Home

RCA VR355/VR545 User's Manual

1. eeseseeneeeenennnneeen nennen nnns 32 Pict re Search Options iet ba atentos et astitit ipei a cedes 32 Forward and Reverse Search sessssssssesssiesee enne nnne nennt nennen 32 Seit d DM 33 Frame AdVAN CE a eter al die vat tbe EO ed ED t ee 33 fare e Searc oS EP 33 Zero Search a ie bureau BE 34 Pro Tect Plus Locking Feature pinssi eeen siepataan enok atda nenne nnne nnn nnns nnn nnne ens 34 Mica eXE M Y 35 TMG COU ROR EE 35 On Screen Displays eL dritte here Pos e PO FR er D AEN 36 Other Information 5 eo lote ie ro et Lene ee 37 Troubleshooting eerte A otal dents Fe REP ru e Ren cab Rest Cre REOR RH 38 General Probl ris ret ted dec pe af ottico EEP 38 Playback Problemi tede ute cde ERE eG eee DT EE ERE 39 Recording Problems uot tcc et ee attese aee nta dete Cu tns 41 Front Panel i e eite ete haere hsc D epe kh des 42 Display Panel iie iere ERE a He tO PERF ees iuxta eae TE 43 L lqnrie E eae 44 Cleaning the VCR E A E RE etse eee e etn utu 45 Specifications VR355 tei eris Rte ert yia tin eet e Farbe t fecere ade eee an Pon sn 45 Specifications VR545 E 45 How to Find Your TV s Video Input Channel c cceeseeeeeceeeeceeeeeeeeeeaeeeseeeeeneaeseenaaeessaees 46 Advanced Conriectlot ect itid een aa edd eic eatis tdt 47 TV VCR Satellite Rece
2. To Select a Preferred Tape Speed e Inthe PREFERENCES menu press the 6 button repeatedly to switch between SP and SLIP settings Note For an explanation of recording speeds see the note to the left Cassette SP SLP To Override the Preferred Tape Speed T 120 2Hr 6 Hr e Press the SPEED button on the remote control T 160 2 Hr 40 Min 8Hr e Set the tape speed in the timer recording menu When you turn off the VCR the tape speed reverts to the one you have selected as the default 22 Chapter 2 Using On Screen Menus AUTO REPEAT Set Auto Repeat Set the length of time A tape can be set to play the same segment over and over in a repeating loop you want the tape to play 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 Loop from 0 00 to Ch mm In the PREFERENCES menu press the 7 button to choose Set Auto Repeat The Press CLEAR to turn ott Set Auto Repeat menu will ask for a loop end time to be specified Press MENU to exit e The CLEAR button will erase all three numbers entered and move the cursor back to the first position hours e The Press CLEAR to turn off message will appear only after the first number has been entered into the end time e Auto Repeat is set back to by resetting the dialog box ejecting a tape powering off the VCR power interruption or by recording start When a duration time has been set
3. e A minus sign appears in front of the displayed time if you rewind a tape back further than a counter reading of 0 00 00 The VCR will not play e Make sure there is a tape in the VCR Try ejecting then reinserting the tape e Check to make sure the tape is not damaged or broken e Make sure the VCR is not in Pause mode Press the remote control s PAUSE or PLAY button to return to normal playback e Make sure the Pro Tect Plus feature is not activated press and hold the STOP button on the remote control or VCR front panel for several seconds until SAFE disappears from the front panel display to deactivate this feature e If unable to record make sure the safety tab on the tape is in place The time counter disappears during picture search e This is normal 40 Chapter 5 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 Make sure the Pro Tect Plus feature is not activated press and hold the STOP button on the remote control or VCR front panel for several seconds until SAFE disappears from the front panel If unable to record make sure the safety tab on the tape is in place A timer recording didn t record or the wrong program recorded
4. e The VCR will automatically switch to rewind if the counter meets or goes past the set Auto Repeat duration e The VCR will automatically switch to playback during rewind if the counter equals or is less than 0 00 e The Auto Repeat may be adjusted by setting the counter to 00 00 This can be done by pressing the CLEAR button while the tape counter is on screen or on the front panel display The counter will not reset while rewinding in an Auto Repeat loop Chapter 2 23 This Page Left Blank Intentionally Chapter 3 Using the Remote Control Chapter Overview e Buttons on the Remote Control e Programming the Remote to Operate Other Components e How To Use the Remote After You ve Programmed It 25 Using the Remote Control REVERSE PLAY RECORD STOP C INFO CHAN CHAN CLEAR MENU FORWARD PAUSE SEARCH SPEED O 0 3O 5O O O 0 O Y TRACKING a Xs F ADV 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 In order for the VCR s remote control to operate a compatible RCA GE or Proscan TV you must first press the TV button on the remote control For example if you wanted to change the TV s channel you would need to hit the TV button first to put the remote control in TV controlling mode an
5. The incorrect time or date is shown e 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 e Make sure the VCR or cable box is tuned to the time data channel check with your service provider for information about time data e Auto Clock Set is not supported in all areas or by digital satellite receivers Set the time and date manually using the TIME menu The time did not adjust for Daylight Saving Time e Make sure the Daylight Saving Time feature is set correctly in the TIME menu The VCR makes noise when it is stopped e This is normal The VCR removes the tape from the playheads when stopping The cylinders inside the VCR will continue to rotate for a few minutes after stopping The VCR will not find active channels correctly using the Auto Channel Search feature e Make sure all cable connections are secure and correct e Make sure that Signal Type CABLE ANTENNA is set correctly in the CHANNELS menu e If Detect Automatically was selected for the Signal Type in the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu try using either CABLE TV or ANTENNA instead e Auto Channel Search may not be necessary if using a cable box to view all channels Contact your local cable company for more information On screen menus appear in a foreign language e Check the LANGUAGE menu to choose a preferred on screen language Playback Problems
6. Make sure any connected cable box or satellite receiver was turned on when the recording time began Make sure the program information was entered correctly i e channel number and start stop times A power interruption may have occurred Reset the time and date and try again Time including AM or PM and date information may be incorrect Make sure the timer program did not exceed the tape s length and that the tape was cued correctly Make sure the VCR was turned off when recording started Make sure there was a tape in the VCR and that its safety tab was in place The VCR ejects a tape when its end is reached during a timer recording Chapter 5 41 Other Information Front Panel CHANNEL TRACKING and Up A and Down W 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 RECORD Starts VCR recording Used for express recording REV Rewinds the tape when the VCR is stopped Searches the picture in reverse during playback Starts slow motion during play pause and decreases slow motion speed STOP EJECT A single press of this button stops normal VCR
7. VCR User s Guide Changing Entertainment Again 4 E VR355 VR545 Important Information WARNING CAUTION To reduce the risk of electric shock do not remove To reduce the risk of fire or RISK OF ELECTRIC cover or back No user serviceable parts inside electric shock do not expose SHOCK DO NOT OPEN Refer servicing to qualified service personnel this product to rain or moisture This symbol indicates This symbol indicates A dangerous voltage inside important instructions the product that presents a accompanying the product risk of electric shock or personal injury Caution To prevent electric shock match wide blade of plug to wide slot fully insert Attention Pour viter les chocs lectriques introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu au fond Refer to the identification rating label located on the back panel of your product for its proper operating voltage FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the user s authority to operate it Cable TV Installer This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article 820 40 of the National Electrical Code Section 54 of the Canadian Electrical Code Part 1 which provides guidelines for proper grounding and in particular specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cab
