RCA VR540 User Manual Download Page 1

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video cassette recorder

user's guide

VR540

Summary of Contents for VR540

Page 1: ...video cassette recorder user s guide VR540 ...

Page 2: ...ides 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 To reduce the risk of electric shock do not remove cover or back No user serviceable parts inside Refer servicing to qualified service personnel This symbol indicates dangerous voltage inside the product ...

Page 3: ...s in the Preferences Menu 16 RemoteVCR1 VCR2 Option 16 Auto Play 17 AutoTV VCR 17 EnergySaverTM 18 Front Panel 18 Tape Speed 18 VCR Basics 19 Remote Buttons 20 Component Buttons 20 VCR Function Buttons 20 TV Function Buttons 21 Playing aTape 22 Automatic Rewind 23 Tape Eject 23 Recording 23 Check the SafetyTab 23 Recording 25 Recording Features 26 Express Recording XPR 26 Timer Recording 27 Timer ...

Page 4: ...al Scan Search Button 38 Frame Advance 39 Index Search 39 Zero Search 40 Pro Tect Plus Locking Feature 40 Time Counter 41 On Screen Displays 41 Tracking 42 Connections 43 ConnectingYourVCR 44 Jacks and Cables 44 RF Jacks and Antenna Cables F type 44 Choosing aVCR Connection 45 Advantages of Audio Video Cable Connections 45 TV With RF Jack Only 46 TV With Audio Video Jacks 47 TV with Audio Video Ja...

Page 5: ...u 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 READ ME These note boxes give you tips for your new video cassett...

Page 6: ... connect your VCR to your home antenna or cable system and then to your TV use the VCR s IN FROM ANT and OUT TO TV jacks for a good signal as shown If you have a TV with AUDIO VIDEO jacks use these jacks for better picture and sound quality If you have a stereo TV with left and right Audio Video jacks connect the VCR s AUDIO OUT to the TV s left audio input Refer to the Connections section toward ...

Page 7: ...7 Interactive Setup The first time the VCR is turned on Interactive Setup a brief series of on screen menus appears These menus assist in setting up several of the VCR s features Use the remote s number buttons to select options 1 Press 1 for English 2 for Español Spanish or 3 for Français French Select a language Seleccione un idioma Choisissez une langue 1 English 2 Espanol 3 Francais The remain...

Page 8: ...Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Preferences 6 Language 0 Exit 2 Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu PREFERENCES 1 Remote Control VCR1 2 Auto Play ON 3 Auto TV VCR ON 4 EnergySaver 2 00 5 Front Panel AUTO 6 Tape Speed SLP 0 Exit 3 Press 2 to switch AUTO PLAY to ON or OFF PREFERENCES 1 Remote Control VCR1 2 Auto Play OFF 3 Auto TV VCR OFF 4 EnergySaver 2 00 5 Front Panel AUTO 6 Tape Speed SLP 0 E...

Page 9: ... Set up for a cable box Set automatic daylight saving time Set the time and date Set upVCR Plus channels Set the REMOTEVCR1 VCR2 feature Set the AUTO PLAY feature Set the AUTOTV VCR feature Set the EnergySaverTM feature Set the Front Panel feature Set the preferredTape Speed 7 5 Setting Up the VCR 2 First things first 1 recording 3 VCR Basics 4 OTHER FEATURES 7 6 Connections 5 PROGRAMMING THE REMO...

Page 10: ...rdings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Preferences 6 Language 0 Exit 2 Press 6 to select and display the LANGUAGE menu LANGUAGE Select a language 1 English 2 Espanol 3 Francais Press MENU to contiune 3 Select English Español Spanish or Français 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 bo...

Page 11: ...NELS 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 Press CLEAR to correct Press MENU to continue Once you complete the setup the VCR confirms that Cable Box Setup is complete CABLE BOX SETUP The VCR will now receive all signals from the cable box on ...

Page 12: ...t 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 Automatically 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 C...

Page 13: ...NAL 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 th...

Page 14: ...ou 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 0 Exit 2 Press 3 to display the TIME menu TIME 1 Set Time and Date 2 Auto DST ON 0 Exit 3 Press 2 to turn AUTO DST ON or OFF Select ON if you want t...

Page 15: ...ogramming 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 0 Exit Time Date ...

Page 16: ... NostalgiaTelevision 99 QualityValue Cable 41 Showtime 97 Showtime 2 59 Sports Channel 52 Turner NetworkTelevision 44 USA Network 62 Video Hits 1 93 Viewer s Choice 1 94 Viewer s Choice 2 55 WGN Chicago 43 WTBS Atlanta 60 WWOR NewYork 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 0 Exit 3 Pr...

Page 17: ...etwork 70 Canadian Home Shopping Network 56 Canal Famille 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 91 La Chaine Francaise 51 The Learning Channel 65 MeteoMedia TheWeather Network 48 MuchMusic Network 55 MusiquePlus 52 Nashville Networ...

