RCA Pro809 User Manual
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RCA Pro809 User Manual

RCA Pro809 User Manual

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Pro809
USER'S
GUIDE
Remote Control .........15
18
Playback...................52
Trouble Checks..........56
Care and Maintenance58
Specifications ............60
Index........................62
®
C A M C O R D E R
C A M C O
R D E R

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  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    Pro809 USER‘S GUIDE Table of Contents...1 Optional Accessories ...2 First-Time Operation ...8 Remote Control ...15 Powering Your Camcorder Recording Features ...26 Playback...52 Trouble Checks...56 Care and Maintenance58 Specifications ...60 Limited Warranty ...61 Index...62 ® C A M C O C A M C O R D E R...

  • Page 2: Product Registration

    INSIDE. IF YOU SPILL LIQUID ON THE CAMCORDER OR ADAPTER/CHARGER, DISCONNECT THE AC ADAPTER/CHARGER’S POWER CORD TO PREVENT POSSIBLE FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND CONSULT AUTHORIZED SERVICE PERSONNEL. MOISTURE CAN DAMAGE INTERNAL PARTS. REFER ALL SERVICE TO AUTHORIZED RCA CAMCORDER SERVICENTER PERSONNEL ONLY.
  • Page 3 AVOID OPERATING YOUR CAMCORDER IMMEDIATELY AFTER MOVING IT FROM A COLD LOCATION TO A WARM LOCATION. GIVE THE CAMCORDER 1-1/2 TO 2 HOURS TO REACH A STABLE TEMPERATURE BEFORE INSERTING A VIDEO CASSETTE. WHEN MOVED FROM A COLD AREA TO A WARM LOCATION, MOISTURE MAY CONDENSE ON THE HEAD DRUM INSIDE THE MACHINE.

  • Page 4: Important Safety Instructions For Ac Adapter/Charger

    Take it to a qualified serviceman. Do not disassemble adapter/charger. Take it to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock.

  • Page 5: Important Safeguards

    However, safety is your responsibility too. These pages list important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of a camcorder, adapter/charger, and accessory equipment. Please read them carefully before operating your products. Installation 1. Read and Follow Instructions—...
  • Page 6 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 8. Ventilation—Slots and openings in the products are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect them from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
  • Page 7 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 12. Outdoor Antenna Grounding—If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No.
  • Page 8 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 16. Lightning—For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power line surges.

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Product Registration ...i Safety Precautions...i-vii Optional Accessories ...2-7 • Accessory Order Form...5-7 First-Time Operation ...8-14 Remote Control ...15-17 Powering Your Camcorder ...18-23 Video Cassettes ...24-25 Recording Features • Display On/Off Feature...26 • Quick Review...26 • Edit Search ...26 • Tally Light ...26 •...

  • Page 10: Optional Accessories

    We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your 8mm camcorder. These pages have a selection of accessories to help make your memorable moments look and sound even better.
  • Page 11 Caution: Do not use any other car cord adapter/charger with this camcorder. This car cord adapter/charger lets you operate your camcorder from a car, truck, or RV by plugging it into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. It will also charge the battery supplied with your camcorder or the AV8MM or AV8MSH long play batteries.
  • Page 12 3-section leg design folds down to 26" when not in use and weighs only 4 lbs. Rubber feet allow for sure footing. Cautions: Before using a tripod, make sure it is stable enough to hold the camcorder without falling over.

  • Page 13: Accessory Order Form

    Accessory Order Form Order Form for Camcorder Model Pro809 Description Soft Camcorder Case Tripod Y-Adapter Rechargeable Battery (1 Hr. 10 Mins) Rechargeable Battery (1 Hr. 40 Mins) Rechargeable Battery (2 Hrs. 20 Mins) AV8MSH $ 79.95 Video Color Control Center...
  • Page 14 Accessory Order Form USE YOUR CREDIT CARD IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number Copy Number above your name on MasterCard Print or type your name and address clearly. This will be your mailing label. Name: Street: City: State: Please make sure that both sides of this form...

  • Page 15: International Orders

    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 Standard Time.

  • Page 16: First-Time Operation

    • Save the packing materials and box in case you ever need to ship or store your camcorder. • The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately. Camcorder: Model Pro809 AC Adapter/Charger Stock No.

  • Page 17: Attach A Power Supply

    1. Plug in adapter/charger. The adapter/charger’s POWER indicator will light. 2. Connect power connector’s cable to DC OUT jack on adapter/charger. 3. Hold power connector flush against camcorder and slide in direction of arrow. B. Charged Battery* Charged Battery Attached to...

