RCA CC437 manual

U S E R ‘ S G U I D E CC 437 C A M C O R D E R[...]

i 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. To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recommended by the manufacturer for t[...]

1 Assistance Table of Contents We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call: Customer Service..................................... 800-336-1900 (Page 67) Accessories......................................... 800-338-0376 (Pages 54-61) Safety Information ................................i Product Registration ....[...]

Table of Contents 2 Recording Features • Quick Review....................................19 • Tape Positioning ...............................19 • Microphone.......................................19 • AI (Artificial Intelligence)................19 • Program AE (Auto Exposure)...........20 • Auto Focus....................................[...]

3 First-Time Operation • Save the box and packing materials in case you ever need to store or ship your camcorder. • The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any of them are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately. AC Adapter/Charger: Stock No. 232595 DC Cable: Stock No. 209342 Rechargeable 10-Volt Battery Sto[...]

4 First-Time Operation 2. Attach the adapter/charger. Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, attach the adapter/charger to the camcorder. • Attach one end of the adapter/charger’s DC cable to the DC OUTPUT jack on the Adapter/Charger DC OUTPUT Jack Adapter/Charger’s DC Cable DC IN 9.6V Jack on Back of Camcorde[...]

5 First-Time Operation CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch Lens Cap Handstrap 3. Remove the lens cap and attach it to the handstrap. 4. Turn on the camcorder. The position of the CAMER A / O F F / V C R switch tells the camcorder whether you want to record ( CAMERA) , play back tapes ( VCR), or turn off the power (OFF). • Press and hold the small button on CAM[...]

First-Time Operation Lens Cap on Handstrap Cassette Door Press Here to Close Tape Window Safety Tab REC (Record) /PAUSE Button 6 5 . I n s e r t a cassette. • Press STOP/EJECT to open the 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 i[...]

7 First-Time Operation 7. Start and stop recording. Start and stop recording by pressing and releasing REC/PAUSE . REC appears in the viewfinder. You do not have to hold the button to record. Notes: If you do not record within five minutes, the camcorder will automatically shut off to prevent excessive tape wear. Press REC/PAUSE to turn on the camc[...]

8 First-Time Operation 9. Review the camcorder’s operating controls. VIDEO, AUDIO, and RF DC OUT Jacks (Located Behind Small Cover) AV (Audio/Video) OUT/IN Switch Lens Lens Hood Microphone Light BRIGHT Control (Located Under Microphone) Eyepiece Focus Control Viewfinder FADE Button STOP/EJECT Button Also EDIT•ADV Button F.FWD (Fast Forward) But[...]

9 First-Time Operation 9. Review the camcorder’s operating controls. Power Zoom Buttons ( W and T) also TRACKING Buttons DC IN 9.6V Jack Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring BATTERY EJECT Lever Cassette Door Hand Strap with Lens Cap Holder REC (Record) /PAUSE Button[...]

10 Powering the Camcorder 1. Connect one end of the adapter/ charger’s cable to the adapter/ charger’s DC OUTPUT jack and the other end to the DC IN 9.6V jack on the back of the camcorder. 2. Plug the adapter/charger into the nearest AC outlet (120V, 50/60 Hz). 3. The POWER indicator on the adapter/charger will light when it is properly connect[...]

11 Powering the Camcorder 1. Attach the battery to the adapter/ charger as shown. Align the reference arrow on the battery with the arrow on the adapter/charger. Hold the battery flush against the adapter/charger and slide it in the direction of the arrow. Note: You cannot charge the battery and operate the camcorder from the adapter/ charger at th[...]

12 Powering the Camcorder Attach Charged Battery 1. Align reference arrow on battery with arrow on camcorder. Hold battery flush against camcorder while sliding it down in the direction of the arrow as shown. 2. Press and hold small button on CAMERA/OFF/VCR while placing it in CAMERA . Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch[...]

13 Powering the Camcorder Battery Care • Your battery will provide better service and longer performance if you charge it before and after use, and store it at normal room temperature. • The battery should be charged at a temperature of 32ºF-95ºF (0ºC-35ºC) to prevent damage. • Do not operate the battery at temperatures below 14ºF (-10º[...]

