Philips VR 270B/07 User manual

Table of contents
AIntroduction 2....................................
Dear Philips customer, 2....................................................................................
Specifications 3.....................................................................................................
Supplied accessories 3........................................................................................
Important notes regarding operation 4..........................................................
Important information for customers in Great Britain 6...........................
BConnecting the video recorder 7.....
Preparing the remote control for operation 7.............................................
Connecting your video recorder to the TV set 7........................................
Connecting with a scart cable 8.......................................................................
Connecting without a scart cable 9.................................................................
Connecting additional devices 10.....................................................................
CInstalling your video recording 11...
Initial installation 11.............................................................................................
Manual TV channel search 13............................................................................
Using the satellite receiver 14...........................................................................
Automatic TV channel search 14.....................................................................
Monitor function 15............................................................................................
Sorting and clearing TV channels manually 15...............................................
Setting the time and date 16..............................................................................
DImportant notes for operation 17....
EPlayback 18........................................
Playing cassettes 18..............................................................................................
Searching for a tape position with picture (scanning) 19............................
Still picture 19.......................................................................................................
Searching for tape position without picture (forward wind and
rewind) 20.............................................................................................................
Instant View 20.....................................................................................................
Automatic search for a tape position (index search) 20.............................
Automatic search for a blank space on the tape 21.....................................
FEliminating picture interference 22.
Optimising tracking 22........................................................................................
Optimising still picture 22..................................................................................
GManual recording 23..........................
General information 23......................................................................................
Recording without automatic switch-off 23...................................................
Recording with automatic switch-off (OTR One-Touch-Recording) 24.
Preventing accidental erasing of cassettes 24................................................
Lining up recordings (assemble cut) 24...........................................................
HProgramming a recording
(TIMER) 25..............................................
General information 25......................................................................................
Programme recordings 25.................................................................................
Problem solving for programmed recordings 26..........................................
Programming a recording with 'TURBO TIMER' 27....................................
Problems and solutions for programmed recordings 28............................
How to check, change or delete a programmed recording (TIMER) 29.
IOther functions 30............................
Changing the video (colour) system 30..........................................................
Child lock 31.........................................................................................................
Automatic switch-off 32.....................................................................................
JSuppressing interference 33.............
Optimising the modulator 33............................................................................
Switching the modulator on / off 34................................................................
KBefore you call an engineer 35.........
Table of contents

VCR
VR 270B/07
VR 270W/07

The remote control
MONITOR TV monitor: To switch between TV reception and VCR playback
CHILD LOCK Child lock: To switch child lock on/off
SELECT Select: Selecting functions
STANDBY/ON mSwitch on or off: To switch set on or off, interrupt menu function,
interrupt a programmed recording (TIMER)
0-9 Number buttons:0-9
TV To call up additional TV functions: Additional TV functions for TV
sets with the same remote control code (RC5)
TURBO TIMER TurboTimer: To programme a recording with the function Turbo
Timer
TIMER kTIMER: To make a TIMER programming or to alter or clear a
programmed TIMER
RECORD nRecord: To record the TV channel selected at this moment
MENU Menu: To call up or end main menu
CLEAR (CL) Delete: To delete last entry/Clear programmed recording (TIMER)
P;q Select: To select the next line or programme number
P=r Select: To select the previous line or programme number
OK Store/Confirm: To store or confirm entry
INDEX EIndex search: In combination with H/I: to search for previous
or next recording on the cassette
STILL RStill picture: To stop the tape and show a still picture
HRewind: During STOP and STANDBY: rewind, during PLAYBACK:
reverse scanning
STOP hPause/Stop: To stop the tape, except during TIMER-recording
PLAY GPlayback: To play a cassette
IForward wind: During STOP and STANDBY: forward wind, during
PLAYBACK: forward scanning
ENGLISH

Additional TV functions
Hold down TV and select the corresponding function using the following buttons.
STANDBY/ON mStandby : To switch off the TV
MUTE yTV sound off: To switch the sound on or off
AV To switch the TV to Audio/Video in-socket
P;q Select: To select a programme number
P=r Select: To select a programme number
QSr TV volume: TV volume down
SqP TV volume: TV volume up
Front of the device
STANDBY/ON m/I Switch on or off: To switch off or on, interrupt a function, interrupt a
programmed recording (TIMER)
RECORD nRecord: To record the TV channel selected at this moment
PROGRAMME rSelect: One line or programme number down
PROGRAMME qSelect: One line or programme number up
STOP/EJECT ?Pause/Stop, eject cassette: To stop the tape and eject the cassette
HRewind: During STOP and STANDBY: rewind, during PLAYBACK:
reverse scanning
GPlayback: To play a cassette
IForward wind: During STOP and STANDBY: forward wind, during
PLAYBACK: forward scanning