8. Gives three times the recording time of tapes recorded in SP mode Recording Times 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 e Select OFF and the VCR will stay on until you shut it off e Select 7 00 2 00 or 3 00 and the VCR will turn off after one two or three hours of inactivity Thirty seconds before automatically shutting off the VCR displays an on screen message reading The VCR will turn off in 30 seconds Press any key to cancel Pressing any remote control or VCR front panel button will halt the countdown If you use the VCR s tuner instead of your TV to view channels you may want to turn off this feature Front Panel Brightness VCR Display You can change the brightness level of the VCR s front panel display In the PREFERENCES menu press the 5 button repeatedly to toggle between options e AUTO means the display brightens when the VCR is on and dims when the VCR is off e BRIGHT keeps the display bright whether the VCR is on or off e DIM keeps the display at a low brightness level whether the VCR is on or off Tape Speed You can choose a preferred tape speed for recording either Standard Play SP or Super Long Play SLP The speed selected appears in the VCR s display panel and in timer recording menus
9. VCR How you get service e Take your VCR to any Authorized RCA VCR Service Center To identify your nearest Authorized RCA VCR Service Center ask your dealer look in the Yellow Pages or call 1 800 336 1900 e Show the Authorized Service Center Representative your evidence of purchase date or first rental e Pick up your VCR when repairs are completed What your warranty does not cover e Customer instruction Your Owner s Manual clearly describes how to install adjust and operate your VCR Any additional information should be obtained from your dealer e Installation and related adjustments e Signal reception problems not caused by your VCR e Damage from misuse or neglect e Cleaning of video audio heads e Batteries e A VCR that has been modified or incorporated into other products or is used for institutional or other commercial purposes e A VCR purchased or serviced outside the U S A e Acts of nature such as but not limited to lightning damage Product Registration e Please complete and mail the Product Registration Card packed with your VCR It will make it easier to contact you should it ever be necessary The return of the card is not required for warranty coverage How State Law relates to warranty e This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state If you purchased your VCR unit outside the United States e This warranty does not apply
10. 1 Connect the VCR to the TV Connect one end of the supplied RF coaxial cable to the VCR s RF OUT jack and the other end to the TV s antenna input jack 2 Connect satellite receiver to the VCR Connect an RF coaxial cable to the RF OUT jack on the cable box and to the CABLE ANTENNA input jack on the TV 3 Connect the antenna to your satellite receiver If necessary connect an antenna or cable box RF coaxial cable not included to the antenna input jack on the satellite receiver 4 Connect the satellite feed to the satellite receiver Connect the satellite receiver s RF coaxial cable feed not included to the satellite input jack on the satellite receiver Go To Page 11 Chapter 1 Connections amp Setup aN S VIDEO u YUT IN cH RFOUT Lolo VIDEO CABLE BOX 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 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 Connect the cable box to the VCR Connect one end of a second RF coaxial cable not included to the cable box s TV output jack and the other end to the ANT IN jack on the VCR Connect the cable feed to your cable box Connect the RF coaxial cable feed not included to the antenna input jack on th
11. Contact your dealer for warranty information Service calls which do not involve defective materials or workmanship are not covered by this warranty Costs of such service calls are the sole responsibility of the purchaser 48 Chapter 5 Other Information Glossary A V Jacks amp 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 Useful for protecting timer recordings QuickSet Guide An first time use interactive menu based system that walks you through several setup steps in a series of questions The QuickSet Guide is also available in the VCR s Main Menu VCR Channels List The active list of channels available to the VCR using the CHANNEL buttons XPR See Express Recording Chapter 5 49 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 Back panel jacks 44 Basic recording 13 Batteries r
12. Snowy or no picture during playback e Press the TVeVCR button on the remote control or VCR front panel to go into VCR viewing mode VCR appears on the VCR s display panel LCD when in VCR viewing mode e Check that the TV channel selected either 03 or 04 matches the channel set with CH 3 4 switch on the VCR s back panel e Make sure the TV s fine tuning is correct for the channel selected e All cables should be securely connected to the proper jacks e If using A V jacks and cables to connect components make sure the TV is tuned to its Video Line Input to see the VCR s signal e Try another tape e Picture noise is normal during search stop action frame advance and slow motion playback Chapter 5 39 Other Information Streaks appear in the picture during normal playback e Press one of the remote control s TRACKING buttons to adjust for the best picture e Make sure the tape used is in good condition and not worn out Tapes play back in slow motion e Press the PLAY button to return to normal playback mode A tape with its safety tab removed doesn t start to play automatically e Make sure the Auto Play feature is set to ON in the PREFERENCES menu The time counter is not working or it is not working in search modes e The time counter does not advance during unrecorded portions of tape When an unrecorded segment of tape is encountered the time counter will hold its count until recorded material is detected again
13. TV Antenna Detect Automatically Cancel Using On Screen Menus 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 VCR Channels List Your VCR may come with a list of channels preset at the factory Even though it may come with such a list you may want to add or delete certain channels Note If you use a cable box to view all channels this step is not necessary Auto Channel Searching Note Use Auto Channel Search to place all available channels in memory If you ever change cable or antenna signals you may need to run the Auto Channel Search feature again Press the MENU button to display the VCR MAIN MENU Press 3 to select Channels Press 1 to select Auto Channel Search Select one of the three options Cable TV searches for cable stations Antenna searches for local broadcast stations Detect Automatically decides which input to use for you Notes With Detect Automatically a strong cable or antenna signal in your area may cause channels to be detected inaccurately If this should happen manually select the input signal for the system you have The VCR begins scanning for channels available in the area taking about
14. VCR s Audio IN jack and the other end to the satellite receiver s audio output jack Gf your satellite receiver has more than one audio out jack use the L channel jack to make the connection Connect one end of the video cable to the VCR s VIDEO IN jack and the other end to the receiver s video output jack 3 Connect a TV antenna or cable feed to the satellite receiver TV L MONO S VIDEO SATELLITE RECEIVER S VIDEO OUT TOT From Cable orTV Antenna Fm Satellite If you have cable or a standard TV antenna connect its RF coaxial cable not included to the antenna input jack on the satellite receiver 4 Connect the satellite antenna s cable to the satellite receiver Connect the satellite antenna s RF coaxial cable feed not included to the receiver s satellite input jack Chapter 5 47 Other Information RCA VCR Limited Warranty What your warranty covers e Any defect in materials or workmanship For how long after your purchase e 90 days for labor charges e 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 e Pay any Authorized RCA VCR Service Center the labor charges to repair your VCR e Pay any Authorized RCA VCR Service Center for the new or at our option refurbished replacement parts required to repair your
