Zenith VIS2000 User manual

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Owner's lllanual
vts2000
THE OTJALITY GOES IN E]EF(fFIE THE NAME G(]ES OI\I
tllultimedia Player

Feotures
With the Zenith VIS 2000 Multimedia Player, everyone can enjoy the
excitement of interactive multimedia experiences. Hand controller
operation makes the Video Information System (VIS) easy to use, and
VIS CDs offer educational, entertaining, and informative applications for
all ages.
Special features include the following:
Save-It Cartridge - used by some applications to save settings for later
use by that application.
Audio CD Play Program - automatically plays an audio CD. A special
screen gives you several play options, such as shuffle play. You can even
save your play preferences for each CD on a Save-It cartridge.
Title Sampler - shows you a sampling of available VIS CDs.
Supplied Coaxial Cable - allows quick connection to any TV.
Stereo Out |acks* - provide stereo sound through connection to a
stereo TV, a stereo system, amplified speakers, or any other amplifter /
receiver.
Video Out ]ack* - supports enhanced video through connection to a
TV/monitor or VCR that has separate audio/video connections.
Super-Video Out )ack" - lets you enjoy the superior quality of Super-
Video technology through connection to a TV/monitor or VCR that has
this feature.
*These optional connections require additional cables.
A A
CAUTION: To REDUcE THE RrsK oF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER. NO USER.SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNET.
A
A
This symbol indicates that
dangerous voltage constituting a
risk of electric shock is present
within this unit.
This symbol indicates that there are
important operating and
maintenance instructions in the
literature accompanying this unit.
WARNING: TO AVOID THE HAZARDS OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE.
Copyright O 1992 Tandy Corporation. Alt Rights Reserved.
Operating System (Modular Windows): Copyright O 1992 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
BIOS ROM: Copyright O 1992 Phoenix Technologies Ltd. AII Rights Iteserved.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Tandy is a registered trademark of Tandy Corporation.
Modular Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Save-It, Video Information System, and the VIS logo are trademarks of Tandy Corporation.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.

Quick Connection
Warning: Before you make the connections, be sure the VIS player and
TV (and VC& if applicable) are turned off and disconnected from power.
You can use the supplied coaxial cable to quickly connect the VIS player
to your TV. If your TV is currently connected to your VCR, use the sup-
plied cable to connect the VIS player to your VCR. Follow these steps to
connect the VIS player to your TV or VCR:
From
Antenna or
Cable Box
1. Use the point of a ballpoint pen or a similar object to set the CHAN
3/4 switch on the VIS player. Select the channel (3 or 4) that is not
used by a local broadcast station.
2. Disconnect the antenna or cable system connector from your TV or
VC& and connect it to the ANT/CABLE IN jack on the VIS player.
3. Connect the supplied coaxial cable to the TO TV jack on the VIS
player and to the antenna/cablejack on your TV or VCR.
4. Connect the power cords to an easily accessible grounded AC outlet.
For stereo sound or enhanced video, see "Optional Audio/Video
Connections."
Instolling Botteries in the Controller
The supplied wireless hand controller
requires four AAA batteries. For best
performance/ we recommend alkaline
batteries, such as the supplied batteries.
To install the batteries, slide off the bat-
tery cover and insert the batteries as
shown. Be sure the polarity is correct,
as indicated by the + and - signs inside
the battery compartment. Then, slide
the battery cover back into place.
:\
1tL) lc) f6\ (o)'
Note:
The sensor for the wire-
less hand controller is
on the front of the VIS
player, but people tend
to point the controller at
the TV screen. So, tae
suggest you place the
VIS player near your
TV.
Caution:
Use only batteries of the
recommended size and
type. Dispose of used
batteries according to
the manufacturer's
instructions.
Supplied
Coaxial
Cable

