RCA VR273A User manual

VideoCassette
Recorder
Owner's Manual

No other RCA Video Cassette Recorder has the same serial number as yours. It is important that you
record the number and other vital information here, in case your VCR is stolen or in case you need a
complete description for any other reason. You will find the model and serial numbers on the back of
the VCR. You will also find both numbers recorded on your registration form.
Purchase Date
Dealer
Model: VR273A Serial Number
VCR registration is very important so that you can be contacted should there be a safety inspection.
modification, or product recall under applicable laws or regulations or otherwise. The dealer who sold
you the VCR should have registered it and given you a copy of the registration form.
If your dealer did not give you a copy of the registration, contact him promptly and ask for it. You
must be able to show your registration or evidence of purchase date to any RCA Authorized VCR
Servicenter to receive warranty parts and service. We suggest you attach your sales slip and warranty
registration to this booklet and keep them in a safe place for future reference.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this VCR to or
WARNING: rain moisture.
-- Illustrated below is the label on the back of your Video Cassette Recorder.
Your VCR operates on 120 volts, 60 Hz (normal household current) and has a
polarized plug. Because one blade of the plug is wider than the other, the plug fits in
the wall socket only one way. Do not defeat the safety feature of this plug. If you
need an extension, use a polarized cord.
Caution: To prevent electric shock do not use the polarized plug on this Video
Cassette Recorder with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the
blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
Mise en garde: Pour pr_venir les chocs +lectriques, ne pas utiliser la fiche polaris_e de
cet appareil avec une rallonge, une prise de courant ou une autre sortie, hmoins que
les lames puissent _:treins_r_es it fond sans qu'aucune partie soit laiss_e _td_couvert. ]
The symbol of a lightning flash within a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of
z_ uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
zf_An exclamation point within a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (service) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover or back. No user-serviceable
parts are inside. If you spill liquid on the VCR, disconnect the power cord to prevent possible fire or
shock hazard and consult authorized service personnel. Moisture can damage internal parts. Refer all
service to RCA VCR Authorized Servicenter personnel only.
Caution: Maintain electrical safety. Powerline-operated equipment or accessories connected to this
unit should bear the UL listing mark or CSA certification mark on the accessory itself and should not
have been modified so as to defeat the safety features. This will help avoid any potential hazard from
electric shock or fire. If in doubt, contact qualified service personnel.
Note to Cable TV Installer:
This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article 820-22 of the National Electrical Code
(Section 54 of Canadian Electrical Code, Part I), that provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in
particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building
as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
Caution: The unauthorized recording of television programs and other materials may infringe -I
the rights of others. J

Using This Manual
Congratulations on your choice of an RCA VCR. You
have selected a high-quality, precision-engineered
instrument designed to give you years of video and
audio enjoyment.
To get the best performance from your new VCR, it is
important that you carefully read and follow the
operating instructions in this manual in the sequence in
which they are presented.
This manual is divided into two sections.
• Section I explains how to install the VCR and basic
operation.
• Section II contains Quick Reference Guides,
illustrates how to connect components, and includes
general information.
Should you experience a problem, please follow the
"Trouble Checks" on page 34. The warranty on the back
cover describes what will be done for you should your new
VCR need service during the warranty period. It also tells
you how and from whom you should request service.
Contents
Warranty Registration ......... Inside Front Cover
Safety Precautions ............. Inside Front Cover
What Your VCR Will Do ....................... 2
Basic Installation Instructions
•Unpacking, Choosing Location ............... 4
• General Installation Information .............. 4
•Basic Antenna and Cable-TV Connections .... 5
•Antenna Connections ....................... 6-7
•Cable-TV Connections ...................... 8-9
• TV Monitor/Receiver Connections ........... 10
Basic Operation
•Basic Operating Controls and Displays ....... 11
• Inserting/Removing Cassettes ................ 11
• Turning on Your VCR for the First Time .... 12
• Programming Active Channels into VCR's
Tuner ....................................... 12
• Erasing Channels from the Scan List ......... 12
• Adding Channels to the Scan List ............ 12
• Setting TV to VCR Channel ................. 13
• Using the TV VCR Button on the Remote ... 13
• Simplified Installation Checklist .............. 13
Remote Control ............................ 14-15
• Battery Installation .......................... 14
Setting the Clock .............................. 16
First Recording and Playback .................. 17
Operating Controls (Detailed) ............... 18-19
Special Effects and Features
•Pause During Recording ..................... 20
•Pause for Stop-Action Playback .............. 20
•Picture Search ............................... 20
• Tracking Control ............................ 20
• Tape Counter ............................... 21
•On-Screen Display .......................... 21
•Memory Stop ............................... 21
Programming the Timer ..................... 22-23
Timer Recording ............................... 24
Express Recording ............................. 25
Video Cassettes ............................... 26
Quick Reference Operating Guides
•Normal TV Viewing ......................... 28
• Recording With TV Off ..................... 28
• Recording and Viewing the Same Program ... 28
• Recording and Viewing Different Programs... 29
•Basic Playback .............................. 29
Component Recording
• Recording from Another VCR ............... 30
•Camera Recording .......................... 31
Alternate Remote Control Units ............. 32-33
Cabinet Cleaning .............................. 34
Trouble Checks ................................ 34
Optional Accessories ........................... 35
Index (Alphabetical) ........................ 36-37
Specifications ......................... Back Cover
Warranty ............................. Back Cover

