camcorder
user's guide
ProV600
Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose
camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER
(OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONEL.
CAUTION
CAUTION
This symbol indicates “dangerous voltage”
inside the product that presents a risk of electric
shock or personal injury.
This symbol indicates important instructions
accompanying the product.
Cautions
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
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: ___________________________________
Serial No: ___________________________________
Purchase Date: __________________________________
Purchased From: _________________________________
i
ProV600
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)
Table of Contents
Safety Information..............................i
First Time Operation
• Assistance ....................................... 3
• Unpack the Camcorder and
Accessories................................. 3
• Attach Lens Cap Cord and
Adjust Handstrap........................ 4
• Attach the Shoulder Strap ............... 4
• Attach the Adapter/Charger ............ 5
• Turn on the Camcorder ................... 6
• Insert a Cassette ..............................6
• Use the LCD Monitor or
Viewfinder to View What
You Are Recording..................... 7
• Start and Stop Recording ................8
• Play Back What you Have
Recorded .................................... 8
• Turn Off the Camcorder.................. 8
• Close the Monitor and
Replace the Lens Cap................. 8
• Review Camcorder’s
Operating Controls ................9-10
Powering Your Camcorder
• Using the Adapter/Charger to
Power Your Camcorder ............ 11
• Using the Battery to Power
Your Camcorder
• Attach and Remove the
Battery ................................. 12
• Charge and Refresh the
Battery ................................. 13
• Battery Level Indicator ............. 14
• Battery Care and Storage .......... 14
Remote Control
• Install Lithium Cell ....................... 15
• Buttons ..................................... 16-17
• Sensor............................................ 17
Video Cassettes
• Erase Protection – Safety Tab ....... 18
• Recording Times ........................... 18
• Insert or Remove a Cassette.......... 19
• Cassette Care and Storage............. 19
1
Table of Contents
Recording
• Making a Recording.................20-21
• Viewing What You are Recording
Using the Viewfinder or
LCD Monitor
• Using the Viewfinder................ 22
• Eyepiece Focus Control............ 22
• Using the LCD Monitor............ 23
• LCD Monitor and Viewfinder
Displays...............................24-25
• Flying Erase Head......................... 26
• Quick Review Feature................... 26
• Camera Edit Feature ..................... 26
• DISPLAY Button ........................... 26
• Microphone ................................... 27
• Automatic White Balance
and Iris ..................................... 27
• AE (Automatic Exposure)
Shutter Speed Control .............. 27
• Beep Feature ................................. 27
• Blank Search ................................. 28
• Tape-Remaining Display............... 28
• Zooming ........................................ 29
• Focusing ........................................ 30
• Using Focus Lock Feature ........ 30
• Date/Time Display
• Install and Remove
Clock Lithium Cell.............. 31
• Set the Time and Date............... 32
• Record Date or Date and Time... 33
• Time Counter ................................ 34
Recording Tips.................................35
Playback
• Using the LCD Monitor
or Viewfinder ........................... 36
• Playback Features
• Visual Searching ....................... 37
• Stop-Action Pause .................... 37
• Tape Positioning ....................... 37
• 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
Care and Maintenance
• Cleaning the Camcorder ............... 48
• Cleaning the Camcorder’s
Lens ...................................... 48
• Cleaning the Camcorder’s
LCD Monitor ....................... 48
• Cleaning the Camcorder’s
Viewfinder ............................ 48
• Proper Care and Storage ............... 49
• Things to Avoid ............................. 49
Trouble Checks ...........................50-52
Customer Assistance........................ 53
Limited Warranty.......................54-55
Specifications.................................... 56
Information to User ......................... 56
Index ............................................57-60
T raveling T ips .................................. 35
2
First-Time Operation
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.
ZOOM
TW
DISPLAY REC
COUNTER
MEMORY RESET
PLAYSTOP
REW F.FWD
PAUSE
Model ProV600
Remote Control
Part No. 233195
AC Adapter/Charger Part No. 238152
and DC Cable Part No. DCC100
CAUTIONS: Lithium cells must be disposed of properly. Never handle
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.
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 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 cells, and never short circuit the +
and – sides of the cell.
WARNING:
NICKEL CADMIUM BA TTER Y
MUST BE
RECYCLED OR
DISPOSED OF
PROPERL Y.
Caution: Do
not use this
adapter/
charger for
any purpose
other than
charging the
AV55 battery
pack or
supplying
power to the
camcorder.
Rechargeable Battery
Part No AV55
Shoulder Strap
Part No. 213004
Lens Cap String
Part No. 224176
Audio/Video Cable
Part No. 217496
3
First-Time Operation
2. Attach lens cap cord and
adjust handstrap.
• Press in on the tabs on both sides
of the lens cap to remove it.
• Attach the lens cap cord to the
lens cap.
