RCA VR617HF User manual

USER’S
GUIDE
VR617HF
VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER

i
Introduction
WARNING
To reduce the risk of
fire or shock hazard,
do not expose this VCR
to rain or moisture.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour éviter les chocs électriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la
borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqú 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).
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the
user’s authority to operate it.
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.__________________________________________________________________
Serial No. _____________________________________________________________________
Purchase Date: ________________________________________________________________
Dealer/Address/Phone: ________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Important Information
VR617HF
Cautions
Note To Cable TV Installer
Product Registration
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.
WARNING
RISKOFELECTRICSHOCK
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.
This symbol indicates “dangerous
voltage” inside the product that
presents a risk of electric shock or
personal injury.
This symbol indicates important
instructions accompanying the
product.

1
Introduction
Table of Contents
Important Information
Warnings______________________________ i
Cautions ______________________________ i
Note to Cable TV Installer _______________ i
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 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 TV and VCR _______________ 7
Place Channels in VCR's Memory ____ 8
Add or Remove Channels from
VCR's Memory__________________ 8
Set the Time and Date ______________ 9
Set the Auto TV/VCR Feature ________ 9
Use TV•VCR Button ________________ 9
Using the Remote Control
Component, VCR, TV, Cable Box, and
RCA DSS™ Receiver Buttons ____ 10-11
Controlling a VCR ____________________ 12
Controlling a TV ______________________ 13
Controlling a Cable Box or
RCA DSS Receiver ___________________ 14
Controlling an Auxiliary RCA Component _ 15
Playing a Tape
Operating Instructions_________________ 16
Using the Playback Features
Tape Playback: HI-FI/LINEAR/MIX
Feature________________________ 17
Auto Play Feature_________________ 18
Auto Repeat Feature_______________ 18
Pause for Stop-Action______________ 19
Picture Search ____________________ 19
Frame Advance___________________ 19
Slow Motion______________________ 20
Automatic Tracking _______________ 20
Manual Tracking __________________20
DISPLAY Button __________________ 21
Time Counter_____________________ 21
Commercial Scan _________________ 22
Index Search _____________________ 22
Time Search ______________________ 23
Go-To Search _____________________ 23
Recording a Program
Types of Recordings___________________ 24
Recording Speeds _____________________ 24
Recording Pause ______________________ 24
Basic Recording –
Operating Instructions _____________ 25
Watch a TV Channel While VCR
is Recording a Different Channel ____ 25
Recording While You're Away
VCR Plus+ Recording___________ 26-28
Timer Recording __________________ 29
Select Cable Box Viewing Channel __ 30
Checking or Clearing Timer
Recordings ____________________ 30
Timer Recording From the
VCR’s Line Input _______________ 30
Express Recording (XPR)_______________ 31
Recording Broadcast Stereo TV or SAP___ 32
Recording Audio Only_________________ 33
Using Two VCRs for Copying
and Editing Tapes__________________ 34
Using Dual Remote with AutoEdit ______ 34
References
Specifications_________________________ 35
Cleaning the VCR _____________________ 35
Location of Controls
Front Panel_______________________ 36
Back Panel _______________________ 37
Display Panel_____________________ 37
Trouble Checks ____________________ 38-39
Limited Warranty _____________________ 40
Index________________________________ 41

2
Hooking Up the VCR
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 1and 2above.
B. Then modify the connections as shown on page 6.

3
Hooking Up the VCR
OUT TO
TV
IN FROM
ANT.
CH
3 56 4
AUDIO
VIDEO
IN
OUT
R
L
Back of VCR
Back of TV
300/75 Ohm
Adapter
OR
From Antenna
or Cable
Cable/
Antenna
OR
VHF
UHF
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
75 to 75/300 Ohm
Separator
Antenna or Cable System Without a Cable Box
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the CH 3
5566
4switch 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
accessories not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV.
4.
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.
If your TV is not stereo, you may need a
Y-adapter to hear sound from both channels.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV.
3.
You will tune the TV to its video input to
watch the VCR.
Continue to page 7.
Continue to page 7.
OUT TO
TV
IN FROM
ANT.
CH
3 56 4
AUDIO
VIDEO
IN
OUT
R
L
Back of VCR
S-VIDEO AUDIO
CABLE /
ANTENNA
L /
MONO
RIGHT
VIDEO
INPUT
INOUT
From Antenna
or Cable
OR
Back of TV
300/75 Ohm
Adapter
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
Audio/Video Cables
Signal
Splitter
A
B

