RCA VR531 User manual

video cassette recorder
user's guide
VR531

RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
_L his symbol indicates
"dangerous voltage" inside
the product that presents a
risk of electric shock or
personal injury.
A his symbol indicates
important instructions
accompanying the product.
rWARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or
shock hazard, do not expose
this product to rain or moisture. ]
Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, match
wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
Attention" Pour _viter les chocs @lectriques, introduire
la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne
correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqe au fond.
Refer to the identification/rating label located on the back panel of your
product for its proper operating voltage.
FCCRegulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this
equipment may void the user's authority to operate it.
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 product.
Model No. VR531
Serial No.
Purchase Date:
Dealer/Address/Phone:

First Things First .............................................................. 3
Setting up the VCR ......................................................... 7
Using the QuickSet Guide .................................................................. 8
Using the Menu to Set Up Features ................................................. 8
Language .......................................................................................... 8
Cable Box Setup ............................................................................ 9
VCR Channels List ....................................................................... 10
To Auto Channel Search ...................................................... 10
To Change the Signal Type ................................................... I I
To Add or Remove Channels ............................................. 12
Time and Date .............................................................................. 12
Set Daylight-SavingTime ...................................................... 12
Set the Time and Date ......................................................... 13
VCR Plus+ Channels ................................................................... 14
What's Next--Additional Set-Up Features
in the PREFERENCES Menu ...................................................... 6
RemoteVCR I/VCR2 Option .................................................... 6
Auto Play........................................................................................ 7
Auto TV/VCR ................................................................................ 7
Front Panel (VCR Display) ......................................................... 8
VCR Basics ..................................................................... 19
Remote Buttons .................................................................................. 20
Component Buttons ............................................................ 20
VCR Function Buttons ......................................................... 20
TV Function Buttons ............................................................ 2 I
Playing a Tap_ ....................................................................................... 22
Automatic Rewind .............................................................................. 23
Tape Eject ............................................................................................. 23
Recording ............................................................................................. 23
Check the SafetyTab ................................................................... 23
Recording ............................................................... 25
Recording Features ............................................................................ 26
Express Recording (XPR) .......................................................... 26
Timer Recording .......................................................................... 27
Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ ............................................ 28
Stopping aTimer Recording ...................................................... 30
Reviewing and Clearing Programs ........................................... 30
Using Two VCRs for Copying and EditingTapes .................... 31
1

Other Features .............................................................. 33
Picture Search Options ..................................................................... 34
MOVIEH HADVANCE ................................................................. 34
Forward and Reverse Search .................................................... 36
Slow Motion .................................................................................. 36
Commercial Scan (SEARCH Button) ...................................... 36
Frame Advance ............................................................................. 37
Index Search .................................................................................. 37
Zero Search .................................................................................. 38
Pro-Tect Plus TM Locking Feature .................................................... 38
Tracking ................................................................................................. 39
Time Counter ...................................................................................... 39
On-Screen Displays ............................................................................ 40
Connections .................................................................. 41
Things to Know Before Connecting Components .....................4 I
ConnectingYourVCR ........................................................................42
Jacks and Cables ...........................................................................42
Choosing a VCR Connection ...................................................43
Advantages of Audio/Video Cable Connections .................43
Don't Forget About the Auto TV/VCR Feature ...................43
TV with RFJack Only .................................................................44
TV with Audio/Video Jacks........................................................45
TV with Audio/Video Jacks and Cable Box to
Unscramble PayChannels Only ..........................................46
Appendix A: Reference ................................................ 47
Front Panel _ ........................................................................................ 48
Display Panel ........................................................................................ 49
Back Panel ............................................................................................ 50
Troubleshooting Tips.. ........................................................................ 5 I
Specifications ....................................................................................... 54
Cleaning the VCR ................................................................................ 54
Limited Warranty ................................................................................ 55
Index .............................................................................. 56
2

HI, MY NAME IS SUSAN..I
and I wrote this User's Guide. It's my job to see
that you have a rewarding user manual experience.
And, I think you'll be pleased with the features that
can be accessed through the on-screen menus.
1FIRSTTHINGS FIRST
V
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
READ ME!
These note boxes give you tips for
your new video cassette recorder. ]
3

STEP 1: UNPACK WHAT'S IN THE BOX
The following items come packed in the box:
• VCR
• Remote control
• RF coaxial cable
STEP 2: INSTALL BATTERIES IN THE
REMOTE CONTROL
Follow these steps whenever you need to install or change the
batteries in your VCR remote.
1. Remove the cover of the battery compartment.
2. Place batteries in the remote, matching the + and - ends of
each battery to the diagram inside the compartment.
3. Replace the cover.
STEP 3: CONNECT YOUR VCR
If you connect your VCR to your home antenna or cable system
and then to your TV, use the VCR's IN FROM ANT. and OUT TO TV
jacks for _ good signal as shown.
If you have a TV with AUDIO/VIDEO jacks, use the jacks for a
be_er connection. Refer to the Connections section, toward the
back of the manual. VCR
CABLE, CABLE BOX, OR_ANTENNA
_rtAUDIO "€1OEO
_ @- @ ....
TV
4