The symbols on your video recorder
display
These symbols can light up on your video recorder display:
This is where the current operating mode is shown as a symbol.
When you have switched on the child lock.
When you are making a recording.
kWhen you have programmed a recording or when a programmed
recording is being made.
When you have put a cassette in the video recorder.
DATE When the date of the programmed recording is shown.
START When the start time of the programmed recording is shown.
PROG. When the programme number of the programmed recording is shown.
END When the end time of the programmed recording is shown.
Display of programme number of the TV channel / tape position /
channel name / function.
Tape position in seconds.
ENGLISH

2
AIntroduction
Dear Philips customer,
Instruction manuals are usually very dry since they are technically-oriented and often poorly
translated. I have been employed by Philips for this reason.
Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Phil. I will be guiding you through the instruction manual and try to be of help in
operating your new device. At appropriate points along the way, I will be providing you with the
following information:
Excuse me?
Here I will be
explaining seemingly
unimportant things.
Tip
Here I will be giving
you instructions on
functions that help
make it easier to
use your device.
Problem
Here I will help you
to find the cause of
problems and their
solutions.
For experts
Here I will be giving
you instructions on
functions that are
necessary for special
applications.
I hope you have lots of fun with your new device. Phil
P.S. If you have questions or if problems come up during operation, please see the helpful
information in the chapter 'Before you call an engineer'. If this doesn't help you to resolve the
problem, please call the customer support service for your country. The corresponding
telephone numbers and e-mail addresses can be found on the last page of this instruction
manual.
Introduction

3
Welcome to the large family of owners of PHILIPS VHS video recorders.
Thank you for buying a VR270B-270W/07 .
Please take the time to read this operating manual before using your video recorder. It contains
important information and notes regarding operation.
The video recorder should not be turned on immediately after transportation from a
cold to a hot area or vice versa, or in conditions of extreme humidity.
Wait at least three hours after transporting the device. The video recorder needs this time in
order to become acclimatised to its new environment (temperature, air humidity, etc.).
Your Philips team hopes that you
will enjoy using your new video
recorder.
This video recorder is used for the recording and playback of VHS video cassettes.
Cassettes with the VHS-C label (VHS cassettes for camcorders) may only be used with a suitable
adapter.
This product complies with the requirements of Directive 73/23/EEC +89/336/EEC +93/68 EEC.
Specifications
Voltage: 220-240V/50Hz
Energy consumption (Standby): less than 4W
Rewind time : Forward/rewind approx. 260/170 seconds (cassette E-180)
Dimensions in cm (B/H/T): 38.0/9.3/26.0
Number of video heads:2
Recording/playback time:4 hours (SP) (cassette E-240)
Supplied accessories
Operating instructions
Remote control and batteries
Antenna cable
Power cable
Quick install guide
ENGLISH
Introduction

4
Important notes regarding operation
Danger: High voltage!
Do not remove the top cover as there is a risk of an electrical shock!
The video recorder does not contain any components that can be repaired by the customer. Please
leave all maintenance work for qualified personnel.
As soon as the video recorder is connected to the power supply, there are some components
that are in constant operation. To switch off the video recorder completely you must disconnect
it from the power supply.
These operating instructions have been printed on non-polluting paper.
Deposit old batteries at the appropriate collection points.
Please make use of the facilities available in your country for disposing of the packaging of the video
recorder in a way that helps to protect the environment.
This electronic device contains many materials that can be recycled. Please enquire about the
possibilities for recycling your old device.
Make sure that air can circulate freely through the ventilation slots on the video recorder. Do not
place the device on an unsteady base.
Make sure that no objects or liquids enter the video recorder. Do not place vases or the like on
the video recorder. If liquid is spilt into it, immediately disconnect the video recorder from the
power supply and call After-sales Service for advice.
Introduction

5
Do not place any combustible objects on the device (candles, etc.).
Make sure that children do not place any foreign objects within the openings or ventilation slots.
So that you can identify your machine for service questions or in the event of theft, enter the
serial number here. The serial number (PROD.NO.) is printed on the type plate fixed at the
back of the device.
MODEL NO. VR270B-270W/07
PROD. NO. ..................
ENGLISH
Introduction

