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USER'S
GUIDE
®
VR554
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Related Manuals for RCA VR554
Summary of Contents for RCA VR554
- 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 tterecordervideocassettereco rdervideocassetterecordervide ocassetter videocass ecorder oeca vide VR554 ecorder etter...
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Page 2: Safety Information
Purchase Date: _________________________________________________ Dealer/Address/Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ The VCR Plus+ system , C , 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... -
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Recording Features ... 30 Express Recording (XPR) ... 30 Timer Recording ... 31 Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ System ... 32 Setting Up the Channel List ... 32 Using the VCR Plus+ System ... 32 Stopping a Timer Recording ... 34 Reviewing and Clearing Programs ... - Page 4 Connecting Your VCR ... 52 Jacks and Cables ... 52 RF Jacks and Coaxial Cables (F-type) ... 52 A/V Jacks and Cables (RCA-type) ... 52 Choosing a VCR Connection ... 53 Advantages of A/V Cable Connections ... 53 TV With RF Jack Only ... 54 TV With A/V Jacks ...
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Page 5: First Things First
First Things First Welcome To Your New VCR... To help you get started using your VCR with as little reading as possible, we’ve put all the basic information needed in the first three sections. To help you along, there’s even an initial set-up feature the first time you turn on your VCR which walks you through several set-up steps at once. -
Page 6: Step 1: What's In The Box
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 5: Tune The Tv
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 initial set up which helps you set different options for your VCR. - Page 8 First Things First • 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. If you chose to set up your VCR options individually, then go to the next section.
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Page 9: Setting Up The Vcr
Setting Up the VCR Additional Set-up features Below is a list of set-up features that you need to set up before using your VCR for the first time. • Select a Language • Set Up for a Digital Satellite Receiver •... -
Page 10: Using The Menu To Set Up Features
Setting Up the VCR Using The Menu 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: Digital Satellite Receiver Setup
Setting Up the VCR Digital Satellite Receiver Setup With this setup, the VCR turns on an RCA, PROSCAN, or GE satellite receiver and tunes it to the desired channel at the start time of a timer recording. For other brands, the VCR tunes the receiver to the desired channel only if the receiver is turned on. -
Page 12: Cable Box Setup
This setup applies only when all channels are received through the cable box. There are two steps: • The first sets up the VCR for the output channel of the cable box signal. • The second sets up the VCR for a remote-controllable cable box so the VCR can control the cable box by changing channels for timer or VCR Plus+ recordings. - Page 13 (usually 3, 4, or Video) Press CLEAR to correct Press MENU to continue Once you complete the setup, the VCR confirms that the VCR will now receive all signals on the designated channel. 5. Press MENU and select whether your cable box is remote controllable.
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Page 14: Cable Box Codes
9? 1 Yes, setup is complete 2 No, try again 3 No, cancel setup Once you have completed the setup, the VCR confirms the CABLE BOX SETUP is completed or canceled. Cable Box Codes ABC ... 22,46 Anvision ... -
Page 15: 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 16: To Change 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 17: Time And Date
Setting Up the VCR 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. -
Page 18: Set Daylight-Saving Time
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 Coordinated 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 19: Setting The Time And Date Manually
If the Auto Clock Set was unsuccessful, set the clock through the TIME menu. The Auto Clock Set feature is set to OFF automatically when you set the clock this way. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+... -
Page 20: Vcr Plus+ System Channels
