RCA VR691HF User manual

video cassette recorder
user's guide
VR691HF

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.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or
shock hazard, do not expose
this produ_-t 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 jusq_ au fond.
Refer to the identification/rating label located on the back panel of your
product for its proper operating voltage.
F('C Regulations 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) whicll 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. VR691HF
Serial No.
Purchase Date:
Dealer/Add ress/Phone:

First Things First ....................................................................... 3
Setting up the VCR .................................................................. 9
Using the QuickSet Guide .......................................................................................I0
Using the Menus to Set Up Features ....................................................................I0
Language ......................................................................................................................I0
Digital Satellite System Setup .........................................................................I I
Cable Box Setup ................................................................................................13
VCR Channels List ............................................................................................15
To Auto Channel Search ..........................................................................15
To Change the SignalType .......................................................................16
To Add or Remove Channels .................................................................16
Time and Date ...................................................................................................17
Auto Clock Set Feature ...........................................................................17
Set theTime Zone ....................................................................................17
Set Daylight-Saving Time ..........................................................................18
Set theTime and Date Manually ............................................................19
VCR Plus+ Channels .........................................................................................20
Additional Set-Up Features in the PREFERENCES Menu .................................22
RemoteVCR I/VCR2 Option ..........................................................................22
Auto Play ..............................................................................................................23
Auto TV/VCR .....................................................................................................23
Front Panel (VCR Display) ..............................................................................24
Tape Speed ...........................................................................................................24
VCR Basics .............................................................................. 25
Remote Buttons ..........................................................................................................26
Component Buttons .................................................................................26
VCR Function Buttons .............................................................................26
TV Function Buttons ................................................................................28
Playing aTape ...............................................................................................................28
Automatic Rewind .....................................................................................................29
Tape Eject ....................................................................................................................29
Recording ....................................................................................................................29
Check the SafetyTab ........................................................................................30
Recording ............................................................................... 31
Recording Features ...................................................................................................32
Express Recording .............................................................................................32
Timer Recording ................................................................................................33
Timer Recording withVCR Plus+ ..................................................................34
Stopping aTimer Recording ............................................................................36
Reviewing and Clearing Programs .................................................................36
Recording Broadcast Stereo TV or SAP (Second
Audio Program) ...........................................................................................36
Recording Audio Only ......................................................................................37
Using Two VCRs for" Copying and Editing Tapes ..........................................38
Using Dual Remote with AutoEdit ........................................................39
1

Programming the Remote ..................................................... 41
To Control aTV .........................................................................................................42
To Control a Satellite Receiver or Cable Box ....................................................44
To Control an Auxiliary Component ....................................................................45
To Control a Laser Disc Player or DVD Component ......................................46
Other Features ....................................................................... 47
COMMERCIALI_ I_ADVANCE ...............................................................................48
MOVIEI_ I_ADVANCE ..............................................................................................5 I
Picture Search Options ............................................................................................53
Forward and Reverse Search ..........................................................................53
Slow Motion .......................................................................................................54
Frame Advance ....................................................................................................54
Index Search .......................................................................................................54
Zero Search ........................................................................................................55
Blank Search .......................................................................................................56
Pro-Tect PlusTM Locking Feature ...........................................................................56
Tracking ........................................................................................................................56
Auto Repeat ................................................................................................................57
Time Counter ............................................................................................................58
On-Screen Displays ....................................................................................................58
Audio Set-Up Features .............................................................................................59
Reception .............................................................................................................59
Tape Playback .....................................................................................................60
Connections ........................................................................... 61
Things to Know Before Connecting Components ............................................61
ConnectingYourVCR ...............................................................................................62
Jacks and Cables .................................................................................................62
Choosing a VCR Connection ........................................................................63
Advantages of AudioNideo Cable Connections .......................................63
Don't Forget About the Auto TVNCR Feature ..........................................63
-IV with RF Jack Only .......................................................................................64
TV with Audio/Video Jacks ..............................................................................65
TV with Audio/Video Jacks and Cable Box to
Unscramble Pay Channels Only ................................................................66
-IV with RF Jack and Satellite Receiver ........................................................67
TV with Audio/Video Jacks and Satellite Receiver .....................................68
Appendix A: Reference ......................................................... 69
Front Panel ...................................................................................................................70
Display Panel................................................................................................................71
Back Panel ...................................................................................................................72
Troubleshooting Tips .................................................................................................73
Questions and Answers About COMMERCIALI_ I'ADVANCE ..................... 77
Specifications ..............................................................................................................78
Cleaning the VCR .......................................................................................................78
Limited Warranty .......................................................................................................79
Index ....................................................................................... 80
2

