Video Camcorder Models Pro867/Pro870 Owner’s Manual Product Registration .......Inside Front Cover Safety Precautions...................................i-vii Optional Accessories ................................1-7 • Accessory Order Form ............................5-7 First-Time Operation.............................8-15 Remote Control ....................................16-19 Powering Your Camcorder .................20-25 RCA Video Cassettes ...........................26-27 Detailed Recording Steps......
® Video Camcorder Owner’s Manual Models Pro867 Pro870 8 Product Registration .......Inside Front Cover Safety Precautions...................................i-vii Optional Accessories ................................1-7 • Accessory Order Form ............................5-7 First-Time Operation.............................8-15 Remote Control ....................................16-19 Powering Your Camcorder .................20-25 RCA Video Cassettes ...........................
Product Registration Mail Your Registration Card Today Record Vital Information Here. A Product Registration Card is packed with your camcorder. Please fill out the card and return it immediately. Your prompt submission of this card confirms your right to the protection available under the terms and conditions of the warranty and also allows us to contact you should it ever become necessary. With your card on file, we can also help you in the event of loss or theft by verifying your ownership.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Your video camcorder’s AC adapter/charger will operate on 100-240 volts AC, 50/60 Hz, and has a polarized plug. Because one blade of the plug is wider than the other, the plug fits in the wall socket only one way. Do not defeat the safety feature of this plug. If you need an extension cord, use a polarized extension cord. CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Important Safety Instructions for AC Adapter/Charger Before using the AC adapter/charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) AC adapter/charger, (2) battery, and (3) product using battery. Caution: To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries type BB060, or BB120. Other types of batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage. Do not expose the adapter/charger to moisture of any kind.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of your video product, safety is a major factor in the design of every instrument. However, safety is your responsibility too. These pages list important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of a camcorder, adapter/charger, and accessory equipment. Please read them carefully before operating your video products. Installation 1.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (continued) 8. Ventilation—Slots and openings in the video products are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the video product and to protect them from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the video product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This video product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (continued) 12. Outdoor Antenna Grounding—If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the video product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 16. Lightning—For added protection for this video product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the video product due to lightning and power line surges. C. If the video product has been exposed to rain or water. D. If the video product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions.
Optional Accessories We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your 8mm camcorder. These pages have a selection of accessories to help make your memorable moments look and sound even better. These accessories are designed to make the process of recording and watching your videos more enjoyable. To order accessories, contact your local Dealer.
Optional Accessories (continued) DCC80 DC Car Cord Adapter/Charger the DCC06 to operate the camcorder. POWER CHARGE Caution: Do not use the DCC07, DCC71, DCC012 or DCC096 car cords with this camcorder. This DC car cord adapter/charger enables you to operate your camcorder from your car, truck, or RV by plugging the DCC80 directly into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. It will also charge the BB060 battery supplied with your camcorder or the BB120 (long play) battery.
Optional Accessories (continued) VCC1000 Video Color Control Center The VCC1000 is actually two accessories in one. The color control center allows you to adjust the color intensity, tint, white balance, and sharpness of tapes being dubbed. This is especially helpful when the original tape was produced in poor lighting conditions or poor color settings. The second feature, the character generator, lets you create titles that can be recorded on your tapes.
Optional Accessories (continued) AC035 Super Lightweight Tripod Using an Optional Tripod This tripod’s fluid-effect head provides smooth camera pan and tilt. The quickrelease mount makes it easy to attach or remove the camcorder. The grooved, tubular 3-section leg design folds down to 23-1/2" when not in use and weighs only 3-1/2 lbs. Rubber feet allow for sure footing. Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such as AC035 will keep the camcorder steady and produce excellent video results.
Accessory Order Form Order Form for Camcorder Model Pro867 or Pro870 Description Carrying Case Soft Camcorder Case Super Lightweight Tripod Monopod 75-300 Cable Transformer Rechargeable Battery Rechargeable Battery AC Adapter/Charger AC Adapter/Charger RF Output Adapter DC Car Cord Adapter DC Car Adapter/Charger Audio/Video Input Cable Audio/Video Output Cable Video Color Control Center Coaxial RF Cable 300-75 Cable Transformer Power Connector Replacement Remote Shoulder Strap Part No.
