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Important Safety Information Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product. camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture. i WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"...
We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call: Camcorder Exchange Warranty... 800-283-6503 (pages 80-81) Customer Service ........800-336-1900 (page 79) Accessories ..........800-338-0376 (pages 66-71) Safety Information ......i • Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder ....
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• Focusing • Playback on TV (or VCR) • Auto Focus ........ 32 with Audio/Video In Jacks .. 62-63 • Focus Lock Feature ....32 • Playback on a TV Without Audio/Video Inputs ..... 64-65 • Manual Focus ......33 •...
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 ....
To AC 100-240, 50/60 Hz Adapter/ Charger POWER Indicator DC OUT Jack DC Cable Attach the adapter/charger. Insert a tape. • Slide EJECT. Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, • Turn the tape wheel on the attach the adapter/charger to the cassette to remove any slack from...
EJECT Button Tape Wheel LENS Cover Control PUSH Here to Close Tape Window Handstrap POWER Switch Handstrap Velcro Indicator Strip (Under Flap) Adjust the handstrap to fit • The power indicator will light and the camcorder will enter record your hand. pause.
T20,30,,40 Button SP-SLP Button Select a recording speed and tape length. Select SP or SLP recording speed. Set the length of the tape you are Press the SP-SLP button to select a using so the camcorder can correctly recording speed. The speed selected calculate the recording time (SP or SLP) appears in the remaining on the tape.
Electronic Viewfinder Eyepiece Focus Control AE Dial Set the AE dial to AUTO. Adjust the viewfinder eyepiece focus control. • This places the camcorder in the AUTO mode. • Pull out and rotate the viewfinder • In the AUTO mode, the focus, into a comfortable operating exposure, and white balance are position.
STOP Button PAUSE Button _REW Button Trigger Po_ver POWER Indicator (VCR/OFF/ CAMERA) Switch 10. Start and stop recording. 11. Play back what you have recorded. • Press and release the thumb trigger • Place the POWER switch in VCR. to start recording. _,_ appears in the viewfinder, and the tally light •...
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14. Review camcorder's operating controls. Power Zoom Lever Cassette Compartment Lens Tally Light Button AE Dial SELECT JLIP Connector Button (Located Under Small Cover) MENU Button Microphone (continued on next page)
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14. Review camcorder's operating controls. (continued) Eyepiece Focus Model CC643 Only: Control B (Bright) and C (White Balance) Controls (See Viewfinder trouble checks for details.) LENS COVER Control Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring Clock Cell Battery Compartment Attach Rechargeable Battery Here Attach Adapter/ Charger's DC cord Here...
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, 50160 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge the battery.
Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the first time. Initial charging will take approximately 70 minutes. When fully charged, the battery should supply about 70 minutes of operating time (depending on how much you use zoom and pause).
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Hold Battery Reference Flush and Marks Slide POWER To AC Wall Indicator Outlet 100- 240 Volts, 50/60 Hz. Indictor .._-;.:- ..ii-i ¸ Indicator REFRESH Button Adapter/Charger Indicator Caution: When a battery is attached tO the adapter/charger, do not turn them upside down.
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Battery Level Indicator When _ appears, the battery is fully charged. The battery level indicator appears in the viewfinder and shows you the amount of • As the power is used CZ_] power in the rechargeable battery. appear. ° When the battery power is almost gone, _"...
Optional Car Cord Adapter The optional DCC08 car cord shown on Cautions: The DCC08 is designed to page 66 allows you to power your be used only with vehicles having camcorder from the cigarette lighter negative ground electrical systems. socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts Use only car cord adapter DCC08 with 12-volts to a 6-volt output.
Make sure youselect good quality tapes t obeused withyourcamcorder. 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.
,Video Cassettes ..Inserting and Removing Cassettes Caution: EJECT Button Insert the cassette only one way with the tape wheel facing up and Tape Wheel the tape win- dow facing out. H -.r The cassette "Safety Tab should slide _- easily into the compartment.