IHI, MY NAME IS SUSAN...
;rod 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
F
READ THE FIRSTTHREE SECTIONS f
'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 the 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 a good signal as shown.
If you have a TV with AUDIO/VIDEO jacks, use the jacks for a
better connection. Refer to the Connections section, toward the
back of the manual.
CABLE, CABL[ BOX, OR_AANTENNA
VCR
R _u D_ LVDEO
oo_0-0-0 .....
,_,O-_-O _"
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 is channel 3 or 4 or the TV's video input.
If you connect your VCR using the ANTENNA connectors with
RF coaxial cable, set the 3 CH. 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
audiolvideo 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
change items in the menu system.
VCR Viewing Channel
When using the IN FROM ANT. and OUT
TO TV jacks to connect your VCR, tune
your TV to channel 3 or 4.
When using the AUDIO/VIDEO jacks to
connect your VCR0 tune your TV to the
TV's video input.
5

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:
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Setup
6Preferences
7Audio
8 Languages
0 Exit
2. Press 6 to display the PREFERENCESmenu.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
6 Front Panel: AUTO
5 Tape Speed: SLP
6 Set Auto Repeat
? Commercial Advance
0 Exit
3. Press2 to switch AUTO PLAY to ON or OFF.
PREFERENCES
1Remote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: OFF
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
4 Front Panel: AUTO
5 Tape Speed: SLP
6 Set Auto Repeat
ZCommercial Advance
Exit
See Additional Set-Up Features for detailed information
about the Auto Play feature.
6

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.
7

ON-SCREEN GUIDE AND ADDITIONAL
_;ET-U P 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 Digital Satellite System
- Set Up for a Cable Box
,, Set upVCR Channel List (Auto Channel
Search)
,, SetTime Zone and Daylight Savings (Auto Clock)
', Set theTime and Date Manually
* Set upVCR Plus+ Channels
, Set the RemoteVCRI/VCR2 feature
., Set theAuto Play feature
• Set theAuto TV/VCR feature
• Set the Front Panel Brightness feature
• Set theTape Speed feature
2¥
SETFING UP THE VCR
¥I
9

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 a language.
Seleccione un idioma.
Choisissez une langue.
1English
2 Espanol
3Franpais
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 asthe 3 CH. 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.
If you ever need to manually enter setup.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press 5 to display the Setup menu.
USING THE MENUS TO SET UP FEATURES
You can set 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.
LANGUAGE
Select your preferred language, and the on-screen displays will
appear in that language.
10
QuickSet Guide
If you choose not to use the QuickSet
Guide to set up the VCR, you carl exit
now and return to the guide through
Setup in the VCR MAIN MENU.
I°ns re nM nu1
Not all the VCR :screensare shown in this
manual when explaining the features.

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
I VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3Time
4 Channels
5 Setup
6 Preferences
7 Audio
8 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 8 to select the LANGUAGE menu.
LANGUAGE
Select a language.
1>English
2 Espanol
3 Francais
Press MENU to continue
3. Select English, Espahol (Spanish), or Fran_ais (French).
DIGITAL SATELLITE SYSTEM SETUP
With this setup, the VCR turns on an RCA, ProScan, or GE digital
,satellite receiver and tunes it to the desired channel at the start
time of a timer recording. For other brands, the VCR tunes the
ireceiver to the desired channel only if the receiver is turned on.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Setup
6 Preferences
7 Audio
8 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 4 to display CHANNELS menu.
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2 AddlRemove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE
4 VCR Plus+ Channel t.ist
5 Cable Box Setup
6 DSS Setup
0 Exit
11

