RCA CC4251 User Manual

camcorder  
user's guide  
CC4251  
Assistance  
We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any  
questions, call:  
Camcorder Exchange Warranty...........800-283-6503 (pages 55-56)  
Customer Service...................................800-336-1900 (page 54)  
Accessories............................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 41-47)  
Table of Contents  
Safety Information.............................. i  
Powering Your Camcorder  
• Use the Adapter/Charger to  
Power Your Camcorder ............ 10  
• Use the Battery to Power  
First Time Operation  
• Assistance ....................................... 3  
• Unpack the Camcorder and  
Your Camcorder .................. 11-13  
• Charge the Battery .................... 11  
• Attach the Charged Battery ...... 12  
• Remove the Battery .................. 12  
• Battery Level Indicator ............. 13  
• Battery Care .............................. 14  
• Battery Storage ......................... 14  
• Battery Safety Precautions ....... 14  
• Use the RCA Optional Car  
Accessories ................................. 3  
• Attach the Adapter/Charger ............ 4  
• Adjust the Handstrap, Remove  
Lens Cap, and Attach  
It to Handstrap............................. 4  
• Insert a Tape .................................... 5  
• Turn on the Camcorder ................... 5  
• Adjust the Viewfinder and  
Eyepiece Focus Control .............. 6  
• Start and Stop Recording ................ 6  
• Play Back What you Have  
Recorded .................................... 7  
• Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR  
Switch to OFF............................ 7  
• Replace the Lens Cap...................... 7  
• Review Camcorder’s  
Cord Adapter ............................ 15  
Videocassettes  
• Erase Protection ............................ 16  
• Recording and Playback  
Speed and Times ...................... 16  
• Insert and Remove  
Cassettes ................................... 17  
• Cassette Care and Storage ............. 17  
Operating Controls ..................8-9  
1
Table of Contents  
Date/Time Display  
Playback  
• Set the Time and Date ................... 18  
• Record Time and Date, AUTO  
Date, Auto TITLE, or Date ......... 19  
• Charge the Built-in Clock  
• Viewfinder Playback ..................... 33  
• Playback Features  
• Tape Positioning ....................... 34  
• Visual Searching ....................... 34  
• Stop-Action Pause .................... 34  
• Tracking .................................... 35  
• Playback on TV (or VCR) with  
Audio/Video Inputs.............36-37  
• Playback on TV Without  
Battery ....................................... 19  
Recording  
• Use the Viewfinder...................20-21  
• Adjust Viewfinder for  
Convenient Viewing............. 20  
Audio/Video Inputs .............38-39  
• Eyepiece Focus Control............ 20  
• Tilt Adjustment ......................... 21  
BRIGHT Control....................... 21  
• Viewfinder Displays.................22-23  
Attach the Shoulder Strap .............. 40  
Optional Accessories...................41-47  
• Use a Tripod .................................. 42  
• Remove the Lens Hood ................. 44  
• Accessory Order Form .............45-47  
DISPLAY Button ........................... 24  
• Quick Review Feature................... 24  
• Camera Edit Feature ..................... 25  
• AutoShot™ Feature ...................... 25  
• Microphone ................................... 25  
• Auto Focus .................................... 25  
• Macro Focus.................................. 25  
• Tape-Remaining Display............... 26  
• Electronic Indexing ....................... 26  
• Zooming ........................................ 27  
• Tape Counter ................................. 28  
• Use Memory-Stop Feature ....... 28  
• Recording Tips .............................. 29  
• Travel Tips .................................... 29  
• Titler .........................................30-32  
• To Create a Title ....................... 31  
• Chart of Characters ................... 31  
• Record a Title on a Tape in  
Trouble Checks ...........................48-50  
Care and Maintenance  
• Clean the Camcorder..................... 51  
• Clean the Camcorder’s Lens ......... 51  
• Clean the Camcorder’s  
Viewfinder ................................. 51  
• Proper Care and Storage ............... 52  
• Things to Avoid ............................. 52  
Specifications.................................... 53  
Information to User ......................... 53  
Customer Assistance ........................ 54  
Limited Warranty .......................55-56  
Index ............................................57-60  
the Camcorder ..................... 32  
• Record a Title While Copying  
a Tape from the Camcorder  
to Another VCR ................... 32  
2
First-Time Operation  
This section describes the 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 camcorder.  
• The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any  
are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.  
WARNING:  
LEAD-ACID  
BATTERY.  
MUST BE  
DISPOSED OF  
PROPERLY.  
Model CC4251  
Rechargeable 10-Volt Battery  
Stock No. EP096FS  
Shoulder Strap  
AC Adapter/Charger: Stock No. 241044  
Stock No. 241305 or  
DC Cable: Stock No. 241308  
Stock No. 227327  
Caution: Do not use this adapter/charger for any  
purpose other than charging the EP096FS or EP096FL  
battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder.  
(continued on next page)  
3
First-Time Operation  
2. Attach the adapter/charger.  
To AC 120V,  
50/60 Hz  
DC  
POWER  
CHARGE  
OUTPUT  
Jack  
Adapter/  
Charger  
DC Cable  
DC IN 9.6V  
Jack  
Since the battery must be charged  
before it can be used the first time,  
attach the adapter/charger to the  
camcorder.  
2. Attach the other end of the cable  
to the DC IN 9.6V jack on the  
camcorder.  
3. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug  
into an operating outlet.  
1. Attach one end of the adapter/  
charger’s DC cable to the DC  
OUTPUT jack on the side of the  
adapter/charger.  
4. Details are on page 10.  
3. Adjust the handstrap, remove lens cap, and attach  
it to the handstrap.  
Lens Cap on  
Handstrap  
POWER  
CHARGE  
Handstrap  
1. Open the handstrap, insert your  
hand, and adjust the handstrap to  
fit your hand.  
2. Remove the lens cap and attach it  
to the handstrap where shown.  
4
First-Time Operation  
4. Insert a tape.  
Safety Tab  
STOP/EJECT  
Button  
Tape Windows  
Cassette Holder  
Cassette Door  
Press Here to Close  
• Press STOP/EJECT to open the  
cassette compartment.  
• Press the cassette down gently  
until it locks into place, and close  
the cassette compartment door.  
• Insert the cassette with the safety  
tab facing up and the tape windows  
facing out.  
Details are on page 17.  
5. Turn on the camcorder.  
CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch  
• Press and hold the small button on  
the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch  
while sliding it to CAMERA.  
power off (OFF), or play back  
tapes (VCR).  
• The camcorder will automatically  
turn off if it remains in record-  
pause for five minutes. Place the  
switch to OFF and then back to  
CAMERA to turn the camcorder  
back on.  
The camcorder enters record-  
pause.  
• The position of this switch tells  
the camcorder whether you want  
to record (CAMERA), turn the  
(continued on next page)  
5
First-Time Operation  
Eyepiece Focus  
Control  
Electronic  
Viewfinder (Grasp  
here to move.)  
Eyepiece  
BRIGHT  
Control  
REC/PAUSE  
Button  
6. Adjust the viewfinder and  
eyepiece focus control.  
7. Start and stop recording.  
• Press and release the REC/PAUSE  
button to start recording. REC  
appears in the viewfinder when  
the camcorder is recording.  
• Grasp the viewfinder and rotate it  
horizontally.  
• Pull the viewfinder out from the  
camcorder and rotate the eyepiece  
into a comfortable viewing  
position.  
• Press and release the REC/PAUSE  
button again to stop recording.  
The camcorder is now in the  
record-pause mode ( appears in  
the viewfinder when the  
Caution: Pulling on the eye-  
piece might damage the  
eyepiece or camcorder.  
camcorder is in record-pause).  
• Turn the eyepiece focus control to  
adjust the focus of the viewfinder  
for your vision.  
• Adjust the brightness of the image  
in the viewfinder by turning the  
BRIGHT control.  
6
First-Time Operation  
REW/  
REVIEW  
Button  
PLAY  
Button  
CAMERA/  
OFF/VCR  
Switch  
STOP/  
EJECT  
Button  
REC/PAUSE  
Button  
8. Play back what you have  
recorded.  
9. Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR  
switch to OFF to turn off the  
camcorder.  
• Press the REC/PAUSE button to  
pause recording.  
10. Replace the lens cap.  
• Press and hold the small button  
while you set the CAMERA/OFF/  
VCR switch to VCR.  
• Press REW/REVIEW to rewind  
the tape.  
• Press PLAY to play back the tape.  
• Press STOP/EJECT when you are  
finished playing back the tape.  
Details on viewfinder playback  
are on page 33.  
(continued on next page)  
7
First-Time Operation  
11. Review camcorder’s operating controls.  
DISPLAY Button  
REW (Rewind)/REVIEW Button  
(Also Button)  
RESET Button  
DATE/TIME Button  
PLAY Button  
F.FWD (Fast Forward)  
Button  
(Also + Button)  
TITLER Button  
STOP/EJECT  
CAMERA/  
Button  
OFF/VCR  
(Also EDIT-ADV  
Button)  
Switch  
Microphone  
BRIGHT  
Control  
Reset Switch  
(See Trouble  
Checks for  
details.)  
Lens  
Lens Hood  
VIDEO, AUDIO and RF DC  
OUT Jacks (Located Behind  
Small Cover)  
8
First-Time Operation  
11. Review camcorder’s operating controls. (continued)  
Viewfinder  
Eyepiece  
Focus  
Control  
Eyepiece  
Shoulder Strap  
Attachment Ring  
BATTERY  
EJECT  
Button  
Attach  
Rechargeable  
Battery Here  
REC/PAUSE  
Button  
Handstrap  
with Lens  
Cap Holder  
W and T Power  
Zoom Buttons  
(Also TRACKING  
Buttons)  
Cassette Door  
(Press here to  
close.)  
