RCA VR631HF, User Manual

Page 1: ...video cassette recorder user s guide VR631HF ...

Page 2: ...ck 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 ...

Page 3: ...ES Menu 16 RemoteVCR I VCR2 Option 16 Auto Play 17 Auto TV VCR 17 Front Panel VCR Display 18 VCR Basics 19 Remote Buttons 20 Component Buttons 20 VCR Function Buttons 20 IV Function Buttons 2 I Playing a Tape 22 Automatic Rewind 23 Tape Eject 23 Recording 23 Check the Safety Tab 23 Recording 25 Recording Features 26 Express Recording 26 Timer Recording 27 Timer Recording with VCR Plus 28 Stopping ...

Page 4: ...ack 41 Connections 43 Things to Know Before Connecting Components 43 ConnectingYourVCR 44 Jacks and Cables 44 Choosing a VCR Connection 45 Advantages of Audio Video Cable Connections 45 Don t Forget About the Auto TV VCR Feature 45 TV with RF Jack Only 46 TV with Audio Video Jacks 47 TV with Audio Video Jacks and Cable Box to Unscramble Pay Channels Only 48 Appendix A Reference 49 Front Panel 50 D...

Page 5: ...ee 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 V...

Page 6: ...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 a good signal as shown If you have a TV with AUDIO VIDEO jacks use these jacks for a better connection In order to hear stereo and hi fi sound the audio video jacks m...

Page 7: ... 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 change items in the menu system STEP 7 ACCESS THE M...

Page 8: ...ontrol VCR1 2 Auto Play OFF 3 Auto TVIVCR 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 TVIVCR OFF 4 Front Panel AUTO 0 Exit See Additional Set UpFeaturesfordetailed information about the Auto Playfeature STEP 8 SET UP THE VCR Once you understand how to move around through the menus go to the next section to set up ...

Page 9: ... there 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 Saving time 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 2 Y SETTING UP THE VCR Y Y 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 You can set up features by using the menu system Each feature that appears in the QuickSet Guide is explained in ...

Page 11: ... 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 1 VCR Plus 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Preferences 6 Audio 7 Language 0 Exit 2 Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu CHANNEL...

Page 12: ... 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 factory Even though your VCR may come with a list it s possible that you may want to add or eliminate some channels depending on whether they are active To Au...

Page 13: ...annel 14 Press any key to cancel The VCR begins scanning for the available channels this takes about one to two minutes The lowest channel is tuned once the search is complete Now pressing CHANNEL up or down should only select the active channels To Change the Signal Type 1 PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU 2 Press4 to display the CHANNELS menu 3 Press3 to change the Signal Type between CABLE...

Page 14: ... Press MENU to exit ADD REMOVE CHANNELS Channet 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 DaylightI Saving Time feature to ON or OFF for your area Set Daylight Saving Time 1 Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Preferences 6 Audio 7 Language 0 Exit ...

Page 15: ... Enter the data using the number buttons Press 0 before single digit numbers and follow the on screen directions SET TIME AND DATE Time 12 34 PM Date 10124 97 Friday Press CLEAR to correct Press MENU to set I Time Date Display 1 Pressing INFO on the remote displays the time and date on the screen Spring forward Fall backward In the Spring daylight saving time begins on the first Sunday in April Be...

Page 16: ...I to select Press 019 to change Press MENU to save Screen is for an example only 14 Two DigitVCR Plus Channel Numbers for CableTV USA List 35 American MovieClassics 39 Arts Entertainment 57 BlackEntertainment 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 Home BoxOffic...

Page 17: ...adian Home Shopping Network 56 Canal Famille 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 MeteoMediaJTheWeather Network 48 MuchMusic Network 55 MusiquePlus 52 Nashville Network 73 Newswor...

Page 18: ...ready to select an item from the menu to set up REMOTE VCR1 VCR2 OPTION If you own a compatible RCA GE or ProScan remote that has a VCR2 VCR2 LD or DVDmVCR2 button this feature allows you to set this VCR to respond to that button Press 1 to select the Remote Control item Then press the VCR2 VCR2 LD or DVDmVCR2 button to change PREFERENCES Press VCR2 to Change 2 Auto Play OFF 3 Auto TV VCR OFF 4 Fr...

