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RCA ProV950HB User Manual

Rca camcorder user's guide
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ProV950HB
USER'S
GUIDE
CAMCORDER

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Summary of Contents for RCA ProV950HB

  • Page 1 ProV950HB USER'S GUIDE CAMCORDER...

  • Page 2: Important Safety Information

    FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the user’s authority to operate it. NOTE: The camcorder’s LCD panel is a very high technology product with 112,000 thin-film transistors*, giving you fine picture detail. Occasionally, a pixel may appear on the screen as a fixed point of blue, green, red, or black.

  • Page 3: Important Safeguards

    IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of your video product, safety is a major factor in the design of every instrument. However, safety is your responsibility too. This sheet lists important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of the video product and accessory equipment.
  • Page 4 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS Outdoor Antenna Grounding—If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the video product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Assistance We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call: Camcorder Exchange Warranty ... 800-283-6503 (pages 70–71) Customer Service ... 800-336-1900 (page 69) Accessories ... 800-338-0376 (pages 58-61) Important Information...
  • Page 6 Connection to TV Using a VCR ... 52 Connections for Playback on a TV Using Audio/Video Jacks ... 53 Use the Camcorder to Play Back Tapes on a TV ... 53 Using the Optional SAV103 A/V Pack ... 54 Editing ... 55 Recording from an External Source ...

  • Page 7: Supplied Accessories

    Supplied Accessories 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 These toll-free numbers are available to help you with any problems you may encounter.

  • Page 8: Camcorder Controls

    For details on the use of each control, refer to the page number indicated in the brackets. Front View Zoom Lens When the cassette compartment door is opened Lens Protector Cassette Compartment Door [p. 12] Removing the Lens Protector Before mounting an optional wide or telephoto conversion lens, remove the lens protector by turning it counter- clockwise.
  • Page 9 This external microphone jack outputs a DC voltage of 4.0 V. It is for use with any 2.5–4.0 volt DC use condenser-type microphone with a 3.5 mm diameter plug. The use of other types of microphones may result in damage to the microphone or the camcorder. Side View...

  • Page 10: Installing The Lithium Cell In The Camcorder

    • The battery will last about one year of normal usage. • Replace the battery with a new CR2025 cell when the camcorder’s time indicator starts to fall behind the correct time. Installing the Lithium Cell in...

  • Page 11: Attaching The Ac Adapter/Battery Charger

    Reconnect the power source to the main unit immediately. • The supplied AC adapter/battery charger is specially designed for use with this camcorder, and should not be used as a power supply for other camcorders.

  • Page 12: Charging On The Docking Station

    Docking Station and setting it to Camera or VCR mode. Note: • Charging the battery pack fully in the camcorder on the Docking Station will take approximately 11 hours with BB75. If you are in a hurry, we recommend you use the AC adapter.

  • Page 13: Inserting And Removing The Battery Pack

    • Remove the battery pack from the camcorder or disconnect the camcorder from the AC adapter if the camcorder will not be used for a long time. • When removing the battery pack, do not tilt the camcorder so that the battery compartment faces down.

  • Page 14: Powering The Camcorder From An Ac Outlet

    Powering the Camcorder from an AC Outlet Slide the battery compartment door release on the bottom of the camcorder in the direction of the arrow (Q), to open the battery compartment door (W). Slide the cable notch cover in the direction of the arrow shown in the diagram.

  • Page 15: Powering The Camcorder From Your Car Battery

    Powering the Camcorder from Your Car Battery Use the optional SDC100 car battery adapter (shown on page 58) to power the camcorder from your car battery. Open the battery compartment door release on the bottom of the camcorder and insert the DC cable connecting plate in the camcorder.

  • Page 16: Inserting And Removing A Cassette

    • Do not apply force to the cassette compartment except for pressing the “PUSH” mark to close it. • Do not tilt the camcorder or hold it upside down when you are inserting or removing a cassette. It may damage the tape.

  • Page 17: Controlling The Monitor Display

    AUTO PREV. PAGE ITEM Note: • The above displays are those when a cassette is loaded in the camcorder and the power is supplied from a battery pack. ITEM About the Operation button ITEM Use this button to select and set the 1.5 2.0 2.5...

