VG4061 VCR User’s Guide We bring good things to life.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION WARNING RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. 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. Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
TABLE OF CONTENTS First Things First .................................................. 3 Setting up the VCR .............................................. 7 Using the Menu to Set Up Features ...................................... 8 Language ........................................................................... 8 VCR Channels List ............................................................. 8 To Auto Channel Search ............................................. 9 To Change the Signal Type .............
TABLE OF CONTENTS Other Features ................................................... 35 Picture Search Options ......................................................... 36 Forward and Rewind Search .......................................... 36 Slow Motion .................................................................... 36 Commercial Scan (SEARCH Button) .............................. 36 Frame Advance ................................................................ 37 Index Search .......................
FIRST THINGS FIRST Hi, my name is SUSAN... FIRST THINGS FIRST 2 SETTING UP THE VCR 3 VCR BASICS 4 RECORDING 55 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE 65 OTHER FEATURES 7 CONNECTIONS ➣ and I wrote this User’s Guide. It’s my job to see that you have a rewarding user manual experience. Also, I think you’ll be pleased with the features that can be accessed through the on-screen menus.
FIRST THINGS FIRST Step 1: Unpack What’s in the Box The following items come packed in the box: • VCR • Remote control • RF coaxial cable Step 2: Install Batteries in the Remote Control Follow these steps whenever you need to install or change the batteries in your VCR remote. 1. Remove the cover of the battery compartment. 2. Place batteries in remote, matching the + and – ends of each battery to the diagram inside the compartment. 3. Replace the cover.
FIRST THINGS FIRST Step 4: Plug in the VCR Match the wide blade of the plug with the wide slot in the outlet. Be sure to insert the plug completely. Step 5: Tune the TV Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel. The VCR viewing channel is channel 3 or 4 or the TV’s video input. • If you connect your VCR using the ANT.IN and RF OUT jacks with RF coaxial cable, set the 3 CH. 4 switch to channel 3 or channel 4--the channel you want to use on your TV.
FIRST THINGS FIRST 2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu. PREFERENCES 1 Remote Control: VCR1 2 Auto Play: ON 3 Auto TV/VCR: ON 0 Exit 3. Press 2 to switch Auto Play ON or OFF. PREFERENCES 1 Remote Control: VCR1 2 Auto Play: OFF 3 Auto TV/VCR: ON 0 Exit See Setting Up the VCR for detailed information about the Auto Play feature. Step 8: Set Up the VCR Once you understand how to move around and/or through the menus, go to the next section to set up your VCR.
SETTING UP THE VCR Set-Up Features Set up VCR Channel List (Auto Channel Search) • Set Automatic Daylight-Saving Time • Set the Time and Date • Set up VCR Plus+ Channels • Set the Remote VCR1/VCR2 feature • Set the Auto Play feature • Set the Auto TV/VCR feature SETTING UP THE VCR 3 VCR BASICS 4 RECORDING 55 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE 65 OTHER FEATURES 7 CONNECTIONS ➣ • 2 ➣ Select a Language ➣ • FIRST THINGS FIRST ➣ Below is a list of set-up features that you may want to set up
SETTING UP THE VCR Using the Menu to Set Up Features You can set up features by using the menu system. Each feature is explained in this section. Language Select your preferred language, and the on-screen displays will appear in that language. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 6 to display the LANGUAGE menu. LANGUAGE Select a language.
SETTING UP THE VCR To Auto Channel Search Auto channel search memorizes the channels available through your signal type--cable or antenna. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. CHANNELS 1 2 3 4 Auto Channel Search Add/Remove Channels Signal Type: CABLE VCR Plus+ Channel List 0 Exit 3. Press 1 to display the AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH menu.
SETTING UP THE VCR The VCR begins scanning for the available channels--this takes about one to two minutes. The lowest channel is tuned once the search is completed. Pressing CHANNEL up or down now selects the active channels. To Change the Signal Type 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu. 3. Press 3 to change the Signal Type between CABLE and ANTENNA.
