Model 36 (160-0706) Connections Faxback Doc. # 6524 There are many different TV types and ways to connect them to your VCR. This section presents the most common situations. Before using your VCR for the first time, read through this section to determine which connections best meet your needs. Then follow the directions for completing the connection. If your TV doesn't match any of the examples provided, contact your local Radio Shack store for assistance. Notes: Some connections may require additional supplies that are sold separately. Power to the VCR and TV should be off when making the connections. Do not connect the VCR's power cord until you complete the connections. IF YOUR TV HAS AUDIO/VIDEO (A/V) INPUT JACKS This connection allows you to watch and play a video tape. It does not allow you to record VHF/UHF signals. If your TV has audio/video (A/V) input jacks, you will get a better picture and sound if you connect your VCR directly to the jacks. Use video-quality shielded cables with RCA-type connectors (such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 15-1538, sold separately) to connect the VCR's AUDIO/VIDEO output jacks to your TV's input jacks. Caution: Do not use standard audio cables for this connection. Set the TV to the video mode to watch video tapes. To both record and view VHF/UHF signals, you must also complete one of the VHF/UHF connections described in "If You are Using an Antenna" or "If You Have Cable" and set the TV's TV/video switch to TV or MAIN. IF YOU ARE USING AN ANTENNA If you are using an antenna (not cable), follow the instructions for connecting the VCR to a single VHF/UHF terminal, or for connecting to separate VHF/UHF terminals, depending on your TV. (If you have cable, proceed directly to the next section, "If You Have Cable.") Either of the following connections allows you to: Record and watch a channel you select with the VCR's tuner. Watch a channel you select with the TV's tuner. Record a channel you select with the VCR's tuner while watching another channel selected with the TV's tuner. Note: If you have 300-ohm antenna wire, use a 300-to-75-ohm matching transformer (Cat. No. 15-1253, sold separately) to connect the wire to the VCR's AERIAL terminal. SINGLE TV VHF/UHF TERMINAL 1. Connect the antenna to the VCR's AERIAL terminal. 2. Connect one end of the supplied 75-ohm coaxial cable to the VCR's RF OUT terminal. 3. Connect the other end of the supplied cable to a band splitter (such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 15-1524, sold separately). Notes: Use a band splitter with an output that matches your TV's VHF-UHF input (input (i.e., 300-ohm outputs for VHF and UHF). If your antenna is VHF-only type (you receive Channels 2-13 only) and your TV has separate VHF/UHF terminals, do not use a band splitter. Connect the VHF output to the VHF terminal only. 4. Connect the splitter's UHF output to the TV's UHF terminals; connect either the 75-ohm or 300-ohm VHF output to the TV's VHF terminal(s). Do NOT use both VHF outputs. IF YOU HAVE CABLE If you receive cable, choose one of the following connections, depending on your service and the channels you want to view/record. Notes: Some states have laws restricting direct connections to cable wires (connections that do not go through the cable box). Check the laws in your area before making any connections. The VCR's tuner does not unscramble premium cable channels. You must be already receiving those channels and connect the VCR to your cable box in order to record them. Note to the CATV system installer: This reminder is to call the CATV system installer's attention to Section 820-40 of the NEC which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical. SIMPLE CABLE CONNECTION USING THE SUPPLIED 75-OHM CABLE (NO CABLE BOX) If your TV is cable compatible, this connection allows you to: Record and watch any unscrambled channel directly without using a cable box. Watch one channel selected with the TV's tuner while you record another selected with the VCR's tuner. It does not allow you to record scrambled channels. 1. Connect the cable system's cable to the VCR's AERIAL terminal. 2. Using the supplied 75-ohm cable, connect the VCR's RF OUT terminal to the VHF/UHF terminal on your TV. If your TV has separate VHF/UHF terminals, connect the cable to the TV's VHF terminal only. Be sure the TV's tuner is set to CATV. CABLE CONNECTION WITH SCRAMBLED CHANNELS (WITH CABLE BOX) This connection requires an additional 75-ohm coaxial cable (Cat. No. 15-1531, sold separately). It allows you to record any channel (scrambled or unscrambled) by selecting the channel on the cable box. It does not allow you to: Record with the cable box turned off. Record by selecting channels directly from the VCR. Record one channel while you watch another. 1. Connect the cable system's cable to the cable box's input terminal. 2. Using the supplied 75-ohm cable, connect the cable box's output terminal to the VCR's AERIAL terminal. 3. Using another 75-ohm cable, connect the VCR's RF OUT terminal to the VHF/UHF terminal on your TV. If your TV has separate VHF/UHF terminals, connect the cable to the TV's VHF terminal only. CABLE CONNECTION WITH SCRAMBLED CHANNELS (USING ADDITIONAL CABLES) This connection requires a 75-ohm splitter (Cat. No., 15-1141, a high- isolation A/B switch (Cat. No. 15-1247), and 4 additional 75-ohm cables (Cat. No. 15-1531), all sold separately. It allows you to: Record unscrambled channels directly with the A/B switch in the A position. Record scrambled channels through the cable box with the A/B switch in the B position. It does not allow you to: Record scrambled channels directly without the cable box. Record a scrambled channel while you watch another. Record scrambled channels through the cable box with the A/B switch in the A position. 1. Connect the cable system's cable to the 75-ohm splitter. 2. Connect one 75-ohm cable between the splitter and the cable box's input terminal. 3. Connect one 75-ohm cable between the splitter and the A/B switch's A input terminal. 4. Connect one 75-ohm cable between the cable box's output terminal and the A/B switch's B input terminal. 5. Connect one 75-ohm cable between the A/B switch's output terminal and the VCR's AERIAL terminal. 6. Connect one 75-ohm cable between the VCR's RF OUT terminal and the TV's VHF/UHF terminal. If your TV has separate VHF/UHF terminals, connect the cable to the TV's VHF terminal only. To record an unscrambled program, set the A/B switch to A. To record a scrambled program, set the A/B switch to B. CONNECTING TO POWER Plug the supplied AC power cord into the AC-jack on the rear of the VCR, then connect the plug into the standard AC outlet. --:-- flashes on the display. Note: You can power your VCR in any country where the household AC voltage is between 110V and 240V. A built-in circuit automatically adjusts for different voltages. Use an optional AC plug adapter when necessary. This adapter is available through special order from your local Radio Shack store (CMC Part No. JC-0127). Caution: In areas of high humidity or if you move the VCR from a cold area to a warm one, plug it in and allow it to warm up for 2 hours before operation. This allows complete evaporation of any moisture inside the VCR that could damage it. (BR/all-07/12/94)