AKAi Hi-Fi & Video. ••• Hi-Fi Video Cassette Recorder VS-606EA
Operator's Manual
PAL
•• •••• ••••••••• •• WARNING------••••••••• •• •• •• ••••••••• •• ••••••••• •• •• To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this MULTIF'LEX TUNER •• •••• •• •• appliance to rain or moisture.
ITAPE \JIEW SYSTEN\ I
WAIT! Caution Moving the video tape recorder from a cold place to a warm place, or using it in a humid place will cause dew condensation on the drum and the video heads inside the unit. If recording or playback is carried out in this state, the heads may become dirty and the tape may be damaged. This could also result in a malfunction of the machine itself. To prevent this from occuring, the VCR should be plugged in for about one hour, with the FUNCTION button ofT, before starting recording or playback of a video cassette tape. This is particularly important when a video cassette is inserted for the first time after purchase of the video cassette recorder.
Akai-Creative At Heart. WarningS & Precautions
1. Avoid using the Akai VCR under the following conditions: VOLTAGE SELECTION Extremely hot, cold, humid or dusty places. Power requirements for electrical equipment differ from area to area. Near appliances generating strong magnetic fields. The operating voltage of the Akai VCR is preset at the factory accord Places poorly ventilated or subject to vibration. ing to it's intended destination. However, some models are equipped * Near fluorescent lamps which may shorten the operation range of with a voltage selector. If your VCR is so equipped, before the remote control unit. connecting, check to see that the AC INPUT selector on the rear panel is set to the voltage for your area. 220V, 50Hz for Europe except the UK. 240V, 50Hz for UK and Australia. 120V, 60Hz for USA and Canada. 2. Be careful of moisture condensation: 200V or 240V, 50Hz switchable for other countries. A void using the Akai VCR immediately after moving it from a NOTE: cold to a warm place or just after heating a room. Water vapour The rating plate (Serial Number Plate) is on the back of the unit. may condense on the video head drum and tape guides which will damage the tape and the Akai VCR. CAUTION * If you plan not to use the Akai VCR for a Jong period of time it is recommended that you disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet and disconnect the antenna cable. The FUNCTION button is not a primary power switch. To completely disconnect 3. Handle carefully: the power, pull out the power cord. Do not block the ventilation openings or place anything heavy or that might spill on top of the Akai VCR. Prevent dust accumulation on the Akai VCR and use the unit in the horizontal posi NOTE: tion only. STANDARD TV BROADCASTING SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD (PAL, SECAM and NTSC) AND CORRESPONDING AKAi VCR MODEL NUMBERS. Three different color TV systems - PAL, SECAM and NTSC - are now used in the world. As different models of the Akai VS series VCR's conform to different standards, please note the following: 4. In case of transportation: 1. The Models for exclusive use with the PAL color system are as A void violent shocks to the Akai VCR follows: during packing and transportation. PAL (BIG) - Models EA, EG, EO. Before packing, remove the cassette PAL (I) - Models EK, ES. . from the Akai VCR. 2. SECAM (system BIG) color programs in certain areas of the Middle East might be recorded with the Akai PAL (BIG) model, but there is no interchangeability of these recorded cassette tapes with other PAL-VHS recorders or SEC AM-VHS recorders. 3. Please use the exclusive SECAM-VHS recorder in French SECAM (system L) broadcasting areas. (Models S, SEG) 4. The Models for exclusive use with the NTSC color system are as follows: Models U, J. 5. Model EVM for PAL (BIG) and Middle East SECAM (BIG), and Note: When no broadcast Model EGN for 4 system reception. signal is being received, some 6. For camera recording, connect a video camera and camera adaptor vibration of the IMS characters built to the standard corresponding to your VCR. may occur. When a signal is received, the vibration should stop.
This equipment conforms No. 82/499/EEC standard. This is the Akai Hi-Fi VCR
Product concept AKAi is completely devoted to "Can't Miss" as our product policy. 6. Preset TV station displays. This idea is what has given birth to today's AKAi quality. It aims at 7. TV fine tuning displays. "Can't Miss" operation, and that "Can't Miss" chance to record and 8. Preset station number displays. enjoy playback. 9. Tracking displays: Displays for reducing disturbances in the play The "Can't Miss" feature in the Akai VCR is its Interactive Monitor back picture. System. It turns your TV screen into a command center for operating 10. Vertical stability display: Display for stabilizing the still picture. ease and convenience. It tells you what buttons to depress for each 11. Programming displays: Displays for programming the Akai VCR specific function, confirms your instructions on the screen, memo for automatic recording. rizes them, and waits for your next command. Every thing is spelt out 12. Sleep time displays: Displays for programming the Akai VCR for for you right on your TV screen. There are 12 different types of infor sleep time. mation displays in the Interactive Monitor System: 1. Tape Transport displays: Displays for telling you what is happening to the tape. (FF, STOP, REW, QF FWD, PLAY, QF REV, REC, RETURN TO "0000", STILL, and PAUSE. 2. Clock display: Display for the day of the week and the actual time. 3. Tape counter/day/clock display combination. 4. Elapsed time/day/clock display combination. 5. Clock set displays: Displays for setting the Akai VCR to the actual time.