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, you can slide the viewfinder out from the camcorder and rotate it up and down. Cautions Do not force the Eyepiece Focus Control...
Recording ..• _ "::: ..• ..Making a Recording The steps below tell you how to make a recording and suggest using some of the recording features. Each feature is described in detail on the following pages. Button EDIT SEARCH Buttons...
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6. Select a recording speed and tape 9. Start and stop recording. length. • Press and release the thumb trigger A.Press the SP-SLP button to select to start recording. appears SP or SLP recording speed. the viewfinder and the tally light B.
Viewfinder Displays I_M.W.BA I_1SEPIA FADE _PAUSE_ HAPPY BIRTHDAY AE Dial Special Effect Indicators • AUTO (Full Auto Mode) [] FRONT LIT AUTO LOCK appears briefly when This indicator appears when you you select AUTO. select [] to darken a subject that appears too bright because of front •...
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• _'D1SP.• (Display) Battery Level Indicator ( _1 • This indicator appears when you • This indicator shows the amount of can select a display to record on power left in the rechargeable battery. your tape. • This indicator flashes when the battery •...
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Viewfinder Displays (continued) 5min M 0:00:00 LENS COVER TAPE END ....:....!i ..Change Indicator ()') Exposure Indicators (+03) This indicator appears to let you know This indicator appears when you are that an item in the recording menu has adjusting brightness manually using the + and - buttons in the center of the AE dial.
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Time Remaining Display (5 min) Lithium Cell ( _ The approximate time remaining on the • This indicator appears for a few tape is automatically displayed. seconds when you turn on the correct tape length must be set with the camcorder and the clock cell is missing T°20.30°40...
Tally Light ..-'." • •....Microphone Flying Erase Head Tally Light A separate erase head is mounted on The tally light lights when the camcorder the spinning headwheel (hence the term is recording. "flying"). This allows you to make clean Quick Review Feature edits without the "glitches"...
SEARCH Buttons POWER Switch CAMERA Microphone • Press and hold EDIT SEARCH - to visually search the recorded tape in The microphone picks up the sound reverse. during a recording. It is more sensitive • Press and hold EDIT SEARCH + to to sounds coming from the direction the visually search forward on the recorded lens is pointed.
Full Auto Mode The AE dial lets you select automatic or manual control of several features. The center of the dial lets you focus manually and control the exposure. The center arrow buttons are also used with the menus. "AE Dial 1.
Exposure Control When the AE dial is in AUTO, the camcorder controls the iris for you. Under normal conditions, the camcorder will adjust brightness automati- cally. You may need to adjust brightness manually when the background is too bright or too dark in comparison with the subject. "AE Dial Manual Exposure...
Zooming You can zoom in and out for close ups or wide-angle shots just by sliding the zoom lever on the camcorder. The camcorder can automatically focus when you zoom at most distances. If you want to record a close-up of a small subject closer than three feet, you can turn on the Tele Macro feature in the recording...
FOCUS Dial FOCUS ",1 To Turn on Tele Macro Zooming Press 4 or • in the center of the AE 1. Make sure the AE dial is not set to dial to select • ON or OFF. AUTO. 2. Press the MENU button. The •...
Focusing Under normal conditions, the camcorder can adjust focus automatically. Under certain conditions, you may need to focus manually. FOCUS FOCUS Auto Focus Focus Lock Feature The focus lock feature is useful when During auto focus the camcorder will focus automatically on the object located objects pass between your subject and the in the center area of the viewfinder.
Manual Focus Under certain conditions, such as those flash. When the focus cannot be listed, you may need to focus manually. adjusted any farther, the _ indicator Set the AE dial to MAN. will flash. When the focus cannot be l°...
• Z:@I ¸ i Recordin White Balance Making colors look natural is what white balance is all about. This is achieved adjusting the way the camcorder "sees" and records the light source in the scene you wish to record. Your camcorder is equipped with automatic white balance.
