RCA CC437 User Manual

CC437
C A M C O R D E R
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
product or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
ATTENTION
ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
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 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.
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.
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.RISQUE DE CHOC
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: ______________________________________________
i
CC437
Assistance
Table of Contents
We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call:
Customer Service..................................... 800-336-1900 (Page 67)
Accessories......................................... 800-338-0376 (Pages 54-61)
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
1
Table of Contents
2
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
• Zooming
• Power Zoom Buttons......................28
• Instant Zoom ..................................29
• Digital Zoom..................................29
• 16 x 9 Mode....................................30
• Fading In and Out of Scenes.............31
• Tape Counter with Memory Stop......32
• ProEdit®Features
• Flying Erase Head..........................33
• Edit Search.....................................33
• Audio Dubbing..........................34-35
• Audio/Video Dubbing...............36-37
• Titler..........................................38-40
Recording Tips...................................41
Recording on the Camcorder ......42-43
Playback
• Viewfinder Playback.........................44
• Playback Features
• Stop-Action Pause.....................44-45
• Picture Search ...........................44-45
• Tracking .........................................45
• Playback on TV (or VCR) with
AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks.......46-47
• Playback on TV without
Audio and Video Inputs.........48-49
Color Enhancement Light............50-51
Attaching the Shoulder Strap...........52
Packing Carrying Case......................53
Information to User ...........................53
Specifications......................................54
Optional Accessories.....................54-61
• Accessory Order Form.................59-61
Care and Maintenance.................62-63
Trouble Checks.............................64-66
Limited Warranty..............................67
Index (Alphabetical).....................68-69
First-Time Operation
• 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.
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.
Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-336-1900
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-338-0376
1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.
WARNING: LEAD­ACID BATTERY. MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
Rechargeable 10-Volt Battery
Stock No. EP096FS
Camcorder
Model CC437
Shoulder Strap
Stock No. 227327
AC Adapter/Charger: Stock No.
232595
DC Cable: Stock No. 209342
Carrying Case
Part No. 233110
Caution: Do not use this adapter/charger
for any purpose other than charging the
EP096FL or EP096FS battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder.
3
First-Time Operation
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
DC OUTPUT
Jack
Adapter/Charger’s DC Cable
4
DC IN 9.6V Jack on Back of Camcorder
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.
First-Time Operation
CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch
Lens Cap
Handstrap
3. Remove the lens cap and attach it to the handstrap.
4. Turn on the camcorder.
The position of the CAMERA / O F F / V C R 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 / O F F / V C R while sliding it in CAMERA. The electronic viewfinder will come on.
5
First-Time Operation
Lens Cap on Handstrap
Cassette Door
Press Here to Close
Tape Window
Safety Tab
REC (Record) /PAUSE
Button
5 . I n s e rt 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
First-Time Operation
7. 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 / O F F / V C R 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 44.
CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch
STOP/EJECT
PLAY
REW(Rewind)/ REVIEW
REC (Record) /PAUSE
Eyepiece Focus Control
Eyepiece
Electronic Viewfinder (Grasp Here to Move)
7
First-Time Operation
9. Review the camcorder’s operating controls.
VIDEO, AUDIO, and RF DC OUT Jacks (Located Behind Small Cover)
AV (Audio/Video) OUT/IN Switch
Lens
Lens Hood
Microphone
Light
BRIGHT Control
(Located Under Microphone)
Eyepiece Focus Control
Viewfinder
FADE Button
STOP/EJECT Button Also EDIT•ADV Button
F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button Also Title Select + Button
PLAY Button
AV DUB Button
DISPLAY Button
RESET Button
DATE/TIME Button
TITLER Button
CAMERA • O F F • V C R Switch
REW (Rewind/Review) Button Also Title Select – Button
INST. (Instant) ZOOM
Button
DIGITAL ZOOM Button
LIGHT AUTO/ OFF/ON Switch
8
First-Time Operation
9. Review the camcorder’s operating controls.
Power Zoom Buttons (W and T) also
TRACKING Buttons
DC IN 9.6V Jack
Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring
BATTERY
EJECT Lever
Cassette Door
Hand Strap with Lens Cap Holder
REC (Record) /PAUSE Button
9
Powering the Camcorder
1. 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.
