50 Helpful Hints
If you are having problems with your VCR, check the following list of problems and possible solutions before requesting service. You may be able to solve the problem yourself.
No power
•Make sure the power plug is completely connected to an AC (alternating current) outlet.
•Make sure the power is turned on.
Power Failure
•Timer recordings and the clock setting may be lost if the power fails for more than one minute. See pages
A TV program cannot be recorded.
•Check the connections between the VCR, TV, antenna/cable, and Cable Box/Digital Satellite System (if applicable) (pages
•Make sure the tape has a record tab (page five).
•Check the TV/VCR position (page 26).
•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
•The VCR may not perform or continue a timer recording if a power interruption of more than one minute occurs during the timer recording, even if the power comes back on afterward.
•If you have a Cable Box, timer recordings are programmed differently. (See page eight for details.)
•It is best to finish programming a timer recording at least five minutes before the recording is scheduled to begin.
•12 PM is noon; 12 AM is midnight.
There is no playback picture or the playback picture is noisy or contains streaks.
•Make sure the TV and the Cable Box, if applicable, are on the same channel as the VCR’s CH3/CH4 switch (pages
•Make sure the VCR is in VCR position (page 26). The VCR light will appear on the display panel of the VCR when the VCR is in VCR position.
•Make sure channel 3 or 4 is properly adjusted at the TV.
•Adjust the tracking (page 45).
The VCR cannot be controlled with the remote control.
•Make sure the VCR light appears on the VCR display panel. If it does not, press the VCR/TV button once.
•Aim the remote control directly at the VCR’s remote sensor (page 26).
•Remove all obstacles between the remote control and the VCR.
•Inspect and/or replace the batteries in the remote control (page five).
•Press the VCR button, then try the other VCR function buttons.
The Number buttons won’t work for channels above 69.
• Select CABLE TV at the TUNER SET UP menu (page 12), then let the VCR program the channels.