15. VIDEO VID 1 00 SIGNAL LINE 90 VID 1 VID 91 VID 2 VIDEO 92 S VID S VID 93 S VIDEO INPUT VID 1 S VIDEO VID 2 SOURCE AUX REVERSE RECORD INFO CLEAR iO KO wot PLAY STOP CHAN CHAN TV Button O FORWARD PAUSE SEARCH GO BACK Q MENU SPEED 2 X SQ O eO C OO v TRACKING a F ADV 46 Chapter 5 Advanced Connection TV VCR Satellite Receiver e Cables A V and RF Coaxial Other Information 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 Connect an audio cable to the VCR s Audio OUT jack and the other end to the TV s corresponding audio input jack Gf your N TV has more than one audio input jack use the L channel jack to make the connection Connect one end of the video cable to the VCR s VIDEO OUT jack and the other end to the TV s 22 video input jack ce 2 Connect the satellite receiver to the VCR A Connect one end of a second RF coaxial cable not included to the VCR s ANT IN jack Connect the other end to the satellite receiver s antenna output jack B Connect the A V cables Connect an audio cable to the
16. control e The remote control s batteries may need changing e Remove the remote control s batteries for at least one minute then replace This resets the factory default settings which may require reprogramming to operate other components The remote control no longer operates an RCA GE or Proscan TV e Press the TV button to put remote control in TV controlling mode The remote control should then operate the TV There s poor quality or no picture for normal TV viewing e If using RF coaxial cables to connect the VCR to the TV make sure the VCR indicator is not displayed on the VCR s front panel press the remote control s TVe VCR button to toggle between VCR and TV viewing modes If using A V jacks and cables to connect the VCR to the TV press the remote control s INPUT button when in TV controlling mode to access the TV s Video Line Input e Tune the TV to an active channel e All cables should be securely inserted and connected to the proper jacks Cannot select channels over 69 e Cable channels over 69 can only be selected if Signal Type CABLE ANTENNA feature is set to CABLE in the CHANNELS menu TIMER flashes on the VCR front panel e The clock is not set e Check to make sure there is a tape in the VCR when a timer recording is set Rewind does not operate e Check the tape to insure it is not already rewound e Check the tape to insure it is not damaged or broken 38 Chapter 5 Other Information
17. functions such as record playback rewind fast forward or pause If pressed a second time this button ejects an inserted tape TV VCR Switches the picture signal so that it either comes from the VCR or the TV cable antenna signal 42 Chapter 5 Other Information 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 REW A tape is rewinding SAFE The Pro Tect Plus locking feature is active SRCH The VCR is searching forward SRCH The VCR is searching in reverse SLOW A tape is playing back in slow motion STOP A tape is in stop mode 0 00 0 30 1 00 etc An Express Recording is in progress Tape In indicator O Displays when the VCR has a tape inserted TIMER Displayed when an Express Recording CXPR or timer recording is under way or when the VCR is set for a timer recording and the power is turned OFF TIMER flashes on the VCR front panel when a timer recording is set and no tape is inserted in the VCR VCR indicator Indicates that the VCR is in VCR display mode Press the TVe VCR button to
18. irren ne nennen nennen 11 TUM CHE TN TR 11 Using the Remote Control to Navigate On Screen Menus 2 ccceccsecceeceeeseeceeeeeseeeceeeeesseeeeeeesseeeeeenessaeeeseeeseeseeeneesenees 12 Complete the QuickSet Guide essssssssssessesennenee enne nene 12 Accessing Ments criosan creed e eed Eve ed 12 MGR B ASICS OM EE EE 13 Playing a WIES IRE Rm 13 Automatic Rewind sssssssssssssseseseeeenn nennen nennen reni snnt rennen nnne rennes 13 Tape EJ Ct c 13 Recordiligs oL M eed ea te REISEN as 13 Check tlie Safety Tab iiio eae tee e ser nc ecrit Eee Lees iden 13 Using the VCR s Menu System 2 sees enn nennen nnns 15 Using On Screen Menus to Set Up Features ssssssssseeseeeene enne 16 PAN QUAGQC EHE CPP PTT PEINE 16 Cable Box Setup dian eine en es deo Dd 16 WER Channels D ene eigenen e hne aeta NTE Eo ek ETTE dde pa REER 17 Auto Channel Searching oie creed tede annette 17 Changing the Signal Type sssssssessesesseeeeeeeeenn nennen nennen entrent nen 18 Adding or Removing Channels essssesesessseseeeneenne enne nennen 18 Time and Date MP ENS 19 Auto Clock Set Feature icc sini nri a nee 19 To Turn Auto Clock Set ON ssssssssesesseseeeereeen nnne nennen nnns 19 Setting the Time Zone iecore er EOD an a de i te tede eas 19 Setting Daylight Saving Time sssssssssssssesseneeeeennrneren nennen n
19. toggle between VCR and TV viewing modes e VCR indicator is ON when the picture displayed is from the VCR s tuner e VCR indicator is OFF when the picture displayed is from the TV s tuner Chapter 5 43 Other Information 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 AUDIO and VIDEO OUT jacks Sends signals from the VCR to another component ike a TV or VCR when connected to these jacks CH 3 4 switch Determines the channel which the TV must be tuned to in order to see the VCR s picture Not used when connecting the VCR to the TV using Audio Video cables RF OUT jack Passes the VCR s signal to the TV using the supplied RF coaxial cable Chapter 5 Specifications VR355 Format Record Playback System Video Signal System Antenna Tuner Type Power Requirement Power Consumption Dimensions Weight Storage Temperature Range Operating Temperature Range VHS Video 2 head Audio VHS Mono record playback system EIA standard NTSC color 75 ohm external VHF UHF combined antenna terminal USA 181 channels capability 125 cable channels Canada 178 channels ca
20. when placing components in a stand e Place an amplifier or satellite receiver on the top shelf of a stand so heated air rising from it will not flow around other components Cable Considerations The RF coaxial cable supplied with your VCR carries both sound and picture information This is the cable used in all connection diagrams illustrated in this chapter If your TV has A V input jacks you should use A V cables not supplied to connect the VCR to the TV A V cables provide better picture and sound quality than an RF coaxial cable If you would like to hook up your VCR using A V cables refer to the Advanced Connection information on page 47 in the Other Information chapter of the manual 6 Chapter 1 Connections amp Setup Using the RF Coaxial Cable to Connect the VCR to a TV N 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 m wn Notes To hear stereo sound you will need to purchase Audio Video A V RF Coaxial Cable 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 Using A V jacks to connect the VCR to the TV requires tuning to the TV s Video Line Input to see the VCR s picture For more information about finding your TV s Video Line Input see page 46 Choose Your
21. Connection There are several ways to hook up your VCR depending on the components connected Please use the following chart to determine which connection is best for you and proceed to the appropriate page Connection Components Title TV VCR TV VCR Satellite Receiver aN P ee TV 4 VCR SES Cable Box ce Chapter 1 7 Connections amp Setup aN TV back panel VIDEO R AUDIO MONO o0 9 el e CABLE S VIDEO From Cable Antenna TV VCR Note Your television back panel may not look exactly like the model shown here 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 Connect the antenna cable feed to the VCR Connect the cable or antenna RF coaxial cable to the ANT IN jack on your VCR Note Flip the CH 3 4 switch on the back of the VCR to the channel that is not used in your area This will be the channel that the TV must be tuned to in order to see the VCR s picture Go To Page 11 Chapter 1 Connections amp Setup AUDIO 6 CABLE y ANTENNA SATELLITE RECEIVER 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
