RCA VRM420 User manual

VCR
User’s Guide
Changing Entertainment. Again.
VRM420/VRM421
Please read therse instructions before
operating this product for the first
time.

This symbol indicates
"dangerous voltage" inside
the product that presents a
risk of electric shock or
personal injury.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or
electric shock, do not expose
this product to rain or moisture.
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
important instructions
accompanying the product.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN.
Caution: To prevent electric shock, match wide
blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
Cable TV Installer: This reminder is provided to
call your attention to Article 820-40 of the National
Electrical Code 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.
Power Consumption:
120 V ~ 60Hz
17W
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately. Returning the 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
i

1
Introduction
Introduction
Key Features Overview
Your VCR is equipped with features that will add to your recording experience. The
following information summarizes a few of these features. Chapter 3 provides more
information about the rest of the VCR’s features and how to use them.
Universal Remote Control
Description: The VCR’s remote control can operate most RCA, GE, and
Proscan TVs with no additional steps. It can also be programmed to
operate many other brands of TVs with just a few steps.
Requirements: Point the remote control at the active component and
press the ON•OFF button to see if it can be operated.
Express Recording (XPR)
Description: XPR quickly records the remaining portion of a program
already in progress. XPR is a great way to capture the end of a sporting
event that has run into overtime or a live broadcast that runs long.
Requirements: Repeatedly press the Record button on the VCR front
panel or remote control to set the desired duration of time to record.
ShowSaver™ Memory Protection
Description: Set timer programs are stored indefinitely using the VCR’s
permanent memory. This way, you’ll never have to worry about losing
your programs due to an extended power outage.
Requirements: Store a daily or weekly timer program in the VCR’s
memory.
Front Audio/Video Input Jacks
Description: The VCR has Audio/Video (A/V) input jacks on both the
front and rear of the unit (there are only output jacks on the rear panel).
Front A/V jacks make it easy to plug in an external A/V device, such as a
camcorder.
Requirements: Make sure that all A/V connections are snug. To see a
connected device’s image, turn the VCR to its Video Line Input by
pressing the remote control’s INPUT button.
I
N
P
U
T
T
V
•
V
C
R
PLAY FORWARD
RECORD STOP PAUSE
F.ADV
CLEAR MENU SPEED
TRACKING
1
4
7
2
5
8
3
6
9
0
C
H
A
N
V
O
L
V
O
L
C
H
A
N
INFO SEARCH
MUTE GO BACK
VCR
ON•OFF
TV
REVERSE
Rec Ch 36
Record Length 1:30
Press REC to set length

2
Introduction
Child Lock Protection System
Description: Locks the VCR so that buttons on the front panel and remote control
won’t operate the VCR. This feature protects timer programs from frustrating accidents
such as being left on at the time of recording.
Requirements: Lock the VCR by pressing and holding the ON•OFF button on the
remote control until the front panel display will blinks for several seconds. The VCR
unlocks by pressing and holding the ON•OFF button on the remote control, again
until the front panel display blinks for several seconds.
SQPB S-VHS Quasi Playback
Description: Your VCR will be able to play back tapes recorded in Super VHS mode
(S-VHS or S-VHS-ET). Super VHS tapes played back on this VCR will be displayed in
standard VHS quality.
Requirements: Insert a tape recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS-ET mode and press the PLAY
button on the remote control or PLAY•PAUSE on the VCR.

3
Table of Contents
Product Registration ............................................................................................................. i
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1
Key Features Overview ......................................................................................................... 1
Connections & Setup ........................................................................................................... 5
Things to Consider Before Connecting Components .......................................................... 6
Cable Considerations ............................................................................................................6
Choose Your Connection ...................................................................................................... 7
Using the RF Coaxial Cable to Connect the VCR to a TV .............................................. 7
TV + VCR .......................................................................................................................... 8
TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver ......................................................................................... 9
TV + VCR + Cable Box ................................................................................................... 10
Set the VCR’s CH 3/4 Switch ................................................................................................ 11
Plug in the VCR .................................................................................................................... 11
Put Batteries in the Remote Control .................................................................................. 11
Turn on the TV and VCR...................................................................................................... 11
Tune the TV.......................................................................................................................... 11
Using the Remote Control to Navigate On-Screen Menus ............................................... 12
Complete the QuickSet Guide ...................................................................................... 12
Accessing Menus ........................................................................................................... 12
VCR Basics ............................................................................................................................ 13
Playing a Tape ............................................................................................................... 13
Automatic Rewind ........................................................................................................ 13
Tape Eject ......................................................................................................................13
Recording ............................................................................................................................. 13
Check the Safety Tab .................................................................................................... 13
Using the VCR’s Menu System ....................................................................................... 15
Using On-Screen Menus to Set Up Features ...................................................................... 16
Language ....................................................................................................................... 16
Cable Box Setup ............................................................................................................ 16
VCR Channels List.......................................................................................................... 17
Auto Channel Searching ....................................................................................... 17
Changing the Signal Type ..................................................................................... 18
Adding or Removing Channels ............................................................................. 18
Time and Date ............................................................................................................... 19
Setting the Time Zone ........................................................................................... 19
Setting Daylight-Saving Time ............................................................................... 19
Setting Time and Date Manually .......................................................................... 20
Additional Set Up Features in the Preferences Menu ....................................................... 20
Remote VCR1/VCR2 Option .......................................................................................... 20
Auto Play .......................................................................................................................21
Auto TV/VCR .................................................................................................................. 21
EnergySaver................................................................................................................... 21
Front Panel Brightness (VCR Display) .......................................................................... 22
Tape Speed .................................................................................................................... 22
Set Auto Repeat ............................................................................................................ 23

