VCR User’s Guide Changing Entertainment. Again.
Important Information WARNING To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. CAUTION 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 "dangerous voltage" inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or personal injury.
Introduction Introduction Key Features Overview Your VCR is equipped with features that will add to your recording experience. The following information summarizes a few of these features. Chapter 3 provides more information about the rest of the VCR’s features and how to use them. ON•OFF TV VCR PLAY FORWARD RECORD STOP PAUSE INFO CHAN SEARCH C HA N GO BACK MENU SPEED VOL VOL REVERSE MUTE CLEAR 1 4 7 2 3 5 6 8 9 T I 0 TRACKING V•VC R NPUT F.
Introduction TIMER Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking Description: Locks the VCR so that buttons on the front panel and remote control won’t operate the VCR. This feature protects timer programs from frustrating accidents such as being left on at the time of recording. Requirements: Lock the VCR by pressing and holding the ON•OFF button on the remote control for six seconds until SAFE appears on the front panel display.
Table of Contents Product Registration ............................................................................................................. i Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 Key Features Overview ................................................................................................... 1 Connections & Setup .............................................................................
Table of Contents Using the Remote Control ............................................................................................... 25 Using the Remote Control .................................................................................................. 26 Buttons of the Remote Control ................................................................................... 26 Using the INPUT Button ........................................................................................
Chapter 1 Connections & Setup Chapter Overview: • Things to Consider Before Connecting • Choosing Your Connection • Making Connections • Why You Should Connect with Audio/Video Jacks • Navigating On-Screen Menus • Completing the QuickSet™ Guide • Basic Recording Changing Entertainment. Again.
Connections & Setup Things to Consider Before Connecting Components Protect Components From Power Surges • Connect all components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet. • Always turn off the TV and other components before you connect or disconnect any cables. Position Cables to Avoid Audio Hum or Interference • Insert all cable plugs firmly into their jacks.
Connections & Setup Using the RF Coaxial Cable to Connect the VCR to a TV This graphic shows the RF coaxial cable supplied with your VCR. This will be the cable used for the basic connections represented in this chapter. Notes: To hear stereo sound, you will need to purchase Audio/Video (A/V) cables (not provided) and connect the VCR to the TV. A/V jacks and cables also provide a superior image and sound quality. For details about using this advanced setup, see the instructions on page 47.
Connections & Setup TV (back panel) VIDEO AUDIO R L / MONO IN L OUT CABLE/ ANTENNA TV S-VIDEO 1 VCR VCR ANT. IN AUDIO OUT IN CH RF OUT 3 4 2 VIDEO From Cable or Antenna TV + VCR Note: Your television back panel may not look exactly like the model shown here. 1. Connect the VCR to the TV Connect one end of the supplied RF coaxial cable to the RF OUT jack on the back of the VCR and the other end to the TV’s Antenna IN jack. 2.
Connections & Setup TV AUDIO VIDEO R L / MONO IN L OUT CABLE/ ANTENNA TV S-VIDEO VCR VCR 1 ANT. IN AUDIO OUT IN CH RF OUT 3 4 VIDEO 2 SATELLITE RECEIVER IN FROM ANT CH3 CH4 OUT OUT TO TV Sa t te el l i VIDEO R L SATELLITE IN S-VIDEO 3 4 From Cable or TV Antenna From Satellite TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver Note: Your television and/or satellite receiver back panels may not look exactly like the models shown here. 1.
Connections & Setup TV AUDIO VIDEO R L / MONO IN L OUT TV CABLE/ ANTENNA S-VIDEO VCR 1 VCR ANT. IN AUDIO OUT IN CH RF OUT 3 4 VIDEO 2 CABLE BOX IN FROM ANT C ab le B ox CH3 CH4 OUT OUT TO TV VIDEO R L 3 From Cable Feed TV + VCR + Cable Box Note: Your television and/or cable box back panels may not look exactly like the models shown here. 1.
Connections & Setup Set the VCR’s CH 3/4 Switch The CH 3/4 switch on back of the VCR determines what channel the TV must be tuned to see the VCR’s image. Choose whichever channel is not used locally in your area. Note: If you connected components using A/V jacks and cables, the VCR’s signal must be viewed using the TV’s Video Line Input.
Connections & Setup Using the Remote Control to Navigate On-Screen Menus The technical term is “Navigation” – how you move through the on-screen menus. The theory is the same for all the menu screens; press the corresponding number button on the remote control to select the desired on-screen menu choice. Note: Selecting a menu item can take you to another menu, activate a choice, or activate a data entry field (such as the hour field in the Set Time menu).
Connections & Setup VCR Basics Once your initial settings are complete, you can begin using your VCR. In order to begin, you must first understand some basic concepts. Playing a Tape 1. Tune the TV to your VCR viewing channel (03, 04, or the video line input). 2. Insert a tape in the VCR. If the Auto Play feature is set to ON, the tape automatically begins playback (if the safety tab on the tape is removed). .
