video cassette US recorder r's guide VR540
r 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 important instructions accompanying the product. This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage" inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or personal injury. Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
First Things Setting First .............................................................. Up the VCR ......................................................... 3 7 Using the Menu to Set Up Features ................................................. 8 Language ................................................................................................. 8 Cable Box Setup ................................................................................... VCR Channels List .............................
Programming About the Remote Programming Programming ............................................ the Remote the Remote 33 ................................................... 34 to Control a TV ................................. 34 Operate the TV ............................................................................ TV Codes ......................................................................................
HI, MY NAME and I wrote that this User's Guide. you have a rewarding You'll find that explain you to yourVCR, I to clearly features. sections of the V SECTIONS manual introduce and show you how to set theVCR up and use the on-screen sections FIRST V experience. this manual FIRSTTHREE first three 11 FIRSTTHINGS It's my job to see user manual I've arranged all yourVCR's READ THE The IS ROGER... menus. Reading gives you the basic information V these you need to use yourVCR.
STEP 1: UNPACK The following WHAT'S BOX items come packed in the box: • VCR • Remote control • RF antenna cable STEP 2: INSTALL REMOTE IN THE BATTERIES IN THE CONTROL Follow these steps whenever you need to install or change the batteries in your VCR remote. 1. Remove the cover of the battery compartment. 2. Place batteries in remote, matching battery to the diagram 3. the + and - ends of each inside the compartment. Replace the cover.
STEP 5: TUNE THE TV Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel. The VCR viewing channel is channel 3 or 4 or the TV's video input. • If you connect your VCR using the ANTENNA connectors with RF antenna cable, set the 3CH.4 switch to channel 3 or channel 4--the • channel you want to use on your TV. If you connect your VCR using the AUDIONIDEO audio/video jacks with cables, select the TV's video input to see the signal. See the TV Owner's Manual.
STEP 8" ACCESS THE MENUS When you've completed Interactive Setup, try out the VCR's regular on-screen menus. The MENU and number buttons let you access, select, and change menu items. For example, to change the Auto Play setting, you would do the following: 1. Press MENU to bring up the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR 2. 3. MAIN I VCR 2 3 Timer Time 4 Channels 5 Preferences 6 Language 0 Exit MENU Plus+ Recordings Press 5 to display the PREFERENCESmenu.
SET-UP FEATURES Below is a list of features up before time.
USING THE MENU TO SET UP FEATURES You can change the setup of the VCR's features system. Each feature is explained using the menu in this section. LANGUAGE Select your preferred language, and the on-screen displays will appear in that language. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR 2. MAIN 1 VCR 2 3 Timer Time 4 Channels 5 Preferences 6 Language 0 Exit MENU Plus+ Recordings Press 6 to select and display the LANGUAGE menu. LANGUAGE Select a language.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR 2. MAIN 1 VCR 2 3 Timer Time 4 Channels 5 Preferences 6 Language 0 Exit MENU Plus+ Recordings Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. CHANNELS . 1 Auto 2 Add/Remove Channel 3 4 Signal Type: VCR Plus+ Channel 5 Cable 0 Exit Box CABLE List Setup Press 5 to display CABLE BOX SETUP.Then select one of the three choices. CABLE Do box you to BOX SETUP use your receive channels channels. .
VCR CHANNELS LIST Your VCR may come with a channel list preset at the factory. Even though your VCR may come with a list, it's possible that you may want to add or eliminate on whether they are active. To AUTO 1. 2. some channels depending CHANNEL SEARCH Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR MAIN Plus+ 1 VCR 2 3 Timer Time 4 Channels 5 Preferences 6 Language 0 Exit MENU Recordings Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. CHANNELS 3.
AUTO Now CHANNEL SEARCH scanning Press any channel key to 14 cancel The VCR begins scanning for the available channels--this takes about one to two minutes. The lowest channel is tuned once the search is complete. Now, pressing CHANNEL up or down should only select the active channels. To Change the Signal Type 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. 3. Press 3 to change the SIGNAL TYPE between CABLE and ANTENNA.