Accessory Order Form (continued) Charge your order on your VISA or MasterCard by filling in below USE YOUR CREDIT CARD ® IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card My card expires: IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard Copy Number above your name on MasterCard s r r TM My card expires: AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE Prices are subject to change without notice. A complete and correct order will save you days of waiting.
Accessory Order Form (continued) To order accessories, contact your local Dealer. If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow the directions below to order by telephone or direct-by-mail. United States Orders To place your order by phone, have your Visa or MasterCard ready and call the toll-free number listed below between 8AM and 8PM Eastern Standard Time. Use this number only to place an order for accessory items listed on this order form.
First-Time Operation Thank you for choosing an RCA camcorder. You have selected a precision-engineered camcorder designed to give you years of performance and enjoyment. Although your camcorder is very simple to use, it is important that you read and carefully follow the instructions in this manual until you are completely familiar with the proper operating procedures. If you should experience a problem, always refer first to “Trouble Checks” on pages 64-66.
First-Time Operation (continued) 2. Attach a power supply to the camcorder. 3. Remove the lens cap and attach it to the lens cap holder on the handstrap. Attach a power supply to the camcorder–either the adapter/charger or charged battery. POW ER REV IEW REW PLA Y F.FW T D STO P PAU W ERY SE BATT BATTERY Eject Lever LAY DC OUTPUT Jack F.FW D STO P PAU RY SE BATTE . . POWER SAVE ON . .
First-Time Operation (continued) Tape Window Cassette Door . SH POWER SAVE PU . ON Power Supply (Adapter/Charger or Charged Battery) Thumb Trigger ON/POWERSAVE Lever 5. Place the ON/POWERSAVE lever in the ON position. The camcorder also has an ON/POWERSAVE lever to conserve battery power when recording. • During recording, place the ON/POWERSAVE lever in the ON position. The camcorder will not record unless this lever is in the ON position.
First-Time Operation (continued) PAUSE Button W T REVIEW POWER OT P USH F A OF EJECT REW PLAY — F.FWD SEL TITLE STOP PAUS E BAT TER Y EJECT Button DO N Electronic Viewfinder DV IT–A + ED VCR CAMER Eyepiece Focus Control S AUTO FULL • • ON OFF Tally Light FOCU TITLER TTER SHU DATE RESET FADE AY DISPL FULL AUTO OFF/ON Switch 8. Adjust the eyepiece focus control for your vision. If the image in the viewfinder is blurry, adjust the eyepiece focus control for your vision.
First-Time Operation (continued) 11. Review all the camcorder’s operating controls. The page number(s) where detailed information on each control can be found are listed for your convenience. Power Zoom Buttons T = Telephoto W = Wide Angle (pages 28-29,46-47) Eyepiece Focus Control (pages 11, 28-29, 34) W T W REVIE Remote Control Sensor (page 17) DO N POWER OT P USH EJECT REW PLAY STOP F.
First-Time Operation (continued) Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring (page 57) Cassette Door (page 27) DO NOT PUSH POW ER REV PLA FW Y F. D STO AU P P T W SE Clock Battery Compartment (page 32) Y REW TER IEW BAT . .
First-Time Operation (continued) PLAY Button (pages 11, 28-29, 31, 51, 59-63) F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button (pages 11, 28-29, 31, 32-33, 51, 59-63) REW (Rewind) Button (pages 11, 28-29, 31, 32-33, 51, 59-63) STOP Button (pages 11, 28-29, 31, 32-33, 51, 59-63) Pro870 Only: REVIEW Button (pages 28-29, 30-31, 51) PAUSE Button (pages 51, 53, 59-63) POWER (CAMERA/OFF/VCR) Switch (pages 9-11) POWER EJECT REVIEW REW PLAY F.
First-Time Operation (continued) W T POWER OT P USH EJECT A CAMER OFF E PLAY F.
Remote Control Battery Installation The battery supplied with your remote control is packed separately. Install it as follows: Back of Remote Control Battery Holder 1. Turn the remote control over, and pull on the tab to remove the battery holder. Caution: Lithium battery. Must be disposed of properly. 2. Insert the battery so that its positive (+) terminal faces up. Never handle punctured or leaking batteries. May cause burns or personal injury. 3. Replace the battery holder in the remote control.