DC IN 9.6V Jack  
Shoulder Strap  
Attachment Ring  
Attach Adapter/  
Charger’s DC  
Cord Here  
9
Power Your Camcorder  
Use 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 120 volts,  
50/60 Hz, and can be used to power the camcorder or recharge the battery.  
Caution: Do not attempt to use a “power converter” to use your AC adapter/  
charger on a power source other than 120 volts, 50/60 Hz, or the adapter/charger  
and camcorder may be damaged. If you wish to operate the AC adapter/charger  
on a power source other than 120 volts, 50/60 Hz, use only a transformer-type  
power converter. Do not use “solid-state” or “switching-type” power  
converters. They will damage your AC adapter/charger. An optional  
CPS014, shown on page 42, is designed for use on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz.  
To AC 120V,  
DC IN 9.6V  
50/60 Hz  
Jack  
POWER  
Indicator  
POWER  
DC  
CHARGE  
OUTPUT  
Jack  
Adapter/  
Charger  
DC Cable  
Caution: Do not use this adapter/charger for any other purpose other than charging the  
EP096FS or EP096FL battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder.  
Attach Adapter/Charger  
adapter/charger’s cable from the DC OUTPUT  
jack to charge the battery.  
1. Attach one end of the adapter/  
charger’s DC cable to the DC  
When using the adapter/charger to power the  
camcorder, the battery level indicator may  
OUTPUT jack on the adapter/charger.  
2. Attach the other end of the cable to  
display  
. This indicator is used for  
the DC IN 9.6V jack on the camcorder.  
battery operation and has no meaning when  
using the adapter/charger to power the  
camcorder.  
3. Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into an  
operating outlet. The POWER  
indicator on the adapter/charger lights  
when it is properly connected.  
Notes: The adapter/charger cannot charge the  
battery and operate the camcorder at the same  
time. If you connect both, the adapter/charger  
will power the camcorder. Remove the  
Remove Adapter/Charger  
1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the  
wall outlet.  
2. Remove the DC cable from the  
adapter/charger and camcorder.  
10  
Power Your Camcorder  
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder  
Charge the Battery  
The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time. Initial charging will  
take approximately two hours. The camcorder’s operating time depends on how often  
you turn the power on and off and how much you use zoom and pause. Conserve  
battery power by turning the camcorder off during recording breaks.  
To AC 120V,  
Rechargeable Battery  
50/60 Hz  
(Hold battery flush and  
slide down.)  
WARNING;  
LEAD ACID  
BATTERY.  
MUST BE  
DISPOSED OF  
PROPERLY.  
Align  
Arrows  
Adapter/  
Charger  
CHARGE  
Indicator  
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.  
Charge the Battery  
If the DC cable is attached to the  
DC OUTPUT jack on the adapter/charger,  
remove it.  
4. If the battery is properly connected,  
the adapter/charger’s CHARGE  
indicator lights.  
1. Align reference mark on battery with  
mark on adapter/charger.  
Note: Your battery will provide better  
service if you charge it before and after use  
and store it at room temperature.  
2. Hold the battery flush against the  
adapter/charger and slide it in the  
direction of the arrow.  
5. Remove the charged battery by sliding  
it up and off the adapter/charger.  
6. Attach the charged battery to the  
3. Plug adapter/charger into nearest AC  
outlet (120V, 50/60Hz).  
camcorder as shown on the next page.  
11  
Power Your Camcorder  
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)  
CAMERA/  
OFF/VCR  
Switch  
BATTERY  
EJECT  
Button  
Rechargeable  
Battery  
Hold Battery  
Flush and  
Slide Down  
Attach the Charged Battery  
If the DC cable is attached to the  
camcorder, remove it before attaching  
the battery.  
3. Press and hold the small button on the  
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you  
slide it to CAMERA.  
1. Align the reference arrow on the  
battery to the arrow on the back of  
the camcorder.  
Remove the Battery  
1. Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to  
OFF.  
2. Hold the battery flush against the  
camcorder while sliding it down in  
the direction of the arrow.  
2. Press and hold the BATTERY EJECT  
button and remove the battery.  
ATTENTION: LEAD ACID BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED OF  
PROPERLY. THE PRODUCT THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED  
USES A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY. AT THE END OF ITS  
USEFUL LIFE, UNDER VARIOUS STATE AND LOCAL LAWS, IT  
MAY BE ILLEGAL TO DISPOSE OF THIS BATTERY INTO THE  
MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM. CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL  
SOLID WASTE OFFICIALS FOR DETAILS IN YOUR AREA FOR  
RECYCLING OPTIONS OR PROPER DISPOSAL.  
Pb  
12  
Power Your Camcorder  
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)  
Battery Level Indicator  
The battery level indicator appears in the viewfinder and shows you the amount of  
power in the rechargeable battery.  
Battery Level Indicator Display  
in Viewfinder  
Note: If the battery level display does not  
appear, press DISPLAY.  
Notes: When recording using the recharge-  
able battery, the battery level indicator  
flashes to warn you of low battery power  
even if you do not have the battery level  
indicator displayed.  
• When  
appears, the battery is  
fully charged.  
• As the power is used  
appear.  
and  
The battery level indicator will not be  
recorded on the tape when it appears in the  
viewfinder.  
• When the battery power is almost  
gone, flashes in the viewfinder.  
The battery level indicator has no meaning  
when you use the adapter/charger or optional  
car cord to power the camcorder.  
Recharge the battery or use the adapter/  
charger before continuing to use the  
camcorder. Set the CAMERA/OFF/  
VCR switch to OFF to turn off the  
camcorder before replacing the battery.  
Cautions: When a battery reaches empty during use, the camcorder turns off.  
The battery should still have enough reserve power to eject the cassette when  
you press STOP/EJECT.  
If the camcorder does not eject the cassette when you press STOP/EJECT, do  
not force the cassette door open. This will damage your camcorder.  
Before attempting to eject the cassette, power the camcorder with the adapter/  
charger or recharge the battery.  
13  
Power Your Camcorder  
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)  
Battery Care  
Your battery will provide better service  
and longer performance if you charge  
if before and after use, and store it at  
normal room temperature.  
damaged if operated at temperatures  
above 122˚F (50˚C). Operation  
time will decrease at extremely  
low temperatures.  
• The battery should be charged at a  
temperature of 32˚F-95˚F (0˚C-35˚C)  
to prevent damage.  
• After repeated chargings and use the  
operation time will decrease. When  
the operation time becomes too short to  
be useful, it is time to replace the  
battery.  
• Do not operate the battery at tempera-  
tures below 14˚F (-10˚C) or above  
95˚F (35˚C). The battery might be  
Battery Storage  
• Store the battery at normal room  
temperature.  
• A battery stored for a long period  
might not supply power for the  
specified time. Additional rechargings  
might help restore the battery’s  
operation time.  
• Lead acid batteries discharge if not  
used. Recharge the battery at least  
once ever six months or you may not  
be able to recharge it.  
Battery Safety Precautions  
• Batteries being recharged that have not  
been used for an extended period may  
continue to charge after the normal  
time. Do not charge a battery for more  
than 24 hours.  
• Do not short the battery’s terminals.  
• Allow the battery to cool down before  
attaching it to the adapter/charger. The  
CHARGE indicator will not light and  
the battery will not charge if you attach  
a hot battery.  
• If the CHARGE indicator on the  
adapter/charger starts flashing, remove  
the battery, and reattach it. If after  
several attempts, the indicator contin-  
ues to flash, your battery cannot take a  
charge and must be replaced.  
• Do not attempt to disassemble or  
modify the battery. There are no user-  
serviceable parts inside.  
• Use the battery only with specified AC  
adapter/chargers and camcorders.  
• Throwing the battery into a fire or  
exposing the battery to excessive heat –  
over 149˚F (65˚C) could be hazardous.  
• If leakage from a damaged battery  
contacts your skin or clothing, wash it  
off immediately with running water.  
14  
Power Your Camcorder  
Use the RCA Optional Car Cord Adapter  
The optional DCC096 car cord shown on  
page 41 allows you to power your  
camcorder from the cigarette lighter  
socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts  
12-volts to a 9.6-volt output.  
Note: Consult the installation and operating  
instructions enclosed with the DCC096 for  
complete operating instructions.  
Caution: The DCC096 car cord is  
designed to be used only with  
vehicles having 12-volt negative  
ground electrical systems.  
Warning: To avoid possible damage  
to the camcorder, use only the  
DCC096 car cord. It has positive tip  
polarity and is capable of converting  
12 volts to 9.6 volts.  
Use the DCC096 Car Cord Adapter  
Cigarette  
Lighter  
Socket  
Optional  
Car Cord  
(DCC096)  
DC IN 9.6V  
Jack  
1. Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to  
6. Press and hold the small button on the  
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you  
set it to CAMERA to turn on the  
camcorder.  
OFF to turn off the camcorder.  
2. If the battery or DC cable is attached  
to the camcorder, remove it.  
3. Insert the small plug on the car cord to  
the DC IN 9.6V jack located on the  
back of the camcorder.  
Notes: The vehicle does not have to be turned  
on for the camcorder to operate from the DC  
car cord.  
4. Take the vehicle’s cigarette lighter out  
of the socket.  
