Vtech V Smile Tv Learning System Owners Manual New

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User’s Manual

Dear Parent,

At VTech®, we know that every year, children are asking to play video games

at younger and younger ages. At the same time, we understand the hesitation

of most parents to expose their children to the inappropriate content of many

popular video games. How can you feel confident in allowing your childen

to play these games, and still educate and entertain them in a healthy, age-

appropriate manner?

Our solution to this on-going debate is the V.Smile™ TV Learning System

– a unique video game system created especially for children aged 3 to 7.

The V.Smile™ TV Learning System combines a kid-friendly design, age-

appropriate curriculum, entertaining graphics, and fun game play into a unique

experience that your child will love and you can support. The V.Smile™ TV

Learning System engages your child with two modes of play: the Learning

Adventure - an exciting exploratory journey in which learning concepts are

seamlessly integrated, and the Learning Zone - a series of games designed to

focus on specific school skills in a fun, engaging way. Both of these educational

modes offer your child hours of learning fun.

As part of the V.Smile™ TV Learning System, VTech® offers a library of

game Smartridges™ based on popular children’s characters that engage and

encourage your child to play while learning. The library is organized into

three levels of educational play – Early Learners (ages 3-5), Junior Thinkers

(ages 4-6) and Master Minds (ages 5-7) – so that the educational content of

the system grows with your child.

At VTech®, we are proud to provide you with a much-needed solution to the

video game dilemma, as well as another innovative way for your child to learn

while having fun. We thank you for trusting VTech®‚ with the important job of

helping your child explore a new world of learning!

Sincerely,

Your Friends at VTech®

To learn more about the V.Smile™ TV Learning System and other VTech®

toys, visit www.vtechkids.com

A Healthy, Balanced “TV Diet”

By Dr. Helen Boehm

Television was long considered the “uninvited” guest in American

households. However, today many realistic and caring parents are

partnering with television to create electronic classrooms - right in their

own living rooms. They are no longer asking if children should watch TV

but, rather, which programs and on-screen activities should be part of their

children’s TV intake.

The same balanced and structured approach to developing healthy eating

habits translates to watching less, different and better television! This “TV

diet” gives families a menu for regulating children’s viewing, choosing

“healthy” program content and reducing the quantity and potency of

television consumed.

So, what does a healthy, balanced “TV diet” look like?

A well balanced diet is best…

Consider a healthy mixture of age-appropriate programming and activities

that educate, engage and entertain! A variety of viewing and interactive

experiences can turn a TV screen into an electronic classroom for learning

and fun.

Trim the fat…

It is important to reduce children’s sedentary behavior and eliminate

unhealthy programs that contain violent, aggressive or disrespectful

behaviors.

Move out of the candy store…

Parents are children’s first teachers and their most powerful role models. It

is difficult to improve children’s viewing when parents are modeling other

TV viewing behaviors. Consider adapting your own TV habits as a healthy

example for your child.

Plan menus and season to taste…

Whenever possible, eliminate channel surfing and encourage the viewing

of specific, pre-selected shows. The PG-TV ratings help parents make

more informed selections that take into account the content and age-

appropriateness of programs. For example, Y-7 shows are designed for

PARENT’S TV TIPS

2

children 7 and older who can distinguish between fact and fantasy. A TV-

Y7-FV rating indicates that “fantasy violence” is present in an episode of

an animated program.

Control couch potatoes…

Children benefit from participation in movement, fitness activities and sports.

These bodily actions are not only important for a child’s physical growth and

development but also to monitor their emotional stability, social skills and

obesity. Limit sedentary screen time and blend physical and mental pursuits,

like active on-screen games and video activities, into the TV mix.

Starvation diets don’t work…

Many parents have found that restricting all TV-time is an impractical, long-

term strategy. It is possible, however, to set realistic limits that are welcomed

by both parent and child! Make viewing a choice and not a habit. Eliminate

some TV time by setting a few basic rules, such as restricting television

during meals or before the day’s homework is completed.

News fast…

The realism of TV news can be overwhelming and scary for young children

and reinforces their profound safety concerns. Exposure to TV news images,

particularly without a context for scenes of terrible suffering, can cause

vivid and long lasting fears.

Food for thought…

Whenever possible, connect viewing with learning. Many programs and

characters are based on books and many on-screen subjects -- from

geography to sports -- can inspire a lifelong interest in reading. Choose

age-appropriate video activities that encourage interaction and challenge

critical thinking.

