Video Cassette Recorder

VR 888

Technical Specifications (VR 888/55) General
Format Video Heads Audio Heads Tape Speed Tape Mechanism Dimension (W X H X D) Weight Video Systems Modulator Channel Tuner Range Stereo Mains Voltage Mains Frequency : : : : : : : : : : : : : VHS SP / LP / (PAL) SP / SLP (NTSC) Full Loading 400 X 94 X 330 mm. Approx. 4 kg. PAL / MESECAM / NTSC 3.58 / NTSC 4.43 PAL 60 (NTSC Playback on PAL TV) G, I, K, CH 32-40 Preset at CH 36 BG / DK / I / K1 / M / Hyperband VHF Low 43-108 MHZ NICAM I / BG 2 CS BG (German Stereo) 110-240V 50 / 60 Hz
Feature Contents 6 Head - 4 Video & 2 Audio The DA 4 Head design ensures a perfect still, interference free slow motion & frame-by-frame advance picture while another 2 heads are added to provide high quality Stereo Hifi sound both in Playback & Recording. By connecting the audio output to a Hifi Audio System, you will be able to enjoy superb sound for the complete Home cinema experience. Plug & Play Set-up Easier and faster tuner setup of the VCR after connecting the set to the mains and via RF cable or AV cable to the television set. By switching on the set, automatically the installation menu will start and step-by-step, the user will be instructed to give input for the VCR installation. Multi Hyperband CATV Tuner The Tuner in the VCR allows reception of all Super band and Hyper band channels which includes most if not all Cable TV channels in use today. The reception frequency covers 42 Mhz up to 470 Mhz in the VHF band and from 470 Mhz up to 870 Mhz in the UHF band.
6 Head Video Cassette Recorder
Multi Hyperband CATV Tuner Plug & Play Set-up Super Multisystem with NTSC Record & Playback Lighted Multibrand TV Remote Control Quick Timer Programming Incredible Picture Chip - Best Performance & Reliability

STEREO

Audio in/out Signal-to noise Ratio Frequency Response : Cinch / Cinch (Stereo) : better than 43 dB. : 20Hz to 20kHz : : : : : : Frequency Synthesized Tuner Cinch / Cinch Coaxial 75 ohm better than 43 dB. English, Chinese & Russian Better than 240 lines
Super Multisystem with NTSC Record & Playback This Multisystem VCR will be able to record and playback PAL, MESECAM and NTSC signals. This enables playback of a huge selection of videos from around the world and record programmes in many countries.
Tuner Video in/out Antenna terminal in/out Signal-to-noise Ratio On Screen Display Resolution
Lighted Multibrand TV Remote Control This unique Remote Control will control most brands of colour television for the power On/Off, channel Up/Down as well as Volume Up/Down. By pushing a button, the main function on the remote control are illuminated by a red led. This is very convenient in a dark environment as the Remote Control functions are now clearly visible. Incredible Picture Chip Through advanced circuit design and the Audio / Video signal processing, the Picture Performance of this VCR is truly INCREDIBLE. By utilizing the Incredible Picture Chip, an all-in-one control system as well as an automatic adjustment process, the very Best Picture Performance has been guaranteed. Automatic adjustments are also made when worn or noisy Rental tapes are played back, ensuring the very Best Picture Performance for every occasion.

3.58 4.43 BG DK I K1 M

Accessories
RF Cable Remote Control : 1 pc. : 1 pc. (including batteries)

http: //www.philips.com

Show View / G-Code * This new feature provides a very easy means of performing your timer recording. Key in a code, which is available in most newspapers or magazines, via the remote control. The VCR is ready to perform any unattended recording. Each TV programme will have its unique set of code.
Nicam + German 2CS Now you can view your favourite TV programmes with digital-clear high quality stereo sound. This is made possible through the NICAM module in the VCR. If the TV programme is transmitted in dual language, you may also select the language you want. This gives you the possibility to enjoy your programme through a second language should you not understand the primary language. You will also attain high quality stereo sound should the programme be transmitted in German 2CS format. Quick Timer Programming By pressing buttons on Remote Control Unit, direct programming will be operated. It is so easy and quick. Video Index Search System (VISS) At the start of each recording, an index code is written automaticaly enabling the VCR to identify the start of the programmes. Easy scanning of the tape to the starting point of each programme. Full playback control and easy editing of own video tapes. A/V Front In Socket This feature provide a high quality and convenient connection from other VCR or camcorder to your VCR for the purpose of dubbing onto your VCR. Trilingual On Screen Display Operation is made even easier by this function, which clearly shows you the status and settings of the VCR on your TV screen. On Screen Display is also used for step-by-step programming recordings, so you can see what you're doing at every stage and confirm it error free. The choice of languages available are English, Chinese & Russian. Subject to modification without notice * Show View / G-Code is a trademark applied for by Gemstar Development Corporation.The Show View / G-Code system is manufactured under license from Gemstar Development Corporation.

