Philips VR388/55 User manual

Video Cassette Recorder
VR388/55
VR588/55
Instructions for use
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Table of ©ontents
Safety Precautions
WARNING: DANGEROUS
VOLTAGE INSIDE
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
• The POWER button does not completely shut off the mains power from the
unit, but switches operating current on or off only.
• The rating plate is on the rear of the unit.
Table of Contents
Description of Controls
Getting Connected Up
Setting Up
Basic Operations
Advanced Operations
Before Requesting Service
Specifications.
.3
Front Panel.3
Remote Control (For VR588/55).4
Remote Control (For VR388/55).6
Rear Panel.7
Display Window.8
On-Screen Display.8
...9
VCR to T\^ Connection...9
VCR to AV T\^ Connection Using
SCART Cable........9
.10
Setting the Video Channel.. 10
Menu Operations.. 11
Initial Setup. 11
Manual Channel Setting.... 13
Selecting Colour Mode ..13
.14
Playback. 14
Recording. 14
One Touch Recording (OTR). 15
Index Search.15
Automatic Operations. 15
.16
Using On-Screen Display... 16
Picture Control.. 16
Special Effect Playbacks.. 16
Tracking Adjustments... 17
Timer Recording. 17
Tape Duplication.. 19
.20
.21
WARNING
Any unauthorized changes or
modifications to this equipment void
the user’s authority to operate it.
KSIS
PAL NTSC
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing your
new VCR.
You can’t wait to get it worldng, but
before you do, spare a few moments to
read this brief introduction to the world
of video recording. It may repay you
handsomely in terms of improved
results, and avoiding of costly mis¬
takes.
Positioning _
Do not place the VCR directly on top
of, or underneath, yourTV^ set. Ensure
that there is at least 20 cm between the
VCR and the TV set, and that air can
circulate freely through the ventilation
openings of the VCR.
IMPORTANT
Audio-Visual matenal may consist
of copyrighted works which must
not be recorded without the
authority of the owner of the
copyright.
Please refer to relevant laws in your
countiy'.
— 2 —

Description of Sontrols
Front Panel
6 STOP/EJECT H/ib button
Stops the tape when the tape is running.
Press again to eject the cassette when
the tape is not running. (>)-P. 14)
.7 PLAY ► b u tton
Starts normal playback. (^PJ4)
8 AUDIO/ViDEO input jacks
For connecting another VCR or a
portable video camera. ( ► )-P.19>'' - "
9 COLOUR MODE button
.Selects the colour mode both for
playback and recording. ( ► ^F. 13)
10 Display window
; See the next page.
11IR (infrared) remote sensor
Receives the signal from the (IR)
remote control,
12 MENU/EXIT button
Display the main menu.
Press again to exit from the menu
operations. ( ► fP. 11)
13 CHANNEL T/A buttons
• Changes the channels on the VCR.
Release at a desired channel.
• Moves the cursor up and down when
using the menus. (>^P. 11) '
• Adjusts the tracking during playback,
still picture, and slow motion picture.
(^P.17)
14 REW (Rewind) button
• Rewinds the tape when the tape is not
tunning. (»>P.14)
• Starts reverse rapid visual search
during playback. ( ► ^-P.M)
1 POWER button
• Turns the VCR on or off.
• Sets the VCR for an unattended
recording (timer recording) after
timer settings are completed. (^^P.iS)
2 STILL/PAUSE II button
Stops the tape during recording (pause)
or playback (still picture). ( ► )-P.14, P.16)
Press again to resume normal recording.
Press PLAY ► to resume normal
playback. Activates slow motion picture
when pressed for more than 2 seconds
during playback.
3 Cassette Compartment
Where a video cassette is inserted.
4 ► /OK button
Changes the selection when using the
menus. (*>'P.ll)
5 REC (record)/OTR • button
• Starts recording when pressed once.
(*>-P.14)
• Starts a recording for 30 minutes to 9
hours long for VR588/55 or 5 hours
long for VR388/55 v.'hen pressed
more than once. The shut-off time
increases in 30 minute intervals.
(>)-P.15)
15 F F (Fast forward) button
• Fast forv/ards the tape when the tape
is not running. ( ► fP.M)
• Starts forward rapid visual search
during playback. (^P.14)
— 3 —