6
Important information for customers in
Great Britain
This set is fitted with an approved moulded 13 amp plug. To change the fuse in this plug or to
attach a different plug, please proceed as follows:
1Take off the fuse cover and remove the old fuse.
2Insert a new fuse. Suitable fuses are those of the type BS 1362 3A,
A.S.T.A. standard or BSI standard.
3Close the fuse cover.
If the attached plug does not meet your requirements, you can cut it off and replace it with a
suitable plug. Please observe the following conditions:
If your new plug uses a built-in fuse, this should be a 3A fuse.
If your new plug does not contain a built-in fuse, please do not use any fuses in your fusebox with a
rating of more than 5A.
Please destroy the old, cut-off plug so that it cannot be used elsewhere.
Connect the blue cable (neutral 'N') to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter 'N'
or coloured black.
Connect the brown cable (live, 'L') to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter 'L'
or coloured red.
Do not in any circumstances connect either of the two cables to the terminal in the plug which is
marked with the letter 'E', the symbol "\" or coloured green or green / yellow.
Before you refit the plug cover, make sure, that the grip at the bottom of the plug is clamped
over the plastic cover of the lead, not just over the two wires.
Introduction

7
BConnecting the video recorder
Preparing the remote control for
operation
The remote control and its batteries are packed separately in the original video recorder
packaging. You must install the batteries in the remote control before use - described in the
following section.
1Take the remote control and the enclosed batteries (2 batteries).
2Open the remote control's battery compartment and place the
batteries in it as shown in the picture and close the battery
compartment.
The remote control is now ready to use. Its range is approximately 5 meters.
Connecting your video recorder to the TV
set
The necessary cable connections must be made before you can record or playback TV
programmes using your video recorder.
We recommend that you use a scart cable to connect your TV set and video recorder.
What is a scart cable?
The scart or Euro AV cable serves as the universal connector for picture,
sound and control signals. With this type of connection, there is practically no
loss of quality during the picture or sound transfer.
When you install your video recorder for the first time, select one of the following options:
'Connecting with a scart cable'
If your TV set has a scart socket and you are using a scart cable.
'Connecting without a scart cable'
If you do not wish to use a scart cable.
ENGLISH
Connecting the video recorder

8
Connecting with a scart cable
Have the following cables ready:
an aerial cable (1, supplied), a mains cable (2, supplied), a scart cable (3).
1Remove the aerial cable plug from your TV set. Insert it into the
socket 2at the back of the video recorder.
2Insert one end of the supplied aerial cable into the socket 3at the
back of the video recorder and the other end into the aerial input
socket at the back of the TV set.
3Plug one end of a scart cable into the scart socket EXT.1 AV 1 at
the back of the video recorder and the other end into the suitable
scart socket on your TV set (see your TV's operating instructions).
My TV set has several scart sockets. Which one should I use?
Select that scart socket which is suited for the video output as well as for the
video input.
My TV offers me a selection menu for the scart socket.
Select 'TV' as a connection source of this scart socket.
4Switch on the TV set.
5Insert one end of the supplied mains cable into the mains socket
4at the back of the video recorder and the other end into the wall
socket.
aMy screen is empty
bMany TV sets are switched to the programme number for the scart socket
by way of a control signal sent through the scart cable.
bIf the TV set does not automatically switch to the scart socket programme
number, manually change to the corresponding programme number on your
TV set (see your TV's operating instructions).
Then, read the paragraph 'Initial installation' in the chapter 'Installing your video recorder'.
Connecting the video recorder

9
Connecting without a scart cable
Have the following cables ready:
an aerial cable (1, supplied), a mains cable (2, supplied).
1Switch off your TV set.
2Remove the aerial cable plug from the aerial input socket of the TV
set. Insert it into the socket 2at the back of the video recorder.
3Insert one end of the supplied aerial cable into the socket 3at the
back of the video recorder and the other end into the aerial input
socket at the back of the TV set.
4Insert one end of the supplied mains cable into the mains socket
4at the back of the video recorder and the other end into the wall
socket.
5Press the STOP hbutton on the remote control.
6In addition press the STOP/EJECT ?button on the video
recorder until the modulator frequency appears on the screen, e.g.
'M583' (583MHz or UHF channel 35).
7Switch on your TV set and select the programme number used for
video playback on your TV set (see your TV's operating instructions).
Which programme number is used for video recorder operation?
To ensure the stability of the television picture during cassette playback
(prevention of waves or streaks), special programme numbers have been set
aside on the TV for the use of video recorders. This is usually the highest
possible programme number, e.g. '12', '16', '99' or even programme number
'0'. For more information, please see your TV's operating instructions.
ENGLISH
Connecting the video recorder

