RCA VR518 User manual

video cassette recorder
user's guide
VR518

First Things First .............................................................. 3
Setting up the VCR ......................................................... 7
Using the On-Screen Guide ............................................................... 8
Using the Menu to Set Up Features ................................................. 8
Language .......................................................................................... 8
VCR Channels List......................................................................... 9
To Auto Channel Search ........................................................ 9
To Change the Signal Type ................................................... 0
To Add or Remove Channels ............................................. 0
Time and Date .............................................................................. 0
Set Daylight-Saving Time ...................................................... I
Set the Time and Date ......................................................... I
VCR Plus+ Channels ................................................................... 2
Additional Set-Up Features
in the PREFERENCES Menu ...................................................... 14
RemoteVCR I/VCR2 Option .................................................... 15
Auto Play........................................................................................ 16
Auto TV/VCR ................................................................................ 16
VCR Basics ..................................................................... 17
Remote Buttons .................................................................................. 18
Component Buttons ................................................................... 18
VCR Function Buttons ................................................................ 18
"IV Function Buttons ................................................................... 19
Playing a Tape ....................................................................................... 20
Tape Eject ............................................................................................. 20
Recording ............................................................................................. 2 I
Check the Safety Tab ................................................................... 2 I
Automatic Rewind ............................................................................... 21
Recording ............................................................... 23
Recording Features ............................................................................ 24
Express Recording ....................................................................... 24
Timer Recording .......................................................................... 25
Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ ............................................ 26
Stopping a Timer Recording ...................................................... 28
Reviewing and Clearing Programs ........................................... 28
Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes .................... 29

HI, MY NAME IS SUSAN...
and I wrote this User's Guide. It's my job to see that
you have a rewarding user manual experience.
Also, I think you'll be pleased with the features that
can be accessed through the on-screen menus.
1FIRSTTHINGS FIRST
V1
READ THE FIRSTTHREE SECTIONS V
The first three sections of the manual introduce you
to yourVCR, and show you how to set theVCR up
and use the on-screen menus. Reading these
sections gives you the basic information you need to
use yourVCR.
V
WHAT'S LEFT?
The rest of the book highlights playback and
recording information, contains a detailed
connections section, and a reference section that
includes troubleshooting tips, limited warranty,
and index.
V
V
¥
IREAD ME! 1
These note boxes give you tips for
your new video cassette recorder.

STEP 4: PLUG IN THE VCR
Match the wide blade of the plug with the wide slot in the
outlet. Be sure to insert the plug completely.
STEP 5: TUNE THE TV
Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel. The VCR viewing
channel is channel 3 or 4 or the TV's video input.
If you connect your VCR using the ANTENNA connectors with
RFcoaxial cable, set the 3CH.4 switch to channel 3 or
channel 4--the channel you want to use on your TV.
• If you connect your VCR using the AUDIO/VIDEO jacks with
audio/video cables, select the TV's video input to see the
signal. See the TV Owner's Manual.
STEP 6: TURN ON THE VCR
Press POWER to turn on the VCR.
3
STEP 7: ACCESS TH E MENUS
The MENU and number buttons let you access, select and change
menu items. For example, to change the Auto Play setting, you
would do the following:
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5Preferences
6Language
0Exit
VCR Viewing Channel
When using the ANTENNA jacks to
connect your VCR, tune your TV to
channel 3 or 4.
When using the audio/video jacks to
connect your VCR, tune your TV to the
TV's video input.