lISescription of Controls (continued)
Remote Control (For VR588^5)
Using this remote control to
operate other components
You can use this remote control to
operate some of the PHILIPS TVs.
1 CBL/DBS button
Does not function for this model.
2 POWER button
Before using this button, press VCR or
TV to select your target component.
• After pressing VCR:
- Turns the VCR on or off.
- Sets the VCR for an unattended
recording (timer recording) after
timer settings are completed.
(>)-R19)
For some Philips TV only;
• After pressing TV, turns the TV on or
off.
3 VCR/TV button
Does not function for this model.
4 SKIP SEARCH button
Skips playback for 30 seconds by time
counter reading.
When pressed more than once up to 4
times, the search time increase in 30-
second interv'als up to 2 minutes.
5 VOL (volume) A/ ▼ buttons
For some Philips TV only:
Changes the T\^ volume.
Release at desired volume.
6 STILL/SLOW button
Stops the tape during recording (pause)
or playback (still picture) temporarily.
(*)-P.I4,P.16)
Press again to resume normal recording.
Press PLAY ► to resume normal
playback. Activates slow motion picture
when pressed for more than 2 seconds
during playback.
7 (Rewind) / ■ < button
Before using this button, press VCR.
• After pressing VCR:
- Rewinds the tape. Also, during
playback, starts rapid reverse
visual search. ( ► > ■ ?. 14)
- Goes back to the previous menu
screen when using the menus.
(»>*P.I1)
8 SLOW/BACK-button
During a slow motion picture, adjust the
playback speed in the reverse direction.
( ► FP.16)
9 EXIT/STATUS button
Before using this button, press VCR.
• After pressing VCR:
- Displays the time counter, present
time, channel number, and
remaining tape length. (»>‘R16)
- Exits from menu operations when
using the menus. (•>?. 11)
10 SPEED button
Selects the tape speed for recording
{SP, LP or SLP (For NTSC tape only)}.
During playback, the tape speed is
automatically selected (SP, LPor SLP).
( ► )-R14,R17)
11 REC (record)/OTR button
• Start recording when pressed once.
( ► >R14)
• Starts a recording for 30 minutes to 9
hours long. \VTien pressed more than
once, the shut-off time increases in
30-minute iniertals. (^R15)
12 TV button
Makes the remote control ready for
operating the TV.
13 VCR button
Makes the remote control ready for
operating the VCR.
14 EJECT ^button
Ejects the cassette. (»)-R14)
15 CH (channel) a / t button
Before usint* this button, press VCR or
TV.
• After pressing VCR, changes the
channels on the VCR. Release at a
desired channel.
For some Philips TV only:
• After pressing TV, changes the
channels on the TV. Release at a
desired channel.
16 PLAY ► / A button
Before using this button, press VCR.
• After pressing VCR:
- Starts normal playback. (4-R14)
- Moves up the cursor when using
the menus. (»)-Rll)
4 —

17 ► ► (Fast forward) / ► /OK
button
Before using this button, press VCR.
• After pressing VCR:
- Fast forward the tape. Also during
playback, starts rapid forward
visual search. 14)
- Selects the items on the menus or
goes to the next menu screen when
using the menus.
18 STOP H/T button
• Stops the tape. (*)-?. 14)
• Moves down the cursor when using
the menus. (»)-P.ll)
19 SLOW/FORWARD •<- button
During a slow motion picture, adjust the
playback speed in the forward direction.
(^P.16)
To insert the batteries:
1 R emove the battery compartment lid
from the bottom pf the remote
control.
2 I nstall two batteries —R6(SUM-
3)/AA — matching polarity
indicated inside the battery
compartment
3 R eplace the lid.
20 MENU button
Before using this button,, press VCR.
• After pressing VCP, calls up the
main menu. (»)-P,l 1)
21 TIMER button
Display the Timer Recording menu.
(*>•?. 17)
22 Number buttons
(0,1,2,3,4, 5, 6.7, 8 and
9)
Before using these buttons, press VCR.
• Press to select a channel on the VCR,
To select channels 1 to 9, press 0
then the channel you want. For
example, for channel 4, press 0 then
4.
• Also used to programme the Timer
Recordings. (»)-P.17)
Note:
This remote control and Batteries Ore .
supplied accessories.
Check to make sure they are included^
Also, check ‘^Specifications'* to see what
other accessories are included.
r- CAUTION-
On Battery Replacement
Do not mix old and new batteries.
(Also never mix alkaline batteries
with manganese batteries.)
23 CLEAR button
Erases unwanted timer programmes.
(^^P. 1 8 ),
24 AUDIO/MUTE button
For some Philips TV only:
Turns off the TV sound.
25 INDEX / ► ► buttons
Locates an index marked at the
beginning of every recording. (»>-P.15)
— 5 —

