RCA Pro842, Pro847, Pro848 User Manual

Pro842/Pro847/Pro848

8

USER‘S GUIDE

CAMCORDER

Important Safety Information

Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose

camcorder or AC adapter to rain or moisture.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION

RISQUE DE CHOC

ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

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

This symbol indicates important instructions accompanying the product.

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.

CAUTION: Avoid operating your 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 video cassette. When moved from a cold area to a warm location, moisture may condense on the head drum inside the machine. This moisture could cause the tape to stick to the headwheel and damage the headwheel or tape.

FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the user’s authority to operate it.

Product Registration

Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately. Returning this card allows us to contact you if needed.

Keep your sales receipt for proof of purchase to obtain warranty parts and service and attach it here. Record the serial and model numbers located on the bottom of the camcorder.

Model _______________________________________________________ Serial No:_____________________________________________________ Purchase Date: ________________________________________________ Purchased From: ______________________________________________

Pro842/Pro847/Pro848

Assistance

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

Camcorder Exchange Warranty...... 800-283-6503 (Pages 54-55)

Customer Service..................................... 800-336-1900 (Page 53)

Accessories......................................... 800-338-0376 (Pages 42-47)

Safety Information................................i

Product Registration.............................i

First-Time Operation

• Assistance............................................2

• Unpack Camcorder and

Accessories ......................................2

• Attach Lens Cap Cord and

Adjust Handstrap .............................3

• Attach Shoulder Strap.........................3

• Supply Power to the Camcorder .........4

• Turn on the Camcorder .......................5

• Insert a Cassette ..................................5

• Adjust Viewfinder Focus ....................5

• Start and Stop Recording ....................5

• Play Back what You have Recorded...5

• Turn Off Camcorder............................5

• Review the Camcorder’s

Controls............................................6

Powering Your Camcorder

• Using the AC Adapter.........................7

• Using the Rechargeable Battery ....8-10

• Using Optional Alkaline “AA”

Batteries .........................................11

• Using the Optional

AC Adapter/Charger.................12-13

Remote Control.............................14-17

Recording

• Video Cassettes.................................18

• Making a Recording..........................19

• Viewfinder Displays....................20-21

• Recording Features

• Viewfinder......................................22

• Flying Erase Head..........................23

• Microphone ....................................23

• Model Pro848 Only: External

Microphone Jack ..........................23

• DISPLAY Button ............................23

• White Balance and Iris...................23

• Tape Time Remaining Display ......23

• Quick Review.................................24

• Camera Edit....................................24

• Blank Search ..................................24

• Zooming .........................................25

• AE Shutter Control.........................25

• Focusing .........................................26

• Install Clock Cell............................27

• Date and Time Display .............28-29

• Time Counter..................................30

• Recording and Traveling Tips........31

• Model Pro848 Only: Recording

from a TV or VCR....................32-33

Playback

• Playback and Features

• Viewfinder Playback......................34

• Visual Searching ............................35

• Tape Positioning.............................35

• Stop-Action Pause..........................35

• Model Pro848 Only: Playback on TV .

(or VCR) with AUDIO/

VIDEO IN Jacks.......................36-37

Models Pro842 and Pro847 Only:

Playback on TV (or VCR) with

AUDIO/ VIDEO IN Jacks........38-39

• Playback on a TV Without

Audio/Video Inputs ..................40-41

Optional Accessories.....................42-47

• Accessory Order Form.................45-47

References

• Care and Maintenance .................48-49

• Trouble Checks............................50-52

• Assistance..........................................53

• Limited Warranty.........................54-55

• Specifications....................................56

• Information to User...........................57

• Index (Alphabetical)....................58-61

First-Time Operation

PLAYSTOP

DISPLAY REC

ZOOM

COUNTER

MEMORY RESET

REW F FWD

PAUSE

T W

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

Assistance

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

Camcorder Exchange Warranty . . . . .800-283-6503

Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-336-1900

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-338-0376

1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.

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

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

WARNING: NICKEL CADMIUM BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.

Rechargeable 6-Volt Battery

Models Pro847 and Pro848: Part No. 234330

Model Pro842/Pro847/Pro848*

*Your camcorder’s appearance may vary

from the one shown in this manual.

