VG4258 VCR User’s Guide We bring good things to life.
Introduction Important Information WARNING To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. WARNING RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. This symbol indicates Òdangerous voltageÓ inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or personal injury.
Introduction Table of Contents Important Information Automatic Tracking _______________ 17 Warnings______________________________ i Manual Tracking__________________ 17 Cautions ______________________________ i DISPLAY Button __________________ 18 Note to Cable TV Installer _______________ i Time Counter_____________________ 18 Product Registration ____________________ i Commercial Scan _________________ 19 Index Search _____________________ 19 Hooking Up the VCR Choosing a Hookup _______________
Hooking Up the VCR Choosing a Hookup The hookups on pages 3 through 5 are divided into two hookup types: Basic (A) and Advanced (B). The basic hookup shows the backs of TVs that have only an antenna/cable connection. It is the easier of the two and additional accessories may not be needed. The advanced hookup shows the VCR hooked up to a TV with audio and video jacks, with the advanced hookup on page 6 using a signal splitter. This hookup may improve the picture quality as well as convenience of operation.
Hooking Up the VCR Antenna or Cable System Without a Cable Box A. Basic hookup. A Use this hookup for a basic connection which requires fewer accessories. 1. Set the CH 3564 switch on back of VCR to either channel 3 or 4. Tune the TV to this channel and use the TV•VCR button to watch the VCR. From Antenna or Cable 300/75 Ohm Adapter Back of VCR OUT IN FROM ANT. IN VIDEO OR OUT TO TV L 2. Connect as shown. This connection may require additional accessories not provided.
Hooking Up the VCR Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels A. Basic hookup. A Use this hookup for a basic connection which requires fewer accessories. From Cable 1. Set the CH 3564 switch on back of VCR to either channel 3 or 4. Tune the TV to this channel and use the TV•VCR button to watch the VCR. Back of VCR Cable Box RF Coaxial Cable OUT IN FROM ANT. IN VIDEO IN OUT OUT TO TV L CH 35 6 4 2. Connect as shown. This connection may require additional accessories not provided.
Hooking Up the VCR Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble Pay Channels Only (such as HBO, Showtime, Pay-Per-View, etc.) A. Basic hookup. A Use this hookup for a basic connection which requires fewer accessories. 1. Set the CH 3564 switch on back of VCR to either channel 3 or 4. Tune the TV to this channel and use the TV•VCR button to watch the VCR. From Cable Back of VCR Cable Box RF Coaxial Cable OUT IN FROM ANT. IN VIDEO IN OUT OUT TO TV L 2. Connect as shown.
Hooking Up the VCR Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes Option A Hookup. A Use this hookup for a basic connection which requires fewer accessories. Playback VCR From Antenna, Cable or Cable Box OUT IN FROM ANT. IN VIDEO 1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5 and then modify with this connection. OUT TO TV L 2. Set the CH 3564 switch on the playback VCR to either channel 3 or 4. Tune the recording VCR to this channel to receive the signal from the playback VCR.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 1. Check accessories with VCR. Contact your dealer if any items are missing. OFF TV VCR 1 TV•VCR VCR 2 PLAY REW. F.FWD STOP 2 “AA” Batteries REC•OTR F.ADV PAUSE VOLUME PREV CH CHANNEL MUTE 1 2 4 5 7 8 DISPLAY 3 6 9 INPUT 0 SEARCH SLOW TRACKING MENU CLEAR SPEED EDIT PROG RF Coaxial Cable (Stock No. 207417) Remote (Stock No. 221425) 2. Insert batteries in remote. 3. Turn on the TV. A. Turn on the TV. B.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 5. Select the language/Seleccione el idioma/ Sélectionner la langue. The VCR displays the on-screen menus in the English, Spanish or French language. The word ÒLanguageÓ cycles through the different languages when the VCR Main Menu is displayed on the TV screen. The arrow indicates which language is selected. VCR MAIN MENU 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Set Clock Channels Preferences Audio Language LANGUAG A. Press MENU on remote to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 7. Add or remove channels from the VCR’s memory. You may want to add or remove channels if some of the channels are not active, have weak signals, or you do not want to watch them. VCR MAIN MENU 1 2 3 4 VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Set Clock Channels CHANNELS A. Press MENU on the remote to display the VCR MAIN MENU on 1 Auto Channel Search 2 Add/Remove Channels the TV screen. ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS B. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. Channels 03 is presently ADDED C.
