RCA DRC8320N User manual

WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose
this DVD Recorder to rain or moisture.

RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
This symbol indicates that this product incorporates double
insulation between hazardous mains voltage and user
accessible parts.
This symbol indicates “dangerous
voltage” inside the product that
presents a risk of electric shock or
personal injury.
This symbol indicates
important instructions
accompanying the product.
FCC INFORMATION
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules.These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation.This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures.
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect this equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference – Causing Equipment
Regulations.This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian CES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la class B est conforme á la norme du NMB-003 du Canada.
Refer to the identification/rating label located on the back panel of your product for its proper
operating voltage.
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately. Returning the product registration
card allows us to contact you if needed.
Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of purchase.Attach it here and
record the serial and model numbers in case you need them.The numbers are located on the back of the
DVD Recorder.
Model No. __________________________ Serial No. __________________________
Purchase Date: ___________________________________________________________
Dealer/Address/Phone: ____________________________________________________
The AC power cord is polarized (one blade is wider than the other) and
only fits into AC outlets one way. If the plug won’t go into the outlet
completely, turn the plug over and try to insert it the other way. If it
still won’t fit, contact a qualified electrician to change the outlet or use a
different one. Do not attempt to bypass this safety feature.
Ventilation:
You must adequately ventilate the product. Make sure there is adequate space around the DVD
Recorder to provide proper air flow for ventilation. See diagram.
CAUTION
THIS PRODUCT UTILIZES A LASER. USE OF
CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE
OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED
HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION
EXPOSURE. DO NOT OPEN COVERS AND DO NOT
REPAIR YOURSELF. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or
modifications to this equipment may void the user’s
authority to operate it.
Note:
This DVD Recorder is designed and manufactured to
respond to the Region Management Information. If the
Region number of a DVD disc does not correspond to the
Region number of this DVD Recorder this DVD Recorder
cannot play the disc.The Region number for this DVD
Recorder is Region No 1.
Note:
This device is protected by U.S. patent numbers 4,631,603
and 4,577,216 and 4,819,098 and other intellectual property
rights.The use of Macrovision’s copy protection technology
in the device must be authorized by Macrovision and is
intended for home and other limited pay-per-view uses only,
unless otherwise authorized in writing by Macrovision.
Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing
and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be
placed on the apparatus.



Important Information
IMPORTANT: The power cord can be
unplugged to turn off the main power to the
unit. It should also be easily accessible in an
emergency.