Caution: Do not use this adapter for any other purpose than

AC Adapter

Part No. 221424

supplying power to this camcorder.

Shoulder Strap

Part No. 213004

Model Pro842: Part No. 234329

Lens Cap Cord

Part No. 234328

Remote control

Part No. 233195

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

Audio/Video Output Cable

Model Pro848: Part No. 233194

Audio/Video Output Cable

Models Pro842 and Pro847: Part No. 217496

Cautions: Lithium cells. Must be disposed of properly. Never handle

punctured or leaking cells. May cause burns or personal injury. Keep out of the hands of children. Can cause death or injury if swallowed.

If swallowed, consult a physician immediately for emergency treatment. The lithium cells used in these devices may explode resulting in a fire or

chemical burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212˚F (100˚C), or incinerate.

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

First-Time Operation

2. Attach lens cap cord and

adjust handstrap.

A. Press in on the tabs on both sides of

the lens cap to remove it.

B. Attach the lens cap cord to the lens

cap.

C. Pull up the flap of the handstrap

and open the strap.

3. Attach shoulder strap.

A. Unfasten one end of the shoulder

strap from the buckle. Make sure you leave the buckle on the strap.

B. Thread one end of the shoulder

strap through one of the shoulder strap rings

Shoulder Strap Rings

C. Thread the strap back into the

buckle as shown below. Pull on the strap and make sure it is fastened securely before using it to support your camcorder.

D. Run the cord from the lens cap

through the A/V terminal cover and over the end of strap.

E. Adjust the strap for comfort and

close the flap.

Note Make sure the end of the strap is positioned securely before closing the flap.

F. Slide the lens cap onto the strap.

D. Repeat steps A-C for the other end

of the shoulder strap.

Cautions: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, make sure the viewfinder is in its down position. This helps prevent possible damage to the viewfinder from bumping against your body as you move.

Make sure the shoulder strap is firmly attached before using it to carry your camcorder.

First-Time Operation

4. Supply power to the camcorder.

Attach the AC Adapter

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

To AC 100240V, 50/60 Hz

PUSH button – press here to open and close the battery compartment.

A. Press on the PUSH button to

release the battery compartment door. Open the compartment fully.

B. Insert the small plug on the AC

Adapter

C. Close the battery compartment. Press

the PUSH button to lock the battery compartment shut.

D. Plug the AC adapter’s power cord into

an AC operating outlet.

DC IN Jack

adapter in the DC IN jack on the camcorder.

Install Six Optional “AA” Alkaline Batteries

If you do not want to use the adapter, you may use six “AA” alkaline batteries.

PUSH here to open battery compartment.

A. Press on the PUSH button to

release the battery compartment door. Open the compartment fully.

B. Insert the six alkaline batteries

into the compartment matching

the polarities (+ and –) on the batteries to the battery compartment as shown.

C. Close the battery compartment. Press

the PUSH button to lock the battery compartment shut.

First-Time Operation

CHARGE VCR CAM

VCR (PLAY)/CAM Indicators and Button

Eyepiece Focus Control

Thumb Trigger

REW Button

PLAY Button

STOP Button

EJECT Button

POWER Switch

5. Turn on the camcorder.

Slide the POWER switch upward to turn the camcorder on.

Notes: Whenever the camcorder is turned on, it turns on in the CAM (camera) mode. If it does not, press the

VCR(PLAY)/CAM button until the red CAM indicator beside the VCR(PLAY)/CAM button lights.

The green and red indicators on each side of the button let you know the mode of the camcorder. The red indicator lights when the camcorder is in the CAM (camera) mode and the green indicator lights when the camcorder is in the VCR (PLAY) mode.

6. Insert a cassette.

A.Press the EJECT button to open the

cassette compartment.

B.Insert the cassette so the safety tab

is at the top and the tape window faces out.

C.Gently close the cassette

compartment by pressing on the area labeled PUSH until it clicks into place. The top closes automatically. Do not press down on the top as it may damage the camcorder.