Note:
Look for CDs with this
logo:
VIDEO ITIFORMATIOI{ SYSTEM
or audio CDs with
either of these logos:
COMPACT
[5G
DIGITAL AUO!O
NCOMPACT
0[sG
IJTg
u19
5.
6.
Bosic Operotion
Follow these steps to play a VIS CD or an audio CD:
1. Press POWER to turn on the VIS player. The power indicator lights.
Also, turn on your TV and any other connected devices (such as your
vcR).
2. If you use the supplied cable as described in "Quick Connection,"
set the channel selector on your TV to match the setting of the CHAN
3/4 switch on the VIS player.
For other connections, refer to the instructions provided with the
equipment the VIS player is connected to, and follow those instruc-
tions to specify the VIS as the input device.
Press OPEN/CLOSE to open the
CD tray.
Insert the CD into the CD tray
with its label side up.
Press OPEN/CLOSE to close the
CD tray. The CD plays
automatically.
Use the TV controls to adjust the picture and sound.
Note: If you connect the AUDIO OUT jacks to another device, such
as an amplifier/receiver, use the controls for that device to adjust the
sound. See "Optional Audio/Video Connections."
When using only one wireless hand controller, such as the supplied
controller, set the Player Selection Switch to Solo. Otherwise, see
"lJsing Optional Hand Controllers." For additional information about
hand controller operation, see "Using the Wireless Hand Controller."
See "Playing an Audio CD" for additional information about playing au-
dio CDs.
Using the Wireless Hond Controller
Use the supplied, wireless hand controller as follows:
Player Selection Switch - When using only one wireless hand control-
ler, set this switch to Solo. Otherwise, see "Using Optional Hand
Controllers."
Selection Button - After moving the pointer to the desired
the Selection Button to select the item.
Menu Button - Press this button to display a tnenu (list of options). Not
all applications provide a menu.
Directional Controller - Use this control to move the pointer around on
the screen.
Refer to the documentation provided with each application for informa-
tion on the use of the remaining buttons.
7.

Player
Selection
Switch
Directional
Controller
Selection
Button
Using o Cortridge
Some applications use a Save-It cartridge to save settings for later use by
that application. For example, the Save-It cartridge remembers the tracks
you select for an audio CD so that the same tracks are automatically
selected the next time you load that CD. Normally, you can use the same
Save-It cartridge for several applications. Additional Save-It cartridges
(VAC 2030) are available through your Zenith dealer.
To load a cartridge, open the front panel door and insert the cartridge as
shown.
/
Cautions:
For best results, insert
the Saoe-It cartridge
before you turn on the
VIS player. In addition,
remooe the cartridge or
change cartridges only
after you turn off the
VIS player or as
instructed by the appli-
cation. Remooing the
cartridge at another
time might erase all the
information on the
cartridge.
Insert the cartridge with
its label side up.
Be sure the cartridge is
fully inserted,
Do not twist the car-
tridge or use excessioe
force when inserting it.

Note:
The Play Position indi-
cator shows the curuent
play position relatiae to
the total CD. Each track
on the CD is repre-
sented by a bar. Wide
bars show selected
tracks. Thin bars show
tracks that haoe been
remoaed ftom the play
list. The distance
between bars shows the
relatioe length of each
track.
Ploying on Audio CD
When you insert an audio CD, the Audio CD Play screen appears. The
three parts of the Audio CD Play screen are shown here.
Shows
Current
Track
Shows Shows
Remaining Remaining
or Elapsed or Elapsed
Track Time Total Time
Shows CD Name (lf You Name the CD)
Used to Select
One-Time or
Continuous Play
Used to Select
or Cancel
Scan Play
Used to Used to
Skip Pause or
Backward Resume Play
Used to Used to
Stop Play 9kiP
FOrward
Track Selectors:
Used to Specify Tracks
You Do Not Want to Play
Used to
Display the
Name CD
Screen
Used to Play
All Tracks Used to
Select or
Cancel
Shuffle
Play
Used to
Sel Track Time
and Total Time
lndicators
IrrrI rrIr\rlltr
Shows
Status
Shows
Current Play