Setting Up the VCR Startup 10. Use TV•VCR button. Skip this step if you used one of the advanced hookups. When using one of the basic hookups, the TV•VCR button lets you switch between the picture coming from the VCR or the picture from the TV channel. This button lets you record a program on the VCR while watching another channel on the TV. Details are on page 21. A. Press VCR1 to set the remote to control the VCR. B. Press TV•VCR to see the picture from the VCR.
Using the Remote Control Buttons Component Buttons Press one of the buttons to set the remote to operate that component. OFF TV VCR 1 TV•VCR VCR 2 PLAY REW. TV Turns on a compatible GE, RCA, or ProScan TV and sets the remote to control the TV. See page 14. Used with OFF button to turn on compatible TV after TV button is programmed. See page 14. F.FWD STOP REC•OTR F.ADV VOLUME PREV CH VCR1 Turns on a compatible GE, RCA, or ProScan VCR and sets remote to control the VCR.
Using the Remote Control Buttons VCR Function Buttons (continued) PAUSE Pauses action for viewing during playback. Pauses recording to prevent recording of unwanted scenes. REC•OTR Starts VCR recording. Used for one touch recording. See page 28. PLAY Plays a tape. REW. (Rewind) Rewinds the tape when the VCR is stopped. PREV CH (Previous Channel) Searches the picture in reverse motion during playback. Switches between two channels. Select one channel and then select another.
Using the Remote Control Controlling a VCR The VCRÕs remote controls two compatible GE, RCA, or ProScan VCRs with the VCR1 and VCR2 buttons. Most compatible VCRs automatically respond to VCR1 without being programmed. If you own two compatible VCRs, test them to see if VCR1 turns on both VCRs. If it does, then you may want to program this VCR to respond to the VCR2 button on the remote. Program the VCR for Remote Control Set the Remote Control feature of the VCR to the VCR1 or VCR2 position.
Using the Remote Control Controlling a TV The VCRÔs remote is preprogrammed to control the basic functions of a compatible GE, RCA, or ProScan TV. The remote can also be set up to control other manufacturerÔs brands. To program the remote, enter the remote code number that corresponds to your brand. Program the remote for a TV 1. Turn on the TV. 2. Point the VCR remote at the TV. Brand Remote Button Brand 3. Hold the TV button and press the remote number button to enter the code for your brand.
Playing a Tape Playback To play a tape 1. Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3, 4, or TVÕs video input to see the picture from the VCR. 2. Insert a tape in the VCR. VCR automatically turns on. The cassette-in indicator lights, and the VCR indicator lights if the Auto TV/VCR feature is set to ON. The tape automatically begins playback if the safety tab on the cassette has been removed and the Auto Play feature is turned on.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features Pause for Stop Action This feature stops the tape in action and allows you to examine the details of the scene. Stop action works well for tapes recorded in SP or SLP speed. 1. Press PAUSE during playback to stop the action. STILL appears in the display panel. 2. Press TRACKING up or down to reduce any jittering of the picture. 3. Press PAUSE or PLAY to return to playback. The VCR will automatically switch from stop-action playback to stop after a few minutes.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features Picture Search You can search for a specific tape location during playback by fast forwarding or rewinding the tape. Sound is turned off during picture search. Picture search works best for tapes recorded in SP or SLP speed. Fast Forward Search 1. During playback, press FF on the remote or FWD on the VCR to search forward at a faster-than-normal speed. SRCH + appears in the display panel. 2. Press the button again or press PLAY to return to playback.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features DISPLAY Button The DISPLAY button shows the status of the VCR channel number, time counter, date, time and tape speed on the TV screen. The time and date must be set before they can be displayed. STOP Press DISPLAY 1. Press DISPLAY to display the status of the VCR, If you do not press DISPLAY again, these displays will time out. The time appears in the display panel. 0:30:00 Status Displays Will Time Out 08/04/96 SUN 01:30AM SLP 2.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features Commercial Scan (SEARCH Button) This is useful for scanning commercials or short program segments. 1. Press SEARCH once during playback to advance the tape approximately 60 seconds. 2. Press SEARCH twice during playback to advance the tape approximately 120 seconds. Index Search The VCR has a ÒVHS Index Search SystemÓ that automatically records an index mark on the tape every time you begin recording a program. Your VCR has two index playback features.
Playing a Tape Using the Playback Features Tape Playback: HI-FI/LINEAR/MIX Feature The VCR records the same audio on both the Hi-Fi and linear tracks on the tape. The Hi-Fi sound is recorded on separate left and right stereo channels. Monaural sound is recorded on the linear track. To enjoy Hi-Fi sound, connect your VCR to a stereo television or amplifier/receiver using the audio/video jacks. The Tape Playback: HI-FI/LINEAR/MIX feature lets you select which audio you play back. To Select Playback Sound 1.
