RCA VR324 User manual

USER’S
GUIDE
Important loformalion .............. i
Table of Contents .................... .l
Hooking Up the VCR.. .............. .2
Setting Up the VCR ................... 7
Using the Remote Control.. ....
.l 0
Playing a Tape ....................... 14
Recording a Program.. .......... .I9
References.. .......................... .26
$ndex ................................... .32
G

Important Information
To reduce the risk of
fire or shock hazard, do
not expose this VCR to
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
RsKoFm- REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
A
This symbol indicates “dangerous
A
This symbol indicatesimportant
volta@ inside the product that instructions accompanying the
presents arisk of electric shock or product.
personal injury.
Cautions
To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
. _
Pour t!viter les chocs electriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne
correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqti au fond.
Do not defeat the safety feature of the plug. The wide blade fits into the wall socket only one way.
If you need an extension cord, make sure it matches the plug of the VCR.
For U.S.A.-Operate VCR only on 120 volts, 60Hz AC power (normal house power).
For safety reasons, make sure any equipment or accessories connected to this product bears the UL
listing mark, or if purchased and used in Canada, the CSA certification mark. If in doubt, contact
qualified service personnel.
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the
user’s authority to operate it.
Note To Cable TV Installer
This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article 820-40 of the National Electrical Code
(Section 54 of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1) which 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.
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately. Returning this 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 VCR.
Model No. VR324
Serial No.
Purchase Date:
Dealer/Address/Phone:

Table of Contents
Important Information
Warnings, Cautions, note to Cable TV Installer, and Product Registration_ i
Hooking Up the VCR
Choosing a Hookup 2
Antenna or Cable System Without a Cable BOX 3
Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble AU Channels 4
Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble Only Pay Channels ~ 5
Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes 6
Setting Up the VCR
startup
Check Accessories with VCR 7
Insert Batteries in Remote 7
Turn on the TV and VCR 7
Place Channels in the VCR’s Memory 8
Add or Remove Channels from the VCR’s Memory 8
Use lV*VCR Button 9
Set the Time and Date 9
Using the Remote Control
Component, VCR, and TV Buttons 10-11
Controlling a VCR 12
Controlling a TV 13
Playing a Tape
Operating Instructions 14
Using the Playback Features
Auto Play Feature 15
Pause for Stop Action 15
DISPLAY Button 16
Time Counter 16
Index Search 17
Go-To Search 17
Picture Search 18
Commercial Scan 18
Automatic and Manual Tracking 18
Recording a Program
Types of Recordings 19
Basic Recording -Operating Instructions 19
Watch a TV Channel While VCR is Recording a Different Channel 19
Express Recording (XFR) 20
Recording While You’re Away
Select Cable Box Viewing Channel 21
Setting a Timer Recording 22
Checking or Clearing Timer Recordings 23 ’
Timer Recording from the VCR’s Line Input 23
Stopping a Timer Recording 23
Recording Speeds 24
Recording Pause 24
Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes 25
References
Location of Controls
Front Panel 26
Back Panel 27
Display Panel 27
Trouble Checks 28.29
Limited Warranty 30
Specifications 31
Cleaning the VCR 31
Index 32-33

Choosing a Hookup
The hookups on pages 3 through 5 are divided into two hookup types:
Basic (A) and Advanced(B).
The basic hookup shows the backs of TVs that have only an antenna/cable
connection. It is the easier of the hvo and additional accessories may not be
needed.
The advanced hookup shows the VCR hooked up to a monitor/receiver
(TV with audio and video jacks) using a signal splitter. This connection may
improve the picture quality as well as convenience of operation.
Answer the questions to choose the hookup for your VCR.
1.
2.
Optional Hookups
How do you receive your TV signals?
Choose one answer from below.
A. Outside antenna -Turn to page 3.
B. Rabbit ears (set-top) and/or bow tie antenna-Turn to page 3.
C. Cable System - Go to question 2.
What type of Cable-TV system* do you have?
Choose one answer from below.
A. Cable without a box Turn to page 3.
B. Cable box to unscramble all the channels Turn to page 4.
C. Cable box to unscramble only pay channels, such as HBO, Showtime,
Cinema, etc.-Turn to page 5.
*You may need to contact your local cable company for assistance.
How to hook up two VCRs for copying tapes?
A. Select a hookup by answering questions 1 and 2 above.
B. Then modify the connections as shown on page 6.
2

