Philips turbo drive VR550 User Manual

This video recorder is used for the recording and playback of VHS videocassettes.
Cassettes with the VHS-C label (VHS cassettes for camcorders) may only be used
with a suitable adapter.
We hope you enjoy your new video recorder.
EN
Thank you for buying a Philips video recorder. This video recorder is one of the most sophisticated
and easy-to-use video recorders (VCR) on the market. Please take the time to read this operating
manual before using your video recorder. It contains important information and notes regarding opera-
tion. The video recorder should not be turned on immediately after transportation from a cold to a
hot area or vice versa, or in conditions of extreme humidity. Wait at least three hours after transport-
ing the device. The video recorder needs this time in order to become acclimatised to its new environ-
ment (temperature, air humidity, etc.).
VR550/07
1VMN20683B***
HK471/47RBD
HM471BD
PAL
Important notes regarding operation
Danger: High voltage!
Do not remove the top cover as there is
a risk of an electrical shock!
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock,
do not expose this device rain or moisture.
The video recorder does not contain any
components that can be repaired by the
customer. Please leave all maintenance
work for qualified personnel.
As soon as the video recorder is connected
to the power supply, there are some compo-
nents that are in constant operation. To
switch off the video recorder completely you
must disconnect it from the power supply.
The mains plug shall remain readily operable.
Keep the distances 20 cm around apparatus of
ventilation openings. Do not place the device
on an unsteady base.
Make sure that no objects or liquids enter the
video recorder. Do not place vases or the like on
the video recorder. If liquid is spilt into it, immedi-
ately disconnect the video recorder from the power
supply and call After-sales Service for advice.
Do not place any combustible objects on
the device (candles, etc.).
Make sure that children do not place any foreign
objects within the openings or ventilation slots.
These operating instructions have been
printed on non-polluting paper.
Deposit old batteries at the appropriate col-
lection points.
Please make use of the facilities available in
your country for disposing of the packaging
of the video recorder in a way that helps to
protect the environment.
Disposal of your old product
Your product is designed and manufactured
with high quality materials and components,
which can be recycled and reused.
When this crossed-out wheeled bin
symbol is attached to a product it
means the product is covered by the
European Directive 2002/96/EC.
Please inform yourself about the local
separate collection system for electri-
cal and electronic products.
Please act according to your local rules and do
not dispose of your old products with your nor-
mal household waste.
The correct disposal of your old product will help
prevent potential negative consequences for the
environment and human health.
So that you can identify your machine for service
questions or in the event of theft, enter the serial
number here. The serial number (PROD. NO.) is
printed on the type plate fixed at the back of the
device. Also, we suggest that you put a mark
with your VCR MODEL NO.
This product complies with the requirements of
Directive 73/23/EEC +89/336/EEC +93/68 EEC.
Interference
The Department of Trade and industry operates a
radio Investigation Service to help TV licence hold-
ers improve reception of BBC and ITC program-
mers where these are being spoilt by interference.
MODEL NO. VR550/07
PROD. NO. ...........................
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HK471BD_EN 4/12/06 6:32 PM Page 1

Philips turbo drive VR550 Specifications

General

Tape Format	VHS
Number of Heads	4
Video Recording System	PAL
Remote Control	Yes
ShowView	Yes
Tuner	Yes
Type	Video Cassette Recorder
Playback Formats	VHS
Recording Formats	VHS
Outputs	SCART

Summary

Important Notes Regarding Operation

Safety and Usage Guidelines

Essential safety warnings and operational advice for the video recorder.

Environmental Considerations

Guidance on using eco-friendly paper and proper product disposal.

Disposal of Your Old Product

Product Recycling and Disposal

Instructions for environmentally responsible disposal of the video recorder.

Interference

Radio Interference Service

Information about a service to improve TV reception by reducing interference.

Specifications

Technical Specifications

Detailed technical data including voltage, power consumption, and dimensions.

Supplied Accessories

Included Items

List of items provided with the video recorder.

1. Connecting the Video Recorder

UK Plug Fuse Replacement

Specific instructions for changing the fuse in UK plugs.

Power Plug Wiring Guide

Detailed steps for correctly wiring a power plug.

Preparing the Remote Control

Remote Control Setup

Instructions for inserting batteries into the remote control.

Connecting Your Video Recorder to the TV

Scart Cable Connection

Guidance on connecting the video recorder to a TV using a scart cable.

Scart Cable Functionality

Explanation of scart cable functionality for signal transfer.

Connecting with a Scart Cable

Scart Connection Procedure

Step-by-step instructions for connecting the VCR to the TV using a scart cable.