Press MENU to save (Screen shown is for an example only.) VCR Plus+ System is a registered trademarkof Gemstar Development Corporation. The VCR Plus+ System is manufactured under the license from Gemstar Development Corporation. Two-Digit VCR Plus+ System Channel Numbers for... -
Page 21: 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 22: Additional Set-Up 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 23: Auto Play
Thirty seconds before shutting off, the VCR will warn you with a screen reading, “The VCR will turn off in 30 seconds. Press any 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. -
Page 24: Front Panel Brightness (Vcr Display)
Setting Up the VCR Front Panel Brightness (VCR Display) You can change the brightness level of the fluorescent display panel on the front of the VCR. In the PREFERENCES menu, 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. -
Page 25: 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. This section shows you the basics of using your VCR. -
Page 26: Remote Buttons
ON•OFF Turns off VCR when remote is set to control the VCR. Also turns some compatible components on and off. TV Turns on a compatible RCA, GE, or PROSCAN TV and sets the remote to control the TV. Also used with the ON•OFF button to turn on a different brand of TV (if programmed) and sets the remote to control the TV. -
Page 27: Tv Function Buttons
MUTE Reduces volume to minimum level. TV Buttons The TV buttons may not control all features of all models of RCA, GE, or PROSCAN TVs. If you have trouble getting a picture on the TV screen, refer to “How to Find Your TV’s Video Input Channel”... -
Page 28: Playing A Tape
VOL Up and Down Raises and lowers sound of TV. Playing a Tape 1. Tune the TV to your VCR viewing channel (3, 4, or TV’s video input--see page 69 for more about the video input channel). 2. Insert a tape in the VCR. -
Page 29: Tape Eject
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 basic steps necessary to operate your VCR, it’s time to explain the different advanced recording features available zto suit your needs. Recording Features on your VCR include: • Recording (explained in the VCR Basics section) •... -
Page 32: Recording Features
Each time you press the RECORD button, you increase the recording time (up to 4 hours). The VCR continues to record for the amount of time you indicate, and then automatically turns off. To stop an express recording, press and hold STOP for three seconds. -
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 Vcr Plus+ System
You can use the VCR Plus+ system code numbers to simplify timer programming if you have cable TV and don’t receive all channels through a cable box, the VCR can control your cable box, or if you receive your TV signal off-air. -
Page 35: Vcr Plus+ System Recording
RECORDING 2. Press 1 to display the VCR Plus+ system menu. VCR PLUS+ Enter PlusCode Number (from TV listing) Press MENU to cancel 3. Enter the VCR PlusCode programming number shown in your local television guide. VCR PLUS+ Enter PlusCode Number... -
Page 36: Stopping A Timer Recording
Press and hold the STOP button for a few 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: Using Two Vcrs For Copying And Editing Tapes
1. Connect the VCRs using the diagram at the right. 2. Turn on both VCRs and TV. 3. Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel (either 3, 4, or TV’s video input). (See page 69 for more information.) 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. FIRST THINGS FIRST SETTING UP THE VCR... -
Page 40: About Programming The Remote
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,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: Panasonic
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
On-Screen Displays *COMMERCIAL ADVANCE is a registered trademark of SRT, Inc. **MOVIE ADVANCE is a registered trademark of Aurthur D. Little Enterprises, Inc. 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
— Timer, Timer with VCR Plus+ System, or Express Recording Sets the VCR to automatically mark commercials after the power is tuned off. — Recording Allows the VCR to prompt you to mark the commercials when you’ve stop the recording. •... -
Page 46: Commercial Advance Playback
Press FWD on the VCR (FORWARD on remote) to scan through the commercial. Part of a recorded program may be skipped if the program segment is between commercials and less than one minute or there are frequent dark and quiet scenes. -
Page 47: Movie Advance
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 (STOP on remote) 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. • Press 2 to Go To Preview. The following screen appears with...