NewCompactDesign-State-of-the-artminiaturization
now allows RCA to dramatically reduce the size of its
VCR's without sacrificing features or performance. This
new compact size takes up less space on top of a console
TV or in a component rack system. Use the extra room
for cable-TV decoders, headphones, or other peripheral
equipment.
Infrared Remote Control-Puts complete control of your
VCR's most popular features in the palm of your hand.
Wireless remote control uses reliable infrared signals to
activate all primary functions, including timer
programming. VCR can be operated with an RCA
Digital Command remote control and integrated into a
unified RCA audio/video system.
Remote Control Operates Compatible TV--New remote
control features buttons that control some functions of a
compatible RCA or Sears TV. Now you can control the
TV's volume and turn it on and off with your VCR
remote.
FS Tuner-Ill-channel Frequency Synthesis (FS)
tuning provides accurate selection of all VHF/UHF or
up to 41 unscrambled cable channels.*
Quartz-controlled electronics automatically lock the
system onto the signal, eliminating the need for fine
tuning. Most cable systems can be connected directly
through the VCR without the need for a converter box.
Bright, easy-to-read display indicates channel selected.
*Local systems may vary; check your cable company's
compatibility requirements.
Auto Programming-Preset available channels into
VCR's electronic scan memory at the touch of a single
button. No more elaborate programming steps. After
automatic programming, channels can be selected by
remote control scanning-either up or down. ADD and
ERASE buttons are also included for customizing the
memory scan list.
8-Hour Recording Time-Enjoy up to 8 hours of
uninterrupted recording or playback in SLP mode with
T-160 cassette. Standard Play (SP) and Long Play (LP)
are also included to ensure compatibility with all VHS
tapes. VCR automatically selects correct playback
speed.
On-Screen Remote Timer Programming-With RCA's
advanced remote control, all timer programming can be
done from across the room. At the touch of abutton,
easy-to-follow instructions appear on the TV screen and
guide the viewer through each programming sequence.
The timer memory can be preset up to a year in advance
to record up to 4 events automatically.
Express Recording (XPR) Use this feature to record
without numerous programming steps. Just enter the
length of desired program (up to 4 hours) while
recording. VCR will record for the proper length of time
and shut off automatically.
Fluorescent Displays-Vivid amber, easy-to-read
displays include channel number, current time and day,
and tape speed selected. Indicators include status
displays, cassette-in display, timer programmed display,
Express Record (XPR) display, and many more that aid
in easy operation of this VCR.
Tape Counter with Memory-When the tape counter is
displayed on the TV screen, fast forward and rewind will
stop when the counter reads "0000." By resetting the
counter to "0000" at the desired point on the tape, you
can stop at this point for repeated viewing of a certain
scene.
Search/Stop Action-Visually scan forward or reverse
through taped material. Examine details easily missed in
a moving picture by stopping the action at any point in
the tape. SLP mode provides best performance.
Auto Power-On-Simply inserting a cassette in the VCR
turns it on. A POWER button is also provided for
manual control.
Auto Play-When a prerecorded cassette (with record
protect tab removed) is inserted in the VCR, it
automatically starts playing. When the end of the tape is
reached, Auto Rewind automatically rewinds the tape.
Auto Rewind with Shutoff-When VCR reaches the end
of the tape in Playback or Record, it automatically
rewinds the tape. This ends the trouble of remembering
to rewind tapes (which is recommended for proper care
of cassettes). To prevent accidental tape erasures,
however, the tape does not Auto Rewind after timer
recording.
HQ Picture-Advanced electronics sharpen image
definition for improved picture quality. HQ circuitry
provides superior recording quality while allowing
complete playback compatibility with recordings made
on non-HQ VHS machines.
Optional Aecessodes Optional Accessories are
available for use with your new VCR to expand your
home video system. Some accessories are shown on
page 35.

3

Unpacking
When you unpack your new VCR, be sure you have
removed all the accessories and information sheets. We
recommend that you save the packing materials and box
in case you ever need to ship or store your VCR.
The accessories supplied for connecting your antenna,
VCR, and TV set are shown here. The remote control
unit and its batteries are also packed in with the VCR.
5 tt 300-ohm flat lead-in (twin-lead)
300/75-ohm Transformer
(RCA Accessory No. AH055)
_qt_ m ml
DIeD _ r_l
,_. __,
mr _r
mI
Remote Control
Remote Control Batteries (Size "AA" 1.5 volt)
Location
• Choose a location that is convenient, but away from
sources of heat such as direct sunlight and heating
units.
• If the VCR is to be installed in an equipment rack or
cabinet with other devices, be sure that there is
adequate ventilation at the back and around the sides
of the components. The VCR should not be placed on
or directly above a stereo amplifier because of the
heat that rises from the amplifier.
• Choose a flat surface at least as large as the VCR so
that it rests on its mounting feet. It is important that
air can pass through the ventilation holes in the
bottom of the unit to prevent it from overheating. Do
not operate the VCR on a rug or carpet because the
pile will obstruct these holes.
Some TV sets may cause interference in home VCR's.
To avoid interference and get the best performance from
your VCR, follow these guidelines:
• When placing the VCR under a TV, keep at least 18
inches between the bottom of the TV and the top of
the VCR.
•If interference is present when the VCR is used on top
of the TV or at the 18-inch distance below the set,
move the VCR to a position beside the TV.
• If moving the VCR does not solve the interference
problem, try plugging the VCR into a different wall
socket.
•If interference continues after all the above, call your
dealer or service representative.
You may find the following booklet prepared by the
Federal Communications Commission helpful:
Interference Handbook
This booklet is available from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402
IMPORTANT
There are two basic steps for connecting your new
VCR to your present TV and antenna(s) or cahle-TV.
The first step is to disconnect the antenna(s) or cable-
"IV from the TV and reconnect it to the VCR. The
second step is to connect the VCR to the "IV. Be sure
you do both steps.
Since there are many different types of antennas and
TV's, there are several ways to make the above
connections. Therefore, the instructions have been
divided into sections. Basic antenna/cable-TV
connections are explained on page 5. More detailed
instructions for connecting your home antenna
system are on pages 6 and 7. Detailed directions for
connecting more complicated cable-TV systems are
on pages 8 and 9. If you have a TV monitor/receiver,
you may want to make the additional connections
described on page I0.
The antenna is the "signal receiver" that picks up TV
broadcasts. Some modern antennas receive both VHF
(Very High Frequency) channels 2 through 13, and
UHF (Ultra High Frequency) channels 4 through 83.
_ll TYP,CAL
TYPICAL ;r OUTDOOR ANTENNAINDOOR ANTENNA
4
TYPES OF ANTENNA CABLES
_._ I_l_Push'°n
_{_'4_Screw-on
Flat 300-ohm Round 75-ohm
twin-lead cable coaxialcable
Some antennas are designed only for VHF reception and
others are designed only for UHF reception.
Signals from your antenna are conducted through flat
"twin-lead" cable, or through round "coaxial" cable.
Cable-TV (CATV) supplies television signals directly by
round cable without the need for a home antenna.
Cable-TV delivers both VHF and UHF channels and
programs not available from a home antenna.
In most situations you will get better picture quality if
you use an outdoor antenna or connect your TV and
VCR to a cable-TV system. If this is not possible, use a
good quality indoor antenna. Your indoor antenna
should have separate leads for VHF and UHF if you are
in an area with both VHF and UHF stations-or you
may use separate VHF and UHF indoor antennas.