Things to know about Video cassette tapes • Only VHS video cassette tapes may be used with the Akai VCR. • To protect a recording, remove the recording defeat tab with a screwdriver. To re-record, cover the cavity with a piece of adhesive tape. • Never touch the tape with your fingers. • Never open the video cassette tape case. • Store standing on end in a well ventilated place, away from objects with strong magnetic fields and away from bright lighting.
NOTE: • Before recording or playing back a video cassette tape, be sure to forward the tape slightly so that the leader tape ( the transparent part of the tape) is not in the head path.
Table ol contents
Let's get acquainted with the Akai VCR ...... 3 Making the right connections ...... 4 Basic overall view ...... 4 Tuning the TV to the video channel...... 5 Let's set the timer to the actual time ...... 6 Let's playback a prerecorded tape...... 7-8 FINE TUNING/TRACKING control...... 7 Additional recording and playback functions . . . . 14 Quick Finder ...... 7 External recording ...... 14 Slow Motion ...... 7 Auto Mute ...... 14 Still picture playback...... 8 Soft/Sharp picture control...... 14 Return to "0000" ...... 8 Further recording and playback notes ...... 14 Convenient features of the VCR ...... 9 Programming the Akai VCR for automatic On the Tape Counter and Channel display . . . . . 9 recording ...... ·...... 15-16 On the TAPE SPEED selector ...... 9 Let's proceed with automatic recording...... 17 On the remote control unit RC-V603 ...... 10 An example of 4-week timer setting ...... 17 Let's preset the Akai VCR with TV stations. . . . . 11 Sleep time setting ...... 18 Hi-Fi VHS audio recording and playback ...... 12 Problem? Let's check ...... 19-20 Let's record a TV program ...... 13 Specifications...... 21 Would you like to index your recording ? . . . . . 13 Final notes...... 21 Let's get acquainted with the Akai VCR
1 To tum on and off the Akai VCR. 15 To soften or sharpen the video picture. (FUNCTION button) See p.5 SHARP/SOFT PICTURE control. See p.14. 2 To stand-by for automatic recording. 16 To connect headphones (TIMER button) See p.17 PHONES jack 3 To select the input signal to the home TV 17 To select the AUDIO IN, and VCR's tuner, for TV /Video selector and indicator see p. 5 Simulcast recording 4 Indicates the broadcast is in stereo or has 2 S.C. selector See p.12 separate audio signals (bilingual) . 18 To visually monitor the REC LEVEL setting. (STEREO/DUAL indicators) See p.12 Seep.12 5 Indicates the Power cord is plugged in. 19 AUDIO MONITOR selector and indicators. (STANDBY indicator) Seep. 12 6 To receive the remote control signal from the Akai Wireless Remote Control Unit RC-V603 20 To control the volume of the recording being * Keep this window clean for remote control operation. made by the VCR. See p.10 REC LEVEL control. See p.12 7 To select the tape speed for recording. 21 For visually monitoring adjustments to the (SPEED selector and indicator) Seep. 9 Hi-Fi recording volume Peak Level meter. See p.12 8 To set the audio mode to Hi-Fi Hi-Fi selector and indicator Seep 12 22 Preset channel number and tape counter display. 9 To eject the video cassette tape. (CHANNEL Display) See p.9 (EJECT button) See p.8 23 To tune in TV stations. 10 To manually activate the Tape View System. (PRESET button) See p.11 TAPE VIEW button. See p.9 24 To automatically record a TV program, and set 11 To set the actual time and date. preset stations. (CLOCK button) See p.6 (PROGRAM, A, B, C, and D buttons) See p.15, 16 12 Load the video ·cassette tape here. 25 To automatically make 4 seconds of blank space in the audio track. 13 To quickly return to any point on the tape. AUTO MUTE button. See p.14 (RETURN TO "0000" button) See p.8 14 To run the tape for recording or playback. Tape transport buttons Making the right connections
There is a tuner inside your Akai VCR for station selection. This tuner is just like the tuner inside your TV. For this reason, the VCR must be connected between the antenna and the TV.
Video Cassette Video Cassette Video Cassette Recorder 1 Antenna Recorder 2 TV Recorder 3 Antenna ANTIN~
------~
ANTENNATOVCRANTIN. VCR RF OUT to TV ANTENNA jack using Plug in VCR to AC outlet. the cable provided. To produce Hi-Fi stereo sound: The VCR requires connection to an audio amplifier for playback and recording of Hi-Fi stereo sound.
