Philips VR888/55 User manual

— 2 —
T ABLE OF C 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 ......................................................................................... 3
Front Panel .................................................................................................. 3
Remote Control (For VR888/55) ................................................................ 4
Remote Control (For VR788/55) ................................................................ 6
Rear Panel ................................................................................................... 8
Display Window.......................................................................................... 9
On-Screen Display ...................................................................................... 9
Getting Connected Up ......................................................................................... 10
VCR to TV Connection (For VR888/55).................................................. 10
VCR to AV TV Connection (For VR888/55)............................................ 10
VCR to TV Connection (For VR788/55)...................................................11
VCR to AV TV Connection USING SCART CABLE (For VR788/55)....11
Setting Up ............................................................................................................. 12
Setting the Video Channel ........................................................................ 12
Menu Operations....................................................................................... 13
Initial Setup ............................................................................................... 13
Manual Channel Setting............................................................................ 15
Selecting Colour Mode ............................................................................. 15
Basic Operations .................................................................................................. 16
Playback .................................................................................................... 16
Recording .................................................................................................. 16
One Touch Recording (OTR).................................................................... 17
Index Search ............................................................................................. 17
Automatic Operations ............................................................................... 17
Advanced Operations .......................................................................................... 18
Selecting Monitor Sound .......................................................................... 18
Using On-Screen Display ......................................................................... 18
Picture Control .......................................................................................... 18
Special Effect Playbacks........................................................................... 18
Tracking Adjustments ............................................................................... 19
SHOWVIEW Set up (For VR888/55) ...................................................... 19
Timer Recording Using SHOWVIEW (For VR888/55 Only).................. 20
Timer Recording ....................................................................................... 20
Tape Duplication (For VR888/55) ............................................................ 22
Tape Duplication (For VR788/55) ............................................................ 23
Operating Other Manufacturers’TV (For VR888/55 Only)........................... 24
Before Requesting Service .................................................................................. 25
Specifications........................................................................................................ 26
WARNING
Any unauthorized changes or
modifications to this equipment void
the user’s authority to operate it.
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing your
newVCR.
You can’t wait to get it working, 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, your TV 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.
PAL NTSC
IMPORTANT
Audio-Visual material 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
country.
/ G- CODE
With this VCR, the G-Code system is
identified as “ShowView”.
ShowView is a registered trademark of
Gemstar Development Corporation.
The ShowView system is manufactured
under license from Gemstar
Development Corporation.
G-Code is a registered trademark of
Gemstar Development Corporation.
The G-Code system is manufactured
under license from Gemstar
Development Corporation.
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:49 PM2

— 3 —
D ESCRIPTION OF C ONTROLS
Front Panel
1 POWER button
• Turns the VCR on or off.
• Sets the VCR for an unattended
recording (timer recording) after
timer settings are completed. (✈P.20,
P.21)
2 STILL/PAUSE 8button
Stops the tape during recording (pause)
or playback (still picture). (✈P.16, P.19)
Press again to resume normal recording.
Press PLAY 3to 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.
43/OK button
Changes the selection when using the
menus. (✈P.13)
5 REC (record)/OTR ¶button
• Starts recording when pressed once.
(✈P.16)
• Starts a recording for 30 minutes to 9
hours long when pressed for more
than once. The shut-off time
increases in 30 minute intervals.
(✈P.17)
VR888/55 6 STOP/EJECT 7/ 0button
Stops the tape when the tape is running.
(✈P.16)
Press again to eject the cassette when
the tape is not running. (✈P.16)
7 PLAY 3button
Starts normal playback. (✈P.16)
8 AUDIO/VIDEO input jacks
For connecting another VCR or a
portable video camera. (✈P.22, P.23)
9 COLOUR MODE button
Selects the colour mode both for
playback and recording. (✈P.15)
10 Display window
See page 9.
11 IR (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. (✈P.13)
13 CHANNEL ∞/5buttons
• Changes the channels on the VCR.
Release at a desired channel.
• Moves the cursor up and down when
using the menus. (✈P.13)
• Adjusts the tracking during playback,
still picture, and slow motion picture.
(✈P.19)
14 REW (Rewind) 1button
ONLY FOR VR788/55:
• Rewinds the tape when the tape is
not running. (✈P.16)
• Starts reverse rapid visual search
during playback. (✈P.16)
15 FF (Fast forward) ¡button
ONLY FOR VR788/55:
• Fast forwards the tape when the tape
is not running. (✈P.16)
• Starts forward rapid visual search
during playback. (✈P.16)
16 Shuttle Ring
ONLY FOR VR888/55:
• Rewinds or fast forwards the tape
when the tape is not running. (✈P.16)
• Starts reverse or forward rapid visual
search during playback or still
picture mode. (✈P.16)
VR788/55
23645
10 14
9
8
1
151311 12
7
POWER
COLOUR
MODE
CHANNELMENU/EXIT
/OK REC/OTR
REW FF
STOP/EJECT
PLAY
STILL/PAUSE
VIDEO AUDIOLR
VCR
SP SLP
NORM
-15dB
6
0
4
+8
12
PAL NTSC
POWER
VIDEO AUDIO COLOUR
MODE
LR
CHANNELMENU/EXIT
/OK REC/OTR
REW FF
STOP/EJECT
PLAY
STILL/PAUSE
VCR
SP SLP
NORM
-15dB
6
0
4
+8
12 3 645 7
10 12 13 16
9
811
12
PAL NTSC
/ G - CODE
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:49 PM3

— 4 —
D ESCRIPTION OF C ONTROLS (CONTINUED)
8 STOP 7/ ∞∞
∞∞
∞button
• Stops the tape. (✈P.16)
• Moves down the cursor when using
the menus. (✈P.13)
9 VOL (volume) 55
55
5/ ∞∞
∞∞
∞buttons
Changes the TV volume.
Release at desired volume.
10 EXIT/STATUS button
Before using this button, press VCR or
TV to select your target component.
• After pressing VCR:
– Displays the time counter, present
time, channel number, and
remaining tape length. (✈P.18)
– Exits from menu operations when
using the menus. (✈P.13)
• After pressing TV:
For some PHILIPS TVs:
– Displays the TV’s on-screen
information.
– Exits from TV’s menu operations
when using the TV’s menus.
For other manufacturers’TVs:
Functions as the ENTER button if
your TV requires pressing ENTER
after selecting a channel number.
11 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 intervals up to 2 minutes.
(✈P.18)
12 JOG/SHTL (Shuttle) button
and lamp
Activates the jog dial and shuttle ring
on the remote control when the lamp
(the button itself) is lit. (✈P.19)
13 Shuttle ring
Starts reverse or forward rapid visual
search during playback or still picture
mode. (✈P.16, P.19)
14 TV button
Makes the remote control ready for
operating the TV.
15 VCR button
Makes the remote control ready for
operating the VCR.
Using this remote control to
operate TV
You can use this remote control to
operate PHILIPS TV and other
manufacturers’TV, see page 24.
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.
(✈P.20, P.21)
• After pressing TV, turns the TV on or
off.
3 VCR/TV button
Does not function for this model.
4 SPEED button
Selects the tape speed for recording SP,
LP or SLP. During playback, the tape
speed is automatically selected (SP, LP
or SLP). (✈P.16, P.20, P.21,P.22)
SP, LP : For PAL signal
SP, SLP : For NTSC signal
5 STILL/SLOW – button
During a slow motion picture, adjust the
playback speed in the reverse direction.
(✈P.19)
6 PLAY 3/ 5button
Before using this button, press VCR or
TV to select your target component.
• After pressing VCR:
– Starts normal playback. (✈P.16)
– Moves up the cursor when using
the menus. (✈P.13)
•For some PHILIPS TVs:
After pressing TV, operates the TV’s
menus.
71(Rewind) / 2button
Before using this button, press VCR or
TV to select your target component.
• After pressing VCR:
– Rewinds the tape. Also, during
playback, starts rapid reverse
visual search. (✈P.16)
– Goes back to the previous menu
screen when using the menus.
(✈P.13)
•For some PHILIPS TVs:
After pressing TV, operates the TV’s
menus.
Remote Control (For VR888/55 ONLY)
VCRTV
VCR/TV
QUICK PROGRAMMING
POWER
STILL/SLOW
EJECT
CHVOL
EXIT/STATUS
TIMER
JOG/SHTL
SKIP INDEX AUDIO/MUTE
MENU
- +
CBL / DBS
123
456
789
START STOP DATE
DBS DAILY
PLAY
REW FF
OK
STOP
WEEKLY
REV
/OTR
REC
FWD
-
+
-
+
SPEED
0
CLEAR
3
1
2
4
12
13
15
14
16
17
19
10
11
9
8
20
22
23
24
25
27
28
26
21
18
5
7
6
SEARCH
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:49 PM4