Chonging Screen Setlings
Unless you change the settings on the Audio CD Play screen, play begins
at the first track, all tracks play in order, play stops at the end of the last
track, and the Track Time and Total Time indicators show remaining
time. To change a setting, use the hand controller's Directional Controller
to move the pointer over the button on the screen. Then, press the hand
controller's Selection Button to press the button on the screen.
Removing Trqcks from the Ploy List
When you first insert a CD, all tracks are selected to play and all Track
Selector buttons on the screen are pressed in. For each track you do not
want to play, select the Track Selector button for that track number so
that the button is out. To re-select a track, select that track number so that
the button is pressed in agarn. To re-select all tracks, select PIay AII. To
display additional track numbers, select More.
Using Shuffle Ploy
To play all selected tracks in random order, select shuff 1e so that
Unshuf f Ie appears. If you later choose to play selected tracks in
sequential order, select Unshuf f l-e so that Shuf f f e appears.
Noming o CD
If you name a CD, the name you enter appears on the screen. To name a
CD, press Name Disc. The Name CD screen appears. Use the hand con-
troller to enter the name you want to appear. If you do not enter a CD
name/ CD Audio Player appears in the CD Name field.
Showing Remoining or Elopsed Time
You can choose to see either the remaining time on a track (and total for
all selected tracks) or the time that track (and all selected tracks) has
already played. Select Remain and e Iapsed to set the Track time and
Tota1 time indicators as follows:
Using Scqn Ploy
To play just the first few seconds of each selected track, select scan. If
you hear a track you want to listen to, select Scan again to return to
normal play.
Track Total
Remain Shows how much play time is
left for the current track Shows how much play time is
left for all selected tracks
Elapsed Shows how much play time has
passed since the beginning of
the current track
Shows how much play time has
passed since the beginning of
the first selected track
Note:
lf the Audb CD Play
screen still appears
when you load a VIS
CD, turn the VIS player
off and on again.

Warnings:
Extended high-aolume
listening can cause per-
manent hearing loss.
Before you put on head-
phones, set the oolume
to its lowest leoel. After
you put on the head-
phones, slowly adjust
the oolume to a comfort-
able listening leael.
Oaer time, your ears
become less sensitioe to
sound. Howeoer, vol-
ume lezsels that do not
cause discomfort might
still damage your hear-
ing. Therefore, do not
increase the headphone
oolume level once you
haoe set it.
Soving Audio CD PIoy Preferences
The VIS is designed to record the following information for each audio
CD you play:
a One-Time/Continuous PIay setting
a Selected tracks
. Shuffle/Unshufflesetting
. Remaining/Elapsed Time setting
. CD name (if you enter a CD name)
If you save this information on a Save-It cartridge, and the same
cartridge is inserted the next time you load the audio CD, the VIS player
uses the saved play preference settings.
Normally, the VIS updates the Save-It cartridge each time you change
any of these settings. However, the first time a Save-It cartridge is used
for this purpose, the following message appears:
Do you want to save the Audio CD Player setti-ngs onto this
cartridge?
Select Yes to prepare the cartridge for storingplay preference settings
and to store the current settings. Select No to leave the cartridge as it is.
Using Heodphones
You can connect stereo headphones with alls-inch plug to the PHONES
jack behind the front panel door. Turn VOL to adjust the headphone
volume. (The sound continues to play through the speakers.)
Microphone
Jack Headphone
Jack
Headphone
Volume

Connecting o Microphone
For applications that use a microphone, connect a mono (monaural)
high-impedance microphone with alla-inch plug to the MIC jack behind
the front panel door.
Using Optionol Hond Controllers
You can purchase a second wireless hand controller ffAC 2010) or a
wired hand controller (VAC 2011W) from your local Zenith dealer. Con-
nect a wired hand controller to the AUX IN connector on the back of the
VIS player.
Set the hand controller Player Selection Switch(es) as
lowing table: shown in the fol-
Type of Hand Controller(s)
Used Setting for Player Selection
Switch(es)
One wireless Set to So1o.
Two wireless Set one to Player L and the other to
Player 2.
One wireless and one wired Set both to Solo.
One wired Set to Player 1.
Auxiliary
Connector

