RCA PROV742, PROV730 User Manual

camcorder

user's guide

ProV730/ProV742

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

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

camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.

RISKOFELECrFIICSHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

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.

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.

_ AUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug

to wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour 6viter les chocs 61ectriques, 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.

CAUTION: Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from
a cold location to a warm location. Give the camcorder l-l/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 ProV 730/ProV742
Serial No:
Purchase Date:
PurChased From:

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

Camcorder Exchange Warranty ...... 800-283-6503 (Pages 70-71)

Customer Service ..................................... 800-336-1900 (Page 69)

Accessories ......................................... 800-338-0376 (Pages 59-65)

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

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

Contents ............................................. 1-2

First-Time Operation

• Assistance ............................................ 3

• Unpack Camcorder and

Accessories .................................. i...3

• Attach the Adapter/Charger ........... _.... 4

• Insert a Cassette .................................. 4

• Open the Lens Door ............................ 5

• Adjust the Handstrap ........................... 5

• Turn on the Camcorder .. ..................... 6

• Adjust Eyepiece Focus Control ........... 7

• Start and Stop Recording .................... 7

• Play Back What You Have

Recorded .......................................... 8

• Review the Camcorder's

Operating Controls ..................... 8-10

Remote Control

• Install Remote Battery ...................... 11

• Remote Sensor .................................. 11

• Location and Function of

Remote Buttons ........................ 12-13

Powering Your Camcorder

• Using the Adapter/Charger ............... 14

• Using the Rechargeable Battery

• Charge the Battery .......................... 15

• Insert the Battery ............................ 16

• Remove the Battery ........................ 16

• Proper Care and Storage ................. 17

•Battery Safety Precautions ............... 17

• Battery Level Indicator ..................... 18

• Using the Optional Car Cord

Adapter ........................................... 19

Video Cassettes

• Erase Protection ................................ 20

• Recording and Playback Speed and

Times .............................................. 20

• Inserting and Removing

Cassettes ......................................... 21

• Cassette Care and Storage ................. 21

Recording Features

• Microphone ..................... .................. 22

• Flying Erase Head ............................. 22

• Tally Light ......................................... 22

• Quick Review.. .................................. 22

• Edit Search ........................................ 23

• Tape Positioning ............................... 23

• Time Remaining Display ............ ...... 24

• Program AE (Auto Exposure) ........... 24

• Date Search ....................................... 25

• Date and Time Display

• Set the Date and Time .................... 26

• Record the Date and Time,

Date, or Date and Title ................. 27

• Install the Clock Lithium Cell ........ 28

• LCD Monitor

• Adjusting the Brightness ............... 29

• Moving the LCD Monitor .............. 29

• Viewfinder

• Eyepiece Focus Control ................. 30

• Tilt Adjustment .............................. 30

• Displays in Viewfinder

or LCD Monitor ...................... 31-32

• Focusing

• Auto Focus ..................................... 33

• Manual Focus ................................. 34

• Macro Focus ................................... 34

• Zooming ............................................ 35

• Digital Effects Recording .................. 36

• 16 x 9 Mode .................................... 37

• Negative/Positive Recording .......... 38

• Digital Zooming (ProV 742 only)..38

• Half-Mirror Recording ................... 39

• Mosaic Recording ......... :................ 39

• Fading In and Out of Scenes ........ 40-41

• Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS)

(ProV 742 only) ............................... 42

• Time Counter with Memory

Stop ............................................ 43-44

• Using the DISPLAY Button ............... 45

• Titler

• Creating a Title ............................... 46

• Recording Titles ............................. 47

• Audio/Video Dubbing ....................... 48

Attaching the Shoulder Strap ........... 49

Recording and Traveling Tips .......... 50

Playback

• Playing a Tape on

the LCD Monitor ............................... 51

• Viewfinder Playback .............. ,.......... 52

• Playback Features

• Stop-Action Pause .......................... 53

• Visual Searching ............................ 53

• Playback on TV (or VCR) with

A UDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks .......... 54-55

• Playback on TV without

Audio and Video Inputs ............ 56-57

Care and Maintenance ...................... 58

Optional Accessories ..................... 59-65

• Accessory Order Form ................. 63-65

Trouble Checks ............................. 66-67

User Information ................................ 68

Assistance ............................................ 69

Limited Warranty ......................... 70-71

Specifications ...................................... 72

Index (Alphabetical) ..................... 73-75

2

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
cameorder.

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

Camcorder Remote Control

(ProV 730 or ProV 742) Stock No. 239226

Rechargeable

7.2-Volt Battery
Stock No.

BB65L

DC Cable AC

Stock No. Adapter/Charger

221364 Stock No. 239224

Audio/Video

Output Cable

Stock No.

233408

AA Batteries

for Remote

Control

Clock Cell 3-Volt Micro
Lithium Cell - such as
CR2025 is available

from most local drug
stores and camera shops.
Use of other cells present
a risk of fire or

explosion.

2. Attach the adapter/charger.

DC IN 6V Jack

on back of Camcorder

Adapter/Charger's
DC Cable

Adapter/Charger

To AC 100-240V,
50160Hz.

[]

Since the battery must be charged
before it can be used the first time,

attach the adapter/charger.

• Attach one end of the adapter/
charger's DC cable to the DC OUT

jack on the adapter/charger.

DC OUT Jack

.y

• Attach the other end of the cable to

the DC IN 6V jack on the camcorder.

• Plug the adapter/charger's plug into
an operating outlet.

• Details are on page 14.

Notes: Details on using the rechargeable

battery are on page 16.

3. Insert a cassette.

EJECT Switch

OPEN

Safety Tab

LCD

Tape Window

A. Press OPEN to open the LCD

monitor.
Note: You must open the LCD monitor

all the way before you can insert the

cassette.

B. Slide EJECT to open the cassette

compartment.

Fully insert cassette with tape

window and safety tab facing out.

D. Gently close compartment door by

pressing on the area labeled PUSH

LOCK until the door clicks.
Details are on page 21.

• E. Close the LCD monitor to view the
recording picture using the
viewfinder or leave it open to view

on the monitor. Details are on

page 29.

Mark" • "

Lens Door

• OPEN

Lens Door Opener

Handstrap

Small button

4. Open the lens Door.

A. Slide the opener to open and close

the lens door

B. Align the "e" mark with OPEN to

open the lens door for recording.

C. Hold down the small button in the

opener as you slide it to CLOSE.

5. Adjust the Handstrap.

Adjust the hand strap to best fit your

hand.

Note: After adjustment, close the hand
strap pad securely.

Handstrap Cover

Adjustment Strap

D. Align with CLOSE to close it.

Note: You do not need to hold the small
button to slide the opener to OPEN.

5

CAM/OFF/VCR Switch

Thumb Trigger

6. Turn on the camcorder.

The CAM/OFF/VCR switch tells the
camcorder whether you want to
record (CAM), play back tapes (VCR),

or turn off the camcorder's power

(OFF).
Some of the controls operate

differently depending on the position
of the CAM/OFF/VCR switch.

• Press and hold the small button on

CAM/OFF/VCR while sliding it to
CAM or VCR.

Important Note: The TAPE indicator
will flash in the viewfinder or LCD
monitor when there is moisture in the

camcorder. Remove the tape and wait an
hour before inserting the tape in the
camcorder again.

6

Eyepiece Focus Control

Electronic Viewfinder in Operating Position

Tally Light

Thumb Trigger

Cassette Compartment

LCD Monitor

OPEN Button

Bright Control

7. Adjust eyepiece focus control
for your vision.

A. Pull out the eye cup all the way.

Note: The eye cup is pulled out when the
camcorder is delivered from the factory. If it
is not, please pull it out until you hear a

click. The focus control will not work
unless the eye cup is correctly pulled out.

You can store the eye cup when you are
using the LCD instead of the viewfinder.

B. Rotate viewfinder into a comfortable

viewing position.

C. If the image in the viewfinder is blurry,

adjust the eyepiece focus conwol for
your vision.

Details are on page 30.

Or, adjustthe brightnessof the
LCD monitor.

A. Press OPEN to open the LCD monitor.
B. Use the Bright control to adjust the LCD

monitor brightness.
Details are on page 29.

8. Start and stop recorfflng.

Start and stop recording by pressing and
releasing the thumb trigger. You do not
have to hold the thumb trigger to record.
The tally light will light and REC will
appear in the viewfinder or LCD monitor

when the carncorder is recording.

Notes: Ifyou do notrecord withinfive minutes,

thecarm'orderautomaticallyshutsoff toprevent

excessivetape wear. Ifthishappens,press the

thumbtrigger.Any materialrecordedon the tape
willautomaticallybeerasedif yourecordover it.

7

9. Play back what you have recorded.

A. Press thumb trigger to stop recording.
B. Place CAM/OFF/VCR in VCR.

C. Press REW/REVIEW to rewind the tape.
D. Press PLAY to play back the tape in the viewfinder.
E. Press STOP when you are finished.
F. Details on viewfinder or LCD playback are on page 51.

10. Review camcorder's operating controls.

INST. ZOOM button

EIS button

\

(model ProV
742 only)

D. EFFECTS button

Shoulder Strap Attachment Rings

FADE button

DATE/DISP (Display) button

FOCUS buttons

Install Charged Battery

(Behind the Cover)

DC IN 6 JACK
(Connect Adapter/Charger here)

8

10. Review camcorder's operating controls.

BATTERY EJECT lever

EJECT switch

/ POWER ZOOM control

T = telephoto
W = wide angle

Handstrap

/

/

ii CAM/OFF/VCR switch

Thumb Trigger

PLAY button

z/-

STOP button J

(also TITLER button)

F.FWD button

(also TITLER button)

-_ REW/REVIEW button
_ (also TITLER button)

"_ Audio/Video Output Connector

(behind the cover)

Eyepiece Focus control

Lens

Lens Door

Speaker

Remote Control Sensor

Microphone

Tally Light

9

10. Review camcorder's operating controls.

OPEN button

Bright control

"/ 1

Volume control i

i

LCD monitor

Cassette Compartment

PUSH LOCK button

Clock Cell HoMer

Tt__odMounting (threaded socket)

10

Install Remote Batteries

ack of Remote

1. Slide the cover in the direction of the

arrow to remove it.

2. Insert batteries with correct polarity

3. Replace the cover to the remote.

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

Replace batteries when camcorder fails to
respond to remote.

Remove the batteries from the remote if it will
not be used for a month or more. This will

prevent possible damage from battery

Battery Holder

leakage. If leakage occurs, wipe up the liquid
inside the compartment and replace
the batteries.

Cautions::_

same time,

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.

Note: The camcorder may not respond to the
remote control if the camcorder's remote

sensor is exposed to direct sunlight or strong
artificial light.