• Pull up the flap of the handstrap
and open the strap.
3. Attach the shoulder strap.
• Unfasten one end of the shoulder
strap from the buckle. Make sure
you leave the buckle on the strap.
Shoulder Strap Rings
• Thread one end of the shoulder
strap through one of the shoulder
strap rings.
• Thread the strap back into the
buckle as shown. Pull on the
strap and make sure it is fastened
securely before using it to support
your camcorder.
• Run the cord from the lens cap
through the audio/video terminal
cover and over the end of
the strap.
• Adjust the strap for comfort and
close the flap.
Note: Make sure the end of the strap
is positioned securely before closing
the flap.
• Slide the lens cap onto the strap.
4
Cautions: Make sure the
shoulder strap is firmly
attached before using it to
carry the camcorder.
When carrying the camcorder
with the shoulder strap, close
the monitor and place the
viewfinder down. This helps
prevent possible damage to the
monitor or viewfinder from
bumping against your body as
you move.
First-Time Operation
OPEN
Button
To AC
100-240V,
50/60 Hz
DC IN Jack
Adapter/
Charger
POWER
Indicator
4. Attach the adapter/charger.
Since the battery must be charged
before it can be used the first time,
attach the adapter/charger to the
camcorder.
• Connect one end of the DC cable
to the DC OUT jack on the
adapter/charger.
• Press the OPEN button and open
the monitor.
DC OUT
Jack
DC Cable
• Connect the other end of the DC
cable to the DC IN jack on the
camcorder and run the cable
through the cutout as shown.
• Plug the adapter/charger’s plug
into an operating outlet. The
adapter/charger’s POWER
indicator will light.
5
First-Time Operation
Beep
Indicator
VCR/CAM
Button
VCR CAM
T ape Window
VCR
(Green)
Indicator
CAM
(Red)
Indicator
EJECT
Button
5. Turn on the camcorder.
• Slide the POWER switch upward
to turn on the camcorder.
• The camcorder turns on in the
CAM (camera) mode. The red
CAM indicator beside the VCR/
CAM button lights. If it does not,
press the VCR/CAM button.
Notes: The CAM (red) or VCR
(green) indicator lights to tell you
what mode the camcorder is in.
A beep sounds for certain operations.
The beep indicator flashes with the
beep. Details are on page 27.
PUSH Here to
Close
Compartment
POWER
Switch
6. Insert a cassette.
• Press the EJECT button to open
the cassette compartment.
• Insert the cassette so the safety tab
is at the top and the tape window
faces out.
• Gently close the cassette
compartment by pressing on the
area labeled PUSH until it clicks
into place. The top closes
automatically.
Caution: Do not press
down on the top as it may
damage the camcorder.
6
First-Time Operation
7. Use the LCD monitor or viewfinder to view what you are
recording.
You can watch what you are recording on the color LCD monitor or in the blackand-white viewfinder.
Viewfinder
Eyepiece Focus
Control
BRIGHT
Control
LCD
Monitor
Use the LCD Monitor
• Rotate the monitor into a
comfortable viewing position. The
monitor can be rotated completely
around.
Note: When the monitor is opened,
the viewfinder is normally turned off.
However, if the monitor is rotated 130º180º, the viewfinder will remain on so
the subject and the camcorder operator
can both see what is being recorded.
• Adjust the brightness of the image
in the monitor by rotating the
BRIGHT control.
Note: When recording on a bright
sunny day, the LCD monitor may be
hard to see. Use the viewfinder.
Use the viewfinder.
• The monitor must be closed or
rotated 130º-180º for the
viewfinder to operate.
• Rotate the viewfinder into a
comfortable operating position.
• Turn the eyepiece focus control to
adjust the focus of the viewfinder
for your vision.
(continued on next page)
7
First-Time Operation
DISPLAY BLANK
REW
Button
PLAY
Button
STOP
Button
PLAYREW F.FWD
STOP PAUSE
EJECT
VCR CAM
VCR (Green)
Indicator
POWER
Switch
REC
START/
STOP
Button
8. Start and stop recording.
• Press and release the REC ST ART/
STOP button (thumb trigger) to
start recording. REC appears on
the LCD monitor or in the
viewfinder.
• Press and release the REC ST ART/
STOP button (thumb trigger) again
to stop recording. PAUSE flashes
on the LCD monitor or in the
viewfinder.
9. Play back what you have
recorded.
• Press the VCR/CAM button to light
the green VCR indicator.
8
• Press REW to rewind the tape.
• Press PLAY to play back the tape
on the LCD monitor or in the
viewfinder.
• Press STOP when you are finished
playing back the tape.
• Details on LCD monitor and
viewfinder playback are on
page 36.
10. Turn off the camcorder.
Slide the POWER switch upward.
