GE 31GT720 User manual

WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or
electric shock, do not expose
this TV to rain or moistgre.
Cable "IV Installer:
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
RISK.OFELECTRIC cover (or back). No user-serviceable parts inside.
SHOCKDONOTOPEN Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
,_ This symbol indicates
"dangerous voltage" inside the
product that presents a risk of
electric shock or personal injury.
This symbol indicates
important instructions
accompanying the
product.
Caution: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of
plug to wide slot, fully insert.
Attention: Pour eviter les chocs electriques, introduire
la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne
correspondante de la prise et pousser jusq_ 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.
If fixed (non-moving) images are left on the screen for long periods, they
may be permanently imprinted on the screen. Such images include
network Iogos, phone numbers, and video games. This damage is not
covered by your warranty. Extended viewing of channels displaying
these images should be avoided.
This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article 820-40 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.
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately. Returning the card allows us to contact you if
needed.
Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of purchase. Attach it here and record the serial
and model numbers in case you need them. The numbers are located on the back of the product.
Model No.
Serial No.
Purchase Date:
Dealer/Address/Phone:
G-LINK, VCR Plus+, C3, PlusCode, GUIDE Plus+, and GUIDE Plus+ Gold are trademarks of Gemstar Development
Corporation.
Thomson Consumer Electronics and Gemstar are not in any way liable for the accuracy of the program information
provided by the GUIDE Plus+ System. In no event shall Thomson Consumer Electronics or Gemstar be liable for any
amount representing loss of profits, loss of business, or indirect, special, or consequential damages in connection
with the provision or use of any information equipment, or services relating to the GUIDE Plus+ System.

Interactive Setup ................................................................... 3
Step 1: Unpack the IV ..................................................................... 4
Step 2: Connect Your TV ................................................................. 4
TV Only ....................................................................................... 4
The Basic Connection ............................................................... 5
Advanced Connections ............................................................. 6
Step 3: Connect the G-LINK Cable .................................................. 9
How to Find the Remote Control Sensor ................................ 9
Step 4: Plug in the TV .................................................................... 10
Step 5: Place Batteries in Remote ................................................ 10
Step 6: Turn On the TV .................................................................. 10
On-Screen Program Guide ..................................................... 10
Step 7: Program the TV ................................................................. 10
Interactive Setup ................................................................. 11
Using Point and Select .................................................................. 12
Entering Setup ............................................................................... 12
Selecting a Language .................................................................... 13.
Auto Channel Search ..................................................................... 13
Setting up the GUIDE Plus+ System ............................................ 14
Setting the _me ............................................................................. 16
Setting the vcR1 Channel (Auto Tuning): .................................... 17
Setting the VCR2 Channel (Auto Tuning) ..................................... 17
Setting the DVD Channel (Auto Tuning) ...................................... 18
Setting the SAT/CABLE Channel (Auto Tuning) .......................... 18
Labeling the Channels ................................................................... 19
What Now? ..................................................................................... 20
Program the Remote ................................................................ 20
Using the Remote ............................................................... 21
Remote Buttons ............................................................................. 22
Using the WHO.INPUT Button ............................................... 23
Programming the Remote ............................................................ 24
Testing the Remote ................................................................. 24
Programming the Remote ...................................................... 24
Using the Remote to Control a Device .................................. 25
Front Panel ..................................................................................... 25

MenusandControlPanels ............................................................ 28
Menus ....................................................................................... 28
Control Panels ......................................................................... 29
Audio Menu .................................................................................... 30
Using the Remote to Select an Audio Processor ........................ 31
Picture Quality Menu ..................................................................... 32
Screen Menu .................................................................................. 33
Using Closed Captioning ........................................................ 34
Channel Menu ................................................................................ 35
"l]me Menu ...................................................................................... 36
Features and Controls ......................................................... 37
GUIDE Plus+ Menu ........................................................................ 38
About the GUIDE Plus+ System ................................................... 38
Getting In & Out of the Guide Plus+ System ........................ 39
Downloading Data ................................................................... 39
The Different GUIDE Plus+ System Menus ........................... 39
Grid Guide....,: .......................................................................... 40
Sort ........................................................................................... 41
Schedule .................................................................................. 42
Messages ................................................................................. 43
Editor ........................................................................................ 44
Expanded Information ............................................................ 45
Troubleshooting ...................................................................... 45
Channel Marker .............................................................................. 46
Parental Controls and V-Chip ........................................................ 47
V-Chip TV Rating Limit ............................................................ 48
V-Chip Movie Rating Limit ...................................................... 52
V-Chip Unrated Program Block .............................................. 53
Channel Block .......................................................................... 53
Front Panel Block ..................................................................... 53
Lock/Unlock Parental Controls .................................... i.......... 53
Reference .............................................................. ............. 54
Troubleshooting ............................................................................. 54
Care and Cleaning ................................................................... 55
Warranty ......................................................................................... 56
Accessory Information .................................................................. 58
Index .................................................................................. 61
2