Table of Contents
Graphics contained within this publication are for representation only. 1
Types of Discs ................................................................... 2
Things to consider before you connect.......................... 2
Unpack the Box................................................................ 3
Choose Your Connection ................................................. 4
Explanation of Input Jacks and Cables........................... 5
Back of the DVD/VCR....................................................... 6
Explanation of Jacks .................................................. 6
Front of the DVD/VCR...................................................... 8
Display of the DVD/VCR .................................................. 9
Connection: DVD/VCR + TV ........................................... 11
Connection: DVD/VCR + TV + Basic Cable Box............. 13
Connection: DVD/VCR + TV + Satellite Receiver.......... 15
Connection: DVD/VCR + TV + Basic Cable Box +
Audio Receiver ........................................................ 17
Install Batteries in the Remote...................................... 19
Point the Remote in the Right Direction................ 19
Turn on the TV and DVD/VCR ....................................... 19
Complete the General Setup ........................................ 19
Setting the Clock ..................................................... 20
Setting the Signal Type............................................ 20
Searching for Channels ........................................... 20
What to Expect............................................................... 21
Turn on the DVD recorder to Watch TV ................. 21
Discs for Recording .................................................. 21
Next Steps ...................................................................... 22
Explanation of the Remote Control Buttons ............... 23
Using the Remote’s Features......................................... 24
Understanding the INPUT button........................... 24
The Channel Banner....................................................... 24
DVD Recording ............................................................... 25
DISCS THAT YOU CAN USE FOR RECORDING ......... 25
Express Recording.................................................... 25
Timer Recordings ........................................................... 25
Setting Up a Timer Recording .......................... 25
Watching one channel while you record another
channel (cable with no cable box or off-air
antenna only) .......................................................... 26
Copying a video cassette tape to a DVD disc .............. 26
Recording from a DV Camcorder .................................. 26
DVD Playback ................................................................. 26
Editing DVD Discs........................................................... 27
VCR Basics....................................................................... 28
Basic Playback .......................................................... 28
Tape Eject ................................................................... 28
Basic Recording........................................................ 28
VCR Recording................................................................ 28
Express Recording ............................................................. 29
Watching one channel while you record another
channel (cable with no cable box or
antenna only) ........................................................... 29
Timer Recordings ........................................................... 29
Regional Coding............................................................. 30
Types of discs you can play ........................................... 30
How to Load and Play Discs.......................................... 30
Using Different Menus .................................................. 31
Search Options ............................................................... 31
Playback Options ........................................................... 31
Using the On-screen Info Display ................................. 32
Title Icon................................................................... 32
Chapter Icon............................................................. 32
Time ......................................................................... 33
Audio Icon................................................................ 33
Subtitles Icon............................................................ 33
Repeat Icon .............................................................. 33
AB Repeat ................................................................ 34
Random Icon ............................................................ 34
Language Icon ......................................................... 34
Playing Discs You Recorded (DVD±R and DVD±RW) ... 34
Playing mp3, WMA, JPEG les ...................................... 35
The File Browser ...................................................... 35
Navigating and Viewing the Files .................... 36
Creating an mp3 Disc on Your Computer .............. 36
The DVD/VCR Menu System.......................................... 37
Recording ................................................................. 37
Recording Quality ............................................. 37
Chapter Marker ................................................. 37
Timer Recording ................................................ 37
Overwrite........................................................... 37
Audio/Video Menu .................................................. 38
Dynamic Range Control .................................... 38
Scan Mode (Progressive Scan)................................. 39
Disc Menu................................................................. 39
Rating................................................................. 39
Change Password .............................................. 39
Parental Control (Setting the Ratings)............. 39
Angle Mark........................................................ 40
General Menu .......................................................... 40
The TVGuardian Menu ............................................ 40
How it works ..................................................... 40
TVGuardian Mode............................................. 40
Word Subset Filtering ....................................... 40
TV Menu................................................................... 41
TV Signal ........................................................... 41
Automatic Search .............................................. 41
CH Skip (Channel Skip)...................................... 41
CH Fine Tune (Channel Fine Tune) ................... 41
MTS Setting ....................................................... 41
Troubleshooting............................................................. 42
Handling Cautions ......................................................... 45
Maintenance of Cabinet................................................ 45

Graphics contained within this publication are for representation only.
2
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Types of Discs
DISCS YOU CAN USE FOR RECORDING
DVD±R 2.4x, 4x, or 8x, and 16x ONLY;
DVD±RW 2.4x and 4x ONLY.
IMPORTANT: It is NOT possible to record content that is copy-protected. This is usually true for most pre-
recorded DVD discs and most pre-recorded VHS tapes.
TYPES OF DISCS YOU CAN PLAY
• DVD discs – DVD movie discs (DVD-ROM); DVD+R; DVD+RW; DVD-RW (must be recorded using video mode
or VM); DVD-R (must be recorded using video mode or VM and must be finalized). DVD audio discs are not
compatible.
•
CDs (Audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, mp3 discs) – Audio CDs contain musical or sound content only. mp3 discs are CDs
(CD-R or CD-RW) that contain mp3 files. This product also plays CDs that contain JPEG and WMA files and
Multisession CDs.
•
Video CD (VCD) – Like DVD video discs, VCDs contain picture and sound content. The difference is the amount
of information that can be stored on the disc. VCDs typically have lower picture and sound quality than DVD discs.
You must use DVD±R or DVD±RW discs to record on your DVD recorder not VCDs.
Things to consider before you connect
Protect components from overheating
• Don’t block ventilation holes on any of the components. Arrange the components so that air can circulate freely.
• Don’t stack components.
• When you place components in a stand, make sure you allow adequate ventilation.
• If you connect an audio receiver or amplifier, place it on the top shelf.
Position cables properly to avoid audio interference
• Insert each cable firmly into the designated jack.
• If you place components above the TV, route all cables down the side of the back of the TV instead of straight down the middle of the back of the
TV.
Some discs may not
be compatible due to
laser pickup and disc
design.
DVD+Rewritable
DVD+R

