Philips VRX344AT User manual

Manual
,.;,

PH ILIPS
Congratulations on your purchase, and
welcome to the "family!"
Dear PHILIPS MAGNAVOX product owner:
Thank you for your confidence in PHILIPS MAGNAVOX.You've
selected one of the best-built, best-backed products available
today.And we'll do everything in our power to keep you happy
with your purchase for many years to come.
As a member of the PHILIPS MAGNAVOX "family" you're entitled
to protection by one of the most comprehensive warranties and
outstanding service networks in the industry.
What's more, your purchase guarantees you'll receive all the infor-
mation and special offers for which you qualify, plus easy access to
accessories from our convenient home shopping network.
And most importantly you can count on our uncompromising
commitment to your total satisfaction.
All of this is our way of saying welcome-and thanks for investing in
a PHILIPS MAGNAVOX product.
Sincerely,
Robert Minkhorst
President and Chief Executive Officer
RS. Remember, to get the most from your PHILIPS
MAGNAVOX product, you must return your
Warranty Registration Card within I 0 days. So
please mail it to us right now!
Know these
safetysymbols
I_I/_VI[ Cm/l_ll m II/la_ IW m 1_41S
_L This "bolt of lightning" indicates
uninsulated material within your
unit may cause an electrical shock. For
the safety of everyone in your house-
hold, please do not remove product
covering.
The "exclamation point" calls
attention to features for which
you should read the enclosed lit_
erature closely to prevent opel_dng
and maintenance problems.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
CAUTION:To prevent electric shock,
match wide blade of plug to wide slot,
and fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour _viter les chocs
_lectriques, introduire la lame la plus
large de la fiche darts la borne corre-
spondante de la prise et pousser
jusqu'au fond.
For Customer Use
Enter below the Serial No.
which is located on the rear
of the cabinet Retain this
information for future refer-
ence.
Model No.
Serial No.

Introduction3
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Welcome to yourVCR owner's manual•
This manual has six sections: Setting Up Your VCR; Description of Controls; Basic Operations; Recording;,
Playing;and Information You May Need.The instructions explain all of theVCR's features, which are listed
below.You cannot hurt yourVCR by trying the features! So read on - and relax.
Features
•HQ (HighQuality) System
•Automatic Channel Programming
•On-Screen Displaysin Englishor Spanish
•Display Panel
•Automatic TrackingAdjustment
• One Touch Recording
•Unattended (Timer) Recording
• SpecialEffectsPlaybaclcForward and ReverseSearching;Still;
Slow Motion
• Remote Control With Capability to Operate-I-V,Cable Box, and
Digital Satellite System
• Repeat Playback
•Automatic Operation Features
• RealTime Counter
•Daylight-SavingTime
• TheVCR Plus+ Programming System
•Time SearchFunction
•Automatic Head Cleaner
•Automatic Clock Setting
•Jog& Shuttle Control
Safety Precautions
Warning:To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose
this equipment to rain or moisture.
FCC Warning:Any unauthorized changes or modifications
to this equipment void the user's authority to operate it.
ThisVCR, equipped with a HQ (High Quality) system, iscompati-
ble with existingVHS (video home system) equipment.
Philips Consumer Electronics Company recommends that you use
only video cassette tapes that have been tested and inspected for
use in two, four, six, and eight hour VCRs, and which are labeled
with the[V-_-_ mark.The use of tapes that have not been inspected
for use in two, four, six, and eight hourVCRs may result in poor
picture quality and excessive deposits on the video heads, which
may not be covered by the warranty if damage occurs.
Note to the Cable TV System Installer: This reminder is pro-
vided to call the Cable TV system installer's attention to Article
820-40 of the National Electrical Code, which provides guidelines
for proper grounding - in particular, specifying that the cable
ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building,
as close to the point of cable entry as possible.
Copyright 1997 Philips Consumer Electronics Company.All rights
reserved.VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are trademarks of Gemstar
Development Corporation.TheVCR Plus+ system is manufactured
under license from Gemstar Development Corporation.
• Before doing anything else, record
the VCR'smodel and serial numbers
in the spaces provided on page two.
These numbers will help us assist
you if you ever call for help.