A. Basic hOOkuQ.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR
to either channel 3 or 4.
You will tune the TV to this channel and use the
TV-VCR button to watch the VCR.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessolies not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV.
4.
B. &hanCedhOOkuQ.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality and more convenient
operation-use of lV*VCR button not
required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additianal accessories
nat provided.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV.
Back of VCR
““E
Back of N
You will tune the TV toits video input to watch
the VCR.
Back of VCR
Back of N w

Cable System WW Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR
to either channel 3 or 4.
You will tune the TV to this channel and use the
TVWCR button to watch the “CR.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessoties not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
Back of N
4
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality and more convenient
operation-use of N*VCR button not
required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
Cable Box
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
You will tune the TV to its video input to watch
the VCR.

(such aa HBO, showtime, Pa+sr-Vkw, etc.)
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR
to either channel 3 or 4.
You will tune the TV to this channel and use the
TVWCR button to watch the “CR.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
q
picture quality and more convenient
operation-use of TV*VCR button not
required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessaries
not provided.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
You will tune the TV to itsvideo input to watch
the VCR. AUpay channels are viewed through
the VCR.
Antenna
UHF
Back of N
Cable Box

Connecting ?Lvo VCRs for Copying Tapes
Option A hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5
and then modify with this connection.
2. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on the playback
VCR to either channel 3 or 4.
You will tune the recording VCR to this channel
to receive the signal from the playback VCR.
3. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessmiesnot provided.
4. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV
Option B hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved copy
q
Use the hookup to thi TV
as previously selected on
pages 3,4, or 5.
Playback VCR (only)
quality and more convenient operation -
use of TWVCR button not required.
1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5
and then modify with this connection.
2. Connect as shown.
3. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV.
4. w.- 4
Recording VCR
You will selectthe line (audio/video) input on
the recording “CR to receivethe signal from
the playback VCR.
Use the hookup to the TV
as previously selected on
pages 3,4, or 5.
6

Startup
1. Check accessories with VCR.
Contact your dealer if any items are missing.
(Stock No. 221312) RF Coaxial Cable
(Stock No. 207417)
2. Insert batteries in remote.
3. Wrn on the TV.
A. Turn on the TV.
6. If you used one of the basic hookups, tune the TV to the channel selected with the
CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR.
If you used one of the advanced hookups, hme the TV to the TV’s video input.
(See TV owner’s manual for details.)
4. Turn on the VCR.
A. Press VCR1 on the remote. The POWER and VCR indicators will light in the VCR’s
display panel.

Startup
5. Place channels in the VCR’s memory.
The first time you turn on the VCR or after a power interruption,
the VCR will display a message on the TV screen prompting you
to Auto-Search Channels for the VCR. If the message does not
appear, go to step A below. If the message appears, follow the
directions on the screen
Wait until the channel numbers stop changing. This takes about
one to two minutes. The TV will then tune to the lowest channel
found. Pressing CHANNEL up or down will select only the active
channels.
If you ever need to manually Setup Channels on the VCR because
you change cable or antenna signals:
A. Press MENU PROG to display the VCR MAIN MENU on the
TV screen. If this menu does not appear:
* Make sure TV is tuned to same channel as CH3 CH4 switch
on the VCR or the TV’s video input (refer to TV’s manual).
* Press VCRl, then press MENU PROG again.
* If you use a basic hookup, check the VCR indicator in
display panel-it should be on. Press lV*VCR to turn it
0”.
- Check the connections.
Et. Press 3 to display the CHANNEL SETUP menu.
C. Press 1 to begin Auto-Search Channels.
The VCR automatically selects CABLE (cable TV) or
ANTENNA. If you need to change the setting manually,
press 3.
6. Add or remove channels from the VCR’s memory.
You may want to add or remove channels if some of the channels
are not active, have weak signals, or you do not want to watch
them.
Channels must be placed in memory using the Auto-Search
Channels feature described above before you can add or remove
channels.
A. Press VCR1
6. Press MENU PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU
on the TV screen.
C. Press 3 to display the CHANNEL SETUP menu.
D. Press 2 to display the ADD/REMOVE CHANNEL menu.
E. Follow the directions on the screen.
F. Add or remove more channels by entering channel numbers
or using CHANNEL up and down buttons.
8