3. Press 6 to select DSSSETUP.
DSS SETUP
On what channel does
the VCR receive signals
from the DSS receiver?
Enter 01-125 or INPUT
Press MENU to cancel
,Enter the output channel of your digital satellite receiver,
usually 03, 04, or video line input and press MENU. The
VCR confirms that it receives all DSSsignals on the
specified channel.
DSS SETUP
The VCR will now
receive all signals
from the DSS receiver
on channel 03.
S.
Press MENU to continue
Press MENU and enter the code for your digital satellite
receiver from the Digital Satellite Receiver Codes list.
DSS SETUP
Enter the code for your
DSS receiver from the
list in your User's
Manual O0
Press CLEAR to correct
Press MENU to continue
.Turn on your digital satellite receiver and tune it to channel
100 and then press MENU. Follow the on-screen directions.
DSS SETUP
Please turn on your
DSS Receiver and tune
it to channel 100.
Press MENU to continue
Once you have completed the setup,the VCR confirmsthe
DSS Setup iscompleted orcanceled.
•Digital Satellite Receiver Codes '
GE ................................................................O0
Panasonic..................................................01
ProScan ......................................................00
RCA ..............................................................00
Toshiba .........................................................02
Sony ...............................................................03
I he VCR may not be able to control l
all models of the brand:; listed. J
12.

(:ABLE BOX SETUP
This setup applies only when all channels are received through
the cable box. There are two options:
,, The first sets up the VCR for the output channel of the cable
box signal.
The second sets up the VCR for a remote-controllable cable
box so it can control the cable box by changing channels for
timer or VCR Plus+ recordings. Position the remote-
controllable cable box on top of the VCR as shown in the
Connections section.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Setup
6 Preferences
7 Audio
8 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 4to display the CHANNELS menu.
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE
4 VCR Plus+ Channel List
5 Cable Box Setup
6 DSS Setup
0 Exit
.Press 5 to display CABLE BOX SETUR Then select one of the
three choices.
CABLE BOX SETUP
Do you use your cable
box to receive ALL
channels or only SOME
channels?
1 ALL channels
2 Only SOME channels
3 Cancel setup
Cable Box Setup
ALL channels: enter two numbers for
output channel of your cable box or
press INPUI.
Only SOME ch,annels: if yolk, only use
the cable box to tune premium
channels.
Cancel setup: select to cancel.
13

14
.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)
Enter 01-13 or INPUT
Press MENU to cancel
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 the VCR
will now receive all signals on the designated channel.
Press MENU and select whether your cable box is remote
controllable.
CABLE BOX SETUP
Can your cable box be
operated with a remote
control?
I Yes
2 No
6. If your cable box is remote-controllable, turn it on and tune it
to channel 2. Press MENU to continue.
CABLE BOX SETUP
Please turn on your
Cable Box and tune
it to channel 2.
.
Press MENU to continue
Enter the code for your cable box from the cable box
code list.
CABLE BOX SETUP
Enter the code for
cable box from the
list in your User's
Manual.
your
Press MENU to cancel.
Cable Box Codes
ABC .......................................................22,46
Anvision ...............................................07,08
Cablestar ...........................................07, 08
Eagle ...........................................................08
Eastern International .........................02
General Instrument ....................04, 05,
15, 23, 24, 25, 30,,36, 46
Hamlin ...................................12, 13,,34, 48
Hitachi ...........................................37_,43, 46
Jerrold ........................... 04, 05,15, 23, 24,
25, 30, 36, 45, 46, 47
Macom .................................................37, 43
Magnavox .............................07, 08, 19, 2 I,
26, 28, 29, 32, 33,40, 41
NSC ..............................................................09
Oak .................................................01, 16,38
Oak Sigma ...............................................16
Panasonic .....................................03, 27, 39
Philips ...................................07,, 08, 19, 2 I,
26, 28,29,3,2,3:3,40,4 I
Pioneer ........................................18, 20, 44
Rancltek ..............................................07, 08
RCA ......................................................00, 27
Regal ....................................................12, 13
Regency ..............................................02, 33
Samsung ....................................................44
Scientific Atlanta .....................03, 22, 35
Signature ....................................................46
Sprucer .......................................................27
Starcom .......................................................46
Sylvania .........................................................I I
Teknika ........................................................06
Texscan ................................................10, I I
Tocom ....................................17, 2I, 49, 50
Unika ..............................................3 I, 32, 4 I
Viewstar ...............................07, 08, 19, 2 I,
26, 28, 29, 32, 33, 40, 4 I
Warner Amex .........................................44
Zenith ...................................................14, 42
The VCR may not be able to control
all models ,of the brands listed.
#

