RCA VR688HF manual

USER’S GUIDE VR688HF VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER[...]

i Introduction WARNING To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose this VCR to rain or moisture. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert. ATTENTION: Pour Žviter les chocs Žlectriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et po[...]

1 Introduction T able of Contents Using the Playback Features Tape Playback: HI-FI/LINEAR/ MIX Feature ____________________ 27 Auto Play Feature _________________ 28 Auto Repeat Feature _______________ 28 Pause for Stop-Action______________ 29 Picture Search ____________________ 29 Frame Advance ___________________ 30 Slow Motion___________________[...]

2 Hooking Up the VCR Choosing a Hookup The hookups on pages 3 through 7 are divided into two hookup types: Basic (A) and Advanced (B and C). The basic hookup shows the backs of TVs that have only an antenna/cable connection. It is the easier of the two and additional accessories may not be needed. The advanced hookup shows the VCR hooked up to a mo[...]

3 Hooking Up the VCR CH 3 4 AUDIO VIDEO R R L IN OUT IN OUT Back of VCR Back of TV 300/75 Ohm Adapter OR From Antenna or Cable Cable/ Antenna OR VHF UHF RF Coaxial Cable (supplied) 75 to 75/300 Ohm Separator IN FROM ANTENNA OUT TO TELEVISION MONO L Antenna or Cable System Without a Cable Box A. Basic hookup. Use this hookup for a simple connection [...]

4 Hooking Up the VCR Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble All Channels CH 3 4 AUDIO VIDEO R R L IN OUT IN OUT Back of VCR OUT IN Cable Box From Cable RF Coaxial Cable Back of TV Cable/ Antenna OR VHF UHF RF Coaxial Cable (supplied) 75 to 75/300 Ohm Separator IN FROM ANTENNA OUT TO TELEVISION MONO L S-VIDEO AUDIO CABLE / ANTENNA L / MONO RIGHT [...]

5 Hooking Up the VCR Cable System With Cable Box to Unscramble Pay Channels (such as HBO, Showtime, Pay-Per-View, etc.) Position cable box. Position the remote-controllable cable box on top of the VCR. You may need to position it at different angles before the VCR can control it. Make sure the cable box does not cover the transmitting window on top[...]

6 Hooking Up the VCR Satellite Receiver CH 3 4 AUDIO VIDEO R R L IN OUT IN OUT VIDEO R AUDIO L S-VIDEO CH3 CH4 IN FROM ANT SATELLITE IN OUT TO TV Back of VCR Back of Satellite Receiver From Satellite Dish RF Coaxial Cable Audio/Video Cables (supplied) From Cable, Cable Box or Antenna Back of TV Cable/ Antenna OR VHF UHF RF Coaxial Cable (supplied) [...]

7 Hooking Up the VCR Satellite Receiver B. Advanced hookup with basic receiver . Use this hookup if your TV has audio/video jacks and your receiver has one set of AUDIO/VIDEO jacks. 1 . Set the CH3 CH4 switch on back of receiver to either channel 3 or 4. You will tune the VCR to this channel to record from the satellite receiver. To watch the satel[...]

8 Hooking Up the VCR Connecting T wo VCRs for Copying T apes CH 3 4 AUDIO VIDEO R R L IN OUT IN OUT CH 3 4 AUDIO VIDEO R R L IN OUT IN OUT Playback VCR RF Coaxial Cable (supplied) Recording VCR Audio/Video Cables RF Coaxial Cable or Use the previously selected hookup to the TV. From Antenna, Cable or Cable Box IN FROM ANTENNA OUT TO TELEVISION IN F[...]

9 continued on next page Setting Up the VCR 1. Check accessories with VCR. Contact your dealer if any items are missing. 2. Attach power cord to back of VCR. Remote (Stock No. 231544) SEARCH MUTE PREV CH DISPLAY INPUT TV•VCR CLEAR SPEED REW PLAY FF STOP PAUSE REC MENU PROG • SLOW TRACKING V C R S A T • C A B L E VCR•DVD AU X C H A N C H A N[...]

6. T urn on the VCR. A. Press VCR1 on the remote. Setup Menu Appears Automatically The first time you turn on the VCR, the SETUP menu will appear. Follow the steps on the screen to automatically setup a satellite receiver or cable box, auto channel search, automatically set the time, and select some feature options. 1. Press number button 1 on the [...]

11 Setting Up the VCR Star tup 7. RCA digital satellite r eceiver and/or cable box setup. SETUP Would you like to set up the VCR to control a DSS receiver? 1 Yes 2 No Did the DSS receiver turn on and tune to channel 200? 1 YES, setup complete 2 NO, try again 3 NO, cancel setup The DSS and cable box setups allow the VCR to record programs from the c[...]