Getting Started
This manual is designed to get you started
qSickly. The first five sections of the manual
show you how to get your TV Setup and
Connected, run the Interactive Setup, Program
the Remote, and use all of the menus, features,
and controls of your TV.
The Reference section in the back of the book
contains troubleshooting tips, care and cleaning
instructions, accessory ordering information
and your warranty.
Well... if your TV's out of the box, let's get
started.
SETUP AND
CONNECTIONS
V
V
I
V
V
Iheck out the notes that have been
added throughout the manual in
these tip boxes. There are some
important tips that will help you get
the most from your TV,
3

Step 1: Unpack the TV
Make sure to locate the remote control.
Step 2: Connect Your TV
There are three types of connections outlined in this section:
TV Only: If you're only going to connect the
TVto your home antenna or cable
system,
The Basic Connection: If you're going to connect the TV to a
VCR or satellite receiver.
Advanced Connections: If you're going to make multiple
connections, hooking up the TV to a
VCR and a satellite receiver.
Cable information and illustrations are given for each type of
connection. Once you have completed your desired connection
you may skip forward to Step 3,
This is abasic connection from an antenna or cable system to
your TV. Connect the cable into the Cable/Antenna jack as shown.
Cables
You will use the following cable to make your connection:
Coaxial Cable: These cables carry audio and
video signals to the TV from an antenna,
cable, or cable box.
Important Stand Information
CAUTION: Choose the location for
your TV carefully. Take precautions
that the stand or other furniture on
which the TV is placed is properly
located (see Important Safeguards
sheet) and of adequate size and
strength to prevent the TV from
accidentally being tipped over,
pushed off, or pulled off, This could
cause damage to the TV and/or
personal injury.
Before You Connect
Protect against power surges:
• Connect all components before
plugging any power cords into the
wall outlet,
• Turn off the TV and/or component
before connecting or disconnecting
any cables,
•Make sure all antennas and cables
are properly grounded. Refer to the
Important Safeguards sheet
packed with your TV,
CABLE, CABLEBOX, OR ANTENNA
IOnce you have completed this 1
connection you may skip to Step 3.
4

The Basic Connection
The basic connection below (TV and VCR) is the most common
connection and is therefore used to illustrate asingle"
component connection with your TV. For better sound and
picture quality and multiple component connection information
refer to the next section, Advanced Connections.
Cables
You will use the following type of cable to make your
connection:
Coaxial Cables: In this connection, two
coaxial cables are used: one connects from
an antenna, cable, or cable box to the VCR,
and one connects from the VCR to the TV.
These cables carry both audio and video
signals.
CABLE,CABLEBOX,ORANTENNA
VCR1
INFROMANT CH3 I
I
VIDEO AUDIO
VIDEO R AUDIO L )_=
leo el" /
OUT
G-LINK CABLE/
TV
How to View the VCR
To watch the VCR in this connection,
tune the TV to Channel 3 or 4.
Later, in the Interactive Setup section
you will program the TV to automatically
tune to Channel 3 or 4 when you turn.on
the VCR.
Once you have completed this connection you may skip to
Step 3, "Connect the G-LINK Cable."
5

Advanced Connections
Advanced connections give you better sound and video by
separating the audio and video signals and enabling you to
connect multiple components.
This section describes the types of inputs available on the back
of your TV and suggests ways you can use them for optimum
performance. r 1
Once you have made your
connections you will need to
program the TV to tune to the
correct video input channel in order
to see and hear audio and video from
the component. You will program
this later in the Interactive Setup.
Back of the TV
The diagram below describes each of the back panel jacks.
When connecting A/V cables, be sure to connect corresponding
OUTPUTS and INPUTS (Video to Video, Right Audio to Right
Audio, etc.).
Video and Audio Inputs
Connect any one of the following components:
•VCR • Internet Access Device
• Laserdisc Player • DVD Player
Satellite Receiver
To view the component connected to VIDEO,
use the WHO.INPUT button on the remote.
_ VID£O
18
G-LINK
Aoo,o
_L
R L
[8 81°
S-V_DEO
G-LINK
Connect the G-LINK cabl
for one-button recordin
and channel tuning from
the GUIDE Plus+ system,
T/
S-Video
This optional
connection can be
used for better
video quality
picture.
Audio Outputs
Connect to an audio receiver
or amplifier for variable
controlled or fixed level stereo
output.
/
CABLE/
ANTENNA
I
lCable/Antenna
Takes the signal input from a cable, |
cable box, or an off-air antenna. Can also be I
used for basic component connections. J
6