7. Adjust viewfinder focus.

Turn the eyepiece focus control right or left to obtain the clearest possible picture.

8. Start and stop recording.

• Press and release the REC START/STOP button (thumb

trigger) to start recording. REC appears in the viewfinder.

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

9. Play back what you have recorded.

• Press the VCR(PLAY)/CAM button to light the VCR(PLAY) indicator.

• Press REW to rewind the tape.

• Press PLAY to play back the tape.

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

10.T urn off the camcorder.

Slide the POWER switch upward to turn off the camcorder. The VCR(PLAY) or CAM indicator will turn off.

PLAYREW F FWD

STOP PAUSE

EJECT

DISPLAY BLANK REC

First-Time Operation

AUDIO

L R

OUT

VIDEO

11. Review the camcorder’s controls.

Model Pro848 Only: MIC (External Microphone Jack)

Models Pro842 and Pro847 A(Audio), V (Video), and RF Out Jacks

Model Pro848

AUDIO, VIDEO, RF

In/Out Jacks, and Audio/Video IN/OUT Switch

Remote Sensor

Models Pro847 and Pro848 Only: B (Bright) and C (Color) Controls Model Pro842 Only:B (Bright) and F (Focus) Controls

See “Trouble Checks

Model Pro848 Only:

BLANK

Button

REC

Button

Microphone

”

Lens

Shoulder Strap Holder

for details.

Zoom Control “W” - Wide Angle “T” - Telephoto

Eyepiece Focus Control

Viewfinder

DC IN 9/6.5V Jack or DC IN 9V Jack

(Located Inside Battery Compartment)

Battery Compartment

Remote Holder (Located in Battery Compartment)

Cassette Compartment

VCR(PLAY)/CAM Button and VCR(PLAY), CAM, and CHARGE Indicators

POWER

Switch

DISPLAY

Button

REW

Button

PLAY

Button

STOP

Button

FFWD

Button

PAUSE Button

EJECT Button

PUSH Button

DATE/TIME Button

Handstrap

REC START/STOP

Button (Thumb Trigger)

Shoulder Strap Holder

FOCUS LOCK Button

Powering Your Camcorder

Using the AC Adapter to Power Your Camcorder

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

Caution: Do not use this adapter for any purpose other than supplying power to the camcorder.

To AC 100240V, 50/60 Hz

DC IN Jack

Adapter

PUSH Button

Attach the AC Adapter

1. Press the PUSH button to open the battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully.

2. Insert the small plug on the AC adapter in the DC IN jack on the camcorder.

3. Close the battery compartment. Press the PUSH button to lock the battery compartment shut.

4. Plug the AC adapter’s power cord into an operating outlet.

Remove the AC Adapter

1. Unplug the adapter from the wall outlet.

2. Open the battery compartment and remove the plug from the DC IN jack.

Using Optional AC Plug Adapter

An optional plug adapter may be required in some countries.

Optional AC Plug Adapter

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

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

AC 100-240V

Powering Your Camcorder

Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Your Camcorder

The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the first time. Initial charging will take approximately 12 hours for the 234329 battery, and approximately 16 hours for the 234330 battery. When fully charged, the 234329 battery (model Pro842) should supply about 60 minutes of operating time and the 234330 battery (models Pro847 and Pro848) should supply about 65 minutes of operating time (depending on how much you use zoom and pause and load and unload cassettes).

Note: The small marker switch on top of the 234330 battery is for use as a personal reminder to help you remember to recharge the battery. It has no other function.

Battery Safety Precautions

Do not short the battery’s terminals.

Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery. There are no userserviceable parts inside.

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

Throwing the battery into a fire or exposing it to excessive heat – over

PUSH Button

149ºF (65ºC) could be hazardous.

Install the Battery

1. Press the PUSH button to open the battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully.

2. Insert the battery sideways as shown and snap into place.

3. Close the battery compartment. Press the PUSH button to lock the battery compartment shut.

ATTENTION: The RBRC seal on the battery used in your Thomson Consumer Electronics product indicates that we are participating in a program to collect and recycle Nickel Cadmium batteries throughout the United States. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information or contact your local recycling center.

