RCA CC6384 User Manual

Camcorder
User’s Guide
Changing Entertainment. Again.
CC6384/CC6394
Important Information
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product or AC charger to rain or moisture.
To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recommended by the manufacturer for this product. 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.
WARNING
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.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
This symbol indicates important instructions accompanying the product.
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
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Connections & Setup
Parts Checklist ......................................................................................... 6
Buttons and Controls ............................................................................. 7
Getting Started .......................................................................................9
Unpack the camcorder and accessories .......................................... 9
Adjust the hand strap .................................................................... 10
Attach the lens cap ........................................................................ 10
Attach the power supply ............................................................... 11
Turn on the camcorder...................................................................12
Set the video light (Off/AUTO/ON) switch to AUTO .................... 12
Insert a cassette tape ..................................................................... 13
Use the LCD monitor or viewfinder to see what’s recording ...... 14
Start recording ............................................................................... 15
Play your recording ........................................................................ 15
Turn off the camcorder ..................................................................16
Powering the Camcorder ..................................................................... 16
Charging the Battery ..................................................................... 16
Refreshing the Battery ................................................................... 18
Battery Level Icon ........................................................................... 19
Battery Care and Storage .............................................................. 19
Using the Power Supply ................................................................. 20
Using the Shoulder Strap ..................................................................... 21
Setting the Date and Time ................................................................... 22
Setting the Recording Format (for CC6394 only) ............................... 23
Additional Notes about S-VHS and S-VHS ET Cassette Tapes ......24
Setting the Tape
Recording Speed ................................................................................... 25
Setting the Tape Length .......................................................................26
Chapter 2: Using the Monitors
Seeing What You Are Recording ......................................................... 28
Using the LCD Monitor .................................................................. 28
Using the Viewfinder ..................................................................... 29
On-screen Icons..................................................................................... 30
Warning Icons ................................................................................. 30
(continued on the next page)
1
Table of Contents
Recording and Playback Icons ....................................................... 31
Other Icons ..................................................................................... 35
Chapter 3: Recording
Recording Details.................................................................................. 38
Journalistic Shooting ...................................................................... 38
Self-Recording ................................................................................ 39
Quick Review .................................................................................. 39
Retake ............................................................................................. 39
Digital and Optical Zooming ......................................................... 40
Using Steady Pix.......................................................................... 41
Using the Video Light .................................................................... 42
Recording Tips ...................................................................................... 44
Chapter 4: Playback
Playback Options .................................................................................. 46
Basic Playback ................................................................................. 46
Still Playback Mode ........................................................................ 49
Shuttle Search ................................................................................. 50
Choose your Connection ...................................................................... 51
Using the Cassette Tape Adapter .................................................. 51
Connecting to a TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Input Jacks ........ 54
Playback on a TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Input Jacks............ 55
Tape Dubbing ................................................................................. 56
Chapter 5: Digital Still Camera
Digital Still Camera Recording and Playback...................................... 58
Setting the Picture Quality ............................................................ 59
Selecting a Snapshot Mode ........................................................... 60
Taking Snapshots ............................................................................ 62
Normal Playback ............................................................................. 64
Slide Show ...................................................................................... 65
2
Table of Contents
Index ............................................................................................... 65
Index Playback ................................................................................ 66
Protecting Images .......................................................................... 67
Unprotecting Images ..................................................................... 68
Deleting Images ............................................................................. 69
Initializing the Built-in Memory .................................................... 70
System Requirements for Picture Navigator ...................................... 72
Connecting To A Windows® PC .......................................................... 73
Chapter 6: Advanced Features
Using the Menus For Advanced Adjustment...................................... 76
Menu Definitions .................................................................................. 77
Camera Menu ................................................................................. 77
System Menu .................................................................................. 77
System Menu (continued) .............................................................. 78
Using the Advanced Features .............................................................. 80
Fade/Wipe Effects ........................................................................... 80
Program AE With Special Effects ................................................... 82
Digital Effects ................................................................................. 83
Exposure Control ............................................................................ 84
Focusing .......................................................................................... 85
White Balance Adjustment ............................................................ 87
Date/Time Insert ............................................................................. 89
Instant Titles ................................................................................... 90
Animation ....................................................................................... 91
Time-Lapse ...................................................................................... 92
Chapter 7: Other Information
Troubleshooting.................................................................................... 94
Final Notes ............................................................................................ 99
Care and Cleaning .............................................................................. 102
Care and Maintenance ....................................................................... 102
Proper Care and Storage ............................................................. 103
Tape Care and Storage ................................................................. 104
CD-ROM Care ................................................................................ 104
(continued on the next page)
3
Table of Contents
Things to Avoid ............................................................................ 105
Traveling Tips ...................................................................................... 106
Specifications ......................................................................................107
Customer Assistance and Service ...................................................... 109
Limited Warranty................................................................................ 111
FCC Declaration of Conformity and Industry Canada Information . 115
Optional Accessories .......................................................................... 116
Accessories Order Form ................................................................ 119
Index .................................................................................................... 122
4
Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
Chapter Overview:
Parts Checklist
Buttons and Controls
Getting Started
Powering the Camcorder
Using the Shoulder Strap
Setting the Date and Time
Setting the Recording Format
Setting the Tape Recording Speed
Setting the Tape Length
Changing Entertainment. Again.
5
Connections & Setup