Recording a Program Recordings Your VCR provides different recording options. These options are explained in this section of the manual. Recording Speeds Press SPEED on the remote to select a recording speed (SP or SLP). The speed you select appears on the TV screen. Tapes recorded in LP can be played in this VCR. SP (Standard Play) gives the best quality recording. That is why most prerecorded, rental tapes are recorded in SP. Fewer programs can be recorded on the tape.
Recording a Program Recording While You’re Away (VCR Plus+* Recording) VCR Plus+ Setup for Antenna or Unscrambled Cable System (Not Requiring a Cable Box) A VCR Plus+ channel number is assigned for each broadcast or cable channel. These numbers are listed in most publications that list PlusCode* numbers. 1. Prepare the worksheet on the opposing page for the VCR Plus+ channels that are different than the channels you receive them on. Refer to the chart below for standardized VCR Plus+ channel numbers.
Recording a Program VCR Plus+TM Channel Worksheet Use this worksheet to create a list from which you can set up your VCR Plus+ channel list. Broadcast or Cable TV Station Name VCR Plus+ Channel Number* (Such as ABC, NBC, CBS, etc.) (See Standardized VCR Plus+ Channel Chart) Channel Number You Receive This Station On** * Check your local listing for VCR Plus+ channel numbers assigned to network stations. ** Check your local or cable listing for the channel numbers to enter in this column.
Recording a Program Recording While You’re Away (VCR Plus+ Recording) The VCR Plus+ and timer program features let you program the VCR to record up to eight different programs within a one year period. Before using VCR Plus+ to record a program, make sure that: ¥ The clock is set correctly. ¥ A tape with safety tab has been inserted with enough tape to record the program(s). ¥ The remote is set to control the VCR using VCR1 (VCR2). ¥ The VCR is setup for VCR Plus+ programming.
Recording a Program Recording While You’re Away (Timer Recording) The VCR Plus+ and timer program features let you program the VCR to record up to eight different programs within a one year period. Before setting the timer, make sure that: ¥ The clock is set correctly. ¥ A tape with safety tab has been inserted with enough tape to record the program(s). ¥ If you receive all channels through a cable box, select a cable box viewing channel on page 26. Setting a Timer Recording 1.
Recording a Program Recording While You’re Away (Timer Recording) Select Cable Box Viewing Channel If you have a cable box, follow the directions below. 1. Press MENU on the remote to display the VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen. 2. Press 4 to display CHANNELS menu. 3. Press 5 to display Cable Box Setup menu. 4. Select one of the three options: 1 ALL Channels ¥ Press 1 for ALL channels and then enter two numbers for the output channel of your cable box. (Valid numbers are 01-13.
Recording a Program Recording While You’re Away (Timer Recording) Checking or Clearing Timer Recordings 1. Press MENU on remote to display VCR MAIN MENU on TV screen. 2. Press 2 to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu. 3. Press 2 for Review Existing Progs. feature. 4. Press MENU PROG to display the next program. 5. Press CLEAR when the program you want to erase appears on the screen. VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings TIMER RECORDINGS 1 Create a New Program 2 Review Existing Progs.
Recording a Program One Touch Recording One touch recording lets you record up to four hours without using the timer program feature. The VCR will turn off automatically at the end of the recording. POWER EJECT CHANNEL TRACKING TV • VCR CHANNEL TRACKING REW PLAY FWD RECORD STOP PAUSE INPUT VCR SLP TIMER REC Display showing 40 minutes remaining for recording. RECORD 1. Turn on the VCR. 2. Insert a tape with safety tab in place. 3. Select the channel you want to record. 4.
Recording a Program Recording Broadcast Stereo TV or SAP (Second Audio Program) Some TV programs are broadcast with stereo audio or a second audio language (SAP). The Reception: STEREO/MONO/SAP feature lets you select the type of audio you want to record. To Record Stereo Broadcast TV or SAP Turn on the TV and tune it to the VCR viewing channel, either 3, 4, or TVÕs video input. 1. Insert a tape with safety tab in place. 2.
Recording a Program Recording Audio Only You can record audio only from another audio source connected to the AUDIO IN (L and R) jacks on the back of the VCR. To Record Audio Only 1. Press the INPUT button until the line indicator (VIDEO) appears on the TV screen. The VCR will record audio from the audio equipment connected to the AUDIO IN jacks. 2. Use SPEED on the remote to select the recording speed. The tape speed indicator appears in the VCRÕs display panel and on the TV screen. 3.