SETUP Would you like to set up the VCR to control a cable box? 1 Yes 2 No 12 Setting Up the VCR 7. RCA digital satellite r eceiver and/or cable box setup. (continued) Star tup CABLE BOX SETUP Do you use your cable box to receive ALL channels? 1 Yes 2 No CABLE BOX SETUP On what channel does the VCR receive signals from the cable box (usually 3, 4, o[...]

13 Setting Up the VCR Manual cable box or RCA digital satellite receiver setup. If you ever want to individually set up the cable box or satellite receiver: A. Press MENU•PROG to display the VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen . B. Press 4 to select CHANNELS menu. C. Select Cable box or DSS Setup . ¥ Press 5 to select Cable box Setup . ¥ Press 6 to [...]

14 Star tup Setting Up the VCR SET DAYLIGHT SAVINGS Does your area observe Daylight Savings Time from April to October? 1 Yes, DST is observed 2 No 3 Automatic Press MENU to continue SET TIME ZONE What is your time zone? 1 Eastern 2 Central 3 Mountain 4 Pacific 5 Alaska 6 Hawaii 7 Automatic Press MENU to continue 8. Use SETUP menu to auto channel s[...]

15 VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time Star tup Setting Up the VCR Manual clock set. If the AUTO CLOCK SET was unsuccessful: A . Press 1 to display the SET TIME AND DATE screen. B . Enter the time and date with the number buttons on the remote. ¥ Press 0 before single-digit numbers. Example: press 0, then 5, then 0, then 7 for a ti[...]

Setting Up the VCR Star tup 16 9. Setup VCR Plus+ channels. The VCR must be setup with the VCR Plus+ channels before you can record using VCR Plus+. This can be done now or at a later time. Press 1 if you would like to setup the VCR Plus+ channels now. Details are on page 40. Press 2 if you wish to skip this step. 10. Program VCR for VCR1 or VCR2?[...]

17 VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels Setting Up the VCR Star tup continued on next page 11. Add or remove channels fr om the VCR’ s memor y . You may want to add or remove channels if some of the channels are not active, have weak signals, or you do not wa[...]

18 VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Setup 6 Preferences 7 Language/Langue Setting Up the VCR Star tup 12. Select a language./Choisissez une langue. You can select the language for the displays on the VCR. A . Press MENU•PROG on the remote to see the VCR MAIN MENU on the TV screen. B . Press 7 to display the LANGUAG[...]

19 VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Setup 6 Preferences Setting Up the VCR 14. Set Auto TV/VCR featur e. If you used one of the basic hookups and did not connect the audio/video jacks of the VCR to the TV, leave the Auto TV/VCR feature set to ON . If you have connected your VCR using the audio/video input of your TV,[...]

20 Using the Remote Contr ol SEARCH MUTE PREV CH DISPLAY INPUT TV•VCR CLEAR SPEED REW PLAY FF STOP PAUSE REC MENU PROG • SLOW TRACKING V C R S A T • C A B L E VCR• DV D A U X C H A N C H A N 6 1 4 7 3 9 2 5 8 0 PWR TV VOL VOL C M EDIT + _ 1 2 F.ADV e MOVE AUX (Auxiliary) Can be programmed to control a compatible RCA audio or video component[...]

21 Using the Remote Contr ol MOVE Arrow Buttons ( ) Allow you to move through the menus, enter data and change settings of selected features. CHAN Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in the TVÕs channel memory when remote is set to control a TV. CLEAR Removes menus or status displays from the screen. DISPLAY Shows the status displays o[...]

22 Using the Remote Contr ol PREFERENCES 1 Remote Control: VCR2 2 Auto Play: ON 3 Auto TV/VCR: ON 4 Front Panel: AUTO 5 CA Marking: ON 6 CA Playback: AUTO 7 CA Display: BLUE 8 Set Auto Repeat 0 Exit Contr olling a VCR Contr olling a LaserDisc Player or DVD Component The VCR2•DVD button on the VCRÔs remote will also control the primary functions [...]

23 Using the Remote Contr ol Contr olling a TV The VCRÔs remote is preprogrammed to control the basic functions of a compatible RCA, ProScan, or GE TV. The remote can also be setup to control other manufacturerÔs brands. To program the remote, use the remote buttons that correspond to your brand. Program the Remote for a TV Operate the TV After y[...]

