RCA CC431, User Manual

Page 1: ...USER S GUIDE CC431 C A M C O R D E R ...

Page 2: ...duct registration card and return it immediately Returning this card allows us to contact you if needed Keep your sales receipt for proof of purchase to obtain warranty parts and service and attach it here Record the serial and model numbers located on the bottom of the product Model _______________________________________________________ Serial No _________________________________________________...

Page 3: ... Handstrap 5 Turn on the Camcorder 5 Insert a Cassette 6 Position Viewfinder and Adjust Eyepiece Focus Control 6 Start and Stop Recording 7 Play Back What You Have Recorded 7 Review the Camcorder s Operating Controls 8 9 Powering the Camcorder Using the Adapter Charger 10 Using the Rechargeable Battery Charging 11 Attaching and Removing 12 Care and Storage 13 Safety Precautions 13 Battery Level In...

Page 4: ...the Clock Cell 27 Tape Counter with Memory Stop 28 29 Zooming 30 ProEdit Features Edit Search 31 Titler 32 34 Recording Tips 35 Playback Viewfinder Playback 36 Playback Features Stop Action Pause 36 37 Picture Search 36 37 Tracking 37 Playback on TV or VCR with AUDIO VIDEO IN Jacks 38 39 Playback on TV without Audio and Video Inputs 40 41 Attaching the Shoulder Strap 42 Information to User 43 Spec...

Page 5: ...Camcorder Model CC431 POW ER CHAR GE Shoulder Strap Stock No 227327 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 Warranty 800 283 6503 Customer Service 800 336 1900 Accesso...

Page 6: ...corder Attach one end of the adapter charger s DC cable to the DC OUTPUT jack on the adapter charger POWER CHARGE Adapter Charger DC OUTPUT Jack Adapter Charger s DC Cable DC IN 9 6V Jack on Back of Camcorder Attach the other end of the cable to the DC IN 9 6V jack on the camcorder Plug the adapter charger s plug into an operating outlet Details are on page 10 ...

Page 7: ...t to the handstrap 4 Turn on the camcorder The position of the CAMERA OFF VCR 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 CAMERA OFF VCR while sliding it in CAMERA The electronic viewfinder will come on ...

Page 8: ...down gently until it locks into place and close the cassette compartment door Details are on page 17 6 Position viewfinder and adjust eyepiece focus control Grasp the viewfinder and rotate it horizontally Pull the viewfinder out from the camcorder and rotate the eyepiece into a comfortable viewing position Caution Pulling on the eyepiece may cause damage to the eyepiece or camcorder If the image i...

Page 9: ...recorded on the tape will automatically be erased if you record over it 8 Play back what you have recorded Press REC PAUSE to stop recording Press and hold the small button on CAMERA OFF VCR while sliding it to VCR Press REW rewind REVIEW to rewind the tape Press PLAY to play back the tape in the viewfinder Press STOP EJECT when you are finished playing back the tape Details on viewfinder playback...

Page 10: ...ns Lens Hood Microphone BRIGHT Control Located Under Microphone Eyepiece Focus Control Viewfinder STOP EJECT Button Also EDIT ADV Button F FWD Fast Forward Button Also Title Select Button PLAY Button DISPLAY Button RESET Button DATE TIME Button TITLER Button CAMERA OFF VCR Switch REW Rewind Review Button Also Title Select Button ...

Page 11: ...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 ...

Page 12: ...e camcorder To Remove the Adapter Charger 1 Remove the adapter charger s plug from the AC outlet 2 Remove the adapter charger s DC cable from the DC IN 9 6V jack on the camcorder Caution Do not attempt to use a power converter to use your AC adapter charger on a power source other than 120 volts 50 60 Hz or the adapter charger and camcorder may be damaged If you wish to operate the AC adapter char...

Page 13: ...ger by sliding the battery up and off 5 Attach the charged battery to the camcorder as shown on the next page Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder Charging the Battery The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time Charging will take approximately two hours depending on the condition of the battery When fully charged the battery should supply approximately 60 minutes of oper...

