Pro809 USER‘S GUIDE Table of Contents.........1 Optional Accessories ...2 First-Time Operation ....8 Remote Control .........15 Powering Your Camcorder 18 Recording Features ....26 Playback...................52 Trouble Checks..........56 Care and Maintenance58 Specifications ............60 Limited Warranty ......61 Index........................
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.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (continued) 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 CSA CERTIFICATION MARK ON THE ACCESSORIES THEMSELVES AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN MODIFIED SO AS TO DEFEAT THE SAFETY FEATURES.
IMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS 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 type AV608, AV8MM, or AV8MSH. Other types of batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage. Do not expose the adapter/charger to moisture of any kind.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of your product, safety is a major factor in the design of every instrument. However, safety is your responsibility too. These pages list important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of a camcorder, adapter/charger, and accessory equipment. Please read them carefully before operating your products. Installation 1.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 8. Ventilation—Slots and openings in the products are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect them from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 12. Outdoor Antenna Grounding—If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 16. Lightning—For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power line surges. (continued) D. If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions.
Table of Contents Product Registration ............................i Safety Precautions...........................i-vii • Digital Special Effects ..................40 • Time Counter ................................41 • Titler ........................................42-43 Optional Accessories ........................2-7 • Accessory Order Form.................5-7 First-Time Operation .....................8-14 Remote Control ............................15-17 • Edit Insert Using the Camcorder ...............
Optional Accessories We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your 8mm 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.
Optional Accessories (continued) 1CVA356 Car Cord Adapter/Charger AC PO WER AV608, AV8MM, and AV8MSH — Rechargeable Batteries ADAP TER AA -EIN POWE R CH AR GE DC OU 7.5 T 1.6A V Caution: Do not use any other car cord adapter/charger with this camcorder. This car cord adapter/charger lets you operate your camcorder from a car, truck, or RV by plugging it into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket.
Optional Accessories (continued) AC088 Tripod 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 and weighs only 4 lbs. Rubber feet allow for sure footing. TE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE OSD BATT EJECT ON/OFF HT B.LIG FADE D•S•E EDIT– EDIT+ A/V IN OU S A/M VCR FOCU SCENE REC CT SELE AUTO Cautions: Before using a tripod, make sure it is stable enough to hold the camcorder without falling over.
Accessory Order Form Order Form for Camcorder Model Pro809 Description Soft Camcorder Case Tripod Y-Adapter Rechargeable Battery (1 Hr. 10 Mins) Rechargeable Battery (1 Hr. 40 Mins) Rechargeable Battery (2 Hrs. 20 Mins) Video Color Control Center Car Adapter/Charger Power Connector Audio/Video Cable Replacement Remote Shoulder Strap AC Adapter/Charger Part No. AC025A AC088 AH25 AV608 AV8MM AV8MSH VCC1000 1CVA356 210922 210923 221307 221308 1CVA153 Price Qty. $ 59.95 $ 39.95 $ 1.95 $ 49.95 $ 59.95 $ 79.
Accessory Order Form (continued) 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.
Accessory Order Form (continued) 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 tollfree 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 1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories. • Save the packing materials and box in case you ever need to ship or store your camcorder. • The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately. Rechargeable 6-Volt Battery Stock No. AV608 TE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE OSD BATT EJECT ON/OFF HT B.LIG FADE + EDIT E – D•S• A/V EDIT WARNING: NICKEL CADMIUM BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
First-Time Operation (continued) 2. Attach a power supply. A. Adapter/Charger To AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz. Power Connector DC OUT Jack POWER Indicator 1. Plug in adapter/charger. The adapter/charger’s POWER indicator will light. 2. Connect power connector’s cable to DC OUT jack on adapter/charger. 3. Hold power connector flush against camcorder and slide in direction of arrow. B. Charged Battery* 1. Make sure camcorder’s CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch is in OFF. Charged Battery Attached to Camcorder 2.
First-Time Operation (continued) TAPE EJECT Tape Window Safety Tab Cassette Door PUSH PUSH Here to Close TAPET EJEC V CR OFF C A M ER A Lens Cap Attached to Clip Hand Strap Thumb Trigger CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch 3. Insert a cassette. 1. Slide TAPE EJECT to open the cassette compartment. 2. Fully insert cassette with tape window facing out and safety tab facing up. 3. Gently close compartment door by pressing on area marked PUSH. Details are on page 25. 4. Adjust handstrap. 1.
