GE CG735, CG733 User Manual

2

Important Safety Information

Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.

[ WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose I

product or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.

RISKOF ELECTRICSi-IOCK

DO NOT OPEN

This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"
inside the product that presents a risk of
electric shock or personal injury.

This symbol indicates important

instructions accompanying the product.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE
COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug

to wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour 6viter les chocs electriques, introduire la lame

la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et
pousser jusqu'au fond.

To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recommended by the
manufacturer for this camcorder. Other types of batteries may burst causing

damage and personal injury.
CAUTION: Avoid operating this product immediately after moving it from a

cold location to a warm location. Give it 2 to 3 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.

FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this
equipment may void the user's authority to operate it.

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 for proof of purchase to obtain warranty parts and service
and attach it here. Record the serial and model numbers located on the bottom of

the product.

Model

Serial No:
Purchase Date:

Purchased From:

We want to makesureyouenjoy your new camcorder.If you haveany
questions,call:

Camcorder Exchange Warranty .. •800-283-6503 (Pages 58-59)

Customer Service 800-447-1700 (Page 57)

• • • • o • • • • • • • • • • • * • •

Accessories 800-338-0376 (Pages 44-51)

• • • • • • • o • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Safety Information ................................ i

Product Registration ............................. i

Contents ............................................. 1-2

First-Time Operation

• Assistance ............................................ 3

• Unpack Camcorder and

Accessories ...................................... 3

• Attach the Adapter/Charger ................ 4

• Remove Lens Cap and Attach

to Handstrap ..................................... 5

• Turn on the Camcorder ....................... 5

• Insert a Cassette .................................. 6

• Position Viewfinder and

Adjust Eyepiece Focus Control ....... 6

• Start and Stop Recording .................... 7

• Play Back What You Have

Recorded .......................................... 7

• Review the Camcorder's

Operating Controls ....................... 8-9

Powering the Camcorder

• Using the Adapter/Charger ............... 10

• Using the Rechargeable Battery

• Charging ......................................... 11

• Attaching and Removing ................ 12

• Care and Storage ............................ 13

• Safety Precautions .......................... 13

• Battery Level Indicator ................... 14

• Using the Optional Thomson

Car Cord Adapter ....................... 15

Video Cassettes

• Erase Protection .............................. 16

• Recording and Playback Times ...... 16

• Inserting and Removing

Cassettes ..................................... 17

Cassette Care and Storage ................ 17

Traveling Tips .................................... 18

Cassette Tips ....................................... 18

Recording Features

• Quick Review .................................... 19

• Tape Positioning ............................... 19

• Microphone ..................................... .. 19

• AI (Artificial Intelligence) ................ 19

• Program AE (Auto Exposure). .......... 20

• Auto Focus ........................................ 20

• Macro Focus ...................................... 20

• Electronic Indexing ........................... 21

• Time Remaining Display .................. 21

• Viewfinder ................................... 22-23

• Displays in Viewfinder ................ 24-25

• Date and Time Display

• Set the Date and Time .................... 26

• Record the Date and Time

(or Date) on Your Tape ............. 27

• Charging the Clock Cell ................. 27

• Tape Counter with Memory Stop ..28-29

• Zooming ............................................ 30

• ProEdit ® Features

• Edit Search ..................................... 31

• Titler .......................................... 32-34

• Playback Features

• Stop-Action Pause ..................... 36-37

• Picture Search ........................... 36-37

•'Tracking ................................ ......... 37

• Playback on TV (or VCR) with

AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks ....... 38-39

• Playback on TV without

Audio and Video Inputs ......... 40-41

Attaching the Shoulder Strap ........... 42

Information to User ........................... 43

Specifications .............................. ........ 44

Optional Accessories ..................... 44-51

• Accessory Order Form ................. 49-51

Care and Maintenance ................. 52-53

Trouble Checks ............................. 54-56

Assistance ............................................ 57

Recording Tips ................................... 35

Playback

• Viewfinder Playback ......................... 36

Limited Warranty ......................... 58-59

Index (Alphabetical) ..................... 60-61

2

This section describes only the basic steps necessary to set up your camcorder to
record. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options.

Assistance

The toll-free numbers are available to help you with any problem you may encounter.

Camcorder Exchange Warranty ..... 800-283-6503

Customer Service ................ 800-447-1700

Accessories .................... 800-338-0376

1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.

• Save the box and packing materials in case you ever need to store or ship
your camcorder.

• The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any of them are
missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.

Camcorder*

*Your camcorder may differ slightly from

the illustrations in this guide.

