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RCA VR561 User Manual

Video cassette recorder
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VR561

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Summary of Contents for RCA VR561

  • Page 1 VR561...

  • 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. Model No. VR561 Serial No. Purchase Date: Dealer/Address/Phone: This symbol indicates important instructions accompanying the product.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Recording Features ... 30 Express Recording ... 30 Timer Recording ... 31 Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ ... 32 Stopping a Timer Recording ... 34 Reviewing and Clearing Programs ... 34 Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes ... 35...
  • Page 4 Jacks and Cables ... 48 Choosing a VCR Connection ... 49 Advantages of Audio/Video Cable Connections ... 49 Don’t Forget About the Auto TV/VCR Feature ... 49 TV with RF Jack Only ... 50 TV with Audio/Video Jacks ... 51 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 IN FROM ANT. and OUT TO TV jacks for a good signal as shown. If you have a TV with AUDIO/VIDEO jacks, use the jacks for a better connection.
  • Page 7 See the TV Owner’s Manual. STEP 6: turn on the vcr The first time you connect your VCR and turn it on, a menu screen appears. This is the beginning of the QuickSet Guide which helps you to set up specific features of the VCR. If you choose not to use this Guide, you can set up each feature individually.
  • Page 8 First Things First 1. Press MENU to bring up the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR PLUS+ 2 TIMER RECORDINGS 3 TIME 4 CHANNELS 5 PREFERENCES 6 LANGUAGE 0 EXIT 2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu.

  • Page 9: Setting Up The Vcr

    Set-up features The QuickSet Guide is a one-time procedure that takes you through specific features to set up your VCR. In addition to the Guide, there are other features you may want to set up, such as: • Select a Language •...

  • Page 10: Using The Quickset Guide

    Setting Up the VCR Using the QuickSet guide The QuickSet Guide is an automated procedure that helps you set up your VCR. The first time you turn on your VCR, the first screen of the guide appears. SELECT A LANGUAGE.

  • Page 11: Digital Satellite System Setup

    3. Select English, Español (Spanish), or Français (French). Digital satellite system 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 ENTER 01-125 OR INPUT PRESS MENU TO CANCEL 4. Enter the output channel of your satellite receiver, usually 03, 04, or video line input and press MENU. The VCR confirms that it receives all DSS signals on the specified channel. DSS SETUP...

  • Page 13: Cable Box Setup

    This setup applies only when all channels are received through the cable box. There are two options: • The first sets up the VCR for the output channel of the cable box signal. • The second sets up the VCR for remote-controllable cable boxes so it can control the cable box by changing channels for timer or VCR Plus+ recordings.

  • Page 14: Cable Box Codes

    (USUALLY 3, 4, OR VIDEO) ENTER 01-13 OR INPUT PRESS MENU TO CANCEL 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.

  • Page 15: 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. 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 16: To Change The Signal Type

    4. Select one of the three AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH options. Choices one and two are self-explanatory. If you choose DETECT AUTOMATICALLY, the VCR automatically detects which signal system you have attached to your VCR. AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH NOW SCANNING CHANNEL 14...

  • Page 17: Time And Date

    PRESS MENU TO EXIT Time and Date The VCR gives you two ways to set the time and date. The Auto Clock feature which enables the VCR to update the clock each time you turn off the VCR. The Auto Clock feature is advantageous because it updates the time for you automatically.

  • Page 18: Set Daylight-Saving Time

    PRESS MENU TO CONTINUE 4. Select your time zone. If you select 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 set the time and date through the menu system.

  • Page 19: Set The Time And Date Manually

    If the AUTO CLOCK SET was unsuccessful, set the clock through the menu option. 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+ Channels

    CABLE 4 VCR PLUS+ CHANNEL LIST 5 CABLE BOX SETUP 6 DSS SETUP 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 21 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 You Receive the Two-Digit VCR Plus+ Channel Station On*...

  • Page 22: What's Next--Additional Set-Up Features In The Preferences Menu

    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 23: Auto Play

    Press 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 IN FROM ANT. and OUT TO TV jacks of your VCR and TV and watch your VCR on channel 3 or 4 of your TV.

  • Page 24: Front Panel (Vcr Display)

    Setting Up the VCR Front panel (vcr display) You can change the brightness level of the fluorescent display panel on the front of the VCR. 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. However, there are other features that enhance the enjoyment of your VCR, but they aren’t necessary to get you started.

  • Page 26: Remote Buttons

    (if programmed) and sets the remote to control the cable box. TV Turns on a compatible RCA, ProScan, or GE TV and sets the remote to control the TV. Also used with the POWER button to turn on a different brand of TV (if programmed) and sets the remote to control the TV.

  • Page 27: Tv Function Buttons

    VCR BAsICS MENU Brings up VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen. Used to select a menu item or exit a menu. Numbers (0 through 9) Select a channel up to 99 by pressing two numbers. Select a cable channel over 99 by pressing and holding 1 until 1 –...

  • Page 28: Playing A Tape

    • Press STOP 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. PLAY TV•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 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 32: Recording Features

    PRESS REC TO SET LENGTH 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. CH 36...