Remote Control (continued) Remote Control Sensor W T SH Remote Control Sensor REVIE POWE T PU F RA OF EJECT REW E PLAY F.FWD LE — TIT SEL PAUS STOP BATT ERY W R DO NO ADV IT– + ED VCR CAME S FOCU AUTO FULL • • ON OFF R TITLE TER SHUT DATE SET RE Remote Control FADE LAY DISP REW STO P A/V D Y PLA SE PAU RD T ECO Y R M W ZOO E TITL ON OFF ET RES PLA DUB DIS F.
Remote Control (continued) Location and Function of Remote Control Buttons REW F.FWD 1 REW (Rewind) Button 7 F.FWD (Fast Forward) STOP PLAY 2 STOP Button 8 PLAY Button A/V DUB PAUSE 3 A/V (Audio/Video) DUB Button 9 PAUSE/RECORD DISPLAY RECORD 4 DISPLAY Button 5 RESET Button TITLE ON/OFF Button ZOOM 10 ZOOM Buttons W TITLE ON OFF A brief description of the functions of the remote control buttons is given here. They perform the same function as the corresponding controls on your camcorder.
Remote Control (continued) 3 A/V (Audio/Video) DUB Button • This button is used to record new audio and video in place of existing audio and video on a recorded tape. Details are on pages 52-53. 4 DISPLAY Button • Press this button to display the battery level indicator, time counter or time-remaining display in the viewfinder. Details are on pages 23, 40-45. 5 RESET Button • Press the RESET button when the time counter appears in the viewfinder to set it back to “0:00:00”. Details are on pages 43-44.
Powering Your Camcorder Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder F.FWD STOP PAUS E ERY PLAY BATT REW BATTERY Eject Lever DC OUTPUT Jack . . POWER SAVE ON POWE R CHAR GE POWER Indicator ToTo ACAC 110-240V, 100-240V, 50/60 Hz 50/60 Hz The adapter/charger’s power connector attaches to the camcorder, and lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power.
Powering Your Camcorder (continued) Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time. Initial charging will take approximately one hour. When fully charged, the battery should supply about 45-60 minutes of operating time (depending on how much you use zoom and pause). When using the battery to power the camcorder, place the ON/POWERSAVE lever in the POWERSAVE position during recording breaks to conserve the battery’s power.
Powering Your Camcorder (continued) Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued) Battery Level Indicator POWER (CAMERA/OFF/VCR) Switch BATTERY Eject Lever POW ER REVI EW T F.FW D STOP PAUS E W PLAY ERY REW BATT Display in Viewfinder . . POWER SAVE ON WARNING: NICKEL CADMIUM BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
Powering Your Camcorder (continued) Checking Battery Power (Battery Level Indicator) Proper Care and Storage of Your Battery The battery level indicator in the camcorder’s viewfinder shows how much recording time is left on the battery. The battery will provide better service and longer performance if you charge it before use and store it at normal room temperature. Press the DISPLAY button on the camcorder to display the battery level indicator in the viewfinder.
Powering Your Camcorder (continued) Using the Optional RCA DC Car Cord Adapters The optional RCA DCC06 DC car cord and DCC80 DC car cord adapter/charger allow you to power your camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV. They convert 24- and 12-volts to a 6-volt output. The DCC80 can also charge the battery that came with your camcorder and the BB120 (long play) battery.
Powering Your Camcorder (continued) Using the RCA DCC80 DC Car Cord Adapter/Charger to Power the Camcorder BATTERY Eject Lever F.FWD STOP PAUS E ERY PLAY BATT REW Cigarette Lighter Socket Optional DCC80 Car Adapter/Charger . . POWER SAVE ON POWER CHARGE DC OUTPUT Jack 1. If the battery is attached to the camcorder, remove it. 2. Align the reference arrow on the power connector with the arrow on the camcorder. 3.
RCA Video Cassettes We recommend that RCA cassettes be used with your camcorder. The tape in these cassettes is of high-quality formulation. It has been manufactured to our critical specifications for excellent performance. Use of tape not meeting these specifications could considerably reduce the performance of 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.
RCA Video Cassettes (continued) Inserting and Removing Cassettes EJECT Button Record-Protect Tab . SH POWER SAVE PU . ON Cassette Door 1. Attach a power supply to the camcorder, and slide and release the EJECT button to open the cassette compartment. 2. Insert or remove the cassette. Tape Window Caution: Insert the cassette only one way with the record-protect tab facing up and the tape window facing out. The cassette should slide easily into the compartment. Do not force the cassette.
