Zenith VRD2125, VRD4235, VRD4125 OPERATING GUIDE

machine numbers | VRD4235 | VRD4125 | VRD2125

ENJOY THE VIEW

operating guide / warranty

As an ENERGY STAR® Partner, Zenith Electronics Corporation has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR ® guidelines for energy efficiency.

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 REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE 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.”

Zenith is a trademark of ZEC © Copyright Zenith Electronics Corporation 2001

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 those numbers here:

MODEL NO.____________________________________

SERIAL NO.____________________________________

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAFETY TIPS

PAGE 3

1. Read Instructions

Read all of the safety and operating instructions before operating the product.

2. Retain Instructions

Keep all safety and operating instructions for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings

Follow warnings on the product and in the operating guide.

4. Follow Instructions

Follow all operating and use instructions.

5. Cleaning

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

6. Attachments

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

7. Water and Moisture

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

8. Accessories, Carts, and Stands

Do not place product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. 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 product should follow manufacturer’s instructions and should use a mounting accessory recommended by manufacturer.

9. Transporting Product

Move product and cart combinations with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause product and cart combination to overturn.

10. Ventilation

Slots and openings in cabinet must not be blocked or covered. They are provided for ventilation, to ensure reliable operation, and to protect from overheating. Never block openings by placing product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. Do not place product in built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.

11. Power Sources

Operate product only from type of power source indicated on 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 manual.

12. Power-Cord Polarization

Product is equipped with a polarized alternatingcurrent line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). As a safety feature, this plug will fit into power outlet only one way. If you’re unable to insert plug fully into outlet, try reversing the plug. If plug still fails to fit, contact an electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat safety purpose of the polarized plug.

13. Power-Cord Protection

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

14. Outdoor Antenna Grounding

If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to this product, be sure 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 (USA), ANSI/NFPA 70 provides information on grounding of mast and supporting structure, grounding of lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for grounding electrode. ( See Fig. 1 below. )

These simple precautions will help ensure that you get many years of safe enjoyment from your new product.

Fig. 1

Antenna Lead-in Wire

Ground

Clamp

Antenna Discharge Unit NEC Section 810-20

Electric Service

Equipment

Power Service Grounding Electrode System NEC Art 250, Part H

Grounding Conductors NEC Section 810-21

Ground Clamps

NEC: National Electrical Code

Antenna grounding per NEC Code, ANSI/NFPA 70

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

PAGE 4

SAFETY TIPS

15. Lightning

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

16. Power Lines

An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall onto such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, take extreme care to keep from touching such power lines or circuits, as contact with them might be fatal.

17. Overloading

Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or integral convenience receptacles, as this can result in risk of fire or electric shock.

18. Object and Liquid Entry

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

19. Servicing

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

20. Wall or Ceiling Mounting

Mount product to wall or ceiling only as recommended by manufacturer.

21. Replacement Parts

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

22. Damage Requiring Service

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

a. If power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

b. If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into

product.

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

d. If product doesn’t operate normally by following

operating instructions. Adjust only those controls covered by operating instructions; improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore product to normal operation.

e. If product has been dropped or cabinet has been

damaged.

f. If product exhibits a distinct change in performance.

23. Heat

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

24. Safety Check

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

These simple precautions will help ensure that you get many years of safe enjoyment from your new product.

Contents/Index

INSTALLATION PAGE 5

CONTENTS

SAFETY TIPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

VCR Features Chart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Connections for Your VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

Before you operate your VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12

CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14

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

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

OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-28

The Buttons on Your Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Clock Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Timer Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Audio Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Watching TV Through the VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Camcorder Connected to VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Playing Tapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23

Instant Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-26

Watching one program, recording a different program

. . 26

Recording While You’re Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Easy Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29-31

SPECIFICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back cover

INDEX

Audio Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Auto Channel Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11, 18

Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8, 21

Channel Add/Del . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11, 18

Clock Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11, 16

Easy Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Features Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

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

Instant Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-26

Language Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11, 18

Main Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Playing Tapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-23

Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4

Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11, 18

Timer Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Timer-Controlled Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29-31

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

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back cover

Watching TV through the VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

PAGE 6 INSTALLATION

VCR Features Chart

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

FEATURES VRD2125 VRD4125 VRD4235

2-Heads YES N/A N/A

4-Heads (Special Video Effects) N/A YES YES

Full Load/Quick Start YES YES YES

Auto Head Cleaner YES YES YES

Audio System Monaural Monaural MTS Hi-Fi Stereo

Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks Monaural Monaural Stereo

Remote Control YES YES YES

Auto/Manual Band Select YES YES YES

Auto/Manual Channel Search YES YES YES

Channel Capability (CATV & TV) 181 181 181

Record Speeds SP/EP YES YES YES

Playback Speeds SP/LP/EP YES YES YES

Auto Playback System YES YES YES

Auto/Manual Digital Tracking YES YES YES

Instant Recording YES YES YES

Timer-Controlled Recording YES YES YES

Auto Playback Tape Speed Adjust YES YES YES

Slow-Motion Video (4-head VCR) N/A YES YES

Variable 1/10 to 1/32 Variable 1/10 to 1/32

Pause/Still Video Noise Clear Clear

Real-Time Tape Counter YES YES YES

Speed Search YES YES YES

CM Skip YES YES YES

English/Spanish/French Menus YES YES YES

1-Year, 8-Event Timer YES YES YES

LED Front Panel Indicator YES YES YES

Easy Power On YES YES YES

Easy Review YES YES YES

Easy Information YES YES YES

Auto Clock Set System YES YES YES

Hook-up Cable (VCR to TV) YES YES YES

Energy Saving YES YES YES

1. Model VRD4235 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.

YES = Feature is provided N/A = Feature is Not Available

INSTALLATION PAGE 7

Connections for your VCR

Required connections for your VCR.