24 Using the Remote Contr ol Contr olling a Cable Box or Satellite Receiver The SAT•CABLE button on the VCRÕs remote is preprogrammed to control either a compatible RCA cable box or satellite receiver. If your cable box or receiver is another manufacturerÕs brand and has its own remote, you will probably be able to program the VCRÕs remote to [...]

25 Using the Remote Contr ol Contr olling an Auxiliar y RCA Component The remote that came packed with your VCR is also capable of controlling one compatible RCA component, such as an AM/FM radio, CD player, tape players, phonograph, RCA digital satellite receiver, or RCA DVD component. The remote must be programmed for the specific component it is[...]

26 Playing a T ape Operating Instructions To Play a Tape 1 . Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3, 4, or TVÕs video input to see the picture from the VCR. 2 . Insert a tape in the VCR. VCR automatically turns on. The cassette-in ( ) indicator lights, and the VCR indicator lights if the Auto TV/VCR feature is set to ON . The tape automatically b[...]

27 Playing a T ape Using the Playback Featur es T ape Playback : HI-FI/LINEAR/MIX Feature The VCR records the same audio on both the hi-fi and linear tracks on the tape. The Hi-Fi stereo sound is recorded on separate left and right stereo channels. Monaural sound is recorded on the linear track. To enjoy hi-fi sound, connect your VCR to a stereo te[...]

28 Playing a T ape Using the Playback Featur es SEARCH MUTE PREV CH DISPLAY INPUT TV•VCR CLEAR SPEED REW PLAY FF STOP PAUSE REC MENU PROG • SLOW TRACKING V C R S A T • C A B L E VCR•DVD A U X C H A N C H A N 6 1 4 7 3 9 2 5 8 0 PWR TV VOL VOL C M EDIT + _ 1 2 F.ADV e MOVE VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Setu[...]

29 Using the Playback Featur es SEARCH MUTE PREV CH DISPLAY INPUT TV•VCR CLEAR SPEED REW PLAY FF STOP PAUSE REC MENU PROG • SLOW TRACKING V C R S A T • C A B L E VCR•DVD A U X C H A N C H A N 6 1 4 7 3 9 2 5 8 0 PWR TV VOL VOL C M EDIT + _ 1 2 F.ADV e MOVE Playing a T ape Pause for Stop Action This feature stops the tape in action and allow[...]

30 SEARCH MUTE PREV CH DISPLAY INPUT TV•VCR CLEAR SPEED REW PLAY FF STOP PAUSE REC MENU PROG • SLOW TRACKING V C R S A T • C A B L E VCR•DVD A U X C H A N C H A N 6 1 4 7 3 9 2 5 8 0 PWR TV VOL VOL C M EDIT + _ 1 2 F.ADV e MOVE Frame Advance Frame advance lets you view one stop-action frame after another. Frame advance works best for tapes [...]

31 SEARCH MUTE PREV CH DISPLAY INPUT TV•VCR CLEAR SPEED REW PLAY FF STOP PAUSE REC MENU PROG • SLOW TRACKING V C R S A T • C A B L E VCR•DVD A U X C H A N C H A N 6 1 4 7 3 9 2 5 8 0 PWR TV VOL VOL C M EDIT + _ 1 2 F.ADV e MOVE Using the Playback Featur es Playing a T ape Automatic T racking The VCR has automatic tracking which adjusts the [...]

32 Using the Playback Featur es Playing a T ape SEARCH MUTE PREV CH DISPLAY INPUT TV•VCR CLEAR SPEED REW PLAY FF STOP PAUSE REC MENU PROG • SLOW TRACKING V C R S A T • C A B L E VCR•DVD A U X C H A N C H A N 6 1 4 7 3 9 2 5 8 0 PWR TV VOL VOL C M EDIT + _ 1 2 F.ADV e MOVE Index Search The VCR has a ÒVHS Index Search SystemÓ that automatic[...]

33 Using the Playback Featur es Go-T o Search The go-to search feature allows you to locate a counter reading on the tape. 1. Insert the prerecorded tape and press STOP . 2. Press SEARCH on the remote twice to display the GO-TO SEARCH menu on the TV screen. GO-TO SEARCH Current tape counter is 2:17:25 Press REW or FF to go to 0:00:00 Press SEARCH t[...]

34 Using the Playback Featur es Playing a T ape SEARCH MUTE PREV CH DISPLAY INPUT TV•VCR CLEAR SPEED REW PLAY FF STOP PAUSE REC MENU PROG • SLOW TRACKING V C R S A T • C A B L E VCR•DVD A U X C H A N C H A N 6 1 4 7 3 9 2 5 8 0 PWR TV VOL VOL C M EDIT + _ 1 2 F.ADV e MOVE 0:30:00 STOP CH 05 0:30:00 WABC Title: Joan’s Hour 11/18/96 Mon 01:[...]

