RCA PRO846 manual

USER‘S GUIDE Pro846 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. To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recommended by the manufacturer for thi[...]

1 Assistance We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call: Camcorder Exchange W arranty ...... 800-283-6503 (Pages 66-67) Customer Service..................................... 800-336-1900 (Page 65) Accessories......................................... 800-338-0376 (Pages 55-61) T able of Contents • Install Re[...]

2 T able of Contents Video Cassettes • Erase Protection ................................20 • Recording and Playback Speed and Times..............................................20 • Inserting and Removing Cassettes .........................................21 • Cassette Care and Storage .................21 Recording Features • Microphone .[...]

3 First-T ime Operation This section describes only the basic steps necessary to set up your camcorder to record. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options. Assistance The toll-free numbers are available to help you with any problem you may encounter. Camcorder Exchange W arranty . . . . .800-283-6503 Customer Service .[...]

4 2. Attach the adapter/charger . • Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into an operating outlet. • Details are on page 12. Notes: Details on using the rechargeable battery are on page 14. You can also use six alkaline “AA” batteries to power the camcorder. Details are on page 16. POWER CHARGE REFRESH DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/T[...]

5 4. Attach the lens cap cord and adjust the handstrap. A. Remove the lens cap from the camcorder. B. Attach the lens cap cord to the lens cap. First-T ime Operation E. Put your hand in the handstrap. F. Pull the adjustment strap to tighten and close the strap. G. Snap the cover shut. H. Attach the lens cap to the handstrap. 5. T urn on the camcord[...]

First-T ime Operation 6 6. Adjust eyepiece focus contr ol for your vision. A. Rotate viewfinder into a comfortable viewing position. B. If the image in the viewfinder is blurry, adjust the eyepiece focus control for your vision. Details are on page 29. 7. Start and stop recording. Start and stop recording by pressing and releasing the thumb trigger[...]

First-T ime Operation 7 8. Play back what you have recorded. A. Press thumb trigger to stop recording. B. Place CAM/OFF/VCR in VCR . C. Press REW to rewind the tape. D. Press PLAY to play back the tape in the viewfinder. E. Press STOP when you are finished. F . Details on viewfinder playback are on page 48. 9. Review camcorder’ s operating contro[...]

First-T ime Operation 8 DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N INST. ZOOM Button Power Zoom Buttons T = Telephoto W = Wide Angle Handstrap Accessory Shoe Tally Light (On Front) Remote Control Sensor (On Front) Lens Thumb Trigger DC IN 6V Jack Located Behind Small Cover (Connect Adapter/Charger Here)[...]

PUSH REW F.FWD STOP PLAY A/V DUB PAUSE DISPLAY RESET TITLE RECORD T W ZOOM ON OFF S.EDIT 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. Note: The camcorder may[...]

10 Remote Contr ol A brief description of the functions of the remote buttons is given here. Some buttons perform the same function as the corresponding controls on your camcorder. You can use whichever is more convenient at the time. Note: An RCA VCR that is set to respond to VCR 2 on the VCR’s remote may respond to this remote when it is used t[...]

11 Remote Contr ol 2 STOP Button • Press STOP when the camcorder’s CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in VCR to stop playback, rewinding, or fast forwarding. • STOP has no effect when the camcorder’s CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in CAM . To stop recording, press PAUSE/RECORD. 3 A/V (Audio/Video) DUB Button • Use this button to record new audio and video in p[...]

12 Powering Y our Camcorder The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz. To Remove the Adapter/Charger 1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the wall outlet. 2. Remove the DC cable from the DC IN 6V jack on the camcorder.[...]

13 Powering Y our Camcorder 1. Align the reference arrow on the battery with the arrow on the adapter/charger. 2. Hold the battery flush against the adapter/charger, and slide it in the direction of the arrow. 3. Plug the adapter/charger into the nearest AC outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz). 4. The adapter/charger’s CHARGE indicator will light. After th[...]

14 Powering Y our Camcorder Insert the Battery 1. Make sure the CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in OFF . 2. Lift the OPEN lever and pull up the battery compartment cover. Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Y our Camcorder OPEN Lever Reference Marks 3. Insert the battery into the battery compartment aligning the reference marks. 4. Press and hold the bat[...]

15 Powering Y our Camcorder A TTENTION: NICKEL CADMIUM BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY. THE PRODUCT THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED CONTAINS 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[...]

Powering Y our Camcorder 16 Insert the Batteries Using Alkaline “AA” Batteries to Power Y our Camcorder The camcorder can be powered by six alkaline dry-cell “AA” batteries. The operation time of the camcorder depends on the type of alkaline batteries used. OPEN Lever 1. Make sure the CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in OFF . 2. Lift the OPEN lever an[...]

