JVC Th C20 Instructions

							8
7AM loop antenna
Setting up supplied AM loop antenna 
Connecting AM loop antenna
 Turn the loop antenna until you have the best reception during 
AM broadcast program reception.
NOTE
 Make sure the antenna conductors do not touch any other terminals, 
connecting cords or power cords. This could cause poor reception.
If reception is poor
7FM antenna
If reception is poor
NOTE
 We recommend that you use coaxial cable for the FM antenna as it is 
well-shielded against interference.
Connecting the FM and AM 
antennas
If the antenna cord is covered with the insulation 
coat, twist and pull the insulation coat off and 
remove.
1
Center unit
2
3
Antenna cord
Outdoor single vinyl-covered wire antenna 
(not supplied)AM loop antennaCenter unit
Extend the supplied FM antenna 
horizontally.
Center unitFM antenna (supplied)
Outdoor FM antenna (not
supplied)
Outdoor FM antenna cord (not
supplied) Center unit
Standard type (75 Ω 
coaxial) connector
ConnectionsDo not connect the power cord until all other connections have been made.
TH-C20-30[JC]5.book  Page 8  Thursday, January 12, 2006  11:29 AM
 
						

							9
Note that the illustration below is for SP-PWC30.
CAUTION
 If you connect speakers other than the supplied ones, use speakers of 
the same speaker impedance (SPEAKER IMPEDANCE) indicated 
near the speaker terminals on the rear of the powered subwoofer.
 DO NOT connect more than one speaker to one speaker terminal.
 When installing the satellite speakers on the wall;
– Be sure to have them installed on the wall by qualified personnel.
DO NOT install the satellite speakers on the wall by yourself to 
avoid unexpected damage from falling off the wall due to incorrect 
installation or weakness in wall structure.
– Care must be taken in selecting a location for speaker installation 
on a wall. Injury to personnel or damage to equipment may result 
if the speakers installed interfere with daily activities.
Precautions for daily use
 When moving the speakers, do not pull the speaker cords; 
otherwise, the speakers may fall over, causing damage or injury.
 Do not reproduce sounds at so high a volume that the sound is 
distorted; otherwise, the speakers may be damaged by internal 
heat buildup.
Connecting the satellite (front, center and surround) speakers to the 
subwoofer
 Connect the black cords to the black (r) terminals.
 Connect the white cords to the (q) terminals 
referring to the table below:
Speaker cord
FRONT SPEAKERS (LEFT) White
FRONT SPEAKERS (RIGHT) Red
CENTER SPEAKER Green
SURROUND SPEAKERS (LEFT) Blue
SURROUND SPEAKERS (RIGHT) Gray
Before connecting the speaker cords;
Twist and pull the insulation coat off and remove.
Powered subwoofer
TH-C30: SP-PWC30
TH-C20: SP-PWC20
Front speakers
TH-C30: SP-THC40F
TH-C20: SP-THC20F
Surround speakers
TH-C30: SP-THC40S
TH-C20: SP-THC20S Center speaker
TH-C30: SP-THC40C
TH-C20: SP-THC20C
Connections Do not connect the power cord until all other connections have been made.
TH-C20-30[JC]5.book  Page 9  Thursday, January 12, 2006  11:29 AM
 
						

