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camcorder
user's
guide
ProV730/ProV742

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Summary of Contents for RCA PROV742

  • Page 1 camcorder user's guide ProV730/ProV742...
  • Page 2 Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product. WARNING: Xo reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture. This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    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 59-65) Safety Information ........ Powering Your Camcorder •...
  • Page 4 • Time Remaining Display ....24 Attaching the Shoulder Strap ... 49 • Program AE (Auto Exposure) ... 24 Recording and Traveling Tips ..50 • Date Search ........• Date and Time Display Playback • Set the Date and Time ....26 •...
  • Page 5: Assistance

    This section describes only the basic steps necessary to set up your camcorder 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...
  • Page 6: Attach The Adapter/Charger

    2. Attach the adapter/charger. DC IN 6V Jack To AC 100-240V, on back of Camcorder 50160 Hz. Adapter/Charger's DC Cable Adapter/Charger DC OUT Jack • Attach the other end of the cable to Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, the DC IN 6V jack on the camcorder.
  • Page 7: Open The Lens Door

    Mark" • " Lens Door • OPEN Handstrap Lens Door Opener Small button Handstrap Cover Adjustment Strap 4. Open the lens Door. A. Slide the opener to open and close D. Align with CLOSE to close the lens door Note: You do not need to hold the small B.
  • Page 8: Turn On The Camcorder

    CAM/OFF/VCR Switch Thumb Trigger 6. Turn on the camcorder. The CAM/OFF/VCR switch tells the • Press and hold the small button on camcorder whether you want to CAM/OFF/VCR while sliding it to CAM or VCR. record (CAM), play back tapes (VCR), or turn off the camcorder's power Important...
  • Page 9: Adjust Eyepiece Focus Control

    Eyepiece Focus Control Electronic Viewfinder in Operating Position Tally Light Thumb Trigger Cassette Compartment LCD Monitor OPEN Button Bright Control 7. Adjust eyepiece focus control Or, adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor. for your vision. A. Pull out the eye cup all the way. A.
  • Page 10: Play Back What You Have Recorded

    9. Play back what you have recorded. Press thumb trigger to stop recording. Place CAM/OFF/VCR in VCR. Press REW/REVIEW to rewind the tape. Press PLAY to play back the tape in the viewfinder. Press STOP when you are finished. Details on viewfinder or LCD playback are on page 51.
  • Page 11: Remote Control

    10. Review camcorder's operating controls. EJECT switch POWER ZOOM control BATTERY EJECT lever T = telephoto W = wide angle Handstrap CAM/OFF/VCR switch Thumb Trigger PLAY button F.FWD button (also TITLER button) REW/REVIEW button button STOP (also TITLER button) (also TITLER button) "_ Audio/Video...
  • Page 12 10. Review camcorder's operating controls. OPEN button Bright control "/ Volume control LCD monitor PUSH LOCK button Cassette Compartment Clock Cell HoMer Tt_ _odMounting (threaded socket)
  • Page 13: Install Remote Battery

    Install Remote Batteries ack of Remote Battery Holder 1. Slide the cover in the direction of the leakage. If leakage occurs, wipe up the liquid arrow to remove inside the compartment and replace the batteries. 2. Insert batteries with correct polarity 3.
  • Page 14: Location And Function Of

    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. PLA Y Button F.FWD...
  • Page 15 • Press andhold REW when the STOP Button camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch • Press STOP when the camcorder's is in CAM to visually search the CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in VCR to recorded material in reverse. When stop playback, rewinding, or fast you release REW, the camcorder forwarding.
  • Page 16: Using The Adapter/Charger

    Using 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 100-240 volts, 50/60 DC IN 6V Jack To AC 100-240V, on back of Camcorder 50160 Hz.
  • Page 17: Using The Rechargeable

    Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Your Camcorder To AC Wall Outlet Notes: You can use the battery before it is 100-240V, 50/60 Hz completely charged. Remove the DC cord from the AC adapter/charger before attempting to charge the battery. If you re-attach the fully charged battery to the AC adapter/charger...
  • Page 18: Insert The Battery

    Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Your Camcorder Align Arrows Fully move in the direction of the arrow to install. Insert Battery 1. Make sure the CAM/OFF/VCR switch Notes: Always remove the battery from the camcorder after use. is in OFF. We cannot guarantee against malfunctions 2.
  • Page 19: Proper Care And Storage

