ProV712/ProV714 USER‘S GUIDE 8 C A M C O R D E R hyo-1 1 4/8/97, 10:07 AM
Important Safety Information WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS CAMCORDER OR ADAPTER/CHARGER TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks.
WARNING—FCC Regulations state that any unauthorized changes or modificaImportant Information tions to this equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of your video product, safety is a major factor in the design of every instrument. However, safety is your responsibility too. This sheet lists important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of the video product and accessory equipment. Please read them carefully before operating and using your video product.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS Example of Antenna Grounding ANTENNA LEAD IN WIRE GROUND CLAMP ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT (NEC SECTION 810-20) GROUNDING CONDUCTORS (NEC SECTION 810-21) GROUND CLAMPS ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT POWER SERVICE GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM (NEC ART 250, PART H) 13 Power Lines—An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines, other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits.
Precautions Dew Formation • What is “dew formation”? When cold water is poured into a glass, dew drops form on the glass. This clinging of water drops is called dew formation. • When dew forms in your Camcorder. Dew will gradually form on the head drum of your Camcorder and make the video tape stick to the head. This causes damage both to the head and the tape. When dew formation occurs, recording and playback may not function properly.
Table of Contents Important Information Important Safety Information ........................................ i-ii Important Safeguards ................................................. iii-iv Precautions (Dew Formation) ............................................ v Supplied Accessories ........................................................ 2 Important Information Camcorder Controls ....................................................... 3-4 Warning Indicators .........................................
Supplied Accessories This section describes only the basic steps necessary to set up your camcorder to record. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options. Assistance The toll-free numbers are available to help you with any problem you may encounter. Camcorder Exchange Warranty ........ 800-283-6503 Customer Service .............................. 800-336-1900 Accessories .......................................
Camcorder Controls Front View Zoom Lens Cassette Compartment Door Release [9] Preparation Microphone Cassette Compartment Door [9] Bottom View Battery Compartment Door [7] Battery Compartment Door Release [7] Tripod Socket [21] 3 p01~10 3 4/8/97, 10:08 AM Important Information For details on the use of each control, refer to the page number indicated in the brackets.
Camcorder Controls Rear View Shoulder Strap Loop [10] BLC/GAIN-UP Button [17] Power Zoom Wide/Telephoto Control Buttons [11] VOLume Control Buttons [14] RECord START/STOP Button (in Camera Mode) [11] Shoulder Strap Loop [10] Power Switch (CAMERA/VCR Select Switch) [11, 14] Hand Strap [10] AUDIO/VIDEO Jack Lens Cap Holder [10] Speaker VCR Mode Rewind/Reverse Search Button BATTERY DEW/CLOG CAMERA Mode BATTERY DEW/CLOG Indicator Indicator Fast Forward/Forward Search Button PLAY Button REW PLAY FF
Powering the Camcorder Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet 1 Slide the battery compartment door release and open the battery compartment door as shown. 2 Plug the DC cable into the DC OUT jack on the AC adapter. Insert the AC adapter’s AC plug into a wall outlet. The POWER indicator will light. Preparation Battery compartment door release 4 Insert the DC cable connecting plate as shown, then push it in completely.
Powering the Camcorder Using the AC Adapter/ Battery Charger Precautions: • The AC adapter/battery charger may interfere with reception, if used near a radio. • Prevent flammables, liquids, and metal objects from entering the adapter/charger. • The adapter/charger is a sealed unit. Do not attempt to open or modify it. • Do not damage, drop, or subject the adapter/charger to vibration. • Do not leave the adapter/charger in direct sunlight. • Avoid using the adapter/charger in humid or extremely hot places.
Powering the Camcorder Inserting and Removing the Battery Pack Battery Pack Handling 1 • Make sure that you take enough battery packs with you to provide two to three times your estimated recording time. • Recording time will be reduced in cold weather. • The battery will drain in Recording Standby mode. Turn off the power if you will not be recording again soon.
Powering the Camcorder Using the Optional SDC100 Car Battery Adapter Use the optional SDC100 car battery adapter when you want to power the Camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of your car. Perform steps 1 through 3 under “Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet” (page 5). Plug the DC cable into the DC OUT jack on the SDC100. Next, start the car engine and leave it idling. Then insert the plug into the cigarette lighter socket. (The POWER indicator on the SDC100 will light.
