JVC Video Cassette Recorder

Safety First

Safety Precautions

WARNING: DANGEROUS VOLTAGE INSIDE

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

The rating plate and safety caution are on the rear of the unit.

CAUTION

When not using the recorder for a long period, disconnect the power cord from the mains outlet.

Refer internal servicing to qualified personnel. To prevent electric shock or fire hazard, remove the power cord from the mains outlet prior to connecting or disconnecting any signal lead or aerial.

The STANDBY/ON button switches operating current on and off. A 'standby' symbol ? indicates power standby, and a 'power' symbol | indicates ON.

Video tapes recorded in LP mode cannot be played back on a single-speed video recorder.

Cassettes marked "VHS" (or "S-VHS") can be used. S-VHS recording is not possible. SQPB (S-VHS QUASI PLAYBACK) allows S-VHS recordings to be played back in SP mode with regular VHS resolution. HQ VHS is compatible with existing VHS equipment. SHOWVIEW is a registered trademark of Gemstar Development Corporation.

Environmental Precautions:

• Ensure sufficient ventilation (10 cm or more on all sides) when installing in a cabinet.
• Dispose of batteries according to local environmental laws.
• Avoid environments prone to extreme temperatures, humidity, direct sunlight, dust, or strong magnetic fields.
• Do not place on unstable or vibrating surfaces.
• Do not block ventilation openings.
• Do not place heavy objects on the recorder or remote.
• Do not place anything that might spill on the recorder.
• Do not expose to dripping or splashing.
• Do not use in bathrooms or near water. Avoid placing containers with liquids on the unit.
• Do not place naked flame sources (e.g., lighted candles) on the apparatus.
• Avoid violent shocks during transport.

Moisture Condensation

Moisture can condense on the recorder when moved between different temperatures or humidity levels. This can damage the head drum. To dry, keep the recorder's power on for a few hours.

Remote Control Usage

Insert batteries correctly. Point the remote towards the recorder's receiving window. Maximum operating distance is about 8 meters. For JVC TV operation, hold down TV and press the corresponding button.

Note: If the remote control malfunctions, remove and reinsert batteries.

Video Heads Cleaning

Clean heads when experiencing rough picture, unclear picture, or when "USE CLEANING CASSETTE" appears on screen. Use a dry cleaning cassette (e.g., TCL-2).

Usable Cassettes

Compact VHS camcorder recordings can be played using a VHS Cassette Adapter. The recorder supports regular VHS and Super VHS cassettes for playback, but only records regular VHS signals.

Interference

Mobile phones near the recorder may cause picture vibration or a blue screen. TVs or appliances generating strong magnetic fields placed on top of the recorder may cause picture disturbance.

Buttons, Connectors and Indicators

Front Panel

• Cassette loading slot
• Buttons: Play, Pause, Fast Forward, Rewind, Stop/Eject, Record
• Infrared beam receiving window

Display Panel

• Shows time, channel, and status indicators (Timer mode, Play, Record, VCR, SAT, REVIEW).

Rear Panel

• Mains power cord
• Connectors: L-1 IN/OUT, L-2 IN/DECODER, ANT. IN, RF OUT

Basic Connections

1. Check Contents: Ensure all accessories are present.

2. Situate Recorder: Place on a stable, horizontal surface.

3. Connect Recorder to TV:

• RF Connection: Disconnect TV aerial cable from TV. Connect TV aerial cable to recorder's ANT. IN. Connect recorder's RF OUT to TV's aerial connector using the provided RF cable.
• AV Connection: For better picture quality, connect recorder's L-1 IN/OUT connector to TV's SCART connector using a 21-pin SCART cable (optional).

4. Connect to Mains: Plug the mains power cord into a mains outlet.

Initial Settings

Upon first power-on, the recorder initiates Auto Set Up or Preset Download.

Note: If connected via SCART to a T-V Link compatible TV that is on, Preset Download may occur automatically.

Before Starting: Perform Basic Connections. Set TV to AV mode or UHF channel 36 (RF connection).

Auto Set Up

This process includes Auto Channel Set, Auto Clock Set, and Auto Guide Program Number Set (manual setting required for Central/Eastern Europe).