Graphics contained within this publication are for representation only. 3
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
DVD/VCR recorder Remote control
and batteries
1 set of audio video cables
RF Coaxial cable
Connection Pictures
Audio/video cables are usually bundled together. For better visibility, the connection pictures in this book show each cable separately (audio left, audio
right, and video). Graphics contained within this publication are for representation only.
Unpack the Box
Your DVD/VCR came with the following items:

Graphics contained within this publication are for representation only.
4
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Choose Your Connection
There are several ways to connect your DVD recorder. Please use the following chart to determine which connection is best for you. Turn to the
appropriate page for specific instructions.
• Coaxial
• Audio/video
• S-Video
• Component Video
Components Cables Needed Connection Go to
Satellite Receiver
TV
Cable Box
TV
TV
TV page 10
• Coaxial
• Audio/video
• S-Video
• Component Video
TV + cable
box
page 12
• Coaxial
• Audio/video
• S-Video
• Component Video
TV +
satellite
receiver
page 14
To achieve enhanced picture
quality, use an S-Video cable
or component video cables to
connect your DVD/VCR recorder
to your TV if your TV has
corresponding jacks available.
TV
• Coaxial
• Audio/video
• S-Video
• Digital Audio
• Component Video
TV + cable
box + audio
receiver
Cable Box
page 16
Audio Receiver
DVD/VCR
STOP
CH+/SKIP+
CH-/SKIP-FWD
REVPLAY/PAUSE
OPEN/CLOSERECORD
INPUT
DVD/VCR
STOP
CH+/SKIP+
CH-/SKIP-FWD
REVPLAY/PAUSE
OPEN/CLOSE RECORD
INPUT
DVD/VCR
STOP
CH+/SKIP+
CH-/SKIP-FWD
REVPLAY/PAUSE
OPEN/CLOSERECORD
INPUT
DVD/VCR
STOP
CH+/SKIP+
CH-/SKIP- FWD
REVPLAY/PAUSE
OPEN/CLOSERECORD
INPUT

Graphics contained within this publication are for representation only. 5
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Explanation of Input Jacks and Cables
This section describes the jacks and cables you can use to make connections. Some cables are supplied with your product or you can purchase other cables
by calling
1-800-338-0376, order online at www.rca.com, or go to your local electronics store). There are several ways to connect your DVD recorder to your TV
depending upon the cables you have and the jacks that are on the back of your TV.
Different jacks and cables provide a different level of performance. It’s important to remember, we’re talking about degrees of picture improvement for
comparison. If your TV has Component jacks (Y, Pb, Pr), S-VIDEO, and composite video (often color-coded yellow); Component (Y, Pb, Pr), would be
considered excellent, S-Video would be very good, and the composite video jack (yellow) would be considered good.
Component Video (Y, Pb, Pr) Jacks and Cables
The Y, Pb, Pr jacks provide optimum picture quality because the video is separated into three signals
(two signals are dedicated to the color portion of the image, and the other signal is dedicated to the
black and white part of the image).
To ensure maximum picture quality, use three video-grade cables (not supplied) for the connection.
You can purchase bundled component video cables that are color-coded to match the Y, Pb, Pr jacks
(red, green, and blue). Component Video Input jacks are usually found on high-end TVs, such as
HDTVs; multimedia monitors; and some of the “flat” LCD and Plasma TVs or monitors.
Notes:
Also, remember to connect the left and right audio cables because the Y, Pb, Pr
jacks and cables carry only the picture signal, not the sound.
Use the Component Video connect (Y, Pb, Pr) for DVD playback and watching TV.
You must also connect the yellow video cable or S-Video for VCR playback.
S-Video Jacks and Cables
The S-Video (separate video) jack provides better picture quality than a composite video jack
(sometimes labeled VIDEO and color-coded yellow on TVs) because S-Video keeps the color part of
the picture separate from the black and white part of the picture. If your TV has an S-VIDEO jack,
connect the DVD recorder to the TV with an S-Video cable for a better quality picture.
Note: Remember to connect the left and right audio cables because the S-Video
cable carries only the picture signal, not the sound.
Audio/Video Jacks and Cables (RCA-type)
Video
The basic Video jack (usually color-coded yellow) is also referred to as composite video. Composite
video doesn’t keep color information separated (like S-Video), but it’s better than the video quality
you get from an RF coaxial cable (the type used to connect a cable signal or off-air antenna).
Audio
These jacks are used to send the audio from the disc you’re playing in the DVD recorder to the TV.
The audio jacks and cables (supplied) are often color-coded (red for right audio, and white for left
audio). You must connect audio cables to the AUDIO L and R jacks on the DVD recorder and the
corresponding Audio Input Jacks on the TV no matter which Video jack you connect (VIDEO;
S-VIDEO; Y, Pb, Pr).
Note: If your TV has only one input for audio (mono), connect it to the left (white)
audio jack on the DVD recorder and don’t connect the right (red) audio part of the
cable.
Digital Audio Output
Use a digital optical cable (or SPDIF cable- not supplied) to connect your DVD/VCR to a
compatible Dolby Digital or PCM receiver or decoder. Dolby Digital offers theatre-quality sound
(six audio channels). If you own a receiver that uses an optical cable input, you can use an optical
cable to connect the DVD/VCR to that receiver for the best sound quality. Go to the Digital Audio
Out screen in the System Options menu to select Dolby Digital or DTS as the output for this jack.
Note: This DVD/VCR’s optical digital output jack fully complies with the
international standard governing this type of jack (IEC958), and is designed for
connection to a Dolby Digital (AC-3® or PCM) receiver or decoder. Older equipment,
some of which is not fully compliant with IEC958, may not be compatible with
the Dolby Digital bitstream. Such a connection using anything other than a Dolby
Digital (AC-3 or PCM) receiver or decoder could create a high noise level, causing
damage to headphones or speakers.
Y
Pb
Pr
S
INPUT
VIDEO AUDIO
S