Parts Checklist

Make sure the box includes the items shown here:
E J E C
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R E F R
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C H A
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(
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/
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Camcorder
AC power supply Part # 250814
Battery pack Part # 244427 (FB1260) (CC6394 only) Part # 244265 (CC6384 only)
Cassette tape adapter Part # 244270
AA battery for cassette tape
Lens cap Part # 251624
Shoulder strap Part # ACS091
adapter
Imaging software CD-ROM
PC connection cable (for Windows® PC) Part # 247952
Part # 247954
Caution
Never use the power supply for any purpose other than charging the FB1260 battery pack or for supplying power to the camcorder.
6 Chapter 1

Buttons and Controls

Connections & Setup
S-video jack
Audio/Video jacks
Eyepiece focus control
Viewfinder
BATTERY RELEASE switch
MENU/ BRIGHT/ TRACKING dial
E
J E C
T
S
H
M
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N
U
/
B
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P . A
E D I G I F E C T
F
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M
Recording Start/Stop button
R E F
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V
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C
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H A R
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F
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K A
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V
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SNAPSHOT button
C O U N T E
F
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A
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F
D
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A
/
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W
T O
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O
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F A U
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P O
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Power Zoom/ VOL lever
L I G
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/TB
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STEADY PIX™ button
Power switch
C
O
U
O
F
L I G
DIGITAL (DSC IN/OUT) jack
Speaker
Video light
Microphone
Hand strap
Chapter 1 7
Connections & Setup
Video LIGHT switch
COUNTER R/M and FADE/WIDE button
LIGHT
Playback buttons
STOP R RETAKE F
M
/
R
E
P
R
I
E
T
OFF AUTO ON
C
W
/
N
E
U
O
P. A E button
E
D
A
.
A
F
P
DIGIFECT button
T
H G I
L
N
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A
F
M
F
/
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N
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C
W
/
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D
A
F
DSC/CHARGE indicator
VIDEO/REFRESH indicator
DSC
CHARGE
REFRESH
VIDEO
T
C
E
F
I
G
I
D
EJECT
EJECT switch
REFRESH button
S
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P
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T A
K
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F
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Shoulder strap eyelets
LCD monitor
Area marked CLOSE
Tripod mounting sockets
Camcorder bottom view
8 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup

Getting Started

This section describes the basics on how to set up your camcorder to record for the first time. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options.

