RCA CC6383, CC6373 User Manual

USER’S GUIDE
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CC6373/CC6383
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
ATTENTION
RISQUE DE CHOC 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.
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.
Cautions
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
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: _______________________________ Serial No: _______________________________ Purchase Date: _______________________________ Purchased From: _______________________________
i
CC6373/CC6383
Assistance
We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call:
Camcorder Exchange Warranty...........800-283-6503 (pages 79-80 )
Customer Service...................................800-336-1900 (page 78 )
Accessories............................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 65-69)
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
White Balance ................................. 38
Auto White Balance ................... 38
Manual White Balance ............... 38
1
Table of Contents
Recording (Cont.)
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
Built-In Color Enhancement Light . 54
Playback ..................................... 56
Use the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder
for Playback ................................. 56
To Play Back a Tape ................... 57
Playback Features .......................... 58
Position the Tape ........................ 58
Visual Search .............................. 58
Stop-Action Pause ...................... 58
Time Counter .............................. 59
Tracking...................................... 59
TBC (Time Base Corrector) ....... 59
Use the Cassette Adapter ................ 60
Playback on TV (or VCR) with
Audio/Video Inputs ...................... 62
Recording Tips ................................ 64
Optional Accessories .................. 65
Using the Optional AC088
Tripod ........................................ 67
Order Form for Camcorder Models
CC6373 and CC6383 ................... 69
Trouble Checks .......................... 71
Specifications.............................. 75
Clean the Camcorder ...................... 76
Clean the Camcorder’s Lens ........... 76
Clean the Camcorder’s LCD
Monitor......................................... 76
Clean the Camcorder’s Viewfinder . 76
Proper Care and Storage ................. 77
Things to Avoid ............................... 77
Customer Assistance and
Service ...................................... 78
Limited Warranty...................... 79
Index ........................................... 81
Traveling Tips ............................ 64
2

First-Time Operation

First-Time Operation

Assistance

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.
Model CC6383* or Model CC6373*
(*Your camcorder may appear slightly different
than the one shown.)
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
CAUTIONS: Lithium cell must be disposed of properly. Never handle
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.
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.
Shoulder Strap
Part No. ACS091
Cassette Adapter Part No. VCA115A
Rechargeable Nickel
Cadmium Battery
Part No FB1260
+ -
Cassette Adapter Battery
(Size "AA" 1.5 Volt)
(Continued on next page)
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.
• Connect one end of the DC cable to the DC OUT jack on the adapter/charger.
To AC 100-240, 50/60 Hz
DC In Jack
DC Cable
Adapter/ Charger
DC OUT
Jack
• 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 COVER
Control
Handstrap
Handstrap Velcro Strip (Under Flap)
• Lift the flap on the handstrap and separate the velcro strip.
• Insert your hand, adjust the strap to fit snugly, refasten the strap, and close the flap.
4. Rotate LENS COVER control to open lens cover.
4
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)
5
First-Time Operation
6. Insert a tape.
WARNING:
Never try to open the door by prying as you could damage the camcorder.
Press here to close the cassette compartment.
Tape Wheel
Tape Window
EJECT Switch
• 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).
6
• Insert the cassette with the tape wheel facing up and the tape window facing out.
• Press on the button on the cassette holder until it 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.
Electronic Viewfinder
Eyepiece Focus Control
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.
Menu PUSH Dial
(Also Bright Control)
• Turn the eyepiece focus control to adjust the focus of the viewfinder for your vision.
Eyepiece Focus Control
180
°
18 0
°
Electronic Viewfinder
(Continued on next page)
7
First-Time Operation
T20 T30 T35 T40
EXIT
TAPE LENGTH
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 EXPOSURE M. W. B. 16 X 9 TAPE LENGTH TITLE DATE/TIME DISP. RETURN
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight TAPE LENGTH.
FOCUS EXPOSURE M. W. B. 16 X 9 TAPE LENGTH 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.
8
AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF T30
AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF T30
POWER Switch and Indicator
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.
7. Press the menu PUSH dial twice
to select the tape length and remove the menus.
• Details are on pages 24-25.
First-Time Operation
REW Button
STOP Button
LENS COVER
Control
PLAY/PAUSE Button
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.
11. Play back what you have recorded.
• Set the POWER switch to VCR.
• Press REW to rewind the tape.
Power Indicator
Thumb Trigger
POWER Switch
• 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.
13. Close the LCD monitor and lens cover.
(Continued on next page)
9
First-Time Operation
14. Review camcorder operating controls.
FADES
Button
P. (Program) AE Button
SEARCH R and F
Buttons (Also REW and FF Buttons)
STOP Button
PLAY/PAUSE Button
Menu PUSH Dial (Also Bright Control)
SP/SLP Button (Also COUNTER R/M Button)
EJECT Switch
Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring
Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring
MENU/DISPLAY Button
10
LCD Monitor
Viewfinder
Push Here to Close Cassette Door
Eyepiece Focus Control
Speaker
Cassette Compartment
First-Time Operation
14. Review camcorder’s operating controls. (Continued)
5SEC. REC
Speaker for Playback
Service Port (Located Under Cover) This connector is for use by qualified service personnel only.
LIGHT AUTO/ON/OFF
Switch
Button
POWER Switch and Indicator
Zoom Lever (Also VOL. +/– Control)
STEADY PIX
Button
Thumb Trigger
BATTERY RELEASE
Lever
LENS COVER
Control
Attach Adapter/Charger’s DC Cord (DC In Jack Located Under Battery) or Rechargeable Battery Here
Handstrap
Clock Cell Battery Compartment
Lens
Microphone
A (Audio) and V (Video) Jacks (Behind Small Cover)
Threaded Tripod Mount Hole
11