Description of (Sontrols (continued)
Remote Control (ForVR388/55)
Using this remote control to
operate PHILIPS TV
You can use this remote control to
operate some of the PHILIPS TVs.
1 TV button
Makes the remote control ready for
operating the TV.
2 CBL/DBS button
Does not function for this VCR.
3 STILL/SLOW button
Stops the tape during recording (pause)
or playback (still picture) temporarily.
( ► >-P.14, P.16)
Press again to resume normal playback
or recording.
4 MENU button
Before using this button, press VCR.
• After pressing VCR, calls up the
main menu. ( ► J-P.ll)
5 EXIT/STATUS button
Before using this button, press VCR.
• After pressing VCR:
- Displays the time counter, present
time, channel number, and
remaining tape length. (4-P.16)
- Exits from menu operations v/hen
using the menus. (•Vp.l 1)
6 (Rewind) / ^ button
Before using this button, press VCR.
• After pressing VCR:
- Rewinds the tape. Also, during
playback, starts rapid reverse
visual search. ('>P.14)
- Goes back to the previous menu
screen when using the menus.
(^P.ll)
7 TIMER button
Display the Timer Recording menu.
(>>P.I7)
8 REC (record)/OTR • button
• Start recording when pressed once.
(^P.i4)
• Starts a recording for 30 minutes to 5
hours long. When pressed more than
once, the shut-off time increases in
30-minute inter\'als. (»>*P.15)
9 Number buttons
(0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and
9 )
Before using these buttons, press VCR.
• Press to select a channel on the VCR.
To select channels 1 to 9, press 0
then the channel you v/ant. For
example, for channel 4, press 0 then
4.
• Also used to programme the Timer
Recordings. (»)-P.17)
10 SPEED button
Does not function for this VCR.
11 VCR/rV button
Does not function for this VCR.
12 INDEX buttons
Locates an index marked at the
beginning of everj' recording. ( ► )-?. 15)
13 STILL/SLOW+/-button
• +: During a slov/ motion picture,
adjust the playback spied in the
forw'ard direction. 16)
• During a slow motion picture,
adjust the playback speed in the
reverse direction. ( ► fP.16)
14 VCR button
Makes the remote control ready for
operating the VCR.
15 POWER button
Before using this button, press VCR or
TV to select your target component.
• After pressing VCR:
- Turns the VCR on or off.
- Sets the VCR for an unattended
recording (timer recording) after
timer settings are completed.
(>) ■ ?. IS)
For some Philips TV'' only:
• After pressing TV, turns the TV on or
off.
lePLAY^/Abutton
Before using this button, press VCR.
• After pressing VCR:
- Starts normal playback. (4-P.14)
- Moves up the cursor w hen using
the menus. 1)
17 EJECT ^button
Ejects the cassette. ( ► ) ■ ?. 14)
18 ► ► (Fast forward) / ► /OK
button
Before using this button, press VCR.
• After pressing VCR:
“ Fast forward the tape. Also during
playback, starts rapid forward
visual search.
- Selects the items on the menus or
goes to the next menu screen when
using the menus. 11)
19 S. (Skip) SEARCH button
Skips playback for 30 seconds by time
counter reading.
When pressed more llian once up to 4
times, the search time increase in 30-
second intervals up to 2 minutes.
( ► )-P.16)
— 6 —

20 STOP H/T button
• Stops the tape. (*)-P. 14)
• Moves down the cursor when using
the menus. (»)-P.ll)
21 CM (channel) a / t button
Before using this button, press VCR or
TV.
• After pressing VCR, changes the
channels on the VCR. Release at a
desired channel.
For some Philips TV only:
• After pressing TV, changes the
channels on the TV. Release at a
desired channel.
22 VOL (volume) a / t buttons
For some Philips TV only:
Changes the TV volume.
Release at desired volume.
23 CLEAR button
Erases unwanted timer programmes.
(•fP.18)
24 AUDIO/MUTE button
For some Philips TV only:
Turns off the TV sound.
To insert the batteries:
1 Remove the batteiy compartment Kd
fixtm the bottom of the remote
control.
2 Install two batteries —^R6(SUM-
3)/AA — matching polaiity
indicated inside the battery
compartment .
3 Replace the lid.
Note:
This remote control and batteries are
supplied accessories.
Check to make sure they are included.
Also, check Specifications*' to see what
other accessories are included.
p CAUTION-——
On Battery Replacement
Do not mix old and new batteries.
(Also never mix alkaline batteries
with manganese batteries.)
Rear Panel
3
4
ANT. (antenna) IN (input)
terminal (from Antenna)
Connect your antenna or Cable to this
terminal. (»)-P.9)
RF OUT (output) terminal (to
TV)
Use the supplied RF coaxial cable to
connect this terminal on the TV. (^^P.9)
1 AC (alternating current)
power cord
Connect the AC power cord to an AC
outlet.
2 AVI IN/OUT terminal
(SCART)
For connecting to the SCART terminal
(21 “pin SCART connector) on TV or
another VCR. (^P.9.P.19.)
— 7 —

