RCA VR531 User Manual
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RCA VR531 User Manual

Thomson
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Summary of Contents for RCA VR531

  • Page 1 video cassette recorder user's guide VR531...
  • Page 2 rWARNING To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. To reduce the risk of fire or RISK OF ELECTRIC Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. shock hazard, do not expose SHOCK DO NOT OPEN this product to rain or moisture.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    First Things First .............. Setting up the VCR ............Using the QuickSet Guide ..............Using the Menu to Set Up Features ..........8 Language ..................Cable Box Setup ................VCR Channels List ............... To Auto Channel Search ............10 To Change the Signal Type ........... I I To Add or Remove Channels ..........
  • Page 4 Other Features .............. Picture Search Options ..............34 MOVIEH HADVANCE ..............34 Forward and Reverse Search ............ 36 Slow Motion .................. Commercial Scan (SEARCH Button) ........36 Frame Advance ................37 Index Search .................. Zero Search .................. 38 Pro-Tect Plus Locking Feature ............

  • Page 5: First Things First

    HI, MY NAME IS SUSAN..I FIRSTTHINGS FIRST and I wrote this User's Guide. It's my job to see that you have a rewarding user manual experience. And, I think you'll be pleased with the features that can be accessed through the on-screen menus. READ THE FIRSTTHREE SECTIONS The first three...
  • Page 6 STEP 1: UNPACK WHAT'S IN THE BOX The following items come packed in the box: • • Remote control • RF coaxial cable STEP 2: INSTALL BATTERIES IN THE REMOTE CONTROL Follow these steps whenever you need to install or change the batteries in your VCR remote.
  • Page 7 STEP 4: PLUG IN THE VCR 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: In The Preferences Menu

    Press MENU to bring up the VCR MAIN MENU. MAIN MENU Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language Exit Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu. PREFERENCES 1 Remote Control: VCR1 2 Auto Play: TV/VCR: 3 Auto Front Panel AUTO Exit Press 2 to switch Auto Play to ON or OFF.

  • Page 9: Setting Up The Vcr

    ON-SCREEN GUIDE ADDITIONAL SET-UP FEATURES QuickSet Guide is a one-time procedure that takes you through specific features to set up your SE'I-FING UP THE VCR VCR. In addition to the Guide, there are other features you may want to set up, such as: •...

  • Page 10: Using The Quickset Guide

    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 Language. Seleccione idioma. Choisissez Langue. EngLish EspanoL FranFais Just follow the step-by-step...

  • Page 11: Cable Box Setup

    Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels 5 Preferences Language Exit Press 6 to display the LANGUAGE menu. LANGUAGE Select language. 1>English Espanol FranFais Press MENU continue Select English, Espafiol (Spanish), or Fran_ais (French). CABLE BOX SETUP This setup applies only when all channels are received through...

  • Page 12: Vcr Channels List

    Press 5 to display CABLE BOX SETUP.Then select one of the three choices. CABLE SETUP your cable receive channels some only channels? channels Only SOME channels Cancel setup If you selected All Channels, enter the output channel of your cable box, usually 03, 04, or video line input and press MENU. CABLE SETUP CABLE...

  • Page 13: To Change The Signal Type

    Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. CHANNELS 1 Auto Channet Search 2 Add/Remove ChanneLs Signal Type: CABLE 4 VCR Ptus+ Channet List Cabte Setup Exit Press 1 to display the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu. AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH What type signal using? Cable...

  • Page 14: To Add Or Remove Channels

    To ADD or REMOVE Channels You may want to add or remove channels after you Auto Channel Search, especially if some of the channels have weak signals or you don't want to watch them. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. Press4 to display the CHANNELS menu.

  • Page 15: Set The Time And Date

    Press 2 to turn Auto DST: ON or OFF. • 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 Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.

  • Page 16: Vcr Plus+ Channels

    VCR PLUS+ CHANNELS Two.DigitVCR Plus+ Channel Numbers for CableTV Using VCR Plus+ can make programming timer recordings for (USA List) cable or off-air antenna easier, but you have to put in a little ,American Movie Classics time right now to set up a channel list. A worksheet ,Arts &-Entertainment abbreviated codes for typical cable services in the U.S.
  • Page 17 VCR PLUS+ WORKSHEET Broadcast VCR Plus+ Channel Channel Number Cable-TV Station Number** You Receive TwoiDigitVCR Plus+ Channel Name Station Numbers for Cable TV (Canadian List) ESPN Allarcom PayTelevision/ Superchannel Arts & Entertainment Cable News Network-Headline News Cable News Network Canadian Home Shopping Network...