4
Hooking Up the VCR
Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels
OUT TO
TV
IN FROM
ANT.
CH
3 56 4
AUDIO
VIDEO
IN
OUT
R
L
Back of VCR
OUTIN
Cable Box
From Cable
RF Coaxial
Cable
Back of TV
Cable/
Antenna
OR
VHF
UHF
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
75 to 75/300 Ohm
Separator
OUT TO
TV
IN FROM
ANT.
CH
3 56 4
AUDIO
VIDEO
IN
OUT
R
L
Back of VCR
S-VIDEO AUDIO
CABLE /
ANTENNA
L /
MONO
RIGHT
VIDEO
INPUT
INOUT
Back of TV
Audio/Video Cables
OUTIN
Cable Box
From Cable
RF Coaxial
Cable
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
Signal
Splitter
RF Coaxial
Cable
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the CH 3
5566
4switch 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
accessories not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
4.
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.
If your TV is not stereo, you may need a
Y-adapter to hear sound from both channels.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
3.
You will tune the TV to its video input to
watch the VCR.
Continue to page 7.
Continue to page 7.
A
B

5
Hooking Up the VCR
Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble Pay Channels
(such as HBO, Showtime, Pay-Per-View, etc.)
OUT TO
TV
IN FROM
ANT.
CH
3 56 4
AUDIO
VIDEO
IN
OUT
R
L
Back of VCR
OUTIN
Cable Box
From Cable
RF Coaxial
Cable
Back of TV
Cable/
Antenna
OR
VHF
UHF
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
75 to 75/300 Ohm
Separator
OUT TO
TV
IN FROM
ANT.
CH
3 56 4
AUDIO
VIDEO
IN
OUT
R
L
Back of VCR
S-VIDEO AUDIO
CABLE /
ANTENNA
L /
MONO
RIGHT
VIDEO
INPUT
INOUT
Back of TV
Audio/Video Cables
OUTIN
Cable Box
Signal
Splitter
From Cable
RF Coaxial
Cable
(supplied)
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the CH 3
5566
4switch 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
accessories not provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
4.
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.
If your TV is not stereo, you may need a
Y-adapter to hear sound from both channels.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
3.
You will tune the TV to its video input to
watch the VCR. All pay channels are
viewed through the VCR.
Continue to page 7.
Continue to page 7.
A
B

6
Hooking Up the VCR
Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes
OUT TO
TV
IN FROM
ANT.
CH
3 56 4
AUDIO
VIDEO
IN
OUT
R
L
OUT TO
TV
IN FROM
ANT.
CH
3 56 4
AUDIO
VIDEO
IN
OUT
R
L
Playback VCR
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
Recording
VCR
Audio/Video
Cables
RF Coaxial
Cable
or
Use the hookup to the TV
as previously selected on
pages 3, 4, or 5.
From Antenna, Cable
or Cable Box
OUT TO
TV
IN FROM
ANT.
CH
3 56 4
AUDIO
VIDEO
IN
OUT
R
L
OUT TO
TV
IN FROM
ANT.
CH
3 56 4
AUDIO
VIDEO
IN
OUT
R
L
Playback VCR
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
Recording
VCR
Audio/Video
Cables
RF Coaxial
Cable
or
Use the hookup to the TV
as previously selected on
pages 3, 4, or 5.
From Antenna, Cable
or Cable Box
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 CH 3
5566
4switch 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
accessories not provided.
4. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV.
5.
Option B Hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved copy
quality and more convenient operation —
use of TV•VCR button not required.
1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 5
and then modify with this connection.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
If your other VCR is not stereo, you may need a
Y-adapter to copy sound from both channels.
3. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV.
4.
You will select the LINE (audio/video)
input on the recording VCR to receive the
signal from the playback VCR.
Continue to page 7.
Continue to page 7.
B
A
Caution: The unauthorized recording of
television programs and other materials
may infringe the rights of others.