2. Plug the adapter/charger into the nearest AC outlet (120V, 50/60 Hz).
3. 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.
When using the adapter/charger to power the camcorder, the battery level indicator may display . 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.
on a power source other than 120 volts, 50/60 Hz, or the adapter/charger and camcorder may be damaged. If you wish to operate the AC adapter/charger on a power source other than 120 volts, 50/60 Hz, use only a transformer-type power converter. Do not use “solid-state” or “switching-type” power converters. They will damage your AC adapter/charger. An optional CPS014 shown on page 55 is designed for use on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz.
Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder
Plug in AC Outlet (120V, 50/60Hz)
Adapter/Charger
POWER
Indicator
Caution: Do not attempt to use a “power converter” to use your AC adapter/charger
DC OUTPUT
Jack
Adapter/Charger’s DC Cable
10
DC IN 9.6V Jack
Caution: Do not use this adapter/charger
for any purpose other than charging the EP096FS or EP096FL battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder.
Powering the Camcorder
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).
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.
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, 50/60 Hz)
WARNING: LEAD­ACID BATTERY. MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
Adapter/Charger
CHARGE
Indicator
Hold Battery Flush and Slide Down
Rechargeable Battery
Align Arrows
Caution: When a
battery is attached to the adapter/charger, do not turn them upside down. The battery may fall off and be damaged or cause injury.
11
Powering the Camcorder
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 CAMERA.
Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder
CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch
BATTERY EJECT Lever
Rechargeable Battery
Hold Battery Flush and Slide Down
Align Arrows
Remove the Battery
1. Slide CAMERA/OFF/VCR to OFF.
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.
2. Press and hold BATTERY EJECT while sliding battery up and off the camcorder.
12
Powering the 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 32ºF-95ºF (0ºC-35ºC) to prevent damage.
• Do not operate the battery at temperatures below 14ºF (-10ºC) or above 95ºF (35ºC). The battery may be
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.
Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder
damaged if operated at temperatures above 122ºF (50ºC). 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.
• 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.
Allow battery to cool down before attaching it to adapter/charger. The CHARGE indicator will not light and the battery will not charge if you attach a hot battery.
Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery. There are no user­serviceable parts inside.
Use the battery only with specified AC adapter/chargers and camcorders.
If leakage from a damaged battery contacts your skin or clothing, wash it off immediately with running water.
Batteries being recharged that have not been used for an extended period may continue to charge after the normal time. Do not charge a battery for more than 24 hours.
If both indicators on the adapter/ charger start flashing, remove the battery, and reattach it. If after several attempts — the indicators continue to flash — your battery cannot take a charge and must be replaced.
Throwing the battery into a fire or exposing the battery to excessive heat – over 149º F (65º C) could be hazardous.
Do not short the battery’s terminals.
Battery Safety Precautions
13
Powering the Camcorder
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 appears.
Check Battery Power (Battery Level Indicator)
Battery Level Indicator
Display in Viewfinder
• When the battery reaches the empty level, 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, flashes even if DISPLAY is not pressed to warn you that the battery power level is low.
Caution: When the battery reaches its empty level during use, the camcorder will turn off. However, the battery should have enough reserve power to eject the cassette when you press STOP/EJECT.
If the camcorder does not eject the cassette when you press STOP/EJECT, do not force the cassette door open. This will damage your camcorder.
Before attempting to eject the cassette, power your camcorder with the adapter/charger or recharge the battery.
14
Powering the Camcorder
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 55.
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.
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 . This indicator is used for battery operation and has no meaning when
using the car cord to power the camcorder.
Using the Optional Thomson Car Cord Adapter
Caution: The DCC096 car cord is designed to be used only with vehicles having
12-volt negative ground electrical systems. Warning: To avoid possible damage to your camcorder, use only the DCC096.
