GE VG4241 User manual

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 that
presents a risk of electric
shock or personal injury.
This symbol indicates
important instructions
accompanying the
product.
Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, match
wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
Attention: Pour _viter les chocs 61ectriques,
introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la
borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusq0
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 modificatiohsto this
equipment may void the user's authority to operate it.
Cable TV Installer: This reminder is provided to call your a_ention 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.
To reduce the risk of fire or
shock hazard, do not expose
this product to rain or moisture.
m
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately.
Returning this 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. VG4241
Serial No.
Purchase Date:
Dealer/Address/Phone:

First Things First .................................................. 3
Setting Up the VCR .............................................. 7
Using the Menu to Set Up Features ....................................... 8
Language ........................................................................... 8
Cable Box Setup ................................................................ 8
To Auto Channel Search .................................................. 10
To Change the SignalType .............................................. 11
To ADD or REMOVE Channels ........................................ 11
Time and Date ....................................................................... 12
Set Daylight-SavingTime ................................................ 12
Set theTime and Date ..................................................... 13
Additional Set-up Features In the Preferences Menu ......... 14
Remote VCR1/VCR2 Option ............................................. 14
Auto Play .......................................................................... 15
AutorV/VCR ..................................................................... 15
EnergySaver TM ................................................................. 16
Tape Speed ....................................................................... 16
VCR Basics ........................................................ 17
Remote Buttons ..................................................................... 18
Playing aTape ........................................................................ 19
Automatic Rewind ................................................................. 20
Tape Eject ............................................................................... 20
Recording ............................................................................... 20
Check the SafetyTab ........................................................ 20
Recording ............. 21•ooeoooeoo oeeoeeeooeooee eeoooe • • oeeooeeeo peps
Recording Features ............................................................... 22
Express Recording ........................................................... 22
Timer Recording .............................................................. 23
Stopping aTimer Recording ..................................... 24
Review and Clearing Programs ................................ 24
Recording Broadcast StereoTV or SAP ............................... 25
Recording Audio Only ..................................................... 25
Playing Back Audio Only ................................................. 26
UsingTwoVCRs for Copying and EditingTapes .................. 26
1

Other Features ................................................... 27
Picture Search Options ......................................................... 28
Forward and Reverse Search .......................................... 28
Slow Motion .................................................................... 28
Commercial Scan (Search Button) ................................. 28
Frame Advance ................................................................ 29
Index Search .................................................................... 29
Zero Search ...................................................................... 30
Pro-Tect Plus TM Locking Feature ........................................... 30
Time Counter ......................................................................... 31
On-Screen Displays ............................................................... 31
Tracking .................................................................................. 32
Audio Set-up Features .......................................................... 32
Reception ......................................................................... 33
Tape Playback .................................................................. 33
Connections ....................................................... 35
ConnectingYour VCR ............................................................. 36
Jacks and Cables ............................................................. 36
RF Jacks and Antenna Cables (F-type) ........................... 36
Audio/Video Jacks and Cables (RCA-type) .................... 36
Choosing a VCR Connection .......................................... 37
Advantages of Audio/Video Cable Connections ........... 37
Don't Forget About the AutoTV/VCR Feature ................ 37
TVWith RF Jack Only ............................................................ 38
TV With Audio/video Jacks ................................................... 39
TVWith Audio/video Jacks and Cable Box
to Unscramble Pay Channels Only ................................ 40
References ......................................................... 41
Front Panel ............................................................................. 42
Back Panel .............................................................................. 43
Indicator Panel ....................................................................... 43
TroubleshootingTips ............................................................. 44
Specifications ........................................................................ 47
Cleaning the VCR ................................................................... 47
Limited Warranty ................................................................... 48
Index ....................................................................................... 49
2