When using the car cord to power the  
camcorder, the battery level indicator has no  
meaning.  
5. Insert the car cord’s cigarette lighter  
plug into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter  
socket.  
15  
Videocassettes  
Make sure you select good quality tapes for your camcorder. Use of poor quality tapes  
or tapes that have been damaged or mishandled can contaminate the video heads,  
resulting in a snowy picture or no picture at all during playback. Because there is no  
control over the type of tape purchased or rented by consumers, head cleaning is not  
covered under warranty. It is considered normal maintenance.  
If a snowy picture or no-picture condition persists, consider the use of a dry chemical  
nonabrasive head-cleaning tape. Be sure to follow the directions with the head-  
cleaning kit carefully. Improper use of a head cleaner might damage your camcorder.  
Erase Protection – Safety Tab  
You can use your videocassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording,  
record over it.  
Safety Tab  
To record on the tape again,  
cover the hole with vinyl tape.  
To prevent accidental  
erasure, break off the tab.  
Recording and Playback Speed and Times  
The camcorder records and plays back in VHS standard speed (SP). Listed below are  
the maximum recording times for popular VHS cassettes.  
CASSETTE RECORDING TIME  
T-60  
T-120  
T-160  
T-180  
60 Min.  
2 Hrs.  
2 Hrs., 40 Min.  
3 Hrs.  
16  
Videocassettes  
Insert and Remove Cassettes  
Caution: Insert  
the cassette only  
one way with the  
tape wheel facing  
up and the tape  
windows facing  
out. The cassette  
should slide easily  
into the holder.  
Safety Tab  
Tape  
STOP/  
EJECT  
Button  
Windows  
Gently push the  
cassette down until  
it locks into place.  
Press here  
to close.  
1. Attach a power source to the  
camcorder.  
out. Gently push the cassette down  
until it locks into place.  
2. Press the STOP/EJECT button.  
The cassette holder opens  
automatically.  
4. Gently close the cassette holder with  
your hand.  
3. Insert the cassette with the tape wheel  
facing up and tape windows facing  
Cassette Care and Storage  
• When you are finished with a cassette,  
rewind it, remove it from the  
camcorder, and label it.  
• Keep dust from entering the cassette  
compartment. All dust is abrasive  
and causes excessive wear on the  
tape and the camcorder’s recording  
or playback heads.  
• Store cassettes vertically in their  
protective cases at normal room  
temperatures. Do not leave your  
camcorder or cassettes in a car or  
outdoors for an extended period.  
Excessive heat or cold might damage  
your cassettes.  
• Do not use cassettes with damaged or  
spliced tape.  
• Do not use a cassette if it has been  
damaged or exposed to moisture. The  
tape may jam and/or damage your  
camcorder.  
• Keep the cassette away from strong  
magnetic fields such as electric motors  
and other devices.  
• Break off the safety tab to prevent  
accidental erasure of your recording.  
17  
Date and Time Display  
Set the Time and Date  
You must set the correct date and time before it can be displayed and recorded on your  
tapes. The built-in clock cell must be charged as described on the next page.  
REW/  
CAMERA/  
OFF/VCR  
Switch  
F.FWD Button  
REVIEW  
DATE/TIME  
Button  
Button  
STOP/EJECT  
Button  
1. Attach a power supply to the  
camcorder.  
5. When the correct month is displayed,  
press STOP/EJECT. The cursor  
moves to the next part of the display.  
2. Press and hold the small button on the  
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to set the correct  
set it to CAMERA.  
month, day, year, hour, minute(s), and  
AM/PM.  
3. Press the DATE/TIME button to  
display the date and time in the  
viewfinder.  
7. After setting AM or PM, press the  
DATE/TIME button to remove the  
flashing cursor and start the internal  
clock.  
A flashing cursor lets you know which  
part of the display you are setting.  
If the flashing cursor does not appear,  
press and hold DATE/TIME and then  
press STOP/EJECT.  
To Correct the Date or Time  
To correct the date or time, press and hold  
the DATE/TIME button and then press  
STOP/EJECT. The display appears along  
with the flashing cursor. Use STOP/  
EJECT, F.FWD, and REW/REVIEW to  
correct the time or date. Press DATE/  
TIME to remove the flashing cursor and  
start the clock.  
12:00AM  
1/ 1/1998  
4. Repeatedly press the F.FWD or REW/  
REVIEW until the correct month  
appears. Press and hold the button to  
advance the digits faster.  
18  
Date and Time Display  
Record the Time and Date, AUTO Date, Auto TITLE, or Date  
The time and date, AUTO date, auto TITLE, date only, or no date can be recorded on  
your tape. Whenever one of these displays appear, it is recorded.  
Viewfinder Displays  
Repeatedly Press DATE/TIME  
10:25AM  
AUTO  
11/18/1998  
11/18/1998  
AUTO Date Display  
Date and Time Display  
TITLE  
11/18/1998  
No Display  
AUTO Title Display  
11/18/1998  
Date Display  
To Select the Display to Record  
1. Repeatedly press DATE/TIME to  
TITLE: The date and title you  
have created are displayed and  
recorded.  
select the display you want to record.  
Date and Time Display: The  
date and time are displayed  
and recorded.  
Date Display: The date is  
displayed and recorded.  
AUTO Date: The date is  
automatically recorded for  
approximately ten seconds at the  
beginning of the recording.  
No Display: No display is  
displayed or recorded.  
Charge the Built-in Clock Battery  
The camcorder has a built-in rechargeable battery that must be charged  
approximately every two months.  
Cautions: If this battery is not charged every two  
months, it will over-discharge and shorten its  
useful life.  
1. Attach a power supply and set the  
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to OFF.  
Do not attempt to replace this battery. Take the  
camcorder to an authorized RCA Service Center.  
2. Leave the power supply attached at  
least 24 hours.  
19  
Recording  
Use the Viewfinder  
The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the picture seen by the  
camcorder when recording.  
Adjust Viewfinder for Convenient Viewing  
For convenient viewing, rotate the viewfinder horizontally, pull it out from the  
camcorder, and adjust the eyepiece.  
Eyepiece Focus  
Control  
Viewfinder  
Eyepiece  
Pull Here  
Viewfinder in Operating Position  
Viewfinder in Carrying or Storing Position  
Cautions: Do not pull on the eyepiece. Do not force the eyepiece to rotate  
completely around. This might damage the viewfinder and/or the camcorder.  
When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, put the viewfinder back  
in its original position. This helps prevent possible damage to the viewfinder  
from bumping against your body as you move.  
Eyepiece Focus Control  
The eyepiece focus control lets you set the  
focus of the viewfinder for your vision. If  
you wear eyeglasses, you probably can  
operate the camcorder without them.  
viewfinder and adjust the eyepiece focus  
control for your vision.  
The eyepiece focus control does not affect  
the focus of the picture actually recorded  
by the camcorder.  
It is easiest to set the correct focus by  
focusing on one of the viewfinder’s on-  
screen displays. Look through the  
20  
Recording  
Use the Viewfinder (continued)  
Tilt Adjustment  
Cautions: Do not pull on the  
eyepiece. Do not force the eyepiece  
to rotate completely around. This  
might damage the viewfinder and/or  
the camcorder.  
BRIGHT Control  
BRIGHT Control  
The brightness of the viewfinder can be  
adjusted by rotating the BRIGHT control.  
This does not affect the picture being  
recorded by the camcorder.  
21  
Recording  
Viewfinder Displays  
AE:60  
0000M  
INDEX  
ZOOM  
T
NO TAPE  
W
10:30AM  
11/18/1998  
REC  
AE:60 (Auto Exposure) Shutter Speed  
Status Displays  
Press the DISPLAY button to display the  
shutter speed selected by the camcorder.  
The following displays appear to tell you  
the status of the camcorder.  
The REC indicator appears during  
recording.  
Battery Level Indicator (  
)
Press the DISPLAY button to display the  
amount of time left on the rechargeable  
battery. Details are on page 13.  
The  
camcorder is fast-forwarding.  
The indicator appears when the  
indicator appears when the  
INDEX Indicator  
camcorder is rewinding.  
Press the DISPLAY button to display this  
indicator when the camcorder is placing  
an index mark on the tape. Details are on  
page 26.  
The indicator appears during  
record-pause.  
22  
Recording  
Viewfinder Displays (continued)  
Tape Counter (0000M) with Memory  
Tape-Remaining Indicator (  
)
Stop  
Press the DISPLAY button to display the  
tape-remaining indicator. This display  
shows the approximate amount of tape  
left for recording or playback. Details  
are on page 26.  
Press the DISPLAY button to display the  
tape counter. The tape counter helps  
locate segments of tape.  
Whenever the tape counter is  
displayed, the memory-stop feature  
turns on.  
Zoom ( ) and ZOOM Indicators  
Details are on page 28.  
The zoom indicator ( ) appears  
when you use the power zoom  
buttons (T and W).  
Tape Warnings (TAPE, NO TAPE, and  
TAPE END)  
TAPE flashes when you try to record  
with the safety tab removed.  
ZOOM appears when you zoom more  
than 16 times.  
TAPE flashes when a damaged tape is  
inserted. Remove the tape and replace  
it with a new one.  
Details are on pages 27.  
NO TAPE flashes when you try to  
record with no cassette inserted.  
TAPE END flashes when there is  
approximately five minutes recording  
time left on the tape.  
TAPE END briefly appears when you  
reach the end of the cassette during  
recording.  
Time and Date Display  
Press the DATE/TIME button to display  
the time and date, AUTO date, auto  
TITLE, date only, or no date when the  
camcorder is in record-pause.  