Safety Precautions

CONTENTS

WARNING

Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment void the users authority to operate it.
WARNING: DANGEROUS VOLTAGE INSIDE WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
The POWER button does not completely shut off the mains power from the unit, but switches operating current on or off only. The rating plate is on the rear of the unit.

Introduction

Table of Contents
Description of Controls.... 3 Front Panel... 3 Remote Control (For VR888/55)... 4 Remote Control (For VR788/55)... 6 Rear Panel.... 8 Display Window... 9 On-Screen Display... 9 Getting Connected Up.... 10 VCR to TV Connection (For VR888/55).. 10 VCR to AV TV Connection (For VR888/55).. 10 VCR to TV Connection (For VR788/55)... 11 VCR to AV TV Connection USING SCART CABLE (For VR788/55). 11 Setting Up.... 12 Setting the Video Channel.. 12 Menu Operations.... 13 Initial Setup.... 13 Manual Channel Setting... 15 Selecting Colour Mode.... 15 Basic Operations... 16 Playback.... 16 Recording... 16 One Touch Recording (OTR)... 17 Index Search... 17 Automatic Operations... 17 Advanced Operations... 18 Selecting Monitor Sound... 18 Using On-Screen Display... 18 Picture Control... 18 Special Effect Playbacks... 18 Tracking Adjustments... 19 SHOWVIEW Set up (For VR888/55).. 19 Timer Recording Using SHOWVIEW (For VR888/55 Only). 20 Timer Recording.... 20 Tape Duplication (For VR888/55).. 22 Tape Duplication (For VR788/55).. 23 Operating Other Manufacturers TV (For VR888/55 Only).. 24 Before Requesting Service.... 25 Specifications.... 26
Congratulations on purchasing your new VCR. You cant wait to get it working, but before you do, spare a few moments to read this brief introduction to the world of video recording. It may repay you handsomely in terms of improved results, and avoiding of costly mistakes.

Positioning

Do not place the VCR directly on top of, or underneath, your TV set. Ensure that there is at least 20 cm between the VCR and the TV set, and that air can circulate freely through the ventilation openings of the VCR.

IMPORTANT

Audio-Visual material may consist of copyrighted works which must not be recorded without the authority of the owner of the copyright. Please refer to relevant laws in your country.

/ G-CODE

With this VCR, the G-Code system is identified as ShowView. ShowView is a registered trademark of Gemstar Development Corporation. The ShowView system is manufactured under license from Gemstar Development Corporation. G-Code is a registered trademark of Gemstar Development Corporation. The G-Code system is manufactured under license from Gemstar Development Corporation.
VR788/888-55 NEW 2 6/3/99, 11:49 PM

DESCRIPTION

Front Panel

CONTROLS

6 STOP/EJECT 7 / 0 button

VR888/55

Stops the tape when the tape is running. (vP.16) Press again to eject the cassette when the tape is not running. (vP.16)

7 PLAY 3 button

Starts normal playback. (vP.16)

REW FF

8 AUDIO/VIDEO input jacks
For connecting another VCR or a portable video camera. (vP.22, P.23)
PLAY POWER STILL/PAUSE STOP/EJECT

REC/OTR

9 COLOUR MODE button

PAL NTSC

COLOUR MODE

6 -15dB 1 NORM 2

SP SLP

MENU/EXIT

CHANNEL
Selects the colour mode both for playback and recording. (vP.15)

10 Display window 8

VR788/55

See page 9.

11 IR (infrared) remote sensor
Receives the signal from the (IR) remote control.

12 MENU/EXIT button

Display the main menu. Press again to exit from the menu operations. (vP.13)

13 CHANNEL /5 buttons

Changes the channels on the VCR. Release at a desired channel. Moves the cursor up and down when using the menus. (vP.13) Adjusts the tracking during playback, still picture, and slow motion picture. (vP.19)
14 REW (Rewind) 1 button 14 15
ONLY FOR VR788/55: Rewinds the tape when the tape is not running. (vP.16) Starts reverse rapid visual search during playback. (vP.16)

EXIT/STATUS

4 SPEED button
Selects the tape speed for recording SP, LP or SLP. During playback, the tape speed is automatically selected (SP, LP or SLP). (vP.16, P.20, P.21,P.22) SP, LP : For PAL signal SP, SLP : For NTSC signal

AUDIO/MUTE

SEARCH

JOG/SHTL

5 STILL/SLOW button
During a slow motion picture, adjust the playback speed in the reverse direction. (vP.19)

11 SKIP SEARCH button

Skips playback for 30 seconds by time counter reading. When pressed more than once up to 4 times, the search time increase in 30second intervals up to 2 minutes. (vP.18)

6 PLAY 3 / 5 button

Before using this button, press VCR or TV to select your target component. After pressing VCR: Starts normal playback. (vP.16) Moves up the cursor when using the menus. (vP.13) For some PHILIPS TVs: After pressing TV, operates the TVs menus.
Using this remote control to operate TV
You can use this remote control to operate PHILIPS TV and other manufacturers TV, see page 24.
12 JOG/SHTL (Shuttle) button and lamp
Activates the jog dial and shuttle ring on the remote control when the lamp (the button itself) is lit. (vP.19)

(Rewind) / 2 button

Before using this button, press VCR or TV to select your target component. After pressing VCR: Rewinds the tape. Also, during playback, starts rapid reverse visual search. (vP.16) Goes back to the previous menu screen when using the menus. (vP.13) For some PHILIPS TVs: After pressing TV, operates the TVs menus.