Hi, my name is Roger... I1
and I wrote this User's Guide. it's my job to see that
you have a rewarding user manual experience. You'll
find that I've arranged this manual to clearly explain
all your VCR's features.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
¥I
Read the First Three Sections V
The first three sections of the manual introduce you to
your VCR, and show you how to set the VCR up and
use the on-screen menus. Reading these sections
gives you the basic information you need to use your
VCR.
V
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.
V
¥
READ ME! ]
These note boxes give you tips for
your new video cassette recorder.
3

STEP 1: Unpack What's in the Box
The following items come packed in the box:
•VCR
• Remote control
• RF antenna cable
STEP 2: Install Batteries in the
Remote Control
Follow these steps whenever you need to install or change the
batteries in yourVCR remote.
1. Remove the cover of the battery compartment.
2. Place batteries in remote, matching the + and - ends of each
battery to the diagram inside the compartment.
3. Replace the cover.
STEP 3: Connect Your VCR
If you connect your VCR to your home antenna or cable system
and then to your TV, use the VCR's IN FROM ANT. and OUT TO TV
jacks for a good signal as shown.
If you h_ve a TV with AUDIONIDEO jacks, use these jacks for a
better connection. In order to hear stereo and hi-fi sound from
the VCR, the audio/video jacks must be used. Refer to the
Connections section, toward the back of the manual.
STEP 4: Plug In the VCR
Match the wide blade of the plug with the wide slot in the outlet.
Be sure to insert the plug completely.
VCR
TV
4

I
STEP 5: Tune the TV
Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel. The VCR viewing
channel is channel 3 or 4 or the TV's video input.
• If you connect yourVCR using the ANTENNA connectors
with RF coaxial cable, set the 3CH.4 switch to channel 3 or
channel 4--the channel you want to use on yourTV.
• If you connect yourVCR using the AUDIO/VIDEO jacks with
audio/video cables, select theTV's video input to see the
signal. See the TVOwner's Manual.
STEP 6: Turn On the VCR
Press POWER to turn on the VCR.
STEP 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 Espafiol (Spanish), or 3 for Fran(;ais
(French).
SeLect a language.
SeLeccione un idioma.
Choisissez une langue.
l>Engtish
2 EspafioL
3Francais
The remaining Interactive Setup menus will appear in the
language you choose. Follow the on-screen instructions to
complete the process. VCR Viewing Channel
When using the ANTENNA jacks to
connect your VCR, tune your TV to
channel 3 or 4.
When using the audio/video jacks to
connect your VCR, tune your TV to the
TV's video input channel.
5

STEP 8: Accessthe Menus
When you've completed Interactive Setup, try out the VCR's
regular on-screen menus.The MENU and number buttons let you
access, select, and change menu items. For example, to change
the Auto Play setting, you would do the following:
1. Press MENU to bring uptheVCR MAIN MENU.
VCR RAIN RENU
1 Timer Recordings
2Time
3Channels
4Preferences
5 Audio
6Language
0Exit
2. Press 4 to display the PREFERENCES menu.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Controt: VCR1
2 Auto Pray: ON
3Auto TV/VCR ON
4EnergySaver: 2:00
$ Tape Speed: SLP
0 Exit
3. Press 2to switch AUTO PLAY to ON or OFE
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2Auto Ptay: OFF
3Auto TV/VCR ON
4EnergySaver: 2:00
5Tape Speed: SLP
0Exit
See Setting Up the VCR for detailed information about the
Auto Play feature. Once you understand how to use the
menus, move on to the next section.
6

Set-up Features
Below is a list of features that you can customize using
the on-screen menus.
•Select a language
• Set upVCR channel list (AUTO CHANNEL
SEARCH)
• Set up for a cable box
• Set automatic daylight-saving time
• Set the time and date
• Set the REMOTEVCRINCR2 feature
V
SETTING UP THE VCR
¥
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_{I]I| 0 I_ [!]
• SettheAUTO PLAY feature
• Set theAUTOTV/VCR feature
• Set the EnergySaver TM feature
•Set the preferredTape Speed
Y
Y
7