  • Page 18: Using The On-Screen Menu

    First-Time Operation Using the On-Screen Menu To display the Camera mode menu screen: Hold down the Lock button and slide the Power switch to CAMERA. To display the VCR mode menu screen: Hold down the Lock button and slide the Power switch to VCR.
  • Page 19 “OFF” in the Camera mode, it will automatically be set to “OFF” in the VCR mode. • The menu screen cannot be displayed when the camcorder is recording. button to • To turn off the menu display, press the MENU button or MODE DISPLAY button.

  • Page 20: Warning Indicators

    3 seconds The video cassette is defective and should be removed. Dew has formed inside the camcorder. Wait for a few hours until the dew disappears (see page 63). About ten seconds after this warning appears, the camcorder and display turn off.

  • Page 21: Setting The Area, Date And Time

    Setting the Area, Date and Time Example: Setting the date to June 2, 1997 (JUN. 2.1997) and the time to 10:30 am (10:30 AM) in New York. Note: • Check that the memory backup lithium cell has been installed before setting the date and time. Set the Power switch to CAMERA.

  • Page 22: World Clock

    First-Time Operation World Clock This camcorder is equipped with a world clock feature. It allows you to easily adjust the time when you use the camcorder while traveling anywhere in the world outside your own time zone. Set the area, date and time if they are not already set.

  • Page 23: Setting Daylight Saving Time

    To Display Area, Date and Time on the Monitor Refer to page 14 to display MENU-PAGE Press Aon the operation button ( select “DATE/TIME”. Operation button ITEM PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY Press C or B on the “AUTO” or “ON”. ITEM PAGE DATE/TIME DISPLAY...
  • Page 24 First-Time Operation Area Table Area Number Area Name LONDON PARIS CAIRO MOSCOW DUBAI KARACHI DACCA BANGKOK HNGKNG TOKYO SYDNEY SOLOMON WLLNGTN SAMOA HAWAII ANCHRGE L.A. DENVER CHICAGO NEWYORK CARACAS FN ISL. AZORES * These are common names. The formal may be different. Countries or Areas* England, Morocco, GMT (Greenwich mean time) Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden,...

  • Page 25: Picture/Backlight Adjustments

    When you are finished, press the MENU button to turn off the adjustment display. When the Camcorder is in VCR Mode Press the MENU button until monitor. Then perform steps 3 through 6 as shown.

  • Page 26: Using The Hand Strap

    • Do not let anything press against the monitor screen or expose the screen to shock, as it may break. • Do not put the camcorder on a table, or any other surface, with the monitor screen facing down. • Use a soft clean cloth to clean the screen.

  • Page 27: Basic Operations Camera Recording

    • During Camera Recording mode, the speaker is off, and the PHONES (earphones) jack below the monitor cannot be used. • If the camcorder is kept in Recording Standby mode for more than approximately 5 minutes, the power PAUSE will automatically turn off to save battery power and to protect the tape from being damaged.

  • Page 28: Zooming

    • The on-screen display will show you the current zoom setting. Notes: • The camcorder is unable to focus when zooming in on subjects within 5 feet (1.5 m). The camcorder will automatically zoom out until it focuses on the subject.

  • Page 29: Digital Quick Zoom (Extend Zoom)

    • If the image being recorded is not sharp, the auto focus may not function and the image will be blurred. If this occurs, press the Power Zoom W button to zoom out, or pan the camcorder to shoot some other subject. The becomes 18 , auto focus will resume operation.

  • Page 30: Backlight Compensation (Blc)

    “ ” display changes to the “LIGHT” display. Notes: • If the camcorder is moved to a bright location after it is engaged in Gain-up mode, the Gain-up mode will disengage automatically. • There is more picture noise in Gain-up mode.

  • Page 31: Digital Image Stabilization (Dis)

    When you want to record a magnified image of a subject which is within approximately 5 feet (1.5 m) of the camcorder, do not zoom in on the subject. Instead, zoom out all the way by holding down AUTO...