— 5 —
To insert the batteries:
1Remove the battery compartment lid
from the bottom of the remote
control.
2Install two AA batteries —
R6(SUM-3)/AA — matching
polarity indicated inside the battery
compartment.
3Replace the lid.
16 EJECT 0button
Ejects the cassette. (✈P.16)
17 Number buttons
(0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and
9)
Before using these buttons, press VCR
or TV to select your target component.
• Press to select a channel on the VCR
or TV.
To select channels 1 to 9, press 0
then the channel you want. For
example, for channel 4, press 0then
4.
• Also used to programme the Timer
Recordings. (✈P.20, P.21)
18 CLEAR button
Erases unwanted timer programmes.
(✈P.20, P.21)
19 STILL/SLOW button
Stops the tape during recording (pause)
or playback (still picture) temporarily.
(✈P.16, P.19)
Press again to resume normal recording.
Press PLAY 3to resume normal
playback.
Activates slow motion picture when
pressed for more than 2 seconds during
playback.
20 STILL/SLOW + button
During a slow motion picture, adjust the
playback speed in the forward direction.
(✈P.19)
21 ¡(Fast forward) / 3/OK
button
Before using this button, press VCR or
TV to select your target component.
• After pressing VCR:
– Fast forward the tape. Also during
playback, starts rapid forward
visual search. (✈P.16)
– Selects the items on the menus or
goes to the next menu screen when
using the menus. (✈P.13)
•For some PHILIPS TVs:
After pressing TV, operates the TV’s
menus.
22 MENU button
Before using this button, press VCR or
TV to select your target component.
• After pressing VCR, calls up the
main menu. (✈P.13)
•For some PHILIPS TVs:
After pressing TV, calls up the TV’s
main menu.
23 CH (channel) 5/ ∞button
Before using this button, press VCR or
TV.
• After pressing VCR, changes the
channels on the VCR. Release at a
desired channel.
• After pressing TV, changes the
channels on the TV. Release at a
desired channel.
24 TIMER button
Display the Timer Recording menu.
(✈P.20, P.21)
25 AUDIO/MUTE button
Selects sound output mode. (✈P.18)
Turns off the TV sound.
26 INDEX 4/ ¢buttons
Locates an index marked at the
beginning of every recording. (✈P.17)
27 REC (record)/OTR button
• Start recording when pressed once.
(✈P.16)
• Starts a recording for 30 minutes to 9
hours long. When pressed more than
once, the shut-off time increases in
30-minute intervals. (✈P.17)
CAUTION
On Battery Replacement
Do not mix old and new batteries.
(Also never mix alkaline batteries
with manganese batteries.)
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.
Note:
The following buttons will light for 10
seconds when you press one of them.
• PLAY
3
•STOP 7
• ¡ (Fast forward)
•
1 (Rewind)
• VOL (ume) 5/
∞
• CH (annel) 5/ ∞
28 Jog dial
Advances or reverses the picture frame
by frame in the still picture mode.
(✈P.19)
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:49 PM5

— 6 —
Remote Control (For VR788/55)
VCR
TV
VCR/TV POWER EJECT
CHVOL SKIP SEARCH
STILL/SLOW
EXIT/STATUS
START
DAILYDBS
SPEED CLEAR
123
456
78
0
9
WEEKLY
STOP DATE
INDEX/OTR
TIMER
SLOW/
FORWARD
SLOW/BACK
MENU
- +
/OK
PLAY
STOP
CBL / DBS
QUICK PROGRAMMING
-
+
-
+
REC
AUDIO/MUTE
3
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
13
12
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
24
23
25
Using this remote control to
operate other components
You can use this remote control to
operate most of the PHILIPS TVs.
D ESCRIPTION OF C ONTROLS (CONTINUED)
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. (✈P.18)
– Exits from menu operations when
using the menus. (✈P.13)
10 SPEED button
Selects the tape speed for recording SP,
LP, or SLP. During playback, the tape
speed is automatically selected (SP, LP
or SLP). (✈P.16, P.20, P.21)
SP, LP : For PAL signal
SP, SLP : For NTSC signal
11 REC (record)/OTR button
• Start recording when pressed once.
(✈P.16)
• Starts a recording for 30 minutes to 9
hours long. When pressed more than
once, the shut-off time increases in
30-minute intervals. (✈P.17)
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 0button
Ejects the cassette. (✈P.16)
15 CH (channel) 5/ ∞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.
16 PLAY 3/ 5button
Before using this button, press VCR.
• After pressing VCR:
– Starts normal playback. (✈P.16)
– Moves up the cursor when using
the menus. (✈P.13)
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.
(✈P.20, P.21)
(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 intervals up to 2 minutes.
(✈P.18)
5 VOL (volume) 55
55
5/ ∞∞
∞∞
∞buttons
For some Philips TV only:
Changes the TV volume.
Release at desired volume.
6 STILL/SLOW button
Stops the tape during recording (pause)
or playback (still picture) temporarily.
(✈P.16, P.18)
Press again to resume normal recording.
Press PLAY 3to resume normal
playback.
Activates slow motion picture when
pressed for more than 2 seconds during
playback.
71(Rewind) / 2button
Before using this button, press VCR.
• After pressing VCR:
– Rewinds the tape. Also, during
playback, starts rapid reverse
visual search. (✈P.16)
– Goes back to the previous menu
screen when using the menus.
(✈P.13)
8 SLOW/BACK – button
During a slow motion picture, adjust the
playback speed in the reverse direction.
(✈P.19)
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:49 PM6

— 7 —
17 ¡(Fast forward) / 3/OK
button
Before using this button, press VCR.
• After pressing VCR:
– Fast forward the tape. Also during
playback, starts rapid forward
visual search. (✈P.16)
– Selects the items on the menus or
goes to the next menu screen when
using the menus. (✈P.13)
18 STOP 7/ ∞∞
∞∞
∞button
• Stops the tape. (✈P.16)
• Moves down the cursor when using
the menus. (✈P.13)
19 SLOW/FORWARD + button
During a slow motion picture, adjust the
playback speed in the forward direction.
(✈P.19)
20 MENU button
Before using this button, press VCR.
• After pressing VCR, calls up the
main menu. (✈P.13)
21 TIMER button
Display the Timer Recording menu.
(✈P.20, P.21)
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 0then
4.
• Also used to programme the Timer
Recordings. (✈P.20, P.21)
23 CLEAR button
Erases unwanted timer programmes.
(✈P.20, P.21)
24 AUDIO/MUTE button
For some Philips TV only:
Turns off the TV sound.
25 INDEX 4/ ¢buttons
Locates an index marked at the
beginning of every recording. (✈P.17)
To insert the batteries:
1Remove the battery compartment lid
from the bottom of the remote
control.
2Install two AA batteries —
R6(SUM-3)/AA — matching
polarity indicated inside the battery
compartment.
3Replace 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.
CAUTION
On Battery Replacement
Do not mix old and new batteries.
(Also never mix alkaline batteries
with manganese batteries.)
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:49 PM7