Page 14: ...ign Arrows Rechargeable Battery Hold Battery Flush and Slide Down Remove the Battery 1 Slide CAMERA OFF VCR to OFF 2 Press and hold BATTERY EJECT while sliding battery up and off the camcorder ATTENTION LEAD ACID BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY THE PRODUCT THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED USES A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY AT THE END OF ITS USEFUL LIFE UNDER VARIOUS STATE AND LOCAL LAWS IT MAY BE ILLEGAL TO ...

Page 15: ...period may not supply power for the specified time Additional rechargings may help restore the battery s operation time Allow battery to cool down before attaching it to adapter charger The CHARGE indicator will not light and the battery will not charge if you attach a hot battery Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery There are no user serviceable parts inside Use the battery only wi...

Page 16: ...ss STOP EJECT If the camcorder does not eject the cassette when you press STOP EJECT do not force the cassette door open This will damage your camcorder Before attempting to eject the cassette power your camcorder with the adapter charger or recharge the battery Check Battery Power Battery Level Indicator When the battery reaches the empty level will start flashing Recharge the battery or attach t...

Page 17: ...ing the Optional Thomson Car Cord Adapter Caution The DCC096 car cord is designed to be used only with vehicles having 12 volt negative ground electrical systems Warning To avoid possible damage to your camcorder use only the DCC096 It has positive tip polarity and is capable of converting 12 volts to 9 6 volts Optional Car Cord Adapter DCC096 DC IN 9 6V Jack Cigarette Lighter Socket 1 Remove the ...

Page 18: ...es for popular VHS cassettes We recommend that our cassettes be used with your camcorder Use of poor quality tapes or tapes that have been damaged or mishandled can contaminate the video heads resulting in a snowy picture or no picture at all during playback Because there is no control over the type of tape purchased or rented by consumers head cleaning is not covered under warranty It is consider...

Page 19: ...ak off the safety tab on the cassette to prevent accidental erasure Do not leave your camcorder or cassettes in a car or outdoors for an extended period Excessive heat or cold may damage them When you are finished with a cassette rewind it and remove it from the camcorder Label and store cassettes vertically in their protective cases at normal room temperatures Excessive heat or cold may damage yo...

Page 20: ...cleaning supplies Cassette Tips Do not use a cassette if it has been damaged or exposed to moisture The tape may jam or damage your camcorder When you are finished recording break off the safety tab on the cassette to prevent accidental erasure Label your cassettes before storing them Carry your camcorder in a carrying case when traveling See page 44 for a specially designed soft case An ordinary ...

Page 21: ... mode you can quickly fast forward or rewind the tape Press F FWD fast forward to fast forward the tape Press STOP EJECT to stop fast forwarding CAMERA OFF VCR Switch REW Rewind REVIEW STOP EJECT F FWD Fast Forward Microphone Press REW REVIEW to rewind the tape to the beginning Press STOP EJECT to stop rewinding Microphone The microphone picks up sound during a recording It is more sensitive to so...

Page 22: ... using macro focus Auto Focus The camcorder will focus on the subject in the center of the viewfinder Auto focus operates on the telephoto T side from approximately 3 6 feet to infinity and on the wide angle W side 3 8 of an inch from the lens surface to infinity The following conditions may prevent auto focus from operating properly When DISPLAY is pressed the AE indicator for the shutter speed s...

Page 23: ...r Viewfinder Display INDEX Viewfinder Display When DISPLAY is pressed so the display appears in the viewfinder INDEX will appear briefly to let you know the camcorder is recording an index mark When DISPLAY is pressed so the display appears in the viewfinder will appear for approximately ten seconds when you first start playing or recording a tape while the camcorder Note The camcorder does not re...

Page 24: ...e it horizontally Viewfinder in carrying or storing position Viewfinder in operating position Eyepiece Focus Control 2 Pull the viewfinder out from the camcorder and adjust the eyepiece for convenient viewing The eyepiece focus control lets you set the focus of the viewfinder for your personal vision If you wear eyeglasses you probably can operate the camcorder without them Set the correct focus b...

Page 25: ... 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 affect the picture actually recorded by the camcorder ...

Page 26: ... pause Tape Counter with Memory Stop M The tape counter helps you locate tape segments It is not recorded on the tape Press DISPLAY to turn memory stop on or off Details are on pages 28 29 Time Remaining This display shows the amount of recording or playback time remaining on the tape It is not recorded on the tape Press DISPLAY to display the time remaining Details are on page 21 Battery Level Th...