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 ischannel 3 or 4 or the TV's video input.
If you connect your VCR using the ANTENNA connectors with
RF coaxial 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 AUDIONIDEO 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
The first time you connect your VCR and turn it on, a menu
screen appears. This is the beginning of the QuickSet Guide
which helps you to set up specific features of the VCR. If you
choose not to use this Guide, you can set up each feature
individually. °
Go to the next step to understand how to move through and
change4items in the menu system.
STEP 7: ACCESS THE 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:
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.
5

1. Press MENU to bring up the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0Exit
2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCESmenu.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: OFF
3 Auto TV/VCR: OFF
4 Front Panel AUTO
0Exit
3. Press 2 to switch Auto Play to ON or OFF.
PREFERENCES
1Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: OFF
4 Front Panel AUTO
0 Exit
See Additional Set-Up Features for detailed information
about the Auto Play feature.
STEP 8: SET UP THE VCR
Once you understand how to move around through the menus,
go to the next section to set up your VCR.
6

ON-SCREEN GUIDE AND ADDITIONAL
SET-UP FEATURES
The QuickSet Guide is a one-time procedure that
takes you through specific features to set up your
VCR. In addition to the Guide, there are other
features you may want to set up, such as:
• Select a Language
•Set up for a Cable Box
• Set upVCR Channel List (Auto Channel Search)
• Set Automatic Daylight-SavingTime
•Set theTime and Date
•Set upVCR Plus+ Channels
•Set the Remote VCRI/VCR2 Option
• Set the Auto Play feature
•Set the Auto TV/VCR feature
i2 V
SE'I-FING UP THE VCR
V
V
V
V
•Set the Front Panel Brightness feature
7

USING THE QUICKSET GUIDE
The QuickSet Guide is an automated procedure that helps you
set up your VCR. The first time you turn on your VCR, the first
screen of the guide appears.
Select aLanguage.
Seleccione un idioma.
Choisissez une Langue.
1 EngLish
2EspanoL
3FranFais
Just follow the step-by-step procedures until setup is complete.
Some of the feature options may not apply to your VCR
configuration.
If the menu does not appear:
• Make sure TV is tuned to the same channel as the 3CH.4
switch or TV's video line input.
• Make sure VCR indicator is on in the VCR display if you
connected your VCR using the IN FROM ANT. and OUT TO
TV jacks.
• Check your connections.
If you choose to set up the VCR options individually, then go to
the next section.
USING THE MENU TO SET UP FEATURES
You4°canset up features by using the menu system. Each feature
that appears in the QuickSet Guide is explained in this section as
well as a few others you may want to set up before you begin
using your VCR.
LANGUAG E
Select your preferred language, and the on-screen displays will
appear in that language.
On-Screen Menus
Not all the VCR screens are shown in this
manual when explaining the features.
8

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
] Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0Exit
2. Press 6 to display the LANGUAGE menu.
LANGUAGE
Select alanguage.
1>English
2 Espanol
3FranFais
Press MENU to continue
3. Select English, Espafiol (Spanish), or Fran_ais (French).
CABLE BOX SETUP
This setup applies only when all channels are received through
the cable box. The VCR will automatically enter the output
channel of the cable box when programming your VCR for
timer recordings.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1VCR Plus+
2Timer Recordings
_ ime_hannels
5Preferences
6Language
0Exit
2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE
4VCR Plus+ Channel List
5 Cable Box Setup
0 Exit
9

.Press 5 to display CABLE BOX SETUP.Then select one of the
three choices.
CABLE BOX SETUP
Do you use your cable
box to receive ALL
channels or only some
channels?
1ALL channels
2Only SOME channels
3Cancel setup
4. If you selected All Channels, enter the output channel of your
cable box, usually 03, 04, or video line input and press MENU.
CABLE BOX SETUP
On what channel does
the VCR receive signals
from the cable box?
(usually 3, 4. or Video)
04
Press CLEAR to correct
Press MENU to continue
CABLE BOX SETUP
The VCR will now
receive alL signals
from the cable box
on channel 04.
Press MENU to continue
Once you complete the setup, the VCR confirms that Cable
Box Setup is complete.
VCR CHANNELS LIST
If you use a cable box for all channels, this step isnot
necessary. Your VCR may come with a channel list preset at
the factora/. Even though your VCR may come with a list, it's
possible that you may want to add or eliminate some
channels depending on whether they are active.
,t
To Auto Channel Search
1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3Time
4 Channels
5Preferences
6Language
0 Exit
Cable Box Setup
ALL channels: enter two numbers for
output channel of your cable box or
press INPUT.
Only SOME channels: if you only use
the cable box to tune premium
channels.
Cancel setup: select to cancel.
10