— 8 —
D ESCRIPTION OF C ONTROLS (CONTINUED)
1 AC (alternating current)
power cord
Connect the AC power cord to an AC
outlet.
2 AUDIO IN (input) jack
For connecting to the audio output jack
on another VCR or a portable video
camera. (✈P.22)
Rear Panel (For VR888/55 only)
5 VIDEO IN (input) jack
For connecting to the video output jack
on another VCR or a portable video
camera. (✈P.22)
6 VIDEO OUT (output) jack
For connecting to the video input jack
on a TV or another VCR. (✈P.10)
7 RF OUT (output) terminal (to
TV)
Use the supplied RF coaxial cable to
connect this terminal to the UHF/VHF
input terminal on the TV. (✈P.10)
3 AUDIO OUT (output) jack
For connecting to the audio input jack
on a TV or another VCR. (✈P.10)
4 ANT. (antenna) IN (input)
terminal (from Antenna)
Connect your antenna or Cable to this
terminal. (✈P.10)
Rear Panel (For VR788/55 only)
3 ANT. (antenna) IN (input)
terminal (from Antenna)
Connect your antenna or Cable to this
terminal. (✈P.11)
4 RF OUT (output) terminal (to
TV)
Use the supplied RF coaxial cable to
connect this terminal to the UHF/VHF
input terminal on the TV. (✈P.11)
2 AV1 IN/OUT terminal
(SCART)
For connecting to the AV terminal on
TV or another VCR. (✈P.11, P.23)
1 AC (alternating current)
power cord
Connect the AC power cord to an AC
outlet.
OUT
ANT. IN
RF OUT
AV1. IN /OUT
123
4
14
7
56
23
ANT. IN
VIDEO
L
R
AUDIO
(MONO)
IN OUT
RF OUT
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:49 PM8

— 9 —
Rear PanelDisplay Window
3(timer) indicator
Lights up when the VCR is set for an
unattended recording (timer recording).
(✈P.20, P.21)
4 Speed indicator
Indicates the tape speed.
SP – Standard Play
LP – Long Play
SLP – Super Long Play.
(For NTSC signal only)
1 Sound level indicator
Indicates the audio signal level.
2 Operation mode indicators
‡‡
‡‡
‡: Lights up during recording.
##
##
#: Lights up during playback.
**
**
*: Lights up during a pause.
5 Audio mode indicator
Indicates audio output mode currently
selected.
NORM (normal):
Lights up when the monaural sound
of the normal audio track is played
back. (✈P.18)
:
Lights up when a stereo programme
is played back.
6(Cassette-in) indicator
Lights up when there is a cassette in the
VCR.
7 Digital clock/counter/
Channel indicator
• Normally the present time appears.
• When a tape is inserted, the time
counter appears (and is reset to
0:00:00).
If you always rewind your tapes
completely, you can use this counter
reading as an index to find where a
programme starts.
• 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-1” appears for the
rear panel connectors.
On-Screen Display
The following information (VCR operating status) appears on the TV screen. (✈P.18)
Current time
Operation mode
Receiving broadcast
Sound output mode
Colour mode
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 E-
160 cassette tape or compact video
cassette tape (VHS-C), the remaining
tape length will flash.
• Even if “ON SCREEN MODE” is set to
“OFF” Receiving broadcast and Index
no. displays will still appear.
Remaining tape length
Tape speed Indexno.
Time Counter
Channel no.
VCR
SP SLP
NORM
-15dB
6
0
4
+8
4
1
32
56 7
STOP 15:00
STEREO CH 12
AUTO HIFI
REMAIN 10:59 INDEX -1
SP 0:00:00
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:49 PM9

— 10 —
G ETTING C ONNECTED U P
VCR to TV Connection (For VR888/55 only)
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 theAC power cords of the VCR and TV into the AC out-
lets.
Outdoor antenna Indoor antenna
Back of VCR
RF coaxial cable
(supplied)
Back of TV
ANT. IN
RF OUT
CAUTION
Do not plug the AC power cords until all
connections are completed.
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 Video Chan-
nel” .(✈P.12)
VCR to AV TV Connection
With this connection, you can get better pictures and HiFi 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
Cable
To video and audio
input jacks
VHF
UHF
ANT. IN
VIDEO
L
R
AUDIO
(MONO)
IN OUT
RF OUT
ANT. IN
VIDEO
L
R
AUDIO
(MONO)
IN OUT
RF OUT
Back of TV
To VIDEO/AUDIO
OUT jacks
Video cable
Audio cable
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:49 PM10

— 11 —
VCR to TV Connection (For VR788/55 only)
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 theAC power cords of the VCR and TV into theAC out-
lets.
CAUTION
Do not plug the AC power cords until all
connections are completed.
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 Video Chan-
nel” .(✈P.12)
VCR to TV Connection Using the SCART Cable
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 correct video input on the TV,
to which this VCR is connected.
Use the appropriate SCART cable depending
on the TV’s AV terminal.
Outdoor antenna Indoor antenna
Back of VCR
RF coaxial cable
(supplied)
Back of TV
RF OUT
VHF
UHF
OUT
ANT. IN
RF OUT
AV1. IN /OUT
Cable
ANT. IN
Back of TV
Back of VCR
To AV1 IN/OUT terminal
OUT
ANT. IN
RF OUT
AV1. IN / OUT
To AV
terminal
OUT
IN: (Not used)
SCART cable
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:50 PM11

— 12 —
S ETTING U P
Setting the Video Channel
This VCR is designed to send picture and sound signal on UHF channel E36 to the TV, through the 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.
1Make sure the VCR is turned off and no cassette inserted.
2Turn 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.
3Press STOP/EJECT 7/0on the front panel for more than 5 seconds.
The following indication appears on the display.
4Press CH 5/ ∞to select an appropriate TV system number for your area.
1. For B/G. (For West Europe,ASEAN countries, New Zealand)
2. For D/K. (For China, Russia, East Europe)
3. For I. (For Hong Kong, South Africa, United Kingdom)
FOR VR888/55 ONLY
4. For M (For USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Latin America countries, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines)
5Press OK/3.
The channel number starts flashing on the display.
6Press CH 5/ ∞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.
7Press OK/3to finish the video channel setting.
Now you will enter the Initial Setup mode explained on page 13.
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.
TV system number starts flashing.
Test signal
(two vertical white bars)
Channel number starts flashing.
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:50 PM12

