RCA CC9370 User Manual

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Digital

Camcorder

User’s Guide

Changing Entertainment. Again.

CC9370

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 electric shock, do not expose this camcorder or AC charger to rain or moisture.

WARNING

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage" inside the product that presents a risk of electric

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.

shock or personal injury.

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: _______________________________

CC9370

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

Table of Contents

Assistance ......................................3

First-Time Operation ................... 3

Getting Started ............................3

Using the LCD Monitor: ......... 7

Reviewing Operating Controls ....9

Powering the Camcorder ........... 11

Using the Adapter/Charger ........ 11

Using the Rechargeable Battery 12

Charging the Battery............. 13

Battery Life .......................... 14

Battery Level Indicator ......14

Battery Care and Storage ...... 14

Other Camcorder Details ........... 15

Shoulder Strap ..........................15

Working With the Right Media .16

Mini DV Cassettes .................... 16

Erase Protection Tab .................16

Recording and Playback Speeds

and Times ............................... 16

Cassette Notes .......................... 17

Care and Storage .......................17

Time-Remaining Display ..........17

On-Screen Preferences ............... 18

Display Menu Options .............. 18

Setting the Date and Time.....18

Displaying Information on

the Camcorder or TV .........19

Displaying Date and Time

Information On Screen .......20

Time Code Display............... 20

Using the Monitors ..................... 22

Seeing What You Are

Recording ............................... 22

Using the LCD Monitor ........ 22

Using the Viewfinder ............ 23

Focusing the Eyepiece .......23

On-screen Indicators ................. 24

Warning Indicators ....................24

Recording Mode Indicators .......25

Playback Mode Indicators .........27

On-screen Menus ........................29

Accessing Menus ......................29

Fader/Wipe Effects ...............29

Program AE with Special

Effects ............................... 30

Exposure Control ................. 32

Iris Lock ...............................32

White Balance Adjustment ... 33

Manual White Balance ......... 34

Using the Manual Menu ............35

Digital Image Stabilization ... 35

Tele Macro Focusing ............35

Wide Mode ..........................36

Cutting Wind Noise ..............37

Resetting Defaults ................37

Using the Camera Menu ........... 37

Recording Mode ................... 38

Sound Mode ......................... 38

Zoom Mode ......................... 38

Gain Up ............................... 39

Tally Light............................ 39

ID Number ...........................40

Demo Mode ......................... 40

Side LED .............................41

Using the Display Menu............ 41

On-Screen Displays ..............41

Date and Time Display ......... 42

Time Code............................42

Clock Adjustment .................42

Recording .................................... 43

Recording Details ..................... 43

Video Light ..........................43

Camcorder Focus ................. 45

Auto Focus ....................... 45

Manual Focus ................... 46

Snapshot Feature .................. 46

FRAME ............................46

FULL ................................ 46

MULTI-4 .......................... 47

MULTI-9 .......................... 47

PIN-UP ............................. 47

Table of Contents

Recording

Recording Details

Digital and Optical Zooming 47

Using the Zoom Lever ...... 47

Playback ...................................... 49

Basic Playback .......................... 49

Speaker Volume ................... 49

Still Playback Mode .............50

Shuttle Search ...................... 50

Frame-By-Frame Playback ...50

Basic Connections .................... 50

Displaying Data on a TV or

VCR ..................................50

Viewing Recordings on a TV

Using A/V Input Jacks .......51

Connecting to a TV Using

A/V Input Jacks .................51

Connecting to a VCR

Using A/V Input Jacks .......52

Connecting to a Computer

Using IEEE 1394 Jacks ......53

Connecting to a VCR to

Capture Sound Only ........... 54

Dubbing to Another Digital

Video Camcorder ...............55

Camcorder Tips ..........................56

Recording Tips..........................56

Traveling Tips ...........................56

Optional Accessories ...................57

Soft Carrying Case ....................57

Shoulder Strap ..........................57

Rechargeable Battery ................ 57

Extended Life Battery ............... 57

AC Battery Charger ..................58

Universal Remote Control .........58

IEEE 1394 Cable ......................58

A/V Cable .................................58

DC Cable ..................................58

Tripod .......................................59

Accessories Order Form ............ 60

Trouble Checks ........................... 63

Specifications .............................. 68

Care and Maintenance ............... 69

After Using the Camcorder .......69

Cleaning The Camcorder .......... 69

Proper Care and Storage ............ 70

Things to Avoid......................... 70

Customer Assistance and Service 71

Warranty ....................................72

Working With the Core Filter ....74

Index ........................................... 75

First-Time Operation

Assistance

The toll-free numbers are available to help with any problem you may encounter.

Camcorder Exchange Warranty .................. 800-283-6503 (pages 72-73)

Customer Service ........................................ 800-336-1900 (page 71)

Accessories ................................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 57-62)

Getting Started

This section describes the steps necessary to set up your camcorder to record. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options.

1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.

• Save all packing materials and box in case the camcorder ever needs to be shipped or stored.

• 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 a fingernail, not anything sharp, to remove.

Model CC9370

Shoulder Strap

Part No. ACS091

IEEE 1394

Connection Cable

Part No. 249644

Lithium-ion Battery

Part No 247800

AC Adapter/Charger

Part No. 247801

Audio/Video Cable

Part No. 249645

Core Filter for Optional

S-Video cable

(see page 74 for details)

Caution

Never use the adapter/ charger for any purpose other than charging the 247800 battery pack (or the optional BB46L) or for supplying power to the camcorder.

DC Cable

Part No. 244268

First-Time Operation

2. Adjust the handstrap to fit your hand.

A. Lift the flap on the handstrap

and separate the Velcro strip.

B. Insert your hand so your

fingers can comfortably reach

the camera buttons. C. Adjust the strap to fit snugly. D. Refasten the strap, and fold

the flap back down.

Handstrap

3. 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 using the included DC power cable.

Handstrap Velcro Strip (Under Flap)

To AC outlet 100-240, 50/60 Hz

DC In jack

A. Connect one end of the DC

cable to the DC OUT jack on

the adapter/charger. B. Connect the other end of the

DC cable to the DC in jack on

the camcorder.

Adapter/charger model 247801

DC cable

DC OUT jack

C. Plug the adapter/charger’s

plug into a working power outlet.

First-Time Operation

4. Press in the Lock Button and rotate the Power Switch to automatic (A) record .

• The Power Indicator lights when

the camcorder is turned on.

• The position of the Power Switch

determines whether the camcorder is in automatic (A) or manual (M ) record mode, powered off (OFF), or in playback mode (

PLAY

• Automatic recording places the

camcorder into AutoShot™ mode. Focus, exposure, iris control, white balance, and the recording light are controlled by the camcorder during automatic recording.

Note: Many special effects do not operate in AutoShot mode (see pages

31-32 for more information).

• Manual (M) recording mode

allows you to control many of the camcorder’s special features.

Note: The camcorder automatically turns off to save battery power if left in record-pause mode for more than five minutes. Set the Power Switch to OFF, then back to automatic or manual record mode to turn back on.

Power Indicator

Lock Button

Power Switch

5. Set the Light (AUTO/ON/OFF) Switch to AUTO.

Open the LCD monitor by pressing and holding the PUSH OPEN latch, then rotate the monitor outward.

Note: Opening the LCD more than 25 degrees automatically turns it on turns off the image in the viewfinder.

With the light switch set to AUTO, the Video Light automatically turns on when more light is needed.

LCD monitor

LIGHT switch (OFF/AUTO/ON)

First-Time Operation

6. Insert a Mini DV cassette.

A. Make sure the camcorder is

connected to a power supply. With the camcorder set to

automatic ( hold the OPEN/EJECT latch. Gently pull the cassette cover open until it snaps into place. The cassette holder automatically opens.

C. Insert a Mini DV cassette with

the record protection tab facing up and the tape window facing out.

Note: The Mini DV cassette’s record Protection Tab must be set to REC in order to be recorded on.

D. Push on the area marked

PUSH HERE until the cassette holder locks into place.

PAUSE

appears on the LCD or in

---

the viewfinder when a recordable tape is inserted into the camcorder.

) record, slide and

Record protection tab

Tape window

OPEN/EJECT latch

PUSH HERE marks the area to use to close the cassette compartment

Caution

Never open the cassette holder door by force. This could damage the camcorder and void the warranty.

The camcorder must be connected to a power supply to load or eject a cassette.

7. Use the LCD monitor to see what’s recording.

To see what’s recording use the color LCD monitor.

Note: When the LCD monitor opens more than 25 degrees, the viewfinder automatically turns off. When the LCD monitor is closed, the viewfinder automatically turns on.

To enable both you and the person being recorded to see what’s on the LCD monitor, you can rotate the screen 180 degrees so the front of the monitor faces forward.

Note: With the LCD monitor completely rotated, the viewfinder also turns on.

180°

90°

First-Time Operation

Using the LCD Monitor:

A. Open the monitor 90 degrees

from the camcorder body.

B. Tilt the monitor 180 degrees

forward or 90 degrees down as required for convenient viewing while recording.

C. To adjust the brightness of the

LCD monitor’s image, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial .

Note: Adjusting the LCD monitor brightness does not affect the recorded image on cassette.

8. Start and stop recording.

A. Remove the Lens Cap. B. Put the camcorder in

automatic record mode by pressing the Lock Button in and rotating the Power Switch

to the

C. Press and release the Thumb

Trigger to start recording. The

REC

viewfinder or LCD monitor (but does not show up in the recording). This indicator reflects that recording has started.

D. When finished recording,

press and release the thumb trigger again to stop recording. The camcorder is now in the record-pause mode. The the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

icon.

icon appears in the

PAUSE

icon appears in

---

MENU/BRIGHT dial

Rotating the MENU/BRIGHT dial adjusts the brightness of the LCD monitor.

Thumb Trigger

First-Time Operation

9. Play back your recording.

A. Press the Lock Button in while

rotating the Power Switch to the

PLAY

icon to put the camcorder

in playback mode. The Power Indicator lights.

B. Press the Rewind Button (

on top of the camcorder to reverse the cassette to the beginning. When rewound completely, the camcorder will automatically stop.

The time counter and date/time on-screen displays will blink.

C. Press the Play/Pause button

(

) on top of the camcorder

to start playback.

D. View the recording using the

LCD monitor or viewfinder.

Notes: The LCD monitor displays the recording in full color while the viewfinder displays in black and white only.

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 22-23.

E. Press the Stop Button ( ) on

top of the camcorder when finished playing back the tape.

Power Indicator

)

Pressing the Thumb Trigger will start or pause recording

Playback buttons on top of the camcorder include Stop ( Rewind ( ), Play/Pause (/), and Fast Forward (

Thumb Lock

10. Turn off the camcorder.

Press in the Lock Button and rotate the Power Switch to OFF.

11. Close the LCD monitor.

First-Time Operation

Reviewing Operating Controls

Zoom Lever (also Volume Control in PLAY mode)

MENU/BRIGHT Dial

OPEN/EJECT Latch

A/V, Computer, and S-Video Connection jacks (under rubber hood)

Viewfinder

Battery

Power Indicator

Thumb Trigger

Play/pause Button (/)

Rewind Button (

STOP Button (

Hand Strap

Battery Release Button

Power Switch/ Lock Button

Fast forward Button ( )

)

PUSH/OPEN Button

LCD Monitor (closed)

Tally Light

Video Light

Microphone

First-Time Operation

Reviewing Operating Controls

DC IN Jack

LCD Monitor (open)

Light Switch (OFF/AUTO/ON)

MENU/BRIGHT Dial

MODE Button

Speaker

SNAPSHOT Button

Shoulder Strap Ring

Service Port

Cassette Holder Carriage (NEVER touch internal pieces)

Cassette Holder Cover Door

PRESS HERE Cassette Holder Closing Point

Powering the Camcorder

Using the 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.

To AC power outlet

Adapter/Charger

DC OUT Jack

DC IN Jack

DC Cable

Attaching the 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.

3. Plug the Adapter/Charger’s plug into an AC power outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).

CAUTION

Never use this Adapter/Charger for any purpose other than charging the 247800 battery pack (or the optional BB46L) or in conjunction with the DC cable to supply power to the camcorder.

Removing the Adapter/Charger

1. Unplug the Adapter/Charger from the power 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.

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

Optional AC Plug Adapter

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

AC 100-240V

Powering the Camcorder

Using the 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 90 minutes. When fully charged, the battery supplies approximately 75-95 minutes of operating time– depending on how much the monitor, zoom, and pause are used. Conserve battery power by turning the camcorder off during recording breaks.

Safety Precautions

• Do not short the battery’s terminals.

Battery Release Button

• Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery. No userserviceable parts are 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 degrees F (65 degrees C) could be hazardous.

