RCA ProV712, ProV714 User Manual
ProV712/ProV714
8
USER‘S
GUIDE
CAMCORDER
Important Safety Information
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS CAMCORDER OR ADAPTER/CHARGER TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the
unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks.
This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating
and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying
this unit.
CAUTION
(applies to the supplied AC adapter)
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK,
MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO
WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
CAUTION
To prevent electric shocks and fire
hazards, do NOT use any other
power source.
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 No: ProV712/ProV714
Serial No:
Purchase Date:
Purchased From:
Assistance
We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call:
Camcorder Exchange Warranty ....................................... 800-283-6503
Customer Service .................................................................... 800-336-1900
Accessories ....................................................................... 800-338-0376
i
(pages 30-31)
(page 29)
(pages 21-24)
WARNING—FCC Regulations state that any unauthorized changes or modifica-
tions to this equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user’s authority to operate this equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the 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.
INFORMATION
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful 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 harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
—receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Your Camcorder is designed to record in SP mode only. It will not perform normal
playback for programs prerecorded in LP mode.
Important Information
This Camcorder does not have a PCM recording or playback function. PCM recordings
made using other VCRs or audio dubbing cannot be played back on this unit.
If you record on a tape on which PCM sound has already been recorded, the audio
track of the new Camcorder recording may not come out if the tape is played back on
a PCM-capable VCR. If this occurs, set the VCR’s audio monitor select switch to the
“STANDARD” position.
NOTE
The Camcorder’s LCD panel is a very high technology product with close to 90,000
(ProV712)/more than 112,000 (ProV714) thin-film transistors*, giving you fine picture
detail. Occasionally, a pixel may appear on the screen as a fixed point of blue, green,
red, or black. Please note that this does not affect your Camcorder’s performance.
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
ii
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
In addition to the careful attention devoted to
quality standards in the manufacture of your
video product, safety is a major factor in the
design of every instrument. However, safety is
your responsibility too.
This sheet lists important information that will
help to assure your enjoyment and proper use
of the video product and accessory equipment.
Please read them carefully before operating and
using your video product.
Installation
1 Read and Follow Instructions—All the
safety and operating instructions should be
read before the video product is operated.
Follow all operating instructions.
2 Retain Instructions—The safety and
operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
3 Heed Warnings—Comply with all
warnings on the video product and in the
operating instructions.
4 Polarization—This video product is
equipped with a polarized alternating-current
line plug (a plug having one blade wider than
the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet
only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try
reversing the plug. If the plug still fails to fit,
contact your electrician to replace your obsolete
outlet. To prevent electric shock, do not use this
polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the blades can be
fully inserted without blade exposure. If you
need an extension cord, use a polarized cord.
5 Power Sources—This video product
should be operated only from the type of power
source indicated on the marking label. If you
are not sure of the type of power supply to your
home, consult your video dealer or local power
company. For video products intended to
operate from battery power, or other sources,
refer to the operating instructions.
6 Overloading—Do not overload wall outlets
or extension cords as this can result in a risk of
fire or electric shock. Overloaded AC outlets,
extension cords, frayed power cords, damaged
or cracked wire insulation, and broken plugs are
dangerous. They may result in a shock or fire
hazard. Periodically examine the cord, and if its
appearance indicates damage or deteriorated
insulation, have it replaced by your service
technician.
iii
7 Power-Cord Protection—Power-supply
cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items
placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the video product.
8 Ventilation—Slots and openings in the
case are provided for ventilation to ensure
reliable operation of the video product and to
protect it from overheating. These openings
must not be blocked or covered. The openings
should never be blocked by placing the video
product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface. This video product should never be
placed near or over a radiator or heat register.
This video product should not be placed in a
built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack
unless proper ventilation is provided or the
video product manufacturer’s instructions have
been followed.
9 Attachments—Do not use attachments
unless recommended by the video product
manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
10 Water and Moisture—Do not use this
video product near water—for example, near a
bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink or laundry
tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming
pool and the like.
Caution: Maintain electrical safety. Powerline
operated equipment or accessories connected
to this unit should bear the UL listing mark or
CSA certification mark on the accessory itself
and should not be modified so as to defeat the
safety features. This will help avoid any
potential hazard from electrical shock or fire. If
in doubt, contact qualified service personnel.
11 Accessories—Do not place this video
product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table. The video product may fall,
causing serious injury to a child or adult as well
as serious damage to the video product. Use
this video product only with a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table recommended by the
manufacturer or sold with the video product.
Any mounting of the product should follow the
manufacturer’s instructions and use a mounting
accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
11A A video product and cart combination
should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may
cause the video product and cart combination
to overturn.
