RCA VR355/VR545 manual

VCR User’ s Guide Changing Entertainment. Again. VR355/VR545[...]

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1 Intr oduction Intr oduction Key Featur es Overview Y our 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. I N P U T T V • V C R PLAY FORWARD RECORD STOP PAUSE F.AD[...]

2 Intr oduction Pr o-T ect 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 ON•OFF button on the remote cont[...]

3 T able of Contents Product Registration ............................................................................................................. i Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 Key Features Overview ..................................[...]

T able of Contents 4 Using the Remote Control ............................................................................................... 25 Using the Remote Control .................................................................................................. 26 Buttons of the Remote Control ................................................[...]

5 Changing Entertainment. Again. Connections & Setup Chapter Overview: • Things to Consider Before Connecting • Choosing Y our Connection • Making Connections • Why Y ou Should Connect with Audio/V ideo Jacks • Navigating On-Scr een Menus • Completing the QuickSet ™ Guide • Basic Recor ding Chapter 1[...]

6 Chapter 1 Connections & Setup Things to Consider Befor e Connecting Components Protect Components Fr om Power Surges • Connect all components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet. • Always turn off the TV and other components before you connect or disconnect any cables. Position Cables to A void Audio Hum or Interference ?[...]

Chapter 1 7 Connections & Setup Using the RF Coaxial Cable to Connect the VCR to a TV 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 . Notes : T o hear stereo sound, you will need to purchase Audio/Video (A/V) cables (not provided) and connect the[...]

8 Chapter 1 Connections & Setup TV + VCR Note : Y our television back panel may not look exactly like the model shown here. 1. 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. 2. Connect the antenna/cable feed to the VCR Connect [...]

Chapter 1 9 Connections & Setup TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver Note : Y our television and/or satellite receiver back panels may not look exactly like the models shown here. 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 satel[...]

10 Chapter 1 Connections & Setup TV + VCR + Cable Box Note : Y our television and/or cable box back panels may not look exactly like the models shown here. 1. 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. 2. Connect the cable [...]

Chapter 1 11 Connections & 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 ’[...]

12 Chapter 1 Connections & Setup Using the Remote Contr ol to Navigate On-Scr een 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 m[...]

Chapter 1 13 Connections & Setup VCR Basics Once your initial settings are complete, you can begin using your VCR. In order to begin, you must first understand some basic concepts. . Safety T ab Automatic T racking The VCR has automatic tracking which adjusts the picture when playing back a tape recorded on another VCR. T o adjust tracking manu[...]

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15 Changing Entertainment. Again. Using the VCR ’ s Menu System Chapter Overview: • Setting Up the VCR ’ s Preferences • Using On-Scr een Menus • Cable Box Setup • Setting Time and Date • Setting VCR Prefer ences Chapter 2[...]

16 Chapter 2 Using On-Scr een Menus Using On-Scr een Menus to Set Up Featur es Y ou 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 : [...]

Chapter 2 17 Using On-Scr een 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 signa[...]

18 Chapter 2 Using On-Scr een Menus Changing the Signal T ype This feature is useful if your cable signal goes out; it allows you to switch to a regular antenna for alternate television reception. 1. Press the MENU button to display the VCR MAIN MENU . 2. Press the 3 button to choose Channels . 3. Press 3 to choose between Signal Type: Cable and An[...]

Chapter 2 19 Using On-Scr een Menus Time and Date Y our 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 S[...]

20 Chapter 2 Using On-Scr een Menus 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 inform[...]

Chapter 2 21 Using On-Scr een 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 rem[...]

22 Chapter 2 Using On-Scr een Menus 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 . • Select OFF and the VCR will stay on until you shut it off. • Select 1:00 , 2:[...]

Chapter 2 23 Using On-Scr een Menus Set Auto Repeat A tape can be set to play the same segment over and over 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. In the PREFERENCES menu, press the 7 button to choose Set Auto Repeat . The Set Auto Repeat menu wil[...]

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25 Changing Entertainment. Again. Using the Remote Contr ol Chapter Overview: • Buttons on the Remote Contr ol • Pr ogramming the Remote to Operate Other Components • How T o Use the Remote After Y ou ’ ve Pr ogrammed It Chapter 3[...]

26 Chapter 3 Using the Remote Contr ol I N P U T T V • V C R PLA Y FORWARD RECORD STOP P AUSE F. A D V CLEAR MENU SPEED TRACKING 1 4 7 2 5 8 3 6 9 0 C H A N V O L V O L C H A N INFO SEARCH MUTE GO BACK VCR ON • OFF TV REVERSE Using the Remote Contr ol Y our VCR’s remote control is capable of controlling more than just your VCR. If you have co[...]

Chapter 3 27 Using the Remote Contr ol 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 acti[...]

Using the Remote Contr ol 28 Chapter 2 Operating a T elevision with the VCR ’ s Remote Contr ol The unified remote control that came with your VCR can operate most RCA, GE, and Proscan TVs without any additional steps. T o 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 p[...]

29 Changing Entertainment. Again. Using the VCR ’ s Featur es Chapter Overview: • Recor ding • Expr ess Recor ding (XPR) • Timer Recor dings • Copying and Editing T apes Chapter 4[...]