Note:
We recommend shielded
stereo patch cables with
gold-plated phono
connectors,
Note:
Use oideo-quality
shielded cables with
phono connectors. We
recommend high-grade
AN cables toith gold-
plated plugs.
t0
Optionol Audio/Video Connections
Connection to your TV with the supplied coaxial cable gives you
adequate picture and sound. However, the VIS player also allows you to
enjoy stereo sound or enhanced video - if you connect the VIS player to
audio /video equipment with these capabilities.
To determine the best setup for your home entertainment system, refer to
the following information and the owner's manuals for the other devices
in your system, and check with your local Zenith dealer. Some
installations might require accessories other than those noted here.
For Stereo Sound
For stereo sound, use a stereo patch cable to corurect the VIS AUDIO OUT
jacks to the audio inputs of any stereo amplifier/receiver, including a ste-
reo TV, a stereo system, or a pair of amplified speakers. Use the color
coding of the patch cord to properly connect the left and right channels.
Connect the L jack to the left-channel input, and connect the R jack to the
right-channel input. You can make this connection regardless of the vid-
eo connection you use (TO TV, VIDEO OUT, or S-VIDEO OUT).
For Enhonced Video
The VIS provides superior video quality when you connect it to a
TV/monitor or VCR that has separate audio/video inputs or Super-
Video capabilities.
Connecling lo o TV/Monitor or to o VCR thot hos Seporote
Audio/Video lnputs
If you have a TV/monitor or VCR with separate audio and video inputs,
connect the VIS VIDEO OUT jack to the video input of the TV/monitor or
VCR.
Connect the VIS AUDIO OUT jacks to the audio inputs of the TVlmonitor
or the VC& or to the audio inputs of any stereo amplifier/receiver. Use
the color coding of the patch cord to properly connect the left and right
channels. Connect the L jack to the left-channel inpu! and connect the R
jack to the right-channel input.
.F '..-.._--______-]-To
Amplifier/Receiver

To Video lnput
on TV or VCR
Connecling to o TV or VCR with Super-Video Copobilities
If you have a TVlmonitor or VCR with Super-Video (S-Video) capabili-
ties, connect the VIS S-VIDEO OUT jack to the Super-Video input of the
TVlmonitor or VCR.
Connect the VIS AUDIO OUT jacks to the audio inputs of the TVlmonitor
or the VC& or to the audio inputs of any stereo amplifier/receiver. Use
the color coding of the patch cord to properly connect the left and right
channels. Connect the L jack to the left-channel input, and connect the R
jack to the right-channel input.
To
Audio lnputs
or
Amplilier/Receiver
To S-Video or S-VHS
lnput on TV or VCR
Note:
This connection requires
nn S-Video cable, aoail-
able through your
Zenith dealer.
To
Audlo lnputs
ol
Amplif ier/Receiver

12
Troubleshooting
Coring for CDs
To care for CDs:
. Touch CDs by the edges only.
a Keep CDs away from heat, moisture, and dirt.
a Return CDs to their cases when not using them.
t Clean CDs with a soft, dry,lint-free cloth.
a Do notwrite on CDs.
Problem Possible Solution
The VIS player does
not turn on. (The
power indicator does
not light.)
a Be sure the power cords are firmly
corurected.
The VIS player is on,
but the picture does
not appear.
a Check the connections.
t If you connected the VIS player with the
supplied coaxial cable, be sure the VIS play-
er and the TV are set to the same channel.
The CD does not
Play. Be sure the CD has the VIS logo or the audio
CD logo, as shown in "Basic Operation."
Be sure the CD is inserted label side up.
a
a
The VIS player does
not respond to the
hand controller.
Check the setting of the Player Selection
switch(es). Refer to the table in "Using
Optional Hand Controllers. "
When using a wireless controller (such as
the supplied controller):
e Place the controller within L6 feet of the
VIS player.
o Be sure you are pointing the controller at
the front of the VIS player. (It helps to
place the VIS player close to the TV.)
o Be sure you are pointing the correct end
of the controller at the VIS player. See
the illustration in "Using the Wireless
Hand Controller."
o Be sure the hand controller batteries are
the correct size and type, and check the
polarity (+ and -).
e Replace the hand controller batteries.
I