(continued on next page)
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
12 Outdoor Antenna Grounding—If an
outside antenna or cable system is connected
to the video product, be sure the antenna or
cable system is grounded so as to provide
some protection against voltage surges and
built-up static charges. Section 810 of the
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70
(Section 54 of Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1)
provides information with respect to proper
grounding of the mast and supporting structure,
grounding of the lead-in wire to an antennadischarge unit, size of grounding conductors,
location of antenna-discharge unit, connection
to grounding electrodes, and requirements for
the grounding electrode. See example below.
Example of Antenna Grounding
ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE
GROUND CLAMP
ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
ELECTRIC SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
13 Power Lines—An outside antenna
system should not be located in the vicinity of
overhead power lines, other electric light or
power circuits, or where it can fall into such
power lines or circuits. When installing an
outside antenna system, extreme care should
be taken to keep from touching or approaching
such power lines or circuits as contact with
them might be fatal. Installing an outdoor
antenna can be hazardous and should be left to
a professional antenna installer.
Use
14 Cleaning—Unplug this video product
from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use
liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a
damp cloth for cleanig.
15 Object and Liquid Entry—Never push
objects of any kind into this video product
through openings as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or “short-out” parts that could
result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the video product.
16 Lightning—For added protection for this
video product during a lightning storm, or when
it is left unattended and unused for long periods
of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)
disconnect the antenna or cable system. This
will prevent damage to the video product due
to lightning and power line surges.
Service
17 Servicing—Do not attempt to service
this video product yourself as opening or
removing covers may expose you to dangerous
voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
18 Conditions Requiring Service—
Unplug this video product from the wall outlet
and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions.
A. When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged.
B. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have
fallen into the video product.
C. If the video product has been exposed to
rain or water.
D. If the video product does not operate
normally by following the operating
instructions. Adjust only those controls that
are covered by the operating instructions.
Improper adjustment of other controls may
result in damage and will often require
extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the video product to its normal
operation.
E. If the video product has been dropped or
the cabinet has been damaged.
F. When the video product exhibits a distinct
change in performance—this indicate a
need for service.
19 Replacement Parts—When replace-
ment parts are required, have the service
technician verify that the replacements he uses
have the same safety characteristics as the
original parts. Use of replacements specified
by the video product manufacturer can prevent
fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
20 Safety Check—Upon completion of
any service or repairs to this video product, ask
the service technician to perform safety checks
recommended by the manufacturer to
determine that the video product is in safe
operating condition.
21 Wall or Ceiling Mounting—The
product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling
only as recommended by the manufacturer.
22 Heat—The product should be situated
away from heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other products (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
Important Information
iv
Precautions
Dew Formation
• What is “dew formation”?
When cold water is poured into a glass, dew drops
form on the glass. This clinging of water drops is
called dew formation.
• When dew forms in your Camcorder.
Dew will gradually form on the head drum of your
Camcorder and make the video tape stick to the
head. This causes damage both to the head and
the tape. When dew formation occurs, recording
and playback may not function properly.
Dew is likely to form in the following circumstances:
• when moving the Camcorder from a cold place to
a warm place,
• when placing the Camcorder in a cold room
which is then heated rapidly,
• when moving the Camcorder outdoors from an
air conditioned room,
• when placing the Camcorder in the direct path of
air blowing from an air conditioner,
• when placing the Camcorder in a humid room.
• How to prevent trouble due to dew formation.
When using the Camcorder in a place where dew
formation is likely to occur, allow the Camcorder
and the video tape to acclimate to the surroundings
for about one hour.
For example, when bringing the Camcorder
indoors after skiing, place it in a plastic bag and
allow it to adapt to room conditions for some period
of time.
Plastic bag
1 Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag containing
the Camcorder.
2 Remove the bag when the air temperature inside
it reaches the temperature of the surroundings.
• “Dew” warning feature
If dew forms, the “DEW” indicator lights, and the power
will automatically turn off in approximately 10 seconds.
(See page 4)
DEW indicator
1 If the “DEW” indicator lights, remove the cassette,
leave the cassette compartment open, and wait
several hours to allow the Camcorder to
acclimate to the surrounding temperature.
2 To use the Camcorder again, after waiting for
several hours. Be sure that the “DEW” indicator
has turned off.
3 Do not insert a cassette while the “DEW” indicator
is lighting; this may result in damage to the tape.
4 Since dew forms gradually, it may take 10 to 15
minutes before the dew warning feature engages.
Note
Do not disconnect the power source (battery
pack, AC adapter, etc.) while the “DEW” indicator is
lit. Wait until it goes out.
• How to continually maintain good recording
If used in a variety of places, eventually your
Camcorder may not function properly due to
accumulation of dirt on the head drum. Please pay
special attention to the following points when using
your Camcorder.
1) Dew formation on the head drum.
