6. Press SP/EP to select recording speed, if
desired. Recording speed is always SP, unless
you select EP.

7. Press REC/ITR until recording begins. REC indi­cator appears in the VCR front panel. Recording
continues until you reach the end of the tape,
or until you press STOP to stop recording.

Instant Recording Instant Timer Recording

(until end of tape) (Preset recording times)
PAUSE – STOP or STOP/EJECT –

Momentarily Pauses Stops and exits recording
recording. Press PAUSE mode.
again to resume recording.

STOP or STOP/EJECT –
Stops and exits recording
mode.

power

tv/vcr

power stop/ejectsp/ep rec/itr

sp/ep

Remote's Controls

VCR's Controls

rec/itr

s

t

p

o

OPERATION PAGE 27

Recording
using preset
time periods.

Instant Recording

Presses of

Display

Preset Time For

REC/ITR Recording

1 (Press) Current Time Until end of tape
2 0:30 30 minutes
3 1:00 1 hours
4 1:30 1 hour and

30 minutes
5 2:00 2 hours
...

...
...

9 4:00 4 hours
10 No display normal recording

Preset Time Periods for ITR Recording.

Note:

Preset recording time counts down until the record­ing time is over.

Instant (attended) Timer Recording (ITR) lets you
record where you record for a specific preset time
period, instead of recording until the end of tape is
reached. For example, you can record a 30-minute
show using the preset time period.

Turn TV and VCR on.

Place VCR in VCR mode by pressing
TV/VCR on the remote repeatedly until
the VCR indicator appears in the VCR
front panel.

Select channel 3 or 4 at the TV. If you
have connected your VCR to the TV’s
A/V input jacks, select the A/V source
at the TV for a better picture.

Select the channel to be watched and
recorded at the VCR. If you have a
cable box, select the cable box output
channel (usually 3 or 4) at the VCR.
Select cable box channels at the cable
box.

Insert a VHS cassette tape into the
VCR.

Press SP/EP to select recording speed,
if desired. Recording speed is always
SP, unless you select EP.

Press REC/ITR until recording begins.
The REC indicator appears in the VCR
front panel. Recording continues until
you reach the end of the tape, or until
you press STOP to stop recording.

Press REC/ITR repeatedly to select a
preset recording time period. Each sub­sequent press of REC/ITR increases the
recording time by 30 minutes until you
reach a maximum of 4 hours.

2

3

4

1

5

6

7

8

Note: The SP mode determines how much tape

is left and switches speed from SP to EP, if
necessary, to complete recording the program.
There will be some picture and sound distortion
at the point of the speed change.

power

tv/vcr

power stop/ejectsp/ep rec/itr

sp/ep

Remote's Controls

VCR's Controls

s

t

rec/itr

o

p

OPERATIONPAGE 28

Recording

one show

while

watching

another.

Instant Recording

Note:

If you have a cable box connected to your VCR, you
cannot record one show and watch another.

Choose the show you wish to record using the VCR’s
channel selector. Choose the show you wish to
watch using the TV’s channel selector.

Turn TV and VCR on.

Place VCR in VCR mode by pressing
TV/VCR on the remote repeatedly until
the VCR indicator appears in the VCR
front panel.

Select channel 3 or 4 at the TV. If you
have connected your VCR to the TV’s
A/V input jacks, select the A/V source
at the TV for a better picture.

Select the channel to be watched and
recorded at the VCR. If you have a
cable box, select the cable box output
channel (usually 3 or 4) at the VCR.
Select cable box channels at the cable
box.

Insert a VHS cassette tape into the
VCR.

Press SP/EP to select recording speed,
if desired. Recording speed is always
SP, unless you select EP.

Press REC/ITR until recording begins.
REC indicator appears in the VCR front
panel. Recording continues until you
reach the end of the tape, or until you
press STOP to stop recording.

Place VCR in TV mode by pressing
TV/VCR on remote to turn off VCR
indicator in the VCR front panel.

Select the show you wish to watch
using the TV’s channel selector.