— 13 —
Menu Operations
Before operating the VCR, be
familiar with the menu operations
first because most of the features
built into the VCR can be available
only on the menus.
1Press VCR on the remote control.
• When using the buttons on front
panel, skip this step.
2Press MENU
(or MENU/
EXIT on the
front panel) to
display the
main menu screen.
3Press 5or ∞(or CHANNEL 5/
∞on the front panel) to select a
desired feature on the menu, then
press OK/3.
4When you select a feature, go to
the section in this manual and
follow the instructions described
there.
To go back to the previous menu
screen, press 2.
To exit from the menu operations,
press EXIT/STATUS (or MENU/
EXIT on the front panel again).
Note:
Menu operating buttons function only
when a menu is on the TV screen. When
no menus is on the TV screen, they
function differently.
Operations hereafter are described
using the buttons on the remote
control unless mentioned otherwise.
The buttons on the front panel having
the same (or nearly same) name or
same (or nearly same) mark function
exactly the same as those on the remote
control.
SELECT CHOOSE /OK
VCR SET UP
TUNER SET UP
INITIAL SET UP
TO END PUSH EXIT
4Press 5or ∞to
set the year, then
press OK/3.
• Each time you
press 5or ∞, the
set year changes by 1-year intervals. If
you hold the button, the set year
changes rapidly.
5Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from
the menu operations.
The following message appears on
the TV screen.
3Select TV System
1Press OK/3.
The TV system
selecting menu
appears on the TV.
2Press 5or ∞to
select the appropriate TV system of
your residential area.
B/G:For West Europe, ASEAN
countries, Australia, New
Zealand.
D/K:For China, Russia, East Europe.
I: For Hong Kong, South Africa,
United Kingdom.
FOR VR888/55 ONLY:
M: For USA, Canada, Mexico,
Japan, Latin America countries,
Korea, Taiwan, Philippines.
4Start Auto Programming
Press OK/3.
Auto programming starts, and the
following message appears on the TV.
The local channels receivable in your
area are automatically programmed in
the VCR tuner.
• If “NO TV SIGNALS” appears on the TV
screen, the TV or an antenna is not
connected correctly. Check the connec-
tion and press OK/3again.
IMPORTANT
The setup and adjustment proce-
dures explained hereafter are written
under the following conditions:
• You have turned on the TV and
selected the video channel (or
external video input).
• You have turned on the VCR.
Initial Setup
For the first time you turn on the VCR
or finish video channel setting, the
VCR automatically enters the Initial
Setup mode unless you have set it.
This mode asks you to set the follow-
ing items:
• Selecting the language.
• Setting the clock.
• Selecting the TV system.
• Setting the channels.
Make sure....
• Your VCR, TV, and antenna are
connected correctly.
• The remote control operation mode
is set correctly for operating your
target component.
– Press VCR to operate the VCR.
– Press TV to operate the TV.
1Select the Language
1Press POWER
if necessary.
2Press 5or ∞to
select either
“ENGLISH,”
“” (Chinese),
or “ ” (Russian) whichever
you want to use on the TV screen.
2Set Clock
1Press OK/3.
The clock setting
menu appears.
2Press 5or ∞to
set the time, then
press OK/3.
• Each time you press 5or ∞, the set
time changes by 1-minute intervals. If
you hold the button, the set time
changes by 30-minute intervals.
3Press 5or ∞to set the month and
day, then press OK/3.
• Each time you press 5or ∞, the set
date changes by 1-day intervals. If you
hold the button, the set date changes by
15-day intervals.
To be continued on the next page
CONNECT ANTENNA OR CABLE
TO VCR
THEN PUSH /OK KEY
OR...
FOR PLAY ONLY–PUSH STOP
AUTO CH.SET PROCEEDING
PLEASE WAIT
START FINISH
TIME 15 : 25
DATE 21/06/98
TO SET PUSH THEN /OK
TO END PUSH EXIT
SELECT CHOOSE /OK
SYS COUNTRY
B/G W.EUR. ASEAN AUST.
NZ
D/K CHINA RUS. E.EUR.
I HK S.AF. UK
M USA CAN. MEX. JPN
LATIN AM. KOR. TWN
PHIL.
TO END PUSH EXIT
SELECT
ENGLISH
MAKE SELECTION OR
PUSH /OK TO CONTINUE
TIME - - : - -
DATE 01/01/98
TO SET PUSH THEN /OK
TO END PUSH EXIT
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:50 PM13

— 14 —
When the auto programming is
completed
The following message appears on the
TV, and the lowest channel will be
tuned in.
Now you have finished the initial set up
procedure.
If you stop the initial setup procedure while
it is proceeding:
The VCR enters the initial setup mode again
the next time your turn on the VCR.
Initial setup will not start in the following
cases:
• If there is a tape inserted.
• If any one of the initial setup procedures
is finished manually.
To reset the clock manually
You can also reset or correct the clock
manually.
1Press VCR.
2Press MENU.
3Press 5or ∞to select “INITIAL
SET UP” then press 3.
The Initial Set Up menu appears.
4Press 5or ∞to select “SET
CLOCK” then press OK/3.
5Press 5or ∞to set the time, then
press OK/3.
• Each time you press 5or ∞, the set
time changes by 1-minute intervals. If
you hold the button, the set time
changes by 30-minute intervals.
6Press 5or ∞to set the month and
day, then press OK/3.
• Each time you press 5or ∞, the set
date changes by 1-day intervals. If you
hold the button, the set date changes by
15-day intervals.
7Press 5or ∞to set the year, then
press OK/3.
• Each time you press 5or ∞, the set
year changes by 1-year intervals. If
you hold the button, the set year
changes rapidly.
8Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from
the menu operations.
Note:
If a power failure occurs, clock will lose its
setting.
AUTO CH.SET COMPLETED
To change the language
manually
You can also change the language
manually.
1Press VCR.
2Press MENU.
3Press 5or ∞to select “INITIAL
SET UP” then press 3.
The Initial Set Up menu appears.
4Press 5or ∞to select
“LANGUAGE.”
5Press OK/3to select the language
on the TV screen.
Each time you press the button, the
language changes as follows:
=English= =
6Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from
the menu operations.
If you want to delete
unwanted channels
You can delete channels manually.
After you have deleted the channels,
they will be not selected by pressing
CH 5/∞.
1Press VCR.
2Press MENU.
3Press 5or ∞to select “TUNER SET
UP” then press OK/3.
4Press 5or ∞to
select “CHANG-
ING TUNER SET
UP” then press
OK/3.
The programmed
channel information list appears with
the settings of the tuned channel
flashing. (You can also watch the
picture of the tuned channel since the
list and the picture alternates on the
TV.)
5Press 5or ∞until an unwanted
channel setting flashes.
6Press CLEAR to delete the unwanted
channel.
• If you have accidentally deleted a
channel, press 2.
7Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you delete
all unwanted channels.
8Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from
the menu operations.
If you want to exchange the
channel positions
You can also replace the channel
position numbers.
EX. Replace channel 9 and channel 3
1Press VCR.
2Press MENU.
S ETTING U P (CONTINUED)
3Press 5or ∞to select “TUNER SET
UP” then press OK/3.
4Press 5or ∞to select “CHANGING
TUNER SET UP” then press OK/3.
5Press 5or ∞until information for
channel 3 flashes.
6Press OK/3once.
Only channel indication for channel
3 starts flashing.
7Press 0then 9.
The channel settings for channel 3
and 9 are exchanged.
• If you have accidentally deleted a
channel, press 2.
8Press OK/3to store the setting.
9Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from
the menu operations.
If the picture is not clear
You need to fine-tune this particular
channel.
EX. Fine-tune channel 3
1Press VCR.
2Press MENU.
3Press 5or ∞to select “TUNER SET
UP” then press OK/3.
4Press 5or ∞to select “CHANGING
TUNER SET UP” then press OK/3.
5Press 5or ∞until information for
channel 3 flashes.
6Press OK/3twice.
Only frequency indication for
channel 3 starts flashing.
7Press 5or ∞to fine-tune the station
until you get the best possible
picture.
8Press OK/3to store the setting.
9Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from
the menu operations.
If no sound comes out
You need to change the TV system for
this particular channel.
EX.ChangetheTVsystem for
channel 3
1Press VCR.
2Press MENU.
3Press 5or ∞to select “TUNER SET
UP” then press OK/3.
4Press 5or ∞to select “CHANGING
TUNER SET UP” then press OK/3.
5Press 5or ∞until information for
channel 3 flashes.
6Press OK/3three times.
Only TV system indication for
channel 3 starts flashing.
7Press 5or ∞to select the appropri-
ate TV system [(BG, DK, I) for VR
788/55 and (BG, DK, I, M) for
VR888/55] so that sound comes out.
8Press OK/3to store the setting.
CH FRQ SYS CH FRQ SYS
01 150 BG 07 229 BG
02 165 BG 08 237 BG
03 195 BG 09 355 BG
04 205 BG 10 365 BG
05 213 BG 11 374 BG
06 221 BG 12 384 BG
SELECT=
5∞ DELETE=CLEAR
TO CHANGE CH PUSH 3 /OK
TO END PUSH EXIT
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:50 PM14