The VCR (or CAM) indicator will
turn off.
11. Close the monitor and
replace the lens cap.
First-Time Operation
11. Review camcorder’s operating controls.
A (Audio),
V (Video),
and RF
Out Jacks
Remote
Control
Sensor
Microphone
VCR (Green)
Indicator
Zoom Control
W = Wide Angle
V
A
Lens
CAM (Red)
Indicator
T = Telephoto
Clock Cell
Compartment
Shoulder Strap Holder
Eyepiece
Focus
Control
LCD Monitor and
Battery Compartment
Cassette
Compartment
VCR CAM
Beep
Indicator
REC/START STOP Button
(Thumb T rigger)
VCR/CAM
Button
Shoulder Strap Holder
Handstrap
POWER
Switch
9
First-Time Operation
11. Review camcorder’s operating controls.
B (Bright) and F
(Focus) Controls
(See “Trouble
Checks” for
details.)
BATT (Battery
Release) Button
Speaker
VOLUME
Control
BRIGHT
Control
LCD
Monitor
OPEN
Button
DISPLAY Button
REW (Rewind) Button
PLAY Button
STOP Button
BLANK
Button
DISPLAY BLANK
PLAYREW F.FWD
STOP PAUSE
EJECT
F.FWD (Fast
Forward)
Button
P AUSE
Button
EJECT Button
Battery
Compartment
DATE Button
FOCUS LOCK Button
DC IN Jack
10
First-Time Operation
Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder
The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder
directly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 100-240
volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the
camcorder or recharge the battery.
OPEN
To AC
100-240,
50/60 Hz
Adapter/
Charger
Button
DC OUT
Jack
POWER
Indicator
DC IN Jack
DC Cable
Attach Adapter/Charger
1. Connect one end of the DC cable to
the DC OUT jack on the adapter/
charger.
2. Press the OPEN button and open the
LCD monitor.
3. Connect the other end of the DC cable
to the DC IN jack on the camcorder
and run the cable through the cutout
as shown.
4. If the adapter/charger is properly
connected, its POWER indicator
will light.
Caution: Do not use this adapter/
charger for any other purpose other
than charging the AV55 battery
pack or supplying power to
the camcorder.
Remove Adapter/Charger
1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the
wall outlet.
2. Remove the DC cable from the
adapter/charger and camcorder.
3. Close the LCD monitor and press on it
gently until it locks into place.
Using an Optional 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
11
First-Time Operation
Using the 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 60 minutes. When fully charged,
the battery should supply about 50 minutes of operating time (depending on how much
you use zoom and pause). Conserve battery power by turning the camcorder off during
recording breaks.
Note: The small marker switch on top of the battery is for use as a personal reminder to help you
recharge the battery. It has no other function.
BATT (Battery
Release) Button
OPEN Button
Marker
Switch
Rechargeable
Battery (Press
here.)
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 149ºF
(65ºC) could be hazardous.
Attach the Charged Battery
Remove the DC cable if attached.
1. Press the OPEN button to open the
LCD monitor. Carefully open the
monitor fully.
2. Insert the battery sideways aligning
the marks on the battery compartment and battery. Press on the
battery where shown while sliding it
Remove the Battery
1. Press the OPEN button to open the
LCD monitor. Carefully open the
monitor fully.
2. Press in the BATT (battery release)
button, slide the battery down, and
remove it.
3. Close the LCD monitor and press it
gently until it locks into place.
up and locking it into place.
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.
12
RBRC
RBRC
Ni-Cd
First-Time Operation
T o AC Wall
Outlet 100240 V olts,
50/60 Hz.
Hold Battery
Flush and
Slide
POWER
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.
Reference Marks
Adapter/Charger
REFRESH
Button
CHARGE
Indictor
Charge the Battery
If the DC cable is attached to the DC
OUT jack on the adapter/charger, remove
its plug.
1. Plug adapter/charger into nearest AC
outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz). The
POWER indicator lights.
2. Align reference marks on battery with
marks on adapter/charger, and slide the
battery in the direction of the arrow
until it locks into place.
3. If the battery is properly connected,
the adapter/charger’s CHARGE
indicator will light.
Note: The CHARGE indicator will flash
rapidly if the battery is not installed
properly. Remove the battery from the
adapter/charger and attach it again. If the
indicator still flashes, the battery cannot be
charged.
4. When the CHARGE indicator turns
off, remove the charged battery by
sliding it off the adapter/charger.
5. Remove the power cord from the
AC outlet.
Refresh the Battery
The battery will provide increased
operation time if you “refresh” it before
every charging. The refresh feature
“refreshes” the battery by completely
discharging it. Refreshing takes
approximately 4 hours.
1. Plug in the adapter/charger and
attach the battery.
2. Press REFRESH. The CHARGE
indicator flashes slowly while the
battery discharges.
