Model 104 (160-0541) Connections Faxback Doc. # 3944 There are many different TV types and ways to connect them to your VCR. This section presents the most common situations. Before using the 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 the connections. Do not connect the VCR's power cord until you complete all other 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, set the TV to the video mode to watch and play video tapes. You will get a better picture and clearer sound if you connect your VCR directly to the jacks. Use video-quality shielded cables with phono type connectors (such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 15-1538, sold separately) to connect the VCR's VIDEO/AUDIO output jacks to your TV's input jacks. NOTE: Do not use standard audio cables for this connection. 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, follow the instructions for connecting the VCR to a single VHF/UHF INPUT terminal or for connecting to separate VHF/UHF INPUT 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 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 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 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 (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 terminal, 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 have cable, choose one of the following connections, depending you 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 already receive those channels and connect the VCR to your cable box in order 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. 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 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 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 to connect your cable box's output to the VCR. Your cable box usually comes with a 75-ohm coaxial cable for making connections. Coaxial cable (Cat. No. 15 1531) is also available from your local Radio Shack store. This connection allows you to record any channel (scrambled or unscrambled) by selecting 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. Use a 75-hm cable to connect the cable box's output terminal to the VCR's IN FROM ANT terminal. 3. Use 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 terminal, 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. 15-1151), a high- isolation A/B switch (Cat. No. 15-1247), and up to four additional 75-ohm cables (Cat. No. 15-1531). Your cable box usually comes with a 75-ohm coaxial cable for making connections. Coaxial cable (Cat. No. 15-1531) is also available from your local Radio Shack store. 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 A position. It does not allow you to: Record scrambled channels directly without the cable box. Record a scrambled channel while you watch another. 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/V switch's B input terminal. 5. Connect one 75-ohm cable between the A/V switch's output terminal and the VCR's IN FROM ANT terminal. 6. Connect one 75-ohm cable between the VCR's OUT TO TV 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/V switch to A. To record a scrambled program, set the A/B switch to B. AC POWER CONNECTION Plug the supplied AC cord into a standard AC outlet. --:-- appears on the display. CAUTION: If you use the VCR in areas of high humidity or move it from a cold area to a warm one, allow it to warm up for about 2 hours before you plug it in and operate it. This allows any damaging moisture to completely evaporate. (ALL-01/13/95)