RCA VR557 User Manual
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RCA VR557 User Manual

Rca vr557: users guide
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USER'S
GUIDE
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VR557

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  • Page 1 USER’S GUIDE videocassetterecordervideocasset terecordervideocassetterecorderv ideocassetterecordervideocassett erecordervideocassetterecordervi deocassetterecordervideocassette recordervideocassetterecordervid eocassetterecordervideocassetter ecordervideocassetterecordervide ocassetterecordervideocassettere cordervideocassetterecordervideo cassetterecordervideocassetterec ordervideocassetterecordervideoc assetterecordervideocassettereco rdervideocassetterecordervideoca ssetterecordervideocassetterecor dervideocassetterecordervideocas setterecordervideocassetterecord ervideocassetterecordervideocass etterecordervideocassetterecorde rvideocassetterecordervideocasse tterecordervideocassetterecorder videocassetterecordervideocasset terecordervideocassetterecorderv ideocassetterecordervideocassett erecordervideocassetterecordervi deocassetterecordervideocassette recordervideocassetterecordervid eocassetterecordervideocassetter ecordervideocassetterecordervide ocassetterecordervideocassettere cordervideocassetterecordervideo cassetterecordervideocassetterec VR557...

  • Page 2: Safety Information

    VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are registered trademarks of Gemstar Development Corporation. The VCR Plus+ System is manufactured under the license from Gemstar Development Corporation. COMMERCIAL ADVANCE® and MOVIE ADVANCE® are registered trademarks of SRT, Inc. A Jerry Iggulden invention licensed by Arthur D. Little Enterprises.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Recording ... 29 Recording Features ... 30 Express Recording (XPR) ... 30 Timer Recording ... 31 Timer Recording with the VCR Plus+ System... 32 Setting Up the Channel List ... 32 Using the System ... 32 Stopping a Timer Recording ... 34 Reviewing and Clearing Programs ...
  • Page 4 On-screen Displays ... 50 Connections ... 51 Connecting Your VCR ... 52 Jacks and Cables ... 52 Choosing a VCR Connection ... 53 Advantages of Audio/Video Connections ... 53 TV with RF Jack Only... 54 TV with Audio/Video Jacks ... 55 TV with Audio/Video Jacks and Cable Box to Unscramble Pay Channels Only ...

  • Page 5: First Things First

    To help you along, there’s even an initial setup feature the first time you turn on your VCR which walks you through several set up steps at once. Getting Started Before this first step, though, learning about the time and date, your remote control’s features, working...
  • 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 to the right.
  • Page 7 STEP 6: turn on the VCR Press POWER on the VCR’s front panel or the VCR button on the remote control to turn on the VCR. The first time you turn the VCR on, a menu screen appears. This is the start of an interactive set up which helps you pick different options for your VCR.
  • Page 8 Video Input Channel” in the References section of this manual for more information). • Make sure the VCR indicator is on in the VCR display if you connected your VCR using the ANT IN and RF OUT jacks. • Check your connections.

  • Page 9: Setting Up The Vcr

    Additional Setup features Below is a list of setup features, some of which need to be set up before using the VCR for the first time. Whether or not the features are handled in the first time interactive setup, all features allow you to get the most out of your VCR.

  • Page 10: Using On-Screen Menus To Set Up Features

    Setting Up the VCR Using on-screen Menus To Set Up Features You can set up your VCR’s features by using the remote control’s buttons to enter your choices from on-screen instructions. Each menu item is explained in this section. You can set up features individually by using the menu system.

  • Page 11: Cable Box Setup

    2 Only SOME channels 3 Cancel setup 4. If you selected ALL channels, enter the output channel of your cable box (usually 03 or 04), or press INPUT for the VCR’s video line input if you use AUDIO/VIDEO jacks. When finished, press MENU.

  • Page 12: Vcr Channels List

    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, but you may want to add or delete some channels depending on whether they are active.