14 Powering the Camcorder When DISPLAY is pressed, the battery level indicator ( ) appears in the camcorder’s viewfinder to show how much battery power is left in the rechargeable battery. This indicator is not recorded on the tape. • When the battery is fully charged, the display shows . • After a while, only appears. Battery Level Indicator[...]

15 Powering the Camcorder To power your camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV, you need the optional car cord adapter DCC096 shown on page 55. The DCC096 car cord is especially designed to convert power from a 12-volt battery to the 9.6-volt input jack on the camcorder. Notes: The vehicle does not have to be turned on f[...]

16 Video Cassettes To prevent accidental erasure, break the tab. To record again, cover the hole with vinyl tape. Safety Tab Erase Protection — Safety Tab You can use your video cassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording, just record over it. Recording and Playback Times The camcorder records and plays back in VHS standard speed[...]

17 Video Cassettes Inserting and Removing Cassettes Caution: Insert cassette with safety tab facing up and tape windows facing out. Cassette should slide easily into the compartment. Gently push the cassette down until it locks into place. Press Here to Close Tape Windows STOP/EJECT Safety Tab Cassette Care and Storage Follow these directions for c[...]

18 Camcorder Traveling and Cassette Tips Traveling 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 plug adapters you need before taking your camcorder to other countries. Consult your dealer. Use extr[...]

19 Camcorder Features Quick Review Press REW/REVIEW when CAMERA/ OFF/VCR is in CAMERA and the camcorder is in record pause to review the last few seconds of a recording. The camcorder will play back the last few seconds of the recording, return the tape to its previous position, and return to record pause. Tape Positioning When CAMERA/OFF/VCR is in[...]

Camcorder Features 20 Program AE (Auto Exposure) Program auto exposure automatically selects the shutter speed and adjusts the iris according to the shutter speed. Viewfinder Display AE:60 M a c r o Focus The macro-focus feature lets you focus on objects as close as 3/8 of an inch from the camcorder lens. 1. Press and hold zoom button “ W” unti[...]

21 Camcorder Features Electronic Indexing Each time you begin recording (after the camcorder has been turned off for at least four hours), the camcorder will automatically record 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,[...]

22 Viewfinder The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the picture seen by the camcorder when recording. The viewfinder also can be used for viewing the tape during playback. When carrying or storing the camcorder, return the viewfinder to the original position to prevent possible damage. Eyepiece Focus Control Caution: Pul[...]

23 Viewfinder Caution: Do not force the eyepiece to rotate completely around. This will damage the eyepiece and/or the camcorder. BRIGHT Tilt Adjustment For convenient viewing, you can rotate the eyepiece about 225º degrees. Eyepiece BRIGHT Control BRIGHT Control Viewfinder brightness can be adjusted by turning the BRIGHT control. This does not af[...]

AE:60 0000M ZM:2 INDEX I.ZOOM NO TAPE T W A/V DUB 10:30AM REC 11/18/1996 Displays in Viewfinder A E (Auto Exposure) Shutter Speed The shutter speed selected by the camcorder appears here. It is not recorded on the tape. • Press DISPLAY to display the shutter speed. Fade Press FADE to select white, wipe, or zoom fade. It is not recorded on the tap[...]

25 Displays in Viewfinder T A P E , NO TAPE, and TAPE END • TAPE flashes when you try to record and the safety tab has been removed. • TAPE flashes when a damaged tape is inserted. Remove the tape and replace it with a new one. • NO TAPE flashes when you try to record and there is no cassette in the camcorder. • TAPE END flashes when you ha[...]

26 Date and Time Display 12:00AM 1/ 1/1996 1. Attach a power supply (battery or adapter/charger) to the camcorder. 2. Press and hold the small button on CAMERA/OFF/VCR and place in CAMERA . 3. Press DAT E / T IME to display the date and time in the viewfinder. A flashing cursor lets you know which part of the display you are setting. Note: If flash[...]

