GE VGS320 User manual

RISK OF ELECTRIC
DO NOT OPEN
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.
_i his symbol indicates
important instructions
accompanying the
product.
IWARNING 1
To reduce the risk of fire or
shock hazard, do not expose
this product to rain or moisture.
Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
wide slot, insert fully into adapter.
Attention: Pour _viter les chocs _lectriques, 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 modifications to this
equipment may void the user's authority to operate it.
Cable TV Installer: This reminder is provided to call your attention to
Article 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 this carcl 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. VGS320
Serial No.
Purchase Date:
Dealer/Address/Phone:

First Things First .................................................. 3
Setting up the VCR .............................................. 7
Using the On-Screen Guide .................................................... 8
Using the Menu to Set Up Features ....................................... 8
Language ........................................................................... 8
VCR Channels List ............................................................. 9
To Auto Channel Search .............................................. 9
To Change the Signal Type ........................................ 10
To Add or Remove Channels .................................... 10
Time and Date ................................................................. 10
Set Daylight-Saving Time .......................................... 11
Set the Time and Date ............................................... 11
VCR Plus+ Channels ........................................................ 12
Additional Set-Up Features
in the PREFERENCES Menu ............................................ 14
Remote VCR1/VCR2 Option ............................................. 15
Auto Play .......................................................................... 16
Auto TV/VCR ..................................................................... 16
VCR Basics ........................................................ 17
Remote Buttons ..................................................................... 18
Component Buttons ........................................................ 18
VCR Function Buttons ..................................................... 18
TV Function Buttons ........................................................ 19
Playing a Tape ........................................................................ 20
Tape Eject ............................................................................... 20
Recording ............................................................................... 21
Check the Safety Tab ........................................................ 21
Automatic Rewind ................................................................. 21
Recording ................................................. . ... • • ... 23
Recording Features ............................................................... 24
Express Recording ........................................................... 24
Timer Recording .............................................................. 25
Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ ................................... 26
Stopping a Timer Recording ........................................... 28
Reviewing and Clearing Programs ................................ 28
Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes ............ 29
Programming the Remote .................................. 31
To Control a "l-V....................................................................... 32

Other Features ................................................... 35
Picture Search Options ......................................................... 36
Forward and Reverse Search .......................................... 36
Slow Motion .................................................................... 36
Commercial Scan (SEARCH Button) .............................. 36
Frame Advance ................................................................ 37
Index Search .................................................................... 37
Zero Search ...................................................................... 38
Time Counter ......................................................................... 38
On-Screen Displays ............................................................... 39
Tracking .................................................................................. 39
Connections ....................................................... 41
Things to Know Before Connecting Components .............. 41
Connecting Your VCR ............................................................. 42
Jacks and Cables ............................................................. 42
Choosing a VCR Connection .......................................... 43
Advantages of Audio/Video Cable Connections .......... 43
Don't Forget About the Auto TV/VCR Feature ................ 43
TV with RF Jack Only ....................................................... 44
TV with Audio/Video Jacks ............................................. 45
TV with Audio/Video Jacks and Cable Box to
Unscramble Pay Channels Only ................................. 46
Appendix A: Reference ...................................... 47
Front Panel ............................................................................. 48
Back Panel .............................................................................. 48
Display Panel ......................................................................... 49
Troubleshooting Tips ............................................................. 50
Specifications ........................................................................ 53
Cleaning the VCR ................................................................... 53
Limited Warranty ................................................................... 54
Index ................................................................. 55
2

Hi, My Name is Roger... I 1
and I wrote this User's Guide. It's my job to see that you
have a rewarding user manual experience. Also, I think
you'll be pleased with the features that can be accessed
through the on-screen menus.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
VI
Read the First Three Sections V
The first three sections of the manual introduce you to
yourVCR, 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. ¥
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
¥
V
IREAD ME!
These note boxes give you tips for
your new video cassette recorder.
3

