GE VGN550 manual

VGN550 VCR User’ s Guide W e bring good things to life.[...]

i Introduction WARNING To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose this VCR to rain or moisture. Impor tant Infor mation WARNING RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. This symbol indicates[...]

Auto Head Cleaner ________________ 19 Pause for Stop-Action______________ 20 Slow Motion______________________ 20 Digital Auto Tracking _____________ 20 Manual Tracking __________________20 Picture Search ____________________ 21 Variable Speed Picture Search and Frame Advance Using JOG SHUTTLE on Remote ________21 DISPLAY Button __________________ [...]

2 Hooking Up the VCR Choosing a Hookup The hookups on pages 3 through 7 are divided into two hookup types: Basic (A) and Advanced (B). The Basic hookup shows the backs of TVs that have only an antenna/cable connection. It is the easier of the two and additional accessories may not be needed. The Advanced hookup shows the VCR hooked up to a monitor/[...]

3 Hooking Up the VCR VIDEO IN OUT ANTENNA AUDIO IN OUT RIGHT RIGHT L/MONO L/MONO Back of VCR Back of TV 300/75 Ohm Adapter OR From Antenna or Cable Cable/ Antenna OR VHF UHF RF Coaxial Cable (supplied) 75 to 75/300 Ohm Separator Antenna or Cable System Without a Cable Box A. Basic hookup. Use this hookup for a simple connection which requires fewer[...]

4 Hooking Up the VCR Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels VIDEO IN OUT ANTENNA AUDIO IN OUT RIGHT RIGHT L/MONO L/MONO OUT IN Cable Box From Cable RF Coaxial Cable Back of VCR Back of TV Cable/ Antenna OR VHF UHF RF Coaxial Cable (supplied) 75 to 75/300 Ohm Separator VIDEO IN OUT ANTENNA AUDIO IN OUT RIGHT RIGHT L/MONO L/MONO S-VID[...]

5 Hooking Up the VCR Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble Only Pay Channels (such as HBO, Showtime, Pay-Per-View, etc.) A. Basic hookup. Use this hookup for a simple connection which requires fewer accessories. 1 . Connect as shown. This connection may require additional accessories not provided. 2 . Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and cable b[...]

6 Hooking Up the VCR Connecting T wo VCRs for Copying T apes VIDEO IN OUT ANTENNA AUDIO IN OUT RIGHT RIGHT L/MONO L/MONO VIDEO IN OUT ANTENNA AUDIO IN OUT RIGHT RIGHT L/MONO L/MONO Playback VCR From Antenna, Cable or Cable Box RF Coaxial Cable (supplied) Recording VCR Audio/Video Cables RF Coaxial Cable or Use the previously selected hookup to the [...]

7 Setting Up the VCR 1. Check accessories with VCR. Contact your dealer if any items are missing. 2. Attach power cord to back of VCR. 3. Insert batteries in remote. Remote (Stock No. 221405) SEARCH VOL VOL MUTE PREV CH DISPLAY INPUT 1 4 7 TV•VCR 3 6 9 2 5 8 0 CLEAR SPEED REW PLAY FF STOP PAUSE REC MENU PROG * P O W E R V C R 1 S A T • C A B L [...]

4. T urn on the TV . A. Turn on the TV. B . If you used one of the basic hookups, tune the TV to channel 3. If you used one of the advanced hookups, tune the TV to the TVÕs video input. (See TV ownerÕs manual for details.) 5. T urn on the VCR. Press VCR1 on the remote. 6. Select the VCR’ s output channel. A . Press VCR1 on the remote. B . Press[...]

9 Setting Up the VCR Star tup 7. Select the language/Escoge una lengua. This feature lets you select English or Spanish as the language for your on-screen menus. A . Press MENU•PROG on remote to see VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen. B . Press 5 to display the LANGUAGE menu. ¥ Press 1 to display the menus in English. ¥ Press 2 to to display the me[...]

10 Setting Up the VCR Star tup 9. Add or remove channels fr om the VCR’ s memory . You may want to add or remove channels if some of the channels are not active, have weak signals, or you do not want to watch them. A . Press VCR1 on the remote. B . Press MENU•PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen. C . Press 3 to display t[...]

11 Setting Up the VCR Star tup 11. Set the time and date. When you first turn on the VCR, Ð Ð : Ð Ð appears in the clock area of the VCRÕs display panel. A . Press MENU•PROG on remote to see VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen. B . Press 2 to display SET CLOCK . C . Enter the time and date with the number buttons on the remote. ¥ Press 0 before [...]

12 Using the Remote Control Buttons SEARCH VOL VOL MUTE PREV CH DISPLAY INPUT 1 4 7 TV•VCR 3 6 9 2 5 8 0 CLEAR SPEED REW PLAY FF STOP PAUSE REC MENU PROG * P O W E R V C R 1 S A T • C A B L E T V V C R 2 • L D A U X C H A N C H A N TRACKING SLOW – + J O G S H U T T L E EDIT AUX (Auxiliary) Used with POWER button to turn on compatible RCA au[...]