Unpack the camcorder and accessories

• The items shown are packed with the camcorder. If any pieces are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.
• Remove the plastic film that covers the front and side logos on the camcorder. Use your fingernail, not anything sharp, to remove.
• Save all packing materials and box in case the camcorder ever needs to be shipped or stored.
Chapter 1 9
Connections & Setup

Adjust the hand strap

1. Lift the flap on the hand strap and separate the Velcro strip.
2. Insert your hand so your fingers can comfortably reach the buttons.
3. Adjust the strap to fit snugly.
4. Refasten the strap, and fold the flap back down.
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Attach the lens cap

To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the camcorder as shown in the illustration.
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10 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
C O U
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2
AC power supply

Attach the power supply

Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, you need to use an AC outlet to power the camcorder.
1. Plug the small end of the power supply into the DC IN jack on the camcorder.
Y
A
L
P
1
DC IN jack
2. Plug the other end of the power supply into a working AC outlet.
Chapter 1 11
Connections & Setup
F A D E / W
P
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E D I G I F E C T
R E T
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F
T H
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A
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A
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Power switch
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F F
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S T O P
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X I
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+
L A T I
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U O / N
I C S D
(
L
P

Turn on the camcorder

Set the Power switch to the desired setting, either automatic ( off (OFF), or in playback mode (
A
) or manual (M) record mode, powered
).
The VIDEO indicator comes on when the camcorder is turned on.
Automatic recording
A
places the camcorder into AutoShot™ mode. Focus, exposure, iris control, white balance, and the video light are controlled by the camcorder during automatic recording.
M
Manual recording mode
allows you to control many of the camcorder’s special features, including accessing the menus and setting the clock.
Notes:
Many special effects don’t operate in
AutoShot mode (see pages 77-79 for more information).
The camcorder automatically turns off to
save battery power if you leave it in record-standby mode for more than five minutes. To turn it back on, set the Power switch to OFF, then back to automatic or manual record mode.
STOP R RETAKE F
M
LIGHT
/
R R E
T
OFF AUTO ON
N
U O C
E P
I
W
/
E
E
D
A
.
A
F
P
VIDEO indicator
DSC
CHARGE
REFRESH
VIDEO
T
C
E F
I
G
I
D
Set the video light (OFF/AUTO/ON)
Switch to AUTO
Slide the video LIGHT switch to AUTO. In this
EJECT
setting, the video light automatically turns on when more light is needed.
Video LIGHT switch
12 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup

Insert a cassette tape

1. Make sure the camcorder is connected to a power supply.
2. Open the LCD monitor fully or adjust the viewfinder.
STOP R RETAKE F
M
LIGHT
/
R
R E T
W
OFF AUTO ON
/
N
E
U
D
O
A
C
F
Tape window
E P
I
E
A . P
T C
E F
I
G
I
D
EJECT switch
S
T
T O
H
P
G I
N
L
O
O
R
T U A
F
R
M /
F
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V
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DSC
CHARGE
REFRESH
VIDEO
Tape wheel
T
C E J
3. With the camcorder set to A (automatic
EJECT
record), slide the EJECT switch until the cassette tape holder opens. Don’t force the camcorder open.
4. Insert a tape with the tape wheel facing up and the tape window facing out.
Notes:
Make sure the tape is not slack when
loading the cassette tape. If there is any slack, turn the wheel on the cassette tape in the direction of the arrow to take up the slack.
Make sure the Erase Protection tab is in
the position that allows recording. If not, slide the tab. Some tapes have removable tabs. If the tab has been removed, cover the hole with adhesive tape.
5. Push on the area marked CLOSE until the cassette tape holder locks into place. (PAUSE appears on the LCD or in the viewfinder.)
Notes:
You can’t open the cassette tape holder
unless a power supply is attached.
The cassette tape holder can’t be
opened while the camcorder is in the record mode.
Area marked CLOSE
BATTERY RELEASE switch
Caution: Closing the LCD monitor while the cassette tape holder is still open may damage the LCD monitor.
Cassette tape holder
Chapter 1 13
Connections & Setup
LCD monitor
Viewfinder
MENU dial
S T
T
O
P
H G I L
N O
R
O T U
A
R
F
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M
F
/
T A
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U O C
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D
F
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V
R
T C E
J E
Eyepiece focus control

