DVD Recorder User’s Guide DRC8040N Changing Entertainment. Again.
Important Information CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN This symbol indicates that this product incorporates double insulation between hazardous mains voltage and user accessible parts. 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.
Table of Contents Chapter 1: Connections and Setup Types of Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Things to consider before you connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Unpack the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Choose your connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup Types of Discs DVD+Rewritable DVD+R RECORDING: TYPES OF DISCS YOU CAN USE FOR RECORDING DVD+R 2.4x, 4x, or 8x ONLY; DVD+RW 2.4x and 4x ONLY. NOTES: It is NOT possible to record on CD-R or CD-RW discs. IMPORTANT: It is NOT possible to record content that is copy-protected. This is usually true for most pre-recorded DVD discs and most pre-recorded VHS tapes. PLAYBACK: TYPES OF DISCS YOU CAN PLAY Some discs may not be compatible due to laser pickup and disc design.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup Choose Your Connection There are several ways to connect your DVD recorder. Please use the following chart to determine which connection is best for you. Turn to the appropriate page for specific instructions.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup Explanation of Input Jacks and Cables This section describes the jacks and cables you can use to make connections (only a coaxial cable, an S-Video cable, and a set of audio/video cables are packed with your DVD recorder—you can purchase other cables by calling 1-800-338-0376, order online at www.rca.com, or go to your local electronics store).
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup COMPONENT VIDEO OUT INPUT VIDEO L AC IN OFF VIDEO IN Pb ON Pr DIGITAL AUDIO OUT INPUT CABLE/ANTENNA L AUDIO OUT R OUTPUT Y AUDIO PROG. SCAN S-VIDEO COAXIAL R OUTPUT OPTICAL CH3 CH4 Back of the DVD Recorder The back of your recorder might look a little overwhelming at first. This section explains what goes where and why. There are two sets of jacks on the back of your unit— INPUT jacks and OUTPUT jacks.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup COMPONENT VIDEO OUT INPUT VIDEO L AC IN OFF OUTPUT VIDEO Y IN Pb AUDIO PROG. SCAN S-VIDEO INPUT CABLE/ANTENNA L AUDIO OUT R DIGITAL AUDIO OUT Pr COAXIAL R ON OUTPUT OPTICAL CH3 CH4 OUTPUT: These jacks send the content (audio and video) from your DVD recorder OUT to the TV so you can see it on the TV screen and hear it through the TV’s speakers.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup Front of the DVD Recorder ON/STANDBY – Turns the DVD recorder on and off. STOP – Stops playback and/or recording. PLAY/PAUSE – Starts playback of a disc. Pauses recording or playback. REV (reverse) – Searches backwards through the disc. FWD (forward) – Searches forwards through a disc. REC (record) – Records content to a DVD disc (DVD+R or DVD+RW discs only). OPEN/CLOSE – Opens and closes the disc tray.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup COMPONENT VIDEO OUT INPUT VIDEO AC IN L 4 S-VIDEO VIDEO IN Pb Pr COAXIAL R OUTPUT OPTICAL ON OFF INPUT CABLE/ANTENNA L AUDIO OUT R DIGITAL AUDIO OUT Y AUDIO PROG. SCAN OUTPUT CH3 CH4 DVD Recorder 3c 3b 3a 3 VIDEO S-VIDEO INPUT1 L 2 R CABLE/ANTENNA S-VIDEO INPUT2 TV The back of your TV might look different than the one pictured here.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup Connection: DVD recorder + TV 1. Connect the signal (cable or antenna): Note: Depending upon how you currently have your TV connected, you’ll have to disconnect the cable from your TV’s Antenna Input jack (sometimes labeled CABLE/ANTENNA) or your VCR’s Input jack before you connect the cable as explained below. Cable service: If you have cable service via a cable that comes out of the wall, connect the end of that cable to the CABLE/ANTENNA INPUT jack on the DVD recorder.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup COMPONENT VIDEO OUT INPUT VIDEO AC IN L 4 VIDEO IN Pb Pr INPUT CABLE/ANTENNA COAXIAL R OUTPUT OPTICAL ON OFF DIGITAL AUDIO OUT L AUDIO OUT R OUTPUT Y AUDIO PROG. SCAN S-VIDEO The back of your TV and/or Cable Box might look different than the ones pictured here.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup Connection: DVD recorder + TV + Basic Cable Box 1. Connect the cable box signal. Note: Before you connect the DVD recorder, you’ll need to disconnect some of the cables first in order to reconnect them. 1b. Connect the RF Coaxial cable that is connected to the cable box’s Output jack (sometimes labeled CABLE OUT) to the CABLE/ANTENNA INPUT jack on the back of the DVD recorder. RF Coaxial cable 2.