Sample Connections
The following are sample connection scenarios you may
encounter when connecting components to your TV. Note: if you
connect an S-Video cable, you must also connect an Audio/Video
cable to the AUDIO R and L jacks.
Cables
You will use the following types of cables to make your
connection:
Coaxial Cables: Carries the signal from the antenna or
cable directly to the television or through
acable box, as needed by your cable
system.
AudioNideo Cables: Carries audio and
video from a component to the TV.
S-Video Cable: Carries video from an
S-Video capable component which
provides best picture quality.
TV and StereoVCR
Compared to the Basic Connection, using AudioNideo and
S-Video (if available) cables will enhance the sound and picture
quality from a component.
Cautions:
Position Cables to Avoid Audio Hum
or Interference
• Insert all cables firmly into jacks.
•Place the audio/video cables to the
sides of the TV's back panel
instead of straight down the
middle,
•Try not to coil any twin-lead cables
and keep them away from the
audio/video cables.
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 ventilation when
placing your components in a
stand.
•Place an amplifier on the top shelf
of the stand so heated air rising
from it will not flow around other
components.
CABLE, CABLE BOX, OR ANTENNA
VCR 1
How to View Your VCR
To watch the VCR in this connection, press TV to put
the remote control into TV mode, then press
WHO-INPUT to toggle to the video (VID) inputs.
In the Interactive Setup section you can program the
TV to automatically tune to the VID input channel
when you turn on the VCR.
Most Audio/Video cables are combined into
one cable with three heads
on each end. We show Video(ellow)
individual cables in these RightAudio(red)
sample connections.
Either may be used, but e)
you must be sure to connect
Video to Video, Right to Right
and Left to Left.
7

TV, VCR and Satellite Receiver
CABLE,CABLE BOX, OR ANTENNA
SATELLITERECEIVER
VCR 1
SATELLITESfGNAL
How to View Your Components
To watch the satellite receiver in this
connection, press TV to put the remote
control into TV mode, then press
WHO*INPUT to scroll through the video input
channels until you tune to VID (or SVID)
input.
To watch the VCR in this connection, enter 03
to tune to the VCR channel.
In the Interactive Setup you can program the
TV to automatically tune to the correct input
channel when you turn on your component.
8

Step 3: Connect the G-LINK Cable
The G-LINK cable enables the Guide Plus+ system (the on-
screen guid_ that lists what shows are on TV) to work with your
VCR and/or cable box.
Cable Box - If your TV is connected to a cable box and you
don't connect the G-LINK cable, no channels will be listed in the
on-screen program guide.
VCR - If your TV is connected to a VCR and you don't connect
the G-LINK cable, one-touch recording won't work. The other
features of the guide will work properly.
The G-LINK cable is used to send
commands to your VCR and/or cable box.
You must remove the DEMO PIN before you
can connect the G-LINK cable.
How to Find the Remote Control Sensor
You have to place the G-LINK wands in front of the remote
control sensor on the VCR and/or cable box. Some cable boxes
and VCRs have the remote control sensor labeled on the unit. If
the remote sensor isn't labeled on your VCR and/or cable box,
you need to use the remote control that came with the VCR and/
or cable box to locate the sensor.
1. Turn offthe VCR and/or cable box.
2.
,
Hold the remote control (not the one that came with your
TV, but the one that came with the cable box and/or VCR to
which you're connecting the G-LINK cable) so it is touching
the front of the component.
Slowly move the remote control across the front of the
component (VCR or cable box) while you press the power
button on and off. You must press and release the power
button each time you move the remote (holding down the
button won't work).
4.
5.
When the component turns on, you've located the remote
control sensor.
Place the wands of the G-LINK cable underneath your VCR
and/or cable box (see instructions on right).
Placing the Wands Under the
VCR and/or Cable Box
Place the wands of the G-LINK cable
underneath your VCR and/or cable
box, Place them about one inch away
from the remote control sensor,
9