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Chapter 2 Using the VCR’s Menu System Chapter Overview: • Setting Up the VCR’s Preferences • Using On-Screen Menus • Cable Box Setup • Setting Time and Date • Setting VCR Preferences Changing Entertainment. Again.
Using On-Screen Menus Using On-Screen Menus to Set Up Features You set up many of the VCR’s features by using the menu system as discussed in the previous section. Each feature that appears in the QuickSet Guide is explained in this section as well as a few other features you should set up to get the most out of your VCR. Note: Not all the VCR screens are shown in this manual when explaining the features. Language Selecting your preferred language determines how the on-screen displays will appear.
Using On-Screen Menus CABLE BOX SETUP 4. Select one of the three choices. If “ALL Channels” is selected, enter the output channel of the cable box (usually 03 or 04), or if A/V jacks connect the VCR to the TV, press the INPUT button on the VCR’s remote control. 5. Once you complete the setup, the VCR confirms that it will now receive all signals on the designated channel.
Using On-Screen Menus Changing the Signal Type This feature is useful if your cable signal goes out; it allows you to switch to a regular antenna for alternate television reception. CHANNELS 1 2 3 4 1. Press the MENU button to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press the 3 button to choose Channels. 3. Press 3 to choose between Signal Type: Cable and Antenna. When finished, press 0 to exit back to the Main Menu and 0 again to exit to normal viewing.
Using On-Screen Menus Time and Date Your VCR gives you two ways to set the time and date; manually or by using the Auto Clock Set feature. Using Auto Clock Set enables the time to be updated each time the VCR is turned off by using time and date information carried in certain broadcast signals. Auto Clock Set Feature The Auto Clock Set feature is set to ON by default at the factory. In the ON setting, the VCR looks for a channel carrying time data and updates the clock automatically.
Using On-Screen Menus Setting Daylight-Saving Time SET DAYLIGHT SAVING 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 2 to choose Time. 3. Press 4 to choose Set Daylight Saving. 4. Select the appropriate option. Notes: DST stands for Daylight–Saving Time. Does your area observe Daylight Saving Time from April to October? If you choose Automatic for the time zone, the VCR sets the clock using any DST information broadcast in the channel’s signal.
Using On-Screen Menus Remote VCR1/VCR2 Option Some universal remote controls have buttons labeled VCR1 and VCR2. These remotes can operate up to two VCRs. If you have a universal remote control with this ability, your RCA VCR can be controlled with either the VCR1 or VCR2 button. See the documentation that came with your universal remote control for details about programming it to control your RCA VCR. In the Preferences menu, press 1 to select the Remote Control feature.
Using On-Screen Menus 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PREFERENCES Remote Control: Auto Play: Auto TV/VCR: EnergySaver: Front Panel: Tape Speed: Set Auto Repeat VCR1 ON ON 2:00 BRIGHT SLP 0 Exit The PREFERENCES menu allows changes to be made to a variety of different VCR features. EnergySaver By default, the VCR automatically turns off after two hours of inactivity. This can be changed in the PREFERENCES menu by pressing the 4 button repeatedly to change the time delay or to disable the feature altogether.
Using On-Screen Menus AUTO REPEAT Set the length of time you want the tape to play in a repeating loop Loop from 0:00 to -:-(h:mm) Press CLEAR to turn off Press MENU to exit Set Auto Repeat A tape can be set to play the same segment over and over in a repeating loop with the Set Auto Repeat feature. Set Auto Repeat uses the VCR’s memory counter to determine the duration of the loop. In the PREFERENCES menu, press the 7 button to choose Set Auto Repeat.
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Chapter 3 Using the Remote Control Chapter Overview: • Buttons on the Remote Control • Programming the Remote to Operate Other Components • How To Use the Remote After You’ve Programmed It Changing Entertainment. Again.
Using the Remote Control Using the Remote Control Your VCR’s remote control is capable of controlling more than just your VCR. If you have compatible RCA, GE, or Proscan TV, you may be able to control it without any additional steps. ON•OFF TV VCR PLAY FORWARD RECORD STOP PAUSE INFO CHAN SEARCH Buttons of the Remote Control 0-9 (Number buttons) Enter channel numbers and time settings directly through the remote control.
Using the Remote Control MENU Displays the VCR’s Main Menu. This is the first step when accessing any on-screen menu such as Language, Preferences, Timer Recordings, etc. MUTE Lowers the TV volume to its minimum level. Press the MUTE button again to restore the TV’s volume to it previous level. ON•OFF Turns the power of the active device (either the TV or VCR) on or off. PAUSE Pauses playback and recording operations in VCR mode. PLAY Starts playback when in VCR mode.