SETTING UP THE VCR Set Daylight-Saving Time 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 3 to display the TIME menu. TIME 1 Set time and date 2 Auto DST: ON 0 EXIT 3. Press 2 to turn the Auto DST ON or OFF. • Select ON if you want the VCR’s clock to automatically adjust for daylight-saving time. • Select OFF if you do not want the VCR’s clock to adjust for daylight-saving time.
SETTING UP THE VCR 3. Press 1 to display the SET TIME AND DATE screen. SET TIME AND DATE Time --:-(hh:mm) Date --/--/-- Press MENU to cancel 4. Enter the data using the number buttons. Press 0 before single-digit numbers and follow the on-screen directions.
SETTING UP THE VCR VCR Plus+ Worksheet Broadcast or Cable-TV Station Name VCR Plus+ Channel Number** Hbo 33 ESPN 34 Channel Number You Receive the Station On* Two-Digit VCR Plus+ Channel Numbers for Cable TV (USA List) 35 39 57 54 42 45 98 37 53 63 34 47 33 95 96 51 46 58 48 49 38 64 99 41 97 59 52 44 62 93 94 55 43 60 American Movie Classics Arts &-Entertainment Black Entertainment Bravo Cable News Network Cinemax Cinemax 2 The Discovery Channel The Disney Channel Entertainment Television ESPN Spor
SETTING UP THE VCR 2. Press 4 to display the CHANNELS menu.
SETTING UP THE VCR 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 5 to display the PREFERENCES menu. PREFERENCES 1 Remote Control: VCR1 2 Auto Play: ON 3 Auto TV/VCR: ON 0 Exit Now you are ready to select an item from the menu to set up.
SETTING UP THE VCR Auto Play This feature allows the VCR to automatically start playing when you insert a tape with the safety tab removed. Press 2 to switch between ON or OFF. • Select ON if you want a tape with its safety tab removed to start playing automatically when the tape is inserted. • Select OFF if you do not want a tape with its safety tab removed to start playing automatically.
VCR BASICS Learn the Basics to Get You Started 2 SETTING UP THE VCR 3 VCR BASICS 4 RECORDING 55 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE ➣ However, there are other features that enhance the enjoyment of your VCR, but they aren’t necessary to get you started. If you want to learn more about your VCR, just keep reading. FIRST THINGS FIRST ➣ These VCR basics should be enough for you to begin enjoying your VCR.
VCR BASICS Remote Buttons The remote control is capable of controlling your VCR and many brands of televisions. If you have a GE, RCA, or ProScan TV, you may be able to control it without programming the remote. OFF Component Buttons REVERSE PLAY FORWARD OFF Turns off VCR when remote is set to control the VCR. Also turns some compatible TVs on and off. RECORD STOP PAUSE VCR CHAN SEARCH VOL INFO VOL TV Turns on a compatible GE, RCA, or ProScan TV and sets the remote to control the TV.
VCR BASICS Numbers (0 through 9) Select a channel up to 99 by pressing two numbers. Select a cable channel over 99 by pressing and holding 1 until 1 – – appears on the screen. Then press the other two numbers. OFF Turns off the VCR when the remote is set to control the VCR. Turns off other components if remote is programmed. PAUSE Pauses playback or recording. Press PAUSE again to return to playback or recording. PLAY Plays a tape. RECORD Starts VCR recording. Also used for express recording.
VCR BASICS Numbers (0 through 9) Select a channel up to 99 by pressing two numbers. Select a cable channel over 99 by pressing and holding 1 until 1 – – appears on the screen. Then press the other two numbers. OFF Turns the TV off. VOL Up and Down Raises and lowers sound of TV. Playing a Tape 1. Tune the TV to your VCR viewing channel (3, 4, or TV’s video input). 2. Insert a tape in the VCR.
VCR BASICS Recording If you want to record something that you’re watching, you can use basic recording. 1. Set the tape speed by pressing the SPEED button on the remote (see margin note for information about tape speed settings). 2. Press the RECORD button to begin recording. 3. Press STOP (STOP•EJECT on VCR) to stop recording. If you just want to pause the recording for a short time (like during a commercial), press PAUSE (PLAY•PAUSE on VCR) instead of STOP.