11

Location and Function of Remote Buttons

A brief description of the functions of the remote buttons is given here. Some buttons
perform the same function as the corresponding controls on your camcorder. You can

use whichever is more convenient at the time.

Note: An RCA VCR that is set to respond to VCR 2 on the VCR's remote may respond to this
remote when it is used to operate the camcorder.

PLA Y Button

@ REW(Rewind)

Button

A/V (Audio/Video) z"J

DUB Button z/z"

(_ DISPLAY Button

RESET Button

/ @ F.FWD (Fast Forward)

Button

STOP Button

'"_ @ PA USE and RECORD

Button

TITLE ON/OFF

Button

\ @ ZOOM Buttons

PLA Y Button

• Press PLAY when the camcorder's

CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in VCR to

begin playback.

• Press and hold PLAY when the
camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch

is in CAM to view the recorded
material at normal speed. When you

release PLAY, the camcorder will

stop playing and prepare to record at
that point on the tape.

REW (Rewind) Button

• Press REW when the camcorder's
CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in VCR to
rewind the tape.

• Press REW during playback
(camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch
in VCR) to visually search the tape in
reverse at a higher speed. Press
PLAY to return to normal playback.

12

• PressandholdREW when the

camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch
is in CAM to visually search the

recorded material in reverse. When
you release REW, the camcorder

stops searching and will record at
that point on the tape.

(_) A/V (Audio/Video) DUB Button

• Use this button to record new audio

and video in place of existing audio
and video on a recorded tape.

Details are on page 48.

DISPLA Y Button

• Press DISPLAY to turn the time
counter's memory-stop feature on

and off.

RESET Button

• Press RESET to set the time counter
back to "'0:00:00".

(_ F.FWD (Fast Forward)

Button

• Press F.FWD when the camcorder's

CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in VCR to
fast forward the tape.

• Press F.FWD during playback
(camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch

in VCR) to visually search the tape
forward at a high speed. Press PLAY
to return to normal playback.

• Press and hold F.FWD when the
camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch

is in CAM to visually search the
recorded material forward. When

you release the F.FWD button, the
camcorder will stop searching, and
prepare to record at that point on

the tape.

(_ STOP Button

• Press STOP when the camcorder's
CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in VCR to

stop playback, rewinding, or fast
forwarding.

• STOP has no effect when the
camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch

is in CAM. To stop recording, press

PA USE/RECORD.

(_ PA USE/RECORD Button

(same

as thumb trigger on camcorder)

• Press and release PA USE/RECORD
when the CAM/OFF/VCR switch is
in CAM to start and stop recording.

• Press PA USE/RECORD during

playback (camcorder' s CAM/OFF/
VCR switch in VCR)toproduce a
stop-action picture. Press PA USE/
RECORD again to return to normal
playback.

_ TITLE ON/OFF Button

• Press TITLE ON/OFF to display and

remove the titler graphics from the
viewfinder. Details are on pages 46-47.

ZOOM (W and T) Buttons

• Press and hold W ZOOM to move the
lens in the wide-angle direction.

• Press and hold T ZOOM to move the
lens in the telephoto direction.

13

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.

DC IN 6V Jack
on back of Camcorder

Adapter/Charger's
DC Cable

Adapter/Charger

To AC 100-240V,
50160 Hz.

[]

DC OUT Jack

To Attach the Adapter/Charger

1. Make sure the CAM/OFF/VCR switch
is in OFF.

2. Connect the DC cable's small plug

into the DC OUT jack on the
adapter/charger.

3. Attach the other end of the cable to the
DC IN 6V jack on the camcorder.

4. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into

the nearest AC outlet (100-240V,
50/60Hz).

5. If the adapter/charger is properly

connected, its POWER indicator will
light.

To Remove the Adapter/Charger

1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the

wall outlet.

2. Remove the DC cable from the DC IN
6V jack on the camcorder.

Using an Optional Plug Adapter
An optional plug adapter may be required

in some countries.

Optional AC "/#€
Plug Adapter / AC 200-240V

1. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into

the AC plug adapter.

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

14

Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Your Camcorder

To AC Wall Outlet

100-240V, 50/60 Hz

C

POWER Indicator

Notes: You can use the battery before it is
completely charged.

Remove the DC cord from the AC
adapter/charger before attempting to charge
the battery.

If you re-attach the fully charged battery to

the AC adapter/charger after the CHARGE

indicator goes out, the lamp will light. This
simply informs you that the battery has been
completely charged; it does not indicate that
the charge has been insufficient.

Charge the Battery

The first step is to set the battery to

charge using the provided AC

adapter/charger.

Notes: This camcorder operates with a
Lithium Ion battery such as BB65L.
Charge the battery on a flat surface without
vibration.

.

.

.

Plug the AC adapter/charger power
cord into an AC outlet. The POWER

indicator lights. (RED)
Align the bottom of the battery with

the • mark on the on the AC
adapter/charger, and then slide it in the

direction of the arrow. The CHARGE
indicator lights. (GREEN)
The CHARGE lamp will repeatedly

light for 3 seconds and then go off to
show that the battery has been charged
approximately 70% of full charge.

When the CHARGE lamp goes out, the

battery has been completely charged.
After the lamp goes out, unplug the
AC adapter/charger from the AC outlet
and remove the battery from the AC
adapter/charger.

Charging Time

Notes: Charge the battery at temperatures
32-104°F (0-40°C). At temperatures outside
this range, charging will take longer.

The battery cannot be charged at extremely
high or low temperatures. The CHARGE

indicator will flash at 2-second intervals to
show that charging is not taking place.

_-_Battery pack I

BB65L
Charging
Full Charge [ 130 min.

70% Charge 70 min.

Operating Time
The camcorder operating time depends on

how often you turn power on/off and use
start/stop and zoom.

Battery pack

LCD t

Recording

Continuous
Recording

Typical
Recording

BB65L

monitor r

OFF 120 min.

ON 100 min.
OFF : 70 min. ,
ON 55 rain. i;

15

Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Your Camcorder

Align Arrows

Fully move in the direction of the arrow to install.

Insert the Battery

1. Make sure the CAM/OFF/VCR switch

is in OFF.

2. Align the bottom of the battery with
the mark I_ on the camcorder so that
the battery fits into the grooves.

3. Slide the battery downward.

Notes: Always remove the battery from the
camcorder after use.

We cannot guarantee against malfunctions of
the camcorder which occur when you use
battery packs other than those specified.

Always attach a battery by the procedure
described here. Attaching a battery forcibly
could cause damage.

BATTERY EJECT lever

Remove the Battery

1. Make sure the CAM/OFF/VCR switch
is in OFF.

2. Slide the BATTERY EJECT lever in

the direction of the arrow and hold it,

then slide the battery to the upper side
al_d remove.

16

Proper Care and Storage of Your Battery

Do not operate the battery at temperatures
below 14°F (-10°C) or above 113°F
(45°C). The battery may be damaged if
operated at temperatures above 122°F
(50°C). Operation time will decrease at
extremely low temperatures.

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

Charge the battery at a temperature of
32°F - 104°F (0°C-40°C) to prevent
damage.

It is recommended that the battery always
be left in the discharged state when not in
use, and charge before you use it.

Avoid storing a fully charged battery, and
do not store it in a place where the
temperature is high: this will damage the
battery.

If the POWER indicator begins to flash
during charging, remove the battery and
then reattach it to the AC adapter/charger.

If the POWER indicator continues to flash
after several attempts to attach it, the

battery is unable to take a charge and
must be replaced.

Do not attach a hot battery to the AC
adapter/charger. Allow it to cool.
Attaching a hot battery to the AC
adapter/charger causes the POWER
indicator to flash.

17

Checking Battery Power (Battery Level Indicator)

The battery level indicator (one of six symbols displayed when the battery is used)
shows how much recording time is left on the rechargeable battery. This indicator
will not be recorded on the tape.

FULL -Illlil

NORMAL 1 --]lllll

NORMAL 2 --iSAllll

.............................

NORMAL 3 :- i
NORMAL 4 :---_ii_ _ll

_,, I //

LOWBATT _-_/ _ i_11

//1",\

Display in Viewfinder or LCD Monitor

• When the battery is fully charged, the
display shows _ in the :when the battery reaches empty. The

viewfinder or LCD monitor.

• After several minutes, the display shows whenyo_ siideEJECTJ'!If it:d_S not,

• When the battery level display

-_:__--a starts flashing, it is time to

recharge (or replace) the batteries.
Note: The battery level indicator does not

appear when the camcorder is powered by
the AC adapter/charger.

18

Using the Optional Thomson Car Cord Adapters

The optional DCC06 car cord adapterallows you to power your camcorder from the cigarette
lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV. They convert 24- and 12-volts to a 6-volt output.

Notes: Consult instructions enclosed with the DCC06 for details.
The vehicle's engine does not have to be turned on when using the car cords.

When using the car cords, the battery level indicator has no meaning.

Optional accessories are shown on pages 59-65.

Cautions: The DCC06 is designed to be used only with vehicles having negative ground
electrieal systems.

Do not use any other car cords_ They will damage your camcorder+

Using the DCC06 Car Cord Adapter to Power the Camcorder

Adapter/Charger's
DC Cable

Car Cord Adapter

DC IN 6V Jack

on back of Camcorder

1. Make sure the camcorder's
CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in OFF.

2. Connect the DC cable's small plug
into the DC OUTPUT jack on the car
cord adapter.

3. Attach the other end of the cable to the
DC IN 6V jack on the camcorder.

4. Insert plug of car cord adapter into

vehicle cigarette lighter's socket.

5. Press and hold the small button on the
CAM/OFF/VCR switch while sliding it

in CAM.

19

We recommend our cassettes be used with your camcorder. Use of poor
quality or damaged tapes can contaminate the video heads, resulting in snow

or no picture during playback. Head cleaning is not covered under warranty.
It is considered normal maintenance. Playing a new tape for approximately
30 minutes will often satisfactorily clean the heads and improve your picture.

Safety tab To prevent erasing the

tape, close safety tab
(expose red)

To record again,

open safety tab
(red D disappears)

Recording and Playback Speed and Times

The camcorder records and plays back in standard speed (SP). Listed below are the

maximum SP recording times for some popular 8mm cassettes.

P6-20
P6-45

P6-60
P6-90
P6-120

20 Minutes
45 Minutes
60 Minutes
90 Minutes

2 Hours

20

Inserting and Removing Cassettes

Cassette Door

EJECT switch

OPEN button

\

Safety Tab

Tape Window

LCD Monitor

PUSHLOCK

1. Press OPEN to open the LCD

monitor.

Note: You must open the LCD monitor all
the way in order to open the cassette
compartment to insert a tape.