							10
To obtain the best possible sound from this system, you need to 
place all the speakers except the subwoofer at the same distance 
from the listening position.
If your speakers cannot be placed at the same distance from the 
listening position
You can adjust the delay time of the speakers. See “Delay menu 
(DELAY)” on page 34.
NOTE
 Place the satellite speakers on a flat and level surface.
 The front and center speakers are magnetically shielded to avoid color 
distortions on TVs. However, if not installed properly, they may cause 
color distortions. So, pay attention to the following when installing 
the speakers.
– When placing the speakers near a TV set, turn off the TV’s main 
power switch or unplug it before installing the speakers. Then wait 
at least 30 minutes before turning on the TV’s main power switch 
again.
Some TVs may still be affected even though you have followed the 
above. If this happens, move the speakers away from the TV.
 The surround speakers are not magnetically shielded.
If they are located nearby the TV or monitor, it will probably cause 
color distortion on the screen. To avoid this, do not place the speakers 
nearby the TV or monitor.
 Be sure to place the powered subwoofer to the TV’s right. If you place 
the powered subwoofer to the TV’s left, keep sufficient distance 
between them to prevent the TV screen from appearing mottled.
 You can get better picture quality in the order — Component 
video > S-video > Composite video.
 Distortion of picture may occur when connecting to the TV via a 
VCR, or to a TV with a built-in VCR.
 You need to set “MONITOR TYPE” in the PICTURE menu 
correctly according to the aspect ratio of your TV. (See page 34.)
7To connect a TV equipped with the component video input 
jacks
 If your TV supports progressive video input, you can enjoy a high 
quality picture by setting the progressive scan mode to active. 
(See page 16.)
NOTE
 If the component video input jacks of your TV are of the BNC type, 
use a plug adapter (not supplied) to convert the pin plugs to BNC 
plugs.
 The component video signals can be output only when you select 
DVD or USB MEMORY as the source to play. (See page 15.)
7To connect a TV equipped with the composite or S-video jacks
Speaker layout
Front right 
speaker Center speaker
Powered 
subwoofer
Surround left
speakerSurround right 
speaker Front left
speaker
Connecting a TV
Connecting the powered 
subwoofer
Center unit
To component
video inputTV
Component video cord (not supplied)
Composite video cord (supplied)
To composite 
video input S-video cord 
(not supplied)
TV To S-video input Center unit
or
Align the 5 marks.
Powered
subwoofer System cord 
(supplied) Center unit
Align the 5 marks.Align the 5 marks.
Connections Do not connect the power cord until all other connections have been made.
TH-C20-30[JC]5.book  Page 10  Thursday, January 12, 2006  11:29 AM
 
						

							11
You can enjoy the sound of an analog component.
NOTE
 The signals input to the VIDEO jack of the VCR IN jacks will be 
output only from the VIDEO jack of the VIDEO OUT jacks, not from 
the S-VIDEO jack of the VIDEO OUT jacks.
You can enjoy the sound of a digital component. 
*DBS = Direct Broadcasting Satellite
NOTE
 Only digital audio signals can be input when selecting “DBS” as the 
source to play. (See page 15.) When connecting a video component 
such as a DBS tuner, operate this system to listen to the sound.
You can connect a USB mass storage class device such as a USB 
flash memory device, hard disc drive, multimedia card reader, 
digital camera, etc. to this system.
 After connecting a USB mass storage class device to this system 
and selecting “USB MEMORY” as the source, the control screen 
appears on the TV screen. (See page 26.)
NOTE
 When connecting a USB mass storage class device, refer also to its 
manual.
 Connect one USB mass storage class device to the system at a time. Do 
not use a USB hub.
 You cannot charge the USB mass storage class device while 
connecting it to the USB MEMORY jack.
 While playing back a file in a USB mass storage class device, do not 
disconnect the device. It may cause a malfunction of both the system 
and the device.
 JVC bears no responsibility for any loss of data in the USB mass 
storage class device while using this system.
 When connecting with a USB cable, use a cable less than 1 m in 
length.
 This system is compatible with the USB 2.0 Full-Speed (not 
compatible with the USB 1.1). 
 You can play back the following types of files in a USB mass storage 
class device (maximum data transfer rate: 2Mbps):
–Music: MP3, WMA
– Picture: JPEG
– Movie: MPEG-4 (ASF), DivX (maximum frame rate of 30 fps for 
progressive)
 You cannot play back a file larger than 2GB.
 When playing a file which has a large transfer rate, frames or sounds 
may be dropped during playback.
 This system cannot recognize a USB mass storage class device whose 
rating exceeds 5V/500 mA.
 This system may not recognize some USB mass storage class devices.
 This system may not playback some files even though their formats 
are listed above.
.
Make sure that all other connections have been completed.
CAUTION
 Disconnect the power cord before cleaning or moving the system.
 Do not pull on the power cord to unplug the cord. When unplugging 
the cord, always grasp and pull the plug so as not to damage the cord.
Connecting to an analog 
component
Connecting to a digital 
component
RCA pin plug 
cord
(not supplied)
1
To composite video output
2To  S - v i d e o  o u t p u t
3To  a u d i o  o u t p u t
12 3 Center unit
VCR (1
 3 or 2 3)
TV (3)
Cassette recorder (3) Composite video
cord
(not supplied)S-video cord
(not supplied)
or
Digital optical cord (not supplied)To digital optical output
DBS* tuner
MD playerCenter unit
Connecting a USB mass storage 
class device
Connecting the power cord
Center unit (on the 
front panel USB cable (not supplied)
Center unit Powered 
subwoofer
Power cord
(Supplied)Power cord
Plug into AC outlets.
Connections Do not connect the power cord until all other connections have been made.
TH-C20-30[JC]5.book  Page 11  Thursday, January 12, 2006  11:29 AM
 