Page 27: ...ecord pause These displays are recorded when they appear Details are on pages 26 27 8 9 7 DISPLAY CAMERA OFF VCR DATE TIME Power Zoom Buttons INDEX When DISPLAY is pressed the display appears in the viewfinder INDEX appears briefly when the camcorder automatically indexes the tape It is not recorded on the tape Details are on page 21 TAPE NO TAPE and TAPE END TAPE flashes when you try to record an...

Page 28: ... the display 6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 to set the correct month day year hour minute s and AM PM 7 After setting AM or PM press DATE TIME to remove the flashing cursor and start the internal clock To Correct the Date or Time To correct the date or time press and hold DATE TIME and then press STOP EJECT The display will appear in the viewfinder along with the flashing cursor Use F FWD and REW REVIEW t...

Page 29: ...charged battery to the camcorder 2 Make sure CAMERA OFF VCR is in OFF 3 Leave the power supply attached at least 24 hours Cautions If this battery is not charged every two months it will over discharge and shorten its useful life Do not attempt to replace this battery Take the camcorder to an authorized Servicenter TITLE 11 18 1996 Auto Title To Select Display to Record 1 Repeatedly press DATE TIM...

Page 30: ...28 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 REC PAUSE CAMERA OFF VCR ...

Page 31: ...EW REVIEW The tape will rewind until it reaches the tape counter reading of 0000M Notes Press DISPLAY to turn memory stop feature on or off Whenever memory stop is turned on the camcorder will stop rewinding or fast forwarding when the counter reaches 0000M To continue rewinding or fast forwarding the tape press REW rewind or F FWD fast forward again The tape counter is automatically reset to 0000...

Page 32: ...LAY 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 T W Zoom Level Indicator Press W to move the lens in the wide angle direction ...

Page 33: ...edit search feature allows you to edit as you make your recording by using F FWD REW REVIEW and PLAY to precisely position the tape while the camcorder is in record pause Press and hold REW REVIEW to visually search the recorded tape in reverse Press and hold F FWD to visually search forward on the recorded tape Press and hold PLAY to view the recorded tape at normal speed When you release the but...

Page 34: ...IT 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 your titles The title can contain up to 32 characters on two lines ...

Page 35: ...ter below for the characters available 5 After you have selected the first character press EDIT ADV to move the flashing cursor where you want your next character to appear 6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have completed the title 7 When you are finished press TITLER to store the title and remove the title display from the viewfinder Important Note Remember to remove the titler graphics from the v...

Page 36: ...econds when you begin recording Press DATE TIME to display TITLE before starting to record ProEdit Features Recording a Title on a Tape in the Camcorder To record a title on a tape in the camcorder follow the steps below 1 Attach a power source to the camcorder 2 Place the tape you want to copy in the camcorder and place CAMERA OFF VCR in VCR 3 Place a blank tape in the VCR and place the VCR in re...

Page 37: ...home and contents to store in a safe place in case of fire or theft Practice recording under a variety of lighting conditions This will help you respond quickly whenever you see a scene you want to record Do not move the camcorder rapidly from side to side while recording A steady gradual pan avoids blurring and jitter Use the viewfinder to make sure the camcorder is level while recording or your ...

Page 38: ...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 camcorder can only play back tapes recorded at SP speed 4 Press PLAY to begin playback Adjust TRACKING if necessary 5 Press STOP EJECT when you are finished F FWD Fast Forward ...

Page 39: ...VIEW to search the tape in reverse Release the button to return to normal playback Stop Action Pause During playback you can view one frame of the tape Press REC PAUSE to stop the action Press REC PAUSE again to return to normal playback When you play a tape not recorded on your camcorder streaks may appear To remove the streaks press either TRACKING button to move the streaks up or down and out o...

Page 40: ...er is recording or playing on the TV 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 such as VH83 Audio Video Cable such as VH83 Y Adapter such as AH25 White Audio Plug OR White Audio Plug Yellow Video Plug Yellow Video Plug White Audio Plug AUDIO IN VIDEO IN Yellow Video Plug 1 1 2 2 3 3 White AUDIO Jack Yellow ...

