Zenith SYSTEM 3 Series User manual

VER
So : BEST ZENITH E

WELCOME
TO
THE
ZENITH
FAMILY
We want you to enjoy your new Zenith Color TV to the
fullest. Please read your Operating Guide carefully and
see how easy it is to get the most enjoyment from your
new Zenith Color TV for years to come.
Every Zenith Color TV is fine-tuned for a good color
picture at the factory. But where you live, even where
you place the set in your home, can affect your color
picture. So you may wish to make a few simple
adjustments. Zenith has made this easy to do. In fact,
INDEX
FIRST THINGS FIRST
WHERE, AND HOW, TO HOOK UP YOUR SET....... 3
CONTHOL PANEL(( 0 hh ely ne 4
HOW TO SET UP AND FINE-TUNE VHF AND |
Ore OMNI SO 8 ee a 5,6
HOW TO GET A GOOD COLOR PICTURE
WITH COLOR SENTRY CONTROL ON.............. 7
WITH COLOR SENTRY CONTROL OFF............. 8
you can do it as well as anyone, or even better, because
only you can decide what picture is right for you.
NOTE: The model and serial numbers of your Zenith TV
are located on the back of the TV cabinet. For your
convenience and protection, please record these
numbers for future reference in the spaces provided
below.
Model no LALOOED sorts No. PERL CEY
AUTOMATIC PICTURE CONTROL..................... “9
HEL PRULSHINTS 4 eg ee 9
INDIVIDUAL CONTROLS...................... ie 10
A GOOD ANTENNA HOOKUP.......................... 11
MORE ABOUT: ANTENNAS oom Oe 12
INTERFERENCE (i. ke OS ee Se ee
BEFORE CALLING FOR SERVICE...................... 14
YOUR ZENITH WARRANTY............................ 15

FIRST THINGS FIRST
LOCATION
Put your TV set where sunlight or bright light will not fall
directly on the screen. Allow a comfortable viewing
distance, usually six feet or more.
ANTENNAS
To get the best color picture, you must have a good
antenna system. See pages 11 and 12 on antennas.
VENTILATION
Proper ventilation helps keep your set running cool. On
the back and bottom of every set, there are slots, ora
perforated screen, which permit a flow of air to the set.
DO NOT ENCLOSE THE CABINET OR OTHERWISE
OBSTRUCT VENTILATION AT THE BACK OR BOTTOM.
POWER
Your set is designed to operate on 120 volt 60 Hertz AC.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE YOUR SET ON DC.
The power cord of your TV set has a polarized plug as
required by Underwriters’ Laboratories. This plug has one
regular blade and one wide blade. It will fit only one way
into the standard electrical outlet. If the blades will not
enter your outlet, try reversing the plug. If the blades will
not enter either way, your outlet is probably many years
old and is non-standard. In that event, a new outlet
should be installed by a qualified electrician.
WARNING :
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS TV SET TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
NEVER OPERATE THE SET IF LIQUID HAS
ACCIDENTALLY SPILLED INTO IT. If this happens, have
your set checked by a service technician before using it
again. Fire or electric shock could result. For additional
points on safe operation of your set, see the Safety
Tips folder.
VIDEO GAMES
CAUTION: If you use your TV set to play video games,
avoid setting the PICTURE CONTROL (brightness) for an
excessively bright game display. The reason for this is
that a bright, fixed pattern such as “tennis court’ lines, if
used for long periods of time, can imprint the pattern
permanently on the TV picture tube. You can reduce this
possibility by alternating use of the game with normal TV
viewing, by turning the brightness down when playing
video games, and by turning off the game promptly
after using it.
WHEN ON VACATION
When you are going away on vacation, or don’t plan to
use your Set for a long time, we suggest you unplug your |
set from the wall outlet. If your set is connected to an
outdoor antenna, we also suggest you disconnect the
lead-in wires at the back of your set.