7
Setting Up the VCR
1. Check accessories with VCR.
Contact your dealer if any items are missing.
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 CH 3
56 4switch 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. Turn on the VCR.
A. Press VCR1 on the remote.
Remote
(Stock No. 221301)
EDIT
SEARCH
VOL
VOL
MUTE
PREV CH
DISPLAY
INPUT
1
4
7
TV•VCR
3
6
9
2
5
8
0
CLEAR SPEED
REW PLAY FF
STOP PAUSE
REC
MENU
PROG
*
P
O
W
E
R
V
C
R
1
D
S
S
•
C
A
B
L
E
T
V
V
C
R
2
•
L
D
A
U
X
C
H
A
N
C
H
A
N
TRACKING
34
SLOW
– +
F.ADV
RF Coaxial Cable
(Stock No. 207417)
2 “AAA” Batteries
Startup
continued on next page

VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Set Clock
4 Channels
Setting Up the VCR
Startup
8
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 CHAN up or
down will select only the active channels.
If you ever need to manually Auto-Search Channels
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
CH 3 56 4switch on the back of the VCR or the
TV’s video input (refer to TV’s manual).
• Press VCR1, then press MENU•PROG again.
• If you use a basic hookup, check VCR indicator
in display panel – it should be on. Press TV•VCR
to turn it on.
• Check the connections.
B. Press 4to display the CHANNELS menu.
C. Press 1to 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 on the remote.
B. Press MENU•PROG on the remote to see the VCR
MAIN MENU on the TV screen.
C. Press 4to display the CHANNELS menu.
D. Press 2to 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 or down.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Set Clock
4 Channels
CHANNELS
1 Auto-Search Channels
2 Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: ANTENNA
4 VCR Plus+ Channel List
5 Cable Box Setup
0 Exit
Auto-Search Channels
Connect antenna cable...
then press CH UP.
CHANNELS
1 Auto-Search Channels
2 Add/Remove Channels
ADD/REMOVE CHANNEL
CH 03
is presently ADDED
Press CLEAR to remove
Press MENU to exit

VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Set Clock
9
Setting Up the VCR
7. Set the time and date.
When you first turn on the VCR, --:-- appears in the clock area of
the VCR’s display panel.
A. Press MENU•PROG on remote to display the VCR MAIN MENU
on the TV screen.
B. Press 3to display SET CLOCK.
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 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•PROG on remote to remove SET CLOCK from
the TV screen and start the clock. The time will appear in the
VCR’s display panel and the time and date will appear on the
TV screen when you press DISPLAY.
8. Set Auto TV/VCR feature.
Skip this step if you used one of the basic hookups.
If you have connected your VCR using the video input of your TV,
you can prevent the VCR indicator from turning on automatically.
A. Press MENU•PROG on remote to see VCR MAIN MENU on the
TV screen.
B. Press 5to display PREFERENCES.
C. Press 3to select Auto TV/VCR: ON or OFF.
• Select ON if you used one of the basic hookups and watch
your VCR on channel 3 or 4 of your TV. You will then press
the TV•VCR button to turn the VCR indicator on or off to
switch between the picture coming from the VCR or
television channels.
• Select OFF if you used one of the advanced hookups and
watch your VCR on the video input channel of your TV. The
VCR indicator will not turn on automatically.
Pressing TV•VCR on the remote will still turn the VCR
indicator on or off.
9. 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 lets you record a program on the
VCR while watching another channel on the TV. Details are on
page 25.
A. Press VCR1 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 on the VCR or CHAN on VCR’s
remote to change channels on the VCR.
The channel number changes 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.
E. Return the TV to the VCR viewing channel — CH3 or CH4.
F. Press VCR1, then TV•VCR to switch back to the picture from
the VCR.
Startup
SLP
VCR
HI-FI
VCR Display Panel
SET CLOCK
Time --:--
(hh:mm)
Date --/--/--
Press CLEAR to correct
Press MENU to exit
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Set Clock
4 Channels
5 Preferences
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
4 Set Auto Repeat
0 Exit