4 TableofContents
Setting Up Your VCR
Introduction .......................................................... 3
Table of Contents ...................................................... 4
Before Using Your VCR ................................................... 5
Hookups Without aCable Box .......................................... 6-7
Hookups With a Cable Box/Digital Satellite System ........................... 8-9
Hookups With a Stereo TV .............................................. 0
Turning on YourVCR ................................................... I
Channel Memory .................................................... 12- 3
Setting the Clock ................................................... 14- 7
Daylight-Saving Time Selection ............................................ 8
Language Selection .................................................... 9
Setting the Remote to Operate a TV ...................................... 20
Setting the Remote to Operate a Cable Box/Digital Satellite System ............... 21
Description of Controls
Remote Control Buttons ............................................. 22-24
VCR Display Panel ..................................................... 25
Front Panel ........................................................ 26-27
Rear Panel ........................................................... 28
On-Screen Status Displays ............................................... 29
Basic Operations
Playing .............................................................. 30
Recording ........................................................... 31
Recording
Recording One Channel/Watching Another ................................. 32
One Touch Recording .................................................. 33
Timer Recording ................................................... 34-37
Setting Up the VCR Plus+ Programming System ............................ 38-39
Timer Recording With the VCR Plus+ Programming System .................. 40-41
Rerecording (Tape Duplication) ........................................... 42
Playing
Repeat Playback ....................................................... 43
Time Search ......................................................... 44
Real Time Counter Memory ............................................. 45
Special Effects Playback ............................................... 46-47
Automatic Operation Features ......................................... 48-49
Information You May Need
Helpful Hints ...................................................... 50-5 I
Glossary .................................. .......................... 52
Specifications ......................................................... 53
Limited Warranty ..................................................... 54
Index ............................................................... 55
Supplied Accessories ............................................. . ..... 56

BeforeUsingYourVCR5
Putting Batteries in the Remote Control •
!
Remove the battery compartment lid on the bottom of the
remote control by pressing in the tab, then lifting the lid.
2
Place two AA batteries inside the battery compartment
with their polarities (+ and - ends) aligned as indicated.
3
Replace the battery compartment lid.
Using the Remote Control
• Point the remote control at theVCR's remote sensor (see page
27) when using the remote control to operate the VCR. Point
the remote control at the TV when using the remote control to
operate the TV. Point the remote control at the Cable Box or
Digital Satellite System when using the remote control to oper-
ate the Cable Box or Satellite System.
• Do not put objects between the remote control and the VCR.
• Before you use the remote control to operate yourVCR, you
must first press theVCR button.
• Before you use the remote control to operate yourTV, you
must first press the TV button.
• Before you use the remote control to operate your Cable Box
or Digital Satellite System, you must first press the CBL/DSS
button.
Erasure Prevention
Video cassette tapes have record tabs to ensure that recordings
are not accidentally erased.
I
To prevent accidental erasure, break off the tab with a
screwdriver.
2
To record again, cover the hole with cellophane tape.
I
VCR maintenance
• In thisVCR, use only tapes with the _ marl_
• Make sure any light adhesive stick-on notes are removed from
the video cassette tape before putting the tape in the VCR.
Removable labels like these can jam the VCR.
• Periodic maintenance is required to maintain yourVCR's excel-
lent performance.This VCR has an Automatic Head Cleaner.
However, the video heads will eventually require replacement,
which should be performed only by an authorized service cen-
ter.
Helpful Hints
•The remote control and its batteries
are supplied.
•Do not mix alkaline and man-
ganese batteries.
•Do not mix old and new batteries.

6HookupsWithoutaCableBox
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The basic VCR/TV connection - antenna/cable to VCR to TV - is shown below. If you have a
Cable Box or a Digital Satellite System, please refer to pages eight-nine. If you have a Stereo
TV, please go to page 10.After you hook up theVCR, please go to page I I to turn on theVCR.
I
Disconnect the antenna or cable from yourTV.
Antenna
IndoorlOutdoor
(300 ohm)
Cable
(75 ohm)
Jack
(on back of TV)
2
Connect the antenna or cable to the ANT(enna) IN Jack of yourVCR.
Antenna
IndoorIOutdoor
/I IIII (3ooohm)
Cable
(75 ohm)
AUDIO
®®
OUT IN
Back of VCR
ANT
OUT
@
CH4

HookupsWithoutaCableBox(cont'd)7
3
Connect the RF coaxial cable (supplied) to the OUT Jack on the back of the
VCR and to the ANTENNA IN Jack on the TV. (You may use either a snap-on type
(supplied) or screw-on type of coaxial cable, whichever you prefer.)
Antenna
or Cable
_CH3 ANTENNA IN Jack
VIDEO (on back of TV)
RF coaxial cable example only
4
Plug in theTV and theVCR.
5
Set the CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the VCR to CH3 or CH4, whichever
channel is not used or least used in your area.To operate yourVCR with yourTV, set
the TV to the same channel. For example, when playing a tape, if the CH3/CH4
switch is set to CH3, the TV should be on channel 3.
CH3 /CH4
Switch
CH3 CH4
6
You are ready to turn on the VCR. Please go to page I I before turning on the
VCR.