13 Shuttle ring

Starts reverse or forward rapid visual search during playback or still picture mode. (vP.16, P.19)

14 TV button

Makes the remote control ready for operating the TV.

15 VCR button

Makes the remote control ready for operating the VCR.
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16 EJECT 0 button

Ejects the cassette. (vP.16)
23 CH (channel) 5 / button
Before using this button, press VCR or TV. After pressing VCR, changes the channels on the VCR. Release at a desired channel. After pressing TV, changes the channels on the TV. Release at a desired channel.

28 Jog dial

Advances or reverses the picture frame by frame in the still picture mode. (vP.19)

Display Window Rear Panel

5 Audio mode indicator

+-15dB NORM
Indicates audio output mode currently selected. NORM (normal): Lights up when the monaural sound of the normal audio track is played back. (vP.18) : Lights up when a stereo programme is played back.

(Cassette-in) indicator

Lights up when there is a cassette in the VCR.
7 Digital clock/counter/ Channel indicator 1 Sound level indicator
Indicates the audio signal level.

(timer) indicator

Lights up when the VCR is set for an unattended recording (timer recording). (vP.20, P.21)
2 Operation mode indicators
: Lights up during recording. #: Lights up during playback. *: Lights up during a pause.

4 Speed indicator

Indicates the tape speed. SP Standard Play LP Long Play SLP Super Long Play. (For NTSC signal only)
Normally the present time appears. When a tape is inserted, the time counter appears (and is reset to 0:00:00). If you always rewind your tapes completely, you can use this counter reading as an index to find where a programme starts. A channel number selected with the TV tuner built-in the VCR appears. When the external line input is selected: L-F appears for the front panel connectors or L-1 appears for the rear panel connectors.

On-Screen Display

The following information (VCR operating status) appears on the TV screen. (vP.18)
Operation mode Receiving broadcast Sound output mode Time Counter Colour mode Remaining tape length Tape speed

STOP STEREO

15:00 CH 12

Current time Channel no.

HIFI INDEX -1

Index no.

REMAIN 10:59 SP 0:00:00
Note on the displayed information The time counter and remaining tape length will not be correct when playing back an NTSC tape. When you playback a thin tape like an E160 cassette tape or compact video cassette tape (VHS-C), the remaining tape length will flash. Even if ON SCREEN MODE is set to OFF Receiving broadcast and Index no. displays will still appear.
VR788/888-55 NEW 9 6/3/99, 11:49 PM

GETTING CONNECTED UP

VCR to TV Connection (For VR888/55 only) 1 Disconnect the antenna or Cable from the TV and the AC power cord of the TV from the AC outlet. 2 Connect the antenna or Cable to the VCR. 3 Connect the VCR to the TV using the RF coaxial cable. 4 Plug the AC power cords of the VCR and TV into the AC outlets.

1 Make sure the VCR is turned off and no cassette inserted. 2 Turn on the TV, and tune it to any channel (UHF E28 to E60) you want to use as the video channel on the TV.
Select a channel not used in your area.
3 Press STOP/EJECT 7 /0 on the front panel for more than 5 seconds.
The following indication appears on the display.
TV system number starts flashing.
4 Press CH 5 / to select an appropriate TV system number for your area.
1. For B/G. (For West Europe, ASEAN countries, New Zealand) 2. For D/K. (For China, Russia, East Europe) 3. For I. (For Hong Kong, South Africa, United Kingdom) FOR VR888/55 ONLY 4. For M (For USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Latin America countries, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines)

5 Press OK/3.

The channel number starts flashing on the display.
Channel number starts flashing.
6 Press CH 5 / to select the channel you have tuned on the TV as the video channel in step 2.
A test signal (two vertical white bars) appears on the TV.
Test signal (two vertical white bars)
7 Press OK/3 to finish the video channel setting.
Now you will enter the Initial Setup mode explained on page 13. To watch a picture from this VCR on the TV, select the same channel you have selected as the video channel (in step 2 above) on the TV.
VR788/888-55 NEW 12 6/3/99, 11:50 PM
Operations hereafter are described using the buttons on the remote control unless mentioned otherwise. The buttons on the front panel having the same (or nearly same) name or same (or nearly same) mark function exactly the same as those on the remote control.
The setup and adjustment procedures explained hereafter are written under the following conditions: You have turned on the TV and selected the video channel (or external video input). You have turned on the VCR.
4 Press 5 or to set the year, then press OK/3.
TIME 15 : 25 DATE 21/06/98
Each time you TO SET PUSH THEN /OK press 5 or , the TO END PUSH EXIT set year changes by 1-year intervals. If you hold the button, the set year changes rapidly.

