RCA VR327A User manual

VR327A

Important Information
WARNING
To reduce the risk of
fire or shock hazard,
do not expose this VCR
to rain or moisture.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
A
This symbol indicates “dangerous
voltage” inside the product that
presentsa risk of electric shockor
personalinpry
A
This symbol indicates important
instructions accompanying the
product.
Cautions
Caution: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
Attention: Pour &iter les chocs Glectriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la
borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqli 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, 60Hr AC power (normal house power). .
.
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the l
user’s authority to operate it. .
.
Note To Cable TV Installer
A \
.
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 groundink *
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. VR327A
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 All 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
Insert Batteries in Remote
Turn on the TV and VCR
Place Channels in the VCR’s Memory
Add or Remove Channels from the VCR’s Memory
Use TV-VCRButton
Set the Time and Date
Set the Language/Seleccione el Idioma
Using the Remote Control
VCR Function Buttons
Playing a Tape
Operating Instructions
Using the Playback Features
Auto Play Feature
Picture Search
DISPLAY Button
Time Counter
Zero Search
Commercial Scan (SEARCH Button)
Slow Motion
Pause for Stop Action
Frame Advance
Automatic and Manual Tracking
Recording a Program
References
IO-11
12
13
13
14
14
15
15
15
16
16
16
Types of Recordings
Recording Speeds
Recording Pause
Basic Recording Operating Instructions
Watch a TV Channel While VCR is Recording a Different Channel
Express Recording
Recording While You’re Away
Select Cable Box Viewing Channel
Setting a Timer Recording
Checking or Clearing Timer Recordings
Timer Recording From the VCR’s Line input
Stopping a Timer Recording in Progress
Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes
Copying and Editing Using Compatible Remote
17
17
17
17
17
18
19
20
21
21
21
22
22
Specifications
Cleaning the VCR
Location of Controls
Front Panel
Back Panel
Display Panel
Trouble Checks
Limited Warranty
Index
23
23
24
25
25
26-27
28
29
1

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 two 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. 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.
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,
Cinemax, etc. -Turn to page 5.
*You may need to contact your local cable company for assistance.
Optional Hookups
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

AntemaorCableSystemWrthoutaCableBox
A.
Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the 3CH.4 switch on back of VCR to
either channel 3 or 4.
Tune the TV to this channel and use the
TV.“CR button to watch the VCR.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV.
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality and more convenient
operation-use of the TWVCR button is
not required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV.
Tune the TV to its video input to watch the
VCR.
Back of VCR
Back of TV
3

Cable System Wtih Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels
A. Basic hookup.
USC this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the 3CH.4 switch on back of VCR to
either channel 3 or 4.
Tune the TV to elii channel and use the
T”.“CR button t” watch the “CR.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection may rcquirc additional
accessories not p’““ided,
3. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality and more convenient
operation-use of the TWVCR button is
not required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
Tune the TV to its video input to watch the
“CR.
4
Back of TV

(such as HBO, showlime, Pay-Per-Vii, etc.)
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the 3CH.4 switch on back of VCR to
either channel 3 or 4.
Tune the T” t” this channel and use the
T”‘“CR button t” watch the VCR.
3. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality and more convenient
operation-use of the TWVCR button is
not required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
Tune the TV to its video input to watch the
VCR. View all pay channels are viewed
through the “CR.
Back of TV
Cable Box
Back of VCR

Connecting Two 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 3CH.4 switch on the playback
VCR to either channel 3 or 4.
Tunettwrrcording “CR to thischannelto
receivethe signalfrom theplayback“CR.
3. Connect as shown.
Thisconnectionmay requireadditional
accessoriesnot provided.
4. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV.
Option B hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved copy
quality and more convenient operation ~
use of the TWVCR button is not required.
1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5
and then modify with this connection.
2. Connect as shown.
Thisconnectionrequiresadditionalaccessolies
not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV.
Select the line (audio/video) inputon the
recordingVCRto receivethesignalfromthe
playbackVCR.
6
Playback VCR
FromAntenna,cam
orcableBOX
RF coaxiai Cable
Recording VCR (Supp’ied)
Cable
I /
\ ’ --or--~ I
\.I’
Use the hookup to the TV
as previously selected on
pages 3,4, or 5.
Playback VCR (only)
Recording VCR
Use the hookup to the TV
as previously selected on
pages 3,4, or 5.