Step l: Unpack the Box
The following items come packed in the box:
• VCR
• Remote control
• RF coaxial dable
STEP 2: Install Batteries in the
Remote Control
Follow these steps whenever you need to install or change the
batteries in your VCR remote.
1. Remove the cover of the battery compartment.
2. Place batteries in 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 ANT. IN and RF OUT jacks for
a good signal as shown.
If you have a TV with AUDIO/VIDEO jacks, use the audio/video
jacks on the TV and VCR for a better connection. Refer to the
Connections section, toward the back of the manual.
VCR
TV
CABLE. CABLE BOX OR_ANTENNA
_RFOUT,
4

STEP 4: Plug in the VCR
Match the wide blade of the plug with the wide slot in the
outlet or adapter. Be sure to insert the plug completely. If you
are using an adapter, make sure that both the plug is inserted
completely in the adapter and the adapter is inserted
completely in the outlet.
STEP 5: Tune the TV
Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel. The VCR viewing
channel is channel 3 or 4 orthe TV's video input.
•If you connect your VCR using the ANTENNA connectors
with RF coaxial cable, set the 3 CH. 4 switch to channel 3 or
channel 4--the channel you want to use on your TV.
•If you connect your VCR using the AUDIO/VIDEO jacks with
audio/video cables, select the TV's video input to see the
signal. See the TV Owner's Manual.
STEP 6: Turn on the VCR
Press POWER to turn on the VCR.
STEP 7: Access the Menus
The MENU and number buttons let you access, select and
change menu items. For example, to change the Auto Play
setting, you would do the following:
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1VCR Plus+
2Timer Recordings
3 Time
4Channels
5 Preferences
6Language
0Exit
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.
5

2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu.
PREFERENCES
1Remote Control: VCRI
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/UCR: ON
0Exit
3. Press 2 to switch Auto Play to ON or OFF.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR2
2 Auto Play: OFF
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
0Exit
See Set-UpFeaturesfor detailed information about the Auto
Play feature.
STEP 8: Set up the VCR
Once you understand how to move around and/or through the
menus, go to the next section to set up your VCR.
6

• . .• :."
.,." . •, .
Set-up features
Below is a list of set-up features that you may want to
set up before you begin using your VCR for the first
time:
• Select a Language
• Set up VCR Channel List (Auto Channel Search)
• Set Automatic Daylight-Saving Time
• Set the Time and Date
• Set up VCR Plus+ Channels
• Setthe Remote VCR1/VCR2 feature
• Set the Auto Play feature
•Set the Auto TV/VCR feature
2¥
SETTING UP THE VCR
V
V
V
I
V
V
7

Using the Menu to Set up Features
You can set up features by using the menu system. Each feature
is explained in this section.
Language
Select your preferred language, and the on-screen displays will
appear in that language.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1VCR Plus+
2Timer Recordings
3Time
4Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 6 to display the LANGUAGE menu.
LANGUAGE
Select a language.
l_English
2 EspanoL
3FranFais
Press RENU to continue
3. Press 1for English, 2for Espafiol (Spanish), or 3for
Frangais (French).
VCR Channels List
On-screen Menus 1
Not all the VCR screens are shown
in this manual when explaining the
eatures.
If you use a cable box for all channels, this step is not
necessary. Your VCR may come with a channel list preset at
the factory. Even though your VCR may come with a list, it's
possible that you may want to add or eliminate some
channels depending on whether they are active.
All Channels
If you do not use a cable box for ALL
channels, then you will want to use a
channel list (Auto Channel Search). ]
8

To Auto Channel Search
Auto channel search memorizes the channels available through
your signal type--cable or antenna.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR PLus+
2 Timer Recordings
3Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
CHANNELS
1Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels
3Signal Type: CABLE
4VCR Plus+ Channel List
0Exit
3. Press 1 to display the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu.
AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
What type of signaL
are you using?
1 Cable TV
2 Antenna
3_Detect Automatically
0 Cancel
4. Select one of the three AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH options.
Choices one and two are self-explanatory. If you choose
Detect Automatically, the VCR automatically detects which
signal system you have attached to your VCR.
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.
9

AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
Now scanning channel 14
Press any key to cancel
The VCR begins scanning for the available channels--this
takes about one to two minutes. The lowest channel is tuned
once the search is complete. Pressing CHANNEºL up or down
now selects the active channels.
To Change the Signal Type
1. Press MENU to display theVCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
3. Press 3 to change the Signal Type between CABLE and
ANTENNA.
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels
3Signal Type: CABLE
4 VCR Plus+ Channel List
0Exit
To Add or Remove Channels
You may want to add or delete channels after you Auto Channel
Search, especially if some of the channels have weak signals or
you don't want to watch them.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
3. Press 2 to displaythe ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS screen. Use
CHANNEL up or down, or number buttons, to go to the
channels you want to delete or add.
Selecting Channels
The CHANNEL up and down
buttons access those channels
active in your VCR channel list.
You can still access channels not
in the channel list by using the
number buttons on the remote.
10

Set Dayfight-Saving Time
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0Exit
2. Press 3 to display the TIME menu.
TIME
1 Set time and date
2 Auto DST: ON
0Exit
3. Press 2 to turn Auto DST: ON or OFF.
Select ON if daylight-saving time is observed and you want the
VCR's clock to automatically adjust for daylight-saving time.
Select OFF if daylight-saving time is not observed and you don't
want the VCR's clock to adjust for daylight-saving time.
Set the Time and Date
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
IVCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4Channels
5 Preferences
6Language
0 Exit
2. Press 3 to display the TIME menu. Time and Date 1
The time and date must be set before aI
timer recording can be programmed. J
ll

3. Press 1 to display the SET TIME AND DATE screen.
SET TIME AND DATE
Time --:--
(hh:mm)
Date --/--/--
Press MENU to canceL
4. Enter the data using the number buttons. Press 0 before
single-digit numbers and follow the on-screen directions.
SET TIME AND DATE
Time 12:34 PM
Date 10124197 Friday
Press CLEAR to correct
Press MENU to set
VCR Plus+ Channels
Using VCR Plus+ can make programming timer recordings for
cable or off-air antenna easier, but you have to put in alittle time
right now to set up a channel list. A worksheet and abbreviated
codes for typical cable services in the U.S. and Canada are
provided on the following pages.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1VCR PLus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4ChanneLs
5 Preferences
6 Language
0Exit
33me/Date Display
VCR Plus+ Channel List
12

VCR Plus+ Worksheet
Broadcast or
Cable-TV Station
iName
HBO
ESPN
VCR Plus+ Channel
Number**
33
34
Channel Number
You Receive the
Station On* Two-DigitVCR Plus+ Channel
Numbers for CableTV
(USA List)
35 American Movie Classics
39 Arts &-Entertainment
57 Black Entertainment
54 Bravo
42 Cable News Network
45 Cinema)(
98 Cinema)( 2
37 The Discovery Channel
53 The Disney Channel
63 Entertainment Television
34 ESPN Sports Network
47 The Family Channel
33 Home Box Office
95 Home Box Office 2
96 Home Box Office 3
51 The Learning Channel
46 Lifetime
58 The Movie Channel
48 Music Television
49 The Nashville Network
38 Nickelodeon
64 NostalgiaTelevision
99 QualityValue Cable
41 Showtime
97 Showtime 2
59 Sports Channel
52 Turner NetworkTelevision
44 USA-Network
62 Video Hits I
93 Viewer's Choice I
94 Viewer's Choice 2
55 WGN Chicago
43 VVTBS Atlanta
60 VV_NOR-NewYork
*Check your local or cable listing for the channel number you receive this station on.
**Check your local listing for broadcast or VCR Plus+ channel number assigned. 13