PLAYBACK ONLY: RECORDING and PLAYBACK: VCR VCR VCR Amplifier
VCR AUDIO OUT jacks (Land R), to ampli VCR AUDIO OUT jacks (Land R), to ampli VCR AUDIO IN jacks (Land R), to amplifiers fiers AUXIN jacks (Land R) fiers TAPE PLAY jacks (Land R). TAPE RECjacks (Land R). This connection allows you to playback Hi-Fi This connection allows you to record Hi-Fi prerecorded VHS tapes. stereo sound from any component connected to the amplifier, i.e. tuner, CD, phono, etc. Please note: • Due to the nature of the Hi-Fi recording process, you cannot sound dub (record a new sound Speaker System A Speaker System B track onto an old video tape), in Hi-Fi. • The VCR has a standby power indicator. This indicator lights up whenever the power cord of Left Right Left Right the VCR is plugged in. This low voltage power is necessary to maintain the memory and other low voltage power circuits inside the VCR. 0•··o··· 0 Basic overall view ffi lffi ~ fB88EB fB 8 fB 8
Household AC outlet AC Power cord
VCR ANTIN TV
ANTIN
Household Household 0 AC outlet AC outlet RF OUT
AC Power cord AC Power cord Tuning the TV to the video channel
The Akai VCR sends out a signal similar to that transmitted by a TV station. By tuning your TV (to the video channel) to receive this signal, you can select programs from the Akai VCR as you would select a program with the TV's channel selector. Before beginning, set the VCR's TV /VIDEO button to VIDEO. If your TV has an Automatic Frequency Con trol (AFC) or Automatic Fine Tuning control (AFT), switch it off. (On some TV's this is 1 2 done automatically when the control panel D CLOCK door is opened.) Turn it back on after tuning the video station, and check that there is no sig nificant deterioration of the picture. SELECT THE .. fl SHIFT +e IF OK l'EIIJRIZE +C
Depress the FUNCTION button to send a Turn on the TV and set the TV's tuning control signal for the CLOCK display to the TV screen. to channel I. This will be your guide for fine tuning to the video channel. TV /VIDEO selector Rear Panel 3 RF.OUT ATT. r;;;l CH-1 DLOCAL L!:::!J CH-0 l!:IDX
If channel 1 is being used for broadcasting in Use this selector to switch from using the built On the LOCAL/DX attenuator switch your area, set the TV's channel selector to in tuner of the VCR, to using the tuner in your The LOCAL/DX switch on the rear panel of channel O and set the channel selector (RF. TV. This selector is normally set to the VIDEO the VCR is used to adjust the signal reception OUT) on the rear panel of the VCR to channel ON (indicator lit) position. The only exception of the tuner section. 0. being when you are recording one program on If the picture develops wavy lines during recep Fine tune the TV to optimize picture quality. the VCR, and wish to view a different program tion of a local TV station broadcast, it may be Whenever you want to watch programs from at the same time. In that case, after following that the signal reception is too strong. In that the Akai VCR, tune your TV to this video the steps for recording detailed on page 13, set case, move this selector to the LOCAL position channel. the TV/VIDEO selector to the TV (indicator to attenuate the signal strength. off) position. If TV reception during, say a broadcast by satellite, is poor and contains too much picture "noise", set this switch to the DX position to improve the picture reception. (Normally, leave this switch in the DX position.)
Rear Panel Video mode selector The video mode selector is used to select the type of signal to be played back. This selector should normally be set to IrnIIl] COLOR. I Now you are ready to watch prerecorded tapes. --~j Or, choose a preset station for TV reception Normally keep the indicator from the tuner inside the Akai VCR. COLOR B/W COLOR , set to this position for recep- tion of all systems playback.
Set to this position for CCIR standard monochrome B/W system (black and white) for playback. Let's set the timer tolhe actual time
There is a 24 hour digital timer clock inside the Akai VCR, which keeps time for such operations as pre-set program recording. Therefore, the clock must be properly set. 2 3
Depress the CLOCK button to display the in To follow the instruction "SELECT TIME - To follow the instruction "SHIFT - B", dep formation for setting the time to the actual A", depress the -m+ button to select the cor ress the
MEMORIZE The full display is maintained for approximately When you have correctly set the timer to the 3 seconds. To recall the time, depress the actual time, follow the instruction "IF OK, CLOCK button again. Depressing the CLOCK button also removes the display. MEMORIZE - C", by depressing the GIi button to memorize the data. * The timer will start keeping time. If you want to reset the actual time Follow the instruction "CLOCK ADJUST - B", by depressing the < rn > button to display and date the information for setting the timer to the actual time.
Depress the CLOCK button to display the in formation for resetting the timer to the actual time. To follow the instruction "SHIFT - B", dep ress the < rn > button again and again until the item you want to reset flashes on and off. Then use the -m+ and
Depress the B button to memorize the new data. Let's playback a prerecorded tape
Power cord is properly connected to the house- Important 0 hold AC outlet. A video cassette tape can be loaded or unloaded only when the Akai Check VCR is plugged in. before 6 TV set to the video channel. If a tape is inserted when the FUNCTION button is turned off, the starting VCR will automatically be turned on. Amplifier is turned on and set to AUX or 8 TAPE. 0 TV /VIDEO selector set to VIDEO
INSERT TAPE DEPRESS PLAY
...... 8-
Insert the video cassette tape correctly into the "PLAY" will be displayed on the TV screen for DEPRESS PAUSE or STOP to temporarily or cassette loading compartment and give it a little approximately 3 seconds. permanently stop play. push. The VCR will automatically set the playback To prevent damage to the tape, the VCR will * Follow the markings on the video cassette speed to correspond with the speed at which automatically switch to the STOP mode after tape to correctly insert it into the cassette the tape was recorded (LP, or SP). more than 3 min. in PAUSE. loading compartment. If the video tape is Whenever the end of the tape is reached, the not inserted correctly it will be ejected. tape will automatically rewind to the beginning.
FINE TUNING /TRACKING control There may be disturbances in the playback picture and sound. This can occur when you play back a tape recorded with another video cassette recorder or when the broadcast from a TV station is not clear. To improve the picture and sound, depress the <0 > button. The TRACKING display will appear on the TV screen when playing a tape, and the FINE TUNING display will appear when receiving a TV broadcast. The "X" is normally set to center of the display. To improve the picture and sound, depress the <0 > button on the < or > side. The "X" moves to indicate TRACKING or FINE TUNING is taking place. When the picture and sound is clear, release the button The display will disappear a few seconds later.
