GE CG400 User Manual

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CG400

Camcorder User’s Guide

FPO

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Product Registration

Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately. Returning this card allows us to contact you if needed.

Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of purchase. Attach it here and record the serial and model numbers in case you ever need them. The numbers are located on the bottom of your camcorder.

Model No: CG400

Serial No:

Purchase Date:

Purchased From:

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Your video camcorder’s AC adapter/charger will operate on 100-240 volts AC, 50/60 Hz, and has a polarized plug. Because one blade of the plug is wider than the other, the plug fits in the wall socket only one way. Do not defeat the safety feature of this plug. If you need an extension cord, use a polarized extension cord.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

ATTENTION: POUR ÉVITER LES CHOCS ÉLECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU’AU FOND.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. IF YOU SPILL LIQUID ON THE CAMCORDER OR ADAPTER/CHARGER, DISCONNECT THE AC ADAPTER/CHARGER’S POWER CORD TO PREVENT POSSIBLE FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND CONSULT AUTHORIZED SERVICE PERSONNEL. MOISTURE CAN DAMAGE INTERNAL PARTS. REFER ALL SERVICE TO AUTHORIZED GE CAMCORDER SERVICENTER PERSONNEL ONLY.

i

CAUTION: READ “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER” ON THE NEXT PAGE BEFORE USING THE AC ADAPTER/CHARGER.

CAUTION: MAINTAIN ELECTRICAL SAFETY. POWERLINE-OPERATED EQUIPMENT OR ACCESSORIES CONNECTED TO THIS UNIT SHOULD BEAR THE UL LISTING MARK OR, IF PURCHASED AND USED IN CANADA, THE C-UL OR CSA CERTIFICATION MARK ON THE ACCESSORIES THEMSELVES AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN MODIFIED SO AS TO DEFEAT THE SAFETY FEATURES. THIS WILL HELP AVOID ANY POTENTIAL HAZARD FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE. IF IN DOUBT, CONTACT QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE CAMCORDER OR AC ADAPTER/ CHARGER TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

 

 

CAUTION

 

 

AVIS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

 

 

 

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

 

 

 

DO NOT OPEN

 

 

 

NE PAS OUVRIR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The symbol of a lightning flash within a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of

uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure and which may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.

An exclamation point within a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of

important operating and maintenance (service) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

CAUTION: AVOID OPERATING YOUR CAMCORDER IMMEDIATELY AFTER MOVING IT FROM A COLD LOCATION TO A WARM LOCATION. GIVE THE CAMCORDER 1-1/2 TO 2 HOURS TO REACH A STABLE TEMPERATURE BEFORE INSERTING A VIDEO CASSETTE. WHEN MOVED FROM A COLD AREA TO A WARM LOCATION, MOISTURE MAY CONDENSE ON THE HEAD DRUM INSIDE THE MACHINE. THIS MOISTURE COULD CAUSE THE TAPE TO STICK TO THE HEADWHEEL AND DAMAGE THE HEADWHEEL OR TAPE.

ii

Important Safety Instructions for AC Adapter/Charger

Before using the AC adapter/charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) AC adapter/charger,

(2) battery, and (3) product using battery.

Caution: To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recommended for this camcorder. Other types of batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage.

Do not expose the adapter/charger to moisture of any kind.

Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull out the cord with the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the adapter/charger from the wall outlet.

Make sure the cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to damage or stress.

Use of an improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If an extension cord must be used, make sure that:

1.Pins on the plug of the extension cord are the same number, size, and shape as those of the plug on the adapter/charger.

2.Extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition, and

3.Wire size below is met:

Minimum

Length of Extension

AWG Size

Cord (Feet)

18

Equal to or less

 

than 100

16

Equal to or less

 

than 150

Do not operate adapter/charger with a damaged cord or plug. Replace it immediately.

Do not operate adapter/charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way. Take it to a qualified serviceman.

Do not disassemble charger. Take it to an Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock.

To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

Be sure to save these operating instructions for future reference.

CAUTION: FCC REGULATIONS STATE THAT ANY UNAUTHORIZED CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS EQUIPMENT MAY VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE IT.

CAUTION: THE UNAUTHORIZED RECORDING OF TELEVISION PROGRAMS AND OTHER MATERIALS MAY INFRINGE THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS.

iii

Table of Contents

Product Registration............................

 

i

Safety Precautions ...........................

 

i -iii

Recording and Traveling Tips ...........

 

2

Optional Accessories........................

 

3-7

• Accessory Order Form..................

 

5-7

First-Time Operation

 

 

• Unpack the Camcorder and

 

 

Accessories....................................

 

8

• Use an Adapter/Charger or

 

 

Battery to Supply Power ...............