Table of Contents
4
Using the Remote Control ............................................................................................... 25
Using the Remote Control .................................................................................................. 26
Buttons of the Remote Control ................................................................................... 26
Using the INPUT Button ........................................................................................ 27
Operating a TV with the VCR’s Remote Control ............................................................... 28
Do You Need to Program the Remote? ....................................................................... 28
Programming the Remote Control ....................................................................... 28
Operating the TV ................................................................................................... 28
Using the VCR’s Features .................................................................................................. 31
Recording Features ............................................................................................................. 32
Express Recording (XPR) ............................................................................................... 32
Timer Recording ............................................................................................................ 33
Stopping a Timer Recording ................................................................................. 33
Reviewing and Clearing Programs ....................................................................... 33
Copying and Editing Tapes Using Two VCRs ............................................................... 34
Picture Search Options ........................................................................................................ 34
Forward and Reverse Search ........................................................................................ 34
Slow Motion .................................................................................................................. 35
Frame Advance ............................................................................................................. 35
Index Search .................................................................................................................. 35
Go-To Search ................................................................................................................. 36
Child Lock (VCR-Disabling Feature) .................................................................................... 36
Tracking................................................................................................................................ 36
Time Counter ....................................................................................................................... 37
On-Screen Displays ..............................................................................................................38
Other Information .............................................................................................................. 39
Troubleshooting Tips ........................................................................................................... 40
General VCR Problems .................................................................................................. 40
Recording Problems ...................................................................................................... 41
Playback Problems ........................................................................................................ 41
Cleaning the VCR ................................................................................................................43
Specifications ....................................................................................................................... 43
Front Panel .......................................................................................................................... 44
Display Panel ....................................................................................................................... 45
Back Panel ............................................................................................................................ 46
Finding the TV’s Video Line Input ...................................................................................... 47
Advanced Connection ......................................................................................................... 48
TV + VCR + Satellite Receiver ....................................................................................... 48
Index .................................................................................................................................... 49

5
Changing Entertainment. Again.
Connections & Setup
Chapter Overview:
•Things to Consider Before Connecting
•Cable Considerations
•Making the Connection
•Navigating On-Screen Menus
•Completing the QuickSet™Guide
•Basic Recording
Chapter 1

6Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
Things to Consider Before Connecting
Components
Protect Components From Power Surges
•Connect all components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet.
•Always turn off the TV and other components before you connect or disconnect any cables.
Position Cables to Avoid Audio Hum or Interference
•Insert all cable plugs firmly into their jacks.
•Place any Audio/Video (A/V) cables to the side(s) of the TV’s back panel instead of straight
down the back after connecting components.
•Try not to coil any twin-lead cables and keep them away from all A/V cables as much as
possible.
•Make sure all antennas and cables are properly grounded. Refer to the Safety Tips sheet
packed with your unit for detailed information.
Protect Components From Overheating
•Never block ventilation slots in any component. Arrange the components so that air can
circulate freely.
•Do not stack components.
•Allow adequate ventilation when placing components in a stand.
•Place an amplifier or satellite receiver on the top shelf of a stand so heated air rising from it
will not flow around other components.
Cable Considerations
The RF coaxial cable supplied with your VCR carries both sound and picture information.
This is the cable used in all connection diagrams in this chapter.
If your TV has A/V input jacks, you should use A/V cables (not supplied) to connect the
VCR to the TV. A/V cables provide better picture and sound quality than an RF coaxial
cable. If you would like to hook up your VCR using A/V cables, refer to the Advanced
Connection information on page 48 in the Other Information chapter of the manual.

Chapter 1 7
Connections & Setup
Components Connection Go To
Title
TV + VCR page 8
TV + VCR +
Satellite Receiver page 9
TV + VCR +
Cable Box page 10
VCR
TV
Satellite
CableBox
VCR
TV
VCR
TV
Using the RF Coaxial Cable to Connect the
VCR to a TV
The picture on the next page shows the RF coaxial cable supplied with
your VCR. This will be the cable used for the basic connections
represented in this chapter.
Notes: To hear stereo sound, you will need to purchase Audio/Video (A/V)
cables (not provided) and connect the VCR to the TV. A/V jacks and cables
also provide a superior image and sound quality. For details about using
this advanced setup, see the instructions on page 48.
Using A/V jacks to connect the VCR to the TV requires tuning to the TV’s
Video Line Input to see the VCR’s picture. For more information about
finding your TV’s Video Line Input, see page 47.
RF Coaxial Cable
Choose Your Connection
There are several ways to hook up your VCR depending on the components
connected. Please use the following chart to determine which connection is best
for you and proceed to the appropriate page.

8Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
TV + VCR
Note: Your television back panel may not look exactly like the
model shown here.
1. Connect the VCR to the TV
Connect one end of the supplied RF coaxial cable to the RF OUT jack
on the back of the VCR and the other end to the TV’s antenna input
jack.
2. Connect the antenna/cable feed to the VCR
Connect your TV’s antenna/cable feed RF coaxial cable (not included)
to the ANT. IN jack on the VCR.
Note: Flip the CH 3/4 switch on the back of the VCR to the channel
that is not used in your area. This will be the channel that the TV
must be tuned to in order to see the VCR’s picture.
Go To Page 11
VCR
TV
CH
ANT. IN
OUT IN
AUDIO
VIDEO
3 4 RF OUT
VCR
TV (back panel)
CABLE/
ANTENNA
VIDEO RL / MONO
S-VIDEO
AUDIO
L
IN
OUT
From Cable
or Antenna
1
2