10
Using the Remote Control
Buttons
EDIT
SEARCH
VOL
VOL
MUTE
PREV CH
DISPLAY
INPUT
1
4
7
TV•VCR
3
6
9
2
5
8
0
CLEAR SPEED
REW PLAY FF
STOP PAUSE
REC
MENU
PROG
*
P
O
W
E
R
V
C
R
1
D
S
S
•
C
A
B
L
E
T
V
V
C
R
2
•
L
D
A
U
X
C
H
A
N
C
H
A
N
TRACKING
34
SLOW
– +
F.ADV
AUX (Auxiliary)
Used with POWER button to turn
on compatible audio component.
See page 15.
DSS•CABLE
Turns on a compatible RCA cable
box or RCA DSS satellite
receiver. See page 14.
Used with POWER button to turn
on another brand of cable box,
other than RCA, when the remote
is programmed to control that
cable box. See page 14.
TV
Turns on a compatible RCA or
ProScan TV and sets the remote
to control the TV.
Used with POWER button to turn
on another brand of TV, other
than RCA, when the remote is
programmed to control that TV.
See page 13.
VCR1
Turns on a compatible RCA or
ProScan VCR and sets remote to
control the VCR.
VCR2•LD
Turns on a compatible RCA or
ProScan VCR and sets remote to
control VCR when it has been
setup. See page 12.
Used with POWER button to turn
on compatible RCA or ProScan
LaserDisc player.
CHAN Up or Down
Selects next higher or lower
channel in the VCR’s channel
memory.
CLEAR
Resets time counter to 0:00:00.
Allows you to change entries
when setting the clock or VCR for
a VCR Plus+ or timer recording.
DISPLAY
Shows VCR operating displays
on the TV screen.
Displays the time counter.
EDIT
Signals two properly connected
compatible VCRs to begin
copying a tape. See page 34.
F.ADV (Frame Advance)
Lets you view one frame with
each press of the button while the
tape is paused.
FF (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 appears in the display panel
and VIDEO appears on the TV
screen.
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 the other two numbers.
PAUSE
Pauses action for viewing during
playback.
Pauses recording to prevent
recording of unwanted scenes.
Component Buttons
Press one of the buttons to set the remote to operate that component.
VCR Function Buttons
Press VCR1 (VCR2•LD) to set remote to control the VCR to use the
function buttons.

11
Using the Remote Control
CHAN Up or Down
Selects next higher or lower
channel in the TV’s channel
memory when remote is set to
control a TV.
CLEAR
Removes menus or status
displays from the screen.
DISPLAY
Shows the status displays on the
screen.
Removes menus or displays from
the screen.
MUTE
Turns the TV sound on or off.
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 the other two numbers.
POWER
Turns off a compatible TV when
remote is set to control TV.
Used with TV button to turn on a
compatible TV, other than RCA,
when the remote is programmed
to control that TV. See page 13.
PREV CH (Previous Channel)
Switches between two channels.
Select one channel and then select
another. Press PREV CH to
switch between the two channels.
SLOW – / +
Used with the TV’s menus to
select and adjust features.
VOL Up and Down
Raises and lowers sound.
PLAY
Plays a tape.
POWER
Turns off VCR when remote is set
to control the VCR.
PREV CH (Previous Channel)
Switches between two channels.
Select one channel and then select
another. Press PREV CH to
switch between the two channels
REC
Starts VCR recording.
Used for express recording (XPR).
See page 31.
REW (Rewind)
Rewinds the tape when the VCR
is stopped.
Searches the picture in reverse
motion during playback.
SEARCH
Displays INDEX, TIME, and
GO-TO SEARCH menus on TV.
Lets you advance tape 60 or 120
seconds during playback.
SLOW – / +
Used for slow-motion playback.
SPEED (Tape Speed)
Selects a recording speed
(SP or SLP).
STOP
Stops the normal functions such
as record, playback, rewind, fast
forward, and pause of the VCR.
TRACKING Up and Down
Lets you manually reduce the
streaks that may appear on the
picture during play or pause.
Reduces picture “jitter” during
stop-action playback.
TV•VCR
Switches the picture signal so
that it either comes from the VCR
or the TV channel. See page 9.
VCR Function Buttons
(continued)
TV Function Buttons
Press the TV button to set remote to control a compatible TV. Some buttons may not work with the TV.
CHAN Up or Down
Selects next higher or lower
channel.
Numbers (0 through 9)
Select a channel using the number
buttons.
POWER
Turns off a compatible cable box
or satellite receiver.
Cable Box and RCA DSS™ Receiver Function Buttons
Press the DSS•CABLE button to set remote to control a compatible cable box or satellite receiver. Some buttons
may not work with the cable box or receiver.
Buttons