3. When discharging is completed, the
CHARGE indicator stops flashing.
Then the battery begins charging.
4. After the battery is charged, the
CHARGE indicator turn off.
13
First-Time Operation
Battery Level Indicator
The battery level indicator appears when approximately half the battery
power is left. This indicator shows you the amount of power in the
rechargeable battery.
• When there is approximately five
minutes of battery power left in the
battery, appears. The
camcorder will turn off automatically
after a few seconds. Slide the POWER
switch up and turn off the camcorder
before replacing the battery.
Battery Level Indicator
in Viewfinder or on LCD Monitor
• As the power is used , ,
and appear.
Battery Care and Storage
• Store the battery pack in a place that
does not reach high temperatures.
• Remove the battery from the
camcorder when it is not in use to
prolong the battery life.
• The battery will provide increased
operation time if you “refresh” it
before every charging.
• Recharge the battery just before it is
used. If the battery is recharged and
not used, it will slowly lose its charge.
• Charge the battery within a temperature range of 50ºF to 86ºF (10ºC to
30ºC) to prevent damage.
• After repeated charging and use,
operation time will gradually decrease.
When operation time becomes too
short to be useful, it is time to replace
the battery.
The battery level indicator will not be
recorded on the tape when it appears.
• Let a hot battery cool down before
attaching it to the AC adapter/charger.
The battery operating time may be shorter
than normal even after a full charge.
• If it is being used for the first time.
The operating time is restored after the
battery has been refreshed and recharged for two or three times.
• If it is used in low temperatures.
• If it is stored at temperatures above
104ºF (40ºC).
• If it is discharged completely and
stored for a long period (more than
three months).
• If the record-pause mode is used
frequently.
• If cassette loading and unloading is
excessive.
• Frequent zooming in and out.
14
Remote Control
Install Remote’s Lithium Cell
The remote’s lithium cell is packed
separately. Install it in the remote as
follows:
1. Turn the remote over, insert a pencil or
paper clip in the small hole, and slide
the cell holder in the direction of the
arrow to remove it.
2. Insert the cell in the cell holder so the
positive (+) terminal faces up.
3. Replace the cell holder in remote by
pressing in 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.
Cautions: Lithium cell must be
disposed of properly. Never handle
punctured or leaking cell. May cause
burns or personal injury.
Keep out of the hands of children.
Can cause death or injury if
swallowed. If swallowed, consult a
physician immediately for emergency
treatment.
The lithium cell used in this device
may explode resulting in a fire or
chemical burn if mistreated. Do not
recharge, disassemble, heat above
212°F (100°C), or incinerate.
Never use metallic tweezers to hold
the cells, and never short circuit the +
and – sides of the cell.
15
Remote Control
Remote Control Buttons
A brief description of the remote button’s functions is given here. Many of the
buttons perform the same function as the corresponding control on the
camcorder. The battery must be installed as shown on the previous page.
ZOOM
TW
DISPLAY REC
COUNTER
MEMORY RESET
PLAYSTOP
REW F.FWD
PAUSE
COUNTER MEMORY and RESET
Buttons
• These buttons are used with the time
counter and memory-stop feature.
• Details are on page 34.
DISPLAY Button
• Press this button to have the
camcorder’s displays appear on a TV
monitor connected to the camcorder.
• Details are on page 26.
F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button
Camcorder in the CAM (Camera) Mode
• When the camcorder is in recordpause, press and hold F.FWD to
visually search the tape forward.
Release F.FWD to return to
record-pause.
16
Camcorder in the VCR Mode
• When the camcorder is stopped, press
F.FWD to fast forward the tape. Press
STOP to stop 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.
PAUSE Button
• During playback, press PAUSE to
produce a stop-action picture.
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.
Remote Control
Press PAUSE or PLAY to return to
normal playback.
PLAY Button
• When the camcorder is in the VCR
mode, press PLAY to begin playback.
REW (Rewind) Button
Camcorder in CAM (Camera) Mode
• When the camcorder is in recordpause, press and release REW to review
the last few seconds of your recording.
• When the camcorder is in recordpause, press and hold REW to visually
search the tape in reverse. Release
REW to return to record-pause.
Camcorder in VCR 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.
REC (Record) Button
• When the camcorder is in the CAM
(camera) mode, press REC to start and
stop recording.
STOP Button
• When the camcorder is in the VCR
mode, press STOP to stop playback,
rewind, or fast-forward operation.
ZOOM Buttons (T and W)
• When the camcorder is in the CAM
(camera) mode:
• Press T to move the lens in the
telephoto (close-up) direction.
• Press W to move the lens in the
wide-angle direction.
Remote Control 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.
Note: The camcorder may not respond to the
remote if the remote sensor is exposed to
direct sunlight or strong artificial light.
17
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