Video Cassette Recorder TM VRX342AT Owner’s Manual I M P O R T A N T ! Return Your Warranty Registration Card Within 10 Days. See Why Inside.
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Introduction 3 Welcome to your VCR owner’s manual. This manual has six sections: Setting Up Your VCR; Description of Controls; Basic Operations; Recording; Playing; and Information You May Need. The instructions explain all of the VCR’s features, which are listed below. You cannot hurt your VCR by trying the features! So read on – and relax.
Table of Contents Setting Up Your VCR Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Before Using Your VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Hookups Without a Cable Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Using Your VCR 5 Putting Batteries in the Remote Control 1 1 Remove the battery compartment lid on the bottom of the remote control by sliding it in the direction of the arrow. 2 2 Place two AA batteries inside the battery compartment with their polarities (+ and – ends) aligned as indicated. 3 3 Replace the battery compartment lid. Using the Remote Control ● ● ● ● Point the remote control at the VCR’s remote sensor (see page 26) when using the remote control to operate the VCR.
Hookups Without a Cable Box The basic VCR/TV connection – antenna/cable to VCR to TV – is shown below. If you have a Cable Box or a descrambler box, please refer to pages eight-nine. If you have a Stereo TV, please go to page 10. After you hook up the VCR, please go to page 11 to turn on the VCR. 1 Disconnect the antenna or cable from your TV.
Hookups Without a Cable Box (cont’d) 7 3 Connect the RF coaxial cable (supplied) 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.) ANT IN AUDIO OUT Antenna or Cable ANT IN VIDEO OUT CH3 CH4 IN 75V ANT CAB / LE AUDIO OUT 75V ANT / CABLE OUT IN VIDEO CH3 ANTENNA IN Jack (on back of TV) example only CH4 RF coaxial cable 4 5 Plug in the TV and the VCR.
Hookups With a Cable Box This connection allows you to view any channel. After you connect the Cable Box, VCR, and TV as shown below, the features described on this page will be available. 3. Use a second RF coax1. Connect a Cable signal to the ial cable to connect the IN Jack on the Cable Box. OUT Jack on the VCR to the TV’s ANTENNA IN Jack. IN 75V ANT CAB / LE OUT ANT IN AUDIO OUT IN VIDEO OUT CH3 CH4 2.
Hookups With a Cable Box (cont’d) 9 This connection allows you to program an unattended recording of more than one unscrambled channel and to watch one channel while recording another. After you connect the VCR, Cable Box, and TV as shown below, the features on this page will be available. 2. Use an RF coaxial cable (supplied) to connect the OUT Jack on the VCR to the IN Jack on the Cable Box. 1. Connect a Cable signal to the VCR’s ANT(enna) IN Jack.
Hookups With a Stereo TV antenna or cable to ANT(enna) IN Jack ANT IN AUDIO OUT IN VIDEO OUT CH3 CH4 Audio and Video IN Jacks on TV VIDEO (yellow) and AUDIO (white) OUT Jacks Video Cable Audio Cable ● Audio and Video cables are not supplied. 1 Connect the antenna or cable to the ANT(enna) IN Jack on the back of the VCR. 2 Connect a video cable to the yellow VIDEO OUT Jack on the back of the VCR. Then, connect the other end of the video cable to the VIDEO IN Jack on your TV.
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. ● Follow the steps on this page only when you plug the VCR power cord into the wall outlet for the first time. ● You may not be able to program channels at step 5 if you are using a Cable Box. 1 1 2 3 Turn on the TV. POWER VCR TV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 +100 CABLE /DSS VCR/TV Turn on the TV.
Channel Memory Programming Channels 1 3&5 Although your VCR may automatically memorize the channels you receive when you turn it on for the first time, this function lets you reprogram channels. 1 2 Press the VCR button. 4 POWER VCR TV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 +100 CABLE /DSS VCR/TV CHANNEL Press the MENU button to bring up the main menu display. VCR PLUS+ /ENTER TO SELECT PUSH NO.
Channel Memory (cont’d) 13 Adding/Deleting Channels 1 2 3 4 1 3 Press the VCR button. Press the MENU button to bring up the main menu display. Press the Number 3 button to select TUNER SET UP. 6 4 POWER VCR TV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 +100 CABLE /DSS VCR/TV CHANNEL 5 VCR PLUS+ /ENTER SPEED TIME SEARCH MUTE VOLUME Press the Number 4 button to select ADD/DELETE CH. PLAY SELECT CHANNEL NUMBER – F.
Setting the Clock 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, you must set the clock manually. Follow the instructions under either manual clock setting or automatic clock setting (page 16) to set the VCR’s clock.