Startup
1. Check accessories with VCR.
Contact your dealer if any items are missing.
Remote
(Stock No. 221347)
2. Insert batteries in remote.
RF Coaxial Cable
(Stock No. 221346)
3. Turn on the TV.
A. Turn on the TV.
B. If you used one of the basic hookups, tune the TV to the channel selected with the
3CH.4 switch on back of VCR.
If you used one of the advanced hookups, tune the TV to the TV’s video input.
(See TV owner’s manual for details.)
4. lIn’n on the VCR.
A. Press POWER on the remote. The POWER and VCR indicators in the VCR’s display
panellight. The TIMER indicator flashes until the time is set.

Startup
5.Place channels in the VCR’s memory.
The first time you turn on the VCR or after a power
interruption, the VCR displays a message on the TV screen
prompting you to AUTO-SEARCH CHANNELS. 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 tunes to the lowest
channel found. Then, pressing CHAN up or down selects only
the active channels.
If you ever need to manually setup the channels on the VCR
because you change cable or antenna signals:
A. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU on the TV
screen. If this menu does not appear:
* Make sue the TV is tuned to same channel as the
3CH.4 switch on the VCR or to the TV’s video input
(refer to TV’s manual).
. If you use a basic hookup, check the VCR indicator in
display panel-it should be on. Press TWVCR to
turn it on.
f Check the connections
6. 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.
You must place channels in memory using the AUTO-
SEARCH CHANNELS feature described above before you can
add or remove channels.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Press MENU on the remote to display the VCR MAIN
MENU.
Press 3 to display the CHANNEL SETUP menu.
Press 2 to display the ADD/REMOVE CHANNEL menu
Follow the directions on the screen.
Add or remove more channels by using the CHAN 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 TV4CR button lets you
switch between the picture coming from the VCR or television
channels. This button lets you record a program on the VCR while
watching another channel on the TV. Details are on &w”ge17.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Press TWVCR to see the picture from the VCR.
The VCR indicator lights in the display panel.
Press CHAN up or down to change channels on the VCR.
The channel number changes on the TV screen.
P,ess TWVCR 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 TWVCR to switch back to the picture from the VCR.
8. Set the time and date.
A. Press MENU on the remote to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
8. Press 5 to display SET VCR CLOCK.
The TIMER indicator on the VCR’s display panel flashes if the
clock is not set.
C. Enter the time and date with the number buttons on the remote.
* Press 0 before single-digit numbers.
Example: press 0, then 5, then 0, then 7 for a time
of 5:07. Press 1 for AM or 2 for PM.
. Press CLEAR on the remote to change incorrect entrIes.
D. Press MENU to start the clock and remove the SET VCR CLOCK
menu from the screen.
9. Set the language/Seleccione el idioma.
This feature lets you select English or Spanish as the language for
your on-screen menus.
A. Press MENU. on remote to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
6. Press 6 to switch between English or Spanish.
* Select LANGUAGE to have the menus displayed in English.
* Select IDIOMA to have the menus displayed in Spanish.
r
9

VCR Function Buttons
‘0 ‘0 “0 Q-
“0 “0 “0 07
‘0 “0 “0
“0
INPUT MEN” CLEAR
0 0 0
SPEED F~ AD”
0 0
CHAN Up or Down
Selects next higher or lower channel in
the VCR’s channel memory.
CLEAR
Resets time counter to 0:OO:OO.
Lets you change entries when setting the
time or VCR for a timer recording.
DISPLAY
Shows VCR operating displays on the TV
screen.
Displays the time counter.
FF (Fast Forward)
Fast forwards the tape when the VCR is
stopped.
Searches the picture in forward motion
during playback.
F. ADV (Frame Advance)
Lets you view one frame with each press
of the button when tape is in stop-action
pause.
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
Displays the VCR MAIN MENU on the
TV screen.
Removes a menu from the screen.
10