  • Page 18: Insert A Cassette

    Safety Tab Hand Strap CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch 6. Place the CAMERA/OFF/ VCR switch to CAMERA. The camcorder will enter record pause and STBY will appear in the viewfinder. The CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch tells the camcorder whether you want to record (CAMERA), play back tapes (VCR), or turn off the camcorder’s...

  • Page 19: Start And Stop Recording

    First-Time Operation Tally Light 7. Make sure SCENE SELECT AE dial is in AUTO. The camcorder will adjust focus automatically and the shutter speed is set to 1/60 second. 8. Rotate viewfinder and adjust eyepiece focus control for your vision.

  • Page 20: Play Back What You Have Recorded

    3. Press 55 /EDIT – to rewind the tape. 4. Press 6/FADE to play back the tape in the viewfinder. 5. Press /B.LIGHT when you are finished. 6. Details on viewfinder playback are on pages 52-53. Review camcorder’s operating controls. Remote Control Sensor Microphone Manual Focus Ring...
  • Page 21 First-Time Operation Review camcorder’s operating controls. DATE/TIME/NORMAL/TITLE Switch Switch Position Function of Buttons DATE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE DATE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE DATE/ TIME NORMAL TITLE – RESET Z/MEMORY OSD CHAR– CHAR+ Accessory Shoe (continued) ON/OFF Displays and removes date/time display in viewfinder...
  • Page 22 First-Time Operation Review camcorder’s operating controls. Eyepiece Release Switch TAPE EJECT Switch Attach a Power Supply Here: Adapter/ Charger, Charged Battery, or Optional Car Cord Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring (continued) (continued) BRIGHT and FOCUS Controls (See “Trouble Checks” for details.)

  • Page 23: Remote Control

    Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell, and never short circuit the + and – sides of the cell. Remote Sensor Note: The camcorder may not respond to the remote control if the camcorder’s remote sensor is exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light.
  • Page 24 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 to operate the camcorder.
  • Page 25 VCR REC (Record) • Press VCR REC (CAMERA/OFF/VCR in VCR) to record on the camcorder from the audio/video jacks. ZOOM (W and T) • Press and hold W ZOOM to move the lens in the wide-angle direction.

  • Page 26: Powering Your Camcorder

    Powering Your Camcorder Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder The adapter/charger’s power connector 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 AC 100-240V,...

  • Page 27: Charging The Battery

    Powering Your Camcorder Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time. Initial charging will take approximately one hour. When fully charged, the battery should supply about 45-55 minutes of operating time (depending on how much you use zoom and pause).

  • Page 28: Battery Safety Precautions

    If the power connector is attached to the camcorder, remove it before attaching the battery. • Hold the battery flush against the camcorder and slide it to the right as shown. Make sure it is firmly attached to the camcorder.
  • Page 29 Powering Your Camcorder Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder Checking Battery Power (Battery Level Indicator) The battery level indicator shows how much recording time is left on the battery. This indicator will not be recorded on the tape. Battery...
  • Page 30 Powering Your Camcorder Using the Optional Thomson Car Cord Adapter/Charger The optional 1CVA356 car cord adapter/charger allows you to power your camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts 24- and 12-volts to a 6-volt output.
  • Page 31 Powering Your Camcorder Use 1CVA356 Car Cord Adapter/Charger to Power Camcorder Cigarette Lighter Socket Optional 1CVA356 Car Cord Adapter/Charger 1. Slide camcorder’s CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to OFF, and remove battery if it is attached. 2. Hold power connector flush against the back of camcorder and slide it to the right as shown.

  • Page 32: Recording Time

    Video Cassettes We recommend our 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 is considered normal maintenance.

  • Page 33: Inserting And Removing Cassettes

    3. Gently close compartment door by pressing on area marked PUSH. 4. When you are finished with a cassette, rewind it, remove it from the camcorder, and label it. • Store cassettes vertically in their protective cases at normal room temperatures. Excessive heat or cold may damage your cassettes.

  • Page 34: Recording Features

    When the DATE/TIME/NORMAL/TITLE switch is in NORMAL, you can turn the normal viewfinder displays on or off. • Press OSD on the camcorder (DISPLAY on the remote) to turn the viewfinder displays off. • Press the button again to turn the viewfinder displays on.

  • Page 35: Tape Positioning

    66 F.FWD/SCAN STOP Tape Positioning When CAMERA/OFF/VCR is in VCR and the camcorder is stopped, you can quickly fast forward or rewind the tape. • Press 66/EDIT + (66F.FWD/SCAN on remote) to fast forward the tape. Press /B.LIGHT (STOP on remote) to stop fast forwarding.

  • Page 36: Date And Time Displays

    CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch is set to CAMERA when the battery needs replacing. The cell should last approximately one year. Clock Cell (+ Side Facing Out) 1. Make sure camcorder is turned off, and remove any power supply attached to the camcorder. 2. Open the clock cell compartment.

