VR421CAT VR621CAT Video Cassette Recorder Owner’s Manual
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Introduction 3 Welcome to your VCR owner’s manual. This manual describes the VR421CAT and the VR621CAT. The VR421CAT is a monaural (single sound source) system, while the VR621CAT is a stereo system. Otherwise, the two models are exactly the same. In this manual, the VR621CAT is illustrated. (The VR421CAT has single AUDIO IN/OUT jacks. Otherwise, the VR421CAT looks exactly like the VR621CAT.
Table of Contents Setting Up Your VCR Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Before Using Your VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Hookups without a Cable Box/Direct Broadcast System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Using Your VCR 5 Removing the Plastic Cover from the Front Panel ● A thin plastic cover may protect the front panel of your VCR. Before using the VCR, lift a corner of the plastic, then peel it off. Putting Batteries in the Remote Control 1 1 2 3 2 Battery Safety 3 Remove the battery compartment lid on the bottom of the remote control by pressing the tab, then lifting the lid. Place two AA batteries inside the battery compartment with their + and – ends aligned as indicated.
Hookups without a Cable Box/Direct Broadcast System The basic VCR/TV connection – antenna/cable to VCR to TV – is shown below. If you have a Cable Box or a Direct Broadcast System, please see pages eight-nine. If you have a Stereo TV, please see page 10. After you hook up the VCR, go to page 11 to turn on the VCR. (The VR621CAT is illustrated here. The VR421CAT has single AUDIO IN/OUT jacks.) 1 Disconnect the antenna or cable from your TV.
Hookups without a Cable Box/Direct Broadcast System (cont’d) 7 3 Connect the supplied black RF coaxial cable to the OUT Jack on the back of the VCR and to the ANTENNA IN Jack on the TV. (You may use either a snap-on type (supplied) or screw-on type of coaxial cable, whichever you prefer.) supplied black RF coaxial cable ANTENNA IN Jack (on back of TV) example only 4 5 Plug in the TV and the VCR.
Hookups with a Cable Box/Direct Broadcast System There are two ways to connect your Cable Box/DBS to the VCR. With this connection: ● You may view any channel. ● You must select channels at the Cable Box/DBS. Channels cannot be changed at the VCR. ● You may not view a channel other than the one you are recording. ● You may not program channels at the VCR. ● You can only program a timer recording for one channel at a time. Set the TV and the VCR to the Cable Box/DBS output channel (channel 03 or 04).
Hookups with a Cable Box/Direct Broadcast System (cont’d) 9 With this connection: ● You may watch one channel while recording another. ● You may not record scrambled channels. 1 VCR 2 Cable Box/DBS Cable Signal RF coaxial cable RF coaxial cable 3 TV’s ANTENNA IN Jack Connections 1 2 3 Connect a Cable signal to the VCR’s ANT(enna) IN Jack. Use the supplied black RF coaxial cable to connect the OUT Jack on the VCR to the IN Jack on the Cable Box/DBS.
Hookups with a Stereo TV VR621CAT 1 VIDEO (yellow) and AUDIO (red and white) OUT Jacks 2 antenna or cable to ANT(enna) IN Jack Video Cable Audio and Video IN Jacks on TV 3 Stereo Audio Cable OR 1 VR421CAT antenna or cable to ANT(enna) IN Jack ANT IN AUDIO OUT IN VIDEO VIDEO (yellow) and AUDIO (white) OUT Jacks OUT CH3 CH4 2 Audio and Video IN Jacks on TV Video Cable 3 “Y” splitter Audio Cable ● Audio and Video cables are not supplied.
Turning on Your VCR 11 Before turning on your VCR, make sure there are batteries in the remote control and the VCR and TV are connected correctly. ● You can not program channels if you are using a Cable Box or a Direct Broadcast System. ● If you are not using a Cable Box/DBS, the clock may set itself automatically after you connect the antenna/Cable signal to the VCR and plug in the power cord. The time will appear on the display panel. 1 2 Turn on the TV.
Automatic Channel Setup Although your VCR may automatically memorize the channels you receive when you turn it on for the first time, this function lets you set up the channels again. 1 2 3-4 Press the VCR button. EJECT 2 Press the MENU button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → PROGRAM VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP SET CLOCK POWER MENU STATUS/EXIT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MEMORY 9 ALT.