Startup
7. Use TV*VCR button.
Skip this step if you used one of the advanced hookups.
When using one of the basic hookups, the N*VCR button lets you
switch between the picture coming from the VCR or television
channels. This button allows you to record a program on the VCR
while watching another channel on the TV. Details are on page 19.
A.
6.
c.
D.
E.
F.
Press VCR1 to set the remote to control the VCR.
Press lV.VCR to see the picture from the VCR.
The VCR indicator lights in the display panel.
Press CHANNEL up or down to change channels on the VCR.
The channel number changes on the TV screen.
Press TV.VCR to see the TV channels.
The VCR indicator does not light in the display panel. Change
channels using the TV’s remote.
Return the TV to the VCR viewing channel - CH3 or CH4.
Press VCRl, then TV*VCR to switch back to the picture
from the VCR.
8. Set the time and date.
A. Press MENU PROG on remote to see VCR MAIN MENU on the “CR H&INMEN”
TV screen. 1 Timer programming
* Revi.” Program*
6. Press 5 to display SET VCR CLOCK. 3 Channel setup
4 “CR setup option*
C. Enter the time and date with the number buttons on the
remote. SET “CR CLOCK
* Press 0 before single-digit numbers.
Example: press 0, then 5, then 0. then 7 for a time
of 5x07. Press 1 for AM or 2 for PM. Date --/--/--
. Press CLEAR on the remote to change incorrect entries.
D. Press MENU PROG to start the clock and remove SET VCR Press HEN” f0 exit
CLOCK menu from the screen.
9

Buttons Component Buttons
Pressone of the buttons to set the remote to operate that component.
N
VCR2
Turns on a compatible RCA, GE, Turns on a compatible RCA, GE,
or ProScan TV and sets the or ProScan VCR and sets remote
remote to control the TV. to control the VCR when it has
see page 13. been setup. See page 22.
VCR1
Turns on a compatible RCA, GE,
or ProScan VCR and sets remote
to control the VCR.
VCR Function Buttons
Press VCR1 NCR21 to set remote to control the VCR to use the
function but&.
CHANNEL Up or Down
Selects next higher or lower
channel in the VCR’s channel
memory.
CLEAR
Resets time counter to 0:OO:OO.
Allows you to change entries
when setting the clock or VCR for
a timer recording.
DISPLAY
Shows VCR operating displays
on the TV screen.
Displays the time counter.
EDIT
Signals two properly connected
VCRs to begin copying a tape.
see page25.
F.RND (Fast Forward)
Fast forwards the tape when the
VCR is stopped.
Searches the picture in forward
motion during playback.
INPUT
Turns the line input on or off.
Line input refers to the signal
coming from the component
connected to the audio/video
jacks on the back of the VCR.
MENU PROG
Displays the VCR MAIN MENU
on the TV screen.
Removes a menu from the
screen.
Numbers (0 through 9)
Select a channel up to 99 by
pressing two numbers.
Select a cable channel over 99 by
pressing and holding 1 until 1--
appears on the screen. Then
press t,heother two numbers.
OFF
Turns off VCR when remote is set
control the VCR.
10

Buttons
VCR Function Buttons
PAUSE REW (Rewind)
Rewinds the tape when the VCR
is stopped.
l’auses action for viewing during
playback.
Pauses recording to prevent Searches the picture in reverse
recording of unwanted scenes. motion
during playback.
PLAY
Plays a tape.
SEARCH
Displays INDEX and GO-TO
SEARCH menus on TV.
PREV CH (Previous Channel)
Switches between two channels.
Select one channel and then select
another. Press PREV CH to
switch between the two channels.
Advances tape 60 or 120 seconds
during playback.
SPEED (Tape Speed)
Selects a recording speed
(SP, LP, SLP).
REC*XPR
Starts VCR recording.
Used for express recording (XPR).
see page20.
STOP
Stops the normal functions such
as record, playback, rewind, fast
forward, and pause of the VCR.
TRACKING Up or Dow”
Lets you manually reduce the
streaks that may appear on the
pictur& during play or pause.
N-VCR
Switches the picture signal so
that it either comes from the VCR
or the TV channel. See page 9.
TV Function Buttons
press the TV button to set remote to control a compatible TV. Some buttons may not work with the TV.
CHANNEL Up or Dow” MUTE PREV CH (previous Channel)
Selects next higher or lower Turns the TV
sound on or off. Switches behveen two channels.
channel in the TV’s channel Select one channel and then select
memory when remote is set to Numbers (0 through 9) another. Press PREV CH to
control a TV. Select a channel up to 99 by switch between the two
channels.
pressing hvo numbers.
CLEAR
Removes menus or status
displays from the screen.
DISPLAY
Shows the status displays on the
screen.
Removes menus or displays from
the screen.
Select a cable channel over 99 by
pressing and holding 1 until 1 --
appears on the screen. Then press
the other two numbers.
OFF
turns off a compatible TV when
remote is set to control TV.
VOLUME Up or Dow”
Raises and lowers sound.
11

