Pro845 USER‘S GUIDE Table of Contents .5 Optional Accessories 6 First-Time Operation 10 Remote Control ....1 6 Powering Your Camcorder ..............
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 need them. The numbers are located on the bottom of your camcorder. Model No. Pro845 Serial No.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Your video camcorder’s AC adapter/charger will operate on 100-240 volts AC, 50/60 Hz, and has a polarized plug. Because one blade of the plug is wider than the other, the plug fits in the wall socket only one way. Do not defeat the safety feature of this plug. If you need an extension cord, use a polarized extension cord. CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
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 (continued) 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.
Recording Tips • Make a video recording of your home and contents to store in a safe place in case of fire or theft. • Practice recording under a variety of lighting conditions. This will help you respond quickly. • Do not move the camcorder rapidly from side-toside while recording. A steady, gradual “pan” avoids blurring and “jitter”. • Use the viewfinder to make sure the camcorder is level while recording or your scenes will appear “tilted”.
Table of Contents Product Registration..............Inside Front Cover Safety Precautions...........................................1-3 Recording Tips....................................................4 • Holding the Camcorder .....................................4 • Traveling Tips ...................................................4 Optional Accessories .......................................6-9 • Accessory Order Form ...................................7-8 • Using a Tripod.................................
Optional Accessories To order accessories, contact your local dealer, call toll free, or use the order form on the next page. AC025A Soft Carrying Case Custom compact soft case designed especially to provide protection and utility for your 8mm camcorder and most accessories. Rugged fabric lined with soft non-abrasive material and generous padding. Has three outside pockets with storage for lens filters, adapters, batteries, and tapes.
Accessory Order Form 193983 Cable Transformer Order Form for Pro845 This 300-to-75 ohm transformer is used to connect a standard 300-ohm antenna twin-lead to a standard round 75-ohm connector. Description Soft Camcorder Case Tripod Cable Transformer RF Coaxial Cable (6-ft.) RF Coaxial Cable (10-ft.) Audio/Video Cable (3-ft.) Audio/Video Cable (5-ft.) Dubbing Cable (6-ft.
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 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.
Optional Tripod or Monopod AC088 Tripod SC EN E SE AR CH 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. IR TO AU Cautions: Before using a tripod, make sure it is stable enough to hold the camcorder without falling over. When attaching your camcorder to a tripod, be careful not to force its screw into the camcorder’s mounting hole.
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. ESH REFR GE CHAR ER POW AC Adapter/Charger Part No. CPS801A DC Connecting Cord Part No.
First-Time Operation (continued) 2. Attach the shoulder strap. C. Thread the strap back into the buckle. Pull on the strap and make sure it is securely fastened before using it to support the camcorder. A. Unfasten one end of the shoulder strap from the buckle. Leave the buckle on the strap. B. Thread one end of the shoulder strap through one of the shoulder strap rings. CAM POWER OFF D. Repeat steps A-C for the other end of the shoulder strap.
First-Time Operation (continued) 4. Attach the lens cap cord and adjust the handstrap. A. Press on both sides of the lens cap to remove it.
First-Time Operation (continued) Viewfinder in Operating Position (Pull Out Here) Eyepiece Focus Control CAM POWER OFF S C E N E S E A R C H POWER (CAM/OFF/VCR) Switch VCR IR REW PLAY DISPLAY REC START/ STOP FF REC PAUSE EJECT STOP TO AU AU TO COUNTER RESET ER W PO AVE S ON FOCUS ON/OFF MEMO DATE BATT FADE ON/POWER SAVE Lever SCENE SELECT Control set to AUTO REC START/STOP Button (Thumb Trigger) 6. Set SCENE SELECT to AUTO. 7.
First-Time Operation (continued) 10. Play back what you have recorded. A. Press thumb trigger to stop recording. B. Press and hold the small button while you place POWER in VCR. C. Press REW to rewind the tape. D. Press PLAY to play back the tape in the viewfinder. E. Press STOP when you are finished playing back the tape. Details on viewfinder playback are on page 35. 11. Review the camcorder controls.