 

9

• Attach Lens Cap Cord and

 

 

Adjust Handstrap...........................

 

9

• Insert a Cassette .............................

 

10

• Turn On the Camcorder .................

 

10

• Adjust the Viewfinder Focus .........

 

10

• Start and Stop Recording ...............

 

10

• Review the Camcorder Controls

....11

• Review LCD Window Displays.....

12

Powering Your Camcorder

 

 

• Using the Adapter/Charger ............

 

13

• Using the Battery ......................

14-16

• Using the Optional Car Cord

 

 

Adapter/Charger ..........................

 

17

Recording

 

• Video Cassettes..............................

18

• Recording Operation......................

19

PLAY/CAM Mode ..........................

20

• Zooming.........................................

20

• Viewfinder .....................................

20

• Flying Erase Head..........................

20

• Microphone ....................................

20

• Blank Search ..................................

21

• Time Counter .................................

21

Playback

 

• Playback on TV (or VCR) with

 

AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks.............

22

• Playback on a TV Using

 

the Antenna Connector...............

23

• Playback Features ..........................

24

Picture Search .............................

24

Fast Forward or Rewind .............

24

Stop-Action Pause ......................

24

References

 

• Care and Maintenance....................

25

• Things to Avoid .............................

25

• Trouble Checks.........................

26-27

• Information to User........................

27

• Specifications.................................

28

• Limited Warranty...........................

29

• Index (Alphabetical) .................

30-31

1

Recording and Traveling Tips

Recording Tips

In case of fire or theft, make a video recording of your home and contents to store in a safe place.

Try to make sure indoor scenes are well-lit. This improves picture quality and color reproduction.

Do not bump or tap the camcorder’s microphone while recording because this sound will be recorded.

Do not move the camcorder rapidly from side-to-side while recording. A steady, gradual “pan” avoids blurring and “jitter”.

Use the viewfinder to make sure the camcorder is level while recording or your scenes will appear “tilted”.

Be aware of video and audio backgrounds. Background details barely noticed while you are taping may show up as visual “clutter” on your recording. Background noises (especially TV sets, radios, household appliances, traffic sounds, etc.) can detract from the sound you want to record.

Avoid long “still” shots of landmarks and scenic attractions. Recordings are more interesting if they include people and details. “Local color” will give travel videos lasting appeal. Consider recording a familiar or landmark scene from an unfamiliar vantage point.

Include close-up shots of individuals when taping family or group functions.

Traveling Tips

Write down your camcorder’s serial number for identification if your camcorder is lost or stolen.

Use extra care to avoid damage to your camcorder and accessories when operating them at a beach or pool. Spray, sand, and dust should be avoided. If your lens has been exposed to the elements, clean it only with proper lens cleaning supplies.

Do not transport your camcorder attached to a tripod.

Make sure you have any plug adapters that you may need before taking your camcorder to other countries. Consult your dealer for advice.

Carry your camcorder in a carrying case when traveling. See page 3 for a case designed especially for this camcorder. An ordinary suitcase or carry bag does not offer the protection your camcorder needs. Treat your camcorder as carry-on luggage to protect it from rough handling.

2

GE CG400 User Manual

Optional Accessories

We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your camcorder. The following pages have a selection of accessories to help make the process of recording and watching your videos more enjoyable.

To order accessories, contact your local dealer. If a dealer is not nearby, accessories are available through toll-free ordering or by using the order form on page 5.

AV608 (One Hour)

Rechargeable

Battery

This rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery is designed

specifically for long life. The AV608 powers your camcorder up to one hour (depending on how much you use pause). It can be recharged with the AC adapter/charger that came with your camcorder.

DCC05 Car Cord Adapter Charger

This car cord adapter/ charger enables you to operate your camcorder

from your car, truck, or

RV by plugging the car

cord directly into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. It will also charge the AV608 battery supplied with the camcorder. The DCC05 is specially designed to convert power from the 24volt or 12-volt battery to a 6.5 volt output.

Caution: Do not use any other car cord with this camcorder.

AC025A Soft Carrying Case

Custom compact soft case is designed to provide protection and utility for your camcorder and most accessories. The rugged fabric is lined with soft nonabrasive material and generous padding. It has three outside pockets with storage for adapters, batteries, and tapes.

CRF800 RF Output Adapter

This adapter is used with a coaxial RF cable to connect your camcorder to a standard TV (one without audio/video input jacks) for playback.

218555 Shoulder Strap

This adjustable shoulder strap makes carrying the 8mm camcorder easy.

All specifications and descriptions of accessories are subject to change without notice.

3

Audio/Video Cables (AH069G 3-ft / AH070G 5-ft)

These cables are

shielded for connecting AUDIO and VIDEO jacks. They have RCA-type phono plugs on each end.