Controlling a VCR
The VCR’s remote controls two compatible RCA, ProScan, or GE VCRs with the
VCR1 and VCR2 buttons. Most compatible VCRs automatically respond to VCR1
without being programmed. If you own two compatible VCRs, test them to see if
VCR1 turns on both VCRs. If it does, then you may want to program this VCR to
respond to the VCR2 button on the remote.
Program the VCR for Remote Control
Set the Remote Control feature of the VCR to the VCR1
or VCR2 position. The remote then controls the VCR
with either the VCR1 or VCR2 button-whichever
position you select in the menu.
Press MENU PROG to disulav the VCR MAIN
. ,
MENU.
Press 4 to display the SETUP OPTIONS menu.
Press 1 to activate the Remote Control feature.
Press VCR1 or VCR2 to change the setting and
program this VCR to respond to the VCR1 or VCR2
button - whichever you select.
Important Reminder: Remember you must
press VCR1 or VCR2 on the remote -
whichever you selected in the menu -
before the remote will operate this VCR.
12

Controlling a TV
The VCR’s remote is preprogrammed to control the basic functions of a compatible
RCA, proScan, or GE TV. The remote can also be set up to control other
manufacturer’s brands. To program the remote, use the remote button that
corresponds to your brand.
Program the Remote for a TV
1. Turn on the TV.
2. Point the VCR remote
at the TV.
3. Hold the l-V button and
press the remote button
for your brand.
If the TV changes
channels when you
press CHANNEL up or
down, setup is
complete.
4. Release both buttons.
5. Repeat steps 2 - 4 with
another button if the
first one does not work.
Remote
Remote
Brand * Button Brand * Button
Admiral 6,9 Panasonic (CH UP)
Alai 6 Philca 6,s
AOC
6 Philips 4
Centmica” 9 Portland 8
Coronado 8 PIi%” (CH UP)
Curtis M&es 1.9 ProScan 1
Dayeon 9 Quasar (CH UP)
E”WrW” 6,S RCA 1
Fisher 5 Sampa 9
GE 1 Samsung *,9
Goldstar 6,s Scott 9
Hitachi 0.6 Sears 1,v
JCPenney 6,9 Sharg S,(pREvcH)
,KMC 8 SiturezwO 6.9
KTV 6,s Sony 3
MGA 9 Sylvania 4,9
Mag”W0X 4,&V Tek”i!a 4,s
M.Wa”tz 6, (CH Dn) Toshiba 7
Mitsubishi 6, (CH D”) Yan 9
NEC 6.9 Zenith 2
* The remote may not be able to control every model TV of
the brands listed.
Operate the TV
After you have set up your remote to control your TV, test the TV buttons
to see which ones operate your TV.
1. Point the rem”te at the TV and press N.
2. If TV does not turn on in step 1, press N and then OFF.
3. Usethe “TV Function Buttons” as described on page Il.
between the TV and VCR on-screen
remote is set to control the VCR or the TV.
13

Operating Instructions
To Play a Tape
1. Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3,4. or TV’s video input to we the
picture from the VCR.
2. Insert a tape in the VCR.
VCR automatically turns on. The POWER and VCR indicaton light. Tape
automatically begins playback if the safety tab on the cassette has been
removed and the Auto Play feature is turned on.
I _ __ _ _J
3. Press PLAY, if necessary.
4. Press CHAN*TRKG on the VCR or TRACKING UP OI down on the remote to
remwe any streaks from the picture if necessary. Details are on page 18.
5. Press STOP-EJECT on the VCR or STOP on the remote.
6. Press REW.
The VCR will automatically rewind the tape if it reaches the end of the tape
during playback. While rewinding, you can also press POWER on the VCR or
OFF on the remote and the VCR will automatically turn off after rewinding.
7. Press STOP-EJECTon the VCR to eject the tape once it is completely rewound.
14

Using the Playback Features
Auto Play Feature
This feature lets you tell the VCR whether you want it to automatically start
playing a tape that is inserted with the safety tab removed.
Press MENU PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU on the
TV screen.
Press 4 to display the SETUP OPTIONS menu.
Press 2 to select Auto Play: ON or OFF.
- Select ON to have a tape with its safety tab removed start playing
automatically.
* Select OFF if you do not want a tape with its safety tab removed to
start playing automatically.
Pause for Stop Action
This feature stops the tape in action and allows you to examine the details of the
scene. Stop action works best for tapes recorded in the SLP speed.
1. Press PAUSE during playback to stop the action
2. Press TRACKING up OI down on the remote or GHAN-TRKG on the
VCR to reduce any jittering of the picture.
3. Press PAUSE or PLAY to return to playback
The VCR will automatically switch from stop-action playback to St01
after a few minutes.

