video cassette recorder user's guide VR540
Important Information 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 "dangerous voltage" inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or personal injury. This symbol indicates important instructions accompanying the product. Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
TABLE OF CONTENTS First Things First .............................................................. 3 Setting Up the VCR ......................................................... 7 Using the Menu to Set Up Features ................................................. 8 Language ................................................................................................. 8 Cable Box Setup ................................................................................... 8 VCR Channels List ................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Programming the Remote ............................................ 33 About Programming the Remote ................................................... 34 Programming the Remote to Control a␣ TV ................................. 34 Operate the TV ............................................................................ 34 TV Codes ......................................................................................
First Things First Hi, my name is Roger... First things first ➣ and I wrote this User’s Guide. It’s my job to see that you have a rewarding user manual experience. You’ll find that I’ve arranged this manual to clearly explain all your VCR’s features. 1 2 Setting Up the VCR ➣ Read the First Three sections 3 VCR Basics ➣ The first three sections of the manual introduce you to your VCR, and show you how to set the VCR up and use the on-screen menus.
First Things First Step 1: Unpack What’s in the Box The following items come packed in the box: • VCR • Remote control • RF antenna cable STEP 2: Install Batteries In the Remote 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 the + and – ends of each battery to the diagram inside the compartment. 3. Replace the cover.
First Things First 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 AUDIO/VIDEO jacks with audio/video cables, select the TV’s video input to see the signal. See the TV Owner’s Manual.
First Things First 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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu.
Setting Up the VCR Set-Up Features Set up for a cable box • Set automatic daylight-saving time • Set the time and date • Set up VCR Plus+ channels • Set the REMOTE VCR1/VCR2 feature • Set the AUTO PLAY feature • Set the AUTO TV/VCR feature • Set the EnergySaverTM feature • Set the Front Panel feature • Set the preferred Tape Speed 3 VCR Basics 4 recording 5 5 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE OTHER FEATURES 6 5 ➣ • ➣ Set up VCR channel list (AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH) ➣ • 2 Setting Up the VCR ➣
Setting Up the VCR USING THE MENU to set up features You can change the setup of the VCR’s features using the menu system. Each feature is explained 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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 6 to select and display the LANGUAGE menu. LANGUAGE Select a language.
Setting Up the VCR 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. CHANNELS 1 2 3 4 5 Auto Channel Search Add/Remove Channels Signal Type: CABLE VCR Plus+ Channel List Cable Box Setup 0 Exit 3. Press 5 to display CABLE BOX SETUP. Then select one of the three choices. CABLE BOX SETUP Do you use your cable box to receive ALL channels or only SOME channels.
Setting Up the VCR 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 some channels depending on whether they are active. To AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
Setting Up the VCR AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH Now scanning channel 14 Press any key to 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.
Setting Up the VCR 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 Time 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 3 to display the TIME menu. TIME 1 Set Time and Date 2 Auto DST: ON 0 Exit 3. Press 2 to turn AUTO DST: ON or OFF.
Setting Up the VCR 2. Press 3 to display the TIME menu. TIME 1 Set Time and Date 2 Auto DST: ON 0 Exit 3. Press 1 to display the SET TIME AND DATE screen. SET TIME AND DATE Time --:-(hh:mm) Date --/--/-- Press MENU to cancel 4. Enter the data using the number buttons. Press 0 before single-digit numbers and follow the on-screen directions.
Setting Up the VCR 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. CHANNELS 1 2 3 4 5 Auto Channel Search Add/Remove Channels Signal Type: CABLE VCR Plus+ Channel List Cable Box Setup 0 Exit 3. Press 4 to display the VCR PLUS+ CHANNEL LIST screen. VCR+ Channel My Channel 5 -4 -3 -> -> -> -2 -1 -Use CH+/- to select Press 0-9 to change Press MENU to save 4. Enter the data following the on-screen directions using your worksheet.
Setting Up the VCR VCR Plus++ Worksheet Broadcast or Cable-TV Station Name VCR Plus+ Channel Number** Hbo 33 ESPN 34 Channel Number You Receive the Station On* Two-Digit VCR Plus+ Channel Numbers for Cable TV (Canadian List) 67 Allarcom Pay Television/ Superchannel 44 Arts & Entertainment 72 Cable News Network-Headline News 61 Cable News Network 70 Canadian Home Shopping Network 56 Canal Famille 69 Cathay International Television Inc 68 Chinavision Canada Corp 60 Country Music Televi
Setting Up the VCR What’s NEXT—Additional SET-UP features in the Preferences menu The features in this section are all accessed through the PREFERENCES menu. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu.
Setting Up the VCR The VCR will only respond to the compatible remote’s VCR2, VCR2•LD, or DVD•VCR2 button. 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 PREFERENCES menu, press 1, and then press VCR1 on your compatible remote. AUTO 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.
Setting Up the VCR EnergySaverTM By default, this VCR automatically turns off after two hours of inactivity. Press 4 to change the time delay, or to disable the feature. • 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 off, the VCR will warn you with a screen reading, “The VCR will turn off in 30 seconds. Press any key to cancel.