2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels
3Signal Type: CABLE
4VCR Plus+ Channel List
0 Exit
3. Press 4 to display the VCR Plus+ Channel List screen.
VCR+ Channel My Channel
5 --
4--
3-> -> -> --
2--
Use CH+/- to select
Press 0-9 to change
Press MENU to save
4. Enter the data following the on-screen directions using your
worksheet.
VCR+ Channel My Channel
546
4--
3-> -> -> 23
2 --
1 --
Use CH+/- to select
Press 0-9 to change
Press MENU to save
Screen is for an example only.
14

Additional Set-Up Features in the
Preferences Menu
The features in this section are all accessed through the
PREFERENCESmenu.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR PLus+
2 Timer Recordings
3Time
4Channels
5Preferences
6Language
0Exit
2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2Auto PLay: ON
3Auto TV/VCR: ON
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.
Press 1to select the Remote Control item. Then press the VCR2,
VCR2°LD, or DVD°VCR2 button to change.
Remote Control Option
15

PREFERENCES
1Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
Exit
PREFERENCES
(PRESS VCR2 TO CHANGE)
2 Auto Pray: ON
3Auto TV/VCR: ON
0 Exit
The VCR will only respond to the compatible remote's VCR2,
VCR2oLD, or DVD°VCR2 button. If you change the remote setting
to VCR2, the remote that came with your VCR will no longer
control it.
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 the VCR will be able to
control this VCR 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 OFF.
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 the TVNCR switch changes
automatically to the VCR mode when the VCR is turned on.
Press 3 to switch between ON and OFF.
Select ON if you want the VCR to switch to the VCR mode
when the VCR is turned on or a cassette is inserted. This only
applies if you connect the ANT. IN and RF OUT jacks of your
VCR and TV and watch your VCR on channel 3 or 4 of
your TV
Select OFF if you want the VCR to remain in the TV mode.
This is useful if you watch your VCR on the TV's video input
and you don't want your antenna/cable signal interrupted by
the VCR.
Auto TV/VCR
16

Learn the Basics to Get 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. 3V
VCR BASICS
¥
V
¥
¥
VCR Basics tells you what you
need to know in order to watch a
movie or tape your favorite show. ]
17

Remote Buttons
The remote control is capable of controlling your VCR and many
brands of televisions. If you have a GE, RCA, or ProScan TV,
you may be able to control it without having to program the
remote.
Component Buttons
OFF Turns off VCR when remote is set to control the VCR. Also
turns some compatible components on and off.
TV Turns on a compatible RCA, ProScan, or GE TV and sets the
remote to control the TV. Also used with the OFF button to turn
on a different brand of TV (if programmed) and sets the remote
to control the TV.
MCR Turns on a compatible RCA, ProScan, or GE VCR and sets
the remote to control the VCR.
VCR Function Buttons
CHAN Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in
the VCR's channel memory.
CLEAR Resets time counter to 0:00:00. Allows you to change
entries when setting the clock or a timer recording.
F.ADV Lets you view one frame with each press of the button
when tape is in pause.
FORWARD Fast forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped.
Searches forward through a tape during playback. Starts slow-
motion playback when tape is paused.
GO BACK Switches between two channels. Select one channel
and then select another using the number buttons. Press GO
BACK to switch between the two channels. In menu mode, press
to go back to previous menu.
INFO Shows the status displays on the TV screen.
INPUT Selects between the line input and the VCR's tuner. Line
input refers to the signal coming from the component connected
to the audio/video input jacks on the back of the VCR.
MENU Brings up VCR MAIN MENU on the "IV screen. Used to
select a menu item or exit a menu.
5
CLEAR
Q 0
PLAY FORWARD
STOP PAUSE
_.HAN SEARCH
o
CHAN GO BACK
MENU SPEED
r
oO
©
• TRACKING • ©
F.ADV
18