RCA CC6363 User Manual

USER’S GUIDE

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CC6363

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 camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

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

	ATTENTION	This symbol indicates important instructions

	RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
	RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE	accompanying the product.
	NE PAS OUVRIR	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.

Cautions

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.

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 number and model numbers located on the bottom of the camcorder.

Model No:	CC6363
Serial No:	_______________________________
Purchase Date:	_______________________________
Purchased From:	_______________________________

Assistance

We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call:

Camcorder Exchange Warranty...........	800-283-6503 (pages 75-76 )
Customer Service...................................	800-336-1900 (page 74)
Accessories.............................................	800-338-0376 (pages 61-66)

Table of Contents
First-Time Operation ..................	3
Assistance .....................................	3
Power Your Camcorder .............	12
Adapter/Charger ..............................	12
Rechargeable Battery ......................	13
Charge the Battery ......................	14
Battery Level Indicator...............	15
Battery Care and Storage ............	15
Optional Car Cord Adapter .............	16
Date and Time Display .............	17
Install the Clock Lithium Cell ........	17
Set the Date and Time .....................	18
Record AUTO DATE, Date, Time, and
Title Displays ...............................	20
Videocassettes .............................	22
Erase Protection – Safety Tab ....	22
Recording and Playback
Speeds and Times ....................	22
Insert and Remove Cassettes ......	23
Cassette Care and Storage ..........	23

Recording ...................................	24
Time-Remaining Display ................	24
Select a Tape Length ..................	24
Use the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder
to See What You Record ..............	26
Use the LCD Monitor .................	26
Use the Viewfinder .....................	27
LCD Monitor and Viewfinder
Displays ........................................	28
AutoShot™ Mode ...........................	32
Five-Second Record Feature ...........	33
Quick Review Feature ....................	33
Camera Edit Feature .......................	33
Flying Erase Head ...........................	33
MENU/DISPLAY Button .................	33
Zooming ..........................................	34
Use the Zoom Lever (W and T) . 34
Digital Zooming .........................	34
Tele Macro Zooming ..................	35
Focusing ..........................................	36
Auto Focus .................................	36
Manual Focus .............................	37

Table of Contents

White Balance .................................	38
Auto White Balance ...................	38
Manual White Balance ...............	38
Exposure Control ............................	40
Manual Exposure ........................	40
Auto Exposure ............................	40
Steady Pix™ Feature ......................	41
Fade or Wipe In or Out ...................	42
P. (Program) AE Button ..................	44
16X9 Mode .....................................	45
Preset Titles .....................................	46
Select a Language for the Title ...	46
Record a Preset Title ..................	47
Animation Recording ......................	48
Time-Lapse Recording....................	50
Demo Mode ....................................	52
Attach the Shoulder Strap ...............	53
Playback .....................................	54
Use the LCD Monitor or
Viewfinder for Playback ..............	54
To Play Back a Tape ...................	55
Playback Features ..........................	56
Position the Tape ........................	56
Visual Search ..............................	56
Stop-Action Pause ......................	56
Time Counter ..............................	57
Tracking ......................................	57
TBC (Time Base Corrector) .......	57
Playback on TV (or VCR) with
Audio/Video Inputs ......................	58
Recording Tips ...........................	60
Traveling Tips ............................	60

Optional Accessories ..................	61
Using the Optional AC088
Tripod ........................................	63
Order Form for Camcorder Model
CC6363 ....................................	65
Trouble Checks ..........................	67
Specifications..............................	71
Clean the Camcorder ......................	72
Clean the Camcorder’s Lens ...........	72
Clean the Camcorder’s LCD
Monitor.........................................	72
Clean the Camcorder’s
Viewfinder ....................................	72
Proper Care and Storage .................	73
Things to Avoid ...............................	73
Customer Assistance and
Service ......................................	74
Limited Warranty ......................	75
Index ...........................................	77
Information to User ...................	81

First-Time Operation

This section describes the 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...................................	800-336-1900
Accessories.............................................	800-338-0376

1.Unpack the camcorder and accessories.