Setting the Clock (cont’d) 15 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 internal calendar will cause a question mark (?) to appear on-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) Automatic Clock Setting 1 Press the VCR button, then press the MENU button to bring up the main menu display. TO SELECT PUSH NO. SHOWN 1 PROGRAM 2 VCR SET UP 3 TUNER SET UP 4 SET CLOCK TO END PUSH EXIT 5 4 3 2 POWER VCR TV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 +100 CABLE /DSS VCR/TV CHANNEL VCR PLUS+ /ENTER 2 SPEED TIME SEARCH Press the Number 4 button to select SET CLOCK.
Setting the Clock (cont’d) 17 Time Zone When using the AUTO CLOCK function, you can specify a time zone in which a local PBS channel is located. That way, the VCR will update the clock according to your time zone. 1 Press the VCR button, then press the MENU button to bring up the main menu display. TO SELECT PUSH NO. SHOWN 1 PROGRAM 2 VCR SET UP 3 TUNER SET UP 4 SET CLOCK TO END PUSH EXIT 2 6 4 2 3 3 Press the Number 4 button to select SET TIME ZONE. TO SELECT PUSH NO.
Daylight-Saving Time Selection Daylight-Saving Time Selection 1 You may program the VCR so its clock will automatically move forward one hour in April and turn back one hour in October. Daylight-Saving Time is set to ON prior to shipment from the factory. You may turn Daylight-Saving Time ON or OFF by following the steps below. 1 2 Press the VCR button. POWER VCR TV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 +100 3 CHANNEL VCR PLUS+ /ENTER SPEED TIME SEARCH TO SELECT PUSH NO.
Language Selection 19 Language Selection 1 Follow the steps below to change the language of the on-screen displays. 1 2 Press the VCR button. Press the MENU button to bring up the main menu display. TO SELECT PUSH NO.
TV Code Setting Your VCR remote control may operate your TV. If the remote control doesn’t operate your TV now, follow the steps below to program your remote control. 1 1&6 Point the remote control at your TV and press the TV button. Then, press the POWER button. If your TV comes on, try the other TV buttons (see pages 22 - 23). If your TV doesn’t come on, or if the other buttons don’t work, go to step 2. 2 2 POWER VCR TV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 +100 Find your TV code.
Cable Box/DSS Code Setting 21 Your VCR remote control may operate your Cable Box or Digital Satellite System. If the remote control doesn’t operate your Cable Box or Satellite System now, follow the steps below to program your remote control. 1&6 2 1 Point the remote control at your Cable Box or Satellite System and press the CABLE/DSS button. Then, press the POWER button. If your Cable Box or Satellite System comes on, try the other Cable Box buttons (see pages 22 - 23 for details).
Remote Control Buttons POWER Button Press to turn on or off the VCR, TV, Cable Box, or Digital Satellite System. (You must first press the TV, VCR, or CABLE/DSS button.) Details are on pages 20-21. Number Buttons Use to select channels at the VCR, TV, Cable Box, or Digital Satellite System; to select on-screen menus; and to program VCR functions (such as setting the clock). Channels 1 - 9 ● To select, press 0, then press the channel you want. For example, to select channel 7, press 0, 7.
Remote Control Buttons (cont’d) 23 CABLE/DSS Button Press to operate the Cable Box or Digital Satellite System. Details are on page 21. TV Button Press to operate the TV. Details are on page 20. VCR Button Press to operate the VCR. VCR/TV Button Use to select the signal that your TV receives. VCR Position ● Use to watch a tape, to watch a program while recording it, or to watch a TV broadcast using the CHANNEL (Up/Down) or Number buttons.
On-Screen Status Displays A status display, which includes the current time, channel, and other information (see illustration), will appear when you press the STATUS/EXIT button or certain function buttons. The contents of the status display may vary. There are three status display modes: ON SCREEN ON: ● Whenever you press the STOP button or the PLAY button, the status display will appear for five seconds.
VCR Display Panel 25 Cassette Compartment Insert a tape here. VCR Display Panel Information about VCR operations appears here. F.FWD REW STOP EJECT POWER VCR CHANNEL VCR/TV PM VIDEO REC/OTR PAUSE AUDIO Timer Light This light glows when a timer recording or one touch recording has been set. It flashes when a timer recording has been set but a tape has not been placed in the VCR.
Front Panel PLAY Button Press to play a tape. Also, press to release Slow, Search or Still mode and to return to normal playback. Details are on page 44. Remote Sensor Receives an infrared signal from your remote control so you can operate your VCR from a distance. POWER Button Press to turn the VCR power on and off. AUDIO IN Jack Connect a cable coming from the audio out jack of a camcorder, another VCR, or an audio source here. Details are on page 40. STOP/EJECT Button Press once to stop the tape.
