GE CG400 User Manual

CG400

Camcorder User’s Guide

FPO

We bring good things to life. ..

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

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

AVIS

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

NE PAS OUVRIR

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.

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

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

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

a risk of electric shock.

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”.

Traveling Tips

• 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.

• 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.

2

• 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.

POWER

CHARGE

REFRESH

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

your camcorder’s mono audio cable to a
stereo TV or VCR.

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

4

Detach Here

✂

Please complete other side also

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.

5

Detach Here

✂

®

rr

s

TM

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

IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number

from your MasterCard

My card expires:

My card
expires:

Copy Number

above your

name on

MasterCard

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Name:

Street:

Apt:

City:

State:

Zip:

Print or type your name and
address clearly. This will be your
mailing label.

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

A complete and correct order will
save you days of waiting.

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

7