First-Time Operation (continued) 11. Review the camcorder controls. (continued) POWER (CAM (camera)/ OFF/VCR) Switch DISPLAY Button REC (Record) Button Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring EJECT Button REW Button CAM POWER OFF VCR REC START/STOP Button (Thumb Trigger) PLAY Button FF Button REW PLAY DISPLAY REC START/ STOP FF REC PAUSE button STOP Button PAUSE ON/POWER SAVE Lever EJECT STOP AU TO COUNTER RESET ER W PO AVE S ON FOCUS ON/OFF MEMO DATE FOCUS ON/OFF Button BATT DC IN 6.
Remote Control Functions of Remote Buttons Most of the remote control buttons perform the same function as the corresponding controls on the camcorder. You can use whichever are more convenient at the time. Note: Before using the remote for the first time, remove the plastic film covering the battery cell. REC 1 REW PLAY F.FWD 2 9 10 11 STOP 3 4 5 6 F.
Remote Control (continued) 8 COUNTER RES (Reset) and MEM (Memory) Buttons • Press COUNTER RES to reset the time counter to “0:00:00”. • Press COUNTER MEM during recording to display amount of recording time left on the tape. • Press COUNTER MEM during playback to turn memory stop on and off. • Details are on page 33. 9 F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button • Press F.FWD when POWER is in VCR to fast forward the tape. • During playback or fast forward, press and hold F.FWD to visually search forward on the tape.
Remote Control (continued) Replace Remote Battery Cell 1. Turn the remote over. Insert a pencil or paper clip in the small hole and slide it in the direction of the arrow while removing the battery cell holder. 2. Remove the old battery by pushing it to the front and then up. Cell Cell Holder 3. Insert the lithium cell into cell holder so its positive (+) terminal faces up. 4. Slide the holder back into the remote until it clicks into place.
Powering Your Camcorder 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.
Powering Your Camcorder Rechargeable Battery 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 45-65 minutes of operating time (depending on how much you use zoom and pause, auto focus, and record pause). Place ON/POWER SAVE in POWER SAVE during recording breaks to conserve power. Place it back in ON when you are ready to resume recording.
Powering Your Camcorder Rechargeable Battery (continued) Align Reference Marks CAM POWER OFF VCR REW PLAY REC START/ STOP DISPLAY FF REC PAUSE EJECT STOP AU TO COUNTER RESET ER W PO AVE S ON FOCUS ON/OFF MEMO DATE BATT FADE BATT (Battery) Eject Lever Attach the Charged Battery Remove the Battery 1. If the DC power cord’s plug is attached to the camcorder, remove it. 2. Align the reference marks on the battery and camcorder. 3.
Powering Your Camcorder Optional Thomson DCC05 Car Cord Adapter/Charger This 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 6.5-volt output. It can also charge the battery that came with your camcorder and the AV8MM (long play) battery. Consult the instructions enclosed with the DCC05 for complete operation information.
RCA 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. The automatic head cleaning system minimizes the need for accessory cleaners or cleaning by a Servicenter. This system is activated whenever you insert or remove a cassette. Insert and Remove Cassettes A. Attach a power supply. B.
Date and Time Display SC EN E SE AR CH Cell Compartment IR Display in Viewfinder CAM POWER OFF VCR Hours and AM or PM REW PLAY TO Cell Holder REC START/ STOP DISPLAY FF REC PAUSE EJECT STOP AU AU TO ?W26X? W&@@1? ?W&@@@@? O&@@@@5? W2@@@@@(Y? ?W&@@@@@(Y W&@@@@@0Y? ?W&@@@@(M? W&@@@@(Y ?W&@@@@(Y? W&@@@@(Y ?W&@@@@(Y? O&@@@@0Y W2@@@@@? ?W&@@@@@@? W&@@@@(M ?W&@@@@(Y? W&@@@@(Y ?W&@@@@(Y? O&@@@@(Y W2@@@@@(Y? ?W&@@@@@0Y W&@@@@(M ?W&@@@@(Y? W&@@@@(Y ?W&@@@@(Y? W&@@@@(Y ?W&@@@@(Y? O&@@@@(Y W2@@@@
Viewfinder The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature color LCD monitor that displays the picture seen by the camcorder. The viewfinder can also be used for viewing the tape during playback. Caution: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, rotate the viewfinder down. This helps prevent possible damage to the viewfinder from bumping against your body as you move. Viewfinder in Operating Position (PULL here to extend viewfinder.