Note:

To return to the show you’re recording, select
channel 3 or 4 at the TV. Place the VCR in the VCR
mode by pressing TV/VCR on the remote to show
the VCR indicator in the VCR’s front panel.

Options You Can Use While Recording

2

3

4

1

5

6

7

8

9

Instant Recording

(until end of tape)
PAUSE –

Momentarily pauses recording. Press PAUSE
again to resume recording.

STOP or STOP/EJECT – Stops and exits
recording mode.

power

tv/vcr

power stop/ejectsp/ep rec/itr

sp/ep

Remote's Controls

VCR's Controls

rec/itr

s

t

p

o

OPERATION PAGE 29

This page
explains how
to use the
timer so that
you can record
while you are
away.

Recording While You’re Away

Timer-controlled recording lets you record shows
unattended. Pick a day and time up to one year in
advance. The show may be recorded once or on
multiple days. You can schedule up to eight
different events into the PROGRAM TIMER for
recording, as long as no events overlap in the
same time period.

Turn TV and VCR on.

Place VCR in VCR mode by pressing
TV/VCR on the remote repeatedly until
the VCR indicator appears in the VCR
front panel.

Select channel 3 or 4 at the TV.

Insert a VHS cassette tape into the
VCR.

Program events to be recorded with the
Timer by following the procedure in the
TIMER MENU section. If you have a
cable box, select channel 3 or 4 (at
the VCR) as the channel to be record­ed. Keep your cable box on when using
the Timer to record.

Enable the Timer by pressing POWER to
turn off the VCR. The TMR indicator
appears in the VCR front panel to indi­cate the VCR is in the TIMER recording
mode.

MAIN MENU

TIMER MENU

for Program 1

TIMER MENU

for Program 8

VCR TIMER

VCR OPERATION

POWER STATUS

On Off

Off On (or set)

Disables timer-controlled
recording if an event is
Scheduled in the Timer. All
other VCR operations can
be used as desired.

Enables timer-controlled
recording if an event is
scheduled in the Timer. You
cannot be operate the VCR
manually while it is in
Timer Set mode. If you
have scheduled the Timer,
you’ll be recording at a
later time.

2

3
4

1

5

6

SpeakEZ

CLOCK : 1
TIMER : 2
SETUP : 3
AUDIO : 4

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

PROGRAM 1
MONTH :
DAY :
START :
STOP :
CHANNEL :
SPEED :
REPEAT :
(1-8) to select program
ENTER to adjust program

PROGRAM 8
MONTH :
DAY :
START :
STOP :
CHANNEL :
SPEED :
REPEAT :
(1-8) to select program
ENTER to adjust program

Press 2

VCR Operation with Timer Off or On

OPERATIONPAGE 30

Recording

With

PlusCode

TM

program

Numbers

VCR Plus+® recording

VCR Plus+®tapes for you automatically. Simply enter
the PlusCode

TM

number for your favorite show from
the TV listing, and your VCR does the rest. It turns
on at the proper time, selects the channel to be
recorded, and starts recording. You can record a
show once, or on a daily or weekly basis. You can
schedule up to eight different shows in the VCR
Plus+® recording system, as long as no show
overlaps another in the same time period.

Turn TV and VCR on.
Place VCR in VCR mode by pressing

TV/VCR on the remote repeatedly until
the VCR indicator appears in the VCR
front panel.

Select channel 3 or 4 at the TV.
Insert a VHS cassette tape into the VCR.
Program events to be recorded in the

VCR Plus+® system by following the
procedure shown when you press VCR+
on the remote.

Enable the VCR Plus+® timer by pressing
the POWER to turn off the VCR. The TMR
(TIMER) indicator appears in the VCR
front panel to indicate the VCR is in the
timer mode of recording.

Turn the VCR on after the recording is
made if you want to remove the mes­sage, TAPING DONE.

VCR PLUS MENU

VCR PlusCode

TM

Entry

TIMER MENU

VCR TIMER

VCR OPERATION

POWER STATUS

On Off

Off On (or set)

Disables timer-controlled
recording if an event is
Scheduled in the Timer. All
other VCR operations can
be used as desired.

