RCA VR538 manual Trouble Checks, Trouble Heres what to try

References

Trouble 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.

Trouble	Here's what to try:
No power	• Plug VCR into an operating outlet.
	• Check connections.
VCR does not respond to remote	• Press VCR1 (VCR2•LD) to set remote to control the VCR. See page 14.
	• Aim remote at VCR with no objects between them.
	• Change batteries.
Remote no longer controls an RCA TV	• Press TV to set remote to control a compatible TV. See page 15.
	• Reprogram remote for RCA TV. See page 15.
Remote no longer controls a compatible TV, cable	• Press TV, AUX, or CABLE to set remote to control the corresponding
box, satellite receiver or auxiliary component	component. See pages 15-17.
	• Aim remote at component with no objects between them.
	• Reprogram remote after batteries have been changed. See pages 15-17.
	• Change batteries.
VCR only responds to VCR2•LD button on	• Check setting of Remote Control: VCR1/VCR2 feature. See page 14.
remote
Poor or no picture for normal TV viewing	• Press TV•VCR to turn VCR indicator off.
	• Switch TV to an active channel.
	• Check antenna connections.
Snowy or no picture during playback	• Press TV•VCR to turn VCR indicator on.
	• Check TV channel selected (3 or 4) to make sure it matches the channel
	selected with CH3 CH4 switch on back of VCR.
	• Check TV’s fine tuning.
	• Check video cable connections between VCR and TV monitor.
	• Set TV monitor to video input channel.
	• 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 on the remote or CHANNEL•TRACKING
	on the VCR to move streaks up or down for the best picture.
	• Check tape — it may be worn out or of poor quality.
Time counter not working or time counter not	• The time counter does not advance during unrecorded portions of tape.
working in search modes.	When an unrecorded segment of tape is encountered, the time counter will
	hold its count until recorded material is detected again.
	• A minus (–) will appear in front of the time if you rewind the tape farther
	back than a counter reading of 0:00:00.
Will not record or play	• No cassette in VCR.
	• Eject and reinsert cassette.
	• Broken tape — try another cassette.
	• VCR is in pause mode. Press PAUSE.
Will not record	• Safety tab removed from cassette.
	• Make sure the line indicator (L1 or L2) is turned off in VCR’s display panel
	for normal recording from the VCR’s tuner. Press INPUT to turn off the line
	indicators.

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