RCA VR344 Operation & User’s Manual

RISK OF ELECTRIC cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. SHOCK DO NOT OPEN Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. A This symbol indicates A This symbol indicates “dangerous voltage” inside important instructions the product that presents a accompanying the product. risk of electric shock or personal injury. Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert. Attention: Pour eviter les chocs Clectriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu au fond. Refer to the identification/rating label located on the back panel of your product for its proper operating voltage. FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the user’s authority to operate it. Cable TV Installer: This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article 82040 of the National Electrical Code (Section 54 of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1) which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical. WARNING To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose this product to rain or moisture.

Setting up the VCR ......................................................... 7 Using the QuickSet Guide .................................................................. 8 Using the Menu to Set Up Features ................................................. 8 Language .......................................................................................... 8 Cable Box Setup ............................................................................ 9 VCR Channels List ....................................................................... IO To Auto Channel Search ...................................................... IO To Change the SignalType ................................................... I2 To Add or Remove Channels ............................................. I2 Time and Date .............................................................................. I2 Set Daylight-SavingTime ...................................................... I 2 Set theTime and Date ......................................................... I3 VCR Plus+ Channels ............................................................ I4 What’s Next--Additional Set-Up Features in the PREFERENCES Menu ...................................................... I6 RemoteVCR I /VCR2 Option .................................................... I7 Auto Play.. ...................................................................................... I8 Auto TV/VCR--Model VR5 I9 Only .......................................... I 8 VCR Basics ..................................................................... 19 Remote Buttons .................................................................................. 20 Playing a Tape ....................................................................................... 21 Automatic Rewind .............................................................................. 21 Tape Eject ............................................................................................. 22 Recording ............................................................................................. 22 Check the SafetyTab ................................................................... 22 Recording ............................................................... 23 Recording Features ............................................................................ 24 Express Recording (XPR) .......................................................... 24 Timer Recording .......................................................................... 25 Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ ............................................ 26 Stopping a Timer Recording ...................................................... 28 Reviewing and Clearing Programs ........................................... 28 Using TwoVCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes ................... .29 Other Features .............................................................. 31 Picture Search Options ..................................................................... 32 Forward and Reverse Search .................................................... 32 Slow Motion .................................................................................. 32 Commercial Scan (SEARCH Button) ...................................... 32

Index Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Zero Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Pro-Tect Plus TM Locking Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Time Counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 On-Screen Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Connections .................................................................. 37 Things to Know Before Connecting Components .................... .37 ConnectingYourVCR ........................................................................ 38 Jacks and Cables ........................................................................... 38 Choosing a VCR Connection ................................................... 39 Advantages of Audio/Video Cable Connections ................ .39 Don’t Forget About the TV/VCR Feature .............................. 39 TV with RF Jack Only ................................................................. 40 TV with Audio/Video Jacks ....................................................... .4 I TV with Audio/Video Jacks and Cable Box to Unscramble Pay Channels Only .......................................... 42 Appendix A: Reference ................................................ 43 Front Panel ........................................................................................... 44 Back Panel ............................................................................................ 45 Indicator Panel ..................................................................................... 45 TroubleshootingTips .......................................................................... 46 Specifications ....................................................................................... 49 Cleaning theVCR ................................................................................ 49 Limited Warranty ................................................................................ 50 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 2

IS SUSAN... 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. READTHE FIRSTTHREE SECTIONS The first three sections of the manual introduce you to yourVCR, and show you how to set theVCR up and use the on-screen menus. Reading these sections gives you the basic information you need to use yourVCR. WHAT’S LEFT? The rest of the book highlights playback and recording information, contains a detailed connections section, and a reference section that includes troubleshooting tips, limited warranty, and index. II FIRSTTHINGS FIRST I”“““” These note boxes give you tips for your new video cassette recorder. 3

WHAT’S IN THE BOX The following items come packed in the box: l VCR l Remote control l 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. 1. Remove the cover of the battery compartment. 2. Place batteries in the remote, matching the + and - ends of each battery to the diagram inside the compartment. 3. Replace the cover. 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 ANTENNA and OUT TO TV jacks for a good signal as shown. If you have a TV with AUDIONIDEO jacks, use the jacks for a better connection. Refer to the Connections section, toward the back of the manual. T CABLE, CABLE BOX OR ANTENNA VCR 4

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. l If you connect your VCR using the ANTENNA connectors with RF coaxial cable, set the 3CH.4 switch to channel 3 or channel 4--the channel you want to use on your TV. l If you connect your VCR using the AUDIO/I/IDE0 jacks with audio/video cables, select the TV’s video input to see the signal. See the 7V 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. Go to the next step to understand how to move through and change items in the menu system. STEP 7: ACCESS THE MENUS The MENU and number buttons let you access, select and change menu items. For example, to change the AUTO PLAY setting, you would do the following: VCR Viewing Channel \ When using the ANTENNA jacks to connect your VCR, tune your TV to channel 3 or 4. When using the audio/video jacks to connect your VCR, tune your TV to the TV’s video input.

VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR PLUS+ 2 TIMER RECORDINGS 3 TIME 4 CHANNELS 5 PREFERENCES 6 LANGUAGE 1 0 EXIT 2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu. PREFERENCES 1 REMOTE CONTROL: VCR1 2 AUTO PLAY: OFF 3 AUTO TV/VCR: OFF 0 EXIT 3. Press 2 to switch AUTO PLAY to ON or OFF. PREFERENCES 1 REMOTE CONTROL: VCR1 2 AUTO PLAY: ON 3 AUTO TV/VCR: OFF 0 EXIT See Additional Set-Up Features for detailed information about the AUTO PLAY feature. STEP 8: SET UP THE VCR Once you understand how to move around through the menus, go to the next section to set up your VCR. 6

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: l Select a language l Set upVCR channel list (AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH) l Set up for a cable box l Set automatic daylight-saving time l Set the time and date l Set upVCR Plus+ channels l Set the REMOTEVCRINCRZ feature l Set the AUTO PLAY feature l Set the AUTO TV/VCR feature v 2 SETTING UPTHEVCR 7