TIME AND DATE Before you set the time and date, set the AUTO DST (DaylightSaving Time) feature to ON or OFF for your area. Set Daylight-Saving 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR , Time MAIN 1 VCR 2 3 Timer Time 4 Channels 5 Preferences 6 Language 0 Exit MENU Plus+ Recordings Press 3 to display the TIME menu. TIME , 1 Set 2 Auto 0 Exit Time and Date DST: ON Press 2 to turn AUTO DST: ON or OFF.
. Press 3 to display the TIME menu. TIME . 1 Set 2 Auto Time 0 Exit and Date DST: ON Press 1 to display the SET TIME AND DATE screen. SET TIME Time AND DATE --:-(hh:mm) Date --/--/-- Press MENU to cancel 4. Enter the data using the number buttons. single-digit SET TIME numbers and follow Time 12:34 Date 10/24/97 Press CLEAR Press MENU AND Press 0 before the on-screen directions.
2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. CHANNELS 3. I Auto 2 Add/Remove Channel Search 3 4 Signal Type: VCR Plus+ Channel 5 Cable 0 Exit Channels Box CABLE List Setup Press 4 to display the VCR PLUS+ CHANNEL LIST screen.
VCR PLUS÷ WORKSH Broadcast or Cable-TV Station Name E ET VCR Plus+ Channel Number** HBO 33 ESPN 34 Channel Number You Receive the Station On* Two-DigitVCR Numbers Plus+ Channel for CableTV (Canadian 67 Allarcom List) PayTelevision/ Superchannel 44 Arts 72 Cable & Entertainment News Network-Headline News Network News *Check your local or cable listing 61 Cable 70 Canadian 56 Canal 69 Cathay 68 Chinavision 60 Country 63 Family 62 First Choice 96 First ChoiceTwo 97
WHAT'S NEXT--ADDITIONAL FEATURES IN THE SET-UP PREFERENCES The features in this section are all accessed through PREFERENCESmenu. 1. the Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR 2. MENU MAIN 1 VCR 2 3 Timer Time 4 Channels 5 Preferences 6 Language 0 Exit MENU Plus+ Recordings Press 5 to display the PREFERENCESmenu.
The VCR will only respond to the compatible VCR2.LD, or DVD.VCR2 button. remote's VCR2, If you change the remote setting to VCR2, the remote that came with your VCR will no longer control it. To change the remote setting back to VCR1, display the PREFERENCESmenu, press 1, and then press VCR1 on your compatible AUTO remote. PLAY This feature allows the VCR to automatically start playing when you insert a tape with the safety tab removed. Press 2 to switch between ON or OFF.
EN ERGYSAVE By default, inactivity. feature. R TM this VCR automatically turns off after two hours of Press 4 to change the time delay, or to disable the • OFF: The VCR will remain turned on until you shut it off. • 1:00, 2:00, or 3:00: The VCR turns off after one, two, or three hours of inactivity. Thirty seconds before shutting screen reading, off, the VCR will warn you with a "The VCR will turn off in 30 seconds. Press any key to cancel.
LEARN THE BASICS TO GET YOU STARTE D TheseVCR basics should begin enjoying control functions, recording However, enhance aren't yourVCR. playing a program there the enjoyment to learn more Learning a recorded should are other necessary be enough about V you to the remote tape, and do just that. features of yourVCR, to get you for started. yourVCR, V that but they If you want 13 v<.BA,.<, just keep I V reading.
REMOTE BUTTONS The remote control is capable of controlling VCR, and if you have compatible components, more than just your RCA, ProScan, or GE you may be able to control them without even having to program the remote. POWER VCR COMPON ENT BUTTONS POWER Turns off VCR when remote is set to control the VCR. Also turns some compatible components CABLE TV ©©© O SAT PAUSE PLAY RECORD on and off.
MENU Brings up VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen. Numbers (0 through 9) Select a channel up to 99 by pressing two numbers. Select a cable channel over 99 by pressing and holding 1 until 1 - - appears on the screen. Then press the other two numbers. PAUSE Pauses playback or recording. Press PAUSE again to return to playback or recording. PLAY Plays a tape. POWER Turns the VCR off. RECORD Starts VCR recording. Also used for express recording. REV Rewinds the tape when the VCR is stopped.