These displays are recorded on the  
tape when they appear in the  
viewfinder.  
Details are on pages 18-19.  
23  
Recording  
DISPLAY Button  
REW/REVIEW Button  
Microphone  
CAMERA/OFF/  
VCR Switch  
Zoom Buttons  
(T and W)  
Quick Review Feature  
DISPLAY Button  
Press and release REW/REVIEW when the  
camcorder is in record-pause to review  
the last few seconds of a recording. The  
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch must be set  
to CAMERA.  
The DISPLAY button lets you remove the  
battery level, tape counter with memory  
stop, tape speed, remaining-tape, index,  
shutter speed, and zoom indicators from  
the viewfinder.  
The camcorder plays back the last few  
seconds of the recording, returns the tape  
to its previous position, and returns to  
record-pause.  
• Press DISPLAY to remove the  
indicators.  
• Press DISPLAY again to display the  
indicators.  
24  
Recording  
Camera Edit Feature  
Auto Focus  
The camera edit feature allows you to  
The camcorder focuses on the subject in  
position the tape when the camcorder is in the center of the viewfinder. Auto focus  
record-pause. Press and hold the small  
button while you set the CAMERA/OFF/  
VCR switch to CAMERA.  
operates on the telephoto (T) side from  
approximately 2-1/2 feet to infinity. It  
operates on the wide-angle (W) side from  
3/8 inch from the lens surface (macro-  
focus) to infinity.  
Note: When the displays appear, the AE  
indicator for the shutter speed selected by the  
camcorder (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) appears in the viewfinder.  
• 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 PLAY to view the  
recorded tape at normal speed.  
The following conditions may prevent  
auto focus from operating properly.  
When you release the button, the  
camcorder returns to record-pause at that  
point on the tape.  
• Recording a subject through a window.  
• Recording a subject having a close  
foreground and a far background.  
Auto Shot™ Feature  
• Recording two subjects at different  
distances that overlap.  
The camcorder automatically adjusts  
shutter speed, light, focus, white balance,  
and iris according to the recording  
conditions.  
• Subject not in center of scene.  
• Recording in low-light situations.  
• Recording a scene with fast motions,  
like a tennis swing.  
Microphone  
Macro Focus  
The microphone picks up the sound  
during a recording. It is more sensitive to  
sounds coming from the direction the lens  
is pointed.  
The macro-focus feature lets you focus on  
objects as close as 3/8 inch from the  
camcorder lens.  
1. Press and hold zoom button W until  
the lens is completely zoomed out.  
2. Position the subject in the center of  
the scene.  
Notes: Zooming is not possible when using  
macro-focus. To change the size of the  
subject, move the camcorder lens closer or  
farther away from it.  
For best results increase illumination when  
recording with macro-focus.  
25  
Recording  
Tape-Remaining Display  
Electronic Indexing  
The tape-remaining display shows the  
amount of recording or playback time left  
on the tape in the camcorder.  
Each time you begin recording (after the  
camcorder has been turned off for at least  
four hours), the camcorder automatically  
records an index mark at the beginning of  
the new recording.  
When you play back the indexed tape in a  
VCR that has a compatible indexing  
feature called “VHS Index Search  
System”, the invisible marks are located  
automatically. See your VCR Owner’s  
Manual for index playback instructions.  
Tape-Remaining Display  
in Viewfinder  
Press DISPLAY to display the tape-  
remaining indicator in the viewfinder.  
INDEX  
The camcorder takes approximately  
ten seconds when you first start  
playing or recording a tape to  
calculate the tape remaining.  
INDEX Display  
in Viewfinder  
“_ _ _ _ _ _” appears while the  
camcorder calculates the amount of  
tape remaining.  
When the DISPLAY button is pressed so  
the displays appear, INDEX appears  
briefly to let you know the camcorder is  
recording an index mark.  
Note: The camcorder does not record index  
marks every time you stop and start recording.  
An index mark is recorded only once – at the  
start of each day’s recording session  
(or whenever the camcorder has been turned  
off for four hours).  
Once the amount of tape remaining is  
calculated, it updates and is readily  
available as long as the same tape  
remains in the camcorder.  
• When  
appears, all or most of  
the tape remains.  
• As the tape is used,  
appear.  
and  
• When the tape is almost at its end,  
TAPE END flashes in the viewfinder.  
26  
Recording  
Zooming  
You can zoom in and out for close ups or wide-angle shots by pressing one of the zoom  
buttons on the camcorder.  
Zoom Buttons  
(T and W)  
Use the Zoom Buttons (T and W)  
1. To zoom in or out from wide angle to  
32 times, press zoom button T or W.  
• To move the lens in the telephoto  
ZOOM  
(close-up) direction, press T .  
T
• To move the lens in the wide angle  
direction, press W.  
W
When you press DISPLAY so the displays  
appear, the zoom level indicator appears  
in the viewfinder during normal zooming.  
Zoom Indicators  
in Viewfinder  
When you zoom in more than 16 times,  
ZOOM appears in the viewfinder.  
27  
Recording  
Tape Counter  
The tape counter acts as a handy reference to help you locate tape segments.  
The memory-stop feature helps locate a certain point on the tape. When the  
tape counter appears, memory stop is automatically turned on.  
REW/  
CAMERA/  
OFF/VCR  
Switch  
DISPLAY  
Button  
F.FWD Button  
REVIEW  
RESET  
Button  
Button  
STOP/EJECT  
Button  
Use the Memory-Stop Feature  
1. Place the camcorder in record-pause.  
Make sure the displays appear in the  
viewfinder. If they do not, press  
DISPLAY.  
you marked, press the REC/PAUSE  
button to stop recording or the STOP/  
EJECT button to stop playback.  
4. Press and hold the small button while  
you set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR  
switch to VCR.  
2. Locate the place on the tape you want  
to return to, and press RESET to reset  
the counter to 0000M.  
5. Press the REW/REVIEW button. The  
tape rewinds to the counter reading of  
0000M.  
0000M  
Notes: Press DISPLAY to display the tape  
counter. Whenever the tape counter is  
displayed, memory stop is turned on.  
Whenever memory stop is turned on, the  
camcorder stops rewinding or fast forwarding  
when the counter reaches 0000M. To continue  
rewinding or fast forwarding, press the button  
again.  
Tape Counter With  
Memory Stop  
The tape counter automatically resets to  
0000M whenever a cassette is inserted.  
3. Continue to record or play the tape.  
When you want to return to the place  
28  
Recording  
Recording Tips  
• Try to make sure indoor scenes are  
well-lit. This improves picture quality  
and color reproduction.  
• Be aware of video and audio back-  
grounds. Background details barely  
noticed while you are taping might  
show up as visual “clutter” on your  
recording. Background noises  
(especially TV sets, radios, household  
appliances, traffic sounds, etc.) might  
detract from the sound you want to  
record.  
• Do not move the camcorder rapidly  
from side-to-side while recording.  
A steady, gradual “pan” avoids  
blurring and “jitter”.  
• Use the viewfinder to make sure the  
camcorder is level while recording so  
that your scene isn’t “tilted”.  
• Avoid long “still” shots of landmarks  
and scenic attractions. Recordings are  
more interesting if they include people  
and details. “Local color” will give  
travel videos lasting appeal. Consider  
recording a familiar or landmark scene  
from an unfamiliar vantage point.  
• Do not bump or tap the camcorder’s  
microphone while recording because  
this sound is recorded.  
• Include close-ups of individuals  
when taping family outings or  
group functions.  
Travel Tips  
• Write down your camcorder’s serial  
number and keep it separate from the  
camcorder when traveling. If your  
camcorder is lost or stolen, you will be  
able to identify it.  
• Make sure you have any adapters that  
you may need before taking your  
camcorder to other countries. Consult  
your dealer for advice.  
• Carry your camcorder in a carrying  
case when traveling. See page 41 for a  
case designed especially 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.  
• 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.  
29  
Recording  
Titler  
The camcorder’s built-in titler stores a title in memory. You can display and record the  
created title at any time.  
The built-in character register contains over 45 different characters for creating your  
titles. The title can contain up to 32 characters on two lines.  
Button  
(Also REW/REVIEW Button)  
+ Button  
(Also F.FWD Button)  
TITLER  
Button  
EDIT-ADV Button  
(Also STOP/  
CAMERA/OFF/  
VCR Switch  
EJECT Button)  
30  
Recording  
Titler (continued)  
To Create a Title  
1. Attach a power source to the  
camcorder. Press and hold the small  
button on the CAMERA/OFF/VCR  
switch while you set it to CAMERA.  
See the chart below for the characters  
available.  
5. After you have selected the first  
character, press EDIT-ADV to move  
the flashing cursor where you want  
the next character to appear.  
2. Press TITLER to display the titler  
graphics in the viewfinder. A flashing  
cursor appears.  
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have  
completed the title.  
3. Press EDIT-ADV to move the flashing  
cursor to the place you want to begin  
your title.  
7. When you are finished, press TITLER  
to store the title and remove the title  
graphics from the viewfinder.  
4. Select the first character for your title  
by pressing the + or – button until the  
character you want appears in the  
viewfinder.  
Remember: Remove the titler graphics  
from the viewfinder for normal recording.  
To Correct an Error  
1. Press TITLER to display the titler  
3. Press the + or – button until the  
correct character appears.  
graphics in the viewfinder.  
2. Press EDIT-ADV to move the flashing  
cursor over the character you want to  
correct.  