Automatic Channel Setup (cont’d) 13 Adding/Deleting Channels If your channel lineup changes, you may want to add newly available channels or remove channels that are no longer available in your area. Channels that you add to the VCR’s memory can be selected by pressing the CH(annel) o/p buttons. To add or delete channels from the VCR’s memory, follow these steps. 7 3-6 EJECT POWER 1 2 3 4 Press the VCR button. 2 MENU STATUS/EXIT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MEMORY 0 Press the MENU button.
Automatic Channel Setup (cont’d) Reviewing Memorized Channels 1 2 5 3-4 Press the VCR button. EJECT 2 Press the MENU button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → PROGRAM VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP SET CLOCK POWER MENU STATUS/EXIT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MEMORY TO END PUSH EXIT 0 3 REC /OTR PAUSE /STILL PLAY REW Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select TUNER SET UP, then press the F.FWD/B button.
Setting the Clock 15 There are two ways to set the clock. With manual clock setting, you tell the VCR the current time. With automatic clock setting, the VCR gets the current time from your local PBS station. It keeps track of the time by constantly referring to the time broadcasted by your PBS station. If you are using a Cable Box or Direct Broadcast System, you must set the clock manually.
Setting the Clock (cont’d) 5 Press two Number buttons for the hour(s) and two Number buttons for the minute(s). Then press 1 for AM or 2 for PM. For example, for 2:15 PM, press 02, 15, 2. ● Enter a 0 before a single-digit number. ● Entries that do not match the VCR’s calendar or clock will cause a question mark (?) to appear on the screen. ● To make corrections, press the CLEAR button until the space for the number you want to correct is flashing. Then enter the correct number.
Setting the Clock (cont’d) 17 Automatic Clock Setting 4 2-4 1 Press the VCR button, then press the MENU button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → PROGRAM VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP SET CLOCK 3 TO END PUSH EXIT 2 EJECT POWER MENU STATUS/EXIT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MEMORY 9 ALT.CH 0 Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select SET CLOCK, then press the F.FWD/B button. REC /OTR PAUSE /STILL PLAY 3 REW F.FWD STOP If OFF appears to the right of AUTO CLOCK, press the F.
Setting the Clock (cont’d) Time Zone When using the AUTO CLOCK function, you can specify your time zone. That way, the VCR will update the clock according to your time zone. 5 2-4 1 Press the VCR button, then press the MENU button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → PROGRAM VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP SET CLOCK TO END PUSH EXIT EJECT 1 POWER MENU STATUS/EXIT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MEMORY 9 ALT.
Daylight-Savings Time 19 You may program the VCR so its clock will automatically move forward one hour in April and turn back one hour in October. Daylight-Savings Time is set to ON when you receive your VCR. Turn Daylight-Savings Time ON or OFF by following the steps below. Before you begin: ● Make sure the clock is set. Details are on pages 15-18. 1 2 Press the VCR button. 5 3-4 EJECT 2 Press the MENU button. POWER MENU STATUS/EXIT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MEMORY 9 ALT.
Language Selection Follow the steps below to change the language of the on-screen displays and menus. 1 2 6 3-5 Press the VCR button. EJECT 2 Press the MENU button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → PROGRAM VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP SET CLOCK POWER MENU STATUS/EXIT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MEMORY 0 TO END PUSH EXIT REC /OTR PAUSE /STILL PLAY 3 REW F.FWD STOP Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select VCR SET UP, then press the F.FWD/B button. CH. VOL.
Setting the Remote to Operate a TV 21 Your VCR remote control may operate your TV. If the remote control doesn’t operate your TV now, follow the steps below. 1 Point the remote control at your TV and press the TV button. Then, press the POWER button. If your TV turns on or off, try the other TV buttons (see pages 23-24). If your TV doesn’t turn on or off, or if the other buttons don’t work, go to step 2.
Setting the Remote to Operate a Cable Box/Direct Broadcast System Your VCR remote control may operate your Cable Box or Direct Broadcast System (DBS). If the remote control doesn’t operate your Cable Box or DBS now, follow the steps below. 2 1 EJECT POWER Turn on the Cable Box/DBS. Then, point the remote control at your Cable Box/DBS and press the CBL/DBS button. Then, press the POWER button. If your Cable Box/DBS turns off, try the other Cable Box/DBS buttons (see pages 23-24).
Remote Control Buttons 23 POWER Button Press to turn on or off the VCR, TV, Cable Box, or Direct Broadcast System. (You must first press the VCR, TV, or CBL/DBS button.) EJECT Button Press to eject the tape. MENU Button Press to access the VCR menu or some TV menus. EJECT POWER Number Buttons Press to select channels at the VCR, TV, Cable Box, or Direct Broadcast System; use to set up VCR features (such as the clock).