27 Date and Time Display The time and date, date only, or date and title can be recorded on your tape. Whenever one of the displays appears in the viewfinder, it will be recorded. The camcorder also has auto date and auto title features. Charging the C a m c o r d e r ’s Built-in Clock B a t t e ry The camcorder has a built-in rechargeable clock [...]

28 Zooming Using Power Zoom Buttons Power Zoom Buttons T = Telephoto W = Wide Angle When DISPLAY is pressed so the display appears in the viewfinder and the power zoom button is pressed, the zoom level is displayed in 10 steps for several seconds. • Press “ T ” to move the lens in the “telephoto” (close-up) direction. ZOOM appears in the [...]

Zooming (continued) 29 I.ZOOM Instant Zoom Indicator Using INST. (Instant) ZOOM • Press INST.ZOOM to magnify the subject 1.5 times regardless of the position of the power zoom buttons. When DISPLAY is pressed, I.ZOOM appears in the viewfinder during instant zoom. • Press INST.ZOOM again to turn off instant zoom. The digital zoom feature allows [...]

Zooming (continued) 30 1. Press DISPLAY and repeatedly press DIGITAL ZOOM to select 16 x 9 . The following display will appear in the viewfinder. 2. To turn off the 16 x 9 mode, repeatedly press the DIGITAL ZOOM button to return to the normal mode. No display will appear in the viewfinder. To Record in the 16X9 Mode PostScript Picture ROBBY SCAN 16[...]

31 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 controlled by the camcorder. Fade In 1. Place the camcorder in record pause. 2. Repeatedly press FADE to select fade mode. Note: The last fade [...]

32 Tape Counter with Memory Stop The tape counter acts as a handy reference to help you locate tape segments. DISPLAY F.FWD REW/REVIEW RESET Memory Stop The tape counter’s memory stop helps you locate a certain point on the tape. When memory stop is turned on, the tape will stop automatically during fast forward or rewind when the tape counter re[...]

33 ProEdit Features Edit Search Flying Erase Head ProEdit ® System The camcorder incorporates a complete package of advanced editing features to make it easy and fun to edit your home videos like a professional. The major ProEdit ® System features are described here and on the following pages. • Flying Erase Head • Edit Search • Audio Dub ?[...]

34 ProEdit Features Audio Dubbing Note: You will need an optional audio/video cable, such as VH83 shown on page 56 . If the audio source has separate left and right outputs, attach the audio plug to the one labeled MONO . If one is not labeled MONO , you may need a Y-adapter, as shown on page 56 , to record audio from both the left and right channe[...]

35 6. To begin dubbing, start the audio source and press REC/PAUSE . will disappear from the viewfinder while you are dubbing. 7. Press STOP/EJECT when you are finished dubbing. Remember: Place the AV OUT/IN s w i t c h to OUT to record on the camcorder. Notes: If you want to stop dubbing at a certain point on the tape, turn on memory stop, and set[...]

36 ProEdit Features Audio and Video Dubbing[...]

37 ProEdit Features To Audio and Video Dub 1. Press and hold the small button on CAMERA/OFF/VCR while sliding it in VCR . 2. If you are recording from a source connected to the AUDIO/VIDEO jacks on the side of the camcorder, place the AV OUT/IN switch to IN. 3. Insert the tape you want to dub and use PLAY, F.FWD, and REW / REVIEW to locate a point [...]

38 ProEdit Features TITLER CAMERA/OFF/VCR Title Select - (Also REW /REVIEW) Title Select + ( Also F.FWD ) EDIT•ADV (Also STOP/EJECT ) Titler The camcorder’s built-in titler can store a title in memory. The created title can be displayed and recorded at any time. The built-in character register contains over 45 different characters for creating [...]

39 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) ProEdit Features To Create a Title 1. Attach a power source to the camcorder, press and hold the small button on CAMERA/OFF/VCR while sliding it to CAMERA . 2. Press TITLER to display titler graphics in the viewfinder. A flashing curso[...]