Page 18: ...Panel AUTO 6 Tape Speed SLP 0 Exit Now you are ready to select an item from the menu to set up REMOTE VCR1 VCR2 Option If you own a compatible RCA GE or ProScan remote that has a VCR2 VCR2 LD or DVD VCR2 button this feature allows you to set this VCR to respond to that button Press 1 to select the REMOTE CONTROL item Then press the VCR2 VCR2 LD or DVD VCR2 button to change PREFERENCES 1 Remote Con...

Page 19: ...ant a tape with its safety tab removed to start playing automatically Auto TV VCR 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 Select ON if you want the VCR to switch to the VCR mode when the VCR is turned on or a cassette is inserted This only applies if you connect the IN FROM ANT and OUT TO T...

Page 20: ...APE SPEED You can select a preferred tape speed for recording The speed you select appears in the timer and VCR Plus recording menus The default factory setting is SLP Press 6 to switch between SP and SLP When making a recording you can override the preferred tape speed Press the SPEED button on the remote Set the tape speed in the timer or VCR Plus recording menu When you turn off the VCR the tap...

Page 21: ...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 VCR Basics tells you what you need to know in order to watch a movie or tape your favorite show 7 5 Setting Up the VCR 2 First things first 1 recording 3 VCR Basics 4 OTHER FEATURES 7 6 Connections 5 PROGRAMMING T...

Page 22: ...a compatible RCA ProScan or GE VCR and sets the remote to control the VCR VCR Function Buttons CHAN Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCR s channel memory CLEAR Resets time counter to 0 00 00 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 ...

Page 23: ... the speed or to decrease the speed SPEED Selects a recording 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 motion or pause Reduces picture jitter during stop action playback TV VCR Switches the picture signal so that it either comes from the...

Page 24: ...ture if necessary Press STOP to stop playback 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 Pause If you pause the VCR automatically switches from pause to stop after a few minutes to reduce tape wear Numbers 0 through 9 Select a...

Page 25: ...utton on the remote if you want to override the preferred Tape Speed setting 2 Press the RECORD button to begin recording 3 Press STOP to stop recording If you just want to pause the recording for a short time like during a commercial press PAUSE instead of STOP Check the Safety Tab No matter which recording option you use you need to make sure there is a tape in the VCR and that the tape s safety...

Page 26: ...24 ...

Page 27: ... recording features that are available to suit your needs Recording Features Recording explained in VCR Basics section Express Recording Timer Recording Timer Recording withVCR Plus Copying and EditingTapes 7 5 Setting Up the VCR 2 First things first 1 recording 3 VCR Basics 4 OTHER FEATURES 7 6 Connections 5 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE 5 ...

Page 28: ... of the program you are watching 1 Press the SPEED button on the remote if you want to override the preferred Tape Speed setting 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 00 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 co...

Page 29: ...NPUT 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 ou...

Page 30: ...0 Exit 6 Review the information to make sure it is correct and then press MENU to save Program 1 One time Channel 03 Cable Start Time 08 00 PM End Time 09 30 PM Start Date 10 24 97 Fri Tape Speed SLP 1 SP 2 SLP Press CLEAR to corect 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 VCR MAIN MEN...

Page 31: ...te 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 One Time Channel 03 Cable Start Time 08 00 PM 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 ...

Page 32: ...eview programs that you have already set up 1 Press 2 when the VCR MAIN MENU is displayed to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu TIMER RECORDINGS 1 Create a New Program 2 Review Existing Progs 3 Use VCR Plus Code 0 Exit 2 Press 2 to display the REVIEW PROGRAMS screen Program 1 One time Channel 104 Cable Start Time 12 00 AM End Time 01 30 AM Start Date 10 24 97 FRI Tape Speed SLP Press CLEAR to erase...

Page 33: ...rogram where you want to begin copying press PLAY PAUSE and then PLAY PAUSE again on the playback VCR You may need to adjust the tracking 6 Press the RECORD button then press PLAY PAUSE on the recording VCR 7 Press the PLAY PAUSE buttons on both VCRs at the same time to begin copying the tape 8 To edit segments that you do not want to copy Press PLAY PAUSE on recording VCR to stop copying Locate t...

Page 34: ...32 RECORDING ...

Page 35: ...levision and satellite receiver or cable box It is initially programmed to control an RCA GE or ProScanTV and satellite receiver Other manufacturers brands need to be programmed Setting Up the VCR 2 First things first 1 recording 3 VCR Basics 4 OTHER FEATURES 6 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE 5 7 Connections ...

Page 36: ...on the remote 4 Enter the code from the code list 5 Release TV and then press CHAN up or down If the TV responds to the remote commands the remote is programmed 6 If the TV does not respond repeat these steps using the next code listed for your TV s brand Operate the TV After you set up the remote see which buttons operate your TV 1 Point the remote at the TV and press the TV button If the TV does...

Page 37: ...6 Kenwood 06 12 Loewe 04 Luxman 06 LXI 04 05 07 Magnavox 04 06 12 Marantz 04 06 MGA 06 12 Mitsubishi 06 12 MTC 06 NAD 07 NEC 06 Panasonic 04 08 11 Philco 04 06 12 Philips 03 04 06 12 Pioneer 06 Portland 06 12 ProScan 01 Proton 06 Quasar 11 Radio Shack 01 05 13 RCA 01 06 12 Realistic 05 Sampo 06 Samsung 06 09 12 Sanyo 05 08 Sears 01 05 06 07 08 10 12 Sharp 06 13 Sony 03 Soundesign 06 Sylvania 04 06...