First-Time Operation (continued) Eyepiece Focus Control Tally Light Electronic Viewfinder in Operating Position TE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE OSD FF BATT EJECT ON/O HT B.LIG FADE D•S•E EDIT– EDIT+ A/V IN OU S A/M VCR FOCU CT E SELE SCEN REC AUTO SCENE SELECT AE Dial 7. Make sure SCENE SELECT AE dial is in AUTO. The camcorder will adjust focus automatically and the shutter speed is set to 1/60 second. 8. Rotate viewfinder and adjust eyepiece focus control for your vision. 1.
First-Time Operation (continued) 10. Play back what you have recorded. 1. 2. 3. 4. Press thumb trigger to stop recording. Place CAMERA/OFF/VCR in VCR. Press 55 /EDIT – to rewind the tape. Press 6/FADE to play back the tape in the viewfinder. 5. Press /B.LIGHT when you are finished. 6. Details on viewfinder playback are on pages 52-53. 11. Review camcorder’s operating controls.
First-Time Operation (continued) 11. Review camcorder’s operating controls.
First-Time Operation (continued) 11. Review camcorder’s operating controls. (continued) BRIGHT and FOCUS Controls (See “Trouble Checks” for details.
Remote Control Install Remote Battery Cell 1. Pin Hole Battery Cell Holder 2. Back of Remote 3. 1. Turn remote over and insert a pin or straightened paper clip in the pin hole to remove the battery holder. 2. Insert battery cell in battery holder so positive (+) terminal faces up. 3. Replace battery holder. Notes: Never place anything heavy on top of the remote or lay it upside down. Replace battery when camcorder fails to respond to remote.
Remote Control (continued) 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.
Remote Control (continued) PAUSE • Press PAUSE during playback to stop the tape for stop-action viewing. • Press PAUSE again to return to normal playback. • Details on pages 52-53. PLAY • Press PLAY when the camcorder’s CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch is in VCR to begin playback. 55REW (Rewind)/SCAN • Press and release 55REW/SCAN quickly (CAMERA/OFF/VCR in CAMERA) to view the last three seconds of recorded material.
Powering Your Camcorder Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder The adapter/charger’s power connector 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. To AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz DC OUT Jack BATT EJECT CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch Adapter/Charger To Attach the Adapter/Charger 1. Make sure CAMERA/OFF/VCR is in OFF. 2. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into the nearest AC outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).
Powering Your Camcorder (continued) Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time. Initial charging will take approximately one hour. When fully charged, the battery should supply about 45-55 minutes of operating time (depending on how much you use zoom and pause). Note: Use the small marker switch on the top of the battery as a reminder to help you remember to recharge the battery. It has no other function.
Powering Your Camcorder (continued) Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued) CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch BATT EJECT To Attach Battery Battery Safety Precautions If the power connector is attached to the camcorder, remove it before attaching the battery. Do not short the battery’s terminals. • Hold the battery flush against the camcorder and slide it to the right as shown. Make sure it is firmly attached to the camcorder. Remove the Battery Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery.
Powering Your Camcorder (continued) Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued) Checking Battery Power (Battery Level Indicator) The battery level indicator shows how much recording time is left on the battery. This indicator will not be recorded on the tape. Battery Level Indicator Display in Viewfinder • When the battery is fully charged, the display shows in the viewfinder. • After several minutes, the display shows .
Powering Your Camcorder (continued) Using the Optional Thomson Car Cord Adapter/Charger The optional 1CVA356 car cord adapter/charger allows you to power your camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts 24- and 12-volts to a 6-volt output. The 1CVA356 can also charge the battery that came with your camcorder and the (long play) batteries. Notes: Consult instructions enclosed with the 1CVA356 for details.
Powering Your Camcorder (continued) Use 1CVA356 Car Cord Adapter/Charger to Power Camcorder Cigarette Lighter Socket AC POWER ADAPTER AA-EIN Power Connector DC OUT 7.5V 1.6A POWER CHAR GE CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch Optional 1CVA356 Car Cord Adapter/Charger DC OUT Jack 1. Slide camcorder’s CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to OFF, and remove battery if it is attached. 2. Hold power connector flush against the back of camcorder and slide it to the right as shown. 3.