VCR Function Buttons
(continued)
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 l-- appears
on the screen. Then press the other two
numbers.
PAUSE
pauses action for viewing during
playback.
pauses recording to prevent recording
of unwanted scenes.
PLAY
Plays a tape.
POWER
Turns VCR on and off.
PREV CH (Previous Channel)
Switches between two channels
Select one channel and then select
another. Press PREV CH to switch
between the two channels.
RECORD
Starts VCR recording.
Used for Express recording.
see page 18.
REW (Rewind)
Rewinds the tape when the VCR is
stopped.
Searches the picture in reverse motion
during playback.
SEARC’H
Displays ZERO SEARCH menu on TV.
Advances tape 60 seconds during
playback.
SLOW
Used for slow-motion playback.
SPEED (Tape Speed)
Selects a recording speed
(SP, LP, SLP).
STOP
Stops the VCR’s normal functions such
as record, playback, rewind, fast
forward, and pause.
TRACKING Up or Down
Lets you manually reduce the streaks
that may appear on the picture during
play or pause.
TV-VCR
Switches the picture signal so
that it either comes from the VCR or the
TV channel. See page 9.
11

Operating Instructions
Toplay a tape
1. Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3,4, or the TV’s video input to see the
picture from the VCR.
2. Insert a tape in the VCR.
The VCR automatically turns on. The POWER and VCR indicators light. The
tape automatically begins playback if the safety tab on the cassette has been
removed and the AUTO PLAY feature is turned on.
7
-ma-
/
/
J’
Safety Tab
3. Press PLAY, if necessary.
4. Press TRACKING up or down on the remote or the VCR to remove any streaks
from the picture, if necessary. Details are 011page 16.
5. Press STOP.EJECT on the VCR or STOP on the remote.
6. Press REW on the VCR or the remote.
The VCR automatically rewinds the tape if it reaches the end of the tape during
playback. Also, if you press POWER while a tape is rewinding, the VCR turns
off automatically when it is completely rewound.
7. Press STOP-EJECT on the VCR to eject the tape once it is completely rewound.
12

Using the Playback Features
Auto Play Feature
This feature lets you tell the VCR whether to automatically start playing
when you insert a tape with its safety tab removed.
1. Press MENU on the remote to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press 4 to display the SETUP OPTIONS menu.
3. Press 2 to select AUTO PLAY: ON or OFF.
* Select ON if you want a tape with its safety tab removed to
sta*t playing automatically.
* Select OFF if you do not want a tape with its safety tab
removed to start playing automatically.
Picture Search
You can search for a specific tape location during playback by fast
forwarding or rewinding the tape. Sound is turned off during picture
search. No displays appear on the TV screen during search. Picture search
works best for tapes recorded in the SLP speed.
Fast Forward Search
1. Press FF to search forward at a faster-than-normal speed.
2. Press FF or PLAY to return to playback.
Rewind Search
1. Press FF to search backward at a faster-than-normal speed.
2. Press FF or PLAY to return to playback.

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.
You must set the time and date before they can be
displayed. If you do not press DISPLAY again, this
display times out.
2. Press DISPLAY again to continually display the time
counter on the TV screen.
3. Press DISPLAY again to return to status displays
These displays automatically time out.
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:OOwhen the tape is ejected from the VCR.
For example, if you recorded a 30-minute program 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 FF to fast forward the tape until 0:30:00 appears
on the time counter. Press STOP.
This is the end of the program. You can begin recording
a new program.
4. Press CLEAR on the remote to reset the time counter to
o:oo:oo.
5. Press DISPLAY to return to status displays. These
displays time out.
The time counter is removed from the TV screen during
picture search.
Press CLEAR to display the time counter on the TV
SXW”.
14

Using the Playback Features
Zero Search
The zero search feature lets you quickly return to a counter reading of
0:OO:OOat any spot on the tape. This is especially convenient when you
want to watch a segment of the tape several times.
1. Insert the prerecorded tape.
2. Press DISPLAY twice to display only the time counter on the
TV screen.
3. Use PLAY, FF. or REW to advance to the place on the tape
whwe you want to return quickly.
4. Press CLEAR on the remote to reset the time counter to
o:oo:oo.
5. Continue playing the tape.
6. Press STOP.
7. Press SEARCH in the stop mode to display the ZERO
SEARCH menu on the TV screen. The current time counter
appears.
8. Press REW or FF to return to 0:OO:OO. The time counter
remains in the upper right corner of the TV screen during
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.
Slow Motion
You can view the picture in slow motion during play or play pause.
Sound is turned off during slow-motion playback. Slow motion works
best in the SLP speed.
1. Press SLOW to begin slow-motion playback.
2. Use TRACKING up or down to adjust the streaks for the be
possible picture.
3. Press SLOW or PLAY to return to playback
The VCR automatically switches from slow-motion playba
to stop after a few minutes.