  • Page 32: Fade In And Fade Out

    Press the REC START/STOP button at the point where you wish to stop recording. “FADE” changes to “FADE OUT”, and the picture and sound fade out as the screen gradually turns white. The camcorder then returns to Recording Standby mode. AUTO appears...

  • Page 33: Recording With The Wide Screen (16:9)

    Wide Screen mode, only the unmasked portion of the screen will fade in or out. • You can only use the Wide Screen mode when the camcorder is in Camera mode. appears To Cancel Automatic Display of the Screen in Camera Mode...

  • Page 34: Quick Return

    • To cancel, press select “RETURN” again. When the tape reaches the end of the last recorded scene, the camcorder enters Recording Standby mode. Note: • If the cassette has been removed since the last recording or if no recording has been made since the cassette was loaded, the “RETURN”...

  • Page 35: Tips On Recording Positions

    • The LCD monitor also makes high-angle and low-angle shots easy. • In hand-held recording, the camcorder has to be steadied to prevent image shake. • Use a tripod for very stable recording. Basic Recording Positions...

  • Page 36: Setting The Camcorder To Full Auto Mode

    Auto mode lets you record high-quality pictures easily. When “AUTO” is not displayed on the monitor the camcorder is not in Full Auto mode. Perform the procedure below to set the camcorder to Full Auto mode. While the camcorder is in Camera mode,...

  • Page 37: Remaining Recording Time Display

    5 seconds from the time you press the REC START/STOP button to start recording. Remaining Battery Power Display When you turn on the camcorder, the remaining battery power display automatically appears on the monitor. By pressing the MODE DISPLAY button, you can turn the display on and off.

  • Page 38: Playback

    • To use the infrared remote control, make sure that the remote control menu item (“REMOTE”) is set to “ON”. The remote control cannot be used to operate the camcorder when this menu item is set to “OFF”. See page 39. Volume Control...

  • Page 39: Using The Stand

    Using the Stand Pull out the stand and lock it into position when you put the camcorder on a table or other flat surface. Cautions: • Protect the stand from strong forces. Otherwise it may break. • To retract the stand, press it in the direction of the arrow.

  • Page 40: Program Search

    SEARCH Press A on the operation button ( select “SEARCH”. The camcorder enters the Program Search mode. Both the “REW” and “FF” indicators, or one of them will start flashing. To cancel, press A on the select SEARCH again.

  • Page 41: Using The Tape Counter

    Using the Tape Counter Use the tape counter feature when you want to know the recording or playback time. Press the MENU button until mode) or (Camera mode) appears on the monitor. STOP WATCH COUNTER Press Aon the operation button ( select “COUNTER”.

  • Page 42: Counter Memory

    (e.g. when you are watching a playback on a connected TV’s screen). While the camcorder is in Camera or VCR mode, hold down the MODE DISPLAY button for more than 5 seconds. The backlight will turn off and the LAMP OFF indicator will light.

  • Page 43: Using The Infrared Remote Control

    Use the remote control to operate the camcorder from a distance, such as when you want to record yourself in a scene, or when the camcorder is connected to a TV for use as a VCR. Set the Power switch to CAMERA or VCR.

  • Page 44: Self Recording

    Mode Cautions: • Do not rotate the monitor to the self recording position while the camcorder is recording or playing back. • For recording in Self Recording mode, be sure to rotate the monitor, NOT the lens. If you hold the...
  • Page 45 10 more seconds. At the end of recording, the screen fades out, and recording stops automatically. The camcorder returns to Recording Standby mode, and “PRESS REC START FOR LEAVING YOUR MESSAGE.” appears again on the monitor screen.
  • Page 46 Useful Features for Camera Recording More Information on Self Recording • The screen image is automatically inverted when the monitor rotation is between 140 and 200 . When the monitor is turned back to the normal position, the image returns to normal.

  • Page 47: Manual Focus

    5 feet (1.5 m) of the ) to camcorder. In such a case, shift the zoom control toward wide angle, and then try focusing again. • If you focus on a subject in wide angle and then set the zoom to maximum, the subject may go out of focus.

  • Page 48: Scene Menu (Program Ae)

    Useful Features for Camera Recording Scene Menu (Program AE) You can set the camcorder to the shooting mode that will bring the best results for a specific type of shooting situation. Just select one of the four scene settings shown below. The camcorder will...

