This symbol indicates important instructions accompanying the product. : To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to Pour éviter les chocs électriques, introduire la lame CC4291 ____ __________________________ __________________________ ________________________ ______________...
Assistance We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call: Camcorder Exchange Warranty...800-283-6503 (pages 68-69) Customer Service...800-336-1900 (page 67) Accessories... 800-338-0376 (pages 53-59) Table of Contents Safety Information ... i First Time Operation •...
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Table of Contents Date and Time Display • Set the Time and Date ... 22 • Record Time and Date, AUTO Date, Auto TITLE, or Date ... 23 • Charge the Built-in Clock Battery ... 23 Recording • Use the Viewfinder ... 24-25 •...
• 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. Model CC4291 AC Adapter/Charger: Stock No. 241044 DC Cable: Stock No. 241308 Caution:...
First-Time Operation 2. Attach the adapter/charger. To AC 120V, 50/60 Hz Adapter/ Charger Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, attach the adapter/charger to the camcorder. 1. Attach one end of the adapter/ charger’s DC cable to the DC OUTPUT jack on the side of the adapter/charger.
First-Time Operation 4. Insert a tape. STOP/EJECT Button Cassette Holder 1. Press STOP/EJECT to open the cassette compartment. 2. Insert the cassette with the safety tab facing up and the tape windows facing out. 5. Turn on the camcorder. • Press and hold the small button on the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you slide it to CAMERA.
First-Time Operation Electronic Viewfinder (Grasp here to move.) BRIGHT Control 6. Adjust the viewfinder and 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.
First-Time Operation REC/PAUSE Button 7. Set the LIGHT AUTO/OFF/ ON switch to AUTO. • The color enhancement light helps you create brighter and sharper images. • Set the LIGHT AUTO/OFF/ON switch to AUTO if you want the color enhancement light to turn on automatically when you aim the camcorder at a dark object and turn off when you aim it at a...
First-Time Operation REC/PAUSE Button Lens Cap 9. Play back what you have recorded. 1. Press the REC/PAUSE button to pause recording. 2. Press and hold the small button on the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you slide it to VCR. 3. Press REW/REVIEW to rewind the tape.
First-Time Operation 12. Review camcorder’s operating controls. Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring BATTERY EJECT Button Attach Rechargeable Battery Here DC IN 9.6V Jack Attach Adapter/ Charger’s DC Cord Here Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring (continued) Eyepiece Focus Viewfinder Control Cassette Door (Press here to close.) BRIGHT Control (on Bottom of...
Included Accessories Attach the Shoulder Strap The camcorder’s shoulder strap 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. To Attach the Shoulder Strap 1.
Included Accessories Built-In Color Enhancement Light The built-in color enhancement light automatically adds light when needed. To operate the video light, press and hold the small button on the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you set it to CAMERA. CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch Video Light To Use the Light Set the LIGHT AUTO/OFF/ON switch.
Included Accessories Replace Light Bulb Light Case Remove and Replace the Light Bulb 1. Press and hold the lower hook of the light cover while removing the light cover from the light case. 2. Replace the light bulb. Note: See the installation instructions packed with the replacement bulb for detailed instructions.
Power Your Camcorder Use the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 120 volts, 50/60 Hz, and can be used to power the camcorder or recharge the battery. Caution: Do not attempt to use a “power converter”...
Power Your Camcorder Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder Charge the Battery You must charge the battery before you can use it. Initial charging will take approximately two hours. The camcorder’s operating time depends on how often you turn the power on and off and how much you use zoom and pause. Conserve battery power by turning the camcorder off during recording breaks.
Power Your Camcorder Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder BATTERY EJECT Button Rechargeable Battery Hold Battery Flush and Slide Down Attach the Charged Battery If the DC cable is attached to the camcorder, remove it before attaching the battery. 1.
Power Your Camcorder Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder Battery Level Indicator The battery level indicator appears in the viewfinder and shows you the amount of power in the rechargeable battery. Note: If the battery level display does not appear, press DISPLAY.
