Akai VS-606EA User manual

AKAi
Hi-Fi & Video. •••
Hi- Fi Video Cassette Recorder
VS-606EA
Operator's Manual
PAL
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WARNING--------
MUL TIF'LEX TUNER
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To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose th is
appliance to rain or moisture.
I TAPE \JIEW SYSTEN\ I
WAIT!
Caution
Moving the video tape recorder from a cold place to a warm place, or using it in
a humid place will cause dew condensation on the drum and the video heads
inside the unit. If recording or playback is carried out in this state, the heads
may become dirty and the tape may be damaged. This could also result in a
malfunction of the machine itself.
To prevent this from occuring, the VCR should be plugged in for about one
hour, with the FUNCTION button ofT, before starting recording or playback of
a video cassette tape.
This is particularly important when a video cassette is inserted for the first time
after purchase of the video cassette recorder.
Akai-Creative At Heart.

WarningS & Precautions
VOLTAGE SELECTION
Power requirements for electrical equipment differ from area to area.
The operating voltage of the Akai VCR is preset at the factory accord-
ing to it's intended destination. However, some models are equipped
with a voltage selector. If your VCR is so equipped, before
connecting, check to see that the AC INPUT selector on the rear
panel is set to the voltage for your area.
220V, 50Hz for Europe except the UK.
240V, 50Hz for UK and Australia.
120V, 60Hz for USA and Canada.
200V or 240V, 50Hz switchable for other countries.
NOTE:
The rating plate (Serial Number Plate) is on the back of the unit.
CAUTION
* If you plan not to use the Akai VCR for a Jong period of time it is
recommended that you disconnect the power cord from the AC
outlet and disconnect the antenna cable. The FUNCTION
button is not a primary power switch. To completely disconnect
the power, pull out the power cord.
NOTE:
STANDARD TV BROADCASTING SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD
(PAL, SECAM and NTSC) AND CORRESPONDING AKAi VCR
MODEL NUMBERS.
Three different color TV systems -PAL, SECAM and NTSC - are
now used in the world. As different models of the Akai VS series
VCR's conform to different standards, please note the following:
1. The Models for exclusive use with the PAL color system are as
follows:
PAL (BIG) -Models EA, EG, EO.
PAL (I) -Models EK, ES. .
2. SECAM (system BIG) color programs in certain areas of the
Middle East might be recorded with the Akai PAL (BIG) model,
but there is no interchangeability of these recorded cassette tapes
with other PAL-VHS recorders or SECAM-VHS recorders.
3. Please use the exclusive SECAM-VHS recorder in French
SECAM (system L) broadcasting areas. (Models S, SEG)
4. The Models for exclusive use with the NTSC color system are as
follows: Models U, J.
5. Model EVM for PAL (BIG) and Middle East SECAM (BIG), and
Model EGN for 4 system reception.
6. For camera recording, connect a video camera and camera adaptor
built to the standard corresponding to your VCR.
1. Avoid using the Akai VCR under the following conditions:
Extremely hot, cold, humid or dusty places.
Near appliances generating strong magnetic fields.
Places poorly ventilated or subject to vibration.
* Near fluorescent lamps which may shorten the operation range of
the remote control unit.
2. Be careful of moisture condensation:
Avoid using the Akai VCR immediately after moving it from a
cold to a warm place or just after heating a room. Water vapour
may condense on the video head drum and tape guides which will
damage the tape and the Akai VCR.
3. Handle carefully:
Do not block the ventilation openings
or place anything heavy or that might
spill on top of the Akai VCR. Prevent
dust accumulation on the Akai VCR
and use the unit in the horizontal posi-
tion only.
4. In case of transportation:
Avoid violent shocks to the Akai VCR
during packing and transportation.
Before packing, remove the cassette
from the Akai VCR.
Note: When no broadcast
signal is being received, some
vibration of the IMS characters
may occur. When a signal is
received, the vibration should
stop.
This equipment conforms
No. 82/499/EEC standard.