Video Cassettes 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 one of our new tapes for approximately 30 minutes will often satisfactorily clean the heads and improve your picture. Erase Protection – Safety Tab You can use your video cassettes over and over again.
Video Cassettes (continued) Inserting and Removing Cassettes Tape Window Safety Tab PUSH Here to Close PUSH TAPET EJEC TAPE EJECT Button V CR OFF C A M ER Cassette Door A 1. Slide TAPE EJECT to open the cassette compartment. 2. Fully insert cassette with safety tab facing up and tape window facing out. Caution: Insert the cassette with the safety tab up and tape window facing out. The cassette should slide easily in the compartment. Do not force it. 3.
Recording Features CAMERA/OFF/VCR Microphone DATE/TIME/ NORMAL/TITLE TE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE OSD F BATT EJECT ON/OF HT FADE B.LIG S•E – D• Tally Light + EDIT A/V EDIT IN OU A/M VCR CUS FO ECT E SEL SCEN REC AUTO 55/EDIT – /B.LIGHT 66/EDIT + Display On/Off Feature Edit Search When the DATE/TIME/NORMAL/TITLE switch is in NORMAL, you can turn the normal viewfinder displays on or off. • Press OSD on the camcorder (DISPLAY on the remote) to turn the viewfinder displays off.
Recording Features (continued) PAUSE STANDBY PLAY F.FWD REW 55 REW/SCAN 66 F.FWD/SCAN CAMERA RECORD SCAN CAMERA RECORD/STANDBY W ZOOM T STOP DISPLAY STOP DISPLAY VCR REC TITLE ON/OFF Tape Positioning When CAMERA/OFF/VCR is in VCR and the camcorder is stopped, you can quickly fast forward or rewind the tape. • Press 66/EDIT + (66F.FWD/SCAN on remote) to fast forward the tape. Press /B.LIGHT (STOP on remote) to stop fast forwarding.
Date and Time Display Install the Lithium Cell Battery The time indicator will flash for approximately five seconds after the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch is set to CAMERA when the battery needs replacing. The cell should last approximately one year. Clock Battery Compartment Clock Cell (+ Side Facing Out) CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch in OFF 1. Make sure camcorder is turned off, and remove any power supply attached to the camcorder. 2. Open the clock cell compartment. 3.
Date and Time Display (continued) Setting the Time and Date Display in the Viewfinder SET DATE/TIME/ NORMAL/ TITLE Switch in DATE/TIME ON/OFF – and + – SET ON/OFF DATE/ TIME NORMAL RESET Z/MEMORY OSD CHAR– CHAR+ SET TITLE ON/OFF TE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE OSD FF CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch in CAMERA (Located on other side.) ON/O Make sure the lithium battery cell is installed and a power source is connected to the camcorder. 1. Place CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch in CAMERA. 5. Press SET.
Date and Time Display (continued) Recording Date and Time (or Date) on Your Tape The time and date (or date only) can be recorded on your tape. Whenever one of the displays appears in the viewfinder, it will be recorded. The DATE/TIME/NORMAL/ TITLE switch must be set to DATE/TIME. SET DATE/TIME/ NORMAL/ TITLE Switch in DATE/TIME ON/OFF – and + – SET ON/OFF RESET Z/MEMORY OSD CHAR– CHAR+ SET DATE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE ON/OFF CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch in CAMERA (Located on other side.
Electronic Viewfinder The camcorder’s electronic viewfinder is a miniature black-and-white monitor that displays the picture seen by the lens. Tilt Adjustment For convenient viewing, you can rotate the viewfinder about 180°. 180˚ Tilt Caution: Do not force the viewfinder to rotate completely around. This will damage the viewfinder and/or the camcorder. TE/ TIME L NORMA TITLE BATT EJECT OSD F ON/OF T B.
Displays in Viewfinder Several displays that aid in the operation of the camcorder appear in the viewfinder. The only displays that are recorded on the tape when they appear in the viewfinder are the title, date and time, or date only. Scene Select AE Manual Focus Status Indicators Battery Level T Zoom REC 0:00:00 5 PORTRAIT DEW MEM M.
Displays in Viewfinder (continued) Status Indicators Time Counter With Zero Memory The following status displays appear to let you know what the camcorder is doing. • REC appears during recording. • PAUSE appears during record pause. • STBY appears during record pause. • PLAY appears during playback. • FF appears during fast forward. • REW appears during rewind. • STOP appears when the camcorder is stopped. Repeatedly press OSD when TIME/DATE/NORMAL/TITLE is in NORMAL to display the time counter.
