CG400 Cover 4/10/97 8:24 AM Page i CG400 Camcorder User’s Guide FPO We bring good things to life. ..
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 to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of purchase. Attach it here and record the serial and model numbers in case you ever need them. The numbers are located on the bottom of your camcorder.
CAUTION: READ “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER” ON THE NEXT PAGE BEFORE USING THE AC ADAPTER/CHARGER. CAUTION: MAINTAIN ELECTRICAL SAFETY. POWERLINE-OPERATED EQUIPMENT OR ACCESSORIES CONNECTED TO THIS UNIT SHOULD BEAR THE UL LISTING MARK OR, IF PURCHASED AND USED IN CANADA, THE C-UL OR CSA CERTIFICATION MARK ON THE ACCESSORIES THEMSELVES AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN MODIFIED SO AS TO DEFEAT THE SAFETY FEATURES. THIS WILL HELP AVOID ANY POTENTIAL HAZARD FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE.
Important Safety Instructions for AC Adapter/Charger Before using the AC adapter/charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) AC adapter/charger, (2) battery, and (3) product using battery. Caution: To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recommended for this camcorder. Other types of batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage. Do not expose the adapter/charger to moisture of any kind.
Table of Contents Product Registration............................i Safety Precautions ...........................i-iii Recording and Traveling Tips ...........2 Optional Accessories........................3-7 • Accessory Order Form..................5-7 First-Time Operation • Unpack the Camcorder and Accessories....................................8 • Use an Adapter/Charger or Battery to Supply Power ...............9 • Attach Lens Cap Cord and Adjust Handstrap...........................
Recording and Traveling Tips Recording Tips • In case of fire or theft, make a video recording of your home and contents to store in a safe place. • Try to make sure indoor scenes are well-lit. This improves picture quality and color reproduction. • Do not bump or tap the camcorder’s microphone while recording because this sound will be recorded. • Do not move the camcorder rapidly from side-to-side while recording. A steady, gradual “pan” avoids blurring and “jitter”.
Optional Accessories We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your camcorder. The following pages have a selection of accessories to help make the process of recording and watching your videos more enjoyable. To order accessories, contact your local dealer. If a dealer is not nearby, accessories are available through toll-free ordering or by using the order form on page 5.
Audio/Video Cables (AH069G 3-ft / AH070G 5-ft) These cables are shielded for connecting AUDIO and VIDEO jacks. They have RCA-type phono plugs on each end. Optional AC088 Tripod Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such as AC088, will keep the camcorder steady. This tripod’s fluid-effect head provides smooth camera pan and tilt. The grooved, tubular 3-section leg design folds down to 26" when not in use. Rubber feet allow for sure footing.
Order Form for Camcorder Model CG400 Description Soft Camcorder Case Super Lightweight Tripod 75-300 Ohm Cable Transformer RF Coaxial Cable (6-ft.) RF Coaxial Cable (10-ft.) Audio/Video Cable (3-ft.) Audio/Video Cable (5-ft.) Y-Adapter Rechargeable Battery (1 Hr.) AC Adapter/Charger RF Output Adapter Car Cord Adapter/Charger DC Cable for Adapter/Charger 300-75 Ohm Cable Transformer Shoulder Strap Part No.
Charge your order on your VISA or MasterCard by filling in below USE YOUR CREDIT CARD ® IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card My card expires: IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard Copy Number above your name on MasterCard s r r TM 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.
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 or MasterCard ready and call the toll-free number listed below between 8AM and 8PM Eastern Standard Time. Use this number only to place an order for accessory items listed on this order form.
First-Time Operation This section describes only the basic steps necessary to set up your camcorder to record. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options. Unpack the Camcorder and Accessories The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately. WARNING: NICKEL CADMIUM BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY. Rechargeable Battery Part No. AV608 Model CG400 AC Adapter/Charger Part No.
Use an Adapter/Charger or Battery to Supply Power Attaching the Adapter/Charger 2 1 1. Slide the OPEN-BATT button to open the battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully. 2. Insert the DC connecting cord from the DC output terminal on the AC adapter/charger to the DC input terminal on the camcorder. 4 3. Close the battery compartment. 4. Plug the AC adapter/charger power cord into an AC operating outlet. The adapter/charger’s POWER indicator lights.