Using the Menu to Set Up Features
You can change the setup of the VCR's features using the menu
system. Eachfeature isexplained in this section.
Language
Select your preferred language, and the on-screen displays will
appear in that language.
1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR RAIN RENU
1 Timer Recordings
2Time
3 Channets
4 Preferences
5 Audio
6 Language
0Exit
-Press 6 to select and display the LANGUAGE menu.
LANGUAGE
SeLect aLanguage.
1>English
2 EspanoL
3 Fran_ais
Press RENU to contiune
3. Select English, Espafiol (Spanish), or Fran<;ais(French).
Cable Box Setup
This setup applies only when all channels are received through
the cable box. The VCR will automatically enter the output
channel of the cable box when programming your VCR for timer
recordings.
On-screen Menus ]
Not all theVCR screens are shown
in this manual when explaining
the features.
8

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR RAIN NENU
1Timer Recordings
2 Time
3 Channels
4Preferences
5Audio
6 Language
0Exit
2. Press 3 to display the CHANNELS menu.
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE
4 Cable Box Setup
0 Exit
.Press 4 to display CABLE BOX SETURThen select one of the
three choices.
CABLE BOX SETUP
Do you use your cable
box to receive ALL
channels or only SORE
channels.
1 ALL channels
20nly SORE channels
3Cancel setup
.If you select ALL CHANNELS, enter the output channel of
your cable box, usually 03, 04, or video line input and
press MENU.
CABLE BOX SETUP
On what channel does
the VCR receive signals
from the cable box?
(usually 3, 4, or Video)
04
Press CLEAR to correct
Press RENU to continue
CABLE BOX SETUP
The VCR wilt now
receive all signals
from the cable box
on channel 04.
Press RENU to continue
Once you complete the setup, the VCR confirms that Cable
Box Setup is complete.
The VCR begins scanning for the available channels--this
VCR CHANNELS LIST
Cable Box Setup
ALL CHANNELS: enter two numbers
for output channel of your cable box or
press INPUT.
ONLY SOME CHANNELS: If you only
use the cable box to tune premium
channels.
CANCEL SETUP: select to cancel,
9

VCR Channel List
YourVCR may come with a channel list preset at the factory.
Even though yourVCR may come with a list, it's possible that
you may want to add or eliminate some channels depending on
whether they are active.
To AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR RAIN RENU
1Timer Recordings
2Time
3 Channels
4Preferences
5 Audio
6Language
0 Exit
2. Press 3to display the CHANNELS menu.
CHANNELS
1Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels
3Signal Type: CABLE
4Cable 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
0Cancel
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 yourVCR.
Detect Automatically
A strong cable or antenna signal in
your area may cause Auto Detect to
mis-detect. If this should happen,
select 1 or 2 for the system you have.
Auto Channel Search
Use the Auto Channel Search feature
to place all available channels in
memory.
If you ever change cable or antenna
signals, you may need to Auto
Channel Search again.
#
10

AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
Now scanning channeL 14
Press any key to cancel
The VCR begins scanning for the available channels--this
takes about one to two minutes.The lowest channel istuned
once the search is complete. Now, pressing CHANNEL up or
down should only select the active channels.
To Change the Signal Type
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press 3 to display the CHANNELS menu.
3. Press 3 to change the SIGNALTYPE 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 theVCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press 3 to display the CHANNELS menu.
3. Press 2 to display the ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS screen. Use
CHANNEL up or down or number buttons to go to the
channels you want to remove or add.
ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS
Channel 115
is presently ADDED
Press CLEAR to remove
Press MENU to exit
ADD/RENOVE CHANNELS
Channel 115
is presently RENOVED
Press INF0 to add
Press MENU to exit
rSelecting Channels
The CHANNEL up and down buttons
access those channels active in your
VCR channel list.
You can still access channels not in
the channel list by using the number
buttons on the remote control.
11