Remote Control Buttons (cont’d) CLEAR Button Press to erase incorrect data when programming VCR functions. Also, press to reset the real-time counter. Details are on page 39. STATUS/EXIT Button Press to access or remove the VCR’s on-screen status display. Details are on page 25. Press to exit on-screen menus. Or, press the TV button, then press the STATUS/EXIT button to access or remove some TV displays or menus. REW(ind)/{ Button When tape playback is stopped, press to rewind the tape at high speed.
On-Screen Status Displays 25 A status display will appear when you press the STATUS/EXIT button or certain function buttons. The contents of the status display will vary. To choose the status display mode, follow the steps below. If you select STATUS ON, then select COUNTER ONLY ON: ● Whenever you press the STOP/p button or the PLAY/o button, the status display will appear for five seconds. After five seconds, only the counter will remain on the screen. You must press the STATUS/EXIT button to remove it.
VCR Display Panel Cassette Compartment Insert a tape here. VR621CAT STOP/EJECT REW PLAY PAUSE F.FWD POWER VCR/TV VIDEO CHANNEL L AUDIO R RECORD MENU STATUS/EXIT REC(ord) Light This light appears during a recording. It flashes when a recording is paused. Timer Light This light glows when the VCR is turned off to set a timer recording, during a timer recording, or during a OneTouch Recording. It flashes if the power is off for a timer recording, but there is no tape in the VCR.
Front Panel 27 F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button When playback is stopped, press to fast forward the tape at high speed. During tape playback, press to fast forward the tape while the picture stays on the screen. Details are on page 41. Press to Remote Sensor select an item in the VCR menu or to change the setting of a Receives a signal from your menu item. remote control so you can operate your VCR from a distance. REW(ind) Button When playback is stopped, press to rewind the tape at POWER Button high speed.
Rear Panel ANT(enna) IN Jack Connect your antenna or cable here. Details are on pages six-10. AUDIO IN Jack(s) Connect audio cables coming from the AUDIO OUT Jacks of a camcorder, another VCR, or an audio source here. Details are on page 37. If you connect other equipment to the AUDIO and VIDEO IN jacks on the back of the VCR, select channel 001 (AV REAR) at the VCR. This allows you to view or hear the materials playing on the other equipment. The VR621CAT is shown here.
Playing 29 1 2 Read and follow the steps below to play a tape. 1 Turn on the TV and set it to channel 3 or 4, whichever channel the CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the VCR is set to. 2 Insert a tape in the VCR. The PWR., VCR, and Cassette-Inside lights will appear on the display panel. If the tape’s record tab has been removed, playback will start automatically. 3 If playback does not start automatically, press the VCR button, then press the PLAY/o button.
Recording 1 2 Read and follow the steps below to record a television program. 1 Turn on the TV and set it to channel 3 or 4, whichever channel the CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the VCR is set to. 2 3 4 Turn on the TV. Insert a tape in the VCR. EJECT POWER Insert a tape with its record tab intact in the VCR. 6 Press the VCR button. MENU STATUS/EXIT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MEMORY 0 REC /OTR Press the SPEED button until the desired tape speed appears briefly on the screen.
Recording One Channel/Watching Another 31 1 2 4-5 Press the VCR button. Press the REC(ord)/OTR button to start a recording of the current channel. (See page 30.) The REC(ord) light will appear on the VCR display panel. EJECT POWER 3 Press the VCR/TV button to put the VCR in TV position. The VCR light will disappear from the VCR’s display panel. 4 Press the TV button, then press the CH(annel) o/p or Number buttons to select the channel you want to watch at the TV.
One-Touch Recording The One-Touch Recording (OTR) feature allows you to set an immediate timed recording 30 minutes to eight hours long. Before you begin: ● Set up the channels at the VCR. Details are on page 12. ● Select a recording speed (SP, SLP) with the SPEED button. Details are on page 35. ● Put a tape in the VCR. Make sure the tape’s record tab is intact and the tape is long enough to record the program(s). ● Place the VCR in VCR position. (The VCR light will appear on the display panel.
Timer Recording 33 Follow the steps below to program your VCR to record TV programs while you’re away from home. The VCR will turn itself on, record, and turn itself off automatically. Before you begin: ● Set up the channels at the VCR. Details are on page 12. ● Set the clock. Details are on pages 15-17. ● Put a tape in the VCR. Make sure the tape’s record tab is intact and the tape is long enough to record the program(s). ● Put the VCR in VCR position. The VCR light will appear on the display panel.
