V-tech V.Smile TV Learning System User manual

User’s Manual

Dear Parent,
At VTech®, we know that every year, children are asking to play video games
at younger and younger ages. At the same time, we understand the hesitation
of most parents to expose their children to the inappropriate content of many
popular video games. How can you feel confident in allowing your childen
to play these games, and still educate and entertain them in a healthy, age-
appropriate manner?
Our solution to this on-going debate is the V.Smile™ TV Learning System
– a unique video game system created especially for children aged 3 to 7.
The V.Smile™ TV Learning System combines a kid-friendly design, age-
appropriate curriculum, entertaining graphics, and fun game play into a unique
experience that your child will love and you can support. The V.Smile™ TV
Learning System engages your child with two modes of play: the Learning
Adventure - an exciting exploratory journey in which learning concepts are
seamlessly integrated, and the Learning Zone - a series of games designed to
focus on specific school skills in a fun, engaging way. Both of these educational
modes offer your child hours of learning fun.
As part of the V.Smile™ TV Learning System, VTech® offers a library of
game Smartridges™ based on popular children’s characters that engage and
encourage your child to play while learning. The library is organized into
three levels of educational play – Early Learners (ages 3-5), Junior Thinkers
(ages 4-6) and Master Minds (ages 5-7) – so that the educational content of
the system grows with your child.
At VTech®, we are proud to provide you with a much-needed solution to the
video game dilemma, as well as another innovative way for your child to learn
while having fun. We thank you for trusting VTech®‚ with the important job of
helping your child explore a new world of learning!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at VTech®
To learn more about the V.Smile™ TV Learning System and other VTech®
toys, visit www.vtechkids.com

A Healthy, Balanced “TV Diet”
By Dr. Helen Boehm
Television was long considered the “uninvited” guest in American
households. However, today many realistic and caring parents are
partnering with television to create electronic classrooms - right in their
own living rooms. They are no longer asking if children should watch TV
but, rather, which programs and on-screen activities should be part of their
children’s TV intake.
The same balanced and structured approach to developing healthy eating
habits translates to watching less, different and better television! This “TV
diet” gives families a menu for regulating children’s viewing, choosing
“healthy” program content and reducing the quantity and potency of
television consumed.
So, what does a healthy, balanced “TV diet” look like?
A well balanced diet is best…
Consider a healthy mixture of age-appropriate programming and activities
that educate, engage and entertain! A variety of viewing and interactive
experiences can turn a TV screen into an electronic classroom for learning
and fun.
Trim the fat…
It is important to reduce children’s sedentary behavior and eliminate
unhealthy programs that contain violent, aggressive or disrespectful
behaviors.
Move out of the candy store…
Parents are children’s first teachers and their most powerful role models. It
is difficult to improve children’s viewing when parents are modeling other
TV viewing behaviors. Consider adapting your own TV habits as a healthy
example for your child.
Plan menus and season to taste…
Whenever possible, eliminate channel surfing and encourage the viewing
of specific, pre-selected shows. The PG-TV ratings help parents make
more informed selections that take into account the content and age-
appropriateness of programs. For example, Y-7 shows are designed for
PARENT’S TV TIPS
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children 7 and older who can distinguish between fact and fantasy. A TV-
Y7-FV rating indicates that “fantasy violence” is present in an episode of
an animated program.
Control couch potatoes…
Children benefit from participation in movement, fitness activities and sports.
These bodily actions are not only important for a child’s physical growth and
development but also to monitor their emotional stability, social skills and
obesity. Limit sedentary screen time and blend physical and mental pursuits,
like active on-screen games and video activities, into the TV mix.
Starvation diets don’t work…
Many parents have found that restricting all TV-time is an impractical, long-
term strategy. It is possible, however, to set realistic limits that are welcomed
by both parent and child! Make viewing a choice and not a habit. Eliminate
some TV time by setting a few basic rules, such as restricting television
during meals or before the day’s homework is completed.