  • Page 49: Setting The Shutter Speed

    To Return to the Standard Shutter Speed In step 4, press C on the operation button ( select “NORMAL”. To reset the camcorder to Full Auto mode, press on the and then press C on the “AUTO” in step 2.

  • Page 50: White Balance Lock

    In step 5, press C on the operation button ( select “AUTO”. The white balance mode display will change to “AUTO”. To reset the camcorder to Full Auto mode, press on the and then press C on the “AUTO” in step 2.

  • Page 51: Manual Iris

    To Return to the Auto Mode In step 4, press C or B on the operation button ) to select “0”. To reset the camcorder to Full Auto mode, press on the and then press C on the “AUTO” in step 2.

  • Page 52: Recording A Five-Second Still Image (Snapshot)

    SNAP • Once the Still Recording mode is set, the Button camcorder will remain in that mode until it is canceled, even when switching between Recording mode and Recording Standby mode. • The picture quality in this mode will be slightly lower than normal pictures.

  • Page 53: Strobe Recording

    “STROBE” again. Notes: • Once the Strobe Recording mode is set, the camcorder will remain in that mode until it is canceled, even when switching between Recording mode and Recording Standby mode. • The picture quality in this mode will be slightly lower than normal pictures.

  • Page 54: Stopwatch

    Useful Features for Camera Recording Displaying Lap Times When using the stopwatch in an athletic competition such as a 100 m swimming race, the stopwatch can display lap times, e.g. at the 50 m turn, while continuing to measure elapsed time.

  • Page 55: Lighting

    Simply mounting one light or several lights on either side of the camcorder will only make your subject look flat and two-dimensional. To make a subject more interesting, use the lighting to model your subject and to add or create emphasis in a scene.

  • Page 56: Connection To Tv Using The Docking Station

    Note: • When the camcorder is connected to a TV for playback, the picture on the TV screen may flicker if the volume on the camcorder is set to maximum. Should this occur, turn the volume down (see page 34).

  • Page 57: Connections For Playback On A Tv Using Audio/Video Jacks

    Note: • When the camcorder is connected to a TV for playback, the picture on the TV screen may flicker if the volume on the camcorder is set to maximum. Should this occur, turn the volume down (see page 34).

  • Page 58: Using The Optional Sav103 A/V Pack

    Using the Optional SAV103 A / V Pack The optional SAV103 A/V pack (shown on page 58) lets you connect the camcorder to other audio-visual equipment. Small and lightweight, it comes in handy when traveling or any time you are away from home.

  • Page 59: Editing

    Setting the Edit Mode Picture quality inevitably declines during dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR. To minimize the quality reduction, set the camcorder to Edit mode. Set the camcorder to VCR mode, and press the MENU button until appears.

  • Page 60: Recording From An External Source

    Connections and Editing Recording from an External Source You can use this camcorder to record or edit video from another source, such as a VCR, TV, or video disc player. Connect the camcorder to the source equipment, using the Docking Station and audio/video cable, as shown.

  • Page 61: Fluorescent Lamp Backlight

    Do not press diagonally as it may cause contact failure. • The fluorescent light may flicker when first turned on. Should this occur, turn off the camcorder, and then turn it on again. • When used in cold locations, the fluorescent lamp may lose some of its brightness.

  • Page 62: Optional Accessories

    Rubber feet allow for sure footing. Cautions: Before using a tripod, make sure it is stable enough to hold the camcoder 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 hold.

  • Page 63: Accessory Order Form

    Order Form for Camcorder Model ProV950HB Description Tripod Rechargeable Battery Audio/Video Pack Car Battery Adapter Tuner Pack Sun Hood AC Adapter/Battery Charger DC Output Cable S-Video Cable Shoulder Strap Remote Control Audio/Video Cable Docking Station Replacement Lamp Unit Prices are subject to change without notice.
  • Page 64 Accessory Order Form USE YOUR CREDIT CARD IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number Copy Number above your name on MasterCard IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number Print or type your name and address clearly. This will be your mailing label.
  • Page 65 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 and 8PM (EST) Monday through Friday or between 9AM and 5PM (EST) Saturday.