Recording a Program Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes Operating Instructions (Refer to hookup on page 6.) Use one VCR as the playback VCR and the other as the recording VCR. If you have two compatible VCRÕs, use the AutoEdit feature described below. Caution: The unauthorized recording of television programs and other materials may infringe the rights of others. 1. Turn on the TV and VCRs. 2. Tune TV to the VCR viewing channel, either 3, 4, or TVÕs video input. 3.
References Location of Controls Front Panel POWER EJECT REW PLAY FWD RECORD STOP PAUSE Tape Compartment CHANNEL TRACKING CHANNEL TRACKING TV • VCR INPUT Remote Sensor CHANNEL/TRACKING Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCRÕs channel memory. Adjusts tracking when a tape is playing. EJECT Press when the VCR is stopped to eject the cassette. FWD (Fast Forward) Fast forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the picture forward during playback.
References Location of Controls Back Panel OUT IN IN FROM ANT. VIDEO L CH 35 6 4 OUT TO TV AUDIO R CH 35 64 Switch Selects the channel to which you will tune the TV to see the VCR picture if you connect the VCR using one of the basic hookups. IN FROM ANT. (Antenna) Connector Receives the signal from an antenna or cable system that is attached to this connector. OUT TO TV Connector Passes signal to TV using the cable supplied.
References Location of Controls Display Panel Channel Number, Current Time, Time Counter, LINE, or Status Indicator VCR SLP STEREO Hi-Fi SAP TIMER REC Tape Speed Indicator Cassette-In Indicator Cassette-in Indicator ( ) Lights when a tape is in the VCR. Channel Number or LINE The channel number or line input is displayed. Press INPUT to display LINE to record from the VIDEO and AUDIO IN jacks. Hi-Fi Indicator Lights when the Playback: HI-FI/LINEAR /MIX feature is set to HI-FI or MIX.
References Specifications Format: VHS Record/Playback System: Video: 4-Head Audio: 2 Hi-Fi record/playback system Video Signal System: EIA standard: NTSC color Antenna: 75-ohm external VHF/UHF combined antenna terminal Tuner: USA: 181 channels capability* (125 cable channels) Canada: 178 channels capability* (122 cable channels) Type: AutoProgramming frequency synthesis Power Requirement: 120V AC, 60 Hz Power Consumption: 19 watts Dimensions: 3.6 inches high (91.5 mm) 15.
References Trouble Checks Sometimes problems can be easily solved by checking a few basic things. Check below before you call for help or take your VCR to an Authorized GE VCR Servicenter. Trouble Here's what to try: No power ¥ Plug VCR into an operating outlet. ¥ Check connections. Remote locks up ¥ Remove batteries and hold down one or more buttons for several seconds to drain the microprocessor inside the remote to reset it. Re-install the batteries and try remote again.
References Trouble Checks Trouble Here's what to try: Rewind does not operate ¥ Tape already rewound. VCR plus+ or timer recording not made or wrong program recorded ¥ Wrong VCR plus+ code entered. ¥ Cable box was not turned on at time recording was to begin. ¥ Program entered incorrectly (wrong channel or times). ¥ Power interruption. Clock area in display panel shows Ð Ð : Ð Ð. Reset clock. See page 9. ¥ Check to see if time and date are correct Ñ including AM/PM.
References Limited Warranty What your warranty covers: ¥ Any defect in material or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: ¥ Ninety days for labor charges. ¥ One year for parts. ¥ The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental. ¥ Pay any Authorized GE VCR Servicenter the labor charges to repair your VCR. ¥ Pay any Authorized GE VCR Servicenter for the new or, at our option, refurbished replacement parts required to repair your VCR.
References Index Accessories, Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Add or Remove Channels from Memory . . . . . . .9 ADD/REMOVE CHANNEL Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Antenna Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,3 AUDIO and VIDEO Jacks . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6,27,29,33 AUDIO Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20,29,30 Audio Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Auto Play Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
References Index PLAY Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11,12,15,16,20,31,32 Playback : HI-FI/LINEAR/MIX Feature . . . . . . . . .20 POWER Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24,25,28,32 PREFERENCES Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9,10,15 PREV CH (Previous Channel) Button . . . . . . .11,12 Problems, Solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,37 Product Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i Programming Remote to Control VCR . . . . . . . .
Notes
For your nearest Authorized Servicenter call toll-free in the U.S.A. 1-800-447-1700 Canadian Consumers – Your toll-free numbers are: English: 1-800-522-0338 French: 1-800-522-0445 Please do not send any products to the Indianapolis address listed in this manual or on the carton. This will only add delays in service for your product. 10330 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290 ©1996 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.
