Won't timer record

You need to turn off the Timer and then add your new program to the schedule. Then turn the Timer back on (power off).
On most VCRs, the Timer is enabled by turning off the unit. Thus turning it on will work (as long as a program isn't currently being recorded). If a program is currently being recorded, press Stop to interrupt the programmed recording. Then add your new program - that doesn't conflict with other programmed recording or exceed the number of available timed recordings for the unit. Then turn off the unit.

At least one VCR I owned was a bit trickier. You had to press the Timer button on the remote instead of the power button.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

To set the time do the following:

Press PROG*
to display Program.

To set record DATE,
press to select:
1~31= one time, or
DAILY= MON~ FRI, or
WEEKLY= same time
each week and
press SET.

To set remaining items,
press
to select and
press SET
to set START/ STOP times,
CH (channel) or LINE
input (p. 35), and tape
speed (SP, LP, SLP).

Press PROG
to end programming.

To Enter More Programs,
press
to select and
press SET
to set an unused program
number, and then repeat
step 2.
Or
Press PROG
to exit.

The “Timer” Indicator lights up on DECK.
• You can do Timer Recording with the power on or off.
• “TIMER REC WILL START SOON” appears on-screen for 2 minutes
before Timer Recording starts. If DECK is in DVD mode, no message
appears, but the VCR REC Indicator, the VCR mode indicator and
“REC” will flash on Multi function Display.

Hope this helps!
Brad Nelson

I have the same machine and the same problem as you do. Apparently, because this model has a hardwired, built in calendar, it experiences a "Y2K"-like problem and will not record (even manually!) when you either try to program a date that is more recent than 2008, or the machine's present date "hits the wall." The solution is to program a year that is identical to the current year. Example: day and date-wise, 2014 is identical to 1997. So entering the correct month and day, but using 1997 for the year entry will allow normal operation with correct day/date timer operation and the stupid CPU will be none the wiser. As for using this machine with modern HDTVs, there should be no problem as long as the TV has standard analog A/V jacks. For recording the machine would need a source of standard-def video, either basic cable TV or a digital converter box if using over the air signals. BTW, 1998 is a match for 2015, so the above solution will be good for two years. After that, just look up a leap within 1990 to 2008 year that matches 2016.

You will probably find a free manual at the Sharp website. That should answer most of your problems. However can tell you that PDC stands for Programme Delivery Control. With it on, say you want to record a program that starts at 9pm and finishes at 10pm. Then all you need is set the control to on, when you set the timer recording, and the video will record your show, even if it starts at say 9.10 and runs while 10.10. The VCR will wait till 9.10 to start and stop at 10.10. Good if a sporting event or live event overruns!
However PDC doesn't work on digital and will not work sometimes at all or if you set the timer wrong. It uses the old teletext signal, which is why if you are in an area that has gone over to digital it should be set to off! As it will never get a PDC signal!!!!

Generally the timer flashing means that ethier a programme for recording is set to record or wrong information is added. You need to check the timer record menu to see if a recording is schedule. I suggest you might need to get a remote for the model or get a universal one. Placing a blank tape in a powering down, should see the timer stop, but if a recording schedule is there it will still be on. The only way to clear it (without the remote) might to let it record! You don't give the make or model so I can't say anymore.

Timer Recording JVC VCR HR A591U
Timer recording can be programmed on-screen with
the remote control. The built-in timer allows automatic
unattended recording of up to 8 programs within 1
month.

EXAMPLE: Program a timer recording for the 26th day,
channel 125 (CATV), 11:00 - 11:30 PM on timer program
number 1 (Tape speed: EP).

When a TV is connected with an audio/video cable, turn the
TV and this VCR on and select the video input mode on the
TV.


• After timer recording is completed, the VCR turns off
automatically.
• You can program the timer recording while a regular
recording is in progress; the menu screens will not be
recorded.
• The timer recording will start at 20 seconds before the time
you predetermined.

Press MENU on the Remote.
Check the “TIMER REC SET”
option is selected, then press
ENTER.

Press SET –/+ to select one of
the program lines, then press
ENTER.

Press SET –/+ to select the
date, then press ENTER.

Set the start time, end time,
channel and tape speed as in
step 3.
NOTE: To record from external
source, press SET –/+
and set the channel to
"L". "L" will appear next
to CH 125 (or 69).

To enter other programs,
repeat step 2 through 4. Or,
press MENU twice to return
to the normal screen.

Press TIMER on the Remote.
The power will go off, the
TIMER REC indicator ( ) will
light and the VCR stands by
for recording.

To cancel a program:

Press the SET –/+ to select the
“TIMER REC SET” option in the
MENU. Then press SET –/+ to
select the unnecessary program,
and press CANCEL to cancel the
program.

Make sure there is no time overlap on any of the programs you have on the recorder.

That is the most likely problem

If the internal clock is not correct, it probably wouldn't let you time record because it would record at the wrong time. Maybe there was a power surge and it caused it to clear the time?
Try setting the time through the menu and if you need a manual, call 1-800-SAMSUNG (if you haven't done that already).

the recorder must be off, otherwise timed recording doesn't work

Have you tried setting the clock to manual mode: Page 18 in the manual I think.