Timer Recording (cont’d) 4 Use the Number buttons (1 - 8) to select a slot in which to store the timer recording. There are eight slots. Numbers for open slots will flash on the screen. NOTE: If you enter a number for a slot that has already been used to store a timer recording, PREVIOUSLY SET PROGRAM will appear on the screen briefly. Information about the program in that slot will appear on the screen. If this happens, press the STATUS/EXIT button, then select another number.
Timer Recording (cont’d) 35 8 10 11 Press the Number 1 button to record in SP speed or the Number 2 button to record in SLP speed. (See the chart below.) You cannot use the SPEED button at this time. EJECT POWER ONE TIME PROGRAM PROGRAM 1 CHANNEL 10 TIME ON 09:30 PM TIME OFF 11:00 PM REC SPEED SLP SP=1 SLP=2 8 9 TO CORRECT PUSH CLEAR TO END PUSH EXIT 9 MENU STATUS/EXIT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 MEMORY ALT.
Timer Recording (cont’d) Checking or Cancelling Timer Recordings 5 2-4 1 With the VCR on and in VCR position (the VCR light will appear on the display panel), press the VCR button, then press the MENU button. 2 Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select PROGRAM, then press the F.FWD/B button. EJECT 1 POWER MENU STATUS/EXIT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MEMORY 3 Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select PROGRAM REVIEW, then press the F.FWD/B button.
Rerecording (Tape Duplication) 37 The instructions on this page show you how to copy tapes. The illustration uses two VR621CAT VCRs. Different VCRs may operate differently. To duplicate a tape, make the connections shown, then follow steps 1-7. 1. Audio cables from AUDIO OUT Jacks of VCR 1 to AUDIO IN Jacks of VCR 2 VCR 1 Playing VCR VCR 2 - Recording VCR 2. Video cable from VIDEO OUT Jack of VCR 1 to VIDEO IN Jack of VCR 2 ● Audio and Video cables are not supplied. 1 2 3 3.
Repeat Play Follow the steps below to make the VCR play a tape over and over. 1 2 6 3-5 Press the VCR button. EJECT 2 Press the MENU button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → PROGRAM VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP SET CLOCK POWER MENU STATUS/EXIT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MEMORY 9 ALT.CH 0 TO END PUSH EXIT REC /OTR PAUSE /STILL PLAY 3 REW F.FWD STOP Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select VCR SET UP, then press the F.FWD/B button. CH. VOL.
Real-Time Counter Memory 39 Follow the steps below to reset the real-time counter to zero at a tape location you want to refer to later. 3 4 1 2 Press the VCR button. EJECT POWER Play, fast forward, or rewind a tape to the location that you would like to refer to later. Press the STOP/p button to stop the tape. 3 Press the STATUS/EXIT button to see the status display.
Time Search Follow the steps below to program the VCR to search forward or backward on a tape a specific length of time. There must be a tape in the VCR. 1 2 Press the VCR button. Press the TIME SEARCH button. TIME SEARCH 0:00 EJECT POWER 3 MENU STATUS/EXIT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MEMORY 9 ALT.CH 0 REC /OTR PAUSE /STILL ENTER SEARCH TIME PLAY 3 Within 10 seconds, use the Number buttons to enter the desired length of time you want to skip forward or backward.
Special Effects Playback 41 Forward and Reverse Searching (SP/LP/SLP) 1 During tape playback, press and release the F.FWD/B button or the REW(ind)/{ button. A fast forward or reverse picture search will begin. 2 To return to playback, press the PLAY/o button. Super High Speed Searching (LP/SLP) 1 During tape playback, press the F.FWD/B button or the REW(ind)/{ button, then press again. The VCR will now search in super high speed. Press the F.
Automatic Operation Features The following playback features will always operate. Automatic Playback When you put a tape in the VCR, the power will come on automatically. If the tape’s record tab is missing, playback will begin. If a timer recording is set, the power will not come on automatically when you insert a tape with the record tab intact. If a timer recording is set and the VCR power is off, the VCR will eject the tape if the record tab is missing.
Multi-Channel Television Sound System (VR621CAT only) 43 Your VCR can play recordings broadcast in Hi-Fi (high fidelity) stereo, which produces a crisp, clear sound from two sources. Your VCR also can play tapes recorded in a second audio (usually, that means your program is recorded in a second language). Of course, your VCR will play tapes recorded in monaural (single-source) sound as well.