40 1. Attach a power source to the camcorder, slide CAMERA/OFF/VCR to CAMERA . 2. Locate the place on the tape where you want to record the title. Notes: If you record a title on a pre- recorded tape, the audio and video will be erased where the title is inserted. There will also be a three-to-four second pause of blank tape before the existing aud[...]

41 Recording Tips Be aware of video and audio backgrounds. Background details barely noticed while you are taping may show up as visual “clutter” on your recording. Background noises (especially TV sets, radios, household appliances, traffic sounds, etc.) can detract from the sound you want to record. Avoid long “still” shots of landmarks a[...]

42 Recording on the Camcorder from a VCR or TV Monitor To record on a tape in your camcorder from a VCR or TV monitor with AUDIO OUT and VIDEO OUT jacks, you will need an optional audio/video cable, such as VH83 shown on page 56 .[...]

43 Recording on the Camcorder from a VCR or TV Attach the white plug on one end of the audio/video cable to the AUDIO OUT jack on the VCR (or TV monitor). Note: If your VCR or TV monitor has stereo left and right AUDIO OUT jacks, attach the plug to the one labeled MONO. If one of the audio jacks is not labeled MONO, you may need a Y-adapter, such a[...]

Viewfinder Playback Viewfinder Playback and Playback Features 44 REW (Rewind)/ REVIEW STOP/EJECT CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch in VCR position TRACKING 1. Attach a power supply to the camcorder. 2. Press and hold the small button on CAMERA/OFF/VCR while sliding it to VCR . 3. Press STOP/EJECT and insert the cassette you want to play back. Note: The camcord[...]

Viewfinder Playback and Playback Features 45 Playback Features 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 will automatically remove the tape from the spinning heads to prevent excessive tape wear. Tracking Picture Sear[...]

Playback on a TV or VCR with AUDIO and VIDEO IN J a c k s 46 To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or VCR) with AUDIO IN and VIDEO IN jacks, you will need an optional audio/video cable, such as VH83 shown on page 56 . 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 [...]

Playback on a TV or VCR with AUDIO and VIDEO IN J a c k s 47 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV monitor: Turn on the TV and tune it to its 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” [...]

Playback on a TV Without Audio and Video Inputs 48 Disconnect the VHF antenna from your TV. If you are going to leave the RF adapter connected to the TV, connect the antenna to the RF output adapter. A.If antenna is round 75-ohm cable, connect it to IN FROM ANT connector on RF output adapter. B.If antenna is flat twin-lead, connect flat-lead connec[...]

Playback on a TV Without Audio and Video Inputs 49 Playback Operation 1. Set the channel selector switch on the RF output adapter to CH3 or CH4. 2. Turn on the TV and tune it to the same channel (3 or 4) you selected with the channel selector switch on the RF output adapter. 3. Press and hold the small button on the camcorder’s CAMERA/OFF/VCR swi[...]

Color Enhancement Light 50 To Use the Color Enhancement Light and light automatically turn off. Press REC/PAUSE to turn camcorder back on. Notes: Turn on the light only when you need it. The power consumption of the light is approximately two-thirds that of the camcorder. When the light is on, the operation time of the rechargeable battery is reduc[...]

Color Enhancement Light 51 To Remove and Replace Light Case 1. To remove front case, press and hold the lower hook while removing it. 2. To replace the front case, pass the bulb through the hole of the reflection plate, and attach the lower hook to the light. 3. Press front of case to light. Notes: Do not touch the bulb with your fingers. It may sh[...]

2.Thread one end of the shoulder strap through one of the shoulder strap rings as shown below in diagrams A and B. 1.Unfasten one end of the shoulder strap from the buckle. Make sure you leave the buckle on the strap. 52 Attaching the Shoulder Strap The shoulder strap is designed to let you carry the camcorder from your shoulder and — when you ar[...]

53 Information to User 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 matérial brouilleur du Canada. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital d[...]

Optional Accessories We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your camcorder. These pages have a selection of accessories to help make your memorable moments look and sound even better. To order accessories, contact your local dealer. Accessories are available by calling toll-free or by[...]