Coaxial RF Cables (AH065G 6-ft / AH066G 10-ft)

These RF cables are used with the RF output adapter to

connect your

camcorder to a standard TV (one without audio/video input jacks) for playback. You may need other accessories.

193983 Cable Transformer

This 300-to-75 ohm transformer is used to connect a standard (300 ohm) antenna twin-lead to a standard round 75-ohm connector.

AH011 Cable Transformer

This 75-to-300 ohm

transformer is used to connect a standard 75

ohm antenna cable to

the 300-ohm screw terminals on a TV.

AH25 Y-Adapter

This Y-adapter allows you to connect your camcorder’s mono audio cable to a stereo TV or VCR.

Optional AC088 Tripod

Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such as AC088, will keep the camcorder steady. This tripod’s fluid-effect head provides smooth camera pan and tilt. The grooved, tubular 3-section leg design folds down to 26" when not in use. Rubber feet allow for sure footing.

Cautions: Before using a tripod, make sure it is stable enough to hold the camcorder without falling over.

When attaching your camcorder to a tripod, be careful not to force the tripod screw into the camcorder’s tripod mounting hole.

The tripod screw should not protrude into the camcorder more than approximately threeeighths (3/8) inch. Forcing the screw could damage the mounting hole on the bottom of the camcorder.

Do not transport camcorder attached to tripod.

All specifications and descriptions of accessories are subject to change without notice.

4

HereDetach

Order Form for Camcorder Model CG400

Description

Part No.

 

Price

Qty.

Total

Soft Camcorder Case

AC025A

$

59.95

 

 

Super Lightweight Tripod

AC088

$

39.95

 

 

75-300 Ohm Cable Transformer

AH011

$

1.90

 

 

RF Coaxial Cable (6-ft.)

AH065G

$

6.99

 

 

RF Coaxial Cable (10-ft.)

AH066G

$

8.99

 

 

Audio/Video Cable (3-ft.)

AH069G

$

5.99

 

 

Audio/Video Cable (5-ft.)

AH070G

$

7.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y-Adapter

AH25

$

1.95

 

 

Rechargeable Battery (1 Hr.)

AV608

$

49.95

 

 

AC Adapter/Charger

CPS801C

$

189.95

 

 

RF Output Adapter

CRF800

$

49.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Car Cord Adapter/Charger

DCC05

$

169.95

 

 

DC Cable for Adapter/Charger

DCC100

$

14.95

 

 

300-75 Ohm Cable Transformer

193983

$

6.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shoulder Strap

218555

$

13.95

 

 

Prices are subject to change without notice.

 

 

Total Merchandise ($10 Minimum Order)......................

$

__________

Sales Tax .........................................................................

$

__________

We are required by law to collect the appropriate

 

 

sales tax for each individual state, county, and

 

 

locality to which the merchandise is being sent.

 

 

Shipping, Handling, and Insurance .................................

$

5.00

Total Amount Enclosed ................................................

$

__________

Use VISA or MasterCard preferably. Money order

 

 

or check must be in U.S. currency only. No COD

 

 

or cash.

 

 

Allow 8 weeks for delivery.

All accessories are subject to availability.

Where applicable, we will ship a superseding model.

Please complete other side also

5

Charge your order on your VISA or MasterCard by

filling in below

USE YOUR CREDIT CARD

®

IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card

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above your

 

 

 

 

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AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Print or type your name and

A complete and correct order will

address clearly. This will be your

save you days of waiting.

mailing label.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Street:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Please make sure that both sides of this form have been filled out completely.

HereDetach

6

To order accessories, contact your local dealer.

If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow the directions below to order by telephone or direct-by-mail.

United States and Canada Orders

To place your order by phone, have your Visa or MasterCard ready and call the toll-free number listed below between 8AM and 8PM Eastern Standard Time. Use this number only to place an order for accessory items listed on this order form.

1 – 800 – 338 – 0376

Most times your order will be shipped UPS within 72 hours of receipt. If ever it is not possible to ship within 30 days, we will notify you with an update on your order and an option to cancel.

To place your order by mail, detach and mail the completed order form with credit card information, money order, or check in U.S. currency (made payable to Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.) to the following address:

Video Accessories

PO Box 8419

Ronks, PA 17573

For more information on these accessories (or current prices), write to the following address:

Video Accessories Customer Service

Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.

Distributor & Special Products

2000 Clements Bridge Rd

Deptford, NJ 08096-2088

International Orders

This offer is valid only in the United States and Canada. For international orders, please send your request for a price quotation (not an order) to:

International Customer Service

Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.

Distributor & Special Products

2000 Clements Bridge Rd

Deptford, NJ USA 08096-2088

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