  • Page 18: What's Next--Additional

    REMOTE VCR1/VCR2 OPTION If you owr_a compatible RCA, GE, or ProScan remote that has a VCR2, VCR2.LD, or DVD.VCR2 button, this feature allows you to set 1ibisVCR to respond to that button. Press 1 to select the Remote Control item. Then press the VCR2, VCR2eLD, or DVDeVCR2 button to change.
  • Page 19 to VCR2, the remote that came with your VCR will no longer control it. Use the compatible remote to change the remote setting back to VCR1. Display the PREFERENCES menu, press 1, and then press VCR on the VCR°s remote. AUTO PLAY This feature allows the VCR to automatically...
  • Page 20 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 options. • AUTO brightens the display when the VCR is on and dims the display when the VCR is off.

  • Page 21: Vcr Basics

    LEARN THE BASICS TO GET YOU STARTED TheseVCR basics should be enough for you to begin enjoying yourVCR. Learning the remote control functions, playing a recorded tape, and recording a program should do just that. However, there are other features that 13 v<.BA ,<s enhance...

  • Page 22: Remote Buttons

    BUTFONS OFF Turns off VCR when remote is set to control the VCR. Also turns off compatible TV Turns on a compatible RCA, ProScan, or GE TV and sets the GO BACK © remote to control the TV. VCR Turns on a compatible...

  • Page 23: Tv Function Buttons

    BACK to switch between the two channels. This remote may not be able to INFO Shows the TV's status displays on the TV screen. control all features of all models of I TV Buttons MUTE Reduces volume to minimum level. RCA, ProScan, and GE TVs.

  • Page 24: Playing A Tap

    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 - - appears on the screen. Then press the other two numbers. OFF Turns the TV off. VOL Up and Down Raises and lowers sound of TV.

  • Page 25: Automatic Rewind

    AUTOMATIC REWI N D 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. TAPE EJECT Press STOPeEJECTon the VCR when it is stopped to eject the tape.

  • Page 27: Recording

    SEVERAL RECORDING OPTIONS that you've gone through the necessary ¥ steps to operate yourVCR, rll explain different recording features that are available to suit your needs. Recording Features: • Recording (explained in VCR Basics section) • Express Recording ¥ • Timer Recording RECORDING...

  • Page 28: Recording Features

    RECORD I NG FEATU RES There are four ways to record programs: ° Recording lets you press one button to start recording program. (See VCR Basics section.) Express Recording lets you start recording a program you are watching, and then set the VCR to automatically stop recording after a designated...

  • Page 29: Timer Recording

    TIMER RECORDING You can set up as many as eight timer recording programs. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time Channels 5 Preferences 6 Language Exit Press 2 to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu. TIMER RECORDINGS Create...

  • Page 30: Timer Recording With Vcr Plus

    Review the information to make sure it is correct, and then press MENU to save. Program COne Program been saved Time) Remember insert Channel Cable recordabte tape Start Time 08:00 turn before Time 09:30 program start time. Start Date 10124197 Tape Speed I=SP...
  • Page 31 Enter the VCR PlusCode shown in your local television programming guide. PLUS+ Enter PlusCode Number (from listing) 12876 Press CLEAR connect Press MENU when done Press MENU to enter the VCR PlusCode number. often should this program record? 1 One time Daily (every...

  • Page 32: Stopping Atimer Recording

    STOPPING A TIMER RECORDING To stop or cancel a timer recording in progress (even an express recording): • Press and hold the STOP button on the remote (STOPoEJECT button on the VCR) for a few seconds. REVIEWING CLEARING PROGRAMS To review programs that you have already set up: Press 2 when the VCR MAIN MENU is displayed to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu.

  • Page 33: Using Two Vcrs For Copying And Editingtapes

    USING VCRS FOR COPYING EDITING TAPES Use one VCR as the playback VCR and the other as the recording VCR. Turn on the TV and VCRs. Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel (either 3, 4, or TV's video input). If you connected your VCR using the ANTENNA jacks, tune recording...

  • Page 35: Other Features

    FEATURES TO ENHANCE O PERATI O N • Picture Search Options • Pro-Tect Locking Plus • Tracking • Time Counter • On-Screen Displays OTH ER FEATURES ¥...

  • Page 36: Picture Search Options

    PICTURE SEARCH OPTIONS The most basic way to search during playback is using the FWD on the VCR (FORWARD on the remote) or REW on the VCR (REVERSEon the remote) buttons. This section contains several other options available for searching a tape. MOVI E_I_ADVANCE MOVIEI_I_ADVANCE helps you locate certain parts of prerecorded...

  • Page 37: Movieh Hadvance

    • Press 1 to Go to movie. The following screen appears with a blue background. MOVIE ADVANCE Searching start movie... Press STOP cancer When the movie is found, the following screen is displayed. MOVIE ADVANCE movie ready. Press PLAY start. Press STOP cancel...

  • Page 38: Forward And Reverse Search

    FORWARD REVERSE SEARCH You can view a tape during play or play pause. Sound is turned off during picture search. Search works best for tapes recorded at the SP or SLP speed. Press FORWARD (FWD) to search forward or REVERSE(REV) to search in reverse.