This is the Akai Hi-Fi VCR
Product concept
AKAi is completely devoted to "Can't Miss" as our product policy.
This idea is what has given birth to today's AKAi quality. It aims at
"Can't Miss" operation, and that "Can't Miss" chance to record and
enjoy playback.
The "Can't Miss" feature in the Akai VCR is its Interactive Monitor
System. It turns your TV screen into a command center for operating
ease and convenience. It tells you what buttons to depress for each
specific function, confirms your instructions on the screen, memo-
rizes them, and waits for your next command. Every thing is spelt out
for you right on your TV screen. There are 12 different types of infor-
mation displays in the Interactive Monitor System:
1. Tape Transport displays: Displays for telling you what is happening
to the tape. (FF, STOP, REW, QF FWD, PLAY, QF REV, REC,
RETURN TO "0000", STILL, and PAUSE.
2. Clock display: Display for the day of the week and the actual time.
3. Tape counter/day/clock display combination.
4. Elapsed time/day/clock display combination.
5. Clock set displays: Displays for setting the Akai VCR to the actual
time.
Things to know about Video cassette tapes
• Only VHS video cassette tapes may be used with the Akai VCR.
• To protect a recording, remove the recording defeat tab with a
screwdriver. To re-record, cover the cavity with a piece of adhesive
tape.
• Never touch the tape with your fingers.
• Never open the video cassette tape case.
• Store standing on end in a well ventilated place, away from objects
with strong magnetic fields and away from bright lighting.
NOTE:
• Before recording or playing back a video cassette tape, be sure to
forward the tape slightly so that the leader tape (the transparent
part of the tape) is not in the head path.
Table ol contents
Let'sget acquainted with the Akai VCR . . . . . . . . . 3
Making the right connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Basic overall view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Tuning the TV to the video channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Let's set the timer to the actual time . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Let's playback a prerecorded tape............. 7-8
FINETUNING/TRACKING control. . . . . . . . . 7
Quick Finder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Slow Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Still picture playback........................ 8
Return to "0000" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Convenientfeatures of the VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
On the Tape Counterand Channel display . . . . . 9
On the TAPE SPEED selector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
On the remote control unit RC-V603 . . . . . . . . . . 10
Let's preset the Akai VCRwith TVstations. . . . . 11
Hi-Fi VHS audio recording and playback . . . . . . . 12
Let's record a TV program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Would you like to index your recording ? . . . . . 13
6. Preset TV station displays.
7. TV fine tuning displays.
8. Preset station number displays.
9. Tracking displays: Displays for reducing disturbances in the play-
back picture.
10. Vertical stability display: Display for stabilizing the still picture.
11. Programming displays: Displays for programming the Akai VCR
for automatic recording.
12. Sleep time displays: Displays for programming the Akai VCR for
sleep time.
Additional recording and playback functions . . . . 14
External recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Auto Mute ............................... 14
Soft/Sharp picture control.................. 14
Furtherrecording and playback notes . . . . . . . . 14
Programming the Akai VCRfor automatic
recording ......... ·.................... 15-16
Let's proceed with automatic recording......... 17
An example of 4-week timer setting . . . . . . . . . 17
Sleep time setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Problem? Let's check ..................... 19-20
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Final notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Let's get acquainted with the Akai VCR
1 To tum on and offthe Akai VCR.
(FUNCTION button) See p.5
2 To stand-by for automatic recording.
(TIMER button) See p.17
3 To select the input signal to the home TV
TV/Video selector and indicator see p. 5
4 Indicates the broadcast is in stereo or has 2
separate audio signals (bilingual).
(STEREO/DUAL indicators) See p.12
5 Indicates the Power cord is plugged in.
(STANDBY indicator)
6 To receive the remote control signal from the
Akai Wireless Remote Control Unit RC-V603
* Keep this window clean for remote control operation.
See p.10
7 To select the tape speed for recording.
(SPEED selector and indicator) Seep. 9
8 To set the audio mode to Hi-Fi
Hi-Fi selector and indicator Seep 12
9 To eject the video cassette tape.
(EJECT button) See p.8
10 To manually activate theTape View System.
TAPE VIEW button. See p.9
11 To set the actual time and date.
(CLOCK button) See p.6
12 Load the video·cassette tape here.
13 To quickly return to any point on the tape.
(RETURN TO "0000" button) See p.8
14 To run thetape for recording or playback.
Tape transport buttons
15 To soften or sharpen the video picture.
SHARP/SOFT PICTURE control. See p.14.
16 To connect headphones
PHONES jack
17 To select the AUDIO IN, and VCR's tuner, for
Simulcast recording
S.C. selector See p.12
18 To visually monitor the REC LEVEL setting.
Seep.12
19 AUDIO MONITOR selector and indicators.
Seep. 12
20 To control the volume of the recording being
made by the VCR.
REC LEVEL control. See p.12
21 For visually monitoring adjustments to the
Hi-Fi recording volume
Peak Level meter. See p.12
22 Preset channel number and tape counter
display.
(CHANNEL Display) See p.9
23 To tune in TV stations.
(PRESET button) See p.11
24 To automatically record a TV program, and set
preset stations.
(PROGRAM, A, B, C, and D buttons) See p.15, 16
25 To automatically make 4 seconds of blank
space in the audio track.
AUTO MUTE button. See p.14

Making the right connections
There is a tuner inside your Akai VCR for station selection. This tuner is just like the tuner inside your TV. For this reason, the VCR
must be connected between the antenna and the TV.
Video Cassette
Recorder 1
ANTIN~
Antenna Video Cassette
Recorder 2 TV
Antenna
Video Cassette
Recorder 3
------~
ANTENNATOVCRANTIN.
VCR RF OUT to TV ANTENNA jack using Plug in VCR to AC outlet.
the cable provided.
To produce Hi-Fi stereo sound: The VCR requires connection to an audio amplifier for playback and
recording of Hi-Fi stereo sound.
PLAYBACK ONLY:
VCR
VCR AUDIO OUT jacks (Land R), to ampli-
fiers AUXIN jacks (Land R)
This connection allows you to playback Hi-Fi
prerecorded VHS tapes.
Pleasenote:
RECORDING and PLAYBACK:
VCR
VCR AUDIO OUT jacks (Land R), to ampli-
fiers TAPE PLAY jacks (Land R).
• Due to the nature of the Hi-Fi recording process, you cannot sound dub (record a new sound
track onto an old video tape), in Hi-Fi.
• The VCR has a standby power indicator. This indicator lights up whenever the power cord of
the VCR is plugged in. This low voltage power is necessary to maintain the memory and other
low voltage power circuits inside the VCR.
Basic overall view
Household
AC outlet
VCR
AC Power cord
ANTIN
VCR Amplifier
VCR AUDIO IN jacks (Land R), to amplifiers
TAPE RECjacks (Land R).
This connection allows you to record Hi-Fi
stereo sound from any component connected
to the amplifier, i.e. tuner, CD, phono, etc.
Speaker System A
Left Right
ffi lffi
fB88EB
ANTIN
RF OUT
Speaker System B
Left Right
~
··o···
0•
0
fB 8 fB 8
Household
AC outlet
AC Power cord
TV
0 Household
AC outlet
AC Power cord