22. F if you do not want a tape with its safety tab removed to start playing automatically Auto TV VCR To control whether the VCR s TV VCR setting changes automatically to VCR viewing mode when turned on use the Auto TV VCR setting To Access Auto TV VCR 1 In the PREFERENCES menu press 3 to repeatedly to toggle between Auto TV VCR ON and OFF Note Pressing the TVeVCR button on the remote control will switch between VCR and TV viewing modes When in VCR viewing mode VCR is displayed on the front panel The VCR indicator turns off when in TV viewing mode e Select ON to switch VCR viewing mode on automatically when the power is turned on The VCR must be connected to the TV using the supplied RF coaxial cable e Select OFF to remain in the TV viewing mode when the VCR is initially turned on Leaving Auto TV VCR off is useful if you use A V cables to connect the VCR to the TV and you watch the VCR s picture using the TV s video line input This way the antenna cable signal will not be interrupted by the VCR Chapter 2 21 Using On Screen Menus PREFERENCES Remote Control VCR1 Auto Play ON Auto TV VCR ON EnergySaver 2 00 Front Panel BRIGHT Tape Speed SLP Set Auto Repeat Exit The PREFERENCES menu allows changes to be made to a variety of different VCR features Recording Speeds SP Standard Play Gives the best quality recording but fewer programs can be recorded on the tape SLP Super Long Play
23. R Hours Minutes Time Counter NI 0 30 00 The time counter shows the actual time used when recording or playing back a Seconds 4P The time counter helps locate the beginning or end of recorded events It resets to 0 00 00 whenever a tape is ejected from the VCR For example if you record a 30 minute program at the beginning of a tape rewind it and then want to go to the end of the first program to start another recording 1 Press the INFO button twice to display only the time counter 2 Press the CLEAR button to reset the time counter to 0 00 00 3 Press the remote control s FORWARD button FWD on the VCR to advance a tape until the time counter reads 0 30 00 4 Press the STOP button This is the approximate end of a 30 minute program you may want to press the PLAY button to verify When the tape is cued correctly you can begin recording 5 Press the INFO button to remove the time counter from the screen and return to the normal display mode Chapter 4 35 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 Press the INFO button to show the on screen displays The current time is displayed in the VCR s front panel 11 18 01 Sun 1 30PM On screen display times o
24. RSE REV button to start slow motion playback Press the FORWARD button to increase or the REVERSE button to decrease the search speed 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 Press the PLAY button to return to normal playback The VCR switches automatically from slow motion playback to stop after a few uninterrupted minutes Frame Advance Frame Advance lets you view single frame action during playback 1 While playback is in progress press the remote control s PAUSE button PLAY PAUSE on the VCR to freeze the action Press the F ADV button on the remote control each time you want to view the next frame of the recording Press the PAUSE or PLAY button on the remote control PLAY PAUSE on the VCR to return to normal playback Index Search The VCR has a VHS Index Search System that automatically records index marks on the tape every time you start a recording During playback you can locate the program you want to play by the number of index marks or by scanning The VCR will search forward or reverse from the location you are at on the tape To Activate Index Search 1 While playing back press the STOP button to freeze the action 2 Press the SEARCH button on the remote control to display the INDEX SEARCH screen on the TV screen INDEX SEARCH Press REV or FWD to begin sc
25. ace and enough tape to record the program f 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 e PROGRAMS OVERLAP appears if two programs whose times overlap are entered e TIMER appears in the display when you turn off the VCR and a timer recording has been set TIMER flashes if there is no tape in the VCR when a timer recording has been set and the unit is turned off e For a cable box or satellite receiver turn it on and tune it to the channel you want to record before the recording is to begin To Set Up to as Many as Eight Timer Recording Programs 1 2 3 4 5 Press the MENU button to display the VCR MAIN MENU Press the 2 button to choose TIMER RECORDINGS Press the 1 button to choose Create a New Program Select how often you want the program to record Enter the data for the program with the number buttons The data includes the channel number press INPUT to select the Video Line Input if using A V jacks to connect the VCR to the TV and start and end times including AM or PM The start date is automatically entered based on the VCR clock Both the recording date and speed can be changed Review the information to make sure it is correct Press the MENU button to save Stopping a Timer Recording To stop or cancel a timer recording in progress even an Express Recording Press and hold the STOP button for seve
26. anning OR enter a specific index number Press SEARCH to exit 3 If you want to search through a certain number of index marks press two number buttons to enter the number of marks you want to search Press the CLEAR button on the remote control to correct an entry Continues on next page Chapter 4 33 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 e Marks too close to the current location of the tape e Those at the beginning of a recording lasting five minutes or less e Index marks that start at the beginning of the tape ZERO SEARCH Zero Search vurrent ee 1s The Zero Search feature enables the VCR to quickly return to the 0 00 00 s counter reading from anywhere on the tape This is a convenient way to play a Press REX to gd to segment of the tape several times 0 00 00 Press SEARCH to exit 1 Cue a tape to the spot you wish to return to 2 Press the CLEAR button twice to reset the counter to 0 00 00 3 Continue playing the tape 4 Press the STOP button 5 Press the SEARCH button repeatedly until the ZERO SEARCH menu appears On screen 6 Press the REVERSE button REV on the VCR to return t
27. aring 31 SAFE display 34 reviewing 31 Safety tab 13 21 Timer recording 31 Search stopping 31 forward 32 Tracking 35 reverse 32 TRACKING buttons SEARCH button 33 13 27 33 35 42 Set up Troubleshooting 38 auto play feature 21 TV button 27 46 auto TV VCR feature 21 TVeVCR button 21 cable box 16 TV s video input channel 46 Daylight saving 20 front panel 22 language feature 16 V PREFERENCES menu 20 tape speed feature 22 VCR time and date 19 connecting 8 time zone 19 VCR indicator 43 using menu system 16 VCR MAIN MENU 16 19 Signal type VCR viewing channel 11 13 changing 18 VOL button 27 selecting 18 VOL button 27 SLOW display 43 Slow motion 33 Specifications 45 Z Speed SLP 22 Zero search 34 SP 22 SPEED button 13 22 30 Speeds recording 22 SRCH displays 43 STOP button 13 27 30 34 42 STOP display 43 T Tab safety 13 Tape eject 13 Tape speeds 22 Time and date 19 Time counter 35 Time counter display 36 Time display on TV 36 Index Chapter 5 51 This page left blank intentionally This page left blank intentionally 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 Thomson multimedia Inc 10330 North Meridian Street Indianapolis IN 46290 2001 Thomson multimedia Inc Trademark s Registered Marca s Registrada s Printed in Indonesia TOCOM 1570808A