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

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

WARNING: NICKEL

CADMIUM BATTERY

MUST BE RECYCLED

OR DISPOSED OF

PROPERLY.

	Shoulder Strap
Model CC6363	Part No. ACS091
	Rechargeable Nickel Cadmium Battery
	Part No FB1260

Caution: Do not use this adapter/charger for any purpose other than charging the FB1260, or BB99L battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder.

AC Adapter/Charger -- Part No. 242740

and DC Cable -- Part No. 244268

Audio/Video Cable

Part No. VH83

Clock Cell

3-Volt Micro Lithium Cell – such as CR2025 – available from most local drug stores and camera shops. Use of other cells present a risk of fire or explosion.

CAUTIONS: Lithium cell must be disposed of properly. Never handle punctured or leaking cell. May cause burns or personal injury.

Keep out of the hands of children. Can cause death or injury if swallowed. If swallowed, consult a physician immediately for emergency treatment.

The lithium cell used in this device may explode resulting in a fire or chemical burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212°F (100°C), or incinerate.

Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell, and never short circuit the + and – sides of the cell.

(Continued on next page)

First-Time Operation

2. Attach the adapter/charger.

To AC 100-240,

50/60 Hz

DC In Jack

Adapter/

Charger

DC Cable

DC OUT

Jack

Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, attach the adapter/charger to the camcorder.

•Connect one end of the DC cable to the DC OUT jack on the adapter/charger.

•Connect the other end of the DC cable to the DC in jack on the camcorder as shown above.

•Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into an operating outlet.

3. Adjust the handstrap to fit your hand.

LENS	•	Lift the flap on the
COVER	•	Lift the flap on the
Control		handstrap and separate
Handstrap		the velcro strip.
Handstrap	•	Insert your hand, adjust
	•	Insert your hand, adjust
		the strap to fit snugly,
Handstrap Velcro		refasten the strap, and
Strip (Under Flap)		close the flap.

4. Rotate LENS COVER control to open lens cover.

First-Time Operation

5.Set POWER (CAMERA MAN/CAMERA AUTO/OFF/VCR) switch to CAMERA AUTO.

POWER Switch and

Indicator

•The power indicator lights.

•The position of this switch tells the camcorder whether you want to record (CAMERA MAN or CAMERA AUTO), turn the power off (OFF), or play back tapes (VCR).

•CAMERA AUTO places the camcorder in the AutoShot™ mode. In the AutoShot™ mode, the focus, exposure, and white balance are automatically controlled by the camcorder.

Many of the special effects do not operate in this mode. Details on page 32.

•CAMERA MAN allows you to control many of the special features of the camcorder.

•The camcorder automatically turns off if it remains in recordpause for five minutes. Set the POWER switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA.

(Continued on next page)

First-Time Operation

6. Insert a tape.

WARNING:
Never try to		Tape Wheel
Never try to
open the door
by prying as
you could		Tape
damage the		Tape
damage the		Window
camcorder.	Press Here to Close
	Press Here to Close	EJECT Switch
	Cassette Compartment	EJECT Switch
	Cassette Compartment

•Open the LCD monitor at least 60˚ before opening the cassette holder.

•Slide the EJECT switch. The cassette holder opens automatically.

•Turn the tape wheel on the cassette to remove any slack from the tape.

7.Select a recording speed.

SP/SLP

Button

Select SP or SLP recording speed. Press and hold the SP/SLP button to select a recording speed. The tape speed you select (SP or SLP) appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

•SP – Standard play provides the best picture, but the shortest recording time (20 minutes with a TC-20 tape).

•Insert the cassette with the tape wheel facing up and the tape window facing out.

•Press on the area shown above until the cassette holder locks into place.

• PAUSE appears when a recordable tape is inserted in the camcorder and the camcorder enters record-pause mode.

•SLP – Extended play provides three times the recording time as SP (60 minutes with a TC-20 tape). SLP has slightly more picture noise in normal playback.