Time and Date
Before you set the time and date, set the AUTO DST (Daylight-
Saving Time) feature to ON or OFF for your area.
Set Daylight-Saving Time
1. Press MENU to display theVCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2Time
3 ChanneLs
4 Preferences
5 Audio
6Language
0Exit
.Press 2 to display theTIME menu.
TIME
1Set Time and Date
2 Auto DST: ON
0Exit
.Press 2 to turn AUTO DST: ON or OFF.
Select ON if you want the VCR's clock to automatically adjust
for daylight-saving time.
Select OFF if you do not want the VCR's clock to adjust for
daylight-saving time. Spring forward; Fall backward
In the Spring, daylight-saving time
begins on the first Sunday in April.
Because the clock automatically
changes from 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM
(forward one hour), remember to
include the extra hour for timer
recording that falls within this time
frame.
In the Autumn, daylight-saving time
ends on the last Sunday in October.
TheVCR clock automatically changes
from 2:00 AM to 1:00 AM (back one
hour). Therefore, it can affect your
recording length.
12

Set the Time and Date
1. Press MENU to display theVCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 Timer Recordings
2Time
3Channets
4Preferences
5Audio
6 Language
0 Exit
,Press 2 to displayTIME menu.
TIME
1 Set Time and Date
2Auto DST: ON
0Exit
,Press 1 to display the SET TIME AND DATE screen.
SET TIME AND DATE
Time --:--
(hh:mm)
Date --/--/--
Press MENU to cancer
.Enter the data using the number bu_ons. Press 0 before
single-digit numbers and follow the on-screen directions.
SET TIME AND DATE
Time 12:34 PM
Date 10/24/98 Friday
Press CLEAR to correct
Press MENU to set
Time and Date
[Time/Date Display
Pressing INFO on the remote
displays the time and date on the
TV screen. ]
)3

What's NextmAdditional Set-up
Features In the Preferences Menu
The features in this section are all accessed through the
PREFERENCESmenu.
1. Press MENU to display theVCR MAIN MENU.
VCR RAIN RENU
1 Timer Recordings
2Time
3 Channels
4 Preferences
5 Audio
6 Language
0Exit
2. Press 4 to display the PREFERENCES menu.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control= VCR1
2Auto Play: ON
3Auto TV/VCR OFF
4 EnergySaver= 2:00
5 Tape Speed: SLP
0Exit
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, VCR2oLD, or DVDoVCR2 button, this feature allows you to
set this VCR to respond to that button.
Press1 to select the REMOTE CONTROL item. Then press the
VCR2, VCR2oLD, or DVDoVCR2 button to change.
PREFERENCES
1Remote Control: VCR1
2Auto Play: ON
3Auto TV/VCR OFF
4 EnergySaver: Z:O0
5 Tape Speed: SLP
0 Exit
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR2
2 Auto Play: ON
3Auto TV/VCR OFF
4 EnergySaver: 2:00
5 Tape Speed: SLP
0 Exit
IRemote Control Option 1
Changing the Remote Control option
to VCR2 disables the remote that
came with yourVCR.
14

TheVCR will only respond to the compatible remote'sVCR2,
VCR2.LD, or DVD.VCR2 button. If you change the remote setting
to VCR2, the remote that came with yourVCR will no longer
control the VCR.
Use the compatible remote to change the remote setting back to
VCRI. Display the PREFERENCES menu, press 1, and then press
VCRI.Then the remote that came with theVCR will be able to
control it again.
Auto Play
This feature allows the VCR to automatically start playing when
you insert a tape with the safety tab removed. Press 2 to switch
between ON or OFE
Select ON if you want a tape with its safety tab removed to
start playing automatically when the tape is inserted.
Select OFF if you do notwant a tape with its safety tab
-removed to start playing automatically.
Auto TV/VCR
This feature controls whether theTV/VCR switch changes
automatically to the VCR mode when the VCR is turned on. Press
3 to switch between ON and OFE
Select ON if you want the VCR to switch to theVCR mode
when theVCR is turned on or a cassette is inserted. This
only applies if you connect the IN FROM ANT. and OUTTO TV
jacks of your VCR andTV and watch your VCR on channel 3 or
4 ofyourTV.
Select OFF if you want the VCR to remain in theTV mode.
This is useful if you watch yourVCR on theTV's video input
and you don't want your antenna/cable signal interrupted by
the VCR. AutoTV/VCR
PressingTV-VCR on the remote
will still switch between the VCR
andTV mode.
VCR mode:VCR indicator in the
display panel lights.
TV mode:VCR indicator tums off.
15