Use the LCD monitor or viewfinder to see what’s recording

Using the LCD monitor
1. Remove the lens cap.
2. Open the monitor 90˚ from the camcorder body.
3. Tilt the monitor 180˚ forward or 90˚ down as required for convenient viewing while recording.
4. To adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor, rotate the MENU dial.
Notes:
Adjusting the LCD monitor brightness
does not affect the recorded image on the tape.
When the LCD monitor opens more than
25˚, the viewfinder automatically turns off. When the LCD monitor is closed, the viewfinder automatically turns on.
Using the viewfinder
1. Remove the lens cap.
C O U
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2. Close the monitor.
Note: If the monitor is open more than 25˚, the viewfinder turns off.
3. Adjust the viewfinder to a comfortable position.
4. Turn the eyepiece focus control to adjust the focus of the viewfinder for your vision.
14 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
C O U
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Recording
Power switch Start/Stop button
STOP R RETAKE F
M
LIGHT
/
R
E
P
R E T
OFF AUTO ON
N
U
O
C
I
W
/
E D A
F
T C
E F
I
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A
G
I
.
D
P
Playback buttons on top of the camcorder include:
Stop ( ), Rewind ( )
Play/Pause (/) Fast Forward ( ).
CHARGE

Start recording

1. Remove the lens cap.
A
2. Set the Power switch to
(automatic record).
(The VIDEO indicator comes on.)
3. Press and release the Recording Start/Stop button to start recording. (
REC
appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor (but won’t show up in the recording)).
4. When finished recording, press and release the Recording Start/Stop button again to stop recording. The camcorder is now in the record­pause mode. (PAUSE appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.)

Play your recording

DSC
REFRESH
VIDEO
1. Set the Power switch to . (The VIDEO
EJECT
indicator comes on.)
2. Press the Rewind button to reverse the tape to the beginning. When rewound completely, the camcorder automatically stops.
3. Press the Play/Pause button
/
to start playback. View the recording using the LCD monitor or viewfinder.
4. Press the Stop button
when finished playing
the tape.
Notes:
Sound will play back if the LCD monitor
is open or closed. To adjust the volume, use the Zoom Lever (also labeled VOL - +).
More information about using the LCD
monitor and viewfinder can be found on pages 28-29.
Chapter 1 15
Connections & Setup
DC IN jack
STOP R RETAKE F
LIGHT
OFF AUTO ON
N
U
O
C
M
A
F
F
O
Y
A
L
P
M
/
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P
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W
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Power switch
CHARGE indicator
T C
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A
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CHARGE

Turn off the camcorder

1. Set the Power switch to OFF.
2. Close the LCD monitor.

Powering the Camcorder

You can power your camcorder with a battery or AC power.