Menu Operations

Before operating the VCR, be familiar with the menu operations first because most of the features built into the VCR can be available only on the menus. 1 Press VCR on the remote control.
When using the buttons on front panel, skip this step.

Initial Setup

For the first time you turn on the VCR or finish video channel setting, the VCR automatically enters the Initial Setup mode unless you have set it. This mode asks you to set the following items: Selecting the language. Setting the clock. Selecting the TV system. Setting the channels. Make sure. Your VCR, TV, and antenna are connected correctly. The remote control operation mode is set correctly for operating your target component. Press VCR to operate the VCR. Press TV to operate the TV.

5 Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from the menu operations. The following message appears on the TV screen.
CONNECT ANTENNA OR CABLE TO VCR

THEN PUSH

/OK KEY
OR. FOR PLAY ONLYPUSH STOP

3 Select TV System

SELECT CHOOSE /OK 1 Press OK/3. SYS COUNTRY B/G W.EUR. ASEAN AUST. The TV system NZ D/K CHINA RUS. E.EUR. I HK S.AF. UK selecting menu M USA CAN. MEX. JPN LATIN AM. KOR. TWN appears on the TV. PHIL. TO END PUSH EXIT 2 Press 5 or to select the appropriate TV system of your residential area.
2 Press MENU SELECT CHOOSE /OK (or MENU/ VCR SET UP TUNER SET UP INITIAL SET UP EXIT on the front panel) to TO END PUSH EXIT display the main menu screen. 3 Press 5 or (or CHANNEL 5/ on the front panel) to select a desired feature on the menu, then press OK/3. 4 When you select a feature, go to the section in this manual and follow the instructions described there. To go back to the previous menu screen, press 2. To exit from the menu operations, press EXIT/STATUS (or MENU/ EXIT on the front panel again).
Note: Menu operating buttons function only when a menu is on the TV screen. When no menus is on the TV screen, they function differently.

1 Select the Language

1 Press POWER SELECT if necessary. ENGLISH 2 Press 5 or to select either MAKE SELECTION OR ENGLISH, PUSH /OK TO CONTINUE (Chinese), (Russian) whichever or you want to use on the TV screen.
B/G: For West Europe, ASEAN countries, Australia, New Zealand. D/K:For China, Russia, East Europe. I: For Hong Kong, South Africa, United Kingdom. FOR VR888/55 ONLY: M: For USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Latin America countries, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines.

2 Set Clock

1 Press OK/3. The clock setting menu appears. 2 Press 5 or to set the time, then press OK/3.
TIME - - : - DATE 01/01/98 TO SET PUSH THEN TO END PUSH EXIT /OK

4 Start Auto Programming

Press OK/3. Auto programming starts, and the following message appears on the TV.
AUTO CH.SET PROCEEDING PLEASE WAIT
3 Press 5 or to set the month and day, then press OK/3.
Each time you press 5 or , the set time changes by 1-minute intervals. If you hold the button, the set time changes by 30-minute intervals.

FINISH

The local channels receivable in your area are automatically programmed in the VCR tuner.
If NO TV SIGNALS appears on the TV screen, the TV or an antenna is not connected correctly. Check the connection and press OK/3 again.

To reset the clock manually
You can also reset or correct the clock manually. 1 Press VCR. 2 Press MENU. 3 Press 5 or to select INITIAL SET UP then press 3. The Initial Set Up menu appears. 4 Press 5 or to select SET CLOCK then press OK/3. 5 Press 5 or to set the time, then press OK/3.

If no sound comes out

You need to change the TV system for this particular channel. EX. Change the TV system for channel Press VCR. 2 Press MENU. 3 Press 5 or to select TUNER SET UP then press OK/3. 4 Press 5 or to select CHANGING TUNER SET UP then press OK/3. 5 Press 5 or until information for channel 3 flashes. 6 Press OK/3 three times. Only TV system indication for channel 3 starts flashing. 7 Press 5 or to select the appropriate TV system [(BG, DK, I) for VR 788/55 and (BG, DK, I, M) for VR888/55] so that sound comes out. 8 Press OK/3 to store the setting.
6 Press 5 or to set the month and day, then press OK/3.
7 Press 5 or to set the year, then press OK/3.
Each time you press 5 or , the set year changes by 1-year intervals. If you hold the button, the set year changes rapidly.
7 Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you delete all unwanted channels. 8 Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from the menu operations.
8 Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from the menu operations.
Note: If a power failure occurs, clock will lose its setting.
If you want to exchange the channel positions
You can also replace the channel position numbers. EX. Replace channel 9 and channel Press VCR. 2 Press MENU.
VR788/888-55 NEW 14 6/3/99, 11:50 PM
9 Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from the menu operations.
If you need to do the auto programming again
If you move to another place, you may need to tune the VCR tuner again for your new residential area. 1 Press VCR. 2 Press MENU. 3 Press 5 or to select TUNER SET UP then press OK/3. 4 Press 5 or to select AUTO TUNER SET UP then OK/3. 5 Press 5 or to select the appropriate TV system [(BG, DK, I) for VR 788/55 and (BG, DK, I, M) for VR888/55] of your residential area. 6 Press OK/3. Auto programming starts. When it ends, programmed channels, frequencies, and TV systems are shown on the display. 7 Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from the menu operations.
CHOOSE 1 Press 5 or until SELECT VHF L an open channel in VHF H UHF which you want to store a new channel starts TO END PUSH EXIT flashing then press OK/3. 2 Press 5 or to select the search starting band.