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup SATELLITE DISH ANTENNA AUDIO OUT R PHONE JACK VIDEO S-VIDEO IN FROM ANT LOW SPEED DATA OUT TO TV SATELLITE IN L Satellite Receiver 2c 2b VIDEO L 5 2a COMPONENT VIDEO OUT INPUT AC IN 1 VIDEO IN Pb DIGITAL AUDIO OUT Pr COAXIAL R OUTPUT OPTICAL ON OFF INPUT CABLE/ANTENNA L AUDIO OUT R OUTPUT Y AUDIO PROG. SCAN S-VIDEO The back of your satellite receiver might look different than the one pictured here.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup Connection: DVD recorder + TV + Satellite Receiver The following instructions enable you to record the programs from your satellite receiver. Because the jack configuration and labels vary on different satellite receivers and televisions, the steps provided are general guidelines. Consult your Satellite Receiver and/or Television User’s Guides for additional information.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup COMPONENT VIDEO OUT INPUT VIDEO L AC IN OFF DVD Recorder OUTPUT VIDEO Y IN Pb AUDIO PROG. SCAN S-VIDEO INPUT CABLE/ANTENNA L AUDIO OUT R DIGITAL AUDIO OUT Pr COAXIAL R OUTPUT OPTICAL ON CH3 OUTPUT AUDIO L (left) and R (right) DIGITAL AUDIO OUT CH4 Consult the manual that came with your receiver to connect it properly. Advanced Audio Connection Information Both Dolby Digital® and DTS® are audio formats used to record 5.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup Install Batteries in the Remote 1. Remove the battery compartment cover on the back of the remote. 2. Insert new batteries. Match the polarities (+ and –) on the batteries with the diagram on the remote. 3. Put the battery compartment cover back on the remote. Important Battery Information • If you’re not going to use the remote for a month or more, be sure to remove the batteries because they can leak and cause damage.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup Antenna-Cable Antenna-Cable 2) Select the Signal that’s connected to the CABLE/ANTENNA INPUT jack Completing this information lets the DVD recorder know what program signals are being sent to it. Choose the type of signal that is connected to the CABLE/ANTENNA INPUT jack.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup 7) Time and Date Year Date Time Your DVD recorder has an automatic clock, but it may take awhile for the DVD recorder to find the correct channel for the clock. Therefore, you might want to set up the clock manually here. 2004 04/29 Tue 29-April 01:47 PM Use the number buttons on the remote to enter Year, Date, and Time. To change the AM/PM setting when you’re entering the Time, press the right arrow button.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup How to find your TV’s Video Input Channel In order to see what’s playing on your DVD recorder, you need to tune the TV to the Video Input Channel that corresponds to the Input Jacks on your TV that you used to connect the DVD recorder to the TV. The Video Input Channel(s) varies for different brands and different models of TVs.
Chapter 2 The Remote Control • Explanation of the buttons • Find out if the remote can operate your TV • Programming the remote to operate your TV • Programming the remote to operate other components Graphics contained within this User’s Guide are for representation only. Some of the menu screens, buttons, and display messages might be different in your product than they appear in this book. The on-screen help text provides the most current operational information.
Chapter 2: The Remote Control Explanation of Buttons You can use this remote to operate the DVD recorder, and to access the features available. The remote is also designed to operate most RCA, GE, and Proscan components (TVs and satellite receivers). If you have another brand, you can program the remote control to operate those components (go to page 22 for instructions).
Chapter 2: The Remote Control Find out if the remote can operate your TV ON•OFF DVD SAT•CABLE ON•OFF button TV TV button RETURN 2. Press the ON•OFF button (if the TV turns on or off, this remote will operate the TV). CH VOL MUTE This remote control is designed to operate most RCA, GE, and Proscan TVs. 1. Press the TV button. GO•BACK 3. If that doesn’t work, you can try programming the remote by following the instructions below.
Chapter 2: The Remote Control Programming the remote to operate a satellite receiver or cable box This remote is already programmed to operate most RCA, GE, and Proscan satellite receivers — just press the SAT•CABLE button. If you have another brand or you need to program the SAT•CABLE button to operate a cable box, you need to program the remote.