Page 38: ...al satellite receiver 1 Point the remote at the box or receiver and press SAT CABLE If it does not turn on press SAT CABLE and then POWER 2 You may want to experiment to see which buttons will operate your cable box or digital satellite receiver Try pressing buttons such as CHAN up or down ABC 22 46 53 54 Anvision 07 08 Cablestar 07 08 Diamond 56 Eagle 07 08 Eastern International 02 General Instru...

Page 39: ...nhance VCR operation Picture Search Options Pro Tect Plus Locking Time Counter On Screen Displays Tracking 7 Setting Up the VCR 2 First things first 1 recording 3 VCR Basics 4 OTHER FEATURES 7 6 Connections 5 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE 5 ...

Page 40: ...play pause using slow motion Search works best for tapes recorded at the SP or SLP speed 1 Press SLOW on the remote to begin slow motion playback 2 Use TRACK up or down to remove any streaks from the picture 3 Use the and or FWD and REV buttons to speed up or slow down slow motion playback 4 Press PLAY on the remote PLAY PAUSE on the VCR to return to normal playback The VCR switches automatically ...

Page 41: ...te to display the INDEX SEARCH menu on the TV screen 2 If you want to search a certain number of index marks press two number buttons to enter the number of marks you want to search Press CLEAR on the remote to correct an entry 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 l...

Page 42: ...ing Feature To disable the usage of the VCR or to protect your timer recordings you can lock the VCR so that the buttons on the VCR or remote won t work To Lock Press and hold either the remote s POWER or OFF button SAFE appears in the display when the feature is activated SAFE will flash if you attempt to turn on the VCR while the feature is on To unlock the feature and turn on the VCR Press and ...

Page 43: ...ay want to press PLAY to verify Now you can begin recording at this spot 5 Press INFO to remove the time counter from the screen and return to the normal display mode ON SCREEN DISPLAYS The INFO button shows the status of the VCR STOP PLAY RECORD ETC channel number time counter date time and tape speed on the TV screen The date and time must be set before they can be displayed 1 Press INFO to see ...

Page 44: ... 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 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 Tra...

Page 45: ... to coil any twin lead cables and keep them away from the audio video cables as much as possible Make sure all antennas and cables are properly grounded Refer to the Safety Tips sheet packed with your unit Protect Your Components from Overheating Do not block ventilation holes in any of the components Arrange the components so that air can circulate freely Do not stack components Allow adequate ve...

Page 46: ...OUT TO TV The antenna 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 yel...

Page 47: ...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 ja...

Page 48: ...ox 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 Auto TV VCR Setting Set the Auto TV VCR feature to ON To play a tape 1 Insert a tape 2 In necessary press PLAY To record one program and watch another 1 Begin recording a program using one...

Page 49: ... 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 Auto TV VCR Setting 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 di...

Page 50: ...rn to First Things First then follow the steps Using This Connection Tune your TV to its video input channel Auto TV VCR Setting 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 ...

Page 51: ... 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 52: ...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 TV VCR Switches the picture signal so that it either comes from the VCR or the TV Front Panel Display Panel Remote Sensor CHANNEL TRACKING PLAY PAUSE REV RECORD ...

Page 53: ...ignal from an antenna or cable system when attached OUT TO TV Jack Passes signal to TV using the cable supplied Status Indicators Show what the VCR is doing BYE Power off EJEC Tape eject FF Fast forward HI Power on PLAY Playback flashes during play pause and search features REC Record REW Rewind SAFE Pro Tect Plus turned on SCH Forward search SCH Reverse search STOP A tape is stopped TIMER Lights ...

Page 54: ...ches 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 duri...

Page 55: ...urned 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 ...

Page 56: ...TO CHANNEL SEARCH menu select either CABLE TV or ANTENNA Tape plays back in slow motion 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 indicat...

Page 57: ...inches deep 300 mm Weight 7 5 pounds 3 4 kg Storage Temperature 22 F to 149 F Range 30 C to 65 C Operating 41 F to 104 F Temperature Range 5 C to 40 C 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 surf...

Page 58: ...mpleted 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 Batteries A VCR that has been modified or incor...

Page 59: ...lays 41 OUT TO TV jack 51 P Picture search options 38 Power indicator 50 Pro Tect Plus locking feature 40 Programming the remote 33 36 R Recording 23 26 30 Remote 20 21 REMOTE VCR1 VCR2 option 16 Remove or add channels 11 Review programs screen 30 Reviewing programs 30 Rewind automatic 23 S Safety tab 23 Satellite receiver codes 36 Search 38 40 SET TIME and DATE screen 13 Set up language 8 Signal ...

Page 60: ...rvice 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 As an ENERGY STAR Partner Thomson Consumer Electronics has determined that this product or product model meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency ...

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