RCA VR526A User manual

Introduction
Important Information
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
CAUTION ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER SERVICEABLE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK PARTS INSIDE. REFER
DONOT OPEN SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This symbol indicates “dangerous
voltage” inside the product that
presents arisk of electric shock or
personal injury.
This symbol indicates important
instructions accompanying the
product.
WARNING
To preventfire or shock hazard, do not expose
this VCR to rain or moisture.
To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot,
fully insert.
&Pour éviter les chocs électriques, introduire la lame la plus large
de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser
jusqii au fond.
Cautions
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.
Operate VCR only on 120 volts, 60 Hz 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 modificationsto 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. VR526A
Serial No.
Purchase Date:
Dealer/ Address/ Phone:
=

Introduction
Table of Contents
Important Information
Warnings, Cautions, Note to Cable TV Installer, and Product Registration___i
Hooking Up the VCR
Setting Up the VCR
Using the Remote Control
Playing aTape
Recording aProgram
References
Choosing aHookup 2
Antenna or Cable System Without aCable Box 3
Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels 4
Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble Pay Channels 5
Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes 6
Startup
Check Accessories With VCR, Place Batteries in Remote,
Turn on TV, Turn on VCR, Place Channels in VCR's Memory,
Add or Erase Channels from VCR's Memory,
Use TV/VCR Button, Set the Time and Date 7-8
Controlling a VCR 9
Controlling aTV 9
Buttons
Component Buttons 10
VCR Function Buttons 10-11
TV Function Buttons 11
Operating Instructions 12
Using the Playback Features
Pause for Stop-Action, Slow Motion, Picture Search,
Frame Advance, Commercial Skip 13
Automatic Tracking, Manual Tracking, Time Counter,
Memory-Stop Feature 14
Electronic Program Indexing 15
Types of Recordings 16
Basic Recording -Operating Instructions 16
Watch aTV Channel While VCR is Recording 16
Recording While You're Away
VCR Plus+™ Recording 17-19
Timer Recording 20
Checking or Clearing VCR Plus+ or Timer Recordings 20
Express Recording 21
Additional Recording Information 21
Recording Speeds 21
Recording Pause 21
Using Two VCRs for Copying Tapes 22
Specifications 23
Cleaning the VCR 23
Location of Controls
Front Panel 24
Back Panel 25
Display Panel 25
Trouble Checks 26-27
Limited Warranty 28
Index 29

Hooking Up the VCR
Choosing aHookup
The hookups on pages 3through 5are 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 easiest of the two and additional accessories may not be
needed.
The advanced hookup shows the VCR hooked up to amonitor
/
receiver
(TV with audio and video jacks) using asignal 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 abox —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 ahookup by answering questions 1and 2above.
B. Then modify the connections as shown on page 6.
Caution: The unauthorized recording of television programs
and other materials may infringe the rights of others.

Hooking Up the VCR :>ny
Antenna or Cable System Without aCable Box
A. Basic hookup. La
Use this hookup for asimple connection
which requires fewer accessories. From Antenna
dior 300/75 Oh
1. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR _—s3Adapter Back of VCR
to either channel 3or 4. py “uel
You will tune the TV to this channel and use the OR be SD) "om 55
TV/VCR button to watch the VCR. Se PR. hii 1
Pop OO wo 83
2. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided. RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied) 75 to 75/300 Ohm
3. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV. Seperstor
4. Turn to page 7for “Setting Up the VCR.”
N, \-~D)
on 0VHF
Cable/ &
Antenna UHF
Back of TV
B. Advanced hookup. Ea
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality and more convenient Fioin Avbaie
operation—use of TV/VCR button not or Cable
required. 5aRis
re] 300/75 Ohm
1. Connect as shown. OR Pampa
This connection requires additional accessories —2
not provided. ..Signal Back of VCR
splitter ame
2. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV. y
3. Turn to page 7for “Setting Up the VCR. )ourro
You will tune the TV to its video input to watch
the VCR. Audio/Video Cables
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
Back of TV