Insert a Cassette 1. Press the EJECT button to open the cassette compartment. 2. Insert the cassette so the safety tab is at the top; the flap is at the bottom; and the tape window faces out. EJECT 1 2 3. Gently press the compartment where it is labeled PUSH until it clicks into place. The top closes automatically so do not press down on the top as it may damage the camcorder. 3 Turn On the Camcorder Slide the POWER switch upward to turn the camcorder on (or off).
Review the Camcorder Controls Viewfinder Lens BLANK Button Camera Lens EJECT Button AUDIO, VIDEO and DC OUT jacks Playback Controls (located under control door) V OPEN-BATT Button A Battery Compartment Handstrap Microphone Shoulder Strap Attachment PLAY/CAM Button Viewfinder Focus Control Zoom Slide Control “W” - Wide Angle “T” - Telephoto LCD Window Cassette Compartment Power Switch Warning Indicator Record-Pause Indicator REC: Record Start/Stop Button (Thumb Trigger) Shoulder Strap Attach
Review LCD Window Displays 4 3 2 1 5 BLANK REC PLAY 6 7 1. Battery Level Indicator ( ) Indicates the amount of power remaining in the battery. Details are on page 15. 2. Dew Warning ( ) Flashes when excessive moisture (condensation) has entered the camcorder. The camcorder will not operate when this warning appears; wait until the warning disappears before you operate. 3. Head Clog Warning ( ) Flashes when the video head is clogged or dirty. Contact an Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter. 4.
Powering Your Camcorder This section describes three ways to supply power to your camcorder: ■ AC Adapter/Charger ■ Battery ■ Car Cord Adapter (Optional) Using the Adapter/Charger The adapter/charger lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. It operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge the battery. You may need a plug adapter in some countries. Consult your dealer.
Using the Battery The supplied battery pack is not charged and must be charged as described below before it can be used the first time. Tips: Conserve battery power by turning the camcorder off during short recording breaks. Use the small marker switch on the top of the battery to help you remember to recharge the battery. It has no other function. Caution: When a battery is attached to the adapter/ charger, do not turn them upside down. The battery may fall off and be damaged or cause injury.
Installing the Battery Battery Safety Precautions: • Do not short the battery’s terminals. • Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. • Do not throw the battery into a fire or expose it to excessive heat–over 149ºF (65ºC). This could be hazardous. • Use the battery only with specified adapter/ chargers and camcorders. 2 1 To Install a Battery: To Remove a Battery: 1. Slide the OPEN-BATT button to open the battery compartment. 1.
Battery Care and Storage Do not store a battery pack where it can reach high temperatures. Remove the battery from the camcorder when it is not in use to prolong the battery life. Recharge the battery just before it is used. If the battery is recharged and not used, it will slowly lose its charge. Make sure to exhaust the charge of the battery pack completely when recording. If the battery pack is recharged when the previous charge is not completely exhausted, the charge time gradually decreases.
Using the Optional Car Cord Adapter/Charger This adapter/charger lets you power your camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts 24- or 12-volts to a 6.5-volt output. It can also charge the battery that came with your camcorder. Consult the operating instructions enclosed with the DCC05. 1 2 30 40 50 4 1. Slide the OPEN-BATT button to open the battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully. 2.
Recording Video Cassettes We recommend that our cassettes be used with your camcorder. Use of poor quality or damaged tapes can contaminate the video heads. Head cleaning is not covered under warranty and is considered normal maintenance. Inserting or Removing Cassettes EJECT 2 3 4 Caution: Insert the cassette so the safety tab is at the top and the tape window is facing out. The cassette should slide easily in the compartment. Do not force the cassette. 1. Attach a power supply. 2.
Recording Operation Only the basic steps were discussed in the “First Time Operation” section to set up your camcorder. This section explains in detail how to make a recording. Record-Pause Indicator (Red) Viewfinder ❍ ❍ Warning Indicator (Yellow) To Make a Recording: 1. Attach a power supply (AC adapter charger/battery/car cord adapter). See pages 13-17. 2. Insert a video tape. 3. Push the POWER switch upward to turn on the camcorder.
Recording Features This section explains the features available to enhance your recordings. Zoom Slide Control T = Telephoto W = Wide Angle PLAY CAM W T PLAY (Playback)/CAM (Recording) Mode This camcorder can be used for recording or playing a tape. Pressing the PLAY/ CAM button toggles between the recording mode and playback mode. The green and red indicators on each side of the button let you know the mode of the camcorder.