35 Using the Playback Featur es Playing a T ape Time Counter The time counter shows the actual time it takes to record a program or play back a segment of a prerecorded tape. It helps locate the beginning or end of programs you taped. The time counter resets to 0:00:00 whenever the tape is ejected from the VCR. For example, if a 30-minute program w[...]

VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Setup 6 Preferences 36 COMMERCIAL ADV ANCE™ Marking 1. Press MENU•PROG to display the VCR MAIN MENU . 2. Press 6 to display the PREFERENCES menu. 3. Make sure CA Marking is set to ON. If not, press 5. The VCR will mark most commercials for the following types of recording: ¥ VCR [...]

VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Setup 6 Preferences 37 T o Select a Background for Playback 1. Press MENU•PROG to display the VCR MAIN MENU . 2. Press 6 to display the PREFERENCES menu. 3. Press 7 to select CA Display: BLUE or VIDEO. ¥ Select BLUE to have the VCR display a blue screen while it advances through th[...]

38 Your VCR provides different types of recording. These types are explained in the following sections: Basic Recording Ð Operating Instructions Recording While You're Away VCR Plus+ Recording Timer Recording Express (XPR) Recording Recording Broadcast Stereo TV or SAP (Second Audio Program) Recording Audio Only Using Two VCRs for Copying Tap[...]

39 Recording a Program T o Make a Recording Turn on the TV and tune it to the VCR viewing channel, either 3, 4, or TVÕs video input channel. Basic Recor ding – Operating Instructions 1. Insert a tape with safety tab in place. The cassette-in indicator ( ) lights in the VCRÕs display panel. 2. Press VCR1 ( VCR2•DVD) to set remote to control VC[...]

40 Recording a Program Recor ding While Y ou’re A way (VCR Plus+* Recor ding) *VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are trademarks of Gemstar Development Corporation. VCR Plus+ Setup for Antenna, Unscrambled Cable Systems (Not Requiring a Cable Box), or Cable Box VCR Can Control A VCR Plus+ channel number is assigned for each broadcast or cable channel. These [...]

41 VCR Plus+ TM Channel W orksheet Use this worksheet to create a list from which you can set up your VCR Plus+ channel list. Broadcast or Cable TV Station Name (Such as ABC, NBC, CBS, etc.) Channel Number You Receive This Station On** VCR Plus+ Channel Number* (See Standardized VCR Plus+ Channel Chart) Recording a Program *Check your local listing[...]

42 Recording a Program Recor ding While Y ou’re A way (VCR Plus+ Recor ding) The VCR Plus+ and timer program features let you program the VCR to record up to eight different programs within a one year period. Before using VCR Plus+ to record a program, make sure that: ¥ The clock is set correctly. ¥ A tape with safety tab has been inserted with[...]

VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings TIMER RECORDINGS 1 Create a New Program 43 Recording a Program Recor ding While Y ou’re A way (Timer Recor ding) The VCR Plus+ and timer program features let you program the VCR to record up to eight different programs within a one year period. Before setting the timer, make sure that: ¥ The clock is [...]

VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings TIMER RECORDINGS 1 Create a New Program 2 Review Existing Progs. 44 Recording a Program Timer Recording Fr om the VCR’ s Line Input The line input refers to the signal coming from the AUDIO and VIDEO IN jacks of the VCR. Recording from the line input is convenient if you have a satellite receiver or si[...]

45 Recording a Program Expr ess Recording (XPR) PLAY STOP PAUSE RECORD POWER EJECT SLP VCR H M R E W F W D RECORD Display showing 30 minutes remaining for express recording. SEARCH MUTE PREV CH DISPLAY INPUT TV•VCR CLEAR SPEED REW PLAY FF STOP PAUSE REC MENU PROG • SLOW TRACKING V C R S A T • C A B L E VCR•DVD A U X C H A N C H A N 6 1 4 7 [...]

VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Setup 6 Preferences 7 Language/Langue 8 Audio 46 T o Record Ster eo Broadcast TV or SAP Turn on the TV and tune it to the VCR viewing channel, either 3, 4, or TVÕs video input. 1 . Insert a tape with safety tab in place. 2 . If using one of the basic hookups, make sure the VCR indica[...]

VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Setup 6 Preferences 7 Language/Langue 8 Audio 47 Recor ding Audio Only You can record audio only from another audio source connected to the AUDIO IN ( L MONO and R ) jacks on the back or front of the VCR. Any video on the tape will be erased when you record audio only. T o Record Audi[...]