    Proper Care and Storage of Your Battery Do not operate the battery at temperatures Avoid storing a fully charged battery, and below 14°F (-10°C) or above 113°F do not store it in a place where the (45°C). The battery may be damaged if temperature is high: this will damage the operated at temperatures...
  • Page 20 Checking Battery Power (Battery Level Indicator) The battery level indicator (one of six symbols displayed when the battery is used) shows how much recording time is left on the rechargeable battery. This indicator will not be recorded on the tape. FULL -Illlil NORMAL...
  • Page 21: Using The Optional

    Using the Optional Thomson Car Cord Adapters The optional DCC06 car cord adapter allows you to power your camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV. They convert 24- and 12-volts to a 6-volt output. Notes: Consult instructions enclosed with the DCC06 for details.
  • Page 22: Recording And Playback

    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. Playing a new tape for approximately 30 minutes will often satisfactorily clean the heads and improve...
  • Page 23: Inserting And Removing

    Inserting and Removing Cassettes Cassette Door EJECT switch OPEN button Safety Tab Tape Window PUSHLOCK LCD Monitor 3. Fully insert cassette with tape window 1. Press OPEN to open the LCD monitor. and safety tab facing out. 4. Gently close compartment door by Note: You must open the LCD monitor all the way in order to open the cassette...
  • Page 24: Microphone

    Tally Microphone Microphone. Tally Light The microphone picks up the sound The tally light on the front of the during a recording. It is more sensitive to camcorder lights when the camcorder sounds coming from the direction the recording. lens is pointed. Quick Review Flying Erase Head Press and release REW/REVIEW...
  • Page 25: Edit Search

    CAM/OFF/VCR switch F.FWD REW Button- Button STOP "PLA Y Button Button F.FWD button PLAY butto_ (also TITLER button) REW/RE VIE W button STOP button (also TITLER button) (also TITLER button) Edit Search Tape Positioning Edit search uses REW/REVIEW (REW When the CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in and F.FWD on remote), and PLAY to VCR and the camcorder...
  • Page 26: Program Ae (Auto Exposure)

    Time-Remaining Display The time-remaining display shows the amount of recording or playback time left on the tape in the camcorder. • TAPE END flashes when there is The display will display ..approximately three minutes of approximately ten seconds when you first start playing or recording a tape while the recording...
  • Page 27: Date Search

    Date Search You can search for the beginning and end of recordings you make on a certain day. CAM/OFF/VCR switch DA TE/DISP. button - F.FWD REW Button-- Button STOP Button \PLA Y Button DISPLAY Button F.FWD button PLAY button (also TITLER button) STOP button REW/REVIEW...
  • Page 28 Set the Date and Time The clock cell must be installed as shown on page 28 before you set the clock. CAM/OFF/VCR switch DATE/DISP button "J_ F FWD button Play button (also TITLER button) "_ REW/REVIEW button STOP button (also TITLER button) (also TITLER button)
  • Page 29 Recording Date and Time, Date, or Date and Title on Your Tape The time and date, date only, or date and title can be recorded on your tape. Whenever one of the displays appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor, it will be recorded. camcorder also has auto date and auto title features.
  • Page 30: Install The Clock Lithium Cell

    Install the Clock Lithium Cell 1. Make sure camcorder is turned off, and 4. Place the cell holder into the camcorder. remove any power supply attached to the camcorder. 2. Pull out the cell holder. CLOCK BA'TTER Y compartment 3. Insert the clock cell into the cell holder with the "+"...
  • Page 31: Moving The Lcd Monitor

    The liquid crystaldisplay(LCD) panelis madeby highly precisetechnology.More than99.99%of its pictureelements (pixels)areeffective,but some(lessthan0.01%) may appearascoloredbright dots. This doesnot indicatea fault asthe LCD panel stretches the limits of currenttechnology. Adjusting the Brightness Moving the LCD Monitor The LCD screen can be moved from a 90 ° The LCD brightness can be adjusted during both recording...
  • Page 32: Tilt Adjustment