— 15 —
9Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from
the menu operations.
If you need to do the auto
programming again
If you move to another place, you may
need to tune the VCR tuner again for
your new residential area.
1Press VCR.
2Press MENU.
3Press 5or ∞to select “TUNER SET
UP” then press OK/3.
4Press 5or ∞to select “AUTO
TUNER SET UP” then OK/3.
5Press 5or ∞to select the appropri-
ate TV system [(BG, DK, I) for VR
788/55 and (BG, DK, I, M) for
VR888/55] of your residential area.
6Press OK/3.
Auto programming starts.
When it ends, programmed channels,
frequencies, and TV systems are
shown on the display.
7Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from
the menu operations.
Manual Channel Setting
When you want to do channel setting
manually, follow this procedure.
1Select Tuner Set Up Mode
1Press VCR.
2Press MENU.
3Press 5or ∞to select “TUNER SET
UP” then press OK/3.
The Tuner Set Up menu appears.
4Press 5or ∞to select “CHANGING
TUNER SET UP” then press OK/3.
The programmed channel informa-
tion list appears with the settings of
the tuned channel flashing. (You can
also watch the picture of the tuned
channel since the list and the picture
alternates on the TV.)
Selecting Colour Mode
Before using the VCR, you need to set
the colour mode both for recording and
playback.
Press COLOUR MODE on the front
panel to change the colour system.
For recording:
AUTO: Normally select this mode.
The colour system is
automatically detected.
NTSC3.58: Select this mode if
“AUTO” does not work well
when recording the NTSC
signals. (For playback on an
NTSC TV)
NTSC4.43: Select this mode if
“AUTO” does not work well
when recording the NTSC
signals on the PALTV. (For
playback on a PALTV)
PAL: Select this mode if “AUTO”
does not work well when
recording the PAL signals.
MESECAM:Select this mode if
“AUTO” does not work well
when recording the SECAM
signals.
For playback:
AUTO: Normally select this mode.
When you watch a PAL,
NTSC or MESECAM tape,
the colour system is
automatically detected.
NTSC3.58: Select this mode when
you watch an NTSC3.58
tape on an NTSC TV.
NTSC4.43: Select this mode when
you watch an NTSC4.43
tape on a PALTV.
NTSC==
==
=PAL TV: Select this mode
when you watch an
NTSC3.58 tape on a PAL
TV.
PAL: Select this mode if “AUTO”
does not work well when
playing back a PAL tape.
MESECAM:Select this mode if
“AUTO” does not work well
when playing back a
MESECAM tape.
When playing back an NTSC tape with
“AUTO” mode selected
The tape is played back using “NTSC3.58”
mode.
2Select Station
1Press 5or ∞until
an open channel in
which you want to
store a new
channel starts
flashing then press OK/3.
2Press 5or ∞to select the search
starting band.
VHF L: Starts searching from the
VHF L band.
VHF H: Starts searching from the
VHF H band.
UHF: Starts searching from the
UHF band.
3Press OK/3.
Searching starts, and when a station
is tuned in, searching stops and the
tuned frequency is shown on the TV.
Then the following menu appears.
3Store Channel
Press 5or ∞to select “STORE
CHANNEL” then press OK/3.
The programmed channel information
list appears again with the settings of
the newly tuned channel flashing.
• If you do not want to store this station,
select “CONTINUE SEARCH” then
press OK/3, searching starts again.
4Finish Setting
Press EXIT/STATUS.
SELECT CHOOSE /OK
VHF L
VHF H
UHF
TO END PUSH EXIT
SELECT CHOOSE /OK
STORE CHANNEL
CONTINUE SEARCH
TO END PUSH EXIT
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:50 PM15

— 16 —
Playback
Make sure....
• Your VCR, TV, and antenna are
connected correctly.
• The remote control operation mode
is set correctly for operating your
target component.
– Press VCR to operate the VCR.
– Press TV to operate the TV.
• The correct colour mode is selected.
(✈P.15)
• To select the monitor sound, see
“Selecting Monitor Sound.” (✈P.18)
1On TV
1Turn on the TV.
2Select the video channel (or external
video input).
2On VCR
Insert a cassette.
The VCR turns on.
• If the record tab on a cassette is removed,
playback will start automatically.
• If a cassette is already in the VCR, turn
on the VCR.
3Start Playback
Press PLAY 3.
• When you want to play back the same
tape repeatedly, press and hold PLAY 3
for more than 5 seconds. (See “Repeat
playback” on page 17.)
To rapidly locate a particular
scene
Press FF ¡or REW 1during
playback. (No sound comes out.)
To resume playback, press PLAY 3
again.
• If FF ¡or REW 1is held down for
more than 2 seconds, simply releasing it
will cancel the search.
To stop playback
Press STOP 7.
To rewind the tape
Press REW 1or turn the shuttle ring
on the front panel counterclockwise
(For VR888/55 ONLY) when the tape
is not running.
To fast forward the tape
Press FF ¡or turn the shuttle ring on
the front panel clockwise (For VR888/
55 ONLY) when the tape is not
running.
3 Select Tape Speed
Press SPEED until the desired tape
speed SP, LP, or SLP appears on the
display.
SP, LP : For PAL signal
SP, SLP: For NTSC signal
4Select a Channel
Press CH 5/ ∞or Number buttons to
select the channel to record.
5Start Recording
Press REC/OTR ¶.
To pause recording
Press STILL/SLOW briefly (or
STILL/PAUSE 8on the front panel).
To resume recording, press the same
button again.
To stop recording
Press STOP 7.
To watch another TV
programme while recording
Select a different channel you want to
watch on the TV.
You can watch the programme of the
selected channel on the TV, without
affecting recording on the VCR.
Erase protection
Cassettes have the record tab to ensure
that recordings are not accidentally
erased.
To prevent accidental erasure:
Break off the record tab with a
screwdriver.
To record again:
Cover the opening with adhesive tape.
To eject the tape
Press EJECT 0.
To turn off the VCR
Press POWER.
When playing back an NTSC tape on a
PAL TV
• Some TVs shrink the picture vertically
and place black bars at the top and the
bottom of the TV screen.
• The time counter and remaining tape
length will not be correct.
Recording
When using this VCR, an index mark is
always marked at the beginning of
every recording. This index marks
make it easier for you to search for the
beginning of the recordings (see “Index
Search” ). (✈P.17)
Make sure....
• The record tab on the cassette is not
removed.
• Your VCR, TV, and antenna are
connected correctly.
• The remote control operation mode
is set correctly for operating your
target component.
– Press VCR to operate the VCR.
– Press TV to operate the TV.
• The correct colour mode is selected.
(✈P.15)
1On TV
1Turn on the TV.
2Select the video channel (or external
video input).
2On VCR
Insert a cassette with the record tab in
place.
The VCR turns on.
• If a cassette is already in the VCR, turn
on the VCR.
To rewind the tape, press REW 1
or turn the shuttle ring on the front
panel counterclockwise (For VR888/55
ONLY) .
B ASIC O PERATIONS
Adhesive tape
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:51 PM16