News fast…
The realism of TV news can be overwhelming and scary for young children
and reinforces their profound safety concerns. Exposure to TV news images,
particularly without a context for scenes of terrible suffering, can cause
vivid and long lasting fears.
Food for thought…
Whenever possible, connect viewing with learning. Many programs and
characters are based on books and many on-screen subjects -- from
geography to sports -- can inspire a lifelong interest in reading. Choose
age-appropriate video activities that encourage interaction and challenge
critical thinking.
Dr. Helen Boehm is the author of The Right Toys, Fearless Parenting and
many magazine articles on parenting and responsible children’s media.
A distinguished psychologist and nationally known authority on children’s
development, play, and media, Dr. Boehm headed Public Responsibility
and Network Standards at MTV/Nickelodeon and was Vice President of
the Fox Children’s Network.
PARENT’S TV TIPS
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the VTech® V.Smile™ TV Learning System!
The V.Smile™ TV Learning System is a unique video gaming system
created especially for younger players. With V.Smile™, children can take
off on wonderful journeys to a variety of places such as an amusement
park, a cartoon world, or even a magical fairy tale land. As they explore
these worlds, children absorb learning concepts through creative gaming
and adventure play. Each game universe features child-directed play and
hidden surprises, so that the adventure is never the same twice!
ON Button
RESTART Button
Joystick Port-
Player 1
Joystick Port-
Player 2
Smartridge™ Storage
Compartment
OFF Button
Smartridge™
Reset Button
Battery Compartment
Manual
Joystick
Smartridge™ Slot
INTRODUCTION
User’s Manual
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INSTRUCTIONS
INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE
• V.Smile™ TV Learning System main unit
• One joystick
• One Smartridge™
• One instruction manual
WARNING: All packing materials such as tape, plastic sheets, wire ties
and tags are not part of this toy and should be discarded for
your child’s safety.
GETTING STARTED
BATTERY INSTALLATION
• Make sure the unit is turned OFF.
• Locate the battery cover on the bottom of
the main unit.
• Remove the battery cover.
• Insert 3 “C” size batteries as illustrated.
• Replace the battery cover.
BATTERY NOTICE
• Do not try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries.
• Rechargeable batteries are to be removed from the toy before being
charged.
• Rechargeable batteries are only to be charged under adult supervision.
• Do not mix different types of batteries. Do not mix new and used batteries.
• Only use batteries of the recommended or equivalent type.
• Always insert batteries properly matching the plus (+) and minus (-) signs.
• Batteries that have run out of energy must be removed from the toy.
• Do not short-circuit the supply terminals.
• Do not use more batteries than recommended.
• Remove batteries from the toy if it will not be used for an extended period of
time.
INSTRUCTIONS
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AC ADAPTOR
• Use a standard 9V 300mA AC/DC adaptor. We recommend
the use of a VTech® 9V AC/DC adaptor.
• Make sure the unit is turned OFF.
• Plug the power jack into the 9V DC socket at the back of the unit.
• Plug the AC adaptor into a wall socket.
NOTE: The use of an adaptor will override the batteries. When the toy is not
going to be in use for an extended period of time, unplug the adaptor.
Standard Guidelines for Adaptor Toys
• The toy is not intended for use by children under 3 years old.
• Only use the recommended adaptor with the toy.
• The transformer is not a toy.
• Never clean a plugged-in toy with liquid.
• Never use more than one adaptor.
• Do not leave the toy plugged-in for extended periods of time.
CONNECTING TO A TV
NOTE: Before you connect the V.Smile™ TV Learning System to a TV,
check to make sure that the unit is working. Once you have turned
the unit ON, the power indicator light (ON Button) should glow.
If the ON Button does not glow, check to see that the adaptor is
connected correctly, or that the batteries are installed correctly. If
the batteries are not installed correctly, the V.Smile™ TV Learning
System will not function and damage to the unit could result. Make
sure that your TV and the unit are turned OFF before you begin
making connections.