Attaching a Charged Battery

If the DC cable is attached to the camcorder, remove it before attaching the battery.

1. Lift the viewfinder.

2. Slide the battery into the back of the camcorder. Make sure the arrow diagram on the battery points down so the contacts on the battery and camcorder match.

3. Turn the Power Switch to record

(

or A). The power indicator

lights.

Removing a Battery

Press and hold the BATTERY RELEASE button. Slide the battery up and out to remove.

Powering the Camcorder

Charging the Battery

If the DC cable is attached to the DC OUT jack on the Adapter/Charger, remove it.

1. Make sure the arrow on the battery faces up and points to the Adapter/Charger’s POWER light.

2. Hold the battery flush against the Adapter/Charger and slide it in the direction of the arrow.

3. Plug the Adapter/Charger into the nearest AC power outlet (100240V, 50/60Hz).

4. If the battery is properly connected, the CHARGE indicator blinks.

Arrow Marker

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 CHARGE indicator to flash.

5. After the battery is charged, the CHARGE indicator stops blinking and remains lit.

6. Remove the charged battery by sliding it off the Adapter/Charger.

7. Attach the charged battery to the camcorder as described on the previous page.

Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery model 247800 (or optional model BB46L)

To AC Wall Outlet 100-240 Volts, 50/60 Hz.

Adapter/Charger model 247801

POWER Indicator

CHARGE Indicator

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.

DC OUT Jack

Powering the Camcorder

Battery Life

Battery Level Indicator

The battery level indicator appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor and reveals the amount of power left in the rechargeable battery.

Notes: The battery level indicator is not recorded on the tape.

• When appears, the battery is fully charged.

• As power is used,

will appear which will be followed by the

icon.

• Finally, when the battery power is almost gone,

flashes on screen. The camcorder turns off automatically after a few seconds. Before replacing the battery or plugging the DC Cable into the camcorder, set the Power Switch to OFF to turn off the camcorder.

Battery Care and Storage

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

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 light on the Adapter/Charger. Remove the battery and try again.

Charge the battery in temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (10-35 degrees Celsius).

Charging times are based on a fully discharged battery.

Charging times vary depending on ambient temperature and battery condition.

If you connect the camcorder’s DC cord to the Adapter/Charger during battery recharging, power is supplied to the camcorder and charging stops.

• 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 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.

Other Camcorder Details

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.

Attaching the Shoulder Strap

1. Make sure the battery pack or DC cord is removed.

2. Following the illustration, thread the strap through the eyelet.

3. Fold the strap back and thread it through the buckle.

4. 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.

Shoulder Strap

Hand Strap

Eyelets

Shoulder Strap Buckle

Working With the Right Media

Mini DV Cassettes

This camcorder is designed to work exclusively with digital video cassettes. Only cassettes marked with a Mini DV logo can be used with this unit. Also keep in mind that this camcorder is not compatible with other digital media formats.

Note: For details on loading and unloading cassettes into the digital camcorder, see page 6 in this manual.

Erase Protection Tab

You can use your videocassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording, make sure that the Erase Protection Tab is set to REC. To protect a cassette from being recorded over, move the Erase Protection Tab to SAVE.

Recording and Playback Speeds and Times

The camcorder records and plays back in Standard Play (SP) or Long Play (LP) mode. Select the recording speed using the on-screen menus (see page 38 for details).

The selected speed is displayed on screen but not in the recording. The maximum SP and LP recording times for popular Mini DV cassettes are shown.

• SP Provides the best picture (less picture noise), but the shortest recording time (as few as 30 minutes).

• LP Provides the longest recording times (up to 120 minutes with an 80-minute tape) but has more potential picture noise than SP in normal playback.

Erase Protection Tab

Slide tab to SAVE to protect contents, or REC to use.

Recording Time

Cassette SP LP

30 min. 30 min. 45 min. 60 min. 60 min. 90 min.

80 min. 80 min. 120 min.

Working With the Right Media

Cassette Notes

• A power supply must be attached to load or eject a cassette.

• When loading a cassette, it takes a few seconds for the Cassette Holder to open. Never apply force to the holder or door cover as this might result in damage to the camcorder and void the warranty.

• If the cassette holder does not open after a few seconds, close the holder door and try again. If it still does not open, turn the camcorder off then on again.

• If the cassette does not load properly, open the cassette holder door and fully remove the unit. Wait a few minutes and reinsert it.

• When the camcorder is suddenly moved from a cold environment to a warm environment, wait a short time before opening the cassette holder door.

• Closing the cassette holder door before the holder comes out may damage the camcorder.

• Even when the camcorder is turned off, a cassette can still be loaded or unloaded. After the cassette holder is closed with the camcorder switched off, though, it may not recede. Turn the power on before loading or unloading cassettes.

• When recording, once the cassette holder door is open, a blank portion will be recorded on the tape or a previously recorded scene will be taped over regardless of whether the tape holder came out or not.

• Loosen the grip strap if it appears to interfere with the cassette holder door operation.

Care and Storage

• When finished with a cassette, rewind it, remove it from the camcorder, and label it. Protect the tape using the erase protection tab if necessary.

• Store cassettes vertically in their protective cases at normal room temperatures. Never leave the camcorder or cassettes in a car or outdoors for an extended period of time. Excessive heat or cold might damage cassettes.

• Keep cassettes away from strong magnetic fields such as electric motors, speakers and other devices.

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

• Never 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 the camcorder.

Time-Remaining Display

The approximate time remaining on a recording tape is displayed on screen:

SP 20min

REC

TC 15:00

Time Remaining Display

On-Screen Preferences

Display Menu Options

The Display Menu offers a chance to set what is shown on screen during recording and playback. You must set the correct date and time before they can be displayed in either mode.

Setting the Date and Time

The correct date and time must be set 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 Displaying information on the camcorder or TV on the next page for details).

1. With a power supply attached, press in the Lock Tab and rotate the Power Switch to manual ( record. The power indicator lights.

Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the camcorder’s on-screen menus. The FADER/WIPE menu ( ) is the default display.

FAD

–

IRC

)

3. Rotate the highlight DISPLAY MENU (

MENU/BRIGHT

dial to

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display a series of submenus.

5. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight CLOCK ADJ.

6. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select the choice and display time and date information. The month is highlighted.

MDE

255’

030

7. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the correct month.

8. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial when the correct month is shown to advance to the day entry.

9. Repeat the procedure to select the correct day. Following day is the year, then hour, and finally the minute.

Note: You must rotate through all 12 hours to change a.m. times to p.m.

10. After advancing through all of the time and date settings and CLOCK ADJ. is the only highlighted item, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight

RETURN.

On-Screen Preferences

6. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to return to the main menu icons. To exit the menus and return to normal viewing, press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial when the END icon (

Note: For different date/time display options, see the following instructions.

You can proceed to make changes to other DISPLAY MENU items, or highlight and select RETURN and then END menu selections to exit the menus and return to normal record viewing.

) is highlighted.

Displaying Information on the Camcorder or TV

1. With a power supply attached, press in the Lock Tab and rotate the Power Switch to manual ( record.

The power indicator lights.

2. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the camcorder’s onscreen menu system.

FAD

–

P P N F D D D

–

IRC

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the DISPLAY MENU icon (

). Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to select the choice. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial again to select ON SCREEN.

)

DISPLAY MENU RETURN

ON SCREEN LCD

DATE/TIME LCD/TV TIME CODE SIMPLE CLOCK ADJ.

Choose which information will be displayed on what devices. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight LCD, LCD/TV, or SIMPLE.

LCD Displays information only on the camcorder’s LCD monitor and not on a connected TV screen.

LCD/TV Makes the camera’s display appear on a connected TV or VCR display as well as the camcorder’s LCD monitor.

SIMPLE Keeps on-screen indicators (except the tape running indicator, warning icons, and date/time information) from appearing on screen. This also keeps the camcorder’s information (except date and time) from appearing on a connected TV or VCR display.

5. When you’ve made your choice, press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select it and exit back to the DISPLAY MENU.

Note: You can proceed to make changes to other DISPLAY MENU items, or highlight and select

RETURN and then END menu selections to exit the menus and return to normal record viewing.

On-Screen Preferences

Displaying Date and Time Information On Screen

1. With a power supply attached, press in the Lock Tab and rotate the Power Switch to manual ( record. The power indicator lights.

2. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the camcorder’s onscreen menu system.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the DISPLAY MENU icon (

). Press in the MENU/

BRIGHT dial to select it.

DISPLAY MENU RETURN

ON SCREEN LCD

DATE/TIME LCD/TV TIME CODE SIMPLE CLOCK ADJ.

4. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight DATE/TIME. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select it.

DISPLAY MENU RETURN ON SCREEN

DATE/TIME ON

TIME CODE OFF CLOCK ADJ.

5. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select ON or OFF.

ON Sets the date and time to always be displayed on screen.

OFF The date and time do not appear on screen

)

6. When the desired choice is made, press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate it and exit back to the DISPLAY MENU.

Note: You can proceed to make changes to other DISPLAY MENU items, or highlight and select

RETURN and then END menu selections to exit the menus and return to normal record viewing.

Time Code Display

During recording, a time code is captured on the tape. This code confirms the location of the recorded scene on the tape during playback.

If recording starts from a blank portion of the tape, the time code begins counting from 00:00:00 (minutes: seconds: frame number). If recording starts from the end of a previously recorded scene, the time code continues from the last time code number.

Note: The time code is automatically set to 00:00:00 when a tape is ejected.

1. With a power supply attached, press in the Lock Tab and rotate the Power Switch to manual ( record. The power indicator lights.

2. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the camcorder’s onscreen menu system.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the DISPLAY MENU icon (

). Press in the MENU/

BRIGHT dial to select it.

4. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight TIME CODE. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select the choice and display submenus.

)

On-Screen Preferences

DISPLAY MENU RETURN ON SCREEN DATE/TIME

TIME CODE ON

CLOCK ADJ. OFF

5. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select ON or OFF.

ON Displays the time code on the camcorder’s viewfinder or LCD monitor as well as a connected TV or VCR display. Frame numbers are not displayed during recording.

• OFF The time code is not displayed at all.

6. When you’ve made your choice, press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate it and exit back to the DISPLAY MENU.

Note: You can proceed to make changes to other DISPLAY MENU items, or highlight and select

RETURN and then END menu selections to exit the menus and return to normal record viewing.

Using the Monitors

Seeing What You Are Recording

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

To enable both you and the person you’re recording to see what’s being captured, rotate the LCD monitor completely around 180 degrees so the front of the monitor faces the person being recorded (the viewfinder turns on automatically when the monitor is turned to the front).

Using the LCD Monitor

The camcorder’s LCD monitor is a miniature color monitor that displays the images captured by the camcorder in either record mode or for recording playback.

180°

90°

1. Open the LCD monitor at least 25 degrees. The viewfinder turns off.

2. For convenient viewing, the LCD can be tilted once the monitor is open 90 degrees from the camera body. Tilt the monitor forward up 180 degrees or down up to 90 degrees.

• 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.

Cautions

Never force the 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 from bumping against objects as you move.

3. Adjust the brightness of the LCD’s image by turning the bright control (MENU/BRIGHT dial). This does not 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 on bright, sunny days can make the LCD monitor hard to see. Use the viewfinder instead.

Using the Monitors

Using the Viewfinder

The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays in black and white.

Note: When the LCD monitor is open more than 25 degrees the viewfinder turns off unless the LCD is rotated 180 degrees to face forward. With the LCD forward, both monitors are turned on.

For convenient viewing, rotate the viewfinder up or down.

Cautions

Never force the viewfinder to rotate completely around. This will damage the viewfinder and/or the camcorder.

When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, put the viewfinder down to help prevent possible damage to it from bumping against your body as you move.

Focusing the Eyepiece

The Diopter Adjustment Control on the underside of the viewfinder focuses the eyepiece’s display allowing for individual vision needs.

If you wear eyeglasses, you may be able to operate the camcorder without them by using the Diopter Adjustment Control.

Diopter Adjustment Control

To set the correct focus, concentrate on one of the icons in the on-screen menus.

1. Adjust the eyepiece for comfortable viewing.

2. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the on-screen menus.

3. Concentrating on the icons, turn the Diopter Adjustment Control until they come into focus.

Note: The eyepiece focus control does not affect the focus of the image captured by the camcorder.

Using the Monitors

On-screen Indicators

Several displays appear on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder to aid in the operation of the camcorder. Although it may look crowded, all of the icons shown below do not appear on-screen at the same time. Also, not all screen icons are shown in the illustration. Refer to the icon descriptions that follow.

UPT

TAC

Recording Menu Icons Playback Menu Icons

G5HT

DEPC

1L2

TBC

210

Warning Indicators

Indicates the amount of power left in the rechargeable battery.