Chapter 2: The Remote Control Code List:TVs for TV button Abex 1000 1004 1006 1015 1105 1162 1171 1212 1024 1025 1026 1027 1028 1029 1030 1031 1032 1033 1034 1035 1036 1037 1038 1039 1041 1042 1043 1044 1046 1047 1123 1124 1162 1171 1177 1179 1191 1208 CXC Envision 1038 1004 1006 1177 1172 Colortyme Admiral 1004 1006 1010 1001 1173 1211 Adventura Concerto 1174 1004 1006 Aiko Contec/Cony 1016 1012 1013 1014 1038 Akai 1002 Alleron 1046 Amtron 1038 Anam National 1003 1038 1192 1193 1194
Chapter 2: The Remote Control Code List TV (cont.
Chapter 3 Recording, Playback & Features • Watching TV • Recording (DVD+R and DVD + RW) • Disc Library • Playback Graphics contained within this User’s Guide are for representation only. Some of the menu screens, buttons, and display messages might be different in your product than they appear in this book. The on-screen help text provides the most current operational information.
Chapter 3: Recording, Playback & Features Watching TV Turn on the DVD Recorder to Watch TV 1. Turn on the TV, and tune the TV to the correct Video Input Channel (this channel corresponds to the input jacks on your TV that you used to connect the DVD recorder to the TV). 2. Turn on the DVD recorder (the DVD recorder’s main menu appears). 3.
Chapter 3: Recording, Playback & Features Timer Recordings Watch TV Disc Disc Library Timers Setup Setting up timer recordings to record programs automatically 1. From the DVD recorder’s main menu, use the remote’s arrow buttons to highlight Timers, and press the OK button. Tip: You can also access the Timers menu by pressing the TIMER•GUIDE button on the remote control. 2. Since Add Timer is highlighted, just press OK (the Timer Setup screen appears). 3.
Chapter 3: Recording, Playback & Features Watch TV Disc Disc Library Timers Setup Live - Ch 6 Disc Library None scheduled You can find a show you recorded to disc more quickly by using the DVD recorder’s Disc Library. Everytime you use your DVD recorder to record a program, the DVD recorder assigns the disc a number, and keeps track of what you’ve recorded and when you recorded it.
Chapter 3: Recording, Playback & Features Watch TV Disc Disc Library Timers Setup Playback Live - Ch 2 To play recordings, do the following: Maggie’s Disc 1. Turn on the TV and the DVD recorder. 1 Library Disc(s) 2. Make sure the TV is tuned to the correct Video Input Channel (for help, go to page 18). 10:49 am Thu 17-Mar 2003 3. Insert the DVD+R or DVD+RW disc you want to play. 4. Once the DVD recorder reads the disc’s contents, the main menu appears.
Chapter 3: Recording, Playback & Features 1- Disc name The top menu bar is the name of the disc. With the disc name highlighted, press OK and the options described below appear: Maggie’s Disc Note: You cannot select the disc name for a finalized DVD+R disc.
Chapter 3: Recording, Playback & Features Using the Split Title Feature to Copy Camcorder Videocassette Tapes to Disc Rename Title Play Title Play Full Title Delete Title Clear Chapters Simon’s 4th Birthday Fri, 6/20/2003 03:00 pm – 04:00 pm *1 Best The Split Title option lets you divide one recording into different titles.
Chapter 4 Playing Discs • Regional Coding • Types of Discs You Can Play • How to Load and Play Discs • Using the Different Menus • Search Options • Playback Options • Using the On-Screen Info Display Graphics contained within this User’s Guide are for representation only. Some of the menu screens, buttons, and display messages might be different in your product than they appear in this book. The on-screen help text provides the most current operational information.
Chapter 4: Playing Discs Regional Coding Both the DVD recorder and the discs are coded by region. These regional codes must match in order for a pre-recorded DVD to play. This player’s code is region 1. However, discs you use for recording (DVD+R and DVD+RW) aren’t assigned region numbers. Types of discs you can play DVD+Rewritable DVD+R C C Note: Some discs may not be compatible due to laser pickup and design. Caatt ''tt C cchh an • DVD+R and DVD+RW discs – used to record programming.
Chapter 4: Playing Discs Using Different Menus Each disc is programmed with different features. There are three separate types of menus that you can use to access features: • The Disc menu – The Disc menu is part of each disc and is separate from the DVD recorder’s menu. The contents of each Disc menu vary according to how the disc was authored and what features are included. To make the Disc menu appear, press the MENU button while the disc is playing.
Chapter 4: Playing Discs Using the On-Screen Info Display The on-screen Info Display contains many playback features. To see the Info Display, press the INFO button on the remote while a disc is playing (the Info Display appears across the top of the screen). Each feature is illustrated with an icon. Use the left and right arrow buttons to move through the different icons in the Info Display. When an icon is highlighted, use the up and down arrow buttons on the remote to scroll through the choices.