						

							12
NOTE
 Manufacturers’ codes are subject to change without notice.
 Set the codes again after replacing the batteries of the remote control.
7To set the manufacturer’s code
1Slide the remote control mode selector 
to TV.
2Press and hold FTV.
Keep the button pressed until step 4 is finished.
3Press ENTER.
4Press number buttons (1-9, 0) to enter 
the manufacturer’s code (2 digits).
Examples:
For a Hitachi TV: Press 1, then 0.
For a Toshiba TV: Press 0, then 8.
*“01” is the initial setting.
5Release FTV.
If there is more than one code listed for corresponding brand, 
try each one until you enter the correct one.
7Operation
Aim the remote control at the TV.
IMPORTANT
Before using the remote control to operate a TV;
 Set the remote control mode selector to TV. 
The following buttons are available:
FTV: Turns TV on and off.
TV VOL +/–: Adjusts the volume.
TV/VIDEO: Selects the input mode (either TV or 
VIDEO).
CH +/–: Changes the channels.
1-10, 0, h10 (100+): Selects the channel.
TV RETURN: Alternates between the previously selected 
channel and the current channel.
NOTE
 The operating buttons may differ depending on manufacturers.
7To set the manufacturer’s code
1Slide the remote control mode selector 
to VCR/DBS.
2Press DBS.
3Press and hold FVCR/DBS.
Keep the button pressed until step 5 is finished.
4Press ENTER.
The buttons described below are used on pages 12 and 13.
Operating the TV
Remote 
control mode 
selector Number
buttons
(play button)
Manufacturer Code Manufacturer Code
JVC 01*Samsung 12
Hitachi 10 Sanyo 13, 14
Magnavox 02 Sharp 06
Mitsubishi 03 Sony 07
Panasonic 04, 11 Toshiba 08
Philips 15 Zenith 09
RCA 05
Operating the DBS tuner or 
CATV converter
Continued on the next page
Operating external components with the remote control
TH-C20-30[JC]5.book  Page 12  Thursday, January 12, 2006  11:29 AM
 
						