  • Page 37: Correcting The Date Or Time

    AM or PM. 7. After you select AM or PM, press SET to remove the flashing cursor from the viewfinder and start the camcorder’s internal clock. Hours Minutes Correcting the Date or Time...
  • Page 38 Date and Time Display Recording Date and Time (or Date) on Your Tape The time and date (or date only) can be recorded on your tape. Whenever one of the displays appears in the viewfinder, it will be recorded. The DATE/TIME/NORMAL/ TITLE switch must be set to DATE/TIME.

  • Page 39: Eyepiece Focus Control

    Electronic Viewfinder The camcorder’s electronic viewfinder is a miniature black-and-white monitor that displays the picture seen by the lens. Tilt Adjustment For convenient viewing, you can rotate the viewfinder about 180°. 180˚ Tilt Caution: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, rotate the viewfinder to the front to prevent possible damage to the viewfinder from bumping against your body as you move.

  • Page 40: Displays In Viewfinder

    Displays in Viewfinder Several displays that aid in the operation of the camcorder appear in the viewfinder. The only displays that are recorded on the tape when they appear in the viewfinder are the title, date and time, or date only.
  • Page 41 Displays in Viewfinder Status Indicators The following status displays appear to let you know what the camcorder is doing. • REC appears during recording. • PAUSE appears during record pause. • STBY appears during record pause. • PLAY appears during playback.

  • Page 42: Scene Select Ae Modes

    Use to record a still subject – such as a person or flower, when zooming in, or when there is something between the camcorder and subject. Reduces depth- of-field so background becomes blurry while subject remains clearly focused. Focus is locked in auto.

  • Page 43: Backlight

    Backlight Use this feature to record a subject that is darker than the surrounding scene. To Add More Light Press and hold B.LIGHT to add more light when recording: • A subject that is standing in a shadowed area. • A subject that is is standing in front of a window.

  • Page 44: Zooming

    Zooming The motorized zoom lens allows you to zoom in or out by pressing a button. Power Zoom Buttons = Wide Angle = Telephoto Using Power Zoom Buttons • Press “W” to move the lens in the wide- angle direction. •...

  • Page 45: Fade Out

    You can add a professional touch to your recordings when you fade in and out of scenes. Both the picture and sound will gradually appear or disappear. The speed of the fade is automatically controlled by the camcorder. FADE Fade In 1.

  • Page 46: Auto Focus

    Focusing Your Camcorder Power Zoom Buttons “T ” a n d “W ” Auto Focus The camcorder will focus automatically whenever M.FOCUS does not appear in the viewfinder. • If M.FOCUS appears, press A/M FOCUS to turn on auto focus.

  • Page 47: Manual Focus

    Macro Focus The macro-focus feature lets you focus on objects as close as 3.9 inches from the camcorder lens in full wide angle position. 1. Make sure M.FOCUS does not appear in the viewfinder. If it does, press A/M FOCUS to remove it.

  • Page 48: Digital Special Effects

    Digital Special Effects The digital special effects feature lets you select one of three digital effects while recording. D•S•E (Digital Special Effects) To Use Digital Special Effects 1. Place CAMERA/OFF/VCR in CAMERA. 2. Press D•S•E to give the picture you are recording a digital effect.

  • Page 49: Time Counter

    Time Counter The time counter shows actual time elapsed when recording or playing back a tape. It helps you quickly locate the end of recorded segments. DATE/TIME/NORMAL/TITLE in NORMAL – RESET Z/MEMORY OSD CHAR– CHAR+ RESET Z (Zero)/MEMORY – 55/EDIT To Use Time Counter 1.

  • Page 50: Creating A Title

    Titler The title 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. CHAR– CHAR+ CHAR (Character) – and + ON/OFF Creating a Title 1.
  • Page 51 Titler (continued) Recording Titles on a Tape in the Camcorder 1. Attach a power source and place CAMERA/OFF/VCR in CAMERA. 2. Locate the place on the tape where you want to record the title. Note If you record a title on a pre- recorded tape, the audio and video will be erased where the title is inserted.

  • Page 52: Edit Insert Using The Camcorder

    Edit Insert Using the Camcorder Edit insert lets you record new audio and video from the camcorder to a previously recorded tape in the camcorder. – CHAR– CHAR+ RESET Z(Zero)/MEMORY – 55/EDIT DATE/TIME/NORMAL/TITLE in NORMAL ON/OFF NORMAL RESET Z/MEMORY OSD...
  • Page 53 Memory Turned On 8. Press the thumb trigger on the camcorder (CAMERA RECORD/STANDBY on remote) to start recording the new insert. The camcorder will stop recording at the zero memory point. Notes: Zero memory is cancelled when insert recording is complete. Seconds...