1. Turn on the recorder. Select country. Language is set automatically.
2. If using RF and channel 36 display is distorted, perform "Video Channel Set".
3. If certain countries are selected, a Language Set screen appears. Select desired language.
4. For specific Eastern European countries, set Clock and Date manually.
5. Perform Auto Set Up by selecting "AUTO SET".
6. Confirm/Set video channel: For RF, set to your video channel. For AV, set to off (display shows "1 --" or "2 --").
7. Check results: Verify current time and station memory. If Auto Channel Set succeeded but Clock Set failed, perform "Clock Set". If both failed, check connections and repeat Auto Set Up or Preset Download.

Preset Download

Downloads preset data from TV for Auto Channel Set, Auto Clock Set, and Auto Guide Program Number Set. Requires T-V Link and a fully-wired 21-pin SCART cable.

1. Perform steps 1-2 of "Auto Set Up".
2. Select "T-V LINK" or "CH --" and initiate Preset Download.
3. Do not press any button during download. "COMPLETED" will appear upon completion.
4. Check results as per "Auto Set Up" step 5.
5. Set video channel to off via "Video Channel Set".

Notes: Auto Set Up/Preset Download may not work properly in all areas. PDC signal is required for Auto Clock Set/Auto Guide Program Number Set.

Language Set

Access Main Menu, navigate to "AUTO CH SET", select country, then desired language.

T-V Link Functions

When connected via a fully-wired 21-pin SCART cable to a T-V Link compatible TV, the following functions are available:

• NexTView Link: Download EPG information for timer programming.
• TV Auto Power On: TV turns on and switches to AV mode when a tape is played.
• VCR Auto Standby: Use TV remote to turn off the recorder.
• Direct Rec: Start recording the current TV program by pressing and holding the Record button.

Satellite Receiver Control Set

Allows control of satellite receiver channels for timer recording.

1. Situate and attach the Satellite Controller so its transmitter is unobstructed.
2. Connect recorder's L-2 IN/DECODER to satellite receiver's 21-pin SCART connector.
3. Turn on the satellite receiver.
4. Access Main Menu, then Initial Set, then Sat Control Set.
5. Enter the satellite receiver's brand code.
6. Enter the channel position for testing and press OK.
7. Check if the channel number changed correctly. If not, repeat from step 8.

Note: Satellite Controller compatibility may vary.

Playback

Basic Playback

1. Turn on TV and select video channel or AV mode.
2. Load cassette. Ensure window side is up, label side facing you, and arrow points towards recorder. Do not force insertion.
3. Start playback by pressing the Play button (▶).

During Playback

• Stop: Press Stop (■) on remote or recorder.
• Pause/Still Picture: Press Pause (||). Press Play (▶) to resume.
• Frame-by-Frame: Press Pause (||), then press Scan Left (◄) or Scan Right (►) repeatedly. Press Play (▶) to resume.
• High-Speed Search: Press Scan Left (◄◄) or Scan Right (►►). Press Play (▶) to resume normal playback. Releasing the button after holding for 2 seconds cancels search.
• Variable Speed Search (Slow-Motion): Press Scan Left (◄) or Scan Right (►) repeatedly. Press Play (▶) to resume. Holding Scan Right (►) during still picture starts forward slow-motion. Holding Pause (||) for over 2 seconds also starts forward slow-motion.

When Tape is Not Running

• Rewind/Fast-Forward: Press Rewind (3) or Fast Forward (5).
• Eject Cassette: Press Eject (0).
• Turn Off Recorder: Press Power (1).

Playback Features

• Adjusting Tracking: Automatic tracking is engaged by default. For manual adjustment, press the tracking button (p) and use PR+/- buttons to eliminate noise. Press p again to return to automatic tracking.
• Selecting Soundtrack: Press AUDIO to cycle through HIFI L/R, HIFI L, HIFI R, and NORM for stereo, bilingual, or mono audio.
• Next Function Memory: Sets the recorder's action after rewinding (e.g., Automatic Playback Start, Power Off, Timer Standby).

Recording

Accidental Erasure Prevention

Remove the record safety tab from a cassette to prevent accidental recording. Cover the hole with adhesive tape to record later.

Basic Recording

1. Turn on TV and select video channel or AV mode.
2. Load cassette with record safety tab intact.
3. Select recording channel using PR+/- or number keys.
4. Set tape speed (SP/LP) by pressing the SP/LP button (p).
5. Start recording by pressing Record (7) on the recorder or remote.

During Recording:

• Pause: Press Pause (||). Press Play (▶) to resume.
• Stop: Press Stop (8) on remote or Eject (0) on recorder.