SET-UP FEATURES
Below is a list of set-up features that you may want
to set up before you begin using yourVCR for the
first time:
• Select a Language
•Set upVCR Channel List (Auto Channel Search)
•Set Automatic Daylight-SavingTime
• .Set the Time and Date
•Set upVCR Plus+ Channels
•Set the Remote VCRI/VCR2 feature
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SETTING UP THE VCR
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• Set the Auto Play feature
•Set the Auto TV/VCR feature Y
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To Auto Channel Search
Auto channel search memorizes the channels available through
your signal type--cable or antenna.
1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR RAIN RENU
1VCR PLus+
2 Timer Recordings
3Time
4 Channels
5Preferences
6 Language
0Exit
2. Press4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE
4VCR Plus+ Channel List
0 Exit
J
3. Press1 to display the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu.
,
AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
What type of signal
are you using?
1 Cabte TV
2Antenna
3_Detect Automatically
0Cancel
Select one of the three AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH options.
Choices one and two are self-explanatory. If you choose
Detect Automatically, the VCR automatically detects which
signal system you have attached to your VCR.
AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
Nou scanning channel 14
Press any key to cancel
Detect Automatically
A strong cable or antenna signal in
your area may cause Auto Detect
to mis-detect. If this should
happen, select I or 2 for the
system you have.
Auto Channel Search
Use the Auto Channel Search
feature to place all available
channels in memory.
If you ever change cable or
antenna signals, you may need to
Auto Channel Search again.
J

Set Daylight-Saving Time
1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 ChanneLs
SPreferences
6Language
0Exit
2. Press 3 to display the TIME menu.
TIME
1Set time and date
2Auto DST: ON
0Exit
6
3. Press2 to turn Auto DST:ON or OFF.
Select ON if you want the VCR's clock to automatically
adjust for daylight-saving time.
Select OFF if you do not want the VCR'sclock to adjust
for daylight-saving time.
Set the Time and Date
1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1VCR Ptus+
2 Timer Recordings
3Time
4ChanneLs
5Preferences
6Language
0 Exit
.Press3 to display the TIME menu.
TIME
1 Set time and date
2 Auto DST: ON
ime and Date 1
he time and date must be set before a
timer recording can be programmed.
Spring forward; Fall backward
In the Spring, daylight-saving time
begins on the first Sunday in April.
Because the clock automatically
changes from 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM
(forward one hour), remember to
include the extra hour for timer
recording that falls within this
time frame.
In the Autumn, daylight-saving time
ends on the last Sunday in October.
The VCR clock automatically changes
from 2:00 AM to 1:00 AM (back one
hour). Therefore, it can affect your
recording length.

VCR PLUS+ WORKSHEET
Broadcast or
Cable-TV Station
Name
HBO
ESPN
VCR Plus+ Channel
Number**
33
34
Channel Number
You Receive the
Station On* Two-DigitVCR Plus+ Channel
Numbers for CableTV
(USA List)
35 American Movie Classics
39 Arts &-Entertainment
57 Black Entertainment
54 Bravo
42 Cable News Network
45 Cinemax
98 Cinemax 2
37 The Discovery Channel
53 The Disney Channel
63 Entertainment Television
34 ESPN Sports Network
47 The Family Channel
33 Home Box Office
95 Home Box Office 2
96 Home Box Office 3
51 The Learning Channel
46 Lifetime
58 The Movie Channel
48 Music Television
49 The Nashville Network
38 Nickelodeon
64 Nostalgia Television
99 QualityValue Cable
41 Showtime
97 Showtime 2
59 Sports Channel
52 Turner NetworkTelevision
44 USA-Network
62 Video Hits I
93 Viewer's Choice I
94 Viewer's Choice 2
55 WGN Chicago
43 WTBS Atlanta
60 WWOR-NewYork
See next page for Canadian List
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1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR RAIN RENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCESmenu.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
5 Auto TV/VCR: ON
0Exit
Now you are ready to select an item from the menu to set up.
REMOTE VCR1/VCR2 OPTION
If you own acompatible RCA, GE, or ProScan remote that has a
VCR2, VCR2mLD,or DVD-VCR2 button, this feature allows you to
set this VCR to respond to that button.
Press 1 to select the Remote Control item. Then press the VCR2,
VCR2aLD, or DVDaVCR2 button to change.
PREFERENCES
1Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3Auto TV/VCR: ON
PREFERENCES
(PRESS VCR2 TO CHANGE)
2Auto PLay: ON
3Auto TV/VCR: ON
0 Exit
0 Exit i
The VCR will only respond to the compatible remote's VCR20
VCR2oLD, or DVDaVCR2 button. If you change the remote setting
to VCR2, the remote that came with your VCR will no longer
control it.
Use the compatible remote to change the remote setting back to
VCR1. Display the PREFERENCESmenu, press 1, and then press
VCR1. Then the remote that came with the VCR will be able to
control this VCR aoain.
Remote Control Option
Changing the remote option to
VCR2 disables the remote that
came with your VCR. 1