ENTRY

HOW TO SETUP AND FINE-TUNE
VIF AND URF CHANNELS
TOUCH-COMMAND CHANNEL SELECTION
Zenith’s 14-position Touch-Command Channel
Selection System makes channel selection easy. After you
complete the simple setup and fine-tuning steps, you can
select up to 14 VHF and UHF channels with just the touch
of a button. Channel change is instant and direct. To
change channels, lightly press the proper button. There is
no need to fine-tune each time you change channels—
not even on UHF channels!
The control panel to the left shows you where to find the
controls you need. Open the panel door at the right
side of receiver for access to the controls. Remove Dial
Scale Cover Panel for access to Dial Scales and Fine
Tuning Controls. Follow these steps:
1. Hook up your VHF and UHF antennas.
(See antenna section on pages 11 and 12.)
2. Plug in your set. (See page 3.)
3. Push the ON-OFF switch to turn the set ON and allow
it to warm up for two or three minutes. (To turn the set
OFF, just push the ON-OFF switch again.) The COLOR
SENTRY control can be set either ON or OFF while you
are fine-tuning the color picture.
4, AFC (AUTOMATIC FINE-TUNING CONTROL)
IMPORTANT: Set the AFC switch to the OFF position
and leave it in the OFF position while fine-tuning
each channel. 3
5. Twelve of the fourteen positions in the channel selector
have been preset for you at the factory with VHF
channels in a sequence 2 through 13. However, signal
conditions vary from station to station. To compensate
for this, each VHF channel available in your area should
be fine-tuned to give you the sharpest possible picture.
These VHF channels (2-13) can be left as set up at the
factory or rearranged in any order whicli you find
convenient. It is not possible to preset UHF channels
(14 through 83) at the factory because different areas of
the country have different UHF channels available. The
U1 and U2 positions can be used for VHF and/or UHF
channels. Also, UHF channels (14-83) may be set up on
any unused VHF position.
6. To set up a Channel, you first remove the tab you wish
to replace. You do this by pushing back on the exposed
part and pulling to the RIGHT. Then insert the VHF or -
UHF channel tab which you have selected.
NOTE: UHF channel number tabs are supplied on a
separate sheet and must be inserted before you can
tune a UHF channel.

7. When you have
inserted the proper
VHF or UHF channel
tabs, use the Perma-
Set fine-tuning
control, dial scale
and dial scale pointer to fine-tune the channels. These
controls are located to the right of the channel tab.
Select the channel you want to fine-tune by pushing
the proper channel selector button (located at the left
of the channel number). The channel number will
then be illuminated.
. Using the dial scale pointer as a guide, turn the
Perma-Set Fine-tuning control (located at the right
side of the dial scale) to locate the channel you want.
The upper numbers on the dial scale are for VHF
channels, the lower ones for UHF channels.
To fine-tune this channel, turn the Perma-Set Fine-
tuning control first in one direction, then in the other,
until you get a sharp, clear picture. If you turn the knob
too far to the left, the color picture goes to black-and-
10.
11.
12.
white. If you turn it too far to the right, the color picture
breaks up into wavy lines. You’ll find the sharpest,
clearest picture at a point just before the picture
starts to break up.
. Repeat steps 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 for each VHF and UHF
channel you wish to receive.
Replace the dial scale cover panel.
Close the control panel door. Now that you have the
channels set up, all you have to do to choose the
channel you wish to view is to touch me button at the
left of the channel indicator.
REMEMBER: Whenever you wish to change the
channel settings, always repeat steps 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
When you are satisfied with the VHF-UHF fine-tuning
on all channels, turn the AFC switch ON and leave it
ON. This “locks” in the tuning to each channel, so that |
every time you change channels, you'll get a clear,
sharp picture.
NOTE: In some cases where TV signals are not normal,
you may get a better picture with the AFC switch OFF.
If you get a better picture with the AFC switch OFF,
leave it OFF.

HOW TO GET A GOOD COLOR PICTURE
WITH COLOR SENTRY ON
Your COLOR SENTRY system has been designed to
provide an excellent color picture, automatically, under
typical viewing and telecast conditions. However, because
TV signals vary in different localities, and because
people’s preferences differ, your new Zenith Color TV
lets you make additional adjustments if you wish.
To make sure the COLOR SENTRY gives you the kind of
picture you want, follow these steps:
1. Push the ON-OFF switch to turn the set ON and allow
it to warm up for two or three minutes.
2. Select a channel that is telecasting in color.
3. Be sure that your set is properly fine-tuned. ae
fine-tuning section on pages 5 and 6.)
4, Push the COLOR SENTRY control to the ON position
(a bright yellow color will show in the control). This
should give you an excellent color picture. If this isn’t
the picture you want, follow steps 5 through 9.
. Turn the PICTURE control to an approximate mid-range
position.
6. Now turn the BLACK LEVEL control to the middle, or
7.
detent, position. This position will usually assure that
areas of the picture which should be black are black.
Turn the PICTURE control in either direction to get the
brightness level you want.
. If the dark areas and colors appear faded or washed-
out, the BLACK LEVEL control should be turned to the
left. If light backgrounds and colors appear too dark,
it should be turned to the right.
. We recommend you set the SHARPNESS control in the
mid-range, or detent, position. If you prefer a softer
picture, turn the control to the left. Turn it to the right
for a sharper picture.
For a wider range of color tuning adjustments, tune the
color picture with the COLOR SENTRY control OFF.
(See next page.)
NOTE: If you still don’t get a good picture after fine-tuning
and following the above steps, check your antenna
system. (See antenna section on pages 11 and 12.)