Quick Finder Use the Akai quick finder system during playback to visually locate any point on a recorded tape. The tape will be played back very quickly and no sound will be heard during quick finder operation. While in the PLAY mode, depress the QUICK FINDER ( 8 ) or ...... ( 8 ) button just once. The picture will go forward or backward very quickly. When you reach the point you are looking for, depress the PLAY ( .- ) button to resume normal playback. Note: There will be disturbances in the picture during quick finder operation. This is normal and does not indicate a problem with the VCR. Still picture playback
During playback, you can obtain a still picture In LP there will be some noise bars during still If the still picture vibrates, depress the - or by depressing the PAUSE/STILL (II) button picture playback. + side of the -a+ button. The display for just once. The noise bars which appear during LP still pic "VERTICAL STABILITY" will be shown on No sound will be heard in the STILL mode. To ture playback, can be positioned in such a way the TV screen. Hold down either side of the advance the picture step by step, repeatedly that you can look clearly at the details you -a+ button until vibration is reduced. depress and release the PAUSE/STILL (II) want. All you have to do is repeatedly depress Release the button when finished, and the dis button. the
When you have located the point on the tape to Depress the El button to reset the tape Depress the PLAY ( • ) button for at least 1 which you want to return, repeatedly depress counter to "0000". second to begin playback. the Iii button until the tape counter is dis * "PLAY" will be displayed on the TV screen played on the TV screen. for approximately 3 seconds. NOTES: To Unload a tape Depress the EJECT ( ~ ) button. The video 4 5 cassette tape will be ejected. Take out the video cassette tape. The EJECT ( ~ ) button can be depressed any time except during regular, automatic and sleep time recording. The F.FWD and REW buttons have two functions, From the PLAY mode, they func tion as the Quick Finder control. From the STOP mode, they function as normal Fast For ward and Rewind. When you are ready to return to the point To repeat the process , depress the PLAY ( • ) where you began playback, depress the button again. RETURN TO "0000" button. NOTE: The tape will rewind to the beginning of the To use the RETURN TO "0000" system program On other words, to the counter read during recording, depress the REC ( •) button ing of "0000") and stop. instead of the PLAY ( • ) button in step 3. Convenient features of the VCR
On the Tape Counter and Channel display
The tape counter can be viewed on the front panel of the VCR, or on the TV screen display by depressing the 131 button, when the VCR is in the EXT mode, or when the play button is depressed. When not in the EXT mode, the counter can be viewed on the TV screen only.
The tape counter mode contains a negative sign (-) on the TV display which is depicted by a dot (•) on the front panel display of the VCR. This negative sign appears whenever the tape is rewound past the counter reading of "0000" (for instance when "0000" is set somewhere in the middle of the tape for use with the RETURN TO "0000" function). When the negative sign appears, the counter will count "down" to "0000", before again count ing up. Of course, you can reset the counter to "0000" at any time by use of the l!!I button.
The front panel display of the VCR will also show the preset number, along with the TV screen display, whenever the -EH button is depressed to select a preset station. However, while the TV display disappears after a few seconds, the CH display on the front of the VCR remains to remind you of the station you are watching. The Elapsed Time display tells you how many hours and minutes have elapsed since play back or recording began. The Elapsed Time display is most useful in the PLAY and RECORD modes.
Tape View System The Tape View System can be used for early detection of a problem with the tape or tape mechanism inside the VCR, by allowing you to directly view the TAPE VIEVV tape during any mode. In addition, the Tape View System stays lit when the VCR is in the SlDP, F.FWD, and REW modes, to let you know a tape is al ready loaded. During PLAY and REC, the Tape View system stays lit for 3 seconds only. The system works automatically when you depress a tape transport button, or at any time by depressing the TAPE VIEW button.
On the TAPE SPEED Selector NOTE: • Before recording, set the SPEED selector according to how long you Akai does not recommend recording at two different speeds on one want to record. During playback, the Akai VCR automatically detects video cassette tape. Never change the SPEED selector during and after a few seconds, plays back at the correct speed. recording.
Video Cassette TAPE SPEED switch Mode E-240 E-180 E-120 E-60 E-30
SF'EECJ SF'/LF' Recording (manual) LP 4 hrs 3 hrs 2 hrs 1 hr 30min D CJ or playback (auto)
SF'EECJ SF'/LF' ....._i..., Recording (manual) 8 hrs 6 hrs 4 hrs or playback (auto) 2 hrs 1 hrs -·-/i' CJ On the remote control unit RC-V603
The operation buttons of the Akai RC-V603 are used the same way as the operation buttons on the front panel of the Akai VCR except for the EJECT, CLOCK, and PRESET buttons which do not appear on the RC-V603.
