Radio Shack Amplified Video Selector User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
Amplified Video Selector
15-2100.fm Page 1 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

2
FEATURES
Your RadioShack Amplified Video Selector makes it easy to
connect up to five video sources and up to three TVs or VCRs.
Then, with the press of a button, you can select any of the video
sources for viewing or recording on each TV or VCR.
Five Input Jacks 

let you connect up to five standard video
signal sources, such as a VCR, a video disc player, a satellite
receiver, a TV antenna, and cable TV.
Three Output Jacks 

let you send the signal sources to up to
three TVs or VCRs, so that you can view or record each video
source.
Three Built-In Amplifiers 

eliminate almost all signal loss
caused by switching and splitting of the TV signals, while maintain-
ing the separation between output signals.
Coaxial Connectors 

provide secure, reliable connections.
This amplified video selector complies with FCC limits for high
isolation. These limits help ensure that your video sources do not
interfere with other devices.
Note to Cable TV System Installer
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's atten-
tion to article 820-40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper
grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground be
connected to the grounding system of the building as close to cable
entry as practical.
©1999 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.
15-2100.fm Page 2 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

3
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard,
do not expose this product to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICE-
ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL.
This symbol is intended to alert you to the pres-
ence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the
product’s enclosure that might be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
Do not open the product’s case.
This symbol is intended to inform you that impor-
tant operating and maintenance instructions are
included in the literature accompanying this prod-
uct.
!
!
15-2100.fm Page 3 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

4
A LOOK AT YOUR VIDEO SELECTOR
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
BACK PANEL CONNECTIONS
TV VIEWING VCR RECORDING REMOTE TV VIEWING
OUTPUT INPUT 120V AC
60Hz 6W
15-2100.fm Page 4 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

5
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Use standard coaxial cable with F-connectors for all connections.
Caution: Do not plug the video selector into an AC outlet until you
complete all connections.
INPUT JACKS
Your video selector has five input jacks that let you connect up to
five different video signal sources that you can view or record.
Note: The CABLE INPUT and ANT INPUT jacks are specially
designed for the wide frequency range of cable TV and VHF/UHF
antenna signals. Use these jacks to connect cable TV and VHF/
UHF antenna signals. The other inputs are designed to receive
only Channel 2/3/4 signals. Do not connect antenna or direct cable
signals to these inputs.
From a VCR
To connect a VCR to the video selector, connect the VCR's VHF
output to the video selector's VCR INPUT jack.
From
VCR
From Cable TV From Auxiliary Devices
From
TV
Antenna
15-2100.fm Page 5 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

6
Note: This input is designed to receive the Channel 3/4 output from
your VCR.
From Cable TV
To connect direct cable TV signals to the video selector without a
cable box, connect the 75-ohm coaxial cable to the video selector's
CABLE INPUT jack.
From an Antenna
To connect an antenna to the video selector, connect the antenna's
75-ohm coaxial cable to the video selector's ANT INPUT jack.
Notes:
• If your antenna wire is 300-ohm twin-lead, you need a
300-to-75-ohm matching transformer.
• If you have separate VHF and UHF antennas, use a signal
combiner.
You can find the necessary connection accessories at your local
RadioShack store.
From an Auxiliary Device
To connect an auxiliary device (such as a computer or video disc
player) to your video selector, connect the device's output to the
video selector's AUX-1 or AUX-2 jacks.
Note: These outputs are designed to receive the Channel 2/3/4
outputs from your auxiliary devices. If your auxiliary devices use
other output channels, they might not work properly with this selec-
tor.
15-2100.fm Page 6 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

7
OUTPUT JACKS
Your video selector has three output jacks that let you connect up
to three TVs or VCRs for viewing or recording of your video signal
sources.
These three jacks are identical and can be used for three TVs,
three VCRs, or any combination of TVs or VCRs. The jacks are
labeled to help you associate the front panel's labeling (TV VIEW-
ING, VCR RECORDING, and REMOTE TV VIEWING) with a specific
output device.
Note: If you receive combined VHF/UHF antenna signals and your
TVs or VCRs have separate VHF and UHF terminals, use a VHF/
UHF splitter to connect the selector to the TVs or VCRs.
All of the required accessories are available at your local
RadioShack store.
To a TV Set
To connect the video selector to a TV set, connect one of the video
selector's OUTPUT jacks to the TV's VHF/UHF input.
To Main TV To Remote TV
To
VCR
15-2100.fm Page 7 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

8
To an Output VCR
To connect the video selector to an output VCR, connect one of the
video selector's OUTPUT jacks to the VCR's VHF/UHF input.
To a Remote TV
To connect the video selector to a remote TV, connect one of the
video selector's OUTPUT jacks to the TV's VHF/UHF input.
15-2100.fm Page 8 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