Page 41: ... jacks attach the plug to the one labeled MONO If one of the jacks is not labeled MONO you may need a Y adapter such as AH25 shown on page 46 to hear both channels Attach the yellow plug on the same end of the audio video cable to the VIDEO IN jack on the TV or VCR Attach the yellow plug on the other end of the audio video cable to the yellow VIDEO jack and the white plug to the white AUDIO jack o...

Page 42: ...ther end of the cable to VHF input on TV as shown Note If TV has screw terminals you may need an optional 75 to 300 ohm transformer such as AH011 Attach RF output adapter s yellow plug to the VIDEO jack small plug to the RF DC OUT jack and white plug to the AUDIO jack on the side of the camcorder To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio and video input jacks You will need an optional RF out...

Page 43: ... or 4 the same channel you selected with the CH3 CH4 switch on the RF output adapter 2 Press and hold the small button on the camcorder s CAMERA OFF VCR switch while sliding it to CAMERA Insert the cassette you want to record on 3 Press the camcorder s REC PAUSE button to begin recording You can watch what the camcorder is seeing or recording on the TV screen Note When the camcorder is used as a c...

Page 44: ...e quick movement Cautions When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap place the viewfinder in its original position This helps prevent possible damage to the viewfinder from bumping against your body as you move Make sure the shoulder strap is firmly attached before using it to carry your camcorder To Attach the Shoulder Strap Shoulder Strap Rings Diagram A Diagram B 3 Thread the strap bac...

Page 45: ...sed in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications However there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or mo...

Page 46: ...filter compartment and built in holders for memo pads pens and other accessories The hand grip and adjustable shoulder strap allow for convenient comfortable transportation of the camcorder AC202 Soft Camcorder Case Specifications General Power requirement 9 6VDC Power consumption 8 watts normal Weight 4 4 lbs 2 kg Dimensions 4 1 4 W x 8 3 8 H x 13 1 8 D 108 x 213 x 334mm Video Recorder Section Fo...

Page 47: ...almost anywhere in the world to power your camcorder and recharge the EP096FS battery supplied with your camcorder It also charges the EP096FL battery A simple plug adapter may be required in some countries These rechargeable lead acid batteries are specifically designed for long life The EP096FS can power your camcorder up to one hour and the EP096FL up to two hours depending on how much you use ...

Page 48: ...ur 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 antenna screw terminals you will need an optional 75 300 ohm transformer such as AH011 Coaxial RF Cables 193983 Cable Transformer This 300 to 75 ohm transformer is used to connect a standard 300 ohm antenna twin lead to a standard round 75 ohm connect...

Page 49: ...ns 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 and descriptions of accessories are subject to change without notice Remove the lens hood as shown above Turn the accessory lens clockwise into the camcorder s lens Make sure the lens is tightened firmly but do not over tighten ...

Page 50: ...unting hole on the bottom of the camcorder Using an Optional Tripod Mounting the camcorder on a tripod such as AC093 will keep the camcorder steady and produce excellent video results AC093 Deluxe Tripod This tripod s fluid effect head provides smooth camera pan and tilt Its quick release mount makes it easy to attach or remove the camcorder The grooved tubular 3 section leg design folds down to 2...

Page 51: ...ar Cord DCC096 49 95 300 75 Cable Transformer 193983 10 00 DC Cable 233328 12 40 Shoulder Strap 227327 10 35 AC Adapter Charger Supplied 232595 115 50 Total Merchandise __________ Sales Tax __________ We are required by law to collect the appropriate sales tax for each individual state county and locality to which the merchandise is being sent Shipping and Handling 5 00 Total Amount Enclosed _____...

Page 52: ...pires My card expires Copy Number above your name on MasterCard AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE Prices are subject to change without notice Name Street Apt City State Zip Print or type your name and address clearly This will be your mailing label Please make sure that both sides of this form have been filled out completely A complete and correct order will save you days of waiting IMPORTANT Copy complete acc...

Page 53: ... Discover Card ready and call the toll free number listed below between 8AM and 8PM EST Mon Fri or 9AM 5PM EST Sat Use this number only to place an order for accessory items listed on this order form 1 800 338 0376 To place your order by mail detach and mail the completed order form with credit card information money order or check in U S currency made payable to Thomson Consumer Electronics Inc t...