Basic Antenna Connections
Your VCR is quite easy to install. To connect an antenna, you will first be attaching the antenna to the
VCR, and then connecting the VCR to the TV as shown below.
VCR
f
I
Connect 2Connect
antenna VCR
• to VCR. • to TV.
Detailed instructions for connecting an antenna are on the next two pages.
Note: Set the NORM/CA TV Switch on the back of your VCR to NORM when you connect a home antenna
system.
- Basic Cable-TV Connections
Your VCR is quite easy to install. To connect a cable-TV system, you will first be attaching the cable-TV
cable to the VCR, and then connecting the VCR to the TV as shown below.
From
Cable-TV
System
Back of VCR Back
of "IV
Connect 2 Connect VCR
cable-TV system to VHFjack
•to VCR. • on TV.
This connection diagram can be used to connect most types of cable-TV systems. Detailed instructions for
connecting more complicated cable-TV systems are on pages 8 and 9.
Note: Set the NORM/CA TV Switch to CA TV when you connect a cable-TV system.
5

. Disconnect Existing Antenna from TV and Connect it to VCR.
(Your antenna connections will probably resemble those in one of the diagrams on this page.)
Ae If your existing antenna is connected
to your TV like this: Back
of TV
Cable(s)
From
Antenna
2. Disconnect the antenna from your TV and
connect it to your VCR like this:
F.omAo,°o°a
VHF
From Antenna Adapter
(Supplied}
-or-
B. If your existing antenna is connected
to your TV like this:
Back
of TV
Cable(s}
Frntemnna
VHF _ VHF
-.q U.F
.Disconnect the antenna from your TV and
connect it to your VCR like this:
From Antenna _ _-,
VHF
From Antenna
C. 1. if your existing antenna is connected
to your TV like this:
Back
of TV
Cable _._
From
b ¸ aton _ _
V.FO.F Bao --- IUHF,
Separator L_
rt
=J" 1. If your existing antenna is connected
to your TV like this: Back
of TV
Cable "7
Frnt emnna _-; '=_VH F_
Splitte_ UHF
--or-
2. Disconnect the antenna from your TV and
connect it to your VCR like this:
From
Antenna __ _A,_
Combination
VHF UHF
mct_
Disconnect the antenna from your TV and
connect it to your VCR like this: (or replace
splitter with a band separator and connect
as shown above in step C2.)
From Transformer" . I ([_
Spl,tter (such as RCA =AH011) _ _S
VHF
From Splitter
*Optional accessory available from your RCA dealer or electronic supply store.

.Connect VCR to back of TV.
(The antenna connections on the back of your TV will probably resemble those in one of the diagrams below.)
A* L If the antenna connection on the
back of your TV looks like this: Connect the VCR to your TV like this:
(Supplied)CableTwin-Leed _1t
VHF TV
Screws
UHF TV
Screws
Back of TV
--Or-
B. l. 2. Connect the VCR to your TV like this:
If the antenna connection on the
back of your TV looks like this:
Back of TV
Back of VCR _ _ Back of TV
I_L{ (Supplled_
VHF
Round
TVJack
VHF TV
Scr_'s
UHF TV
Screws
--Or--
C. 1. 2. Connect the VCR to your TV like this:
If the antenna connection on the
back of your TV looks like this:
Back of TV
Back of VCR Back of TV
mF_ol _rr VCR
Coaxial
'RF Cable
(Supplied)
iTM
CableTWin-Lead _ _3_ /
(Supplied) r_" _" /75-Ohm
I:1_ Transformer
(Supplied)
VHF
Round
TVJack
UHF
Round
TVJack
Note: Set the NORM/CA TV switch on the back of your VCR to the NORM position if you connect a home
antenna to your VCR. 7