Shoulder Strap

Stock No. 227327

Rechargeable 10-Volt Battery

Stock No. EP096FS

AC Adapter/Charger: Stock No. 232595

DC Cable: Stock No. 233328

3

Adapter/Charger

DC OUTPUT

Jack

Adapter/Charger's

DC Cable

DC IN 9.6V Jack on
Back of Camcorder

2. Attach the adapter/charger.

Since the battery must be charged
before it can be used the first time,

attach the adapter/charger to the
camcorder.

• Attach one end of the

adapter/charger's DC cable to the
DC OUTPUT jack on the

adapter/charger.

• Attach the other end of the cable to

the DC IN 9.6V jack on the
camcorder.

• Plug the adapter/charger's plug into

an operating outlet.

• Details are on page 10.

4

CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch

Handstrap

Lens Cap

3. Remove the lens cap and attach
it to the handstrap.

4. Turn on the camcorder.

The position of the
CAMERA / 0 FF/VCR switch tells the

camcorder whether you want to record
(CAMERA), play back tapes (VCR), or

turn off the power (OFF).

• Press and hold the small button on
CAMERA / 0 F F / V C R while

sliding it in CAMERA. The
electronic viewfinder will come on.

5

Safety Tab

Tape Window

REC (Record)

/PAUSE Button

Lens Cap on

Handstrap

Cassette Door

Press Here to Close

5. Insert a cassette.

• Press STOP/EJECT to open the
cassette compartment.

• Insert the cassette with the safety tab
facing up and the tape windows
facing out.

• Press the cassette down gently until

it locks into place, and close the

cassette compartment door.

• Details are on page 17.

6. Position viewfinder and adjust

eyepiece focus control.

• Grasp the viewfinder and rotate it

horizontally.

• Pull the viewfinder out from the

camcorder and rotate the eyepiece
into a comfortable viewing position.

Caution: Pulling on the eyepiece may
cause damage to the eyepiece or

camcorder.

If the image in the viewfinder is
blurry, adjust the eyepiece focus

control for your vision. Details are

on page 22.

6

CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch

Eyepiece Focus Control

Rewind)/

REVIEW

REC (Record)

/PAUSE

Eyepiece

Electronic

Viewfinder
(Grasp Here

to Move)

.

Start and stop recording.
Start and stop recording by pressing
and releasing REC/PAUSE. REC

appears in the viewfinder. You do not

have to hold the button to record.

Notes: If you do not record within five

minutes, the camcorder will automatically

shut off to prevent excessive tape wear.

Press REC/PAUSE to turn on the
camcorder.

Any material recorded on the tape will
automatically be erased if you record

over it.

8. Play back what you have
recorded.

• Press REC/PAUSE to stop recording.

• Press and hold the small button on

CAMERA / 0 F F/VCR while sliding

it to VCR.

• Press REW(rewind)/REVIEW to
rewind the tape.

• Press PLAY to play back the tape in
the viewfinder.

• Press STOP/EJECT when you are
finished playing back the tape.

• Details on viewfinder playback are

on page 36.

9. Review the camcorder's operating controls.

DISPLAY Button

REW (Rewind/Review) Button

Also Title Select- Button

RESET Button

))6

DATE/TIME Button

TITLER Button

° ° I

PLAY Button

F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button
Also Title Select + Button

STOP/EJECT Button

Also EDIT.ADV Button

Micro

BRIGHT Control

(CG735 model only)

Lens

\

Lens
Hood

VIDEO, AUDIO, and RF DC OUT

Jacks (Located Behind Small Cover)

8

9. Review the camcorder's operating controls.

BRIGHT and FOCUS Controls

(CG733 model only)

BATTERY

EJECT Lever

Shoulder Strap
Attachment

Ring

REC (Record)
/PAUSE Button

Hand Strap with

Lens Cap Holder

DC IN 9.6V Jack

Cassette Door

Power Zoom Buttons
(W and T) also

TRACKING Buttons

9

will

designed for _se: On 100_240 _oi_

Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder

I.

.

Plug in AC Outlet
(120V, 50/60Hz)

Adapter/Charger

POWER __f._/

Indicator

DC Adapter/Charger's

OUTPUT DC Cable

Jack

.

Connect one end of the adapter/
charger's cable to the adapter/

charger's DC OUTPUT jack and the
other end to the DC IN 9.6V jack on

the back of the camcorder.
Plug the adapter/charger into the

nearest AC outlet (120V, 50/60 Hz).

The POWER indicator on the
adapter/charger will light when it is

properly connected.
Notes: The adapter/charger cannot charge

the battery and operate the camcorder at the
same time. If you connect both, the
adapter/charger will power the camcorder.