Description of ©ontrols (continued)
Display Window
1 Operation mode indicators
O: Lights up during recording.
>: Lights up during playback.
03: Lights up during a pause.
2 Speed indicator
Indicates the tape speed.
SP - Standard Play
LP “ Long Play
SLP - Super Long Play
(For NTSC tape only).
3 0 (timer) indicator
Lights up when the VCR is set for an
unattended recording (timer recording).
(»>-P.I8)
4 Channel indicator
A channel number selected with the TV
tuner built-in the VCR appears.
When the external line input is selected:
“L-F’ appears for the front panel
connectors or “L-P’ appears for the rear
panel connectors.
5 @ (Cassette-in) indicator
Lights up when there is a cassette in the
VCR.
6 Digital clock/counter
• Normally the present time appears.
• When a tape is inserted, the time
counter appears (and is reset to
0 : 0 0 : 00 ) .
If you always rewind your tapes
completely, you can use this counter
reading as an index to find where a
programme starts.
On-Screen Display
The following information (VCR operating status) appears on the TV screen. (^R16)
Operation mode
Remaining tape length
Tape speed
Current time
Channel no.
Time Counter
Index no.
Note on the displayed information
• The time counter and remaining tape
length will not be correct when playing
back an NTSC tape,
• When you playback a thin tape like an £*-
160 cassette tape or compact video
cassette tape (VHS-Ch the remaining
tape length will flash.
• If the remaining tape length is more than
10 hours, “A " will be shown to indicate
the hour of the actual remaming tape
length. (Ex.
— 8 —

Setting
ONNECTED
VCR to TV Connection
Connection
Diagram
1 Disconnect the antenna or Cable from the TV and the AC power
cord of the TV from the AC outlet.
2 Connect the antenna or Cable to the VCR.
3 Connect the VCR to the TV using the RF coaxial cable.
4 Plug the AC power cords of the VCR and TV into the AC out¬
lets.
Outdoor antenna Indoor antenna
f/ -lOSh-
CAUTION-
Do not plug the AC power cords until all
connections are completed.
ANT. IN
Back of VCR ^
RFOUT
Back of TV
[ □□ a ::
i
RF coaxial cable
(supplied)
To watch a picture from this VCR on the TV, select UHF E36
channel (video channel of this VCR when shipped from the factory).
If you want to change video channel, see ’‘Setting the \^deo Chan¬
nel” (^.PIO).
VCR to AV TV Connection
With this connection, you can get better pictures and sounds when playing back a tape.
To watch a picture from this VCR on the
TV, select the video input on the TV, to which
this VCR is connected.
Back of VCR
ToAV1 IN/OUT terminal
Back of TV
To SCART
terminal
SCART cable
(not supplied)

Setting the Video Channel
This VCR is designed to send picture and sound signal on UHF channel E36 to the TV, through tl^e RF coaxial cable.
If you want to change this video channel (E36) to another channel (between E28 to E60), follow the procedure below
before turning on the VCR for the first time,
1 Keep the VCR turned off and no cassette inserted until you finish the following procedure.
2 Turn on the TV, and tune it to any channel (UHF E28 to E60) you want to use as the video channel on the TV.
• Select a channel not used in your area.
3 Press STOP/EJECT ■ on the front panel for more than 5 seconds.
The following indication appears on the display.
irmr -7r
_ uju I zib
1—— TV system number starts flashing.
4 Press CH A / T on to select an appropriate TV system number for your area.
l:ForB/G.
2:ForD/K.
3: For I
5 Press OK/^.
The channel number starts flashing on the display.
jni / T V
Cuu / db
Channel number starts flashing.
6 P ress CH A / ▼ to select the channel you have tuned on the TV as the video channel in step 2.
A test signal (two vertical white bars) appears on the TV.
Test signal
(two vertical white bars)
7 P ress OK/^ to finish the video channel setting.
Now you will enter the Initial Setup mode explained on page 11.
Jfyou use only external video input (AV^ mode to
watch the picture from this VCR
You can turn off the video chauiu I owput. To turn ojf
the video output channeL press CH until appears
on the channel number position.
To watch a picture from this VCR on the TV, select the same channel you have selected as the video channel (in step 2
above) on the TV.