Note: If you want to delete a character,  
press + or – until the blank space appears.  
Chart of Characters in Titler’s Register  
A B C D E F G H I J K L M  
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z  
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ? . / ,  
– ; : < > ! (BLANK)  
31  
Recording  
Titler (continued)  
Record a Title on a Tape in the Camcorder  
1. Attach a power source to the  
camcorder. Press and hold the small  
button on the CAMERA/OFF/VCR  
TITLER to remove the titler graphics  
from the viewfinder. The camcorder  
now records normally. If you do not  
want to continue recording, press  
REC/PAUSE.  
switch while you slide it to CAMERA.  
2. Locate the place on the tape where  
you want to record the title.  
Remember: Remove the titler  
graphics from the viewfinder for  
normal recording.  
Note: If you record a title on a  
prerecorded tape, the audio and video is  
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.  
Note: You can use the AUTO title feature  
to automatically record the title and date  
for ten seconds when you begin recording.  
Press the DATE/TIME button to display  
TITLE before starting to record.  
3. Press TITLER to display the titler  
graphics in the viewfinder.  
4. Press REC/PAUSE to start recording  
the title.  
5. After you have recorded the title for  
the desired length of time, press  
Record a Title While Copying a Tape from the Camcorder to Another VCR  
1. Attach a power source to the  
camcorder.  
6. After you have recorded the title for  
the desired time, press TITLER to  
stop recording the title.  
2. Place the tape you want to copy in the  
camcorder and place the CAMERA/  
OFF/VCR switch in VCR.  
7. Stop the camcorder and VCR when  
you finish copying the tape.  
Important Note: Remove the titler graphics  
from the viewfinder for normal recording.  
3. Place a blank tape in the VCR, and  
place the VCR in record-pause.  
4. Start copying the tape from the  
camcorder to the VCR. Details are  
on pages 36-37.  
5. When you see the place on the  
tape you want to insert the title,  
press TITLER.  
32  
Playback  
Viewfinder Playback  
Viewfinder playback is the simplest way to watch tapes using the camcorder.  
PLAY  
Button  
CAMERA/  
OFF/VCR  
Switch  
STOP/EJECT  
Button  
Eyepiece  
Viewfinder  
BRIGHT  
Control  
Eyepiece Focus  
Control  
To Play Back a Tape  
• Grasp the viewfinder and rotate it  
horizontally. Pull the viewfinder  
out from the camcorder and rotate  
the eyepiece into a comfortable  
viewing position  
1. Attach a power supply.  
Attach the adapter/charger, charged  
battery, or optional car cord.  
2. Insert a tape.  
• Press STOP/EJECT to open the  
Caution: Pulling on the  
eyepiece might cause damage  
to the eyepiece or camcorder.  
cassette compartment.  
• Insert the cassette with the safety  
tab facing up and the tape windows  
facing out. Press the cassette down  
gently until it locks into place, and  
close the cassette compartment  
door.  
• Turn the eyepiece focus control to  
adjust the focus of the viewfinder  
for your vision.  
• Rotate the BRIGHT control to  
adjust the brightness.  
• The camcorder only plays back  
tapes recorded in the SP speed.  
5. Press PLAY to begin playback.  
• If necessary, adjust tracking.  
3. Press and hold the small button on  
the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch  
while you slide it to VCR.  
• During playback, use the playback  
features on the following page.  
6. Press STOP/EJECT when you are  
4. Adjust the viewfinder.  
finished.  
33  
Playback  
Playback Features  
REW /  
REVIEW  
Button  
STOP/  
EJECT  
Button  
CAMERA/  
OFF/VCR  
Switch  
F.FWD  
Button  
REC/PAUSE  
Button  
Tape Positioning  
Stop-Action Pause  
Press and hold the small button on the  
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you  
slide it to VCR.  
• During playback, press REC/PAUSE to  
“stop the action” and view one frame of  
the tape.  
• Press and quickly release REW/  
REVIEW or F.FWD to rewind or  
fast-forward the tape.  
• Press REC/PAUSE again to return to  
normal playback.  
Caution: Pause is designed for  
momentary interruptions and should  
not be used for an extended period of  
time. If the camcorder remains in  
pause for more than five minutes, it  
enters the stop mode and turns off to  
prevent excessive tape wear.  
• Press STOP/EJECT to stop  
the tape.  
Visual Searching  
• During playback, press and hold  
F.FWD or REW/REVIEW if you  
want to search the tape visually in  
forward or reverse.  
• Release the button to return to  
normal playback.  
34  
Playback  
Playback Features (continued)  
TRACKING  
Buttons  
(Also W and T  
Buttons)  
Tracking  
During playback, streaks might appear in  
the playback picture. Press either  
TRACKING button to move the streaks  
up or down and out of the picture.  
Remove the tape to reset the tracking to  
its preset center.  
Note: The tracking buttons only affect tape  
playback. They have no effect during  
recording.  
• During stop-action playback, pressing  
one tracking button might reduce  
picture “jitter” (picture bouncing up  
and down). Some “jitter” is normal.  
35  
Playback  
Playback on TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Inputs  
To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or VCR) with audio and video inputs, you  
need an optional audio/video cable, such as VH83 shown on page 43. If your TV is  
already connected to a VCR, attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the  
camcorder is recording or playing on the TV.  
Yellow  
White  
VIDEO  
White Audio Plug  
AUDIO  
AUDIO  
IN  
Jack  
Jack  
Yellow  
Video Plug  
VIDEO  
IN  
Audio/Video Cable  
(such as VH83)  
Back of  
VCR or  
TV Monitor  
Yellow Video Plug  
White  
Audio Plug  
–OR–  
Yellow  
Video Plug  
White  
Audio Plug  
L
AUDIO  
IN  
White Audio Plug  
Y-Adapter  
(such as AH25)  
R
Audio/Video Cable  
(such as VH83)  
VIDEO  
IN  
Back of  
Stereo  
VCR or  
TV Monitor  
Yellow Video Plug  
Installation  
1. Attach the white plug on one end of  
the audio/video cable to the AUDIO  
IN jack on the TV (or VCR).  
2. Attach the yellow plug to the VIDEO  
IN jack on the TV (or VCR).  
3. Attach the white plug on the other  
end of the audio/video cable to the  
AUDIO jack (located under the small  
cover) on the side of the camcorder.  
Notes: If your cable does not have white  
and yellow plugs, attach the same color to  
the audio jacks.  
If your TV (or VCR) has stereo AUDIO IN  
jacks, attach the plug to the one labeled  
MONO. If one is not labeled MONO you  
need a Y-adapter, such as AH25, shown on  
page 43 to hear both channels.  
4. Attach the yellow plug to the yellow  
VIDEO jack on the camcorder.  
36  
Playback  
Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes on the VCR  
1. A. Camcorder connected directly to  
TV: Turn on the TV and tune it to  
the video input channel.  
3. Press PLAY.  
• During playback, use the playback  
features on pages 34-35.  
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  
4. To copy what the camcorder is  
playing, place a blank cassette in  
the VCR, and press the VCR’s  
RECORD button.  
Note: Make sure the memory-stop feature  
is turned off (press DISPLAY) or the  
camcorder will enter play-pause when the  
counter reaches 0000M.  
coming from the VCR.  
5. Press STOP/EJECT when you are  
finished.  
2. Press and hold the small button on the  
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you  
slide it to VCR.  
Note: The camcorder only plays back  
tapes recorded in the SP speed.  
Viewing What the Camcorder is Seeing (or Recording)  
1. A. Camcorder connected directly to  
TV: Turn on the TV, and tune it to  
the video input channel.  
2. Press and hold the small button on the  
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while  
you slide it to CAMERA.  
Note: Turn the TV’s volume down to  
prevent a high-pitched squeal caused  
by feedback.  
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  
3. Press the REC/PAUSE button to begin  
recording. You can watch what the  
camcorder is seeing (or recording) on  
the TV screen.  
coming from the VCR.  
Caution: The unauthorized recording of copyrighted  
material may infringe the rights of others.  
37  
Playback  
Playback on a TV Without Audio/Video Inputs  
To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio/video inputs, you need an  
optional CRF95 RF output adapter and an optional coaxial RF cable, such as VH82  
or VH90 shown on page 43. If your TV has audio and video inputs (or is  
connected to a VCR), refer to pages 36-37.  
Antenna  
OR  
OR  
Antenna  
Optional 300/75 ohm  
Transformer  
Back of TV  
VHF  
Channel Selector  
OR  
IN  
FROM  
ANT  
VHF  
Optional RF Output Adapter  
(such as CRF95)  
Optional 75-300 Ohm  
Transformer  
(such as VH54  
Optional Coaxial RF Cable  
(such as VH82 or VH90)  
OUT  
TO TV  
Installation  
Note: If your TV has 300 ohm screw  
terminals, you need a 75/300 ohm  
transformer, such as VH54, shown on  
page 43.  
1. Disconnect the VHF antenna from  
your TV. Connect the antenna to the  
IN FROM ANT connector on the RF  
output adapter if you are going to  
leave the adapter connected to the TV.  
3. Attach the RF output adapter’s yellow  
plug to the VIDEO jack, the small  
plug to the RF DC OUT jack, and the  
white plug to the AUDIO jack located  
under the small cover on the side of  
the camcorder.  
Note: If your VHF antenna is the flat  
twin-lead type attached by two screws,  
you need an optional 300/75 ohm  
transformer.  
2. Attach one end of the optional coaxial  
RF cable to the OUT TO TV  
connector on the adapter, and attach  
the other end to the VHF input on  
your TV as shown.  