Scart Socket and Configuration

Guidance on selecting and configuring TV scart sockets for VCR use.

Troubleshooting Scart Connection

Solutions for issues like an empty screen or incorrect TV channel display.

Connecting Without a Scart Cable

Aerial Connection Method

Instructions for connecting the VCR to the TV using only an aerial cable.

Connecting Additional Devices

External Device Connectivity

How to connect other devices like decoders or camcorders to the VCR.

2. Installing Your Video Recorder

Initial Setup and Preparation

Steps for preparing the video recorder for use, including remote and device connections.

Automatic Channel Search

How to perform an automatic search and store available TV channels.

Clock and Date Setting

Instructions for setting the correct time and date on the video recorder.

Decoder Allocation

Decoder Configuration for TV Channels

Guide to automatically activating a connected decoder for specific TV channels.

Manual TV Channel Search

Manual Channel Tuning Procedure

Steps to manually search for and store TV channels.

Troubleshooting 'No TV Signals'

Solutions for issues where the TV displays 'NO TV SIGNALS'.

Using the Satellite Receiver

Satellite Channel Reception

How to receive satellite channels through the video recorder.

Follow TV (Automatic Channel Sorting)

Synchronizing TV Channels

How to align the video recorder's channel order with the TV's.

Troubleshooting Channel Synchronization

Solutions for problems when matching TV channels.

Sorting TV Channels Manually

Manual Channel Reordering

How to manually rearrange the order of saved TV channels.

Automatic Tuning

Re-scanning TV Channels

How to perform an automatic re-scan to save all available TV channels.

Setting the Clock

Manually Resetting Time and Date

Steps to manually reset the time and date on the video recorder.

Setting the RF Out Channel

Adjusting RF Output Channel for Interference

How to change the RF output channel to avoid interference.

Interference Resolution Tips

Solutions for interference issues, including using scart cables.

3. Playback

Basic Cassette Playback

Basic steps for inserting and playing VHS cassettes.

Picture and Sound Quality

Advice for poor picture or sound quality during playback.

Tape Position Searching

How to fast-forward or rewind to specific points on the tape with picture preview.

Still Picture and Slow Motion Playback

How to freeze a frame or play the tape in slow motion.

Manual Recording

General Recording Information

Overview of spontaneous recording and basic manual recording.

Recording Without Automatic Switch-off

How to start and stop a recording manually.

Preventing Accidental Erasing

How to use the cassette security tab to prevent erasing.

Lining Up Recordings (Assemble Cut)

Tips to reduce flicker when adding recordings to a cassette.

Selecting Recording Speed

SP, LP, and AUTO Speed Options

Explanation of recording speed options and their impact on duration and quality.

Automatic Recording from Satellite

RECORD LINK Function Setup

How to set up automatic recording triggered by a satellite receiver signal.

DIRECT RECORD

Initiating Direct Recording

How to record the current TV channel instantly, even with the VCR off.

Managing Direct Record Function

How to switch the DIRECT RECORD function on or off.

5. Programming a Recording (TIMER)

General Timer Programming

Overview of timer programming to automatically start and stop recordings.

Turbo Timer Functionality

How to quickly program recordings within the next 24 hours.

Timer Programming Error Messages

Solutions for error messages like 'FULL' during timer programming.

Checking or Deleting Programmed Recordings

Accessing the Timer List

How to check or delete programmed timer recordings.

Changing a Programmed Recording (TIMER)

Modifying Timer Settings

How to change the details of an existing programmed recording.

Problems and Solutions for Programmed Recordings

Troubleshooting Common Timer Issues

Solutions for issues like no cassette, ejected cassette, or timer errors.

6. Other Functions

Switching the Status Display

How to turn the on-screen status display on or off.

Blue Background Setting

How to set the TV screen background to blue or off.

Automatic Switch-off

Cancelling Auto Standby Function

How to disable the automatic switch to standby mode.

Clock Display

Managing VCR Display Brightness

How to switch the VCR display off to reduce power consumption.

Selecting the Sound Channel

Adjusting Audio Output Channels

How to select desired sound channels for playback or reception.

7. Before You Call an Engineer

Troubleshooting Recorder Response

Solutions for when the video recorder does not respond to buttons.

Cassette Jamming Solutions

What to do if a cassette becomes jammed in the video recorder.

Remote Control Issues

Solutions for when the remote control is not working.

No Picture or Poor Quality Playback

Troubleshooting steps for missing pictures or poor playback quality.

No Recording Possible

Solutions for when recording is not possible.

TV Reception Interference

Troubleshooting steps for picture or sound interference on TV reception.