HOW
TO
GET
A
GOOD
COLOR
PICTURE
WITH COLOR SENTRY OFF
The preceding page tells how to get a good color picture
with the COLOR SENTRY control ON. But there may be
times when you will want to make even more adjustments.
You can do this with the COLOR SENTRY control OFF.
This is because, with the control OFF, the COLOR LEVEL
and TINT controls can be adjusted and the PICTURE
control has a wider range of adjustments. Just follow
these steps:
1.
Turn your set on and allow it to warm up for two or
three minutes. Push the COLOR SENTRY control to the
OFF position and be sure you select a channel that is
telecasting in color.
. Turn the COLOR LEVEL control all the way to the left
to change the color picture to black-and-white.
. Turn the PICTURE control to an approximate mid-range
position.
. Now turn the BLACK LEVEL control to the middle, or
detent, position. This position will usually assure that
areas of the picture which should be black are black.
. Now turn the COLOR LEVEL control to give the picture
as much color as you want.
_ Turn the TINT control for the most natural flesh tones.
. Turn the PICTURE control in either direction to get the
brightness level you want.
. If the dark areas and colors appear faded or washed-
out, the BLACK LEVEL control should be turned to the
left. If light backgrounds and colors appear too dark,
it should be turned to the right.
. We recommend you set the SHARPNESS control in the
mid-range, or detent, position. If you prefer a softer
picture, turn the control to the left. Turn it to the right
for a sharper picture.

AUTOMATIC PICTURE
CONTROL
The Zenith COLOR SENTRY system includes all five of
the following essential picture control circuits working
together to bring you an excellent color picture
automatically, scene to scene, channel to channel.
1. Light Sensor. An “electronic eye” and associated
control circuit automatically adjust picture brightness
for comfortable viewing—in low light, bright light,
any light.
2. Color Signal Monitor. An electronic circuit automatically
checks the incoming color signal and adjusts the
_ picture to prevent over-saturation of color from scene
to scene, channel to channel. :
3. Tint Stabilizer. A special electronic circuit automatically
balances colors to provide lifelike flesh tones.
4. Color Level Lock. Preprogrammed color level and tint
adjustments are locked in to complement the functions
of Color Signal Monitor and Tint Stabilizer.
5. Contrast Regulator. An electronic circuit automatically
maintains preset picture black level. As a result,
dramatic contrast and highlights seen by the camera
are faithfully reproduced.
HELPEUL HINTS.
Never attempt to operate thes set with the back cover
removed.
Never probe or push objects into the set through cabinet
slots.
If the cabinet has been damaged, do not operate the set.
Have it checked by a service technician before use.
-PICTURE-GLASS CLEANING
When you want to clean the face plate of the picture tube,
first turn the set OFF. Wet a soft cloth in lukewarm water
mixed with a little fabric softener or dishwashing detergent.
Wring the cloth almost dry. Wipe the glass. Make sure that
no drops of moisture are squeezed onto the glass. DON’T
wipe the glass dry. Let it air-dry before you turn the set
back on again.
CARE OF CABINET 3
Non-wood cabinets should be cleaned with a mild soap
solution. Use a soft cloth. Rinse with clear water before
wiping dry. Any good furniture cleaner and polish will help
preserve the finish on wood cabinets. Do not place
objects that are made of rubber or plastic on top of the
cabinet unless the cabinet is protected by a cloth doily
or place mat. This is because a chemical reaction may
occur, causing permanent damage to the finish.