  • Page 13: Changing The Signal Type

    The VCR begins scanning for the available channels—this takes about one to two minutes. When the scan is complete, the VCR tunes to the lowest channel number. At this point, pressing CHAN up or down on the remote control or VCR should only select the active channels.

  • Page 14: Adding Or Removing Channels

    INFO to add. Time and Date The VCR gives you two ways to set the time and date: the Auto Clock Feature or manually. The Auto Clock Feature enables the VCR to update the clock each time the VCR is turned off. The Auto Clock is advantageous because it updates the time for you automatically.

  • Page 15: Setting The Time Zone

    Press MENU to continue 4. Select your time zone, then press MENU to continue. If you chose Automatic for your time zone, the VCR sets the clock using the first universal time information it finds. If the time is not correct, select another time zone or manually set the time and date through the menu system.

  • Page 16: Setting Time And Date Manually

    • DST stands for “Daylight Saving Time.” • If you chose Automatic, the VCR sets the clock using the DST information broadcast in the signal (channel). Setting time and date manually If the Auto Clock Set was unsuccessful, set the clock through the TIME menu.

  • Page 17: Vcr Plus+ Silver Programming System

    During the one-time initial set up, the VCR prompts you to enter your zip code. Soon after, the VCR clock will set itself and, overnight, the VCR Plus+ SILVER system will input a channel list for you.

  • Page 18: Mapping Vcr Plus+ System Channels

    3 Signal Type: CABLE 4 VCR Plus+ Channel List 5 Cable Box Setup 0 Exit 3. Press 4 to display the VCR PLUS+ CHANNEL LIST menu. VCR+ Channel My Channel 3 -> -> -> -- Use CH+/- to select Press 0-9 to change Press MENU to save 4.

  • Page 19: Vcr Plus+ System Worksheet

    Channel Number** Station Name ESPN *Check your local or cable listings for the channel number you receive this station on. **Check your local listings for broadcast or VCR Plus+ channel number assigned. Channel Number Two-Digit VCR Plus+ System You Receive the...

  • Page 20: Additional Setup Features

    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 VCR2•DVD button, this feature allows you to set this VCR to respond to that button.

  • Page 21: Auto Play

    Auto TV/VCR To view a signal from a VCR connected to a TV with a standard RF coaxial cable, the TV/VCR button on the remote control must be pressed in order to see the signal.

  • Page 22: Front Panel Brightness (Vcr Display)

    Setting Up the VCR key to cancel.” If you use the VCR’s tuner instead of your TV to tune channels, you may want to turn this feature off. Front Panel Brightness (VCR Display) You can change the brightness level of the fluorescent display panel on the front of the VCR.
  • Page 23 • Auto Repeat is set back to -:-- by resetting the dialog box, by cassette ejecting or insertion, by powering off the VCR, by power interruption, or by recording start. When a duration time has been set: •...

  • Page 25: Vcr Basics

    VCR. Learning the remote control functions, playing a recorded tape, and recording a program should do just that. This section shows you the basics of using your VCR. It discusses things like using the remote control, playing a tape, and recording programs.

  • Page 26: Remote Buttons

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

  • Page 27: Tv Function Buttons

    References section of this manual. TV Buttons The TV buttons on the remote control may not controlall ffeatures of all models of RCa, GE, and ProScan TVs. Pause If you pause, the VCR automatically switches from pause to stop after a few minutes to reduce tape wear.

  • Page 28: Playing A Tape

    Press STOP•EJECT on VCR (STOP on remote) to stop playback. Automatic Rewind The VCR automatically rewinds the tape if it reaches the end of the tape during playback. While rewinding, you can press POWER and the VCR will turn off after rewinding.

  • Page 29: 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 31: Recording

    RECORDING Several Recording Options Now that you’ve gone through the necessary steps to operate your VCR, it’s time to explain the different recording features available to suit your needs including: • Recording features (explained in the VCR Basics section) •...

