RCA VR653HF User manual

USER'S
GUIDE
VIDEO CASSETTE

Important Information
WARNING
To reduce the risk of
fire or shock hazard,
do not expose this VCR
to rain or moisture.
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 arisk of electric shock or
personal injury.
This symbol indicates important
instructions accompanying the
product.
Cautions
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour dviter les chocs dlectriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la
borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqfi au fond.
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.
Note To Cable lrv 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, specifiesthat 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. VR653HF
Serial No.
Purchase Date:
Dealer/Address/Phone:

Table of Contents
Important Information
Warnings i
Cautions i
Note to Cable "IV 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
Satellite Receiver 6-7
Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes_ 8
Setting Up the VCR
Startup
Check Accessories With VCR 9
Attach Power Cord to Back of VCR 9
Insert Batteries in Remote 9
Turn on the TV 10
Use the On-Screen Menu System _10
Turn on the VCR 10
Use SETUP Menu to Auto Channel
Search and Auto Clock Set 11
Manual Clock Set 12
Setup VCR Plus+ Channels _12
Program VCR for VCR1 or
VCR2*DVD Button 12
Add or Remove Channels from
VCR's Memory. 13
Auto Channel Search Using
the CHANNELS Menu 13
Select the Language/Choisissez une
Langue 14
Use TVeVCR Button 14
Set the Auto TV/VCR Feature 15
Using the Remote Control
Component, VCR, TV, Cable Box, and
Satellite Receiver Buttons 16-17
Using the VCR2*DVD Button
Controlling a VCR 18
Controlling a LaserDisc Player or
DVD Component 18
Controlling a TV 19
Controlling aCable Box or
Satellite Receiver 20
Controlling an Auxiliary RCA Component_ 21
Playing a Tape
Operating Instructions 22
Using the Playback Features
Tape Playback: HI2FI/LINEAR/
MIX Feature 23
Auto Play Feature 23
Pause for Stop-Action 24
Slow Motion 24
Automatic Tracking 24
Manual Tracking 24
Picture Search 25
Variable Speed Picture Search and
Frame Advance Using JOG
SHUTTLE and Arrow Buttons
on Remote 25
Index Search 26
Go-To Search 27
Blank Search 27
DISPLAY Button 28
Program Information 29
Time Counter. 29
COMMERClAL_ADVANCE TM
Feature
Recording and Playback 30-31
Recording a Program
Types of Recordings 32
Using the Recording Features
Recording Speeds 32
Recording Pause 32
Basic Recording -
Operating Instructions 33
Watch a TV Channel While VCR
• is Recording aDifferent Channel__ 33
Recording While You're Away
VCR Plus+ Recording 34-36
Timer Recording 37
Check, Edit, or Clear a VCR Plus+ or
Timer Recording 38
Timer Recording From the
VCR's Line Input 38
Express Recording (XPR)• 39
Recording Broadcast Stereo TV or SAP 40
Recording Audio Only 41
Using Two VCRs for Copying
and Editing Tapes 42
Using Dual Remote with AutoEdit __ 42
References
Location of Controls
Front Panel 43
Back Panel 44
Display Panel 44-45
Specifications 46
Cleaning the VCR 46
•Limited Warranty 47
Trouble Checks 48-50
Questions and Answers About
COMM'ERCIAL_ADVANCE TM_ 51
Index 52-53
.

Choosing a Hookup
The hookups on pages 3 through 7 are _tivided into two hookup types: Basic (A) and
Advanced (B and C).
The basic hookups show 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 hookups show the VCR hooked t/p to. a monitor/receiver
(TV with audio and video jacks). 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. Cab!e System - Go to question 2.
D. Satellite System and another source.(A, B, C) - Go to
question 3.
1What 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.
(3: 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.
3. What type of satellite system do you have?
Choose one answer from below.
A. Satellite receiver connected to TV without audio/video inputs -
Turn to page 6.
[3. Basic satellite receiver connected to TV with audio/video inputs -
Turn to page 7.
C. Deluxe satellite receiver connected to TV with audio/video inputs -
Turn to page 7.
Optional Hookups
How to hook up two VCRs for copying tapes?
A. Select ahookup by answering the questions above.
B. Then modify the connections as shown on page 8.

