RCA VRS420 User manual

video cassette recorder
user's guide
VRS420

SHOCK DO NOT OPEN I
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
_i 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.
Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
wide slot, insert fully into adapter.
Attention: Pour _viter les chocs _lectriques, introduire la lame la plus
large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusq0
au fond.
Refer to the identification/rating label located on the back panel of your
product for its proper operating voltage.
FCCRegulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this
equipment may void the user's authority to operate it.
Cable TV Installer: This reminder is provided to call your attention to
Article 820-40 of the National Electrical Code (Section 54 of the Canadian
Electrical Code, Part 1) which provides guidelines for proper grounding
and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the
grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as
practical.
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately.
Returning this card allows us to contact you if needed.
Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof
of purchase. Attach it here and record the serial and model numbers in
case you need them. The numbers are located on the back
of the product.
Model No. VRS420
Serial No.
Purchase Date:
Dealer/Address/Phone:

First Things First .............................................................. 3
Setting up the VCR ......................................................... 7
Using the On-Screen Guide ............................................................... 8
Using the Menu to Set Up Features ................................................. 8
Language .......................................................................................... 8
VCR Channels List ......................................................................... 9
To Auto Channel Search ........................................................ 9
To Change the SignalType ................................................... 0
To Add or Remove Channels ............................................. 0
Time and Date .............................................................................. 0
Set Daylight-Saving Time ...................................................... I
Set the Time and Date ......................................................... I
VCR Plus+ Channels ................................................................... 2
Additional Set-Up Features
in the PREFERENCES Menu ...................................................... 14
RemoteVCRI/VCR2 Option .................................................... 15
Auto Play........................................................................................ 16
Auto TV/VCR ................................................................................ 16
VCR Basics ..................................................................... 17
Remote Buttons .................................................................................. 18
Component Buttons ................................................................... 18
VCR Function Buttons ................................................................ 18
TV Function Buttons ................................................................... 19
Playing aTape ....................................................................................... 20
Tape Eject ............................................................................................. 20
Recording ............................................................................................. 2 I
Check the Safety Tab ................................................................... 2 I
Automatic Rewind .............................................................................. 21
Recording ............................................................... 23
Recording Features ............................................................................ 24
Express Recording ....................................................................... 24
Timer Recording .......................................................................... 25
Timer Recording with VCR Plus+ ............................................ 26
Stopping a Timer Recording ...................................................... 28
Reviewing and Clearing Programs ........................................... 28
Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes .................... 29

Programming the Remote ............................................ 31
To Control aTV .................................................................................. 32
Other Features .............................................................. 35
Picture Search Options ..................................................................... 36
Forward and Reverse Search .................................................... 36
Slow Motion .................................................................................. 36
Commercial Scan (SEARCH Button) ...................................... 36
Frame Advance ............................................................................. 37
Index Search .................................................................................. 37
Zero Search .................................................................................. 38
Time Counter ...................................................................................... 38
On-Screen Displays ............................................................................ 39
Tracking ................................................................................................. 39
Connections .................................................................. 41
Things to Know Before Connecting Components ..................... 41
Connecting Your VCR ........................................................................ 42
Jacks and Cables ........................................................................... 42
Choosing a VCR Connection ................................................... 43
Advantages of Audio/Video Cable Connections ................. 43
Don't Forget About the Auto TV/VCR Feature .................... 43
TV with RF Jack Only ................................................................. 44
TV with Audio/Video Jacks ........................................................ 45
TV with Audio/video Jacks and Cable Box to
Unscramble Pay Channels Only .......................................... 46
Appendix A: Reference ................................................ 47
Front Panel ........................................................................................... 48
Back Panel ............................................................................................ 48
Display Panel ........................................................................................ 49
Troubleshooting Tips .......................................................................... 50
Specifications ....................................................................................... 53
Cleaning theVCR ................................................................................ 53
Limited Warranty ................................................................................ 54
Index .............................................................................. 55
2

HI, MY NAME IS ROGER...
and I wrote this User's Guide. It's my job to see that
you have a rewarding user manual experience.
Also, I think you'll be pleased with the features that
can be accessed through the on-screen menus.
1FIRSTTHINGS FIRST
¥I
READ THE FIRSTTHREE SECTIONS V
The first three sections of the manual introduce you
to yourVCR, and show you how to set theVCR up
and use the on-screen menus. Reading these
sections gives you the basic information you need to
use yourVCR.
V
WHAT'S LEFT?
The rest of the book highlights playback and
recording information, contains a detailed
connections section and a reference section that
includes troubleshooting tips, limited warranty
and index. V
V
READ ME!
These note boxes give you tips for
your new video cassette recorder.
3