Displays in Viewfinder 1 Battery Level 7 Time Counter 2 Status Displays REC M 1:00:00 3 SCENE SELECT Indicators 4 LP Display TAPE END Indicators 8 Manual Focus (MF) Indicator 9 Cassette and Dew Indicators LP 5 FADE Indicator 6 TAPE and with Memory Stop or Tape Remaining TAPE END PM 10:20:15 2.11.1994 10 Time and Date Display Displays in Viewfinder 1 Battery Level Indicator • The battery level indicator displays the amount of power left in the rechargeable battery.
Displays in Viewfinder (continued) 4 LP Indicator LP appears when you play back a tape recorded in LP speed. 5 FADE Indicator • FADE appears when you turn on the fading feature. • FADE flashes while the camcorder is fading in or out. 6 TAPE and TAPE END Indicators • TAPE appears when approximately five minutes of recording time is left on the tape. • TAPE END appears when the end of the tape is reached during recording.
Special Features SCENE SEARCH – and + Buttons F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button Microphone S C E N E S E A R C H REC REW (Rewind) Buttons IR REW TO F.FWD STOP STOP Button AU PLAY SCENE SEARCH – and + Buttons F. ADV PAUSE SLOW ZOOM SCENE SEARCH DISPLAY COUNTER RES START MEM STOP START/STOP Button Tally Light Quick Review Microphone When the camcorder is in record pause, press and release SCENE SEARCH – to review the last few seconds of recorded material.
Special Features (continued) POWER Switch CAM POWER OFF VCR REW (Rewind) Button REW PLAY FF(Fast Forward) Button DISPLAY REC START/ STOP FF REC PAUSE EJECT STOP AU TO COUNTER RESET ER W PO AVE S ON FOCUS ON/OFF MEMO DATE SCENE SELECT Control Auto Mode MIC VIDEO OUT Place POWER in VCR, and make sure the camcorder is stopped. • Press FF (fast forward) on camcorder or F.FWD on remote to fast forward the tape. • Press REW (rewind) to rewind the tape.
Focusing Your Camcorder 0:00:00 MF Power Zoom Buttons Manual Focus Ring CAM POWER OFF Manual Focus Display in Viewfinder VCR REW PLAY REC START/ STOP DISPLAY FF REC PAUSE SCENE SELECT EJECT STOP AU TO COUNTERT RESE ER W PO AVE S ON FOCUS ON/OFF MEMO DATE BATT FADE FOCUS ON/OFF (Auto Focus/ Manual Focus) Button Auto Focus If you want the camcorder to focus for you automatically, set the SCENE SELECT control to AUTO.
SCENE SELECT Modes The camcorder has several SCENE SELECT modes for particular recording situations. It will automatically set shutter speed, white balance, and iris. Manual or auto focus can be used during any of these modes.
Zooming and Fading Power Zoom Buttons T=Telephoto W=Wide Angle REC REW CAM POWER OFF REW (Rewind) Button VCR PLAY F.FWD STOP STOP Button F.
Time Counter with Memory Stop Time Counter The time counter display shows the actual time elapsed when recording or playing back a tape. The time counter quickly locates the end of recorded segments. Note the reading when you are finished recording or playing back a tape. Before you start to record or playback a tape, press the COUNTER RESET button to set the counter to “0:00:00”. For example, you recorded a 10-minute segment. Later, you want to locate the end of your recording.
Recording from a TV or VCR To record on your camcorder from a TV or VCR having AUDIO/VIDEO OUT jacks, use the audio/video cable that came packed with the camcorder.