LEARN THE BASICS TO GET
YOU STARTE D
TheseVCR basics should be enough for you to
begin enjoying yourVCR. Learning the remote
control functions, playing a recorded tape, and
recording a program should do just that.
However, there are other features that
enhance the enjoyment of yourVCR, but they
aren't necessary to get you started. If you want
to learn more about yourVCR, just keep
reading.
V
V
VCR BASICS
VI
V
V
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rVCR Basicstells you what you need i
"i
to know in order to watch a movie I
or tape your favorite show.

Numbers (0 through 9) Select achannel 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 the other two numbers.
OFF Turns off the VCR when the remote isset to control the
VCR. Turns off other components if remote is programmed.
PAUSE Pauses playback or recording. PressPAUSE again to
return to playback or recording.
PLAY Plays a tape.
RECORD Starts VCR recording. Also used for express
recording.
REVERSE Rewinds the tape when the VCR isstopped.
Searches backward through a tape during playback. Starts
slow-motion playback when tape ispaused.
SEARCH Displays Index and Zero Search menus on TV screen
when VCR isstopped. Advances the tape 30 seconds of
recorded material during playback. Each pressadvances the
tape an additional 30 seconds up to five minutes.
SPEED Selects arecording speed (SP or SLP).
STOP Stops the current VCR function such as record,
playback, rewind, or fast forward.
TRACKING Up or Down Lets you manually reduce the
streaks that may appear on the picture during play, slow
motion, or pause. Reduces picture "jitter" during stop-action
playback.
TV-VCR Switches the picture signal so that it either comes
from the VCR or cable/antenna system.
[0
TV FUNCTION BUTTONS
CHAN Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in
the TV's channel memory.
CLEAR Removes menus or status displays from the screen.
GO BACK Switches between two channels. Select one
channel and then select another using the number buttons.
PressGO BACK to switch between the two channels.
INFO Shows the TV's status displays on the TV screen.
MUTE Reduces volume to minimum level. TV Buttons 1
The TV buttons may not control all
features of all models of RCA,
ProScan0and GE TVs.

RECORDING
If you want to record something that you're watching, you can
use basic recording.
1. Set the tape speed by pressing SPEEDon the remote (see
margin note for information about tape speed settings).
2. Press RECORD to begin recording.
3. Press STOPeEJECTon the VCR (STOP on the remote) to stop
recording.
If you just want to pause the recording for a short time (like
during a commercial), press PLAY=PAUSE on the VCR (PAUSE
on the remote) instead of STOR
CH ECK TH E SAFETY TAB
No matter which recording option you use, you need to make
sure there is a tape in the VCR, and that the tape's safety tab
is in place. You cannot record on a tape with the safety tab
removed.
SafetyTab
If the safety tab is removed and you want to record over it,
simply cover the hole with vinyl tape.
AUTOMATIC REWI N D
During playback, the VCR automatically rewinds the tape and
stops when the tape reaches the end.
During recording, the VCR automatically rewinds and ejects the
tape when the tape reaches the end. While rewinding, you can
press POWER and the VCR turns off after rewinding.
Tape Speeds
SP (Standard Play)
Gives the best quality recording, but
fewer programs can be recorded on
the tape. Special effects such as
pause, slow motion, picture search,
and frame advance work well when
you play back tapes recorded in
this speed.
LP(Long Play)
Your VCR is capable of playing back
tapes recorded in LP.You cannot
record in the LPspeed.
SLP(Super Long Play)
Gives three times the recording time
of tapes recorded in SRSpecial
effects such as pause, slow motion,
picture search, and frame advance
work well when you play back
tapes recorded in this speed.
Cassette
T-120
T-160
Reco_ing Time
SP SLP
2Hr 6Hr
2Hr 8Hr
40Min