Remove the Battery

1. Press the PUSH button to open the battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully.

2. Slide the battery towards the back of the camcorder and lift out.

3. Close the battery compartment. Press the PUSH button to lock the battery compartment shut.

RBRC

Ni-Cd

Powering Your Camcorder

CHARGE VCR CAM

Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Your Camcorder

The battery must be installed as described on the previous page before it can be charged.

CHARGE Indicator

To AC 100240V, 50/60 Hz

Battery Installed

Adapter

Charge the Battery

1. Install the battery as described on the previous page.

2. Insert the small plug on the AC adapter in the DC IN jack on the camcorder.

3. Plug the AC adapter into an operating AC outlet.

4. Slide the POWER switch down into the CHARGE position. The CHARGE indicator will light and the battery will begin charging.

5. The 234329 battery (model Pro842) takes approximately 12 hours to charge, and the 234330 battery (models Pro847 and Pro848) takes approximately 16 hours to charge.

DC IN Jack

6. When the CHARGE indicator starts flashing, make sure to unplug the adapter from the wall outlet and the camcorder.

Notes: After approximately 16 hours, the CHARGE indicator will begin flashing to remind you that the battery is charged. Your battery may be charged before the CHARGE indicator starts flashing.

The CHARGE indicator will start flashing approximately 16 hours after the POWER switch is placed in CHARGE even if no battery is being charged.

Do not charge other models of batteries with the camcorder.

Powering Your Camcorder

Battery Level Indicator

The battery level indicator appears in the viewfinder when approximately half the battery power is left. This indicator shows you the amount of power in the battery.

Battery Level Indicator

in Viewfinder

• As the power is used , ,and

appear.

Nickel Cadmium Battery Care and Storage

• When there is approximately five

The battery level indicator will not be recorded on the tape when it appears in the viewfinder.

minutes of battery power left in the battery, appears in the viewfinder. The camcorder will turn off automatically after a few minutes. Slide the POWER switch upward to turn off the camcorder before replacing the battery.

Do not store a battery pack where it can reach high temperatures.

Remove the battery from the camcorder when it is not in use to prolong the battery life.

Recharge the battery just before it is used. If the battery is recharged and not used, it will slowly lose its charge.

Make sure to exhaust the charge of the battery pack completely when recording. If the battery pack is recharged when the previous charge is not completely exhausted, the charge time gradually decreases.

Charge the battery within a temperature range of 50ºF to 86ºF (10ºC to 30ºC) to prevent damage.

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

The operating time of the battery may be shorter than normal even after a full charge:

• If it is used for the first time. The operating time is restored to its

original level after the battery has been used two or three times (completely discharged and recharged).

• If it is used in low temperatures.

• If it is discharged completely and stored for a long period (more than three months).

• If it is stored at temperatures above 104ºF (40ºC).

• If the record-pause mode is used frequently.

• If excessively loading and unloading cassettes.

Powering Your Camcorder

Using Optional Alkaline “AA” Batteries

You can power the camcorder with six alkaline dry-cell “AA” batteries.

Install the Alkaline Batteries

1. Press the PUSH button to open the battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully.

2. Insert six alkaline batteries into the compartment matching the polarities (+ and –) on the batteries to the battery compartment as shown.

3. Close the battery compartment. Press

Notes: The camcorder may not operate properly in cold temperatures below 50ºF (10º C).

The camcorder and battery level indicator may not operate properly when the batteries need to be replaced.

Remove the batteries if you will not be using the camcorder for a long period of time to extend the useful life of the batteries.

the PUSH button to lock the battery compartment shut.

Safety Precautions When Using Alkaline Batteries

Do not short, disassemble, heat, or throw the batteries into a fire. Do not recharge the batteries or short the battery terminals. Do not short the battery terminals for the nickel cadmium battery. Batteries become warm during and after use. Use caution when removing them. Use “AA” alkaline batteries only during their recommended lifetime. Remove at least one battery if you will not be using the camcorder for a long

period of time to extend the useful life of the batteries. Do not use manganese batteries to power the camcorder. To reduce the risk of battery leakage or an explosion:

• Make sure battery is inserted with correct polarity.