Page 54: ...mcorder s cassette door Dust and grit are abrasive and cause excessive wear to both the camcorder s recording and playback heads and cassettes Do not use strong or abrasive detergents when cleaning your camcorder They may damage the camcorder Before handling your camcorder make sure your hands and face are free from any chemical products such as suntan lotion as it may damage the finish Do not tou...

Page 55: ...ns 1 Turn the eyepiece counterclockwise and pull it out 2 Gently use a cotton swab or blower brush to remove the dust 3 Reattach the eyepiece by aligning the reference marks and then turn the eyepiece clockwise until it clicks Cleaning the Camcorder s Viewfinder The viewfinder eyepiece can be removed for cleaning Cleaning the Camcorder s Lens To clean the camcorder s lens blow it with a blower bru...

Page 56: ... Make sure there is a cassette in the camcorder Try ejecting and re inserting the cassette The cassette tape is broken try another cassette You have reached the end of the cassette try rewinding it Moisture condensation may cause the tape to stick to the headwheel and damage the headwheel or tape Give the camcorder 2 to 3 hours to reach a stable temperature before re inserting a cassette CAMERA OF...

Page 57: ...ars unfocused Viewfinder eyepiece focus or BRIGHT control may be adjusted incorrectly Details are on pages 20 21 Tape was recorded on a different camcorder or VCR If the picture contains black and white streaks press one of the TRACKING buttons to correct Camcorder only has one speed SP If the tape was recorded on a different VCR at a different speed it cannot be played back in this camcorder Subj...

Page 58: ...need recharging Details on page 27 Remove the power source After one minute press the reset switch gently using a non metallic pointed item such as a toothpick until you feel a click This resets the camcorder to the factory settings and erases the date time and custom settings Note When connecting a power source again wait for about one minute after the reset switch is pressed Trouble Checks and A...

Page 59: ...errors or even loss of your unit Returning equipment to Thomson for repair or exchange Important information to customers who ship defective equipment to Thomson Consumer Electronics The Thomson representative who authorized the return of your equipment will give you an RA number over the phone They will also provide you with instructions on where and how to return your camcorder Write the number ...

Page 60: ... 2 The exchange location will notify you of its arrival 3 Take your unit including all accessories and your evidence of purchase date such as a bill of sale to the exchange location and you will be provided the new or refurbished unit 4 If the repairs were covered by your warranty you will not be billed If you are not located near an exchange point 1 Provide your Discover MasterCard or Visa accoun...

Page 61: ...f your product a new or refurbished unit will be shipped to you next day delivery in the continental USA To have your Camcorder repaired by an Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter Check with your dealer or call 1 800 336 1900 for the Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter nearest you Take your unit to the Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter of your choice Show the Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicent...

Page 62: ...ack on a TV with AUDIO VIDEO IN Jacks 38 39 Accessories Included 3 Accessories Optional 44 51 Accessory Lens Attaching 47 Accessory Order Form 49 51 Adapter Charger Using 4 10 Adjustments and Checks 54 56 AE Displays 20 24 AI Artificial Intelligence 19 Assistance 57 Attaching Adapter Charger 4 10 Attaching the Rechargeable Battery 12 Attaching the Shoulder Strap 42 AUDIO VIDEO Jacks 8 38 39 40 AUT...

Page 63: ... 9 42 Shoulder Strap Attaching 42 Solving Problems 54 56 SP Standard Play Speed 16 Specifications 44 Status Displays 24 Stop Action Pause 37 STOP EJECT Button 6 7 8 17 19 26 29 39 41 Tab Safety 16 Table of Contents 1 2 TAPE END Indicator 24 25 TAPE Indicator 24 25 Tape Copying 38 39 Tape Counter 24 29 Tape Positioning 19 Things to Avoid 52 Tilt Adjustment 23 Time and Date Display 24 25 26 27 Time ...

Page 64: ... 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 Camcorder Exchange Warranty 800 283 6503 Customer Service 800 336 1900 Accessories 800 338 0376 Canadian Consumers English 800 522 0338 French 800 522 0445 10330 N Meridian Street Indianapolis IN 46290 ...