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. SELECCIONE UN IDIOMA. CHOISISSEZ UNE LANGUE. 1 ENGLISH 2 ESPAiiOL 3 FRANFAIS Just follow the step-by-step procedures until setup is complete. Some of the feature options may not apply to your VCR configuration. If the menu does not appear: l Make sure TV is tuned to the same channel as the 3CH.4 switch or TVs video line input. l Make sure VCR indicator is on in the VCR display if you connected your VCR using the ANTENNA IN and OUT jacks. l Check your connections. If you choose to set up the VCR options individually, then go to the next section. USING THE MENU TO SET UP FEATURES You can set up features by using the menu system. Each feature that appears in the QuickSet Guide is explained in this section as well as a few others you may want to set up before you begin using your VCR. LANGUAGE Select your preferred language, and the on-screen displays will appear in that language. On-Screen Menus Not all the VCR screens are shown in this manual when explaining the features. 8

VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR PLUS+ 2 TIMER RECORDINGS 3 TIME 4 CHANNELS 5 PREFERENCES 6 LANGUAGE 0 EXIT 2. Press 6 to select and display the LANGUAGE menu. LANGUAGE SELECT A LANGUAGE. l>ENGLISH 2 ESPAROL 3 FRANCAIS PRESS MENU TO CONTINUE 3. Select English, Espaiiol (Spanish), or Francais (French). CABLE BOX SETUP This setup applies only when all channels are received through the cable box. The VCR will automatically enter the output channel of the cable box when programming your VCR for timer recordings. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR HAIN MENU 1 VCR PLUS+ 2 TIMER RECORDINGS 3 TIME 4 CHANNELS 5 PREFERENCES 6 LANGUAGE I 0 EXIT I 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. CHANNELS 1 AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH 2 ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS 3 SIGNAL TYPE: CABLE 4 VCR PLUS+ CHANNEL LIST 5 CABLE BOX SETUP 1 0 EXIT 9

three choices. CABLE BOX SETUP DO YOU USE YOUR CABLE BOX TO RECEIVE ALL CHANNELS OR ONLY SOME CHANNELS? 1 ALL CHANNELS 2 ONLY SOME CHANNELS 3 CANCEL SETUP 4. If you selected ALL CHANNELS, enter the output channel of your cable box, usually 03,04, or video line input and press MENU. CABLE BOX SETUP. ON WHAT CHANNEL DOES THE VCR RECEIVE SIGNALS FROM THE CABLE BOX? (USUALLY 3, 4, OR VIDEO) 04 ENTER 01-13 OR INPUT PRESS MENU TO CANCEL CABLE BOX SETUP THE VCR WILL NOW RECEIVE ALL SIGNALS FROM THE CABLE BOX ON CHANNEL 04. PRESS MENU TO CONTINUE Once you complete the setup, the VCR confirms that Cable Box Setup is complete. VCR CHANNELS LIST 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. To AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR PLUS+ 2 TIMER RECORDINGS 3 TIME 4 CHANNELS 5 PREFERENCES 6 LANGUAGE 0 EXIT . Cable Box Setup ALL CHANNELS: enter two numbers for output channel of your cable box or press INPUT. ONLY SOME CHANNELS: if you only use the cable box to tune premium channels. CANCEL SETUP: select to cancel. d All Channels If you do not use a cable box for ALL channels, then you will want to use a channel list (Auto channel search). 10

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 2 ANTENNA 3>DETECT AUTONATICALLY 0 CANCEL 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 PRESS ANY KEY TO CANCEL The VCR begins scanning for the available channels--this takes about one to two minutes. The lowest channel is tuned once the search is complete. Now pressing CHANNEL up or down should only select the active channels. . Detect Automatically A strong cable or antenna signal in your area may cause Auto Detect to mis-detect. If this should happen, select 1 or 2 for the system you have. l Auto Channel Search Use the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH feature to place all available channels in memory. If you ever change cable or antenna signals, you may need to AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH again. 11

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. 3. Press 3 to change the SIGNAL TYPE between CABLE and ANTENNA. 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. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. 3. Press 2 to display the ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS screen. Use CHANNEL up or down or number buttons to go to the channels you want to remove or add. ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS CHANNEL 115 IS PRESENTLY ADDED PRESS CLEAR TO REMOVE PRESS MENU TO EXIT ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS CHANNEL 115 IS PRESENTLY REMOVED PRESS INFO TO ADD PRESS MENU TO EXIT TIME AND DATE Before you set the time and date, set the AUTO DST (Daylight- Saving Time) feature to ON or OFF for your area. Set Daylight-Saving Time 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR PLUS+ 2 TIMER RECORDINGS 3 TIME 4 CHANNELS 5 PREFERENCES 6 LANGUAGE I 0 EXIT Selecting Channels The CHANNEL up and down buttons access those channels active in your VCR channel list. You can still access channels not in the channel list by using the number buttons on the remote. 12

TIME 1 SET TIME AND DATE 2 AUTO DST: ON 0 EXIT 3. Press 2 to turn AUTO DST: ON or OFF. l Select ON if you want the VCR’s clock to automatically adjust for daylight-saving time. l Select OFF if you do not want the VCR’s clock to adjust for daylight-saving time. Set the Time and Date 1. Press MENU to display 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 3 to display the TIME menu. TIME 1 SET TIME AND DATE 2 AUTO DST: ON 0 EXIT Spring forward; Fall backward In the Spring, daylight-saving time begins on the first Sunday in April. Because the clock automatically changes from 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM (forward one hour), remember to include the extra hour for timer recording failing within this time frame. In the Autumn, daylight-saving time ends on the last Sunday in October. The VCR clock automatically changes from 2:00 AM to 1:00 AM (back one hour). Therefore, it can affect your recording length. 13

SET TIME AND DATE TINE --:-- (HH:MM) DATE --/--/-- PRESS MENU TO CANCEL 4. Enter the data using the number buttons. Press 0 before single-digit numbers and follow the on-screen directions. SET TIME AND DATE TIME 12:34 PM DATE 10/24/97 FRIDAY PRESS CLEAR TO CORRECT PRESS MENU TO SET VCR PLUS+ CHANNELS Using VCR Plus+ can make programming timer recordings for cable or off-air antenna easier, but you have to put in a little time right now to set up a channel list. A worksheet and abbreviated codes for typical cable services in the U.S. and Canada are provided on the following pages. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR PLUS+ 2 TIMER RECORDINGS 3 TIME 4 CHANNELS 5 PREFERENCES 6 LANGUAGE 1 0 EXIT I Time/Date Display Pressing INFO on the remote displays the time and date on the screen. VCR Plus+ Channel List Refer to your local television list for a complete VCR Plus+ channel list for your viewing area or contact your cable company. Using the list may save you some time. 14