Detailed Recording Steps 5A For Model Pro870 Only 4A 2A W E OP D ST EW REVI REW ER POW PLAY PAUS F.FW BA TT ER Y 2B T Use the following steps to make a recording using the automatic control settings. Detailed use of the controls is described on the following pages.
Detailed Recording Steps (continued) E. If the picture in the viewfinder is blurry, adjust the eyepiece focus control. 3 Start Recording A. Place the ON/POWERSAVE lever in the ON position. The camcorder will not record if this lever is in the POWERSAVE position. B. Press the camcorder’s thumb trigger to start and stop recording. You do not have to hold the thumb trigger to record. Note: Use the thumb trigger for brief recording pauses.
Special Features REW (Rewind) PLAY Button Button T W REVIE POWER OT P USH A OFF EJECT REW PLAY F.FWD STOP E PAUS BAT TER Y DO N STOP Button W Model Pro870 Only: REVIEW Button POWER (CAMERA/OFF/VCR) Switch F.
Special Features (continued) Edit Search Tape Positioning The edit search feature allows you to use the F.FWD (fast forward), REW (rewind), and PLAY buttons on the camcorder (or remote) control to precisely position the tape while the camcorder is in the record-pause mode. • Press and hold the REW (rewind) button to visually search the recorded tape in reverse. • Press and hold the F.FWD (fast forward) button to visually search forward on the recorded tape.
Date and Time Display Installing the Battery for Time and Date Display Setting the Time and Date Display in the Viewfinder WD Y F.F STO US P PA W E Clock Battery Compartment T PLA ERY REW BATT . . POWERS AVE ON The time and date (or only the date) can be recorded on your tape. Whenever one of the displays appears in the viewfinder, it will be recorded on the tape. You can choose to record only the date, both the date and time, or neither. 1. Install the clock battery as described.
Date and Time Display (continued) F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button REW (Rewind) Button POWER Switch STOP Button W T DO N REW POWER OT P USH F A OF EJECT PLAY — F.FWD SEL TITLE E PAUS STOP BAT TER Y REVIEW DV IT–A + ED VCR CAMER S AUTO FULL • • ON OFF FOCU TITLER TTER SHU DATE RESET FADE 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have entered the correct month, day, year, hour, minute, and AM or PM. 7.
Electronic Viewfinder The camcorder’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a miniature black-and-white monitor that displays the picture seen by the camcorder when recording. The viewfinder can also be used for viewing the tape during playback. Eyepiece Focus Control W Caution: Do not force the viewfinder to rotate completely around. This will damage the viewfinder and/or the camcorder. T POWE T PU SH RA EJECT CAME REW PLAY F.
Fading In and Out of Scenes You can add a professional touch to your recordings when you fade in and out of scenes. Both the picture and sound will gradually appear or disappear. The speed of the fade is automatically controlled by the camcorder. W T DO N POWER OT P USH F A OF EJECT REW E PLAY — F.
Focusing Your Camcorder Power Zoom Button “ T ” W T DO N POWER OT P USH F A OF EJECT REW E PLAY — F.FWD SEL TITLE STOP PAUS BAT TER Y REVIEW DV IT–A + ED VCR CAMER S AUTO FULL • • ON OFF FOCU FOCUS Button TITLER TTER SHU DATE RESET FADE AY DISPL FULL AUTO OFF/ON Switch Auto-Focus Window Macro Button on Zoom Ring Lever Focus Ring Auto Focus If you want the camcorder to focus for you automatically, place the FULL AUTO OFF/ON switch in the ON position.
Focusing Your Camcorder (continued) Manual Focus Under certain conditions, such as those listed, you may need to focus manually. Place the FULL AUTO OFF/ON switch in the OFF position, and turn the focus ring with your fingers. To maintain proper focus throughout the zoom range, zoom in on your subject, and adjust the focus ring to display a sharp, clear picture in the viewfinder. (You can zoom in by holding the power zoom button labeled “T”.
Using Variable Shutter Speeds POWER (CAMERA/OFF/VCR) Switch W T DO N POWER OT P USH F A OF EJECT REW PLAY F.