Transmitter beam
TIMER button
FUNCTION button PROGRAM button
PRESET SELECT -r..:i+ button DISPLAY SELECT /MEMORIZE l!!I button
FINE TUNING/TRACKING <0 > button COUNTER RESET/CANCEL l!J button
RETURN TO "0000" button
PLAY button AUTO MUTE button
REW /QUICK FINDER button F.FWD/QUICK FINDER button AKAi RECbutton How to load the batteries for the Akai RC-V603 1. Slide back the battery compartment cover. 2. Insert two AA, R6 or equivalent size batteries into the bat tery compartment as shown in the illustration. 3. Replace the battery compartment cover. NOTE: When changing the batteries, change all the batteries at the same time. Let's preset the Akai VCR with TV stations The Akai VCR must be tuned to the locally available TV stations. We call this procedure "presetting". Up to 16 TV stations can be preset. There is an automatic station search system inside the Akai VCR which searches for and tunes in TV stations. We call this searching for and tuning in of TV stations "station search". 1 2 Depress the PRESET button to display the in Station search stops when a TV station is found To follow the instruction "IF OK, MEMORIZE formation for presetting the Akai VCR on your (i.e. tuned in) and this information and a pro - C", depress the 1!!11 button. Then to TV screen. gram from the found TV station will be follow the instruction "SET CH NUMBER - To follow the instruction "SEARCH FOR STA displayed. If the display and the program are C", depress the 1!!11 button again to assign TION - B", depress the Depress the - a+ and Depress the PRESET button. Depress the 1!!11 button to to display the infor Depress the 1!!11 button to memorize. Depress the -a+ button to select the station mation for resetting the TV station number. To remove the display, depress the PRESET to be changed. Depress the -a+ and The Akai VCR is equipped with the ability to record or playback with full Hi-Fi stereo sound. The VCR does this by using 2 audio heads mounted on the video drum, in addition to the 4 video heads. These heads run in the same path as the video conventional recording heads and "layer" the audio track under the video track as illustrated. Since you may want to playback tapes recorded with a conventional audio Audio track system, the Akai VCR is also equipped with a standard audio head and auto matic selector to switch from normal to Hi-Fi playback. When a tape record Video track ed on the conventional audio track is played on this VCR, the Hi-Fi indicator ~- turns off, indicating automatic selection of the conventional audio track. The Hi-Fi NORMAL/AU1D selector is also provided to select the conventional Control track or Hi-Fi tracks manuallyjf you should need to. Normally, keep this selector in the AUTO position. Hi-Fi VHS The playback volume is adjusted with the amplifiers volume control. Record ing is always carried out on the Hi-Fi and conventional tracks Audio track simultaneously. (conventional) Video track Hi-Fi Audio track ~ Control track The VCR features a Peak Level meter and REC LEVEL control to allow better control when recording in the Hi-Fi mode only. The VCR's Peak Level meter is color coded to make dB level identification quick and easy. l'V10NITOR The dB level from - 40 to OdB is colored green. The level from Oto + 6dB is colored orange. The level above + 6dB is colored red. As the colors imply, green is a "safe" recording level; orange is a maximum }I- recording level; red is an area where distortion is likely to occur. To produce the best recording results, set the REC LEVEL control so that the volume does not exceed the orange ( + 6dB) level on the VCR's Level meter. The VCR is also equipped with an initialization circuit, which automatically sets conventional audio track recording level and resets to a preset, optimum : ~ +dB recording level when the power cord is unplugged. This is indicated on the REC LEVEL display by the red light at number 5. This preset level should produce excellent recording. However, if you would like to change the REC LEVEL, depress the + or - side of the REC MIN ITJ ~ ~~ ~ ~ r/5 LZ._] C§:j MAX LEVEL control. AEC LEVEL The volume level during playback can be adjusted by use of the amplifier's volume control. REC LEVEL On the AUDIO MONITOR and STEREO/DUAL +I indicators When a TV broadcast contains a stereo or bilingual signal, the appropriate in dicator lights up on the front panel of the VCR. When the STEREO indicator lights, select STEREO with the AUDIO MONI1DR switch. Both L and R AUDIO MONITOR indicators light when STEREO is selected. When the DUAL indicator lights up, the AUDIO MONITOR selector allows AUDIO MONITOR STEREO you to monitor the left or right channels of the Hi-Fi track independently. rL• MAIN I DUAL This is useful when playing back bilingual tapes or broadcasts. The left chan STEREO LA. SUB ~ nel will monitor the main audio signal and the right channel will monitor the ,.,I, a sub (bilingual) audio signal. During recording, the main and sub channels are recorded on the Hi-Fi track automatically, and the main channel is recorded on the conventional D audio track as well. On the Simulcast feature ~lc:;I" The S.C. selector serves as a switch for mixing the video portion of a TV -•- broadcast, with the audio from an FM radio broadcast. This function is necessary for the simultaneous recording of an FM broadcast and a TV broadcast called simulcast. Connect the FM tuner to the amplifiers tuner jacks and connect the amplifier to the VCR as shown on page 4 (Hi-Fi sound in recording and play back). Depress the S.C. selector of the VCR, (the indicator will light), and get ready Coo,.,,tiooaJ-~.. ~From TV for recording following the operations on page 13. audio track tuner The FM sound is recorded on the Hi-Fi track. At the same time, the TV broadcast sound is recorded on the conventional track. Video track - During playback, if you want to listen to the TV broadcast sound set the Hi-Fi Audio - . From FM Hi-Fi selector to the NORMAL