Powering Y our Camcorder 17 Safety Precautions When Using Alkaline Batteries Do not short, disassemble, heat, or throw the batteries into the fire. Batteries become warm during and after use. Use caution when removing them. Use “AA” alkaline batteries only during their recommended lifetime. Remove at least one battery if you will not be using t[...]

18 Powering Y our Camcorder 1. Make sure the camcorder’s CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in OFF . 2. Connect the DC cable’s small plug into the DC OUTPUT jack on the car cord adapter. 3. Attach the other end of the cable to the DC IN 6V jack on the camcorder. 4. Insert plug of car cord adapter into vehicle cigarette lighter’s socket. 5. Press and hold [...]

19 Car Cord Adapter Cigarette Lighter Socket DC IN 6V Jack Adapter/Charger’s DC Cable DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N POWER Jack DC OUTPUT Powering Y our Camcorder 1. Make sure the camcorder’s CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in OFF . 2. Connect the DC cable’s small plug into the DC OUTPUT jack on[...]

20 V ideo Cassettes You can use your video cassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording, just record over it. 8 We recommend RCA cassettes be used with your camcorder. Use of poor quality or damaged tapes can contaminate the video heads, resulting in snow or no picture during playback. Head cleaning is not covered under warranty. It[...]

21 FOCUS EJECT N F DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. REW EDIT SEARCH PUSH V ideo Cassettes 1. Slide EJECT to open the cassette compartment. 2. Fully insert cassette with tape window and safety tab facing out. Cassette Care and Storage • Close the safety tab to prevent accidental erasure. • Do not use a cassette if it has been damaged or exposed to m[...]

PUSH 22 Recording Features Microphone The microphone picks up the sound during a recording. It is more sensitive to sounds coming from the direction the lens is pointed. 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 “rai[...]

DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N REW F.FWD STOP PLAY A/V DUB PAUSE DISPLAY RESET TITLE RECORD T W ZOOM ON OFF S.EDIT 23 Recording Featur es Edit Search Edit search uses EDIT SEARCH FF , EDIT SEARCH EE ( REW and F.FWD on remote), and PLAY to precisely position the tape while the camcorder is in[...]

24 Recording Featur es Program AE (Auto Exposur e) Program auto exposure automatically selects the shutter speed and adjusts the iris according to the shutter speed. Auto Exposure Display in Viewfinder AE:60 The AE indicator for the shutter speed selected ( 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 sec[...]

Recording Featur es 25 Date Search You can search for the beginning and end of recordings you make on a certain day. remote) to search for the place you stopped recording. When the camcorder locates the beginning or end of the recording, it will enter the stop mode. SEARCH disappears from the viewfinder. Notes: The cassette must remain in the camco[...]

26 1. Attach a power supply to the camcorder. Press and hold the small button on the CAM/OFF/VCR switch while you slide it in CAM . 2. If the date and time display does not appear in the viewfinder, press DATE/TITLE . 3. A flashing cursor lets you know which part of the display you are setting. Press the F.F or REW button repeatedly until the corre[...]

27 Date and T ime 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. The clock cell must be installed and the clock set. Recording Date and Time, Date, or Date and T itle on Y our [...]

Date and T ime Display 28 Install the Clock Lithium Cell 1. Make sure camcorder is turned off, and remove any power supply attached to the camcorder. 2. Pull out the cell holder. 3. Insert the clock cell into the cell holder with the “+” terminal facing out. Lithium Cell Battery Cell Holder 4. Place the cell holder into the camcorder. Note: Rem[...]

29 COLOR TINT BRIGHT FOCUS EJECT N F DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. STOP REW EDIT SEARCH PUSH V iewfinder The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the picture seen by the lens. Caution: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, rotate the viewfinder down to prevent possible damage to the viewfinder from bumping aga[...]

30 Time Remaining Time Counter with Memory 6 7 8 Status Time and Date 4 5 9 Displays in V iewfinder 1 AE (Auto Exposure) Shutter Speed Displays The shutter speed selected by the camcorder appears here. 2 Manual Focus • FOCUS appears when manual focus is turned on. • No indicator appears when auto focus is turned on. • Press both FOCUS buttons[...]

DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 31 6 Time Remaining • displays the amount of recording or playback time left on the cassette in the camcorder. • Details are on page 24. 7 Battery Level Indicator • This indicator shows the amount of time left for the rechargeable battery (or alkaline “[...]

DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 32 Focusing Y our Camcorder Auto Focus The camcorder will focus automatically whenever FOCUS does not appear in the viewfinder. • If FOCUS appears, press FOCUS F and N at the same time to turn on auto focus. The camcorder will automatically focus on the subje[...]