List *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. 15

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 4 to display the VCR PLUS+ CHANNEL LIST screen. VCR+ CHANNEL MY CHANNEL 5 -- 4 -- 3 -> -> -> -- 2 -- 1 -- USE CH+/- TO SELECT PRESS O-9 TO CHANGE PRESS MENU TO SAVE 4. Enter the data following the on-screen directions using your worksheet. VCR+ CHANNEL NY CHANNEL 5 46 4 -- 3 -> -> -> 23 2 -- 1 -- USE CH+/- TO SELECT PRESS 0-9 TO CHANGE PRESS MENU TO SAVE Screen is for an example only WHAT’S NEXT--ADDITIONAL SET-UP FEATURES IN THE PREFERENCES MENU The features in this section are all accessed through the PREFERENCES menu. Two-Digit VCR Plus+ Channel Numbers for CableTV (Canadian List) 67 Allarcom PayTelevision/ Super-channel 44 Arts & Entertainment 72 Cable News Network-Headline News 6 I Cable News Network 70 Canadian Home Shopping Network 56 Canal Famllle 69 Cathay InternationalTelevision Inc 68 Chinavision Canada Corp 60 Country MusicTelevision 63 Family Channel 62 First Choice 96 First ChoiceTwo 97 First ChoiceThree 99 First Choice Four 90 House of Commons 9 I La Chaine Francaise 5 I The Learning Channel 65 MeteoMediafThe Weather Network 48 MuchMusIc Network 55 MusiquePlus 52 Nashville Network 73 NewsworldlCBC 53 Le Reseau des Sports 43 The Sports Network 64 Super Ecran 37 Super Ecran B 98 Super Ecran C 66 Telatino Network 46 TV5 Montreal 92 Viewer’s Choice I 93 Viewer’s Choice 2 94 Viewer’s Choice 3 95 Viewer’s Choice 4 7 I Vision TV: Canada’s Faith Network 38 Youth TV, Canada Inc. 16

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. Now you are ready to select an item from the menu to set up. REMOTE VCRWVCR2 OPTION If you own a compatible RCA, GE, or ProScan remote that has a VCR2, VCRZ*LD, or DVDWCRZ button, this feature allows you to set this VCR to respond to that button. Press 1 to select the REMOTE CONTROL item. Then press the VCRZ, VCRZ*LD, or DVDWCRZ button to change. PREFERENCES (PRESS VCR2 TO CHANGE) 2 AUTO PLAY: OFF 3 AUTO TV/VCR: OFF 0 EXIT PREFERENCES 1 REMOTE CONTROL: VCR2 2 AUTO PLAY: OFF 3 AUTO TV/VCR: OFF 0 EXIT The VCR will only respond to the compatible remote’s VCRZ, VCRZ*LD, or DVDWCRZ button. If you change the remote setting to VCRZ, the remote that came with your VCR will no longer control it. To change the remote setting back to VCRl, display the PREFERENCES menu, press 1, and then press VCR1 on your compatible remote. 17

start playing when you insert a tape with the safety tab removed. Press 2 to switch between ON or OFF. l Select ON if you want a tape with its safety tab removed to start playing automatically when the tape is inserted. l Select OFF if you do not want a tape with its safety tab removed to start playing automatically. AUTO TV/VCR --MODEL VRS19 ONLY This feature controls whether the TV/VCR switch changes automatically to the VCR mode, when the VCR is turned on. Press 3 to switch between ON and OFF. l 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 ANTENNA IN and OUT jacks of your VCR and TV and watch your VCR on channel 3 or 4 of your TV l Select OFF if you want the VCR to remain in the TV mode. This is useful if you watch your VCR on the TV’s video input and you don’t want your antenna/cable signal interrupting the VCR. Auto TV/VCR Pressing WWCR on the remote will still switch between the VCR and TV mode. VCR mode: VCR indicator in the display panel lights. TV mode: VCR indicator turns off. 18

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 enhance the enjoyment of yourVCR, but they aren’t necessary to get you started. If you want to learn more about yourVCR, just keep reading. v 3 VCR BASICS v I VCR Basics tells you what you need to know in order to watch a movie or tape your favorite show. I 19

Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCR’s channel memory. CLEAR Resets time counter to 0:OO:OO. Allows you to change entries when setting the clock or a timer recording. F.ADV Lets you view one frame with each press of the button when tape is in pause. FWD Fast forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches forward through a tape during playback. Starts slow motion when tape is paused. GO BACK Switches between two channels. Select one channel and then select another using the number buttons. Press GO BACK to switch between the two channels. In menu mode, press to go back to previous menu. INFO Shows the status displays on the TV screen. 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. 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 - - appears on the screen. Then press the other two numbers. PAUSE Pauses playback or recording. Press PAUSE again to return to playback or recording. PLAY Plays a tape. POWER Turns the VCR on and off. RECORD Starts VCR recording. Also used for express recording. REV Rewinds the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches backward through a tape during playback. Starts slow motion when tape is paused. SEARCH Displays INDEX and ZERO SEARCH menus on TV screen when VCR is stopped. Advances the tape 60 seconds during playback. SLOW Used for slow-motion playback. POWER N*VCR GOBACK INFO 000 PAUSE PLAY RECORD O-0 . . FWD R&l n 0 SLOW STOP SEARCH ‘0 ‘0 “0 OA CHAN “0 “0 “0 ov ‘0 “0 “0 0 0 INPUT MENU CLEAR Q 0 0 SPEED F.ADV 0 0 v OTRACKING 0 A 20