RECORDING Several Recording Options Recording features: • Express Recording • Timer Recording • Copying and Editing Tapes SETTING UP THE VCR 3 VCR BASICS 4 RECORDING ➣ Recording (explained in VCR Basics section) 2 ➣ • FIRST THINGS FIRST ➣ Now that you’ve gone through the necessary steps to operate your VCR, I’ll explain the different recording features that are available to suit your needs.
RECORDING Recording Features There are four ways to record programs: • Recording lets you press one button to start recording a program. (See VCR Basics section.) • Express Recording lets you start recording a program you are watching, and then set the VCR to automatically stop recording after a designated period of time. • Timer Recording lets you program the VCR to automatically start and stop recording at a predetermined time.
RECORDING Timer Recording You can set up as many as eight timer recording programs. 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VCR MAIN MENU VCR Plus+ Timer Recordings Time Channels Preferences Language 0 Exit 2. Press 2 to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu. TIMER RECORDINGS 1 Create a New Program 2 Review Existing Progs. 3 Use VCR Plus+ Code 0 Exit 3. Select 1 to Create a New Program.
RECORDING 6. Review the information to make sure it is correct, and then press MENU to save. Program 1 (One time) Program 1 has been saved Channel Start Time End Time Start Date Tape Speed Remember to insert a recordable tape and turn the VCR off before the program start time.
RECORDING 3. Enter the VCR PlusCode shown in your local television programming guide. VCR PLUS+ Enter pluscode number (from TV listing) 12876 Press CLEAR to correct Press MENU when done 4. Press MENU to enter the VCR PlusCode number. How often should this program record? 1 2 3 4 One time Daily (every day) Weekdays (M-F) Weekly (once per week) 0 Cancel 5. Indicate how often you want the program to be recorded.
RECORDING Stopping a Timer Recording To stop or cancel a timer recording in progress (even an express recording): • Press and hold the STOP button on the remote (STOP•EJECT on the VCR) for a few seconds. Reviewing and Clearing Programs To review programs that you have already set up: 1. Press MENU to display the VCR MAIN MENU. 2. Press 2 to display the TIMER RECORDINGS menu. TIMER RECORDINGS 1 Create a New Program 2 Review Existing Progs. 3 Use VCR Plus+ Code 0 Exit 3.
RECORDING Using Two VCRs for Copying and Editing Tapes Use one VCR as the playback VCR and the other as the recording VCR. 1. Turn on the TV and VCRs. 2. Tune the TV to the VCR viewing channel (either 3, 4, or TV’s video input). 3. If you connected your VCR using the ANT.IN and RF OUT jacks, tune recording VCR to channel 3 or 4—the one selected on the back of the playback VCR. If you connected your VCR using the AUDIO/VIDEO jacks, make sure you select the line input on the recording VCR. 4.
PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE Control Your Other Components... It is programmed to control a GE, RCA, or ProScan TV. Other manufacturer’s brands need to be programmed. FIRST THINGS FIRST 2 SETTING UP THE VCR 3 VCR BASICS 4 RECORDING ➣ The remote can be programmed to control a television.
PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE About Programming the Remote The remote can be programmed to control other brands of remote controllable TVs. It is already programmed to operate most GE, RCA, and ProScan TVs. Programming the Remote to Control a TV If the TV does not turn on when you press the TV button, the remote needs to be programmed. Follow these steps to program the remote to control your particular TV: 1. Turn on the TV. 2. Find your TV brand and code number(s) on the code list on the next page. 3.
PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE TV Codes Akai ............................................ 03 NAD ........................................... 07 AOC .................................... 06,12 NEC ............................................ 06 Candle ....................................... 06 Panasonic .................... 04,08,11 Citizen ....................................... 06 Philco ............................ 04,06,12 Colortyme ............................... 06 Philips .....................
OTHER FEATURES Features to Enhance VCR Operation • Time Counter • On-Screen Displays • Tracking 2 SETTING UP THE VCR 3 VCR BASICS 4 RECORDING 55 PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE 65 OTHER FEATURES 7 CONNECTIONS ➣ Picture Search Options FIRST THINGS FIRST ➣ • 1 ➣ ➣ ➣ ➣ 35
OTHER FEATURES Picture Search Options The most basic way to search during playback is using the forward and reverse functions. This section contains several other options available for searching a tape. Search features work well for tapes recorded at the SP or SLP speed. Forward and Reverse Search You can search a tape during play. Sound is turned off during picture search. Search works best for tapes recorded at the SP or SLP speed. 1.
OTHER FEATURES Frame Advance Frame advance lets you view one stop-action frame after another. 1. Press PAUSE (PLAY•PAUSE) to freeze the action. 2. Press F.ADV each time you want to view the next frame of the scene. 3. Press PAUSE or PLAY (PLAY•PAUSE) to return to normal playback. Index Search The VCR has a “VHS Index Search System” that automatically records an index mark on the tape every time you start recording.
OTHER FEATURES Zero Search The zero search feature enables the VCR to quickly return to a counter reading of 0:00:00 anywhere on the tape. This is especially convenient when you want to repeat a segment of the tape several times. ZERO SEARCH Current tape counter is 2:17:25 Press REV to go to 0:00:00 Press SEARCH to exit 1. Go to the beginning of the program you wish to return to. 2. Press INFO twice to display the time counter on the TV screen. 3. Press CLEAR to reset the counter to 0:00:00.
OTHER FEATURES On-Screen Displays 1 The INFO button shows the status of the VCR (STOP, PLAY, RECORD, etc.), channel number, time counter, date, time, and tape speed on the TV screen. The date and time must be set before they can be displayed. CH 05 0:30:00 11/17/97 Mon 01:30PM SLP 1. Press INFO to see the on-screen displays. 2. Press INFO again to have only the time counter remain on the screen. STOP On-screen display (times out) 2 0:30:00 3. Press INFO again to return to the normal display.
CONNECTIONS 1 FIRST THINGS FIRST Protect Your Components from Power Surges 2 SETTING UP THE VCR 3 VCR BASICS 4 RECORDING Connect all components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet. • Always turn off the TV and other components before you connect or disconnect any cables. Insert all cable plugs firmly into their jacks. • Place the audio/video cables to the sides of the TV’s back panel instead of straight down the middle after you connect your components.
CONNECTIONS Connecting Your VCR Refer to these pages to help you connect your VCR. Jacks and Cables RF Jacks and Coaxial Cables (F-type) The RF jacks provide good picture and mono sound, and must be used if audio/video connections are not available for your TV. RF Jack These jacks are required for antenna or cable-TV connections. The RF jacks on the VCR are labeled ANT.IN and RF OUT. The coaxial cable supplied with your VCR is used to connect the VCR’s RF OUT jack and your TV’s antenna input.
CONNECTIONS Choosing a VCR Connection There are several different ways to hook up your VCR, depending on whether or not you have cable, and if you have cable, whether you have a cable box, and if some of the channels are scrambled and...well, you get the picture. Three connections are described in this section and one of them should provide you with a VCR hookup that works.
CONNECTIONS TV With RF Jack Only This connection assumes: • You are connecting antenna, cable, or cable box system. • Your television has only an RF input jack. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Record one channel while watching another (except when using a cable box for all channels). To use this connection, you must have: • (1) coaxial cable for cable or antenna connection; (2) for cable box To connect: 1. Connect cables as shown. 2.
CONNECTIONS TV With Audio/Video Jacks This connection assumes: • You are connecting an antenna, cable, or cable box system. • Your television has audio/video jacks. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Record one channel while watching another (except when using a cable box for all channels). To use this connection, you must have: • (1) coaxial cable for cable/antenna connection; (2) for cable box • (2) audio/video cables To connect: 1. Connect cables as shown. 2.
CONNECTIONS TV With Audio/Video Jacks and Cable Box to Unscramble Pay Channels Only This connection assumes: • You are using a cable box only to unscramble pay channels. • Your TV has audio/video input jacks. This connection provides: • Mono sound playback from VCR. • Recording a scrambled or unscrambled channel through the cable box while watching an unscrambled channel.
APPENDIX A: REFERENCE This section gives you some additional information about the VCR, including a description of the unit’s controls and display. You also will find a Troubleshooting Tips section in this Appendix, which might help to resolve some of those simple problems. Finally, this section contains your warranty information.
APPENDIX A: REFERENCE Front Panel POWER STOP• EJECT RECORD CHANNEL TRACKING Remote Sensor CHANNEL•TRACKING Up or Down Selects next higher or lower channel in the VCR’s channel memory. Adjusts tracking when a tape is playing. FWD Forwards the tape when the VCR is stopped. Searches the picture forward during playback. Starts slow-motion playback during play-pause. PLAY•PAUSE Plays a tape. Pauses action for viewing during playback. Pauses recording to prevent recording of unwanted scenes.
APPENDIX A: REFERENCE Display Panel Cassette-In Indicator TIMER AM VCR SLP REC Tape Speed Indicator Cassette-In Indicator ( ) Lights when a tape is in the VCR. Flashes when VCR is ejecting tape. Channel Number, Line Indicator (VID1), Time, Time Counter, or Status Indicator The current time, time counter, channel number, or line input (VID1) is displayed. Press the INFO button to switch between the current time and elapsed-time counter. The status indicators show what the VCR is doing.
APPENDIX A: REFERENCE Back Panel ANT.IN VIDEO AUDIO IN RF OUT 3 CH. 4 OUT 3 CH. 4 Switch Selects the channel to which you will tune the TV to see the VCR picture if you connect the VCR using the ANT.IN and RF OUT jacks. AUDIO and VIDEO IN Jacks Receives signals from another component, like a VCR or camcorder, when it is connected to these jacks. Use INPUT on the remote to select. AUDIO and VIDEO OUT Jacks Sends signals from VCR to another component, like a TV or VCR, when it is connected to these jacks.
APPENDIX A: REFERENCE Troubleshooting Tips No power • Check to make sure it is plugged into an operating outlet. • Check to make sure your connections are correct. VCR does not respond to remote • Press VCR to set remote to control the VCR. • Check to make sure there are no objects between the VCR and remote. • The batteries may need changing. • Make sure the Remote VCR1/VCR2 setting is set to VCR1 so the remote that came packed with your VCR can operate it.
APPENDIX A: REFERENCE • Try another tape. • Some snow/streaks are normal during search, stop action, frame advance, and slow-motion playback. Streaks in picture during normal playback • Press one of the TRACKING buttons to move streaks up or down for the best picture. • Check to make sure the tape is of good quality and not worn out. Time counter not working or time counter not working in search modes • The time counter does not advance during unrecorded portions of tape.
APPENDIX A: REFERENCE Clock shows incorrect time or date • Power interruption. • Check to make sure the clock is set accurately (check AM/PM and date). • Check Auto DST setting. The clock may have adjusted for daylight-saving time. Time did not adjust for daylight-saving time • Check to make sure Auto DST feature is turned on. VCR makes noise when stopped • VCR is removing tape from heads. This is normal.
APPENDIX A: REFERENCE Specifications Format: VHS Record/Playback System: Video: 4-Head Audio: Mono record/playback 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 synthesis Power Requirement: 120V AC, 60 Hz Power Consumption: 17 watts Dimensions: 3.54 inches high (90 mm) 14.
APPENDIX A: REFERENCE Limited Warranty 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 date of shipment to the rental firm, whichever comes first. What we will do: • Pay any Authorized GE VCR Servicenter the labor charges to repair your VCR.
INDEX Index 3 CH. 4 switch 5, 50 Accessing menus 5 Accessories, included 4 Add or remove channels 10 ADD/REMOVE CHANNELS menu 10 ANT.
Index sensor 48 TV function buttons 19 VCR function buttons 18 Remote VCR1/VCR2 option 15 Remove or add channels 10 REV button 20, 36, 37, 38, 48 REVERSE button 19, 20 Review programs screen 28 Reviewing programs 28 Rewind, automatic 21 RF OUT jack 4, 5, 16, 29, 42, 43, 50 Safety tab 16, 21 SEARCH button 19, 36, 37, 38 Search features commercial scan 36 forward 36 frame advance 37 index 37 reverse 36 slow motion 36 time counter 38 zero search 38 Sensor, remote 48 SET TIME AND DATE screen 12 Set up first 3 l
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 listed in this manual or on the carton. This will only add delays in service for your product. 10330 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290 ©1997 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.