  • Page 33: 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 34: Timer Recording With Vcr Plus

    You can use VCR Plus+ to simplify timer programming if you have cable TV and don’t receive all channels through a cable box, have a cable box the VCR can control, or if you get your 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.
  • Page 35 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 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

    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 ANTENNA jacks, tune recording VCR to channel 3 or 4--the one selected on the back of the playback VCR.

  • Page 39: Programming The Remote

    The remote can be programmed to control a television and satellite receiver or cable box. It is programmed to control an RCA, GE, or ProScan TV or satellite receiver. Other manufacturer’s brands need to be programmed. First things first...

  • Page 40: To Control A Tv

    About Programming the Remote The remote can be programmed to control other brands of remote controllable TVs, satellite receivers, and cable boxes. It is already programmed to operate most RCA, ProScan, and GE televisions and digital satellite systems. Programming the Remote to Control...
  • Page 41 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 42: To Control A Satellite Receiver Or Cable Box

    Programming the Remote to Control a Satellite Receiver or Cable Box The remote is initially programmed to control an RCA, GE, or ProScan Digital Satellite System. If you have a different brand of satellite receiver or cable box with its own remote, you may be able to use the VCR’s remote to operate it.

  • Page 43: Other Features

    OTHER FEATURES features to enhance VCR operation • Picture Search Options • Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking • Tracking • Time Counter • On-Screen Displays First things first Setting Up the VCR VCR Basics recording PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE OTHER FEATURES Connections...

  • Page 44: 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. Commercial Scan (Search Button) This is useful for skipping commercials or short program segments.

  • Page 45: 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 46: Zero Search

    ™ Locking Feature To disable the usage of the VCR, or to protect your timer recordings, you can lock the VCR so that the buttons on the VCR or remote won’t work. • To Lock: Press and hold POWER or VCR on the remote for approximately 6 seconds.

  • Page 47: 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 48: On-Screen Displays

    OTHER FEATURES 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 49: 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 50: Connecting Your Vcr

    RF Jack These jacks are required for antenna or cable-TV connections. The RF jacks on the VCR are labeled IN FROM ANT. and OUT TO TV. The coaxial cable supplied with your VCR is used to connect the VCR’s OUT TO TV jack and your TV’s antenna input.

  • Page 51: Choosing A Vcr Connection

    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 ON when using only RF ANTENNA connections and OFF when using the AUDIO/ VIDEO output jacks--so your TV signal is not interrupted when the VCR is turned on.

  • Page 52: Tv With Rf Jack Only

    (1) coaxial cable for cable or antenna connection; (2) for cable box If your cable box is remote controllable: • Position it on top of the VCR as shown. Make sure not to block any of the VCR’s ventilation holes. To connect: 1. Connect cables as shown.

  • Page 53: Tv With Audio/Video Jacks

    • (2) audio/video cables If your cable box is remote controllable: • Position it on top of the VCR as shown. Make sure not to block any of the VCR’s ventilation holes. To connect: 1. Connect cables as shown. 2. Return to First Things First, then follow the steps.

  • Page 54: Tv With Audio/Video Jacks And Cable Box To Unscramble Pay Channels Only

    • (1) splitter If your cable box is remote controllable: • Position it on top of the VCR as shown. Make sure not to block any of the VCR’s ventilation holes. To connect: 1. Connect cables as shown. 2. Return to First Things First, then follow the steps.

  • Page 55: Tv With Rf Jack And Satellite Receiver

    2. Press TV•VCR and select a different channel on the TV. To record a satellite receiver program: 1. Turn on the satellite receiver, tune the VCR to its line input, and begin recording a program using a recording feature. SATELLITE RECEIVER...

  • Page 56: Tv With Audio/Video Jacks And Satellite Receiver

    2. Return to the First Things First, then follow the steps. Using This Connection • Tune your TV to its video input to record (or watch) the VCR or satellite receiver. • To record from the satellite receiver, tune your VCR to its line input (“L”...

  • Page 57: 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 58: Front Panel

    Starts slow motion during play-pause. INPUT Selects between the line input and VCR’s tuner. Line input refers to the signal coming from the component connected to the audio/video input jacks on the back of the VCR.

  • Page 59: Display Panel

    There is no indicator for PM. Channel Number or Line Input Indicator The channel number appears when the VCR is tuned to a channel. The line indicator (L) appears when the line input is selected. Status Indicators Show what the VCR is doing.

  • Page 60: Back Panel

    IN 1 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 1 Jacks Receives signals from another component, like a VCR or camcorder, when it is connected to these jacks.

  • Page 61: 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, cable box, or satellite receiver •...
  • Page 62 • 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. Will not record •...
  • Page 63 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 64: 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 65: 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 66: Index

    AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu 14 Auto clock set feature 15 AUTO CLOCK SET screen 15 Auto play feature 21, 26 AUTO TV/VCR feature 21, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54 Automatic rewind 26 Automatic tracking 26 Back panel 58 Basic recording 27...
  • Page 67 Troubleshooting tips 59 TV button 24 TV button 38 TV codes 39 TV, programming the remote to control 38 TV•VCR button 21, 25, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54 cleaning 62 VCR button 20, 24 VCR channels list 13 VCR function Buttons 24...
  • Page 68 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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