SCENE SELECT AE Modes The SCENE SELECT AE dial lets you select four different recording modes. Turn the dial to select the mode for the effect you want. The indicator for the mode you select will appear in the viewfinder. Set the dial to AUTO for normal recording. TE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE OSD F BATT EJECT ON/OF HT FADE B.LIG S•E – D• + EDIT A/V EDIT IN OU A/M VCR US FOC AUTO 34 ECT E SEL SCEN REC SCENE SELECT AE Dial Mode Indicator Uses AUTO None Use for normal recording.
Backlight Use this feature to record a subject that is darker than the surrounding scene. B.LIGHT TE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE OSD F BATT EJECT ON/OF HT FADE B.LIG S•E – D• + EDIT A/V EDIT IN OU A/M VCR US FOC ECT E SEL SCEN REC AUTO To Add More Light Press and hold B.LIGHT to add more light when recording: • A subject that is standing in a shadowed area. • A subject that has a light source behind them. Release B.LIGHT when the light conditions change.
Zooming The motorized zoom lens allows you to zoom in or out by pressing a button. Power Zoom Buttons W = Wide Angle T = Telephoto PAUSE STANDBY PLAY F.FWD REW CAMERA RECORD W SCAN ZOOM STOP DISPLAY T PUSH E TAP CT EJE VCR REC TITLE V CR OFF C A M ER A ON/OFF Using Power Zoom Buttons • Press “W” to move the lens in the wideangle direction. • Press “T” to move the lens in the telephoto (close-up) direction. The zoom indicator appears in the viewfinder.
Fading In and Out of Scenes You can add a professional touch to your recordings when you fade in and out of scenes. Both the picture and sound will gradually appear or disappear. The speed of the fade is automatically controlled by the camcorder. FADE TE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE OSD FF BATT EJECT ON/O HT B.LIG FADE EDIT– D•S•E EDIT+ A/V IN OU A/M VCR CUS CT FO LE ENE SE SC REC AUTO Fade In Fade Out 1. Place the camcorder in record pause. 1.
Focusing Your Camcorder Power Zoom Buttons “T ” a nd “W ” TE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE OSD F BATT EJECT ON/OF HT FADE B.LIG S•E – D• + EDIT A/V EDIT IN OU A/M VCR US FOC ECT E SEL SCEN REC AUTO SCENE SELECT AE Dial A/M (Automatic/Manual) FOCUS Auto Focus The camcorder will focus automatically whenever M.FOCUS does not appear in the viewfinder. • If M.FOCUS appears, press A/M FOCUS to turn on auto focus. The camcorder will automatically focus on the subject in the center of the viewfinder.
Focusing Your Camcorder (continued) Manual Focus Under certain conditions, such as those listed below, you may need to focus manually. 1. Press A/M FOCUS to turn on manual focus. M.FOCUS appears in the viewfinder. 2. Press zoom button T to zoom in on your subject. To maintain proper focus throughout the zoom range, zoom in on your subject before adjusting the focus. 3. Turn the focus ring until the subject is clearly focused. 4. When you are finished, press A/M FOCUS to turn on auto focus. M.
Digital Special Effects The digital special effects feature lets you select one of three digital effects while recording. TE/ TIME AL NORM TITLE OSD FF BATT EJECT ON/O T B.LIGH FADE D•S•E EDIT– EDIT+ DSE1 A/V IN OU S A/M VCR FOCU REC LECT E SE SCEN AUTO D•S•E (Digital Special Effects) Digital Special Effects Indicator in Viewfinder To Use Digital Special Effects 1. Place CAMERA/OFF/VCR in CAMERA. 2. Press D•S•E to give the picture you are recording a digital effect.
Time Counter The time counter shows actual time elapsed when recording or playing back a tape. It helps you quickly locate the end of recorded segments. DATE/TIME/NORMAL/TITLE in NORMAL – SET ON/OFF RESET Z/MEMORY OSD CHAR– CHAR+ SET DATE/ TIME NORMAL PAUSE TITLE 55REW/ SCAN ON/OFF RESET STANDBY PLAY F.FWD REW CAMERA RECORD W SCAN ZOOM STOP DISPLAY T STOP Z (Zero)/MEMORY DISPLAY VCR REC OSD TITLE ON/OFF TE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE OSD FF BATT EJECT ON/O HT B.