9
OPERATION
Before you use the video selector, connect all the other equipment
in your video system and double-check all connections. You can
view or record the same source on all three output devices, or you
can view or record a different source on each device.
1. Plug the video selector into a standard AC outlet. The video
selector's POWER indicator lights.
Caution: The video selector's power cord has a polarized AC
plug (one blade is wider than the other). The plug fits into an
outlet only one way; do not force it!
2. Turn on the desired output devices (TVs or VCRs).
3. Use the video selector's front panel buttons to select the
desired video source for each TV or VCR.
4. If necessary, turn on the selected video signal source. Antenna
and direct cable signals are always active.
5. If you plan to record to one or more VCRs, set the selector’s
front panel button to select the desired video source for the
recording VCR:
When video is from: Set switch to:
Normal TV ANT
Cable TV CABLE
VCR VCR
Sources connected to AUX-1 or 2Corresponding AUX
When video is from: Set switch to:
Normal TV ANT
Cable TV CABLE
Sources connected to AUX-1 or 2Corresponding AUX
15-2100.fm Page 9 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

10
Notes:
• Cable and VHF/UHF TV signals are automatically active when
you turn on the video selector's power.
• Some computers have RadioShack-type output jacks. For the
best results, use a shielded video cable to connect a computer
or similar device. Your local RadioShack store sells the neces-
sary cables and adapters.
• If you use a long run of coaxial antenna cable or receive weak
UHF/VHF signals, you might need an additional amplifier
(available at your local RadioShack store.)
• VCRs and cable TV boxes usually convert their output to either
Channel 3 or 4. Be sure that you set the main TV, remote TV,
and output VCR to the correct channel. If you have more than
one output device that converts programs to Channel 3 or 4, it
is best to set them to different channels to avoid signal interfer-
ence.
VIDEO DUBBING
You can easily copy tapes from one VCR to another by connecting
two VCRs to the video selector. This process is called
dubbing
.
One VCR is the playback VCR and the other VCR is the recording
VCR.
1. Connect the playback VCR's VHF/UHF output to the video
selector's AUX-1 or AUX-2 input jack. Then, press the button
(AUX-1 or AUX-2) under VCR RECORDING that corresponds to
the input jack you used.
2. Connect the video selector's VCR output jack to the recording
VCR's VHF/UHF input.
3. If you want to monitor the dubbing process on the main TV or a
remote TV, press the button (AUX-1 or AUX-2)under TV VIEW-
ING or REMOTE TV VIEWING that corresponds to the input jack
you used in Step 1.
15-2100.fm Page 10 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

11
4. Set the Channel 3/4 switches on both VCRs to the same chan-
nel.
5. Begin recording on the recording VCR and begin playback on
the playback VCR.
6. If you want to monitor the dubbing process, press AUX-1 under
TV viewing to monitor on the main TV, or press AUX-1 under
REMOTE TV VIEWING to monitor on a remote TV.
15-2100.fm Page 11 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

12
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your RadioShack Amplified Signal Selector is an example of
superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions
will help you care for your selector so you can enjoy it for years.
Keep the selector dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry imme-
diately. Liquids might contain minerals that can
corrode the electronic circuits.
Use and store the selector only in normal temperature
environments. Temperature extremes can shorten the
life of electronic devices and distort or melt plastic
parts.
Keep the selector away from dust and dirt, which can
cause premature wear of parts.
Handle the selector gently and carefully. Dropping it
can damage circuit boards and cases and can cause
the selector to work improperly.
Wipe the selector with a damp cloth occasionally to
keep it looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals,
cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to clean the
selector.
Modifying or tampering with the selector’s internal components
can cause a malfunction and might invalidate its warranty and
void your FCC authorization to operate it. If your selector is not
operating as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store for
assistance.
15-2100.fm Page 12 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

13
SPECIFICATIONS
Isolation
VHF ............................................................. 50-220MHz 80dB Min.
UHF .......................................................... 220-550MHz 60dB Min.
Input Capability
1 dB Compression at CH.3 Input ............................. 100dBµV Min.
3rd Order Distortion (-60dB 2f2 -f1)
f1: 55.25MHz, f2: 61.25MHz ....................................... 88dBµV Min.
Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications
are subject to change and improvement without notice.
15-2100.fm Page 13 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

14
NOTES
15-2100.fm Page 14 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

15
15-2100.fm Page 15 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM

RadioShack
A Division of Tandy Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
15-2100A
10A99 Printed in China
Limited Ninety-Day Warranty
This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and
workmanship under normal use for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from Ra-
dioShack company-owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES
AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURA-
TION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS
PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO
CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LIABIL-
ITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE OR PERFOR-
MANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVE-
NIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDI-
RECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack
HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclu-
sion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not
apply to you.
In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the Ra-
dioShack sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack
will, at its option, unless otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair
without charge for parts and labor; (b) replace the product with one of the same or similar
design; or (c) refund the purchase price. All replaced parts and products, and products on
which a refund is made, become the property of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts
and products may be used in the performance of warranty service. Repaired or replaced
parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. You will
be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the expiration of the war-
ranty period.
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of
God, abuse, accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions,
improper installation or maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess volt-
age or current; (b) any repairs other than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Ser-
vice Facility; (c) consumables such as fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e)
transportation, shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs of product removal, installation, set-
up service adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
RadioShack Customer Relations, 200 Taylor Street, 6th Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76102
We Service What We Sell
04/99
15-2100.fm Page 16 Wednesday, December 8, 1999 8:11 AM