Dr. Helen Boehm is the author of The Right Toys, Fearless Parenting and

many magazine articles on parenting and responsible children’s media.

A distinguished psychologist and nationally known authority on children’s

development, play, and media, Dr. Boehm headed Public Responsibility

and Network Standards at MTV/Nickelodeon and was Vice President of

the Fox Children’s Network.

PARENT’S TV TIPS

3

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the VTech® V.Smile™ TV Learning System!

The V.Smile™ TV Learning System is a unique video gaming system

created especially for younger players. With V.Smile™, children can take

off on wonderful journeys to a variety of places such as an amusement

park, a cartoon world, or even a magical fairy tale land. As they explore

these worlds, children absorb learning concepts through creative gaming

and adventure play. Each game universe features child-directed play and

hidden surprises, so that the adventure is never the same twice!

ON Button

RESTART Button

Joystick Port-

Player 1

Joystick Port-

Player 2

Smartridge™ Storage

Compartment

OFF Button

Smartridge™

Reset Button

Battery Compartment

Manual

Joystick

Smartridge™ Slot

INTRODUCTION

User’s Manual

4

INSTRUCTIONS

INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE

• V.Smile™ TV Learning System main unit

• One joystick

• One Smartridge™

• One instruction manual

WARNING: All packing materials such as tape, plastic sheets, wire ties

and tags are not part of this toy and should be discarded for

your child’s safety.

GETTING STARTED

BATTERY INSTALLATION

• Make sure the unit is turned OFF.

• Locate the battery cover on the bottom of

the main unit.

• Remove the battery cover.

• Insert 3 “C” size batteries as illustrated.

• Replace the battery cover.

BATTERY NOTICE

• Do not try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries.

• Rechargeable batteries are to be removed from the toy before being

charged.

• Rechargeable batteries are only to be charged under adult supervision.

• Do not mix different types of batteries. Do not mix new and used batteries.

• Only use batteries of the recommended or equivalent type.

• Always insert batteries properly matching the plus (+) and minus (-) signs.

• Batteries that have run out of energy must be removed from the toy.

• Do not short-circuit the supply terminals.

• Do not use more batteries than recommended.

• Remove batteries from the toy if it will not be used for an extended period of

time.

INSTRUCTIONS

5

AC ADAPTOR

• Use a standard 9V 300mA AC/DC adaptor. We recommend

the use of a VTech® 9V AC/DC adaptor.

• Make sure the unit is turned OFF.

• Plug the power jack into the 9V DC socket at the back of the unit.

• Plug the AC adaptor into a wall socket.

NOTE: The use of an adaptor will override the batteries. When the toy is not

going to be in use for an extended period of time, unplug the adaptor.

Standard Guidelines for Adaptor Toys

• The toy is not intended for use by children under 3 years old.

• Only use the recommended adaptor with the toy.

• The transformer is not a toy.

• Never clean a plugged-in toy with liquid.

• Never use more than one adaptor.

• Do not leave the toy plugged-in for extended periods of time.

CONNECTING TO A TV

NOTE: Before you connect the V.Smile™ TV Learning System to a TV,

check to make sure that the unit is working. Once you have turned

the unit ON, the power indicator light (ON Button) should glow.

If the ON Button does not glow, check to see that the adaptor is

connected correctly, or that the batteries are installed correctly. If

the batteries are not installed correctly, the V.Smile™ TV Learning

System will not function and damage to the unit could result. Make

sure that your TV and the unit are turned OFF before you begin

making connections.

Connect the V.Smile™ TV Learning System to your TV or monitor by

plugging the colored cables on the unit into the matching color video and

audio input jacks on your TV set.

For TVs with stereo audio inputs:

- Connect the yellow plug on the V.Smile™ cable to

the yellow video input terminal on your TV.

- Connect the white and red plugs on the V.Smile™

cable to the white and red audio input terminals on

your TV.

INSTRUCTIONS

6

For TVs with a mono audio input:

- Connect the yellow plug on the V.Smile™ cable to

the yellow video input terminal on your TV.

- Connect the white or red plug on the V.Smile™ cable

to the white or red audio input terminal on your TV.

CONNECTING TO A VCR

If there is no video IN and audio IN terminal on your TV set, you can connect

V.Smile™ to a VCR.

