RCA VR531, User Manual

Page 1: ...video cassette recorder user s guide VR531 ...

Page 2: ...k 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 a...

Page 3: ...Additional Set Up Features in the PREFERENCES Menu 6 RemoteVCR I VCR2 Option 6 Auto Play 7 Auto TV VCR 7 Front Panel VCR Display 8 VCR Basics 19 Remote Buttons 20 Component Buttons 20 VCR Function Buttons 20 TV Function Buttons 2 I Playing a Tap_ 22 Automatic Rewind 23 Tape Eject 23 Recording 23 Check the SafetyTab 23 Recording 25 Recording Features 26 Express Recording XPR 26 Timer Recording 27 T...

Page 4: ... to Know Before Connecting Components 4 I ConnectingYourVCR 42 Jacks and Cables 42 Choosing a VCR Connection 43 Advantages of Audio Video Cable Connections 43 Don t Forget About the Auto TV VCR Feature 43 TV with RFJack Only 44 TV with Audio Video Jacks 45 TV with Audio Video Jacks and Cable Box to Unscramble Pay Channels Only 46 Appendix A Reference 47 Front Panel _ 48 Display Panel 49 Back Panel...

Page 5: ...hree sections of the manual introduce you to yourVCR and show you how to set theVCR up and use the on screen menus Reading these sections gives you the basic information you need to use yourVCR V WHAT S LEFT The rest of the book highlights playback and recording information contains a detailed connections section and a reference section that includes troubleshooting tips limited warranty and index...

Page 6: ... Place batteries in the remote matching the and ends of each battery to the diagram inside the compartment 3 Replace the cover STEP 3 CONNECT YOUR VCR If you connect your VCR to your home antenna or cable system and then to your TV use the VCR s IN FROM ANT and OUT TO TV jacks for _ good signal as shown If you have a TV with AUDIO VIDEO jacks use the jacks for a be_er connection Refer to the Conne...

Page 7: ...e TV Owner s Manual STEP 6 TURN ON THE VCR The first time you connect your VCR and turn it on a menu screen appears This is the beginning of the QuickSet Guide which helps you to set up specific features of the VCR If you choose not to use this Guide you can set up each feature individually Go to the next step to understand how to move through and change4items in the menu system STEP 7 ACCESS THE ...

Page 8: ... VCR1 2 Auto Play OFF 3 Auto TV VCR OFF 4 Front Panel AUTO 0 Exit 3 Press 2 to switch Auto Play to ON or OFF PREFERENCES 1 Remote Control VCR1 2 Auto Play ON 3 Auto TV VCR OFF 4 Front Panel AUTO 0 Exit See Additional Set Up Features for detailed information about the Auto Play feature STEP 8 SET UP THE VCR Once you understand how to move around through the menus go to the next section to set up yo...

Page 9: ...here are other features you may want to set up such as Select a Language Set up for a Cable Box Set upVCR Channel List Auto Channel Search Set Automatic Daylight SavingTime Set theTime and Date Set upVCR Plus Channels Set the Remote VCRI VCR2 Option Set the Auto Play feature Set the Auto TV VCR feature i2 V SE I FING UP THE VCR V V V V Set the Front Panel Brightness feature 7 ...

Page 10: ...switch or TV s video line input Make sure VCR indicator is on in the VCR display if you connected your VCR using the IN FROM ANT and OUT TO TV jacks Check your connections If you choose to set up the VCR options individually then go to the next section USING THE MENU TO SET UP FEATURES You4 canset up features by using the menu system Each feature that appears in the QuickSet Guide is explained in ...

Page 11: ...ch CABLE BOX SETUP This setup applies only when all channels are received through the cable box The VCR will automatically enter the output channel of the cable box when programming your VCR for timer recordings 1 Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU VCR MAIN MENU 1VCR Plus 2 Timer Recordings _ ime _hannels 5 Preferences 6 Language 0 Exit 2 Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu CHANNELS 1 Auto C...

Page 12: ...nnel 04 Press MENU to continue Once you complete the setup the VCR confirms that Cable Box Setup is complete VCR CHANNELS LIST If you use a cable box for all channels this step is not necessary Your VCR may come with a channel list preset at the factora 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 t...