VCR BAsICS learn the basics To get you started 1 These VCR basics should be enough for you to begin enjoying your VCR. Learning the remote control functions, playing a recorded tape, and recording a program should do just that. 2 Setting Up the VCR ➣ ➣ 3 VCR Basics ➣ However, there are other features that enhance the enjoyment of your VCR, but they aren’t necessary to get you started. If you want to learn more about your VCR, just keep reading.
VCR Basics Remote Buttons The remote control is capable of controlling more than just your VCR, and if you have compatible RCA, ProScan, or GE components, you may be able to control them without even having to program the remote. POWER SAT CABLE VCR TV Component Buttons PAUSE POWER Turns off VCR when remote is set to control the VCR. Also turns some compatible components on and off.
VCR BAsICS 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.
VCR Basics 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 – Used with some TV menus to select and adjust features. VOL Up and Down Raises and lowers sound of TV. Playing a Tape 1. Tune the TV to your VCR viewing channel (3, 4, or TV’s video input). 2. Insert a tape in the VCR.
VCR BAsICS Automatic Rewind 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 EJECT on 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 on the remote if you want to override the preferred Tape Speed setting. 2. Press the RECORD button to begin recording.
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RECORDING SEVERAL recording OPTIONS • Express Recording • Timer Recording • Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ • Copying and Editing Tapes 3 VCR Basics 4 recording ➣ Recording (explained in VCR Basics section) ➣ • 2 Setting Up the VCR ➣ Recording Features: First things first ➣ Now that you’ve gone through the necessary steps to operate your VCR, I’ll explain the different recording features that are available to suit your needs.
RECORDING Recording features There are four ways to record programs: • Recording lets you press one button to start recording a program. (See VCR Basics section.) • Express Recording lets you start recording a program you are watching, and then set the VCR to automatically stop recording after a designated period of time. • Timer Recording lets you program the VCR to automatically start and stop recording at a predetermined time.
RECORDING Timer Recording You can set up as many as eight timer recording programs. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 2 to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu. TIMER RECORDINGS Timer Recording Information Clock must be set correctly. 1 Create a New Program 2 Review Existing Progs. 3 Use VCR Plus+ Code Insert a tape with the safety tab in place and enough tape to record the program.
RECORDING 6. Review the information to make sure it is correct, and then press MENU to save. Program 1 (One time) Program 1 has been saved Channel Start Time End Time Start Date Tape Speed Remember to insert a recordable tape and turn the VCR off before the program start time.
RECORDING 3. Enter the VCR PlusCode number shown in your local television programming guide. VCR PLUS+ Enter PlusCode Number (From TV listing) 12876 Press CLEAR to correct Press MENU when done 4. Press MENU to enter the VCR PlusCode number. HOW often should this program record? 1 2 3 4 One time Daily (every day) Weekdays (M-F) Weekly (once per week) 0 Cancel 5. Indicate how often you want the program to be recorded.
RECORDING Stopping a Timer 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 RECORDINGS 1 Create a New Program 2 Review Existing Progs.
RECORDING Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes Use one VCR as the playback VCR and the other as the recording␣ VCR. 1. Turn on the TV and VCRs. 2. Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel (either 3, 4, or TV’s video input). 3. If you connected your VCR using the ANTENNA jacks, tune recording VCR to channel 3 or 4—the one selected on the back of the playback VCR. If you have connected your VCR using the audio/video jacks, press INPUT on the recording VCR’s remote to select the line input.
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programming the remote control your other components... 2 Setting Up the VCR ➣ It is initially programmed to control an RCA, GE, or ProScan TV and satellite receiver. Other manufacturers’ brands need to be programmed. First things first ➣ The remote can be programmed to control a television and satellite receiver or cable box.
Programming the Remote About Programming the Remote The remote can be programmed to control other brands or remote controllable TVs, digital satellite receivers, and cable boxes. It is already programmed to operate most RCA, ProScan, and GE televisions and digital satellite receivers. Programming the Remote to Control a␣ TV If the TV does not turn on when you press the TV button, the remote needs to be programmed. Follow these steps to program the remote to control your particular TV: 1. Turn on the TV. 2.
programming the remote TV Codes Akai .................................. 03 NAD .................................. 07 AOC ............................. 06,12 NEC ................................... 06 Candle .............................. 06 Panasonic ............... 04,08,11 Citizen .............................. 06 Philco ...................... 04,06,12 Colortyme ........................ 06 Philips ................ 03,04,06,12 Concerto ........................... 06 Pioneer ....................
Programming the Remote Programming the Remote to Control a DIGITAL Satellite Receiver or Cable Box The remote is programmed to control an RCA, GE, or ProScan digital satellite 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. 1. Turn on the cable box or digital satellite receiver. 2. Look up your brand and its code number(s) in the code list on the right. 3.