12
Using the Remote Control
Controlling a VCR
The VCR’s remote controls two compatible RCA or ProScan VCRs with the VCR1
and VCR2•LD 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•LD 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•LD button — whichever
position you select in the menu.
1. Press MENU•PROG to display the VCR MAIN
MENU.
2. Press 5to display PREFERENCES.
3. Press 1to activate the Remote Control feature.
4. Press VCR1 or VCR2•LD to change the setting and
program this VCR to respond to the VCR1 or
VCR2•LD button — whichever you select.
Important Reminder: Remember you must
press VCR1 or VCR2•LD on the remote —
whichever you selected in the menu —
before the remote will operate this VCR.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Set Clock
4 Channels
5 Preferences
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR2
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
4 Set Auto Repeat
0 Exit
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
4 Set Auto Repeat
Press VCR2 to change

13
Remote
Brand * Button
Akai 03
AOC 06
Candle 06
Citizen 06
Colortyme 06
Concerto 06
Curtis Mathes 01,06
Daewoo 06
Daytron 06
Electrohome 06
Emerson 06
Envision 05,06
Fisher 05,08
GE 00,01,06,11
Goldstar 06
Hallmark 06
Hitachi 06
Infinity 04
J C Penney 00,01,06,09
JBL 04
Jensen 06
JVC 10,11
Kawasho 03,06
Kenwood 06
Loewe 04
Luxman 06
LXI 04,05,07
Magnavox 04,06
Marants 04
Marantz 04,06,12
MGA 06
Mitsubishi 06,12
MTC 06
Remote
Brand * Button
NAD 07
NEC 06
Panasonic 04,11
Philco 04,06
Philips 03,04,06
Pioneer 06
Portland 06
ProScan 01
Proton 06
Quasar 11
Radio Shack 01,05,13
RCA 01,06
Realistic 05
Sampo 06
Samsung 06,09
Sanyo 05,08
Sears 01,05,06,07,
08,10,
Sharp 06,13
Sony 03
Soundesign 06
Sylvania 04,06
Technics 11
Techwood 06
Teknika 06
TMK 06
Toshiba 05,07,09
Universal 00
Victor 10
Wards 00,01,04,06,
13
Zenith 02
Using the Remote Control
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 buttons that
correspond to your brand.
Program the remote for a TV
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 remote at the TV and press TV.
2.If TV does not turn on in step 1, press TV and then POWER.
3. Use the “TV Function Buttons” as described on page 11.
1. Turn on the TV.
2. Point the VCR
remote at the TV.
3. Hold the TV button
and press two
number buttons for
your brand. If the
TV changes
channels when the
CHAN up or down
button is pressed,
set up is complete.
4. Release the buttons.
5. Repeat steps 2 – 4
with two other
buttons if the first
ones do not work.
* The remote may not be able to control every
model TV of the brands listed.
Helpful Hint: Notice the difference
between the TV and VCR on-screen
displays. This is one way to tell if the
remote is set to control the VCR or the TV.

