Philips VR620/58 User manual

Table of contents
AIntroduction 2....................................
Dear Philips customer, 2....................................................................................
Specifications 3.....................................................................................................
Supplied accessories 3........................................................................................
Important notes regarding operation 4..........................................................
Special functions of your new video recorder 5..........................................
BConnecting the video recorder 7.....
Preparing the remote control for operation 7.............................................
Connecting your video recorder to the TV set 7........................................
Connecting with ascart cable 8.......................................................................
Connecting without ascart cable 9.................................................................
Connecting additional devices 10.....................................................................
CInstalling your video recording 11...
Initial installation 11.............................................................................................
Decoder allocation 13........................................................................................
Manual TV channel search 14............................................................................
Using the satellite receiver 15...........................................................................
Sorting TV channels automatically (Follow TV) 16......................................
Automatic TV channel search 18.....................................................................
Monitor function 18............................................................................................
Sorting and clearing TV channels manually 19...............................................
Setting on-screen menu language 20...............................................................
Setting the time and date 21..............................................................................
DImportant notes for operation 22....
Navigation in the screen menu 22...................................................................
ETape List 23........................................
General information 23......................................................................................
Adding acassette to the Tape List 23.............................................................
Editing recording titles 25..................................................................................
Searching for atitle in the Tape List 26..........................................................
Removing atitle from the Tape List 27..........................................................
FPlaybac 28........................................
Playing cassettes 28..............................................................................................
Playing back NTSC cassettes 29.......................................................................
Displaying current tape position 29.................................................................
Searching for atape position with picture (scanning) 30............................
Still picture /slow motion 30............................................................................
Searching for tape position without picture (forward wind and
rewind) 31.............................................................................................................
Instant View 31.....................................................................................................
Automatic search for atape position (index search) 31.............................
Automatic search for ablank space on the tape 32.....................................
GEliminating picture interference 33.
Optimising tracking 33........................................................................................
Optimising still picture 33..................................................................................
HManual recording 34..........................
General information 34......................................................................................
Recording without automatic switch-off 34...................................................
Recording with automatic switch-off (OTR One-Touch-Recording) 35.
Preventing accidental erasing of cassettes 35................................................
Lining up recordings (assemble cut) 36...........................................................
Selecting the recording speed (SP or LP) 36.................................................
Automatic controlled recording from asatellite receiver (RECORD
LINK) 37................................................................................................................
'Direct Record' 38...............................................................................................
Switching 'Direct Record' on or off 39...........................................................
IProgramming a recording
(TIMER) 40..............................................
General information 40......................................................................................
Programming arecording (with 'ShowView') 40..........................................
Problems and solutions for programmed recordings 42............................
Programming arecording (without ShowView) 43......................................
Problem solving for programmed recordings 45..........................................
Programming arecording with 'TURBO TIMER' 46....................................
Problems and solutions for programmed recordings 47............................
How to check, change or delete aprogrammed recording (TIMER) 48.
JOther functions 49............................
Changing the video (colour) system 49..........................................................
Child lock 50.........................................................................................................
Switching the on-screen display (OSD) off or on 50...................................
Switch off the clock display 51..........................................................................
Switching the remote control command 52..................................................
Continuous playback 53.....................................................................................
Automatic switch-off 54.....................................................................................
Using your video recorder remote control with your TV set 55............
Selecting the sound channel 56.........................................................................
KSuppressing interference 57.............
Optimising the modulator 57............................................................................
Switching the modulator on /off 58................................................................
LBefore you call an engineer 59.........
HOTLINE telephone numbers 59....................................................................
Table of contents

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

Additional TV functions
qS TV volume: TV volume up
Sr TV volume: TV volume down
TV yTV sound off: To switch the sound on or off
TV mStandby: To switch off the TV
qTV TV programme number: To select next programme number
TV rTV programme number : To select previous programme number
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
GPlaybac : To play a cassette
IForward wind: During STOP and STANDBY: forward wind, during
PLAYBACK: forward scanning
Behind the flap at the lefthand corner on
the front
White and red
soc et
L AUDIO R Audio input soc et left/right : To connect a camera recorder or
video recorder (programme number 'E3')
Yellow soc et
VIDEO Video input soc et: To connect a camera recorder or video recorder
(programme number 'E3')

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.
LP When you have switched on the LP (Long Play) function or when you
play a tape that has been recorded in LP (Long Play).
When you have switched on the child lock.
When a satellite recording has been programmed.
DEC When a decoder has been allocated to the TV channel (currently
selected programme number on the video recorder) you have currently
selected on the video recorder.
When you play a cassette that has been recorded with hifi sound, or
when a hifi sound is transmitted.
When you are making a recording.
kWhen you have programmed a recording or when a programmed
recording is being made.
DWhen you are programming daily recordings.
WWhen you are programming weekly recordings.
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.
VPS/PDC Video Programming System / Programme Delivery Control: when a VPS
or PDC code is being transmitted.
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 VR620/58 .
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 : 16W
Energy consumption (Standby): less than 4W (clock display switched off)
Rewind time: approx. 100 seconds (cassette E-180)
Dimensions in cm (B/H/T): 38.0/9.3/26.0
Number of video heads :4
Number of video heads (HIFI):2
Recording/playbac time:4 hours (SP) (cassette E-240)
8 hours (LP) (cassette E-240)
Supplied accessories
Operating instructions
Remote control and batteries
Antenna cable
Power cable
ENGLISH
Introduction