Tuning the TV to the video channel
The Akai VCR sends out a signal similar to that transmitted by a TV station. By tuning your TV (to the video channel) to receive this
signal, you can select programs from the Akai VCR as you would select a program with the TV's channel selector. Before beginning,
set the VCR's TV/VIDEO button to VIDEO.
1 D
Depress the FUNCTION button to send a
signal for the CLOCK display to the TV screen.
3
RF.OUT
r;;;l CH-1
L!:::!J CH-0
If channel 1 is being used for broadcasting in
your area, set the TV's channel selector to
channel O and set the channel selector (RF.
OUT) on the rear panel of the VCR to channel
0.
Fine tune the TV to optimize picture quality.
Whenever you want to watch programs from
the Akai VCR, tune your TV to this video
channel.
Rear Panel
I rnIIl]
--~j
I
COLOR B/W
2
CLOCK
SELECT THE .. fl
SHIFT +e
IF OK l'EIIJRIZE +C
Turn on the TV and set the TV's tuning control
to channel I.
This will be your guide for fine tuning to the
video channel.
TV /VIDEO selector
Use this selector to switch from using the built-
in tuner of the VCR, to using the tuner in your
TV. This selector is normally set to the VIDEO
ON (indicator lit) position. The only exception
being when you are recording one program on
the VCR, and wish to view a different program
at the same time. In that case, after following
the steps for recording detailed on page 13, set
the TV/VIDEO selector to the TV (indicator
off) position.
Video mode selector
The video mode selector is used to select the
type of signal to be played back.
This selector should normally be set to
COLOR.
Normally keep the indicator
COLOR ,set to this position for recep-
tion of all systems playback.
Set to this position for CCIR
B/W
standard
monochrome
system (black and white) for
playback.
If your TV has an Automatic Frequency Con-
trol (AFC) or Automatic Fine Tuning control
(AFT), switch it off. (On some TV's this is
done automatically when the control panel
door is opened.) Turn it back on after tuning
the video station, and check that there is no sig-
nificant deterioration of the picture.
Rear Panel
ATT.
DLOCAL
l!:IDX
On the LOCAL/DX attenuator switch
The LOCAL/DX switch on the rear panel of
the VCR is used to adjust the signal reception
of the tuner section.
If the picture develops wavy lines during recep-
tion of a local TV station broadcast, it may be
that the signal reception is too strong. In that
case, move this selector to the LOCAL position
to attenuate the signal strength.
If TV reception during, say a broadcast by
satellite, is poor and contains too much picture
"noise", set this switch to the DX position to
improve the picture reception.
(Normally, leave this switch in the DX
position.)
Now you are ready to watch prerecorded tapes.
Or, choose a preset station for TV reception
from the tuner inside the Akai VCR.

Let's set the timer tolhe actual time
There is a 24 hour digital timer clock inside the Akai VCR, which keeps time for such operations as pre-set program recording.
Therefore, the clock must be properly set.
Depress the CLOCK button to display the in-
formation for setting the time to the actual
time on your TV screen.
4
MEMORIZE
When you have correctly set the timer to the
actual time, follow the instruction "IF OK,
MEMORIZE - C", by depressing the GIi
button to memorize the data.
* The timer will start keeping time.
If you want to reset the actual time
and date
Depress the CLOCK button to display the in-
formation for resetting the timer to the actual
time.
2
To follow the instruction "SELECT TIME -
A", depress the -m+ button to select the cor-
rect hours.
The full display is maintained for approximately
3 seconds. To recall the time, depress the
CLOCK button again. Depressing the CLOCK
button also removes the display.
3
To follow the instruction "SHIFT -B", dep-
ress the < rn >button to shift to the next item
to be set: minutes.
Continue operating the -m+ and <m >but-
tons until all the time and date settings are
correct.
Follow the instruction "CLOCK ADJUST -
B", by depressing the < rn >button to display
the information for setting the timer to the
actual time.
To follow the instruction "SHIFT -B", dep-
ress the < rn >button again and again until the
item you want to reset flashes on and off. Then
use the -m+ and < rn >buttons to reset the
clock information.
Reset other items in the same manner. After
you have reset all incorrect items, go to the
next step.
Depress the B button to memorize the new
data.

Let's playback a prerecorded tape
Power cord is properly connected to the house- Important
Check
before
starting
0 hold
AC outlet. A video cassette tape can be loaded or unloaded only when
the Akai
VCR is plugged in.
6 TV set to the video channel.
If a tape is inserted when the FUNCTION button is turned off, the
VCR will automatically be turned on.
8 Amplifier
is turned on and set to AUX or
TAPE.
0 TV/VIDEO selector set to VIDEO
INSERT TAPE
DEPRESS PLAY
......
8-
Insert the video cassette tape correctly into the
cassette loading compartment and give it a little
push.
"PLAY" will be displayed on the TV screen for
approximately 3 seconds.
* Follow the markings on the video cassette
tape to correctly insert it into the cassette
loading compartment. If the video tape is
not inserted correctly it will be ejected.
The VCR will automatically set the playback
speed to correspond with the speed at which
the tape was recorded (LP, or SP).
Whenever the end of the tape is reached, the
tape will automatically rewind to the beginning.
FINE TUNING /TRACKING control
There may be disturbances in the playback picture and sound. This
can occur when you play back a tape recorded with another video
cassette recorder or when the broadcast from a TV station is not clear.
To improve the picture and sound, depress the <0 >button.
The TRACKING display will appear on the TV screen when playing a
tape, and the FINE TUNING display will appear when receiving a TV
broadcast. The "X" is normally set to center of the display.
To improve the picture and sound, depress the <0 >button on the
< or > side. The "X" moves to indicate TRACKING or FINE
TUNING is taking place.
When the picture and sound is clear, release the button The display
will disappear a few seconds later.
Quick Finder
Use the Akai quick finder system during playback to visually locate
any point on a recorded tape. The tape will be played back very quickly
and no sound will be heard during quick finder operation.
While in the PLAY mode, depress the QUICK FINDER ( 8 ) or
( 8 ) button just once. The picture will go forward or backward very
quickly. When you reach the point you are looking for, depress the
PLAY ( .- ) button to resume normal playback.
Note: There will be disturbances in the picture during quick finder
operation. This is normal and does not indicate a problem with the
VCR.
....
DEPRESS PAUSE or STOP to temporarily or
permanently stop play.
To prevent damage to the tape, the VCR will
automatically switch to the STOP mode after
more than 3min. in PAUSE.
....