    Theviewfinder d isplays t hepicture thatthelenssees ( the picture in theviewfinder i sblackand white). T o use theelectronic v iewfinder, grasp theknobs onbothsides o f theeyecupstem and pulltheeyecup all the way out. Tum the diopter control for optimum focus adjustment. Eyepiece _,_____.-_ CAM/OFF/VCR...
  • Page 33 Manual Focus AE Shutter Speed\ Time Counter with Memory 0:00:35M Fade AE : 10 0 0 Time Electronic Remaining 16X9 Image Stabilizer Battery Level Digital Effects Indicator ZOOM TAPE_ TAPE, NO TAPE, ZOOM, "-1 or TAPE END I.ZOOM, Zoom Level 10 : 30AM _@Time Date Status...
  • Page 34: Or Lcd Monitor

    ZOOM, I.ZOOM, and Zoom Level Battery Level Indicator Indicator • This indicator shows the amount of time left for the rechargeable The zoom level indicator appears battery during zooming. • Details are on page 18. ZOOM appears when you press and zoom in the telephoto direction TAPE, NO TAPE, and TAPE END...
  • Page 35 FOCUS • (Far) and • (Near) Buttons Auto Focus The camcorder will focus automatically Auto focus will operate on the telephoto whenever FOCUS does not appear in the "T" side from approximately 3.3 feet to viewfinder or LCD monitor. infinity. •...
  • Page 36: Manual Focus

    Conditions that May Require Manual Focus :: :_ _ _:.:_:_ : _ :_:_ The following conditions may require the use of manual focusing during recording. • A subject not in the center of the • When a subject has a close foreground viewfinder or LCD monitor.
  • Page 37 The motorized zoom lens allows you to zoom in (enlarge the image from 1-16 times) for close-ups or zoom out for wide-angle shots. Digital zoom lets you zoom in on a subject with magnification up to 32 times. Instant zoom lets you magnify the picture 1.5 times...
  • Page 38 The digital processor i n this camcorder allows you to recordpicturesandaddspecial effects,suchas,16X9,a negativeimage,130timesdigital zoomfeature,a symmetric image(appears like a mirror placedat thecenterof the screen), a nda mosaicimage. D. EFFECTS button Repeatedly press D. EFFECTS ZM:2 NEGPOS 16X9 (ProV 742 only) 16X9 Mode Digital Zoom Mode Negative/Positive Mode...
  • Page 39 16X9 Mode The new 16 X 9 TV format provides a 30% wider picture than conventional TVs of the same height. The 16 X 9 recording mode lets you make recordings compatible with this new format. When the 16 X 9 mode is activated, the camcorder records black bars at the top and bottom of the picture to produce the wide-screen effect.
  • Page 40: Negative/Positive Recording

    Negative/Positive Recording Negative Mode Normal Mode Place the camcorder in record pause. 3. Press thumb trigger to start recording. Repeatedly press D. EFFECTS until 4. Press D. EFFECTS when in recording NEGPOS appears in the viewfinder pause until normal mode is restored.
  • Page 41: Half-Mirror Recording

    Half-Mirror Recording Mirror Mode Normal Mode The digital effects feature lets you 3. Press the thumb trigger to start display a symmetric image on the left and recording. right, which makes the picture appear as 4. Press D. EFFECTS in recording pause if a mirror has been placed at the center until normal...
  • Page 42 You canadda professional t ouchto yourrecordingswhenyou fadein andout of scenes.Both the pictureandsoundwill graduallyappearor disappear. FADE button Thumb Trigger Repeatedly press FADE White Fade Wipe Fade No Fade Black-and-White Fade Zoom Fade...
  • Page 43: Stop

    Fade In Select the Type of Fade 1. Place the camcorder in record pause. You can select white, wipe, zoom, or black-and-white fade. 2. Repeatedly press FADE to select fade • Select white fade to fade in and out mode. from a white screen.
  • Page 44 The electronic image stabilizer (EIS) corrects slight shaking of images during some recording modes. • While zooming in on a distant object. • When recording an approaching small object. • When recording while walking or riding in a vehicle. • When recording through a vehicle's window.
  • Page 45 The time counter shows actual time elapsed when recording or playing back a tape. It quickly locates the end of recorded segments. DA TE/DISP button F.FWD button (also TITLER button) STOP button REW/REVIEW button (also TITLER button) (also TITLER button) To Use Time Counter 1.
  • Page 46 REW button --F.FWD button -- PAUSE/RECORD button RECORD DiSPlAY TITLE DISPLAY button RESET button 5. Press REW/REVIEW. The tape will Notes: If you rewind the tape farther back than a counter reading of "0:00:00", rewind to the time counter reading of "O:O0:OOM".
  • Page 47 Press DISPLAY on the remote control to see the display in the LCD monitor or the viewfinder. Each time you press DISPLAY the display switches from the viewfinder the monitor or from the monitor to the viewfinder. Display in the Viewfinder or LCD monitor in VCR Mode "_I'-'_I...
  • Page 48 The titler can store a title page in memory that can be displayed and recorded at any time. The built-in character register contains 47 characters for creating titles on two lines with up to 16 characters per line. CAM/OFF/VCR switch .FWD REW Button-- Button...
  • Page 49: Recording Titles