Titler The title 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. – SET ON/OFF RESET Z/MEMORY OSD CHAR (Character) – and + SET CHAR– CHAR+ SET DATE/ TIME NORMAL DATE/TIME/NORMAL/ TITLE in TITLE TITLE ON/OFF ON/OFF TE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch (Located on Other Side) OSD FF BATT EJECT ON/O HT B.
Titler (continued) PAUSE CAMERA RECORD STANDBY PLAY W F.FWD REW SCAN ZOOM STOP DISPLAY CAMERA RECORD /STANDBY T VCR REC TITLE TITLE ON/OFF ON/OFF Recording Titles on a Tape in the Camcorder 1. Attach a power source and place CAMERA/OFF/VCR in CAMERA. 2. Locate the place on the tape where you want to record the title. Note If you record a title on a prerecorded tape, the audio and video will be erased where the title is inserted.
Edit Insert Using the Camcorder Edit insert lets you record new audio and video from the camcorder to a previously recorded tape in the camcorder. DATE/TIME/NORMAL/TITLE in NORMAL – SET ON/OFF RESET Z/MEMORY OSD CHAR– CHAR+ SET DATE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE ON/OFF RESET Z(Zero)/MEMORY OSD CAMERA/OFF/ VCR Switch (Located on Other Side) TE/ TIME AL NORM TITLE OSD F BATT EJECT ON/OF HT FADE B.LIG •E – D•S + EDIT A/V EDIT IN OU A/M VCR CUS FO ECT E SEL SCEN REC AUTO /B.
Edit Insert Using the Camcorder (continued) PAUSE CAMERA RECORD STANDBY PLAY F.FWD REW W SCAN ZOOM STOP DISPLAY 55 REW/SCAN CAMERA RECORD/STANDBY T 66 F.FWD/SCAN DISPLAY VCR REC TITLE ON/OFF 1. Place CAMERA/OFF/VCR in CAMERA. 2. Press 55/EDIT – or 66/EDIT + (55REW/SCAN or 66 F.FWD/SCAN on remote) to locate the place you want the insert to end. 3. Place DATE/TIME/NORMAL/TITLE in NORMAL. 4. Press OSD (DISPLAY on remote) to display the time counter in the viewfinder. 5.
Edit Insert from A Monitor TV or VCR Edit insert lets you record new audio and video from the camcorder or another source, such as a TV or VCR, to a previously recorded tape in the camcorder. You will need the audio/video cable that came with your camcorder. RESET Z/MEMORY OSD – SET ON/OFF DATE/ TIME NORMAL CHAR– CHAR+ SET DATE/TIME/ NORMAL/TITLE in NORMAL TITLE RESET Z/MEMORY OSD PAUSE PLAY SCAN/ SCAN/ VCR REC ON/OFF PAUSE REW CAMERA RECORD STANDBY PLAY F.
Edit Insert (continued) Installation 1 Attach the audio/video cable’s white plug to the AUDIO OUT jack of the TV (or VCR). Note: If your TV (or VCR) has stereo AUDIO jacks, attach the white plug to the one labeled MONO. If one is not labeled MONO, you may need a Y-adapter, such as AH25 shown on page 3, to hear both channels. 2 Attach the audio/video cable’s yellow plug to the VIDEO OUT jack on the TV (or VCR).
Recording from VCR or TV Monitor To connect your camcorder to a TV (or VCR) with AUDIO and VIDEO OUT jacks, you will need the audio/video cable that came with your 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 on the TV. PAUSE REW CAMERA RECORD STANDBY PLAY F.FWD SCAN W ZOOM T STOP VCR REC STOP VCR REC DISPLAY TITLE ON/OFF /B.
Recording from VCR or TV Monitor (continued) Installation 1 Attach the audio/video cable’s white plug to the AUDIO OUT jack of the TV (or VCR). Note: If your TV (or VCR) has stereo AUDIO jacks, attach the white plug to the one labeled MONO. If one is not labeled MONO, you may need a Y-adapter, such as AH25 shown on page 3, to hear both channels. 2 Attach the audio/video cable’s yellow plug to the VIDEO OUT jack on the TV (or VCR).