Antenna or Cable System Without a Cable Box
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1o Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR
to either channel 3 or 4.
You willtunetheTV tothischanneland usethe
TVoVCRbutton to watch the VCR.
°Connect as shown.
Thisconnectionmay require additional
accessoriesnot provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCR and "IV.
From Antenna
or Cable 300/75 Ohm
O__R '-" Adapter .....................Back of VCR
RF Coaxial Cabk
|l]ilili|![_lII]l_,_J;IN 75 to 75/30q
Separator
oR iCable/
iAntenna
ii
Back of TV
all Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality, hi-fi stereo sound, 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 left and
right channels.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR and TV.
II[e ]lili ii![t,Ji (t] t_,_,, o-,(dl,:
You will tune the TV to its video .input to
watch the VCR.
Set the Auto TV/VCR feature to OFF. See
page 15.
Back of VCR 30o_s Ohm From Antenna
Adapter or Cable
OR
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
@MON0
Back of TV
3

Cable System W_[thCable Box to Unscramble All Channels
AN Basic hookup.
Use this hookup foy a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1° Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR
to either channel 3 or 4.
You will tune the TV to this channeI and use the
TVoVCRbutton to watch the VCR.
2.
3.
Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
From Cable.
RFCoax,a_ Back of VCR
......... E.................. Cable
....... .....................:_........
L:....-a..b-i;-.Bo............ .
ko) ni i ii i i I[_i (ohmod_.'_]i;
75 to 75/300 Ohm
Separator
Back of TV
i
B. Advanced hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality, hi-fi stereo sound, and more
convenient operation -- use of TVeVCR _.
button not required.
1. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories "
not provided, i
If your TV is not stereo, you may need a !
Y-adapter tohear sound from both left and ! .
rightchannels.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
[o] llllil![_l (ol odX_j_ii
You will tune the TV to its vid.eo input to
watch the VCR.
Set the Auto "I'V/VCR feature to OFF. See
page I5.
Caution: The unauthorized recording of
satellite broadcasts, television programs, or
other materials may infringe the fights of others.
Cable Box
From Cable : .................................................................
___;__..._,,,_o_
RF Coaxial
Back of VCR Cable
RF Coaxial Cable
(supplied)
OUT AUDIO IN ./_
,_'CABLE /
MONO _ANTENNA
Back of TV

(suchasHBO,ShowUme,Pay-Per-_Fmw,etc.)
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection
which requires fewer accessories.
1. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR
to eitherchannel 3 or 4.
You will tune the TV to this channel and use the
TVoVCRbutton 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. [1[11IllI i|111(elI_._;i;_ll
Back of TV
B. Advanced hookup. •
Use this hookup for slightly improved
picture quality, hi-fi stereo sound, 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 left and
right channels.
2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
cable box.
3. [|1] il nil i [;il (o]l _,-I;iiA
Set the Auto rvA/CR feature to OFF. See
page 15.
You will tune the TV to its video input to
watch the VCR. All pay channels are
viewed through the VCR.
RF Coaxiat
Cable
(supplied)
5