Your VCR is designed to receive unscrambled cable
channels as shown in the chart below.
CHANNEL NUMBER CABLE REFERENCE
01 A-8
2-13 2-13
14-36 A-W
95-99 A-5 to A-I
The manner in which you interconnect your VCR and
TV with a cable-TV system is dependent primarily on
(a) whether your TV is cable-compatible and (b) whether
any channels on your cable-TV system are scrambled.
Use the Selection Chart at the right to determine which
one of the following four Cable-TV connection diagrams
(A-D) you should use.
IF YOUR TV
IS:
cable-
compatible
not
cable-
compatible
AND YOUR CABLE-TV THEN USE
SYSTEM HAS: DIAGRAM(S):
no scrambled channels A
some or all channels
scrambled
no scrambled channels
some or all channels
scrambled
Bor C or D
BorC
Cot D
Note: If you wish to also record one or more local UHF
channels that your Cable-TV system does not offer, first
follow the appropriate cable-TV connection instructions
described below, then connect your UHF antenna to
your VCR as described in the section titled "'Antenna
Connections".
Note: Set the NORM/CA TV Switch on the back of your
VCR to CA TV if you connect a cable-TV system to your
VCR.
A" DISCONNECT CABLE FROM "IV.
From
Cabte-TV
System _ TO
TV Set
DisconnectFrom
Your TV
From
Cable-rv -- --
System
NO
UHF
Connections
CONNECT CABLE TO VCR. CONNECT VCR TO "I'V.
UHF
_] .... V Back of TV_BACK OF MCR _'
--OF--
[
JUt. DISCONNECT CABLE "IV
FROM CONVERTER
From
Cable-TV To
----System _verter____
Disconnect
From
You_
Converter
CONNECT CABLE TV TO VCR. ] CONNECT VCR TO CONVERTER. DO NOT CHANGE
II O_CtNALCO_'nON
[From I FROM CONVERTER TO TV
Cable-TV _,
\ i P]- II
\ _ I CoaxSal I/. DO Not
][_t,m \_'_/ 'RF Cable ,/
NO i \ °_r To _ li IDisconnect
UHF "_ _ [(Supp ed)
Oonnoo,,oos , i i
-- BACK OF VCR -- Backof rv
IConverlerBo* I
When you want to view the channel you are
recording, or when you play the VCR, tune the
"converter box" to the same channel that you have
set the channel switch on the back of the VCR, either
channel 3 or 4. (This is called the "VCR channel"
throughout the operating instructions in this manual.)
Note: The VCR will not be able to record scrambled
channels with this hookup. To record scrambled
channels, use hookup D.
When you use this set of connections, keep your TV
tuned to the channel you have been using (usually
channel 3 or 4) and use the converter box as you
always have for normal TV viewing and for viewing
some other channel while you are recording.

C. When you use these connections the A-B switch is
used to select either the converter output or the VCR
output. This arrangement will let you use your VCR
as a "remote-controUed converter box" when you are
@ Disconnect Cable-TV from converter.
@ Disconnect TV from converter cable.
(2) Connect Cable-TV to input of splitter.
Converter Box
From I:_, _, I]
Cable-TV
System I I Converter Cable (_) I
lett_- -- I -_I.=.¢D--
DO Not Disconnect
Oisconnect From TV
AH020 _
Signal
Splitter
System Cables
Use "A" Position of A-B Switch For:.
not recording, as explained below the diagram.
Note: The VCR will not be able to record scrambled
channels with this hookup. To record scrambled
channels, use hookup D.
@Connect sphtter to converter.
(_) Connect splitter to VCR.
(_) Connect converter to A-B switch.
@ Connect VCR to A-B switch.
(_) Connect A-B switch to IV.
AH028*
==i
Converter Box
l"
---- Fa"
,*Optional accessopj available
from your RCA dealer.
Use "B" Position of A-B Switch For.
•Viewing any cable-TV channel while you record some
other channel with the VCR.
• Viewing all scrambled channels.
• Viewing cable channels when the VCR is turned off.
(Cable channels 2 through 13 can also be viewed with the
VCR turned off and the A-B switch set to position "B.")
•Playing arecording.
•Viewing a nonscrambled channel at the same time you
are recording it (channel selected with the VCR tuner).
Note: When you set the A-B switch to "B," tune your "IV to
the same channel that you have selected on the back of your
VCR (3 or 4). This is called the "VCR channel" throughout
this manual.
--O1"--
D. T_s system requires two "converter boxes" from the converter boxes, both for recording and normal
your cable-TV company, and there may be an TV viewing.
additional charge. All channels must be selected with
(]) Disconnect Cable-TV from converter. @ Connect splitter to each of the converters. (_) Connect VCR to A-B switch.
(_) Disconnect TV from converter cable. (_ Connect one converter to A-B switch. (_) Connect A-B switch to "IV.
(]0 Connect Cable-'IV to input of splitter. (_ Connect other converter to VCR.
Converter Box Original AHO28*
rIConverter Box _ A-B Switch
oo _our _J
From _ (_)
System Converter Cable @1 I L _ t,l._r_Dd__
•=:_t_- '---€_,=----€_--I ®_ --- A"ea'y_''''- I__'_
(_ OisDc°onNn°etctniFSrCo°mnne#t, %1 Connected I- _.'T\J II
AHO2O_' / _ -- II,-J I II
Smnal / / I L II
Jlm , I ---I ha.
From _V_ _2$ .. Lrl u_._.
Cable-TV %_ Cables llq_(_ "_'_-'_ *Optional accessory available
System IU_from your RCA dealer.
Converter Box
Use "A" Position of A-B Switch For. Use "B" Position of A-B Switch For.
•Viewing any cable-TV channel while you record some • Playing a recording.
other channel with the VCR. • Viewing any channel at the same time you are recording
• Viewing any cable-TV channel when your VCR is turned it. Select the channel with the converter that is connected
off. to the VCR, and tune the VCR to the output channel of
the converter (usually 3 or 4).
Note: When you set the A-B switch to "B," tune your TV to the same channel that you have selected on the back of your
VCR (3 or 4). This is called the "VCR channel" throughout this manual.