2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channet Search
2Add/Remove ChanneLs
3Signal Type: CABLE
4VCR Ptus+ Channet List
5Cabte Box Setup
0Exit
3. Press 1to display the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu.
AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
What type of signal
are you using?
1 Cable TV
2Antenna
3>Detect Automatically
0Cancel
4. Select one of the three AUTO CHANNEL SEARCHoptions.
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
Now scanning channel 14
m
Press any key to cancel
Th_oVCR begins scanning for the available channels--this
takes about one to two minutes. The lowest channel is tuned
once the search is complete. Now pressing CHANNEL up or
down should only select the active channels.
To Change the Signal Type
1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
3. Press 3 to change the Signal Type between CABLE and
ANTENNA.
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.
11

To ADD or REMOVE Channels
You may want to add or remove channels after you Auto
Channel Search, especially if some of the channels have weak
signals or you don't want to watch them.
1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
3. Press2to display the ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS screen. Use
CHANNEL up or down or number buttons to go to the
channels you want to remove or add.
ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS
Channel 115
is presently ADDED
Press CLEAR to remove
Press MENU to exit
ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS
Channel 115
is presently REMOVED
Press INFO to add
Press MENU to exit
TIME AND DATE
Before you set the time and date, set the Auto DST (Daylight-
Saving Time) feature to ON or OFF for your area.
Set Daylight-Saving Time
1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
eVCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2Timer Recordings
3Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6Language
0Exit
.Press 3 to display the TIME menu.
TIME
1Set Time and Date
2 Auto DST: ON
0Exit
Selecting Channels
The CHANNEL up and down buttons
accessthose channels active in your
VCR channel list.
You can still accesschannels not in
the channel list by using the number
buttons on the remote.
12

3. Press 2 to turn Auto DST:ON or OFF.
•Select ON if you want the VCR'sclock to automatically adjust
for daylight-saving time.
•Select OFF if you do not want the VCR's clock to adjust for
daylight-saving time.
Set the Time and Date
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1VCR PLus+
2Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5Preferences
6Language
0Exit
.Press 3 to display the TIME menu.
TIME
I Set Time and Date
2 Auto DST: ON
.
0 Exit
Press 1 to display the SETTIME AND DATE menu.
SET TIME AND DATE
Time --:--
(hh:mm)
Date --/--/--
.
Press MENU to cancel
Enterthe data usingthe number buttons Press0 before
single-digitnumbers and followthe on-screendirections
SET TIME AND DATE
Time 12:34 PM
Date 10124/97 Friday
Press CLEAR to correct
Press MENU to set
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 falling 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.
ITime/Date Display
Pressing INFO on the remote displays
the time and date on the screen.
13

VCR PLUS+ CHANNELS
14
Using VCR Plus+ can make programming timer recordings for
cable or off-air antenna easier, but you have to put in a little
time right now to set up a channel list. A worksheet and
abbreviated codes for typical cable services in the U.S. and
Canada are provided.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1VCR Plus+
2Timer Recordings
3Time
4 ChanneLs
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
2. Press4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2 AddlRemove ChanneLs
3Signal Type: CABLE
4 VCR PLus+ Channel List
5 CabLe Box Setup
0 Exit
3. Press 4 to display the VCR Plus+ Channel List menu.
.
VCR+ Channel My Channel
5m --
4 --
31>->->--
2 --
1--
Use CH +/- to select
Press 019 to change
Press MENU to save
Enter the data following the on-screen directions using your
worksheet.
VCR+ Channel My Channel
5 46
4--
3 -> -> -> 23
2 --
1 --
Use CH +/- to select
Press 0-9 to change
Press MENU to save
Screen is for an example only.
r
Two.DigitVCR Plus+ Channel
Numbers for CableTV
(USA List)
35 ,American Movie Classics
39 ,Arts &-Entertainment
57 8lack 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 FamilyChannel
33 Home BoxOffice
95 Home BoxOffice 2
96 Home BoxOffice 3
51 The Learning Channel
46 Lifetime
58 The MovieChannel
48 MusicTelevision
49 The NashvilleNetwork
38 Nickelodeon
64 NostalgiaTelevision
99 QualityValue Cable
41 Showtime
97 Showtime 2
59 SportsChannel
52 Turner Network Television
44 USA-Network
62 Video Hits I
93 Viewer's Choice I
94 Viewer'sChoice 2
55 WGN Chicago
43 WTBS Atlanta
60 WWOR-NewYork
See next page for Canadian List
VCR Plus+ Channel List
Refer to your local television list for
a complete VCR Plus+ channel list
for your viewing area or contact
your cable company. Using the list
may save you some time.