An empty battery icon flashes on screen when

Battery Levels

the battery’s power is almost exhausted.

DEPC

255Õ

030

Missing Cassette

Warning

CHECK TAPE’S ERASE

PROTECTION SWITCH

Head Cleaning

Warning

Appears when the power switch is set to either automatic (

) or manual (M) record

and no cassette is in the camcorder.

Appears when the Erase Protection Tab is set to SAVE while the Power Switch is set to either automatic (

) or manual (M) record.

HEAD CLEANING REQUIRED USE CLEANING CASSETTE appears if dirt is

detected on the recording heads. Use an optional cleaning cassette to remove dirt.

Using the Monitors

Warning Indicators

Condensation Warning

CONDENSATION, OPERATION PAUSED PLEASE WAIT appears if moisture occurs

inside the camcorder. When this indication appears, wait at least one hour before using the camcorder again.

TAPE!

Missing Cassette

Warning

TAPE END

End of Cassette

Warning

DIFFERENT

FORMATTED TAPE

LENS CAP

Covered Lens Warning

SET DATE/TIME

Missing Information

Warning

Recording Mode Indicators (A or M)

Appears if a tape is not loaded when the Recording Start/Stop button or SNAPSHOT button is pressed when the Power Switch is set to automatic (

Appears when a tape reaches its end during recording or playback.

Appears if a tape in another format is loaded.

Appears briefly after the power is turned on to either automatic or manual record mode and the lens cap is still attached.

Appears when the date and time are not set. Appears when the built-in clock battery runs

out and the previously set date/time is erased. Consult your nearest RCA service center for replacement.

) or manual (M) record.

F. AUTO

Auto Recording Indicator

Fade and Wipe Effect

Appears when in automatic (A) record mode.

Displays the fade/wipe effect in use (see

pages 29-30 for details about fade and wipe effects.)

Using the Monitors

Recording Mode Indicators (A or M)

Wide Frame Indicator

Appears when the camcorder is in 16x9 mode (wide screen).

Tape Speed Indicator

40X

Zoom Ratio

Back Lighting Indicator

REC/PAUSE

Record/Pause Indicators

Active Tape Indicator

White Balance Adjustment

Display of the set recording speed (either Standard Play [SP] or Long Play [LP]).

Displays the approximate zoom ratio during zooming.

•

Appears when back lighting compensation is turned on.

• REC appears during recording.

• PAUSE appears during Record-Standby.

Appears when a tape is running.

Appears when white balance is adjusted.

appears when GAIN UP is set to AUTO and the shutter speed is automatically adjusted.

is the zoom lever indicator.

PHOTO

Snapshot Indicator

—

Exposure Adjustment Icon

—

Iris Lock Indicator

Appears when a snapshot is being taken.

Appears when the exposure is adjusted.

Appears when the iris is locked.

Using the Monitors

Recording Mode Indicators (A or M)

Special Effects Indicator

Displays the selected Program AE with special effects icons.

Image Stabilization Indicator

Wind Cut Mode

BRIGHT

Bright/Sound Indicator

Manual Focus Indicator

DEC 25 '00

PM 5:30

Date/Time Indicator

TC 23:25

Time Code Display

Appears when Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) is activated. The icon blinks or goes out when DIS is activated but cannot be used.

Appears when wind cut mode is engaged to reduce the noise created by wind.

• BRIGHT displays the brightness of the

LCD monitor.

• SOUND displays the sound mode for

approximately five seconds after the camcorder is turned on.

Appears when the focus is adjusted manually.

Displays the date and time briefly when the camcorder is turned on.

Displays the time code.

Playback Mode Indicators (

12BIT/SOUND1 L

Sound Mode Indicator

Tape Speed Indicator

PLAY

)

Displays the sound mode (either 12 or 16-bit)

Displays the playback tape speed (either SP or LP).

Using the Monitors

Playback Mode Indicators (

Playback Indicator

Rewind Indicator

Fast Forward Indicator

Playback/Pause Indicator

Forward Slow Motion

Indicator

Reverse Slow Motion

Indicator

VOLUME

Bright/Sound Display

PLAY

)

Tape progress indicators appear on screen after the corresponding button on top of the camcorder has been pressed.

• BRIGHT Displays the brightness of the

LCD monitor.

• SOUND displays the speaker volume.

The level indicator moves to reflect an increase or decrease in volume.

TC 10:06:20

Time Code Display

DEC 25 '00

PM 5:30

Date/Time Display

Displays the recorded time code.

Displays the date/time.

On-Screen Menus

On-screen Menus

Your digital camcorder has a variety of modes to choose from to achieve recordings with professional results. You can change detailed settings using the camcorder’s on-screen menu system.

Accessing Menus

1. Press in the Thumb Release and rotate the Power Switch to manual

(

) record.

2. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the on-screen menus.

FAD

–

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the desired menu function to allow:

FADER/WIPE adjustment of transition effects.

P.AE/EFFECT setting special effect functions.

EXPOSURE setting exposure values and iris lock.

W.BALANCE adjustment of white balance settings or setting manual white balance.

CAMERA MENU adjustment of recording speed, sound mode, zoom, gain up, tally, computer ID number, demonstration mode, and side LED settings.

P P

F D D D

–

IRC

MANUAL MENU adjustment of image stabilization, tele macro focus, wide mode, wind cut, and camera reset settings.

DISPLAY MENU adjustment of on-screen displays, date and time, time code stamp, and clock adjustment settings.

4. When the desired icon is highlighted, press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to display the menu’s choices. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the desired submenu selection.

Fader/Wipe Effects

These effects create professionallooking scene transitions.

Note: Some fade/wipe effects cannot be used with certain types of P.AE special effects. If an unusable fade/wipe effect is selected, its indicator blinks or goes out.

1. Highlight the FADER/WIPE icon by rotating the MENU/BRIGHT dial. Press the MENU/BRIGHT dial in to highlight the submenus.

2. Use the MENU/BRIGHT dial to scroll through available options.

FADER - WHITE fades in or out using a white screen.

FADER - BLACK fades in or out using a black screen.

On-Screen Menus

FADER - MOSAIC fades in or out with a tile-like mosaic effect.

FADER - B/W fades into color from black and white or fades out from color to black and white.

WIPE - CORNER wipes in from black from the upper right to the lower left or wipes out from lower left to upper right leaving a black screen.

WIPE - WINDOW starts in the center of black and wipes out towards the corners, or comes in from the corners gradually wiping to the center.

WIPE - SLIDE wipes in from right to left or out from left to right.

WIPE - DOOR two black halves wipe open left and right, or close from left and right.

WIPE - SCROLL the scene wipes in from bottom to top, or wipes out from top to bottom.

WIPE - SHUTTER wipes in from the center of black toward the top and bottom, or wipes out from top and bottom toward the center.

DISSOLVE the new scene gradually appears as the old one gradually disappears.

WIPE - CORNER new scenes wipe in over previous ones from the upper right to lower left.

WIPE - WINDOW new scenes gradually wipe in from the center of previous ones to the corners.

WIPE - SLIDE a new scene will gradually wipe in over the previous one from right to left.

WIPE - DOOR the previous scene wipes out from left and right, like a door being pushed open to reveal the next scene.

WIPE - SCROLL new scenes wipe in over previous ones from bottom to the top.

WIPE - SHUTTER new scenes wipe in over the preceding one from the center toward top and bottom.

RANDOM when activated, the camcorder randomly selects the effect used for transitions. Picture wipe/ dissolve is not available.

On-Screen Menus

Program AE with Special Effects

Your digital camcorder offers a variety of special effects to add a professional touch to recordings.

Note: Program AE with special effects can be changed during recording or during record-standby modes.

To Open the PROGRAM AE menu:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the P.AE/EFFECT icon ( BRIGHT dial to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to scroll through available choices.

). Press in the MENU/

TWILIGHT makes evening scenes look more natural. White balance is initially set to

, but can be changed to a preferred setting. When twilight is selected, the camcorder automatically adjusts the focus from about 32 feet to infinity. From less than 32 feet, adjust the focus manually.

SEPIA recorded scenes have a brownish tint like old photos. Combine this with the cinema mode for a classic look.

MONOTONE footage is shot in classic black and white. Used together with Cinema mode, it enhances the classic film effect.

CLASSIC FILM gives recordings a strobe effect.

STROBE recordings look like a series of consecutive snapshots.

VIDEO ECHO adds a ghosted image to the subject. Zoom magnification over 10X is not available.

SLOW

SLOW SHUTTER lights dark subjects or areas even brighter than they would be under good natural lighting. Use SLOW only in dark environments.

SLOW 4X the shutter speed is set to 1/15 of a second to quadruple the sensitivity.

SLOW 10X the shutter speed is set to 1/6 of a second to provide ten times the sensitivity. Note that images take on a strobe-like effect. If the manual focus indicator blinks, adjust focus manually or use a tripod.

SHUTTER

Variable Shutter Speed 1/60 shutter speed is fixed

to 1/60 of a second. Black bands that normally appear when shooting a TV screen become narrower.

1/100 the shutter speed is fixed at 1/100 of a second. The flickering that occurs when shooting under a fluorescent light or mercuryvapor lamp is reduced.

Continues on next page

On-Screen Menus

SHUTTER

Variable Shutter Speed 1/250, 1/500 allows for

fast-moving images to be captured one frame at a time for vivid, stable slow-motion playback. The faster the shutter speed, the darker the picture becomes. Use the shutter function under good lighting conditions.

Exposure Control

Manual exposure adjustment is recommended for the following conditions:

• When using reverse lighting or when the background is too bright.

• When shooting a reflective, natural background such as at the beach or when skiing.

• When the background is overly dark or the subject is overly bright.

To Adjust Exposure Control:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the EXPOSURE icon

(

). Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight MANUAL. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select it. The menu screen disappears.

EXP. appears on screen as well as the plus-or-minus indicator.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial toward + to brighten the image, or towards – to darken the image (maximum of plus or minus 6).

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to set the exposure adjustment. EXP. and the highlight bar on the plus-or-minus indicator disappear.

To Return to Automatic Exposure Control:

Select AUTO in step 2, or set the Power Switch to automatic (

)

record.

Notes: To brighten the subject quickly, press the

BACKLIGHT button on top of the camera (this is also the rewind button). The icon is displayed and the subject is brightened. If pressed again, disappears and the brightness returns to the previous level.

A +3 exposure value has the same effect as using the backlight button.

Using backlight may cause the light around the subject to become too bright and the subject too overexposed.

Backlight compensation is also available in automatic (A) record mode, manual exposure control is not.

Pressing the backlight button has no effect when exposure is set to MANUAL.

Iris Lock

The iris controls the amount of light that enters the camcorder.

Use Iris Control in the following situations:

• When shooting a moving subject.

• When the distance to the subject changes (so its size in the LCD monitor or viewfinder changes), such as when a subject is backing away.

On-Screen Menus

• When shooting a reflective, natural background such as at the beach or when skiing.

• When shooting subjects under a spotlight.

• When zooming.

When the subject is close, keep the iris locked. Even when the subject moves away from the camcorder, the image will not darken or lighten.

Setting Iris Lock:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the EXPOSURE icon (

). Press in the MENU/BRIGHT

dial to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight MANUAL. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select it. The menu screen disappears.

EXP. appears on screen as well as the plus-or-minus indicator.

3. Adjust zoom so the subject fills the screen, then press and hold the

BACKLIGHT Button

MENU/BRIGHT dial for more than two seconds. The exposure control indicator and the Iris Lock icon (

) appear.

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial and the

icon changes to and

the iris is locked. EXP. disappears.

Returning to Automatic Iris Control:

In step 2 of Setting the Iris Lock, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display AUTO. The on-screen exposure control indicator and

disappear. Alternatively, you can set the Power Switch to automatic (

) record.

Locking the Exposure Control and Iris:

After step 2

of Setting the Iris Lock

, adjust the exposure by rotating the MENU/BRIGHT dial. Then, in step 3, lock the iris.

For automatic locking, in step 2 of Setting the Iris Lock, select AUTO, and press and hold the MENU/BRIGHT dial. The iris becomes automatic after about 2 seconds.

Iris Lock Indicator and Exposure Value

MENU/BRIGHT Dial

Zoom Lever

EX0P

Power Switch

On-Screen Menus

White Balance Adjustment

White balance refers to how accurate color is reproduced under various lighting conditions. If the white balance is correct, all other colors will be reproduced correctly as well.

White balance is usually adjusted automatically. Users who want more control over this function, though, can manually adjust the camcorder’s white balance settings.

1. Press in the Lock Button and rotate the Power Switch to manual

(

) record.

2. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the on-screen menus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select the W.BAL icon ( Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the submenus.

4. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the desired setting.

AUTO– white balance is automatically adjusted by the camcorder.

MAN– white balance is set

manually.

– outdoors, sunny day.

– outdoors, cloudy day.

– video lighting is used.

5. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to make the selection.

Returning to Automatic White Balance:

In step 4, select AUTO, or set the Power Switch to automatic (

Note: Manual white balance cannot be used when Sepia or Monotone special effects are in use.

) record.

Manual White Balance Operation

1. To set the white balance to manual control, follow steps 1-4 in the previous section, then select the

MAN option.

2. Hold a sheet of plain white paper in front of the subject. Adjust the zoom or move the camcorder so that the white paper fills the screen.

3. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial until the When the setting is complete, the

icon stops blinking.

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to complete setting manual balance. Only the manual white balance icon (

To Change the Tint for Recording:

In step 2 of White Balance Adjustment, substitute colored paper for white. The white balance is adjusted based on the color, changing the tint. Red paper will produce deeper greens, blue produces deeper oranges, and yellow produces deeper violets.

Notes: It may be difficult for the camcorder to

focus on a white sheet of paper. Use manual focus instead.

Because color temperature is different depending on lighting sources (natural or fluorescent light, candlelight, etc.), the subject tint will differ depending on the white balance settings. Adjusting white balance manually may produce more natural images.

Once manual white balance has been set, it remains set even if the camcorder’s power is turned off or the power supply is removed.

icon begins blinking.

) is displayed.

On-Screen Menus

Using the Manual Menu

Several options can be changed in the camcorder’s MANUAL MENU. You can work with image stabilization, telemacro focusing, wide mode settings, wind-sound removal, and resetting the camcorder to factory settings.

Digital Image Stabilization

Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) is used to compensate for unstable images cause by camera shake, especially at high magnifications.

Notes: Accurate stabilization may not be possible if hand shake is excessive, or when recording:

• Subjects with vertical or horizontal stripes.

• Dark or dim subjects.

• Subjects with excessive backlighting.

• Scenes with movement in various directions.

• Scenes with low-contrast backgrounds.

Switch off DIS when the camcorder is mounted to a tripod.

The icon blinks or disappears if DIS cannot be used.

Activating Image Stabilization:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the MANUAL icon (

). Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight DIS. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight ON. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate your choice.

4. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

Tele Macro Focusing

This feature allows for focusing on objects that are very close to the camcorder. Usually the distance to a subject where the lens is in focus depends on zoom magnification. Unless there is a distance more than

3.3 feet to the subject, the lens is out

of focus at the maximum telephoto setting. With tele macro set to “ON,” you can shoot a subject as large as possible at a distance of approximately two feet.

Activating Tele Macro:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the MANUAL icon ( Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight TELE MACRO. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight ON. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate your choice.

4. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice.

On-Screen Menus

Wide Mode

Caution: Do not use wide screen modes unless you have a compatible 16X9 TV. When played on a regular TV, CINEMA mode creates black bars in the picture.

The camcorder lets you make recordings compatible with the 16X9 (wide screen) format. When Wide Mode is activated, the camcorder records black bars at the top and bottom of the picture to produce the wide-screen effect. This is also known as “letterbox” recording.

1. Push in the thumb trigger and rotate et the Power Switch to manual (

2. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the on-screen menus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the MANUAL icon

( dial to select it.

4. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight WIDE MODE. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select it.

) record.

). Press in the MENU/BRIGHT

MANUAL MENU

RETURN

DIS ON

TELE MACRO OFF WIDE MODE WIND CUT CAM RESET

5. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight OFF, CINEMA, or SQUEEZE.

• Select OFF to record in normal

mode suitable for standard TVs.

• Select CINEMA to insert black

bands on the top and bottom of the screen.

Note: During playback on wide screen TVs, the black bands are cut and the screen ratio becomes 16X9. A icon will appear in the camcorder’s LCD or viewfinder. During playback/recording on a standard 4X3 TVs, viewfinders, or monitors, black bands appear like a letterbox 16X9 movie.

• Select SQUEEZE for playback

on TVs with a 16X9 aspect ratio. This naturally expands the image to fit the screen without distortion. A

icon appears on the camcorder’s LCD or viewfinder. In this mode, playback on a standard 4X3 TV, monitor, or viewfinder will display an elongated image.

On-Screen Menus

6. When the right choice is highlighted, press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to activate your selection and exit the menus.

New 16x9 TV Screen

Standard Shape TV Screen

Cutting Wind Noise

To help cut down on the noise created by wind when shooting outside, use the Wind Cut feature.

Note: When using wind cut, the sound quality changes. This is normal.

Activating Wind Cut:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the MANUAL icon ( Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial in to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight WIND CUT. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight either ON or OFF. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate the choice.

4. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

Resetting Camcorder Defaults

If you ever want to set the camcorder back to its original factory settings, use the CAM RESET function.

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the MANUAL icon ( Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial in to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight CAM RESET. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight either CANCEL or EXECUTE. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to activate the highlighted choice.

4. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

Using the Camera Menu

Several options can be changed in the camcorder’s CAMERA MENU. You can adjust recording speed, sound mode, zoom, gain up, tally light, computer ID number, demonstration mode and side LED settings from the CAMERA MENU.

On-Screen Menus

Recording Mode

Your camcorder can record in either Standard Play (SP) or Long Play (LP) speed. In SP mode, a 30 minute tape will record for 30 minutes whereas the same tape will record 45 minutes in LP speed. LP speed decreases the quality of recordings.

Setting the Recording Speed:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the CAMERA MENU icon ( BRIGHT dial to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight REC MODE. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight either SP or LP. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate the choice.

4. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

). Press in the MENU/

Sound Mode

The digital camcorder can record in either 12-bit or 16-bit sound. Both modes will record stereo sound, but the 12-bit mode will record in four separate channels whereas 16-bit mode records in two. Using 12-bit sound is recommended with audio dubbing and is the factory preset for the camcorder.

Setting the Sound Mode:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the CAMERA MENU icon ( BRIGHT dial to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight SOUND MODE. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight either 12 BIT or 16 BIT. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate the choice.

4. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

). Press in the MENU/

Zoom Mode

This digital camcorder can magnify images up to 250 times (250X) the normal view using digital interpretation. There is also an optical zoom, the amount actually supported by the camcorder’s lens, of up to 10 times (or 10X).

Selecting Zoom Mode:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the CAMERA MENU icon ( BRIGHT dial to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight ZOOM. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the desired setting.

). Press in the MENU/

On-Screen Menus

• 10X the maximum optical

zoom. If the camcorder is using digital zoom and then is set to 10X zoom mode, the magnification will reset.

• 40X allows use of digital

zoom. By digitally processing and magnifying images, zooming is possible from 10X (the optical limit) to 40X.

• 250X allows use of digital

zoom. By digitally processing and magnifying images, zooming is possible from 10X (the optical limit) to 250X.

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate the choice.

5. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

Gain Up

This camcorder allows you to adjust the shutter speed to compensate for various recording settings.

Setting Gain Up:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the CAMERA MENU icon ( BRIGHT dial to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight GAIN UP. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the desired setting.

). Press in the MENU/

• OFF allows shooting of dark

scenes with no picture brightness.

• AGC the overall appearance

may be grainy, but the image is bright.

• AUTO (

speed is automatically adjusted (1/30 – 1/200 of a second). Shooting a subject in low or poor lighting at 1/30 of a second provides a brighter image than in the AGC mode, but the subject’s movements are not as smooth or natural. The overall appearance may be grainy. When the shutter is automatically adjusted, the icon appears in the LCD or viewfinder.

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate the choice.

5. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

) the shutter

Tally Light

The tally light on the front of the camcorder comes on to signal the start of recording. You can turn this light on or off.

Turning the Tally Light On or Off:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the CAMERA MENU icon ( BRIGHT dial to highlight the submenus.

). Press in the MENU/

On-Screen Menus

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight TALLY. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight either ON or OFF.

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate the choice.

5. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

ID Number

In order to connect the camcorder to a device such as a video editor using the Service Terminal, a unique ID number must be assigned. The numbers available range from 01 to

99. The factory default setting is 06.

Setting the ID Number:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the CAMERA MENU icon ( BRIGHT dial to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight ID NUMBER. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the submenu.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the desired number.

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate the choice.

5. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

). Press in the MENU/

Demo Mode

The camcorder can demonstrate certain functions such as Program AE with special effects, and can be used to confirm how these functions work using Demo Mode.

When Demo Mode is turned on and the menu screen is exited, a display of the camera’s features begins.

Notes: Performing any action during

demonstration mode stops the demonstration temporarily. If no operation is performed for more than one minute after action has ceased, Demo Mode starts back up.

If a cassette is in the camcorder, the demonstration cannot be turned on.

Demo Mode stays on, even if the camcorder’s power is turned off.

Some functions are not available when Demo Mode is turned on. After viewing the demonstration, turn off Demo Mode.

Accessing Demo Mode:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the CAMERA MENU icon ( BRIGHT dial to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight DEMO MODE. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight either ON or OFF.

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate the choice.

5. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

). Press in the MENU/

On-Screen Menus

Exiting Demo Mode:

In step 3 from Accessing DEMO MODE, select OFF or insert a

videocassette.

Side LED

The camcorder’s side LED indicator can light up when the power switch is

set to either automatic ( (M) record mode.

Accessing Side LED Mode:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the CAMERA MENU icon ( BRIGHT dial to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight SIDE LED. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight either ON or OFF.

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate the choice.

5. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

). Press in the MENU/

) or manual

Using the Display Menu

Several important options are addressed in the DISPLAY MENU. Here, you can set how icons, the date and time, and time code are displayed. You can also set the date and time.

On-Screen Displays

You can set what information is shown on which displays the camcorder is using, including the LCD monitor, viewfinder, or even a TV screen.

Accessing On Screen Settings:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the DISPLAY MENU icon ( BRIGHT dial in to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight ON SCREEN. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display the submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight your selection.

• LCD keeps indicators

• LCD/TV makes indicators

• SIMPLE shows only a basic

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate the highlighted choice.

5. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

). Press in the MENU/

(except the date, time, and time code) from appearing on a connected TV screen.

appear on screen when connected to a TV.

display including the tape running indicator, warning indicators, date, time, etc. Also keeps the camcorder’s display (except date, time, and time code) from appearing on a connected TV monitor.

On-Screen Menus

Date and Time Display

You can turn the date and time display on or off on the camcorder.

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the DISPLAY MENU icon ( BRIGHT dial in to highlight the submenus.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight DATE/TIME. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to display submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight either ON or OFF.

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate the highlighted choice.

5. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

). Press in the MENU/

Time Code

The time code stamp helps determine where the cassette is positioned. A time code is always recorded, but does not appear on the image itself, only on-screen.

If a recording starts at a blank portion of the tape, the time code begins counting from 00:00:00 (minute:second:frame). If a recording starts from the end of a previously recorded scene, the time code continues from the last time code number. If a blank portion of a tape is left part way through a recording, the time code is interrupted. When recording resumes, the time code starts counting again from 00:00:00.

Accessing Time Code Settings:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the DISPLAY MENU icon ( BRIGHT dial.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight TIME CODE. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight either ON or OFF.

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to activate the highlighted choice.

5. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

). Press in the MENU/

Clock Adjustment

To Set the Current Date and Time:

1. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the DISPLAY MENU icon ( BRIGHT dial.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight CLOCK ADJ. Press the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight the submenus.

3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to change numbers. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to advance to the next field. Repeat as necessary

4. To exit menus, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial to highlight RETURN. Press in the MENU/ BRIGHT dial twice to return to normal viewing.

). Press in the MENU/

Recording

Recording Details

To get the most out of your camcorder, make sure to review this chapter. Here you will find out about the camcorder’s built-in color-enhancement light, about focusing, and about Snapshot mode.

Video Light

To brighten the scene when natural lighting is too dim, the camcorder uses a built-in video light.

The video light can be turned on at all times, set to turn on automatically when the camcorder senses additional light is needed, or turned off altogether.

Setting the Video Light:

1. Press and hold the OPEN HERE latch and open the LCD monitor. This reveals the LIGHT OFF/ AUTO/ON switch.

2. Move the switch to the desired setting.

• OFF turns off the light.

• AUTO Automatically allows

the camcorder to turn on the light when there is insufficient lighting on the subject.

• ON keeps the light on at all

times as long as the camcorder is turned on.

Notes: The video light can only be used when the

camcorder is on. It is recommended that you set the white

balance to artificial light ( ) when using the video light.

When not using the video light, turn it off to save battery power.

LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON switch (open the LCD monitor to access)

Cautions

Never operate the video light closer than one foot to people or other objects.

The video light becomes very hot. Do not touch it during operating or right after use. Serious injury may result.

Do not place the camcorder in a carrying case right after using the light.

Never operate the video light close to flammable or explosive material.

Recording

Warning

The video light and bulb need to cool for approximately 30 minutes after the camcorder has been used before the bulb assembly is replaced.

Do not touch the light bulb with your fingers. If the bulb is accidentally touched, wipe it with a soft cloth. A dirty bulb may cause smoke and have a reduced service life.

Video Light Details

Even if the battery indicator ( does not blink due to low battery charge, the camcorder may turn off automatically when you turn on the video light, or if the video light is turned on when you start a recording.

• When LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON switch is set to AUTO:

• The video light may keep

turning on and off depending on the lighting conditions. If this happens, manually switch the light ON or OFF using the LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON switch.

• If Slow Shutter mode is turned

on, the video light is likely to stay on.

• While in Twilight mode, the

light will not activate.

• To replace the video light, It is

recommended that you consult your nearest camcorder dealer.

)

Video Light

Recording

Camcorder Focus

Your digital camcorder can be set to automatically focus images, or you can manually set the focus.

Auto Focus

The full-range auto focus system offers continuous shooting ability from close up (as near as approximately 2 inches from the subject) to the horizon.

Correct focus may not be possible when:

• Two subjects overlap in the

same scene.

• Illumination is low.

• The subject has no contrast

(difference in brightness and darkness), such as a flat, onecolor wall, or a clear, blue sky.

• A dark object is barely visible in

the viewfinder.

• A scene contains minute or

identical patterns that are regularly repeated.

• The scene is affected by

sunbeams or light reflecting off the surface of a body of water.

• Shooting a scene with a high-

contrast background.

Note: The and icons are low-contrast warnings that appear on screen and blink when there is a problem with illumination or contrast.

Focus detection zone

Focus indicators tell whether the camcorder is focusing on the foreground or background

Notes: If the lens is smeared or blurred, accurate

focusing may not be possible. Keep the lens clean, wiping it with a soft cloth. When condensation occurs, wipe lens with a soft cloth or wait for it to dry naturally.

When shooting a subject close to the lens, zoom out first. If you zoom in auto focus mode, the camcorder may automatically zoom back out depending on the distance between he camcorder and the subject. This will not occur when TELE MACRO is activated.

Recording

Manual Focus

Follow these steps to focus the camcorder’s lens manually:

1. Adjust the viewfinder’s Diopter Adjustment Control to assure that the viewfinder’s image is crisp.

2. Press in the Thumb Lock and rotate the Power Switch to manual

(

) record.

3. Press the FOCUS button (also the fast forward [

] button) on top of the camcorder. The manual focus indicator (

)appears on screen.

3. To focus on a subject further away, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial clockwise (towards +). The icon appears on screen and blinks. To focus on a subject near the camcorder, rotate the MENU/ BRIGHT dial counterclockwise (towards –). The

icon appears

and blinks.

4. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial.

To Reset Auto Focus:

Press the FOCUS button ( set the Power Switch to automatic ( record. If FOCUS (

) twice or

) is pressed once, the camcorder will enter the Focus Adjustment mode again.

Notes: Be sure to focus the lens in the maximum

telephoto position when using manual focus.

If you focus in on a subject in wide-angle position, sharply focused images cannot be obtained when zoomed on because the depth-of-field is reduced at longer focal lengths.

When the focus level cannot be adjusted any further or closer, or will blink.

Snapshot Feature

The Snapshot feature captures still images that look like photographs recorded onto a cassette.

Note: When pressing the SNAPSHOT button in every mode except Multi-4 or Multi-9, a camera shutter sound effect can be heard.

To Select a Snapshot Mode:

1. Press the Thumb Lock in and rotate the Power Switch to record (either

2. Choose the appropriate Snapshot mode from the five available by pressing the camera’s MODE button until the desired effect appears on screen.

• FRAME places a snapshot

)

• FULL takes a snapshot with

or M).

within a frame.

no frame.

SNAPSHOT button

MODE button

Recording

• MULTI-4 takes four

snapshots in a quick progression (giving the illusion of movement) and places all four images within one shot.

• MULTI-9 takes nine

snapshots in a quick progression (giving the illusion of movement) and places all nine images within one shot.

Digital and Optical Zooming

You can zoom in and out for close-up or wide-angle shots just by moving the zoom lever on the camcorder. The camcorder automatically focuses at most distances when zooming. Optical zooming is possible up to 10 times, and digital zooming allows up to 250 times normal magnification.

Using the Zoom Lever (W and T)

To zoom in tight (telephoto) or out wide (wide angle), rotate the zoom lever to either T or W.

Zoom lever

• PIN-UP places a snapshot on

top of a shadow effect. The image and shadow are placed within a frame.

Recording

With tele photo zooming it is possible to capture images to a maximum of 250 times normal magnification. To do this, the camcorder uses technology to artificially enhance the image (see pages 38-39 for details).

Note: see pages 38-39 for details on selecting a digital zoom mode.

• For close-up telephoto zoom, rotate the zoom lever toward T.

Optical zoom (see pages 38-39 for details) is the natural, non-enhanced magnification that the camcorder’s lens will support. This digital camcorder has an optical zoom of 10 times (10X).

• For a wide angle zoom, rotate the lever toward W.

When using the zoom lever, an indicator appears on screen to display the approximate zoom ratio.

10xW

Notes: While zooming, focusing may become

unstable. If so, set the zoom while in record-standby mode and adjust the image using manual focus (see page 46 for details). Once the focus is set, zoom the camcorder in or out while recording.

During digital zoom, the quality of image may suffer.

Digital zoom cannot be used when image enhancement effects, such as picture wipe/dissolve (see pages 29-30), or video echo (see page 31), are being used.

Tele macro focusing (as close as two inches from the subject) is possible when the zoom lever is set all the way to W (see also Tele Macro on page 35).

250X Digital Zoom Zone

10X Optical Zoom Zone

Playback

Playback Options

The camcorder’s playback features include displaying still images, highspeed shuttle search, and frame-byframe playback. In this section, you will also learn how to connect your camcorder to a TV, VCR, or computer.

Playback features (PLAY, PAUSE, FORWARD, REVERSE, STOP) can be handled using the camcorder’s buttons.

This camcorder can also be controlled by most RCA, GE, or PROSCAN universal remote controls using the VCR2 button. Such remotes without a VCR2 button should be able to be programmed to control the camcorder using the AUX button. See the manual that accompanied the universal remote for details on programming it).

Note: See the Accessories section for more information about ordering an optional remote control.

Basic Playback

1. Insert a Mini DV cassette.

2. Press in the Lock Button and rotate the Power Switch to playback ( mode.

3. Press the Play-Pause Button ( start playback.

• To stop playback, press the Stop

Button (

• Press the Rewind Button (

reverse playback direction, or the Fast Forward Button ( advance the tape while in stop mode.

) to

Rewind Button

Stop Button

Speaker

Play/Pause Button

Fast-Forward Button

Zoom Lever

Controlling Speaker Volume

Slide the Power Zoom Lever (VOL.) towards + to turn up the volume, or towards – to turn down the volume.

Notes: If stop mode continues for five minutes

when power is supplied from a battery, the camcorder shuts off automatically to conserve power. To turn the camcorder on again, set the Power Switch to OFF, then to back to playback ( ) mode.

The playback picture can be viewed in the LCD monitor, viewfinder or on a

)

connected TV. LCD monitor/viewfinder indications:

• When power is supplied from a battery the icon is displayed. When power is supplied through the DC cord, the icon does not appear.

• When a tape is stopped, no indicators are displayed.

When a cable is connected to the Audio/ Video jacks, no sound is heard from the speaker.

Playback

Still Playback Mode

Still playback pauses the tape, freezing a single frame on the display.

Activating Still Playback:

1. Press the Play/Pause Button (

)

during playback to freeze the image.

2. To resume normal playback, press the Play/Pause Button again.

• If still playback continues for

more than a few minutes, the camcorder’s stop mode is automatically engaged.

• After approximately five

minutes in stop mode, the power turns off to conserve power.

• When the Play/Pause Button is

pressed, the image may not freeze immediately. The camcorder takes a moment to stabilize the still image.

Shuttle Search

Allows high-speed searching in either forward or reverse directions.

Activating Shuttle Search:

1. Press the Fast-Forward Button (

) or the Reverse Button ( )

during playback.

2. To resume normal playback, press the Play/Pause Button (

• During playback, press and hold

the Reverse ( (

) Button. The search

) or Forward

continues as long as the button is held. Once released, normal playback resumes.

• A slight mosaic effect appears

on screen during Shuttle Search. This is normal.

Frame-By-Frame Playback

Allows frame-by-frame searching.

Press the Play/Pause Button (/) during playback to pause the image.

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial towards + for forward frame-byframe playback, or towards – for reverse frame-by-frame playback.

•

To resume normal playback, press the Play/Pause Button (

Basic Connections

This manual includes information for some basic types of connections.

Displaying Camcorder Data on a Connected TV or VCR

• Date/Time: set DATE/TIME to ON or OFF in the DISPLAY menu.

• Time Code: set TIME CODE to ON or OFF in the DISPLAY menu.

• Playback Sound Mode, Tape Speed and Tape Running: set ON SCREEN to LCD or SIMPLE in the DISPLAY MENU.

Notes: It is recommended to use the AC Adapter/

Charger as the power supply instead of the battery pack to achieve uniform playback.

Use the provided A/V Connection Cable, making sure to connect the end with a single plug to the camcorder.

Adjust the TV sound volume to its minimum level to avoid a sudden burst of sound when the camcorder is turned on.

If you have a TV or speakers that are not specially shielded, do not place the speakers next to the TV as interference will occur in the camcorder playback picture.

Playback

Viewing Recordings on a TV Using A/V Input Jacks

A/V Jack

LAUDIOIN RAUDIOINVIDEOIN

Connector cover

(Open when connecting cables)

A/V Connection Cable

(Included with Camcorder)

White Plug

(L AUDIO IN)

Connecting the Camcorder to a TV Using A/V Input Jacks:

1. Locate the A/V cable that came with the camcorder.

2. Make sure all units are turned off.

3. Connect the white plug of the A/V cables to the Left AUDIO IN jack (L AUDIO IN).

4. Connect the red plug of the A/V cables to the Right AUDIO IN jack (R AUDIO IN).

Note: Some TVs do not offer both left and right audio jacks. If your TV only has one audio jack, use the A/V cable’s white plug for audio.

5. Connect the yellow plug of the A/V cables to the VIDEO IN jack.

6. Open the camcorder’s Connector Cover.

A/V Jacks

LAUDIO IN RAUDIO IN VIDEOIN

Red Plug

(R AUDIO IN)

(Note: Can be on 

front or rear of TV)

Yellow Plug (VIDEO IN)

7. Connect the A/V Connection Cable’s single plug into the camcorder’s A/V Jack.

8. Press in the Thumb Lock and rotate the Power Switch to playback (

) mode.

9. Turn on the TV.

10. Tune the TV to its video input channel for viewing.

11. Press the camcorder’s Play/Pause Button (

Note: The camcorder and some TVs have an S-Video Jack which can be used for a better image quality. If using an optional S-Video Cable, it must have a core filter to meet FCC requirements.

) to begin playback.

Playback

Capturing Recordings to a VCR Using A/V Input Jacks

A/V Jack

Connector cover

(Open when connecting cables)

A/V Connection Cable

(Included with Camcorder)

White Plug

(L AUDIO IN)

Connecting the Camcorder to a VCR Using A/V Input Jacks:

1. Locate the A/V cable that came with the camcorder.

2. Make sure all units are turned off.

3. Connect the white plug of the A/V cables to the VCR’s Left AUDIO IN jack (L AUDIO IN).

4. Connect the red plug of the A/V cables to the VCR’s Right AUDIO IN jack (R AUDIO IN).

Note: Some VCRs do not offer both left and right audio jacks. If your TV only has one audio jack, use the A/V cable’s white plug for audio.

5. Connect the yellow plug of the A/V cables to the VCR’s VIDEO IN jack.

LAUDIOIN RAUDIOINVIDEOIN

LAUDIO IN RAUDIO IN VIDEOIN

Red Plug

(R AUDIO IN)

VCR

A/V Jacks

(Note: Can be on 

front or rear of VCR)

Yellow Plug

(VIDEO IN)

6. Open the camcorder’s Connector Cover.

7. Connect the A/V Connection Cable’s single plug into the camcorder’s A/V Jack.

8. Press in the Thumb Lock and rotate the Power Switch to playback (

) mode.