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Page 49: Picture Search Options
3. Use TRACKING up or down to remove any streaks from the picture. 4. 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
When you manually adjust the picture, automatic tracking is turned off. To turn automatic tracking back on, press both TRACKING buttons on the front of the VCR at the same time, or eject the tape and re-insert it. Tracking has no effect during recording–... -
Page 52: Time Counter
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
RF Jack These jacks are required for antenna or cable-TV connections. The RF jacks on the VCR are labeled ANT. IN and RF OUT. The 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
Choosing a VCR Connection There are several different ways to connect your VCR, depending on whether or not you have cable service, and if you have a cable box, and whether some of the channels are scrambled, and maybe you have a satellite receiver along with cable (but no cable box), or a satellite receiver and no cable or...well, you get... -
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
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. To play a tape: 1. Insert a tape. -
Page 58: Tv With Audio/Video Jacks And Cable Box To Unscramble Pay Channels Only
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. To play a tape: 1. Insert a tape. -
Page 59: Tv With Rf Jack And Digital Satellite Receiver
2. Press TV•VCR and select a different channel on the TV. To record a digital satellite receiver program: 1. Turn on the receiver, tune the VCR to its line input, and begin recording a program using a recording feature. Position Remote-Controllable... -
Page 60: Tv With Audio/Video Jacks And Digital Satellite Receiver
To record a digital satellite receiver program and watch a cable or off-air channel: 1. Turn on the receiver, tune the VCR to its line input, and begin recording a program using a recording feature. 2. Select a different channel on the TV. -
Page 61: Appendix: Reference
Appendix: reference This section gives you some additional information about the VCR, including a description of the unit’s controls and displays. You will also find the section, Troubleshooting Tips, and a question and answer section about COMMERCIAL ADVANCE in this Appendix. -
Page 62: Front Panel
TAPE SPEED Selects a recording speed (either SP or SLP). Transmitter Transmits signal to compatible, remote-controllable, digital satellite receiver or cable box TV•VCR Switches the picture signal so that it either comes from the VCR or the cable/ antenna system. RECORD TAPE SPEED STOP•EJECT... -
Page 63: Display Panel
Channel Number or Line Input Indicator The channel number appears when the VCR is tuned to a channel. The line indicator (L1 or L2) appears when the VCR’s line input is selected. Select L1 to record from the back jacks or L2 to record from the front jacks. -
Page 64: Back Panel
3 CH. 4 3 CH. 4 Switch Selects the channel to which you will tune the TV to see the VCR picture if you connect the VCR using one of the basic hookups. AUDIO and VIDEO IN Jacks Receives signals from another component, like a VCR or camcorder, when it is connected to these jacks. -
Page 65: Troubleshooting Tips
• Check to make sure your connections are correct. VCR does not respond to remote • 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. - Page 66 • Check to make sure the tape is not broken. • Check to make sure the VCR is not in pause mode. Press PAUSE or PLAY to return to normal playback. • Check the ProTect Plus™ feature. Rewind does not operate •...
- Page 67 VCR makes noise when stopped • VCR is removing tape from heads. This is normal. The head cylinder inside the VCR will continue to rotate for a few minutes after you put the VCR in the stop mode. Will not Auto Channel Search active channels correctly •...
- Page 68 Appendix: reference COMMERCIAL ADVANCE feature does not mark commercials when: • The Marking feature is set to OFF in the COMMERCIAL ADVANCE menu. Set it to ON. • A recording is less than 15 minutes or the commercial is longer than one minute. •...
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Page 69: 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 70: Specifications
*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 cabinet. Plastic surfaces are easily scratched and can be marred by alcohol and various solvents. -
Page 71: How To Find Your 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 72: 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 73: Index
52 CHAN buttons 14, 25, 38 Index Channel 3/4 Switch 62 CHANNEL buttons 24 Channel number display 61 Channel, VCR viewing 5 CHANNEL•TRACKING button Channels, adding/removing CHANNELS menu 9, 11, 13, 32 Cleaning the VCR 68 CLEAR button... - Page 74 PLAY button 25, 26, 44, 47, 50, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 60 PLAY•PAUSE button 26 Playing a tape 26 Plugging in the VCR 4 POWER button 5, 26, 60 Power surges 51 PREFERENCES menu 42 Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking Fea-...
- Page 75 Set up cable box 10 digital satellite system 9 initial 5 language 8 using menus 8 VCR channels list 13 Signal type, changing 14 Skipping commercials 41 Slow-motion search 47 Solving problems 63 SP indicator 61 SP tape speed 27...
- Page 76 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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