Using Variable Shutter Speeds (continued) FULL AUTO or Shutter Speed Display FULL AUTO Displays in Viewfinder FULL AUTO OFF/ON Switch ON • When the FULL AUTO OFF/ON switch is in the ON position, the camcorder automatically selects the shutter speed of 1/60 second. FULL AUTO appears in the viewfinder when you press the DISPLAY button. • When the FULL AUTO OFF/ON switch is in the ON position, you can still select shutter speeds by repeatedly pressing the SHUTTER button.
Displays in Viewfinder 1 FULL AUTO or Shutter Speed Display 3 Battery Level Indicator FULL AUTO ZM:2 2 NO TAPE, TAPE END, TAPE, or DEW Display NO TAPE 4 Status Displays 60 10:30AM 0:00:00 REC 11/18/92 5 Time and Date Display Displays in Viewfinder W POWER Switch T POWE T PU SH RA EJECT CAME REW PLAY F.
Displays in Viewfinder (continued) • When the FULL AUTO OFF/ON switch is in the OFF position, AE (automatic exposure) or the shutter speed (S:120, S:250, S:1000, S:2000, or S:10000) selected with the SHUTTER button appears. No shutter speed display appears when the normal (1/60 second) speed is selected. Details are on pages 38-39. 2 NO TAPE, TAPE, and TAPE END Displays • NO TAPE flashes in the viewfinder when you attempt to record and there is no cassette in the camcorder.
Displays in Viewfinder (continued) FULL AUTO 6 Pro870 Only: Zoom Display ZM:2 NO TAPE 7 Tape Display for TimeRemaining Display 8 60 0:00:00M Time Counter with Memory and Time-Remaining Display 10:30AM REC 11/18/92 Displays in Viewfinder Power Zoom Buttons (W and T) POWER Switch W T R DO NO POWE T PU SH OFF MERA EJECT REW PLAY F.
Displays in Viewfinder (continued) 7 Tape Display for Time-Remaining Display Press the DISPLAY button to display the time-remaining display. Then press the RESET button to display the size tape you are using in the camcorder. This display will not be recorded on the tape when it appears in the viewfinder. • Display 15 in the viewfinder when you are using a 15-minute tape.
Time Counter With Memory Stop and Time-Remaining Time Counter With Memory Stop Time Counter The time counter display shows the actual time elapsed when recording a program or playing back a segment of a pre-recorded tape. The time counter also helps you quickly locate the end of programs. Note the time counter reading when you are finished recording or playing back a tape. For example, you recorded a 10-minute program.
Time Counter With Memory Stop and Time-Remaining (continued) W T REVIE POWE T PU SH OFF MERA EJECT REW PLAY F.FWD LE — TIT SEL STOP BATT ERY W R DO NO E PAUS ADV IT– + ED VCR CA S FOCU AUTO FULL • • ON OFF TITLER TER SHUT DATE T RESE FADE LAY DISP DISPLAY Button RESET Button Time-Remaining Display The time-remaining display shows the amount of recording or playback time left on a tape while it is inside the camcorder.
Zooming ZM:2 T W T OP D ST Power Zoom Buttons T = Telephoto W = Wide Angle EW REVI REW ER POW PLAY E PAUS F.
Zooming (continued) (Pro870 Only) Digital Zooming The Pro870 has an electronic power zoom feature which allows you to zoom in on a subject with magnification of up to 64 times. 1. Repeatedly press the ZOOM MODE button to select the digital zoom mode. • Normal zoom mode allows you to enlarge the image from 1-16 times without changing the proportion of the image. No display will appear in the viewfinder when normal zoom is selected.
Titler REW PLAY – TITLE SEL F. FWD STOP PAUSE W BA TT ER Y T USE OP PA WD ST Y F.F ADV W PLA EDIT– W RE L+ REVIE LE SE — TIT R POWE + EDIT-ADV R F VC RA OF EJECT CAME S FOCU AUTO FULL ON OFF TITLER TER SHUT DATE T RESE FADE TITLER Button EDIT-ADV Button (Also STOP Button) AY DISPL TITLE SEL+ Button (Also F.FWD Button) TITLE SEL Button (Also PLAY Button) TITLE SEL– Button (Also REW Button) The camcorder’s built-in titler can store two different title pages in memory.