-Direct Video and Audio Connections
Connecting the video output and audio output jacks of
your VCR to the corresponding video and audio input
jacks of your TV monitor/receiver may produce a
slightly better picture during playback. This "'direct"
signal connection bypasses the TV tuner during
playback.
UHF
From Home
Antenna System
(Used Only if You
Have Home UHF Antenna)
Note: Set this switch to NORM if home
antenna is connected. Set to CA TV if
cable-TV system is connected.
7
J
,,@ VHF
UHF
IN FROM ANT.
Ir
To UHFAntenna
Connections on TV
(Used Only if You n i
Have Home UHF Antenna)
siooa,
Splitter
(Not Supplied)
Such as RCA
_:AH020*
*Optional accessory available from your RCA dealer.
NORM CA17/
UT
_tUnlO _IDEO Audio/Video
Cables
(Not Supplied)
Such as RCA
_AH002*
S
Tov.F 3®
Antenna-------IIV.F
Connections II
On TV
To TV's
Video In II__
ToTv's I._.o .u',o
Aud,o,n
Typical
From Home VHF Antenna Monitor/
Cable-TV Receiver
System Inputs
Operating Instructions:
•For normal VHF or cable- TV viewing independent of
VCR, place TV Monitor/Receiver in TUNER
mode and select channels with TV Monitor/
Receiver tuner.
• For viewing of channel being recorded, place TV
Monitor/Receiver in VIDEO INPUT mode. Use
VCR tuner to select channel.
•For recording one channel while viewing another,
place TV Monitor/Receiver in TUNER mode. Use
VCR tuner to select channel to be recorded. Use
TV Monitor/Receiver tuner to select channel to be
viewed.
•For playback of recorded program, place "IV
Monitor/Receiver in VIDEO INPUT mode.
10

1
\
Basic Operating Controls and Displays
(
E:]
J
Now that you have connected your VCR to your TV and
antenna or cable-TV system, you are ready to turn it on.
You don't need to know all the details about the
controls and displays before you begin using your new
VCR, so only those you will use for basic recording and
playback are discussed here. (Additional information
about the controls is on pages 18 and 19.)
After you have read about the basic control functions on
this page, turn on your VCR and check the installation
by following the instructions on the next two pages.
(_) POWER Button: Turns the VCR on and off. (If the
VCR is already off, inserting a cassette will
automatically turn it on).
STOP/EJECT Button:
•Stops whatever the VCR is doing (record,
playback, rewind, or fast forward).
• When VCR is stopped, press this button to eject
the cassette.
QCassette Compartment: Push the cassette through
the door as shown below to load it. Cassette-In
indicator _) turns on.
(_ Rewinds the when the VCR is
REW Button: tape
stopped.
(_ PLAY Button: Starts playback. If you insert a
cassette with the tab removed, the tape will
automatically play.
AUTO Buttons: These
PROG/ADD/ERASE
buttons are used to auto program channels into the
VCR and to add and erase channels from the
channel memory. Details are on page 12.
Inserting and Removing Cassettes
@
®
®
®
®
®
@
TAPE SPEED Button and Indicators: Press this
button to change recording speed. The lighted
indicator tells the tape speed. (Use "SLP" for
normal recording.)
CHANNEL •/A Buttons and Display: After
channels are programmed, • selects the next lower
channel and • selects the next higher channel. The
channel number appears in the display.
RECORD/XPR Button: Press to begin normal
recording. Press twice to enter Express Recording
mode.
Time Display: The time is normally shown here. If
the clock has stopped you will see ":"in
this area.
Status Displays: Tell what the VCR is doing (t> for
playback, _ for record, <_<1for rewind, _>D
for fast forward, DDfor pause). This area is blank
when the VCR is turned off.
Cassette-ln Indicator:.Lights when acassette
is in the compartment.
[_ Indicator: This indicator is controlled by
the TV VCR button on the remote control. It
indicates the picture source that is being fed to
your TV.
• VCR Indicator is off when TV receives picture
from VHF antenna or cable-TV system as it did
before you connected your VCR.
• VCR Indicator is on when TV receives picture
from VCR tuner or tape cassette that is playing.
TV must be tuned to VCR Channel (3 or 4)
when VCR indicator is on.
To Insert: Push the cassette through
the door until the VCR mechanism
pulls it into the compartment. VCR
power automatically turns on and the
cassette-in indicator turns on when the
cassette is in place.
To Eject: VCR must be in the stop
mode. Rewind the cassette before
ejecting it. Press STOP/EJECT
Button. Tape may be ejected when
VCR is turned off.
To Remove: The cassette will come
partially out of the compartment so
you can pull it out. Put the cassette in
its box and store it upright.
il