  • Page 66: Use And Care

    • Watch the temperature and humidity. You can use your camcorder at 0 C to 40 C (32 F to 104 F), and at 30% to 80% relative humidity. Do not store the unit in an unventilated car in the summer, in direct sunlight, or near strong heat sources;...

  • Page 67: Dew Formation

    Dew is likely to form in the following circum- stances: • when moving the camcorder from a cold place to a warm place, • when placing the camcorder in a cold room which is then heated rapidly, • when moving the camcorder outdoors from an air conditioned room, •...

  • Page 68: Battery Pack

    Use and Care Care Cleaning and maintenance • Many plastic parts are used in the camcorder casing. Do not use thinners, benzenes or other strong chemical cleaners. These may cause discoloration and damage to the casing. • Clean the casing with a soft, dry cloth. If the...

  • Page 69: Using Your Camcorder Abroad

    Television system signals and electrical system voltages and frequencies vary substantially from country to country. When you are abroad, please check the sections below before using the AC adapter or connecting the camcorder to a TV. AC Power Sources or the...

  • Page 70: Trouble Checks

    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 71 VCR. • Docking Station is not properly Lens makes rattling sound • Does not indicate a malfunction. when camcorder is moved in VCR mode or with power off. Remote control does not • “REMOTE” menu item is set to “OFF”.

  • Page 72: Specifications

    Specifications Signal System: NTSC standard Recording System: 2 rotary heads, helical scanning system Recording/Playback Time: 120 minutes (P6-120) Tape Speed: 14.345 mm/second Pickup Device: Lens Filter Diameter: 37 mm Microphone: Electret stereo microphone Power Requirement: DC 3.6 V Power Consumption: 7.1 W (during camera recording in full auto mode with zoom Operating Temperature: 0 C to Operating Humidity: 30% to 80% Storage Temperature:...

  • Page 73: Customer Assistance And Service

    RA number over the phone. They will also provide you with instructions on where and how to return your camcorder. Write the number in large, clear characters on the outside of the box. To avoid confusion and...

  • Page 74: Limited Warranty

    What we will do: During the initial 90 days • Exchange your camcorder with a new or refurbished unit, or repair your camcorder. The option will be ours. There will be no cost to you.
  • Page 75 • 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 Servicenter representative evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale.

  • Page 76: Index

    Cassettes, Hi8 ... 65 Cassettes, Inserting and Removing ... 12 Cat’s Eye (Gain Up) ... 26 Cautions ... i Cell, Installing in Camcorder ... 6 Cell, Installing in Remote Control ... 6 CHANGE THE CASSETTE Indicator ... 16,33 Charging the Battery, Adapter/ Charger ...
  • Page 77 Display of Remaining Recording Time ... 33 Docking Station, Using ... 7,8,52 EarPHONE Jack ... 5,34 Edit Search ... 30 Editing ... 55 Editing and Connections ... 52-56 EJECT THE CASSETTE Indicator ... 16 Erasure Protect Tab ... 12,65 Extend Zoom ... 25 External Microphone Jack ...
  • Page 78 Party Mode ... 44 Pause Recording ... 23 PAUSE/STILL Button ... 39 Photoreceptor ... 5,39 Picture/Backlight Adjustment ... 21 Play Back Tapes Using Camcorder ... 53 PLAY Button ... 39 Playback ... 34 Playback – Basic Operations ... 34-39 Positions, Recording ... 31 Power (CAMERA/VCR) Switch ...
  • Page 79 Sport Mode ... 44 Stabilization, Digital Image ... 27 Stand, Retractable ... 4 Stand, Using ... 35 Stereo Microphone ... 4 Still Feature ... 35 Still Image Recording ... 48 Still Recording ... 48 STOP Button ... 39 Stopwatch ... 49-50 Strobe Recording ...
  • Page 80 This will only add delays in service for your product. 10330 N Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290 © 1996 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Trademark(s) ® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Printed in Japan Part Number 96-ProV950HB-1 TINSE0206TAZZ lxxvi...

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