Remove the adapter/charger's cable from
the DC OUTPUT jack to charge the
battery.

DC IN 9.6V Jack

When using the adapter/charger to power
the camcorder, the battery level indicator
may display m. This indicator is used
for battery operation and has no meaning

when using the adapter/charger to power
the camcorder.

To Remove the Adapter/Charger

1. Remove the adapter/charger's plug
from the AC outlet.

2. Remove the adapter/charger's DC
cable from the DC IN 9.6V jack on the

camcorder.

for any pu&ose other than charging the .....

EP096FS or EP096FL batte_ pack or
supplying power to the camcorder.

10

Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder

Charging the Battery

The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time. Charging will take

approximately two hours depending on the condition of the battery. When fully
charged, the battery should supply approximately 60 minutes of operating time

(depending on how much you use zoom and pause)• To extend the battery's operation
time, turn off the camcorder's power when not in use.

Plug in AC Outlet
(120 V, 50160 Hz)

MUST BE DISPOSED
OF PROPERLY.

Hold Battery

Flush and
Slide Down

Rechargeable
Battery

Align Arrows

Adapter/Charger

Caution: When a

- "#: :z,: ..

CHARGE

Indicator

1. Attach the battery to the adapter/
charger as shown. Align the reference
arrow on the battery with the arrow on

the adapter/charger. Hold the battery
flush against the adapter/charger and

slide it in the direction of the arrow.
Note: You cannot charge the battery and

operate the camcorder from the adapter/
charger at the same time. Remove the
adapter/charger's DC cable from the

camcorder to charge the battery.

2. Plug the adapter/charger into the
nearest AC outlet (120 V, 50/60 Hz).

and be damaged.or

CaUSe lnju_ ......... :: :-

3. The CHARGE indicator will light
while the battery is being charged•

When the indicator turns off, the
battery is fully charged.

4. Remove the battery from the
adapter/charger by sliding the battery

up and off.

5. Attach the charged battery to the
camcorder as shown on the next page.

11

Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder

CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch

BATTERY EJECT Lever

Rechargeable Battery

Hold Battery
Flush and

Slide Down

Align Arrows

Attach Charged Battery

1. Align reference arrow on battery with
arrow on camcorder. Hold battery

flush against camcorder while sliding
it down in the direction of the arrow as

shown.

2. Press and hold small button on

CAMERA/OFF/VCR while placing it
in the CAMERA position. Now, you're

ready to use the camcorder.

Remove the Battery

1. Slide CAMERA/OFF/VCR to OFF.

2. Press and hold BATTERY EJECT

while sliding battery up and off the
camcorder.

ATTENTION: LEAD-ACID BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED

OF PROPERLY. THE PRODUCT THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED
USES A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY. AT THE END OF ITS
USEFUL LIFE, UNDER VARIOUS STATE AND LOCAL LAWS, IT

MAY BE ILLEGAL TO DISPOSE OF THIS BATTERY INTO THE
MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM. CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL

SOLID WASTE OFFICIALS FOR DETAILS IN YOUR AREA FOR
RECYCLING OPTIONS OR PROPER DISPOSAL.

Pb

12

Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder

Battery Care

• Your battery will provide better service
and longer performance if you Charge it

before and after use, and store it at
normal room temperature.

• The battery should be charged at a
temperature of 32°-F-95°-F (0°-C-35-°C) to

prevent damage.

• Do not operate the battery at
temperatures below 14-°1=(- 10°-C) or
above 95°-F (35°-C). The battery may be

damaged if operated at temperatures

above 122-°F (50°-C). Operation time
will decrease at extremely low

temperatures.
After repeated chargings and use, the

operation time will gradually decrease.
When operation time becomes too short

to be useful, it is time to replace the
battery.

Battery Storage

Store the battery at normal room
temperature.

Lead acid batteries discharge if not
used. Recharge the battery at least once

every six months or you may not be
able to recharge it.

• A battery stored for a long period may

not supply power for the specified time.
Additional rechargings may help
restore the battery's operation time.

Battery Safety Precautions

over 1490-F (65 °-C) could be hazardous.

Do not short the battery's terminals.

13

........ '_!! .............. £rk ..... - _ . •

Check Battery Power (Battery Level Indicator)

/

Battery Level Indicator

Display in Viewfinder

When DISPLAY is pressed, the battery
level indicator ( / ) appears in the

camcorder's viewfinder to show how
much battery power is left in the

rechargeable battery.

This indicator is not recorded on the tape.

