56 Helpful Hints
If you are having problems with your product, check this list of problems and possible solutions before requesting service. You may be able to solve the problem yourself.
If you need to call a customer service representative, please know the model number and serial number of your product before you call. This information is displayed on the back of the product. Also, please take a moment to identify the problem you are having, and be prepared to explain this to the representative. If you believe the representative will need to help you with operations, please stay near the product. Our representatives will be happy to assist you.
No power
•Make sure the power plug is connected completely to an AC (alternating current) outlet.
•Make sure the power is turned on.
Power Failure
•If the power fails for more than one minute, programmed timer recordings will be restored when the clock is reset. (The clock will reset itself automatically if you are using the AUTO CLOCK feature. Details are on page 17. If you are not using the AUTO CLOCK feature, reset the clock manually. Details are on pages
A TV program cannot be recorded.
•Check the connections between the VCR, TV, antenna/cable, and Cable Box/Direct Broadcast System (if applicable) (pages
•Make sure the tape has a record tab (page five).
•Check the TV/VCR position (page 28).
•Check the CH3/CH4 switch (pages
The VCR will not perform a timer recording.
•Make sure the recording start and stop times are set correctly (pages
•Make sure a tape is in the VCR and the tape has a record tab (page five). If, after programming a timer recording, you turn off the VCR power without putting a tape in the VCR, the Timer light will blink.
•If the record tab on a tape is missing, the VCR will eject the tape. The Timer light will blink.
•Make sure the VCR power is off.
•Make sure the clock is set (pages
•If you have a Cable Box/Direct Broadcast System, timer recordings are programmed differently. Details are on page eight.
•Finish programming a timer recording at least five minutes before the recording is set to begin.
•Noon is 12 p.m.; midnight is 12 a.m.
There is no playback picture or the playback picture is noisy or contains streaks.
•Make sure the TV is on the same channel as the VCR’s CH3/CH4 switch.
•Make sure the VCR is in VCR position. (The VCR light will appear on the display panel.)
•Make sure channel 03 or 04 is adjusted properly at the TV.
•Adjust the tracking (page 45).
•TVs placed too close to the VCR can cause interference during tape playback. Move the VCR away from the TV.
The VCR cannot be controlled with the remote control.
•Press the VCR button, then try the other VCR feature buttons.
•Make sure the VCR light appears on the display panel. If it does not, press the VCR/TV button once.
•Aim the remote control directly at the VCR’s remote sensor (page 28).
•Remove all obstacles between the remote control and the VCR.
•Inspect and/or replace the batteries in the remote control (page five).
The VCR does not respond normally to the remote control. (For example, the VCR may change channels multiple times when you press the CH(annel) o button once.)
•Install new batteries (preferably alkaline) in the remote control.