Page 13: ...annel 14 m Press any key to cancel Th_oVCR 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 PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU 2 Press4 to display the CHANNELS menu 3 Press 3 to change the Signal Type between CA...

Page 14: ...e Press MENU to exit ADD REMOVE CHANNELS Channel 115 is presently REMOVED Press INFO to add Press MENU to exit TIME AND DATE Before you set the time and date set the Auto DST Daylight Saving Time feature to ON or OFF for your area Set Daylight Saving Time 1 PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU eVCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Preferences 6 Language 0 Exit Press 3 ...

Page 15: ...erthe data usingthe number buttons Press 0 before single digit numbers and followthe on screendirections SET TIME AND DATE Time 12 34 PM Date 10124 97 Friday Press CLEAR to correct Press MENU to set Spring forward Fall backward In the Spring daylight saving time begins on the first Sunday in April Because the clock automatically changes from 2 00 AM to 3 00 AM forward one hour remember to include ...

Page 16: ...23 2 1 Use CH to select Press 0 9 to change Press MENU to save Screen is for an example only r Two DigitVCR Plus Channel Numbers for CableTV USA List 35 American Movie Classics 39 Arts Entertainment 57 8lack Entertainment 54 Bravo 42 Cable News Network 45 Cinemax 98 Cinemax 2 37 The Discovery Channel 53 The Disney Channel 63 Entertainment Television 34 ESPN Sports Network 47 The Family Channel 33 ...

Page 17: ...nadian Home Shopping Network 56 Canal F amille 69 Cathay InternationalTelevision Inc 68 Chinavision Canada Corp 60 Country Music Television 63 Family Channel 62 First Choice 96 First ChoiceTwo 97 First ChoiceThree 99 First Choice Four 90 House of Commons 91 La Chaine Francaise 51 The Learning Channel 65 MeteoMedia The Weather Network 48 MuchMusic Network 55 MusiquePlus 52 Nashville Network 73 News...

Page 18: ...R1 VCR2 OPTION If you owr_a compatible RCA GE or ProScan remote that has a VCR2 VCR2 LD or DVD VCR2 button this feature allows you to set 1ibisVCR to respond to that button Press 1 to select the Remote Control item Then press the VCR2 VCR2eLD or DVDeVCR2 button to change PREFERENCES Press VCR2 to Change 2 Auto Play OFF 3 Auto TV VCR OFF 4 Front Panel AUTO PREFERENCES 1 Remote Control VCR2 2 Auto P...

Page 19: ...tomatically AUTO TV VC R This feature controls whether the TV VCR switch changes automatically to the VCR mode when the VCR is turned on Press 3 to switch between ON and OFF Select ON if you want the VCR to switch to the VCR mode when the VCR is turned on or a cassette is inserted This only applies if you connect the ANTENNA IN and OUT jacks of your VCRand TV and watch your VCR on channel 3 or 4 o...

Page 20: ...f the fluorescent display panel on the front of the VCR Press 4 to switch between the options AUTO brightens the display when the VCR is on and dims the display when the VCR is off BRIGHT keeps the display bright DIM keeps the display at a low brightness level 18 ...

Page 21: ...a recorded tape and recording a program should do just that However there are other features that enhance the enjoyment of yourVCR but they aren t necessary to get you started If you want to learn more about yourVCR just keep reading V V 13 v BA s I V VCR Basicstells you what you need to know in order to watch a movie or tape your favorite show 1 19 ...

Page 22: ...el in the VCR s channel memory CLEAR Resets time counter to 0 00 00 Allows you to change entries when setting the clock or a timer recording F ADV Le_syou view one frame with each press of the button when tape is in pause FOI_WARD Fast forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped Searches forward through a tape during playback Starts slow motion playback when tape is paused Increases speed during slo...

Page 23: ...reen when VCR is stopped Advances the tape 60 seconds of recorded material during playback SPEED Selects a recording speed SPor SLP STOP Stops the current VCR function such as record playback rewind or fast forward TRACKING Up or Down Lets you manually reduce the streaks that may appear on the picture during play slow motion or pause Reduces picture jitter during stop action playback TVoVCR Switch...