8 HookupsWitha CableBox/DigitalSatelliteSystem
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This connection allows you to view any channel. After you connect the Cable Box/Digital
Satellite System,VCR, and TV as shown below, the features described on this page will be
available.
I. Connect aCable signal to the 3. Use a second RF coax-
IN Jack on the Cable Box/DSS ial cable to connect the
receiver. _ _ OUT Jack on the VCR to _,_
"_ the TV's ANTENNA IN _
2. Use an RF__nect U _ Back of TV
the OUT Jack on the Cable Box/DSS receiver to _ _ (example onl,,_
theANT(enna) IN Jack on theVCR. . _ 11
Recording/Viewing Any Channel
I
With the VCR on and inVCR position (the VCR light will appear
on the display panel), use the CHANNEL (UplDown) buttons
or the Number buttons to set theVCR to the Cable
BoxiDSS Receiver output channel (channel 03 or 04).
2
Set theTV to the same channel to which you set theVCR.
3
Select the channel you want to watch or record at the
Cable BoxiDSS Receiver.
Watching TV With the VCR Off
I
Use the TV channel selector to set the TV to the Cable
BoxiDSS Receiver output channel (channel 3 or 4).
2
Select the channel you want to watch at the Cable
BoxiDSS Receiver.
Timer Recordings
With this connection, you may set a timer recording as described
on pages 34-37. However, you must remember the following:
• You can only program a timer recording for one channel at a
time.
• Set the TV and the VCR to the Cable Box/DSS Receiver output
channel (channel 03 or 04).
• When you are prompted to enter the channel you want to
record, select channel 03 or 04 (the Cable Box/DSS Receiver
output channel). (This is step 5 on page 35.)
• Set your Cable Box/DSS Receiver to the channel you want to
record.
• Leave the Cable Box/DSS Receiver on while you are recording.
Helpful Hints
•With this hookup, channels cannot
be changed at the VCR.You must
select channels at the Cable
Box/DSSReceiver.
•You can not view a channel other
_han the one you are recording (the
instructions on page 32 "donot work
with this hookup).
• Youcannot program channels with
this hookup (as discussed on page
t2).

HookupsWithaCableBox/DigitalSatelliteSystem(cont'd)9
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This connection allows you to program an unattended recording of more than one unscram-
bled channel and to watch one channel while recording another.After you connect theVCR,
Cable Box/Digital Satellite System, and TV as shown below, the features on this page will be
available.
I. Connect a Cable
signal to the VCR's
ANT(enna) IN Jack. 2. Use an RF coaxial cable (supplied) to connect
the OUT Jack on theVCR to the IN Jack on the
.... Cable Box/DSS Receiver. _ I
ENNA IN Jack
3. Use asecond RF coaxial cable to connect the OUT Jack on the Cable
Box/DSS Receiver to the ANTENNA IN Jack on the back of the'IV.
Recording One Channel/VVatching Another
I
Put the Cable Box/DSS Receiver on the same channel as the VCR's
CH3/CH4 switch. Put the TV on the same channel.
With theVCR in VCR position (theVCR light will appear on the dis-
play panel), use the CHANNEL (Up/Down) buttons at theVCR to
select the channel you want to record. Start the recording.
2
Press the VCR/TV button once to put the VCR in TV posi-
tion. (The VCR light will disappear.)
3
Use the'IV channel selector to put the TV on the Cable
Box/DSS Receiver output channel (channel 03 or 04).
4
Select the channel you want to watch at the Cable Box/DSS
Receiver.
Playing a Tape
I
Press theVCR/TV button to put theVCR inVCR position (the
VCR light will appear on the display panel).
2
Make sure the Cable BoxiDSS Receiver is on the same chan-
nel as theVCR's CH3/CH4 switch.
3
Use the TV channel selector to put the TV on the same channel.
4
Press the PLAY button to play the tape.
IH nPf"nHi't I
.Youcannot record scrambled
channels with this connection.

I0 HookupsWithaStereoTV
VIDEO (yellow) andAUDIO (white) OUT
Jacks
m
antenna or cable to
ANT(enna) IN Jack
r,
Video Cable
Audio Cable
Audio andVideo
IN JacksonTV
• Audio and Video cables are not supplied.
I
Connect the antenna or cable to the ANT(enna) IN Jack
on the back of the VCR.
2
Connect a video cable to the yellowVIDEO OUT Jack on
the back of the VCR.Then, connect the other end of the
video cable to theVIDEO IN Jack on yourTV.
3
Connect an audio cable to the white AUDIO OUT Jack on
the back of the VCR.Then, connect the other end of the
audio cable to the AUDIO IN Jack on yourTV.
4
Turn on yourTV, making sure it is in Line Input mode. Please
refer to your "IV owner's manual for details.
This hookup will not give you stereo
sound.To get stereo sound, use the
connectJons on pages six - seven
and select the channel to be viewed
at the TV (with the VCR turned off).