Attaching the Shoulder Strap The shoulder strap packed with your camcorder is 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. Unfasten one end of the strap from the buckle catch and slide the end of the strap out of the tension band. Make sure you leave the buckle on the strap. 2.
Recording and Traveling Tips • 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.
Viewfinder Playback and Playback Features CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch (On Side of Camcorder) TE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE OSD FF BATT EJECT ON/O HT B.LIG FADE EDIT– D•S•E EDIT+ A/V IN OU A/M VCR CUS CT FO LE ENE SE SC REC AUTO 55/EDIT – /B.LIGHT 66/EDIT + 6FADE 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 because the display is in black and white.
Viewfinder Playback and Playback Features (continued) PAUSE CAMERA RECORD PAUSE STANDBY PLAY PLAY F.FWD REW 55 REW/SCAN W SCAN ZOOM STOP DISPLAY T STOP VCR REC TITLE ON/OFF 66 F.FWD/SCAN Playback Features Stop Action Pause • During playback, press /D•S•E (PAUSE on remote) to “stop the action” and view one frame of the tape. Caution: Pause is designed for momentary interruptions and should not be used for an extended period of time.
Playback on TV or VCR Using AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks 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. /B.
Playback on TV or VCR (continued) Installation 1 Attach white plug on one end of the audio/video cable to AUDIO IN jack on the TV (or VCR). Note: If your TV (or VCR) has stereo AUDIO IN jacks, attach white plug to the one labeled MONO. If one is not labeled MONO, you may need a Y-adapter, such as AH25, shown on page 3 to hear both channels. 3 Attach the white plug on the other end of the audio/video cable to the white AUDIO plug (located under the small cover) on the side of the camcorder.
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 RCA 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 • If using battery, it may need to be recharged.
Trouble Checks (continued) Trouble Checks and Adjustments Poor auto-focus operation • M. FOCUS appears in viewfinder. Press A/M FOCUS button to turn on auto focus. See pages 38-39. • Scene is dark. Auto-focus may not work under this condition. See pages 38-39 for details on manual focus. Date and/time (or date) were recorded on tape • Date and time (or date) are recorded on tape when they appear in viewfinder.
Care and Maintenance Proper Care and Storage • 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. • Before handling your camcorder, make sure your hands and face are free from any chemical products such as suntan lotion, as it may damage the finish. • Do not store the camcorder in temperatures below -22°F (-30C) or above 149°F (65C).
Care and Maintenance (continued) Cleaning the Camcorder To clean the camcorder’s exterior, remove any power source connected to the camcorder and gently wipe it with a clean soft cloth. Caution: Use of strong cleaning products, such as those containing alcohol or benzine, may damage the camcorder. TE/ TIME AL NORM TITLE OSD FF BATT EJECT ON/O T B.
Specifications General Power requirement: 6VDC Power consumption: 6.4 W Weight: 800 grams (Without battery pack, lens hood, lens cap, and cassette) Dimensions: 3.9" (W) x 4.1" (H) x 9.6" (D) (100 x 105 x 246 mm) Camera Section Scanning: 525 Lines/60 Fields/30 Frames Required Minimum Illumination: 2 lux Lens: F:1.4 8:1 (6.0~48.
Limited Warranty What your warranty covers: • Any defect in material or workmanship. • 90 days for labor charges. • One year for parts. The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental. What we will do: • Pay any Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter the labor charges to repair your camcorder. • Pay any Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter for the new or, at our option, refurbished replacement parts required to repair your camcorder.
Index A/M FOCUS Button..............................12,32,38-39 A/V (Audio/Video) IN OUT Switch ............................12,46-47,48-49,54-55 AC Adapter/Charger, Safety Instructions.............iii Accessories, Included.............................................8 Accessories, Optional .........................................2-7 Accessory Shoe ....................................................13 Accessory, Order Form.......................................5-7 Adapter/Charger, Using ...................
Index (continued) PAUSE Button ...........................................16-17,53 /D•S•E (Pause/Digital Special Effects) Button ............................................12,32,40,53 Pause, Stop-Action...............................................53 PLAY Button ..............................................16-17,52 6(Play)/FADE ..................................12,37,52,53,55 PLAY Indicator...........................................32-33,52 Playback........................................................
For your nearest Home Entertainment Dealer or Authorized Servicenter call toll-free in the U.S.A. 1-800-336-1900 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.