— 17 —
.....
OTR(0:30)
CH12
SP
Index Search
You can locate an index marked at the
beginning of each recording on a tape
recorded on this VCR (or an indexed
tape).
Press INDEX ¢or INDEX 4
repeatedly until the appropriate number
is displayed on the TV screen before
starting play.
Rapid forward or reverse search begins.
When it finds the designated index,
playback starts automatically.
• Locate an index number by pressing the
button repeatedly, indicating how many
index marks ahead of or behind that
recording you want is from the tape’s
current position.
• Up to ±9th index mark from the current
position on the tape can be located.
Automatic Operations
Auto playback
When a tape is inserted, the VCR turns
on. If the record tab is removed,
playback begins.
Repeat playback
When you press and hold PLAY 3for
more than 5 seconds, you can play back
the same tape repeatedly (50 times).
When the tape runs to its end, the VCR
automatically rewinds the tape, and
starts playback.
Auto rewind
When a tape reaches its end during
playback, fast forwarding, or manual
recording, the VCR rewinds the tape
and stops.
Memory rewind power off
When you press POWER during
rewinding, the VCR turns off after
rewinding is completed.
Eject cassette
You can eject the tape simply by
pressing EJECT 0even while the
VCR is turned off.
When you press EJECT 0, the VCR
automatically turns on, ejects the tape,
then turns off.
One Touch Recording (OTR)
The OTR function lets you quickly
specify how long you want a recording
to continue. You do not have to
programme the timer.
Make sure....
• The record tab on the cassette is not
removed.
• Your VCR, TV, and antenna are
connected correctly.
• The remote control operation mode
is set correctly for operating your
target component.
– Press VCR to operate the VCR.
– Press TV to operate the TV.
1On TV
1Turn on the TV.
2Select the video channel (or external
video input).
2On VCR
Insert a cassette with the record tab in
place.
The VCR turns on.
• If a cassette is already in the VCR, turn
on the VCR.
To rewind the tape, press REW 1
or turn the shuttle ring on the front
panel counterclockwise (For VR888/55
ONLY) .
3Select Channel
Press CH 5/ ∞or Number buttons to
select the channel to record.
4Start OTR
Press REC/OTR ¶twice.
Recording starts immediately, and the
‡(Record) indicator lights up on the
display.
This indicates that the
VCR will
automatically shut off
after 30 minutes of
recording.
5Select Recording Length
Press REC/OTR ¶repeatedly until the
desired recording length appears.
Each time you press the button,
recording length increases in 30-minute
intervals.
=0:30=1:00=1:30 8:30=9:00
REC (Normal recording)++
++
+
To check time remaining
during an OTR
Press EXIT/STATUS.
To change the recording
length during an OTR
Press REC/OTR ¶until the desired
length appears.
To cancel an OTR
Press STOP 7to stop recording before
the preset recording length is reached.
If you want to cancel the OTR mode
but continue recording, press REC/
OTR ¶several times until “OTR”
changes to “REC” on the TV screen.
Notes on the indications on the display
while an OTR operation
• During recording, the displayed time
counts down. When “0:00” is reached,
recording stops and the VCR turns off
automatically.
• If an OTR is engaged during pause, the
displayed time counts down normally, but
recording does not begin until you cancel
the pause.
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:51 PM17

— 18 —
A DVANCED O PERATIONS
Selecting Monitor Sound
This VCR can receive and record
stereo and bilingual programmes.
including the NICAM broadcasts (for
VR888/55 ONLY).
If you want to change the sound you
listen to while playing back a HiFi
stereo or bilingual tape, press VCR
then press AUDIO/MUTE repeatedly.
Each time you press the button, the
sound changes as follows:
HiFi stereo =HiFi left channel =
HiFi right channel =Monaural sound
on normal audio track =Mixed (HiFi
stereo sound + normal audio)
HIFI:
Normally select this mode.
You can play back a HiFi tape in HiFi
stereo mode, and monaural tape in
monaural mode.
HIFI L:
Select this mode when you want to
play back the sound recorded on HiFi
left channel (usually main language)
of a bilingual programme.
HIFI R:
Select this mode when you want to
play back the sound recorded on HiFi
right channel (usually sub-language)
of a bilingual programme.
NORMAL MONO:
Select this mode when you want to
play back the sound recorded on the
normal audio track of the tape.
HIFI+NORMAL:
Select this mode when you want to
play back a mixed sound of the HiFi
tracks and the normal audio track.
Notes:
• The connections described in “VCR to AV
TV Connection” ( ✈ P.10, P.11) are
required for HiFi stereo playback.
• Make sure that the correct playback
colour system is selected. (
✈ P.15)
When using the menu to
select monitor sound
Normally you do not need to use this
menu to select monitor sound.
When you select monitor sound by
pressing AUDIO/MUTE, this menu is
automatically set correctly.
1Press VCR.
2Press MENU.
3Press 5or ∞to
select “VCR SET
UP” then press 3.
4Press 5or ∞to
select “AUDIO OUT” .
Press OK/3to select the sound.
5Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from
the menu operations.
Using On-Screen Display
You can display the VCR operating
status on the TV screen.
For the information about what you can
see on the TV screen, see page 9.
1Select VCR Set Up Mode
1Press VCR.
2Press MENU.
3Press 5or ∞to
select “VCR SET
UP” then press
OK/3.
The VCR Set Up menu appears.
2Select On-Screen Mode
1Press 5or ∞to select “ON
SCREEN MODE.”
2Press OK/3.
Each time you press the button, the
setting changes.
ON:
When you press a tape running
button (Stop, Play, etc.), the VCR
status appears for 5 seconds.
COUNTER:
When you press a tape running
button, the VCR operating status
appears for 5 seconds.
After 5 seconds, the VCR status
disappears except the time counter.
OFF:
The VCR operating status does not
appear even if you press a tape
running button.
3Finish Setting
Press EXIT/STATUS.
To display the VCR status on the TV
screen manually, press EXIT/
STATUS. The VCR status appears for
about 5 seconds.
• If “ON SCREEN MODE” is set to
“OFF,” no VCR status appears though
you press EXIT/STATUS.
SELECT CHOOSE /OK
ON SCREEN MODE ON
TIMER REC SPEED MANUAL
PICTURE NORMAL
AUDIO OUT HIFI
TO END PUSH EXIT
SELECT CHOOSE /OK
ON SCREEN MODE ON
TIMER REC SPEED MANUAL
PICTURE NORMAL
AUDIO OUT HIFI
TO END PUSH EXIT
SELECT CHOOSE /OK
ON SCREEN MODE ON
TIMER REC SPEED MANUAL
PICTURE NORMAL
AUDIO OUT HIFI
TO END PUSH EXIT
Picture Control
To get a better picture when viewing
tapes with noise such as rental tapes.
1Select VCR Set Up Mode
1Press VCR.
2Press MENU.
3Press 5or ∞to
select “VCR SET
UP” then press
OK/3.
The VCR Set Up menu appears.
2Select Picture Control Mode
1Press 5or ∞to select “PICTURE.”
2Press OK/3.
Each time you press the button, the
setting changes.
NORMAL:
Select this when you play back a
tape with no picture adjustments.
ENHANCER:
Select this when you want to make
a playback picture softer.
INCREDIBLE:
Select this when you want to make
a playback picture sharper.
3Finish Setting
Press EXIT/STATUS.
Special Effect Playbacks
Are you familiar with tape playback?
If so, you are ready to enjoy the special
effect playback features described
below.
To skip playback for a certain
period
Press SKIP SEARCH during playback
to search forward for 30 seconds by the
time counter reading.
Each time you press the button, the
search time increases as follows:
30=60=90=120 sec.
The VCR automatically resumes
normal playback after searching for the
specified period.
To view a still picture
Press STILL/SLOW briefly (or
STILL/PAUSE 8on the front panel)
during playback.
Playback is freezed and a still picture
appears.
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:51 PM18