Enables timer-controlled
recording if an event is
scheduled in the Timer. You
cannot be operate the VCR
manually while it is in
Timer Set mode. If you
have scheduled the Timer,
you’ll be recording at a
later time.

3
4

5

2

1

6

7

VCR PLUS

VCR+ program: 1
Ch Map Setup: 2
Ch Map Review: 3

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

Pluscode

- - - - - - - - -

Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

Enter Pluscode
from TV listing
(Use to erase)

PROGRAM 1
MONTH : 7 JULY
DAY : 27 MON
START : 11:16 AM
STOP : 11:46 AM
CHANNEL : 20 TV
SPEED : EP 1 EP 2 SP
REPEAT : ONCE
Press number keys
then ENTER QUIT = exit

Press 1

Enter PlusCode

VCR Operation with Timer Off or On

Sample TV Schedule Showing VCR Plus+® PlusCodeTMNumber

MIDNIGHT

12:00 9 In the Heat of the Night

Lana’s inherited home plays an
important part in a mob-related
real estate scam (Part 2 of 2)
(CC) (60 mins.) 52228

11 Tonight (R) 23624
26 Lauren Hutton and... Gabrielle

Reece. (30 mins.) 989402

32 I Love Lucy “Drafted” Lucy and

Ethel think their husbands have

been

drafted. (30 mins.) 529044

9

In the Heat of the Night

Lake Winahatchie (Part 2
of 2) 52228

Tonight

73624

L.Hutton

989402

Paid Prog

273353

Love Lucy

813995

Paid Prog

770841

Paid Prog

147599

Paid Prog

886976

Paid Prog

426518

Love Lucy

529044

Charlie Rose 16112

Fat Man In
France 79082

Paid Pro­gramming

44808

Paid Pro­gramming

51686

11
26
32

12:00 12:30 1:00 1:30

TROUBLESHOOTING PAGE 31

Some quick
and easy tips
to fixing
problems
yourself.

Troubleshooting

Before Calling for Service

Please refer to this chart before calling for service. First, turn on the TV and VCR. Select appropriate
input for the TV to receive the video signal from the VCR. You will probably use the Antenna In connec­tion to the TV. Select channel 3 or 4 at the TV. Place the VCR in the VCR mode by pressing TV/VCR on
the remote repeatedly until VCR indicator appears in the VCR front panel. If you have a cable box, turn
it on and select channel 3 or 4 at the VCR.

Operating Problems

Observed Condition

No power to the VCR.
Remote does not function.

No picture appears on TV screen
from any VCR function.

VCR features do not function.
VCR does not respond to remote
functions or VCR keys.

Possible Cause

Power cord is not connected.
Batteries are weak.
You are too far away from the

VCR.
Remote may be at an awkward

angle.
Source for TV is not selected

properly.

TV/VCR mode for VCR is set to TV.

VCR is locked up

Probable Solution

Connect power cord.
Replace with new batteries.
Move closer to the VCR.

Avoid holding the remote at
sharp angle.

Set INPUT source on TV to
Audio/Video In, or tune TV to
Channel 3 or 4, as appropriate.

Press TV/VCR on remote repeat­edly to choose VCR mode. VCR
indicator appears in VCR front
panel.

Disconnect VCR power cord for
three (3) seconds. Reset clock
and other features as necessary.

Playing Tapes (Playback) Problems

Observed Condition

Tape will not rewind or fast
forward.

Mechanical sound is audible
during playback.

Tape playback does not appear
on TV screen.

Video “noise” (horizontal
streaks) appear during normal
tape playing.

VCR Status Display flickers
when using STILL video during
tape playback.

Possible Cause

Tape is fully rewound or is at
its end.

Note: This is normal operating
sound from internal
mechanisms.

Source for TV is not selected
properly.

TV/VCR mode for VCR is set to
TV.

Tape is a rental or was recorded
on another VCR.

Tape heads are dirty.
Tape tracking needs to be

adjusted while in slow-motion
playback.