STOP PAUSE BLANK BLANK REW PLAY REC F.FWD EJECT Blank Search Time Counter With the press of a button, the camcorder advances through the tape for a blank section. This feature saves time and tape by locating the end of the last recorded segment. The time counter appears in the LCD window and shows the actual time elapsed when recording a program or playing back a segment of a prerecorded tape. It helps you locate the end or beginning of programs. Note the time counter reading.
Playback The basic playback features are described in this section of the manual. Before you can use these features, you must attach your camcorder to a TV (or VCR) to view the playback. Check order form on page 5 for optional accessories. Playback on TV (or VCR) with AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or VCR) with AUDIO/VIDEO IN jacks, you need an audio/video cable and maybe a Y-adapter. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, just attach the camcorder to the VCR.
Playback on a TV Using the Antenna Connector To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio/video inputs, additional accessories are required for this connection. STOP PAUSE BLANK OR RF Coaxial Cable* REW PLAY F.
Playback Features The playback features described below are used when you connect your camcorder to a TV with or without AUDIO/VIDEO jacks as described on pages 22 and 23. The buttons are located under the control panel on top of the camcorder. STOP REW PAUSE PLAY BLANK F.FWD EJECT Picture Search Stop-Action Pause During playback, you can search through the tape quickly by using the F.FWD (fast forward) or REW (rewind) button.
Reference Care and Maintenance • Keep dust and grit from entering the camcorder’s cassette door. Dust and grit are abrasive and will cause excessive wear to both the camcorder’s recording/playback heads and cassettes. • Wipe the lens gently with a cleaning tissue and commercially prepared cleaning solution designed for camera lens. Do not touch the lens with your fingers. The oil from your skin can damage the lens or improper cleaning may scratch the lens.
Trouble Checks Troubles sometimes are caused by simple “faults” that you can easily correct without the help of a service technician by first checking a few basic remedies. Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then perform the simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble. Trouble Checks and Adjustments No power • Slide the POWER switch upward to turn on the camcorder.
Trouble Checks and Adjustments Dew indicator flashing in the LCD window • If the dew indicator ( ) flashes in the LCD window, there is moisture in the camcorder. Wait until this indicator no longer appears before operating the camcorder. Viewfinder displays are not clear • Lens may be smudged and need to be cleaned. See the “Care and Maintenance” section on page 25. Vertical white lines appear when shooting bright object • This may occur when background extremely contrasts with the subject.
Specifications Camcorder Television system: Video Recording system: Audio recording system: Cassette type: Tape speed: Maximum recording time: Image Sensor: Viewfinder: Lens: Focus: White balance: Iris: Power supply: Power consumption: Operating temperature range: Storage temperature range: Dimensions (W x H x D) Weight: NTSC, EIA Rotating 2-head, helical-scan system Rotating head, FM system 8 mm video cassette tape SP mode - Approx. 14.345 mm/sec.
Limited Warranty What your warranty covers: • Any defect in material or workmanship. • Ship the camcorder to an Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter. For how long after your purchase: • Ninety days for labor charges. • Pay any charges billed to you by the Servicenter for service not covered by the warranty. • One year for parts. (The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental.) What we will do: • Pay any Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter the labor charges to repair your camcorder.
Index A AC Adapter/Charger Attaching the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,13 Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Using the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,13 Accessories Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Optional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Order Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 Adjusting the Hand Strap . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AUDIO/RF DC/VIDEO OUT Jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,22,23 Audio/Video Cables . . . . . . . . . .
Index P PAUSE Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Pause, Stop-Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Picture Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 PLAY Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-24 PLAY/CAM Button . . . . . 10,19,20,22,23 Playback Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Playback Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Playback on a TV Using the Antenna Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Playback on a TV With AUDIO/ VIDEO IN Jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For your nearest GE Dealer or Authorized Servicenter call toll-free in the U.S.A. 1-800-447-1700 Canadian Consumers – Your toll-free numbers are: English: 1-800-522-0338 French: 1-800-522-0445 If your camcorder needs service, please contact your dealer or the nearest Servicenter from the yellow pages. Please do not send any products to the Indianapolis address listed in this manual or on the carton. This will only add delays in service for your product. 10330 N.