position. ' track station Let's record a TV program A video cassette tape is loaded and it's record Check 0 ing defeat tab is not broken. before starting The SPEED selector is set. 1 2 3 Depress the -a+ button to select the preset Turn on the Amplifier and set to the AUX or To stop recording depress the STOP ( • ) or channel number memorized with the TV sta TAPE 2 position. Depress the REC ( •) PAUSE button. tion to be recorded. button for at least one second to begin recording. Or depress the PAUSE button and Note: When using the REC and STOP buttons adjust the, VCR's recording level before de to record a program, their will be some overlap pressing the REC button. in the recorded images in order to prevent noise from appearing between cuts. However, if you want to be sure not to lose a few seconds of image between stops and starts, depress the PLAY button to forward the tape to the exact place you left off, before recording the next por tion of tape. Would you like to index your recordings? The date, time and preset channel number can be recorded automatically at the beginning of a recording for approximately 7 seconds. When you playback the tape at a later time, you can tell when it was recorded. 1 2 Depress the -a+ button to select the preset Repeatedly depress the l!!I button until the Depress the REC ( • ) button for at least one channel number memorized with the TV sta display containing the day of the week and the second to begin recording. tion to be recorded. The program from the actual time is shown on the TV screen. The index (date, time and preset channel selected TV station will be displayed on the TV number) will be displayed on the middle of the screen. At the same time, the selected preset TV screen. This display will be recorded for ap channel number will be displayed on the TV proximately 7 seconds. screen for approximately 3 seconds. Now when you playback this recording, the date, and time that To watch one program while recording another recording took place will be documented at the beginning of the tape. After following steps 1 and 2 of let's record, 1. Set the TV/VIDEO selector to TV. (The VIDEO indicator goes off.) 2. Set the TV to the channel you want to watch with the TV's channel selector. Recording will continue while you watch another station. Additional recording and playback functions The Akai VCR is equipped with several additional features to help make operation simple and convenient. External recording (Tape dubbing) The Akai VCR allows you to easily record from another VCR by use of the External mode (EXT) selected with the -El+ button. With another VCR as the source, you can make a copy of any tape on the Akai VCR. Akai VCR 2nd VCR Akai VCR 2nd VCR Akai VCR TV 1 2 3 IN our CH 1/L Auto Mute AUTO MUTE The Auto Mute function automatically produces 4 seconds of blank tape in the audio track, whenever it is depressed during recording. This is useful when using the VCR as a tape deck for audio recording only. When you have finished recording a song and are waiting to begin the next recording, depress the AUTO MUTE button to automatically produce 4 seconds of blank space. Note: When recording video, be careful not to depress the Auto Mute Audio track button. Although the video portion of the recording will not be effected, (Conventional) there will be a 4sec. gap in the audio track. t-,r<;:----;,s:---r<=c7""7'3'""="""="'°"'="""=""""--, After producing 4 seconds of blank space, the VCR goes into the REC PAUSE mode. Video track Hi-Fi Audio track 4 sec SHARP /SOFT PICTURE control Use this 3 position switch to soften or sharpen the image on the TV screen. The switch should normally be left in it's PICTURE (center) position. Further recording and playback notes: • To fast forward the tape, depress the F.FWD ( ...... ) button while • If the REC ( • ) button will not function, check to see if the video in the STOP mode. "FF" will be displayed on the TV screen for ap cassette tape's recording defeat tab is broken. If it is, cover the proximately 3 seconds. hole with a piece of adhesive tape. • To rewind the tape, depress the REW ( -.-. ) button while in the • If you repeatedly depress the -El+ button too quickly, the station STOP mode. number shown on the TV screen might not correctly indicate the * "REW" will be displayed on the TV screen for approximately 3 TV station selected. However, the number shown on the VCR's seconds. front panel display will correctly show the station number. • The tape is not visible during fast forward or rewind operations. Programming the Akai VCR for automatic recording By programming the Akai VCR, you can make it turn itself on, record a TV program and turn itself off, all automatically. Up to 8 programs can be set in advance you can freely choose the Time, Day, Week and TV station you wish to record, and you can program up to 4 weeks in advance. 1 2 3 Depress the PROGRAM button to display the This information will be displayed when the START TIME HOURS information for programming on your TV - E'I+ button is released. screen. To follow the instruction "PROGRAM - B", To follow the instruction "SELECT START To follow the instruction "SELECT PRO depress the Continue by depressing the Programming is now finished. To follow the instruction "IF OK, MEMORIZE - C", depress the l!I button to memorize the program. To program more automatic recording times, repeat the procedure from step 1. If you want to remove the programming display from your TV screen, depress the PROGRAM button again. To cancel a program after it has been memorized Depress the PROGRAM button. To follow the instruction "SELECT PRO To follow the instruction "CANCEL - D", GRAM NO. - A", depress the -E'I+ button depress the GJ button to cancel the until the arrow points to the program you want program. To reprogram repeat the' program to cancel. ming procedure above. If you want to recall a finished or canceled program When an automatic recording has been carried out according to a program, nothing will be dis played beside its program number when the PROGRAM button is depressed. To recall the program, modify it and carry it out again, follow these instructions. 