Probable Solution

No action necessary.

No action necessary.

Set Input source on TV to
Audio/Video In, or tune TV to
Channel 3 or 4, as appropriate.

Press TV/VCR repeatedly to
choose VCR mode. VCR indicator
appears in VCR front panel.

Use ADJ (

F/G) for manua l

tracking adjustment while tape
is playing.

Clean video heads.
From STILL video mode, enable

slow-motion playback. Use
ADJ (

F/G) to adjust tracking

for best picture. Return to PLAY
mode, then press PAUSE for
STILL video.

TROUBLESHOOTINGPAGE 32

Some quick

and easy tips

to fixing

problems

yourself.

Troubleshooting

Recording Problems

Observed Condition

Camcorder image is not shown.

Camcorder image via A/V input
to VCR is not shown on TV
screen.

Timer recording is not possible.

TMR indicator appears after VCR
is turned off.

Possible Cause

Camcorder is off.

VCR SOURCE is not set to AUX.

Clock in VCR is not set to
correct time.

VCR is on which disables timer.

Timer has been programmed
incorrectly.

TMR indicator does not appear
after programming timer.

VCR is in Timer Recording mode.

Probable Solution

Turn camcorder on and operate
properly.

Use Channel Up/Down to select
AUX A/V input channel.

Set clock to correct time. See
CLOCK menu.

Turn VCR off to enable timer.
TMR indicator appears in the
VCR front panel.

Reprogram Timer. See TIMER
menu.

Reprogram Timer and turn VCR
off to enable timer.

This is normal indication that
the VCR is in TIMER mode. If
needed, disable TIMER by
turning VCR on.

VCR Plus+® Recording Problems

Observed Condition

VCR records program on different
channel than channel specified.

Recorded wrong channel or no
channel with cable box.

Possible Cause

Channel Mapping was not
performed or is incorrect.

Cable box is not tuned to
channel you wanted to record.

Cable box is not turned on.

VCR is not tuned to cable box
output channel 3 or 4.

Probable Solution

Channel map the VCR for your
area. See “Setup for VCR Plus+®
Recording” section.

Tune cable box to channel you
want to record. Keep cable box
turned on.

Turn on cable box and keep it
on.

Tune VCR to cable box output
channel.

Channel Tuning Problems

Observed Condition

Some channels are skipped over
when using Channel Up/Down.

Picture and sound are weak or
missing.

Possible Cause

Those channels were deleted
with the CH. ADD/DEL option.

Antenna or cables are loose.

Wrong SOURCE option is being
used.

Probable Solution

Use CH. ADD/DEL to restore
channels. See SETUP Menu for
details.

Tighten connections or replace
cable.

Try all SOURCE options. See
SETUP menu for details.

TROUBLESHOOTING PAGE 33

Some quick
and easy tips
to fixing
problems
yourself.

Troubleshooting

Magnetic Field from Other Equipment

Keep the VCR and videotapes away from strong magnetic fields, such as those produced by a vacuum
cleaner, refrigerator, or air conditioner.

Video Head Cleaning

Your VCR automatically cleans the heads as it is used. However, after long periods of use, your video
heads may become clogged with accumulated dirt, causing distortion. When this occurs, use a do-it­yourself wet-type head cleaning cassette available from your Zenith dealer.

Caution:

Do not use a dry-type head cleaning system. It may seriously damage the VCR and cassettes used in the
VCR. Snow, streaking in picture, and horizontal pulling indicate the need for professional video head
cleaning. See your Zenith approved service center for cleaning.

Cabinet Cleaning

Clean the outside surfaces of the VCR with a soft lint-free cloth as required. Use care not to scratch the
VCR during cleaning.

Moisture Condensation

Moisture condensation can occur:

• 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 POWER On. This will help prevent condensa­tion.

• When condensation has occurred, wait a few
hours for the VCR to dry before using it.

Stereo Audio Record and/or Playback Problems

Observed Condition

Stereo is not present.