55 Optional Accessories DCC096 DC (Battery) Car Cord CPS014 AC A d a p t e r / C h a r g e r EP096FS and EP096FL Rechargeable Batteries C a u t i o n : Do not use any other car cord with this camcorder. This DC car cord enables you to operate your camcorder from your car, truck, or RV by plugging the car cord directly into the vehicle’s cigarette[...]

56 Optional Accessories AH011 Cable Transformer 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 antenna cable is the flat twin-lead type attached by two screws, you will also need a 300-75 ohm transformer such as 193983. If your TV has 300 ohm[...]

57 Optional Accessories Removing the Lens Hood Attaching Accessory Lens The lens hood can be removed so you can attach optional accessories, such as wide- angle lens, lens extender, or lens filter kit. Do not grasp the end of the lens hood. Attach the lens cap over the lens hood, then turn them counterclockwise to remove them. All specifications an[...]

58 Optional Accessories Caution: 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[...]

59 Accessory Order Form Order Form for Camcorder Models CC437 Description Part No. Price Qty. Total Soft Camcorder Case AC202 $ 49.95 Deluxe Tripod AC093 $ 59.95 Audio/Video Cable VH83 $ 4.39 Cable Transformer AH011 $ 1.59 RF Coaxial Cable (6-ft.) VH82 $ 3.29 RF Coaxial Cable (12-ft.) VH85 $ 5.75 Y-Adapter AH25 $ 1.95 Rechargeable Battery EP096FS $[...]

60 Accessory Order Form[...]

61 Accessory Order Form To order accessories, contact your local Dealer. If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow the directions below to order by telephone or direct-by-mail. United States and Canada Orders To place your order by phone, have your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card ready and call the toll-free number listed below between 8AM [...]

62 Care and Maintenance Do not operate or leave your camcorder in extremely humid environments. Do not operate the camcorder for extended periods in temperatures below 40ºF (4ºC) or above 95ºF (35ºC). Do not expose the camcorder or adapter/charger to rain or moisture. If either component becomes wet, turn off the power and take the unit to an A[...]

63 Care and Maintenance Cleaning 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, may damage the camcorder. Caution: Do not touch the lens with your fingers. The oil [...]

64 Trouble Checks Troubles sometimes are caused by simple “faults” that you can easily correct without the help of a service technician by first checking a few basic remedies. Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then perform the simple checks[...]

65 Trouble Checks Tape Stops During Rewind or Fast Forward Camcorder Remains in Play Pause Poor Picture Quality During Recording Viewfinder Displays Are Out of Focus Poor Auto-Focus Operation Poor Picture Quality During Playback Recorded Audio is Too Low • The tape counter’s memory-stop feature may be turned on. When an “ M ” appears behind[...]

66 Trouble Checks AE Shutter-Speed or INDEX Indicator Does Not Appear in Viewfinder Date and Time (or Date) were Recorded on the Tape Date and Time Appear Incorrect Camcorder Does Not Turn On and/or Function Buttons Will Not Operate • CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch must be in CAMERA, and press DISPLAY to display the indications. • Date and time (or date[...]

67 Limited Warranty What your warranty covers: • Any defect in material or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: • Ninety 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 Camcorder Servicenter the labor charges to repair your c[...]

68 Cassettes, Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17 Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Chart of Title Characters . . . . . . . . . . .39 Checking Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . .14 Checks and Adjustments . . . . . . . .64-66 Cleaning the Camcorder . . . . . . . . . . .63 Clock Battery, Charging . . . . . . . . . . .27 Color En[...]

Index 69 Operation, First-Time . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9 Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . .54-61 Optional Car Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . .15,55 Order Form, Accessories . . . . . . . .59-61 PAUSE Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35,37 Picture Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 PLAY Button . . . .7,8,33,35,37,44,47,49 Playb[...]

© 1996 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Trademark(s) ® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Printed in Japan Part Number 96-CC437-1 QR14433 Please do not send any products to the Indianapolis address listed in this manual or on the carton. This will only add delays in service for your product. Need Assistance? We want to help! U.S. Consumers: Cust[...]