Multi-Channel Television Sound System (VR621CAT only) (cont’d) 1 6 4 2-3 Press the VCR button, then press the MENU button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → PROGRAM VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP SET CLOCK TO END PUSH EXIT 2 Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select TUNER SET UP, then press the F.FWD/B button. SELECT op CHOOSE B → AUTO PROGRAMMING ADD/DELETE CH CH MEMORY REVIEW TV STEREO ON 2ND AUDIO EJECT POWER 1 MENU STATUS/EXIT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MEMORY 9 ALT.
Hi-Fi Stereo Sound System (VR621CAT only) 45 Multi-Channel Television Sound system broadcasts are automatically recorded in Hi-Fi stereo sound. To play in Hi-Fi stereo the tapes recorded in Hi-Fi stereo, however, you’ll need to follow steps 1-5. 5 2-4 EJECT 1 2 POWER Press the VCR button, then press the MENU button. 1 MENU STATUS/EXIT CLEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MEMORY Press the PLAY/o button or the STOP/p button to select VCR SET UP, then press the F.FWD/B button. 9 ALT.
Blue Background If you want the TV screen to be solid blue when a weak signal is received, set BLUE BACKGROUND to ON. The screen will be blue and the sound will be muted. Or, if you want to receive the weak signal, set BLUE BACKGROUND to OFF. When you select a channel that is receiving a weak signal, you will see the static in the TV programming. The channel number will not appear on the screen when you select a weak channel.
Glossary 47 AUDIO IN/OUT Jacks: jacks located on the front and back of the VCR which are used to record audio from another source (IN) or to send audio to another system (OUT). The VR421CAT has a single AUDIO IN jack on the front and back of the VCR. It has a single AUDIO OUT jack on the back of the VCR. The VR621CAT has Right and Left AUDIO IN jacks on the front and back of the VCR. It has Right and Left AUDIO OUT jacks on the back of the VCR.
Helpful Hints If you are having problems with your product, check this list of problems and possible solutions before requesting service. You may be able to solve the problem yourself. If you need to call a customer service representative, please know the model number and serial number of your product before you call. This information is displayed on the back of the product. Also, please take a moment to identify the problem you are having, and be prepared to explain this to the representative.
Helpful Hints (cont’d) 49 Tape cannot be inserted. • Insert the tape, window side up, with the record tab facing you. • Make sure a tape isn’t already in the VCR by pressing the STOP/EJECT button on the VCR. • Gently push on the center of the tape when putting it in the VCR. Never force the tape into the VCR. • If a timer recording is programmed and the VCR power is off, you can not insert a tape without a record tab. Tape cannot be removed.
Limited Warranty VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER or PLAYER 90 days Free Exchange / 91 days–One Year Reduced-Cost Exchange WHO IS COVERED? You must have proof of the date of purchase to exchange your product. A sales receipt or other document showing the date that you purchased the product is considered such proof. WHAT IS COVERED? Warranty coverage begins the day you buy your product.
Limited Warranty (cont’d) 51 EXCHANGE INSTRUCTIONS If your product is defective, you may be able to exchange it at the store from which it was purchased. Most stores display a Return Policy. If not, ask the manager or sales associate how many days you have to exchange a product with them. After the store’s return period has expired, you may exchange the product with Philips if you have your original sales receipt.
Specifications Video Heads Four heads – Hi-Fi (VR621CAT) Four heads (VR421CAT) Video Signal EIA standards; NTSC color Antenna VHF/UHF – 75 ohm external antenna terminal VHF Output Signal Channel 03 or 04 (switchable) 75 ohms unbalanced Power Requirement 120V AC; 60Hz Power Consumption 14W (VR621CAT) 12W (VR421CAT) Operating Temperature 41°F (5°C) to 104°F (40°C) Relative Humidity 10% to 80% Weight 5.3 Ibs. (2.4 kg.) (VR621CAT) 5.1 Ibs. (2.3 kg.
Index 53 ac power cord.................................28 accessories .......................................56 alt.ch button.....................................24 ant(enna) in jack ...................6-10, 28 audio in/out jacks....................10, 27, .............................28, 37, 43, 47 automatic playback .......................................42 rewind, eject, off........................42 line input mode .................12, 37, 47 long play .....................................35, 47 lp ...
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES The following items are supplied with your VCR; they are provided to help you use or set up your VCR. Remote Control 4835 218 37309 Two AA Batteries 4835 138 17012 RF Coaxial Cable, 75 ohm 4835 323 27011 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES The following additional items are not provided with your VCR, but they are designed for use with your new VCR. To order these optional accessories, contact us at: Philips Parts & Accessories Marketing Department 401 East Old Andrew Johnson Highway P.O.