Connect the V.Smile™ TV Learning System to your TV or monitor by
plugging the colored cables on the unit into the matching color video and
audio input jacks on your TV set.
For TVs with stereo audio inputs:
- Connect the yellow plug on the V.Smile™ cable to
the yellow video input terminal on your TV.
- Connect the white and red plugs on the V.Smile™
cable to the white and red audio input terminals on
your TV.
INSTRUCTIONS
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For TVs with a mono audio input:
- Connect the yellow plug on the V.Smile™ cable to
the yellow video input terminal on your TV.
- Connect the white or red plug on the V.Smile™ cable
to the white or red audio input terminal on your TV.
CONNECTING TO A VCR
If there is no video IN and audio IN terminal on your TV set, you can connect
V.Smile™ to a VCR.
- Connect the yellow plug on the V.Smile™ cable to
the yellow video input terminal on your VCR.
- Connect the white and red plugs on the V.Smile™
cable to the white and red audio input terminals on
your VCR.
CONNECTING THE JOYSTICK
Plug the joystick into the PLAYER 1 joystick port located on the front panel
of the main unit.
TO BEGIN PLAY
• Make sure the unit is turned OFF.
• Insert a Smartridge™ into the Smartridge™ slot on the front of the main
unit. The Smartridge™ should lock into place. Please use care when
removing the Smartridge™ from the slot.
• Turn on the TV.
• Set your TV input mode to accept input from the port to which V.Smile™
is connected. In many cases this will involve setting the TV to “video”
mode; however, since all TVs vary, please refer to your TV or VCR
manual for further details.
• Turn the V.Smile™ TV Learning System on by pressing the ON
Button.
INSTRUCTIONS
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PRODUCT FEATURES
ON Button Press this button to turn the unit ON.
OFF Button Press this button to turn the unit OFF. Always
do this before removing a Smartridge™.
RESTART Button Press this button when the unit is ON, to start
the game over from the beginning.
Storage Compartment You can store up to six Smartridges™ inside
the storage compartment when they are not in
use.
JOYSTICK FUNCTIONS
ENTER Button Press this button to make a choice, or to perform
certain game actions.
4 Color Buttons Use these buttons to choose answers in certain
activities, or to perform certain game actions.
EXIT Button Press this button to exit or pause a game.
HELP Button Press this button to hear helpful hints in certain
games.
LEARNING ZONE Button Press this button to enter the Learning Zone
play mode.
Color Buttons
HELP Button
EXIT / PAUSE Button
LEARNING ZONE Button
Joystick
ENTER Button
INSTRUCTIONS
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The V.Smile™ joystick accommodates both right- and left-handed players.
To switch the joystick to the left- or right-hand side of the buttons:
- Pull the knob on the underside of the joystick as shown, to release the
lock.
- Turn the joystick around to the other side until you hear a locking
sound.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
1. Keep your V.Smile™ clean by wiping it with a slightly damp cloth. Never
use solvents or abrasives.
2. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from direct sources of heat.
3. Remove the batteries when not using it for an extended period of time.
4. Avoid dropping it. NEVER try to dismantle it.
5. Always keep the V.Smile™ away from water.
6. The AC adaptor should be regularly examined for damage to the cord,
plug, enclosure and other parts. In the event of such damage, the
V.Smile™ must not be used with this adaptor until the damage has been
repaired.
WARNING
A very small percentage of the public, due to an existing condition, may
experience epileptic seizures or momentary loss of consciousness when
viewing certain types of flashing colors or patterns, especially on television.
While the V.Smile™ TV Learning System does not contribute to any
additional risks, we do recommend that parents supervise their children
while they play video games. If your child experiences dizziness, altered
vision, disorientation, or convulsions, discontinue use immediately and
consult your physician.
Please note that focusing on a television screen at close range and handling
a joystick for a prolonged period of time may cause fatigue or discomfort. We
recommend that children take a 15 minute break for every hour of play.
INSTRUCTIONS / CARE & MAINTENANCE / WARNING
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