10
INDIVIDUAL CONTROLS
PICTURE
This control lets you adjust the color picture brightness
for varying room light conditions. It does this by adjusting
contrast and color level at the same time and in
proper balance.
BLACK LEVEL
This control lets you adjust the black areas in the
picture to the level you want. Once set, the CONTRAST
REGULATOR, an electronic circuit, automatically
maintains this preset black level from scene to scene,
channel to channel. After the BLACK LEVEL control is
set, further brightness adjustments should be made with
the PICTURE control.
COLOR LEVEL
This control sets the intensity of the colors. If turned too
far to the left, colors appear faded or weak. If turned too
far to the right, colors appear vivid or intense.
TINT
Adjust this control for the most natural flesh tones. If
turned too far to the left, flesh tones will appear purple;
too far to the right, they will appear green.
SHARPNESS
This control lets you get a softer picture by turning the
control to the left. It lets you get sharper picture detail by
turning the control to the right.
AFC (AUTOMATIC FINE-TUNING CONTROL)
The
AFC
“locks”
in
the
signal
from
the
TV
station.
When
fine-tuning
channels,
this
control
must
be
in
the
OFF,
or
“unlocked,”
position.
After
fine-tuning
the
channels,
switch
the
control
to
the
ON
position.
The
signal
will
then
be
“locked”
in,
just
as
you
tuned
it
on
each
channel.
VOLUME
Turn the control to the right to make the sound louder,
turn it to the left to make the sound softer.
AUDIO OUTPUT
You
may
wish
to
listen
to
your
TV
set
through
your
own
high
fidelity
sound
system.
The
audio
output
jack
(located
on
right
side
of
cabinet)
allows
you
to
connect
the
audio
signal
of
the
TV
set
to
the
auxiliary
input
of
your
hi-fi
sound
system
amplifier.
An
optional
audio
cable
for
this
purpose
is
available
from
your
Zenith
dealer.
To
make
this
installation,
adjust
the
volume
on
the
TV
set
to
a
normal
listening
level.
Plug
the
single
end
of
the
cable
into
the
audio
output
jack
on
the
TV
set.
Plug
the
double
end
into
the
left
and
right
auxiliary
input
jacks
of
the
hi-fi
amplifier.
Then
set
the
input
selector
on
your
hi-fi
system
amplifier
to
the
‘‘auxiliary”
position
(set
your
hi-fi
amplifier
for
“monaural”
operation,
if
it
has
this
capability).
Now
adjust
the
volume
and
tone
controls
on
the
hi-fi
for
the
sound
you
like.
:

A GOOD ANTENNA HOOKUP
MEANS A BETTER COLOR PICTURE
All television sets will work with either an indoor or an
outdoor antenna. We strongly recommend that you use
an outdoor antenna. The proper antenna reduces, or
completely eliminates, ‘snow’ in the picture, fluttering
effects produced by aircraft, and other problems due to
weak signal reception.
It is not possible for Zenith to anticipate the exact type
of VHF or UHF antenna and antenna wire that will work
best in your area. Zenith TV antennas are designed and
constructed to provide you with superior service and
performance. Ask your dealer or any local Distributor-
Approved Zenith Service Center. They are familiar with
local reception conditions and can recommend a good
outdoor or cabinet-top antenna for local use.
OUTDOOR ANTENNAS
You can use either individual VHF and UHF antennas with
separate lead-in wires to your set or a combination
VHF-UHF antenna which has a single lead-in. If you use
individual antennas, the wires from the VHF antenna must
be connected to the two terminals marked VHF. The wires
from the UHF antenna must be connected to the two
terminals marked UHF.
If you use a combination VHF-UHF antenna, there will
be only one lead-in wire coming down from the antenna.
Then you will need a VHF-UHF SIGNAL SPLITTER
(connecting device). This SPLITTER (available at your
Zenith Dealer) may not be supplied with your antenna. It
will separate the two signals from your antenna and will
feed the VHF signal to the VHF terminals of your set, and
the UHF signal to the UHF terminals.
When connecting outdoor antenna lead-in wires to the
set, be sure to disconnect the indoor VHF and UHF
antenna wires.
Cut off excess wire. Coiled wire may cause poor
reception. Make sure there is no excess wire at the set or
at the antenna. :
CAUTION
When installing an outdoor antenna, use extreme care to
keep clear of electrical power lines. Contact by the metal
antenna structure or antenna wire could result in fatal
shock. Carefully observe safety instructions supplied with
the antenna.

MORE ABOUT ANTENNAS
INDOOR ANTENNAS To view a UHF channel (14 through 83), rotate the bow-tie
Your Zenith TV has both a VHF dipole (rabbit ears) antenna for the best picture.
antenna and a UHF clip-on bow-tie antenna. Be sure that the 75 OHM coaxial cable is connected to
The first thing to do after unpacking your TV set is to the 75 OHM coaxial input connector as shown in the
plug the dipole antenna into the set as shown in the illustration. .
illustration. Push the antenna as far as it will go into the CONNECTING THE CATV COAXIAL CABLE
socket until it snaps into position. (Should you want to Your TV set has provision for VHF Cable (CATV) Television
remove the antenna, turn it 90 degrees in relation to the set hookup without need for a special adapter. The 75 OHM
_and pull it up.) Snap the clip-on UHF bow-tie antenna to coaxial cable is built into the set for easy hookup. Simply
one of the VHF antenna rods. unplug the 75 OHM cable from the 75 OHM connector on
Connect the VHF antenna leads to the VHF antenna your set and connect the 75 OHM cable to the CATV
terminals; connect the UHF antenna leads to the UHF coaxial cable signal source.
antenna terminals as shown below.
When viewing a VHF channel (2 through 13), the
telescoping dipole antenna should be fully extended.
Place the rods in a “‘V” position and rotate them until
you get the best picture.
MASTER ANTENNA (MATV) SYSTEMS
Some apartment buildings are served by a single antenna
system. The signal from the antenna is amplified and
distributed throughout the building and usually terminates
at a wall receptacle in each apartment.
The cable used to connect your set’s VHF/UHF antenna
terminals to the antenna receptacle should match the
cable used in the antenna distribution system. It may be
necessary to add a matching transformer at the rear of
your set. Consult your Zenith Dealer for the type of
antenna lead or matching transformer you might require.
NOTE: Some antenna systems may carry both VHF and
UHF signals. In this case, use a combination Transformer-
Splitter to connect the antenna system to your set’s VHF
and UHF terminals.

