RCA CC437 Owner’s Manual
USER'S
UIDE
CAMCO
Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.
II
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose
product or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.
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 6viler les chocs 61ectriques, 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 CC437
Serial No:
Purchase Date:
Purchased From:
I
Assistance
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)
I
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...................... .i5
Video Cassettes
• Erase Protection.................. ;.....£....16
• Recording and Playback Times ......16
• Inserting and Removing
Cassettes .............................. i...... 17
Cassette Care and Storage ................ 17
Traveling Tips .................................... 18
Cassette Tips ....................................... 18
Table of Contents : ::
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
• InstantZoom .................................. 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
• Titter.......................................... 38-40
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 ............. i...62-63
Trouble Checks ............................. 64-66
Limited Warranty .............................. 67
Recording Tips ................................... 41
Index (Alphabetical) ..................... 68-69
First-Time Operation ........ .... _,:_, _ _r_ _
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.
• Save the box andpacking 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.
ACID BATTERY.
_MUSTBE DISPOSED
OF PROPERLY.
Camcorder
Model CC437
Shoulder Strap
Stock No. 227327
AC Adapter/Charger: Stock No.
232595
DC Cable: Stock No. 209342
Rechargeable 10-Volt Battery
Stock No. EP096FS
i;
CarryingCase
Part No. 233110 I
Caution: DonotusethiS_adapter/charger
foranypurposeotherthanchargingthe
EP096FLorEP096FS battery packor
supplyingpower to the camcorder.
First-Time Operation = : _ _
Adapter/Charger
DC OUTPUT
Jack
Adapter/Charger's
DC Cable
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
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
Handstrap
\
Lens Cap
3. Remove the lens cap and attach
it to the handstrap.
4. Turn on the camcorder.
The position of the
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch tells the
camcorder whether you want to record
(CAMERA), play back tapes (VCR), or
turnoff the power (OFF).
• Press and hold the small button on
CAMERA/OFF/VCR while
sliding it in CAMERA. The
electronic viewfinder will come on.
5
First-Time Operation
Tape Window
Cassette Door
Press Here to Close
Safety Tab
REC (Record)
ton
Lens Cap on
l-Iandstrap
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.
CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch
PLAY
REVIEW
REC (Record
/PAUSE
7. Start and stop recording.
Startand stop recording by pressing
andreleasing REC/PA USE. REC
appears in the viewfinder. You do not
have to hold the button to record.
Notes: If you do notrecord within five
minutes, the camcorder will automatically
shut offto prevent excessive tape wear.
PressREC/PAUSE toturnon the
camcorder.
Any material recorded on thetape will
automatically be erased if yourecord
over it.
Eyepiece
Focus
Control
Eyepiece
Electronic
Viewfinder
(Grasp Here
to Move)
8. Play back what you have
recorded.
• Press REC/PAUSE to stop recording.
• Press and hold the small button on
CAMERA /OFF/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 44.
___ _....__r_r- __m,_uperanon .... _ ........
9. Review the camcorder's operating controls.
AV DUB Button
DISPLAY Button
RESET Button
DATE/TIME Button
TITLER Button
REW (Rewind/Review) Button
Also Title Select - Button
PLA Y Button
F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button
Also Title Select + Button
.....
STOP/EJECT Button
Also EDIT.ADV Button
Microphone
BRIGHT Control
(Located Under Microphone)
Lens
Viewfinder
INST. (Instant) ZOOM VIDEO, AUDIO, and RF DC OUT
Button Jacks (Located Behind Small Cover)
Lens
Hood
FADE Button
DIGITAL ZOOM Button
Eyepiece
Focus
Control
_LIGHT A UTO/
OFF/ON Switch
A V (Audio/Video)
OUT/IN Switch
l_'irst-Time Operation .: -:r: ::: °'=::.i_:_:!_ :
9. Review the camcorder's operating controls.
Shoulder Strap
Attachment
Ring
BATTERY
EJECT Lever
DC IN 9.6V Jack
O
Cassette Door
REC (Record)
Hand Strap with
Lens Cap Holder
Zoom Buttons
(W and T) also
TRACKING Buttons
Button
Z_ ....
........ i
9
Powering the Camcorder • :,,,....... ......... .........
Caution: Do not attempt to us_'158_er'_6r_?t_? _' __'u_(_tYti_'ACa:_apte_]_h'a_rge__
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 Outl_et
(120V, 50/60Hz) ....
Adapter/Charger
POWER
Indicator
DC . 'Adapter/Charger's
OUTPUT DC Cable
Jack
,,. ' ,
1. Connect onbend of the adapter)
charger's cable to the adapter/
charger's DC OUTPUT jack and the
otherend to the DC IN 9.6V jack on
the back of the camcorder.