SEVERAL RECORDING OPTIONS
Now that you've gone through the necessary
steps to operate yourVCR, I'll explain the
different recording features that are available to
suit your needs.
Recording Features:
• Recording (explained in VCR
Basics section)
• Express Recording
•Timer Recording
•Timer RecordingwithVCR Plus+
•Copying and EditingTapes
14
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RECORDING
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TIMER RECORDING
You can set up as many as eight timer recording programs.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR RAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2Timer Recordings
3 Time
4Channels
5Preferences
6Language
0Exit
,Press 2 to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu.
TIMER RECORDINGS
1 Create a New Progam
2Revieu Existing Progs.
3Use VCR PLus+ Code
0 Exit
3. Select 1to Create a New Program.
How often should this
program record?
1 One time
2 Daily (every day)
3 Weekdays (MIF)
4 WeekLy (once per week)
0 CanceL
4. Select how often you want the program to record.
Program 1 (One time)
ChanneL --
Start Time II:Ii
End Time
Start Date --/--/--
Tape Speed SLP
Press MENU to cancel
5. Enter the data for the program with the number buttons.
The data includes the channel number (press INPUT to select
the line input), start time including AM or PM, and end time.
The start date is automatically entered based on the VCR
Timer Recording Information
Clock must be set correctly.
Insert a tape with the safety tab in
place and enough tape to record the
program.
PROGRAMS OVERLAP appears if you
have entered two programs where
the times overlap.
For cable box, turn on the cable box
and tune it to the channel you want
to record before the recording is
to begin.

3. EntertheVCRPlusCodeshowninyourlocaltelevision
programmingguide.
VCR PLUS+
Enter pluscode number
(from TV Listing)
12876
Press CLEAR to correct
Press RENU when done
4. PressMENU to enter the VCR PlusCode number.
How often should this
program record?
1One time
2 Daily (every day)
3Weekdays (R-F)
4Weekly (once per week)
0 Cancet
S.
,
Indicate how often you want the program to be
recorded.
Program 1(One time)
Channel 03 Cable
Start Time 08:00 PR
End Time 09:30 PR
Start Date 10/24/97 Fri
Tape Speed SLP
Press CLEAR to correct
Press RENU to save
Change the speed with the SPEEDbutton on the remote
or the program end time with the CLEAR button on the
remote (if necessary).
Changing the end time comes in handy when you are
recording a program such as a sporting event that may
exceed the scheduled broadcast time.
7. Press MENU to save the program.
VCR Plus+ Recording
Clock must be set correctly.
Insert a tape with the safety tab in
place and enough tape to record the
program.
PROGRAMS OVERLAP appears if you
have entered two programs where
the times overlap.
UNRECOGNIZED NUMBER... PLEASE
RE-ENTER appears when the VCR does
not recognize the PlusCode number.
Turn on the cable box and tune it to
the channel you want to record
before the recording is to begin.

USING TWO VCRS FOR COPYING AND EDITING
TAPES
Use one VCR as the playback VCR and the other asthe
recording VCR.
1. Turn on the TV and VCRs.
.
.
=
.
.
.
Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel (either 3, 4, or TV's
video input).
If you connected your VCR using the ANT.IN and RF OUT
jacks, tune the recording VCR to channel 3 or Zl_the one
selected on the back of the playback VCR.
If you connected your VCR using the audio/video jacks, press
INPUT on the recording VCR'sremote to select the line input.
Insert the tape you want to copy into the playback VCR.
Insert a blank tape with safety tab in place into the
recording VCR.
When you reach the point on the tape or program where you
want to begin copying, press PLAY-PAUSE and then
PLAY.PAUSE again on the playback VCR. You may need to
adjust the tracking.
Press the RECORD button, then press PLAY-PAUSE, on the
recording VCR.
Press the PLAY*PAUSE buttons on both VCRsat the same
time to begin copying the tape.
8. To edit segments that you do not want to copy:
• Press PLAY-PAUSE on recording VCRto pause copying.
• Locate the next segment you want to copy on playback
VCR by using FWD, REV, and PLAY-PAUSE, and then press
PLAY*PAUSE.
.
• Press PLAY-PAUSE on both VCRsat the same time to
resume copying.
PressSTOP.EJECT on both VCRswhen you are finished.
Caution:
The unauthorized recording of
television programs or other
materials may infringe on the
rights of others.
Two VCR Connection
_ CABLE BOX
PLAYBACKVCR
ANT, IN
VIDEO AUDIO
_RF dli_T
N
}
RECORDING VCR /1I
I
TO TV TO "IV