STEP 1" UNPACK THE BOX
The following items come packed in the box:
• VCR
•Remote control
• RF coaxial cable
STEP 2: INSTALL BATFERIES IN THE
REMOTE CONTROL
Follow these steps whenever you need to install or change the
batteries in your VCR remote.
1. Remove the cover of the battery compartment.
2. Place batteries in 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 VCRto your home antenna or cable system
and then to your TV, use the VCR's ANT.IN and RFOUT jacks for a
good signal as shown.
If you have a TV with AUDIO/VIDEO jacks, use the audio/video
jacks on the TV and VCR for a better connection. Refer to the
Connections section, toward the back of the manual.
CABLE, CABLE BOX OR_ANTENNA
VCR
_IN
TV
ANT.IN
RF OUT
i
i_ CABLE/
ANTENNA
4

STEP 4: PLUG IN THE VCR
Match the wide blade of the plug with the wide slot in the
outlet or adapter. Be sure to insert the plug completely. If you
are using an adapter, make sure that both the plug is inserted
completely in the adapter and the adapter is inserted completely
in the outlet.
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 3CH.4 switch to channel 3 or
channel 4--the channel you want to use on your TV.
If you connect your VCR using the AUDIONIDEO jacks with
audio/video cables, select the TV's video input to see the
signal. See the TV Owner's Manual.
STEP 6:TURN ON THE VCR
Press POWER to turn on the VCR.
STEP 7: ACCESS TH E 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
1 VCR PLus+
2Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
VCR Viewing Channel
When using the ANTENNA jacks to
connect your VCR, tune your TV to
channel 3 or 4.
When using the audio/video jacks to
connect your VCR, tune your TV to the
TV's video input. #

2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCESmenu.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote ControL: VCR1
2 Auto PLay: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
0Exit
3. Press 2 to switch Auto Play to ON or OFF.
PREFERENCES
1 Remote ControL: VCR2
2Auto PLay: OFF
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
0 Exit
See Set-Up Features for detailed information about the Auto
Play feature.
STEP 8: SET UPTHE VCR
Once you understand how to move around and/or through the
menus, go to the next section to set up your VCR.
6

SET-UP FEATURES
Below is a list of set-up features that you may want
to set up before you begin using yourVCR for the
first time:
• Select a Language
•Set upVCR Channel List (Auto Channel Search)
•Set Automatic Daylight-SavingTime
•Set theTime and Date
• Set upVCR Plus+ Channels
• Set the RemoteVCRI/VCR2 feature
2V
SETTING UPTHE VCR
¥
¥
I
•Set theAuto Play feature
•Set the Auto TV/VCR feature V
¥
¥
7

USING THE MENU TO SET UP FEATURES
You can set up features by using the menu system. Each feature
is explained in this section.
LA N GUAG E
Select your preferred language, and the on-screen displays will
appear in that language.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4Channels
5 Preferences
6Language
0 Exit
2. Press 6 to display the LANGUAGE menu.
LANGUAGE
Select a language.
1-*English
2 Espanol
3 Fran_ais
Press MENU to continue
3. Press 1 for English, 2 for Espahol (Spanish), or 3 for
Fran_ais (French).
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 a list, it's
possible that you may want to add or eliminate some
channels depending on whether they are active.
On-screen Menus
Not all the VCR screens are shown in
his manual when explaining the
eatures.
AII Channels 1
If you do not use a cable box for ALL
channels, then you will want to use a
channel list (Auto Channel Search).
8

To Auto Channel Search
Auto channel search memorizes the channels available through
your signal type--cable or antenna.
1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3Time
4Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2 Add/Remove Channels
3 Signal Type: CABLE
4 VCR Plus+ Channel List
0 Exit
3. Press 1 to display the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu.
AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH
What type of signal
are you using?
I Cable TV
2 Antenna
3_Detect Automatically
0Cancel
4. 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
Detect Automatically
A strong cable or antenna signal in
your area may cause Auto Detect
to mis-detect. If this should
happen, select 1 or 2 for the
system you have.
Auto Channel Search
Use the Auto Channel Search
feature to place all available
channels in memory.
If you ever change cable or
antenna signals, you may need to
Auto Channel Search again.