Locate an index number by pressing the button repeatedly, indicating how many index marks ahead of or behind that recording you want is from the tapes current position. Up to 9th index mark from the current position on the tape can be located.
To check time remaining during an OTR
To change the recording length during an OTR
Press REC/OTR until the desired length appears.

To cancel an OTR

Press STOP 7 to stop recording before the preset recording length is reached. If you want to cancel the OTR mode but continue recording, press REC/ OTR several times until OTR changes to REC on the TV screen.
Notes on the indications on the display while an OTR operation During recording, the displayed time counts down. When 0:00 is reached, recording stops and the VCR turns off automatically. If an OTR is engaged during pause, the displayed time counts down normally, but recording does not begin until you cancel the pause.

Automatic Operations

Auto playback
When a tape is inserted, the VCR turns on. If the record tab is removed, playback begins.

Repeat playback

When you press and hold PLAY 3 for more than 5 seconds, you can play back the same tape repeatedly (50 times). When the tape runs to its end, the VCR automatically rewinds the tape, and starts playback.
3 Select Channel 4 Start OTR

Auto rewind

When a tape reaches its end during playback, fast forwarding, or manual recording, the VCR rewinds the tape and stops.
Press REC/OTR twice. Recording starts immediately, and the (Record) indicator lights up on the display.

OTR(0:30) CH12

Memory rewind power off
When you press POWER during rewinding, the VCR turns off after rewinding is completed.
This indicates that the VCR will automatically shut off after 30 minutes of recording.

Eject cassette

You can eject the tape simply by pressing EJECT 0 even while the VCR is turned off. When you press EJECT 0, the VCR automatically turns on, ejects the tape, then turns off.
VR788/888-55 NEW 17 6/3/99, 11:51 PM

ADVANCED OPERATIONS

Selecting Monitor Sound
This VCR can receive and record stereo and bilingual programmes. including the NICAM broadcasts (for VR888/55 ONLY). If you want to change the sound you listen to while playing back a HiFi stereo or bilingual tape, press VCR then press AUDIO/MUTE repeatedly. Each time you press the button, the sound changes as follows: HiFi stereo = HiFi left channel = HiFi right channel = Monaural sound on normal audio track = Mixed (HiFi stereo sound + normal audio) HIFI: Normally select this mode. You can play back a HiFi tape in HiFi stereo mode, and monaural tape in monaural mode. HIFI L: Select this mode when you want to play back the sound recorded on HiFi left channel (usually main language) of a bilingual programme. HIFI R: Select this mode when you want to play back the sound recorded on HiFi right channel (usually sub-language) of a bilingual programme. NORMAL MONO: Select this mode when you want to play back the sound recorded on the normal audio track of the tape. HIFI+NORMAL: Select this mode when you want to play back a mixed sound of the HiFi tracks and the normal audio track.

Notes: The connections described in VCR to AV TV Connection (vP.10, P.11) are required for HiFi stereo playback. Make sure that the correct playback colour system is selected. (vP.15)
1 Press VCR. SELECT CHOOSE /OK 2 Press MENU. ON SCREEN MODE ON 3 Press 5 or to TIMER REC SPEED MANUAL NORMAL select VCR SET PICTURE AUDIO OUT HIFI UP then press 3. TO END PUSH EXIT 4 Press 5 or to select AUDIO OUT. Press OK/3 to select the sound. 5 Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from the menu operations.

Picture Control

To get a better picture when viewing tapes with noise such as rental tapes.

1 Select VCR Set Up Mode

1 Press VCR. SELECT CHOOSE /OK ON SCREEN MODE ON 2 Press MENU. TIMER REC SPEED MANUAL PICTURE NORMAL 3 Press 5 or to AUDIO OUT HIFI select VCR SET UP then press TO END PUSH EXIT OK/3. The VCR Set Up menu appears.

Using On-Screen Display

You can display the VCR operating status on the TV screen. For the information about what you can see on the TV screen, see page 9.
SELECT CHOOSE /OK 1 Press VCR. ON SCREEN MODE ON 2 Press MENU. TIMER REC SPEED MANUAL PICTURE NORMAL 3 Press 5 or to AUDIO OUT HIFI select VCR SET UP then press TO END PUSH EXIT OK/3. The VCR Set Up menu appears.
1 Press 5 or to select PICTURE. 2 Press OK/3. Each time you press the button, the setting changes. NORMAL: Select this when you play back a tape with no picture adjustments. ENHANCER: Select this when you want to make a playback picture softer. INCREDIBLE: Select this when you want to make a playback picture sharper.
2 Select Picture Control Mode
1 Press 5 or to select ON SCREEN MODE. 2 Press OK/3. Each time you press the button, the setting changes. ON: When you press a tape running button (Stop, Play, etc.), the VCR status appears for 5 seconds. COUNTER: When you press a tape running button, the VCR operating status appears for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds, the VCR status disappears except the time counter. OFF: The VCR operating status does not appear even if you press a tape running button.