Rear Panel 27 ANT(enna) IN Jack Connect your antenna or cable here. Details are on pages six-10. AUDIO IN Jack Connect a cable coming from the AUDIO OUT Jack of a camcorder, another VCR, or an audio source here. Details are on page 40. AUDIO OUT Jack Connect a cable going to the AUDIO IN Jack of a camcorder, another VCR, or an audio source here. Details are on page 40.
Playing 1 2 Read and follow the steps below to play a tape. 1 Turn the TV on and set it to channel 3 or 4, whichever the CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the VCR is set to. 2 Insert a tape in the VCR. The power will come on. The VCR will place itself in VCR position automatically (the VCR light and the Cassette-Inside light on the display panel of the VCR will appear). If the tape’s record tab has been removed, playback will start automatically.
Recording 29 1 2 Read and follow the steps below to record a television program. 1 Turn the TV on and set it to channel 3 or 4, whichever the CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the VCR is set to. 2 3 Insert a tape with its record tab intact (see page five) in the VCR. The power will come on, and the Cassette-Inside light will appear. 3 4 Press the VCR button on the remote control. If the VCR light appears on the display panel of the VCR, go to step 5.
Recording One Channel/Watching Another 1 2 3 2&6 Start a recording (see page 29). Press the VCR button. Press the VCR/TV button to put the VCR in TV position. The VCR light will disappear from the VCR’s display panel. 5 4 TV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 +100 CABLE /DSS VCR/TV VCR PLUS+ /ENTER SPEED TIME SEARCH Press the TV button, then press the CHANNEL (Up/Down) or Number buttons to choose the channel you want to watch. Or, use the TV remote control to select the channel you want to watch.
One Touch Recording 31 The one touch recording (OTR) function allows you to program an immediate timed recording 30 minutes to eight hours long without setting the timer. Before you begin, make sure: ● Channels are programmed. ● The desired recording speed (SP, LP, or SLP) has been selected with the (Tape) SPEED button. ● There is 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). ● The VCR is in VCR position.
Timer Recording Follow the steps below to program your VCR to record TV programs while you’re away from home. You can program up to eight timer recordings. For each one, the VCR will turn itself on, record, and turn itself off automatically. Before you begin make sure: ● Channels are programmed. ● The clock is set. ● There is 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). ● The VCR is in VCR position.
Timer Recording (cont’d) 33 4 Use the Number buttons (1 - 8) to select a slot in which to store the timer recording. There are eight timer recording slots. Open slots will flash on-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 onscreen for a few seconds. Then information about the program in that position will be displayed on-screen. If this happens, press the STATUS/EXIT button twice. Then start again at step 1.
Timer Recording (cont’d) 8 Press the Number 1 button to record in SP speed, press the Number 2 button to record in LP speed, or press the Number 3 button to record in SLP speed. (For details, see the chart below.) You cannot use the (Tape) SPEED button at this time.
Timer Recording (cont’d) 35 Checking or Cancelling Timer Recordings 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. VCR TV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 +100 CABLE /DSS VCR/TV 2 3 CHANNEL Press the Number 1 button to select PROGRAM. VCR PLUS+ /ENTER SPEED TIME SEARCH Press the Number 4 button to select PROGRAM REVIEW.
Setting Up the VCR Plus+ Programming System 1 First, fill in the boxes on this page. It will only take a few minutes, and you must do it if you want the VCR Plus+ programming system to work properly. Since the channel numbers of the stations you receive may not be the same as the station numbers, and since channel numbers differ from area to area, you must program the VCR with your local channel information.
Setting Up the VCR Plus+ Programming System (cont’d) 37 2 Now, compare the channel numbers you have written in the VCR PLUS+ CH. and CABLE/TV CH. columns. You’ll notice that some stations have VCR Plus+ and Cable/TV channel numbers that are the same, and other stations have channel numbers that do not match. Where the channel numbers DO NOT match, you must tell the VCR the VCR Plus+ and Cable/TV channel numbers according to the following steps. ● Make each entry within 60 seconds of the previous entry.
Timer Recording With the VCR Plus+ Programming System Follow the steps below to program a timer recording using the PlusCode programming numbers in your TV guide. Before you begin, make sure: ● Channels are programmed (page 12). ● The VCR Plus+ and Cable/TV channel numbers are entered (pages 36-37). ● The clock is set (pages 14-17). ● There is 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).
Timer Recording With the VCR Plus+ Programming System (cont’d) 39 5 Press the Number 1 button to record in SP speed, the Number 2 button to record in LP speed, or the Number 3 button to record in SLP speed. Your selection will appear to the right of REC SPEED on-screen, although SP=1 LP=2 SLP=3 will continue to flash. For details about tape speed, see pages 34 and 48. You cannot use the (Tape) SPEED button at this time.