4
Important notes regarding operation
Danger: High voltage!
Do not remove the top cover as there is a ris of an electrical shoc !
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.
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.
Introduction

5
Special functions of your new video
recorder
Your PHILIPS video recorder is not just for recording and playing back VHS cassettes. It also has
a whole range of special functions which will make the day-to-day use of your new video
recorder much easier.
Philips has developed a system which produces the best possible playback quality. For old and
often-used video cassettes, this system reduces interference. For new or high quality cassettes, it
emphasises the details.
When you connect your video recorder to your television and plug it into the wall socket, you will
be welcomed with a screen menu. All you have to do is follow the instructions in the 'intelligent
help line' for the next step. Enjoy the automatic TV channel search/save function and the automatic
time setting.
You can operate the main functions on your television using your video recorder remote
control, even if your television is not a Philips.
This function automatically transfers all the television channel settings onto your video recorder.
Recordings made on your video recorder can be controlled by an external satellite receiver.
Your video recorder can ascertain which channel is currently playing on your television and record
from it at the touch of a button.
The precision tape drive from Philips provides short rewind times and automatic tape length
recognition.
ENGLISH
Introduction

6
Simple programming system for video recorders. Makes programming as easy as making a
telephone call. Simply enter the number code associated with your television programme. This
number is located in your favourite television listings magazine.
ShowView is a registered trademark of Gemstar Development Corporation. The ShowView system
is manufactured under licence from Gemstar Development Corporation.
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. VR620/58
PROD. NO. ..................
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 TV at 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 reserved for the video recorder
operation (see your TV's operating instructions).
My TV set has several scart soc ets. 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 soc et.
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.
6If the connection was properly made and your TV was automatically
switched to the programme number for the scart socket, e.g. 'EXT',
'0', 'AV', you will see the following picture:
Connecting the video recorder

9
CONGRATULATIONS
YOU NOW OWN A NEW
PHILIPS
VIDEO RECORDER
CONTINUEpOK
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 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 TV at 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.
5Switch 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
6Select 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.
CONGRATULATIONS
YOU NOW OWN A NEW
PHILIPS
VIDEO RECORDER
CONTINUEpOK
aI do not see a 'test screen'
bCheck the cable connections.
bThe video recorder 'transmits' on the 591MHz frequency (channel 36)
Repeat the channel search on your TV set.
7Save 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 decoders, satellite receivers, camcorders, etc. to the
socket EXT.2 AV. 2 .
Two audio sockets AUDIO OUT L R are located on the back of the video recorder (audio
signal output left/right). These can be used to connect stereo systems.
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.
1Confirm the image on the TV screen by pressing the OK button on
the remote control.
2Select the desired language for the on-screen menu by pressing
Pr= or ;qP.
What is an onscreen menu?
The multi-language on-screen menu takes the mystery out of using your new
video recorder. All settings and/or functions are displayed on your TV screen
in the corresponding language.
3Confirm with OK .
The automatic TV channel search starts. This picture will appear on
the screen:
AUTO TUNING
SEARCHING
00 TV CHANNELS FOUND
ƒƒƒƒƒƒƒ__________________
PLEASE WAIT...
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.
ENGLISH
Installing your video recording

12
4When the automatic TV channel search is complete, 'STORED' will
briefly appear on the TV screen.
'YEAR', 'MONTH', 'DATE', 'TIME' will appear on the TV screen.
CLOCK
YEAR è 2001 p
MONTH 01
DATE 01
TIME 20:00
SMART CLOCK ON
________________________________
EXITpMENU STOREpOK
5Check the year in line 'YEAR'. If required, please change the year with
the number buttons 0..9 on the remote control.
6Select the next line with ;qPor Pr= .
7Check if the displayed settings for 'MONTH', 'DATE' and 'TIME' are
correct.
8When all information is correct, save by pressing OK .'STORED' 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'.
Decoder
If you are connecting a decoder, you must install it as described in the next
section.
aSound disruptions can occur on several TV channels
bIf sound disruptions should occur for several saved TV channels or there is
no sound at all, it is possible that the incorrect TV system was saved for
this TV channel. In the chapter 'Manual TV channel search' you will find the
information on how to change the TV system.
Installing your video recording