Turning on Your VCR for the First Time_
When you have finished connecting, the cables to your I
antenna and TV, plug in the VCR spower cord and I
press POWER. I
-Programming Active Channels into VCR's --
Tuner
The AUTO PROG (Automatic Programming) button
makes it easy and convenient to program TV stations
into the VCR's scan list. The scan list is the list of
channels that your VCR tuner stops on when you
press the CHANNEL • or CHANNEL •button.
The scan list is empty, however, until you program
active channels as described below.
Note: You must program the tuner as described below
before you can use CHANNEL A/V buttons.
Automatic programming is usually a "one-time"
procedure, but you will need to repeat it if you move
to a location that has different channels, or if power is
interrupted.
To program active channels:
1. Turn on VCR by pressing the POWER button.
2. Set the NORM/CATVswitch on the back of the
VCR.
NORM CATV
• Set to NORM position if your VCR is
connected to ahome antenna system.
• Set to CA TV position if your VCR is
connected to a cable-TV system.
3. Press and release the AUTO PROG button.
AUTO PROG ADD ERASE
® ®
I © .RA.,.o
•The tuner will automatically cycle through all
available channels in the area and place them
in the scan list. This takes about a minute.
The channel numbers will stop changing
when the tuner is finished cycling.
Programming is now complete and you can
use the CHANNEL •/• buttons to select
channels.
4. If you want to erase or add individual channels
from the scan list, refer to the instructions at the
right.
-Erasing Channels from the Scan List
You may want to have only a few favorite channels in
the scan list so you can select them more quickly with
the CHANNEL • and • buttons. (Use the numbered
buttons on the remote control to select channels you
erased from the scan list.)
Occasionally Automatic Programming may include a
vacant channel in the scan list if there happened to be
some sort of "noise" or "stray signal" on the channel
when the tuner was programmed. This procedure
explains how to erase any unwanted channels from
the scan list.
1. Use the CHANNEL • or • button to select the
channel that you want to remove from the scan
list.
2. Press ERASE.
3. Repeat the procedure for each channel you want
to erase from the scan list.
-Adding Channels to the Scan List
You may have erased a channel from the scan list and
want to put it back. Occasionally Automatic
Programming may "miss" an active channel because
the signal is very weak or because the channel
happened to be "off the air" when the tuner was
programmed. Use this procedure to put any channel
in the scan list.
1. Use the numbered buttons on the remote
control to select the channel you want to add to
the scan list.
2. Press ADD.
3. Repeat the procedure for each channel you want
to add to the scan list.
Note: Channel 91 is used to access other devices you
may have connected to the AUDIO/ VIDEO 1N jacks
on the back of your VCR. You can add Channel 91 to
the channel scan list.
1. Press "9" then "1" on the remote control.
2. Press the ADD button on the VCR.
The LINE indicator will appear in the VCR
display when Channel 91 is used to access a device
you have connected to the AUDIO/ VIDEO IN jacks;
such as a satellite receiver, camera, or another VCR.
12

Setting Your TV to the VCR Channel
The "VCR Channel" is the TV channel you use for
viewing what the VCR is recording or playing, and
for viewing the signal from the VCR tuner when it is
_ed. Your TV must he set to this channel, and the
indicator in the display must be on.
Selecting the VCR channel is normally a one-time
procedure, since there is little reason ever to change
it. Proceed as follows:
I. Decide whether you want to view your VCR on
Channel 3 or Channel 4 of the TV. If one of
these channels is vacant in your area, you should
use it. Otherwise. pick the channel you view less.
2. Set the channel switch (CH3/CH4) on the back
of the VCR to whichever channel you have
chosen, and then turn on your TV and tune it to
the same channel. This is the "VCR channel."
Using the TV VCR Button
I. Push the TV VCR button on the remote control
so the _ indicator is on. When the indicator
is on, the VCR is in the "VCR mode" and your
TV must be tuned to the VCR Channel (channel
3 or 4). Your TV will then display whatever tape
the VCR is playing or whatever channel the
VCR is tuned to.
2. Push the TV VCR button on the remote control
again so that the 1_ indicator is out. When
the indicator is out, the VCR is in the "TV
mode" and your TV will work like it did before
you connected the VCR.
The TV VCR button on the remote control allows
you to record one program with the VCR while you
watch another program on your TV. To do this, first
9ut the VCR in the "VCR mode" _ indicator
on) and start recording the program. Then press the
TV VCR button to switch to the "TV mode" (_
indicator out) and tune your TV to the other channel
you want to watch.
Note: Your VCR automatically switches to the "VCR
mode" ([V_ indicator on) when you turn it on with
the POWER button, and when you start playing a
tape.
Simplified Installation Checklist
installation stel_s.
[ ] Make sure your VCR is connected properly as
explained on pages 4-10,
.........................
[ ] Set NORM/CATV switch on the back of the
is _une,d to
iiii!iiiii!!iiiiii!iiii_!iiiiiii!iii!!iii!_iiiiii_!!i!!iiii!!!!i!:!ii!!i !i!!!!!!¸ !ii¸¸i!iii!i!i!ii!i!!iiiii!iii:ii ii_i_i ii_ii!_i i_ii_ii_iii_iiiiiii :i
13