VCR Featur es 30 Chapter 4 Recor ding Features Y our VCR provides many ways to capture programming: 1. Recording lets you press one button to r ecord a program. 2. Express Recor ding (XPR) allows recording to start while a program is being watched. This feature automatically stops recording after a designated period of time. 3. Timer Recor ding pro[...]

VCR Featur es Chapter 4 31 Timer Recor ding Y ou can program up to eight different broadcasts to be recorded. Notes – In order for a timer recording to work: • The VCR ’ s clock must be set correctly . • Insert a tape with its safety tab in place and enough tape to record the program. • If you ’ ve set up the VCR for a cable box for all[...]

VCR Featur es 32 Chapter 4 Copying and Editing T apes Using T wo VCRs Use one VCR as the playback VCR and the other as the recor ding VCR. 1. Turn on the TV and VCRs. 2. Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel (either 03, 04, or the TV’s V ideo Line Input). 3. If you connected your VCR using the ANT . IN and RF OUT jacks, tune the r ecording VCR t[...]

VCR Featur es Chapter 4 33 Slow Motion Y ou can view a tape during play or play-pause mode using Slow Motion search. 1. In pause mode, press the FOR W ARD (FWD) or REVERSE (REV) button to start slow-motion playback. 2. Press the FOR W ARD button to increase or the REVERSE button to decrease the search speed. 3. Use the TRACKING + or – buttons to [...]

VCR Featur es 34 Chapter 4 4. Press the FOR W ARD button to sear ch 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 m[...]

VCR Featur es Chapter 4 35 T racking Y our 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 f[...]

VCR Featur es 36 Chapter 4 On-Scr een 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 display[...]

37 Changing Entertainment. Again. Other Information Chapter Overview: • T roubleshooting • Front, Rear , and Display Panel Diagram • Specifications • Care and Cleaning • W arranty Information • Finding the TV ’ s V ideo Line Input • Glossary • Index Chapter 5[...]

Other Information 38 Chapter 5 T r oubleshooting Most problems with your VCR are addressed in this T roubleshooting 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 • Check to make sure the VCR is plugged into a working outlet. • Check to ma[...]

Chapter 5 39 Other Information The incorrect time or date is shown • 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. • Make sure the VCR or cable box is tuned to the time data channel (check with your service provider fo[...]

Other Information 40 Chapter 5 Streaks appear in the pictur e during normal playback • Press one of the remote control’s TRACKING buttons to adjust for the best picture. • Make sure the tape used is in good condition and not worn out. T apes play back in slow motion • Press the PLA Y button to retur n to normal playback mode. A tape with it[...]

Chapter 5 41 Other Information Recor ding Pr oblems The VCR will not r ecord • Make sure there is a tape in the VCR. • T ry 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 P AUSE or PLA Y button to return to normal playback. ?[...]

Other Information 42 Chapter 5 Fr ont Panel CHANNEL • TRACKING and Up and Down Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCR’s channel memory. Adjusts tracking when a tape is playing. FWD Forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the picture forward during playback. Starts slow motion during play-pause and increases slow-motion spee[...]

Chapter 5 43 Other Information Display Panel Clock/Counter Displays current time, time counter , tape speed, or channel numbers when switching channels. FUNCTION DISPLA YS: BYE The VCR is turned off. EJEC A tape is being ejected. FF A tape is fast-forwarding. HI The VCR is turned on. PLA Y A tape is in playback mode. PLA Y (Flashing) Playback is pa[...]

Other Information 44 Chapter 5 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 wh[...]

Chapter 5 45 Other Information Specifications (VR355) Format: VHS Record/Playback Video: 2-head System: Audio: VHS Mono record playback system Video Signal System: EIA standard: NTSC color Antenna: 75-ohm external VHF/UHF combined antenna terminal Tuner: USA: 181 channels capability* (125 cable channels) Canada: 178 channels capability* (122 cable [...]

Other Information 46 Chapter 5 How to Find Y our TV ’ s Video Input Channel Y ou 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. Y ou must select the video line input before you can see the VCR’s menus, the cable/antenna reception, and the content th[...]

Chapter 5 47 Other Information Advanced Connection TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver • Cables: A/V and RF Coaxial Note : Y our 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[...]

Other Information 48 Chapter 5 RCA VCR Limited W arranty What your warranty covers: • Any defect in materials or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: • 90 days for labor charges. • One year for parts. The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental or 45 days from date of shipment to the rental firm, whichever come[...]

Chapter 5 49 Other Information Glossary A/V Jacks & 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 reco[...]

Index 50 Chapter 5 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 B Back panel jacks 44 Basic recording 13 Batteries (remote control) 11 BYE display 43 C Cable [...]

Chapter 5 51 Index S SAFE display 34 Safety tab 13, 21 Search forward 32 reverse 32 SEARCH button 33 Set up auto play feature 21 auto TV/VCR feature 21 cable box 16 Daylight-saving 20 front panel 22 language feature 16 PREFERENCES menu 20 tape speed feature 22 time and date 19 time zone 19 using menu system 16 Signal type changing 18 selecting 18 S[...]

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