Still picture playback
During playback, you can obtain a still picture
by depressing the PAUSE/STILL (II) button
just once.
No sound will be heard in the STILL mode. To
advance the picture step by step, repeatedly
depress and release the PAUSE/STILL (II)
button.
To resume normal playback depress the PLAY
( • ) button.
Frame by Frame advance
In LP there will be some noise bars during still
picture playback.
The noise bars which appear during LP still pic-
ture playback, can be positioned in such a way
that you can look clearly at the details you
want. All you have to do is repeatedly depress
the <m >button until the noise bars are prop-
erly positioned.
When moving the noise bars with the <m >
button in the STILL mode, each press of the
<m >button will advance the tape by one frame
in addition to moving the noise bars.
After placing the VCR in the STILL mode, you can advance the tape one frame at a
time by repeatedly depressing the PAUSE/STILL (II) button.
* The Akai VCR does not have the same properties as broadcasting equipment.
Therefore some noise bars and vibrations will appear on the picture during quick
finder and still playback.
• Duringquick finder and still playback, the color may disappear from your picture.
This is normal.
RETURN TO "0000"
Use the RETURN TO "0000" system to quickly return to the beginning of any tape segment in
either the play or record modes.
1 2
If the still picture vibrates, depress the -or
+ side of the -a+ button. The display for
"VERTICAL STABILITY" will be shown on
the TV screen. Hold down either side of the
-a+ button until vibration is reduced.
Release the button when finished, and the dis-
play will disappear.
When you have located the point on the tape to
which you want to return, repeatedly depress
the Iii button until the tape counter is dis-
played on the TV screen.
Depress the El button to reset the tape Depress the PLAY ( • ) button for at least 1
4
When you are ready to return to the point
where you began playback, depress the
RETURN TO "0000" button.
The tape will rewind to the beginning of the
program On other words, to the counter read-
ing of "0000") and stop.
counter to "0000". second to begin playback.
5
To repeat the process , depress the PLAY ( • )
button again.
NOTE:
To use the RETURN TO "0000" system
during recording, depress the REC ( •) button
instead of the PLAY ( • ) button in step 3.
* "PLAY" will be displayed on the TV screen
for approximately 3 seconds.
NOTES:
To Unload a tape
Depress the EJECT ( ~ ) button. The video
cassette tape will be ejected. Take out the video
cassette tape.
The EJECT ( ~ ) button can be depressed any
time except during regular, automatic and
sleep time recording.
The F.FWD and REW buttons have two
functions, From the PLAY mode, they func-
tion as the Quick Finder control. From the
STOP mode, they function as normal Fast For-
ward and Rewind.

Convenient features of the VCR
On the Tape Counterand Channel display
The tape counter can be viewed on the front panel of the VCR, or on the TV
screen display by depressing the 131 button, when the VCR is in the EXT
mode, or when the play button is depressed. When not in the EXT mode,
the counter can be viewed on the TV screen only.
The tape counter mode contains a negative sign (-) on the TV display which
is depicted by a dot (•) on the front panel display of the VCR. This negative
sign appears whenever the tape is rewound past the counter reading of
"0000" (for instance when "0000" is set somewhere in the middle of the
tape for use with the RETURN TO "0000" function). When the negative
sign appears, the counter will count "down" to "0000", before again count-
ing up. Ofcourse, you can reset the counter to "0000" at any time by use of
the l!!I button.
The front panel display of the VCR will also show the preset number, along
with the TV screen display, whenever the -EH button is depressed to select
a preset station. However, while the TV display disappears after a few
seconds, the CH display on the front of the VCR remains to remind you of
the station you are watching.
The Elapsed Time display tells you how many hours and minutes have
elapsed since play back or recording began.
The Elapsed Time display is most useful in the PLAY and RECORD modes.
Tape View System
The Tape View System can be used for early detection of a problem with the
tape or tape mechanism inside the VCR, by allowing you to directly view the
tape during any mode. In addition, the Tape View System stays lit when the
VCR is in the SlDP, F.FWD, and REW modes, to let you know a tape is al-
ready loaded. During PLAY and REC, the Tape View system stays lit for 3
seconds only. The system works automatically when you depress a tape
transport button, or at any time by depressing the TAPE VIEW button.
On the TAPE SPEED Selector
• Before recording, set the SPEED selector according to how long you
want to record. During playback, the Akai VCR automatically detects
and after a few seconds, plays back at the correct speed.
TAPE SPEED switch Mode E-240
SF'EECJ
SF'/LF'
Recording (manual)
LP
CJ
4 hrs
D or playback (auto)
SF'EECJ
....._i...,
SF'/LF'
Recording (manual)
-·-
CJ
or playback (auto) 8hrs
/i'
TAPE VIEVV
NOTE:
Akai does not recommend recording at two different speeds on one
video cassette tape. Never change the SPEED selector during
recording.
Video Cassette
E-180 E-120 E-60 E-30
3 hrs 2 hrs 1hr
30min
6 hrs 4 hrs 2 hrs 1 hrs

