RCA VR518 User Manual

Video cassette recorder
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user's guide
VR518

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Summary of Contents for RCA VR518

  • Page 1 VR518...
  • Page 2: Important Information

    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. VR518 Model No. _____________________________________________________ Serial No. ______________________________________________________ Purchase Date: ________________________________________________...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Recording Features ... 24 Express Recording ... 24 Timer Recording ... 25 Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ ... 26 Stopping a Timer Recording ... 28 Reviewing and Clearing Programs ... 28 Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes ... 29...
  • Page 4 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 RF Jack Only ... 44 TV with Audio/Video Jacks ... 45 TV with Audio/Video Jacks and Cable Box to Unscramble Pay Channels Only...
  • Page 5: First Things First

    Read the First Three sections The first three sections of the manual introduce you to your VCR, and show you how to set the VCR up and use the on-screen menus. Reading these sections gives you the basic information you need to use your VCR.
  • Page 6 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 ANT.IN and RF OUT jacks for a good signal as shown. If you have a TV with AUDIO/VIDEO jacks, use the audio/video jacks on the TV and VCR for a better connection.
  • Page 7 Match the wide blade of the plug with the wide slot in the outlet. Be sure to insert the plug completely. STEP 5: TUNe THE TV Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel. The VCR viewing channel is channel 3 or 4 or the TV’s video input. •...
  • Page 8 0 Exit See Set-Up Features for detailed information about the Auto Play feature. STEP 8: SET UP THE VCR Once you understand how to move around and/or through the menus, go to the next section to set up your VCR.
  • Page 9: Setting Up The Vcr

    Setting Up the VCR Set-up features Below is a list of set-up features that you may want to set up before you begin using your VCR for the first time: • Select a Language • Set up VCR Channel List (Auto Channel Search) •...
  • Page 10: Using The On-Screen Guide

    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.
  • Page 11: Vcr Channels List

    Setting Up the VCR To Auto Channel Search Auto channel search memorizes the channels available through your signal type--cable or antenna. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time...
  • Page 12: To Change The Signal Type

    Pressing CHANNEL up or down now selects the active channels. To Change the Signal Type 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. 3. Press 3 to change the Signal Type between CABLE and ANTENNA.
  • Page 13: Set Daylight-Saving Time

    Select ON if you want the VCR’s clock to automatically adjust for daylight-saving time. • Select OFF if you do not want the VCR’s clock to adjust for daylight-saving time. Set the Time and Date 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
  • Page 14: Vcr Plus+ Channels

    Press MENU to set VCR PLUS+ CHANNELS Using VCR Plus+ can make programming timer recordings for cable or off-air antenna easier, but you have to put in a little time right now to set up a channel list. A worksheet and abbreviated codes for typical cable services in the U.S.
  • Page 15: Vcr Plus Worksheet

    Number** Name ESPN *Check your local or cable listing for the channel number you receive this station on. **Check your local listing for broadcast or VCR Plus+ channel number assigned. Channel Number Two-Digit VCR Plus+ Channel You Receive the Station On*...
  • Page 16: Additional Set-Up Features In The Preferences Menu

    2 Add/Remove Channels 3 Signal Type: CABLE 4 VCR Plus+ Channel List 0 Exit 3. Press 4 to display the VCR Plus+ Channel List screen. VCR+ Channel My Channel 3 -> -> -> Use CH+/- to select Press 0-9 to change Press MENU to save 4.
  • Page 17: Remote Vcr1/Vcr2 Option

    Now you are 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 DVD•VCR2 button, this feature allows you to set this VCR to respond to that button.
  • Page 18: Auto Play

    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 ANT.IN and RF OUT jacks of your VCR and TV and watch your VCR on channel 3 or 4 of your TV.
  • Page 19: Vcr Basics

    VCR BAsICS learn the basics To get you started These VCR basics should be enough for you to begin enjoying your VCR. Learning the remote control functions, playing a recorded tape, and recording a program should do just that. However, there are other features that enhance the enjoyment of your VCR, but they aren’t necessary to get you started.
  • Page 20: Remote Buttons