14
Controlling a Cable Box or an RCA DSS™ Receiver*
The DSS•CABLE button on the VCR’s remote is preprogrammed to control either a
compatible RCA cable box or satellite receiver. If your cable box is another manufacturer’s
brand and has its own remote, you will probably be able to program the VCR’s remote to
control your cable box. To program the VCR’s remote, enter the code that corresponds to
your brand.
Program the remote
1. Turn on the cable
box.
2. Point the VCR
remote at the cable
box.
3. Hold the
DSS•CABLE button
and press two
number buttons to
enter the code for
your brand.
4. Release the buttons.
5. Press POWER on the
remote. If the cable
box turns off, setup is
complete.
6. Repeat steps 2 – 5
with a different code
if the first one does
not work.
Operate the Cable Box or RCA DSS Satellite Receiver
After you have set up your remote (if required) to control your cable box, test the buttons to see
which ones operate your cable box or satellite receiver.
1. Point the remote at the cable box or satellite receiver and press DSS•CABLE.
2. If the cable box does not turn on in step 1, press DSS•CABLE and then POWER.
If the RCA DSS satellite receiver does not turn on in step 1, reprogram the remote using 00
3. Use the “Cable Box or RCA Receiver Function Buttons” for the cable box and test the “TV
Function Buttons” to see which ones operate the satellite receiver.
See page 11.
*DSS™ is a trademark of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of GM Hughes Electronics.
Brand of Cable-TV Box
ABC
Anvision
Cablestar
Eagle
Eastern International
General Instrument
Hamlin
Hitachi
Jerrold
Macom
Magnavox
NSC
Oak
Oak Sigma
Panasonic
Philips
Pioneer
Randtek
RCA
Regal
Regency
Samsung
Scientific Atlanta
Sylvania
Teknika
Texscan
Tocom
Unika
Universal
Viewstar
Warner Amex
Zenith
Code Number(s)
53,54
07, 08
07, 08
07,08
02
04, 05, 15, 23, 24, 25, 30, 36
12, 13, 34,48
37, 43
04, 05, 15, 23, 24, 25, 30, 36, 45, 46,47
37, 43
07, 08, 19, 26, 28, 29, 32, 33, 40, 41
09
01, 16, 38
16
03, 27, 39
07, 08, 19, 26, 28, 29, 32, 33, 40, 41
18, 20, 44
07, 08
00, 27
12, 13
02, 33
44
03, 22, 35
11
06
10, 11
17, 21,49, 50
31, 32, 41
51, 52
07, 08, 19, 26, 28, 29, 32, 33, 40, 41
44
14, 42
* The remote may not be able to control every cable box of the
brands listed.
Using the Remote Control

15
RCA 03 07 06 05
AM/FM CD Tape Phono
Type of Auxiliary Audio Equipment and Code*
Controlling an Auxiliary RCA Component
The remote that came packed with your VCR is also capable of controlling one compatible
RCA audio component, such as an AM/FM radio, CD player, tape player, or phonograph.
The remote must be programmed for the specific component it is to control. To program the
remote, use the code that corresponds to your component.
Program the Remote for an Auxiliary Component
1. Turn on the component.
2. Point the VCR remote at the component.
3. Hold the AUX button and press two number buttons to
enter the code for your component.
4. Release the buttons.
5. Press POWER on the remote. If the component turns
off, setup is complete.
Operate the Auxiliary Component
After you have set up your remote to control your component, test the buttons
to see which ones operate the component.
1. Point the remote at the component and press AUX.
2. If the component does not turn on in step 1, press AUX and then POWER.
3. Test the buttons on the remote to see which ones operate your component.
* The remote may not be able to control every RCA model of audio
equipment listed.
Using the Remote Control

16
Playing a Tape
Operating Instructions
To play a tape
1. Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3, 4, or TV’s video input to see the
picture from the VCR.
2. Insert a tape in the VCR.
VCR automatically turns on. The cassette-in indicator lights, and the
VCR indicator lights if the Auto TV/VCR feature is set to ON. The tape
automatically begins playback if the safety tab on the cassette has been
removed and the Auto Play feature is turned on.
3. Press PLAY, if necessary. PLAY appears in the VCR’s display panel.
4. Press TRACKING up or down to remove any streaks from the picture, if
necessary. Details are on page 20.
5. Press STOP.
6. Press REW.
The VCR will automatically rewind the tape if it reaches the end of the
tape during playback. While rewinding, you can press POWER and the
VCR will turn off after rewinding.
7. Press EJECT on the VCR to eject the tape once it is completely rewound.
TV•VCR
EJECT
POWER
CHANNEL
TRACKING
FWD
REW PLAY
PAUSERECORD STOP
INPUT
ON SCREEN PROGRAMMING
Safety Tab