10
8Select this programme number and manually start the TV's channel
search as if you wanted to save a new TV channel until the 'test
image' appears.
9Switch off the video recorder using the button STANDBY/ON m.
aI do not see a 'test screen'
bCheck the cable connections.
bThe video recorder 'transmits' on the 583MHz frequency (channel 35)
Repeat the channel search on your TV set.
0Save this programme number setting on your TV set for video
recorder operation.
Programme number for video recorder operation
You have now saved a programme number for use by your video recorder as
you would a regular TV channel. This programme number must now be used
in future for video recorder playback ('video recorder' TV channel).
You can find more details in chapter 'Initial Installation'.
Connecting additional devices
You can connect additional devices such as satellite receivers, camcorders, etc. to the socket
EXT.1 AV 1 at the back of the video recorder.
If you want to connect an additional device to the scart socket, you must adjust the TV set to
the video recorder. Please read the section 'Connecting without a scart cable'.
Connecting the video recorder

11
CInstalling your video recording
Initial installation
This chapter shows you how to start the initial installation. The video recorder automatically
seeks out and stores all available TV channels.
'Aim' correctly
In the following sections, you require the remote control for the first time.
When using, always aim the front of the remote control at the video recorder
and not at the TV set.
Connecting additional devices
After you have connected additional devices (satellite receiver, etc.) through
the aerial cable, switch them on. The automatic channel search will recognise
them and save them.
1Press the MENU button on the remote control.
The automatic TV channel search starts. This will appear on the
display:
aThe video recorder does not find any TV channels during the
search
bSelect channel 1 on the TV set. Can you see the saved TV channel on the
TV set?
If not, check the cable connection of the aerial (aerial socket), video
recorder, TV set.
bPlease have patience.
The video recorder searches the entire frequency range in order to find
and save the largest possible number of TV channels. It is possible that the
TV channels in your country are broadcast in a higher frequency range. As
soon as this range is reached during the search, the video recorder will find
the TV channels.
2As soon as the automatic TV channel search is completed, 'OK' will
briefly appear in the video recorder display.
Next the year will appear in the video recorder display (e.g. '2001').
2001
3If required, change the year with the number buttons 0-9 on the
remote control.
4Confirm with OK .
5If required, change the month in the same way (e.g. 'M01').
ENGLISH
Installing your video recording

12
6Press OK .
7If required, change the date in the same way (e.g. 'D01').
8Press OK .
9If required, change the time in the same way (e.g. '20:00').
0Press OK .
'OK' will briefly flash in the video recorder display.
The initial installation is now complete.
Satellite receiver
If you are connecting a satellite receiver, please read the section 'Using the
satellite receiver'.
Installing your video recording

13
Manual TV channel search
In some cases it could occur that all of the TV channels were not found and saved during the
initial installation. In this case, the missing or coded TV channels must be searched for and
stored manually.
1Switch on the TV set. If required, select the programme number for
the video recorder.
2Press MENU on the remote control. 'CLK' will appear in the display.
3Using P=r or P;q , select 'MAN' in the display (manual channel
search).
4Press OK .
5Using P=r or P;q , select the desired programme number that
you want to use for the TV channel, e.g. 'P01' and confirm with OK .
6Select the desired display using P=r :
What is hidden behind the settings?
'CH': Display/Entry of channels
'S-CH': Display/Entry of special channels
7Confirm with OK .
'CH' will flash in the video recorder display.
a'CA' will flash in the display instead of 'CH'
bIt will be switched to the display/entry of special channels. If you do not
want to assign a special channel, press MENU and begin again at step
4.
8Enter the channel of the desired TV station using the number buttons
0-9 .
aI don't know the channels for my TV stations
bIn this case, press P;q to start the automatic channel search. A changing
channel number will appear in the video recorder display.
Continue the automatic search until you have found the desired TV
channel.
9To save the TV channel, press OK as often as necessary until 'OK'
appears in the display.
0To search for other TV channels, begin again at step 4.
ATo end, press MENU .
ENGLISH
Installing your video recording

14
Using the satellite receiver
TV channels from a satellite receiver (connected to the scart socket EXT.1 AV 1 ) are received
on the video recorder on programme number 'E1'.
To do this, select the programme number 'E1' with 0on the remote control.
You should select the TV channels to be received by the satellite receiver directly on the
receiver itself.
Automatic TV channel search
During installation, all available TV channels are searched for and saved. If the channel
assignments of your cable or satellite TV provider change or if you are reinstalling the video
recorder, e.g. after moving house, you can start this procedure again. This will replace the TV
channels already saved with the new ones.
1Switch on the TV set. If required, select the programme number for
the video recorder.
2Press the MENU button on the remote control. 'CLK' will appear on
the display.
3In the display, select 'AUTO' (Automatic TV channel search) with
P=r or P;q .
4Press OK .
5The automatic TV channel search starts. This allows the video
recorder to save all available TV channels. This procedure may take
several minutes.
6When the TV channel search is complete, 'OK' will appear on the
screen.
7To end, press MENU .
You can read about how to search for a TV channel manually in the section 'Manual TV channel
search'.
Installing your video recording