It has positive tip polarity and is capable of converting 12-volts to 9.6 volts.
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.
15
Video Cassettes
To prevent accidental erasure, break the tab.
To record again, cover the hole with vinyl tape.
We recommend that our cassettes be used with your camcorder. Use of poor quality tapes or tapes that have been damaged or mishandled can contaminate the video heads, resulting in a snowy picture or no picture at all during playback. Because there is no control over the type of tape purchased or rented by consumers, head cleaning is not covered under warranty. It is considered normal maintenance.
If a snowy picture or no-picture condition persists, consider the use of a dry chemical non-abrasive head-cleaning tape. Be sure to follow the directions with the head­cleaning kit carefully. Improper use of a head cleaner may damage your camcorder.
Erase Protection — Safety Tab
You can use your video cassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording, just record over it.
Safety Tab
Recording and Playback Times
The camcorder records and plays back in VHS standard speed (SP). The chart shows the maximum SP recording times for popular VHS cassettes.
16
Video Cassettes
Inserting and Removing Cassettes
Caution: Insert
cassette with safety tab facing up and tape windows facing out. Cassette should slide easily into the compartment.
Gently push the cassette down until it locks into place.
Press Here to Close
Tape Windows
STOP/EJECT
Safety Tab
Cassette Care and Storage
Follow these directions for continued high-quality performance from your cassettes.
• Keep cassettes away from strong magnetic fields, such as electric motors and other devices.
• 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.
• When you are finished with a cassette, rewind it and remove it from the camcorder.
• 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.
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.
17
Camcorder Traveling and Cassette Tips
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.
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.
Carry your camcorder in a carrying case when traveling. See page 54 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.
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
Camcorder Features
Quick Review
Press REW/REVIEW when CAMERA/ OFF/VCR is in CAMERA and the
camcorder is in record pause to review the last few seconds of a recording.
The camcorder will play back the last few seconds of the recording, return the tape to its previous position, and return to record pause.
Tape Positioning
When CAMERA/OFF/VCR is in VCR and the camcorder is in the stop mode, you can quickly fast-forward or rewind the tape.
• Press F.FWD (fast forward) to fast forward the tape. Press STOP/EJECT to stop fast-forwarding.
REW (Rewind)/REVIEW
CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch
Microphone
STOP/EJECT
F.FWD (Fast Forward)
• Press REW/REVIEW to rewind the tape to the beginning. Press STOP/EJECT to stop rewinding.
Microphone
The microphone picks up sound during a recording. It is more sensitive to sounds coming from the direction the lens is pointed.
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
The camcorder will automatically adjust focus, white balance and iris according to the recording conditions.
19
Camcorder Features
20
Program AE (Auto Exposure)
Program auto exposure automatically selects the shutter speed and adjusts the iris according to the shutter speed.
Viewfinder Display
AE:60
M a c ro Focus
The macro-focus feature lets you focus on objects as close as 3/8 of an inch from the camcorder lens.
1. Press and hold zoom button “W” until the lens is completely zoomed out.
2. Position the subject in the center of the viewfinder.
N o t e s: Zooming is not possible when using macro focus. To change the size of the subject, move the camcorder’s lens closer or farther away from it.
For best results, increase illumination when recording using macro focus.
Auto Focus
The camcorder will focus on the subject in the center of the viewfinder. Auto focus operates on the telephoto “T” side from approximately 3.6 feet to infinity
and on the wide-angle “W” side 3/8 of an inch from the lens surface to infinity. The following conditions may prevent auto focus from operating properly.
When DISPLAY is pressed, the AE indicator for the shutter speed selected (1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350,
1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000, or 1/4000 second) appears in the
viewfinder.
• Subject has close foreground and
background far away.
• Two subjects at different distances that
overlap.
• Subject with distinct horizontal stripes
or small pattern.
• Subject not in center of the viewfinder.
• Subject with shiny surfaces or sharp angles.
• Recording in low-light situations.
• Recording through a window.
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