Model 96 (160-0534) Connections Faxback Doc. # 7876 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 connections. 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. See the different connection descriptions. Power to the VCR and TV should be off when making 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 those 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 OUT jacks to your TV's input jacks. CAUTION: Do not use standard audio cables. Set the TV to the video mode to watch video. 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 "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 the supplied 300-to-75-ohm matching transformer to connect the wire to the VCR's IN FROM ANT terminal. Single TV VHF/UHF Terminal 1. Connect the antenna to the VCR's IN FROM ANT terminal. 2. Connect one end of the supplied 75-ohm coaxial cable to the VCR's OUT TO TV terminal. 3. Connect the other end of the cable to the TV's VHF/UHF antenna terminal. Separate TV VHF/UHF Terminals 1. Connect the antenna to the VCR's IN FROM AN terminal. 2. Connect one end of the supplied 75-ohm coaxial cable to the VCR's OUT TO TV terminal. 3. Connect the other end of the cable to a band splitter (such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 15-1524, sold separately). NOTE: If your antenna is a 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, and 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 you make connections. The VCR's tuner does not unscramble premium cable channels. You must already receive those channels, and you must connect the VCR to your cable box to record them. 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. Record one channel selected with the VCR's tuner while you watch another selected with the TV's tuner. It does not allow you to record scrambled channels. 1. Connect the cable system's cable to the VCR's IN FROM ANT terminal. 2. Using the supplied 75-ohm cable, connect the VCR's OUT TO TV 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 TV SYSTEM is set to CATV in the setup menu. 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 one channel while you watch another. Record by selecting channels directly from the VCR. 1. Connect the cable system's cable to cable box's input terminal. 2. Using the supplied 75-ohm cable, connect the cable box's output terminal to the VCR's IN FROM ANT terminal. 3. Using another 75-ohm cable, connect the VCR's OUT TO TV 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 TV SYSTEM is set to CATV in the setup menu. Cable Connection with Scrambled Channels (with Cable Box and A/B Switch) This connection requires a 75-ohm splitter (Cat. No. 15-1294), a high- isolation A/B switch (Cat. No. 15-1247), and four 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 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 the supplied 75-ohm cable between the splitter and the cable box's input terminal. 3. Connect another 75-ohm cable between the cable box's output terminal and the A/B switch's B input terminal. 4. Connect another 75-ohm cable between the splitter and the A/B switch's A input terminal. 5. Connect another 75-ohm cable between the A/B switch's output terminal and the VCR's IN FROM ANT terminal. 6. Connect another 75-ohm cable between the VCR's OUT TO TV terminal and 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 TV SYSTEM is set to CATV in the setup menu. 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 a standard AC outlet --:-- shows on the display. CAUTION: Condensation inside the VCR can cause tape jams or video head damage. when you first install the Model 97, move it from a cold to a warm area, or place it in a high-humidity area, plug in the VCR and allow it to warm up for about 2 hours before you operate it. This allows complete evaporation of any moisture inside the VCR that could damage it. (ALL-10/31/94)