Power Your Camcorder

Power Your 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
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.
12
DC In Jack
DC Cable
Adapter/ Charger
DC OUT
Jack
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 Plug Adapter
1. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into the AC plug adapter.
2. Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC outlet.
AC 100-240V
Power Your 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.
Battery Safety Precautions
Do not short the battery’s terminals.
Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery. There are no
Marker Switch
BATTERY RELEASE Lever
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.
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 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 is part of our commitment to preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources.
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.
RBRC
RBRC
Ni-Cd
13
Power Your Camcorder
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (Continued)
Reference Marks
Hold Battery Flush and Slide
CHG
(Charge) Indicator
To AC Wall Outlet 100­240 Volts, 50/60 Hz.
REFRESH
Indicator
REFRESH
Button
Adapter/Charger
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.
14
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 Your 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.

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.
• 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.
15
Power Your Camcorder

Optional Car Cord Adapter

The optional DCC08 car cord shown on page 65 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.
Use the DCC08 Car Cord Adapter
Power
Connector
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.
To Cigarette
Lighter Socket
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.
16
Optional DCC08 Car
Cord Adapter
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

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 Holder
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.
Clock Cell (+ Side Facing Out)
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
Insert Object Here to Remove Cell
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.
17
Date and Time Display
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO REC TIME INT. TIME DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE
RETURN
ON OFF OFF OFF
ENGLISH OFF

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)
POWER Switch in CAMERA MAN
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.
ON OFF OFF OFF
ENGLISH OFF
18
D. ZOOM TELE MACRO REC TIME INT. TIME DATE/TIME TITLE LANG. DEMO MODE
RETURN
MENU/DISPLAY
Button
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight DATE/TIME.
4. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the DATE/TIME menu.
Date and Time Display
YEAR MONTH DAY TIME
EXIT
2000 NOV 18
DATE/TIME
AM 8:00
Set the Date and Time (Continued)
DATE/TIME
YEAR MONTH DAY TIME
2000 JAN 1
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
2000 NOV 18
PM 11:00
YEAR MONTH DAY TIME
EXIT
10. Press the menu PUSH dial in. When none of the settings are flashing, rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight 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.
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.
19
Date and Time Display
AUTO DATE DATE TIME DATE/TIME OFF EXIT
DATE/TIME DISP.

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 EXPOSURE M. W. B. 16 X 9 TAPE LENGTH TITLE DATE/TIME DISP. RETURN
3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to
highlight DATE/TIME DISP.
20
AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF T30
FOCUS EXPOSURE M. W. B. 16 X 9 TAPE LENGTH TITLE DATE/TIME DISP. RETURN
4. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the DATE/TIME DISP. menu.
AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF T30
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
5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the date/time display you want to record.
AUTO DATE: The date is auto-
matically recorded for approxi­mately five seconds and then AUTO DATE is displayed whenever:
• The date is set or changed.
• This display mode is selected.
• The tape is changed or the tape compartment opened.
• This display is selected when­ever the POWER switch is set to
CAMERA AUTO.
DATE Display: The date is
displayed and recorded.
NOV 18.00
DATE Display
AM 10:25:00
TIME Display
NOV 18.00 AM 10:25:00
DATE/TIME Display
TIME: The time is displayed and
recorded.
DATE/TIME Display: The
date and time are displayed and recorded.
OFF: No display is displayed or
recorded.
6. Press the menu PUSH dial in to select the date/time display you want to record.
7. Press the menu PUSH dial in to remove the menu.
8. Press the thumb trigger to begin recording.
21

Videocassettes

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 B. Cover hole
safety tab or
slide tab to
REC OFF.
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.
22
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.
Recording Time
Videocassettes

Insert and Remove Cassettes

Push Here to Close Cassette Compartment
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.
EJECT
Button
Tape Wheel
CAUTIONS
Insert the cassette only one way with the
Tape Wheel
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
SP/SLP
Button
Tape Window
door by prying as you could damage the camcorder.
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 button on the cassette door 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.
23

Recording

FOCUS EXPOSURE M. W. B. 16 X 9 TAPE LENGTH TITLE DATE/TIME DISP. RETURN
AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF T30
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)
SP/SLP Button
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 EXPOSURE M. W. B. 16 X 9 TAPE LENGTH TITLE DATE/TIME DISP. RETURN
24
AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF T30
4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to
highlight TAPE LENGTH.
5. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the TAPE LENGTH menu.
Recording
Time-Remaining Display (Continued)
--MIN
(Calculating)
--MIN SP
29MIN
T30
Tape Length Indicator
3MIN
2MIN
(Flashing)
Time-Remaining Display
1MIN
(Flashing)
0MIN
(Flashing)
TAPE LENGTH
T20 T30 T35 T40
EXIT
6. 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.
TAPE END
in Viewfinder
or on LCD Monitor
• Select T30 for a tape with 30
• Select T35 for a tape with 35
• Select T40 for a tape with 40
7. Press the menu PUSH dial in twice to
select the tape length and remove the menus.
Tape Speed Indicator
minutes recording time in SP.
minutes recording time in SP.
minutes recording time in SP.
25
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