speed (SP or SLP). STOP Stops the current VCR function such as record, playback, rewind, or fast forward. TRACKING Up or Down Lets you manually reduce the streaks that may appear on the picture during play, slow, or pause. Model VR519: Reduces picture “jitter” during stop-action playback. TV*VCR Switches the picture signal so that it either comes from the VCR, TV, or cable antenna system. PLAYING ATAPE 1. Tune the TV to your VCR viewing channel (3,4, or TV’s video input). 2. Insert a tape in the VCR. If the AUTO PLAY feature is set to ON, the tape automatically begins playback (if the safety tab on the cassette is removed). l Press FWD or REV to position the tape. l Press PLAY (if necessary) on the remote (PLAYePAUSE on VCR) to begin tape play. l Press PAUSE (PLAY*PAUSE on VCR) for stop action. l Press TRACKING up or down to remove any streaks from the picture, if necessary. l Press STOP on the remote (STOP*EJECT on VCR) 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. f \ Pause If you pause, the VCR automatically switches from pause to stop after a few minutes to reduce tape wear. \ / f Automatic Tracking The VCR has automatic tracking which adjusts the picture when playing back a tape recorded on another VCR. Automatic tracking is turned on whenever a tape is inserted or the VCR’s power is turned on. \ J 21

to eject the tape. RECORDING If you want to record something that you’re watching, you can use basic recording. 1. Set the tape speed by pressing the SPEED button on the remote (see margin note for information about tape speed settings). 2. Press the RECORD button to begin recording. 3. Press STOP on the remote (STOP-EJECT on the VCR) to stop recording. If you just want to pause the recording for a short time (like during a commercial), press the PAUSE button on the remote (PLAY-PAUSE on VCR) instead of STOP. CHECK THE SAFETYTAB 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. Safety Tab If the safety tab is removed and you want to record over it, simply cover the hole with vinyl tape. Tape Speeds SP (Standard Play) Gives the best quality recording, but fewer programs can be recorded on the tape. On Model VR519, special effects such as pause, slow motion, picture search, and frame advance work well when you play back tapes recorded in this speed. LP (Long Play) Your VCR is capable of playing back tapes recorded in LR You cannot record in the LP speed. SLP (Super Long Play) Gives three times the recording time of tapes recorded in SR Special effects such as pause, slow motion, picture search, and frame advance work well when you play back tapes recorded in this speed. Recording Time Cassette SP SLP T-120 2Hr 6Hr T-160 2Hr 8Hr 40Min 22

Now that you’ve gone through the necessary steps to operate yourVCR, I’ll explain the different recording features that are available to suit your needs. Recording Features: l Recording (explained in VCR Bcrsics section) l Express Recording l Timer Recording l Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ l Copying and EditingTapes v 4 RECORDING v 23

l Recording lets you press one button to start recording a program. (See VCR Basics section.) l Express Recording lets you start recording a program you are watching, and then set the VCR to automatically stop recording after a designated period of time. l Timer Recording lets you program the VCR to automatically start and stop recording at a predetermined time. l Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ lets you program the VCR just by entering a PlusCode number found in some TV guides. EXPRESS RECORDING OCPR) Use express recording when you want to quickly record the remaining portion of the program you are watching. 1. Set the tape speed by pressing the SPEED button on the remote. 2. Press the RECORD button to begin recording. 3. Repeatedly press the RECORD button to set up the recording duration. REC CH 36 RECORD LENGTH 0:OO PRESS REC TO SET LENGTH REC CH 36 RECORD LENGTH I:30 PRESS REC TO SET LENGTH Each time you press the RECORD button, you add 30 minutes to the recording time (up to 4 hours). The VCR continues to record for the amount of time you indicate, and then automatically turns off. Express Recording Express recording is a great way to tape the last quarter of the game, or the last part of a movie when you have to leave. To stop an express recording, press and hold STOP on the remote (STOP-EJECT on the VCR) for a few seconds. 24

programs. 1. Press MENU to display 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 2 to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu. TIMER RECORDINGS 1 CREATE A NEW PROGRAM 2 REVIEW EXISTING PROGS. 3 USE VCR PLUS+ CODE 0 EXIT I 3. Select 1 to CREATE A NEW PROGRAM. HOW OFTEN SHOULD THIS PROGRAM RECORD? 1 ONE TIME 2 DAILY (EVERY DAY) 3 WEEKDAYS CM-F) 4 WEEKLY (ONCE PER WEEK) 0 CANCEL 4. Select how often you want the program to record. PROGRAM 1 CONE TIME) CHANNEL 03 CABLE START TIME --:-- END TIME -e:-- START DATE --/--/-- TAPE SPEED SLP PRESS MENU TO CANCEL 5. Enter the data for the program with the number buttons. 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. . Timer Recording Information Clock must be set correctly. Insert a tape with the safety tab in place and enough tape to record the program. PROGRAMS OVERLAP appears if you have entered two programs where the times overlap. The output of your cable box appears in the “channel” item of the timer recording if you’ve set up for a cable box. For cable box, turn on the cable box and tune it to the channel you want to record before the recording is to begin. . 25

to make sure it is correct, and then press MENU to save. PROGRAM 1 CONE TIME) CHANNEL 03 CABLE START TIHE 08:00 PM END TIHE 09:30 PM START DATE 10124197 FRI TAPE SPEED SLP l=SP 2=SLP PRESS CLEAR TO CORRECT PRESS MENU TO SAVE PROGRAM 1 HAS BEEN SAVED REMEMBER TO INSERT A RECORDABLE TAPE AND TURN THE VCR OFF BEFORE THE PROGRAM START TIME. PRESS MENU TO CONTINUE 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 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. 1. Display the CHANNELS menu from the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Display the VCR PLUS+ CHANNEL LIST menu. 3. Co to Setting Up Your VCR if you need more information on setting up your VCR Plus+ channel list. Using VCR Plus+ 1. Press MENU to bring up the VCR MAIN MENU. VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR PLUS+ 2 TIHER RECORDINGS 3 TIME 4 CHANNELS 5 PREFERENCES 6 LANGUAGE 0 EXIT 2. Press 1 to display the VCR PLUS+ menu. VCR PLUS+ ENTER PLUSCODE NUMBER CFROH TV LISTING) PRESS CLEAR TO CORRECT PRESS MENU WHEN DONE VCR HAIN MENU 1 VCR PLUS+ 2 TIMER RECORDINGS 3 TIME 4 CHANNELS 3 SIGNAL TYPE: CABLE 4 VCR PLUS+ CHANNEL LIST VCR+ CHANNEL NY CHANNEL 5 46 4 -- 3 -> -> -> 23 2 -- I USE CH+/- TO SELECT PRESS O-9 TO CHANGE PRESS NENU TO SAVE VCR Plus and PlusCode are trademarks or Gemstar Development Corporation. 26