Charging the Battery

1. Set the Power switch to OFF.
2. Make sure the battery is attached to the camcorder. Hook the top end of the battery to the camcorder and push the battery in until it locks in place.
Important: If the battery pack is attached in the wrong position, a malfunction may occur.
DSC
REFRESH
VIDEO
EJECT
3. Plug the small end of the power supply into the DC IN jack on the camcorder and the other end into an AC outlet. (The CHARGE indicator blinks.)
4. When the CHARGE indicator stops blinking but stays on, charging is finished. Make sure the Power switch is set to OFF, then unplug the power supply from the AC outlet and from the camcorder.
Tip
Before extended use, it is recommended that you prepare enough battery packs to cover 3 times the planned shooting time.
Important: Before detaching the power source, make sure the camcorder’s power is turned off. Failure to do so can result in a camcorder malfunction.
16 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup
Notes:
If a protective cap is on the battery, remove it before use or charging.
When charging a battery for the first time or after a long storage period, the CHARGE indicator may not come on. Remove the battery and try again.
Charge the battery in temperatures between 50˚ and 90˚ Fahrenheit (10-35˚ Celsius).
Charging times are based on a fully discharged battery and vary depending on ambient temperature and battery condition.
Approximate charging time
Battery Charging Time
244265 (for CC6384) approx. 2 hrs. 20 min.
FB1260 (for CC6394) approx. 90 min.
Approximate recording time (in minutes)
Battery Viewfinder on LCD monitor on
244265 (for CC6384) 130, (75*) 105, (60*)
FB1260 (for CC6394) 80, (45*) 65, (35*)
* when the video light is on
Note: Recording time is reduced significantly when you use the Zoom or Record­Standby modes repeatedly or when you use the LCD monitor repeatedly.
Charge marker
Using the Charge Marker
A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to help you remember whether it has been charged or not. Two colors are provided (red and black)—you choose which one means charged and which means discharged.
Chapter 1 17
Connections & Setup
BATTERY RELEASE switch
CHARGE indicator
STOP R RETAKE F
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OFF AUTO ON
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REFRESH button
REFRESH indicator
DSC
CHARGE
REFRESH
VIDEO
Removing the Battery
Slide the BATTERY RELEASE switch and pull out the battery pack.

Refreshing the Battery

If you charge a battery before it has been fully discharged, the battery’s capacity may be reduced over time. We recommend you discharge or “refresh” your battery before recharging it.
1. Follow steps 1-3 in “Charging the Battery” (see
page 16).
2. Press and hold the REFRESH button for 2 seconds. (The REFRESH indicator blinks. When the battery has been refreshed, charging automatically starts and the CHARGE indicator blinks.)
Notes:
If you store a partially charged battery
for a long period of time, its performance is reduced.
EJECT
During charging or discharging, the
camcorder can’t be operated.
Charging and discharging isn’t possible if
the wrong type of battery is used.
If the battery operation time remains
extremely short even after having been fully charged, the battery is worn out and needs to be replaced. Please purchase a new one.
18 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup

Battery Level Icon

The battery level icon appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor and reveals the amount of power left in the rechargeable battery.
Note: The battery level icon is not recorded on the tape.
This icon appears when battery is fully charged.
The icon changes to show that you’ve used some of the battery’s power.
As you use more of the battery’s power, the icon changes again.
This battery icon flashes in the viewfinder or LCD monitor when the battery power is almost gone. The camcorder turns off automatically after a few seconds.

Battery Care and Storage

After repeated charging and use, battery life gradually decreases. When operation time is too short to be useful, the battery should be replaced.
If the battery pack becomes too hot, remove it from the camcorder and let it cool down.
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.
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
R
B
R
C
C
R
B
R
N
i-C
d
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.
Chapter 1 19
Connections & Setup

Using the Power Supply

The power supply attaches to the camcorder and lets you power it directly from standard household power. The power supply operates on 110-240 volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge the battery.
1. Plug the small end of the power supply into the DC IN jack on the camcorder.
2. Plug the other end of the power supply into a working AC outlet (110-240V, 50/ 60Hz).
Caution: Never use this power supply for any purpose other than charging the FB1260 or supplying power to the camcorder.
DC IN jack
C O U
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AC power supply
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Removing the power supply
1. Make sure the Power switch is set to OFF.
2. Unplug the power supply from the AC outlet.
3. Unplug the small end of the power supply from the DC IN jack on the camcorder.
Important: Before detaching the power source, make sure the camcorder’s power is turned off. Failure to do so can result in a camcorder malfunction.
Using an Optional Plug Adapter in Foreign Countries
An optional plug adapter might be required in some countries.
1. Plug the power supply’s plug into the AC plug adapter.
2. Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC outlet.
20 Chapter 1
Connections & Setup