2) Worn video tapes:
Using a damaged or soiled video tape may also
soil the head drum, causing the picture to be
blurred or nothing to be recorded on the video
tape. Do not use such a video tape.
3) Camcorder use in a humid or dusty place. Use
in extremely humid or dusty places may cause
damage to your Camcorder.
• When the video heads become clogged.
Using the Camcorder when the video tape is dirty
may cause the head to clog, producing noise on
the recorded image or preventing the image from
being recorded at all.
Under such circumstances, contact the nearest RCA
Customer Service or your dealer for further advice.
(Video head cleaning can be done by using a
commercially available cleaning tape. However,
excessive use of the cleaning tape may also cause
damage to the video heads. Please read the
instructions accompanying the cleaning tape
carefully, before using it.)
v
Table of Contents
Important Information
Important Information
Preparation
Basic Operation
Useful Features for
Camera Recording
Important Safety Information ........................................i-ii
Important Safeguards ................................................. iii-iv
Precautions (Dew Formation)............................................ v
Supplied Accessories ........................................................ 2
Camcorder Controls ....................................................... 3-4
Warning Indicators ........................................................... 4
Powering the Camcorder From an AC Outlet.................... 5
Using the AC Adapter/Battery Charger ............................. 6
Inserting and Removing the Battery Pack ......................... 7
Using the Optional Car Battery Adapter ............................ 8
Inserting and Removing a Cassette .................................. 9
Handling the Lens Cap and Using the Hand Strap ......... 10
Attaching the Shoulder Strap .......................................... 10
Handling the LCD Monitor Screen .................................. 10
Easy Camera Recording ................................................. 11
Zooming .......................................................................... 11
Tips on Recording Positions............................................ 12
Hints For Better Shooting ................................................ 13
Optical Picture Control .................................................... 13
Playback .......................................................................... 14
Volume Control................................................................ 14
Video Search................................................................... 14
Self Recording................................................................. 15
Auto/Manual Focus.......................................................... 16
Backlight Compensation (BLC) and
Gain-up (Cat’s Eye) ...................................................... 17
Macro Shots .................................................................... 17
Turning Off the LCD Monitor Backlight............................ 17
Lighting............................................................................ 18
Connections
References
Connection to a TV.......................................................... 19
Connection to a TV Through a VCR ................................ 19
Recording with Another VCR .......................................... 20
Optional Accessories....................................................... 21
Accessory Order Form ............................................... 22-24
Use and Care ............................................................. 25-27
Trouble Checks................................................................ 28
Customer Assistance and Service .................................. 29
Limited Warranty ........................................................ 30-31
Specifications .................................................................. 32
Index (Alphabetical)......................................................... 33
1
Supplied Accessories
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
Supplied Accessories
WARNING: NICKEL
CADMIUM BATTER Y
MUST BE RE-
CYCLED OR
Model ProV712 or ProV714*
*Your camcorder may look
slightly different from the one
shown in this manual.
BATTERY PACK
Stock No. BB45
DISPOSED OF
PROPERLY.
BATTERY CHARGER
Stock No. 221427
SHOULDER STRAP
Stock No. 233784
2
AC ADAPTER/
CAUTION; Do not use this
adapter/charger for any
purpose other than charging
the BB45 or BB50 battery
pack or supplying power to
the camcorder.
AUDIO/VIDEO CABLE
Stock No. 233568
LENS CAP
Stock No. 233570
DC OUTPUT CABLE
Stock No. 233567
Camcorder Controls
For details on the use of each control, refer to the page number indicated in the brackets.
Front View
Important Information
Bottom View
Zoom Lens
Cassette Compartment
Door Release [9]
Microphone
Cassette Compartment Door [9]
Preparation
Battery Compartment
Door [7]
Battery Compartment
Door Release [7]
Tripod Socket [21]
3
Camcorder Controls
Rear View
Shoulder Strap Loop
[10]
AUDIO/VIDEO Jack
VCR Mode
CAMERA
Mode
BATTERY
Indicator
Warning Indicators
Indicator Status Description of Warning
BATTERY DEW/CLOG
Red
BATTERY DEW/CLOG
Red
BATTERY DEW/CLOG
Red
REC
Red
BATTERY DEW/CLOG
Red
Red
BLC/GAIN-UP Button [17]
Speaker
Search Button
BATTERY DEW/CLOG
DEW/CLOG
Indicator
Manual FOCUS
Far Button
BATTERY indicator is
flashing.
DEW/CLOG indicator
is lit.
DEW/CLOG indicator
is flashing.
REC indicator is
flashing.
BATTERY and DEW/
CLOG indicators are
flashing in sync.