programming guide. VCR PLUS+ ENTER PLUSCODE NUMBER (FROM Tv LISTING) 12876 I PRESS CLEAR TO CORRECT PRESS MENU YHEN DONE 4. Press MENU to enter the VCR PlusCode number. ’ HOW OFTEN SHOULD THIS PROGRAM RECORD? 1 ONE TIME 2 DAILY (EVERY DAY) 3 WEEKDAYS CM-F) 4 WEEKLY (ONCE PER WEEK) 0 CANCEL 5. Indicate how often you want the program to be recorded. PROGRAM 1 CONE TIHE) CHANNEL 03 CABLE START TIME 08:OO PM END TINE 09:30 PM START DATE 10/24/97 FRI TAPE SPEED SLP PRESS CLEAR TO CORRECT PRESS MENU TO SAVE 6. Change the speed with the SPEED button on the remote or the program end time with the CLEAR button on the remote (if necessary). Changing the end time comes in handy when you are recording a program such as a sporting event that may exceed the scheduled broadcast time. 7. Press MENU to save the program. PROGRAM 1 CONE TIME) CHANNEL 03 CABLE START TIME 08:OO PH END TIME 09:30 PM START DATE 10/24/97 FRI TAPE SPEED SLP PRESS CLEAR TO CORRECT PRESS MENU TO SAVE VCR Plus+ Recording Clock must be set correctly. Insert a tape with the safety tab in place and enough tape to record the program. PROGRAMS OVERLAP appears if you have entered two programs where the times overlap. UNRECOGNIZED NUMBER... PLEASE RE-ENTER appears when the VCR does not recognize the PlusCode number. The output channel of your cable box appears in the “channel” item of the timer recording menu if you’ve set up for a cable box. Turn on the cable box and tune it to the channel you want to record before the recording is to begin.

in progress (even an express recording): l Press and hold the STOP button on the remote (STOP*EJECT button on the VCR). 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. 2. Press 2 to display the REVIEW PROGRAMS screen. TIMER RECORDINGS 1 CREATE A NEW PROGRAM 2 REVIEW EXISTING PROGS. 3 USE VCR PLUS+ CODE 0 EXIT PROGRAM l (ONE TIME) CHANNEL 104 CABLE ST,ART TIME 12:00 AN END TIME 01:30 AM START DATE 10/24/97 FRI TAPE SPEED SLP PRESS CLEAR TO ERASE PRESS MENU FOR NEXT PROG 3. Press CLEAR to erase or MENU to see the next program. 28

AND EDITING TAPES Use one VCR as the playback VCR and the other as the recording VCR. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. . ? . 9. 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 VCR to channel 3 or 4-the one selected on the back of the playback VCR. If you have connected your VCR using the audio/video jacks, press INPUT on the recording VCR’s remote to select the line input. Insert the tape you want to copy into the playback VCR. Insert a blank tape with safety tab in place into the recording VCR. When you reach the point on the tape or program where you want to begin copying, press PLAY*PAUSE and then PLAYmPAUSE again on the playback VCR. You may need to adjust the tracking. Press the RECORD button, then press PLAY*PAUSE, on the recording VCR. Press the PLAYmPAUSE buttons on both VCRs at the same time to begin copying the tape. To edit segments that you do not want to copy: Press PAUSE on recording VCR to stop copying. Locate the next segment you want to copy on playback VCR by using FWD, REV, and PLAY*PAUSE, and then press PLAY*PAUSE. Press PLAYePAUSE on both VCRs at the same time to resume copying. Press STOP*EJECT on both VCRs when you are finished. Caution: The unauthorized recording of television programs or other materials may infringe the rights of others. Two VCR Connection II -OR- I TON TON 29

OPERATION l Picture Search Options l Pro-Tect PlusTM Locking l Tracking l Time Counter l On-Screen Displays r5 OTHER FEATURES Q 31

playback is using the forward or reverse function. This section contains several other options available for searching a tape. Search features work well for tapes recorded at the SLP speed on Model VR344 and the SP or SLP speed on Model VR519. FORWARD AND REVERSE SEARCH You can view a tape during play or play pause. Sound is turned off during picture search. 1. Press FWD to search forward or REV to search in reverse. 2. Press FWD or REV again or press PLAY on the remote (PLAY*PAUSE on the VCR) to return to normal playback. SLOW MOTION You can view a tape during play or play-pause using slow motion. 1. Press SLOW on the remote to begin slow motion playback. 2. Press FWD to increase or REV to decrease the speed of the search. 3. Use TRACKING up or down to remove any streaks from the picture. 4. Press PLAY on the remote (PLAY*PAUSE on the VCR) 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. . Press SEARCH once during playback to advance the tape approximately 60 seconds. l Press SEARCH to cancel commercial scan and return to normal playback. I’“““““; Don’t forget to insert a recorded tape when using the search features. 32

action frame after another. 1. Press PAUSE on the remote (PLAY*PAUSE on the VCR) to “freeze” the action during playback. 2. Press F.ADV each time you want to view a frame of the scene. 3. Press PAUSE or PLAY on the remote (PLAY*PAUSE on the VCR) to return to normal playback. 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. To Search: INDEX SEARCH PRESS REV OR FWD TO BEGIN SCANNING OR ENTER A SPECIFIC INDEX NUMBER -- PRESS SEARCH TO EXIT 1. Press SEARCH on the remote to display the INDEX SEARCH INDEX SEARCH menu on the TV screen. SEARCHING FOR INDEX NUMBER 12... 2. If you want to search a certain number of index marks, press I I two number buttons to enter the number of marks you want to search. Press CLEAR on the remote to correct an entry. PRESS STOP TO CANCEL 3. Press FWD to search forward or REV to search in reverse. The VCR will locate your index mark and begin playback. If you did not enter a specific index number, the VCR will locate the next index mark and begin playback. 4. Press STOP to stop index searching. Some index marks may be missed by the VCR: l A mark too close to your location on the tape. l The mark at the beginning of a recorded segment of five minutes or less. l The first index mark on the tape when you start at the beginning of the tape. INDEX SEARCH SEARCHING FOR INDEX MARKS... PRESS STOP TO CANCEL 33

