Setting up new VCR with tv

[downonthestreet]

I don't know if I am posting this query in the correct forum - if not, could someone kindly let me know where I should place it?

I don't know how to solve an annoying problem I am having with a "new" (from auction) VCR. I have a Mitsubishi CT-2900AM tv - an oldie now, but still good. I am trying to set up this new VCR with the tv - the VCR is a Sony SLV-EZY35AZ (6-head hi-fi).

I have been through the Sony manual, and all I have managed to do is connect up the VCR to the tv. I can't even work out from the manual how to set the time and date on the VCR. I can't get the month to show on display, and the day - 23 - keeps coming up in combination with Sunday, rather than Saturday. The year and month I can't even any longer get on to the display - it now keeps showing as "full".

Second big problem. I can't understand the bloody Sony manual re setting up the VCR with the Auto Set function. The first step has me buggered. It says: "Turn on your tv and set it to the video channel." What the hell is the video channel? Does that mean set the tv to the video monitoring setting rather than "tv"? Or are they referring to something else?

Prob 3. The Sony manual goes on: "Tune the tv to channel 68 in Australia - the initial RF channel for this VCR. Refer to your tv manual for tv tuning instructions. If the picture does not appear clearly, see 'To change the RF channel' on page 17".

Now, without getting even more confused about whatever is on page 17, can someone please explain the above directions to me in the first instance? Specifically:

1. What does "RF channel" mean?
2. If I tune to channel 68, what picture is supposed to appear clearly? There IS NO picture on channel 68!

I HATE THESE BLOODY VCR AND TV MANUALS. The technical writers should be impaled on their goddamned pens! I guess they don't have pens these days - ok, then they should have their heads shoved through their f$^%#&*%#&^ing monitors and their keyboards inserted sideways into the nearest small orifice! This crap is unintelligible for people without a technical background. Or maybe I'm just thick.

Whatever, if some kind soul can explain things to me thus far, I might be able to nut out the rest of the steps.

[deckard8]

If VCR is connected to TV via scart cable select A/V (or possibly 0 channel) on TV remote.
If VCR is connected via RF tuner (connected to aerial socket) you have to tune in the VCR to a channel on TV (RF channel) the same way you would tune in an ordinary TV channel.