38  
Playback  
Playback Operation  
4. Press PLAY on the camcorder.  
1. Set the CH3/CH4 switch on the  
RF output adapter to channel  
CH3 or CH4.  
During playback, use the playback  
features described on pages 34-35.  
2. Turn on the TV, and tune it to the  
same channel you selected with the  
RF output adapter’s CH3/CH4 switch.  
5. Press STOP/EJECT on the camcorder  
when you are finished.  
3. Press and hold the small button on the  
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you  
slide it to VCR.  
Viewing What the Camcorder Is Recording  
1. Turn on the TV and tune it to channel  
3 or 4. Turn the TV’s volume down to  
prevent a high-pitched squeal caused  
by feedback.  
3. Press and hold the small button on the  
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you  
slide it to CAMERA.  
4. Press the REC/PAUSE button to begin  
recording. You can watch what the  
camcorder is seeing (or recording)  
on the TV screen.  
2. Set the CH3/CH4 switch on the RF  
output adapter to the same channel  
you selected on the TV.  
Normal TV Viewing  
For normal TV viewing, leave the RF  
output adapter hooked up to the TV.  
Disconnect the adapter’s plug from the  
camcorder or turn the camcorder’s  
power off.  
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.  
39  
Attach the Shoulder Strap  
The camcorder’s shoulder strap 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 shoulder strap 3. Thread the end of the strap back  
from the buckle. Make sure you leave  
the buckle on the strap.  
through the buckle making sure it is  
threaded over the outer strap. Make  
sure the strap is not twisted.  
Buckle  
2. Thread one end of the shoulder strap  
through one of the shoulder strap rings  
as shown below.  
4. Repeat steps 1-3 to attach the other  
end of the strap.  
5. Pull on the straps and make sure they  
are securely fastened before you use  
the shoulder strap to support your  
camcorder.  
Shoulder Strap  
Attachment Ring  
Cautions: Rotate the viewfinder up  
to its original position when you  
carry the camcorder with the  
Shoulder Strap  
Attachment Ring  
shoulder strap. This helps prevent  
possible damage to the viewfinder  
or monitor from bumping against  
your body as you move.  
Make sure the shoulder strap is  
firmly attached before using it  
to carry the camcorder.  
40  
Optional Accessories  
We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to  
the fun of using your VHS camcorder. The following 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 toll-free ordering or by  
using the order form on page 45.  
AC202 Soft Carrying Case  
DCC096 DC Car Cord Adapter  
Do not use any other car cord  
with this camcorder.  
This case provides protection and utility  
for full size camcorders and most  
accessories. It is constructed of rugged  
nylon fabric for years of reliable service.  
This car cord adapter enables you to  
operate your camcorder from your car,  
truck, or RV by plugging the car cord  
directly into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter  
socket. The DCC096 is designed  
Three outside pockets provide ample  
accessory storage with mesh-covered lens  
filter compartment and built-in holders for  
memo pads, pens, and other accessories.  
The hand grip and adjustable shoulder  
strap allow for convenient, comfortable  
transportation of the camcorder.  
specifically to convert power from a  
12-volt battery to a 9.6-volt output.  
41  
Optional Accessories  
EP096FS and EP096FL Rechargeable  
Batteries  
Using the Optional AC093 Tripod  
Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such  
as AC093, keeps 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  
24" when not in use. Rubber feet allow  
for sure footing and built-in retractable  
leg spikes eliminate the need for  
These rechargeable lead-acid batteries  
are designed specifically for long life.  
The EP096FS is a 1-hour battery. The  
EP096FL powers your camcorder twice  
as long as the EP096FS (depending on  
how much you turn the camcorder on  
and off and use zoom and pause). Both  
can be recharged with the AC adapter/  
charger that came with your camcorder.  
removing the feet.  
CPS014 AC Battery Charger  
The CPS014 battery charger plugs  
directly into an AC outlet and charges the  
EP096FS and EP096FL camcorder  
batteries. Because the CPS014 operates  
on 100-240 Volts, 50/60 Hz, you can use  
it virtually anywhere in the world.  
A plug adapter might be required in  
some countries.  
Cautions: Before using a tripod, make sure  
it is stable enough to hold the camcorder  
without falling over. Do not transport the  
camcorder attached to the tripod.  
When attaching your camcorder to a tripod,  
be careful not to force the tripod screw into  
the camcorder’s tripod mounting hole.  
The tripod screw should not protrude into the  
camcorder more than approximately three-  
eighth (3/8) inch. Forcing the screw could  
damage the mounting hole on the bottom of  
the camcorder.  
All specifications and descriptions  
of accessories are subject to change  
without notice.  
42  
Optional Accessories  
CRF95 RF Output Adapter  
VH54 Cable Transformer  
This 75-to-300 ohm transformer is used to  
connect a standard 75-ohm antenna cable  
(such as VH82 or VH90) to the 300 ohm  
screw terminals on a TV.  
This RF output adapter is used with a  
coaxial RF cable, such as VH82 or VH90,  
to connect your camcorder to a standard  
TV (one without audio/video inputs) for  
playback. If your antenna cable is the flat  
twin-lead type attached by two screws,  
you need a 300-to-75 ohm transformer.  
If your TV has 300 ohm antenna screw  
terminals, you need an optional 75-to-300  
ohm transformer such as VH54.  
VH83 Audio/Video Cable  
Coaxial RF Cables  
This six foot audio/video cable can be  
used to connect the camcorder to a TV  
monitor or VCR for tape playback or  
copying tapes.  
VH82 (6-ft)  
VH90 (12-ft)  
These RF cables are used with the RF  
output adapter to connect your camcorder  
to a standard TV (one without audio/video  
input jacks) for playback. If your TV has  
300 ohm antenna screw terminals, you  
need an optional 75-to-300 ohm  
AH25 Y-Adapter  
transformer, such as VH54. If your  
antenna cable is the flat twin-lead type  
attached by two screws, you need an  
optional 300-to-75 ohm transformer.  
This Y-adapter allows you to connect your  
camcorder’s mono audio cable to a stereo  
TV or VCR.  
All specifications and descriptions of accessories  
are subject to change without notice.  
43  
Optional Accessories  
Remove the Lens Hood  
The lens hood can be removed so you can attach optional accessories, such as wide-  
angle lens, lens extenders, or lens filter kits.  
To Attach an Accessory Lens  
1. Attach the lens cap over the lens hood. 3. Turn the accessory lens clockwise into  
the camcorder’s lens. Make sure the  
lens is tightened firmly, but do not  
over tighten.  
2. Turn the lens cap and hood  
counterclockwise with the palm of  
your hand to remove them.  
All specifications and descriptions of  
accessories are subject to change  
without notice.  
Caution: Do not grasp the end of the  
lens hood.  
44  
Accessory Order Form  
Order Form for Camcorder Model CC4251  
Description  
Part No.  
AC093  
AC202  
AH25  
Price  
Qty.  
Total  
Deluxe Tripod  
$ 59.95  
$ 49.95  
Soft Camcorder Case  
Y-Adapter  
$
2.95  
AC Adapter/Charger (100-240V)  
RF Output Adapter  
Car Cord Adapter  
CPS014  
CRF95  
DCC096  
EP096FL  
EP096FS  
VH54  
$219.95  
$ 69.95  
$ 49.95  
$ 79.95  
$ 69.95  
Rechargeable Battery (Extended)  
Rechargeable Battery (Standard)  
75-300 Cable Transformer  
Coaxial RF-Cable  
$
$
$
$
2.95  
6.95  
5.95  
7.95  
VH82  
Audio/Video Cable  
Coaxial RF-Cable  
VH83  
VH90  
Shoulder Strap  
241305  
241044  
241308  
$ 12.95  
$169.95  
$ 13.65  
AC Adapter/Charger (Supplied)  
DC Cable  
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 .................................................................................... $  
5.00  
Total Amount Enclosed ................................................................................. $_________  
Use VISA, MasterCard, or Discover.  
Money order or check must be in U.S.  
currency only. No COD or cash.  
Prices are subject to change without notice.  
Please complete other side also  
45  
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  
®
Expiration date:  
IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard  
s
r
r
TM  
Expiration date:  
Copy Number above your name on MasterCard  
IMPORTANT:  
Copy complete account number from your Discover Card  
Expiration date:  
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE  
Prices are subject to change without notice.  
A complete and correct order will  
save you days of waiting.  
Print or type your name and  
address clearly.  
Name:  
Street:  
Apt:  
Zip:  
City:  
State:  
Please make sure that both sides of this form have been filled out completely.  
• Allow 4 weeks for delivery.  
• All accessories are subject to availability.  
46  
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 8 AM and 10 PM (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 mail, 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  
47  
Trouble Checks  
If you’re having trouble with your camcorder, you probably can correct the problem  
yourself. Before you take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Service  
Center or call a service person, use the chart below. Find the problem and try the  
adjustment(s) that is listed to the right.  
If service should be necessary, read your warranty to find out what is covered and how  
to get service.  
Trouble  
Checks and Adjustments  
No power  
Press and hold the small button while you place the  
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to CAMERA or VCR.  
If using battery, it might need to be recharged.  
If using AC adapter/charger, make sure it is plugged  
into a working outlet.  
Won’t record or  
play back  
If using AC adapter/charger, make sure it is plugged  
into a working outlet.  
Make sure CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch is set to correct  
position for desired operation.  
There might not be a cassette in the camcorder.  
Try ejecting and reinserting the cassette.  