28. arting point Note To override the preferred tape speed setting press the SPEED button on the remote control repeatedly to toggle between SP and SLP choices 3 Press the RECORD button on the remote control or VCR front panel to start recording Press REC to set length 4 Repeatedly press the RECORD button to set up the recording duration e ach press of the RECORD button adds 30 minutes of recording time e The VCR automatically turns off after recording for the set time e To stop an XPR recording press and hold the STOP button on the remote control or VCR front panel for several seconds until STOP appears on the VCR on screen display 30 Chapter 4 TIMER RECORDINGS 1 Create a New Program 2 Review Existing Progs How often should this program record One time Daily every day Weekdays M F Weekly once per week Program 1 has been saved Remember to insert a recordable tape and turn the VCR off before the program start time Remember to Leave your cable box on and tuned to the desired channel Program 1 One time Channel 104 Cable Start Time 12 00 AM End Time 01 30 AM Start Date 11 16 01 Fri Tape Speed SLP Press CLEAR to erase Press MENU for next prog VCR Features Timer Recording You can program up to eight different broadcasts to be recorded Notes In order for a timer recording to work e The VCR s clock must be set correctly e Insert a tape with its safety tab in pl
29. ayed by pressing the remote control s MENU button Note See Chapter Two Using On Screen Menus for details about changing the VCR s individual settings 12 Chapter 1 VCR Basics Connections amp Setup Once your initial settings are complete you can begin using your VCR In order to begin you must first understand some basic concepts Automatic Tracking The VCR has automatic tracking which adjusts the picture when playing back a tape recorded on another VCR To adjust tracking manually use the TRACKING buttons on the remote control Safety Tab 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 Gf the safety tab on the tape is removed e Press FWD or REV FORWARD or REVERSE on the remote control to cue the tape at the desired starting position e Press PLAY if necessary to begin tape play e Press PAUSE for stop action e Press TRACKING up or down TRACKING or on the remote control to remove any streaks from the picture if necessary e Press STOP to stop playback Automatic Rewind The VCR automatically rewinds the tape if it reaches the end of the tape during playback If the tape has the safety tab removed you can press the ONeOFF button to turn off the VCR once finished Tape Eject Press the EJECT b
30. carrying time data If the time does not automatically set after trying for ten minutes manually set the time and date information using the TIME menu see the next page for information on manually setting time and date information To Turn Auto Clock Set ON Note make sure that available channels time zone and Daylight Saving features are set before turning on Auto Clock Set 1 Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU 2 Press 2 to choose Time TIME 3 Press the 2 button repeatedly to toggle between Auto Clock Set ON and OFF Set Time and Date Auto Clock Set ON Set Time Zone Set Daylight Savings Time Data was found on channel 20 0 Exit Setting the Time Zone 1 Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU Press 2 to choose Time Press 3 to chose Set Time Zone SET TIME ZONE Select your time zone by pressing the corresponding number button is your Time Zone Eastern If you select Automatic for your time zone the VCR sets the clock using the Central Nod first time information it finds If the time set is not correct select another Pacific time zone or set the time and date through the menu system Alaska Hawaii Automatic ress MENU to continue Chapter 2 19 Using On Screen Menus SET DAYLIGHT SAVING Does your area observe Daylight Saving Time from April to October 1 Yes DST is observed 2 No 3 Automatic Press MENU to continue Displaying Time and Date Pressing the INFO butto
31. ched and can be marred by alcohol and various solvents Avoid excessive use of oil based furniture polishes since the materials used in the cabinet will accumulate more dust We recommend using a nonabrasive antistatic cleaner and polisher Chapter 5 45 Other Information How to Find Your TV s Video Input Channel 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 Below are some steps to try to find your TV s video line input e If your TV brand is RCA GE or Proscan press the TV button on the VCR s remote control then press the INPUT button If those options do not work try the following ideas You might access the video line input by e Pressing a button on the TV s remote control see table below e Selecting a specific channel from the TV s on screen menu system see table below e Tuning directly to the video line input by selecting a specific channel number see table below e Going through all available channels by pressing the channel up or down buttons on the TV or its remote control Common Video Line Input scenarios Video Input Channel Variations Button Switch Button on the Channel on the TV TV Remote Number
32. d then press the CHAN up or down button To rewind a tape in the VCR you would first press the VCR button on the remote control to put it into VCR controlling mode and then press the REVERSE button Buttons of the Remote Control 0 9 Number buttons Enter channel numbers and time settings directly through the remote control To enter a two digit channel press the two digits To enter a three digit channel press and hold the first digit for two seconds until two dashes appear to the right of the number then add the second two Example to tune to channel 123 press and hold 1 for two seconds then when the dashes appear press 2 then press 3 CHAN up and down buttons Scan up or down through the VCR s stored channels Press once to change the channel up or down press and hold to continue changing channels CLEAR Removes any menu or display from the screen and returns the display to the normal signal FORWARD Advances the tape in the VCR forward If in PLAY mode the FORWARD button starts fast motion scan If the tape in STOP mode the FORWARD button starts fast forwarding F ADV Frame Advance Advances the tape one frame at a time during play pause mode GO BACK Depending on which component the remote control is set to operate this button returns the TV or VCR to the previously viewed channel INFO Shows the VCR s status displays on the TV screen Press the INFO button once to display the day date time and tape cou
33. e cable box Go To Page 11 10 Chapter 1 Connections amp 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 To find the Video Line Input refer to the manual that came with the TV or see How to Find Your TV s Video Line Input on page 46 in the Other Information section of this manual Plug in the VCR Your VCR s power cord has a plastic band strung through the blades Remove the plastic band before plugging the cord into the power outlet To remove the band cut with a pair of scissors and pull it free of the blades Once the plastic is removed match the wide blade of the power cord to the wide slot in the AC outlet Be sure to insert the plug completely Put Batteries in the Remote Control 1 Remove the battery compartment cover on the remote control 2 Insert new batteries matching the polarities and on the batteries with the diagram in the battery compartment 3 Put the battery compartment cover back on the remote Turn on the TV and VCR Turn on the TV and press the VCR button on the remote control to turn it on Note If you have an RCA GE or Proscan TV your VCR s remote control may be able to operate it without any additiona
34. emote control 11 BYE display 43 C Cable box setup 16 Cables positioning 6 CH button 26 CH button 26 CHANNEL buttons 17 42 Channels adding removing 18 CHANNELS menu 16 18 CLEAR button 26 33 Clock display 43 Connections 8 Controls back panel 44 front panel 42 Copying tapes 32 D Date and time setting 19 Design specifications 45 Display panel 43 Displays on screen 36 E EJECT button 13 EnergySaver feature 22 Express Recording XPR 1 30 F F ADV button 33 FF display 43 FORWARD button 13 26 32 Frame advance 33 Front panel controls 42 FWD button 32 35 42 G GO BACK button 26 H HI display 43 Index search 33 Indicators display panel 43 INFO button 35 INPUT button 31 32 46 L LANGUAGE menu 16 Locking feature 34 M MENU button 16 31 MUTE button 27 N Number buttons 20 26 O ON OFF button 34 On screen displays 36 Overheating 6 P PAUSE button 13 27 32 Picture search options 32 PLAY button 13 27 32 PLAY display 43 PLAY PAUSE button 33 POWER button 13 Power surges 6 Pro Tect Plus 34 Q QuickSet guide 16 R REC display 43 RECORD button 13 30 42 Recording basic 13 copying editing tapes 32 Express CXPR 1 30 speeds 22 24 timer 31 Remote batteries 11 Removing adding channels 18 REV button 32 42 REVERSE button 13 27 32 Reviewing timer programs 31 REW display 43 Rewind automatic 13 50 Chapter 5 S Timer programs cle