Numbers (0 through 9) Select a channel up to 99 by pressing two numbers. Select a cable channel over 99 by pressing and holding 1 until 1 - - appears on the screen. Then press the other two numbers. POWER Turns the TV on and off. SLOW + and features. Used with some TV menus to select and adjust VOL Up and Down Raises and lowers sound of TV. PLAYI NG A TAPE . Tune the TV to your VCR viewing channel (3, 4, or TV's video input). 2. Insert a tape in the VCR.
AUTOMATIC REWI N D The VCR automatically rewinds the tape if it reaches the end of the tape during playback. While rewinding, you can press POWER and the VCR will turn off after rewinding. TAPE EJECT Press EJECTon the VCR when it is stopped to eject the tape. RECORDING If you want to record something that you're watching, you can use basic recording. 1. Press the SPEED button override the preferred on the remote if you want to Tape Speed setting. 2.
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SEVERAL Now that RECORDING you've steps to operate different recording suit your needs.
RECORDING FEATURES There are four ways to record programs: • Recording program. • lets you press one button to start recording (See VCR Basics section.) Express Recording are watching, recording • lets you start recording after a designated Timer Recording Timer Recording just by entering EXPRESS 1. at a predetermined time. with VCR Plus+ lets you program the VCR (XPR) when you want to quickly record the of the program Press the SPEED button override period of time.
TIMER RECORDING You can set up as many as eight timer recording 1. programs. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR MAIN Plus+ 1 VCR 2 Timer 3 4 Time Channels 5 Preferences 6 Language 0 Exit MENU Recordings r 2. Timer Press 2 to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu. TIMER Clock RECORDINGS I Create a 2 3 Review Use VCR Existing Plus+ New Program Progs. Code Recording Information must be set correctly.
. Review the information to make sure it is correct, and then press MENU to save. Program 1 (One Channel 03 Start Time End time) Time Start Date Tape PM 09:30 PM SLP I=SP Press CLEAR Press MENU TIMER Cable 08:00 10/24/97 Speed Program been Remember to recordable turn the tape VCR off the saved insert program start a and before time.
. Enter the VCR PlusCode number shown in your local television programming VCR Enter 4. Number TV 12876 Press CLEAR Press MENU listing) to correct when done Press MENU to enter the VCR PlusCode number. HOW often should program . PLUS+ PlusCode (From guide. this record? 1 One 2 Daily time 3 Weekdays 4 Weekly 0 Cancel (every day) (M-F) (once per week) Indicate how often you want the program to be recorded.
STOPPING ATIMER RECORDING To stop or cancel a timer recording in progress (even an express recording): • Press and hold the STOP button on the remote (STOP.EJECT button on the VCR), or press STOP (STOP.EJECT) three times within 5 seconds. REVIEWING AND CLEARING PROGRAMS To review programs that you have already set up: 1. Press 2 when the VCR MAIN MENU is displayed to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu. TIMER 2. I Create a 2 3 Review Use VCR Existing Plus+ 0 Exit Program Progs.
USING TWO VCRS FOR COPYING AND EDITING TAPES Use one VCR as the playback recording 1. . VCR and the other as the VCR. Turn on the TV and VCRs. Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel (either 3, 4, or TV's video input). . If you connected your VCR using the ANTENNA jacks, tune recording VCR to channel 3 or 4--the back of the playback one selected on the VCR. If you have connected your VCR using the audio/video press INPUT on the recording jacks, VCR's remote to select the line input.
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CONTROL YOUR COMPON ENTS... OTH ER The remote can be programmed television and satellite receiver It is initially programmed to control or ProScan TV and satellite receiver. manufacturers' brands V to control a or cable box. an RCA, Other GE, V need to be programmed.
ABOUT PROGRAMMING The remote can be programmed remote controllable TH E REMOTE to control other brands or TVs, digital satellite boxes. It is already programmed receivers, and cable to operate and GE televisions and digital satellite PROGRAMMI NG TH E REMOTE most RCA, ProScan, receivers. TO CONTROL ATV If the TV does not turn on when you press the TV button, the remote needs to be programmed. Follow these steps to program particular 1. . the remote to control your TV: Turn on theTV.
