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Magnavox NB887 / NB887UD Remote Control User's Guide

Magnavox NB887 / NB887UD Remote Control User Guide

Introduction

This guide is designed to help you understand and use all the functions of your Magnavox NB887 remote control. This remote is made to work with certain Magnavox DVD/VCR combo players, such as the Magnavox ZV427MG9, and simplifies controlling both your DVD player and VCR. We'll walk you through everything from basic setup to using advanced features, with clear, step-by-step instructions and helpful pictures. We aim to make operating your entertainment system as easy as possible.

Table of Contents

  1. Getting Started
    • Installing Batteries
    • Understanding the Remote Layout
  2. Basic Operation
    • Powering On/Off
    • Choosing Between DVD and VCR Mode
    • Playing a DVD
    • Playing a VHS Tape
  3. Detailed Button Guide
    • Top Section (Power, Source, Number Buttons)
    • Navigation Section (Arrows, OK, Menu Buttons)
    • Playback Section (Play, Pause, Stop, etc.)
    • VCR-Specific Buttons
    • DVD-Specific Buttons
  4. Using the Menus
    • Accessing the DVD Menu
    • Accessing the Setup Menu
    • Navigating Menus
  5. VCR Recording
    • Recording a Program Now
    • Setting a Timer Recording
  6. Dubbing
    • Copying from DVD to VHS Tape
    • Copying from VHS to DVD
  7. Troubleshooting
    • Remote Doesn't Work At All
    • Some Buttons Don't Work
    • DVD Won't Play
    • VCR Won't Play
    • Recording Problems
    • Audio or Picture Problems
  8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  9. Care and Cleaning

1. Getting Started

  • Installing Batteries:

    1. Locate the Battery Compartment: Turn the remote over. You'll find a small cover on the back, usually near the bottom.
    2. Open the Cover: There might be a small tab to press or slide. Gently open the cover.
    3. Insert Batteries: You'll need two AAA batteries. Look for the (+) and (-) symbols inside the compartment and on the batteries. Match the symbols, placing the batteries in the correct direction.
    4. Close the Cover: Snap the cover back into place securely.

  • Understanding the Remote Layout:

     

Magnavox NB887 NB887UD DVD/VCR Combo Remote Control

The remote is divided into sections. We'll refer to these sections throughout the guide:

    • Top Section: Power, Source, and Number buttons.
    • Navigation Section: Arrow keys, OK button, and menu buttons.
    • Playback Section: Play, Pause, Stop, Fast Forward, Rewind, etc.
    • VCR Section: Buttons specifically for VCR functions.
    • DVD Section: Buttons specifically for DVD functions.

2. Basic Operation

  • Powering On/Off:

    • The STANDBY-ON button (red button at the top) turns your DVD/VCR combo unit on and off. Press it once to turn the unit on, and press it again to turn it off. Make sure your TV is also turned on and set to the correct input (see your TV's manual if you're unsure how to do this).

  • Choosing Between DVD and VCR Mode:

    • VCR Button: Press this button to control the VCR functions.
    • DVD Button: Press this button to control the DVD player functions.
    • SOURCE Button: This button might also switch between inputs, including DVD and VCR. Press it repeatedly to cycle through the available options.

  • Playing a DVD:

    1. Press the DVD button.
    2. Press the OPEN/CLOSE button (top right) to open the disc tray.
    3. Place the DVD on the tray, label side up.
    4. Press OPEN/CLOSE again to close the tray.
    5. Press the PLAY button (triangle pointing right) to start playback.

  • Playing a VHS Tape:

    1. Press the VCR button.
    2. Insert the VHS tape into the VCR slot.
    3. Press the PLAY button (triangle pointing right) to start playback. If the VCR is off, the tape might start playing automatically.

3. Detailed Button Guide

  • Top Section:

    • STANDBY-ON: Turns the DVD/VCR combo unit on and off.
    • SOURCE: Cycles through available input sources (DVD, VCR, possibly others).
    • OPEN/CLOSE: Opens and closes the DVD disc tray or ejects a VHS tape.
    • Number Buttons (0-9): Used for entering channel numbers, track numbers, or timer settings.
    • CLEAR: Clears entries or selections.
    • ABC, DEF, GHI, JKL, MNO, PQRS, TUV, WXYZ, SPACE: Used for entering timer settings.

  • Navigation Section:

    • Arrow Buttons (Up, Down, Left, Right): Used to navigate menus and make selections.
    • OK: Confirms a selection or enters a menu.
    • DISC MENU: Accesses the main menu of a DVD.
    • SETUP: Accesses the settings menu of the DVD/VCR combo unit.
    • RETURN: Goes back to the previous menu or screen.
    • TITLE: Displays the title menu on some DVDs.

  • Playback Section:

    • PLAY (►): Starts or resumes playback.
    • PAUSE (ll): Pauses playback. Press again to resume.
    • STOP (■): Stops playback.
    • FAST FORWARD (►►): Fast forwards through the DVD or tape. Press multiple times for faster speeds.
    • REWIND (◄◄): Rewinds the DVD or tape. Press multiple times for faster speeds.
    • SKIP FORWARD (►l): Skips to the next chapter or track.
    • SKIP BACKWARD (l◄): Skips to the previous chapter or track.
    • RAPID PLAY: Used to watch your tape at an accelerated pace while still being able to hear the audio.
    • SEARCH: Fast-forwards or rewinds while the picture is still visible.

  • VCR-Specific Buttons:

    • VCR: Selects VCR mode.
    • CM SKIP: Skips over commercials (usually in 30-second increments).
    • REC MODE: Selects the recording quality for VHS tapes (SP, LP, EP/SLP). SP is the best quality, but uses the most tape.
    • DUBBING: Used for copying content from DVD to VHS or VHS to DVD (see Section 6).
    • TIMER SET REC: Used to program the VCR to record at a specific time (see Section 5).
    • TRACKING: These buttons may be used to adjust the tracking.