13 Using the Remote Contr ol Buttons Arrow Buttons ( ) Allow you to move through the menus, enter data, and change settings of selected features. CHAN Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in the TVÕs channel memory when remote is set to control a TV. CLEAR Removes menus or status displays from the screen. DISPLAY Shows the status displa[...]

14 Using the Remote Contr ol Contr olling a VCR The VCRÕs remote controls two compatible GE, RCA, or ProScan VCRs with the VCR1 and VCR2•LD buttons. Most compatible VCRs automatically respond to VCR1 without being programmed. If you own two compatible VCRs, test them to see if VCR1 turns on both VCRs. If it does, then you may want to program thi[...]

15 Using the Remote Contr ol Contr olling a TV The VCRÔs remote is preprogrammed to control the basic functions of a compatible GE, RCA, or ProScan TV. The remote can also be set up to control other manufacturerÔs brands. To program the remote, enter remote code numbers that correspond to your brand. Program the Remote for a TV Helpful Hint: Noti[...]

16 Contr olling a Cable Box or a Digital Satellite System Receiver The SAT•CABLE button on the VCRÕs remote is preprogrammed to control either a compatible RCA cable box or GE or RCA digital satellite system receiver. If your cable box is another manufacturerÕs brand and has its own remote, you will probably be able to program the VCRÕs remote[...]

17 RCA 03 07 06 05 AM/FM CD Tape Phono Type of Auxiliary Audio Equipment and Code* Contr olling an Auxiliar y RCA Component The remote that came packed with your VCR is also capable of controlling one compatible RCA audio component, such as an AM/FM radio, CD player, tape player, or phonograph. The remote must be programmed for the specific compone[...]

18 Playing a T ape Operating Instructions Video Playback Mode You can select the type of playback for tapes recorded in NTSC. 1 . Press MENU•PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen. 2 . Press 4 to display the PREFERENCES menu. 3 . Press 4 to select NTSC or PAL playback. ¥ Select Play NTSC as: PAL to have an NTSC tape play ba[...]

19 Playing a T ape Using the Playback Featur es T ape Playback: HI-FI/LINEAR/MIX Feature The VCR records the same audio on both the Hi-Fi and linear tracks on the tape. The Hi-Fi sound is recorded on separate left and right stereo channels. Monaural sound is recorded on the linear track. To enjoy Hi-Fi sound, connect your VCR to a stereo television[...]

20 Pause for Stop Action This feature stops the tape in action and allows you to examine the details of the scene. Stop action works best for tapes recorded in the SP and SLP speed. 1 . Press PAUSE during playback to stop the action. STILL appears in the VCRÕs display panel. 2 . Press TRACKING up or down to reduce any jittering of the picture. 3 .[...]

21 Picture Sear ch You can search a picture during playback by fast forwarding or rewinding the tape. The picture is best for tapes recorded in the SP or SLP speed. Sound is turned off during picture search. Also, during picture search in the LP speed, the color is turned off. Fast Forward Search 1 . Press FF on the remote or FWD on the VCR to sear[...]

22 Using the Playback Featur es Playing a T ape DISPLA Y Button 1. Press DISPLAY on the remote to display the status of the VCR, channel number, time counter, date, time, and tape speed on the TV screen. The time will appear in the display panel. The time and date must be set before they are displayed. If you do not press DISPLAY again, these displ[...]

23 Index Search The VCR has a ÒVHS Index Search SystemÓ that automatically records an index mark on the tape every time you stop and then start a new recording. During playback you can locate the program you want to play by the number of index marks. The VCR will automatically locate the index number you select. The VCR will search forward or rev[...]

24 Playing a T ape Using the Playback Featur es Zero Sear ch The zero search feature allows you to quickly return to a counter reading of 0:00:00 at any spot on the tape. This is convenient when you want to watch a segment of the tape several times. 1. Insert the prerecorded tape and press STOP . 2. Press DISPLAY twice to display only the time coun[...]

25 Your VCR provides different types of recording. These types are explained in the following sections: Basic Recording Ð Operating Instructions Recording While You're Away Timer Recording One Touch Recording Recording Broadcast Stereo TV or SAP (Second Audio Program) Recording Audio Only Using Two VCRs for Copying Tapes T ypes of Recor dings[...]

26 Recording a Program T o Make a Recording Turn on the TV and tune it to the VCR viewing channel, either 3, 4, or TVÕs video input channel. 1. Insert a tape with safety tab in place. The cassette-in indicator lights in the VCRÕs display panel. 2. Press VCR1 ( VCR2•LD) to set remote to control the VCR. 3. If using one of the basic hookups, make[...]