On the remote control unit RC-V603
The operation buttons of the Akai RC-V603 are used the same way as the operation buttons on the front panel of the Akai VCR
except for the EJECT, CLOCK, and PRESET buttons which do not appear on the RC-V603.
Transmitterbeam
TIMER button
FUNCTION button
PRESET SELECT -r..:i+ button
FINE TUNING/TRACKING <0 >button
RETURN TO "0000" button
PLAY button
REW /QUICK FINDERbutton
PAUSE/STILL button
How to load thebatteries for the Akai RC-V603
1. Slide back the battery compartment cover.
2. Insert two AA, R6 or equivalent size batteries into the bat-
tery compartment as shown in the illustration.
3. Replace the battery compartment cover.
NOTE:
When changing the batteries, change all the batteries at the same
time.
AKAi
<NFRARED WtFIE..._ESS
REMOTE C01',TFIOL U"J•~
PROGRAM button
DISPLAY SELECT /MEMORIZE l!!I button
COUNTER RESET/CANCEL l!J button
AUTO MUTE button
F.FWD/QUICK FINDERbutton
STOP button
RECbutton

Let's preset the Akai VCR with TV stations
The Akai VCR must be tuned to the locally available TV stations. We call this procedure "presetting". Up to 16 TV stations can be
preset.
There is an automatic station search system inside the Akai VCR which searches for and tunes in TV stations. We call this searching
for and tuning in of TV stations "station search".
1
Depress the PRESET button to display the in-
formation for presetting the Akai VCR on your
TV screen.
To follow the instruction "SEARCH FOR STA-
TION -B", depress the <m > button just
once.
The "X" will move from the left to right, visu-
ally indicating the search for TV stations.
4
Depress the - a+ and <m >buttons to select
the numbers. If you don't wish to set any
numbers, depress the 1!!11 button to memo-
rize the TV station.
2
Station search stops when a TV station is found
(i.e. tuned in) and this information and a pro-
gram from the found TV station will be
displayed. If the display and the program are
not clear, the TV station may be incapable of
being memorized. In that case, or if you do not
want to memorize the station, depress the
<m >button to resume station search.
5
To follow the instruction "SEARCH FOR STA-
TION -B", depress The <m >button to re-
start station search.
The automatic search for stations proceeds
through the VHF and UHF band (BI, B2, B3).
The VCR scans all available stations. The sta-
tion search can be repeated over the same area
by depressing the < side of the <m >button.
To stop station search operation, depress the
PRESET button again. The display will disap-
pear from the TV screen.
If you want to change a preset TV stationnumber
Depress the PRESET button.
Depress the -a+ button to select the station
to be changed.
Depress the 1!!11 button to to display the infor-
mation for resetting the TV station number.
Depress the -a+ and <m >buttons in order,
to select a new number.
To follow the instruction "IF OK, MEMORIZE
- C", depress the 1!!11 button. Then to
follow the instruction "SET CH NUMBER -
C", depress the 1!!11 button again to assign
some channel number to the preset station.
To cancel a preset TV station:
Depress the PRESET button.
Depress the -a+ button to select the station
to be canceled.
Depress the BJ button to cancel the preset
station.
Depress PRESET again to remove the display.
Depress the 1!!11 button to memorize.
To remove the display, depress the PRESET
button.
The CH number will be displayed on the front
panel of the VCR.