2 Select On-Screen Mode

3 Finish Setting

Special Effect Playbacks

Are you familiar with tape playback? If so, you are ready to enjoy the special effect playback features described below.

Manual tracking

During normal playback: If auto tracking cannot eliminate noises well during playback, press CHANNEL 5 or. During a slow motion picture: Press CHANNEL 5 or to minimize noises in the slow motion picture. During a still picture: Press CHANNEL 5 or to reduce jitter in the still picture.
To view a slow motion picture
Press STILL/SLOW (or STILL/ PAUSE 8 on the front panel) for more than 2 seconds during playback. To decrease the slow motion speed (and reverse the slow motion playback), press SLOW/BACK (For VR788/55) or press STILL/SLOW (For VR888/55). To increase the slow motion speed (and forward the slow motion playback), press SLOW/FORWARD+ (For VR788/55) or press STILL/ SLOW + (For VR888/55). To resume playback, press PLAY 3.
Notes: No sound comes out during special effect playbacks. If you keep viewing slow motion and still pictures for 5 minutes, the VCR automatically stops to protect the tape and video heads. During special effect playbacks, some noise bars will appear on the TV screen.
To cancel manual tracking, stop the tape, eject the tape, then re-insert it. 1 Press MENU. 2 Press 5 or to select INITIAL SET UP then press OK/3.
SELECT CHOOSE /OK SET CLOCK LANGUAGE ENGLISH GUIDE CHANNEL SET UP TO END PUSH EXIT
SHOWVIEW Set Up (FOR VR888/55 ONLY)
You can simplify the programming method of timer recording by using SHOWVIEW. Whenever you want to record a TV program, all you need to do is to find out the programmes SHOWVIEW number.
GUIDE CHANNEL SET UP 1 Press 5 or to GUIDE CH USER CH 254 -select GUIDE CHANNEL SET UP then press SELECT OR ENTER GUIDE CH. NO. THEN PUSH /OK. OK/3. TO END PUSH EXIT 2 Press CH 5/ or Number buttons to enter guide channel number (GUIDE CH) then press OK/3.

2 Set Guide Channels

For example, for guide channel number 9, press 0, 9. Local (USER) Channel No. SHOWVIEW Guide Channel No.
Local TV (or Cable) Stations

Local (USER) Channel No.

SHOWVIEW Guide Channel No.
VR788/888-55 NEW 19 6/3/99, 11:51 PM
Always enter 0 before any single number entries.
After a timer recording has taken place
Press POWER to turn on the VCR. You can operate your VCR normally.
3 Press CH 5/ or Number buttons to enter local channel number (USER CH), then press OK/3.
GUIDE CHANNEL SET UP GUIDE CH USER CH 254 -255 -SELECT OR ENTER USER CH. NO. THEN PUSH /OK. TO END PUSH EXIT

3 Select Recording Type

If you want to record the same programme daily, press DAILY (Number button 8). The VCR will record a TV programme every day (Monday through Friday) at the same time and length. (Daily Recording) If you want to record the same programme weekly, press WEEKLY (Number button 9). The VCR will record a TV programme once a week at the same day, time, and length. (Weekly Recording) If you want to cancel the currently set programme, press CLEAR.

To stop a started timer recording
Press POWER. Recording stops and the VCR turns off. If it is a Daily or Weekly Recording, future recordings will be carried out as programmed.
For example, for local channel number 9, press 0, 9. Always enter 0 for empty digits.
4 Repeat the above procedures until you set the guide channel for all the receivable local channels.
To check or erase the programmes

See page 21.

Press EXIT/STATUS. To correct a user channel number and/or a guide channel number, repeat the same procedures explained above. This time, enter the correct user channel number and/or the correct guide channel number.

Timer Recording

To record while youre away, follow step below. For each programme you set, the VCR will turn on, start recording, and turn off automatically. You can store up to 8 programmes. Make sure. The clock is set to the correct time before setting timer recording. A cassette is inserted in the VCR and the record tab of the cassette must not be removed. The remote control operation mode is set correctly for operating your target component. Press VCR to operate the VCR. Press TV to operate the TV. FOR EACH STEP BELOW, YOU NEED TO FINISH WITHIN 60 SECONDS; OTHERWISE, PROGRAMMING WILL HAVE TO BE RESTARTED FROM STEP 1.

4 Select Tape Speed

Press SPEED.
ONE TIME PROGRAM PROGRAM 1
Timer Recording Using SHOWVIEW FOR VR888/55 ONLY
By entering the SHOWVIEW number for a particular TV programme, you can easily programme a timer recording.
Each time you press CHANNEL+/ 12 : 30 START +/ 08 STOP +/ 09 : 30 the button, the tape REC SPEED LP DATE +/ 07/04/98 speed alternates FRIDAY DAILY=8 between SP, LP, SETEND PUSHOR WEEKLY=9 TO EXIT or SLP. SP, LP : For PAL signal SP, SLP : For NTSC signal To change the stop time, press STOP +/ (number 2 or 5 button).