— 19 —
To advance a still picture:
Press STILL/SLOW or STILL/
PAUSE 8again. Each time a button is
pressed, a still picture advance one
frame. Or,
For VR888/55 ONLY:
1Press JOG/SHTL so that the JOG/
SHTL button lights up.
2Rotate the jog dial clockwise (or
counterclockwise) to advance (or
reverse) a still picture frame by
frame, while the JOG/SHTL button
lights up.
To resume playback, press PLAY 3.
To view a slow motion picture
Press STILL/SLOW (or STILL/
PAUSE 8on the front panel) for more
than 2 seconds during playback.
To decrease the slow motion speed
(and reverse the slow motion
playback), press SLOW/BACK – (For
VR788/55) or press STILL/SLOW –
(For VR888/55).
To increase the slow motion speed
(and forward the slow motion
playback), press SLOW/FORWARD+
(For VR788/55) or press STILL/
SLOW + (For VR888/55).
To resume playback, press PLAY 3.
Notes:
• No sound comes out during special effect
playbacks.
• If you keep viewing slow motion and still
pictures for 5 minutes, the VCR
automatically stops to protect the tape
and video heads.
• During special effect playbacks, some
noise bars will appear on the TV screen.
Local TV (or Cable)
Stations Local TV (or Cable) Stations SHOWVIEW Guide Channel No.
You can easily find out this number by
checking the TV programme list of
your local newspaper or TV guide
magazine.
Simply entering the programme’s
SHOWVIEW using the remote control
will make the VCR record the pro-
gramme.
Before using SHOWVIEW for the first
time, you need to set the guide channel
number for each local channel number.
The local channel number (USER
CH) is the number you select on the
TV or VCR to watch a programme,
while the guide channel number is the
one assigned to that local channel and
you can also find it in the TV pro-
gramme list of your local newspaper or
TV guide magazine.
Make sure....
• You can use the tables below to note
your local TV (or Cable) channel
numbers and their guide channel
numbers.
1Select VCR Set Up Mode
1Press MENU.
2Press 5or ∞to
select “INITIAL
SET UP” then
press OK/3.
2Set Guide Channels
1Press 5or ∞to
select “GUIDE
CHANNEL SET
UP” then press
OK/3.
2Press CH 5/∞or
Number buttons to enter guide
channel number (GUIDE CH) then
press OK/3.
• For example, for guide channel number 9,
press 0, 9.
Tracking Adjustments
Auto tracking
Each time a tape is inserted, auto
tracking starts working and
continuously analyses the signal to
adjust for optimum picture quality
during playback. So, there is no need
for you to minimize noises in most
tapes during playback.
Manual tracking
•During normal playback:
If auto tracking cannot eliminate
noises well during playback, press
CHANNEL 5or ∞.
•During a slow motion picture:
Press CHANNEL 5or ∞to
minimize noises in the slow motion
picture.
•During a still picture:
Press CHANNEL 5or ∞to reduce
jitter in the still picture.
To cancel manual tracking, stop the
tape, eject the tape, then re-insert it.
SHOWVIEW Set Up
(FOR VR888/55 ONLY)
You can simplify the programming
method of timer recording by using
SHOWVIEW. Whenever you want to
record a TV program, all you need to
do is to find out the programme’s
SHOWVIEW number.
SHOWVIEW Guide
Channel No.
Local (USER)
Channel No. Local (USER) Channel No.
SELECT CHOOSE /OK
SET CLOCK
LANGUAGE ENGLISH
GUIDE CHANNEL SET UP
TO END PUSH EXIT
GUIDE CHANNEL SET UP
GUIDE CH USER CH
254 --
255 01
01 02
02 03
03 04
SELECT OR ENTER GUIDE
CH. NO. THEN PUSH /OK.
TO END PUSH EXIT
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:51 PM19

— 20 —
Always enter “0”
before any single
number entries.
3Press CH 5/∞or
Number buttons to
enter local channel number
(USER CH), then press OK/3.
• For example, for local channel number 9,
press 0, 9.
Always enter “0” for empty digits.
4Repeat the above procedures until
you set the guide channel for all the
receivable local channels.
3Finish Setting
Press EXIT/STATUS.
To correct a user channel number
and/or a guide channel number,
repeat the same procedures explained
above. This time, enter the correct user
channel number and/or the correct
guide channel number.
A DVANCED O PERATIONS (CONTINUED)
GUIDE CHANNEL SET UP
GUIDE CH USER CH
254 --
255 --
01 05
02 02
03 03
SELECT OR ENTER USER
CH. NO. THEN PUSH /OK.
TO END PUSH EXIT
3Select Recording Type
If you want to record the same
programme daily, press DAILY
(Number button 8).
The VCR will record a TV programme
every day (Monday through Friday) at
the same time and length. (Daily
Recording)
If you want to record the same
programme weekly, press WEEKLY
(Number button 9).
The VCR will record a TV programme
once a week at the same day, time, and
length. (Weekly Recording)
If you want to cancel the currently
set programme, press CLEAR.
4Select Tape Speed
Press SPEED.
• Each time you press
the button, the tape
speed alternates
between “SP”, “LP”,
or “SLP”.
SP, LP : For PAL signal
SP, SLP : For NTSC signal
• To change the stop time, press STOP +/–
(number 2 or 5 button).
5Confirm Programme
Press EXIT/STATUS.
“PROGRAM WAS COMPLETED”
appears on the TV screen.
After 5 seconds, the above message
disappears, and the normal TV picture
resumes. The (timer) indicator
lights up on the display.
• If “PROGRAM NOT COMPLETED”
appears, try again from step 1.
• If “PROGRAM NOT COMPLETED
CLASH” appears, the timer recording
you just programmed overlaps another
timer recording. The timer recording you
just programmed will not take place. The
timer recording menu will reappear.
If you want to store other
programmes, repeat steps 1 to 5.
6Finish the Settings
Press POWER to turn off the VCR.
The VCR must be turned off for a timer
recording to take place. If you forget to
turn off the VCR, “PLEASE TURN
OFF VCR FOR TIMER
RECORDING” flashes on your TV
screen two minutes before a timer
recording starts. To remove the
message, press the CLEAR button.
Timer Recording Using
SHOWVIEW FOR VR888/55 ONLY
By entering the SHOWVIEW number
for a particular TV programme, you
can easily programme a timer
recording.
1Select SHOWVIEW Mode
1Press VCR.
2Press TIMER.
3Press 5or ∞to
select “G-CODE/
SHOWVIEW”
then press OK/3.
The G-CODE/SHOWVIEW entry
menu appears on the TV screen.
2Enter SHOWVIEW Code
1Press Number
buttons to enter the
SHOWVIEW
number assigned to
the TV programme
you want to record.
2Press OK/3.
• If “ERROR-RE-ENTER CODE” appears
on the TV, you have entered an incorrect
SHOWVIEW number. If this happens,
press CLEAR to erase the number, then
enter the correct number.
• If the guide channel has not yet been set,
THE GUIDE CHANNEL SET UP menu
will appear.
Input the number of the channel on which
the broadcast for the SHOWVIEW
number is received on the VCR, then
press OK/3and programme screen
appears.
G-CODE/SHOWVIEW PROG.
CODE
TO END PUSH EXIT
G-CODE/SHOWVIEW PROG.
CODE 123
TO SET PUSH /OK
TO CORRECT PUSH CLEAR
TO END PUSH EXIT
ONE TIME PROGRAM
PROGRAM 1
CHANNEL+/–
START +/– 08 : 30
STOP +/– 09 : 30
REC SPEED LP
DATE +/– 07/04/98
FRIDAY
SET DAILY=8 OR WEEKLY=9
TO END PUSH EXIT
12
Timer Recording
To record while you’re away, follow step
1 — 10 below. For each programme you
set, the VCR will turn on, start recording,
and turn off automatically.You can store
up to 8 programmes.
Make sure....
• The clock is set to the correct time
before setting timer recording.
• A cassette is inserted in the VCR and
the record tab of the cassette must
not be removed.
• The remote control operation mode
is set correctly for operating your
target component.
– Press VCR to operate the VCR.
– Press TV to operate the TV.
FOR EACH STEP BELOW, YOU
NEED TO FINISH WITHIN 60
SECONDS; OTHERWISE,
PROGRAMMING WILL HAVE TO
BE RESTARTED FROM STEP 1.
1Select Timer Mode
Press TIMER.
The Timer Recording menu appears.
2Select Programme mode
1 Press 5or ∞to
select
“QUICK
PROGRAMMING”
then press OK/3.
The Quick
Programming menu appears.
• If you have already made 8
programmes, “ALL PROGRAMS IN
USE” appears and goes back to the
Timer Recording menu. If this
happens, delete unwanted programmes.
(✈P.21)
3Select Channel
Press CH 5or ∞to
enter the TV channel.
• To record from
external line input,
press CH 5or ∞
until “A/V REAR” or
“A/V FRONT” appears.
After a timer recording has taken
place
Press POWER to turn on the VCR.
You can operate your VCR normally.
To stop a started timer recording
Press POWER.
Recording stops and the VCR turns off.
If it is a Daily or Weekly Recording,
future recordings will be carried out as
programmed.
To check or erase the programmes
See page 21.
ONE TIME PROGRAM
PROGRAM 1
CHANNEL+/–
START +/– – –:– –
STOP +/– – –:– –
REC SPEED SP
DATE +/– – –/– –/– –
SET DAILY=8 OR WEEKLY=9
TO END PUSH EXIT
– –
ONE TIME PROGRAM
PROGRAM 1
CHANNEL+/–
START +/– – –:– –
STOP +/– – –:– –
REC SPEED SP
DATE +/– – –/– –/– –
SET DAILY=8 OR WEEKLY=9
TO END PUSH EXIT
12
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:51 PM20