  • Page 54: Edit Insert From A Monitor Tv Or Vcr

    Edit insert lets you record new audio and video from the camcorder or another source, such as a TV or VCR, to a previously recorded tape in the camcorder. You will need the audio/video cable that came with your camcorder.

  • Page 55: Installation

    If you connect only the audio plug of the audio/video input cable to the TV or VCR, the camcorder will not dub. 1. Connect the camcorder to the TV or VCR as shown. 2. Place camcorder’s CAMERA/OFF/ VCR switch in VCR.

  • Page 56: Recording From Vcr Or Tv Monitor

    Recording from VCR or TV Monitor To connect your camcorder to a TV (or VCR) with AUDIO and VIDEO OUT jacks, you will need the audio/video cable that came with your camcorder. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, you can attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the camcorder is recording on the TV.
  • Page 57 VIDEO jack and the white plug to the AUDIO jack located behind the small cover on the side of the camcorder. 4 Place the A/V (audio/video) IN/OUT switch to IN. 2. Slide the camcorder’s CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to VCR, and insert a blank cassette.

  • Page 58: Attaching The Shoulder Strap

    Attaching the Shoulder Strap The shoulder strap packed with your camcorder is designed to let you carry the camcorder from your shoulder and — when you are ready to shoot — bring the camcorder to shooting position in one quick movement.

  • Page 59: Holding The Camcorder

    • When possible, rest your elbows on a table or other stable surface to help keep the camcorder steady. • Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder. • Carry your camcorder in a carrying case when traveling. See page 2 for a case specially designed for this camcorder.

  • Page 60: Playback

    (On Side of Camcorder) 6FADE Viewfinder 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 because the display is in black and white. To Play Back a Tape Through the Viewfinder 1.

  • Page 61: 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 enter the stop mode. • Press /D•S•E (PAUSE on remote)

  • Page 62: Playback On Tv Or Vcr Using Audio/Video In Jacks

    To connect your camcorder to a TV or VCR using AUDIO/VIDEO IN jacks, use the audio/video cable that was packed with the camcorder. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, you can attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the camcorder is recording or playing on the TV.

  • Page 63: Playback On Tv Or Vcr

    Operate the TV as you normally do to see the signal coming from the VCR. Viewing What the Camcorder is Seeing (or Recording) 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV: Turn on the TV, and tune it to the video input channel.

  • Page 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 and adjustments listed for that trouble.
  • Page 65 • Time (including AM/PM) or date needs to be set. See page 29. • Aim remote at remote sensor on camcorder. • Remote must be within 13 feet from the camcorder. • Remote control cell may need replacing. See page 15.

  • Page 66: Proper Care And Storage

    • Do not aim your camcorder at the sun or other bright objects. • Do not leave your camcorder in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

  • Page 67: Cleaning The Camcorder's Viewfinder

    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.

  • Page 68: Specifications

    • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void the user’s FCC authority to operate this camcorder.

  • Page 69: Limited Warranty

    Servicenter for the new or, at our option, refurbished replacement parts required to repair your camcorder. How you get service: • Check with your RCA Dealer or call 1-800-336-1900 for the Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter nearest you. If an Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter is conveniently near you: •...

  • Page 70: Index

    BRIGHT and FOCUS Controls ...14,56 Buttons, Camcorder ...12-14 Buttons, Remote Control ...16-17 Camcorder Cleaning...59 Camcorder Controls...12-14 Camcorder, Holding...51 Camcorder, Powering ...18-23 Camcorder, Turning On ...10 Camcorder, Unpacking ...8 CAMERA/OFF/VCR Button ...9-10,14,16,20,27-31,40-44,52 CAMERA RECORD/STANDBY Button ...16-17,27,41,43,45 Car Cord Adapter/Charger, Optional...22-23 Care and Maintenance ...58-59 Care and Storage of Battery ...21...
  • Page 71 Tips, Traveling ...51 Title Display ...32-33 TITLE ON/OFF Button ...16-17,42-43 Titler ...32-33,42-43 Traveling Tips ...51 Tripod, Using ...4 Trouble Checks ...56-57 Turning On the Camcorder ...10 Unpacking the Camcorder...8 VCR/OFF/CAMERA Button ...9-10,14,16,20,27-31,40-45,52 VIDEO, AUDIO, and DC Jacks...13,46-47,48-49,54-55 Video Cassettes...24-25 Viewfinder ...11,12,31,32-33,52,58 Viewfinder, Adjusting...31...
  • Page 72 This will only add delays in service for your product. Thomson Consumer Electronics 600 N Sherman Dr, PO Box 1976 Indianapolis, IN 46206 © 1994 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Trademark(s) ® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Printed in Korea Part Number 94-Pro809-1...

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