Hi-Fi VHS audio recording and playback
The Akai VCR is equipped with the ability to record or playback with full Hi-Fi stereo sound.
The VCR does this by using 2 audio heads mounted on the video drum, in
addition to the 4 video heads. These heads run in the same path as the video
heads and "layer" the audio track under the video track as illustrated.
Since you may want to playback tapes recorded with a conventional audio
system, the Akai VCR is also equipped with a standard audio head and auto-
matic selector to switch from normal to Hi-Fi playback. When a tape record-
ed on the conventional audio track is played on this VCR, the Hi-Fi indicator
turns off, indicating automatic selection of the conventional audio track. The
Hi-Fi NORMAL/AU1D selector is also provided to select the conventional
or Hi-Fi tracks manuallyjf you should need to. Normally, keep this selector
in the AUTO position.
The playback volume is adjusted with the amplifiers volume control. Record-
ing is always carried out on the Hi-Fi and conventional tracks
simultaneously.
The VCR features a Peak Level meter and REC LEVEL control to allow
better control when recording in the Hi-Fi mode only.
The VCR's Peak Level meter is color coded to make dB level identification
quick and easy.
The dB level from -40 to OdB is colored green.
The level from Oto + 6dB is colored orange.
The level above + 6dB is colored red.
As the colors imply, green is a "safe" recording level; orange is a maximum
recording level; red is an area where distortion is likely to occur. To produce
the best recording results, set the REC LEVEL control so that the volume
does not exceed the orange (+6dB) level on the VCR's Level meter.
The VCR is also equipped with an initialization circuit, which automatically
sets conventional audio track recording level and resets to a preset, optimum
recording level when the power cord is unplugged. This is indicated on the
REC LEVEL display by the red light at number 5.
This preset level should produce excellent recording. However, if you would
like to change the REC LEVEL, depress the + or -side of the REC
LEVEL control.
The volume level during playback can be adjusted by use of the amplifier's
volume control.
On the AUDIOMONITOR and STEREO/DUAL
indicators
When a TV broadcast contains a stereo or bilingual signal, the appropriate in-
dicator lights up on the front panel of the VCR. When the STEREO indicator
lights, select STEREO with the AUDIO MONI1DR switch. Both L and R
AUDIO MONITOR indicators light when STEREO is selected.
When the DUAL indicator lights up, the AUDIO MONITOR selector allows
you to monitor the left or right channels of the Hi-Fi track independently.
This is useful when playing back bilingual tapes or broadcasts. The left chan-
nel will monitor the main audio signal and the right channel will monitor the
sub (bilingual) audio signal.
During recording, the main and sub channels are recorded on the Hi-Fi
track automatically, and the main channel is recorded on the conventional
audio track as well.
On the Simulcast feature
The S.C. selector serves as a switch for mixing the video portion of a TV
broadcast, with the audio from an FM radio broadcast. This function is
necessary for the simultaneous recording of an FM broadcast and a TV
broadcast called simulcast.
Connect the FM tuner to the amplifiers tunerjacks and connect the amplifier
to the VCR as shown on page 4 (Hi-Fi sound in recording and play back).
Depress the S.C. selector of the VCR, (the indicator will light), and get ready
for recording following the operations on page 13.
The FM sound is recorded on the Hi-Fi track. At the same time, the TV
broadcast sound is recorded on the conventional track.
During playback, if you want to listen to the TV broadcast sound set the
Hi-Fi selector to the NORMAL position. '
conventional recording
Audio track
~-
Video track
Control track
Hi-Fi VHS
Audio track
~
(conventional)
Video track
Hi-Fi Audio track
Control track
l'V10NITOR
}I-
: ~ +dB
MIN ITJ ~ ~~ ~ ~ r/5 LZ._] C§:j MAX
REC LEVEL
AUDIO MONITOR
rL• MAIN
STEREO
LA. SUB
D
~lc:;I"
-•-
AEC LEVEL
+I
STEREO
I DUAL
~ a
,.,I,
Coo,.,,tiooaJ-~. . ~From TV
audio track tuner
Video track -
Hi-Fi Audio - . From FM
track station

Let's record a TV program
Check
before
starting
0 A video cassette tape
is loaded and it's record-
ing defeat tab is not broken.
The SPEED selector is set.
1
Depress the -a+ button to select the preset
channel number memorized with the TV sta-
tion to be recorded.
2
Turn on the Amplifier and set to the AUX or
TAPE 2 position. Depress the REC ( •)
button for at least one second to begin
recording. Or depress the PAUSE button and
adjust the, VCR's recording level before de-
pressing the REC button.
Would you like to index your recordings?
The date, time and preset channel number can be recorded automatically at the beginning of a
recording for approximately 7 seconds. When you playback the tape at a later time, you can tell
when it was recorded.
1
Depress the -a+ button to select the preset
channel number memorized with the TV sta-
tion to be recorded. The program from the
selected TV station will be displayed on the TV
screen. At the same time, the selected preset
channel number will be displayed on the TV
screen for approximately 3 seconds.
2
Repeatedly depress the l!!I button until the
display containing the day of the week and the
actual time is shown on the TV screen.
3
To stop recording depress the STOP ( • ) or
PAUSE button.
Note: When using the REC and STOP buttons
to record a program, their will be some overlap
in the recorded images in order to prevent
noise from appearing between cuts. However,
if you want to be sure not to lose a few seconds
of image between stops and starts, depress the
PLAY button to forward the tape to the exact
place you left off, before recording the next por-
tion of tape.
Depress the REC ( • ) button for at least one
second to begin recording.
The index (date, time and preset channel
number) will be displayed on the middle of the
TV screen. This display will be recorded for ap-
proximately 7 seconds.
Now when you playback this recording, the date, and time that
recording took place will be documented at the beginning of the tape.
To watch one program whilerecording another
After following steps 1 and 2 of let's record,
1. Set the TV/VIDEO selector to TV. (The VIDEO indicator goes
off.)
2. Set the TV to the channel you want to watch with the TV's channel
selector.
Recording will continue while you watch another station.

