RCA VR354 User Manual

RCA VR354 User Manual

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USER'S
GUIDE
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VR354
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Summary of Contents for RCA VR354

  • Page 1 USER’S terecordervideocassetterecorderv ideocassetterecordervideocassett erecordervideocassetterecordervi deocassetterecordervideocassette GUIDE 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 VR354...
  • Page 2: Safety 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 receiver. VR354 Model No.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS First Things First ............3 Initial Setup .............. 5 Setting up the VCR ..........7 Using the Menu to Set Up Features ......8 Language Selection ..........8 Cable Box Setup ..........9 VCR Channels List ..........10 Auto channel search ........
  • Page 4 Connecting Your VCR ..........46 Jacks and Cables ............. 46 RF Jacks and Coaxial Cables (F-type) ....46 Audio/Video Jacks and Cables (RCA-type) ..46 Choosing a VCR Connection ......... 47 Advantages of A/V Cable Connections .... 47 TV with RF Jack Only ........48 TV with Audio/Video Jacks .......
  • Page 5: First Things First

    First Things First Welcome To Your New VCR... First Things First To help you get started using your VCR with as little reading possible, we’ve put all the basic information needed in the first three sections. To help you along, there’s even an initial setup feature the Setting Up the VCR first time you turn on your VCR which walks you through several set up steps at once.
  • Page 6 First Things First Step 1: What’s in the Box? The following items come packed in the box: • POWER TV•VCR CHANNEL RECORD STOP•EJECT • Remote control TRACKING • RF coaxial cable • AA Batteries STEP 2: Install Batteries In the Remote Control –...
  • Page 7: Initial Setup

    First Things First 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. • If you connect your VCR using the ANTENNA connectors with RF coaxial cable, set the 3 CH.
  • Page 8 First Things First STEP 8: Accessing menus The MENU and number buttons let you access, select, and change your VCR’s preferences individually. For example, to select a different preferred on-screen language than the one selected during the initial set up, do the following: 1.
  • Page 9: Setting Up The Vcr

    Setting Up the VCR On-screen guide and First things first Additional Setup features Below is a list of features, many of which need to be set up before using your VCR for the first time. Essential features Setting up the VCR are handled during the initial setup, but all features can be accessed through the Preferences menu.
  • 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. For each numbered selection on the menus, use the same numbered button on the remote control to select it.
  • Page 11: Cable Box Setup

    Setting Up the VCR Cable Box Setup This set up applies only when all channels are received through a cable box. In this case, the VCR will automatically enter the channel used to view cable box programming. Your VCR will use this channel for all future timer recordings.
  • Page 12: Vcr Channels List

    Setting Up the VCR CABLE BOX SETUP On what channel does the VCR receive signals from the cable box? (usually 3, 4 or video) Press CLEAR to correct Press MENU to continue 5. Once you complete the setup, the VCR confirms that the VCR will now receive all signals on the designated channel.
  • Page 13: Changing The Signal Type

    Setting Up the VCR CHANNELS 1 Auto Channel Search 2 Add/Remove Channels 3 Signal Type: CABLE 4 VCR Plus+ Channel List 5 Cable Box Setup 0 Exit 3. Press 1 to display the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu. AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH What type of signal are you using? 1 Cable TV...
  • Page 14: Adding Or Removing Channels

    Setting Up the VCR Adding or removing 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. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2.
  • Page 15: Setting The Time Zone

    Setting Up the VCR Setting the time zone 1. Press MENU on the remote control to display the VCR’s MAIN MENU. VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recodings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Setup 6 Preferences 7 Language 0 Exit 2.
  • Page 16: Setting The Time And Date Manually

    Setting Up the VCR Setting the time and date manually 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recodings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Setup 6 Preferences 7 Language 0 Exit 2.
  • Page 17: Vcr Plus+ System Channels

    Setting Up the VCR ® VCR Plus+ System Channels Two-Digit VCR Plus+ System Using the VCR Plus+ system makes programming timer Channel Numbers for recordings for cable or off-air antenna easier, but you Cable TV (USA List) have to put in a little time right now to set up a channel list. See next page for Canadian list A worksheet and abbreviated codes for typical cable services American Movie Classics...
  • Page 18: Vcr Plus+ System Worksheet