Hooking Up the VCR
Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for asimple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR
From Cable
ACable Box RF Coaxial
to either channel 3or 4. Coax
Back of VCR
You will tune the TV to this channel and use the oy on5Do] a®EHOW
¥) AUDIO
TV/VCR button to watch the VCR.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
De
RF Coaxial Cable
CH3 CHa
Owe IJ
75 to 75/300 Ohm
Separator
(supplied)
3. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
4. Turn to page 7for “Setting Up the VCR.” |\=9)
QD) “Jb. VHF
Cable/ Gl &
Antenna UHF
Back of TV
B. Advanced hookup. BE
Use this hookup for slightly improved Cable Box
picture quality and more convenient From Cable ?
operation-use of TV/VCR button not m= Dn or
required.
1. Connect as shown. he
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
Bee aia sae
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and Splitter -— -a
cable box. 3N
3. Turn to page 7for “Setting Up the VCR.”
You will tune the TV to its video input to watch
the VCR. -
5) IN FROM
Dwizo
@) oir
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
out
S-VIDEO &&)
>, sel,

Hooking Up the VCR
Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble Pay Channels
(such as HBO, Showtime, Pay-Per-View, etc.)
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for asimple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR
to either channel 3or 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
accessories not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
4. Turn to page 7for “Setting Up the VCR.”
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality and more convenient
operation—-use of TV/VCR button not
required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
3. Turn to page 7for “Setting Up the VCR.”
You will tune the TV to its video input to watch
the VCR. All pay channels are viewed through
the VCR.
From Cable
1Cable Box RF Coaxial Back of VCR
:Cable 5—r
On Gon Po—] wo
Dur ©Owe BT
RF Coaxial Cable 75 to 75/300 Ohm
(supplied)
D> Separator
CD) "VHF
OR ;:
Cable/ ol 1
Antenna UHF
Back of TV
Cable Box
From Cable
Or" Qo
Signal
Splitter i
RF Coaxial Cables
Back of VCR
IN FROM
ED)
RF Coaxial
Cable
(supplied)
‘©=
MONO
Back of TV of
D) cme!

Hooking Up the VCR
Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes
Option AHookup.
Use this hookup for asimple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Select ahookup from pages 2through 5
and then modify with this connection.
2. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on the playback
VCR to either channel 3or 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
accessories not provided.
4. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV.
5. Turn to page 7for “Setting Up the VCR.”
Option BHookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved copy
quality and more convenient operation-use
of TV/VCR button not required.
1. Select ahookup from pages 2through 5
and then modify with this connection.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV.
4. Turn to page 7for “Setting Up the VCR.”
You will select the LINE (audio/video) input on
the recording VCR to receive the signal from
the playback VCR.
Caution: The unauthorized recording of television programs
and other materials may infringe the rights of others.
From Antenna, Cable Playback VCR
or Cable Box
okstad wef ond IN FROM IN out
fw @&)—&)- aio
4) ourro ©—6&- woe
CH3 CH4
wv
RF Coaxial Cable
pple) Recording VCR
wen 3
CH3 CH4 !
)O° i
bi 4
§—-——0or- —- -
RF Coaxial g#4 AudioNideo
Cable Cables
-%
Use the hookup to the TV
as previously selected on
pages 3, 4, or 5.
aPlayback VCR (only)
©) Wrrou Nour
®©—
©
nwo
®) oro ©p/ ®)- voeo =)
Audio/Video
Cables
From Antenna, Cable
or Cable Box
#
RF Coaxial Cable ===14 pudionideo
(supplied) 2Cables
{
*
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.
TO
=
Remote 2“AA” Batteries RF Coaxial Cable
(Stock No. 200710)
2. Insert batteries in remote.
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 CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR.
If you used one of the advanced hookups, tune the TV to the
TV’s video input. (See TV's owner's manual for details.)
4. Turn on the VCR.
A. Press VCR1 (VCR2) on the remote.
5. Place channels in the VCR’s memory (AutoProgram).
The first time you turn on the VCR or after apower interruption,
the VCR will display amessage on the TV screen prompting you
to AUTO PROGRAM the VCR. If the message does not appear, go
to step Abelow. 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 AUTO PROGRAM
found. Pressing CHANNEL up or down will select only the active
changels. CONNECT ANTENNA CABLE...
If you ever need to manually AUTO PROGRAM the VCR because THEE FANS. Be
you change cable or antenna signals:
A. Press PROG VCR+ to display 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). TO SELECT MODE
:PUSH NUMBER SHOWN
*Press VCR1 (VCR2), then press PROG VCR+ again. 1VCR PLUS PROGRAM
2
*If you use abasic hookup, check VCR indicator in display $PROGRAM REVIEW
panel —it should be on. Press TV/VCR to turn it on. :Sener ue
*Check the connections. St Rekkas
B. Press 5to display VCR SET UP menu. Be lL aN Ra ieR YCEATED
3ADD/ERASE CHANNE
C. Press 2 to begin AUTO PROGRAM. iVCR PLUS CH LIST
5REMOTE (VERT)
The VCR automatically selects CATV (cable TV) or ANT.
(antenna). If you need to change the setting manually, press 1.
TO END PUSH PROGRAM
continued on next page 7