.Select one of the choices and follow the on-screen
instructions.
CABLE BOX SETUP
Did the cable box
tune to channel 9?
1 Yes, setup is complete
2 No. try another code
3 No, cancel setup
Once you have completed the setup, the VCR confirms the
CABLE BOX SETUP is completed or canceled.
VCR CHANNELS LIST
If you use a cable box for all channels, this step is not
necessary. Your VCR may come with a channel list preset at
the factory. Even though your VCR may come with alist, it's
possible that you may want to add or eliminate some
channels depending on whether they are active.
To Auto Channel Search
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Setup
6 Preferences
7 Audio
8 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 4to display the CHANNELS menu.
CHANNELS
I Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE
4 VCR Plus+ Channel List
5 Cable Box Setup
6 DSS Setup
Exit
15

3. Press 1 to display the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu.
.
AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
What type of signal
are you using?
1 Cable TV
2 Antenna
3>Detect Automatically
0 Cancel
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
Now scanning channel 14
Press any key to cancel
The VCR 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. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
3. Press 3 to change the Signal Type between CABLE and
ANTENNA.
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. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
Detect Automatically
Astrong cable or antenna signal in
your area may cause Auto Detect
to mis-detect. If this should
happen, :select 1 or 2 fog" the
system you have.
Auto Channel Searclh
Use the Auto Channel Search
feature to place all avai]lable
channels in memory.
If you ever change cable or
antenna signals, you may need to
Auto Channel Search again.
16

3. Press 2 to 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
The VCR gives you two ways to set the time and date. The Auto
Clock feature which enables the VCR to update the clock each
time you turn off the VCR. The Auto Clock feature is
advantageous because it updates the time for you automatically.
The second way is entering the time and date manually into the
menu system.
AUTO CLOCK SET FEATURE
The Auto Clock feature is set to ON at the factory. In the ON
setting, the VCR looks for a channel carrying XDS (Extended Data
Services) information and updates the clock using the
Coordinated Universal Time. There are certain steps that are
required, such as Auto Channel Search, setting the Time Zone,
and setting the Daylight-Savings feature, before the Auto Clock
feature works.
Set the Time Zone
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
I VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Setup
6 Preferences
7 Audio
8 Language
0 Exit
Selecting Channels
The CHANNEl up and down buttons
access those channels active in your
VCR channel list.
You can still access channels not in
the channel list by using tile number
buttons on the remote.
17

2. Press 3 to display the TIME menu.
TIME
I Set Time and Date
2 Auto Clock Set: ON
3 Set Time Zone
4 Set Daylight Savings
0 Exit
3. Press 3 to display the SET TIME ZONE screen.
SET TIME ZONE
What is your Time Zone?
1 Eastern
2 Central
3 Mountain
4 Pacific
5 Alaska
6 Hawaii
7>Automatic
Press MENU to continue
4. Select your time zone.
If you select Automatic for your time zone, the VCR sets the
clock using the first Coordinated Universal Time information
it finds. If the time is not correct, select another time zone or
set the time and date through the menu system.
Set Daylight Savings
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
2. Press 3 to display the TIME menu.
3. Press 4 to display the SETDAYLIGHT SAVINGS menu.
SET DAYLIGHT SAVINGS
Does your area observe
Daylight Savings Time
from April to October?
I Yes, DST is observed
2 No
3>Automatic
Press MENU to continue
4. Select one of the options.
• DST is the acronym for Daylight Savings Time.
• If you choose Automatic, the VCR sets the clock using the DST
information broadcast in the signal (channel).
Auto Clock Info
With a cable box, the VCR willl not
reset the clock after apower outage
unless the cable box is set to the
channel carrying the broadcast signal.
If Auto Clock Set is unsuccessful, try
tuning the VCR (or cable box)to a
channel carrying the XDS information
(usually PBS), then turn the VCR off.
If the time does not set within 10
minutes, set the time and date
manually through the menu iitems.
Check local cable system or TV
stations for availability of channels
with XDS.
ii
Spring forward; Fall backward
In the Spring, daylight-saving time
begins on the first Sunday in April.
Because tile clock automatically
changes from 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM
(forward one hour), remember to
include the extra hour for a timer
recording falling within this time
frame.
In the Autumn, daylight-saving time
ends on the last Sunday iinOctober.
The VCR clock automatically changes
from 2:00 AIVI to 1:00 AM (back one
hour). Therefore, it can affect your
recording length.
18