Possible Cause

TV is not Stereo-compatible.
Program is not in stereo format.
VCR A/V Out jacks are not con-

nected to TV A/V In jacks.

VCR Audio/Video Out is not
selected for viewing at the TV.

VCR AUDIO RECORD mode is set
to SAP or MONAURAL.

Probable Solution

No action is possible.
No action is possible.
Make A/V connections. Stereo is

available only via A/V output
from VCR.

Select AUX or A/V source as TV
input.

Set VCR AUDIO RECORD mode to
Stereo. See AUDIO Menu.

INDEXPAGE 34

Some quick

and easy tips

to fixing

problems

yourself.

Index

FEATURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE

Audio Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Auto Channel Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 20

Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5, 22

Ch. Add/Del. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 20

Clock Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 18

Features Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Front Panel Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Instant Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-28

Language Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Playing Tapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25

Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-16

Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Setup for VCR Plus+® Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12

Setup Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

SpeakEZ Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Timer Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Timer-Controlled Recording. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-33

VCR Plus+® Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

VCR Status Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Watching TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Recommended Audio/Video Accessories

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complements any room.

CV5000

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$17.95

SHIPPING & HANDLING

Broken or lost remote? Perhaps you would just like the
convenience of having a second remote on hand. Order
your replacement remote control direct from Zenith! To
ensure that you receive the correct remote, have your
television's model number ready when you call.

ONLY $39.95

ORDER TODAY!

CALL TOLL-FREE

1.800.255.6790

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SHIPPING & HANDLING

zenith

Use Your Visa or MasterCard to Order

PLEASE ALLOW 3- 4 WEEKS FOR DELIVERY

VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER OR PLAYER

Welcome into the Zenith family! We believe that you will be pleased with your new Zenith Entertainment Machine. Please read this war­ranty carefully, it is a “LIMITED WARRANTY” as defined under Federal Law. This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state within the U.S.A.

ZENITH’S RESPONSIBILITY

Service Labor During a period of 90 days from effective warranty date, Zenith will provide service labor by a Zenith authorized service center

when needed as determined by Zenith, as a result of manufacturing defects.

Parts New or remanufactured replacements for factory-defective parts will be supplied by a Zenith authorized service center for one year from

effective warranty date . Such replacement parts are warranted for the remaining portion of the original warranty period.

Not Covered This warranty covers manufacturing defects and does not cover installation, adjustment of customer controls in the home, installation or

repair of home antenna systems, cable converters or cable company-supplied equipment; it also does not cover damage due to misuse,
abuse, negligence, acts of God or other causes beyond the control of Zenith. Any alteration of the product after manufacture voids this
warranty in its entirety.

OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY

Effective Warranty Date Warranty begins on the date of original consumer purchase. For your convenience, keep the dealer’s dated bill of sale or a delivery ticket

as evidence of the purchase date.

Operating Guide Read your Operating Guide carefully so that you will understand the operation of your set and how to adjust the customer controls.

Carry-In Service The video product must be taken to a U.S. or Canadian Zenith authorized service center for warranty service and must be picked up by

the owner.

TV Set Performance It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the TV receiver with which the video product is used, and the associated antenna system, in

proper operating condition..

Important Product Registration—Please fill out and mail your Product Registration Card. It is imperative that Zenith know how to reach you

promptly if we should discover a safety problem that could affect you.

Warranty Service For warranty service information, contact any Zenith authorized service center. Parts and service labor that are Zenith’s responsibility

(see above) will be provided without charge. Other service is at the owner’s expense. If you have any problem in obtaining satisfactory
warranty service, call or write the Zenith Response Center. You must provide the model number, serial number and date of purchase or
date of original installation. Before you ask for warranty service, read “Maintenance And Troubleshooting” in your operating guide. You
might avoid a service call.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ZENITH SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL,
INDIRECT, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING LOST REVENUES OR PROFITS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRODUCT.

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 Time

Your Zenith Limited Warranty

ZENITH ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
1000 MILWAUKEE AVENUE
GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS 60025-2493

Zenith Part No. 206-3391

GS# 3835RM0024N

Printed in Korea

Issue O