Chapter 4: Playing Discs Time Display (DVD, Video CD, and Audio CD) Hour Seconds Minutes This feature displays the time that has elapsed during playback. For DVD discs, the time displayed refers to the current title and acts as a Time Search feature. For example, if you like a particular scene in a movie, you can enter the elapsed time the scene plays and skip right to it. 1. Highlight the Time Display and use the number buttons on the remote to enter the elapsed time you want to go to in that title.
Chapter 4: Playing Discs Repeat Icon (DVD, Video CD, and Audio CD) By default, the Repeat feature is Off. There are three Repeat options: • Title – repeats the title that is playing • Disc – repeats the disc that is playing • A-B – repeats a segment of the disc that you select. For DVD discs and VCDs, play modes are also available from the Repeat Icon: DVD and VCDs: Play mode standard plays the discs chapters in the order they were placed on the disc.
Chapter 4: Playing Discs Camera Angle Icon (DVD) Some discs contain multiple angles of a particular scene or sequence. If the disc only has one angle, this feature won’t work. Currently, very few discs have this feature. 1. While a disc is playing, press ANGLE on the remote. If the disc wasn’t created with multiple angles, the invalid symbol appears. If the disc contains multiple angles, the Angle icon appears with the current angle number and the number of angles available.
Chapter 4: Playing Discs IntroScan Icon (Audio CD) Use the IntroScan feature to preview each track on the CD. 1. While the CD is playing, press INFO (the Info Display appears). 2. Use the arrow buttons to highlight the IntroScan icon. 3. Press OK (the first 20 seconds of each track starts playing). Playback Control (PBC) Icon (Video CD) Use the arrow buttons to highlight the Playback Control icon. Press the up or down arrow button to go back and forth between On and Off.
Chapter 4: Playing Discs .. PLAY 01.THE REASON -3.jA- - LET_S_ 02.IMMORTALIT 04. WHY ON WHY 4. Select a file using the and buttons, press OK (the playback options appear). Use the buttons to scroll through the options and press OK when desired option appears. • 03.TREAT HER 04.WHY ON WHY 05.
Chapter 5 Menu System • Overview of the Menu System • Watch TV Menu • Disc Menu • Disc Library Menu • Timer Menu • Setup Menu Graphics contained within this User’s Guide are for representation only. Some of the menu screens, buttons, and display messages might be different in your product than they appear in this book. The on-screen help text provides the most current operational information.
Chapter 5: Menu System Overview of the Menu System Since this product has many features, it has a wealth of menus and options. To access the main menu during playback, press the STOP button on the remote. To access the main menu when you’re not playing a disc, press the MENU button. How to navigate through on-screen menus Throughout the DVD recorder’s menu system, you’ll see arrows on the on-screen menu bars.
Chapter 5: Menu System Watch TV Disc Disc Library Timers Setup Live - Ch 2 No Disc 1 Library Disc(s) Watch TV The Watch TV menu shows the current channel or input. To watch TV, press OK when the Watch TV menu is highlighted (the channel banner appears to show you available program information, such as channel, name, and time). For more information, go to page 26. 10:49 am Thu 17-Mar 2003 To watch TV, press OK.
Chapter 5: Menu System Watch TV Disc Disc Library Timers Setup Play Disc Disc Title Menu Player Menu Playlist Disc Options To start playback from the beginning, press OK. Disc Options AutoPlay: When you select On, a pre-recorded DVD disc immediately starts playing after you insert it into the player (there’s no need to press the PLAY button). With AutoPlay On, recordable discs (DVD+R or DVD+RW) with content recorded on them will automatically display contents.
Chapter 5: Menu System Disc Library The disc library accesses information about what you’ve recorded onto discs. Details of this feature and the submenus are described on page 28. Timers Timer: You can add timers and view or edit existing timers from this menu for automatic recording. Timer recordings are especially useful when you have a favorite program that you want to record every week and/or every day.
Chapter 5: Menu System To set Ratings: Parental Control Lock System Options Rating Limits 2. Since Parental Control is already highlighted, just press OK (the Parental Control menu items appear). Unrated Titles 3. Highlight Rating Limits and press OK (the 8-level rating list appears). Recording Options 1. From the DVD recorder’s main menu, select Setup and press OK (the Setup menu items appear). Disc Options Languages Installation 4.
Chapter 5: Menu System Recording Options: Parental Control Recording Quality: The better the quality, the more memory (space) the recording will use on the DVD+R or DVD+RW disc. The choices for a disc are: System Options Recording Options Recording Quality Disc Options SmartRecord Languages Installation 1 Best 1 hour recording time on an empty 4.7 GB disc 2 High 2 hours recording time on an empty 4.7 GB disc 3 Good 3 hours recording time on an empty 4.