Cassettes Inserting and Removing a Cassette Inserting a Cassette 1 Removing a Cassette Slide the release and open the cassette compartment door. The cassette holder extends automatically. Cassette compartment door release 1 Slide the release and open the cassette compartment door. The cassette holder extends automatically. 2 Remove the cassette. 2 2 Insert the tape cassette fully with the window facing outwards, and with the protect tab toward the top.
Preparation Handling the Lens Cap and Using the Hand Strap Attach the Lens Cap to the Hand Strap and Fit the Hand Strap to Your Hand 1 Open the hand strap flap and grip strap, and slide the lens cap holder from the grip strap as shown in the illustration below. 2 Pass the grip strap through the loop at the end of the lens cap cord, and replace the lens cap holder onto the strap. 3 Hold the Camcorder against your chest.
Basic Operations Camera Recording Easy Camera Recording Zooming You can watch the subject on the large LCD monitor screen for easier, more enjoyable video-shooting. Before you start recording, perform the operations described on pages 5 through 10 to prepare your Camcorder for recording. 2 Hold down the Power switch and slide it to CAMERA. (The picture from the lens is now displayed on the LCD monitor screen.) 3 Press the REC START/STOP button to start recording. Make sure the REC indicator lights.
Camera Recording Tips on Recording Positions The rotating LCD monitor screen lets you enjoy easy video recording in relaxed postures. • You can record using more natural body postures since you can see the subject on-screen, without having to hold the Camcorder against your eye. • The LCD monitor screen also makes high-angle and low-angle shots easy. • In hand-held recording, the Camcorder has to be steadied to prevent image shake. • Use a tripod for very stable recording.
Camera Recording Hints for Better Shooting Position the subject in the center of the screen. Notes • When you are using auto focus, whatever is in the center of the screen is kept in focus. Position the subject in the center. • Avoid backlit subjects. For the best picture, the light source should be located behind the Camcorder. • When the background is brighter than the subject, the subject often becomes too dark.
Basic Operations Playback Playback Video Search The LCD monitor screen makes it possible to play back and see what you have just recorded. Nothing needs to be connected, allowing instant on-screen playback. You can hear the sound through the builtin speaker. You can also watch prerecorded 8 mm video tapes on this Camcorder. 1 Hold down the Power switch and slide it to VCR. 2 If the tape is not at the desired point, press the REW (or FF) button to rewind (or fast forward) the tape.
Useful Features for Camera Recording Self Recording The LCD monitor screen can be rotated 180° vertically so that the monitor screen faces the subject. This lets you record yourself while watching yourself on the monitor screen. Using Self Recording 1 Rotate Camcorder’s monitor part 180° vertically. The screen image will be inverted to show a mirror image of the subject.
Useful Features for Camera Recording Auto/Manual Focus Auto Focus Using the Manual Focus The Camcorder’s Auto Focus feature is designed to focus on most types of subjects. In Auto Focus mode, the Camcorder automatically focuses on whatever is in the center of the scene. Therefore, always keep the subject in the center of the monitor screen. 1 Press the Power Zoom T button to set the zoom power to the maximum. 2 Press the FOCUS Far or FOCUS Near button for 1 second to set Manual Focus mode.
Useful Features for Camera Recording Backlight Compensation (BLC) and Gain-up (Cat’s Eye) Backlight Compensation (BLC) When the subject is backlit, the image will be darkened if it is recorded normally. The Camcorder’s backlight compensation (BLC) feature can improve the picture. Gain-up (Cat’s Eye) When you are recording in a dark or poorly illuminated location, the gain-up function lets you record a brighter picture. Using BLC/GAIN-UP 1 2 Press and hold down the BLC/GAIN-UP button.
Lighting 500 to 100,000 lux of light is best for clear, goodquality recordings. Though recording is possible with less light, insufficient lighting can result in poor picture quality. Reference Lighting is not only one of the most important areas in producing home videos, but also one of the most overlooked. Good lighting can often mean the difference between a great picture and a poor one. Lighting is also essential for correct white balance.