There are no user- serviceable parts inside. • Use the battery only with specified AC adapter/chargers and camcorders. • If leakage from a damaged battery contacts your skin or clothing, wash it off immediately with running water.
Power Your Camcorder Use the RCA Optional Car Cord Adapter The optional DCC096 car cord shown on page 53 allows you to power your camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts 12-volts to a 9.6-volt output.
Videocassettes Make sure you select good quality tapes for 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.
Videocassettes Insert and Remove Cassettes STOP/ EJECT Button Cassette Holder 1. Attach a power source to the camcorder. 2. Press the STOP/EJECT button. The cassette holder opens automatically. 3. Insert the cassette with the tape wheel facing up and tape windows facing Cassette Care and Storage •...
Date and Time Display Set the Time and Date You must set the correct date and time before it can be displayed and recorded on your tapes. The built-in clock cell must be charged as described on the next page. DATE/TIME Button 1.
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 RCA Service Center. AUTO 11/18/1998 AUTO Date Display TITLE...
Recording Use the Viewfinder The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the picture seen by the camcorder when recording. Adjust Viewfinder for Convenient Viewing For convenient viewing, rotate the viewfinder horizontally, pull it out from the camcorder, and adjust the eyepiece. Viewfinder in Carrying or Storing Position Cautions: Do not pull on the eyepiece.
Recording Use the Viewfinder (continued) Tilt Adjustment BRIGHT Control The brightness of the viewfinder can be adjusted by rotating the BRIGHT control. This does not affect the picture being recorded by the camcorder. Cautions: Do not pull on the eyepiece. Do not force the eyepiece to rotate completely around.
Recording Viewfinder Displays I.ZOOM AE:60 (Auto Exposure) Shutter Speed Press the DISPLAY button to display the shutter speed selected by the camcorder. Battery Level Indicator ( Press the DISPLAY button to display the amount of time left on the rechargeable battery.
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Recording Status Displays The following displays appear to tell you the status of the camcorder. • The A. DUB indicator appears during audio dubbing. • The A/V DUB indicator appears during audio/video dubbing. • The REC indicator appears during recording. •...
Recording Microphone Zoom Buttons (T and W) DISPLAY Button The DISPLAY button lets you remove the battery level, steady pix, tape speed, tape counter with memory stop, remaining tape display, index, fade, zoom and digital effects indicators from the viewfinder. •...
Recording Auto Focus The camcorder focuses on the subject in the center of the viewfinder. Auto focus operates on the telephoto (T) side from approximately 2-1/2 feet to infinity. It operates on the wide-angle (W) side from 3/8 inch from the lens surface (macro- focus) to infinity.
Recording Tape-Remaining Display The tape-remaining display shows the approximate amount of tape remaining for recording or playback. Tape-Remaining Display in Viewfinder • Press DISPLAY to display the tape- remaining indicator in the viewfinder. • The camcorder takes approximately ten seconds to calculate the tape remaining when you first start playing or recording a tape.
Recording Zooming Press one of the zoom buttons to zoom in and out for close ups or wide- angle shots. Instant zooming immediately magnifies the picture 1.5 times. Zoom Buttons (T and W) Use the Zoom Buttons (T and W) 1.
Recording Digital Effects The camcorder has a digital processor that allows you to record using five special digital effects: 16X9, a negative image, 130 times digital zoom, a symmetric mirror image, or a mosaic image. Each effect is described in detail on the next pages. Select a Digital Effect 1.
Recording Digital Effects (continued) 16X9 Mode The camcorder has a wide recording mode that lets you make recordings compatible with the 16X9 format. When 16X9 is activated, the camcorder records black bars at the top and bottom of the picture to produce the wide-screen effect. This is also known as “letterbox”...
Recording Digital Effects (continued) Negative Mode The camcorder has a negative mode that lets you turn the image negative. 1. Place the camcorder in record-pause. Make sure the displays appear in the viewfinder. If they do not, press DISPLAY. 2. Repeatedly press DIGITAL EFFECTS until NEGPOS appears.