Using the Shoulder Strap

The camcorder’s shoulder strap is designed to let you carry the camera from your shoulder and – when ready– bring the camcorder to shooting position in one quick movement.
1. Following the illustration, thread the strap through the eyelet.
2. Fold the strap back and thread it through the buckle.
3. Repeat the procedure to attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet located under the hand strap. Make sure the strap is not twisted.
Caution: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, you should close the LCD monitor and rotate the viewfinder down. This helps prevent possible damage to the monitor or viewfinder from bumping against your body as you move. Make sure the shoulder strap is firmly attached before using it to carry the camcorder.
1
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Chapter 1 21
Connections & Setup
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MENU dial
Power switch

Setting the Date and Time

You need to set the date and time before they can be displayed.
Date and time information is recorded onto the tape at all times, but its display can be turned on or off during playback (see page 89).
1. Set the Power switch to M (manual record).
2. Press in the MENU dial. (The CAMERA MENU
3. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight TO SYSTEM
4. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight NEXT. Press
(The VIDEO indicator comes on.)
appears.)
MENU. Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The SYSTEM MENU appears.)
in the MENU dial to select it. (The second page of the SYSTEM MENU appears.)
S
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5. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight DATE/TIME. Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The DATE/ TIME menu appears.)
6. Rotate the MENU dial to the item you want to change (year, month, day, and time). Press in
R
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DATE / T IPMME
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the MENU dial to select it. When the setting starts blinking, rotate the MENU dial to adjust it. When the correct setting appears, press in the MENU dial to select it.
7. When finished, rotate the MENU dial to select EXIT. Then press in the MENU dial twice.
Note: To make the date and time appear in the camcorders display or on the TV, see page 89.
Important: A separate internal battery is used for the time and date. Under normal conditions, this battery should last for 10 years or more. If you should need to replace it, see your nearest RCA authorized service center.
Connections & Setup

Setting the Recording Format (for CC6394 only)

You need to select what kind of tape you are using or type of recording you wish to perform.
1. Set the Power switch to M (manual record). (The VIDEO indicator comes on.)
2. Press the MENU dial in. (The CAMERA MENU appears.)
3. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight TO SYSTEM
MENU. Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The SYSTEM MENU appears.)
U
TGETMHME
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4. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight S-VHS ET. Press the MENU dial to select it. (The S-VHS ET menu appears.)
If you are using a standard VHS-C tape, rotate the MENU dial to S-VHS ET. Press in the MENU dial to select it.
If you are using an S-VHS tape, rotate the MENU dial to S-VHS. Press in the MENU dial to select it.
5. Rotate the MENU dial to ON if you want to record in S-VHS mode, or OFF if you want to record in standard VHS mode. Press the MENU dial to select it.
ON Records with S-VHS picture quality
on a VHS-C tape. This is called Super VHS ET (Expansion Technology). Also records in S-VHS when you are using an S-VHS tape.
OFF Factory preset: records in VHS.
Notes:
When the S-VHS ET mode is engaged, S-ET
is displayed.
During S-VHS record mode, S is displayed.
When S-VHS ET or S-VHS recording starts,
S-VHS REC is displayed for approximately. 3 seconds.
If a tape is not loaded, S-VHS is displayed.
Y
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Chapter 1 23
Connections & Setup

Additional Notes about S-VHS and S-VHS ET Cassette Tapes

Use S-VHS tapes for storing recordings for an extended period or for recording important scenes, as they enable higher-quality recording and playback.
With some tapes, better picture quality may not be obtained even with S-VHS ET recording. It is recommended that you do a test recording beforehand to ensure if better results can be obtained.
If the S-VHS ET mode or recording format is switched during recording, the playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.
Noise may appear on-screen when tapes recorded in the SLP mode are played back.
Tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode can be played back not only on this camcorder but also on a Super VHS VCR, an S-VHS ET VCR, or a VCR equipped with the SQPB (S-VHS QUASI PLAYBACK) function.
When tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode are played back on a VCR
equipped with the SQPB (S-VHS QUASI PLAYBACK) function, S-VHS picture quality is not available.
Tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode may not play back on some VCRs.
It is recommended to specifically label S-VHS ET recordings so you can easily
distinguish them from regular VHS recordings.
To avoid on-screen noise, do not perform Still Playback or Shuttle Search repeatedly.
The S-VHS ET (extended technology) feature does not work with S-VHS tapes.
24 Chapter 1
M
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STOP R RETAKE F
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OFF AUTO ON
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M
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Power switch
VIDEO indicator
E P
I
W
/
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D
A
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A
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C
B T /
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) T
MENU dial
T
C
E F
I
G
I
D
CHARGE
Connections & Setup