The VCR begins scanning for the available channels--this
takes about one to two minutes. The lowest channel istuned
once the search iscomplete. Pressing CHANNEL up or down
now selects 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.
CHANNELS
IAuto Channel Search
2Add/Remove ChanneLs
3Signal Type: CABLE
4VCR PLus+ Channel List
0 Exit
To Add or Remove Channels
You may want to add or delete channels after you Auto Channel
Search, especially if some of the channels have weak signals or
you don't want to watch them.
.
2.
3.
Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
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 delete or add.
ADDIREMOVE CHANNELS
Channel 115
is presently ADDED
Press CLEAR to remove
Press MENU to exit
ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS
Channel 115
is presently REMOVED
Press INFO to add
Press MENU to exit
TIME AND DATE
Before you set the time and date, set the Auto DST (Daylight-
Saving Time) feature to ON or OFF for your area.
Selecting Channels '"
The CHANNEL up and down
buttons accessthose channels
active in your VCR channel list.
You can :still access channels not
in the channel list by using the
number buttons on the remote.
10

Set Daylight-Saving Time
1. PressMENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
,Press 3 to display the TIME menu.
TIME
1 Set time and date
2 Auto DST: ON
Set the Time and Date
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0Exit
2. Press 3 to display the TIME menu.
rTime and Date 1
J
The time and date must be set before a
timer recording can be programmed.

3. Press 1 to display the SETTIME AND DATE screen.
SET TIME AND DATE
Time --:--
(hh:mm)
Date --1--1--
Press MENU to cancel
4. Enter the data using the number buttons. Press 0 before
single-digit numbers and follow the on-screen directions.
SET TIME AND DATE
Time 12:34 PM
Date 10/24197 Friday
Press CLEAR to correct
Press MENU to set
VCR PLUS+ CHANNELS
Using VCR Plus+ can make programming timer recordings for
cable or off-air antenna easier, but you have to put in a little
time right now to set up a channel list. A worksheet and
abbreviated codes for typical cable services in the U.S. and
Canada are provided on the following pages.
1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1 VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
VCR Plus+ Channel List
Refer to your local television list for
acomplete VCR Plus+ channel list
for your viewing area or contact
your cable company. Using the list
may save you some time.
t,

VCR PLUS+ WORKSHEET
Broadcast or VCR Plus+ Channel Channel Number
Cable-TV Station Number** You Receive the
Name Station On*
HBO 33
ESPN 34
Two-DigitVCR Plus+ Channel
Numbers for CableTV
(USA List)
35 American Movie Classics
39 Arts &-Entertainment
57 Black Entertainment
54 Bravo
42 Cable News Network
45 Cinemax
98 Cinemax 2
37 The Discovery Channel
53 The Disney Channel
63 Entertainment Television
34 ESPN Sports Network
47 The Family Channel
33 Home Box Office
95 Home Box Office 2
96 Home Box Office 3
51 The Learning Channel
46 Lift,time
58 The Movie Channel
48 Music Television
49 The Nashville Network
38 Nickelodeon
64 NostalgiaTelevision
99 Q_alityValue Cable
41 Showtime
97 Showtime 2
59 Sports Channel
52 Turner Network Television
44 USA-Network
62 Video Hits I
93 Viewer's Choice I
94 Viewer's Choice 2
55 WGN Chicago
43 wri'BS Atlanta
60 WWOR-NewYork
*Check your local or cable listing for the channel number you receive this station on.
**Check your local listing for broadcast or VCR Plus+ channel number assigned. 13

2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
CHANNELS
1 Auto Channel Search
2Add/Remove Channels
3Signal Type: CABLE
4 VCR PLus+ Channel List
0Exit
3. Press 4 to display the VCR Plus+ Channel List screen.
VCR+ Channel My Channel
5 --
4 --
3 -> -> -> --
2 --
1--
Use CH+/- to select
Press 0-9 to change
Press MENU to save
4. Enter the data following the on-screen directions using your
worksheet.
VCR+ Channel My Channel
5 46
4 --
3 -> -> -> 23
2--
1--
Use CH+/- to select
Press 0-9 to change
Press MENU to save
Screen is for an example only.
ADDITIONAL SET-UP FEATURES IN THE
PREFERENCES MENU
The features in this section are all accessed through the
PREFERENCESmenu.
14