- Connect the yellow plug on the V.Smile™ cable to

the yellow video input terminal on your VCR.

- Connect the white and red plugs on the V.Smile™

cable to the white and red audio input terminals on

your VCR.

CONNECTING THE JOYSTICK

Plug the joystick into the PLAYER 1 joystick port located on the front panel

of the main unit.

TO BEGIN PLAY

• Make sure the unit is turned OFF.

• Insert a Smartridge™ into the Smartridge™ slot on the front of the main

unit. The Smartridge™ should lock into place. Please use care when

removing the Smartridge™ from the slot.

• Turn on the TV.

• Set your TV input mode to accept input from the port to which V.Smile™

is connected. In many cases this will involve setting the TV to “video”

mode; however, since all TVs vary, please refer to your TV or VCR

manual for further details.

• Turn the V.Smile™ TV Learning System on by pressing the ON

Button.

INSTRUCTIONS

7

PRODUCT FEATURES

ON Button Press this button to turn the unit ON.

OFF Button Press this button to turn the unit OFF. Always

do this before removing a Smartridge™.

RESTART Button Press this button when the unit is ON, to start

the game over from the beginning.

Storage Compartment You can store up to six Smartridges™ inside

the storage compartment when they are not in

use.

JOYSTICK FUNCTIONS

ENTER Button Press this button to make a choice, or to perform

certain game actions.

4 Color Buttons Use these buttons to choose answers in certain

activities, or to perform certain game actions.

EXIT Button Press this button to exit or pause a game.

HELP Button Press this button to hear helpful hints in certain

games.

LEARNING ZONE Button Press this button to enter the Learning Zone

play mode.

Color Buttons

HELP Button

EXIT / PAUSE Button

LEARNING ZONE Button

Joystick

ENTER Button

INSTRUCTIONS

8

The V.Smile™ joystick accommodates both right- and left-handed players.

To switch the joystick to the left- or right-hand side of the buttons:

- Pull the knob on the underside of the joystick as shown, to release the

lock.

- Turn the joystick around to the other side until you hear a locking

sound.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

1. Keep your V.Smile™ clean by wiping it with a slightly damp cloth. Never

use solvents or abrasives.

2. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from direct sources of heat.

3. Remove the batteries when not using it for an extended period of time.

4. Avoid dropping it. NEVER try to dismantle it.

5. Always keep the V.Smile™ away from water.

6. The AC adaptor should be regularly examined for damage to the cord,

plug, enclosure and other parts. In the event of such damage, the

V.Smile™ must not be used with this adaptor until the damage has been

repaired.

WARNING

A very small percentage of the public, due to an existing condition, may

experience epileptic seizures or momentary loss of consciousness when

viewing certain types of flashing colors or patterns, especially on television.

While the V.Smile™ TV Learning System does not contribute to any

additional risks, we do recommend that parents supervise their children

while they play video games. If your child experiences dizziness, altered

vision, disorientation, or convulsions, discontinue use immediately and

consult your physician.

Please note that focusing on a television screen at close range and handling

a joystick for a prolonged period of time may cause fatigue or discomfort. We

recommend that children take a 15 minute break for every hour of play.

INSTRUCTIONS / CARE & MAINTENANCE / WARNING

9

TROUBLESHOOTING

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If you have a problem that cannot be solved by using this manual, we

encourage you to visit us online or contact our Consumer Services

Department with any problems and/or suggestions that you might have. A

support representative will be happy to assist you.

Before requesting support, please be ready to provide or include the

information below:

TROUBLESHOOTING / TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Problem

The power light does

not come on when the

ON Button is pressed.

The power light is ON,

but there is no picture

on the screen.

The power light is ON,

but there is no picture

(or incorrect picture) on

the TV, and pressing

the OFF Button has

no effect.

The TV picture is black

and white.

There is a picture on

the TV, but no sound.

The joystick does not

work.

Possible Reason

1. Incorrect or

missing power

connection

2. Program needs to

be reset

1. Incorrect TV

connection

2. Incorrect TV mode

selected

1. Program needs to

be reset

1. Non-matching

color system

2. Cable connection

problem

1. TV setting

2. Cable connection

problem

1. Improper Joystick

connection

2. Joystick was

reconnected after

program start

Solution

1. Check that new batteries are correctly

installed, or an AC/DC adaptor (9V 300mA,

center-positive) is properly connected to the

main unit.