TV Codes Akai .................................. AOC ............................. 03 NAD .................................. 07 06,12 NEC ................................... 06 Candle .............................. 06 Panasonic ............... 04,08,11 Citizen .............................. 06 Philco ...................... 04,06,12 ........................ 06 Philips ................ 03,04,06,12 Colortyme Concerto ........................... 06 Pioneer .............................
PROGRAMMI NG TH E REMOTE TO CONTROL A Cable DIGITAL SATELLITE The remote is programmed digital satellite RECEIVER to control an RCA, GE, or ProScan receiver. If you have another brand of cable box or digital satellite receiver with its own remote, you may be able to use the VCR's remote to operate it. . 2. Turn on the cable box or digital satellite receiver. Look up your brand and its code number(s) in the code list on the right. 3. Press and hold the SAT.CABLE button on the remote.
FEATURES TO ENHANCE VCR OPERATION • Picture Search • Pro-Tect • Time • On-Screen • Tracking Plus V Options TM Locking Counter V Displays V V ¥ 16 OTH I ER FEATURES V 37
PICTURE SEARCH OPTIONS The most basic way to search during playback is using the forward or reverse function, This section contains several other options available for searching a tape. FORWARD AND REVERSE SEARCH You can view a tape during play or play pause. Sound is turned off during picture search. Search works best for tapes recorded at the SP or SLP speed. 1. Press FWD to search forward or REV to search in reverse. 2.
FRAME ADVANCE Frame advance lets you view one-stop action frame after another. Frame advance works best for tapes recorded at the SP or SLP speed. 1. Press PAUSE or F.ADV on the remote (PLAyopAUSE on the VCR) to "freeze" the action. 2. Press F.ADV each time you want to view a frame of the scene. 3. Press PAUSE or PLAY on the remote (PLAyopAUSE on the VCR) to return to normal playback.
ZERO SEARCH The zero search feature enables the VCR to quickly return to a counter reading of 0:00:00 anywhere especially convenient on the tape. This is ZERO when you want to repeat a segment of the Current tape counter 2:17:25 tape several times. 1. Go to the beginning of the program you wish to return to. 2. Press CLEAR to reset the counter to 0:00:00. 3. Continue 4. Press STOR 5. Press SEARCH on the remote twice SEARCH menu. 6. Press REVto return to 0:00:00 on the tape. 7.
TIME COUNTER The time counter shows the actual time it takes to record a program or play back a segment of a recorded tape. It helps locate the beginning or end of programs you taped. The time counter resets to 0:00:00 whenever the VCR. the tape is ejected from For example, if you record a 30-minute program at the beginning of the tape and you want to go to the end of that program begin another recording, I to Hours you would: 1. Press INFO twice 2.
TRACKING Your VCR has automatic tracking snow from the picture. Automatic which removes the streaks or 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. Just use the TRACKING buttons to remove the streaks or snow. You can also use tracking tape to reduce jittering When you manually turned adjust the picture, automatic off.
THINGS TO KNOW CONNECTING BEFORE COMPONENTS ¥ P ROTECT POWER • YO U R COM PO N ENTS FROM SURGES Connect all components cords into the wall • Always before turn off the TV and other you connect POSITION AUDIO or disconnect OR • Place the audio/video • • TO AVOI into their jacks. cables to the sides of the TV_ back of straight down the middle after V you your components. Try not to coil any twin-lead cables and keep them from as much as possible.
CONNECTING YOUR VCR Refer to these pages to help you connect your VCR. JACKS AND CABLES RF Jacks and Antenna Cables (F-type) The RF jacks provide good picture and mono sound quality, and must be used if audio/video connections are not available for your TV. These jacks are required for antenna or cable-TV connections. O RFJack The RF jacks on the VCR are labeled IN FROM ANT. and OUT TO TV.
CHOOSING A VCR CONNECTION There are several different on whether ways to hook up your VCR, depending or not you have cable, and if you have cable, whether you have a cable box, and if some of the channels are scrambled and...well, you get the picture. Three connections are described in this section and one of them should provide you with a VCR hookup that works.
TV WITH RF JACK ONLY This connection assumes: • You are connecting • Your television antenna, cable, or cable box system. has only an RF input jack. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Record one channel while watching another when using a cable box for all channels). (except To use this connection, you must have: • (1) antenna cable box cable for cable or antenna connection; (2) for To connect: 1. Connect cables as shown. 2.