Recording Digital Effects (continued) Mirror Mode The camcorder has a mirror mode that lets you display a symmetric image on the left and right, obtained by placing a mirror at the center of the screen. 1. Place the camcorder in record-pause. Make sure the displays appear in the viewfinder.
Recording Fade In and Out of Scenes You can add a professional touch to your recordings when you fade in and out of scenes. Both the picture and sound gradually appear or disappear. The speed of the fade is controlled by the camcorder. To Select a Type of Fade You can select white fade, black, yellow, blue, or green wipe fade, zoom fade, or...
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Recording Fade In and Out of Scenes White Fade Normal Picture (No Fade) Black-and-White Fade Zoom Fade Fade In 1. Press REC/PAUSE to pause recording. 2. Repeatedly press FADE to select the fade you want to use. Note: The last fade used appears the first time you press FADE.
Recording Tape Counter The tape counter acts as a handy reference to help you locate tape segments. The memory-stop feature helps locate a certain point on the tape. When the tape counter appears, the tape stops automatically during rewind or fast forward when the tape counter reaches 0000M.
Recording Editing Features The camcorder incorporates a complete package of advanced editing features to make it easy and fun to edit your home videos like a professional. The major features are described on the following pages. • Flying Erase Head •...
Recording Editing Features (continued) Audio Dub You can record new audio (sound) on a previously recorded tape without erasing the original video (picture). You can assemble video segments first and then add narration or music using the camcorder’s built-in microphone. To Audio Dub 1.
Recording Editing Features (continued) Audio and Video Dub You can record new audio (sound) and video (picture) on a previously recorded tape using the camcorder’s built-in microphone and camera. To Audio and Video Dub 1. Press and hold the small button on the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you slide it to VCR.
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Recording Editing Features (continued) Titler You can store a title in memory. The created title can be displayed and recorded at any time. The built-in character register contains more than 45 different characters. Your title can contain up to 32 characters on two lines. TITLER Button –...
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Recording Editing Features (continued) Titler (continued) To Create a Title 1. Attach a power source to the camcorder. Press and hold the small button on the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you slide it to CAMERA. 2. Press TITLER to display the titler graphics in the viewfinder.
Recording Editing Features (continued) Titler (continued) Record a Title on a Tape in the Camcorder 1. Attach a power source to the camcorder. Press and hold the small button on the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you slide it to CAMERA. 2. Locate the place on the tape where you want to record the title.
Recording Recording Tips • Try to make sure indoor scenes are well-lit. This improves picture quality and color reproduction. • 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 so that your scenes won’t appear “tilted.”...
Playback Viewfinder Playback and Playback Features The simplest way to watch tapes using the camcorder is in the viewfinder. You can use the playback features during viewfinder playback. Viewfinder BRIGHT Control REC/PAUSE Button TRACKING Buttons (Also W and T Buttons) Play Back a Tape in the Viewfinder 1.
Playback Play Back a Tape in the Viewfinder 4. Adjust the viewfinder. • 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 might cause damage to the eyepiece or camcorder.
Playback Playback on TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or VCR) with audio and video inputs, you need an optional audio/video cable, such as VH83 shown on page 55. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the camcorder is recording or playing on the TV.
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Playback Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes on the VCR 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV: Turn on the TV and tune it to the video input channel. B. Camcorder connected to VCR that is already connected to TV: Turn on VCR and place it in the “line”...
Playback Playback on a TV Without Audio/Video Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio/video inputs, you need an optional CRF95 RF output adapter and an optional coaxial RF cable, such as VH82 or VH90 shown on page 55. If your TV has audio and video inputs (or is connected to a VCR), refer to pages 48-49.
Playback Playback Operation 1. Set the CH3/CH4 switch on the RF output adapter to channel CH3 or CH4. 2. Turn on the TV, and tune it to the same channel you selected with the RF output adapter’s CH3/CH4 switch. 3. Press and hold the small button on the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you slide it to VCR.
Travel Tips • Write down your camcorder’s serial number and keep it separate from the camcorder when traveling. If your camcorder is lost or stolen, you will be able to identify it. • Use extra care when you use your camcorder or accessories at a beach or pool.