    Chart of Characters in Titler's Register A0CDEFG"I X ? ' . / , - ; : < > ! (Blank Space) Press TITLE ON/OFF on remote to 1. Attach a power source and slide CAM/OFF/VCR to CAM. remove the titler graphics from the viewfinder or LCD monitor.
  • Page 50: Audio/Video Dubbing

    A/V (audio/video)DUB on the remotelets you recordnewaudioandvideofrom the camcorder's built-in microphoneandcamera onto a previouslyrecordedtapein the camcorder. CAM/OFF/VCR switch REW Button F.FWD / Button A V/DUB Button "-'-'-" "_PLA Y Button STOP Button/ \ PA USE/ TITLE Button / RECORD Button Thumb trigger F.FWD button...
  • Page 51 The shoulderstrappackedwith your camcorder i s designed to let you carry the camcorder from your shoulder and - when you are ready to shoot - bring camcorder to shooting position in one quick movement. To Attach the Shoulder Strap 1. Thread each end of the strap through one of the attachment rings as shown below.
  • Page 52 • Do not bump or tap the microphone while • Practice recording under a variety of recording - this sound will be recorded. lighting conditions. aware of backgrounds. Background details • Use the viewfinder to keep camcorder level may show up as visual "clutter". Noises or scenes will appear "tilted".
  • Page 53 Playback and Playback Features You can view recorded pictures on the three-inch LCD monitor immediately after recording. To Play Back a Tape on the LCD Monitor::_:::_:_:::_: _:_.:_:_.: ,_'_::_:::_: ::: _ : _ :_::_:_:_ ::::::- : .: : • _:::. Press and hold the small button on the CAM/OFF/VCR switch while sliding Volume...
  • Page 54: Viewfinder Playback

    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. CAM/OFF/VCR switch in VCR _- Thumb Trigger F.FWO button PLAY butto_ (also TITLER button) REW/REVIEW button STOP button (also TITLER button)
  • Page 55: Visual Searching