Rerecording (Tape Duplication) 1. Audio cable from AUDIO OUT Jack of VCR 1 to AUDIO IN Jack of VCR 2 VCR 2 - Recording VCR VCR 1 - Playing VCR ANT ANT IN AUDIO OUT IN VIDEO IN AUDIO OUT CH3 CH4 OUT IN VIDEO OUT CH3 CH4 2. Video cable from VIDEO OUT Jack of VCR 1 to VIDEO IN Jack of VCR 2 The instructions on this page show you how to copy tapes. The illustration uses two VCRs just like yours. Different VCRs may operate differently.
Repeat Playback 41 Repeat Playback 1 Follow the steps below to program the VCR to play a tape over and over. 1 2 Press the VCR button. Press the MENU button to bring up the main menu display. TO SELECT PUSH NO. SHOWN 1 PROGRAM 2 VCR SET UP 3 TUNER SET UP 4 SET CLOCK 4 3 POWER VCR TV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 +100 VCR/TV CHANNEL VCR PLUS+ /ENTER SPEED TIME SEARCH TO END PUSH EXIT 3 Press the Number 2 button to select VCR SET UP. TO SELECT PUSH NO.
Time Search Time Search Follow the steps below to program the VCR to search forward or backward a specific length of time. 1 2 1 Press the VCR button. Press the TIME SEARCH button to bring up the time search display. There must be a tape in the VCR.
Real Time Counter Memory 43 Real Time Counter Memory Follow the steps below to reset the real time counter to zero at a tape location you want to refer to later. 1 Play, fast forward, or rewind a tape to the location that you would like to refer to later. Press the STOP button or the STOP/EJECT button to stop the tape. POWER VCR TV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 +100 VCR/TV 2 CHANNEL Press the STATUS/EXIT button. The status display will appear on-screen for about five seconds.
Special Effects Playback Forward and Reverse Searching (SP/LP/SLP) 1 When in Play mode, press and release the F.FWD button or the REW(ind) button. A fast forward or reverse picture search will begin. POWER VCR TV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 +100 VCR/TV 2 To return to playback, press the PLAY button. Super High Speed Searching (LP/SLP) CHANNEL VCR PLUS+ /ENTER SPEED TIME SEARCH 1 When in Play mode, press the F.FWD button or the REW (ind) button, then press again.
Automatic Operation Features 45 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.
Helpful Hints If you are having problems with your VCR, check the following list of problems and possible solutions before requesting service. You may be able to solve the problem yourself. No power • Make sure the power plug is completely connected to an AC (alternating current) outlet. • Make sure the power is turned on. Power Failure • Timer recordings and the clock setting may be lost if the power fails for more than one minute. See pages 14-17 to reset your clock.
Helpful Hints (cont’d) 47 TV programs cannot be watched normally. • Put the VCR in TV position. (Press the VCR/TV button so that the VCR light disappears from the display panel. For details see pages 23 and 26.) • Check the connections between the VCR, TV, antenna/cable, and Cable Box (if applicable). (See pages six-10 for details.) Tape cannot be inserted. • Insert the tape, window side up, with the record tab facing you.
Glossary 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 source (OUT). Automatic Channel Programming: process in which the VCR scans all available channels and places the ones you receive in its memory. Then, when you push the CHANNEL (Up/Down) buttons, you only scan through channels you receive. Bands: settings that allow you to tune channels.
Specifications 49 Video Heads Four heads Video Signal EIA standards; NTSC color Antenna VHF/UHF – 75 ohm external antenna terminal VHF Output Signal Channel 3 or 4 (switchable) 75 ohms unbalanced Power Requirement 120V AC; 60Hz Power Consumption 17W Operating Temperature 41°F (5°C) to 104°F (40°C) Relative Humidity 10% to 80% Weight 7.1 lbs. (3.2 kg.
Limited Warranty VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER 90 Days Free Labor/One Year Parts Exchange. This product must be carried in for repair. WHO IS COVERED? You must have proof of purchase to receive warranty service. A sales receipt or other document showing that you purchased the product is considered proof of purchase. WHAT IS COVERED? Warranty coverage begins the day you buy your product. For 90 days thereafter, all parts will be repaired or replaced, and labor is free.
Index 51 ac power cord.................................27 accessories .......................................52 ant(enna) in jack ...................6-10, 27 audio in/out jacks10, 26, 27, 40, 48 automatic playback .......................................45 rewind, eject, off........................45 number buttons ..............................22 batteries ..............................................5 pause button ....................................26 pause/still button...............
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES Check to be sure the items on this page are packed with your VCR. These accessories are provided to help you use or set up your VCR. Remote Control 4835 218 37192 Two “AA” Batteries 4835 138 17012 RF Coaxial Cable, 75 ohm 4835 323 27011 If any of these items are not included, or if you need to replace an item, contact Philips Service Company at the address below. Philips Service Company P.O. Box 967 Greeneville, TN 37744-0967 Or, call 1-800-851-8885.