Step 4: Plug in the TV
Plug the end into the wall outlet, matching the wide blade of the
plug with the wide slot in the outlet. Be sure to insert the plug
completely.
Step 5: Place Batteries in Remote
Remove the battery compartment cover from the back of the
remote.
Insert fresh batteries. Make sure that the polarities (+ and -)
are aligned correctly.
Replace the cover.
Step 6: Turn On the TV
Press TV on the remote, or press POWER on the TV itself. Pressing
the TV button not only turns on the TV, but puts the remote into TV
mode, so that the buttons on the remote will control TV functions.
On-Screen Program Guide
The TV is designed to bring up the GUIDE Plus+ on-screen program
guide when you use the TV button on the remote to turn on the TV
(after you have set up the GUIDE Plus+ system). For more
information on setting up the GUIDE Plus+ system, see the next
section, Interactive Setup.
To get out of the GUIDE Plus+ System:
Press OK to exit the GUIDE Plus+ system and tune to the
highlighted channel.
Press GUIDE to exit the GUIDE Plus+ system and tune to the
channel displayed in the View window.
Press CLEAR to exit the GUIDE Plus+ system and go to the
last channel you were watching.
Step 7: Program the TV
Proceed to the next section, Interactive Setup. The interactive setup
routine walks you through the steps needed to configure the TV.
10

There's an On-Screen Setup
Routine
The interactive setup routine helps you through the
steps needed to configure the TV and set up the
GUIDE Plus+ menu system:
Select a menu language
Search for available channels
Set up the GUIDE Plus+ system
Set the time
Set the VCR1 channel
Set the VCR2 channel
Set the DVD channel
Set the SAT/CABLE channel
Make the channel list and labels
V
INTERACTIVE SETUP
¥
V
V
I
¥
11

Using Point and Select
You only need to know one rule when using the remote to access
on-screen menus and control panels: point and select. The point
and select method has two steps.
1. Point to a menu item using the MOVE arrows on the remote.
To point up or down, press the up or down arrows. To point left
or right, press the left or right.arrows.
Z. Select a menu item by pressing MENU or OK.
Selecting an item tells the TV's menu system to go ahead and
make the change or go to a place you have indicated.
Entering Setup
The first screen of the Interactive Setup appears automatically when
you turn on your TV for the first time or after a power outage.
1. Press MENU to begin setup or CLEAR to exit.
f- O1(-_ ,
MENU CLEAR
Point and
Select buttons
You can also access the Interactive Setup through the Main menu:
1. Press MENU to bring up the Main menu.
2. Point to Setup and press MENU or OK. The first Setup screen
comes up, asking you to confirm that you want to begin.
You can also select a menu item by
entering the item number with the
number buttons on the remote.
Press CLEAR at any time to remove
all displays from the screen and
return to TV viewing,
Many VCR user manuals refer to a
PROGRAM button, The MENU button
on this remote works as a PROGRAM
button in VCR mode. Other manuals
may refer to a SELECT button. The
OK button on this remote works as a
SELECT button,
12

3. Point to Begin setup now and press MENU or OK.
Selecting a Language
The first part of the setup routine asks you to select your
_referred language for the menu system.
1. Point to your preferred language for the menu system.
2. Press MENU or OK to select that language.
Auto Channel Search
The next part of the setup routine asks you if you want the TV to
search for all channels viewable through your antenna or cable
TV system. This is sometimes called "auto programming."
Note that Auto Channel Search is not
available if the GUIDE Plus+ System
is set up with a cable box
configuration. When GUIDE Plus+ is
set up for a cable box, channels 1-99
are automatically put in the channel
list.
1. Press MENU or OK to tell the TV to begin searching for
channels. When done, press MENU or OK to continue. ]
If you skip Auto Channel Search now,
you can access it later through the
Channel menu. See Using the Menu
System for more details.
13

Setting up the GUIDE Plus+ System
The next step lets you set up the GUIDE Plus+ system to display your
local program listings, and control your cable box and VCR.
You can either press MENU or OK to bring up the GUIDE Plus+ initial
menu or point to Skip this Stepto move to the next step in the Interactive
Setup.
•You can set up the GUIDE 1
Plus+ system during l
Interactive Setup or by |
s_lecting the GUIDE |
Plus+ Menu from the |
. Main Menu. )
To complete GUIDE Plus+ setup, the G-LINK cable wands must be properly aligned with your cable
box and VCR if you have them. Refer to the Setup and Connections section for additional
information.
Select your Country and enter your
ZIP or Postal code.
The next series of screens asks you
about your cable TV setup. If you have
a cable box, you need to set the
GUIDE Plus+ system to control it.
Otherwise, it may not be able to locate
and download program information,
Tune your cable box to Channel 2 and
then select the brand of your cable
box from the choices available. The
system then searches for the correct
code to control your cable box. When
your cable box switches to channel 9 it
has located the correct code.
14