The remote control is designed to not only control your
new VCR but several other compatible RCA- and Sears-
brand television models as well.
Before attempting to operate your remote, install the
batteries as shown below.
-Battery Installation
The batteries supplied with your remote control are
packed separately. Here's how to install them:
1. Turn the remote control over and remove the
cover of the battery compartment.
2. Insert the batteries so that their positive (+) !
ends contact the positive terminals in the battery
compartment. These are marked (+) in the i
bottom of the compartment.
3. Replace the cover.
Remote Control
(Back View)
Battery
jCompartment
Cover
Notes:
•Never place anything heavy on top of the remote
control or lay it upside-down. This may acci-
dentally depress the buttons for a long time and
discharge the batteries.
• Replace the batteries when the VCR fails to
respond to the remote control.
• Remove the batteries from the remote control if it
will not be used for a month or more. This will
prevent possible damage from battery leakage.
• If you have a compatible Sears TV, you will have
to reprogram the remote as described on page 15B
each time you replace the batteries.
14
Remote Buttons That Control VCR
Only the remote control buttons that are used to control
the VCR are described on this page. The buttons that
are used to operate compatible RCA and Sears
television models are described on fold-out pages 15B
and 15C.
QVCR Button
•Turns on VCR and puts remote in "VCR Mode"
so that the other remote buttons will control the
VCR.
(_) Number Buttons (0 thru 9)
•Let you select any VCR channel by pressing two
number buttons. Always press two buttons (first
one, then the other) to select a channel. For
example, press "'0"then "6" to select Channel 6.
•These buttons are also used when setting the
clock and programming the timer.
QCHANNEL A/• Buttons
• The VCR's channel memory scan list must be
programmed before the CHANNEL buttons will
work. Details are on page 12.
•After the scan list is programmed, press
CHANNEL • to select the next higher channel
in the scan list.
•Press CHANNEL •to select the next lower
channel in the scan list.
QTV/VCR Button
•Turns the [_ indicator in the display panel
on and off.
•When the [_ indicator is displayed, your TV
must be tuned to the VCR channel (3 or 4).
Signals come thru the VCR tuner, and you select
channels with the VCR CHANNEL buttons.
•When the _indicator is off, signals are
bypassing the VCR and going fight to the TV.
So, you can select channels with the CHANNEL
buttons on the TV.
• This button lets you record one channel while
you're watching another channel. Details are on
page 13.
QSTOP Button
• Stops whatever the VCR is doing (recording,
playing back, fast forwarding, or rewinding).
PA USE Button
•Pressing PA USE (while the VCR is recording)
stops the tape so that nothing will be recorded.
When you press PAUSE again, recording
resumes immediately.
•Pressing PA USE (while the VCR is playing back
atape), produces a stop-action picture. Pressing
PA USE again resumes normal playback. Details
are on page 20.

®
(1(1@PROGRAMButton
(1(1(1@CLEARButton
(1(1@MEMORY But_
I@ DISPLAYButton
®
(_ PLAY Button
(_ REWIND/$EARCH Bc_lon
QVCRButt_
ONumbe( Butlone
CHANNEL Butlon$
TV/VCR Butlon
STOP Button
(_ PAUSE Button
QF.FWDISF.ARCH Button
@F.FWD (Fast Forward)/SEMRCH Button
• When the VCK is stopped, this is the Fast
Forward button. When pressed, the tape will
continue to "fast forward" until you press STOP
(or to a counter reading of "0000" if the tape
counter is displayed). If you do not press STOP,
the VCR will fast forward to the cod of the tape
and then automatically rewind to the beginning
of the tape and stop.
• When the VCR is playing, press this button to
search forward at a faster speed. To return to
normal playback, press it again (or press PLA Y_.
Details are on page 20.
• This button is inactive during recording.
@REWIND/SEARCH Button
•When the VCR is stopped, this is the REWIND
button. Pressing it rewinds the tape to the
beginning (or to a counter reading of "0000" if
the tape counter is displayed).
•When the VCR is playing, press this button to
search backwards. Press it again (or press
PLM Y) to return to normal playback speed.
• This button is inactive during recording.
@PLA YButton
• When the VCR is stopped, press PLAY to start
playback of the tape.
• This button is inactive when the VCR is
recording.
RECORD Button
•When the VCR is stopped and has a tape inside,
press RECORD to start recording on the tape.
The _ indicator will light to let you know
the VCR is recording.
•If the [_ indicator does not light, check to
make sure a tape has been inserted. If a tape is
inside, cheek to make sure its record-protect tab
has not been broken off. Details about the
record-proteet tab are on page 26.
I_ DISPLA Y Button:
•Press once to bring normal VCR displays to "IV
screen.
•Press again to display the VCR's tape counter
and turn on counter memory. (Details about the
tape-counter and memory-stop features are on
page 21.)
• Press again to remove all displays from TV
screen.
MEMORY Button
•Press this button to switch between the time
display and the tape-counter display in the
VCR's display panel.
•Details are on page 21.
CLEAR Button
•Used to clear incorrect information when
programming the timer and to erase timer
programs after they have been entered. Details
are on pages 22-23.
•Also used to reset the Tape Counter to "0000".
(Details are on page 21 under "Tape Counter"
and "Memory Stop".)
PROGRAM Button
•Used when setting the clock. Details are on
page 16.
• Also used when programming the timer. Details
are on page 22.
POWER/OFF Button
•Press to turn off VCR.
• If the VCR does not turn off when you press this
button, try pressing the VCR button first (_) and
then pressing OFF again. The remote must be in
the "VCR Mode" before it will turn off the
VCR.
ISA

• The digital remote control that came packed with
your VCR controls your VCR and acompatible RCA
or Sears television.
• To control acompatible Sears TV, first program the
remote as described below. The buttons shown on
page 15C will then control the TV whenever you press
the TV button.
• Whenever you install or replace batteries in the
remote, it will automatically reset to control a
compatible RCA television. So, if you have a
compatible RCA TV, you can skip the programming
steps below.
-Programming Remote to Control TV
• Because the remote control is designed to operate
five different types of TV's, you must first program
the remote to match the remote system in your TV.
• You can easily do this by slowly pressing number
buttons 1 thru 5 (one at a time) while holding the
TV button.
• When the "IV starts changing channels, you'll
know you've pressed the right button combination.
To program the remote, follow these steps:
1. Point remote toward front of TV.
2. While holding the TV button, press number
buttons 1 thru 5 (one at a time). The TV will
change channels when the matching number
button is pressed.
TVand 1
TV and 2
TVand 3
TV and 4
TVand 5
RCA Models
Selected Sears Models
Selected Sears Models
Selected Sears Models
Selected Sears Models
3. Release both buttons when the TV starts
changing channels. The other remote buttons
shown on page 15C will now control your TV.
Notes: You will only have to program your remote to
match your TV once. It will remember what code
matches your TV until you replace the batteries.
15B