CONTROL YOUR OTH ER
COMPONENTS...
The remote can be programmed to control a
television.
It is initially programmed to control an RCA, GE, or
ProScan TV. Other manufacturer's brands need to
be programmed.
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Y
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I 5 PROGRAMMING THE
REMOTE YI
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TV Codes
Akai ............................................03
AOC ....................................06,12
Candle .......................................06
Citizen .......................................06
Colortyme ...............................06
Concerto ..................................06
Curtis Mathes ................. 01,06
Daewoo .............................06,12
Daytron .....................................06
Electrohome ................... 06,12
Emerson ...................................06
Envision .............................05,06
Fisher ..................................05,08
GE ............................00,01,06, I I
Goldstar ............................06,12
Hallmark ..................................06
Hitachi ...............................06,14
Infinity .......................................04
JC Penney ......00,01,06,09,12
JBL ..............................................04
Jensen ........................................06
JVC ....................................... I0,11
Kawasho ............................ 03,06
Kenwood ........................... 06,12
Loewe ........................................04
Luxman ....................................06
LXI .................................04,05,07
Magnavox ....................04,06,12
Marantz .............................04,06
MGA ....................................06,12
Mitsubishi .........................06,12
MTC ........................................... 06
NAD ...........................................07
NEC ............................................06
Panasonic ....................04,08, I I
Philco ............................04,06,12
Philips .....................03,04,06,12
Pioneer .....................................06
Portland .............................06,12
ProScan ....................................0 I
Proton .......................................06
Quasar ......................................I I
Radio Shack ...............01,05,13
RCA ...............................01,06,12
Realistic ....................................05
Sampo .......................................06
Samsung ......................06,09,12
Sanyo ..................................05,08
Sears ......................01,05,06,07,
08,10,12
Sharp ..................................06,13
Sony ............................................03
Soundesign ..............................06
Sylvania ........................04,06,12
Technics ....................................I I
Techwood ................................06
Teknika ......................................06
TMK ...........................................06
Toshiba ...................05,07,08,09
Universal ..................................00
Victor .........................................I 0
Wards ........ 00,01,04,06,12,13
Yamaha .....................................12
Zenith ........................................02
17

FEATURES TO ENHANCE VCR
OPERATION
• Picture Search Options
•Time Counter
• On-Screen Displays
• Tracking
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OTH ER FEATU RES
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FRAME ADVANCE
Frame advance lets you view one-stop action frame after another
during playback. Frame advance works best for tapes recorded at
the SPor SLPspeed.
1. Press PAUSE(PLAYoPAUSE)to "freeze" the action during
playback.
2. Press F.ADV on the remote each time you want to view the
next frame of the scene.
3. Press PAUSEor PLAY (PLAYoPAUSE) to return to normal
playback.
INDEX SEARCH
The VCR has a "VHS Index Search System" that automatically
records an index mark on the tape every time you start a
recording. During playback you can locate the program you want
to play by the number of index marks or by scanning. The VCR
will search forward or reverse from the location you are on the
tape.
To Search:
1. Press STOR
.
.
.
Press SEARCHon the remote until the INDEX SEARCH menu
appears on the TV screen.
If you want to search through a certain number of index
marks, press two number buttons to enter the number of
marks you want to search. Press CLEAR on the remote to
correct an entry.
Press FORWARD (FWD) to search forward or REVERSE(REV)
to search in reverse. The VCR will locate your index mark and
begin playback. If you did not enter a specific index number,
the VCR will locate the next index mark and begin playback.
5. Press STOPto 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
INDEX SEARCH
Press REV or FWD
to begin scanning
on
enter a specific
index number
Press SEARCH to exit
INDEX SEARCH
Press REV or FWD
to begin search
Index number
12
Press SEARCH to exit
INDEX SEARCH
Searching for
index number 12...
Press STOP to cancel