33 Focusing Y our Camcorder Conditions that May Require Manual Focus The following conditions may require the use of manual focusing during recording. Macro Focus The macro-focus feature lets you focus on objects as close as 3/8 inch from the camcorder lens. Manual Focus Under certain conditions, such as those listed, you may need to focus manually[...]

DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 34 Zooming INST. ZOOM Button Using Power Zoom Buttons • Press “W” to move the lens in the wide- angle direction. • Press “T” to move the lens in the telephoto (close-up) direction. The zoom level indicator appears briefly in the viewfinder. The moto[...]

35 T ime Counter W ith Memory Stop The time counter shows actual time elapsed when recording or playing back a tape. It quickly locates the end of recorded segments. 0:00:00M Time Counter with Memory Stop On T o Use T ime Counter For example, you recorded a 10-minute segment. Later, you want to locate the end of your recording. Insert the cassette [...]

DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 36 T itler The titler can store a title page in memory that can be displayed and recorded at any time. The built-in character register contains 47 characters for creating titles on two lines with up to 16 characters per line. Creating a T itle 1. Attach a power[...]

37 6. Press TITLE ON/OFF on remote to remove the titler graphics from the viewfinder. The camcorder will now record as normal. If you do not want to continue recording, press the thumb trigger ( PAUSE/RECORD on remote) to stop recording. Note: You can also use the AUTO TITLE feature to automatically record the title and date for ten seconds when yo[...]

38 3 Attach the plug on the other end of the input cable to the audio/video in/out connector located behind the small cover on the side of the camcorder. (Match the tabs on the plug with the notches on the camcorder connector. Do not force the plug.) Audio/V ideo Dubbing A/V (audio/video) DUB on the remote lets you record new audio and video from a[...]

DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 39 Audio/V ideo Dubbing 1. Slide camcorder’s CAM/OFF/ VCR switch to VCR . 2. Insert the tape you want to dub on, press PLAY, and locate a place on the tape a few seconds before where you want the dubbing to begin. 3. Place the camcorder in play pause exactly [...]

40 Synchr o 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 57 i[...]

41 Synchr o Edit 4. Press S.EDIT on the remote to start the camcorder playing and the VCR recording. Note: Pressing S.EDIT puts the camcorder in review for several seconds and then into playback. 5. Pressing REW , F.FWD , STOP, or thumb trigger (PAUSE/RECORD on remote) automatically puts the VCR into record pause. This allows you to search (forward[...]

42 Recording fr om VCR or TV Monitor DC FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N AUDIO OUT VIDEO OUT Back of Mono VCR or TV Monitor White Audio Plug Yellow Video Plug Optional VAA009 Audio/Video Input Cable AUDIO OUT VIDEO OUT L R Yellow Video Plug White Audio Plug Optional Y-Adapter (such as AH25) Optional VAA009 Audio/Video Inp[...]

43 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV monitor: Turn on the TV and tune it to the channel you want to record. B. Camcorder connected to a VCR that is already connected to a TV: Turn on VCR and select channel you want to record, or place the cassette you want to copy in the VCR. If you are copying a tape, press the PLAY button on the VCR. Note:[...]

44 Optional Color Enhancement Light An optional VLP04 color enhancement light shown on page 55 helps create brighter, sharper pictures in very low light conditions. It lights subjects in darkened areas or corrects unflattering shadows. 1. Attach the rechargeable battery or AC adapter/charger to power the camcorder. 2. Make sure the camcorder is tur[...]

45 Optional Color Enhancement Light 1. Turn the case front counterclockwise to remove it. 2. Remove the bulb by pulling it out through the open case. 3. Hold the new bulb with a soft cloth and align the notch in the rim of the bulb’s base with the F mark outside the socket. Note: When replacing the light’s bulb, use only Stock #VLB04 to reduce [...]

46 The lens hood can be removed so you can attach optional accessories.* To remove the lens hood, turn it counterclockwise. *Optional accessories may be available from camera shops and electronic supply stores. Attaching the Shoulder Strap Removing the Lens Hood Caution: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, you may find it convenien[...]

47 • Practice recording under a variety of lighting conditions. • Use the viewfinder to keep camcorder level or scenes will appear “tilted”. • Include close-up shots of individuals when taping family outings or group functions. • Make a video recording of your home and contents to store in a safe place in case of fire or theft. • Do n[...]

DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 48 V iewfinder Playback Viewfinder playback is the simplest way to watch tapes using the camcorder. This method is generally used only to review scenes immediately after recording. T o Play Back a T ape Through the V iewfinder 1. Press and hold the small button[...]