Additional recording and playback functions
The Akai VCR is equipped with several additional features to help make operation simple and convenient.
External recording (Tape dubbing)
The Akai VCR allows you to easily record from another VCR by use of the External mode (EXT)
selected with the -El+ button. With another VCR as the source, you can make a copy of any tape
on the Akai VCR.
Akai VCR 2nd VCR Akai VCR 2nd VCR Akai VCR TV
1 2 3
IN our CH 1/L
<hD[') '.'IDfO
IN :J•I~
Blank Source
Connect a second VCR to the Akai VCR as
shown. Turn on
both VCR's and the TV. Put the
source tape in the other VCR, and a blank tape
into the Akai VCR.
Depress the -m+ button until EXT appears on
the TV screen display. Then follow the record-
ing instructions on page 13.
Note: To use the Akai VCR as the source deck,
while recording on the 2nd VCR, connect the
VIDEO OUT and AUDIO OUT of the Akai
VCR to the VIDEO IN and AUDIO IN of the
2ndVCR.
Auto Mute
The Auto Mute function automatically produces 4 seconds of blank tape in
the audio track, whenever it is depressed during recording. This is useful
when using the VCR as a tape deck for audio recording only.
When you have finished recording a song and are waiting to begin the next
recording, depress the AUTO MUTE button to automatically produce 4
seconds of blank space.
Note: When recording video, be careful not to depress the Auto Mute
button. Although the video portion of the recording will not be effected,
there will be a 4sec. gap in the audio track.
After producing 4 seconds of blank space, the VCR goes into the REC
PAUSE mode.
SHARP /SOFT PICTURE control
Use this 3 position switch to soften or sharpen the image on the TV screen.
The switch should normally be left in it's PICTURE (center) position.
Furtherrecording and playback notes:
• To fast forward the tape, depress the F.FWD ( ...... ) button while
in the STOP mode. "FF" will be displayed on the TV screen for ap-
proximately 3 seconds.
• To rewind the tape, depress the REW ( -.-. ) button while in the
STOP mode.
* "REW" will be displayed on the TV screen for approximately 3
seconds.
• The tape is not visible during fast forward or rewind operations.
AUTO MUTE
Audio track
t-,r<;:----;,s:---r<=c7""7'3'""="""="'°"'="""=""""--, (Conventional)
Video track
Hi-Fi Audio track
4 sec
• If the REC ( • ) button will not function, check to see if the video
cassette tape's recording defeat tab is broken. If it is, cover the
hole with a piece of adhesive tape.
• If you repeatedly depress the -El+ button too quickly, the station
number shown on the TV screen might not correctly indicate the
TV station selected. However, the number shown on the VCR's
front panel display will correctly show the station number.

Programming the Akai VCR for automatic recording
By programming the Akai VCR, you can make it turn itself on, record a TV program and turn itselfoff, all automatically.
Up to 8 programs can be set in advance you can freely choose the Time, Day, Week and TV station you wish to record, and you can
program up to 4 weeks in advance.
1
Depress the PROGRAM button to display the
information for programming on your TV
screen.
To follow the instruction "SELECT PRO-
GRAM NO. - A", hold the -E'I+ button de-
pressed until the arrow points to the program
number you want to set.
2
This information will be displayed when the
- E'I+ button is released.
To follow the instruction "PROGRAM -B",
depress the < rn >button to start programming.
Continue by depressing the < rn > button to shift to the next setting, and the - El+ button to
change any of the information. As you proceed, you will notice that the display is instructing you to
first select the START TIME, then the STOP TIME of the program you wish to record. The next
indication is SELECT DAY, )1owever the week must be set first. For details on this operation, see
page 17. The next information to be set is the actual day of the week on which you want recording
to be carried out. The actual date on the left of the screen will change automatically during this
operation. The final information to be set is the actual channel which is broadcasting the show you
wish to record. This is done by putting in the PRESET number which is memorized with that
station. See PRESETTING page 11.
To cancel a program after it has been memorized
Depress the PROGRAM button.
3
START TIME HOURS
To follow the instruction "SELECT START
TIME -A", depress the -El+ button to select
the turn on hours.
4
Programming is now finished.
To follow the instruction "IF OK, MEMORIZE
- C", depress the l!I button to memorize
the program.
To program more automatic recording times,
repeat the procedure from step 1.
If you want to remove the programming display
from your TV screen, depress the PROGRAM
button again.
To follow the instruction "SELECT PRO-
GRAM NO. -A", depress the -E'I+ button
until the arrow points to the program you want
to cancel.
To follow the instruction "CANCEL - D",
depress the GJ button to cancel the
program. To reprogram repeat the' program-
ming procedure above.

If you want to recall a finished or canceledprogram
When an automatic recording has been carried out according to a program, nothing will be dis-
played beside its program number when the PROGRAM button is depressed. To recall the
program, modify it and carry it out again, follow these instructions.
1
To follow the instruction "SELECT PRO-
GRAM NO. - A", depress the -m+ button
until the arrow points to the program you want
to recall.
2
To follow the instruction "RECALL - D",
depress the EJ button to recall the pr.ogram.
Same thing applies for canceled programs.
To remove the information depress the PRO-
GRAM button.
To reset a program after it has been memorized
1
Depress the PROGRAM button.
To follow the instruction "SELECT PRO-
GRAM NO. -A", depress the -m+ button
until the arrow points to the program you want
to reset.
To follow the instruction "IF OK, MEMORIZE
- C", depress the B button.
To remove the information, depress the PRO-
GRAM button.
2
To follow the instruction "REPROGRAM -
B", depress the > side of the < 1aa1 >button.
To follow the instruction "SHIFT -B", dep-
ress the <rn > button again until the item you
want to reset flashes on and off.
If you want to confirm a program
Depress the PROGRAM button.
The week, day of the week, start time and
preset channel number of each program, will
be displayed. " - - - " indicates that no pro-
gram has been set or the program was carried
out.
3
Then to follow the instruction "SELECT
START TIME/STOP TIME/DAY/ or
PRESET. -A", depress the -m+ button and
reset the item. Reset other items in the same
manner. After you have reset all the items, go
to the next step.
To confirm a program in more details, follow
the instruction "SELECT PROGRAM NO. -
A". Hold the -m+ button depressed until the
arrow, points to the program you want to
confirm. To confirm other programs, follow
the instruction "SELECT PROGRAM NO. -
A", and depress the -m+ button.
To remove the information, depress the PRO-
GRAM button.