First-Time Operation

8. Use the Monitor or Viewfinder to See What You Record

You can see what you record on the color LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. When the LCD monitor is open more than 60˚, the viewfinder is automatically turned off. When you close the LCD monitor, the viewfinder is automatically turned on.

To enable both you and the person you’re recording to see what’s being recorded, you can rotate the LCD monitor completely around 105˚ so the front of the monitor faces the person you’re recording. The viewfinder turns on automatically when you turn the LCD monitor all the way around so it faces forward.

LCD Monitor

Use the LCD Monitor

•Make sure the monitor is open at least 60˚. The viewfinder turns off.

•You can tilt the monitor 180˚ up or 90˚ down for convenient viewing.

•Rotate the menu PUSH dial to adjust the brightness of the image in the monitor.

Use the Viewfinder

•Close the monitor. If the monitor is open more than 60˚, the viewfinder turns off.

•Adjust the viewfinder for a comfortable viewing position.

Electronic

Viewfinder

Eyepiece

Focus

Control

Menu PUSH Dial

(Also Bright Control)

•Turn the eyepiece focus control to adjust the focus of the viewfinder for your vision.

Eyepiece

Focus

Control

18080°

Electronic

Viewfinder

(Continued on next page)

First-Time Operation

9. Select a tape length.

MENU/DISPLAY

Button

PUSH

–

Menu PUSH Dial (Rotate or Push In)

1.Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.

2.Press the PUSH dial in to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

FOCUS		AUTO
EXPOSURE		AUTO
M. W. B.		AUTO
16 X 9		OFF
TAPE LENGTH		T30
TITLE
DATE/TIME DISP.
RETURN

3.Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight TAPE LENGTH.

FOCUS		AUTO
EXPOSURE		AUTO
M. W. B.		AUTO
16 X 9		OFF
TAPE LENGTH		T30

TITLE

DATE/TIME DISP.

RETURN

4.Press the PUSH dial in to display the TAPE LENGTH menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

POWER Switch and

Indicator

TAPE LENGTH

T20

T30

T35

T40

EXIT

5.Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the type of tape you are using.

•Select T20 for a tape with 20 minutes or less recording time in SP.

•Select T30 for a tape with 30

minutes recording time in SP.

• Select T35 for a tape with 35 minutes recording time in SP.

•Select T40 for a tape with 40 minutes recording time in SP.

6.Press the menu PUSH dial twice to select the tape length and remove the menus.

•Details are on pages 24-25.

First-Time Operation

LENS

COVER

Control

REW Button
STOP Button
PLAY/PAUSE Button	Power Indicator
Thumb	POWER Switch
Trigger

10.Start and stop recording.

•Place the POWER switch in

CAMERA AUTO.

•Press and release the thumb trigger to start recording. REC appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

•Press and release the thumb trigger again to stop recording. The camcorder is now in the recordpause mode. PAUSE appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

• Press REW to rewind the tape.

•Press PLAY/PAUSE to play back the tape.

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

•Details on LCD monitor and viewfinder playback are on pages 56-57.

12.Set the POWER switch to OFF to turn off the camcorder.

The power indicator turns off.

11. Play back what you have	13. Close the LCD monitor and
recorded.	lens cover.
• Set the POWER switch to VCR.
	(Continued on next page)

First-Time Operation

14. Review camcorder operating controls.

FADES

Button

P. (Program)

AE Button

	SEARCH R and F	Shoulder Strap
	Buttons (Also REW
		Attachment Ring
	and FF Buttons)

STOP Button

PLAY/PAUSE Button

Menu PUSH Dial

(Also Bright Control)

MENU/DISPLAY Button

SP/SLP Button

EJECT Switch Shoulder (Also COUNTER R/M Button)

Strap

Attachment

Ring

Eyepiece Focus Control

Viewfinder

Speaker

LCD Monitor	Cassette
Press Here to	Compartment
Close Cassette
Door

First-Time Operation

14. Review camcorder’s operating controls. (Continued)

	5SEC. REC
	Button	Zoom Lever (Also VOL. +/– Control)
		Zoom Lever (Also VOL. +/– Control)
Speaker for
Playback		STEADY PIX
		STEADY PIX
		Button
		Thumb Trigger
		BATTERY
Service Port		RELEASE
Service Port		Lever
(Located Under		Lever
(Located Under
Cover) This
connector is for
use by qualified
service personnel	POWER Switch
only.	POWER Switch
	and Indicator