  • Page 39: Frame Advance

    FRAME ADVANCE Frame advance lets you view one-stop action frame after another during playback. Frame advance works best for tapes recorded at the SP and SLP speeds. Press F.ADV on the remote to "freeze" the action during playback. Press F.ADV each time you want to view a frame of the scene. Press PAUSE or PLAY (PLAyoPAUSE) to return to normal playback.

  • Page 40: Zero Search

    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. Go to the beginning of the program you wish to return to.

  • Page 41: Tracking

    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 42: On-Screen Displays

    ON-SCREEN DISPLAYS Stop 0:30:00 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. 11118/97 01:30PN On-screendisplay...

  • Page 43: Connections

    THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE CO NN ECTI NG COMPON ENTS Protect Your Components from 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.

  • Page 44: Connectingyourvcr

    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. Audio/Video Jacks and Cables (RCA-type) The audio/video jacks provide very good picture and sound quality, and can be used if your TV has audio/video input jacks.

  • Page 45: Choosinga Vcr Connection

    CHOOSING A VCR CONNECTION There are several different ways to connect your VCR0 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_well, you get the picture. Three connections are described in this section and one of them should provide you with a VCR connection...

  • Page 46: Tv With Rfjack Only

    TV WITH RF JACK ONLY This connection assumes: • You are connecting antenna, cable, or cable box system. • Your television has only an RF input jack. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Record one channel while watching another (except when using a cable box for all channels).

  • Page 47: Tv With Audio/Video Jacks

    TV WITH AUDIO/VIDEO JACKS This connection assumes: • 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).

  • Page 48: Tv With Audio/Video Jacks And Cable Box To Unscramble Pay Channels Only

    TV WITH AUDIO/VIDEO JACKS AND CABLE BOX TO UNSCRAMBLE PAY CHANNELS ONLY This connection assumes: • You are using a cable box only to unscramble premium channels. • Your TV has audio/video input jacks. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. •...

  • Page 49: Appendix A: Reference

    This section gives you some additional information about theVCR, including a description of the unit's controls and display. You also will find aTroubleshootingTips section in this Appendix, which might help to resolve some of those simple problems. Finally, this section contains your warranty information.

  • Page 50: Front Panel

    FRONT PANEL o..3o, 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: Display Panel

    DISPLAY PANEL !l-i A Power Indicator II_I" JUM Power Indicator Lights when the VCR is turned on. Flashes during a recording. Time, Channel Number, Line Input Indicator (L), or Status Displays Time The current time appears. Only an AM indicator appears with the time.

  • Page 52: Back Panel

    BACK PANEL IN FROM AUDIO VIDEO ANT. OUT _-- VHF/UHF OUT TO TV 3CH. 4 3 CH. 4 Switch Selects the channel to which you will tune the IV to see the VCR picture if you connect the VCR using one of the basic hookups.

  • Page 53: Troubleshooting Tips

    12 hours. Then replace batteries. Remote no longer controls an RCA, ProScan, or GE TV • Press TV to set remote to control a compatible TV. • Check to make sure there are no objects between the component and remote.
  • Page 54 Streaks in picture during normal playback • Press one of the TRACKING buttons to move streaks up or down for the best picture. • Check to make sure the tape is of good quality and not worn out. Time counter not working or time counter not working...
  • Page 55 • Check Auto DST setting. The clock may have adjusted for daylight-saving time. 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.

  • Page 56: Specifications

    SPECIFICATIONS Format: Video: 4-head Record/Playback Audio: Mono record/playback System: EIA standard: NTSC color Video Signal System: 75-ohm external VHF/UHF combined Antenna: antenna terminal Tuner: USA: 181 channels capability* (125 cable channels) Canada: 178 channels capability* (122 cable channels) AutoProgramming frequency synthesis Type: 120V AC, 60 Hz...

  • Page 57: Limited Warranty

    The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental or 45 days from date of shipment to the rental firm, whichever comes first. What we will do: • 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...

  • Page 58: Index

    Express recording 3 CH. 4 switch 44, 50 F.ADV button 20, 21, 36, 37 Accessing menus 5 First setup 3 Add or remove channels First things first ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS screen 12 FORWARD button 21, 22, 36, 37, 39 Audio/video jacks 5, 43, 45, 46, 50 Frame advance 37 Auto channel search 10 Front panel controls...
  • Page 59 timer 27 Stopping a timer recording30 VCR Plus+28 Tab,safety 23 Tableof contents1 Remote buttons 20 Tapeeject 23 installingbatteries4 Tape, p layinga 22 sensor48 Tapespeeds23 Timeanddate REMOTE V CR1NCR2 option 17 Remove o r addchannels12 set 13 REV button 21, 22, 31, 36, 37, 48 setdaylight-saving 12 Timecounter39 REVERSE...
  • 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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