    Remote Buttons The remote control is capable of controlling your VCR and many brands of televisions. If you have an RCA, ProScan, or GE TV, you may be able to control it without having to program the remote. Component Buttons OFF Turns off VCR when remote is set to control the VCR.
  • Page 21: Tv Function Buttons

    1 until 1 – – appears on the screen. Then press the other two numbers. OFF Turns off the VCR when the remote is set to control the VCR. Turns off other components if remote is programmed.
  • Page 22: Playing A Tape

    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. Tape Eject Press STOP•EJECT on the VCR when it is stopped to eject the tape. RECORD RECORD PLAY • PAUSE PLAY • PAUSE...
  • Page 23: Recording

    Check the 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.
  • Page 25: Recording

    RECORDING SEVERAL recording OPTIONS Now that you’ve gone through the necessary steps to operate your VCR, I’ll explain the different recording features that are available to suit your needs. Recording Features: • Recording (explained in VCR Basics section) • Express Recording •...
  • Page 26: Recording Features

    Press REC to set length Each press of the RECORD button increases the recording time (up to 4 hours). The VCR continues to record for the amount of time you indicate, and then automatically turns off. Ch 36 Record Length 1:30...
  • Page 27: Timer Recording

    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.
  • Page 28: Timer Recording With Vcr Plus

    TV signal off-air. Setting Up the Channel List If you did not set 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.
  • Page 29 RECORDING 3. Enter the VCR PlusCode shown in your local television programming guide. VCR PLUS+ Enter pluscode number (from TV listing) 12876 Press CLEAR to correct Press MENU when done 4. Press MENU to enter the VCR PlusCode number. How often should this...
  • Page 30: Stopping A Timer Recording

    VCR). REVIEWING AND CLEARING PROGRAMS To review programs that you have already set up: 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 2 to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu. TIMER RECORDINGS 1 Create a New Progam 2 Review Existing Progs.
  • Page 31: Using Two Vcrs For Copying And Editing Tapes

    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 3, 4, or TV’s video input). 3. If you connected your VCR using the ANT.IN and RF OUT jacks, tune the recording VCR to channel 3 or 4—the one...
  • Page 33: Programming The Remote

    The remote can be programmed to control a television. It is initially programmed to control an RCA, GE, or ProScan TV. Other manufacturer’s brands need to be programmed. First things first Setting Up the VCR...
  • Page 34: To Control A Tv

    About Programming the Remote The remote can be programmed to control other brands of remote controllable TVs. It is already programmed to operate most RCA, ProScan, and GE TVs. Programming the Remote to Control a TV If the TV does not turn on when you press the TV button, the remote needs to be programmed.
  • Page 35 Proton ... 06 Electrohome ... 06,12 Quasar ... 11 Emerson ... 06 Radio Shack ... 01,05,13 Envision ... 05,06 RCA ... 01,06,12 Fisher ... 05,08 Realistic ... 05 Sampo ... 06 GE ... 00,01,06,11 Goldstar ... 06,12 Samsung ... 06,09,12 Sanyo ...
  • Page 37: Other Features

    OTHER FEATURES features to enhance VCR operation • Picture Search Options • Time Counter • On-Screen Displays • Tracking First things first Setting Up the VCR VCR Basics RECORDING PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE OTHER FEATURES Connections...
  • Page 38: Picture Search Options

    2. Use TRACKING up or down to remove any streaks from the picture. 3. Pr ess PLA Y (PLA Y•PAUSE) to r eturn 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: Frame Advance

    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 on the tape.
  • Page 40: Zero Search

    OTHER FEATURES ZERO Search The Zero Search feature enables the VCR to quickly return to a counter reading of 0:00:00 anywhere on the tape. This is especially convenient when you want to repeat a segment of the tape several times.
  • Page 41: On-Screen Displays

    OTHER FEATURES ON-SCREEN DISPLAYS The INFO button sho ws the status of the VCR (ST OP, PLA Y, RECORD , etc.), channel number, time counter, date, time, and tape speed on the TV screen. The date and time must be set before they can be displayed.
  • Page 43: Connections