    Setting Up the VCR VCR Plus+ System Worksheet Channel Number Broadcast or VCR Plus+ Two-Digit VCR Plus+ System You Receive the Cable-TV Station Name Channel Number** Station On* Channel Numbers for Cable TV (Canadian List) ESPN See previous page for U.S. list Allarcom Pay Television/ Superchannel Arts &...
  • Page 19: Additional Setup Features

    Now you are ready to select a category 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 20: Auto Play

    Setting Up the VCR Use the compatible remote to change the remote setting back PREFERENCES to VCR1. Display the PREFERENCES menu, press 1, and then press VCR on the VCR’s remote. 1 Remote Control: VCR1 2 Auto Play: 3 Auto TV/VCR: 4 EnergySaver: 2:00 Auto Play...
  • Page 21: Front Panel Brightness (Vcr Display)

    Setting Up the VCR Front Panel Brightness (VCR Display) PREFERENCES You can change the brightness level of the fluorescent display panel on the front of the VCR. Press 4 on the remote control 1 Remote Control: VCR1 2 Auto Play: repeatedly to switch between the options.
  • Page 22 Setting Up the VCR When a duration time has been set: • The VCR will automaticalltswitch torewind if thecounter AUTO REPEAT meets or goes past the Auto Repeat set duration. Set the length of time you want the tape to •...
  • Page 23: Vcr Basics

    VCR BASICs Learn the basics To get First things first you started These VCR basics should be enough for you to begin enjoying your VCR. Learning Setting Up the VCR the remote control functions, playing a recorded tape, and recording a program should do just that.
  • Page 24: Remote Buttons

    INFO 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 25: Tv Function Buttons

    VCR BASICs 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. PAUSE Pauses playback or recording.
  • Page 26: Playing A Tape

    VCR Basics MUTE Reduces volume to minimum level. 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.
  • Page 27: Automatic Rewind

    VCR BASICs 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. Tape Eject Automatic Tracking Press STOP•EJECT on the VCR (STOP on remote) when it is The VCR has automatic tracking stopped to eject the tape.
  • Page 29: Recording

    RECORDING Several Recording First things first Options Now that you’ve gone through the necessary steps to operate your VCR, it’s time to explain the different Setting Up the VCR recording features available to suit your needs including: • Recording (explained in VCR Basics section) VCR Basics •...
  • Page 30: Express Recording (Xpr)

    RECORDING Recording Features There are four ways to record programs: • Recording one button to press to start recording a program. (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.
  • Page 31: Timer Recording

    RECORDING Timer Recording You can set up as many as eight timer recording programs. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recodings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Setup 6 Preferences 7 Language 0 Exit 2.
  • Page 32: Timer Recording With Vcr Plus+ System

    RECORDING 6. Review the information to make sure it is correct, and then press MENU to save. Program 1 has been saved Program 1 (One Time) Remember to insert a Channel 03 Cable recordable tape and Start Time 08:00 PM End Time 09:30 PM turn the VCR off before...
  • Page 33 RECORDING VCR PLUS+ Enter PlusCode Number (from TV listing) Press MENU to cancel 3. Enter the 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.
  • Page 34: Stopping A Timer Recording

    RECORDING Program 1 has been saved Remember to insert a recordable tape and turn the VCR off before the program start time. Remember to leave your cable box on and tuned to the desired channel. Stopping a Timer Recording To stop or cancel a timer recording in progress (even an express recording): •...
  • Page 35: Copying And Editing Tapes

    RECORDING Program 1 (One time) Channel 104 Cable Start Time 12:00 AM End Time 01:30 AM Start Date 12/31/99 FRI Tape Speed SLP Press CLEAR to erase Press MENU for next prog 3. Press CLEAR to erase items or MENU to see the next program. Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes Use one VCR as the playback VCR and the other as the...
  • Page 37: Program The Remote

    Program the remote Control your Television First things first The remote can be programmed to control a television. It is programmed to control an RCA, GE, or Setting Up the VCR ProScan TV. Other manufacturer’s brands need to be programmed. VCR Basics...
  • Page 38: Programming The Remote To Control A Tv

    About Programming the Remote The remote can be programmed to control other brands or remote controllable TVs, digital satellite receivers, and cable boxes. It is already programmed to operate most RCA, GE, and ProScan televisions and digital satellite receivers. Programming the Remote to...
  • Page 39: Tv Codes