Select YES if the cable box changed to channel 9, or NO if it did not. If you select NO, the system will try
another code.
If the GUIDE Plus+ system cannot recognize either your cable box or VCR after several tries, a screen stating
"CaSle Box (VCR) test failed...Please consult your manual and try again" appears. You have a choice to either
Try Again or Skip Cable Box Setup. If you get this message, you should also:
Double check the brand of your cable box or VCR, and try entering it again.
Check to make sure the G-LINK wands are positioned correctly.
If you choose to skip the cable box (or VCR) setup some features of the guide may not be availab.le until you
successfully complete this procedure.
Once the correct model of cable box
has been identified, you need to set the
cable box's output channel. Enter the
channel you use to view channels
through your cable box--usually 3 or 4.
Consult your cable box's instruction
book or your cable company if you are
not sure. Choose 0to use VIDEO INPUT.
Select YES if you have a VCR, or NO if
not. (Answering NO automatically skips
forward to the end of GUIDE Plus+
setup.)
Tune your VCR to channel 2 and turn it
off. Then enter the brand of your VCR.
When the GUIDE Plus+ system correctly
identifies the correct code for your VCR,
the VCR's tuner changes to channel 9.
Select YES if the VCR automatically
changed to channel 9, or NO if it did not.
If you select NO, the system will try
another code.
The last screen comes up when you've
successfully finished the GUIDE Plus+
setup.
v" Yes
15

Remember:
Leave your cable box turned ON to download program
information.
Leave your VCR turned OFF to record programs.
Press OK to leave the GUIDE Plus+ system setup and either
return to the TV's Interactive Setup or the Main Menu. For more
information about the GUIDE Plus+ system, see the section
Features and Controls.
Setting the Time
The next step in the Interactive Setup lets you set the time of
day. If your GUIDE Plus+ system has not completed its first
download, you need to set the time. Once the system has
completed its first download, it sets the time for you
automatically.
1. Press MENU or OK to bring up the Set Time control panel,
2. Use the left and right arrows to point to the hour and
minutes spaces. Use the digits to enter the numbers and the
up and down arrows to change from AM to PM.
3. Press MENU or OK to continue.
16

Setting the VCRI Channel (Auto
Tuning)
The next step lets you set the VCR1 channel. When you set the
VCR1 channel, you're telling the TV what channel to tune to
when you press the VCR1 button on the remote. This is called
auto tuning.
Indicate which input you used to connect the VCR. If you don't
have a VCR1 component connected to the TV, skip this step or
select Not Connected from the VCR1 Channel choice list. (For
more, see Auto Tuning in the Using the Menu System section.)
1. Press MENU or OK to bring up the VCR1 choice list.
2. Point to the choice that matches the way you have your VCR
connected to the TV.
3. Press MENU or OK to continue.
Setting the VCR2 Channel (Auto
Tuning)
The next step lets you set the VCR2 channel. When you set the
VCR2 channel, you're telling the TV what channel to tune to
when you press the VCR2 button on the remote.
Indicate which input you used to connect a second VCR. If you
don't have a second VCR component connected to the TV, skip
this step or select Not Connected from the VCR2 Channel choice
list. (For more, see Auto Tuning in the Using the Menu System
section.)
1. Press MENU or OK to bring up the VCR2 choice list.
2. Point to the choice that matches the way you have your
second VCR connected to the TV.
3. Press MENU or OK to continue.
17

Setting the DVD Channel (Auto
Tuning)
The next step lets you set the DVD channel. When you set the
DVD channel, you're telling the TV what channel to tune to when
you press the DVD button on the remote.
Indicate which input you used to connect a DVD player. If you
don't have a DVD player connected to the TV, skip this step or
select Not Connected from the DVD Channel choice list. (For
more, see Auto Tuning in the Using the Menu System section.)
1. Press MENU or OK to bring up the DVD choice list.
2. Point to the choice that matches the way you have your DVD
player conn'ected to the TV.
3. Press MENU or OK to continue.
Setting the SAT/CABLE Channel
(Auto Tuning)
The neXt step lets you set the SAT/CABLE channel. When you set
the SAT/CABLE channel, you're telling the TV what channel to
tune to when you press the SAT-CABLE button on the remote.
Indicate which input you used to connect a satellite receiver or a
cable box. If you don't have a satellite receiver or cable box
connected to the TV, skip this step or select Not Connected from
the SAT/CABLE Channel choice list. (For more, see Auto Tuning
in the Using the Menu System section.)
1. Press MENU or OK to bring up the SAT/CABLE choice list.
2. Point to the choice that matches the way you have your
satellite receiver or cable box connected to the TV.
3. Press MENU or OK to continue.
18