EnergySaverTM
By default, this VCR automatically turns off after two hours of
inactivity. Press 4 to change the time delay, or to disable the
feature.
• OFF: The VCR will remain turned on until you shut it off.
•1:00, 2:00, or 3:00:TheVCR turns off after one, two, or three
hours of inactivity.
Thirty seconds before shutting off, the VCR will warn you with a
screen reading, "TheVCR will turn off in 30 seconds. Press any
key to cancel"
If you use the VCR's tuner instead of yourTV to tune channels,
you may want to turn this feature off.
Tape Speed
You can select a preferred tape speed for recording.The speed
you select appears in the timer recording menu.The default
factory setting is SLR Press 5 to switch between SP and SLR
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
menu.
When you turn off the VCR, the tape speed reverts to the one
you have selected.
Tape Speeds
SP (Standard Play)
Gives the best quality recording,
but fewer programs can be
recorded on the tape. Special
effects such as pause, slow
motion, picture search, and frame
advance work well when you play
back tapes recorded in this speed.
LP (Long Play)
YourVCR is capable of playing
back tapes recorded in LP.You
cannot record in the LP speed.
SLP (Super Long Play)
Gives three times the recording
time of tapes recorded in SR
Special effects such as pause, slow
motion, picture search, and frame
advance work well when you play
back tapes recorded in this speed.
Cassette
T-120
T-160
Reco_ing Time
SP SLP
2Hr 6Hr
2Hr 8Hr
40Min
16

Learn the Basics To Get
You Started
These VCR basics should be enough for you to
begin enjoying your VCR. Learning the remote
control functions, playing a recorded tape, and
recording a program should do just that.
However, there are other features that enhance the
enjoyment of your VCR, but they aren't necessary
to get you started. If you want to learn more about
your VCR, just keep reading.
v
¥
13 VCRBASICS
¥I
V
¥
(VCR Basics tells you what you
need to know in order to watch a
movie or tape your favorite show. ]
17

Remote 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.
EADV Lets you view one frame with each press of the button
when tape is in pause.
RND Fast forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches
forward through a tape during playback. Increases speed of slow-
motion playback.
GO BACK Switches between two channels, Select one channel
and then select another using the number buttons. Press GO
BACK to switch between the two channels.
INFO Shows the status displays on theTV screen.
INPUT Selects between the line input and VCR's tuner. Line input
refers to the signal coming from the component connected to the
audio/video input jacks on the back of theVCR.
MENU Brings upVCR MAIN MENU on theTV screen. Used to
select a menu item or exit a menu.
Numbers (0 through 9) Select a channel up to 99 by pressing
two numbers. Select a cable channel over 99 by pressing and
holding 1 until 1 -- appears on the screen.Then press the other
two numbers.
PAUSE Pauses playback or recording. Press PAUSE again to
return to playback or recording.
PLAY Plays a tape. Starts playback again from pause mode.
POWER Turns theVCR on and off.
RECORD Starts VCR recording. Also used for express recording.
REV Rewinds the tape when the VCRis stopped. Searches
backward through a tape during playback. Decreases slow-motion
• playback.
SEARCH Displays INDEX and ZERO SEARCH menus onTV
screen when VCR is stopped. Advances the tape 30 seconds of
recorded material during playback.
SLOW Starts slow-motion playback.
SPEED Selects a recording speed (SP or SLP).
POWER
QTV,VCR GO BACK INFO©©0
PAUSE PLAY RECORD
° CliiIDo
SLOW STOP SEARCH
102030 OA
CHAN
'o o °o ©-
'0 °0 '0
oo
INPUT MENU CLEAR
© o o
SPEED F.ADV
© ©
18