Page 19: ...want a tape with its safety tab removed to start playing automatically 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 jac...

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: ...aying 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 13 I V VCR Basicstells you what you need to know in order to watch a movie or tape your favorite show 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 Lets you view one frame with each press of the button when tape is in pause FORWARD 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: ...enus on TV screen 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 ...

Page 24: ...on the cassette is 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...

Page 25: ...CK 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 ca...

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Page 27: ... the different recording features that are available to suit your needs Recording Features Recording explained in VCR Basics section Express Recording Timer Recording Timer Recording with VCR Plus Broadcast Stereo or Second Audio Program SAP Audio Only Recording Copying and EditingTapes 4 V V RECORDING 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 Pressthe 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 in...

Page 29: ...the 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 pro...

Page 30: ...p 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 I VCR Plus 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Preferences 6 Audio 7 Language 0 Exit VCR ...

Page 31: ...me 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 MENU to continue VCR Plus Recording Clock must be set co...

Page 32: ...Progra 2 Review Existing Progs 3 Use VCR Plus Code 0 Exit Press 2 to display the Review Existing Progs screen Program 1 One 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 Press MENU for next prog 3 Press CLEAR to erase or MENU to see the next program RECORDING BROADCAST STEREO TV OR SAP SECOND AUDIO PROGRAM Some TV programs ...

Page 33: ...cord audio only from another audio source connected to the AUDIO IN 1 R and L MONO jacks on the back of the VCR 1 Press the INPUT button on the remote to select the line input The VCR will record audio from the audio equipment connected to the AUDIO IN 1 jacks 2 Use SPEED on the remote to select the recording speed 3 Start audio source playing and press RECORDto begin recording 4 Press STOP on the...

Page 34: ...each the point on the tape or program where you want to begin copying press PLAyoPAUSE and then PLAyoPAUSE again on the playback VCR You may need to adjust the tracking 6 Pressthe RECORD button then press PLAYePAUSE on the recording VCR 7 Press the PLAY 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 Press PAUSE on recording VCR...

Page 35: ...FEATURES TO ENHANCE VCR OPERATION Picture Search Options Pro Tect Plus TM Locking Tracking Time Counter On Screen Displays Audio Reception AudioTape Playback V V V V OTHER FEATURES V I 33 ...

Page 36: ...nu appears What type of tape is this 1 Purchased Rented Movie 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 Pressing 2 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 re...

Page 37: ...lay will time out after a few minutes and the VCR will enter the stop mode Press2 for Go to preview The following screen appears with a video background MOVIE ADVANCE Searching for previeU o Press 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 Display times out after a few seconds Preview Search Note Any time...

Page 38: ...w motion 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 PLAYePAUSE 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 useful for skipping commercials or short program segments ...

Page 39: ...earch 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 Press 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 playback 5 ...

Page 40: ...for 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 VCR or 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 ...

Page 41: ...recording only playback 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 prog...

Page 42: ...s 2 Stop Ch 05 0 30 00 11 18196 Ron 01 30PM SLP On screendisplay _ime5 ou_ 0 30 00 AUDIO SET UP FEATURES The audio set up features enhance your tape playback and recordings The features in this section are accessed through the AUDIO menu and are shown in the displays below 1 Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU 3 Time counter only does not time out VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus 2 Timer Recordings 3 ...

Page 43: ...on the tape Hi Fi sound is recorded on separate left and right stereo channels Monaural sound is recorded on the linear track Press 2 to switch between Tape Playback HI FI LINEAR and MIX To enjoy Hi Fi sound connect your VCR to a stereo television or amplifier receiver using the audio video jacks The Tape Playback feature lets you select which audio you play back Select HI FI to play back sound re...

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Page 45: ...middle 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 ...

Page 46: ...and OUT TO TV The coaxial cable supplied with your VCR is used to connect the VCR s OUT TO TV jack and your TV s antenna input O 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 must be used for stereo sound The VCR audio video jacks are color coded yellow for video red ...