Caution: The unauthorized recording of television programs and other materials may infringe the rights of others. 48 Recording a Program Using T wo VCRs for Copying and Editing T apes Operating Instructions (Refer to hookup on page 8.) Use this VCR as the playback VCR and the other as the recording VCR. If you have two compatible VCRÕs, use the Au[...]

49 References Location of Contr ols PLAY STOP PAUSE RECORD POWER EJECT INPUT TV • VCR TRACKING CHANNEL VIDEO IN AUDIO IN R L M O N O R E W F W D AUDIO IN L•MONO and R Jacks Receives audio signals from another component, like a VCR or camcorder when it is connected to these jacks. Attach a component that is not stereo to the L•MONO jack to hea[...]

VCR MAIN MENU 1 VCR Plus+ 2 Timer Recordings 3 Time 4 Channels 5 Setup 6 Preferences 50 References Location of Contr ols Back Panel CH3 CH4 Switch Selects the channel to which you will tune the TV to see the VCR picture if you connect the VCR using one of the basic hookups. IN FROM ANTENNA Connector Receives the signal from an antenna, cable system[...]

51 References Location of Contr ols AM SLP VCR STEREO HIFI Cassette-in Indicator ( ) Lights when a tape is in the VCR. Channel Number or L1 or L2 The channel number or line input is displayed. Select L1 to record from the jacks on the back of the VCR or L2 to record from the jacks on the front of the VCR. HIFI Indicator Lights during hi-fi playback[...]

52 References Format: VHS Record/Playback Video: 4-Head System: Audio: 2 Hi-Fi record/playback system Video Signal System: EIA standard: NTSC color Antenna: 75-ohm external VHF/UHF combined antenna terminal Tuner: USA: 181 channels capability* (125 cable channels) Canada: 178 channels capability* (122 cable channels) Type: Autoprogramming frequency[...]

53 References Limited W arranty What your warranty covers: ¥ Any defect in material or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: ¥ Ninety days for labor charges. ¥ One year for parts. The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental or 45 days from the date of shipment to the rental firm, whichever comes first. What we will[...]

References 54 T r ouble Checks Sometimes problems can be easily solved by checking a few basic things. Check below before you call for help or take your VCR to an Authorized RCA VCR Servicenter. N o power Clock shows incorrect time or date VCR does not respond to remote Remote no longer controls an RCA TV Remote no longer controls a compatible TV, [...]

References 55 ¥ The time counter does not advance during unrecorded portions of tape. When an unrecorded segment of tape is encountered, the time counter will hold its count until recorded material is detected again. ¥ A minus (Ð) will appear in front of the time if you rewind the tape farther back than a counter reading of 0:00:00 . ¥ No casse[...]

References 56 T r ouble Here's what to tr y: T r ouble Checks No stereo sound during playback Stereo audio too noisy VCR forwards through commercials or momentarily displays a blue screen during playback VCR forwards through a rental or pre-recorded tape displaying a blue screen COMMERCIAL ADVANCEª feature does not mark commercials Commercial[...]

References 57 Questions & Answers About COMMERCIAL ADV ANCE™ Question Answer Will commercials be scanned through only on playback of recordings? How fast does the COMMERCIAL ADVANCE™ VCR scan through the commercial breaks? Are commercials still recorded if I want to watch them? What if the VCR scans forward through part of my program? Once [...]

58 Index Checks, Trouble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54-56 Choisissez une Langue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Choosing a Hookup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Cleaning the VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 CLEAR Button . . . .11,20-21,28,32,33,35,40,43,44 Clearing Timer and VCR Plus+ Progr[...]

59 Index Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Line Indicators ( L1 and L2 ) . . . . . . . .47,48,50,51 Line Input, Recording From . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Locking the VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 LP Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38,51 LP Speed . . . . . . . .[...]

60 References Index — P — PAUSE Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-21,29,38,48,49 Pause for Stop Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Pause, Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Picture Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Play a Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

61 References Index — V — VCR Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49-51 VCR Function Buttons on Remote . . . . . . .20-21 VCR Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18,19,26,39,51 VCR MAIN MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10,11,12,13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14,16,22,27,28,36-37,40,46 VCR Plus+ Recording Channel[...]

For your nearest Authorized Servicenter call toll-free in the U.S.A. 1-800-336-1900 Canadian Consumers Ð Your toll free numbers are: English: 1-800-522-0338 French: 1-800-522-0445 If your VCR needs service, please contact your dealer or the nearest Servicenter from the yellow pages. Please do not send any products to the Indianapolis address liste[...]