Satellite Receiver
Position Satellite Receiver
Do not stack electronic components or other objects on top of the receiver. The slots on top of the receiver
must be left uncovered to allow proper airflow to the unit. Blocking the airflow to the unit could impair
performance or damage your receiver and other components. Also, do not stack the receiver on top of a
"hot component" such as an audio power amplifier.
A. Basic hookup.
Use this hookup if your TV does not have
audio/video jacks.
1o Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of
satellite receiver to either channel 3 or 4.
You will tune the VCR to this channel or its line
(audio/video) input to record from.the receiver.
To watch the _atellite receiver, turn off the VCR.
If you want to watch or record the signal from
your antenna, cable, or cable box, make sure the
satellite receiver is turned off.
2. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR
to either channel 3 or 4.
You will tune the TV to this channel and use the
TV-VCRbutton towatch the VCR.
.
4°
Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not provided.
Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
receiver.
I[I} l I i I l i![1 (11 Dd_/_°-li
Caution: The unauthorized recording
of satellite broadcasts, television
programs, or other materials may
infringethe fightsofothers.
RF Coaxial Cable
Back ofVCR
WDEO
Back of "IV
IL
.

Satellite Rece er
am Advanced hookup with
basic receiver.
Use this hookup if your TV has audio/video
jacks and your receiver has one set of
AUDIO/VIDEO jacks.
1. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of
receiver to either channel 3 or 4.
You will tune the VCR to this channel to record
from the satellite receiver.
To watch the satellite receiver, tune your TV to
its video input channel.
If you want to watch or record the signal from
your antenna, cable, or cable box, make sure the
satellite receiver is turned off.
2. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR
to either channel 3 or 4.
You will tune the TV to this channel and use the
TVeVGR button to watch the VCR.
3. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories n_)t provided.
4. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
receiver.
5. [1ol, I i I Ili [I lira i,_ll
C. Advanced hookup with
deluxe receiver.
Use this hookup if your Tv has audio/video
jacks and your receiver has two sets of
AUDIO/VIDEO jacks.
1. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR
to either channel 3 or 4.
You will tune the TV to this channel and use the
"[VeVCR button to watch the VCR.
To record from the satellite receiver, you will
tune the VCR to its line (audio/video) input.
To watch the satellite receiver, tune your TV to
its video input channel.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection may require additional
accessories not'provided.
3. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and
receiver.
4..[,k,] ii; =m [_ (,=._:R
Caution: The unauthorized recording
of satellite broadcasts, television
programs, or other materials may
infringe the rights of others.
/1 From From
Cable, Cable Box Satellite
or Antenna Dish
_Backof Satellite Receiver _
mm_=am
_rt _o_
vmo mmmm L
RF Coaxial Cable
Back of VCR
VIDEO OUT
AUDIO
AuclioNiOeoCables
VIDEO
RF Coaxial Cable
_ABLEI
MONO ANTENNA
Back of TV
7

Connecting Two VCRs for Copying Tapes
Option A hookup.
Use this hookup for a simple connection which
requires fewer accessories.
1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 7
and then modify with this connection.
2, Set the CH3 CH4 switch on the playback
VCR to either channel 3 or 4.
You will tune the recording VCR to ttdschannel
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.
From Antenna, Cable
or Cable Box
R R VIDEO
RR Coaxial Cable
Recording VCR (supp,ad)
VIDEO
I
II
I!
II
|1] li i I it I 1_1 (11 I_,'_|
Audio/Video RF Coaxial I
_Cables _41P Cable
s" or - -- I
Itlt iS
tt IUse the previously selected
hookup to the TV.
Option B hookup.
Use this hookup for slightly improved copy
quality, hi-fi stereo sound, and more convenient
operation -- use of "_/.VCR button not required.
1. Select a hookup from pages 2 through 7
and then modify with this connection.
2. Connect as shown.
This connection requires additional accessories
not provided.
If your other VCR is not stereo, plug it into the
"AUDIO L(MONO) jack of this VCR to hear
sound from both left and right channels.
3. Plug in power cords of VCRs and TV.
Jill illlll![ll L(I] Il___*-i[|
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 satellite broadcasts, television
programs, or other materials may
infringe the fights of others.
8
Playback VCR
VIDEO TO'To ,
Audio/Video Recording
VCR From Antenna, Cable
or Cable Box
VIDEO OUT
RF Coaxial I
_!' Cables P _ Cable
!,€_"L -or --- I
_lt_-- Use the previously selected
" hookup to the TV.