• Remove the batteries from the camcorder before storing it.

• Do not use old and new batteries at the same time.

• If the batteries leak, remove the batteries and carefully wipe up the fluid.

• Keep the terminals clean. Use a dry cloth to wipe any dirt off the terminals.

Powering Your Camcorder

Using the Optional AC Adapter/Charger

The optional CPS801C AC adapter/charger shown on page 43 will power the camcorder and charge your rechargeable nickel cadmium battery.

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

Battery Pack

REFRESH Button

POWER Indicator

CHARGE Indicator

Charging and Refreshing Rechargeable Battery

The battery pack provides longer operation time if it is refreshed (completely discharged) before every charging. Refreshing takes approximately 3-1/2 hours.

Caution: When a battery is attached to the adapter/ charger, do not turn them upside down. The battery may fall off and be damaged or cause injury.

Charge the Battery

1. Plug adapter/charger into an AC outlet

(100-240V, 50/60Hz). The POWER indicator lights.

2. Align the reference marks on the

battery with marks on the adapter/ charger and slide the battery in the direction of the arrow until it locks.

The CHARGE indicator lights while battery is charging.

3. Remove the battery when the

CHARGE indicator turns off.

Notes: Make sure AC power cord is removed from the outlet when finished.

If the CHARGE indicator flashes rapidly, this may indicate the battery is improperly

installed. Remove it and try again. If the CHARGE indicator still flashes rapidly, it may indicate the battery pack cannot be used.

Refresh the Battery

1. Plug in the adapter/charger and attach the battery.

2. Press REFRESH. The CHARGE indicator flashes slowly

and any remaining charge in the battery is discharged. The CHARGE indicator then stops flashing and the battery pack is recharged.

3. Remove the battery when the CHARGE indicator turns off.

Powering Your Camcorder

Power the Camcorder

The optional CPS801C AC adapter/charger and optional DCC100 DC cable let you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. It operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge your battery pack. You may need a plug adapter in some countries. Consult your dealer.

To AC 100240V, 50/60 Hz

DC IN Jack

DC Cable

Caution: Do not use this adapter/charger for any purpose other than charging recommended

Adapter/Charger

battery or supplying power to the camcorder.

Attach Adapter/Charger

1 Press the PUSH button to open the

battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully.

2. Plug one end of the optional DC cable into the DC OUT jack on the adapter/ charger and the other end into the DC IN jack on the camcorder.

3. Close the battery compartment. Press the PUSH button to lock the battery compartment shut.

4. Plug the AC adapter/charger power cord into an AC operating outlet. The adapter/charger’s POWER indicator lights.

Remove the Adapter/Charger

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

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

Using Optional AC Plug Adapter

An optional plug adapter may be required in some countries.

Optional AC Plug Adapter

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

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

AC 100-240V

Powering Your Camcorder

Lithium Cell Installation

The remote’s lithium cell is packed separately. Install it as follows:

Insert Pencil Here

Lithium Cell

Cell Holder

1. Turn remote over, insert a pencil or paper clip in the small hole, and slide cell holder in the direction of the arrow to remove it.

Cell Holder

Lithium Cell

3. Replace cell holder in remote until it clicks into place.

Notes: Never place anything heavy on top of the remote control or lay it upside-down.

Replace cell when camcorder fails to respond to remote.

Remove cell from remote if it will not be used for a month or more. This will prevent possible damage from cell leakage. If leakage occurs, wipe up liquid inside compartment and replace cell.

2. Insert the cell in the cell holder so the positive (+) terminal faces up.

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

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

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

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

Remote Control

Remote Sensor

The remote operates the camcorder by infrared light, so it is protected from electrical and sound interference. However, the remote must be aimed directly at the camcorder’s remote sensor. There cannot be any obstructions between them.

Remote Control Sensor

Note: The camcorder may not respond to

the remote if its sensor is exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light.

Storing the Remote Control

When you are not using the remote control you may want to store it in the remote control holder located in the camcorder’s battery compartment.