OTHER FEATURES features to enhance VCR operation • Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking • Time Counter • On-Screen Displays • Tracking 2 Setting Up the VCR ➣ Picture Search Options First things first ➣ • 1 3 VCR Basics ➣ 4 recording ➣ ➣ 5 5 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE 6 OTHER FEATURES ➣ 7 Connections 37
OTHER FEATURES 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.
OTHER FEATURES 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 (PLAY•PAUSE 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 (PLAY•PAUSE on the VCR) to return to normal playback.
OTHER FEATURES ZERO Search The zero search feature enables the VCR to quickly return to a counter reading of 0:00:00 anywhere on the tape. This is especially convenient when you want to repeat a segment of the 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. ZERO SEARCH Current tape counter is 2:17:25 Press REV to go to 0:00:00 Press SEARCH to exit 3. Continue playing the tape. 4. Press STOP. ZERO SEARCH 5.
OTHER FEATURES 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 tape is ejected from the␣ VCR. 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 to begin another recording, you would: 0:30:00 Hours 1. Press INFO twice to display the time counter.
OTHER FEATURES TRACKING Your VCR has automatic tracking which removes the streaks or snow 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. Just use the TRACKING buttons to remove the streaks or snow. You can also use tracking when you PAUSE a tape to reduce jittering of the picture. When you manually adjust the picture, automatic tracking is turned off.
connections Things to Know Before Connecting Components 1 First things first ➣ Protect Your 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.
connections 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. The RF jacks on the VCR are labeled IN FROM ANT. and OUT TO TV. The antenna cable supplied with your VCR is used to connect the VCR’s OUT TO TV jack and your TV’s antenna input.
connections Choosing a VCR Connection There are several different ways to hook up your VCR, depending on whether 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.
connections TV with rf jack only This connection assumes: • You are connecting antenna, cable, or cable box system. • Your television has only an RF input jack. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Record one channel while watching another (except when using a cable box for all channels). To use this connection, you must have: • (1) antenna cable for cable or antenna connection; (2) for cable box To connect: 1. Connect cables as shown. 2.
connections TV with audio/Video jacks This connection assumes: • You are connecting an antenna, cable, or cable box system. • Your television has audio/video jacks. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Record one channel while watching another (except when using a cable box for all channels). To use this connection, you must have: • (1) antenna cable for cable /antenna connection; (2) for cable box • (2) audio/video cables To connect: 1. Connect cables as shown. 2.
connections TV with audio/Video jacks and Cable box to unscramble pay channels only This connection assumes: • You are using a cable box only to unscramble premium channels. • Your TV has audio/video input jacks. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Recording a scrambled or unscrambled channel through the cable box while watching an unscrambled channel.
appendix a: reference This section gives you some additional information about the VCR, including a description of the unit’s controls and display. You also will find a Troubleshooting Tips section in this Appendix, which might help to resolve some of those simple problems. Finally, this section contains your warranty information.
appendix a: reference Front Panel POWER PLAY ¥ PAUSE STOP ¥ EJECT TV¥VCR CHANNEL VIDEO IN REV FWD RECORD AUDIO IN TRACKING Remote Sensor CHANNEL•TRACKING Up or 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. LINE 2 A/V Jacks Use these jacks to conveniently connect a camcorder or second VCR to this VCR for dubbing. Use INPUT to select Video2.
appendix a: reference Status Indicators Show what the VCR is doing. • BYE Power off • EJEC Tape eject • FF Fast forward • HI Power on • PLAY Playback; flashes during play-pause, and search features • REC Record • REW Rewind • SAFE Pro-Tect Plus turned on • SCH Forward search • SCH- Reverse search • STOP A tape is stopped 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.
appendix a: reference Troubleshooting Tips No power • Check to make sure it is plugged into an operating outlet. • Check to make sure your connections are correct. VCR does not respond to remote • Check to make sure there are no objects between the VCR and remote. • The batteries may need changing. • Make sure the REMOTE VCR1/VCR2 setting is set to VCR1 so the remote that came packed with your VCR can operate it.
appendix a: reference Will not record or play • Check to make sure there is a tape in the VCR. • Try ejecting and reinserting the cassette. • 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 (PLAY•PAUSE on the VCR) to return to normal playback. • Check the ProTect Plus™ feature. Will not record • Check to make sure the safety tab is intact. • Check to make sure the VCR is not in the line mode.
appendix a: reference VCR makes noise when stopped • VCR is removing tape from heads. This is normal. The head cylinder inside the VCR will continue to rotate for a few minutes after you put the VCR in the stop mode. Will not AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH active channels correctly • Check to make sure the antenna connections are secure and correct. • Check to make sure the SIGNAL TYPE: CABLE/ANTENNA feature is set correctly.
appendix a: reference Specifications Format: VHS Record/Playback System: Video: 4-Head Audio: Mono record/playback 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: 18 watts (standby < 4 watts) Dimensions: 3.
appendix a: reference Limited 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 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.
appendix a: reference INDEX 3 CH.
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. 10330 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290 ©1998 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.