2.1 Disconnect all power supplies (batteries and

adaptor) OR

2.2 Press the Reset Button located on the bottom

of the main unit, using a ballpoint pen.

1. Make sure that the yellow plug of the main

unit is connected to the video IN terminal

(usually yellow) of the TV.

2. Make sure that the TV is set to “video” mode.

Some TVs have several video inputs - please

make sure you have selected the video input

that matches the video port connected to the

V.Smile™ unit.

1.1 Press the Reset Button located on the

bottom of the main unit, using a ballpoint pen

OR

1.2 Disconnect all power supplies (batteries and

adaptor).

1. Make sure that the TV is set to the correct TV

system (e.g. NTSC or Auto).

2. Make sure that the video cable is firmly

connected to the video input of the TV.

1. Raise the volume of the TV, and make sure it

is not set to “Mute”.

2. Make sure that the white and/or red plug is

firmly connected to the audio input of the TV.

1. Make sure that the joystick is firmly connected

to the PLAYER 1 port.

2. Turn the unit OFF and then ON again.

10

TECHNICAL SUPPORT / OTHER INFO

11

• The name of your product or model number (the model number is typically

located on the back or bottom of your product).

• The actual problem you are experiencing.

• The actions you took right before the problem occurred.

Internet : www.vtechkids.com

Phone : 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-800-267-7377 in Canada

OTHER INFO

DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

VTech® Electronics North America, L.L.C. and its suppliers assume

no responsibility for any damage or loss resulting from the use of this

handbook. VTech® Electronics North America, L.L.C. and its suppliers

assume no responsibility for any loss or claims by third parties that may

arise through the use of this software. VTech® Electronics North America,

L.L.C. and its suppliers assume no responsibility for any damage or loss

caused by deletion of data as a result of malfunction, dead battery, or

repairs. Be sure to make backup copies of important data on other media

to protect against data loss.

Company: VTech® Electronics North America, L.L.C.

Address: 1155 West Dundee Road, Suite 130, Arlington Heights, IL

60004 USA

Phone : 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-800-267-7377 in Canada

NOTICE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the

limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful

interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses

and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in

accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not

occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful

interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by

turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct

the interference by one or more of the following measures:

-- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

-- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

-- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected.

-- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

DEVELOPMENTAL BENEFITS

Language Development &

Phonics –

Introduces the alphabet and letter

sounds.

Word Building –

Expands vocabulary through age-

appropriate words.

Basic Math Skills –

Enhances basic math skills,

including counting, number

identification and arithmetic.

Discovery & Exploration –

Two different learning modes

heighten curiosity and encourage

exploration at a child’s own pace.

Independent Play –

Interactive games and

instructional voice prompts allow

children to control the pace and

difficulty of play.

Letter Names & Sounds –

Teaches letters and their sounds,

the building blocks of reading.

Visualization & Memory –

Engaging graphics and

visualization activities help build

memory skills.

Problem Solving –

Develops logic skills and strategic

thinking through various gaming

situations.

Spelling & Advanced Phonics –

Introduces age-appropriate

spelling words to enhance

reading readiness.

Cognitive Development –

Stimulates critical thinking skills

through challenging memory

and logic games.

Science Facts –

Introduces early science

concepts through exploration

of various environments and

associated vocabulary.

Social Studies –

Introduces concepts of

community, safety, geography

and cultures.

Cooperative Play –

Encourages sharing and

cooperation through “take-turn”

activities.

Motor Skills –

Interactive right- and left-handed

joystick and oversized buttons

help strengthen fine motor skills.

Imaginative Play –

Stimulates imagination and

exploration through interaction

with popular children’s

characters.

Musical Creativity –

Enhances music skills and

creativity with music and sound

activities.

DEVELOPMENTAL BENEFITS

12

Expand your V.Smile Smartridge™ library with these

great games for never-ending fun!

Expand your V.Smile Smartridge™ library with these

great games for never-ending fun!

2004 © VTech

Printed in China

91-02078-002

Each sold separately and subject to availability.

- Colors & Shapes

- Letters

Ages: 3-5 - Phonics

- Numbers - Basic Vocabulary

- Counting

- Patterns & Logic

- Music

- Math Computation

- Vocabulary - Time-Telling Skills

- Spelling

- Geography

- Spelling

- Problem Solving

- Advanced Math - Art & Creativity

- Vocabulary

Ages: 4-6

Ages: 5-7