Setting Up the VCR
Startup
6. Add or erase channels from the VCR’s memory.
You may want to add or erase channels if some of the channels are not
active, have weak signals, or you do not want to watch them.
Press VCR1 (VCR2).
Press PROG VCR+ on the remote to see the menu on the TV screen.
Press 5to display VCR SET UP menu.
Press 3 to display ADD/ERASE CHANNEL menu.
Follow the directions on the screen.
nm
maoe0
Dae
Add or erase more channels by entering channel numbers or using
CHANNEL up or down.
7. Use TV/VCR button.
Skip this step if you used one of the advanced hookups.
When using one of the basic hookups, the TV/VCR button lets you switch
between the picture coming from the VCR or the picture from the TV
channel. This button allows you to record aprogram on the VCR while
watching another channel on the TV. Details are on page 16.
A. Press VCR1 (VCR2) to set the remote to control the VCR.
B. Press TV/VCR to see the picture from the VCR.
The VCR indicator lights in the display panel.
C. Press CHANNEL up or down to change channels on the VCR.
The channel number changes on the TV screen and in the display
panel.
D. 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 VCR1 (VCR2), then TV/VCR to switch back to the picture
from the VCR.
8. Set the time and date.
When you first turn on the VCR, --:-- appears in the clock area in the
VCR's display panel.
VCR Display Panel
A. Press PROG VCR+ on remote to see the menu on the TV.
B. Press 4to select CLOCK SET.
C. Enter the time and date with the number buttons on the remote.
+Press 0before single-digit numbers.
Example: press 0, then 5, then 0, then 7for atime of 5:07.
+Press CLEAR on the remote to change incorrect entries.
TO SELECT MODE
PUSH NUMBER SHOWN
VCR PLUS PROGRAM
TIMER PROGRAM
PROGRAM REVIEW
CLOCK SET
VCR SET UP
VIHWN-
PUSH NUMBER TO CHANGE
1ANTENNA/CATV (CATV)
2AUTO PROGRAM
3ADD/ERASE CHANNEL
CH 14
ADD/ERASE CHANNEL
SELECT CHANNEL THEN
PUSH PLAY TO ADD OR
PUSH STOP TO ERASE
TO END PUSH PROGRAM
TO SELECT MODE
PUSH NUMBER SHOWN
1VCR PLUS PROGRAM
2TIMER PROGRAM
3PROGRAM REVIEW
4 CLOCK SET
CLOCK SET
TIME JK-:--
MONTH/DAY/YEAR
DATE “w=
/=f—=
TO END PUSH PROGRAM