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. Details are on pages 6-9.
• Make sure the VCR is in VCR position. Details are on pages 22 and 25.
• Make sure channel 3 or 4 is properly adjusted at the TV.
• Adjust the tracking. Details are on page 76.
The Number buttons won’t work for channels above 69; channels above 13 cannot be received.
• Select CABLE at the TUNER SET UP menu, then let the VCR set up the channels. Details are on page 12.
A TV program cannot be recorded.
• Check the connections between the VCR, TV, antenna/cable, and Cable Box/DBS (if applicable). Details are on
pages 6-9.
• Make sure channels are programmed correctly. Details are on pages 12-13.
• Make sure the tape has a record tab. Details are on page 5.
TV programs cannot be watched normally.
• Put the VCR in TV position. Details are on pages 22 and 25.
• Check the connections between the VCR, TV, antenna/cable, and Cable Box/DBS (if applicable). Details are on
pages 6-9.
Line Input mode is selected.
• If you accidentally enter Line Input mode (L-1 or L-F will appear on the display panel), use the CH(annel) 8/9
button or the Number buttons to select another channel. (A/V IN REAR or A/V IN FRONT will appear on the
TV screen if BLUE BACKGROUND is set to ON. Details are on page 75.)
Multi-Channel Television Sound System
• You can only receive and record in stereo or second audio programs that are broadcast in stereo or second
audio. You can only play in stereo or second audio tapes that were recorded in stereo or second audio. Details are
on pages 55-57.
• If you select second audio when second audio is not available, the VCR will record normal audio.
• When you program your VCR to record in stereo, broadcasts are recorded in Hi-Fi stereo.
• You will only get stereo sound if you use audio cables to connect the AUDIO OUT Jacks on the VCR to the
AUDIO IN Jacks on your TV. The TV must be in Line Input (or Auxiliary) mode. See your TV manual for details.
• When you connect the AUDIO OUT Jacks on your VCR to the AUDIO IN Jacks on your TV, the stereo light on
the TV might not glow. This is normal. If the VCR indicates you are receiving a stereo broadcast, you are.
(STEREO will appear in the status display.)
The VCR ejects the tape when the REC(ord)/OTR button is pressed or when the VCR power is
turned off to set a timer recording.
• Make sure the tape has a record tab. Details are on page 5.
The remote control is not available or the remote control will not access the VCR’s on-screen menu.
• Use the front panel buttons to access the menu. You cannot access the TIMER menu using the front panel but-
tons. Details are on page 22.
Cleaning the Video Heads
• Your VCR automatically cleans the video heads each time you insert a tape. However, the heads may become
dirty. USE CLEANING CASSETTE may appear on the screen, and “U:01” will appear on the display panel. Or, a
tape of poor quality may cause the messages to appear. These messages will appear briefly every eight seconds
during tape playback. The messages will appear until you adjust the tracking, remove and reinsert the tape, or
clean the heads. (BLUE BACKGROUND should be set to ON in order for the messages to appear on the
screen.) Use a commercially-available head cleaner or have an authorized servicer clean the video heads.
Eventually, the heads may need to be replaced. Only an authorized servicer should perform this service.
The playback picture is too dim, too bright, or fluctuates in brightness.
• Some programs may be broadcast with copyright protection technology in order to protect the rights of copyright
owners. This technology is used on programs that are recorded on video tapes or Digital Video Discs (DVDs), as
well as some programs broadcast by antenna/cable/satellite television channels. Programs broadcast with copyright
protection technology may not record clearly. Likewise, if you play a tape that is a recording of a copyright pro-
tected program, the picture may not be clear. Tapes of copyright protected programs may have a picture that is
dark or dim, or the brightness of the picture may fluctuate. Therefore, you should avoid recording or playing
copies of copyright protected programs.
This VCR incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other
intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection tech-
nology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation and is intended for home and limited viewing uses only, unless other-
wise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
Helpful Hints (cont’d) 79