27 Recording a Program Recor ding While Y ou’re A way (Timer Recording) The timer program feature lets you program the VCR to record up to eight different programs within a one year period. Before setting the timer, make sure that: ¥ The clock is set correctly. ¥ A tape with safety tab has been inserted with enough tape to record the programs. [...]

28 Recording a Program Select Cable Box (or Satellite Receiver) Channel If you receive all channels from a cable box (or satellite receiver) and complete Cable Box Setup , the VCR will automatically enter the output channel of your cable box (or satellite receiver) as the channel to be recorded in the TIMER RECORDINGS menu. 1. Press MENU•PROG to [...]

29 Recording a Program One T ouch Recor ding One touch recording lets you record up to four hours without using the timer program feature. The VCR will turn off automatically at the end of the recording. SLP VCR H M RECORD Display showing 30 minutes remaining for SEARCH VOL VOL MUTE PREV CH DISPLAY INPUT 1 4 7 TV•VCR 3 6 9 2 5 8 0 CLEAR SPEED REW[...]

30 T o Record Ster eo Broadcast TV or SAP Turn on the TV and tune it to the VCR viewing channel, either 3, 4, or TVÕs video input. 1 . Insert a tape with safety tab in place. 2 . If using one of the basic hookups, make sure the VCR indicator appears in the VCRÕs display panel. If not, press TV•VCR to turn it on. 3 . Use SPEED on the remote to s[...]

31 Recor ding Audio Only You can record audio only from another audio source connected to the AUDIO IN ( R and L/MONO ) jacks on the VCR. T o Record Audio Only 1. Press INPUT to select L1 to record from the jacks on the back of the VCR or L2 to record from the jacks on the front of the VCR. The VCR will record audio from the audio equipment connect[...]

32 Recording a Program Using T wo VCRs for Copying and Editing T apes Operating Instructions (Refer to hookup on page 6.) Use this VCR as the playback VCR and the other VCR as the recording VCR. If you have two compatible VCRs, use the AutoEdit feature described below. 1. Turn on the TV and VCRs. 2. Tune TV to the VCR viewing channel, either 3, 4, [...]

33 References Location of Contr ols CHANNEL/ TRACKING ( Up or Down) Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCRÕs channel memory. Adjusts tracking when a tape is playing. EJECT Press when the VCR is stopped to eject the cassette. FWD (Fast Forward) Fast forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the picture forward during playback. IN[...]

34 References Location of Contr ols Back Panel ANTENNA IN Connector Receives the signal from an antenna or cable system that is attached to this connector. ANTENNA OUT Connector Passes signal to TV using the coaxial cable supplied. VIDEO and AUDIO (RIGHT and L/MONO) IN Jacks Receives signals from another component, like a VCR or camcorder, when it [...]

35 References Location of Contr ols Cassette-In Indicator ( ) Lights when a tape is in the VCR. Channel Number, L1 , or L2 The channel number or line indicator ( L1 or L2) is displayed. Select L1 to record from the jacks on the back of the VCR or L2 to record from the jacks on the front of the VCR. HIFI Indicator Lights during playback when Tape Pl[...]

36 References T r ouble Checks Sometimes problems can be easily solved by checking a few basic things. Check below before you call for help or take your VCR to an Authorized GE VCR Service Center. N o power Clock shows incorrect time or date Remote locks up VCR does not respond to remote Remote no longer controls an GE TV Remote no longer controls [...]

37 ¥ 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. ¥ A minus (Ð) will appear in front of the time if you rewind the tape farther back than a counter reading of 0:00:00 . ¥ No cassette in VCR.[...]

38 References Format: VHS Record/Playback Video: 4-Head System: Audio: 2 Hi-Fi record/playback system Video Signal System: PAL N Recording and Playback NTSC Playback Antenna: 75-ohm external VHF/UHF combined antenna terminal Tuner: USA: 181 channels capability* (125 cable channels) Type: AutoProgramming frequency synthesis Power Requirement: 100-24[...]

39 References Index Antenna .....................................................2-3 Audio/Video Jacks...............................2,3-6 Cable TV ................................................2,3-5 Two VCRs ....................................................6 Contents ..................................................................1 Controll[...]

40 References Index (continued) REC P (Record Pause) Indicator ...................20,25 Reception: MONO/SAP/STEREO Feature ..30,31 Recording Audio Only ................................................31 Basic ............................................................26 Broadcast Stereo TV..................................30 Features .............[...]

41 References Index (continued) SLOW + and Ð Buttons ...................................13,20 Slow Motion ..........................................................20 SLOW + and – Indicators..........................20,21,35 SLP Speed ..............................................................25 Solving Problems ..............................[...]

Please do not send any products to the Indianapolis address listed in this manual or on the carton. This will only add delays in service for your product. 10330 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290-1024 USA ©1995 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Trademark(s)¨ Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Printed in Singapore Part Number 95-VGN550-1[...]