Connections With a Cable Box

Connections Without a Cable Box

AUDIO

LINE1(AUX1)

OUT

ANT.IN

VIDEO

CH.

VHF/UHF

/CATV

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.

OUT OUT

AUDIO

VIDEO

VHF/UHF/CATV

ANT

Turn off power or unplug VCR before making any connections.

AUDIO

LINE1(AUX1)

OUT

ANT.IN

VIDEO

CH.

VHF/UHF

/CATV

Back Panel of

Typical Cable Box

CH3 CH4

CABLE

OUT IN

Back Panel of

Stereo VCR

Back Panel of Typical TV

IN IN

OUTOUT

AUDIO VIDEO

VHF/UHF/CATV

ANT

Cable TV

Wall Jack

This cable is provided

with your VCR.

Turn off power or unplug VCR before making any connections.

Connections for your VCR

PAGE 8 INSTALLATION

Optional 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

AUDIO

LINE1(AUX1)

OUT

ANT.IN

VIDEO

CH.

VHF/UHF

/CATV

AUDIO

LINE1(AUX1)

OUT

ANT.IN

VIDEO

CH.

VHF/UHF

/CATV

OUT

R-AUDIO-L VIDEO

VHF/UHF/CATV

ANT

Back Panel of Typical TV

ANT

OUT

AUDIO VIDEO

VHF/UHF/CATV

Back Panel of Typical Monaural TV

Note: If the back panel on your TV is different, refer to the TV's operating guide.

Back Panel of Stereo VCR

A/V cables are not provided with VCR.

Back Panel of Monaural VCR

A/V cable is not provided with VCR.

AUDIO

LINE1(AUX1)

OUT

ANT.IN

VIDEO

CH.

VHF/UHF

/CATV

Back Panel of Stereo VCR

OUT

R-AUDIO-L VIDEO

Jack panel of Accessory

A/V cables are not provided with VCR.

Turn off power or unplug VCR before making any connections.

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

INSTALLATION PAGE 9

Before you operate your VCR

Things you must do before you can operate your VCR.

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

CLOCK MENU

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

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

Press number keys then ENTER QUIT = exit

AUDIO MENU

SpeakEZ: ON 1 ON 2 OFF PLAYBACK: HI-FI

RECORD: STEREO

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 to exit menu, or wait a few minutes and the VCR returns to normal operation.

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 the TV/VCR button repeatedly until VCR indicator light appears in the front panel.

Point remote toward VCR

trk

trk+

power eject

enter

123

456

7890

play

stop

cm skip

tv/vcr

EZ review

memory

pause

f fwdrew

Note:

Audio menu’s PLAYBACK and RECORD options are available only with stereo VCRs.

Before you operate your VCR

PAGE 10 INSTALLATION

Things you must do before you can operate your VCR.

Connect the Power

(Required) Plug your VCR into an unswitched

120 Vac, 60 Hz household power outlet. Turn on the VCR by pressing POWER on the remote or on the VCR’s front panel. While plugged into an AC outlet, the VCR consumes 3W of electrical power in OFF condition.

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

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 (page 19) for details.

SpeakEZ only functions with ENGLISH.

TYPICAL ZENITH VCR

WALL

SWITCH

120V, 60Hz

POWER OUTLET

Tune

TV to

Ch.3

Tune TV to

Ch.4

CH.

power

stop/eject

rec

itr

pause

rew

f fwd

play

MAIN 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

AUDIO MENU

SpeakEZ: ON 1 ON 2 OFF PLAYBACK: HI-FI

RECORD: STEREO

Press number keys then ENTER QUIT = exit

INSTALLATION PAGE 11

Before you operate your VCR

Some things you must do and others you may want to do before you can operate your VCR.

Select Language for VCR Menus/Displays

(Optional) Select English, Spanish, or French for

VCR menus and status displays. See the LANGUAGE SELECT option on SETUP menu (page

18) for details.

Set Date and Time for Clock

Set the clock in the VCR to the current date and time. See CLOCK Menu (page 16) for details.

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

The Timer feature 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 (page 18) 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 CH (▼/▲). See AUTO PROGRAM on the SETUP Menu (page 18) for details.

CLOCK MENU

Press NUMBER (0-9) then

ENTER to set date and time

Press 2.

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.

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

LANGUAGE SELECT : ENGLISH 1 ENGLISH 2 ESPAÑOL 3 FRANÇAIS

SETUP MENU

Press NUMBER (1, 2, or 3)

to select the desired

language

Press 5.

CLOCK MENU

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

Press number keys

QUIT = exit

CLOCK MENU

MONTH : 1 JANUARY DAY : 1 MON YEAR : 2001 TIME : 12:00 AM

Press number keys then ENTER QUIT = exit

+ 25 hidden pages