";...?
VCR PLUS+ WORKSHEET
Broadcast or
Cable-TV Station
Name
HBO
ESPN
VCR Plus+ Channel
Number**
33
34
Channel Number
You Receive the
Station On*
*Check your local or cable listing for the channel number you receive this station on.
**Check your local listing for broadcast or VCR Plus+ channel number assigned.
TwoiDigitVCR Plus+ Channel
Numbers for Cable TV
(Canadian List)
67 Allarcom PayTelevision/
Superchannel
44 Arts &Entertainment
72 Cable News Network-Headline
News
61 Cable News Network
70 Canadian Home Shopping Network
56 Canal F:amille
69 Cathay InternationalTelevision Inc
68 Chinavision Canada Corp
60 Country Music Television
63 Family Channel
62 First Choice
96 First ChoiceTwo
97 First ChoiceThree
99 First Choice Four
90 House of Commons
91 La Chaine Francaise
51 The Learning Channel
65 MeteoMedia/The Weather Network
48 MuchMusic Network
55 MusiquePlus
52 Nashville Network
73 Newsworld/CBC
53 Le Reseau des Sports
43 The Sports Network
64 Super Ecran
37 Super Ecran B
98 Super Ecran C
66 Telatino Network
46 TV5 Montreal
92 Viewer's Choice I
93 Viewer':; Choice 2
94 Viewer's Choice 3
95 Viewer':; Choice 4
71 Vision TV: Canada's Faith Network
38 Youth TV, Canada Inc.
15

WHAT'S N EXT--ADDITIONAL SET-U P
FEATURES IN THE PREFERENCES MENU
The features in this section are all accessed through the
PREFERENCESmenu.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3Time
4 Channels
5Preferences
6 Language
0Exit
2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCESmenu.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2Auto Play: OFF
3 Auto TV/VCR: OFF
4 Front Panel AUTO
0 Exit
Now you are ready to select an item from the menu to set up.
REMOTE VCR1/VCR2 OPTION
If you owr_a compatible RCA, GE, or ProScan remote that has a
VCR2, VCR2.LD, or DVD.VCR2 button, this feature allows you to
set 1ibisVCR to respond to that button.
Press 1 to select the Remote Control item. Then press the VCR2,
VCR2eLD, or DVDeVCR2 button to change.
PREFERENCES
(Press VCR2 to Change)
2Auto Play: OFF
3 Auto TV/VCR: OFF
4Front Panel AUTO
PREFERENCES
1Remote Control: VCR2
2 Auto Play: OFF
3 Auto TV/VCR: OFF
4 Front Panel AUTO
0Exit 0Exit
The VCR willonlyrespondto the compatible remote'sVCR20
VCR2-LD, or DVDeVCR2 button.Ifyou change the remote setting I¸ ]
Remote Control Option
Changing the remote option to VCR2
disables the remote that came with
your V(:R.
16

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 VCR on the VCR°sremote.
AUTO PLAY
This feature allows the VCR to automatically start playing
when you insert a tape with the safety tab removed. Press 2
to switch between ON or OFF.
Select ON if you want a tape with its safety tab removed
to start playing automatically when the tape is inserted.
Select OFF if you do not want a tape with its safety tab
removed to start playing automatically.
AUTO TV/VC R
This feature controls whether the TV/VCR switch changes
automatically to the VCR mode, when the VCR isturned on.
Press 3 to switch between ON and OFF.
Select ON if you want the VCR to switch to the VCR mode
when the VCR is turned on or a cassette is inserted. This
only applies if you connect the ANTENNA IN and OUT
jacks of your VCRand TV and watch your VCR on channel
3or 4of_/our T_.
Select OFF if you want the VCR to remain in the TV mode.
Thi_ is useful if you watch your VCR on the TV's video
input and you don't want your antenna/cable signal
interrupted by the VCR.
Auto TV/VCR
Pressing TV,VCR on the remote
will still switch between the VCR
and TV mode.
VCR mode: VCR indicator in the
display panel lights.
TV mode: VCR indicator turns off.
17

FRONT PANEL (VCR DISPLAY)
You can change the brightness level of the fluorescent display
panel on the front of the VCR. Press 4 to switch between the
options.
• AUTO brightens the display when the VCR is on and dims the
display when the VCR is off.
• BRIGHT keeps the display bright.
•DIM keeps the display at a low brightness level.
18