2. Plug the adapter/chargerinto 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/chargercannotcharge
the battery and operate thecamcorderatthe
sametime.If youconnectboth, the
adapter/chargerwill powerthecamcorder.
Remove theadapter/charger'scablefrom
theDC OUTPUT jack to charge the
battery.
9.6V Jack
When using the adapter/charger to power
the camcorder, the battery level indicator
may display :-l. 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.
Caution: Do not use this adapter/charger
for any purpose other than charging the
EP096FS orEP096FL battery pack or
supplying power to the camcorder.
10
Powering the Camcorder
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, tuna off the camcorder's power when not in use.
Plug in AC Outlet
(120 V, 50/60 Hz)
WARNING: _'_ -_'_'
ACID BATTERY.
MUST BE DISPOSED
OF PROPERLY.
Adapter/Charger
CHARGE
1.Attach the battery to the adapter/ 3.
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 4.
slide it in the direction of the arrow.
Note: You cannot charge thebattery and
operate the camcorder from the adapter/
charger atthe same time. Remove the 5.
adapter/charger'sDC cable from the
camcorder to charge the battery.
2. Plug the adapter/charger into the
nearest AC outlet (120 V, 50/60 Hz).
Hold Battery
Slide Down
Rechargeable
Caution: When a
rlbaltery is attached io"
•-.theadapter/charger,
:_o not turn them
:_¢psidedown. The
/battery may fall off
and be damaged or
cause injury , : i
The CHARGE indicator will light
while the battery is being charged.
When the indicator turns off, the
battery is fully charged.
Remove the battery from the
adapter/charger by sliding the battery
up and off.
Attach the charged battery to the
camcorder as shown on the next page.
11
Powering the Camcorder
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
I. 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
Remove the Battery
1. Slide CAMERA/OFF/VCR to OFF.
2. Press and hold BATTERY EJECT
while sliding battery up and off the
camcorder.
shown.
2. Press and hold small button on
CAMERA/OFF/VCR while placing it
in CAMERA.
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.
12
Pb
Powering the Camcorder ......
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-°F(-10-°C)or
above 95-0F(35-°C). The battery may be
Battery Storage
• Store the battery atnormal 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.
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.
• 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 ............ _............... ............_......_ ....
Batteries being recharged that have not Allow battery to cool down before
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 -
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 d_sassemble o .
modify the battery. There are no user-
serviceable 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.
over 149-0F (65°-C) could be hazardous.
Do not short the battery's terminals.
13
Powering the Camcorder ................
Check Battery Power (Battery Level Indicator)
!
Battery Level Indicator
Display in Viewfinder
When DISPLAY is pressed, the battery
level indicator ( in ) 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 _ 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, _- _! flashes even if
DISPLAY is not pressed to warn you that the
battery power level is low.
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
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 carcord adapterDCC096 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.
12-volt negative ground electrical systems.
Warning: To avoid possible damage to your camcorder, use only the DCC096.
:Ithas positive tip polarity and is capable of converting 12-volts to 9.6 voltsl _
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 ,Ell . This indicator is used for
battery operation and has no meaning when
using the car cord to power the camcorder.
15
Video Cassettes ........... ............
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 head-
cleaning kit carefully. Improper use of a head cleaner may damage your camcorder.
Erase Protection m Safety Tab _,_, " " :-::- .' .... _ •
You can use your video cassettes over and over again. To erase aprevious recording,
just record over it.
To prevent accidental
erasure, break the tab.
Recording and Playback Times :._ .... :
The camcorder records and plays back in VHS standard speed (SP). The chartshows
the maximum SP recording times for popular VHS cassettes.
To record again, cover
the hole with vinyltape.
CASSE'gI
T-60
T-120
T-160
T-180
16
60 Min.
2 Hrs.
2 Hrs., 40 Min.
3 Hrs.
STOP/EJECT
\
Press Here to Close
Csutlon: nse t
!cassette with
•safety tab facing
_up and tape
iwindows facing
_out. Cassette
!_should slide
.ieasdy into the
compartment.
_Gently push the
_eassette down
_until it locks
_into place.
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.
Cassette Care and Storage ............ : .... ' :......... : ..... : _ ::=
Follow these directions for continued high-quality performance from your cassettes.
• When you are finished with a cassette, • Keep cassettes away from strong
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.
3. Insert or remove the cassette from the
cassette compartment.
4. Gently close the cassette door with
your hand.
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.
17
Cassette TipsCamcorder aveling and
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.
J
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 ..... 00 ...........
STOP/EJECT
F.FWD (Fast Forward)
REW (Rewind)/REVIEW
CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch
Microphone
t
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.
• 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
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