enables the VCR to quickly return to a counter reading of 0:OO:OO anywhere on the tape. This is especially convenient when you want to repeat a segment of the tape several times. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Go to the beginning of the program you wish to return to. Press CLEAR to reset the counter to 0:OO:OO. Continue playing the tape. Press STOP. Press SEARCH on the remote twice to display the ZERO SEARCH menu. Press REV to return to 0:OO:OO on the tape. Press STOP to stop zero searching. PRO-TECT PLUS” 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. l To Lock: Press and hold POWER on the remote for approximately 6 seconds. The TIMER and RECORD indicators on the front panel will flash to let you know the feature is activated. Pressing POWER while the feature is on will also cause the indicators to flash. l To Unlock: Press and hold POWER on the remote for approximately six seconds. ZERO SEARCH CURRENT TAPE COUNTER IS 2:17:25 PRESS REV TO GO i0 o:oo:oo PRESS SEARCH TO EXIT ZERO SEARCH SEARCHING FOR o:oo:oo... PRESS STOP TO CANCEL , Locking Your VCR: If a timer recording is programmed, make sure your VCR is turned off. Locking your VCR prevents the VCR , from being accidentally turned on. I 34

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. Just use the TRACKING buttons to remove the streaks or snow. You can also use tracking on Model VR519 when you PAUSE a tape to reduce jittering of the picture. 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--only playback. TIME COUNTER The time counter shows the actual time it takes to record a program or play back a segment of a recorded tape. It helps locate the beginning or end of programs you taped. The time counter resets to 0:OO:OO whenever the tape is ejected from the VCR. For example, if you record a 30-minute program at the beginning of the tape and you want to go to the end of that program to begin another recording, you would: 1. Press INFO twice to display the time counter. 2. Press CLEAR to reset the time counter to 0:OO:OO. 3. Press FWD to forward the tape until the time counter reads 0:30:00. 4. Press STOP This is the approximate end of the program. (You may want to press PLAY to verify.) Now, you can begin recording at this spot. 0:30:00 5. Press INFO to remove the time counter from the screen and return to the normal display mode. 35

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. 11/18/96 NON 01:3OPH SLP 1. Press INFO to see the on-screen displays. I On-screen display 2. Press INFO again to have only the time counter remain on the screen. 2 0:30:00 3. Press INFO again to return to the normal display. No displays appear on the screen. Turning off the VCR also resets the displays. Timer counter only (does not time out) 3 Normal display 36

from Power Surges l Connect all components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet. l Always turn off the TV and other components before you connect or disconnect any cables. Position Cables Correctly to Avoid Audio Hum or Interference l Insert all cable plugs firmly into their jacks. l Place the audio/video cables to the sides of the TV’s back panel instead of straight down the middle after you connect your components. l Try not to coil any twin-lead cables and keep them away from the audio/video cables as much as possible. l Make sure all antennas and cables are properly grounded. Refer to the Safety Tips sheet packed with your unit. Protect Your Components from Overheating l Do not block ventilation holes in any of the components. Arrange the components so that air can circulate freely. l Do not stack components. l Allow adequate ventilation when placing your components in a stand. l 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. 16 CONNECTIONS 37

JACKS AND CABLES RF Jacks and Coaxial Cables (F-type) The RF jacks provide good picture and mono sound quality, and must be used if audio/video connections are not available for your TV. 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. 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. These jacks are used for most audio/video connections between components. The VCR audio/video jacks are color coded (yellow for video and white for audio). If your.TV has two inputs for audio (stereo), connect the one labeled mono. If one is not labeled mono, you may need a Y-adapter. Audio/Video Jack 38

There are several different ways to hook up your VCR, depending on whether or not you have cable, and if you have cable, whether you have a cable box, and if 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 hookup that works. l TV with RF Jack only l TV with audio/video jacks l TV with audio/video jacks and cable box to unscramble pay channels only If you need to hook up additional components not shown in the diagrams here (and are unsure of how to connect them), refer to the instruction manual that came with that particular component. ADVANTAGES OF AUDIO/VIDEO CABLE CONNECTIONS Using a simple coaxial cable connection gives you good picture quality. If your television has A/V jacks, I highly recommend using them to get even better picture and sound quality when recording and playing back videotapes. These connections give you more convenient operation by not sharing the signal from the RF cable. DON’T FORGET ABOUTTHE TV/VCR FEATURE The TVNCR switch controls whether the picture signal is coming from the VCR or the TV. Model VR344: The TVNCR feature automatically switches the VCR to the VCR mode when the VCR is turned on or you press the PLAY button. You can change the setting manually by using the TV*VCR button on the remote. Model VR519 Only: Set the AUTO TVNCR feature to ON when using only RF ANTENNA connections and OFF when using the AN output jacks--so your TV signal is not interrupted when the VCR is turned on. 39

This connection assumes: l You are connecting antenna, cable, or cable box system. l Your television has only an RF input jack. This connection provides: l Mono sound playback from VCR. l Record one channel while watching another (except when using a cable box for all channels). To use this connection, you must have: l (1) coaxial cable for cable or antenna connection; (2) for cable box To connect: 1. Connect cables as shown. 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 switch on the back of the VCR. Model VR519 Only--AUTO TV/VCR Setting: l Set the AUTO TV/VCR feature to ON. To play a tape: 1. Inset-t a tape. 2. In necessary, press PLAY. To record one program and watch another: 1. Begin recording a program using one of the recording options. 2. Press the TV*VCR button and select a different channel on the TV. “Ty CABLE, CABLE BOX, OR ANTENNA VCR cc 40