— 21 —
2Press VCR.
3Press TIMER.
4Press 5or ∞to
select
“PROGRAM
REVIEW” then
press OK/3.
The list of the timer recording
programmes appears.
5Press OK/3repeatedly to view the
more detailed programme informa-
tion.
• When you press the button for the first
time, the detailed programme
information for
Programme 1
appears. By
pressing this button
repeatedly, you can
review the detailed
information of all other programmes.
6 If you want to change the
programme setting shown on the
TV screen, press the following
buttons:
CH 5/∞: Changes the channels.
START +/–: Changes the start time.
STOP +/– : Changes the stop time.
SPEED : Changes the tape speed.
DATE +/– : Changes the date.
If you want to erase the
programme setting shown on the
TV screen, press CLEAR. The
detailed information of the next
programme appears.
7Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from
the menu operations.
Note:
This function does not work for OTR (One
Touch Recording).
How to see the programme list
1 Programme numbers
2 Preset channel numbers
3 Start time
4 Stop time
5 Start date
“D” stands for “DAILY,” and “W”
stands for “WEEKLY.”
• If the programme has worked
once for the Daily recording,
“DAILY” will be shown instead
of the start date.
• If the programme has worked
once for the Weekly recording,
the day of the week (in this
example, “MON”) will be shown
instead of the start date.
4Select Start Time
Press START + or –
(Number button 1or 4).
• Each time you press
the button, the set
time changes by 1-
minute intervals. If you hold the button,
the set time changes by 30-minute
intervals.
5Select Stop Time
Press STOP + or –
(Number button 2or 5).
• Each time you press
the button, the set
time changes by 1-
minute intervals. If
you hold the button, the set time changes
by 30-minute intervals.
6Select Tape Speed
Press SPEED.
• Each time you press
the button, the tape
speed alternates
between “SP”, “LP”,
and “SLP”.
SP, LP : For PAL signal
SP, SLP : For NTSC signal
7Select Start Date
Press DATE + or –
(Number button 3or 6).
• The year and day of
the week is displayed
automatically.
8Select Recording Type
If you want to record the same
programme daily, press DAILY
(Number button 8).
The VCR will record a TV programme
every day (Monday through Friday) at
the same time and length (Daily
Recording).
If you want to record the same
programme weekly, press WEEKLY
(Number button 9).
The VCR will record a TV programme
once a week at the same day, time, and
length (Weekly Recording).
If you want to cancel the currently
set programme, press CLEAR.
9Confirm Programme
Press EXIT/STATUS.
“PROGRAM WAS COMPLETED”
appears on the TV screen.
After 5 seconds, the above message
disappears, and the normal TV picture
ONE TIME PROGRAM
PROGRAM 1
CHANNEL+/–
START +/– 08 : 30
STOP +/– – –:– –
REC SPEED SP
DATE +/– 07/04/98
SET DAILY=8 OR WEEKLY=9
TO END PUSH EXIT
12
ONE TIME PROGRAM
PROGRAM 1
CHANNEL+/–
START +/– 08 : 30
STOP +/– 09 : 30
REC SPEED SP
DATE +/– 07/04/98
SET DAILY=8 OR WEEKLY=9
TO END PUSH EXIT
12
resumes. The (Timer) indicator
lights up on the display.
• If “PROGRAM NOT COMPLETED”
appears, try again from step 1.
• If “PROGRAM NOT COMPLETED
CLASH” appears, the timer recording
you just programmed overlaps another
timer recording. The timer recording you
just programmed will not take place. The
timer recording menu will reappear.
If you want to store other
programmes, repeat steps 1 to 9.
10 Finish Settings
Press POWER to turn off the VCR.
The VCR must be turned off for a timer
recording to take place. If you forget to
turn off the VCR, “PLEASE TURN
OFF VCR FOR TIMER
RECORDING” flashes on your TV
screen two minutes before a timer
recording starts. To remove the
message, press the CLEAR button.
After a timer recording has
taken place
Press POWER to turn on the VCR.
You can operate your VCR normally.
To stop a started timer recording
Press POWER.
Recording stops and the VCR turns off.
If it is a Daily or Weekly Recording,
future recordings will be carried out as
programmed.
Useful function for Timer
Recording: Auto Tape Speed
With this function activated, the VCR
can change the tape speed and record
the programme in SLP or LP mode
unless enough tape remains for
recording in SP mode.
1Press VCR.
2Press MENU.
3Press 5or ∞to select “VCR SET
UP” then OK/3.
4Press 5or ∞to select “TIMER REC
SPEED.”
5Press OK/3.
Each time you press the button, the
setting changes.
AUTO:
Select this to allow the VCR to
change the tape speed from SP to
SLP or LP when there is not
enough tape length remaining.
MANUAL:
Select this not to allow the VCR to
change the tape speed.
6Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from
the menu operations.
To check, edit or erase the programmes
1Turn on the VCR and TV.
ONE TIME PROGRAM
PROGRAM 1
CHANNEL+/–
START +/– 08 : 30
STOP +/– 09 : 30
REC SPEED LP
DATE +/– 07/04/98
FRIDAY
SET DAILY=8 OR WEEKLY=9
TO END PUSH EXIT
12
ONE TIME PROGRAM
PROGRAM 1
CHANNEL+/–
START +/– 08 : 30
STOP +/– 09 : 30
REC SPEED LP
DATE +/– 07/04/98
SET DAILY=8 OR WEEKLY=9
TO END PUSH EXIT
12
ONE TIME PROGRAM
PROGRAM 1
CHANNEL+/–
START +/– 08 : 30
STOP +/– 09 : 30
REC SPEED LP
DATE +/– 07/31/98
FRIDAY
SET DAILY=8 OR WEEKLY=9
TO END PUSH EXIT
12
PR CH START STOP DATE
1 L–F 08:00 10:00 D07/04
2 L–1 10:00 10:45 MON
3 10 11:30 01:00 DAILY
4 45 15:00 15:15 W09/04
5
6
7
8
NEXT= END=EXIT
PR CH START STOP DATE
1 12 08:30 09:30 D07/04
2 13 10:00 10:45 MON
3 10 11:30 01:00 DAILY
4 45 15:00 15:15 W09/04
5
6
7
8
NEXT= END=EXIT
12 3 4 5
VR788/888-55 NEW 6/3/99, 11:52 PM21