    • Place an amplifier or satellite receiver on the top shelf of the stand so heated air rising from it will not flow around other components. First things first Setting Up the VCR VCR Basics recording PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE OTHER FEATURES...
  • Page 44: Connecting Your Vcr

    TV. These jacks are required for antenna or cable-TV connections. The RF jacks on the VCR are labeled ANT.IN and RF OUT. The RF Jack coaxial cable supplied with your VCR is used to connect the VCR’s RF OUT jack and your TV’s antenna input.
  • Page 45: Choosing A Vcr Connection

    Feature The TV/VCR switch controls whether the picture signal is coming from the VCR or the TV. You can change the setting manually by using the TV•VCR button on the remote, or you can set the Auto TV/VCR feature to automatically switch to VCR mode when the VCR is turned on.
  • Page 46: Tv With Rf Jack Only

    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 switch on the back of the VCR. Use the TV•VCR button to watch the VCR. Auto TV/VCR Setting: •...
  • Page 47: Tv With Audio/Video Jacks

    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 the TV•VCR button is not required. Auto TV/VCR Setting: •...
  • Page 48: Tv With Audio/Video Jacks And Cable Box To Unscramble Pay Channels Only

    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 the TV•VCR button is not required. Auto TV/VCR Setting: •...
  • Page 49: Appendix A: Reference

    This section gives you some additional information about the VCR, including a description of the unit’s controls and display. You also will find a Troubleshooting Tips section in this Appendix, which might help to resolve some of those simple problems.
  • Page 50: Front Panel

    TRACKING Remote Sensor CHANNEL•TRACKING Up or 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.
  • Page 51: Back Panel

    RECORD Indicator Lights when the VCR is recording. TIMER Indicator Lights during an express or timer recording, or when the VCR is set for a timer recording and the VCR is turned off. Flashes when the clock is not set, and there is no cassette in the VCR.
  • Page 52: Troubleshooting Tips

    • Press TV to set remote to control a compatible TV. • Check to make sure the remote is programmed to control an RCA, ProScan, or GE TV. Remote no longer controls a compatible TV • Press TV to set remote to control the compatible TV.
  • Page 53 Check to make sure the tape is not broken. • Check to make sure the VCR is not in pause mode. Press PAUSE or PLAY on the remote (PLAY•PAUSE on the VCR) to return to normal playback. Will not record •...
  • Page 54 If Detect Automatically was selected for the Signal Type in the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu, try using either CABLE TV or ANTENNA. • May not need to auto channel search if using a cable box. Refer to the VCR Channel List or contact your cable company for more information. Tape plays back in slow motion •...
  • Page 55: Specifications

    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 scratched and can be marred by alcohol and various solvents.
  • Page 56: Limited Warranty

    • Pay any Authorized RCA VCR Servicenter the labor charges to repair your VCR. • Pay any Authorized RCA VCR Servicenter for the new or, at our option, refurbished replacement parts required to repair your VCR. How you get service: •...
  • Page 57: Index

    AUDIO/VIDEO jacks 29, 45, 46, 49 AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu 9 Auto DST: ON or OFF feature 11 Auto play feature 16 Auto TV/VCR feature 16, 43 Automatic rewind 21 Automatic tracking 20 Basic recording 21 Basics, learn the 17...
  • Page 58 25 VCR plus+ 26 Remote buttons 18 component buttons 18 TV function buttons 19 VCR function buttons 18 Remote control installing batteries 4 Remote sensor 48 REMOTE VCR1/VCR2 option 15 Remove or add channels 10 REV button 20, 36, 37, 38, 48...
  • Page 59 TV•VCR button 16, 19, 43 VCR, cleaning 53 VCR button 18 VCR channels list 8 VCR indicator 49 VCR MAIN MENU 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 25, 26 VCR Plus+ CHANNEL LIST screen 14, 26 PlusCode number 27 setting up channels 12...
  • Page 60 If your VCR needs service, please contact your dealer or the nearest Servicenter from the yellow pages. 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.

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