The cassette tape might be broken, try another cassette.  
You may have reached the end of the cassette, try  
rewinding it.  
Moisture condensation might cause the tape to stick to  
the headwheel and damage the headwheel or tape. Give  
the camcorder 2 or 3 hours to reach a stable temperature  
before reinserting a cassette.  
Won’t play back  
Won’t record  
Set CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to VCR position.  
Safety tab is removed. See page 16.  
Set CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to CAMERA.  
No picture  
Remove lens cap.  
Camcorder turns  
off  
Set CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to OFF and then  
CAMERA or VCR to turn back on. If camcorder is left  
in record-pause or play-pause for several minutes, it  
turns off to prevent tape wear.  
48  
Trouble Checks  
Trouble  
Checks and Adjustments  
Sound is too low or  
distorted  
Subject was too far from camcorder.  
Tape stops during  
rewind or fast  
forward or rewind  
or fast forward not  
operating  
Tape-counter displayed. Whenever the tape counter  
appears, the camcorder stops rewinding (or fast  
forwarding) when the counter reads 0000M. Press  
REW/REVIEW or F.FWD again to continue rewinding  
or fast forwarding or press DISPLAY to remove the  
tape counter from the viewfinder.  
Make sure titler graphics do not appear in viewfinder.  
Press TITLER button to remove.  
Camcorder remains in  
play-pause mode  
Press REC/PAUSE to return to normal playback.  
Poor auto-focus  
operation  
Lens is smudged and image appears unfocused.  
Eyepiece focus control is misadjusted.  
Viewfinder displays  
are out of focus or  
dark  
Eyepiece focus control is misadjusted. Adjust for your  
vision. See page 20.  
Rotate the small BRIGHT dial on the bottom of the  
viewfinder to control the brightness of the image in the  
viewfinder.  
Picture quality is poor  
during playback  
Tape was recorded on a different camcorder or VCR.  
If the picture contains black-and-white streaks, press  
one TRACKING button to correct it. See page 35.  
Camcorder only has one speed (SP). If the tape was  
recorded at a different speed, it cannot be played back  
on this camcorder.  
Date and/or time or  
title were recorded  
on tape  
Displays are recorded on tape whenever they appear in  
the viewfinder. Remove them from the viewfinder  
when recording. See page 19.  
When  
AUTO or TITLE is selected, the display is  
automatically recorded when you begin recording or  
change the cassette. See page 19.  
49  
Trouble Checks  
Trouble  
Checks and Adjustments  
Title is recorded on  
tape  
Title is recorded whenever it appears in the  
viewfinder. Press the TITLER button to remove the  
title from the viewfinder. See page 32.  
Date and/or time are  
incorrect  
Date or time might need to be set See page 18.  
Clock lithium cell battery might need recharging.  
See page 19.  
Bright, crystal-  
shaped spots appear  
in viewfinder  
Sunlight is directly entering the lens.  
Black spots or bright spots of light (red, green, or  
blue) might appear in viewfinder. These spots are  
not recorded on the tape and are not due to a defect  
in the unit  
Colored bright spots  
appear in  
viewfinder  
Rechargeable  
battery runs down  
sooner than  
Lead-acid batteries must be kept charged. Charge your  
battery before and after every use and at least every  
six months.  
expected  
Battery run times are measured when the camcorder is  
recording continuously. To check your battery; charge it  
completely, aim the camcorder at a clock, and record the  
clock. When the camcorder stops recording, play the last  
part of the tape and check the time on the clock. A one-  
hour battery should give you about 60 minutes of  
recording time. In practical use, a fully charged battery  
might not record for 60 minutes because the battery uses  
power when you pause the recording and uses extra power  
when you zoom.  
Remove the power source. After one  
minute press the reset switch gently  
using a nonmetallic pointed item, such  
Camcorder does not  
turn on and/or  
function buttons will  
not operate  
Reset  
Switch  
as a toothpick, until you feel a click.  
This resets the camcorder to the factory  
settings and erases the date, time, and  
custom settings. Wait for at least one  
minute after resetting the camcorder to  
attach a power supply.  
50  
Care and Maintenance  
Clean 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, might damage  
the camcorder.  
Clean the Camcorder’s Lens  
To clean the camcorder’s lens, blow it with a blower brush, and gently wipe the lens  
with cleaning tissue and commercially prepared cleaning solution designed for use  
on camera lens. Improper cleaning may scratch the lens.  
Caution: Do not touch the lens  
with your fingers. The oil from  
your skin can damage the lens.  
Lens  
Clean the Camcorder’s Viewfinder  
You can remove the viewfinder eyepiece for cleaning.  
1. Turn the eyepiece counterclockwise and  
pull it out.  
2. Gently use a cotton swab or blower  
brush to remove the dust.  
3. To reattach the eyepiece, align  
the reference marks and turn the  
eyepiece clockwise until it clicks  
into place.  
51  
Care and Maintenance  
Proper Care and Storage  
• The camcorder might be damaged by  
improper storage or handling. Do not  
subject the camcorder to swinging,  
shaking, or dropping.  
• Keep dust and grit from entering the  
camcorder’s cassette door. Dust and  
grit are abrasive and cause excessive  
wear to both the camcorder’s  
recording/playback heads and  
cassettes.  
• Do not store the camcorder in  
temperatures below -22˚F (-30˚C) or  
above 149˚F (65˚C).  
• Always place the lens cap back on the  
camcorder when it is not in use.  
• When the camcorder is not in use,  
always remove the cassette and AC  
adapter/charger or battery.  
• Before handling your camcorder, make  
sure your hands and face are free from  
any chemical products such as suntan  
lotion, as it might damage the finish.  
• Retain the original carton for future  
storage or shipping purposes.  
Things to Avoid  
• Do not attempt to disassemble your  
camcorder. There are no user-  
serviceable parts inside.  
• Do not carry the camcorder by the  
viewfinder. This might cause personal  
injury or damage the camcorder.  
• Avoid operating your camcorder  
immediately after moving it from a  
cold location to a warm location. Give  
the camcorder 2 to 3 hours to reach a  
stable temperature before inserting a  
cassette. When the camcorder is  
moved from cold to warm,  
• Do not operate the camcorder near the  
ocean as salt water or salt water spray  
may damage the internal parts of the  
camcorder.  
• Do not operate the camcorder for  
extended periods in temperatures  
below 40˚F (4˚C) or above 95˚F  
(35˚C).  
condensation might cause the tape to  
stick to the headwheel and damage the  
headwheel or tape.  
• Do not expose the camcorder or  
adapter/charger to rain or moisture.  
If any component becomes wet, turn  
off the power and take the unit to an  
Authorized RCA Camcorder  
Service Center.  
• Do not aim your camcorder at the sun  
or other bright objects.  
• Do not leave your camcorder in direct  
sunlight for extended periods of time.  
The resulting heat buildup might  
permanently damage the camcorder’s  
internal parts.  
• Do not use an adapter/charger or  
batteries other than the ones specified  
for the camcorder. Use of the wrong  
accessories might cause damage to  
the camcorder.  
• Do not operate the camcorder in  
extremely humid environments.  
52  
Specifications  
General  
Camera Section  
Power requirement: 9.6VDC  
Power consumption: 7.5 watts  
Weight: 4.4 lbs. (2kg)  
Scanning: 525 lines/60 fields/30 frames  
Image Sensor: 1/4" CCD Imager  
Lens: F1.4  
16:1 (4-64 mm) power zoom lens  
Diameter: 46 mm  
Dimensions – Including Viewfinder:  
4-1/4" (W) x 8-3/8" (H) x 13-1/8" (D)  
108 (W) x 213 (H) x 334 (D) mm  
AC Adapter/Charger  
Power requirement: 120 V,  
50/60 Hz.  
Video Recorder Section  
Format: VHS  
Power consumption: 24 watts  
Weight: .85 lbs. (390g)  
Dimensions:  
Record/playback system:  
Two video record/playback heads  
Video signal: EIA standard  
NTSC color  
6"(W) x 1.7"(H) x 2.7"(D)  
152 (W) x 43 (H) x 69 (D) mm  
Viewfinder  
Color viewfinder  
Tripod Mount  
One 1/4" x 10 threaded hole  
Information to User  
Increase the separation between the  
equipment and receiver.  
This equipment has been tested and found to  
comply with the limits for a Class B digital  
device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  
These limits are designed to provide  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a  
circuit different from that to which the  
receiver is connected.  
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:  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/  
TV technician for help.  
Alterations or modifications carried out  
without appropriate authorization may  
invalidate the user’s FCC right to operate the  
equipment.  
This Class B digital apparatus meets all  
requirements of the Canadian Interference —  
Causing Equipment Regulations.  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte  
toutes les exigences du Réglement sur le  
matériel brouilleur du Canada.  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
53  
Customer Assistance and Service  
Thomson provides a toll-free telephone  
You can reach Thomson at the  
following number:  
number to help you with any problems you  
may encounter with your camcorder. Many  
can be diagnosed over the phone, and if  
necessary, repair or replacement will be  
arranged. 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 a repair or  
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  
replacement unit to you.  
Returning equipment to Thomson for repair or exchange  
Always consult Thomson and get a Return  
If we are unable to resolve your problem over  
the phone, we will gladly service your unit or  
exchange it for a new or, at our option,  
refurbished camcorder. Refer to the limited  
warranty on the next page to learn about your  
specific rights and responsibilities.  
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.  
Important information to customers who ship defective equipment to  
Thomson Consumer Electronics  
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.  
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.  