  • DVD-Specific Buttons:

    • DVD: Selects DVD mode.
    • HDMI: If your player is hooked up to a TV using an HDMI cable, this button might control some functions.

  • Other Buttons:

    • AUDIO: Changes the audio language or settings (if available on the disc).
    • TIMER: May be used to set a sleep timer.
    • DISPLAY: Shows information about the current playback (like time elapsed or remaining).

4. Using the Menus

  • Accessing the DVD Menu:

    • Press the DISC MENU button. The DVD's main menu will appear on your TV screen.

  • Accessing the Setup Menu:

    • Press the SETUP button. This will display the settings menu for your DVD/VCR combo unit.

  • Navigating Menus:

    • Use the Arrow Buttons (Up, Down, Left, Right) to move the highlight or cursor on the screen.
    • Press the OK button to select the highlighted option.
    • Press the RETURN button to go back to the previous menu.

5. VCR Recording

  • Recording a Program Now:

    1. Insert a blank VHS tape (or a tape you're okay with recording over).
    2. Press the VCR button.
    3. Select the channel you want to record using the Number Buttons.
    4. Press REC MODE to choose the recording quality (SP, LP, or EP/SLP). SP is best, EP/SLP uses the least tape.
    5. Press the REC/OTR (One-Touch Recording) button. The VCR will start recording. The OTR is usually a red circle. It may not be labeled on this remote.
    6. Press STOP (■) to stop recording.

  • Setting a Timer Recording:

    1. Insert a blank VHS tape (or a tape you're okay with recording over).
    2. Press the VCR button.
    3. Press the TIMER SET REC button.
    4. Use the Number Buttons and the Arrow Buttons to enter:
      • Start Date: The date you want the recording to begin.
      • Start Time: The time you want the recording to begin.
      • End Time: The time you want the recording to end.
      • Channel: The channel you want to record.
      • Rec Mode: SP, LP or EP/SLP
    5. You will use the letter buttons to enter the numbers.
    6. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your settings. Make sure the DVD/VCR combo unit is turned OFF (but plugged in) for the timer recording to work.

6. Dubbing (Copying Tapes/Discs):

  • Copying from VHS to DVD:

    1. Press the VCR button.
    2. Insert the VHS tape.
    3. Press the DVD button.
    4. Insert a recordable DVD.
    5. Press the DUBBING button. Follow the instructions on the TV.

  • Copying from DVD to VHS:

    1. Press the DVD button.
    2. Insert the DVD.
    3. Press the VCR button.
    4. Insert a recordable VHS tape.
    5. Press the DUBBING button. Follow the instructions on the TV.
    • IMPORTANT: Dubbing copyrighted material may be illegal. Only dub content that you own or have permission to copy.

7. Troubleshooting

  • Remote Doesn't Work At All:

    • Batteries: Make sure the batteries are new and installed correctly.
    • Obstructions: Make sure nothing is blocking the space between the remote and the DVD/VCR combo unit.
    • Distance: Stand closer to the unit (within about 15-20 feet).
    • Mode: Make sure you've pressed either the VCR or DVD button.

  • Some Buttons Don't Work:

    • Stuck Button: Gently press and release the button to make sure it's not stuck.
    • Wrong Mode: Make sure you're in the correct mode (VCR or DVD) for the button you're trying to use.

  • DVD Won't Play:

    • Disc: Make sure the disc is clean and not scratched. Try a different disc.
    • Mode: Press the DVD button.
    • Region Code: Make sure the DVD is compatible with your player (most DVDs sold in your country should work).

  • VCR Won't Play:

    • Tape: Make sure the tape is inserted correctly. Try a different tape.
    • Mode: Press the VCR button.

  • Recording Problems:

    • Clock: Make sure the VCR's clock is set correctly (for timer recordings).
    • Tape: Make sure the tape isn't write-protected (there's usually a small tab on the tape).
    • Tape Length: Make sure there's enough space left on the tape.

  • Audio Problems:

    • Mute: Make sure your TV or sound system isn't muted.
    • Volume: Turn up the volume on your TV, sound system, and the DVD/VCR combo unit (if it has a separate volume control).
    • Connections: Make sure the audio cables are plugged in securely.

  • Picture Problems:

    • Connections: Check the cables connecting your DVD/VCR combo to the TV. Make sure they are secure.
    • Input: Make sure your TV is set to the correct input (e.g., Video 1, HDMI 1).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Q: Can I use this remote to control my TV?

    • A: This remote is primarily designed for your Magnavox DVD/VCR combo unit. It may have limited TV control functions (like volume or power if it has been programmed), but it's not a universal TV remote.

  • Q: How do I program the remote for other devices?

    • A: This remote is not designed to be programmed for other devices.

  • Q: My remote stopped working. What should I do?

    • A: See the Troubleshooting section above. The most common problems are batteries, obstructions, or being in the wrong mode.

  • Q: Where do I get a new remote?

    • A: Search online using the model number, "Magnavox NB887."

  • Q: How do I set the clock?

    • A: Press the SETUP button and look for a "Clock" or "Time" setting in the menu. Use the arrow keys and number buttons to set the time.

9. Care and Cleaning

  • Cleaning: Wipe the remote with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquids or cleaning sprays.
  • Batteries: Remove the batteries if you won't be using the remote for a long time.
  • Storage: Store the remote in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

This user manual provides comprehensive guidance on using your Magnavox NB887 remote. If you have any further questions, please refer to the troubleshooting section or search online for additional resources.