2. Slide EJECT to open the cassette
compartment. _ EJECT appears
in the LCD monitor.

3. Fully insert cassette with tape window
and safety tab facing out.

4. Gently close compartment door by
pressing on the area labeled PUSH

LOCK until the door clicks.

.

When you are finished with a cassette,
rewind it, remove it from the
camcorder, and label it.

• Close the safety tab to prevent
accidental erasure.

• Do not use a cassette if it has been

damaged or exposed to moisture.

• Do not touch or cover the small holes in

the cassette or use cassettes with

damaged or spliced tape.

• Store cassettes vertically in their
protective cases at normal room
temperatures. Excessive heat or cold
may damage your cassettes.

• Keep the cassette away from strong
magnetic fields such as electric motors

and other devices.

21

Tally

Microphone

Microphone.

The microphone picks up the sound
during a recording. It is more sensitive to
sounds coming from the direction the
lens is pointed.

Flying Erase Head

A separate erase head is mounted on the
spinning headwheel (hence the term
"flying").

This allows you to make clean edits
without the "glitches" or "rainbow noise"
that may occur.

Tally Light

The tally light on the front of the
camcorder lights when the camcorder is
recording.

Quick Review

Press and release REW/REVIEW when
the camcorder is in record pause to

review the last few seconds of a
recording.

The camcorder will play back the last
few seconds of the recording, return the
tape to its previous position, and return to
record pause.

Note: Do not press and hold REW/REVIEW
or the camcorder will go into edit search.

22

CAM/OFF/VCR switch

(

PLAY butto_

/

/

STOP button
(also TITLER button)

\,

REW Button-

STOP

Button

F.FWD button
(also TITLER button)

REW/RE VIE W button

(also TITLER button)

F.FWD

Button

"PLA Y

Button

Edit Search

Edit search uses REW/REVIEW (REW
and F.FWD on remote), and PLAY to
precisely position the tape while the
camcorder is in record pause.

• Press and hold REW/REVIEW to
visually search the recorded tape in

reverse.

• Press and hold F.FWD to visually
search forward on the recorded tape.

• Press and hold PLAYto view the
recorded tape at normal speed.

Release the button for the camcorder to
return to record pause at that point on the

tape.

Tape Positioning

When the CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in
VCR and the camcorder is stopped, you

can quickly fast-forward or rewind the
tape.

• Press F.FWD to fast-forward the tape.
Press STOP to stop fast-forwarding.

• Press REW/REVIEW to rewind the tape
to the beginning. Press STOP to stop
rewinding.

23

Time-Remaining Display

The time-remaining display shows the amount of recording or playback time

left on the tape in the camcorder.

The display will display .... for

approximately ten seconds when you first
start playing or recording a tape while the
camcorder calculates the time remaining.
After the time is calculated, the time-

remaining indicator appears in the
viewfinder or LCD monitor.

• TAPE END flashes when there is
approximately three minutes of

recording time left on the cassette.

TAPE END appears briefly during

recording when the end of the cassette

is reached.

_---ql

i

L

When the cassette is full, _ 1
appears.

The 1 changes in size to indicate
how much recording or playback time is

left on the cassette.

Note: Once time remaining has been
calculated, it will automatically be updated

and readily available as long as the same tape
remains in the camcorder.

Program AE (Auto Exposure)

Auto Exposure when you want the camcorder to automatically select the shutter speed
and adjust the iris accordingly.

AE:60

Auto Exposure Display in

Viewfinder or LCD Monitor

The AE indicator for the shutter speed
selected (1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/180,

1/'250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000,

1/1500, 1/2000, or 1/4000 second)

appears in the viewfinder or LCD
monitor.

24

Date Search

You can search for the beginning and end of recordings you make on a certain day.

CAM/OFF/VCR switch

DA TE/DISP. button

F.FWD button

PLAY button (also TITLER button)

STOP button

(also T1TLER button)

REW Button--

STOP Button t

DISPLAY /

REW/REVIEW button

(also TITLER button)

Button

- F.FWD
Button

\PLA Y

Button

To Date Search

The clock cell battery must be installed

and the date and time set. The cassette
must remain in the camcorder for this
feature to operate.

1. Attach a power supply and place the

CAM/OFF/VCR switch in VCR.

2. Repeatedly press DISPLAY to display

SEARCH in the viewfinder or LCD
monitor.

SEARCH

.

If you are in the middle of your
recording for that day, press
REW/REVIEW to search for the place
you started recording that day or

F.FWD to search for the place you
stopped recording.

,_,_ SEARCH will appear while the
start position is being searched for;
SEARCHI_.I_ while the end
position is being searched for.

When the camcorder locates the
beginning or end of the recording, it
will enter the stop mode. SEARCH
disappears from the viewfinder or

LCD monitor.

Notes: The cassette must remain in the

camcorder for this feature to function. If you
insert a cassette and start recording, this
location will be the starting position for
that day.

This feature will only operate on cassettes
recorded on this camcorder.

To Stop Date Search
Press STOP to stop a search in progress.

25

Set the Date and Time

The clock cell must be installed as shown on page 28 before you set the clock.

DATE/DISP --
button

CAM/OFF/VCR switch

"J_ _ \ F FWD button

Play button \, (also TITLER button)

/

/ "_ REW/REVIEW button

STOP button
(also TITLER button) (also TITLER button)

1. Attach a power supply to the
camcorder. Press and hold the small
button on the CAM/OFF/VCR switch

while you slide it in CAM.

2. If the date and time display does not

appear in the viewfinder or LCD
monitor, press DATE/D1SP

.

A flashing cursor lets you know which
part of the display you are setting.

Press the F.FWD or REW/REVIEW
button repeatedly until the correct

month appears.

Month

D_y

Year

l

Hours

__k _--_, "nutes

_.L __AM or PM

12:00AM ]

03 17 97

.

.

.

Then press STOP. The flashing cursor

will move to the next part of the
display.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have
entered the correct month, day, year,
hour, minute, and AM or PM.

After you select AM or PM, press
DATE/D1SP to remove the flashing

cursor from the viewfinder or LCD
monitor and start the camcorder's

internal clock.

Correct the Date or Time

To correct the date or time after the clock

has been started, simultaneously press

DATE/DISP and STOP. Then correct the

date or time using REW/REVIEW,
F.FWD, and STOP.

26

Recording Date and Time, Date, or Date and Title on Your Tape

The time and date, date only, or date and title can be recorded on your tape. Whenever
one of the displays appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor, it will be recorded. The

camcorder also has auto date and auto title features.
The clock cell must be installed and the clock set.

Repeatedly Press

DATE/DISP

/

10:30AM

11/18/1997

Dateand Time

Q AUTO

11118/1997

Auto Date

No Display

11/18/1997

Date Only

Q TITLE

11/18/1997

Auto Title

To Select Display to Record

1. Repeatedly press DATE/DISP to select
the display you want to record.

• Select date and time to continuously

record the date and time.

• Select ® AUTO to automatically

record the date for ten seconds at the
beginning of the recording.

• Select ® TITLE to automatically

record the title and date for ten

seconds at the beginning of the

recording.

• Select date only to continuously
record the date.

• Select no display if you do not want
any of the displays recorded.

27

Install the Clock Lithium Cell

1. Make sure camcorder is turned off, and

remove any power supply attached to
the camcorder.

2. Pull out the cell holder.

CLOCK BA'TTER Y

compartment

3. Insert the clock cell into the cell holder
with the "+" terminal facing out.

/Lithium Cell Battery

j Cell Holder

4. Place the cell holder into the
camcorder.

Note: Remove the battery from the
camcorder if it will not be used for a month

or more. This will prevent possible
damage from battery leakage. If leakage
occurs, wipe up the liquid inside the
compartment and replace the battery.

chemical

28

Theliquid crystaldisplay(LCD) panelismadebyhighlyprecisetechnology.More

than99.99%of its pictureelements(pixels)areeffective,butsome(lessthan0.01%)
mayappearascoloredbrightdots. Thisdoesnot indicatea fault astheLCD panel
stretchesthelimits of currenttechnology.

Adjusting the Brightness Moving the LCD Monitor

The LCD brightness can be adjusted
during both recording and playback. The
recorded video is not affected. To adjust
the brightness you must open the LCD

monitor.

The LCD screen can be moved from a 90 °
to 290 ° angle. When you turn the LCD

monitor screen facing the same direction
as the lens, the image displayed on the
LCD monitor is reverse to that seen in a

l.

.

.

Press OPEN to open the LCD
monitor.

Set the CAM/OFF/VCR switch to
CAM or VCR.

Use the Bright control on the side of
the LCD monitor to adjust the
brightness of the LCD screen.

mirror.

Top of camcorder

Note: Do not pushthe LCD monitor further
than illustrated damage could result.

Ca::_'_ _,_:_ _ueh th_LCDscreen.with The LCD monitoi _ho[:_ ei6sed ifir:i_ ::_:_:i:::i

::_:::_fige_i:_:[h_en:c_ld:ge[:_ _d tilted. : ::::_::__;::._:_:!_:ii_:i:i:::i:i::i:_._::::::i::::_!:-_:_i,:::::ii_i:_::_

_sereen_omes dirty, use a solt c_oth to wipe w..... " . i:-::: :: _ :-:::::-:

:::i::_:i:_:_:_:,_: .... parallel _ththe camct_rde_,_!_ff_o_we_i::t0i::

:otr:tlae a_rt. close the monitor while it:faces the same:: :

:_f_:::_c_corder is used in a cold place and direction as the!lens: of it i_:$_o_all _t_uid

:too_:eold,theLCD screen will be dim damage the monitor. :: ....-:::_::............. :::_

ifo_:_i::_!_ after the power is turned on. When Do not dismantle the LCD monitor as this: :

29

Theviewfinderdisplaysthepicturethatthelenssees(thepictureintheviewfinderisblackand

white).To usetheelectronicviewfinder,grasptheknobsonbothsidesoftheeyecupstemand
pulltheeyecupall the way out. Tum the diopter control for optimum focus adjustment.

Eyepiece _ _,_____.-_ CAM/OFF/VCR Switch

Focus Contro__

ViewfinderJ

Eyepiece Focus Control

Use the eyepiece focus control to set the viewfinder's focus for your eyesight. If you wear
eyeglasses, you can probably operate the camcorder without them.

°

Attach a power supply to the camcorder.
Press and hold the small button on the

CAM/OFF/VCR switch while you slide it
to CAM.

Hold the knobs on both sides of the eye
cup stem to pull out the eye cup.

Pull out the eye cup all the way until it
snaps into place. Be sure you can see the
subject in the viewfinder clearly.

.

you're carrying the camcorder.

Adjust the eyepiece focus control for
your vision. Focus on one of the on-

screen displays (such as the time

counter).