Using the Playback Features
Pause for Stop Action
This feature stops the tape in action and lets you examine the
details of the scene on the screen. Stop action works best for tapes
recorded in the SLl’ speed.
1, Press PAUSE during playback to stop the action.
2. Press PAUSE or PLAY to return to playback.
The VCR automatically switches from stop-action
playback to stop after a few minutes.
Frame Advance (F. ADV Button)
Frame advance lets you view one stop-action frame after another
Frame advance works best for tapes recorded in the SLP speed.
1. Press PAUSE to stop the action.
2. Press F. ADV each time you want to view a frame of
the scene.
3. Press PAUSE or PLAY to resume normal playback.
Automatic Tracking
The VCR has automatic tracking which adjusts the picture when
you are playing back a tape recorded on another VCR. Automatic
tracking is turned on when 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. Tracking is used when
playing a tape. It has no effect during recording.
When streaks or snow appear, press TRACKING up or down on
the remote or VCR to adjust for the best possible picture.
16

npes of Recordings
Your VCR provides different recording features. The following sections describe these features.
Recording Speeds
Press SPEED on the remote to select a recording speed (SP, LP, or SLP). The speed you select appears on
the TV screen.
SP (Standard Play) gives the best quality recording. This is why most
prerecorded, rental tapes are recorded in SP. Fewer programs can be recorded
on the tape.
LP (Long Play) gives twice the recording time of tapes recorded in SF.
SLP (Super Long Play) gives three times the recording time of tapes recorded
in SP. Special effects such as pause, frame advance, slow motion, and picture
search work best in this speed.
Recording Pause
This feature lets you prevent recording short passages of unwanted material.
Press PAUSE during recording to stop and start recording.
The VCR automatically switches from pause to stop after a few minutes
Basic Recording - Operating Instructions
Tomake a recording
Turn on the TV and tune it to the VCR viewing channel, either $4, or the TV’s video input channel.
1. Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.
2. If you are using one of the basic hookups, make sure the VCR indicator
appears in the VCR’s display panel. If not, press TV4CR to hnn it on.
3. Use SPEED on the remote to select a recording speed. The tape speed
indicator appears on the TV screen.
4. Select the channel to be recorded. The channel number appears on the TV
screen.
5. Press REC on the remote or RECORD and PLAY at the same time on the
VCR to begin recording. The RECORD indicator appears in the VCR’s
display panel while the VCR is recording.
Watch a TV channel while VCR is recording a different channel
1. Follow steps 1 through 5 above.
2. If you are using one of the basic hookups, press N-VCR to switch to the
TV channel. The VCR indicator turns off in the display panel.
3. Select the channel you want to watch with the TV’s channel buttons.
4. Press STOP.EJECT on the VCR or STOP on the remote when the
recording is finished.
17

Express Recording
Express recording lets you record up to four hours without using the timer program
feature. The VCR turns off automatically at the end of the recording.
STOP.EJECT PLAY RECORD
Operating Instructions
1. Turn on the VCR.
2. Insert a tape with its safety tab in place.
3. Select the channel you want to record.
4. Use SPEED on the remote to select a recording
speed.
5. Press RECORD and PLAY together on the VCR or
REC on the remote to activate express recording.
6. Press RECORD or REC repeatedly until the amount
of recording time for the program appears on the
TV screen. _
Each press of RECORD or REC increases the time
- 30 minutes up to 4 hours.
Press Recording
1
RECORD Time
a Recol
Recording Display on
TV Screen
The RECORD indicator appears in the VCR’s
display panel.
During recording press RECORD and PLAY
together on the VCR or REC on the remote to
display time remaining on the TV screen.
Press RECORD or REC again to increase
recording time.
,
rding in Progress
With the VCR: Press STOP-EJECT
With the Remote: Press STOP.
18