13
Decoder allocation
Some TV channels transmit encoded TV signals which can only be viewed with a commercially
purchased or hired decoder without disturbances. You can connect such a decoder
(descrambler) to this video recorder. The following function will automatically activate the
connected decoder for the desired TV channel.
1Switch the TV on. If applicable, select the programme number for the
video recorder operation.
2Use the buttons ;qP,Pr= on the video recorder or the number
buttons 0..9 on the remote control to select the TV channel which
you would like to allocate the decoder to.
3Press the button MENU on the remote control. The main menu will
appear.
4Use the buttons ;qPor Pr= to select the line 'MANUAL
SEARCH' and confirm with OK .
MANUAL SEARCH
PROGRAMME NUM ER è P01 p
S-CHANNEL NO
CHANNEL NUM ER 21
DECODER OFF
NICAM ON
TV SYSTEM AUTO
________________________________
EXITpMENU STOREpOK
5Use the buttons Pr= or ;qPto select the line 'DECODER'.
6Use the buttons Qor Pto select 'ON' (Decoder switched on).
How can I switch off the decoder?
Use the button Pon the screen to select 'OFF' (Decoder switched off).
7Confirm with OK .
8End with the button MENU .
BBC1 The decoder has now been allocated to this TV channel.
If this TV channel is chosen, the symbol 'DEC' will appear in the video recorder display.
ENGLISH
Installing your video recording

14
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.
The main menu will appear.
3Select line 'MANUAL SEARCH' using Pr= or ;qPand confirm with
OK .
MANUAL SEARCH
PROGRAMME NUM ER è P01 p
S-CHANNEL NO
CHANNEL NUM ER 21
DECODER OFF
NICAM ON
TV SYSTEM AUTO
________________________________
EXITpMENU STOREpOK
4Select line 'PROGRAMME NUM ER' using Pr= or ;qP.
5Using Qor P, select the desired programme number that you
want to use for the TV channel, e.g. 'P01'.
6In line 'S-CHANNEL', select the desired display using P.
What is hidden behind the settings?
'NO': Display/Entry of channels
'YES': Display/Entry of special channels
What is a special channel?
TV channels are transmitted in certain pre-defined frequency ranges. These
ranges are divided into channels. A specific frequency/channel is assigned to
each TV station. Certain frequency ranges are specified as special channels
(hyperband channels).
7In line 'CHANNEL NUM ER', enter the channel of the desired TV
station using the number buttons 0..9 .
Installing your video recording

15
aI don't now the channels for my TV stations
bIn this case, press Pin line 'CHANNEL NUM ER' to start the automatic
channel search. A changing channel number will appear on the TV screen.
Continue the automatic search until you have found the desired TV
channel.
What is NICAM?
NICAM is a digital sound transmission system. Using NICAM, you can
transmit either 1 stereo channel or 2 separate mono channels. However, if
you experience poor reception resulting in sound disruptions, you can turn off
NICAM.
In line 'NICAM', select 'OFF' using Qor P.
How can I change the TV transmission system of the TV channel?
In line 'TV SYSTEM', select the corresponding TV system using Qor
Puntil the picture/sound disruptions are minimised.
8Save the TV channel with OK .'STORED' will briefly appear on the
TV screen.
9To search for other TV channels, begin again at step 3.
0To end, press MENU .
Using the satellite receiver
TV channels from a satellite receiver (connected to the scart socket EXT.2 AV. 2 ) are
received on the video recorder on programme number 'E2'.
To do this, select programme number 'E1' with 0on the remote control and then select
programme number 'E2' with Pr= .
You should select the TV channels to be received by the satellite receiver directly on the
receiver itself.
ENGLISH
Installing your video recording

16
Sorting TV channels automatically
(Follow TV)
When the automatic channel search function is activated, the TV channels are saved in a specific
order. This may vary from the order of TV channels on the TV set.
This function changes the order of TV channels saved in the video recorder to match that of the
TV set.
This only works if the video recorder (socket EXT.1 AV. 1 ) and the TV set are connected
with a scart cable.
1Switch on the TV set. If required, select the programme number for
the video recorder.
2Press the MENU button on the remote control. The main menu will
appear.
MENU
CLOCK
AUTO TUNING
MANUAL SEARCH
FOLLOW TV
TV CHANNEL ALLOC.
RECORD SPEED
AUTO STAND Y
VIDEOSYSTEM
LANGUAGE
SPECIAL SETTINGS
________________________________
…EXITpMENU OK
†HOTLINEpCL
3Select line 'FOLLOW TV' using Pr= or ;qPand confirm with
OK .
4Press the OK button. 'TV01' will appear in the video recorder display.
TV01
5Select programme number '1' on the TV set.
aI cannot switch my TV set to programme number '1'
bIf you have connected additional devices to socket EXT.2 AV. 2 , please
disconnect these devices. Because of other connected devices, the TV set
could switch to the programme number of the scart socket.
6Confirm with OK on the video recorder remote control. The video
recorder compares the TV channels on the TV set and the video
recorder.
If the video recorder finds the same TV channel as on the TV set,
then it stores it at 'P01'.
Installing your video recording