35. he VCR s viewing list Press the CLEAR button to remove a channel from the available channels list or press the INFO button to add it Once finished adding deleting channels press the MENU button to exit out of the menus Note To view active channels use the remote control s CHANNEL and buttons You can also access channels not available in the active channel list by using the remote control s number buttons to enter the specific channel number 18 Chapter 2 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 In order for Auto Clock Set to work properly though certain steps must first be completed such as Auto Channel Search setting the time zone and setting the Daylight Saving feature Notes Auto Clock Set is available only in limited areas You must set available channels time zone and Daylight Saving settings for Auto Clock Set to work When using Auto Clock Set with a cable box the VCR will not reset the clock after a power outage unless the cable box is tuned to the channel
36. he menu system in your VCR allows you to customize your preferences as well as use all the VCR s features To help you use the VCR as quickly as possible there is an initial QuickSet Guide that walks you through several important setup steps at one time The first time you turn on the VCR you will be able to set up available channels time and date information and more The first menu you will see asks which language you prefer to have the on screen menus appear in Note With numbered menu choices press the corresponding number button on the remote control to select it In the case of the language menu press 1 for English 2 for Espa ol Spanish or 3 for Francais French The remaining menus throughout the setup will appear in the language chosen Just follow the step by step procedures until the QuickSet Guide is complete Accessing Menus The series of preferences that are set in the QuickSet Guide can also be handled individually using the VCR s on screen menu system There are other settings not covered in the initial setup that are also handled using the on screen menus For example if you decide to run the QuickSet Guide again you can access the Setup menu by pressing the remote control s MENU button Once the Main Menu is displayed press the 4 button to choose Setup From there you can start the QuickSet Guide from the beginning All on screen menus are accessed the same way starting in the Main Menu which is displ
37. iver ssssssssssseseseeeeee enne entm nnne nnne nnne 47 VEG P 48 GIOSSARY si O 49 far 50 Chapter 1 Connections amp Setup Chapter Overview e Things to Consider Before Connecting Choosing Your Connection e Making Connections e Why You Should Connect with Audio Video Jacks e Navigating On Screen Menus e Completing the QuickSet Guide e Basic Recording Connections amp Setup Things to Consider Before Connecting Components Protect Components From Power Surges e Connect all components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet e Always turn off the TV and other components before you connect or disconnect any cables Position Cables to Avoid Audio Hum or Interference e Insert all cable plugs firmly into their jacks e Place any Audio Video A V cables to the side s of the TV s back panel instead of straight down the back after connecting components e Try not to coil any twin lead cables and keep them away from all A V cables as much as possible e Make sure all antennas and cables are properly grounded Refer to the Safety Tips sheet packed with your unit for detailed information Protect Components From Overheating e Never block ventilation slots in any component Arrange the components so that air can circulate freely e Do not stack components e Allow adequate ventilation
38. l steps Press the TV button on the remote control and then the ON OFF button If neither one turns on the TV it cannot be operated by the remote control Tune the TV Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel The VCR viewing channel is channel 3 4 or the TV s video line input e If you connect your VCR using RF coaxial cable only turn the TV to channel 3 or 4 Gwhichever was set on the CH 3 4 switch e If you connected the VCR using A V jacks and cables select the TV s video line input For more information see How to Find the TV s Video Line Input on page 46 in the Other Information section of this manual Chapter 1 11 Connections amp 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 Select a language Seleccione un idioma Choisissez une langue 1 English 2 Espanol 3 Francais VCR MAIN MENU Timer Recordings Time Channels Setup Preferences Language 0 Exit All of the VCR s menus are accessed through the Main Menu Press the remote control s MENU button to start Complete the QuickSet Guide T
39. le entry as practical Product Registration Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately Returning the card allows us to contact you if needed Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of purchase Attach it here and record the serial and model numbers in case you need them The numbers are located on the back of the product Model No VR355 VR545 Serial No Purchase Date Dealer Address Phone Key Features Overview Introduction 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 2 BIO 10 Ord Bio 6661 E OO OW i iU oi poooore Rec Ch 36 Record Length 1 30 Press REC to set Length TIMER RECORDINGS 1 Create a New Program 2 Review Existing Progs Unified Remote Control Description The VCR s remote control can operate most RCA GE and Proscan TVs with no additional steps Requirements Point the remote at the active device to see if it can be operated Express Recording XPR Description XPR quickly records the remaining portion of a program in progress XPR is a great way to capture the end of a sporting event that has run into overtime or a live broadcast that runs long Requirements The Record but
40. lows the manual reduction of streaks which may appear on the picture during regular or slow motion playback Reduces picture jitter during stop action paused playback TV Puts the remote control in TV mode This button will automatically turn on most RCA GE and Proscan TVs TV VCR Toggles the VCR between TV and VCR viewing modes VCR Puts the remote control in VCR mode VOL up and down buttons Decrease or increase the TV volume Using the INPUT Button Use the INPUT button to toggle through the available video line input sources toggles between video line input s and regular broadcasting and to view the connected component s image like a camcorder s playback picture through the VCR 1 Press the remote control s VCR button to place the remote control in VCR mode Make sure that the VCR is turned ON 2 Press the remote control s INPUT button to tune to the video line input source which allows you to see the components image 3 Press the INPUT button again to tune back to the broadcast image you were previously watching through the VCR Chapter 3 27 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 TV opera
41. manual when explaining the features Language Selecting your preferred language determines how the on screen displays will appear To change the language 1 Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU 2 Press the 6 button to select LANGUAGE Tr 3 Select English Spanish Espanol or French Francais Select a Language 1 English 2 Espa ol 3 Francais Press MENU to continue Is Something Missing These instructions will not show all of the step by step on screen menus Make sure to follow the instructions completely to get to the menus being discussed Cable Box Setup This set up applies only when all channels are received through a cable box In this case the VCR will automatically enter the channel used to view cable box programming Your VCR will use this channel for all future timer recordings 1 Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU 2 Press 3 to display the CHANNELS menu CHANNELS 3 Press 4 to display the CABLE BOX SETUP menu Auto Channel Search Add Remove Channels Signal Type CABLE Cable Box Setup 16 Chapter 2 CABLE BOX SETUP Do you use your cable box to receive ALL channels or only SOME channels 1 ALL channels 2 Only SOME channels 3 Cancel setup CABLE BOX SETUP On what channel does the VCR receive signals from the cable box Cusually 3 4 or Video Enter 01 13 or INPUT Press MENU to cancel AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH What type of signal are you using Cable