							13
5Press number buttons (1-9, 0) to enter 
the manufacturer’s code (2 digits).
Examples:
For a GI Jerrold product:
Press 0, then 1.
For a Sony product:
Press 2, then 0.
*“01” is the initial setting.
6Release FVCR/DBS.
If there is more than one code listed for your brand, try each 
one until you enter the correct one.
7Operation
Aim the remote control at the DBS tuner or CATV converter.
IMPORTANT
Before using the remote control to operate a 
DBS tuner or CATV converter; 
1 Set the remote control mode selector 
to VCR/DBS.
2 Press DBS.
The following buttons are available:
FVCR/DBS: Turns DBS tuner or CATV converter on and 
off.
CH +/–: Changes the channels.
1-10, 0, h10 (100+): Selects the channel.
7To set the manufacturer’s code
1Slide the remote control mode selector 
to VCR/DBS.
2Press VCR.
3Press and hold FVCR/DBS.
Keep the button pressed until step 5 is finished.
4Press ENTER.
5Press number buttons (1-9, 0) to enter 
the manufacturer’s code (2 digits).
Examples:
For a Philips VCR:
Press 0, then 9.
For an NEC VCR:
Press 2, then 5.
*“01” is the initial setting.
6Release FVCR/DBS.
If there is more than one code listed for your brand, try each 
one until you enter the correct one.
7Operation
Aim the remote control at the VCR.
IMPORTANT
Before using the remote control to operate a 
VCR; 
1 Set the remote control mode selector 
to VCR/DBS.
2Press VCR.
The following buttons are available:
FVCR/DBS: Turns VCR on and off.
3 (play button): Starts playback.
7: Stops operation.
8:Pauses playback.
y:Fast forwards video tape.
1: Rewinds video tape.
REC: Press this button together with 3 (play 
button) to start recording or together with 8 
to pause recording.
CH +/–: Changes the TV channels on the VCR.
NOTE
 When operating a VCR or DBS tuner/CATV converter;
 The source setting of VCR or DBS remains after you have changed the 
remote control mode selector to AUDIO or TV. When operating VCR 
or DBS tuner/CATV converter again, it is not necessary to press VCR 
or DBS after setting the remote control mode selector.
Manufacturer Code
Echostar 21
GI Jerrold 01*, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08
Hamlin 15, 16, 17, 18
Pioneer 13, 14
RCA 19
Scientific Atlanta 09, 10
Sony 20
Zenith 11, 12
Operating the VCR
Manufacturer Code Manufacturer Code
JVC 01*, 02, 03 Philips 09
Emerson 11, 26 RCA 05, 06
Fisher 29 Samsung 24
Funai 10, 14, 15, 16 Sanyo 21, 22, 23
Gold Star 12 Sharp 27, 28
Hitachi 04 Shintom 30
Mitsubishi 13 Sony 18, 19, 20
NEC 25 Zenith 08
Panasonic 07, 17
Operating external components with the remote control See page 12 for button locations.
TH-C20-30[JC]5.book  Page 13  Thursday, January 12, 2006  11:29 AM
 
						

							14
IMPORTANT
Before using the remote control for the following 
operation; 
 Set the remote control mode selector to AUDIO.On the remote control:
Press FAUDIO.
On the center unit:
Press F.
When DVD or USB MEMORY is selected as the source (see page 
15), the following messages will appear on the TV screen.
NOTE
 The STANDBY lamp turns on when the power is turned off and turns 
off when the power is turned on.
 The power supply to the subwoofer is linked to the center unit. The 
POWER ON lamp on the subwoofer lights green when the power is 
turned on.
 A small amount of power is consumed even when the power is turned 
off (center unit only). This is called standby mode and the STANDBY 
lamp lights in this mode. Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet 
to turn the power off completely.
 You can also turn on the system by pressing the following buttons;
– One of the DISC (1-5) buttons (with SHIFT pressed) on the remote 
control
– One of DISC (1-5) 0 buttons on the center unit
– One of the source selecting buttons or 3 on the remote control
– One of the DISC (1-5) 3 buttons or 3 on the center unit. 
The buttons on the remote control are used to explain most of the 
operations in this manual. You can use the buttons on the center 
unit same as on the remote control for operations unless 
otherwise noted.
The buttons described below are used on pages 14 to 16.
Source
selecting
buttons
Remote 
control mode 
selector
Cursor
(3/2/Y/5)/
ENTER
Turning the system on/off
 “OPEN”/“CLOSE”:
Appears when opening or closing the disc tray.
 “NOW READING”
Appears when the system is reading the disc/file information.
 “REGION CODE ERROR!”:
Appears when the Region Code of the DVD VIDEO does not 
match the code the system supports. The disc cannot be 
played back.
“NO DISC”:
Appears when no disc is loaded.
 “NO USB DEVICE”:
Appears when no USB mass storage class device is connected.
 “CANNOT PLAY THIS DISC”:
Appears when unplayable disc is loaded.
 “CANNOT PLAY THIS DEVICE”:
Appears when unplayable USB mass storage class device is 
connected.
Basic operations
TH-C20-30[JC]5.book  Page 14  Thursday, January 12, 2006  11:29 AM
 
						