Stop-Action Pause • During playback, press the thumb trigger ( PAUSE/RECORD on remote ) to “stop the action” and view one frame of the tape. • Press the thumb trigger ( PAUSE/RECORD on remote ) again to return to normal playback. V isual Searching • During playback, press and hold F.F ( F.FWD on remote) or REW if you want to visually sear[...]

50 Playback on TV or VCR Using AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks Back of VCR or TV Monitor AUDIO IN VIDEO IN L R Back of Stereo VCR or TV Monitor Yellow Video Plug White Audio Plug Audio/Video Cable Y-Adapter (such as AH25) White Audio Plug Audio/Video Cable –OR– White Audio Plug Yellow Video Plug Yellow Video Plug White Audio Plug AUDIO IN VIDEO IN Yellow [...]

51 Playback on TV or VCR 1 Attach the white plug on the audio/video cable to the AUDIO IN jack on the TV or VCR. Note: If your TV or VCR has stereo AUDIO jacks, attach the AUDIO plug to the one labeled MONO. If one is not labeled MONO, you may need a Y-adapter to hear sound from both channels. 2 Attach the yellow video plug on the same end of the a[...]

52 Playback on TV without Audio/V ideo Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio and video inputs, you need an optional RF output adapter, such as CRF81 shown on page 57 . Installation 1 Disconnect the VHF antenna from your TV. Connect the antenna to the ANT IN connector on the RF output adapter if you leave the adapter connected to th[...]

53 V iewing What the Camcorder Is Recording 1. Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3 or 4. Note: When the camcorder is used as a camera, turn the TV ’s volume down to prevent a high-pitched squeal caused by feedback. 2. Set the CH3/CH4 switch on the RF output adapter to the same channel you selected on the TV. 3. Attach a power supply and place[...]

54 Cleaning the V iewfinder Car e and Maintenance • Keep dust and grit from entering the cassette door. They are abrasive and cause excessive wear both to the camcorder’s recording/playback heads and cassettes. • Always replace the lens cap on the lens when the camcorder is not in use. • When the camcorder is not in use, always remove the c[...]

VCC1000 Video Color Control Center The VCC1000 is 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[...]

Optional Accessories 56 DCC80 Car Cord Adapter/Charger This car cord adapter/charger enables you to operate your camcorder from your car, truck, or RV by plugging it into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. It will also charge the BV060 battery supplied with your camcorder or the BB150 battery. The DCC80 is specially designed to convert power[...]

Optional Accessories 57 CRF81 RF Output Adapter This adapter is used 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 VHF screw terminals, you will[...]

Optional Accessories 58 AC088 Super Lightweight Tripod 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 or remove the camcorder. The grooved, tubular 3-section [...]

59 Accessory Order Form Detach Here ✂ Please complete other side also Order Form for Camcorder Model Pro846 Description Part No. Price Qty. Total Soft Camcorder Case AC025A $ 59.95 Super Lightweight Tripod AC088 $ 39.95 75-300 Cable Transformer AH011 $ 1.90 Y-Adapter AH25 $ 1.95 Synchro Edit Cable AVS80 $ 54.95 Rechargeable Battery BB150 $ 79.95 [...]

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

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 or MasterCard ready and call the toll- free number listed below between 8AM and 8PM Eastern[...]

62 T r ouble 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 sim[...]

63 T r ouble Checks T rouble Checks and Adjustments • Make sure FOCUS does not appear in viewfinder. Press FOCUS F and N buttons together to turn on auto focus. See pages 32-33. • Scene is dark. Auto-focus may not work under this condition. See pages 32-33 for details on manual focus. • Lens is smudged, and image appears unfocused. • Viewfi[...]

64 User Information 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 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 can radia[...]

65 (continued on next page) 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 w[...]

66 What your warranty covers: • Any defect in materials or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: • 90 days for labor charges. • One year for parts. What we will do: During the initial 90 days • Exchange your camcorder with a new or, at our option, a refurbished unit or at your option, repair your camcorder at no cost to you. After [...]

67 Limited W arranty shipment in case of damage or loss. Include with the shipment: • A copy of your dated bill of sale to verify your unit’s warranty eligibility. • A brief note describing your camcorder problem. • Your name, address and phone number. Return transportation, storage, and handling costs and insurance are your sole responsibi[...]

Index 68 A/V (Audio/Video) DUB Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11,39 A/V DUB Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30,39 Accessories, Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Accessories, Optional . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55-61 Accessory Shoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Accessory, Order Form . . . . . . . .[...]

Index 69 Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,22 NO TAPE Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-31 OPEN Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14,16 Operating Controls, Camcorder . . . . . . . .7-8 Operation, First-Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8 Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55-61 Order For[...]

© 1995 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Trademark(s) ® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Printed in Japan Part Number 95-Pro846-1 QR12994 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[...]