an antenna, cable, or cable box system. l Your television has audio/video jacks. This connection provides: l Mono sound playback from VCR. l Record one channel while watching another (except when using a cable box for all channels). To use this connection, you must have: l (1) coaxial cable for cable /antenna connection; (2) for cable box l (2) audio/video cables To connect: 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 TVWCR button is not required. Model VR519 Only--AUTO TVNCR Setting: l Set the AUTO TV/VCR feature to OFF. To play a tape: 1. Insert a tape 2. If necessary, press PLAY. To record one program and watch another: 1. Begin recording a program using one of the recording options. 2. Select a different channel on the TV. T-+ CABLE, CABLE BOX, OR ANTENNA VCR

premium channels. l Your TV has audio/video input jacks. This connection provides: l Mono sound playback from VCR. l Recording a scrambled or unscrambled channel through the cable box while watching an unscrambled channel. To use this connection, you must have: l (3) coaxial cables l (2) audio/video cables l (1) splitter To connect: 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 TVWCR button is not required. Model VR519 Only--AUTO TV/VCR Setting: l Set the AUTO TV/VCR feature to OFF. To play a tape: 1. Insert a tape 2. If necessary, press PLAY. To record a scrambled or unscrambled program and watch another unscrambled: 1. Begin recording a scrambled program through the cable box using one of the recording options. 2. Select an unscrambled channel on the TV. I Y All scrambled channels must be viewed through the VCR. For Cable Box Setup, select ALL CHANNELS. See page 9. I CABLE BOX 42

aTroubleshootingTips section in this Appendix, which might help to resolve some of those simple problems. Finally, this section contains your warranty information. 43

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. PLAY*PAUSE Plays a tape. Pauses action for viewing during playback. Pauses recording to prevent recording of unwanted scenes. POWER Turns the VCR on or off. RECORD Starts VCR recording. Used for express recording. Remote Sensor Receives signals from the remote control. Aim the remote at this sensor. REV Rewinds the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the picture in reverse during playback. STOP*EJECT Stops the normal functions such as record, playback, rewind, fast-forward, or pause. Ejects the tape when the VCR is stopped. TVd/CR Switches the picture signal so that it either comes from the VCR or the TV. 44

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. Use INPUT on the remote to select. AUDIO and VIDEO OUT Jacks Sends signals from VCR to another component, like a TV or VCR, when it is connected to these jacks. IN FROM ANT. Jack Receives a signal from an antenna or cable system when attached. OUT TO TV Jack Passes signal to TV using the cable supplied. INDICATOR PANEL I c.!J POWER ~VCR 0 TIMER 0 RECORD I POWER Indicator Lights when the VCR is turned on. RECORD Indicator Lights when the VCR is recording. RECORD and TIMER indicators flash when ProTect PlusTM locking feature has been activated. 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. Flashes when a timer recording is set and there is no cassette in the VCR. TIMER and RECORD indicators flash when ProTect PlusTM locking feature has been activated. VCR Indicator (Applies Only if the VCR Viewing Channel is 3 or 4). Press the TV*VCR button to turn on or off. l VCR indicator on: Picture from VCR. l VCR indicator off: Picture from TV channel. 45

into an operating outlet. . 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 VCRINCRZ 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 . Check to make sure the VCR indicator is off. . Check to make sure the TV is switched to an active channel. . Check to make sure the antenna connections are secure and correct. Snowy or no picture during playback . Press TV*VCR to turn VCR indicator on. . Check TV channel selected (3 or 4) to make sure it matches the channel selected with 3 CH. 4 switch on back of VCR. . Check to make sure the TV’s fine tuning is correct for the channel you have selected. . Check video cable connections between VCR and TV monitor. . Check to make sure the TV monitor is set to video input channel. . Try another tape. . Some snow/streaks are normal during search, stop action, frame advance, and slow-motion playback. 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 in search modes . The time counter does not advance during unrecorded portions of tape. When an unrecorded segment of tape is encountered, the time counter will hold its count until recorded material is detect&! again. . A minus (-) will appear in front of the time if you rewind the tape farther back than a counter reading of o:oo:oo. Will not record or play . Check to make sure there is a tape in the VCR. . Try ejecting and reinserting the cassette. . Check to make sure the tape is not broken. 46

Press PAUSE or PLAY on the remote (PLAY*PAUSE on the VCR) to return to normal playback. . Check the ProTect PlusTM feature. Will not record . Check to make sure the safety tab is intact. . Check to make sure the VCR is not in the line mode. Press INPUT on the remote. Rewind does not operate . Check to make sure the tape is not already rewound. VCR plus+ or timer recording not made or wrong program recorded . Check to make sure the correct VCR plus+ code is entered. . Check to make sure the cable box was turned on when recording was to begin. . Check to make sure the program was entered correctly (wrong channel or times). . Power interruption. Reset the clock. . Check to see if time and date are correct -- including AM/PM. . Check to make sure the program did not exceed the tape’s length or the tape was not rewound beforehand. . 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. . Check to make sure VCR plus+ setup was completed correctly. Internal clock shows incorrect time or date . Power interruption. . Check to make sure the clock is set accurately (check AM/PM and date). . Check AUTO DST setting. The clock may have adjusted for daylight-saving time. Time did not adjust for daylight-saving time . Check to make sure AUTO DST feature is turned on. 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 . Check to make sure the antenna connections are secure and correct. . Check to make sure the SIGNAL TYPE: CABLE/ANTENNA feature is set correctly. . If DETECT AUTOMATICALLY was selected for the SIGNAL TYPE in the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu, select either CABLE TV or ANTENNA. 47

. Press PLAY to return to normal playback. Cannot select channels over 69 . Cable channels over 69 can only be selected if SIGNAL TYPE: CABLE/ANTENNA feature is set to CABLE. Cassette with safety tab removed does not start to play automatically . Check to make sure the AUTO PLAY ON/OFF feature is set to ON. 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 TM Locking feature is activated. Time counter disappears during searching . This is normal. On-screen menus appear in English, French, or Spanish . Check LANGUAGE feature. 48