Power Zoom Wide/T elephoto
Control Buttons [11]
VOLume Control Buttons [14]
RECord START/ST OP Button
(in Camera Mode) [11]
Shoulder Strap Loop [10]
Power Switch (CAMERA/VCR
Select Switch) [11, 14]
Hand Strap [10]
Lens Cap Holder [10]
PLAY ButtonRewind/Reverse
PLAYREW
AUTO
F
FOCUS
AUTO FOCUS
Button
Fast Forward/Forward
Search Button
STOPFF
N
LAMP OFF
Manual FOCUS
Near Button
STOP Button
REC
RECording
Indicator
LAMP OFF
Button
The battery is almost depleted. Prepare a full charged battery
pack for replacement.
• Dew has formed inside the Camcorder. Wait for a few hours to
allow dew to dry (see page v).
• The Camcorder automatically turns off within 10 seconds after
this warning operation starts.
• Do not disconnect the power source from the Camcorder while
this indicator is lit.
The Camcorder’s heads are dirty and should be cleaned (see
page v).
There is less than about one minute of tape remaining. Prepare
to load a new cassette.
• The video cassette is defective and should be removed.
• Tape protection circuit is activated. Eject the tape from the
Camcorder and reload it.
4
Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet
1
Slide the battery compartment door release
and open the battery compartment door as
shown.
Battery
compartment
door release
2 Insert the DC cable connecting plate as
shown, then push it in completely.
Powering the Camcorder
4 Plug the DC cable into the DC OUT jack on
the AC adapter.
Insert the AC adapter’s AC plug into a wall
outlet. The POWER indicator will light.
Preparation
Connecting plate
3 Pass the DC cable through the battery
compartment notch. Close the door by
pressing it firmly in the center until it clicks.
Notch
Release the lock when
Lock
removing the connecting plate.
To wall outlet
DC cable
DC OUT jack
Caution
specially designed for use with the Camcorder, and
should not be used as a power supply for other
camcorders.
This AC adapter/battery charger is
Using an Optional Plug Adapter
An optional plug adapter may be required in some
countries.
Optional AC
Plug Adapter
AC 110-240V
•Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into the AC
plug adapter.
•Plug the AC plug adapter into an AC outlet.
5
Powering the Camcorder
Using the AC Adapter/
Battery Charger
Precautions:
• The AC adapter/battery charger may interfere with
reception, if used near a radio.
• Prevent flammables, liquids, and metal objects
from entering the adapter/charger.
• The adapter/charger is a sealed unit. Do not
attempt to open or modify it.
• Do not damage, drop, or subject the adapter/charger
to vibration.
• Do not leave the adapter/charger in direct sunlight.
• Avoid using the adapter/charger in humid or
extremely hot places.
Charging the Battery Pack
Disconnect the DC output cable from the
1
AC adapter/battery charger if it is connected. Insert the AC plug into a wall outlet.
The POWER indicator will light.
2 Align the “L” mark on the battery pack
with the “K” mark on the charger (1).
Next, press the other side of the battery
pack down until it clicks into place (2). The
CHARGE indicator lights.
1
POWER
indicator
(red)
CHARGE indicator
(orange)
2
To wall outlet
3 The CHARGE indicator will go off, when
the battery pack is charged. Slide the
BATTER Y EJECT switch in the direction of
arrow (1) and remove the battery pack (2).
Then, unplug the charger’s AC plug from
the wall outlet.
2
Charging Time and Maximum Time for Continuous
Recording in Camera Mode
Battery
Pack
BB45
BB50
Notes
• The use of the zoom and other functions and
• The battery pack and charger become warm during
• The charging time and recording time depend on
Charge Time
approx. approx. approx.
1 hr. 10 min. 50 min. 45 min.
approx. approx. approx.
3 hr. 1 hr. 35 min. 1 hr . 30 min.
outdoor recording (see page 13) increases the
power consumption, so that the actual recording
time per Battery Pack may actually be 30%-50%
less than the max. continuous recording time listed
above.
charging. This is not a malfunction.
the ambient temperature and the condition of the
battery pack.
Max. Continuous
Recording Time
ProV712 ProV714
Extending Battery Pack Life
This Camcorder uses a Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium) type
or Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) type battery pack.
• After approximately nine or ten rechargings, use
the battery pack until its charge is fully drained and
the camcorder stops operating before recharging.
This will help extend the operating time of the
battery pack.
• Recharge the battery pack right before recording.
A battery pack stored for an extended time will
naturally wear down, resulting in decreased
recording time.
• Do not try to recharge a fully charged battery pack
before it has been discharged, as this will cause
deterioration of the battery’s capacity .
• Store the battery pack in a dry, cool place.
Cautions
• Charge only RCA model BB45 or BB50 battery
packs. Other types of battery packs may burst,
causing personal injury and damage.
• If the power source becomes disconnected during
recording, playback, or other operations, the tape
will remain wrapped around the drum, causing
possible damage to the tape. Reconnect the power
source to the main unit immediately.
BATTERY EJECT
6
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