• When the battery is fully charged, the

display shows

• After a while, only ,i_J appears.

• When the battery reaches the empty
level, _ J will start flashing.

Recharge the battery or attach the
adapter/charger before continuing to

use the camcorder.

Notes: The battery level indicator has no
meaning when you power the camcorder with
the adapter/charger or optional car cord.

When a rechargeable battery is used to power

the camcorder, _ iii flashes even if
DISPLAY is not pressed to warn you that the

battery power level is low.

14

Using the Optional Thomson Car Cord Adapter

To power your camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV, you
need the optional car cord adapter DCC096 shown on page 45.

The DCC096 car cord is especially designed to convert power from a 12-volt battery to
the 9.6-volt input jack on the camcorder.

Cigarette Lighter Socket

Optional Car Cord
Adapter (DCC096)

DC IN 9.6V Jack

1. Remove the adapter/charger's DC
cable or battery from the camcorder, if

either is attached.

2. Connect the small plug on the car cord
to the DC IN 9.6V jack located on the

back of the camcorder.

3. Insert the other end of the car cord into
the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket.

4. Place the camcorder's

CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch in
CAMERA. If the car cord is connected

properly, the electronic viewfinder will
come on.

Notes: The vehicle does not have to be turned
on for the camcorder to operate from the DC

car cord.
When using the car cord to power the

camcorder, the battery level indicator may

display ml . This indicator is used for
battery operation and has no meaning when
using the car cord to power the camcorder.

15

We recommendthatour cassettesbeusedwith your camcorder.Useof poor quality
tapesor tapesthat havebeendamagedor mishandledcancontaminatethevideo heads,

resulting in asnowy picture or no picture atall during playback.Becausethere isno
control over the typeof tapepurchasedor rentedby consumers,head cleaning is not
covered under warranty. It isconsiderednormal maintenance.

If asnowy picture or no-picture condition persists,considerthe useof a dry chemical
non-abrasivehead-cleaningtape. Be sureto follow thedirections with thehead-

cleaningkit carefully. Improper useof aheadcleanermaydamageyour camcorder.

Erase Protection i Safety Tab ____,

You can use your video cassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording,

just record over it.

y Tab

To prevent accidental
erasure, break the tab.

To record again, cover

the hole with vinyl tape.

Recording and Playback Times _;:_xz_;x_"':':':
The camcorder records and plays back in VHS standard speed (SP). The chart shows

the maximum SP recording times for popular VHS cassettes.

T-60 60 Min.
T- 120 2 Hrs.
T-160 2 Hrs., 40 Min.

T-180 3 Hrs.

16

Inserting and Removing Cassettes

STOP/EJECT

Tab

Press Here to Close Tape Windows

1. Attach a power source to the
camcorder (either a charged battery or

adapter/charger).

2. Press STOP/EJECT on the top of the
camcorder to open cassette door.

3. Insert or remove the cassette from the
cassette compartment.

4. Gently close the cassette door with
your hand.

Follow these directions for continued high-quality performance from your cassettes.

When you are finished with a cassette,
rewind it and remove it from the
camcorder.

Keep cassettes away from strong

magnetic fields, such as electric motors
and other devices.

Label and store cassettes vertically in
their protective cases at normal room

temperatures. Excessive heat or cold
may damage your cassettes.

Keep dust from entering the cassette

compartment. All dust is abrasive and
will cause excessive wear on the tape
and the camcorder's recording or

playback heads.

• Do not use a cassette if it has been
damaged or exposed to moisture. The

tape may jam or damage the camcorder.

• When you are finished recording, break
off the safety tab on the cassette to

prevent accidental erasure.

• Do not leave your camcorder or

cassettes in a car or outdoors for an
extended period. Excessive heat or

cold may damage them.

17

Traveling Tips

Write down your camcorder's serial
number and keep it separate from the

camcorder when traveling. If your
camcorder is lost or stolen, you will be
able to identify it.

Make sure you have any plug adapters
you need before taking your camcorder to

other countries. Consult your dealer.

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.

Carry your camcorder in a carrying case
when traveling. See page 44 for a
specially designed soft case. 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.

Cassette Tips

Do not use a cassette if it has been
damaged or exposed to moisture. The tape

may jam or damage your camcorder.
When you are finished recording, break

off the safety tab on the cassette to prevent
accidental erasure.

Label your cassettes before storing them.

Store your cassettes vertically in their
protective cases at normal room
temperature.

Do not leave your camcorder or cassettes
in a car or outdoors for an extended

period. Excessive heat or cold may
damage them.

18