9. Turn on the VCR.

10. Tune the VCR to its video input channel for viewing.

11. Insert a videotape into the VCR.

12. Press the camcorder’s Play/Pause Button (

) to begin playback.

13. Press the record button on the VCR to begin capture.

Playback

Connecting the Camcorder to a Computer Using IEEE 1394 Jacks

DV IN/OUT Connection Jack

Connector Cover (Open when connecting cables)

COMPUTER

IEEE 1394

Connection

Connecting the Camcorder to a Computer Using an IEEE 1394 Jack

It is also possible to transfer video and still images to a computer equipped for digital video capture using an IEEE 1394 board.

1. Locate the IEEE 1394 cable that came with the camcorder.

2. Make sure the camcorder and computer are turned off.

3. Connect one end of the IEEE 1394 cable to your computer.

4. Connect the other end of the IEEE 1394 cable to the camcorder’s DV IN/OUT jack.

5. Press in the Thumb Lock and rotate the Power Switch to playback (

) mode.

IEEE 1394 Connection Jack (Note: Most computers with IEEE 1394 capabilities have the jack on the rear of the CPU)

6. Turn on the computer.

7. Follow your computer’s video capture software instructions to upload the camera’s data to the computer.

8. Press the camcorder’s Play/Pause Button (

Notes: It is recommended to use the AC Adapter/

Charger as the power supply instead of the battery pack for uniform playback.

Date and time information cannot be captured to a computer.

When using a DV cable, be sure it has a core filter attached. The core filter reduces interference and is required to meet FCC standards.

) to begin playback.

Playback

Connecting the Camcorder to a VCR to Capture Sound Only

A/V Jack

Connector cover

(Open when connecting cables)

A/V Connection Cable

(Included with Camcorder)

White Plug

(L AUDIO IN)

Dubbing Sound to a VCR Using A/V Input Jacks:

1. Locate the A/V cable that came with the camcorder.

2. Make sure all units are turned off.

3. Connect the white plug of the A/V cables to the VCR’s Left AUDIO IN jack (L AUDIO IN).

4. Connect the red plug of the A/V cables to the VCR’s Right AUDIO IN jack (R AUDIO IN).

Note: Some VCRs do not offer both left and right audio jacks. If your TV only has one audio jack, use the A/V cable’s white plug for audio.

6. Open the camcorder’s Connector Cover.

LAUDIOIN RAUDIOINVIDEOIN

LAUDIO IN RAUDIO IN VIDEOIN

Red Plug

(R AUDIO IN)

VCR

A/V Jacks

(Note: Can be on 

front or rear of VCR)

Yellow Plug

(NOT Connected)

7. Connect the A/V Connection Cable’s single plug into the camcorder’s A/V Jack.

8. Press in the Thumb Lock and rotate the Power Switch to playback (

) mode.

9. Turn on the VCR.

10. Tune the VCR to its video input channel to hear the recording.

11. Start the VCR’s record mode.

12. Press the camcorder’s Play/Pause Button (

) to begin playback.

Playback

Dubbing to Another Digital Video Camcorder Equipped With an IEEE 1394 Connection Port

DV IN/OUT Connection Jack

Video unit equipped with IEEE 1394 connector

Connector Cover (Open when connecting cables)

IEEE 1394

Connection Cable

To DV IN/OUT Connection Jack

Digital Dubbing Using IEEE 1394 Jacks

When sending a digital signal from one DV device to another, there is little if any image or sound deterioration.

To Use This Camcorder as a Player:

1. Make sure the power of both camcorders is off.

2. Connect one end of the IEEE 1394 cable to each digital camcorder.

3. Press the camcorder’s Play/Pause Button (

) to start playback.

4. While watching the playback on the monitor, start the receiving camcorder’s record mode from the spot on the source tape you want to begin recording.

Notes: It is recommended to use the AC adapter/

charger as the power supply instead of the battery pack for uniform playback.

For digital dubbing, this camcorder can be connected to only one device at a time. This camcorder can also be used as the recording camcorder.

If a blank portion or distorted image is played back during dubbing, the process may stop to avoid capturing problem images.

Even though the IEEE 1394 cable is connected correctly, sometimes the image may not appear during playback. If this occurs, turn off the power and make connections again.

When using an IEEE 1394 cable, be sure it has a core filter attached. The core filter reduces interference and is required to meet FCC standards.

Camcorder Tips

Recording Tips

• Try to make sure indoor scenes are well-lit. This improves picture quality and color reproduction.

• Do not move the camcorder rapidly from side-to-side while recording. A steady, gradual “pan” avoids blurring and “jitter”.

• Use the viewfinder or LCD monitor to make sure the camcorder is level while recording so that your scene isn’t “tilted.”

• Do not bump or tap the camcorder’s microphone while recording because this sound will be recorded.

• Include close-ups of individuals when taping family outings or group functions.

• Fading in and out of scenes makes your videos appear more professional.

• Learn to use the special production effects available with your camcorder to add variety to your recordings.

• Be aware of video and audio backgrounds. Background details barely noticed while you are taping may show up as visual “clutter” on your recording. Background noises (especially TV sets, radios, household appliances, traffic sounds, etc.) might detract from the sound you want to record.

• Avoid long “still” shots of landmarks and scenic attractions. Recordings are more interesting if they include people and details. “Local color” gives travel videos lasting appeal. Consider recording a familiar or landmark scene from an unfamiliar vantage point.

Traveling Tips

• Write down your camcorder’s serial number and keep it separate from the camcorder when traveling. If your camcorder is lost or stolen, you will be able to identify it.

• Use extra care to avoid damage to your camcorder and accessories when operating them at a beach or pool. Spray, sand, and dust should be avoided. If your lens has been exposed to the elements, clean it only with proper lens cleaning supplies.

• Make sure you have any plug adapters that you might need before taking your camcorder to other countries. Consult your dealer for advice.

• Carry your camcorder in a carrying case when traveling. See the next page for a case designed especially for this camcorder. An ordinary suitcase or carry bag does not offer the protection your camcorder needs. Treat your camcorder as carry-on luggage to protect it from rough handling.

Accessories

Optional Accessories

We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your digital camcorder. The following pages have a selection of accessories to help make your memorable moments look and sound even better.

These accessories are designed to make the process of recording and watching your videos more enjoyable.

To order accessories, contact your local Dealer.

If a dealer is not nearby, all accessories are available through toll-free ordering or by using the order form found on page 61.

AC201A Soft Carrying Case

Custom compact soft case designed especially to provide protection and utility for your digital camcorder and most accessories. Rugged fabric lined with soft non-abrasive material and generous padding. Has three outside pockets with storage for lens filters, adapters, batteries, and tapes.

ACS091 Shoulder Strap

Designed to replace the shoulder strap that comes with the digital camcorder.

All specifications and descriptions of accessories are subject to change without notice.

247800 Rechargeable Battery

This rechargeable 2-hour, lithiumion battery is designed specifically for long life (depending on how much you use zoom and pause). The 247800 can be recharged with the AC adapter/charger that came with the camcorder.

BB46L Extended Life Battery

This rechargeable 2-hour, lithiumion battery is designed specifically for long life (depending on how much you use zoom and pause). The BB46L can be recharged with the AC adapter/charger that came with the digital camcorder.

Accessories

247801 AC Battery Charger

The 247801 battery charger plugs into an AC outlet and charges the 247800 or BB46L camcorder battery.

Because the 247801 operates on 100-240 Volts, 50/60 HZ, it can be used virtually anywhere in the world. A plug adapter might be required in some countries. Charging takes approximately 90 minutes for the 247800.

RCU800 Universal Remote Control

244268 IEEE 1394 Cable

Replacement for the included IEEE 1394 connection cable. Used to attach the digital camcorder to a

IEEE 1394 equipped computer with a digital video capture board installed.

244268 DC Cable

Replacement for the included DC cable. Used to attach the digital camcorder to the adapter charger.

249645 A/V Cable

VCR

INPUT

ANTENNA

MUTE

SPEED

GUIDE

REPEAT

DECK1

RECORD

- TRACKING + - SLOW +

ON • OFF

DVD

CH +

CH -

VCR PLUS

PLAY FORWARDREVERSE

STOP PAUSE

The RCU800

SAT

•

CABLE

universal remote

control is an RCA-

GO BACK

branded unit which

INFO

FR ADV

can control your

SKIP

CLEAR

digital camcorder using the VCR2 or

DECK2

AUX buttons.

Replacement for the included A/V cable. Used to attach the digital camcorder to an external component like a TV or VCR.

Accessories

Using the Optional AC088 Tripod

Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such as AC088, keeps the camcorder steady and produces excellent video results.

This tripod’s fluid-effect head provides smooth camera pan and tilt. The quickrelease mount makes it easy to attach or remove the camcorder. The grooved, tubular 3-section leg design folds down to 26" when not in use. Rubber feet allow for sure footing.

Cautions: Before using a tripod, make sure it is stable enough to hold the camcorder without falling over. Do not transport the camcorder attached to the tripod.

When attaching your camcorder to a tripod, be careful not to force the tripod screw into the camcorder’s tripod mounting hole.

The tripod screw should not protrude into the camcorder more than approximately three-eighths (3/8) of an inch. Forcing the screw could damage the mounting hole on the bottom of the camcorder.

Accessories

Accessories Order Form (Model CC9370)

Description Part No. Price Qty. Total

Super Lightweight Tripod AC088 $ 49.95 Soft Camcorder Case AC201A $ 34.95 Shoulder Strap ACS091 $ 12.95 Rechargeable Battery 247800 $ 69.95 Extended Life Battery BB46L $ 69.95 AC Adapter/Charger 247801 $ 89.95 A/V Cable 249645 $ 9.95 DC Cable 244268 $ 28.60 IEEE 1394 Connection Cable 249644 $ 39.95 RCA Universal Remote Control RCU800 $ 39.95

All prices subject to change without notice. Total Merchandise $_________

Sales Tax $_________ We are required by law to collect the

appropriate sales tax for each individual state, county, and locality to which the merchandise is being sent.

Shipping and Handling $_________

Total Amount Enclosed

Use VISA, MasterCard, or Discover. Money order or check must be in U.S. currency only. No COD or cash.

Please complete other side also

5.00

$_________

Detach Here

✂

Accessories

✂

Charge your order on your VISA,MasterCard,

or Discover Card by filling in below

USE YOUR CREDIT CARD

IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card

Expiration date:

IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard

Copy Number above your name on MasterCard

IMPORTANT:

Expiration date:

Copy complete account number from your Discover Card

Expiration date:

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Print or type your name and address clearly.

Name:

Street:

Apt:

A complete and correct order will save you days of waiting.

City:

State:

Zip:

Please make sure that both sides of this form have been filled out completely.

¥ Allow 4 weeks for delivery. ¥ All accessories are subject to availability.

Detach Here

Accessories

To order accessories, contact your local Dealer.

If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow the directions below to order by telephone or direct-by-mail.

United States and Canada Orders

To place your order by phone, have your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card ready and call the toll-free number listed below.

Use this number only to place an order for accessory items listed on this order form.

1-800-338-0376

To place your order by mail, detach and mail the completed order form with credit card information, money order, or check in U.S. currency (made payable to Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.) to the following address:

Video Accessories

PO Box 8419

Ronks, PA 17573

Trouble Checks

Troubles sometimes are caused by simple “faults” that you can easily correct without the help of a service technician by first checking a few basic remedies.

Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then perform the simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble.

If service should be necessary, the warranty information lists what your warranty covers and explains how to get service.

Trouble Checks and Adjustments

No power is supplied.

“SET DATE/ TIME!” appears.

Recording cannot be performed.

There is no picture.

Some functions are not available using the MENU/ BRIGHT dial.

The focus does not adjust automatically. The cassette will not load properly.

• Connect the AC adapter/charger securely (page 4).

• Replace the dead battery with a fully charged one (pages 12-14).

• Set the date/time (pages 18-19).

• Consult your nearest camcorder dealer for replacement.

• Set the tape’s erase protection tab to REC.

• Set the power switch to automatic or manual record (

or ).

• Replace with new cassette.

• Close the cassette holder cover.

• Turn the camcorder’s power off and on again (page 5).

• Set the Power Switch to manual ( (page 5).

• Set focus mode to the Auto (page 45).

• Clean the lens and check the focus again (page 69).

) record

Trouble Checks

Trouble Checks and Adjustments

The cassette will not load properly.

Snapshot mode cannot be used.

The color of Snapshots looks brownish-orange.

The image taken using Snapshot is too dark.

Digital Zoom does not work.

Program AE with special effects and Fade/Wipe effects do not work.

The Black & White Fader does not work.

• Set it in the right position (page 6).