Titler (continued) Chart of Characters in Titler’s Register A G M S Y B H N T Z C I O U D J P V E K Q W F L R X 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ? ’ . / , - ; : < > ! (Blank) Correcting Errors During Programming 1. Press the EDIT-ADV button until the flashing cursor is placed over the character you wish to correct. 2. Press the TITLE SEL + or TITLE SEL – button until the correct character appears. Note: If you want to delete a character, press the TITLE SEL+ or TITLE SEL – button until the blank space appears.
Synchro Edit Synchro edit allows your camcorder to control a VCR (one that has a compatible PAUSE, EDIT, EDIT IN/OUT, or SYNC jack) while tapes are being copied from the camcorder to the VCR. This is convenient when you want to copy only selected segments from a previously recorded tape. An optional AVS80 synchro edit cable shown on page 3 is required. Note: Not all RCA VCR’s have compatible synchro edit jacks. W ER ERA CAM OFF PLAY — POW T REW F.
Synchro Edit (continued) To Synchro Edit 1. Connect your camcorder to a compatible VCR as shown. 2. Prepare the camcorder to play back the tape you want to copy. • Slide the POWER switch to the VCR position. • Press the EJECT button, and insert the tape you want to copy. • Press the PLAY button. • Press the PAUSE button to place the camcorder in the play-pause mode. 3. Prepare the VCR to record. • Press POWER to turn on the VCR. • Insert a blank tape into VCR.
Audio/Video Dubbing Notes: The source for audio and video when dubbing is the signal coming through the audio and video plugs of the audio/video input cable. The A/V (audio/video) DUB button on the remote control lets you record new audio and video from another VCR or camcorder to a previously recorded tape in the camcorder. You will need an optional VAA009 audio/video input cable shown on page 3.
Audio/Video Dubbing (continued) Installation 1 Attach the audio/video input cable’s white plug to the AUDIO OUT jack of the VCR. Note: If your VCR has stereo left and right AUDIO OUT jacks, attach the plug to the one labeled MONO. If one of the jacks is not labeled MONO, you may need a Y-adapter to record both channels. 3 Attach the plug on the other end of the audio/video input cable to the AV IN/OUT connector located behind the small cover on the front of the camcorder.
Recording on Camcorder from VCR or TV Monitor To connect your camcorder to a TV (or VCR) with AUDIO and VIDEO OUT jacks, you will need an optional VAA009 audio/video input cable shown on page 3. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, you can attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the camcorder is recording on the TV.
Recording on Camcorder from VCR or TV Monitor (continued) Installation 1 Attach the audio/video input cable’s white plug to the AUDIO OUT jack on the TV or VCR. Note: If your TV or VCR has stereo left and right AUDIO OUT jacks, attach the plug to the one labeled MONO. If one of the jacks is not labeled MONO, you may need a Y-adapter to record both channels. 3 Attach the plug on the other end of the audio/video input cable to the AV IN/OUT connector behind the small cover on the front of the camcorder.
Camcorder Recording Tips Practice recording under a variety of lighting conditions. This will help you respond quickly whenever you see a scene you want to record. When using manual focus, it is easier to make professional looking videos if you check the focus before you start recording. Use your camcorder’s zoom to help you focus manually. Before you start recording, zoom in on your subject and adjust the focus ring until you see a clear image in the viewfinder. Then zoom back to where you want to record.
Attaching the Shoulder Strap The shoulder strap packed with your camcorder is designed to let you carry the camcorder from your shoulder and–when you are ready to shoot–bring the camcorder to shooting position in one quick movement. Caution: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, you may find it convenient to rotate the electronic viewfinder to the front. This helps prevent possible damage to the viewfinder from bumping against your body as you move. To Attach the Shoulder Strap 1.
Care and Maintenance Proper Care and Storage Things to Avoid Keep dust and grit from entering the camcorder’s cassette door. Dust and grit are abrasive and will cause excessive wear both to the camcorder’s recording/playback heads and cassettes. We recommend RCA video cassettes be used with this camcorder. These cassettes have been manufactured to our critical specifications.
Viewfinder Playback REW (Rewind) Button PLAY Button F.FWD Button POWER (CAMERA/ OFF/VCR) Switch STOP Button PAUSE Button POWER EJECT REVIEW REW PLAY F.FWD – CAMERA OFF VCR TITLE SEL + STOP PAUSE BATTERY EJECT Button EDIT–ADV W T T PU SH EJECT CAMERA OFF REW PLAY F.