42. n on the remote control or VCR displays the time and date on screen temporarily SET TIME AND DATE Time Chh mm Date Press MENU to cancel PREFERENCES Remote Control VCR1 Auto Play ON Auto TV VCR ON EnergySaver 2 00 Front Panel BRIGHT Tape Speed SLP Set Auto Repeat Exit The PREFERENCES menu allows changes to be made to a variety of different VCR features Setting Daylight Saving Time 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 If you choose Automatic for the time zone the VCR sets the clock using any DST information broadcast in the channel s signal Setting Time and Date Manually If Auto Clock Set was unsuccessful set the time and date manually in the TIME menu Auto Clock Set is automatically turned off when time and date information is set this way 1 Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU 2 Press 2 to choose Time 3 Press 1 to choose Set Time and Date 4 Enter the data using the number buttons Press 0 before single digit numbers and follow the on screen directions to exit the menus Additional Set Up Features in the Preferences Menu Note The features described on the following pages are all accessed through the PREFERENCES menu To Access the PREFERENCES menu 1 Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU 2 Press 5 t
43. nns 20 Setting Time and Date Manually ssessssssessseeeeeeeeen nennen 20 Additional Set Up Features in the Preferences Menu 20 Remote VCRT VCR2 Option eeeeeeeeeeeeseesenesee en Aa nnne aE OAA nente n 21 AUTON Play A Pu CL EI 21 Auto TVINV GR PETI 21 EMGRGYSAVEN cie teeth tet iiu ELI tret Te existi dete etes i eames 22 Front Panel Brightness VCR Display ssssssseesesesseeseneee ene ennetnnnnnennns 22 Tape Speed x5 sn EE 22 Set Auto II 23 Table of Contents Using the Remote Control 0 0 0 0 eee sse enne nennen nenas 25 Using the Remote Control uie nd eere e ree cte ult tee Cr ER Ere dn 26 Buttons of the Remote Control essere nnns nennen 26 Using the INPUT BUttOrn iie e ee uit tro e Dac Ra Leche Ene ERES 27 Operating a Television with the VCR s Remote Control seeesseseeeeess 28 Using the VCR s Features sees en nnnneen nnne nnne nnns nnn nnn rnnt 29 Recording Features ca cei rn Lee ten i per ERE A LESE ERIS EIU Ree eierne 30 Express Recording XPR e ic ies e tr ERE Tee ERR c ERE REACH ease ga 30 Timer Recordings otn cest e theta i tete tette Gt o Ht eoe nested 31 Stopping a Timer Recording eesssssssesssseseeeeeeennene nennen nnne nnne 31 Reviewing and Clearing Programs essen 31 Copying and Editing Tapes Using Two VCRS
44. nter Press the INFO button a second time to display just the tape counter Press the INFO button a third time to clear the displays INPUT Selects between the video line inputs and the VCR s tuner Video line input refers to the signal coming from another component connected to the A V input jacks on the back or front of the VCR 26 Chapter 3 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 Pressing PLAY while in Pause mode will also start playback too RECORD Starts recording when in VCR mode REVERSE If you re operating a VCR with the remote control press REVERSE to go backwards on a videotape While in playback mode pressing and holding REVERSE starts reverse playback SEARCH Displays Index and Zero Search menus on screen Press this button once to display the Index Search screen and a second time to display the Zero Search screen SPEED Overrides the set recording speed either SP or SLP STOP If you re operating a VCR this button stops playback and recording operations TRACKING up and down Al
45. o 0 00 00 on the tape 7 Repeat as necessary lus Locki mm we Pro Tect Plus Locking Feature COTE F r1 p md To disable VCR usage or to protect set timer recordings the unit can be locked vcR so that the buttons on the VCR or remote control don t work To Lock Press and hold either the remote control s ON OFF or VCR button until SAFE appears in the display to indicate Pro Tect Plus is active SAFE also appears if the VCR is turned on while the feature is activated To Unlock Press and hold either the remote control s ON OFF or VCR button until SAFE disappears from the front panel display Unlocking is the only way to use the VCR 34 Chapter 4 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 When manually adjusting the picture automatic tracking is turned off To turn automatic tracking back on eject the tape and reinsert it Note Tracking has no effect when recording only during playback Some lines cannot be avoided with the VR355 model VCR due to the fact it is a 2 head VC
46. o select Preferences You are now ready to select an item from the PREFERENCES menu to set up 20 Chapter 2 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 Then press the VCR2 button on your universal remote control to change the setting The VCR will only respond to the universal remote control s VCR2 button To change the remote control setting back to VCR1 display the PREFERENCES menu press 1 and then press the VCR1 button on the universal remote control Note Remember you must press VCR1 or VCR2 on a universal remote control not included whichever is selected in the menu before the remote will operate the VCR Auto Play With Auto Play turned ON the factory default setting the VCR automatically starts playback when you insert a tape with its safety tab removed To Access Auto Play 1 In the PREFERENCES menu press 2 repeatedly to switch between Auto Play ON and OFF e Select ON if you want a tape with its safety tab removed to start playing automatically when inserted e Select OF
47. one to two minutes When scanning is complete the VCR tunes to the lowest channel available After completing Auto Channel Search pressing the remote control s CHAN or buttons should only select active channels Chapter 2 17 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 3 Auto Channel Search Add Remove Channels Signal Type CABLE Cable Box Setup Press the MENU button to display the VCR MAIN MENU Press the 3 button to choose Channels 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 Adding or Removing Channels You might want to add or remove channels after using Auto Channel Search especially if there are weak signals or channels with content you don t care for 1 2 3 ADD REMOVE CHANNELS Channel 115 is presently ADDED Press CLEAR to remove Press MENU to exit 4 Press the MENU button to display the VCR MAIN MENU Press 4 to choose Channels Press 2 to choose Add Remove Channels To go to the channel you want to add or remove use the remote control s CHANNEL or buttons or enter a specific channel number using the number buttons Once the desired channel is displayed the on screen menu will tell you if the channel is currently in t
48. pability 122 cable channels AutoProgramming frequency synthesis 120V AC 60 Hz 16 watts standby 3 3 watts 3 7 inches high 94 mm 14 2 inches wide 360 mm 9 4 inches deep 240 mm 5 72 pounds 2 7 kg 22 F to 149 F 30 C to 65 C 41 F to 104 F 45 C to 40 C Check your cable company s compatibility requirements Other Information Specifications VR545 Format Record Playback System Video Signal System Antenna Tuner Type Power Requirement Power Consumption Dimensions Weight Storage Temperature Range Operating Temperature Range VHS Video 4 head Audio VHS Mono record playback system EIA standard NTSC color 75 ohm external VHF UHF combined antenna terminal USA 181 channels capability 125 cable channels Canada 178 channels capability 122 cable channels AutoProgramming frequency synthesis 120V AC 60 Hz 23 watts standby lt 3 3 watts 3 7 inches high 94 mm 14 2 inches wide 360 mm 9 4 inches deep 240 mm 5 72 pounds 2 7 kg 22 F to 149 F 30 C to 65 C 41 F to 104 F 5 C to 40 C Check your cable company s compatibility requirements Cleaning the VCR Use a soft cloth or dusting attachment of your vacuum cleaner to dust your VCR Remove dust from the ventilation holes on the top back sides and bottom of the VCR and all connected components Plastic surfaces are easily scrat