Using the Playback Features
DISPLAY Button
1. Press DISPLAY to display the status of the VCR, channel
number, time counter, date, time, and tape speed on the
TV screen.
The time and date must be set before they are displayed.
If you do not press DISPLAY again, this display will time
out.
2. Press DISPLAY again to continually display the time
counter on the TV screen.
3. Press DISPLAY again to return to the status displays.
These displays will time out.
Turning off the VCR automatically returns the displays to
normal.
Time Counter
The time counter shows the actual time it takes to record a program or
play back a segment of a prerecorded tape. It helps locate the
beginning or end of programs you taped. The time counter resets to
0:oO:OOwhenever the tape is ejected from the VCR.
For example, if a 30-minute program was recorded at the beginning of
the tape, you would:
1. Insert the prerecorded tape.
2. Press DISPLAY twice to display only the time counter on
the TV screen.
3. Press FSWD to fast forward the tape until the time counter
reads 0:30:00. Press STOP.
This is the end of the program and you can begin
recording at this spot.
4. Press CLEAR to reset the time counter to 0:OO:OO.
5. Press DISPLAY to remwe the time counter from the TV
screen and return to status displays. These displays will
time out.
Time Counter Only
16

Using the Playback Features
Index Search
The VCR has a “VHS Index Search System” that automatically records an
index mark on the tape every time you stop and start recording. During
playback you can locate the program you want to play by the number of
index marks.
The VCR will automatically locate the index number you select. The VCR
will search forward or reverse from the location you are on the tape.
1. Insert the prerecorded tape and press STOP.
2. Press SEARCH on the remote to display the INDEX SEARCH
menu on the TV screen.
3. Press two number buttons to enter the number of index marks
you want the VCR to search.
4. Press F.FWD to search forward or REW to search in reverse.
5. Press STOP to stop index searching.
Some index marks may be missed by the VCR.
* A mark too close to your location on the tape.
* The mark at the beginning of a recorded segment of five
minutes or less.
- The first index mark on the tape when you start at the
beginning of the tape.
Go-To Search
The VCR will search for the time counter reading you select and
automatically begin playing back the tape.
1. Insert the prerecorded tape and press STOP.
2. Press SEARCH on the remote twice to display the
GO-TO SEARCH menu on the TV screen.
3. Press number buttons to enter the hour(s) and minute(s) of the
time counter reading you want the VCR to search.
Press CLEAR to correct an entry.
4. Press F.FWD to search forward or REW to search in reverse for
the time counter reading you entered.
5. Press STOP to stop go-to searching.

Using the Playback Features
Picture Search
You can search a picture during playback by fast forwarding or rewinding
the tape. Sound is turned off during picture search. The picture is best for
tapes recorded in the SLP speed.
Fast Forward Search
1. Press F.FWD to search forward at a faster-than-normal speed.
2. Press F.FWD or PLAY to return to playback.
Rewind Search
Use FEW instead of F.FWD for the same steps in “Fast Forward
Search.”
Commercial Scan (SEARCH Button)
This is useful for scanning commercials or short program segments.
1. Press SEARCH once during playback to advance
the tape approximately 60 seconds.
2. Press SEARCH twice during playback to advance the tape
approximately 120 seconds.
Automatic lbacking
The VCR has automatic tracking which adjusts the picture when playing
back a tape recorded on another VCR. Automatic tracking is turned on
whenever a tape is inserted or the VCR’s power is turned on.
Manual Tracking
Occasionally, you may need to manually adjust tracking on a tape recorded
on a different VCR or camcorder. The TRACKING buttons on the remote or
CHAN’TRKG on the VCR are used when playing a tape. They have no effect
during recording.
When streaks or snow appear, press TRACKING up or down on remote or
CHAN’TRKG on VCR for the best possible picture.
18