LENS

COVER

Control

Attach Adapter/Charger’s

DC Cord (DC In Jack Lens Located Under Battery) or

Rechargeable Battery Here

Handstrap

Microphone

A (Audio) and V (Video) Jacks

(Behind Small Cover)

Clock Cell Battery

Compartment

Threaded Tripod

Mount Hole

Power the Camcorder

Adapter/Charger

The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge the battery.

To AC 100-240,

50/60 Hz

DC In Jack

Adapter/

Charger

DC Cable

DC OUT

Jack

Attach Adapter/Charger

1.Connect one end of the DC cable to the DC OUT jack on the adapter/ charger.

2.Connect the other end of the DC cable to the DC in jack on the camcorder as shown above.

3.Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into the nearest AC outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).

CAUTION: Do not use this adapter/ charger for any other purpose other than charging the FB1260 or BB99L battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder.

Remove Adapter/Charger

1.Unplug the adapter/charger from the wall outlet.

2.Remove the DC cable from the adapter/charger and camcorder.

Using an Optional Plug Adapter

An optional plug adapter might be required in some countries.

Optional AC	AC 100-240V
Plug Adapter

1.Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into the AC plug adapter.

2.Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC outlet.

Power the Camcorder

Rechargeable Battery

The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the first time. Initial charging takes approximately 70 minutes. When fully charged, the battery supplies approximately 80-90 minutes of operating time – depending on how much you use the monitor, zoom, and pause. Conserve battery power by turning the camcorder off during recording breaks.

Note: Use the small marker switch on the top of the battery to help remind yourself to charge the battery. It has no other purpose.

Marker

Switch

BATTERY

RELEASE Lever

Battery Safety Precautions

Do not short the battery’s terminals.

Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

Use the battery only with specified adapter/chargers and camcorders.

Throwing the battery into a fire or exposing it to excessive heat – over 149˚F (65˚C) could be hazardous.

Attach the Charged Battery

If the DC cable is attached to the camcorder, remove it before attaching the battery. Also, install the lithium clock cell before attaching the battery.

Details are on page 17.

1.Hook the battery to the side of the camcorder as shown above.

2.Press the battery down until it locks into place.

3.Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. The power indicator lights.

Remove the Battery

Slide and hold the BATTERY RELEASE lever down while removing the battery.

ATTENTION: The EPA certified RBRC® Battery Recycling Seal on the nickel-
cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery indicates Thomson Consumer Electronics is voluntarily
participating in an industry program to collect and recycle these batteries at the end	RBRC
of their useful life, when taken out of service in the United States or Canada. The
RBRC® program provides a convenient alternative to placing used Ni-Cd batteries

into the trash or the municipal waste stream, which may be illegal in your area.

Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY™ for information on Ni-Cd battery recycling and disposal bans/restrictions in your area. Thomson Consumer Electronics’ involvement in this program of our commitment to preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources.

RBRC

Ni-Cd

is part

Power the Camcorder

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (Continued)

Reference

Marks

Hold Battery Flush

and Slide

To AC Wall

Outlet 100-

240 Volts,

50/60 Hz.

CHG

(Charge) Indicator

	REFRESH	Adapter/Charger
	Indicator	Adapter/Charger
	Indicator

REFRESH

Button

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.

Charge the Battery

If the DC cable is attached to the DC OUT jack on the adapter/charger, remove it.

1.Align reference mark on battery with mark on adapter/charger.

2.Hold the battery flush against the adapter/charger and slide it in the direction of the arrow.

3.Plug adapter/charger into nearest AC outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).

4.If the battery is properly connected, the CHG indicator flashes.

Note: If you try to charge a battery that has not been charged for a long period of time, it may take a few minutes for the CHG indicator to flash.

5.After the battery is charged, the CHG indicator stops flashing and lights.