Video: Model VR344: 2-head Audio: Mono record/playback EIA standard: NTSC color 75-ohm external VHF/UHF combined antenna terminal USA: 181 channels capability* (125 cable channels) Canada: 178 channels capability* (122 cable channels) AutoProgramming frequency synthesis 12OV AC, 60 Hz 18 watts 3.7 inches high (93 mm) 15 inches wide (380 mm) 11.9 inches deep (300 mm) 7.0 pounds (3.2 kg) - 22°F to +149”F (-30°C to +65”C) +41”F to +104”F (+5”C to +40x *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 top, back, sides, and bottom of the cabinet. Plastic surfaces are easily scratched and can be marred by alcohol and various solvents. Avoid excessive use of oil-based furniture polishes since the materials used in the cabinet will accumulate more dust. We recommend using a nonabrasive, antistatic cleaner and polisher. Specifications are subject to change.

covers: . Any defect in material or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: . Ninety days for labor charges. . One year for parts. 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 parts required to repair your VCR. How you get service: . Take your VCR to any Authorized RCA VCR Servicenter. To identify your nearest Authorized RCA VCR Servicenter, ask your dealer, look in the Yellow Pages, or call 1-800-336-1900. . Show the service technician your evidence of purchase date. . Pick up your VCR when repairs are completed. What your warranty does not cover: . Customer instruction. (Your Owner’s Manual clearly describes how to install, adjust, and operate your VCR. Any additional information should be obtained from your Dealer.) . Installation and related adjustments. . Signal reception problems not caused by your VCR. . Damage from misuse or neglect. . Cleaning of video/audio heads. . Remote control batteries. . A VCR that has been modified or incorporated into other products or is used for institutional or other commercial purposes. . A VCR purchased or serviced outside the USA. . Acts of God, such as but not limited to lightning damage. Product Registration: . Please complete and mail the Product Registration Card packed with your VCR. It will make it easier to contact you should it ever be necessary. The return of the card is not required for warranty coverage. How state law relates to this warranty: . This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state. If you purchased your VCR outside the United States: . This warranty does not apply. Contact your dealer for warranty information. SO

45 A Accessing menus 5 Add or remove channels 12 ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS screen 12 Audio/video jacks 39, 41, 42, 45 Auto channel search 10 AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu 11 AUTO DST: ON or OFF feature 13 Auto play feature 18, 21 Auto TV/VCR feature 18, 39, 40, 41, 42 Automatic rewind 21 Automatic tracking 21 B Back panel 45 Basic recording 22 Basics, learn the 19 Batteries installing in the remote 4 t Cable box setup 9 CABLE BOX SETUP menu 10 Cables 38 Cables, positioning 37 Cables, types of 38 CHAN buttons 20 CHANNEL button 44 Channel, viewing 5 Channels, add or remove 12 Channels list, VCR 10 CHANNELS menu 9, 11, 12, 16, 26 Choosing a VCR connection 39 Cleaning the VCR 49 CLEAR button 20, 27, 28, 33, 34, 35 Clearing programs 28 Commercial scan feature 32 Connections 37 audio/video cable 39 choosing 39 TV with audio/video jacks 41 TV with audio/video jacks and cable box to unscramble pay channels only 42 TV with RF jack only 40 Contents 1 Controls back panel 45 front panel 44 D Displays on-screen 36 E Eject, tape 22 Express recording 24 F F.ADV button 20, 33 FF button 20 First setup 3 First things first 3 Frame advance 33 Front panel controls 44 FWD button 20, 21, 32, 33, 35, 44 t GO BACK button 20 51

Index search feature 33 INDEX SEARCH menu 33 Indicator panel 45 INFO button 20, 35, 36 INPUT button 20, 25 I Jacks, types of 38 1 Language feature 8 LANGUAGE menu 9 Limited warranty 50 Locking feature 34 A4 MENU button 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 26, 27, 28 Menus, accessing 5 N Number buttons 14, 20 0 On-screen displays 36 Other features 31 OUT TO TV jack 45 Overheating 37 P Panel, indicator 45 PAUSE button 20, 21, 22, 33, 35 52 Picture search options 32 PLAY button 20, 21, 32, 33 PLAY*PAUSE button 21, 22, 32, 33, 44 Playing a Tape 21 POWER button 20, 21, 34, 44 POWER indicator 45 Power surges 37 PREFERENCES menu 16, 17 Pro-Tect PlusTM locking feature 34 Problem solving 46 PROGRAMS OVERLAP message 25, 27 Q QuickSet guide 8 R RECORD button 20, 22, 24, 44 RECORD indicator 34, 45 Recording basic 22 express 24 speeds 22 timer 25 Remote buttons 20 installing batteries 4 sensor 44 REMOTE VCRlNCR2 option 17 Remove or add channels 12 REV button 20, 21, 32, 33, 34, 44 Review programs screen 28 Reviewing programs 28 Rewind, automatic 21 S Safety tab 22 Search commercial scan 32

Sensor, remote 44 SET TIME AND DATE screen 14 Set up cable box 9 first 3 language 8 VCR 7 Signal type selecting 12 Signal type, changing 12 SLOW button 20, 32 Slow motion playback 32 Solving problems 46 Specifications 49 Speed LP 22 SLP 22 SPEED button 21, 22, 24, 27 Speeds, recording 22 STOP button 21, 22, 24, 28, 33, 34, 35 STOP*EJECT button 21, 22, 24, 28, 44 Stopping a timer recording 28 T Tab, safety 22 Table of contents 1 Tape eject 22 Tape, playing a 21 Tape speeds 22 Time and date set 13 set daylight-saving 12 Time counter 35 TIME menu 13 TIMER indicator 34, 45 Timer recording 25 stopping 28 TIMER RECORDINGS menu 25, 28 Tips, troubleshooting 46 TRACKING buttons 21, 32, 35, 44 Tracking feature 35 Troubleshooting tips 46 TV*VCR button 18, 21, 39, 44 V VCR cleaning 49 VCR channels list 10 VCR indicator 45 VCR MAIN MENU 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 28 VCR Plus+ channel list 26 PlusCode number 27 setting up channels 14 using 26 worksheet for channels 15 VCR PLUS+ CHANNEL LIST menu 16, 26 VCR Plus+ menu 26 VCR, setting up 7 Viewing channel 5 W Warranty, limited 50 z ZERO search feature 34 ZERO SEARCH menu 34 53

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. f$ THOMSON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS 10330 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290 01997 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Trademark(s)@ Registered Marca Registradab) Printed in Japan TOCOM 15226080 VQTS3338 (A)