TV WITH AUDIO/VIDEO JACKS This connection assumes: • You are connecting • Your television an antenna, cable, or cable box system. has audio/video jacks. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Record one channel while watching using a cable box for all channels). another (except when To use this connection, you must have: • (1) antenna box cable for cable/antenna • (2) audio/video connection; (2) for cable cables To connect: 1. Connect cables as shown. 2.
TV WITH AUDIO/VIDEO TO UNSCRAMBLE JACKS AND PAY CHANNELS CABLE BOX ONLY This connection assumes: • You are using a cable box only to unscramble channels. • Your TV has audio/video premium input jacks. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Recording a scrambled or unscrambled channel through cable box while watching an unscrambled channel.
This section about gives you some theVCR, controls including additional a description information of the and display. You also will find aTroubleshootingTips Appendix, simple unit's which might help to resolve section some in this of those problems. Finally, this section information.
FRONT PANEL 1 II........ Remote CHANNEL.TRACKING Up or Down Sensor 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. LINE 2 AJV Jacks Use these jacks to conveniently connect a camcorder or second VCR to this VCR for dubbing. Use INPUT to select Video2. PLAY.PAUSE Plays a tape. Pauses action for viewing during playback.
Status Indicators Show what the VCR is doing. • BYE Power off • EJEC Tape eject • FF Fast forward • HI Power on • PLAY Playback; flashes during • REC Record • REW Rewind • SAFE Pro-Tect Plus turned • SCH Forward search • SCH- Reverse search • STOP A tape isstopped play-pause, and search features on TIMER Lights during express recording and when VCR is turned off and set for timer recording. Flashes when timer recording is set and there is no cassette in the VCR.
TROUBLESHOOTING TI PS No power • Check to make sure it is plugged • Check to make sure your connections VCR does not respond outlet. are correct. to remote • Check to make sure there are no objects between the VCR and remote. • The batteries • Make sure the REMOTE VCR1/VCR2 setting can operate it. may need changing. Poor or no picture for normal is set to VCR1 so the remote Check to make sure the VCR indicator • Check to make sure the TV is switched to an active channel.
Will not record or play • Check to make sure there is a tape in the VCR. • Try ejecting • Check to make sure the tape is not broken. • Check to make sure the VCR is not in pause mode. Press PAUSE or PLAY on the remote (PLAYoPAUSE on the VCR) to return to normal playback. • Check the ProTect PlusTM feature. Will and reinserting the cassette. not record • Check to make sure the safety tab is intact. • Check to make sure the VCR is not in the line mode. Press INPUT on the remote.
VCR makes • noise when stopped VCR is removing tape from heads. This is normal. The head cylinder minutes after you put the VCR in the stop mode. Will not AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH active channels connections inside the VCR will continue to rotate for a few correctly • Check to make sure the antenna are secure and correct. • Check to make sure the SIGNAL TYPE: CABLE/ANTENNA feature • If DETECT AUTOMATICALLY CABLE TV or ANTENNA. is set correctly.
SPECIFICATIONS Format: VHS Record/Playback Video: 4-Head System: Audio: Mono record/playback Video Signal System: EIA standard: Antenna: 75-ohm external VHF/UHF combined Tuner: NTSC color antenna terminal USA: 181 channels capability* (125 cable channels) Canada: 178 channels capability* (122 cable channels) Type: AutoProgramming frequency Power Requirement: 120V AC, 60 Hz Power Consumption: 18 watts (standby < 4 watts) Dimensions: 3.
LIMITE D WARRANTY What your warranty • covers: Any defect in materials 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 or 45 days from date of shipment rental firm, whichever comes first. What we will to the do: • Pay any Authorized RCA VCR Service Center the labor charges to repair your VCR.
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If your VCR needs service, please contact your dealer or the nearest Service Center from the yellow pages. 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. "n.IOMSON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS 10330 North Meridian Indianapolis, Street IN 46290 ©1998 Thomson Consumer Trademark(s)® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Electronics, Inc. Printed in Japan TOCOM 15313780 As an VQTS3428 for energy efficiency.