    ..........17, 18, 21 Radio Shack .. 06, 08, 11, 12, 17, 21, 49 Envision ........06, 11 RCA ....04,05, 06,11, 13, 50, 51 Fisher ......19, 20, 21, 22 Realistic ..06, 08, 11, 12, 17, 21, 49 GE ....04, 06, 11, 14, 23, 24, 46...
  • Page 41: Other Features

    OTHER FEATURES Features to enhance First things first VCR operation • Picture Search Options ™ • Pro-Tect Plus Locking Setting Up the VCR • Tracking • Time Counter VCR Basics • On-Screen Displays Recording Program The Remote Other Features Connections References...
  • Page 42: Picture Search Options

    OTHER FEATURES Picture Search Options The most basic way to search during playback is using the FORWARD (FWD on the VCR) or REVERSE (REV on the VCR) buttons. This section contains several other options available for searching a tape. Forward and Reverse Search You can search a tape during playback.
  • Page 43: Index Search

    OTHER FEATURES Index Search The VCR has a “VHS Index Search System” that automatically records an index mark on the tape every time you start a recording. 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 44: Go-To Search

    OTHER FEATURES Go-To Search The Go-To Search feature enables the VCR to quickly locate a GO-TO SEARCH counter reading anywhere on the tape. When the VCR locates Current tape counter is the counter reading, it will begin playback. 2:17:25 Press REV or FWD 1.
  • Page 45: Tracking

    OTHER FEATURES 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 46: On-Screen Displays

    OTHER FEATURES On-screen Displays Stop Ch 05 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.
  • Page 47: Connections

    Connections Things to Know Before First things first Connecting Components Protect Your Components from Power Surges Setting Up the VCR • Connect all components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet. • Always turn off the TV and other components before VCR Basics you connect or disconnect any cables.
  • Page 48: Connecting Your Vcr

    VCR is used to connect the VCR’s RF OUT jack and your TV’s antenna input. Audio/Video Jacks and Cables (RCA-type) The AUDIO/VIDEO jacks provide very good picture quality and sound, and can be used if your TV has audio/video input jacks.
  • Page 49: 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 50: Tv With Rf Jack Only

    Connections 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 51: Tv With Audio/Video Jacks

    Connections 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 52: Tv With Audio/Video Jacks And Cable Box To Unscramble Pay Channels Only

    Connections 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 53: References

    References This section gives you some additional information First things first 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 Setting Up the VCR simple problems.
  • Page 54: Front Panel

    Reference References Front Panel Clock/Counter Display POWER TV•VCR CHANNEL RECORD STOP•EJECT 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. Press both together to re-center tracking. FWD Forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped.
  • Page 55: Back Panel

    References REC 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.
  • Page 56: How To Find The Tv's Video Input Channel

    Below are some steps to try: INFO SEARCH • 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. MUTE GO BACK •...
  • Page 57: Troubleshooting Tips

    References Troubleshooting Tips No power • Check to make sure it is plugged into an operating outlet. • Check to make sure your connections are correct. VCR does not respond to remote • Press VCR to set remote to control the VCR. •...
  • Page 58 Reference References Troubleshooting (Cont.) • 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 59 References Troubleshooting (Cont.) • If Detect Automatically was selected for the Signal Type in the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu, try using either CABLE TV or ANTENNA instead. • May not be necessary if using a cable box for all channels. Contact your local cable company for more information. Tape plays back in slow motion •...
  • Page 60: Specifications

    Reference References Specifications Format: Record/Playback Video: 2-head System: Audio: Mono record/playback system Video Signal System: EIA standard: NTSC color Antenna: 75-ohm external VHF/UHF combined antenna terminal Tuner: USA: 181 channels capability* (125 cable channels) Canada: 178 channels capability* (122 cable channels) Type: AutoProgramming frequency synthesis...
  • Page 61: 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 62: Index

    Index Index connections 45 A/V cable 47 adding/removing channels 12 jacks 46 TV, A/V jacks, cable box 50 ANT IN jack 5, 53 ANT IN 53 TV with A/V jacks 49 Audio/Video jacks 5, 22, 53 Audio/Video 53 TV with RF jack 48 Auto channel search 10 RF OUT 53 two VCRs 33...
  • Page 63 Index problem solving setting up See Troubleshooting cable box. See cable box setup programming the remote interactive 5 viewing channel 5 See TV: operating with on-screen language selection 8 VCR button 22 remote control using on-screen menus 8 VCR channel list 9 signal type, changing 11 VCR, cleaning 58 Specifications 58...
  • Page 64 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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