Connections for Playback on a TV Although you can enjoy playback on the Camcorder’s LCD monitor screen, you can also watch tape playback on your TV screen. Connection to a TV through a VCR Connection to a TV 1 2 Connect the Camcorder to your TV with the supplied audio/video cable, as shown. 1 Set the TV to its “AV” or “VIDEO” channel. (See the operation manual for your TV.) Connect the Camcorder to your VCR with the supplied audio/video cable, as shown.
Recording with Another VCR Your Camcorder can be used as the playback source deck for dubbing and editing a tape with another VCR. Connect the Camcorder to a VCR with the supplied audio/video cable, as shown. Recording with Another VCR 1 On the Camcorder, play back the tape to be edited, and locate the beginning and end of the sequence you wish to cut. Then rewind the tape to the beginning of the portion that you wish to keep. 2 Load a blank tape cassette into the recording VCR.
Optional Accessories 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. 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 toll-free ordering or by using the order form on page 23.
Accessory Order Form 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.
Accessory Order Form Order Form for Camcorder Model ProV712/ProV714 Description Part No. Price Tripod AC088 $ 39.95 Qty. Rechargeable Battery (Standard Type) BB45 $ 59.95 Rechargeable Battery (Extended Type) BB50 $ 99.95 Car Battery Adapter SDC100 $119.00 Sun Hood SUN102 $ 69.95 AC Adapter/Battery Charger 221427 $110.35 DC Output Cable 233567 $ 12.40 Audio/Video Cable 233568 $ 10.20 Lens Cap 233570 $ Shoulder Strap 233784 $ 10.20 Total 1.
Accessory Order Form 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 My card expires: s r IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard Copy Number above your name on MasterCard r TM My card expires: IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your Discover Card My card expires: AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE Prices are subject to change without notice.
Use and Care Precautions • After operation, remove the battery pack from the unit. • Do not aim the lens at the sun. Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the Camcorder lens or LCD panel, whether recording is in progress or not, as it may damage the CCD sensor or LCD panel surface. Be particularly careful when recording outside. • When shooting in dark places, avoid sudden brightly lit objects or light sources, such as the sun. Otherwise, the image may white out.
Use and Care Battery Packs Battery Pack Consumption How to Use the Battery Pack Cover • Recording with many starts and stops, frequent zooming, and recording in low temperatures will somewhat shorten actual recording time. Accordingly, be sure to turn off the power when not recording. Use of an auxiliary battery pack is recommended to prevent undesirable interruptions in your recording. • Do not use an insufficiently charged or weak battery pack.
Use and Care Video Cassette Tapes To Protect Recordings From Erasure When a previously recorded cassette is used again for recording, the previously recorded material is erased. To protect a recording from accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette to cover the hole. (A red mark will be exposed.) To record, slide the tab to open the hole. Using Your Camcorder Abroad Television system signals and electrical system voltages and frequencies vary substantially from country to country.
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.
Customer Assistance and Service 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-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 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, a refurbished unit or at your option, repair your camcorder at no cost to you. After the 90 days and within one year • Exchange your camcorder with a new or, at our option, a refurbished unit or at your option, repair your camcorder.
Limited Warranty 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.
Specifications Specifications Signal System: Recording System: Cassette: Recording/Playback Time: Tape Speed: Pickup Device: Lens: Lens Filter Diameter: Monitor: Microphone: Power Requirement: Power Consumption: Operating Temperature: Operating Humidity: Storage Temperature: Dimensions (approx.): Weight (approx.): NTSC standard 2 rotary heads, helical scanning system 8 mm video tape, MP type 120 minutes (P6-120) 14.345 mm/second 1/4" (6.4mm, effective size: 4.5 mm) CCD image sensor with approx.
Index Lens Cap ...................................................... 10 Lens Cap Holder ....................................... 4,10 Lighting Requirements ................................. 18 Limited Warranty ..................................... 30-31 Macro Shots ................................................. 17 Manual Focus ............................................... 16 Microphone .................................................... 3 Monitor Screen, Handling ............................
Need Assistance? We want to help! U.S. Consumers: Camcorder Exchange Warranty.............................. 800-283-6503 Customer Service ................................................... 800-336-1900 Accessories ............................................................ 800-338-0376 Canadian Consumers: English .................................................................... 800-522-0338 French .....................................................................