Let's proceed with automatic recording
If you want to automatically record an index (date, time and preset
channel), repeatedly depress the Iii button until the display containing
the day of the week and the actual time is displayed on the TV screen.
Check ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
befor.e IO I SPEED selector is set.
startmg .... --·'--------------.......,
1 2
Insert a video cassette tape.
Confirm that the recording defeat tab is not
broken. If it is, cover the hole with a piece of
adhesive tape.
Depress the TIMER button to make the Akai
VCR standby for automatic recording.
Confirm that its indicator is on.
Make sure that the video cassette tape will be
long enough for the duration of automatic
recording.
The FUNCTION button will be turned off
automatically.
AN EXAMPLE OF 4-WEEK TIMER SETTING August
"4-week" pre-setting means that you can "reserve" recording time on any
one of 28 days in advance-including the day of setting. This means that
SUN MON
beginning with today, you can pre-program your Akai VCR to automatical-
ly record at any time on any day for 28 days.
For example, let's say that today is Monday AUG. 1st and you wish to
preset a recording time for later on tonight. Then set the week and day for 7
"lst Monday" which will mean today (AUG.8t). So now it follows that if
you want to pre-set time for next Monday (AUG.11*h), you will set the
week and day for "2nd Monday" and so on for "3rd Monday" (AUG. 14
8th) and "4th Monday" (AUG. ltnd). The same thing applies to the
21
other days of the week.
Now let's say its Tuesday AUG. 2nd at 9:00 PM and you want to pre-set 28 29
recording time for 8:00 PM the following Tuesday (AUG.llh). Since it is
already past 8:00 PM today (AUG.lllid) when you are doing the setting, September
you must set the week and day for "lst Tuesday" since the 1st Tuesday
you can record at 8:00 PM is now next week (AUG.llh). In other words,
"lst Tuesday" means the first Tuesday you can record at the time desired.
The same thing applies to the other days of the week. 4 5
PROGRAM LIST
Program Channel TV Date Start time Stop time Memo
No. program
NOTE:
You can watch a TV program during automatic
recording by setting the TV itself to the channel
you want.
* Turn off the TV if you are not going to
watch a program.
The Akai VCR will turn on, automatically start
recording and at the programmed turn off time
it will stop recording and turn itselfoff.
When a tape is inserted, the tape counter is au-
tomatically set to "0000". After a timer pro-
gram is carried out, the tape counter will
remain set to the point where recording was
finished. When you turn the VCR back on,
simply depress the RETURN TO "0000"
button. The tape will rewind to the beginning
of the timer recorded program and stop.
TUE WED THE
3 4
10 11
16
17
18
23
24
25
30
31
1
6 7 8
IMPORTANT
PROGRAM PRIORITY
FRI SAT
5 6
12
13
19 20
26
27
2 3
9 10
• If two programs are set to turn on at the
same day and time the smaller program
number has priority.
• If two programs overlap, the earlier program
will be interrupted by the latter one.

Sleep time setting
0 A video cassette tape
is loaded. The Akai VCR can be set to stop recording and
turn itself off auto-
matically when you have to leave before the program you are record-
ing is finished. We call this turn offtime "SLEEP TIME".
1
Check
before
starting
II
f}
Amplifier is turned on.
8 SPEED selector
is set.
How to set sleep time
Depress the REC ( • ) button for at least 1
second to record a TV program.
• "REC" will be displayed on your TV screen
for 3 seconds.
4
To follow the instruction "SHIFT -B", dep-
ress the < rn > button to shift to the next item
to be set: stop time minutes.
2
Depress the PROGRAM button to display the
information for setting the sleep time on your
TV screen.
5
STOP TIME MINUTES
To follow the instruction "SELECT STOP
TIME -A", depress the -m+ button to select
the stop time minutes.
3
STOP TIME HOURS
To follow the instruction "SELECT STOP
TIME - A", depress the -m+ button to select
the stop time hours.
MEMORIZE
The procedure is now finished.
To follow the instruction "IF OK, MEMORIZE
- C", depress the l!I button to memorize
the sleep time.
Once this operation has been completed, all the
buttons will become inoperative.
• Don't forget to turn off the TV.
The Akai VCR will stop recording and turn
itselfoffat the programmed sleep time.
To operate the Akai VCR again, depress the
FUNCTION button. Its indicator will turn on.
To cancel sleep time operation during sleep time recording
Depress the TIMER button. The sleep time operation will be canceled and the VCR goes into
normal recording mode.
• If the tape ends before the programmed sleep time, the tape will rewind to the beginning and
stop. When the tape has stopped, sleep time operation will be cancelled but the Akai VCR will
not turn itselfoff. Therefore make sure that the length of the tape is longer than the sleep time.
• If a sleep timer setting and a preprogrammed recording setting overlap, the preprogrammed
recording will take priority over the sleep time setting. In other words, the pre-recorded pro-
gram will take place as scheduled both interrupting the program set with the sleep timer and
keeping the VCR from turning itselfoff.
• If a program is set for recording in the VCR's memory, when the sleep time program is
finished, the VCR will automatically set itself to TIMER.

Problem? Let's check
PROBLEM
CHECKPOINT
Protection Circuit
The VCR is equipped with a Protection Circuit which pro-
tects the speakers from damaging bursts of noise such as
"popping" or "crackling" caused by mixers, sanders, etc,
which may be connected to the sameelectric power line.
If the power to the VCR is suddenly cut off, first eliminate
the source of the current "noise". Then, disconnect the
power cord of the VCR and reconnect it while simultaneously
depressing the STOP and REW buttons. If this fails to re-
store operation, servicing oftheVCR maybe required.
AITT,fN0
flFOUT0
B
AS:TURN To
··ooaa••
Powercord plugged in?
TV set to video channel?
Aerial cable connection correct?
Was the RETURN TO "0000"
buttondepressed?
PRESET or CWCK button on
the VCR must be depressed
before adjustingor setting with the
RC-V603
Replace the batteriest,f the
remotecontrol unit.