							15
On the remote control:
Press one of the source selecting buttons 
(DVD, USB MEMORY, FM/AM, VCR or DBS).
DVD: 
To play back a disc (DVD VIDEO, VCD etc.). (See page 17.)
USB MEMORY: 
To playback a file in a USB mass storage class device. (See page “To 
play a file in a USB mass storage class device” on page 17.
FM/AM: 
To tune in an FM or AM station. (See page 35.) Each time you press 
the button, the band alternates between FM and AM.
VCR:
 To select the source from a component connected to the VCR IN 
jacks and AUX IN (VCR) jacks. (See page 11.)
DBS: 
To select the source from a component connected to the DIGITAL 
IN (DBS) jack. (See page 11.)
On the center unit:
Press SOURCE repeatedly until the source 
name you want appears on the display 
window.
NOTE
 When AM, FM or DBS is selected, this system does not output video 
signals.
 It may take time to change the source.
CAUTION
 Always set the volume to minimum level before starting any source. 
If the volume is set at a high level, the sudden blast of sound could 
permanently damage your hearing and/or blow out the speakers.
On the remote control:
Press VOL +/–.
On the center unit:
Turn VO LUM E .
 To increase the volume, turn VOLUME clockwise.
 To decrease the volume, turn VOLUME counterclockwise.
CAUTION
Be sure to turn down the volume;
 Before connecting or putting on headphones as high volume may 
damage both the headphones and your hearing.
 Before disconnecting headphones as high volume may be suddenly 
output from the speakers.
While connecting a pair of headphones to the PHONES jack on the 
center unit, the system automatically cancels the surround mode 
(see page 22) currently selected, deactivates the speakers, turns the 
subwoofer’s power off, and activates the headphone mode. 
“H. PHONE” appears on the display window.
Headphone mode
When using the headphones, the following signals are output 
regardless of your speaker setting;
 For 2 channel sources, the front left and right channel signals are 
output from the headphones.
 Multi-channel signals are down-mixed and output from the 
headphones.
 (For DVD AUDIO) When the disc prohibits down-mixing, only 
the front left and right channels are output from the headphones.
 
Press MUTING.
To restore the sound
Perform one of the following:
Press MUTING again.
Press VOL +/– (or turn VOLUME on the center unit).
Press DIMMER.
Each time you press the button, you can change the brightness level 
in 3 steps.
Selecting the source to play
Adjusting the volume 
[VOLUME]
Listening with headphones 
(not supplied)
Tu r n i n g  o f f  t h e  s o u n d  
temporarily [MUTING]
Adjusting the brightness of the 
indications [DIMMER]
Basic operations See page 14 for button locations.
TH-C20-30[JC]5.book  Page 15  Thursday, January 12, 2006  11:29 AM
 
						