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  
54  
Limited Warranty  
What your warranty covers:  
2. The exchange location will notify you of its  
arrival.  
Any defect in materials or workmanship.  
3. Take your unit, excluding 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.  
For how long after your purchase:  
90 days for labor charges.  
One year for parts.  
The warranty period for rental units begins  
with the first rental or 45 days from date of  
shipment to the rental firm, whichever  
comes first.  
4. If the repairs were covered by your  
warranty, you will not be billed.  
If you are not located near an exchange  
point:  
What we will do:  
1. 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,  
During the initial 90 days  
Exchange your camcorder with a new or  
refurbished unit, or repair your camcorder.  
The option will be ours. There will be no  
cost to you.  
excluding all accessories, within 14 days  
from the date you were provided the RA  
number, only items not covered by  
warranty will be charged to your account.  
IF YOUR UNIT IS NOT RECEIVED  
WITHIN 14 DAYS, THE SUGGESTED  
RETAIL VALUE OF THE CAMCOR-  
DER WILL BE CHARGED TO YOUR  
CREDIT CARD. This amount will be  
credited if the unit is subsequently  
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.  
received.  
How you get service:  
2. We will send you a replacement unit next  
business day delivery in the continental  
U.S.A.  
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.  
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 within 14  
days from the date you were provided the  
RA number. Any labor and parts charges  
not covered by our warranty will be  
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.  
included and charged against your account.  
4. Ship the unit back to us, excluding all  
accessories, 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. Make sure you insure  
your shipment in case of damage or loss.  
Include with the shipment:  
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 U.S.A.  
55  
Limited Warranty  
Evidence of purchase date, such as a  
bill of sale, to verify your unit’s  
warranty eligibility.  
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.  
A brief note describing your  
camcorder’s problem.  
Your name, address and phone number.  
Pick up your camcorder when repairs are  
complete.  
Return transportation, storage, handling, and  
insurance costs are your sole responsibility.  
We accept no liability in case of damage or loss.  
What your warranty does not cover:  
Adjustment of customer controls.  
Damage from misuse or neglect.  
To receive a replacement unit after we have  
received your unit:  
A unit that has been modified or  
incorporated into other products or is used  
for institutional or other commercial  
purposes.  
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.  
Batteries for remote control and clock.  
Cleaning of video/audio heads.  
2. Carefully pack the unit, excluding all  
accessories, using the original box and  
packing material if possible.  
Camcorders purchased or serviced outside  
the U.S.A.  
3. Include with the shipment:  
Evidence of purchase date, such as a  
bill of sale, to verify your unit’s  
warranty eligibility.  
Return transportation, storage and handling  
costs of your unit, including insurance for  
loss or damage.  
A brief note describing your camcorder  
problem.  
Acts of God, such as but not limited to  
lightning damage.  
Your name, address and phone number.  
Product Registration:  
Return transportation, storage, handling, and  
insurance costs are your responsibility. We  
accept no liability in case of damage or loss.  
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.  
4. The representative will advise the address  
to mail a cashier’s check or money order  
for payment if there are any out of  
warranty labor or parts charges and you  
elect not to use your credit card.  
How State Law relates to warranty:  
5. Upon receipt of your product, a new or  
refurbished unit will be shipped to you  
next business day delivery in the  
continental U.S.A.  
This warranty gives you specific legal  
rights and you also may have other rights  
that vary from state to state.  
If you purchased your camcorder outside  
the United States:  
To have your Camcorder repaired by an  
Authorized RCA Camcorder Service  
Center:  
This warranty does not apply. Contact your  
dealer for warranty information.  
Check with your dealer or call 1-800-336-  
1900 for the Authorized RCA Camcorder  
Service Center nearest you.  
56  
Index  
clean the camcorder viewfinder 51  
clean the lens 51  
clean the viewfinder 51  
proper care and storage 52  
things to avoid 52  
Care and storage  
camcorder 52  
cassette 17  
Cassette care and storage 17  
Cassette compartment 5  
Cassette door 9  
Cassette holder 17  
Cassettes  
insert and remove 17  
Cassettes, video 16  
Cautions i  
A
Accessories  
included 3  
optional 41  
order form 45  
Adapter/charger  
accessory 3  
charging battery 11  
using 4, 10  
AE focus indicators 22, 25  
Assistance 1, 3  
Assistance, customer 54  
AUDIO and VIDEO jacks 8, 36, 38  
Auto focus 25  
Charging clock battery 19  
Chart of characters in titler 31  
Checks, trouble 48  
Clean the camcorder lens 51  
Clean the viewfinder 51  
Clock battery  
charging 19  
Contents 1  
Copy tapes 37  
Customer assistance and service 54  
Auto shot feature 25  
B
Battery 3  
attaching and removing 12  
care 14  
charging 11  
level indicator 13, 22  
safety precautions 14  
storage 14  
using 11  
BATTERY EJECT button 9, 12  
BRIGHT control 6, 8, 21, 33  
D
Date and time  
display 18, 23  
record 19  
C
set 18  
DATE/TIME button 8, 18, 19, 23, 32  
DC cable 3, 10, 11, 12, 15  
DC IN 9.6V jack 9, 10, 15  
Design specifications 53  
DISPLAY button  
Cable TV installer note 39  
Camcorder  
clean 51  
operating controls 8  
turn on 5  
Camera edit feature 25  
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch  
5, 8, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, 24, 25, 28,  
30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 37, 39  
Car cord adapter 15  
Care and maintenance  
8, 13, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 37  
Displays in viewfinder 22, 23  
57  
Index  
L
E
Lens 8  
EDIT-ADV button 8, 30, 31  
Electronic indexing 26  
Lens cap 4  
Lens hood 8  
remove 44  
Erase protection 16  
Eyepiece focus control 9, 20, 33  
M
F
Macro focus 25  
F.FWD (fast forward) button  
8, 18, 25, 28, 30, 34  
Memory-stop feature 28  
Microphone 8, 24  
Fast-forwarding indicator 22  
First time operation 3  
N
H
NO TAPE indicator 23  
Handstrap 9  
Head cleaning 16  
O
I
Operating controls 8  
Optional accessories 41  
Order form  
Important safety information i  
INDEX indicator 22, 26  
Indicators  
accessories 45  
AE focus 22, 25  
battery level 13, 22  
fast-forwarding 22  
INDEX 22, 26  
NO TAPE 23  
P
PLAY button 7, 8, 25, 33, 37, 39  
Playback  
first 7  
pause 22  
Playback features  
REC 6, 22  
stop-action pause 34  
tape counter 28  
record-pause 6  
rewind 22  
tape positioning 34  
tracking 35  
status 22  
TAPE 23  
visual searching 34  
Playback on a TV without audio/video  
inputs 38  
Playback on TV (or VCR) with  
audio/video inputs 36  
Playback speed 16  
tape counter 23, 28  
TAPE END 23  
time remaining 23, 26  
ZOOM 23  
zoom level 23, 27  
Information to user 53  
Insert and remove cassettes 17  
58  
Index  
Powering your camcorder  
using adapter/charger 10  
using battery 11  
using optional car cord adapter 15  
Problem solving 48  
Status indicators 22  
STOP button 7, 28  
Stop-action pause 34  
STOP/EJECT button  
5, 8, 13, 17, 18, 28, 30, 33, 34, 37, 39  
Product registration i  
T
Q
Table of contents 1  
Tape  
Quick review feature 24  
insert 5  
Tape copying 37  
Tape counter 23, 28  
TAPE END Indicator 23, 26  
TAPE indicator 23  
Tape positioning 34  
Tape warnings 23  
Things to avoid 52  
Time and date  
R
REC indicator 6, 22  
REC/PAUSE button 6, 9, 22, 32, 34,  
37, 39  
Record-pause indicator 6, 22  
Recording speed 16  
Recording tips 29  
display 18, 23  
Registration i  
record 19  
RESET button 28  
set 18  
Reset switch 8  
Time-remaining display 23, 26  
Tips  
recording 29  
REW(rewind)/REVIEW button  
7, 8, 18, 24, 25, 28, 30, 34  
Rewind indicator 22  
travel 29  
RF DC OUT jack 8, 38  
RF output adapter, optional 38  
Titler 30  
chart of characters 31  
correct an error 31  
create a title 31  
record on a tape in camcorder 19, 32  
record while copying a tape 32  
TITLER button 8, 30, 31, 32  
Tracking 35  
S
Safety information i  
Safety precautions  
battery 14  
TRACKING buttons 9, 35  
Travel tips 29  
Safety tab 16  
Searching during playback 34  
Shoulder strap 3  
attach 40  
Tripod  
optional 42  
using 42  
Shoulder strap attachment rings 9, 40  
Solving problems 48  
SP speed 16, 33  
Trouble checks 48  
Specifications 53  
Speed  
recording and playback 16  
59  
Index  
U
Unpack camcorder and accessories 3  
V
VIDEO and AUDIO jacks 8, 36, 38  
Video cassettes 16  
Viewfinder 9, 20, 21  
adjust for viewing 20  
displays 22, 23  
eyepiece focus control 20  
playback 33  
Visual searching 34  
W
Warnings i  
Warnings, tape 23  
Z
Zoom buttons 9, 25, 27  
ZOOM indicator 23, 27  
Zoom level indicator 23, 27  
Zooming 27  
60  
10330 N Meridian Street  
Indianapolis, IN 46290  
©
1998 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.  
®
Trademark(s) Registered  
Marca(s) Registrada(s)  
Printed in Japan  
TOCOM  
QR19426  

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