1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU.
VCR MAIN MENU
1VCR Plus+
2 Timer Recordings
3 Time
4 Channels
5 Preferences
6 Language
0 Exit
2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCESmenu.
PREFERENCES
1Remote Control: VCR1
2Auto Play: ON
3Auto TV/VCR: ON
0Exit
Now you are ready to select an item from the menu to set up.
REMOTE VCR1/VCR2 OPTION
If you own a compatible RCA, GE, or ProScan remote that has a
VCR2, VCR2mLD, or DVDoVCR2 button, this feature allows you to
set this VCR to respond to that button.
Press 1 to select the Remote Control item. Then press the VCR2,
VCR2°LD, or DVDoVCR2 button to change.
PREFERENCES
IRemote Control: VCR1
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
Exit
PREFERENCES
(PRESS VCR2 TO CHANGE)
2 Auto Play: ON
3 Auto TV/VCR: ON
0 Exit
The VCR will only respond to the compatible remote°s VCR2,
VCR2°LD, or DVD°VCR2 button. If you change the remote setting
to VCR2, the remote that came with your VCR will no longer
control it.
Use the compatible remote to change the remote setting back to
VCR1. Display the PREFERENCESmenu, press 1, and then press
VCR1. Then the remote that came with the VCR will be able to
control this VCR again.
Remote Control Option
Changing the remote option to
VCR2 disables the remote that
came 'with your VCR.
15

AUTO PLAY
This feature allows the VCR to automatically start playing when
you insert a tape with the safety tab removed. Press 2 to switch
between ON or OFF.
Select ON if you want a tape with its safety tab removed to
start playing automatically when the tape is inserted.
Select OFF if you do not want a tape with its safety tab
removed to start playing automatically.
AUTO TV/VC R
This feature controls whether the TVNCR switch changes
automatically to the VCR mode when the VCR is turned on. Press
3 to switch between ON and OFF.
Select ON if you want the VCR to switch to the VCR mode
when the VCR is turned on or a cassette is inserted. This only
applies if you connect the ANT.IN and RF OUT jacks of your
VCR and TV and watch your VCR on channel 3 or 4of
your T_.
Select OFF if you want the VCR to remain in the TV mode.
This is useful if you watch your VCR on the TV's video input
and you don't want your antenna/cable signal interrupted by
the VCR.
Auto TV/VCR
Pressing TV,VCR on the remote
will still switch between the VCR
and TV mode.
VCR mode: VCR indicator in the
indicator panel lights.
TV mode:: VCR indicator turns off.
16

LEARN THE BASICS TO GET
YOU STARTED
TheseVCR basics should be enough for you to
begin enjoying yourVCR. Learning the remote
control functions, playing a recorded tape, and
recording a program should do just that.
However, there are other features that
enhance the enjoyment of yourVCR, but they
aren't necessary to get you started. If you want
to learn more about yourVCR, just keep
reading.
3
¥
V
VCR BASICS
VI
V
V
¥
{VCR Basics tells you what you need
to know in order to watch a movie
or tape your favorite show. J
17

REMOTE BUTFONS
The remote control is capable of controlling your VCR and many
brands of televisions. If you have a RCA, ProScan, or GE TV, you
may be able to control it without having to program the remote.
COMPONENT BU'IIFONS
OFF Turns off VCR when remote is set to control the VCR. Also
turns some compatible components on and off.
"IV Turns on a compatible RCA, ProScan, or GE TV and sets the
remote to control the TV. Also used with the OFF button to turn
on a different brand of TV (if programmed) and sets the remote
to control the TV.
VCR Turns on a compatible RCA, ProScan, or GE VCR and sets
the remote to control the VCR.
VCR FUNCTION BUTTONS
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 a timer recording.
F.ADV Lets you view one frame with each press of the button
when tape is in pause.
FORWARD Fast forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped.
Searches forward through a tape during playback. Starts slow-
motion playback when tape is paused.
GO BACK Switches between two channels. Select one channel
and then select another using the number buttons. Press GO
BACK to switch between the two channels. In menu mode, press
to go back to previous menu.
INFO Shows the status displays on the TV screen.
INPUT Selects between the line input and the VCR's tuner. Line
input refers to the signal coming from the component connected
to the audio/video input jacks on the back of the VCR.
MENU Brings up VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen. Used to
select a menu item or exit a menu.
FF
RECORD
"IV VCR
© ©
PLAY FORWARD
STOP PAUSE
INF0
©SEARCH ©
©
MUTE 0
GO BACK
CLEAR MENU SPEED
8
0
v TRACKING • F.ADV
18