Page 24: ... removed Press FWD or REV on the VCR FORWARD or REVERSEon remote to position the tape Press PLAY PAUSE if necessary on the VCR PAUSE on remote to begin tape play Press PLAY PAUSE on the VCR PAUSE on remote for stop action Press TRACKING up or down to remove any streaks from the picture if necessary Press STOP EJECT on VCR STOP on remote to stop playback Pause If you pause the VCR automatically swi...

Page 25: ... ECK TH E SAFETY TAB No matter which recording option you use you need to make sure there is a tape in the VCR and that the tape s safety tab is in place You cannot record on a tape with the safety tab removed Safety Tab If the safety tab is removed and you want to record over it simply cover the hole with vinyl tape Tape Speeds SP Standard Play Gives the best quality recording but fewer programs ...

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Page 27: ...ps to operate yourVCR rll explain the different recording features that are available to suit your needs Recording Features Recording explained in VCR Basics section V Express Recording Timer Recording Timer Recording withVCR Plus 4 RECORDING Copying and EditingTapes T _ 25 ...

Page 28: ... to quickly record the remaining portion of the program you are watching 1 Set the tape speed by pressing the SPEED button on the remote 2 Press the RECORD button to begin recording 3 Repeatedly press the RECORD button to set up the recording duration REC CH 36 Record Length 0 00 Press REC to set length REC CH 36 Record Length 1 30 Press REC to set length Each time you press the RECORD button you ...

Page 29: ...e data for the program with the number buttons The data includes the channel number press INPUT to select the line input start time including AM or PM and end time The start date is automatically entered based on the VCR clock Both the date and speed can be changed Timer Recording Information Clock must be set correctly Insert a tape with the safety tab in place and enough tape to record the progr...

Page 30: ...t up the VCR Plus channel list you can do it now 1 Display the CHANNELS menu from the VCR MAIN MENU 2 Display the VCR Plus Channel List menu 3 Go to Setting Up Your VCR if you need more information on setting up your VCR Plus channel list Using VCR Plus 1 Press MENU to bring up the VCR MAIN MENU VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Preferences 6 Language 0 Exit VCR MAIN ...

Page 31: ...e with the CLEAR button on the remote if necessary Changing the end time comes in handy when you are recording a program such as a sporting event that may exceed the scheduled broadcast time 7 Press MENU to save the program Program 1 has been saved Remember to insert a recordable tape and turn the VCR off before the program start time Press RENU to continue VCR Plus Recording Clock must be set cor...

Page 32: ... 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 3 Use VCR Plus Code 0 Exit Press 2 to display the Review Existing Progs screen Program I COne time Channel 104 Cable Start Time 12 00 AM End Time 01 30 AM Start Date 10 24 97 FRI Tape Speed SLP Press CLEAR to erase Pres_ MENU for next pr...

Page 33: ...reach the point on the tape or program where you want to begin copying press PLAY PAUSE and then PLAYoPAUSE again on the playback VCR You may need to adjust the tracking Press the RECORD button then press PLAyoPAUSE on the recording VCR Press the PLAYoPAUSE buttons on both VCRs at the same time to begin copying the tape To edit segments that you do not want to copy Press PAUSE on recording VCR to ...

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Page 35: ...FEATURES TO ENHANCE VCR O PERATI O N Picture Search Options Pro Tect Plus TM Locking Tracking Time Counter V V On Screen Displays V V OTH ER FEATURES I 33 ...

Page 36: ...u appears What type of tape is this 1 Purchased Rented Novae 2 Home Recording 3 Other Press CLEAR to cancel Press 1 if the tape is a purchased or rented movie press 2 if it s a recording made at home or press 3 if it is something else or you don t know Pressin_d2 or 3 gives the same response and takes you to a different search feature If you accidentally make a wrong selection press GO BACK to ret...

Page 37: ...splaywill time out after a few minutesand the VCRwill enter the stop mode Press2 to Go to preview The following screen appears with a video background MOVIE ADVANCE Searching for preview Pre_s SEARCH to reverse Press STOP to cancel When a preview is detected the VCR cues it and begins playing MOVIE ADVANCE Press SEARCH for next Displays time out after a few seconds Preview Search Note 1 Any time d...