5 Confirm Programme

Press EXIT/STATUS. PROGRAM WAS COMPLETED appears on the TV screen. After 5 seconds, the above message disappears, and the normal TV picture (timer) indicator resumes. The lights up on the display.
If PROGRAM NOT COMPLETED appears, try again from step 1. If PROGRAM NOT COMPLETED CLASH appears, the timer recording you just programmed overlaps another timer recording. The timer recording you just programmed will not take place. The timer recording menu will reappear.

1 Select SHOWVIEW Mode

G-CODE/SHOWVIEW PROG. 1 Press VCR. CODE 2 Press TIMER. 3 Press 5 or to select G-CODE/ SHOWVIEW TO END PUSH EXIT then press OK/3. The G-CODE/SHOWVIEW entry menu appears on the TV screen.

1 Select Timer Mode

Press TIMER. The Timer Recording menu appears.
ONE TIME PROGRAM 1 Press 5 or to PROGRAM 1 CHANNEL+/ select QUICK START +/ : +/ : PROGRAMMING STOPSPEED SP REC DATE +/ / / then press OK/3. SET DAILY=8 OR WEEKLY=9 The Quick TO END PUSH EXIT Programming menu appears.

2 Select Programme mode

2 Enter SHOWVIEW Code
1 Press Number buttons to enter the SHOWVIEW number assigned to the TV programme you want to record. 2 Press OK/3.
G-CODE/SHOWVIEW PROG. CODE 123 TO SET PUSH /OK TO CORRECT PUSH CLEAR TO END PUSH EXIT
If you want to store other programmes, repeat steps 1 to 5.

6 Finish the Settings

Press POWER to turn off the VCR. The VCR must be turned off for a timer recording to take place. If you forget to turn off the VCR, PLEASE TURN OFF VCR FOR TIMER RECORDING flashes on your TV screen two minutes before a timer recording starts. To remove the message, press the CLEAR button.
If ERROR-RE-ENTER CODE appears on the TV, you have entered an incorrect SHOWVIEW number. If this happens, press CLEAR to erase the number, then enter the correct number. If the guide channel has not yet been set, THE GUIDE CHANNEL SET UP menu will appear. Input the number of the channel on which the broadcast for the SHOWVIEW number is received on the VCR, then press OK/3 and programme screen appears.
If you have already made 8 programmes, ALL PROGRAMS IN USE appears and goes back to the Timer Recording menu. If this happens, delete unwanted programmes. (vP.21)
Press CH 5 or to enter the TV channel.

3 Select Channel

ONE TIME PROGRAM PROGRAM 1 CHANNEL+/ 12 START +/ : STOP +/ : REC SPEED SP DATE +/ / /
To record from external line input, SET DAILY=8 OR WEEKLY=9 press CH 5 or TO END PUSH EXIT until A/V REAR or A/V FRONT appears.
VR788/888-55 NEW 20 6/3/99, 11:51 PM

4 Select Start Time

Press START + or (Number button 1 or 4).
Each time you press the button, the set SET DAILY=8 OR WEEKLY=9 time changes by 1TO END PUSH EXIT minute intervals. If you hold the button, the set time changes by 30-minute intervals.
ONE TIME PROGRAM PROGRAM 1 CHANNEL+/ 12 START +/ 08 : 30 STOP +/ : REC SPEED SP DATE +/ 07/04/98
resumes. The (Timer) indicator lights up on the display.

5 Select Stop Time

ONE TIME PROGRAM Press STOP + or PROGRAM 1 (Number button 2 or 5). CHANNEL+/ 12 : 30 START +/ 08 +/ 09 Each time you press STOPSPEED SP : 30 REC DATE +/ 07/04/98 the button, the set SET DAILY=8 OR WEEKLY=9 time changes by 1TO END PUSH EXIT minute intervals. If you hold the button, the set time changes by 30-minute intervals.
If you want to store other programmes, repeat steps 1 to 9.

10 Finish Settings

2 Press VCR. 3 Press TIMER. PR CH START STOP DATE 4 Press 5 or to 1 LF 08:00 10:00 D07/L1 10:00 10:45 MON select 11:30 01:00 DAILY 15:00 15:15 W09/04 PROGRAM REVIEW then NEXT= END=EXIT press OK/3. The list of the timer recording programmes appears. 5 Press OK/3 repeatedly to view the more detailed programme information.

When you press the button for the first time, the detailed programme information for ONE TIME PROGRAM PROGRAM 1 Programme 1 CHANNEL+/ 12 START +/ 08 : 30 appears. By STOP +/ 09 : 30 LP pressing this button REC SPEED 07/04/98 DATE +/ FRIDAY repeatedly, you can SET DAILY=8 OR WEEKLY=9 review the detailed TO END PUSH EXIT information of all other programmes.