1 2 To follow the instruction "SELECT PRO To follow the instruction "RECALL - D", GRAM NO. - A", depress the -m+ button depress the EJ button to recall the pr.ogram. until the arrow points to the program you want Same thing applies for canceled programs. to recall. To remove the information depress the PRO GRAM button. To reset a program after it has been memorized 1 2 3 Depress the PROGRAM button. To follow the instruction "REPROGRAM - Then to follow the instruction "SELECT To follow the instruction "SELECT PRO B", depress the > side of the <1aa1 > button. START TIME/STOP TIME/DAY/ or GRAM NO. - A", depress the -m+ button To follow the instruction "SHIFT - B", dep PRESET. - A", depress the -m+ button and until the arrow points to the program you want ress the If you want to confirm a program To follow the instruction "IF OK, MEMORIZE Depress the PROGRAM button. To confirm a program in more details, follow - C", depress the B button. The week, day of the week, start time and the instruction "SELECT PROGRAM NO. - To remove the information, depress the PRO preset channel number of each program, will A". Hold the -m+ button depressed until the GRAM button. be displayed. " - - - " indicates that no pro arrow, points to the program you want to gram has been set or the program was carried confirm. To confirm other programs, follow out. the instruction "SELECT PROGRAM NO. - A", and depress the -m+ button. To remove the information, depress the PRO GRAM button. Let's proceed with automatic recording Check ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you want to automatically record an index (date, time and preset channel), repeatedly depress the Iii button until the display containing befor.e I O I SPEED selector is set. the day of the week and the actual time is displayed on the TV screen. startmg ....--·'------...... , 1 2 NOTE: You can watch a TV program during automatic recording by setting the TV itself to the channel you want. * Turn off the TV if you are not going to watch a program. The Akai VCR will turn on, automatically start recording and at the programmed turn off time it will stop recording and turn itself off. Insert a video cassette tape. Depress the TIMER button to make the Akai Confirm that the recording defeat tab is not VCR standby for automatic recording. When a tape is inserted, the tape counter is au broken. If it is, cover the hole with a piece of Confirm that its indicator is on. tomatically set to "0000". After a timer pro adhesive tape. The FUNCTION button will be turned off gram is carried out, the tape counter will Make sure that the video cassette tape will be automatically. remain set to the point where recording was long enough for the duration of automatic finished. When you turn the VCR back on, recording. simply depress the RETURN TO "0000" button. The tape will rewind to the beginning of the timer recorded program and stop. AN EXAMPLE OF 4-WEEK TIMER SETTING August "4-week" pre-setting means that you can "reserve" recording time on any one of 28 days in advance-including the day of setting. This means that SUN MON TUE WED THE FRI SAT beginning with today, you can pre-program your Akai VCR to automatical- ly record at any time on any day for 28 days. 3 4 5 6 For example, let's say that today is Monday AUG. 1st and you wish to preset a recording time for later on tonight. Then set the week and day for 7 10 11 12 13 "lst Monday" which will mean today (AUG.8t). So now it follows that if you want to pre-set time for next Monday (AUG.11*h), you will set the 14 16 17 18 19 20 week and day for "2nd Monday" and so on for "3rd Monday" (AUG. 8th) and "4th Monday" (AUG. ltnd). The same thing applies to the other days of the week. 21 23 24 25 26 27 Now let's say its Tuesday AUG. 2nd at 9:00 PM and you want to pre-set 28 29 30 31 recording time for 8:00 PM the following Tuesday (AUG.llh). Since it is already past 8:00 PM today (AUG.lllid) when you are doing the setting, you must set the week and day for "lst Tuesday" since the 1st Tuesday September you can record at 8:00 PM is now next week (AUG.llh). In other words, 1 2 3 "lst Tuesday" means the first Tuesday you can record at the time desired. The same thing applies to the other days of the week. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PROGRAM LIST IMPORTANT Program TV Channel Date Start time Stop time Memo PROGRAM PRIORITY No. program • If two programs are set to turn on at the same day and time the smaller program number has priority. • If two programs overlap, the earlier program will be interrupted by the latter one. Sleep time setting The Akai VCR can be set to stop recording and turn itself off auto A video cassette tape is loaded. matically when you have to leave before the program you are record 0 ing is finished. We call this turn off time "SLEEP TIME". Check before f} Amplifier is turned on. starting 8 SPEED selector is set. 1 2 3 II How to set sleep time Depress the PROGRAM button to display the STOP TIME HOURS information for setting the sleep time on your Depress the REC ( • ) button for at least 1 TV screen. To follow the instruction "SELECT STOP second to record a TV program. TIME - A", depress the -m+ button to select • "REC" will be displayed on your TV screen the stop time hours. for 3 seconds. 