49. ral seconds until STOP appears in the on screen display Reviewing and Clearing Programs To review programs that you have already set up 1 A WON Press the MENU button to display the VCR Main Menu Press the 2 button to choose TIMER RECORDINGS Press the 2 button to choose Review Existing Progs Press CLEAR to erase or MENU to see the next saved timer recording program Chapter 4 31 VCR Features CABLE BOX or ANTENNA De PLAYBACK VCR ANT IN cH RFOUT amp o AUDIO EH elo VIDEO RECORDING VCR sg ve elo amp TOTV Caution The unauthorized recording of satellite broadcasts television programs or other copyrighted materials may infringe the rights of others Insert Tape Don t forget to insert a recorded tape when using the search features Copying and Editing Tapes Using Two VCRs 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 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 If you have connected your VCR using the A V jacks press INPUT on the recording VCR s remote control to select the Video Line Input 4 Insert the tape you want to copy into the playback VCR Inser
50. t a tape with its safety tab in place into the recording VCR 5 Press PLAY on the playback VCR to begin playback When you reach the point on the tape or program where you want to begin copying press the PAUSE button You may need to adjust the tracking 6 Press the RECORD button then press PAUSE on the recording VCR 7 Press the PAUSE buttons on both VCRs at the same time to begin copying the tape 8 To edit segments that you do not want to copy e Press PAUSE on recording VCR to pause copying e Locate the next segment you want to copy on the playback VCR by using FWD REV and PLAY and then press PAUSE e Press PAUSE on both VCRs at the same time to resume copying 9 Press STOP on botb VCRs when finished Picture Search Options The basic way to search during playback is using the remote control s FORWARD or REVERSE buttons FWD and REV on the VCR This section contains several other options available for searching a tape Forward and Reverse Search You can search a tape during playback either forward or reverse in direction Note Sound is turned off during picture search 1 Press the FORWARD button to search forward or the REVERSE button to search backwards 2 Press the FORWARD REVERSE or PLAY button to return to normal playback Chapter 4 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 REVE
51. ting mode Then press the ONeOFF button If the TV responds to the command it can be operated using the VCR s remote control 28 Chapter 2 Chapter 4 Using the VCR s Features Chapter Overview Recording Express Recording XPR Timer Recordings Copying and Editing Tapes Changing Entertainment Agai 29 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 Express Recording XPR Use XPR to quickly record the remaining portion of a program being watched XPR is a great way to capture the end of a sporting event that has run into overtime or a live broadcast that runs long XPR works in 30 minute increments You can capture the last 30 60 90 etc minutes of programming providing on tape length up to four hours total Fem Ch 36 To Activate XPR R d L th 0 00 emai 1 If necessary turn on the VCR and tune it to the channel with the desired programming 2 If necessary insert a tape with its safety tab in place into the VCR Make Record Length 1 30 sure it is cued to record at the proper st
52. tion Your VCR will be able to play back tapes recorded in S VHS or S VHS ET mode in VHS quality Requirements Insert a tape recorded in S VHS or S VHS ET mode and pressing the PLAY button on the remote control or PLAY PAUSE on the VCR Table of Contents Product Registration sssssssssssssssssssseeeeennneen ennt en nnne nnns en tentent nennen nnns i Introduction m 1 Key Features Overview sessssesseeeeeeseenen enne nnn nn nennen nn en nnne nensi nene tenen nenne nnne nenne 1 Connections amp Setup 2 21 1 1 sessi eene nnne tnter ea nns nn eied a nnns 5 Things to Consider Before Connecting Components sess 6 Cable Considerations inei ne eec ces ee reete die a o du c 6 Choose Your Connection sss essen enne nennen nennen Aann enne s entrent rns nnn en nnns 7 Using the RF Coaxial Cable to Connect the VCR to a TV sssesssseerenes 7 NDA S MEE X 8 TV VCR Satellite Receiver ararnir eiieeii ee e nnne nens 9 TV VCR Cable BOX essssssssssese esee einen entren nsns annr inneren ns en nnne nire 10 Set the VCR S CH 3 A Switch inir navia teach e ce de eT ER E ea 11 Plugin the MGR zu e SES 11 Put Batteries in the Remote Control eessssssesesssseseeene enne nnne nennen 11 Turn on the TV and VCR ssssssssssssssee eese nennen nnns nn ntes nenn ssi en nenne
53. ton on the VCR front panel or remote control Timer Recordings Description Your VCR allows you to program up to eight different future broadcasts to be recorded You can catch a one time daily or weekly broadcast to record Requirements The VCR s clock must be set correctly A tape with its safety tab in place and enough tape to record a program must be inserted into the VCR For a cable box or satellite receiver turn it on and tune it to the channel you want to record before the recording is to begin ShowSaver Memory Protection Description Set timer programs are stored indefinitely using the VCR s permanent memory so you ll never have to worry about losing your programs due to an extended power outage Requirements Store a daily or weekly timer program in the VCR s memory Introduction 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 ONeOFF button on the remote control for six seconds until SAFE appears on the front panel display Unlock the VCR by pressing and holding the ON OFF button on the remote control again for six seconds SAFE disappears from the front panel display when the lock on the system has been released SQPB S VHS Quasi Playback Descrip
54. ut 2 Press INFO again to have only the time counter remain on the screen The time counter is also displayed in the VCR s front panel Time counter only does not time out 3 3 Press INFO again to have no displays appear on the TV screen The time counter remains in the VCR s display panel This is useful for dubbing tapes No displays will appear useful for dubbing 4 Press the INFO button again to return to the normal display The current time is displayed in the VCR s display panel Note Turning off the VCR also resets the displays 36 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Other Information Chapter Overview e Troubleshooting e Front Rear and Display Panel Diagram e Specifications e Care and Cleaning e Warranty Information e Finding the TV s Video Line Input e Glossary e Index 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 e Check to make sure the VCR is plugged into a working outlet e Check to make sure connections between devices are correct and snug The VCR does not respond to the remote control e To put the remote control in VCR operating mode press the VCR button first The remote control should then operate the VCR e Make sure there are no objects between the VCR and the remote
55. utton on the VCR when stopped to eject the tape You can also press and hold the remote control s STOP button for three seconds Recording To Capture Programming with Basic Recording Methods 1 Setthe tape speed by pressing the SPEED button on the remote control see Tape Speed on page 22 for information about recording speeds 2 Press the RECORD button to begin recording 3 Press the STOP button to halt recording If you just want to pause the recording for a short time like during a commercial press PAUSE instead of STOP Check the Safety Tab No matter which recording option you use make sure there is a tape in the VCR with its safety tab in place You cannot record on a tape with its safety tab removed If the safety tab is removed and you want to record simply cover the hole with adhesive tape Chapter 1 13 This page left blank intentionally 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 15 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

RCA VR355/VR545 User's Manual

Contents

Download Pdf Manuals

Related Search

Related Contents