Viewfinder Playback and Playback Features REW (Rewind) Button PLAY Button POWER Switch in VCR PLAY Button FF (Fast Forward) Button PAUSE Button CAM POWER OFF REW (Rewind) Button REW VCR SLOW Button F.ADV (Frame Advance) Button REC START/ STOP DISPLAY REC PAUSE EJECT STOP PAUSE AU TO COUNTERT RESE ER W PO AVE S ON FOCUS ON/OFF MEMO DATE EJECT Button BATT FADE SLOW ZOOM SCENE SEARCH DISPLAY STOP Button PAUSE Button F.FWD STOP Button F. ADV FF PLAY STOP REW PLAY F.
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 came 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.
Playback on TV or VCR (continued) Installation 1 Attach the white plug on one end of the included audio/video cable to the AUDIO IN jack on the TV or VCR and the other white plug to the white AUDIO jack located under the AV TERMINAL cover on the side of the camcorder. 2 Attach the yellow video plug on one end of the included audio/video cable to the VIDEO IN jack on the TV or VCR and the other yellow plug to the yellow VIDEO jack located under the AV TERMINAL cover on the side of the camcorder.
Playback on a TV without Audio/Video Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio and video inputs, you need an optional CRF800 RF output adapter and an optional coaxial RF cable.
Playback on a TV without Audio/Video Inputs (continued) Installation 1 Disconnect the VHF antenna from your TV. Connect the antenna to the VHF 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. 2 Attach one end of the coaxial RF cable to the VHF OUT connector on the RF output adapter and the other end to the VHF input on your TV.
Care and Maintenance Camcorder Care and Storage • Keep dust and grit from entering the camcorder’s cassette door. They are abrasive and cause excessive wear both to 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. • Always replace the lens cap on the lens when the camcorder is not in use.
Care and Maintenance Cleaning the Camcorder SE AR C H To clean the camcorder’s exterior, remove any power source connected to the camcorder and gently wipe it with a clean soft cloth. SC EN E Caution: Use of strong cleaning products, such as those containing alcohol or benzine, may damage 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. If service should be necessary, the warranty information lists what your warranty covers and explains how to get service.
Trouble Checks (continued) Trouble Checks and Adjustments Poor auto-focus operation • Make sure SCENE SELECT control is in AUTO. See page 31. • Scene is dark. Auto-focus may not work under this condition. See page 30 for details on manual focus. • Lens is smudged, and image appears unfocused. • Viewfinder eyepiece focus is misadjusted. See page 25. Picture is too dark or subject too dark. • Select the best SCENE SELECT mode for the recording situation. See page 31.
Design Specifications General Power requirement: 6V/6.5VDC Power consumption: 6.0 W Weight: (820g) Dimensions: (119 x 111 x 210mm) Camera Section Scanning: 525 Lines/60 Fields/30 Frames Image Sensor: CCD Imager Tripod Mount: One 1/4" threaded hole Lens: f: 1.8 — 12:1 (5.
Consumer Assistance and Service – Pro845 Camcorder You can reach Thomson at the following number: 1-800-283-6503 (Toll free inside U.S.A.) Our toll-free camcorder number operates from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST Monday – Friday. Thomson provides a toll-free 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.
Limited Warranty – Pro845 Camcorder 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. What we will do: During the initial 90 days • Exchange your camcorder with a new, or at our option, refurbished unit at no cost to you.
Limited Warranty – Pro845 Camcorder (continued) 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 along with all accessories included with your camcorder, using the original box and packing material if possible. 3. Include with the shipment: • A copy of your dated bill of sale to verify your unit’s warranty eligibility.
Index Accessories, Included ...........................................10 Accessories, Optional..........................................6-9 Accessory Shoe.....................................................14 Accessory, Order Form .......................................7-8 Adapter/Charger, Safety Instructions ...........................Inside Front Cover Adapter/Charger, Using...................................11,19 ADJ. (Adjust) Clock Control ...........................14,24 Assistance and Service ......
Index (continued) Operation, First-Time......................................10-15 Optional Accessories...........................................6-9 Order Form, Accessory .......................................7-8 PAUSE Button ............................................15,16,35 PAUSE Display.....................................................26 Pause, Stop-Action ...............................................35 PLAY Button......................14,15,16-17,34,35,37,39 PLAY Display........................
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 Thomson Consumer Electronics 600 N Sherman Dr, PO Box 1976 Indianapolis, IN 46206 ©1994 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.