Remote Control Holder

Store the Remote Control

1. Press the PUSH button to open the battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully.

2. Insert the remote control in the remote control holder and click it into place as shown.

Remote Control Holder

Remove the Remote Control

1. Press the PUSH button to open the battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully.

2. Carefully pull back the remote control holder, and lift the remote control as shown.

Remote Control

PLAYSTOP

DISPLAY REC

ZOOM

COUNTER

MEMORY RESET

REW F FWD

PAUSE

T W

3 4 5

8 9

A brief description of the remote button’s functions is given here. Many of the buttons perform the same functions as the corresponding controls on the camcorder. The battery must be installed as shown on page 14.

ZOOM (T and W) Buttons

During record or record pause:

• Press T to move the lens in the telephoto (close-up) direction.

• Press W to move the lens in the

DISPLAY Button

Press this button to have the viewfinder displays appear on a TV monitor.

Details are on pages 23, 37 and 39.

wide-angle direction.

COUNTER MEMORY and RESET Buttons

Used with the time counter and memory stop feature. Details are on

page 30.

STOP Button

When the camcorder is in VCR (PLAY) mode, press STOP to stop

playback, rewind, or fast-forward operation.

Remote Control

REW (Rewind) Button

Camcorder is in CAM (camera) mode:

• When the camcorder is in record pause, press and hold REW to visually search the tape in reverse. Release REW to return to recordpause.

Camcorder is in VCR(PLAY) mode:

• When the camcorder is stopped, press REW to rewind the tape. Press STOP to stop rewinding the tape.

• When a tape is playing, press and hold REW to visually search in reverse. Release REW to return to normal playback.

PAUSE Button

During playback, press PAUSE to produce a stop-action picture. Press PAUSE or PLAY to return to normal playback.

Caution: Pause is designed for momentary interruptions and should not be used for an extended period of time. If the camcorder remains in pause for more than three minutes, it will automatically enter the stop mode and then turn off.

REC (Record) Button

When the camcorder is in CAM (camera) mode, press REC to start and stop recording.

PLAY Button

Press PLAY when the camcorder is in VCR (PLAY) mode to begin playback.

F FWD (Fast Forward) Button

Camcorder is in CAM (camera) mode:

• When the camcorder is in record pause, press and hold F FWD to visually search the tape forward. Release F FWD to return to record-pause.

Camcorder is in VCR(PLAY) mode:

• When the camcorder is stopped, press F FWD to fast forward the tape. Press STOP to fast forwarding the tape.

• When a tape is playing, press and hold F FWD to visually search forward. Release F FWD to return to normal playback.

Recording

Video Cassettes

We recommend that our cassettes be used with your camcorder. Use of poor quality or damaged tapes can contaminate the video heads. Head cleaning is not covered under warranty and is considered normal maintenance.

Inserting or Removing Cassettes

Caution: Insert the cassette so the

safety tab is at the top and the tape window is facing out. The cassette

EJECT

Button

PUSH Here to Close

should slide easily in the compartment. Do not force the cassette.

1. Attach a power supply and turn on the camcorder.

2. Press the EJECT button to open the cassette compartment.

3. Insert the tape with the safety tab on top and the tape window facing out.

Erase Protection — Safety Tab

You can protect your video cassettes from being erased by closing the safety tab. To erase a previous recording, open the safety tab and record over it.

Recording Times

The camcorder records in standard speed (SP). See the chart for the maximum SP recording times for some 8mm cassettes.

4. Gently press the compartment where it is labeled PUSH until it clicks into place. The top closes automatically.

CAUTION: Do not press down on the top or you may damage your camcorder.

Safety Tab

To Prevent Erasure Close Safety Tab (Expose Red)

Cassette Recording Time

P6-15 15 Minutes P6-20 20 Minutes P6-45 45 Minutes P6-60 60 Minutes P6-90 90 Minutes P6-120 120 Minutes P6-150 150 Minutes

To Record Again Open Safety Tab (Red Disappears)

+ 44 hidden pages

RCA Pro842, Pro847, Pro848 User Manual

Product Registration

Table of Contents

First-Time Operation

Assistance

Powering Your Camcorder

Using the Optional AC Adapter/Charger

Recording

Video Cassettes