  • Page 32: Recording Features

    (See VCR Basics section.) • Express Recording (XPR) starts recording a program you are watching. You can then set the VCR to automatically stop recording after a designated period of time. • Timer Recording programming the VCR to automatically start and stop recording at a predetermined time.

  • Page 33: Timer Recording

    The data includes the channel number (press INPUT to select the line input), start time and end time (including AM or PM). The start date is automatically entered based on the VCR clock. The date and/or speed can be changed when flashing.

  • Page 34: Timer Recording With The Vcr Plus+ System

    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 the VCR Plus+ System 1.
  • Page 35 PlusCode is a registered trademark of Gemstar Development Corporation. The VCR Plus+ system is manufactured under the license from Gemstar Development Corporation. VCR Plus+ System Recording To work, the clock must be set correctly.

  • Page 36: Stopping A Timer Recording

    Press and hold the STOP button for three seconds. Reviewing and Clearing Programs To review programs that you have 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.

  • Page 37: Copying And Editing Tapes

    1. Connect the VCRs using the diagram below. 2. Turn on both VCRs and TV. 3. Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel (either 3, 4, or TV’s video input). 4. If you are using coaxial cables for the connection, tune recording VCR to channel 3 or 4—the one selected on the...

  • Page 39: Program The Remote

    Program the remote Control your Television The remote can be programmed to control a television. It is programmed to control an RCA, GE, or PROSCAN TV. Other manufacturer’s brands need to be programmed by using the information in this section.

  • Page 40: Programming The Remote To Control A Tv

    Remote The remote can be programmed to control other brands of remote controllable TVs. It is already programmed to operate most RCA, GE, and PROSCAN televisions. 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 41 Philips ... 03,04,06,12 Pioneer ... 06 Portland ... 06,12 ProScan ... 01 Proton... 06 Quasar ... 11 Radio Shack ... 01,05,13 RCA ... 01,06,12 Realistic ... 05 Sampo... 06 Samsung ... 06,09,12 Sanyo ... 05,08 Sears ... 01,05,06,07, 08,10,12 Sharp ... 06,13 Sony ...

  • Page 43: Other Features

    • Commercial Advance • Movie Advance • Picture Search Options • Tracking ™ • Pro-Tect Plus Locking • Time Counter • On-Screen Displays First things first Setting Up the VCR VCR Basics Recording Program The Remote OTHER FEATURES Connections Reference...

  • Page 44: Commercial Advance

    ADVANCE is patented technology that detects and marks most commercials on your tape for any recording that is more than 15 minutes long. After recording, the VCR rewinds the tape to the beginning of the recording and determines where the commercials are located. It then marks the beginning and end of the detected commercial segments, and when finished, returns the tape to the end of the recording.

  • Page 45: Marking

    Recording The VCR automatically marks the commercials after the power is turned off. – Recording When you stop the recording, the VCR prompts you to mark the commercials. • Select OFF and the VCR will not mark the commercials. ADVANCE...

  • Page 46: Movie Advance

    SEARCH. If you press SEARCH during playback of material other than commercials, the VCR advances to the end of the next “marked” commercial block and resumes playback. The VCR resumes playback when it reaches the end of the marked commercials.
  • Page 47 Pressing 2 or 3 gives the same response and takes you to a different search feature. If you accidentally make a wrong selection, press STOP•EJECT on the VCR and reinsert the tape. Press SEARCH. If you press 1, the MOVIE ADVANCE menu appears.
  • Page 48 The movie is ready. Press PLAY to start. Press STOP to cancel (This display will time out after a few minutes and the VCR will enter the Stop mode.) • Pressing 2 to GO TO PREVIEW has the following screen...

  • Page 49: Picture Search Options

    3. Press FWD to increase or REV to decrease the speed of the search. 4. Use TRACK up or down to remove any streaks from the picture. 5. Press PLAY to return to normal playback. The VCR switches automatically from slow-motion playback to stop after a few minutes. Frame Advance Frame advance lets you view recorded action one frame after another during playback.