•Only the remote control buttons that are used to
control compatible RCA- and Sears-brand televisions
are described on this page. The buttons that are used
to operate the VCR are described on pages 14 and
15A.
•If you have a Sears-brand compatible "IV, you must
program the remote as described on page 15B before
these buttons will operate the "IN.
O Most buttons on the remote control will
not control the"INunless the remote is in
the "TV Mode". If the VCR button is
pressed, the remote will go into the "VCR
Mode" and will only control the VCIL To get back into
the "TV Mode", simply press the button labeled TV
again. The remote will go back into the "TVMode" and
will control the "IVagain.
POWER/ OFF Button"
• Press to turn on compatible
Scars TV.
•After turning on TV, press the
TV button to put remote in
"TV Mode".
•Press OFF to turn off
compatible TV (RCA and
Sears).
\
VOLUME A/V Buttons-
•Press VOLUME •to increase
volume.
•Press VOLUME •to decrease
volume.
MUTE Button-
•Press MUTE to quickly reduce
sound to minimum level
without affecting the picture.
•This is very useful during
telephone calls or other
interruptions.
•To restore sound, press MUTE
again or press VOLUME •.
PREV CH (Previous Channel)
Button -- Only for RCA TV
•Pressing this button causes the
TV to change back to the last-
tuned TV channel. This is
useful should you want to
monitor two TV channels.
•To operate, select the first
channel you wish to watch.
Then select the other channel
by pressing two number
buttons.
• The TV will now change back
and forth between the two
channels each time you press
the PREV CH button.
•Remote must be in "TV Mode"
before PREV CH button will
work.
Press TV button to put remote
in "TV Mode".
-- TV Button
•Turns on compatible RCA-
brand TV and puts remote in
"TV Mode" so that the other
remote buttons will control the
TV.
•To turn on compatible Sears-
brand TV, press the POWER
button.
Number Buttons
•Let you directly access any
channel number (from 01 to
99) on the TV or VCR. Always
press two number buttons to
select a channel. For example,
press "0" then "6" to select
Channel 6.
•Remote must be in "TV Mode"
to change channels on TV.
If remote is in "VCR Mode",
pressing these buttons will
change channel on VCR.
•When the VCR is turned on and
the _ indicator light is on,
your TV must be tuned to
Channel 03 or 04 to see signals
from the VCIL (The TV/VCR
button on the remote turns the
indicator on and off.
Details about using the TV/
VCR button are on page 13.)
• When the VCR is turned off
(or the _ indicator light is
off), you can select channels on
the 'IV like you did before you
connected the VCR.
--CHANNEL •/V Buttons
•If your "IV has a channel
memory scan list, press
CHANNEL •to see the next
higher channel in memory.
Press CHANNEL • to see the
next lower channel in memory.
• Remote must be in "TV Mode"
before CHANNEL buttons will
work.
Press TV button to put remote
in "TV Mode".
15C

Here are some things you should know before you set the clock:
•When you first plug in your VCR, the clock will
read " •"
----,---- °
• The buttons for setting the clock are on the remote
hand unit.
• While you are setting the clock, the display on the
TV screen will prompt you through the procedure.
•If you press a wrong digit, press PROGRAM and
then start at beginning.
• The clock must be set to the correct time before
you can program the timer for unattended
recordings or use Express Recording (XPR).
• If power is interrupted, you may have to reset the
clock and re-enter your programs in the timer.
ITurn on your VCR and TV. Tune your TV to
I11 the VCR Channel (channel 3 or 4). The VCR
Channel is explained on page 13.
Press PROGRAM on the remote control.
This "menu" will appear on the TV.
TO SELECT MODE
PQSH HUME[R SHOMN
t CLOCK SET
2 NDRMRL PROGRAM
3 DALLY (M-F) pROGRAM
4_E[KLY PROGRAM
5 PROGRA_ REVIE_
TO EHD PUSH PROORAM
Press "1" to set the clock
[
121
The display prompts you to set the time.
CLOCK SET
TI mE .T-," : --
M(]HTH/DAY/yEAR
DATE -÷/--/--
TO END PUSH PROGRRM
Set the time by pressing two digit buttons on
the remote for the current hour and two
more for the minute.
(For example, press 0 2 1 5 for 2:15.)
Note: The CLEAR button does not operate in
clock set. If you make a mistake, press
PROGRAM and start again.
I
131 I
The display prompts you to select AM or I
PM. [CLOCK SET
T;ME 02:t5 i
--_RM'I PM=2_'-
_OHT_/DAY/YE_R
DATE --/--/--
TO END PUSH PROORAN
Press "1" for AM or press "2" for PM.
Remember. Noon is 12:00 PM
Midnight is 12:00 AM
I
141
The display prompts you to set the date.
CLOCK SET
Tlffi[ 02:1S Pffi
MDHTHIDAY/YEAR
OAT[ )_ i - - /- -
TD END PUSH PROGRAM
Set the date by pressing six digits in order for
the month, day, and year. (For example,
press 0 7 0 2 8,9,for July 2, 1989.)
Always press 0 before single-digit months
and days.
I
ISl
The day of the week will appear when you /
have entered all six digits for the date. ICLOCK SIT
TIME 02:15 PH
MOHTH/OAY/YERR
DATC 07/02/89
SUN
TO EHD PUSH PROGRAM
Press PROGRAM to start the clock. (Note
that the display on the VCR will show the
correct time after you press PROGRAM.
Press PROGRAM again to return to the
program you were watching.
16