VCR stuck in auto time set mode

I have a number of these Casio and Citizen watches. This watch does not use GPS for the time keeping. It uses a land based broadcast time signal. There is public information about where the signals come from for your area. The technical breakdown of the time code signal is public access information.

The instruction manual of the watch has the information about when your watch should automatically receive the time signal, and how to set up the watch. Many of the manuals also included a map showing the time signal coverage, and includes the time of day information to show when the signal is strongest.

Make sure the watch settings are for your time zone. This is important. If the main time zone is not for your area it will be trying to receive the signal at the wrong frequency at the wrong time of day. There are areas where the signal may not be able to be received. You can get the mapping for this from the service that the watch has been set to use.

In North America the auto time receive is supposed to take place between midnight 00:00 to 04:00. In the eastern part of North America the reception is poor compared to central and western part of North America. Check the instruction manual for your watch for details.

Below is the spec listing of your watch.

• Atomic Timekeeping
  Receives time calibration radio signals which keep the displayed time accurate
  Auto receive function (3 times per day)
  Manual receive function
  Signal: WWVB, UK MSF Frequency: 60kHz
• 50M Water Resistant
• EL Backlight with Afterglow
• World Time
  29 times zones (30 cities), city code display, daylight saving auto/on/off
• Date Alert
  Display flashes when set date is reached
• 4 Daily Alarms and 1 Snooze Alarm
• 1/100 second digital stopwatch
  Measuring capacity: 99:59'59.99"
  Measuring modes: Elapsed time, lap time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
• Hourly Time Signal
• Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2039)
• 12/24 Hour Formats
• Accuracy: +/-20 seconds per month (with no signal calibration)
• Battery CR1620
• Approx. battery life: 2 years
• Module 2556

Size of case / total weight
WV57 47.0 x 39.0 x 12.5mm / 44g
WV57HD 47.0 x 39.0 x 12.5mm / 89g

Is the incoming signal OTA or cable? (If cable, is it analog (CATV) or digital (QAM)?)

Most TV's do not have a video out but you should check your TV. Assuming the usual TV with no video out, then you will need a set top box to record any program other than analog signals (CATV or a low power OTA option). The VCR only has an NTSC (analog) tuner.

For an OTA signal, take the coax from the antenna to a digital-to-analog converter coax in, then coax out of the converter to the coax in (tuner) of the VCR. Then set the VCR to channel 3 or 4. Set the switch on the converter. (Some VCRs will record Line In or Input, so you could use the composite out of the converter to the VCR.) Then coax out from the VCR to the coax in on the TV and set the TV to Channel 3 or 4 as well. Set the switch on the VCR. (Alternatively use the composite (A/V) out on the VCR to the composite In on the TV and set the input to AV1 (or whatever the TV calls the input). Digital cable will be set up like the OTA, except for using a cable set top box instead. You may want a splitter to allow for watching one program while recording another. In that case, put the splitter before the set top box if the TV has the digital tuner. Otherwise put it after the set top box. In both cases, you will need to use the AV (composite out) on the VCR to the TV.

For analog cable, take the coax cable and connect it to the VCR's coax in. Then connect the coax out or AV out to TV.

Set the VCR to the desired station and press REC. For timed record, enter the menu and set the time to start and end the recording as well as the channel. If you are using a set top box, set that to the desired station and then press record. (Leave the VCR set to Line in or channel 3 (4) as needed.)

Manuals for some JVC vcrs are here: http://support.jvc.com/consumer/product.jsp?categoryId=CATG0002&productId=PRD4600001&archive=true . A manual for a similar model will help since they all connect the same way. However the HR-D18OU is not in the list.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Press and hold the SET button (it will read CHIME with a flashing on or off). Then push the MODE button - the top will be flashing 12-HR or 24-HR. Push the ST/SP button to toggle between the 12-HR to 24-HR reading. Push the MODE button to get to the hour/minute/second/year/mo-day/month/day value you want to change. Push the ST/SP button to increase the value, the RESET button to reduce the value.

unplug machine for about a WHOLE day, sometimes two days (believe it or not!) and it may go back to default mode.
P.S. how did it go into video mode in the 1st place

You only have three choices that I know of. The first two are a bit expensive though. 1) Buy a digital TV, then you could split your antenna cable to the TV and Converter box. Then use the converter box as the tuner for the VCR. 2) Buy a digital VCRand do the same thing using the converter box as the TV's tuner. or 3) Get a second Converter box and split the incoming cable between the two, using one for the TV and the other for the VCR. If you use any of these ideas, remember that You need to not have the VCR and the "new" tuner for the TV set to play on the same TV channel, and that you switch teh VCR out of VCR mode with the TV/VCR button, so that you get a clear signal on the other channel. If anyone has an easier solution, I too would like to know about it, seeing as I am in the same position and would like to avoid this problem as well.

The DVD has to be off so that it allows the VCR signal to pass through. Also make sure the VCR's output is set to channel 3 (little tiny slide switch in the back by the VCR's antenna jacks).

I had the same problem when I got the TV from someone and I didnt have a remote. I went out and got a ONE FOR ALL remote and once I got it set up I had it in VCR mode and hit the AV button and now I can get to the channels. Hope it works for you.

Zohar, You must remember that various regions in the world have different Broadcast systems. TVs and VCRs are manufactured for playback and Recording in different regions. But, while the JVC HR - J 437MS is a Multi System VCR as far as Playback is concerned, It has only a PAL Tuner. So , while you can watch NTSC Tapes, you cannot tune a NTSC Broadcast through its tuner, and watch on your TV. You will only get a B&W picture. To atleast view NTSC Tapes, use the Remote of the VCR, and set System to AUTO or NTSC. Again, there are 2 versions of NTSC - the 3.58 and the 4.43 ones. Certain regions of the US broadcast in NTSC 3.58, and some in NTSC 4.43. So select carefully, Similarly, bring up the TV menu, and select AUTO or NTSC for TV reception. Now you will be able to view American broadcasts in color.But I suggest you set System to AUTO, as then you can watch your earlier Tapes collection from Europe also. As for connections, it is fairly simple. I am uncertain if your VCR has a 21 pin euroconnector (SCART)but it is unlikely. You will be having Audio L and Audio R out ockets at the rear of the VCR, alongwith Video Out socket. Just connect suitable RCA cables from these OUT sockets to the Video and Audio IN (L) and Audio IN (R) siockets on the TV. select AV input, and you are ready. check it out. 99% it will be work out.

Ifyou do not see the VCR/TV button switch on the front panel, then its a problem most likly with the firmware in the microprocessor. If you do see the VCR/TV indicator switching in or on the front panel display, most likly a defective RF modulator/switcher or RF antenna pack. You may still be able to get one from like MCM or tritronics or PTS corp can rebuild it for you. I have seen this type of break down many times with VCR's as we used to do hundreds of VCR repairs a day as we did factory service for several companies in the NY/NJ area. Good Luck Please do not forget to rate this thread.