Using the Remote Control Operating a Television with the VCR’s Remote Control The unified remote control that came with your VCR can operate most RCA, GE, and Proscan TVs without any additional steps. To see if the VCR’s remote control can operate your RCA, GE, or Proscan TV, point it at the unit and press the TV button to put the remote control into TVoperating mode. Then, press the ON•OFF button. If the TV responds to the command, it can be operated using the VCR’s remote control.
Chapter 4 Using the VCR’s Features Chapter Overview: • Recording • Express Recording (XPR) • Timer Recordings • Copying and Editing Tapes Changing Entertainment. Again.
VCR Features Recording Features Your VCR provides many ways to capture programming: 1. Recording lets you press one button to record a program. 2. Express Recording (XPR) allows recording to start while a program is being watched. This feature automatically stops recording after a designated period of time. 3. Timer Recording program the VCR for a daily, weekly, or one-time recording which will automatically start and stop at the times you set.
VCR Features Timer Recording You can program up to eight different broadcasts to be recorded. Notes– In order for a timer recording to work: TIMER RECORDINGS • The VCR’s clock must be set correctly. • Insert a tape with its safety tab in place and enough tape to record the program. • If you’ve set up the VCR for a cable box for all channels, the output of your cable box appears in the channel item of the Timer Recording menu.
VCR Features Copying and Editing Tapes Using Two VCRs CABLE BOX or ANTENNA Use one VCR as the playback VCR and the other as the recording VCR. IN OUT PLAYBACK VCR 1. Turn on the TV and VCRs. 2. Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel (either 03, 04, or the TV’s Video Line Input). 3. If you connected your VCR using the ANT. IN and RF OUT jacks, tune the recording VCR to channel 3 or 4—whichever is selected on the back of the playback VCR. ANT.
VCR Features Slow Motion You can view a tape during play or play-pause mode using Slow Motion search. 1. In pause mode, press the FORWARD (FWD) or REVERSE (REV) button to start slow-motion playback. 2. Press the FORWARD button to increase or the REVERSE button to decrease the search speed. 3. Use the TRACKING + or – buttons to remove any streaks from the picture. Note: Some lines cannot be avoided with the VR355 model VCR due to the fact it is a 2-head VCR. 4.
VCR Features 4. Press the FORWARD button to search forward or the REVERSE button to search in reverse. The VCR will locate your index mark and begin playback. If you did not enter a specific index number, the VCR will locate the next index mark and begin playback. 5. Press STOP to stop Index Search. Notes– Certain index marks may be missed by the VCR including: • Marks too close to the current location of the tape. • Those at the beginning of a recording lasting five minutes or less.
VCR Features Tracking Your VCR has automatic tracking which removes streaks and noise from the picture. Automatic tracking is activated when you insert a tape or turn on the VCR. Occasionally you may need to manually adjust tracking, especially if the tape was recorded on a different VCR. Use the TRACKING –/+ buttons on the VCR front panel or remote control to remove streaks and noise. You can also use tracking when pausing a tape to reduce the noise of the stilled picture.
VCR Features On-Screen Displays Pressing the INFO button displays the status of the VCR (Stop, Play Record, etc.) as well as the channel number, time counter position, date, time, and tape speed on the TV screen. Note: The date and time must be set before they can be displayed. 1 Stop Ch 05 11/18/01 Sun 0:30:00 1. Press the INFO button to show the on-screen displays. The current time is displayed in the VCR’s front panel. 2. Press INFO again to have only the time counter remain on the screen.
Chapter 5 Other Information Chapter Overview: • Troubleshooting • Front, Rear, and Display Panel Diagram • Specifications • Care and Cleaning • Warranty Information • Finding the TV’s Video Line Input • Glossary • Index Changing Entertainment. Again.
Other Information Troubleshooting Most problems with your VCR are addressed in this Troubleshooting section. If you ever have any problems with the VCR’s general, playback, or recording abilities, refer to this section first. General Problems No power • Check to make sure the VCR is plugged into a working outlet. • Check to make sure connections between devices are correct and snug.
Other Information The incorrect time or date is shown • A power interruption may have occurred and Automatic Clock Set was not turned on or did not work properly. Check the time zone and Daylight-Saving settings in the TIME menu. • Make sure the VCR or cable box is tuned to the time data channel (check with your service provider for information about time data). • Auto Clock Set is not supported in all areas or by digital satellite receivers. Set the time and date manually using the TIME menu.
Other Information Streaks appear in the picture during normal playback • Press one of the remote control’s TRACKING buttons to adjust for the best picture. • Make sure the tape used is in good condition and not worn out. Tapes play back in slow motion • Press the PLAY button to return to normal playback mode. A tape with its safety tab removed doesn’t start to play automatically • Make sure the Auto Play feature is set to ON in the PREFERENCES menu.