Setting the Tape Recording Speed

You need to select the tape recording speed for the quality of recording you want.
1. Set the Power switch to M (manual record). (The VIDEO indicator comes on.)
2. Press the MENU dial in. (The CAMERA MENU appears.)
3. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight TO SYSTEM
MENU. Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The SYSTEM MENU appears.)
4. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight REC MODE. Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The REC MODE menu appears.)
5. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight SP if you want the best recording quality, or SLP if you want a
DSC
REFRESH
VIDEO
EJECT
lesser-quality recording which provides three times the recording time as SP. Press in the MENU dial to select it.
6. When finished, press in the MENU dial again to exit.
Note: If the recording speed is switched during the recording, the playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.
Chapter 1 25
Connections & Setup
M
A
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STOP R RETAKE F
M
LIGHT
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OFF AUTO ON
N
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T O P
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A
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D A E
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+
A
T I G I
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O
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S D
(
M
A
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Power switch
VIDEO indicator
E P
I
W
/
E
E
D
A
.
A
P
F
L O V
+
C B T /
X I P
L
) T U
MENU dial
T C
E F
I
G
I
D
CHARGE

Setting the Tape Length

You need to select the tape length so that the camera can alert you how much time you have left on the tape.
1. Set the Power switch to M (manual record). (The VIDEO indicator comes on.)
2. Press the MENU dial in. (The CAMERA MENU appears.)
3. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight TO SYSTEM
MENU. Press in the MENU dial to select it. (The SYSTEM MENU appears.)
4. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight TAPE LENGTH. Press in the MENU dial to select it.
(The TAPE LENGTH menu appears.)
5. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight the length of the tape you are using (T20, T30, T35, T40). (T20=20 minutes, T30=30 minutes, etc. in SP
DSC
REFRESH
VIDEO
EJECT
mode.) Press in the MENU dial to select it.
6. When finished, press in the MENU dial again to exit.
Note: The tape remaining time feature is accurate only if the correct tape length has been selected.
26 Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Using the Monitors
Chapter Overview:
Seeing What You Are Recording
On-screen Icons
Changing Entertainment. Again.
27
Using the Monitors

Seeing What You Are Recording

To see what is recording, use either the LCD monitor or the viewfinder monitor. When the LCD monitor is open more than 25˚, the viewfinder turns off. When you close the LCD monitor, the viewfinder turns on.

Using the LCD Monitor

The camcorder’s LCD monitor is a miniature color screen that you can use for recording playback.
1. Open the LCD monitor at least 25˚. The viewfinder turns off.
180°
90°
Cautions
Never force the LCD monitor to rotate completely around. This could damage both the monitor and/or the camcorder.
When carrying the unit with the shoulder strap, close the monitor to prevent possible damage to it.
2. For convenient viewing, the LCD monitor can be tilted once it is open 90˚ from the camera body. Tilt the monitor forward up 180˚ or down up to 90˚.
• From a high angle (such as over a crowd)— tilt the monitor down to record.
• From a low angle (such as when kneeling)— tilt the monitor up to record.
3. Adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor by turning the bright control (MENU dial). This doesn’t affect the brightness of the recording you are making.
• Turn the dial toward + to brighten the image.
• Turn the dial toward – to darken the image.
4. When finished recording, close the monitor and lock it into place.
Note: Recording outdoors on bright, sunny days can make the LCD monitor hard to see. Use the viewfinder instead.
28 Chapter 2
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