Page 47: ...e with that particular component ADVANTAGES OF AUDIO VIDEO 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 and to hear stereo sound when recording and playing back videotapes These connections give you more convenient operation by not having to share th...

Page 48: ...nnection 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 TVNCR feature to ON To play a tape 1 Insert a tape 2 If necessary press PLAY To record one program and watch another 1 Begin r...

Page 49: ...nection 2 for cable box 3 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 tape 2 If necessary press PLAY To record one program and watch another 1 Begin record...

Page 50: ...ct 1 Connect cables as shown 2 Return to First Things First then follow the steps Using This Connection Tune your IV 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 tape 2 If necessary press PLAY To record a scrambled or unscrambled program and watch another unscrambled 1 Begin recording a scrambled or...

Page 51: ...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 49 ...

Page 52: ...ses 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 remote at this sensor REV Rewinds the tape when the VCR is stopped Searches the picture in reverse during playback Starts slow motion during play pause STOP EJECT Stops the normal functions such as ...

Page 53: ...appears when the VCR is tuned to a channel The line indicator L appears when the line input is selected 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 Plusturned on STOP A tape is stopped TIMER Lights during express recording or when VCR is turned off and set for timer recording Flashes when timer...

Page 54: ...acks 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 R and L MONO 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 Passes signal to TV using the...

Page 55: ...ts between the TM 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 replace the batteries Remove all batteries for approximately 12 hours Then replace batteries Snowy or no picture during playback PressTV VCR to turn VCR indicator on Check TV channel selected 3 or 4 to make sur...

Page 56: ...ormal playback Check the ProTect PlusTM feature Will not record Check to make sure the safety tab is intact Check to make sure the VCR is not in the line mode Press INPUT on the remote Rewind does not operate Check to make sure the 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...

Page 57: ...or ANTENNA instead May not be necessary if using cable box for all channels 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 C...

Page 58: ... is set to HI FI to hear stereo sound during playback Must use the AUDIO VIDEO jacks on the back of the VCR to hear stereo sound Stereo audio too noisy Stereo signal is weak Set Reception STEREO SAP MONO feature to MONO Press one of the TRACKING up or down buttons to minimize the noise 56 ...

Page 59: ...nches high 93 mm 15 inches wide 380 mm 11 9 inches deep 300 mm 7 5 pounds 3 4 kg 22 Fto 149 F 130 Cto 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 sc...

Page 60: ...omer 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 video audio heads Remote control batteries A VCR that has been modified or incorporated into other products or ...

Page 61: ...wing 5 Channels add or remove 12 Channels list VCR 10 CHANNELS menu 9 11 12 14 28 Choosing a VCR connection 45 Cleaning the VCR 57 CLEAR button 20 29 30 37 38 39 Clearing programs 30 Commercial scan feature 36 Component buttons 20 21 Connections 43 audio video cable 45 choosing 45 TV with audio video jacks 47 TV with audio video jacks and cable box to unscramble only pay channels 48 TV with RFjack...

Page 62: ...3 32 36 50 Playing a tape 22 POWER button 23 38 50 6O Power button 20 Power surges 43 PREFERENCES menu 16 17 Pro Tect PlusTM locking feature 38 Problem solving 53 Product registration 2 PROGRAMS OVERLAP message 27 29 Q QuickSet guide 8 R Reception STEREO MONO SAPfeature 31 41 RECORD button 21 23 26 31 32 50 Recording copying and editing tapes 32 express 26 SAP 30 speeds 23 timer 27 VCR plus 28 Reg...

Page 63: ... Playback HI FI LINEAR and MIX feature 41 Tape playing a 22 Tape speeds 23 Time and date set 13 set daylight saving 12 Time counter 39 Time display 51 TIME menu 12 13 TIMER indicator 29 51 Timer recording 27 stopping 30 TIMER RECORDINGS menu 27 30 Tips troubleshooting 53 TRACKING buttons 21 36 39 50 Tracking feature 39 Troubleshooting tips 53 TV button 20 TV VCR button 17 21 31 45 46 50 V VCR clea...

Page 64: ...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 15226240 VQTS3345 A ...