6.Remove the charged battery by sliding it off the adapter/charger.

7.Attach the charged battery to the camcorder.

Use the REFRESH Button

The battery provides increased operation time if you “refresh” it after five chargings. The refresh feature “refreshes” the battery by completely discharging it.

1.Attach battery to adapter/charger.

2.Press REFRESH. The REFRESH indicator lights and the battery begins discharging.

3.When discharging is completed, the REFRESH indicator turns off, and the CHG indicator flashes. The battery now charges.

Power the Camcorder

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (Continued)

4.After the battery is charged, the CHG (charge) indicator stops flashing and lights.

5.Remove the battery from the adapter/ charger.

Battery Level Indicator

The battery level indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor and shows you the amount of power in the rechargeable battery.

•When appears, the battery is fully charged.

•As the power is used and

appear.

•When the battery power is almost

gone,

flashes in the viewfinder

or on the LCD monitor. The camcorder turns off automatically after a few seconds. Set the POWER switch to OFF to turn off the camcorder before replacing the battery.

The battery level indicator is not recorded on the tape.

Battery Care and Storage

•Recharging takes approximately 70 minutes for the battery depending on its condition.

•Refreshing takes approximately 3-1/2 hours for the battery depending on its condition.

•After repeated charging and use, operation time gradually decreases. When operation time is too short to be useful, it is time to replace the battery.

•If the battery discharging must be stopped in the middle, remove the battery from the adapter/charger before unplugging it from the AC outlet.

•If the battery pack becomes too hot, remove it from the charger and let it cool down.

•Let a hot battery cool down before attaching it to the AC adapter/charger.

Power the Camcorder

Optional Car Cord Adapter

The optional DCC08 car cord shown on page 61 allows you to power your camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts 12-volts to a 6-volt output.

Note: Consult the installation and operating instructions enclosed with the DCC08 for complete operating instructions.

Cautions: The DCC08 is designed to be used only with vehicles having negative ground electrical systems.

Use only car cord adapter DCC08 with this camcorder. Use of any other car cord adapter might damage the camcorder and void your warranty.

Use the DCC08 Car Cord Adapter

To Cigarette

Power Lighter Socket

Connector

Optional DCC08 Car

Cord Adapter

1.Set the POWER switch to OFF to turn off the camcorder. The power indicator on the camcorder turns off.

2.If the battery or DC cable is attached to the camcorder, remove it.

3.Hold the bottom of the power connector flush against the camcorder, and press the connector down until it locks into place as shown above.

4.Take the vehicle’s cigarette lighter out of the socket.

5.Insert the car cord’s cigarette lighter plug into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. The power indicator on the car cord adapter lights.

6.Set the POWER switch to CAMERA to turn on the camcorder. The power indicator on the camcorder lights.

Caution: Make sure the camcorder’s power is turned off before removing the car cord’s plug from the cigarette lighter socket.

Date and Time Display

Install the Clock Lithium Cell

The clock cell indicator flashes for a few seconds in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor when you turn on the camcorder if the cell is not installed or needs replacing.

Clock Cell

Compartment

	Clock Cell	Insert Object Here
		to Remove Cell
	Holder

Clock Cell

(+ Side Facing Out)

1.Make sure camcorder is turned off, and remove any power supply attached to the camcorder.

2.Pull the clock cell holder out of the clock cell compartment.

3.Insert the clock cell with the “+” terminal facing out, and press it in.

4.Place the clock cell holder into the clock cell compartment. Be sure to insert the holder fully into the compartment.

To Remove Lithium Cell

To remove battery, insert a pointed nonmetallic object between battery and clock cell holder and lift.

Cautions: Lithium cell battery. Replace only with 3-volt lithium cell – such as CR2025. Use of other cell presents a risk of fire or explosion. Must be disposed of properly. Never handle punctured or leaking cell. May cause burns or personal injury.

Keep out of the hands of children. Can cause death or injury if swallowed.

If swallowed, consult a physician immediately for emergency treatment.