17
Playing a Tape
Using the Playback Features
Tape Playback: HI-FI/LINEAR/MIX Feature
The VCR records the same audio on both the Hi-Fi and linear tracks on
the tape. The Hi-Fi sound is recorded on separate left and right stereo
channels. Monaural sound is recorded on the linear track.
To enjoy Hi-Fi sound, connect your VCR to a stereo television or
amplifier/receiver using the audio/video jacks. The Tape Playback:
HI-FI/LINEAR/MIX feature lets you select which audio you play back.
To Select Playback Sound
1. Press MENU•PROG to see the VCR MAIN MENU on the TV
screen.
2. Press 6to see the AUDIO menu on the TV screen.
3. Press 2 to switch between HI-FI, LINEAR, or MIX sound.
• Select HI-FI to play back sound recorded on the Hi-Fi track
and for normal use.
The Hi-Fi indicator is lit in the VCR’s display panel during
Hi-Fi playback.
• Select LINEAR to play back the sound recorded on the
linear monaural track, such as a second audio program
(SAP).
The Hi-Fi indicator turns off in the VCR’s display panel
during linear playback.
• Select MIX to play back the sound recorded on both the
linear track and the Hi-Fi track, sound-on-sound.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Set Clock
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Audio
EDIT
SEARCH
VOL
VOL
MUTE
PREV CH
DISPLAY
INPUT
1
4
7
TV•VCR
3
6
9
2
5
8
0
CLEAR SPEED
REW PLAY FF
STOP PAUSE
REC
MENU
PROG
*
P
O
W
E
R
V
C
R
1
D
S
S
•
C
A
B
L
E
T
V
V
C
R
2
•
L
D
A
U
X
C
H
A
N
C
H
A
N
TRACKING
34
SLOW
– +
F.ADV
AUDIO
1 Reception: STEREO
2 Tape Playback: HI-FI
0 Exit

18
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.
1. Press MENU•PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU on
the TV screen.
2. Press 5to display the PREFERENCES menu.
3. Press 2to 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.
Auto Repeat Feature
The VCR will automatically repeat a segment of tape.
1. Locate the beginning of the segment
you want the VCR to repeat, and
press STOP.
2. Press DISPLAY to display the time
counter, and press CLEAR to reset it
to 0:00:00.
3. Press MENU•PROG on the remote to
see the VCR MAIN MENU on the TV
screen.
4. Press 5to display the PREFERENCES
menu.
5. Press 4to display the AUTO REPEAT
menu.
6. Use the number buttons to enter the
length of time of the segment you
want the VCR to repeat.
REP appears in the VCR’s display
panel.
7. Press MENU•PROG repeatedly to
remove the menus from the screen.
The VCR will play the tape until the
specified counter reading is reached,
rewind the tape and replay the
segment over and over.
EDIT
SEARCH
VOL
VOL
MUTE
PREV CH
DISPLAY
INPUT
1
4
7
TV•VCR
3
6
9
2
5
8
0
CLEAR SPEED
REW PLAY FF
STOP PAUSE
REC
MENU
PROG
*
P
O
W
E
R
V
C
R
1
D
S
S
•
C
A
B
L
E
T
V
V
C
R
2
•
L
D
A
U
X
C
H
A
N
C
H
A
N
TRACKING
34
SLOW
– +
F.ADV
Playing a Tape
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Set Clock
4 Channels
5 Preferences
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
4 Set Auto Repeat
0 Exit
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Set Clock
4 Channels
5 Preferences
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
4 Set Auto Repeat
AUTO REPEAT
Set the length of time
you want the tape to
play in a repeating loop
Loop from 0:00 to 0:00
(h:mm)
Press CLEAR to turn off
Press MENU to exit