The eyepiece focus control doesn't affect
the focus of the picture that the
camcorder actually records.

Note: You can reuact the eye cup stem when

Tilt Adjustment

tf_ _._:::_

30

Manual Focus

@ AE Shutter Speed\

@Fade AE: 100 0

Electronic /
Image Stabilizer

Digital Effects

@ ZOOM,

I.ZOOM,

Zoom Level

Status

FO US

w

A/V

I

[ k._ Time Counter

with Memory

0:00:35M

l-- -@ Time

Remaining

.@ Battery Level

Indicator

16X9

ZOOM

TAPE_

_-_ _ TAPE, NO TAPE,

"-1 or TAPE END

DUB 10 : 30AM _@Time and Date

11/18/1997/I

Several displays that aid in the operation of the camcorder appear in the viewfinder or LCD
monitor. The only display that is recorded on the tape when it appears is the date display.

Manual Focus @ Electronic Image Stabilizer

• FOCUS appears when manual focus • _ appears when the electronic

is turned on. image stabilizer is turned on.

• No indicator appears when auto
focus is turned on.

• Press both FOCUS buttons together
to turn auto focus on and off.

@ AE (Auto Exposure) Shutter Speed

Displays

• Press EIS to turn the electronic
image stabilizer on and off.

• Details are on pages 42.

Digital Effects
Press D. EFFECTS to select a digital

effect mode. The mode selected

The shutter speed selected by the

camcorder appears here.

Fade

Press FADE to select white, wipe, or
zoom or black-and- white fade. It is

not recorded on the tape.

• [] appears for white fade.

• [] appears for wipe fade.

• [] appears for zoom fade.

• B/W appears for black-and -white

fade.

appears. It is not recorded on the tape.

• Select 16X9 to make a recording that
will be played back on a 16 x 9 wide

screen TV.

• Select NEG POS to invert an image
from positive to negative.

• Select ZM:2 to activate the extended
zoom mode--wide angle to 130x

(model ProV 742 only).

• Select MIRROR to record a
symmetric image on the left and

right.

_" Details are on pages 40-41.

Select MOSAIC to record a
checkered image.

• Details are on pages 36-39.

31

ZOOM, I.ZOOM, and Zoom Level

Indicator

The zoom level indicator appears

during zooming.
ZOOM appears when you press T

and zoom in the telephoto direction
more than 16 times (ProV 742 only).

I.ZOOM appears when you press
INST. ZOOM to enlarge the picture

1.5 times.

Status

The following status displays appear.

• REC appears during recording.

• _'1_"appears when you're using fast
forward, and ,4,4 appears when

you're using rewind.

• • I I appears during record pause.

• A/VDUB appears during
audio/video dubbing.

Time Counter With Memory Stop

• The counter shows the amount of

elapsed recording or playback time.

• Press DISPLAY on the remote to
turn memory stop on or off. An M
appears with the time counter when

memory stop is turned on.
Note: During playback orplay pause,

you can press DISPLAY on the cam-
corderto turnmemory stop on and off.

• Details are on pages 43-44.

Time Remaining

• _ 1 displays the amount of

recording or playback time left on

the cassette in the camcorder.

• Details are on page 24.

Battery Level Indicator

• This indicator shows the amount
of time left for the rechargeable
battery

• Details are on page 18.

TAPE, NO TAPE, and TAPE END

• TAPE flashes when you try to

record and the safety tab has been
closed.

TAPE flashes when a tape is
inserted in the camcorder and

moisture is present or the tape is
damaged. Moisture may develop

when the camcorder is moved
from a cold area to a warm area.

Remove the tape and wait an hour
before reinserting. If the tape is
damaged, remove the tape and
replace it.

NO TAPE flashes when you try to
record and there is no cassette in

the camcorder.

• TAPE END flashes when there is
approximately three minutes of

recording time left on the cassette.

• TAPE END appears briefly during

recording when the end of the

cassette is reached.

Time and Date

Press DATE/D1SP repeatedly to

display the time and date, auto date,
auto title, or date only when the
camcorder is in record or record

pause.

• These displays will be recorded on
the tape whenever they appear in
the viewfinder or LCD monitor.

• Details are on pages 26-27.

32

FOCUS • (Far) and

• (Near) Buttons

Auto Focus

The camcorder will focus automatically
whenever FOCUS does not appear in the

viewfinder or LCD monitor.

• If FOCUS appears, press FOCUS •
(Far) and • (Near) at the same time to

turn on auto focus.

The camcorder will automatically focus
on the subject in the center of the

viewfinder or LCD monitor.

Auto focus will operate on the telephoto
"T" side from approximately 3.3 feet to
infinity.

Auto focus will operate on the wide-
angle "W" side 3/8 inches from the lens

surface to infinity.

33

Conditions that May Require Manual Focus :: :_ _ _:.:_:_:_ :_:_ _

The following conditions may require the use of manual focusing during recording.

• When a subject has a close foreground
and a background far away.

• When two subjects at different
distances overlap.

• A subject with distinct horizontal
stripes or small pattern.

• A subject not in the center of the
viewfinder or LCD monitor.

• Subjects with shiny surfaces or sharp

angles.

• Recording in low-light situations.

• Recording through a window.

Manual Focus

Under certain conditions, such as those
listed, you may need to focus manually.

1. Press FOCUS • (Far) and • (Near)
at the same time to turn on manual

focus. FOCUS appears in the
viewfinder or LCD monitor.

2. Slide the power zoom control to the T
side to zoom in on your subject.

To maintain proper focus throughout
the zoom range, zoom in on your

.

.

subject before adjusting the focus.
Press and hold either FOCUS button
until the subject is clearly focused.

When you are finished, Press FOCUS

• (Far) and • (Near) at the same
time to turn on auto focus. FOCUS

disappears from the viewfinder or
LCD monitor.

Macro Focus

The macro-focus feature lets you focus on objects as close as 3/8 inch from the

camcorder lens.

1. Make sure FOCUS does not appear in
the viewfinder or LCD monitor. If it

does, press FOCUS • (Far) and •
(Near) at the same time to remove it.

2. Slide the power zoom control to the W
side until the lens is completely

zoomed out.

3. Position the subject in the center of the
viewfinder or LCD monitor.

Notes: Zooming is not possible when using
macro focus. To change the size of the
subject, move the camcorder's lens closer or
farther away from it.

For best results, increase illumination when
recording using macro focus.

34

The motorized zoom lens allows you to zoom in (enlarge the image from 1-16 times)
for close-ups or zoom out for wide-angle shots.

Digital zoom lets you zoom in on a subject with magnification up to 32 times. Instant
zoom lets you magnify the picture 1.5 times regardless of the position of the zoom

buttons.

INST.

ZOOM .J_

Button

Power Zoom Control

i W Wide Angle

T Telephoto

• L

ZOOM

Buttons

Using Power Zoom Control

• Slide the power zoom control to the W
side to move the lens in the wide-angle
direction.

• Slide the power zoom control to the T

side to move the lens in the telephoto
(close-up) direction.

Thezoom level indicator appears briefly
in the viewfinder or LCD monitor.

Using INST. (Instant) ZOOM Button

• Press INST. ZOOM to magnify the

subject 1.5 times regardless of the
position of the power zoom control.

• Press INST. ZOOM again to turn off
instant zoom.

• L ZOOM appears in the viewfinder or
LCD monitor during instant zoom.

ZOOM

I.ZOOM

When the zoom ratio goes above 16
times, ZOOM appears in the viewfinder
or LCD monitor (model ProV 742 only).

Notet Some deterioration of the picture may
occur with zoom ratios above 16 (model

ProV 742 only).

Notes: ;ome deterioration of the picture may
occur when using instant zoom.

INST. ZOOM not possible in all D. EFFECTS
modes (MIRROR and MOSAIC).

35

Thedigital processorin thiscamcorderallowsyoutorecordpicturesandaddspecial
effects,suchas,16X9,anegativeimage,130timesdigital zoomfeature,a symmetric

image(appearslike amirror placedatthecenterof thescreen),anda mosaicimage.

D. EFFECTS button

Repeatedly press D. EFFECTS

16X9

NEGPOS

ZM:2

(ProV 742 only)

16X9 Mode

t

Negative/Positive Mode

Digital Zoom Mode

(ProV 742 only)

Normal Mode

MOSAIC

Mosaic Mode

MIRROR

Mirror Mode

36

16X9 Mode

The new 16 X 9 TV format provides a 30% wider picture than conventional TVs of the
same height. The 16 X 9 recording mode lets you make recordings compatible with
this new format. When the 16 X 9 mode is activated, the camcorder records black bars
at the top and bottom of the picture to produce the wide-screen effect. This is known as
"letter box" recording. When played back on a standard size TV, black bars appear in
the picture.

Do not use this recording mode unless you have a 16 x 9 TV.

New 16 x 9TV Screen

Standard Shape TV Screen

16X9 Mode Normal Mode

To Record in the 16X9 Mode

.

2.

Place the camcorder in record pause.

Repeatedly press D. EFFECTS until

16 x 9 appears in the viewfinder or
LCD monitor. The following display
will appear in the viewfinder or LCD

monitor.

3. Press the thumb trigger to start
recording.

4. Press D. EFFECTS in recording pause
until normal mode is restored.

37

Negative/Positive Recording

Negative Mode

Normal Mode

I.

2.

Place the camcorder in record pause.

Repeatedly press D. EFFECTS until
NEGPOS appears in the viewfinder or
LCD monitor. The image in the

viewfinder or LCD monitor will
become negative.

3. Press thumb trigger to start recording.

4. Press D. EFFECTS when in recording

pause until normal mode is restored.

Digital Zooming (Model Pro V 742 only)

Zooming Mode

The digital zoom feature allows you to

zoom in on a subject with magnification
of up to 130 times. Only ProV 742 has

this feature. ProV 730 doesn't have

Digital Zooming.

1. Repeatedly press D. EFFECTS until
ZM:2 appears in the viewfinder or

LCD monitor

• The normal zoom mode is wide

angle to 16 times. No display appears
in the viewfinder or LCD monitor.

Normal Mode

• Select ZM:2 to activate the extended

zoom mode -- from wide angle to

130 times for special effects.

2. Slide power zoom control W or T
side to control the digital zoom ratio.

Notes: ZOOM appears in the viewfinder for
zoom levels above 16X. It will not be

recorded on the tape.
As the zoom level increases in the ZM:2
mode, the picture will gradually become less

sharp. Extremely high zoom levels are used
mainly for special effects.

38

Half-Mirror Recording

Mirror Mode

The digital effects feature lets you
display a symmetric image on the left and
right, which makes the picture appear as

if a mirror has been placed at the center

of the screen.