INTERFERENCE
AUTOMOBILE
IGNITION,
ELECTRICAL
APPLI-
GHOSTS
OR
REFLECTIONS:
Caused
by
signals
be-
}
ANCES,
etc.,
cause
a
speckled,
streaked
picture.
ing
reflected
from
surrounding
buildings,
water
This
is
most
noticeable
in
weak
signal
areas.
tanks,
etc.
:
SNOW
IN
PICTURE:
Caused
by
insufficient
signal.
RADIO-SIGNAL:
Police,
amateur
or
CB
radio
trans-
Usually
caused
by
receiver
being
located
too
far
mitters
may
cause
interference.
A
filter
at
the
TV
from
station
or
improper
antenna
installation.
antenna
terminals
will
sometimes
eliminate
or
reduce
:
interference.
For additional information, see your Zenith dealer.

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14

YOUR ZENITH WARIRANTY
Consumer Protection Plan for Zenith Solid-State Color Television
Welcome into the Zenith family! We believe that you will be pleased with your new Zenith Color TV. Please read this
Consumer Protection Plan carefully. It is a “LIMITED WARRANTY” as defined in the U.S. Consumer Product
Warranty and Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you
may also have other rights that vary from state to state within the U.S.A.
ZENITH’S RESPONSIBILITY
SERVICE LABOR—For a period of 90 days from date of pur-
chase, Zenith will pay for service labor by a distributor-approved
Zenith service center when needed as a result of manufac-
turing defects. This applies only in the U.S. and Canada.
PARTS—New or rebuilt replacements for factory-defective
parts will be supplied for one year from date of purchase (color
picture tube —two years). Replacement parts are warranted for
the remaining portion of the original warranty period.
HOME SERVICE—Warranty service for 19” diagonal (U.S.A.) or
larger screen size models is provided in the home.
NOT COVERED — Installation, adjustment of customer controls
in the home and installation or repair of home antenna systems
are not covered by this warranty; nor is damage due to misuse,
abuse, or negligence. Any alteration of the product after manu-
facture voids this warranty in its entirety.
OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY
EFFECTIVE WARRANTY DATE—Warranty begins on the date
of first consumer purchase. For your convenience, keep the
dealer's dated bill of sale or delivery ticket as evidence of the
purchase date.
OPERATING GUIDE—Read your Operating Guide carefully so
that you will understand the operation of your set and how to
adjust the customer controls.
CARRY-IN SERVICE—Models with 17” diagonal (U.S.A.) or
smaller screen size must be taken to a distributor-approved
Zenith service center for warranty service and must be picked
up by the owner.
ANTENNA—Reception problems caused by inadequate home
antennas or faulty antenna connections are the owner’s
responsibility.
IMPORTANT: OWNER REGISTRATION — Please fill out and mail your Owner Registration Card. It is imperative that
Zenith know how to reach you promptly if we should discover a safety problem that could affect you.
WARRANTY
SERVICE
—For
warranty
service
information,
contact
your
Zenith dealer
preferably,
or
any
distributor-
approved
Zenith
service
center. Parts
and service labor
that
are
Zenith’s responsibility
(see
above)
will
be
pro-
vided
without charge.
Other
service
is
at
the
owner’s
expense.
If
you
have
any
problem
in
obtaining
satisfactory
warranty service, write to: Customer Services, Zenith Radio Corporation, 11000 Seymour St., Franklin Park, Ill. 60131.
HSSC90L1P772
15

THE
QUALITY
GOES
IN
BEFORE
THE
NAME
GOES
ON"
~JENITHRADIO CORPORATION
GOO
NORTH
AUSTINAVENUE
CHICAGO ILLINOS 60630,
202-4353 Printed in U.S.A.