    F.FWD REW Button_ Button PLAY STOP Button i Button \ PA USE/ RECORD Button Stop-Action Pause • Press the thumb trigger (PAUSE/ RECORD on remote) again to return to • During playback, press the thumb normal playback. trigger (PA USE/RECORD on remote) to "stop the action"...
  • Page 56 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 57 Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes on the VCR 1. A. Camcorder connected directly 3. Press PLAY to begin playback. TV monitor: Turn on the TV and During playback, use the features tune it to the video input channel. page B.
  • Page 58 To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio and video inputs, you need an optional RF output adapter, such as CRF81A shown on page Back of TV Audio/Video Outp ut/ Connector (Located Behind Small Cover) ® VHF Antenna ® CH3/CH4 @OR( •...
  • Page 59 Playback Operation 1. Set the CH3/CH4 switch on the RF 4. Press PLAY to begin playback. output adapter to CH3 or CH4. During playback, use the features 2. Turn on the TV, and tune it to page channel 3 or 4 - the same channel 5.
  • Page 60 Keep dust and grit from entering • Before handling your camcorder, make cassette door. They are abrasive sure your hands and lace are free from cause excessive wear both to the any chemical products such as suntan camcorder's recording/playback heads lotion, as it may damage the finish.
  • Page 61 We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding the fun of using your 8ram camcorder. These pages have a selection of accessories help make your memorable moments look and sound even better. These accessories are designed to make the process of recording and watching your...
  • Page 62 DCC06 Car Cord Adapter Rechargeable Battery BB65L This car cord adapter enables you to The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery is operate your camcorder from your car, specifically designed for long life. The truck, or RV by plugging it into the battery can power your camcorder up to vehicle's cigarette lighter socket.
  • Page 63 CRF81A RF Output Adapter 193983 Cable Transformer This adapter is used to connect your The 193983 is used to connect a standard camcorder to a standard TV (one without 300-ohm antenna twin-lead to a standard audio/video input jacks) for playback. round 75-ohm connector...
  • Page 64 AC088 Super Lightweight Tripod Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such as AC088, will keep the camcorder steady and produce excellent video results. This tripod's fluid-effect head provides smooth camera pan and tilt. The quick-release mount makes it easy to attach or remove the camcorder.
  • Page 65 Order Form for Camcorder Model ProV 730 and th'oV 742 Part No. Price Total Qty. Description AC088 J$ 39.95 Super Lightweight Tripod Soft Camcorder Case AC2OIA $ 39.95 AH25 2.95 Y-Adapter BB65L $ 99.95 Recharg.eable Battery CRF81A $ 89.95 RF Output Adapter DCC06 $ 89.95 Car Cord Adapter...
  • Page 66 Charge your order on your VISA, MasterCard. or Discover Card by filling in below USE YOUR CREDIT CARD IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card V-V- V-V-r-q My card expires: _ AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE Prices are subject to change without notice. Print or type your name and A complete and correct address clearly.
  • Page 67 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...
  • Page 68 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 Compact Camcorder Servicenter, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing.
  • Page 69 Poor auto-focus • Make sure FOCUS does not appear in viewfinder. Press FOCUS • and • buttons together to turn on auto focus. operation See pages 33-34. Poor auto-focus • Scene is dark. Auto-focus may not work under this operation (continued) condition.
  • Page 70 This equipment has been tested and found to • Increase the separation between the comply with the limits for a Class B digital equipment and receiver. device, and RF lighting device, pursuant to • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a Part 15 and 18 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 71 You can reach Thomson at the Thomson provides a toll-flee telephone following number: number to help you with any problems you may encounter with your camcorder. 800-283-6503 Many can be diagnosed over the phone, (Toll free inside U.S.A.) and if necessary, a replacement unit can Our toll-free Camcorder...
  • Page 72 What your warranty covers: 3. Take your unit, including all accessories. • Any defect in materials or workmanship. and your evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale, to the exchange location For how long after your purchase: and you will be provided the new or •...
  • Page 73 USA. Contact your dealer for warranty information. To have your Camcorder repaired by an Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center:. • Check with your dealer or call 1-800-336- 1900 for the Authorized RCA Camcorder Service Center nearest you.
  • Page 74 General eight minutes with P6-120 cassette. Powerrequirement:7.2VDC Powerconsumption:5.4 W (when AC Adapter/Charger recording/LCDmonitoron) Power requirement: 100-240 Volts, Weight: 2.03lbs. (without battery 50-60 Hz. pack, andcassette) Power consumption: 20 W (Max) Dimensions: 4 -1/8" (W) x 4-1/2" (H) Weight: 12 Ounces (330 grams) x 9-7/16"(D) (104x 115x 239mm) Dimensions: 2-13/16"...
  • Page 75 16X9 Indicator ....36,37 Camcorder, Unpacking ..... 16X9 Recording ....Car Cord Adapter, Optional ..19,60 Care and Maintenance ..... Care and Storage, Battery ..- A/V (Audio/Video) Care and Storage, Cassettes ..Button ....12,13,48 Cassette Compartment ... 7,21 A/V DUB Indicator ..
  • Page 76: A Udio/Video In Jacks

    EraseProtection ....Manual Focus ....EyepieceFocusControl ..7,9,30 Memory-Stop Feature ..43,44 Microphone ....9,22 Mosaic Recording ....F.F and F.FWD (Fast Forward) Buttons ..9,12,13,23,25,26,43,44,46,52,53 FADE Button ..... 8,31,40,41 Negative/Positive Recording ..38 Fade Indicators ....31,40 NO TAPE Display .....
  • Page 77: Trouble Checks

    Recording Speed ....Time Display ....24,31,32 Recording Tips ....Time Remaining Display ..24,31,32 Recording Titles ....Tips, Recording ....Registration Card ...Inside Front Cover Tips, Traveling ....TITLE Indicator ....Remote Buttons ....12,13 Remote Control ....11-13 TITLE ON/OFF Button ..
  • Page 80 'IHOMSON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS 10330 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290 ©1997 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Trademark(s) ® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Printed in Japan 15243000 QR17266...

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