!. Place the camcorder in record pause.

2. Repeatedly press D. EFFECTS until
MIRROR appears in the viewfinder or

LCD monitor.

Normal Mode

3. Press the thumb trigger to start
recording.

4. Press D. EFFECTS in recording pause
until normal model is restored.

Note: This flmction cannot be used with
digital zoom, instant zoom, image stabilizer or

zoom fade function.

Mosaic Recording

Mosaic Mode

The digital effects feature lets you
display a checkered image.

I. Place the camcorder in record pause.

2. Repeatedly press D. EFFECTS until
MOSAIC appears in the viewfinder or
LCD monitor.

Normal Mode

3. Press the thumb trigger to start recording.

4. Press D. EFFECTS in recording pause
until normal model is restored.

Notes: This function cannot be used with
digital zoom, instant zoom, image stabilizer

or zoom fade function.

39

You canaddaprofessionaltouchto yourrecordingswhenyoufadein andoutof
scenes.Boththepictureandsoundwill graduallyappearordisappear.

FADE button Thumb Trigger

Repeatedly press FADE

[]

r

[]

White Fade Wipe Fade

BIW

No Fade Black-and-White Fade Zoom Fade

40

Select the Type of Fade
You can select white, wipe, zoom, or

black-and-white fade.

• Select white fade to fade in and out

from a white screen.

[] appears in the viewfinder or LCD

monitor.

Select wipe fade to fade in and out
from a black screen.

[] appears in the viewfinder or LCD

monitor
Select zoom fade to fade in and out

while zooming.

[g_] appears in the viewfinder or LCD

monitor.

Select black-and-white fade to fade
in/out from/to a black-and-white

picture.

B/W appears in the viewfinder or

LCD monitor.

Note: If you press D. EFFECTS after
setting the fade function, the fade function
will be released. After setting digital
effects mode, reset the fade function.

Fade In

1. Place the camcorder in record pause.

2. Repeatedly press FADE to select fade
mode.

Note: The last fade mode used will appear
the first time you press FADE.

3. Press the thumb trigger (PA USE/
RECORD on remote) to start
recording. The picture and sound
will gradually appear.

Fade Out

.

.

During recording, repeatedly press
FADE to select the fade mode.

Note: The last fade mode used will appear
the first time you press FADE.

Press the camcorder's thumb trigger

(PA USE/RECORD on remote) to stop
recording. The picture and sound will
gradually disappear.

41

The electronic image stabilizer (EIS) corrects slight shaking of images
during some recording modes.

• While zooming in on a distant object.

• When recording an approaching small object.

• When recording while walking or riding in a vehicle.

• When recording through a vehicle's window.

EIS Button

To Use EIS Button

I. Press EIS to display '''' in the

viewfinder or LCD monitor

2. Press the thumb trigger to start and stop

recording.

o

When you are finished, press EIS to

turn off EIS and remove .' from the
viewfinder or LCD monitor.

Note: EIS may not operate correctly when
wide-angle or telephoto lens adapters are

used.

4. When the EIS is switched on, there
will be a small change in picture size.

This is normal.

EIS indicator

in viewfinder or LCD

monitor

42

The time counter shows actual time elapsed when recording or playing back a tape. It
quickly locates the end of recorded segments.

DA TE/DISP

button

F.FWD button
(also TITLER button)

\

'\

STOP button REW/REVIEW button
(also TITLER button) (also TITLER button)

To Use Time Counter

For example, you recorded a lO-minute
segment. Later, you want to locate the
end of your recording. Insert the cassette
and fast-forward the tape until the time

counter reads "0:10:00".

Memory-Stop Feature

The memory-stop feature helps you

locate a certain point on the tape. When
memory stop is turned on, the tape will
stop automatically during rewind or fast

forward when the time counter reaches
"O:O0:OOM".

1. Start recording or playing a tape.

2. Locate the place on the tape you want
to return to and press RESET on the
remote to set the time counter to
"0:00:00".

.

.

Continue to record or play the tape.
When you want to return to the place
you marked, press the thumb trigger
on the camcorder (or PAUSE/RECORD
on the remote) to stop record.ing. Then

set the CAM/OFF/VCR switch to

VCR. When playing a tape, press the
STOP button.

Press DISPLAY on the remote to turn
on memory stop. An "M'" appears

behind the time counter.

43

REW button

DISPLAY button

RESET button

RECORD

DiSPlAY TITLE

--F.FWD button

-- PAUSE/RECORD button

5. Press REW/REVIEW. The tape will
rewind to the time counter reading of

"O:O0:OOM".

O:O0:OOM

Notes: If you rewind the tape farther back
than a counter reading of "0:00:00", a
minus will appear in front of the counter.

The time counter automatically resets to
"'0:00:00" each time a cassette is inserted.

During playback or play pause, you can
also press DATE/DISP on the camcorder to
turn memory stop on and off.

Time counter with memory stop turned on

in viewfinder or LCD monitor

44

Press DISPLAY on the remote control to see the display in the LCD monitor or the
viewfinder. Each time you press DISPLAY the display switches from the viewfinder to

the monitor or from the monitor to the viewfinder.

Display in the Viewfinder or LCD monitor in VCR Mode

_" 0:00:00 '_ _ O:O0:OOM_ _ ____

I "_I'-'_I t_l| l'_

t i

Linear Time Counter Linear Time Counter Date Search Function No Display

with Memory

Display in the Viewfinder or LCD monitor in CAM Mode

_._r__l 0:00:00 _ .-_

"l f o:oo:oo

Linear Time Counter

Linear Time Counter

with Memory

Notes: When a recorded tape is in the
camcorder during the VCR mode, "SEARCH"
appears in the viewfinder. Details are on page

25.
The linear time counter with memory feature

and "SEARCH'' in the viewfinder or LCD
monitor can also be displayed on the

connected television.

If the LCD monitor is opened or closed (the
picture is switched) during playback, the on-

screen display in the picture will disappear for

about one second, and then reappear again.
When the date and time appear on the

monitor, you cannot erase them by pressing
DISPLAY. If you want to erase the on-screen
display, press DATE/DISP on the camcorder.

45

The titler can store a title page in memory that can be displayed and recorded at any
time. The built-in character register contains 47 characters for creating titles on two
lines with up to 16 characters per line.

CAM/OFF/VCR switch

F.FWD button

PLAY bultor (also TITLER button)

REW Button--

STOP Button J

TITLE Button j

Thumb trigger

STOP button
(also TITLER button)

RE W/REVIEW button

(also TITLER button)

_ .FWD

Button

B t,oo

I'paVSE/

Creating a Title

1. Attach a power source and slide the

CAM/OFF/VCR switch to CAM or
VCR.

2. Press TITLE ON/OFF on the remote to
display the title graphics.
Note: If the CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in
CAM, pressing DATE/DISP on the

camcorder will also display the title page.

3. Press STOP to move the flashing
cursor to the place you want to begin.

.

Select the first character by pressing
F.FWD or REW/REVIEW until the

character you want appears. See the
"Chart of Characters" on the next page

for the characters available in the

titler's register.

5. After you have selected the first

character, press STOP to move the

flashing cursor to next position.

46

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have
completed the title.

Note: To correct a character, press STOP

to place the cursor over it and then press
F.FWD or REW/REVIEW to enter the
correct character.

If you want to delete a character, press
F.FWD or REW/REVIEW until the

blank space appears.

7. Press TITLE ON/OFF on remote to
store the title and remove the title

display fi'om the viewfinder or LCD

monitor when you are finished.

Important Notes: Remember to remove the
title graphics from the viewfinder or LCD
monitor for normal recording.

When a title has been displayed using the
remote, it cannot be erased by pressing

DATE/DISP on the camcorder.

Chart of Characters in Titler's Register

A0CDEFG"I X

? ' . / , - ; : < > ! (Blank Space)

1. Attach a power source and slide

CAM/OFF/VCR to CAM.

2. Loc_ite the place on the tape where you

want to record the title.
Note If you record a title on a pre-

recorded tape, the audio and video will be
erased where the title is inserted. There

will also be a three-to-four second pause of
blank tape before the existing audio and
video return.

. Press TITLE ON/OFF on remote to

remove the titler graphics from the
viewfinder or LCD monitor. The

camcorder will now record as normal.

If you do not want to continue

recording, press the thumb trigger

(PA USE/RECORD on remote) to stop
recording.

3. Place the camcorder in record pause.

4. Press TITLE ON/OFF on remote to
display the title in viewfinder or LCD

monitor.

5. Press the thumb trigger (PA USE/
RECORD on remote) to start recording
the title.

Note: You can also use the AUTO TITLE
feature to automatically record the title and

date for ten seconds when you begin
recording. Press DATE/DISP to display

(9 TITLE before starting to record.

Recording Titles While Copying a Tape on Another VCR _:!_:!_!__r_'_::!

1. Connect the camcorder to a VCR as 6. Start VCR recording and camc0rder

shown on pages 54-55. playing.

2. Attach a power source and slide 7.

CAM/OFF/VCR to VCR,

3. The title will appear when you press

TITLE ON/OFF on the remote.

4. Press TITLE ON/OFF on remote to

8.

remove the title from the viewfinder or
LCD monitor.

5. Insert the cassette you want:to copy
into the camcorder and a blank cassette

w{th safety tab into the VCR.

When you see the place on the tape

where you want to record the title,

press TITLE ON/OFF on remote to

display the title in the viewfinder or
LCD monitor.

When you are finished recording the
title, press TITLE ON/OFF on remote
to remove the title from the vievcf'mder

or LCD monitor.

47

A/V (audio/video)DUB ontheremoteletsyourecordnewaudioandvideofrom the
camcorder'sbuilt-in microphoneandcameraontoapreviouslyrecordedtapeinthe

camcorder.

CAM/OFF/VCR switch

\

PLAY buttor

/ \,

STOP button

(also TITLER button)

REW Button

\

A V/DUB

Button "-'-'-"

STOP Button/

TITLE Button /

Thumb trigger

F.FWD button

(also TITLER button)

REW/REVIEW button
(also TITLER button)

F.FWD

/ Button

"_PLAY

Button

\ PA USE/

RECORD

Button

To Audio/Video Dub on the Camcorder

lo

.

Slide camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR
switch to VCR.

Insert a previously recorded tape in
the camcorder.

3. Press PLA Y, and then use PLA Y,

REW, and F.FWD to find the place
where you want to stop dubbing.

4. Place the camcorder in PA USE where
you want to stop dubbing using the

thumb trigger PA USE/RECORD on
remote.

5. Display the linear time counter with
memory. Press RESET to set the linear

time counter to 0:00:00M.

6. Use REW and PLAY to find where you
wish to start dubbing. Press the thumb

trigger (PA USE/RECORD on the
remote) to enter the playpause.

7. Prdss and hold A/VDUB on remote,

48

and then press PLAY to place the
camcorder in AV dub pause. A/V
DUB I I appears in viewfinder or LCD

monitor.

.

Press the thumb trigger (PA USE on

remote) to start dubbing, ai

disappears and A/V DUB remains in
viewfinder or LCD monitor.

When the linear time counter reaches

0:00:00M the camcorder stops
automatically, recording only the
portion of the tape that you selected.

Notes: The camcorder will automatically enter
the stop mode to prevent excessive tape wear
if it remains in dub pause for more than five

minutes.

Automatic date recording is disabled during
audio/video dubbing. When you play the
audio/video dubbing portion, noise may
appear at the end of the dubbed portion.

Theshoulderstrappackedwith your camcorderis designed to let you carry the

camcorder from your shoulder and - when you are ready to shoot - bring the
camcorder to shooting position in one quick movement.

To Attach the Shoulder Strap

1. Thread each end of the strap through one of the attachment rings as shown below.

Attachment Ring

Attachment Ring

Shoulder Strap

/

2. Thread each end of the strap back into its buckle. Pull on the strap and make sure it

is securely fastened before using the shoulder strap to support the camcorder.

49

• Do not bump or tap the microphone while

recording - this sound will be recorded. Be
aware of backgrounds. Background details
may show up as visual "clutter". Noises
(especially TV sets, household appliances,
traffic, etc.) can detract from the sound you

record.

• Avoid long "still" shots of landmarks and
scenic attractions. Include people and
details. "Local color" gives travel videos
lasting appeal. Consider recording a

familiar or landmark scene from an
unfamiliar vantage point.

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

• Practice recording under a variety of
lighting conditions.

• Use the viewfinder to keep camcorder level
or scenes will appear "tilted".

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

• Make a video recording of your home and
contents to store in a safe place in case of

fire or theft.
Do not move the camcorder rapidly from

side-to-side while recording. A steady,
gradual "pan" avoids blurring and "jitter".

Holding The Camcorder

• To film at different angles, raise the
viewfinder.

• Standing against a wall may give your
recordings more stability.

• Use an optional tripod for stable images.

• Hold the camcorder horizontally. Keep

your feet slightly apart and upper arms close
to your body.

• When possible, rest your elbows on a table

or other stable surface to help keep the
camcorder steady.

• Do not pick up the camcorder by the
viewfinder.

• DO not touch the LCD screen with your
fingers as the screen could get dirty and
picture will not be seen clearly. If the LCD
screen becomes dirty, use a soft cloth to
wipe off the dirt.

• Do not holdby the LCD monitor as this
could cause a malfunction.

Traveling Tips

• Write down your camcorder's serial number • Carry your camcorder in a carrying case
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.

when traveling. See page 59 for a case
especially designed 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.

50

Playback and Playback Features

You can view recorded pictures on the three-inch LCD monitor immediately
after recording.

To Play Back a Tape on the LCD Monitor::_:::_:_:::_:_:_.:_:_.:,_'_::_:::_::::_:_:_::_:_:_::::::- : .: : • _:::.

. Press and hold the small button on the

CAM/OFF/VCR switch while sliding

it in VCR.

2. Open the LCD monitor and insert the
tape you want to play.

3. Press the PLAY button and adjust the

sound with the volume control at the

bottom of the camcorder.

.

Press the STOP button when you are
finished.

Volume Control

Notes: Decrease the sound volume of the
camcorder when you play back a recording
by connecting the camcorder to your TV. If

the volume of the camcorder is set to
maximum, the picture may be distorted.
When the LCD monitor is turned on and left
as it is, the monitor becomes warm but this

does not indicate a fault.
When the CAM/OFF/VCR switch is set to

CAM or VCR, the LCD monitor is turned on

and off automatically when the monitor is
opened and closed.

It is recommended that you close the LCD
monitor to save the battery power when
playing back a picture on a TV or recording a
TV program without viewing it.

Only the playback sound is heard from the
internal speaker. The sound being recorded
is not heard.

51

Viewfinder Playback

Viewfinder playback is the simplest way to watch tapes using the camcorder.

This method is generally used only to review scenes immediately after recording.

CAM/OFF/VCR switch in VCR

_- Thumb Trigger

'\ _ F.FWO button

PLAY butto_ \,. (alsoTITLER button)

/ _, REW/REVIEW button

STOP button

(also TITLER button) (also TITLER button)

.

Press and hold the small button on the
CAM/OFF/VCR switch while sliding

it in VCR.

2. Insert the cassette you want to play.

3. Press the PLAY button.

4. Press the STOP button when you are
finished.

Note: You cannot hear the playback sound
when playing back your video with the

viewfinder.

52

REW Button_

STOP Button i

F.FWD

Button

PLAY

Button

\ PA USE/

RECORD

Button

Stop-Action Pause

• During playback, press the thumb
trigger (PA USE/RECORD on remote)
to "stop the action" and view one frame
of the tape.

: not_: :ased: fo_ _

_us_fo_more$_ _ _n_]_ i::

• Press the thumb trigger (PAUSE/

RECORD on remote) again to return to

normal playback.

Visual Searching

• During playback, press F.FWD or REW
if you want to visually search the tape

in forward or reverse.

Notes: During pause and search operations, it
is normal for streaks to appear in the picture.

The sound is muted during special playback
operations.

53

To connect your camcorder to a TV or VCR using AUDIO/VIDEO IN jacks, use the

audio/video cable that was packed with the camcorder. If your TV is already
connected to a VCR, you can attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the
camcorder is recording or playing on the TV.

AUDIO

OUT

ellow White

tm

ml

..... _b,-'_"(_) / Y II _ 11i..,iWhiteAudio Plug

__ e o"

VIDEO Audio/Video Cable Video Plug " "

OUT ..... -"_Illm_-.-_ (such as VH83) ..... _ ,',

/@.... ._

i

Yellow Video Plug

VCR or

TV Monitor White ,

Audio Plug '

Jack ., ' .lack

-OR-

Yellow _ ,t_

Video Plug _) ,_11

y INhite

" "

Audio

AUDIO ] _ Plug

OUT ] _ While Audio Plug

L R(_]"__s_d_t_rH25)/@ Audio/VideoCable

V_DETO@1 "_ (such as VH83)

Back of

Stereo

VCR or

TV Monitor

Yellow Video Plug

Installation

O Attach the output cable's white plug

to the LAUDIO IN jack on the TV
(or VCR).

Note: If your TV or VCR has stereo
A UDIO jacks, attach the AUDIO plug to

the one labeled MONO. If one is not

labeled MONO, you may need a Y-
adapter to hear sound from both

channels.

54

Q Attach the yellow video plug on the

audio/video cable to the VIDEO IN

jack on the TV or VCR.

Q Attach the yellow plug on the other

end of the audio/video cable to the
yellow VIDEO jack and the white
plug to the white A UDIO jack located

behind the small cover on the back of
the camcorder.

Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes on the VCR

1. A. Camcorder connected directly to

TV monitor: Turn on the TV and
tune it to the video input channel.

B. Camcorder connected to VCR that

is already connected to TV: Turn
on VCR and place it in the "line" or
"camera mode". (If your VCR does

not have a "line" or "camera
mode", consult the VCR owner's
manual.) Operate the TV as you

normally do to see the signal

coming from the VCR.

2. Attach a power supply and place the
camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch in

VCR. Insert the cassette you want to

play back.

3. Press PLAY to begin playback.
During playback, use the features on

page 53.

4. To copy what the camcorder is
playing, place a blank cassette in the
VCR and press record button on VCR.

5. Press STOP when you are finished.

°

A. Camcorder connected directly to

TV: Turn on the TV, and tune it to
the video input channel.

B. Camcorder connected to VCR that

is already connected to TV: Turn
on VCR and place it in the "line" or
"camera mode". (If your VCR does

not have a "line" or "camera

mode", consult the VCR owner's
manual.) Operate the TV as you
normally do to see the signal
coming from the VCR.

2. Attach a power supply and slide the

camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch
in CAM. Insert a cassette if you want

to record.
Note: When the camcorder is used as a
camera, turn the TV's volume down to
prevent a high-pitched squeal caused by

feedback.

3. Press the camcorder's thumb trigger
(PA USE/RECORD on remote) to begin

recording. You can watch what the

camcorder is seeing (or recording) on
the TV screen.

55

To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio and video inputs, you need an
optional RF output adapter, such as CRF81A shown on page 61.

Back of TV

VHF Antenna

@OR( _k

• /

VHF Antenna

Optional 300/75 ohm

Transformer
(Such as 193983)

Audio/Video

Connector
(Located Behind
Small Cover)

Outp ut/ /

®

®

CH3/CH4

Installation

Disconnect the VHF antenna from
your TV. Connect the antenna to the

ANT IN connector on the RF output

adapter if you leave the adapter
connected to the TV.

Note: If your VHF antenna is the flat

twin-lead type attached by two screws,
you will need an optional 300-75 ohm
transformer, such as 193983.

®

®

Attach the RF output adapter's cable to
the VHF input on your TV.

Note: If your TV has 300 ohm VHF
screw terminals, you will need an optional
75-300 ohm transformer, such as AH011.

Attach the RF output adapter's plug to
the audio/video in/out connector under
the small cover on the side of the

camcorder.

56

Playback Operation

1. Set the CH3/CH4 switch on the RF

output adapter to CH3 or CH4.

2. Turn on the TV, and tune it to
channel 3 or 4 - the same channel

you selected with the CH3/CH4
switch.

4. Press PLAY to begin playback.

During playback, use the features on

page 53.

5. Press STOP when you are finished.

.

Attach a power supply, and place the
camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch

in VCR. Insert the cassette you want
to play back.

1. Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3.

3 or4.

Note: When the camcorder is used as a
camera, turn the TV's volume down to

prevent a high-pitched squeal caused by 4.
feedback.

o Set the CH3/CH4 switch on the RF

output adapter to the same channel
you selected on the TV.

Attach a power supply and place the
camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch

in CAM. Insert the cassette you want
to record on.

Press the thumb trigger on the
camcorder (PA USE/RECORD on
remote) to start recording. You can
watch what you are recording on the

TV screen.

Normal TV Viewing

You can leave the RF output adapter

hooked up to the TV. Disconnect the

adapter's plug from the camcorder or turn
off the camcorder's power.

Note to Cable TV Installer

This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article 820-40 of the National
Electrical Code (Section 54 of Canadian Electrical Code, Part I), that provides guidelines
for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected
to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

57

Keep dust and grit from entering the
cassette door. They are abrasive and
cause excessive wear both to the

camcorder's recording/playback heads
and cassettes.

Always replace the lens cap on the lens
when the camcorder is not in use.

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

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

Do not touch the lens with your fingers.
The oil from your skin can damage the
lens. Use lens-cleaning tissue and
commercially prepared cleaning solu-
tion designed for use on camera lens.
Improper cleaning may scratch the lens.

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

• Do not operate the camcorder tbr

extended periods in temperatures below
40°F (4°C) or above 95°F (35°C). Do

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

• Do not operate the camcorder in
extremely humid environments.

• Do not aim your camcorder at the sun
or other bright objects.

• Do not leave your camcorder in direct
sunlight• Doing so could permanently
damage the camcorder's internal parts.

58

• Grasp the knobs on both sides of the
eye cup stem and pull out the eye cup
far enough that a mark can be seen up
to half of where the eye cup is pulled
out all the way.

o

While still grasping the knobs, turn
the eye cup clockwise until it stops;
then pull out to remove it.

.

Clean the picture tube cover and lens.
To prevent scratching, use a soft non-
abrasive cloth, swab or lens cleaning
paper.

4. Grasp the knobs of the eye cup stem
so the mark faces up as shown and
push the eye cup in as far as it will go.

5. while still grasping the knobs, turn
the eye cup counterclockwise until it
stops; then push it in all the way.

We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to
the fun of using your 8ram camcorder. These 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 t011-free ordering or by

using the order form 0;7page 63.

AC201A Soft Carrying Case
Custom compact soft case designed especially to provide protection and utility for your

8ram camcorder and most accessories. Rugged Aczoia lined with soft non-abrasive

material and generous padding. The carrying case has three outside pockets with
storage for lens filters, adapters, batteries, and tapes.

59

DCC06 Car Cord Adapter

This car cord adapter enables you to

operate your camcorder from your car,

truck, or RV by plugging it into the
vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. The
DCC06 is specially designed to convert
power from a 24-volt or 12-volt battery to

a 6-volt output. The vehicle does not have
to be turned on for the DCC06 to operate

the camcorder.

Rechargeable Battery BB65L

The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery is
specifically designed for long life. The
battery can power your camcorder up to
approximately 2 hours (depending on how
much you use zoom, pause and the LCD
monitor). It can be recharged with the AC
adapter/charger that came with your
camcorder.

60

CRF81A RF Output Adapter

This adapter is used to connect your

camcorder to a standard TV (one without
audio/video input jacks) for playback. If
your antenna cable is the flat twin-lead
type attached by two screws, you will also

need a 300-75 ohm transformer, such as

193983. If your TV has 300-ohm VHF

screw terminals, you will need an optional
75-300 ohm transformer, such as VH54.

193983 Cable Transformer

The 193983 is used to connect a standard

300-ohm antenna twin-lead to a standard

round 75-ohm connector on the RF

output adapter, a VCR, or TV.

AH25 Y-Adapter
This Y-adapter allows you to connect

your camcorder's mono audio cable to a
stereo TV or VCR.

VH54 Cable Transformer
The VH54 is used to connect a standard

round 75-ohm antenna cable to the
300-ohm screw terminals on a TV.

61

AC088Super Lightweight Tripod

Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such as AC088, will keep the camcorder steady
and produce excellent video results.

This tripod's fluid-effect head provides smooth camera pan and tilt. The quick-release

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.

into

62

_D

:z:

e-,

',3

Order Form for Camcorder Model ProV 730 and th'oV 742

Description

Super Lightweight Tripod

Soft Camcorder Case

Y-Adapter
Recharg.eable Battery
RF Output Adapter
Car Cord Adapter

75-300 Cable Transformer
300-75 Cable Transformer

Shoulder Strap
Replacement Remote Control
13(7Cable

Audio/Video Output Cable
AC Adapter/Charger

Part No. Price

AC088 J$ 39.95

AC2OIA $ 39.95

AH25 $ 2.95
BB65L $ 99.95

CRF81A $ 89.95

DCC06 $ 89.95
VH54 $ 2.95

193983 $ 10.00
215770 $ 11.15
221363 $ 31.30
221364 $ 12.40
221395 $ 38.20
239224 $ 96.15

Qty.

Total

Prices are 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 Card.
Money order or check must be in U.S. currency only.

No COD or cash.

5.00

Please complete other side also

63:

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

V-V- V-V-r-q

My card expires: _

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Print or type your name and
address clearly. This will be
your mailing label.

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

Name:

Street:

City:

State:

Apt:

Zip:

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

cD

¢.9

cD

• Allow 4-6 weeks for mail order.

• All accessories are subject to availability.

64

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 between 8AM and 8PM (EST) Monday
through Friday or between 9AM and 5PM (EST) Saturday.

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 rnail, 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

65

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 Compact Camcorder

Servicenter, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then perform the
simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble.

Trouble

No power

Can't open the cassette
compartment to insert
or remove cassette

Won't record or
playback

....... _ i ?'

• If using battery, it may need to be recharged.

• If using AC adapter/charger, make sure it is plugged into a
working outlet.

• You must open the LCD monitor all the way (90-degree
angle). The EJECT button won't work until the LCD

monitor is all the way open.

• If using AC adapter/charger, make sure it is plugged into a

working outlet.

• There may be no cassette in the camcorder.

• Try ejecting and reinserting the cassette.

• The cassette tape may be broken, try another cassette.

• You may have reached the end of the cassette, try rewinding it.

Won't playback • CAM/OFF/VCR switch must be in VCR.

Won't record • Safety tab has been closed. (See page 20.)

• CAM/OFF/VCR switch must be in CAM.

No picture in view- • Open the lens door..
finder or LCD monitor • CAM/OFF/VCR switch must be in CAM.

Tape stops during
rewind or fast forward

Rewind, fast forward,
or play does not
operate

Camcorder remains in
"stop action"

Picture appears with
black bars

Viewfinder displays
are out'of focus

Time-counter memory may be on. Whenever an "M"
appears with the time-counter display, the camcorder will
stop rewinding (or fast forwarding) when counter reads

"O:O0:OOM". Press the REW/REVIEW or F.FWD button
again to continue rewinding or fast forwarding, or press
DISPLA Y on remote to turn off memory-stop feature.

Make sure titler does not appear in viewfinder or LCD
monitor. Press TITLE ON/OFF on remote to remove titler.

Make sure the flashing cursor does not appear in the date or
time display. Press DATE/DISP to remove the flashing

cursor and start the clock.

• Press thumb trigger (PAUSE/RECORD on remote) to return
to normal playback.

° Make sure 16X9 mode is not selected. Details are on

page 37.

• Try adjusting eyepiece focus control. See page 30.

66 ¸

Poor auto-focus
operation

Poor auto-focus
operation (continued)

Date and/time, date. or
date and title were

recorded on tape

Date and/or time are
incon'ect

Remote control
will not operate

camcorder

Camcorder turns off

during operation

• Make sure FOCUS does not appear in viewfinder. Press

FOCUS • and • buttons together to turn on auto focus.
See pages 33-34.

• Scene is dark. Auto-focus may not work under this
condition. See page 34for details on mammal focus.

• Lens is smudged, and image appears unfocused.

• Viewfinder eyepiece focus is misadjusted. See page 30.

• Date and time or date will be recorded on tape whenever
they appear in the viewfinder or LCD monitor. Press
DATE/DISP button to remove them when recording.

• Auto date or auto title feature turned on. See page 2Z

• Camcorder's lithium cell battery may need replaced.

See page 28.

• Date and/or time may need to be set. See page 26.

• Aim remote at remote sensor on camcorder.

• Remote must be within 16 feet of the camcorder to operate

it.

• Remote control cell may need replacing. Seepage 11.

• CAM/OFF/VCR switch must be in CAM or VCR for

camcorder to operate.

• Camcorder's remote control sensor is exposed to direct
sunlight oi" strong artificial light. This may interfere with
operation of camcorder by remote.

• Camcorder remained in pause for five minutes. Turn
camcorder back on.

• Rechargeable battery needs recharging.

Recorded audio too low • Subject too far from camcorder.

Power is turned on, but • Remove the power source and the date/title battery. After
no button operations about one minute, the display in the viewfinder or LCD
work. monitor will be reset. Then set the information again.

Battery level indicator
appears differently on

the LCD monitor and in
the viewfinder

• The power consumed by the LCD monitor and viewfinder

is different.

67

This equipment has been tested and found to

comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, and RF lighting device, pursuant to
Part 15 and 18 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
radioFFV technician for help.

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.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by Thomson Consumer Electronics,
Inc. may void the user's FCC authority to
operate this camcorder.

68 ¸

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

Thomson provides a toll-flee telephone
number to help you with any problems
you may encounter with your camcorder.
Many can be diagnosed over the phone,
and if necessary, a replacement unit can
be shipped to you. Please have your

camcorder model/serial number and date
of purchase ready when you call. If your

unit is out of warranty, we will quote the
cost of an exchange unit to you.

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
Thomson Consumer Electronics

Always consult Thomson and get a

Return Authorization number before
returning anything! Obtain a Return

Authorization (RA) number from the
telephone representative before returning
your equipment to avoid delays,
accounting errors, or even loss of your

unit.

who ship defective equipment to

The Thomson representative who
authorized the return of your equipment
will give you an RA 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
RA 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 your
camcorder. These numbers are located

on the bottom of your unit. If your
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.

69

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 fbr 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

refilrbished 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 Return Authorization (RA)
number and the location of a nearby
exchange point if one exists. No returns
will be accepted without the RA number.

To receive a replacement camcorder before
you return yours:

If you are located near an exchange point:

1. We will send a replacement unit to the

exchange point next business day
delivery in the continental USA.

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

3. Take your unit, including 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.

If you are not located near an exchange
point:

I. 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
including all accessories within 14 days
from the date you were provided an RA

number, only items not covered by
warranty will be charged to your account.
IF YOUR UNIT INCLUDING ALL
ACCESSORIES IS NOT RECEIVED
WITHIN 14 DAYS, THE
SUGGESTED RETAIL VALUE OF
THE CAMCORDER AND/OR
ACCESSORIES WILL BE CHARGED
TO YOUR CREDIT CARD. This
amount will be credited if the unit is
subsequently received.

2. We will send you a replacement unit next
business day delivery in the continental

USA.

3. You will receive an invoice packed with
the replacement product, but will not be
charged for the unit portion of the invoice
amount if we receive your unit including
all accessories within 14 days from the

date you were provided the RA number.

Any labor and parts charges not covered

by the warranty will be included and
charged against your account.

4. Ship the unit back to us along with all
accessories included with your camcorder
using the replacement unit's carton.
Shipping instructions will be included in
the carton along with your RA number,
which will allow you to easily ship the
unit back to us. _,

7O

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.