Recording Features

• Recording Resume Function: Automatically resumes recording after a power outage.
• Tape Remaining Time/Time Counter: Press the time display button ( : ) to view. Reset counter with 0000.

Watching One Programme While Recording Another

If connected via AV, press TV/VCR. The VCR indicator disappears. You can then change TV channels to view a different program while recording another.

Instant Timer Recording (ITR)

During recording, press Record (7) repeatedly to set recording length (30-minute intervals up to 6 hours). Recorder turns off automatically after recording. Cancel with Stop (8) or Eject (0).

Receiving Stereo and Bilingual Programmes

The recorder supports Sound-Multiplex (A2) and NICAM. On-screen display shows broadcast type (ST, BIL., NICAM). Use AUDIO button to select soundtrack (HIFI L/R, HIFI L, HIFI R, NORM).

SHOWVIEW® System Setup

Used for timer programming with SHOWVIEW numbers found in TV listings. Set Guide Program numbers manually if needed, especially for countries in Central/Eastern Europe or when adding channels.

1. Access Main Menu, then Initial Set, then Guide Program Set.
2. Input SHOWVIEW number and receiving channel number.
3. For satellite programming, Satellite Controller setup is required.

Timer Recording

Up to 8 timer programs can be set. Ensure clock is set and cassette has safety tab. PDC recording is not available in Central/Eastern Europe. If programs overlap, the earlier one is recorded.

SHOWVIEW® Timer Programming

1. Press PROG to access SHOWVIEW screen.
2. Input SHOWVIEW number. Ensure correct channel position is set.
3. Set tape speed, VPS/PDC mode, and daily/weekly options.
4. Press OK or PROG, then Eject (0) to finish.

Express Timer Programming

1. Press PROG, then START+/-.
2. Enter start time, stop time, date, channel, tape speed, and daily/weekly options.
3. Press OK or PROG, then Eject (0) to finish.

VPS/PDC Recording

Allows accurate timer recording based on broadcast start/end times, even if schedules change. Check for VPS/PDC signal by holding START+ for 5 seconds.

Checking, Canceling or Changing Programme Settings

1. Disengage timer standby mode.
2. Access Program Check screen (press ?).
3. Access Program screen (press ? again).
4. Cancel with & or change settings using appropriate buttons (START, STOP, DATE, PR, SP/LP, etc.). Change TV PROG to SAT using the '0' key.
5. Return to normal screen.
6. Re-engage timer standby mode.

Automatic Satellite Programme Recording

Automatically records satellite programs programmed on the satellite receiver.

1. Connect satellite receiver to L-2 IN/DECODER.
2. Set timer program on satellite receiver.
3. Load cassette.
4. Set "L-2 SELECT" to "A/V" or "SAT".
5. Set tape speed.
6. Press and hold SAT for over 2 seconds to enter recording mode (SAT indicator lights up). Recording starts when signals are received and stops when they cease.

Notes: Do not turn on satellite receiver before program start. Disengage by pressing SAT. B.E.S.T., Power Save, and Just Clock do not work in this mode.

Editing

Editing with Another Video Recorder or a Camcorder

Use your recorder as a source player or recording deck.

1. Make connections: Connect L-1 IN/OUT or L-2 IN/DECODER as appropriate for source/deck.
2. Load cassettes into both players.
3. Select input mode on recording deck (L-1 or L-2).
4. Select edit mode (e.g., "PICTURE CONTROL" to "EDIT").
5. Start playback on source player.
6. Start recording on the recording deck.

System Connections

• Connecting to a Satellite Receiver: Connect decoder, recorder, and TV. Set "L-2 SELECT" to "A/V". Set input mode to "L-2" for recording satellite programs. Descramble signals with the satellite receiver.
• Connecting/Using a Decoder: Set "L-2 SELECT" to "DECODER". Connect recorder's L-2 IN/DECODER to decoder's SCART connector. Follow procedure for receiving scrambled broadcasts.
• Connecting/Using a Stereo System: Connect recorder's AUDIO OUT (L/R) to stereo system's AUX IN or TAPE MONITOR. Turn TV volume down.

Subsidiary Settings

Mode Set

Access Main Menu, then Mode Set to change various settings:

• B.E.S.T. (ON/OFF): Compensates for tape condition during playback/recording for optimal picture quality.
• PICTURE CONTROL (AUTO/EDIT/SOFT/SHARP): Adjusts picture quality. Use "EDIT" for editing tapes.
• AUTO TIMER (ON/OFF): Automatically engages timer recording standby when the recorder is turned off.
• O.S.D. (ON/OFF): Displays recorder status information on screen. Set to "OFF" when editing to prevent recording status info.
• DIRECT REC (ON/OFF): Allows easy recording of current TV program. Requires T-V Link and SCART connection.
• AUTO SP-LP TIMER (ON/OFF): Automatically switches to LP mode if tape runs short during timer recording in SP mode. May cause slight noise at speed change.
• POWER SAVE (ON/OFF): Reduces power consumption when the recorder is off. Display panel turns off, Just Clock may not work. Does not work in certain modes (e.g., timer standby, satellite recording).

L-2 SELECT (A/V / DECODER / SAT)

Select mode based on connected device (player, decoder, satellite receiver).

COLOUR SYSTEM (PAL/NTSC / MESECAM)

Select for playback or recording of different color systems. MESECAM is used for SECAM signals recorded on MESECAM-compatible PAL VCRs. Notes on NTSC playback include potential picture shrinking or rolling.

AUTO POWER OFF (3H / OFF)

Turns off the recorder automatically after 3 hours of inactivity (with a 3-minute warning).

Clock Set

Access Main Menu, then Initial Set, then Clock Set. Set time, date, and year. "Just Clock" automatically adjusts time using PDC signals.

Tuner Set

Use if tuner settings are incorrect or after moving. Auto Channel Set automatically assigns receivable stations.

Auto Channel Set

1. Access Main Menu, then Auto CH SET.
2. Select country and language.
3. Perform Auto Channel Set. "SCAN COMPLETED" appears.
4. Return to normal screen.

Notes: Station names may not be stored automatically in Central/Eastern Europe. Adjust TV system if sound is unnatural.

Manual Channel Set

Store channels not found by Auto Set Up or Preset Download. Guide Program numbers are not set manually.

1. Access Main Menu, then Manual CH SET.
2. Select channel position.
3. Select band (CH or CC).
4. Input channel number. Input "0" before single digits. Enter station name (ID) if desired.
5. Store channel by pressing OK.
6. Return to normal screen.

Deleting a Channel

1. Access Confirmation screen.
2. Select channel to delete.
3. Press & to delete.
4. Return to normal screen.

Changing Station Channel Positions

1. Access Confirmation screen.
2. Select channel to move.
3. Select new position and press OK.
4. Return to normal screen.

When Receiving a Scrambled Broadcast

Set "L-2 SELECT" to "DECODER". Select channel, then change decoder setting to "ON".

Changing Station Name (A & B)

Allows renaming of channels for easier identification. Select channel position, then enter new name or characters.

Fine-tuning Channels

Access Confirmation screen, select channel, then press +/- buttons to adjust picture clarity.

TV Station and ID List

A comprehensive list of TV stations and their corresponding IDs for reference.

Video Channel Set

Sets the RF output channel for TV reception. Perform if Auto Set Up was incorrect, after moving, or changing connections.

1. Access Video Channel Set mode.
2. Set RF output system (B/G or D/K).
3. Set video channel: For AV connection, set to off. For RF, set to a vacant channel (22-69) and tune TV to that channel. Look for clear vertical white bars.
4. Exit Video Channel Set mode.

Specifications

General

• Power Requirement: AC 220-240V, 50/60Hz
• Power Consumption: 15W (On), 3.3W (Off)
• Temperature: Operating 5°C to 40°C, Storage -20°C to 60°C
• Dimensions: 400mm x 94mm x 270mm
• Weight: 3.1 kg
• Format: VHS PAL standard
• Max Recording Time: SP: 240 min, LP: 480 min (with E-240 cassette)

Video/Audio

• Signal System: PAL, CCIR monochrome
• Recording System: DA4 head helical scan
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 45 dB
• Horizontal Resolution: 250 lines
• Frequency Range: 70 Hz - 10,000 Hz (Normal Audio), 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz (Hi-Fi Audio)
• Input/Output: 21-pin SCART (IN/OUT x1, IN/DECODER x1), RCA (AUDIO OUT x1)

Tuner/Timer

• TV Channel Storage: 99 positions (+AUX)
• Tuning System: Frequency synthesized
• Channel Coverage: VHF, UHF
• Aerial Output: UHF channels 22-69 (Adjustable)
• Memory Backup Time: Approx. 10 min

Accessories

• Provided: RF cable, Remote control unit, 2x "R6" batteries
• Optional: Satellite Controller RM-SD1