							16
The system turns off automatically when the specified period of 
time has passed.
Press SLEEP.
Each time you press the button, the shut-off time changes.
Example:
To check the remaining time
Press SLEEP once.
To change the remaining time
Press SLEEP repeatedly.
To cancel
Press SLEEP repeatedly until “SLEEP – –” appears.
 Turning off the power also cancels the Sleep Timer.
1Press SPK LEVEL to show the target 
speaker indication on the display 
window.
Each time you press the button, the indication of the speakers 
changes as follows:
2Press LEVEL +/– to adjust the output 
level from –6 to +6.
NOTE
 You can also make adjustments by using the setup menu shown on 
the TV screen. (See page 34.)
 The adjustments take effect for all sources.
1Press TREBLE/BASS to show “TRE” or 
“BASS” on the display window.
Each time you press the button, the indication alternates 
between “TRE” and “BASS”.
 TRE: Select this to adjust treble sound.
 BASS: Select this to adjust bass sound.
2Press LEVEL +/– to adjust the level from 
– 10 to +10 (in 2 steps).
NOTE
 The adjustments take effect for all sources.
The system can be accommodated to your TV’s scan mode.
NOTE
 To use the system in the progressive mode, it is required that the 
center unit is connected to the TV by using a component video cord 
(not supplied). (See page 10.)
7While DVD or USB MEMORY is selected as the source and 
stopped
1Press and hold SCAN MODE for 
2seconds.
Currently selected scan mode appears on the display window.
2Press Cursor 3/2 to select the desired 
mode.
Each time you press the button, the scan mode changes as 
follows:
480i*: Select this to change the scan mode to interlace mode.
480p*: Select this to change the scan mode to progressive 
mode.
*480i and 480p indicate the number of scanning lines and 
scanning format of a video signal.
– 480i indicates 480 scanning lines with interlaced format.
– 480p indicates 480 scanning lines with progressive format.
 You can get better picture quality in the progressive mode 
than in the interlace mode.
3Press ENTER while the selected mode is 
displayed.
When the progressive mode is selected, the PROGRESSIVE 
indicator lights on the display window.
NOTE
 Although the picture may be distorted when you press ENTER, this is 
not a malfunction of the system.
Sleep Timer [SLEEP]
Adjusting the output level of 
the subwoofer and speakers
FRNT L (Front Left speaker) Z FRNT R (Front Right 
speaker) Z CENTER (Center speaker) Z SURR L 
(Surround Left speaker) Z SURR R (Surround Right 
speaker) Z SUBWFR (Subwoofer) Z (back to the 
beginning)
Adjusting the sound
minutes
Changing the scan mode
 There are some progressive TVs and High-Definition TVs that are 
not fully compatible with this system, resulting in an unnatural 
picture when playing back a DVD VIDEO in the progressive scan 
mode. In such a case, change the scan mode to the interlace mode. 
To check the compatibility of your TV, contact your local JVC 
customer service center.
 All JVC progressive TVs and High-Definition TVs are fully 
compatible with this system.
Basic operations See page 14 for button locations.
TH-C20-30[JC]5.book  Page 16  Thursday, January 12, 2006  11:29 AM
 
						

							17
 The icon such as   shows the disc formats or file types the 
operation is available for.
IMPORTANT
Before using the remote control for the 
following operation; 
1 Set the remote control mode selector 
to AUDIO.
2 Press DVD or USB MEMORY.
7To play a disc
1Press the desired DISC (1-5) 
0 on the center unit.
 The system turns on and the disc tray comes 
out.
2Place a disc.
3Press DISC (1-5), with SHIFT pressed.
NOTE
 Up to 5 discs can be loaded.
 You can also start playback by pressing 3 (play button) or DVD.
 The system plays back available discs sequentially until you stop 
playback or until the disc loaded on the DISC 5 tray reaches to the 
end. However, when DVD VIDEO or DVD AUDIO is loaded in the 
system, playback of the disc next to the DVD VIDEO or DVD 
AUDIO will not start.
7To play a file in a USB mass storage class device
Press USB MEMORY.
The operations of the files in a USB mass storage class device 
depend on the file types stored in the device.
For MP3/WMA files
The file control display (see page 26) appears on the TV screen.
For JPEG files
Each file (still pictures) is shown on the TV screen for about 3 
seconds (slide-show). When stopping playback, the file control 
display (see page 26) appears on the TV screen.
For ASF/MPEG-2/MPEG-1 files
Pressing TOP MENU/PG or MENU/PL shows the file control display 
(see page 26) on the TV screen during playback.
For DivX files
During the readout time, “READING INDEX” may appear on the 
TV screen.
Pressing TOP MENU/PG or MENU/PL shows the file control display 
(see page 26) on the TV screen during playback.
NOTE
 When several types of files are recorded on a disc/device, select 
appropriate file type on the set up menu. (See page 34.)
7To pause playback
Press 8.
To continue playback, press 3 (play button).
7To stop
Press 7.
NOTE
 (For JPEG) The system cannot accept operations even though you 
press any buttons before the entire picture appears on the TV screen.
The buttons described below are used on pages 17 to 21.
Remote 
control mode 
selector
(play button) Number
buttons
Cursor
(3/2/Y/5)/
ENTER
Basic playback
When placing an 8 cm discLabel side up
Playback
TH-C20-30[JC]5.book  Page 17  Thursday, January 12, 2006  11:29 AM