Chapter 5: Menu System Installation: Parental Control System Options Recording Options Disc Options Interactive Setup Languages Channel Search Installation Clock Setup Channel List The submenus contained in the Installation menu pertain to the type of signal that is connected to your DVD recorder (cable or off-air antenna). If you move, or change any of the information you entered when you first set up your DVD recorder, you need to change the information in the following menus.
Chapter 6 Additional Information • Troubleshooting • Handling Cautions • Maintenance of Cabinet • Limited Warranty • Accessory Information • Copying content from DVD+R or DVD+RW disc to VCR videocassette • Copying VCR videocassette to a DVD+R or DVD+RW disc Graphics contained within this User’s Guide are for representation only. Some of the menu screens, buttons, and display messages might be different in your product than they appear in this book.
Chapter 6: Additional Information Troubleshooting General Problems Player won’t work (locks up) • • Try unplugging the AC power cord and plugging it back in. Reset the DVD recorder: on the front of the unit, press and hold the STANDBY/ON button while you press and hold the STOP button—wait at least 3 seconds before you release both of the buttons.
Chapter 6: Additional Information Play starts, but then stops immediately • • The disc is dirty. Clean it. Condensation has formed in the DVD recorder. Allow it to dry out. The picture is distorted and/or fuzzy; or “jumps” during disc playback • • • • • • The disc might be damaged. Try another disc. It is normal for some distortion to appear during forward or reverse scan. The disc might be dirty. Clean it. Some discs have defects that cause them to jump from one scene to the next.
Chapter 6: Additional Information mp3 files The following recommendations can’t be taken as a guarantee that the DVD recorder will play mp3 recordings, or as an assurance of sound quality. Certain technologies and methods for mp3 file recording on CD-R discs prevent optimal playback of these files on your product. • Make sure the file is a true mp3 file. You can only play true MP3 files in the DVD recorder—some products use software to compress mp3 files and convert them to other formats such as MPX.
Chapter 6: Additional Information Remote Control Remote won’t work • • • • • You might be in the wrong mode. To operate your DVD recorder, press the DVD button on the remote before you press any other buttons. If you’re operating the TV, press the TV button first, etc. (this remote operates most RCA, GE, and Proscan TVs and satellite receivers, and you can program it to operate other brands of televisions). Insert new batteries in the remote.
Chapter 6: Additional Information Limited Warranty What your warranty covers: • Defects in materials or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: • One year from date of purchase for parts and labor. The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental or 45 days from date of shipment to the rental firm, whichever comes first. What we will do: • Pay any Authorized RCA Service Center the labor charges to repair your DVD recorder.
Chapter 6: Additional Information Accessory Information There are various accessories available to complement your product. Prices are subject to change without notice. All accessories are subject to availability. A shipping and handling fee will be charged upon ordering, and we are required by law to collect the appropriate sales tax for each individual state, country, and locality to which the merchandise is being sent. For more information about accessories, go on-line to www.rca.
Chapter 6: Additional Information COMPONENT VIDEO OUT INPUT IN L 3 OFF DIGITAL AUDIO OUT INPUT Y Pb OUT R CABLE/ANTENNA L AUDIO AUDIO PROG. SCAN OUTPUT VIDEO VIDEO AC IN S-VIDEO COAXIAL R Pr OUTPUT OPTICAL ON CH3 CH4 DVD Recorder 1 R L OUT TO TV VIDEO INPUT OUTPUT IN FROM ANTENNA 2 VCR VIDEO S-VIDEO INPUT1 L R CABLE/ANTENNA Note: Copy-protected content, such as pre-recorded DVD titles, cannot be recorded, copied, or duplicated.
Chapter 6: Additional Information L R OUT TO TV VIDEO INPUT OUTPUT IN FROM ANTENNA VCR 1 COMPONENT VIDEO OUT INPUT VIDEO AC IN L 4 VIDEO IN Pb Pr INPUT CABLE/ANTENNA COAXIAL R OUTPUT OPTICAL ON OFF DIGITAL AUDIO OUT L AUDIO OUT R OUTPUT Y AUDIO PROG. SCAN S-VIDEO CH3 CH4 DVD Recorder 3 2 VIDEO S-VIDEO L R INPUT1 CABLE/ANTENNA S-VIDEO Note: Copy-protected content, such as pre-recorded VHS movies, cannot be duplicated.
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Visit our website at www.rca.com Please do not send any products to the Indianapolis address listed in this manual or on the carton. This will only add delays in service for your product. Thomson Inc. 10330 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290 ©2004 Thomson Inc.