Other Information Recording Problems The VCR will not record • Make sure there is a tape in the VCR. • Try ejecting, then reinserting the tape. • Check to make sure the tape is not damaged or broken. • Make sure the VCR is not in Pause mode. Press the remote control’s PAUSE or PLAY button to return to normal playback.
Other Information . Front Panel CHANNEL•TRACKING and Up and Down Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCR’s channel memory. Adjusts tracking when a tape is playing. FWD Forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the picture forward during playback. Starts slow motion during play-pause and increases slow-motion speed. PLAY•PAUSE Plays a tape. Pauses action for viewing during playback. Pauses recording to prevent recording of unwanted scenes. POWER Turns the VCR on or off.
Other Information TIMER VCR Display Panel Clock/Counter Displays current time, time counter, tape speed, or channel numbers when switching channels. FUNCTION DISPLAYS: BYE The VCR is turned off. EJEC A tape is being ejected. FF A tape is fast-forwarding. HI The VCR is turned on. PLAY A tape is in playback mode. PLAY (Flashing) Playback is paused; a still-frame image is displayed. REC The VCR is recording. Also denotes a timer recording in progress. REC (Flashing) A recording is paused.
Other Information ANT. IN AUDIO OUT IN CH 3 4 RF OUT VIDEO Back Panel ANT. IN jack Receives an antenna or cable system signal when the VCR is attached using RF coaxial cables. AUDIO and VIDEO IN jacks Receives signals from another component (such as a VCR or camcorder) when connected to these jacks. Use the INPUT button on the remote control to select the Video Line Input when recording from these jacks.
Other Information Specifications (VR355) Specifications (VR545) Format: VHS Format: VHS Record/Playback System: Video: 2-head Audio: VHS Mono record playback system Record/Playback System: Video: 4-head Audio: VHS Mono record playback system Video Signal System: EIA standard: NTSC color Video Signal System: EIA standard: NTSC color Antenna: 75-ohm external VHF/UHF combined antenna terminal Antenna: 75-ohm external VHF/UHF combined antenna terminal Tuner: USA: Tuner: USA: 181 channels c
Other Information How to Find Your TV’s Video Input Channel TV Button You need to tune your TV to the video line input if you are using the VCR’s Audio/Video (A/V) OUT jacks to connect to the TV’s A/V input jacks. You must select the video line input before you can see the VCR’s menus, the cable/antenna reception, and the content that’s on a tape. The video line input for TVs varies by brand and model.
Other Information Advanced Connection TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver • Cables: A/V and RF Coaxial Note: Your satellite receiver and television back panels may not look exactly like the models shown here. This connection can also be used for a cable box. 1. Connect the VCR to the TV A. Connect one end of the supplied RF coaxial cable to the RF OUT jack on the back of the VCR and the other end to the TV’s antenna input jack. B. Connect the A/V cables.
Other Information RCA VCR Limited Warranty What your warranty covers: • Any defect in materials or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: • 90 days for labor charges. • One year for parts. The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental or 45 days from date of shipment to the rental firm, whichever comes first. What we will do: • Pay any Authorized RCA VCR Service Center the labor charges to repair your VCR.
Other Information Glossary A/V Jacks & Cables Commonly called “RCA-type” cables. Improves picture and sound quality over RF Coaxial cables. A/V cables are required to play sound through a stereo. EnergySaver Automatically turns the VCR off after a user-defined period of inactivity. Express Recording (XPR) A method of timer recording which tapes for a set period of time using 30-minute increments. Pro-Tect Plus™ Allows the VCR to be disabled so that the front panel and remote control buttons don’t work.
Index A ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS screen 18 Arrow buttons 42 AUDIO IN jacks 47 Audio/Video (A/V) jacks 17, 44 Auto channel search 17 Auto clock feature 19 Auto play feature 13, 21 Auto TV/VCR feature 21 Automatic rewind 13 Automatic tracking 13, 35 B E N EJECT button 13 EnergySaver feature 22 Express Recording (XPR) 1, 30 Number buttons 20, 26 O F F.
Index S SAFE display 34 Safety tab 13, 21 Search forward 32 reverse 32 SEARCH button 33 Set up auto play feature 21 auto TV/VCR feature 21 cable box 16 Daylight-saving 20 front panel 22 language feature 16 PREFERENCES menu 20 tape speed feature 22 time and date 19 time zone 19 using menu system 16 Signal type changing 18 selecting 18 SLOW display 43 Slow motion 33 Specifications 45 Speed SLP 22 SP 22 SPEED button 13, 22, 30 Speeds, recording 22 SRCH displays 43 STOP button 13, 27, 30, 34, 42 STOP display 43
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