The lithium cell used in this device may explode resulting in a fire or chemical burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212˚F (100˚C), or incinerate.

Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell, and never short the + and – sides of the cell.

Date and Time Display

Set the Date and Time

You must set the correct date and time before you can display and record it on your tapes. The clock cell must be installed as shown on the previous page before you can set the date.

PUSH

—

Menu PUSH Dial (Rotate or Press In)

1.Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.

2.Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

D. ZOOM		ON
TELE MACRO		OFF
REC TIME		OFF
INT. TIME		OFF
DATE/TIME		ENGLISH
TITLE LANG.
DEMO MODE		OFF

POWER Switch in

CAMERA MAN

MENU/DISPLAY

Button

3.Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight DATE/TIME.

D. ZOOM		ON
TELE MACRO		OFF
REC TIME		OFF
INT. TIME		OFF
DATE/TIME		ENGLISH
TITLE LANG.
DEMO MODE		OFF
RETURN

4. Press the menu PUSH dial in to

RETURN

display the DATE/TIME menu.

Date and Time Display

Set the Date and Time (Continued)

	DATE/TIME

YEAR		2000
MONTH		JAN
DAY	1
TIME	AM 12:00

EXIT

5.Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight YEAR. Press the menu PUSH dial in. When the year starts flashing, rotate the menu PUSH dial to select the year. When the correct year appears, press the menu PUSH dial in to set the year.

6.Repeat step 5 to set the MONTH and

DAY.

7.Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight TIME.

	DATE/TIME
YEAR	2000
MONTH			NOV
DAY	18
TIME		PM	11:00

EXIT

8.Press the menu PUSH dial in. When the hour starts flashing, rotate the menu PUSH dial to set the hour including AM or PM.

9.Press the menu PUSH dial in. When the hour stops flashing and the minutes start flashing, rotate the menu PUSH dial to set the minutes.

10.Press the menu PUSH dial in. When none of the settings are flashing, rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight

EXIT.

	DATE/TIME
YEAR	2000
MONTH	NOV
DAY	18
TIME	AM 8:00

EXIT

11.Press the menu PUSH dial in twice to remove the menus.

Notes: If you decide to return the date and time to the previous settings while the DATE/ TIME menu is displayed, rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight EXIT, and press. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to remove the menus.

To display and record the date and/or time, see the following pages.

Date and Time Display

Record AUTO DATE, Date, Time, and Title Displays

You must install the clock cell and set the date and time (as shown on the previous pages) before the you can select and record the correct date and time.

PUSH

—

Menu PUSH Dial (Rotate or Press In)

POWER Switch in

CAMERA MAN

Select AUTO DATE, Date, Time, or Date and Time to Record on Your Tape

1.Attach a power supply and set

POWER switch to CAMERA MAN. The power indicator lights.

Note: AUTO DATE is selected when the

POWER switch is set to CAMERA AUTO.

2.Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

FOCUS		AUTO
EXPOSURE		AUTO
M. W. B.		AUTO
16 X 9		OFF
TAPE LENGTH		T30
TITLE
DATE/TIME DISP.
RETURN

FOCUS		AUTO
EXPOSURE		AUTO
M. W. B.		AUTO
16 X 9		OFF
TAPE LENGTH		T30
TITLE
DATE/TIME DISP.
RETURN

4.Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the DATE/TIME DISP. menu.

DATE/TIME DISP.

AUTO DATE

DATE

TIME

DATE/TIME

OFF

EXIT

3.Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight DATE/TIME DISP.