• Install a fully charged battery (pages 12-14)or connect the camcorder to the AC Adapter (page 4).

• Make sure to use only Mini DV cassettes (page 16).

• Turn off Squeeze mode in the MANUAL MENU

(pages 36-37).

• Turn off Sepia and/or Monotone effects (page 31).

• Press the BACKLIGHT Button (page 33).

• In the Menu screen set ZOOM to 40X or 250X

(pages 38-39).

• Disengage the VIDEO ECHO mode (page 31).

• Wait until the Picture Wipe or Dissolve effects are

completed (pages 29-30).

• Set the Power Switch to manual ( (page 5).

• Turn off Sepia and/or Monotone effects (page 31).

) record

The Dissolve function does not work.

• Turn off Sepia, Monotone or Slow Shutter before

adding Dissolve to a scene transition (page 31).

• Set WIDE MODE to CINEMA or OFF

(pages 36-37).

• Make sure you have selected the mode of

Program AE with special effects you want before starting editing (pages 31-32).

Trouble Checks

Trouble Checks and Adjustments

The Picture Wipe and/or Dissolve functions do not work.

The Video Echo mode does not work.

Even when Slow Shutter is not selected, the image looks like it is.

There is no strobe when the Classic Film or Strobe mode is activated.

• Select Picture Wipe or Dissolve before recording. The effects are then automatically activated (pages 29-30).

• The camcorder automatically shuts off after five minutes in Record-Standby mode. Make sure you continue using the camcorder within five minutes after pausing a tape (page 26).

• Disengage Slow Shutter mode (page 31) or set WIDE MODE to OFF (page 36-37) before using Picture Wipe effects.

• Set WIDE MODE to CINEMA or OFF (pages 36-37).

• Do not use Video Echo during a fade-in or fadeout (page 31).

• If you want the lighting to look more natural, set GAIN UP to AGC or OFF (page 39).

• Do not try to use the Classic Film or Strobe modes during a scene transition (page 31).

White Balance cannot be activated.

During recording, the date/time does not appear.

The indicators and messages do not appear.

Images on the LCD monitor appear dark or whitish.

• Turn off Sepia or Monotone before setting White Balance (page 31).

• Set DATE/TIME to ON (page 42).

• When the LCD monitor is turned to face forward, (page 22) date and time do not appear.

• In the Menu screen, set ON SCREEN to LCD or LCD/TV (page 41) and set TIME CODE to ON (page 42).

• Adjust the brightness and angle of the LCD monitor (page 22).

Trouble Checks

Trouble Checks and Adjustments

The back of the LCD monitor is hot.

The LCD monitor or viewfinder indications blink.

Play, rewind and fast-forward do not work.

The tape is moving, but there is no picture.

Images on the LCD monitor are jittery.

Blocks of noise appear during playback, or there is no playback picture and the screen becomes blue.

• Close the LCD monitor to turn it off or set the Power Switch to OFF and let the camcorder cool down (page 22).

• This can occur in certain conditions including using Fade and Wipe effects (pages 29-30), Program AE with Special Effects (pages 31-32), and Digital Image Stabilization (page 35).

• Set the Power Switch to playback ( (page 49).

• Set the TV to its video input channel (see the TV’s User’s Manual).

• Make sure all A/V connections are correct and snug.

• Close the cassette holder door (page 6).

• Turn the speaker volume down (page 49).

• Clean the video heads with an optional cleaning cassette (see your local dealer to purchase).

) mode

The LCD monitor, viewfinder and/or lens are dirty (ex. fingerprints).

An unusual icon appears on-screen.

• Wipe them gently with soft cloth. Wiping strongly can cause damage (page 69).

• Check the section of the manual that explains LCD monitor and viewfinder icons (pages 24-28).

Trouble Checks

Trouble Checks and Adjustments

An error indication (E01 — E06) appears on-screen.

The charger indicator on the AC Adapter/Charger does not light.

No picture appears on the LCD monitor.

When the camcorder is connected via the IEEE 1394 connector, the camcorder does not operate.

• Remove the power supply (battery pack, etc.) and wait a few minutes for the icon to clear. When it does, reattach the power supply, turn on the camcorder’s power, and resume recording.

If the indication remains after repeating the above procedure two or three times, consult your nearest camcorder service technician.

• To protect the battery, it is recommended to charge it in places with a temperature of 50-95 degrees Fahrenheit (10°C to 35°C) (pages 13-14).

• Remove the lens cap.

• Adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor (page 22).

•

If the LCD is rotated forward, make sure it is fully rotated 180 degrees

• Turn the camcorder’s power off and on again.

Specifications

General

Power requirement: 6.3 VDC Power consumption: Viewfinder on: 4.3 watts LCD monitor on: 5.3 watts

Weight: 1.3 lbs. (550g)

Dimensions – Including Viewfinder:

3-3/16" (W) x 3-13/16" (H) x 6-5/16" (D) 80 (W) x 96 (H) x 159 (D) mm

Video Recorder Section

Format: DV Record/playback system:

Digital component recording

Video signal: EIA standard

NTSC color

Viewfinder

0.24" Black and white electronic viewfinder

LCD Monitor

3" diagonally measured LCD/TFT active

Specifications

matrix system

Camera Section

Image sensor: 1/4" CCD imager Lens: F1.6, f=3.9 to 62.4mm 16:1 power zoom lens 400:1 digital zoom Filter diameter: 40.5 mm

Tripod Mount

One 1/4" x 20 threaded hole

AC Adapter/Charger

Power requirement: 110-240 V, 50/60 Hz. Power consumption: 23 watts Weight: .56 lbs. (250g) Dimensions:

2-11/16" (W) x 1-1/2" (H) x 4-3/8" (D) 68 (W) x 38 (H) x 110 (D) mm

Care and Maintenance

Cover



Care and Maintenance

After Using the Camcorder

1. Turn off the camcorder.

2. Slide and hold the OPEN/EJECT latch in the direction of the arrow, then pull the cassette holder cover open until it locks. The cassette holder opens automatically.

3. Remove the cassette.

4. Press the area marked PUSH HERE to close the cassette holder.

• Once the cassette holder is

pushed in, it recedes automatically. Wait until the holder recedes completely before closing the cassette holder cover.

4. Slide the BATTERY RELEASE button and remove the battery pack.

Cleaning The Camcorder

1. Clean the exterior wiping gently with a soft cloth. For heavy dirt, use diluted, mild soap and wring the cloth well. Then wipe again with a dry cloth.

2. Open the LCD monitor (page 22) and wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth. Close when done.

3. To clean the lens, blow it with air using a blower brush. Wipe gently with lens cleaning paper.

4. To clean the viewfinder, raise it to the vertical position. Carefully open the cover on the bottom of the viewfinder.

Cassette holder

PUSH HERE

Remove

OPEN/EJECT switch

Cassette holder cover

BATTERY RELEASE button

Insert a lens blower or soft cloth into the gap to clean the interior.

Lens blower

Close the cover and tilt the viewfinder back to the horizontal position.

Notes: Avoid using strong cleaning agents such as alcohol.

Cleaning should be done only after the power supply has been disconnected.

Mold may form if the lens is left dirty. When using a cleaner or chemically

treated cloth refer to the cautions of each product.

Care and Maintenance

Proper Care and Storage

• Keep dirt from entering the camcorder’s cassette door. Dust and grit are abrasive and cause excessive wear to both the recording/playback heads and cassettes.

• Always cap the lens when the camcorder is not in use.

• Before handling the camcorder, make sure your hands and face are free from any chemical products such as suntan lotion, as it might damage the finish.

• The camcorder might be damaged by improper storage or handling. Do not subject the camcorder to swinging, shaking, or dropping.

• Do not store the camcorder in temperatures below -22˚F (-30˚C) or above 149˚F (65˚C).

• When the camcorder is not in use, always remove the cassette and AC adapter/charger or battery.

• Retain the original carton for future storage or shipping purposes.

Things to Avoid

• Do not attempt to disassemble the camcorder. There are no userserviceable parts inside.

• Avoid operating the camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold location to a warm location. Give the camcorder 1-1/2 to 2 hours to reach a stable temperature before inserting a cassette.

• In cold to warm conditions,

condensation might occur causing the tape to stick to the recording heads and damage the camcorder or cassettes.

• Never aim the camcorder at the sun or other bright objects.

• Do not leave the camcorder in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. The resulting heat buildup might permanently damage the camcorder’s internal parts.

• Do not operate the camcorder in extremely humid environments.

• Do not operate the camcorder near the ocean as salt water or spray might damage the internal parts of the camcorder.

• Do not operate the camcorder for extended periods in temperatures below 40˚F (4˚C) or above 95˚F (35˚C).

• Do not expose the camcorder or adapter/charger to rain or moisture. If any component becomes wet, turn off the power and take the unit to an authorized RCA camcorder service provider.

• Do not use an adapter/charger or batteries other than the ones specified for the camcorder. Using the wrong accessories might cause damage to the camcorder.

Customer Assistance and Service

Thomson provides a toll-free telephone

You can reach Thomson at

the following number:

800-283-6503

(Toll free inside U.S.A.)

Our toll-free camcorder

number operates from 8 a.m.

to 5 p.m. CST

Monday – Friday

for U.S. customers only

Returning equipment to Thomson for repair or exchange

If we are unable to resolve your problem over the phone, we will gladly service your unit or exchange it for a new or refurbished camcorder. Refer to the limited warranty on the reverse side to learn about your specific rights and responsibilities.

Important information to customers who ship defective equipment to Thomson Consumer Electronics

number to help with any problems encountered with the camcorder. Many problems can be diagnosed over the phone, but, if necessary, repair or replacement will be arranged. Have the camcorder’s model/serial number and date of purchase ready when you call for faster service. If your unit is out of warranty, we will quote the cost of a repair or replacement unit to you.

Always consult Thomson and get a Service Request number before returning anything! Obtain a Service Request (SR)

number from the telephone representative before returning your equipment to avoid delays, accounting errors, or even loss of your unit.

The Thomson representative who authorized the return of your equipment will give you an SR number over the phone. They will also provide you with instructions on where and how to return your camcorder. Write the number in large, clear characters on the outside of the box. To avoid confusion and misunderstandings, shipments without an SR number clearly visible on the outside of the box will be returned to you at your expense.

Include a brief note describing the problem and any conversations about the problem you have had with Thomson personnel.

Include your name, address and model/ serial number of the camcorder. These numbers are located on the bottom of the camcorder. If the camcorder is within the warranty period, please provide a copy of the bill of sale to verify purchase date. Use the original box and packing material to protect the equipment from damage in shipment.

For your protection, insure all shipments for full replacement value and use a reliable shipper. Thomson assumes no

responsibility for warranty shipments from the customer to the factory if not shipped in the manner prescribed by Thomson.

Warranty

Limited Warranty

What your warranty covers:

• Any defect in materials or workmanship.

For how long after your purchase:

• 90 days for labor charges.

• One year for parts. The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental or 45 days from date of shipment to the rental firm, whichever comes first.

What we will do:

During the initial 90 days

• Exchange your camcorder with a new or refurbished unit, or repair your camcorder. The option will be ours. There will be no cost to you.

After the 90 days and within one year

• Exchange your camcorder with a new or refurbished unit, or repair your camcorder. The option will be ours. Parts will be provided at no charge, but you will be responsible for the cost of labor required for the repair.

How you get service:

• Call 1-800-283-6503 and have your unit’s date of purchase and model/serial number ready. The model/serial number information is on the bottom of your camcorder.

• A representative will troubleshoot your problem over the phone. If the representative determines that you should receive a replacement unit, you will be provided with a Service Request (SR) number and the location of a nearby exchange point if one exists. No returns will be accepted without the SR number.

To receive a replacement Camcorder before you return yours:

Option I

1. Provide your Discover, MasterCard, or

Visa account number and expiration date

to our phone representative. This is for security purposes. If we receive your unit, excluding all accessories, within 14 days from the date you were provided the SR number, only items not covered by warranty will be charged to your account.

IF YOUR UNIT IS NOT RECEIVED WITHIN 14 DAYS, THE SUGGESTED RETAIL VALUE OF THE CAMCORDER WILL BE CHARGED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD. This

amount, less $10.00 handling, will be credited if the unit is subsequently received.

2. We will send you a replacement unit.

3. Ship the unit back to us, excluding all accessories, using the replacement unit’s carton. Shipping instructions will be

included in the carton along with your SR number which will allow you to easily ship the unit back to us. Make sure you

insure your shipment in case of damage or loss. Include with the shipment:

• Evidence of purchase date, such as a

bill of sale to verify your unit’s warranty eligibility.

• A brief note describing your

camcorder’s problem.

• Your name, address and phone number.