Playback on TV (or VCR) with AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or VCR) with AUDIO/VIDEO IN jacks, you will need the audio/video output cable that came packed with your camcorder. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, you can attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the camcorder is recording or playing on the TV.
Playback on TV (or VCR) with AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks (continued) Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes on the VCR 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV monitor: Turn on the TV and tune it to the video input channel. 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 coming from the VCR. 2.
Playback on a TV without AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks To connect your camcorder to a TV without AUDIO/VIDEO IN jacks, you will need the RF output adapter and coaxial RF cable that came packed with your camcorder. If your TV has AUDIO and VIDEO IN jacks (or is connected to a VCR), refer to pages 60-61.
Playback on a TV without AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks (continued) Playback Operation 1. Set the CH3/CH4 switch on the adapter to channel 3 or 4. 2. Turn on the TV, and tune it to the same channel you selected with the RF output adapter’s CH3/CH4 switch. 3. Slide the camcorder’s POWER switch to the VCR position, and insert the cassette you want to playback. 4. Press the PLAY button on the camcorder. If you want to “stop the action”, press the PAUSE button while the tape is playing.
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 Compact Camcorder Servicenter, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then perform the simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble.
Trouble Checks (continued) Trouble Tape stops during rewind or fast forward Camcorder remains in “stop action” (play-pause) mode Checks and Adjustments • Time-counter memory may be on. Whenever an “M” appears with the time-counter display, the camcorder will stop rewinding (or fast forwarding) when counter reads “0:00:00M”. Press REW or F.FWD button again to continue rewinding or fast forwarding, or press DISPLAY button to turn off memory-stop feature. • Press PAUSE button to return to normal playback.
Trouble Checks (continued) Trouble Checks and Adjustments Date and/or time are incorrect • Clock battery may need replacing. See page 32. • Date and/or time may need to be set. See pages 32-33. Remote control will not operate camcorder • Aim remote control at remote control sensor on camcorder. • Remote control battery may need replacing. • If POWER switch is in CAMERA position, the ON/POWERSAVE lever must be in ON position for camcorder to operate.
Specifications General Power requirement: 6VDC Power consumption: 6 watts (normal) Weight: 1.8 lbs. (810g) Dimensions: 4-7/16"(W) x 4-1/2"(H) x 6-7/8"(D) (112 x 114 x 174mm) This digital apparatus does not exceed the class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Compact Camcorder Limited Warranty What your warranty covers: • Any defect in material or workmanship. • 90 days for labor charges. • One year for parts. The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental. What we will do: • Pay any Authorized RCA Compact Camcorder Servicenter the labor charges to repair your camcorder. • Pay any Authorized RCA Compact Camcorder Servicenter for the new or, at our option, rebuilt replacement parts required to repair your camcorder.
Index 16X9 Mode ..........................................47 16X9 Mode Display.............................42 A/V (Audio/Video) DUB Button .................................8-19,52-53 Accessories, Included .........................2,8 Accessories, Optional.........................1-7 Accessory Order Form .......................5-7 Adapter/Charger, Attaching.................20 Adapter/Charger, Removing................20 Adapter/Charger, Safety Instructions ...iii Adapter/Charger, Using to Power the Camcorder.
Index (continued) Erase Protection ...................................26 Eyepiece Focus Control.............11,12,34 F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button .....................14,18-19,28-33,59 Fade Button ..........................12,28-29,35 Fading In and Out ................................35 FASTFWD Display.........................40-41 First-Time Operation........................8-15 Flying Erase Head................................30 FOCUS Button ..........................15,36-37 Focus Ring....................
Index (continued) Recording on the Camcorder from a VCR or TV .................................54-55 Recording Speed and Times ................26 Recording Steps, Detailed ..............28-29 Recording Steps, First-Time.............8-15 Recording Times and Speed ................26 Recording Tips, Camcorder.................56 Registration, Product ..............................i Remote Control ..............................16-19 Remote Control Sensor...................12,17 Removing the Lens Hood ...........
For your nearest home entertainment Dealer or Authorized Servicenter call toll-free in the U.S.A.