Graphics contained within this publication are for representation only.
6
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Back of the DVD/VCR
The back of your recorder might look a little overwhelming at first. This section explains what goes where and why. There are two sets of jacks on the back
of your DVD recorder–INPUT jacks and OUTPUT jacks.
Each jack is explained individually below, but the basic idea is about sending and receiving information to be played on or through your DVD recorder
and displaying that information on your TV screen.
INPUT The cables connected to the INPUT jacks bring pictures and sound INTO the DVD recorder, such as the cable signal (programming) from the
cable company or satellite programming from a satellite receiver.
OUTPUT The cables connected to the OUTPUT jacks are sending pictures and sound from the DVD recorder OUT TO your TV so you can see it on
the screen. The correct cables must be connected to the DVD recorder's Output jacks and the corresponding Input Jacks on the TV so you can see the
program on the TV. You must also tune the TV to the correct channel, called a Video Input Channel (for details, go to page 22).
Explanation of Jacks (from left to right)
ANT IN: Connect an RF coaxial cable from an off-air antenna, cable box, or cable outlet to this jack.The cable is sending the programming from the
source to the DVD/VCR.
ANT OUT : Connect an RF coaxial cable (provided) to this jack and to the Cable/Antenna Input jack on your TV. It is important to connect this cable so
that your TV receives programming even when the DVD/VCR is turned off.
INPUT: These jacks receive audio and video from a compatible component, such as a satellite receiver. Another set of Input Jacks (INPUT 2) are on the
front of the DVD/VCR for temporarily connecting components such as a camcorder or a video game unit.
VIDEO: Color coded yellow, the video cable you use with this jack provides better quality than an RF coaxial cable but isn’ t as good as S-Video.
Connect corresponding video cable to the output jack of a compatible component, such as a satellite receiver or cable box.
AUDIO L (left): Color coded white, connect corresponding audio cable to the output jack of a compatible component, such as a satellite receiver
or cable box.
AUDIO R (right): Color coded red, connect corresponding audio cable to the output jack of a compatible component, such as a satellite receiver
or cable box.
S-VIDEO
IN: If your satellite receiver or cable box has an S-VIDEO output jack, connect the S-Video cable to this jack because it provides better picture
quality than standard video (the yellow jack).
OUT: If your TV has an S-Video jack, connect an S-Video cable to the TV’s S-VIDEO jack and to this S-VIDEO OUT jack on the DVD/VCR to achieve
better picture quality than standard video (the yellow jack).
continues on next page…
ANT INPUT OUTPUT
VIDEO AUDIO VIDEO AUDIO
OUT SS
IN