Return transportation, storage, handling, and insurance costs are your sole responsibility. We accept no liability in case of damage or loss.

Option II

1. We will send a replacement unit to the exchange point.

2. The exchange location will notify you of its arrival.

3. Take your unit, excluding all accessories, and your evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale, to the exchange location and you will be provided the new or refurbished unit.

4. If the repairs were covered by your warranty, you will not be billed.

Warranty

To receive a replacement unit after we have received your unit:

Write the SR number on the outside of

the carton used to return the unit. Make sure you insure your shipment in case of damage or loss.

2. Carefully pack the unit, excluding all accessories, using the original box and packing material if possible.

3. Include with the shipment:

• Evidence of purchase date, such as a

bill of sale, to verify your unit’s warranty eligibility.

• A brief note describing your

camcorder’s problem.

• Your name, address and phone number.

Return transportation, storage, handling, and insurance costs are your sole responsibility. We accept no liability in case of damage or loss.

4. The representative will advise the address to mail a cashier’s check or money order for payment if there are any out of warranty labor or parts charges and you elect not to use your credit card.

5. Upon receipt of your product, a new or refurbished unit will be shipped to you.

To have your Camcorder repaired by an Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center:

• Check with your dealer or call 1-800-336-

1900 for the Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center nearest you.

• Take your unit to the Authorized RCA

Camcorder Service Center of your choice.

• Show the Authorized RCA Camcorder

Service Center representative evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale.

• Pick up your camcorder when repairs are

complete.

What your warranty

• Adjustment of customer controls.

• Damage from misuse or neglect.

• A unit that has been modified or incorporated into other products or is used for institutional or other commercial purposes.

• Batteries for remote control and clock.

• Cleaning of video/audio heads.

• Camcorders purchased or serviced outside the U.S.A.

• Return transportation, storage and handling costs of your unit, including insurance for loss or damage.

• Acts of God, such as but not limited to lightning damage.

Product Registration:

• Please complete and mail the Product Registration Card packed with your camcorder. It will make it easier to contact you should it ever be necessary. The return of the card is not required for warranty coverage.

How State Law relates to warranty:

• This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state.

If you purchased your camcorder outside the United States:

• This warranty does not apply. Contact your dealer for warranty information.

does not cover:

Service calls that do not involve defective materials or workmanship are not covered by this warranty. Costs of such calls are the sole responsibility of the purchaser.

Optional S-Video Cables

Working With the Core Filter

Attaching a Core Filter to an Optional S-Video Cable

Your digital camcorder and some TVs and video units have an S-Video jack. S-Video provides excellent video transfer abilities (not sound). You can purchase an S-Video cable at many retail electronics stores.

When using an S-Video cable, it must have a Core Filter attached to meet FCC requirements. The Core Filter reduces picture interference.

A core filter is supplied with this digital camcorder.

4. Loop the cable back through the

5. Close the Core Filter until it clicks

Core Filter casing.

shut. The S-Video cable is now ready for use.

Attaching the Core Filter to an Optional S-Video Cable

1. Release the stoppers on both ends of the Core Filter and open.

Stoppers

2. Run the cable through the Core Filter, leaving approx. 1 1/4 inches of cable between the cable plug and the Core Filter casing.

1 1/2”

S-Video Cable

3. Wind the cable once around the outside of the Core Filter. Make sure not to leave slack in the cable.

Note: When working with an S-Video cable, attach the end with the Core Filter to the camcorder.

Index

Accessories 3, 57

AC battery charger 58 carrying case 57 order form 60 rechargeable battery 57 remote control 58 tripod 59

Adapter/Charger 3, 11, 58

attaching 4, 11

removing 11 Assistance 3 Audio/Video Cable 3 Auto Focus 45 Automatic Recording

AutoShot 5

Battery 3, 9, 12

attaching 12

care and storage 14

charging 13

life 14

removing 12

using 12 Battery Levels Indicator 24 Battery Release Button 9

CAMERA Icon 38, 39, 40, 41 Camera Menu 29, 37 Cassette Holder

cover door 10 Push Here 6

Cassettes

care and storage 17 Mini DV 16 Record Protection Tab 6

CHECK TAPE’S ERASE PROTEC-

TION SWITCH Indicator 24 CINEMA Mode 36 CLASSIC FILM 31 Clock Adjustment 18, 42 Connections 50

basic 50 capturing sound only 54 to a computer 53 to a TV 51 to a VCR 52 to another DV camcorder 55 using A/V jacks 51, 52, 54

using an IEEE 1394 cable 53, 55 Connectivity Jacks 9 Core Filter 74 CRK76 Remote Control 58 Customer Assistance and Service

3, 71

CAM RESET 37 Camcorder

care and maintenance 69 care and storage 70 cleaning 69 exchange warranty 3 focusing 45 operating tips 56 repair or exchange 71 resetting factory defaults 37 things to avoid 70

Date and Time

displaying 20

setting 18 Date and Time Display 42 DC jack

cable 3

IN 4

OUT 4 Demo Mode 40 Digital Image Stabilization 35 Digital Zoom 47

Index

Display Menu 20, 29, 41

options 18 DISSOLVE 30 Dubbing

digital 55

sound 54

Exposure 29

control 32 Eyepiece

focusing 23

Fade and Wipe Effects 29

FADER - B.W 30

FADER - BLACK 29

icon 29 Fast Forward Button 9 FCC Declaration of Conformity 79 Focus 45

auto 45

manual 46

Gain Up 39

AGC 39

auto 39

off 39

setting up 39

Handstrap 9

adjusting 4 Head Cleaning Warning 24

ID Number 40

setting 40

Image Stabilization

activating 35

Indicators

on-screen 24 Industry Canada Information 79 Iris Lock

setting 33

LCD Monitor 6, 9, 22, 43

rotating 6, 22

using 7, 22 Letterbox 36 Light (AUTO/OFF/ON) Switch

5, 10, 43 Lock Button 5, 9 Long Play (LP) Mode 16 LP Speed 38

Manual Focus 46 Manual Menu

using 35

Manual White Balance

operation 34

Menu Options 18

displaying

camcorder 18 TV 18

MENU/BRIGHT Dial

7, 9, 10, 21, 29, 35 Menus

accessing 29 Microphone 9 Mini DV 16 Missing Cassette Warning Indicator

24, 25 MODE Button 10, 46 MULTI-4 Snapshot Feature 47 MULTI-9 Snapshot Mode 47

Index

On Screen Displays 41 On-screen Indicators 24 On-Screen Preferences 18 OPEN/EJECT

slider 9 switch 6

Optical Zoom 47

PIN-UP Snapshot Mode 47 Play/Pause Button 9 Playback 8, 49

basic 49 frame-by-frame 50 options 49 shuttle search 50 speeds 16

still 50 Plug Adapter 11 Power Indicator 9 Power Switch 5, 7

automatic recording 5

lock button 5

manual recording 5 Power Zoom Lever

volume control 49 Product Registration 2 Program AE 30 Program AE Effects 30 Push Here 6 PUSH/OPEN Button 9

RANDOM 30 Rechargeable Battery 57 Record Protection Tab 6

Recording 43

details 43 icon 7 mode 38 playing back 8 speeds 16 starting/stopping 7 time 17 tips 56

Remote Control

universal 58

Rewind Button 9

S-Video Cable 74 Safety Precautions 12 Shoulder Strap 3

attaching 15

ring 10 Shuttle Search 50 Side LED 41 SLOW 10X 31 SLOW 4X 31 Snapshot Feature 46

button 46

Full 46

Multi-4 46

MULTI-9 47

PIN-UP 47 Sound

dubbing 54

mode 38 SP mode 38 Speaker 10 Speaker Volume 49 Special Effects 30 Specifications 68 Speeds and Times

recording and playback 16 SQUEEZE Mode 36

Index

Standard Speed (SP) Mode 16 Still Playback 50 STOP Button 9

Table of Contents 1 Tally Light 9, 39 Tapes

Mini DV 16 Tele Macro Focusing 35 Thumb Trigger 9 Time Code 42

display 20 Time-Remaining Display 17 Tips

recording 56

traveling 56 Tripod 59 Trouble Checks 63 TWILIGHT 31

Variable Shutter Speed 31

1/100 31

1/250 31

1/500 31

1/60\ 31 VIDEO ECHO 31 Video Light 43, 44 Viewfinder 9, 23

focusing 23

using 23

White Balance Adjustment 33

automatic 33

manual 33 Wide Mode 36 Wind Noise 37

cutting 37 WIPE - DOOR 30 WIPE - SLIDE 30 WIPE - WINDOW 30

Zoom Lever 47

volume control 9 Zoom Mode 38

10X 38

250X 38

40X 38

digital interpretation 38

selecting 38 Zooming 47

digital 47

optical 47

zoom lever 47

W and T (Zoom Lever) 47 W.BALANCE 29 Warranty 72

FCC Declaration of Conformity and Industry Canada Information

FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the user’s authority to operate it.

This device complies with part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with the Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada. This equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B Digital

Device in accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of the FCC rules. These rules are designed to provide reasonable protections against radio and television interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception (which you can determine by turning the equipment off and on), try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna (that is, the antenna for the radio or television that is “receiving” the interference).

Change the position of the Camcorder with respect to the radio or television equipment that is receiving interference.

Move the Camcorder away from the equipment that is receiving interference. Plug the Camcorder into a different wall outlet so that the Camcorder and the equipment

receiving interference are on different branch circuits. If these measures do not eliminate the interference, please consult your dealer or an experienced

radio/television technician for additional suggestions. Also, the Federal Communications Commission has prepared a helpful booklet, “How To Identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems.” This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Please specify stock number 004-000-00345-4 when ordering copies.

For more information on FCC conformity: Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc., 10330 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis IN 46290; 1-800-587-5850.

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10330 N Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290

TOCOM 15604110 Part Number LYT0634-001A(VP)

RCA CC9370 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Product Registration

Table of Contents

First-Time Operation

Assistance

Getting Started

Shoulder Strap

Audio/Video Cable

Lock Button

Power Switch

Record protection tab

Using the LCD Monitor:

MENU/BRIGHT dial

Reviewing Operating Controls

Viewfinder

Power Indicator

Thumb Trigger

Hand Strap

Battery Release Button

PUSH/OPEN Button

Tally Light

Microphone

MODE Button

Speaker

Powering the Camcorder

Using the Adapter/Charger

Using the Rechargeable Battery

Safety Precautions

Charging the Battery

Battery Life

Battery Level Indicator

Battery Care and Storage

Other Camcorder Details

Shoulder Strap

Working With the Right Media

Mini DV Cassettes

Erase Protection Tab

Recording and Playback Speeds and Times

Cassette Notes

Care and Storage

Time-Remaining Display

On-Screen Preferences

On-Screen Preferences

Display Menu Options

Setting the Date and Time

Displaying Information on the Camcorder or TV

Displaying Date and Time Information On Screen

Time Code Display

Using the Monitors

Seeing What You Are Recording

Using the LCD Monitor

Using the Viewfinder

Focusing the Eyepiece

On-screen Indicators

Warning Indicators

On-Screen Menus

Accessing Menus

EXPOSURE setting exposure values and iris lock.

W.BALANCE adjustment of white balance settings or setting manual white balance.

Fader/Wipe Effects

FADER - BLACK fades in or out using a black screen.

WIPE - WINDOW starts in the center of black and wipes out towards the corners, or comes in from the corners gradually wiping to the center.

WIPE - SLIDE wipes in from right to left or out from left to right.

WIPE - DOOR two black halves wipe open left and right, or close from left and right.

DISSOLVE the new scene gradually appears as the old one gradually disappears.

RANDOM when activated, the camcorder randomly selects the effect used for transitions. Picture wipe/ dissolve is not available.

TWILIGHT makes evening scenes look more natural. White balance is initially set to

CLASSIC FILM gives recordings a strobe effect.

VIDEO ECHO adds a ghosted image to the subject. Zoom magnification over 10X is not available.

SLOW 4X the shutter speed is set to 1/15 of a second to quadruple the sensitivity.

SLOW 10X the shutter speed is set to 1/6 of a second to provide ten times the sensitivity. Note that images take on a strobe-like effect. If the manual focus indicator blinks, adjust focus manually or use a tripod.

Variable Shutter Speed 1/60 shutter speed is fixed

1/100 the shutter speed is fixed at 1/100 of a second. The flickering that occurs when shooting under a fluorescent light or mercury­vapor lamp is reduced.

Exposure Control

Iris Lock

2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT dial to highlight MANUAL. Press in the MENU/BRIGHT dial to select it. The menu screen disappears.

Using the Manual Menu

1/100 the shutter speed is fixed at 1/100 of a second. The flickering that occurs when shooting under a fluorescent light or mercuryvapor lamp is reduced.