Date and Time Display

Record AUTO DATE, Date, Time, and Title Displays (Continued)

LCD Monitor or Viewfinder Displays Select the Display on the DATE/TIME DISP. Menu

AUTO DATE

AUTO DATE Display

OFF: No Display

NOV 18.00

DATE Display

AM 10:25:00

TIME Display

NOV 18.00 AM 10:25:00

			DATE/TIME Display

5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to		•	TIME: The time is displayed and
	highlight the date/time display you		recorded.
	want to record.	•	DATE/TIME Display: The
	• AUTO DATE: The date is auto-		date and time are displayed
	matically recorded for approxi-		and recorded.
	mately five seconds and then AUTO	•	OFF: No display is displayed or
	DATE is displayed whenever:		recorded.
	• The date is set or changed.	6. Press the menu PUSH dial in to select
		6. Press the menu PUSH dial in to select
	• This display mode is selected.	the date/time display you want to
	• The tape is changed or the tape	record.
	compartment opened.	7. Press the menu PUSH dial in to
	• This display is selected when-	remove the menu.
	ever the POWER switch is set to	8. Press the thumb trigger to begin
	CAMERA AUTO.	recording.

• DATE Display: The date is displayed and recorded.

Videocassettes

Make sure you select good quality tapes for 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.

Erase Protection – Safety Tab

You can use your videocassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording, just record over it.

Safety

Tab

A. Remove safety tab or

slide tab to

REC OFF.

B.Cover hole

with vinyl tape or slide tab to REC ON to record over tape.

Recording and Playback Speeds and Times

The camcorder records and plays back in standard speed (SP) or extended play (SLP). Select the recording speed by pressing and holding the SP/SLP button. The selected speed is displayed on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. Listed below are the maximum SP and SLP recording times for popular VHS-C cassettes.

•SP – Standard play provides the best picture (less picture noise), but the shortest recording time (20 minutes with a TC-20 tape).

•SLP – Extended play provides three times the recording time as SP (60 minutes with a TC-20 tape). SLP has slightly more picture noise than SP in normal playback. This might not be noticeable.

	Recording Time
Cassette	SP	SLP
TC-20	20 Min.	60 Min.
TC-30	30 Min.	90 Min.
TC-35	35 Min.	105 Min.
TC-40	40 Min.	120 Min.

Videocassettes

Insert and Remove Cassettes

Tape

Wheel

Push Here to	SP/SLP Tape
Close Cassette	EJECT Button	Window
Compartment	Button

CAUTIONS

Insert the cassette only one way with the tape wheel facing up and the tape window facing out. The cassette should slide easily into the holder. Do not force the cassette.

Never try to open the door by prying as you could damage the camcorder.

Before inserting a cassette, turn the tape wheel on the side of the cassette in the direction shown to remove any slack in the tape.

Tape Wheel

1.Open the LCD monitor at least 60˚ before opening the cassette holder.

2.Slide EJECT. The cassette holder opens automatically.

3.Insert the cassette with the tape wheel facing up and tape window facing out.

4.Press on the area shown above until the cassette holder locks into place.

Cassette Care and Storage

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

•Store cassettes vertically in their protective cases at normal room temperatures. Do not leave your camcorder or cassettes in a car or outdoors for an extended period.

Excessive heat or cold might damage your cassettes.

•Keep the cassette away from strong magnetic fields such as electric motors and other devices.

•Keep dust from entering the cassette compartment. All dust is abrasive and causes excessive wear on the tape and the camcorder’s recording or playback heads.

•Do not use cassettes with damaged or spliced tape.

•Do not use a cassette if it has been damaged or exposed to moisture. The tape might jam and/or damage your camcorder.

Recording

Time-Remaining Display

The approximate time remaining on the tape in the camcorder for the tape speed you select is displayed. You must set the correct tape length in the TAPE LENGTH feature of the menu before the camcorder can correctly calculate time remaining.

PUSH

—

Menu PUSH Dial (Rotate or Press In)

Select a Tape Length

1.Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN.

2. Press and hold the SP/SLP button to select a tape speed.

3.Press the PUSH dial in to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

FOCUS		AUTO
EXPOSURE		AUTO
M. W. B.		AUTO
16 X 9		OFF
TAPE LENGTH		T30
TITLE
DATE/TIME DISP.
RETURN

SP/SLP Button

4.Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight TAPE LENGTH.

FOCUS		AUTO
EXPOSURE		AUTO
M. W. B.		AUTO
16 X 9		OFF
TAPE LENGTH		T30
TITLE
DATE/TIME DISP.
RETURN

5.Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the TAPE LENGTH menu.

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