6 Select Tape Speed

ONE TIME PROGRAM PROGRAM 1 CHANNEL+/ 12 Each time you press START +/ 08 : 30 STOP +/ 09 : 30 the button, the tape REC SPEED LP DATE +/ 07/04/98 speed alternates DAILY=8 between SP, LP, SETEND PUSHOR WEEKLY=9 TO EXIT and SLP. SP, LP : For PAL signal SP, SLP : For NTSC signal

7 Select Start Date

Press DATE + or (Number button 3 or 6).
The year and day of the week is displayed automatically.
ONE TIME PROGRAM PROGRAM 1 CHANNEL+/ 12 START +/ 08 : 30 STOP +/ 09 : 30 REC SPEED LP DATE +/ 07/31/98 FRIDAY SET DAILY=8 OR WEEKLY=9 TO END PUSH EXIT
Useful function for Timer Recording: Auto Tape Speed
With this function activated, the VCR can change the tape speed and record the programme in SLP or LP mode unless enough tape remains for recording in SP mode. 1 Press VCR. 2 Press MENU. 3 Press 5 or to select VCR SET UP then OK/3. 4 Press 5 or to select TIMER REC SPEED. 5 Press OK/3. Each time you press the button, the setting changes. AUTO: Select this to allow the VCR to change the tape speed from SP to SLP or LP when there is not enough tape length remaining. MANUAL: Select this not to allow the VCR to change the tape speed. 6 Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from the menu operations.
6 If you want to change the programme setting shown on the TV screen, press the following buttons: CH 5/ : Changes the channels. START +/ : Changes the start time. STOP +/ : Changes the stop time. SPEED : Changes the tape speed. DATE +/ : Changes the date. If you want to erase the programme setting shown on the TV screen, press CLEAR. The detailed information of the next programme appears. 7 Press EXIT/STATUS to exit from the menu operations.
Note: This function does not work for OTR (One Touch Recording).

8 Select Recording Type

If you want to record the same programme daily, press DAILY (Number button 8). The VCR will record a TV programme every day (Monday through Friday) at the same time and length (Daily Recording). If you want to record the same programme weekly, press WEEKLY (Number button 9). The VCR will record a TV programme once a week at the same day, time, and length (Weekly Recording). If you want to cancel the currently set programme, press CLEAR.
How to see the programme list
PR CH NEXT= START 08:30 10:00 11:30 15:00
STOP DATE 09:30 D07/04 10:45 MON 01:00 DAILY 15:15 W09/04

No power.

Correction
Check that the AC power cord is correctly connected to an AC outlet. Check that the VCR is turned on.

Recording & Playback

TV programme cannot be recorded.
Check the connections between the VCR, the antenna, and the TV. Make sure that the record tab on the back of the cassette is not removed. (vP.16) Set the timer on-time and timer off-time correctly. (vP.20, P.21) Make sure that the VCR is turned off after setting is made. (vP.20, P.21) Timer recording may not be performed or stopped if a power interruption occurs before or during timer recording. If the power resumes within one minute, timer recording will also resume. Select your video channel correctly. Adjust the tracking slowly in either direction. (vP.19) Adjust the vertical hold control manually on the TV, if available.
Timer recording cannot be performed.
There is no playback picture, or the playback picture is noisy or contains streaks. During a still or slow motion picture, the picture may contain some vertical jitter when using a TV which has an automatic vertical hold control. If the top of your playback picture waves back and forth excessively.
Because the VCR playback signal is not as stable as an off-the-air TV signal, the top of your TV screen may be bent or unstable during playback. To solve this problem, slowly turn the horizontal hold control on your TV to correct the wavy picture. If your TV does not have the horizontal hold control or adjusting the control does not help, contact your local TV service center.

Remote Control

The remote control cannot work.
Aim the remote control directly at the remote sensor on the VCR. Avoid all obstacles which may interfere with the signal path. Inspect or replace the batteries. (vP.5, P.7) Make sure batteries are inserted correctly. (vP.5, P.7)
VR788/888-55 NEW 25 6/3/99, 11:52 PM

Miscellaneous

A cassette cannot be inserted.
Insert the cassette with the window side up and the record tab facing you. Check that a cassette tape is not already inserted. Press EJECT 0. Check that the AC power cord is correctly connected to an AC outlet. If the (Timer) indicator is lit on the display, press POWER to cancel timer recording, then press EJECT 0. Check that the record tab on the back of the cassette is not removed. (vP.16)
The cassette does not eject.
The cassette ejects when you press REC/OTR , or when you press POWER to set timer recording.

SPECIFICATIONS

General
Mains voltage Mains frequency Power consumption Ambient temperature Relative humidity Dimensions Mass Position for use Video output channel Possible number of TV channel Number of pre-programmable memory blocks Number of days in advance
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
AC 110 240V 50/60Hz Approx. 22 watts +5C to +40C 10% to 80% Approx. 400(W) x 94(H) x 336(D) mm Approx. 3.9kg Horizontal UHF E36 (adjustable between E28 E60) 365 or every day, or every week