Coring for lhe VIS
To care for the VIS player, hand controller, and Save-It cartridge:
. Handle gently and carefully.
a Keep away from dust, dirt, and moisture.
a To cleary occasionally wipe with a damp cloth. Do not use harsh
chemicals.
a Keep the CD tray closed except when loading or unloading a CD.
a Use only the OPEN/CLOSE button to open and close the CD tray. Do
not pull on or push on the CD tray.
a Do not place objects on top of the hand controller. This can cause the
buttons to be held dowry which reduces battery life.
The FCC wonls you lo know . . .
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rzles. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful radio and TV interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. There is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does interfere with radio or television receptiory which you
can tell by tuming the equipment off and on, you are encouraged to try to
correct the interference. Use one or more of the following measures:
lReorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
alncrease the distance between the equipment and the radio/TV.
lConnect the equipment to an outlet that is on a different circuit from the one
used for the radio/TV.
lConsult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Shielded cables must be used with this equipment. If you add or replace any
cables, the new cables must have shielding capabilities equal to or higher than
those provided by the dealer. Modifying or tampering with internal components
can cause a malfunction and might invalidate the warranty and void your FCC
authorization to operate this equipment.
The DOC wonts you lo know...
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations
of the Canadian Department of Communications.
[e Minist6re des Communicolions du Conodo vous
informeque...
Le prdsent appareil num6rique n'6met pas de bruits radio6lechiques d6passant
les limites applicables aux appareils num6riques de la Class B prescrites dans le
R6glement sur le brouillage radiodlechique 6dict6 par le MinistEre des
Communications du Canada.
For Your
Records
We recommenilyou
record the serinl number
of your VIS player in
the space proaided. The
serinl number is on the
back of the VIS player.
Serial Number:

14
Specificotions
System
Dimensions
Weight
Operating temperature
Operating humidity
Power requirement
Power consumption
Usable discs
Audio
CD Ployer Applicotion
(measured at 0 d8,1000 Hz using A-BEX 78L test CD)
Line output
Connector
THD + noise
Channel separation
Channel balance
Dynamic range
Headphone output
Microphone
Connector
Input level
AGC range
Input impedance
THD + noise (line out)
Music Synthesizer
Synthesis type
Number of voices
MIDI channels
MIDI map
3.7 x1,4.9 x 13.5 in
(9.4x37.8x34.3 cm)
(HxWxD)
12lbs. (5.a4 kg)
10" F to 95'F (-L2'C to 35'C)
20"/" to 807o non-condensing
120 VAC
40 watts (max.)
VIS or audio CD
1.8 VRMS into 10,000 ohms
2 phono
0.10% max.
60 dB min.
1.0 dB max.
80 dB min.
25mW nominal into 32 ohms
l./8-inch, monophonic
-52 dBv min.
40 dB min.
2,000 ohms min.
0.5% max. at 1000 Hz
FM with 2 or 4 operators
1,8 max.
L to 1,6 with drums mapped
to 10 or 16
General MIDI mode, 128 timbres
plus drum kit

Video
(all measurements into 75-ohm termination)
Video output
Composite output
RF output
Channels
S-Video output
RF modulated, composite, $Video
L volt peak to peak
59 dBp max.
3 or 4, switch-selectable
Luminance L volt peak to peak,
Chrominance 890 mV peak to peak