Page 38: ...ion playback 2 Press FORWARD FWD to increase or REVERSE REV to decrease the speed of the search 3 Use TRACKING up or down to remove any streaks from the picture 4 Press PLAY PLAY PAUSE to return to normal playback The VCR switches automatically from slow motion playback to stop after a few minutes COMMERCIAL SCAN SEARCH BUTTON This is usefu for skipping commercials or short program segments Press ...

Page 39: ...o search through a certain number of index marks press two number buttons to enter the number of marks you want to search Press CLEAR on the remote to correct an entry 4 Pre_ss FORWARD FWD to search forward or REVERSE REV 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 playbac...

Page 40: ...or 0 00 00 Press STOP to cancel 6 Press REVERSE REV to return to 0 00 00 on the tape 7 Press STOP to stop zero searching PRO TECT PLUS LOCKING FEATURE To disable the usage of the VCR0or to protect your timer recordings you can lock the VCR so that the buttons on the VCR or remote won t work To Lock Press and hold OFF or VCR on the remote for approximately 6 seconds SAFE appears in the display to l...

Page 41: ... only playback C 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 ...

Page 42: ...e set before they can be displayed 1 Press INFO to see the on screen displays 2 Press INFO again to have only the time counter remain on the screen 3 Press INFO again to return to the normal display Turning off the VCR also resets the displays 2 Stop Ch 05 0 30 00 11118 97 Tue 01 30PN SLP On screendisplay timesou_ 0 50 00 3 Time counter only does not time out Normal display 4O ...

Page 43: ...iddle after you connect your components Try not to coil any twin lead cables and keep them away from the audio video cables as much as possible Make sure all antennas and cables are properly grounded Refer to the Safety Tips sheet packed with your unit Protect Your Components from Overheating Do not block ventilation holes in any of the components Arrange the components so that air can circulate f...

Page 44: ... The coaxial cable supplied with your VCR is used to connect the VCR s OUT TO TV jack and your TV s antenna input RFJack Audio Video Jacks and Cables RCA type The audio video jacks provide very good picture and sound quality and can be used if your TV has audio video input jacks These jacks are used for most audio video connections between components The VCR audio video jacks are color coded yello...

Page 45: ...l that came with that particular component ADVANTAGES OF AUDIO VI DEO CABLE CONNECTIONS Using a simple coaxial cable connection gives you good picture quality If your television has audio video jacks I highly recommend using them to get even better picture quality when recording and playing back videotapes These connections give you more convenient operation by not having to share the TV s antenna...

Page 46: ...a connection 2 for cable box To connect 1 Connect cables as shown 2 Return to First Things First then follow the steps Using This Connection Tune your TV to channel 3 or 4 whichever one you selected with the 3 CH 4 switch on the back of the VCR Auto TV VCR Setting Set the Auto TV VCR feature to ON To play a tape 1 Insert a tape 2 If necessary press PLAY To record one program and watch another 1 Be...

Page 47: ...nnection 2 for cable box 2 audio video cables To connect 1 Connect cables as shown 2 Return to First Things First then follow the steps Using This Connection Tune your TV to its video input channel Use of TV VCR button is not required Auto TV VCR Setting Set the Auto TV VCR feature to OFF To play a tape 1 Insert a t_pe 2 If necessary press PLAY 4 To record one program and watch another 1 Begin rec...

Page 48: ...bles as shown 2 Return to First Things First then follow the steps Using This Connection Tune your TV to its video input channel Use of TV VCR button is not required Auto TV VCR Setting Set tffe Auto TVNCR feature to OFF To play a tape 4 1 Insert a tape 2 If necessary press PLAY To record a scrambled or unscrambled program and watch another unscrambled 1 Begin recording a scrambled or unscrambled ...

Page 49: ...about theVCR including a description of the unit s controls and display You also will find aTroubleshootingTips section in this Appendix which might help to resolve some of those simple problems Finally this section contains your warranty information 47 ...