Graphics contained within this publication are for representation only. 7
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
OUTPUT: These jacks send the content (audio and video) from your DVD/VCR OUT to the TV so you can see it on the TV screen and hear it through
the TV’s speakers.
COMPONENT VIDEO OUTPUT (Y, Pb, Pr) - DVD PLAYBACK ONLY: Some high-end TVs and monitors have Component Video Input jacks. The cables
that send the video signal through these Output Jacks provide the highest resolution because the video signal is divided into 3 separate parts (cables not
supplied with DVD/VCR). As with VIDEO and S-VIDEO, COMPONENT VIDEO (Y, Pb, Pr) only carries the picture signal so you need to connect
the audio cables so you’ll hear the sound. If your TV has COMPONENT INPUT jacks, use three video grade cables to connect the DVD/VCR to
these jacks on the TV to get the best picture quality. However, make sure you also connect another video cable (either a RF coaxial cable to the CABLE/
ANTENNA OUTPUT jack; the yellow cable to the VIDEO Output jack; or an S-Video cable to the
S-VIDEO OUT jack) because you can only use Component Video for DVD Playback. You’ll need to have another Video Output connected for playback
of VCR tapes.
VIDEO: Color coded yellow, the video cable you use with this jack provides better quality than an RF coaxial cable but isn’t as good as S-Video.
AUDIO L (left): Color coded white, connect corresponding audio cable to TV’s Audio Left Input jack.
AUDIO R (right): Color coded red, connect corresponding audio cable to TV’s Audio Right Input jack.
DIGITAL AUDIO OPTICAL/COAXIAL OUT - DVD PLAYBACK ONLY: If you have a Dolby Digital or DTS receiver or decoder with a Digital Audio
Optical or Coaxial Input jack, you can achieve enhanced sound quality during DVD playback by connecting a digital optical or coaxial cable (not
supplied).
Note: Make sure you connect regular audio cables in addition to connecting a Digital Audio cable if you want to play a VCR tape
while recording on a DVD at the same time. The VCR tape playback will use the standard audio cables and not the digital output
jacks.

Graphics contained within this publication are for representation only.
8
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Front of the DVD/VCR
COPY – Shortcut to transfer tapes (VCR) to disc (DVD), which is great for converting your camcorder recordings that are on videocassette tape to a DVD
disc. When you have a recordable DVD±R or DVD±RW disc in the DVD disc tray and a videocassette tape in the VCR, press COPY (the VCR starts
playing and the DVD/VCR starts recording automatically).
STANDBY/ON – Turns the DVD/VCR on and off.
VCR Buttons
PLAY/PAUSE –Starts playback. During playback, pauses playback.
STOP/EJECT – When playing a tape, stops playback. When tape isn’t playing, ejects the tape.
REV – Rewinds the tape.
FWD – Fast forwards the tape.
RECORD – Records to a videocassette tape.
INPUT – Just like a TV has Video Input Channels (page 22), the DVD/VCR has one Video Input Channel for each set of INPUT jacks. The Video
Input Channel is the “channel” to which you tune the DVD/VCR so you can see the picture and hear the sound that’s coming from the component that
is connected to the DVD/VCR’s INPUT jacks. For example, if you connected your camcorder to the Audio and Video Input jacks on the front of the
DVD/VCR, you would press the SOURCE button until FAV (Front audio/video jacks) appears.
DVD Buttons
CH-/SKP– (channel down/skip reverse) – Goes to the previous channel in the channel list when you’re watching TV. When playing a disc, goes to the beginning of the
current chapter or track unless you’re within the first minute of a chapter or the first 15 seconds of a track—then, you’ll skip to the beginning of the preceding chapter or
track.
CH+/SKP– (channel up/skip forward) – Goes to the next channel in the channel list when you’re watching TV. When playing a disc, goes to the beginning of the next
title, chapter, or track on a disc (in effect,“skipping” the title, chapter, or track).
PLAY/PAUSE – Starts playback of a disc. Pauses recording or playback.
STOP/OPEN/CLOSE –Stops playback and/or recording. Opens and closes the disc tray.
RECORD – Records content to a DVD disc (DVD+R or DVD+RW discs only).
Front Input Jacks:
INPUT 2: Audio/Video jacks – These Input jacks are provided for convenience when you’re connecting a temporary component, such as a camcorder.
S-VIDEO – If a component you’re connecting, such as a camcorder, has an S-Video Output jack connect it to this jack for picture quality that is better than regular video
(yellow). Remember, you still have to connect audio cables to hear sound.
DV IN – This jack is provided when you’re connecting a DV camcorder through a IEEE 1394 Firewire connection.
VCR
buttons
DVD
buttons