  • Page 50: Index Search

    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. To Search: 1.

  • Page 51: Tracking

    Your VCR has automatic tracking which removes the streaks or snow 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.

  • Page 52: On-Screen Displays

    On-screen Displays The INFO button shows the status of the VCR (STOP, PLAY, 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 53: 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 Program The Remote OTHER FEATURES...

  • Page 54: 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 55: Choosing A Vcr Connection

    Connections Choosing a VCR Connection There are several different ways to connect your VCR, depending on whether or not you have cable service, if you have a cable box to see this service, whether some of the cable channels are scrambled, and so on.

  • Page 56: 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 3 CH. 4 switch on the back of the VCR. To play a tape: 1. Insert a tape.

  • Page 57: Tv With Audio/Video Jacks

    You are connecting an antenna, cable, or cable box system. • Your television has audio/video jacks. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Record one channel while watching another (except when using a cable box for all channels). To use this connection, you must have: •...

  • Page 58: Tv With Audio/Video Jacks And Cable Box To Unscramble Pay Channels Only

    • Your TV has audio/video input jacks. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Recording a scrambled or unscrambled channel through the cable box while watching an unscrambled channel. To use this connection, you must have: •...

  • Page 59: Reference

    Appendix: 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 and a question and answer section about COMMERCIAL ADVANCE in this Appendix, which might help to resolve some of those simple problems.

  • Page 60: Front Panel

    STOP•EJECT Stops the normal functions such as record, playback, rewind, fast-forward, or pause. Ejects the tape when the VCR is stopped. Indicator Panel TV•VCR Switches the picture signal so that it either comes from the VCR or the cable/ antenna system.

  • Page 61: Display Panel

    ) 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. Flashes when the timer recording is set and there is no tape in the VCR.

  • Page 62: Finding The Tv's Video Input Channel

    The Video Channel on TVs varies for different brands and different models. Below are some steps to try: • If your TV brand is RCA, GE, or PROSCAN, press the TV button on the remote control that came with the VCR. Then press the INPUT button on the remote.

  • Page 63: Troubleshooting Tips

    Check to make sure there are no objects between the VCR and remote. • The batteries may need changing. • Make sure the Remote VCR1/VCR2 setting is set to VCR1 so the remote that came packed with your VCR can operate it. Poor or no picture for normal TV viewing •...
  • Page 64 Check to make sure the VCR was turned off at the time recording was to start. • Check to make sure there was a tape in the VCR and the cassette’s safety tab was intact. • VCR ejects cassette when the end of the tape is reached during a timer recording.
  • Page 65 TIMER indicator flashes • Clock is not set. • Check to make sure there is a cassette in the VCR when a timer recording is set. • TIMER and RECORD indicators flash when the ProTect Plus Time counter disappears during searching •...

  • Page 66: Questions And Answers About Commercial Advance

    What happens if the marking process is interrupted? Marking can be interrupted to allow use of the VCR. Marking will resume again when the VCR’s power is turned off as long as the tape has not been ejected from the VCR.

  • Page 67: 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 68: Limited Warranty

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

  • Page 69: Index

    Channel 3/4 switch 5, 59 CHANNEL buttons 24 channel list 32 CHANNEL•TRACKING button 58 channels adding/removing 12 CHANNELS menu 9 cleaning the VCR 65 CLEAR button 24, 25 clearing programs 34 coaxial cables positioning 51 COMMERCIAL ADVANCE 42, 44, 57...
  • Page 70 Index plugging in the VCR 4 POWER button 26, 58 power surges 51 Pro-Tect Plus locking 49 problem solving 61, 62, 63 programming the remote 37 operating TVs 38 REC button 58 Record button 25 recording 27 copying/editing tapes 35...
  • Page 72 If your VCR needs service, please contact your dealer or the nearest Service center 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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