Page 50: ...Pauses recording to prevent recording of unwanted scenes POWER Turns the VCR on or off RECORD Starts VCR recording Used for express recording Remote Sensor Receives signals from the remote control Aim the remo_e at this sensor REV Rewinds the tape when the VCR is stopped Searches the piGture in reverse during playback Starts slow motion during play pause STOP EJECT Stops the normal functions such ...

Page 51: ...The line indicator L appears when the line input isselected Status Indicators Show what the VCR is doing FF Fast forward PLAY Playback play pause and during search features REC Record REW Rewind SAFE Pro Tect Plus turned on STOP A tape is stopped TIMER Lights during express recording and when VCR isturned off and set for timer recording Flashes when timer recording is set and there is no cassette ...

Page 52: ...IO and VIDEO IN 1 Jacks Receives signals from another component like a VCR or camcorder when it is connected to these jacks Use INPUT on the remote to select AUDIO and VIDEO OUT Jacks Sends signals from VCR to another component like a TV or VCR when it is connected to these jacks IN FROM ANT Jack Receives a signal from an antenna or cable system when attached OUT TO TV Jack Passessignal to TV usin...

Page 53: ...ween the component and remote The batteries may need changing Remove batteries and hold number button 1 for at least 60 seconds to drain the microprocessor inside the remote Release number 1 and replace the batteries Remove all batteries for approximately 12 hours Then replace batteries Poor or no picture for normal TV viewing Check to make sure the VCR indicator is off Check to m_ke sure the TV i...

Page 54: ...rd Check to make sure the safety tab is intact Check to make sure the VCR is not in the line mode Press INPUT on the remote Rewind does not operate Check to make surethe tape is not already rewound VCR plus or timer recording not made or wrong program recorded Check to make sure the correct VCR PlusCode is entered Check to make sure the cable box was turned on when recording was to begin Check to ...

Page 55: ...nnels Contact your local cable company for more information Tape plays back in slow motion Press PLAY to return to normal playback Cannot select channels over 69 Cable channels over 69 can only be selected if Signal Type CABLE ANTENNA feature is set to CABLE Cassette with safety tab removed does not start to play automatically Check to make sure the Auto Play ON OFF feature is set to ON TIMER indi...

Page 56: ...high 93 ram 15 inches wide 380 ram 11 9 inches deep 300 mm 7 5 pounds 3 4 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 cabinet Plastic surfaces are easily scrat...

Page 57: ...mer instruction Your Owner s Manual clearly describes how to install adjust and operate your VCR Any additional information should be obtained from your Dealer Installation and related adjustments Signal reception problems not caused by your VCR Damage from misuse or neglect Cleaning of _ideo audio heads Remote control batteries A VC_ that has been modified or incorporated into other products or i...

Page 58: ...s back panel 50 front panel 48 Copying and editing tapes 31 Displays on screen 40 Eject tape 23 56 Express recording 26 F ADV button 20 21 36 37 First setup 3 First things first 3 FORWARD button 21 22 36 37 39 Frame advance 37 Front panel controls 48 FWD button 20 22 31 36 37 48 GO BACK button 20 21 34 Important information 2 IN FROM ANT jack 50 Index search feature 37 INDEX SEARCH menu 37 INFO bu...

Page 59: ...icators REC 49 STOP button 21 22 23 26 30 37 38 39 STOP EJECT button 23 26 30 31 48 Stopping atimer recording30 Tab safety 23 Tableof contents1 Tapeeject 23 Tape playinga 22 Tapespeeds23 Timeanddate set 13 setdaylight saving 12 Timecounter39 Timedisplay49 TIMEmenu 12 13 TIMER indicator29 49 Timerrecording27 stopping30 TIMER RECORDINGS menu27 30 Tips troubleshooting51 TRACKING buttons 21 36 39 48 T...

Page 60: ...ducts to the Indianapolis address listed in this manual or on the carton This will only add delays in service for your product THOMSON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS 10330 North Meridian Street Indianapolis IN 46290 1997 Thomson Consumer Electronics Inc Trademark s Registered Marca s Registrada s Printed in Japan TOCOM 15226140 VQTS3340 A ...