57. AC202 Soft Carrying Case This case provides protection and utility for full size camcorders and most accessories. It is constructed of rugged nylon fabric for years of reliable service. Three outside pockets provide ample...
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Optional Accessories EP096FS and EP096FL Rechargeable Batteries These rechargeable lead-acid batteries are designed specifically for long life. The EP096FS is a 1-hour battery. The EP096FL powers your camcorder twice as long as the EP096FS (depending on how much you turn the camcorder on and off and use zoom and pause).
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Optional Accessories CRF95 RF Output Adapter This RF output adapter is used with a coaxial RF cable, such as VH82 or VH90, to connect your camcorder to a standard TV (one without audio/video inputs) for playback. If your antenna cable is the flat twin-lead type attached by two screws, you need a 300-to-75 ohm transformer.
Optional Accessories Remove the Lens Hood The lens hood can be removed so you can attach optional accessories, such as wide-angle lens, lens extenders, or lens filter kits. To Attach an Accessory Lens 1. Attach the lens cap over the lens hood. 2.
Accessory Order Form Order Form for Camcorder Model CC4291 Description Deluxe Tripod Soft Camcorder Case Y-Adapter AC Adapter/Charger (100-240V) RF Output Adapter Car Cord Adapter Rechargeable Battery (Extended) Rechargeable Battery (Standard) 75-300 Cable Transformer Coaxial RF-Cable Audio/Video Cable Coaxial RF-Cable...
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Accessory Order Form Charge your order on your VISA,MasterCard, USE YOUR CREDIT CARD IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard Copy Number above your name on MasterCard IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your Discover Card Expiration date: Print or type your name and address clearly.
Accessory Order Form To order accessories, contact your local Dealer. If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow the directions below to order by telephone or direct-by-mail. United States and Canada Orders To place your order by phone, have your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card ready and call the toll-free number listed below between 8 AM and 10 PM (EST) Monday through Friday or between 9AM and 5PM (EST) Saturday.
If you’re having trouble with your camcorder, you probably can correct the problem yourself. Before you take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center or call a service person, use the chart below. Find the problem and try the adjustment(s) that is listed to the right.
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Trouble Checks Trouble Sound is too low or distorted Tape stops during rewind or fast forward or will not operate during rewind or fast forward Camcorder remains in play-pause mode Poor auto-focus operation Viewfinder displays are out of focus or too dark or bright Picture quality is poor during playback...
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Trouble Checks Trouble Date and/or time or title were recorded on tape Date and/or time are incorrect Camcorder does not turn on and/or function buttons will not operate Black bars on top and bottom of picture. Bright, crystal- shaped spots appear in viewfinder Colored bright...
Trouble Checks Trouble Rechargeable battery runs down sooner than expected Information to User This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Care and Maintenance Clean the Camcorder To clean the camcorder’s exterior, remove any power source connected to the camcorder and gently wipe it with a clean soft cloth. Clean 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.
• Do not expose the camcorder or adapter/charger to rain or moisture. If any component becomes wet, turn off the power and take the unit to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center. • Do not use an adapter/charger or batteries other than the ones specified for the camcorder.
Specifications General Power requirement: 9.6VDC Power consumption: Viewfinder on: 7.5 watts Weight: 4.4 lbs. (2kg) Dimensions – Including Viewfinder: 4-1/4" (W) x 8-3/8" (H) x 13-1/8" (D) 108 (W) x 213 (H) x 334 (D) mm Video Recorder Section Format: VHS Record/playback system: Two video record/playback heads One flying erase head...
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 Returning equipment to Thomson for repair or exchange If we are unable to resolve your problem over the phone, we will gladly service your unit or exchange it for a new or, at our option,...
Limited Warranty 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. The warranty period for rental units begins with the first rental or 45 days from date of shipment to the rental firm, whichever comes first.
• Check with your dealer or call 1-800-336- 1900 for the Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center nearest you. • Take your unit to the Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center of your choice. • Show the Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center representative evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale.