RCA Pro842 manual

USER‘S GUIDE Pro842/Pro847/Pro848 CAMCO RDER  8 ®[...]

CAUTION : To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert. ATTENTION: Pour éviter les chocs électriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu au fond. CAUTION: Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold location to a warm l[...]

Assistance 1 We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call: Camcorder Exchange W arranty ...... 800-283-6503 (Pages 54-55) Customer Service..................................... 800-336-1900 (Page 53) Accessories......................................... 800-338-0376 (Pages 42-47) • Tape Time Remaining Display .[...]

First-T ime Operation 2 This section describes only the basic steps necessary to set up your camcorder to record. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options. 1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories. Model Pro842/Pro847/Pro848* Lens Cap Cord Part No. 234328 Remote control Part No. 233195 Rechargeable 6-Volt Battery Models[...]

3 A. Press in on the tabs on both sides of the lens cap to remove it. 2. Attach lens cap cord and adjust handstrap. 3. Attach shoulder strap. A. Unfasten one end of the shoulder strap from the buckle. Make sure you leave the buckle on the strap. B. Thread one end of the shoulder strap through one of the shoulder strap rings C. Thread the strap back[...]

First-T ime Operation 4 A. Press on the PUSH button to release the battery compartment door. Open the compartment fully. B. Insert the small plug on the AC adapter in the DC IN jack on the camcorder. 4. Supply power to the camcorder . PUSH button – press here to open and close the battery compartment. PUSH here to open battery compartment. A. Pre[...]

First-T ime Operation 5 5. T urn on the camcorder . Slide the POWER switch upward to turn the camcorder on. Notes: Whenever the camcorder is turned on, it turns on in the CAM (camera) mode. If it does not, press the VCR(PLAY)/CAM button until the red CAM indicator beside the VCR(PLAY)/CAM button lights. The green and red indicators on each side of [...]

PLAY REW F FWD STOP PAUSE EJECT DISPLAY BLANK REC First-T ime Operation 6 1 1. Review the camcorder ’ s contr ols. AUDIO L R IN V OUT VIDEO A REW Button DISPLAY Button Model Pro848 Only: REC Button Models Pro847 and Pro848 Only: B (Bright) and C (Color) Controls Model Pro842 Only: B (Bright) and F (Focus) Controls See “Trouble Checks ” for de[...]

Powering Y our Camcorder 7 Attach the AC Adapter 1. Press the PUSH button to open the battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully. 2. Insert the small plug on the AC adapter in the DC IN jack on the camcorder. 3. Close the battery compartment. Press the PUSH button to lock the battery compartment shut. 4. Plug the AC adapter’s power[...]

Powering Y our Camcorder 8 Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Y our Camcorder The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the first time. Initial charging will take approximately 12 hours for the 234329 battery, and approximately 16 hours for the 234330 battery. When fully charged, the 234329 battery (model [...]

Powering Y our Camcorder 9 Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Y our Camcorder The battery must be installed as described on the previous page before it can be charged. Charge the Battery 1. Install the battery as described on the previous page. 2. Insert the small plug on the AC adapter in the DC IN jack on the camcorder. 3. Plug the AC adapte[...]

Powering Y our Camcorder 10 Battery Level Indicator The battery level indicator appears in the viewfinder when approximately half the battery power is left. This indicator shows you the amount of power in the battery. Battery Level Indicator in Viewfinder • As the power is used , , and appear. Do not store a battery pack where it can reach high t[...]

11 Powering Y our Camcorder Install the Alkaline Batteries 1. Press the PUSH button to open the battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully. 2. Insert six alkaline batteries into the compartment matching the polarities (+ and –) on the batteries to the battery compartment as shown . 3. Close the battery compartment. Press the PUSH b[...]

Powering Y our Camcorder 12 Charge the Battery 1. Plug adapter/charger into an AC outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz). The POWER indicator lights. 2. Align the reference marks on the battery with marks on the adapter/ charger and slide the battery in the direction of the arrow until it locks. The CHARGE indicator lights while battery is charging. 3. Remove [...]

Powering Y our Camcorder 13 Attach Adapter/Charger 1 Press the PUSH button to open the battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully. 2. Plug one end of the optional DC cable into the DC OUT jack on the adapter/ charger and the other end into the DC IN jack on the camcorder. 3. Close the battery compartment. Press the PUSH button to loc[...]

Powering Y our Camcorder 14 Lithium Cell Installation The remote’s lithium cell is packed separately. Install it as follows: 1. Turn remote over, insert a pencil or paper clip in the small hole, and slide cell holder in the direction of the arrow to remove it. 2. Insert the cell in the cell holder so the positive (+) terminal faces up. Cell Holde[...]

15 Remote Contr ol The remote operates the camcorder by infrared light, so it is protected from electrical and sound interference. However, the remote must be aimed directly at the camcorder’s remote sensor. There cannot be any obstructions between them. Remote Control Sensor Note: The camcorder may not respond to the remote if its sensor is expo[...]

Remote Contr ol 16 A brief description of the remote button’s functions is given here. Many of the buttons perform the same functions as the corresponding controls on the camcorder. The battery must be installed as shown on page 14. PLAY STOP DISPLAY REC ZOOM COUNTER MEMORY RESET REW F FWD PAUSE T W 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 3 4 ZOOM (T and W ) Buttons D[...]

Remote Contr ol REW (Rewind) Button Camcorder is in CAM ( camera) mode: • When the camcorder is in record pause, press and hold REW to visually search the tape in reverse. Release REW to return to record- pause . Camcorder is in VCR ( PLAY) mode : • When the camcorder is stopped, press REW to rewind the tape. Press STOP to stop rewinding the ta[...]

Recording 18 V ideo Cassettes We recommend that our cassettes be used with your camcorder. Use of poor quality or damaged tapes can contaminate the video heads. Head cleaning is not covered under warranty and is considered normal maintenance. 1. Attach a power supply and turn on the camcorder. 2. Press the EJECT button to open the cassette compartm[...]

Recording 19 • Press and release the the thumb trigger again to stop recording. The camcorder is now in record pause. PAUSE appears in the viewfinder. • The camcorder will automatically turn off if it remains in record pause for three minutes. Slide the POWER switch upward to turn the camcorder back on. 7. Use the zoom feature. • Zoom in and [...]

Recording 20 Status Displays • The REC indicator appears when the camcorder is recording. • The PAUSE indicator appears during record pause. • The FF indicator appears during fast forward. • The REW indicator appears during rewind. • The STOP indicator appears when the camcorder is stopped. • The BLANK indicator appears during blank sea[...]

Recording 21 Elapsed Time-Counter • The time counter appears during recording and playback. • An “ M ” appears in front of the time counter when memory-stop is on. • Details are on page 30. AE ( Auto Exposure) Higher Shutter Speed Indicator A shutter speed (1/60, 1/100, 1/150, or 1/250) is automatically selected by the camcorder. • No i[...]

Recording 22 Cautions Do not force the viewfinder to rotate completely around. This will damage the viewfinder and/or the camcorder. When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, put the viewfinder down. This helps prevent possible damage to the viewfinder from bumping against your body as you move. V iewfinder The camcorder’s viewfinder i[...]

Recording 23 Flying Erase Head A separate erase head is mounted on the spinning headwheel (hence the term “flying”). This allows you to make clean edits without the “glitches” or “rainbow noise” that may occur at the beginning or the end of recordings. Microphone The microphone picks up the sound during a recording. It is more sensitive[...]

Recording 24 Quick Review Feature Press and quickly release REW when the camcorder is in record pause to review the last few seconds of a recording. The VCR(PLAY)/CAM button must be in the CAM position. The camcorder will play back the last few seconds of the recording, return the tape to its previous position, and return to record pause. Camera Ed[...]

PLAY STOP DISPLAY REC ZOOM COUNTER MEMORY RESET REW F FWD PAUSE T W ZOOM T and W Buttons The camcorder automatically adjusts the shutter speed (1/60, 1/100, 1/150, or 1/250) according to the lighting conditions. Recording 25 AE ( Automatic Exposure) Shutter Speed Contr ol Viewfinder Display AE: 100 • 1/60 second shutter speed is selected for norm[...]

26 Recording Using Focus Lock The focus lock feature is useful when objects pass between your subject and the camcorder or your main subject is not located in the center of the viewfinder. 1. Center the main object in the viewfinder. 2. Press FOCUS LOCK to turn on the focus lock feature. FOCUSLOCK will appear for a few seconds and then will remain [...]

27 Recording Install Cell 1. Make sure camcorder is turned off, and remove any power supply attached to the camcorder. 2. Pull our the clock cell holder. 3. Insert the clock cell with the “+” terminal facing up in the cell holder. 4. Replace the clock cell holder. It will click into place. Install the Clock Lithium Cell Remove Cell To remove ce[...]

28 AM 0:00:00 1.1.1996 Recording 1. Attach a power supply to the camcorder. Slide the POWER switch upward to turn on the camcorder. Make sure the CAM indicator is on, if not, press the VCR(PLAY)/CAM button to turn it on. 2. Press and hold down the DATE/TIME and FOCUS LOCK buttons until the reset time and date appears. 3. A flashing cursor lets you [...]

29 Recording The date or date and time can be recorded on your tape. Whenever one of the displays appears in the viewfinder, it will be recorded. The camcorder also has an AUTO DATE feature. The clock cell must be installed and the clock set. Recording Date or Date and Time on Y our T ape AUTO DATE 11.18.1996 AM 12:00:00 11.18.1996 Date and Time Da[...]

Recording 30 To Use the Memory-Stop Feature 1. Locate the place on the tape you want to return to, press the VCR(PLAY)/ CAM button to light the green VCR(PLAY) indicator, and press PLAY . 2. Press COUNTER RESET on the remote control to reset the time counter to 0:00:00 . 3. Press COUNTER MEMORY on the remote control to turn the time counter’s mem[...]

Recording 31 Recording Tips • In case of fire or theft, make a video recording of your home and contents to store in a safe place. • Try to make sure indoor scenes are well-lit. • 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 su[...]

32 AUDIO OUT VIDEO OUT AUDIO OUT L R VIDEO OUT Back of Mono VCR or TV Monitor Back of Stereo VCR or TV Monitor Optional Y-Adapter Yellow Video Plug Audio/Video Cable Audio/Video Cable White and Red Audio Plugs White and Red Audio Plugs White and Red Audio Plugs White and Red Audio Plugs Yellow Video Plug OR Yellow Video Plug Yellow Video Plug Audio[...]

33 Recording 3. Attach the yellow plug on one end of the included audio/video cable to the VIDEO OUT jack on the TV or VCR and the other yellow plug to the yellow VIDEO jack under the A/V cover. Connection 1. Attach the white plug on one end of the included audio/video cable to the AUDIO OUT L jack on the TV or VCR and the other white plug to the w[...]

34 PLAY REW F FWD STOP PAUSE EJECT DISPLAY BLANK REC Playback FFWD Button REW Button PLAY Button STOP Button EJECT Button V iewfinder Playback 1. Slide the POWER switch upward to turn on the camcorder. 2. Press the VCR(PLAY) / CAM button to put the camcorder in the playback mode. The green VCR(PLAY) indicator will light. 3. Press EJECT and insert t[...]

35 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 three minutes, it will automatically enter the stop mode and then turn off to prevent excessive tape wear. Stop-Action Pause • During playback, press PAUSE to “stop the action?[...]

36 Playback Model Pro848 Only: 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 supplied audio/video cable. 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.[...]

37 Playback Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes on the VCR Viewing What the Camcorder is Seeing (or Recording) Caution: The unauthorized recording of copyrighted material may infringe the rights of others. 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV: Turn on the TV and tune it to the video input channel. B. Camcorder connected to VCR that is alre[...]

Playback 38 Installation 1. Attach the white plug on one end of the audio/video cable to the AUDIO IN jack on the TV (or VCR). Notes: 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 may need a Y-adapter, such as AH25, shown on page 43 to hear both channels. 2. Attach the yellow[...]

Playback 39 Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes on the VCR Viewing What the Camcorder is Seeing (or Recording) Caution: The unauthorized recording of copyrighted material may infringe the rights of others. 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV: Turn on the TV and tune it to the video input channel. B. Camcorder connected to VCR that is alre[...]

40 Playback Playback on a TV Without Audio/V ideo Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio/video inputs, you will need an optional CRF800 output adapter and an optional coaxial RF cable, such as VH82 or VH90 shown on pages 42-43. If your TV has AUDIO and VIDEO IN jacks (or is connected to a VCR), refer to pages 36-39 . Installation 1.[...]

41 Playback Playback Operation 1. Set the CHANNEL 4CH/3CH switch on the RF output adapter to CHANNEL 4CH or 3CH . 2. Turn on the TV, and tune it to the same channel you selected with the RF output adapter’s CHANNEL switch. 3. Attach a power supply and turn on the camcorder. 4. Insert a tape. 5. Press VCR(PLAY)/CAM button to place the camcorder in[...]

42 AC201A Soft Carrying Case Custom compact soft case designed especially to provide protection and utility for your compact VHS camcorder and most accessories. Rugged fabric lined with soft non-abrasive material and generous padding. Has adjustable dividers for custom fit for lens filters, adapters, batteries, and tapes. Optional Accessories We in[...]

43 Optional Accessories CPS801C AC Adapter/Charger This adapter/ charger and the optional DCC100 DC cable enable you to operate your camcorder directly from standard household power. It operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60H. It will also charge the 234330 and 234329 battery. DCC100 DC Cable This DC cable lets you connect the CPS801C AC adapter/charger [...]

44 Optional Accessories All specifications and descriptions of accessories are subject to change without notice. Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such as AC088, will keep 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[...]

45 Detach Here ✂ Please complete other side also Accessory Order Form Order Form for Camcorder Models Pro842/Pro847/Pro848 Description Part No. Price Qty. Total Super Lightweight Tripod AC088 $ 39.95 Soft Camcorder Case AC201A $ 39.95 Y-Adapter AH25 $ 2.95 AC Adapter/Charger CPS801C $118.75 and DC Cable DCC100 $ 12.95 RF Output Adapter CRF800 $ 5[...]

46 Accessory Order Form Detach Here ✂ ® r r s TM 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 IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard My card expires: My card expires: Copy Number above your name on MasterCard[...]

47 Accessory Order Form T o 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 8A[...]

48 Car e and Maintenance Cleaning the Camcorder Cleaning the Camcorder’s Lens To clean the camcorder’s lens, blow it with a blower brush, and then 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: Use of strong cleaning products[...]

49 Car e and Maintenance • 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 (4C) or above 95°F (35C). • Do not expose the camcorder or adapter to rain or moisture. If either component be[...]

• Slide the POWER switch upward to turn on the camcorder. • If using rechargeable battery, it may need to be recharged. • If using AC adapter or AC adapter/charger, make sure it is plugged into a working outlet. • If using “AA” batteries, they may need to be replaced. • If the dew indicator ( ) flashes in the viewfinder, there is mois[...]

51 Camcorder does not respond to remote control Tape stops during rewind or fast forward Camcorder remains in pause mode Sound is too low or distorted Poor auto-focus operation Viewfinder displays are out of focus T r ouble Checks • Aim remote at camcorder’s remote control sensor. • Remote’s lithium cell battery may be installed incorrectly[...]

52 T r ouble Checks Date and/or time were recorded on tape Date and/or time are incorrect Vertical white lines appear when shoot- ing bright object Rechargeable battery runs down sooner than expected • Displays will be recorded on tape whenever they appear in the viewfinder. Remove them from viewfinder when recording. See page 29. • When AUTO D[...]

53 Customer Assistance and Service You can reach Thomson at the following number: 800-283-6503 (Toll free inside U.S.A.) Our toll-free Camcorder number operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., CST Monday – Friday for U.S. customers only Thomson provides a toll-free telephone number to help you with any problems you may encounter with your camcorder. Many [...]

54 What your warranty covers: • Any defect in materials or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: • 90 days for labor charges. • One year for parts. (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.) What we will do: During the initial 90 days[...]

55 Limited W arranty 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: • Evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale, to verify your unit’s warranty eligibility. • A brief note describing your camcorder’s problem. • Your name, address and phone numb[...]

56 Specifications Camcorder Television system: NTSC, EIA Video recording system: Rotating 2-head, helical-scan system Audio recording system: Rotating head Pro842/Pro847: FM system Pro848: FM stereo system Cassette type: 8 mm video cassette tape Tape speed: SP mode - Approx. 14.345 mm/sec. Maximum recording time: 120 minutes (P6-120 cassette) Fast [...]

57 Information to User This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device and RF lighting device, pursuant to Part 15 and Part 18 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and ca[...]

58 — A — A/V (Audio/Video) Jacks . . . . . . . . . . .6,32-33,36,38,40 AV IN/OUT Switch (Model Pro848 Only) . . . . . . .6,32-33,36,40 Accessories, Included . . . . . . . .2,45-47 Accessories, Optional . . . . . . . . . .42-47 Accessory, Order Form . . . . . . . .45-47 Adapter, Using . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,7 Adapter/Charger, Optiona[...]

Index 59 — D — Date and Time Display . . . . . .20-21,29 Date and Time, Recording . . . . . . . . .29 Date and Time, Setting . . . . . . . . . . .28 DATE/TIME Button . . . . . . . . . .6,28-29 DC IN Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,6,7,9 Design Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Dew Indicator ( ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 DISPL[...]

Index 60 — O — Operation, First-Time . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6 Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . .42-47 Optional Plug Adapter . . . . . . . . . .7,13 Order Form, Accessory . . . . . . . .45-47 — P — PAUSE Button . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17,35 PAUSE Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . .5,19,20 Pause, Stop-Action . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

Index 61 Safety Precautions, AA Batteries . . .11 Safety Precautions, Rechargeable Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Safety Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Searching, Visual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Sensor, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Set the Time and Date . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Shoulder[...]

© 1996 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Trademark(s) ® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Part Number 96-Pro842/Pro847/Pro848-1 If your camcorder needs service, please contact your dealer or the nearest Servicenter from the yellow pages. Please do not send any products to the Indianapolis address listed in this manual or on the carton. This will[...]