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

1. Write the RA 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
problem.

• Your name, address, and phone number.

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

4. Include a cashier's check or money order
for payment if there are any out of
warranty labor or parts charges which
were indicated by the representative, and
you elected not to use your credit card.

5. Upon receipt of your product, a new or
refurbished unit will be shipped to you
next day delivery in the continental USA.

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.

1900 for the Authorized RCA Camcorder

Servicenter 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 does not cover:

• 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.

• Cleaning of video/audio heads.

• Camcorders purchased or serviced outside
the USA.

• 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 may have other rights that
vary from state to state.

If you purchased your camcorder
outside the USA:

• This warranty does not apply.
Contact your dealer for warranty

information.

71

General

Powerrequirement:7.2VDC
Powerconsumption:5.4W (when

recording/LCDmonitoron)

Weight:2.03lbs. (withoutbattery

pack,andcassette)

Dimensions:4-1/8"(W) x 4-1/2"(H)

x9-7/16"(D)(104x115x239mm)

Camera Section

Scanni.ng: 525 Lines/60 Fields/30

Frames

Required Minimum Illumination: 0.8

lux (4 lux: measured by EIA method)

Lens: F/1.4 - 2.8 (4-64mm)

Image Sensor: 1/4" CCD
Diameter: 46 mm

eight minutes with P6-120 cassette.

AC Adapter/Charger

Power requirement: 100-240 Volts,

50-60 Hz.
Power consumption: 20 W (Max)
Weight: 12 Ounces (330 grams)

Dimensions: 2-13/16" (W) x

1-3/4" (H) x 5-15/16" (D)

(74 x 44 x 151 mm)

Tripod Mount

One 1/4" x 20 threaded hole

Video Recorder Section

Format: 8mm
Record/Playback System:

Two video record/playback heads
One flying erase head

Video Signal: EIA Standard NTSC

Color

Tape Speed: 14.3 mm/sec.
Video Output: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm
Audio Output: -7.8 dBs (316 m Vms)

Fast Forward/Rewind Time: Less than

72

16X9 Indicator ................ 36,37

16X9 Recording ................. 37

A

- A/V (Audio/Video) DUB

Button ................. 12,13,48

A/V DUB Indicator .......... 31,32,48

Accessories, Included .............. 3

Accessories, Optional .......... 59-65

Accessory, Order Form ......... 63-65

Adapter/Charger, Using ........... 14

AE Shutter Speed Displays ...... 24,31

Assistance .......... 1,3,69,Back Cover

Attaching the Shoulder Strap ....... 49

Audio/Video Dubbing ............. 48

Audio/Video Output

Connector ..................... 9,56

Audio/Video Out Jacks ............. 9

AUTO Indicator .................. 27

Auto Date and Title Feature ........ 27

Auto Date Feature ................ 27

Auto Focus ..................... 33

B

Battery, Care and Storage .......... 17

Battery, Clock ................... 28

Battery, Inserting Rechargeable ..... 16

Battery Level Indicator ....... 18,31,32

Battery Power, Checking .......... 18

Battery, Remote ................. 11

Battery Safety Precautions ....... 11,17

Battery, Using Rechargeable .. 15,16,17

Black-and-White Fade ............ 40

Brightness Control ............... 29

Buttons, Remote ............... 12,13

C

CAM/OFF/VCR Switch ........... 6,9

..... 12-14,16,19,23,25,43,46,47,48,51

Camcorder Operating Controls .... 4-10

Camcorder, Powering ......... 114-19

Camcorder, Turning On ............ 6

Camcorder, Unpacking .. ........... 3

Car Cord Adapter, Optional ...... 19,60

Care and Maintenance ............. 58

Care and Storage, Battery .......... 17

Care and Storage, Cassettes ........ 21

Cassette Compartment ........... 7,21

Cassette Door .................. 4,21

Cassettes, Care and Storage ........ 21

Cassettes, Inserting and Removing...21
Charging the Rechargeable Battery ..15

Chart of Title Characters ........... 47

Checking Battery Power ........... 18

Checking Problems ............ 66-67

Cleaning the Viewfinder ........... 58

Clock Cell, Installing ............. 28

Contents ....................... I-2

Copying Tapes ................ 54,55

Creating a Title .................. 46

Customer Assistance .............. 69

D

D. EFFECTS Button .............. 36

Date and Time Display ......... 26,27

Date and Time, Recording ......... 27

Date and Time, Setting ............ 26

Date Display .................. 31,32

Date Search Feature .............. 25

DATE/DISP Button ..... 26,27,32,46,47

DC Car Cords, Optional ........... 19

DC IN 6V Jack .............. 8,14,19

Design Specifications ............. 72

Digital Effects (ProV 742 only)31, 36-39
Digital Zoom (ProV 742 only) 35, 36, 38

DISPLAY Button ........ 8,12,13,43-45

Displays in Viewfinder ......... 31,32

Displays in LCD Monitor ....... 31,32

Dubbing, Audio and Video ......... 48

E

Edit Search ..................... 23

EIS Button (ProV 742 only) ......... 42

EJECT Switch ............. 4,9,18,21

73

EraseProtection ................. 20

EyepieceFocusControl ........ 7,9,30

F

F.F and F.FWD (Fast Forward) Buttons

....... 9,12,13,23,25,26,43,44,46,52,53

FADE Button ............. 8,31,40,41

Fade Indicators ................ 31,40

Fading ...................... 40,4 l

First-Time Operation ............ 3-10

Flying Erase Head ................ 22

FOCUS ,A and • Buttons ...8,31,33,34

FOCUS. Indicator ......... 31,32,33,34

Focusing ..................... 33,34

H

Half-Mirror Recording ............ 39

Hand Strap, Adjusting .............. 5

Handstrap ...................... 5,9

Holding the Camcorder ............ 50

I

LZOOM Indicator ............. 31,35

Included Accessories .............. 3

Inserting a Cassette ............. 4,21

Inserting and Removing Cassettes ...21

Inserting Rechargeable Battery ...... 16

INST. ZOOM Button .......... 8,32,35

Installing Clock Cell .............. 28

Instant Zoom Feature (ProV 742 only) 35

L

LCD Monitor ............. 7,10,29,51

Lens ......................... ...9

Lens Door ....................... 5

Letterbox Recording . ... ........... 37

Limited Warranty ............ _.70,71

M

Macro Focus .................... 34

Maintenance and Care .............. 58

Making Better Videos .... ... ...... 50

74

Manual Focus ................... 34

Memory-Stop Feature .......... 43,44

Microphone ................... 9,22

Mosaic Recording ................ 39

N

Negative/Positive Recording .... ...38

NO TAPE Display ............. 31,32

O

OFF/CAM/VCR Switch ........... 6,9

............ 12-14,16,19,23,25,43

............. 44,46,47,48,52,55,57

Operating Controls, Camcorder .... 4-10

Operation, First-Time ........... 3-10

Optional Accessories ........... 59-65

Order Form, Accessory ......... 63-65

P

Pause Indicator .................. 32

Pause, Stop-Action .............. ,53

PA USE/RECORD button ..... 12,13,41

............. 43,44,46,48,53,55,57

PLAY Button ............. 9,12,23,46

...................... 51-53,57

Playback Features ............. 52,53

Playback on a TV With

A UDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks ..... 54,55

Playback on a TV

Without Audio/Video Inputs . .56-57

Playback, Viewfinder ......... .... 52

Plug Adapter .................... 14

Power Zoom Control ............... 9

Powering the Camcorder ........ 14-19

Problem Solving .............. 66-67

Product Registration .Inside Front Cover
Program AE (Auto Exposure)

Feature ...................... 24

Quick Review .......... .......... 22

REC Indicator .......... :...... 7,31,32

Rechargeable Battery, Inserting

and Removing ................ 16

Recording Speed ................. 20

Recording Tips .................. 50

Recording Titles ................. 47

Registration Card ...Inside Front Cover

Remote Buttons ............... 12,13

Remote Control ............... 11-13

Remote Control Battery ........... 11

Remote Control Sensor .......... 9,11

Removing Rechargeable Battery .... 16

RESET Button .............. 12,13,44

REW (Rewind)/REVIEW Button ......

....... 9,12,22,23,25,2643,44,46,48,53

RF Output Adapter, Optional ..... 56,61

S

Safety Tab .................... 4,20

SEARCH Indicator ............... 25

Searching, Visual ................ 53

Sensor, Remote Control .......... 9,11

Setting the Time and Date .......... 26

Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring...8,49

Shoulder Strap, Attaching .......... 49

Shutter Speed Indicators ........... 24

Shutter Speeds ................... 24

Solving Problems .............. 66-67

Specifications ................... 72

Speed, Recording and Playback ..... 20

Status Indicators ............... 31,32

STOP Button ...... 9,12,13,23,25,26,43

............... 46,47,48,51-53,55,57

T

Tally Light .................... 9,22

Tape Copying ................. 54,55

TAPE Display ................. 31,32

TAPE END Display .......... 24,31,32

Tape Positioning ................. 23

Thumb Trigger ............ 7,40,46,52

Tilt Adjustment .................. 30

Time and Date Display ......... 26,27

Time and Date, Recording ......... 27

Time and Date, Setting ............ 26

Time Counter with Memory

Stop Feature .......... 31,32,43,44

Time Display ............... 24,31,32

Time Remaining Display ..... 24,31,32

Tips, Recording .................. 50

Tips, Traveling .................. 50

TITLE Indicator .................. 27

TITLE ON/OFF Button .... 12,13,46,47

Title Character Chart .............. 47

Titler ........................ 46,47

Traveling Tips ................... 50

Tripod, Using ................... 62

Trouble Checks ............... 66-67

Turning On the Camcorder .......... 6

U-V

Unpacking the Camcorder .......... 3

User Information ................. 68

Video Cassettes ............... 20,21

Video/Audio Dubbing ............. 48

Video/Audio Output

Connector ................. 10,56

Video/Audio Out Jacks ............. 8

Viewfinder .......... 7,30,31,32,52,58

Viewfinder, Cleaning ............. 58

Viewfinder Displays .............. 52

Viewfinder Playback .............. 53

Visual Searching ................. 53

Volume Control ................. 51

W-Z

Warranty, Limited ............. 70,71

ZOOM Control (ProV 742 only) ......

...................... 12, 13,34, 35

ZOOM Indicator (ProV 742 only) .31-35
Zoom Level Indicator (ProV 742 only)..

.......................... 31,32,35

Zooming (ProV 742 only) .. ........ 35

75

77

_ 'IHOMSON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

10330 North Meridian Street

Indianapolis, IN 46290

©1997 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.
Trademark(s) ® Registered

Marca(s) Registrada(s)
Printed in Japan

15243000

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