4 5 To follow the instruction "SHIFT - B", dep STOP TIME MINUTES MEMORIZE ress the To cancel sleep time operation during sleep time recording Depress the TIMER button. The sleep time operation will be canceled and the VCR goes into normal recording mode. • If the tape ends before the programmed sleep time, the tape will rewind to the beginning and stop. When the tape has stopped, sleep time operation will be cancelled but the Akai VCR will not turn itself off. Therefore make sure that the length of the tape is longer than the sleep time. • If a sleep timer setting and a preprogrammed recording setting overlap, the preprogrammed recording will take priority over the sleep time setting. In other words, the pre-recorded pro gram will take place as scheduled both interrupting the program set with the sleep timer and keeping the VCR from turning itself off. • If a program is set for recording in the VCR's memory, when the sleep time program is finished, the VCR will automatically set itself to TIMER. Problem? Let's check CHECKPOINT Protection Circuit The VCR is equipped with a Protection Circuit which pro tects the speakers from damaging bursts of noise such as PROBLEM "popping" or "crackling" caused by mixers, sanders, etc, which may be connected to the same electric power line. If the power to the VCR is suddenly cut off, first eliminate the source of the current "noise". Then, disconnect the power cord of the VCR and reconnect it while simultaneously depressing the STOP and REW buttons. If this fails to re store operation, servicing of the VCR may be required. Power cord plugged in? TV set to video channel? AITT,fN0 B Aerial cable connection correct? flFOUT0 AS:TURN To ··ooaa•• Was the RETURN TO "0000" button depressed? PRESET or CWCK button on the VCR must be depressed before adjusting or setting with the RC-V603 Replace the batteries t,f the remote control unit. CHECKPOINT PROBLEM Recording defeat tab is broken. Cover the opening with tape to record. Recording button depressed after pause during stop. Depress the REC ( • ) button again. Refer to pages 15-17 for correct programming procedure. TRACKING --$H1F...- --"iEA"'IC Is the VCR in playback mode? Only tapes marked VHS can be used with fhe Akai VCR. VHS tapes are available from your Akai dealer. AUX Amplifier turned on and properly t:'=U connected? Hi-Fi selector switch is not set correctly. Specifications Format...... VHS standard Remote control Video recording system ...... Rotary, slant azimuth two-head helical scan System ...... Infrared pulse position system modulation system Rotary heads ...... 4 video heads and 2 audio heads Carrier frequency ...... 38 kHz±0.2 kHz RF input ...... System B, G with monaural or multiplexed 2 Range ...... more than 8 meters channel audio Directivity ...... ± 30° (at 4 meters) VHF eh 0- 5, SA, 6 - 11, UHF eh 21 - 69 Batteries ...... R6 (or AA, UM-3) x 2 (3 volts) RF output ...... System B type modulation Dimension ...... 42(W) x 20(H) x 165(D) mm VHF eh 0, 1 switchable (preset eh 1) Weight ...... 60 g (without batteries) Recording (line input) ...... PAL, CCIR (System B, G, I) Playback (line output) ...... PAL, CCIR (System B, G, I) Video Line input level ...... 0.5 - 2.0 Vp-p/75 ohms, unbalanced Line output level...... 1.0 Vp-p/75 ohms, unbalanced SIN ratio ...... more than 43 dB Horizontal resolution ...... more than 250 lines Audio (VHS HiFi: 2 eh, Linear: 1 eh) Line input level ...... - 8 dBm/ 50 kohms, unbalanced (-20 dBm at Recording level control max.) Line output level...... - 6 dBm/1 kohms, unbalanced Dynamic range ...... more than 80 dB (VHS HiFi) Frequency response ...... 20 - 20,000 Hz (VHS HiFi) Wow & Flutter ...... less than 0.005% WRMS (VHS HiFi) Recording/Playback time ...... 240 min. with E-240 cassette on SP mode 480 min. with E-240 cassette on LP mode Tape speed SP mode ...... 23.39 mm/sec. LP mode ...... 11.695 mm/sec. Quick finder SP mode ...... Approx. 7 times normal speed LPmode ...... Approx. 15 times normal speed FF, REW time ...... Approx. 4 min. with E-180 cassette Timer Programs ...... 8 programs/4 week and sleep timer Clock reference ...... Quartz crystal Display ...... TV screen (Tape counter, Timer etc) Power requirements ...... 240 V AC, 50 Hz Power consumption ...... 41 W Operating temperature ...... 5°C - 40°C Dimensions ...... 440(W) x 99(H) x 368(D) mm (17.3 x 3.9 x 14.5 inches) Weight ...... 10.0 kg (22.0 lbs) Standard accessory Antenna cable ...... 1 Remote control unit (RC-V603) ...... 1 Battery for remote control ...... 2 For improvement purposes, specifications and design are subject to change with out notice. Final notes Memory back up Maintenance There is a rechargeable battery inside the Akai VCR for the station, When a dirty tape is used, dirt will accumulate on the video heads. program, and clock memories. The memories are retained even This will cause disturbances on the TV screen which cannot be elim during a power failure. The memory back-up battery is recharged as inated with the Akai VCR's tracking or the TV's fine tuning control. long as the power cord is plugged in. It takes about 2 days to fully If this should occur, the heads as well as other internal parts must be charge the battery which will then supply power for about seven days. cleaned. As this equipment is a finely precisioned instrument, never When the power is cut off for seven days or more, confirm the actual open it yourself. Take it to a qualified service shop or to an authorized time, the preset channels and the programs. If the indications are Akai Service Station to be cleaned. wrong or if error is indicated, reset all the preset information again, • Akai does not recommend the use of cleaning tape. starting with the actual time. Tuning When the Akai VCR is receiving certain test patterns such as the Should a problem pyrsist, write down the model and serial numbers Philips type, there may be some distortion in the Interactive Monitor and all pertinent data regarding warranty coverage as well as a clear System characters on the TV screen. description of the existing trouble. Then, contact your nearest author This is not a malfunction of the Akai VCR and will not occur during ized Akai Service Station or the Service Department of Akai Electric reception of normal TV programs. Company, Tokyo, Japan. AKAi AKAi ELECTRIC CO., LTD. 12-14, 2-chome, Higashi-Kojiya, Ohta-ku, Tok yo, Japan Printed in Japan (iJ)60092003 61 0303-01