The MWB indicator will flash Press SET until the white balance while the camcorder is adjusting indicator you want appears in the viewfinder. white balance and stop flashing when it is ready to record. mM.W.B._ Note: To change the tint for special recording, substitute colored paper for white.
Fading In and Out You can add a professional touch to your recordings when you fade in and out of scenes. The picture will gradually appear or disappear. The speed of the fade is automatically controlled by the camcorder. Dial Button 1.
16 X 9 Mode New 16x9 TV Screen The camcorder has a 16 X 9 recording mode that lets you make recordings compatible with the 16X9 format. When 16 X 9 is activated, the camcorder records black bars at the top and bottom of the picture to produce the wide-screen effect.
Date/Time Display -- Clock Lithium Cell The clock cell indicator ts_ will flash for a few seconds in the viewfinder when you turn on the camcorder if the cell has not been installed or needs to be replaced. Clock Cell (+ Side Facing Insert Object...
Date/Time Display m Setting the Time and Date The date and time must be set before it can be displayed and recorded your tapes. The clock cell must be installed as shown on the previous page before the date can be set and recorded. AE Dial Button I.
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Date/Time and Title Display -- Recording The clock cell must be installed and the date and time set (as shown on the previous pages) before the date and time can be selected and recorded. You must have created a title (as described on page 43) before your title can be selected and recorded.
Viewfinder Displays Press SET when t.DISP..,I is Displayed NOV 18.97 AUTO DATE AUTO DATE Display Date Display 18.97 AM10:25 No Display Date and Time Display all[' "_ CHAR Title Display To Record the Date, Date and Time, or Title on Your Tape Place the camcorder in record pause.
Titles m Recording The title feature lets you choose one of eight preset titles or create your own title -- up to 18 characters. The clock cell battery must be installed as shown on page 38 before you can create or store your own title. : Dial ;ELECT Button...
Repeat step 5 until you have entered Create Your Own Title your title. 1. Make sure the AE dial is not set to AUTO. Press the MENU button. M NOP recording menu will appear in the X Y Z viewfinder. "A'E "1 b "U I;I /:E O A &...
Gain Up This feature allows you to choose how you want to record subjects in dark environments. MENU Button 3. Press < or l,- in the center of the AE 1. Make sure the AE dial is not set to dial to select GAIN UP MAX, AUTO.
Recording ....AE Dial The AE dial lets you select one of several different effects. Turn the dial to select the effect you want. The indicator for the effecl will appear in the view- finder. Set the AE dial to MAN for normal recording. Mode Indicator Uses...
Self-Timer The self-timer lets you set the camcorder to delay recording so you can be in the scene when recording begins. Dial Tally Light Button To Set the Self-Timer 4. Press + or - to select INTERVAL 1. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA.
5. Press • or _,-in the center of the AE dial to select the amount of time you want the camcorder to delay before recording starts. • Select 15S to delay the recording for 15 seconds. • Select 30S to delay the recording for 30 seconds.
Animation Recording Animation recording produces an illusion of movement for an otherwise stationary scene or object by shooting a series of pictures of slightly different poses (such as cartooning). Tally Light MENU Button To Record Using Animation 1. Place the POWER switch in CAM- 5.
6. Press -4 or • in the center of the AE dial to select the amount of time you want the camcorder to record. • Select 1/4S to record for 1/4 second. • Select 1/2S to record for 1/2 second. •...
Time-Lapse Recording Time-lapse recording makes automatic recordings at preset time inlervals. The recording will show subtle changes (such as shifts in cloud formations or plant growth) when it remains focused on an object. • AE Dial Tally MENU Light Button To Record Using Time Lapse Press •...
7. Press + or - to select REC TIME. I I. Press the thumb trigger to start recording. Note: The camcorder will start and stop GAIN UP TELE MACRO recording the selected amount of time at INTERVAL TIMER the intervals selected. The tally light REC TIME JLIP ID NO.
Time-Remaining Display The approximate time remaining on the tape in the camcorder for the tape speed you have selected is automatically displayed in the viewfinder. Use the T20.30o40 button to set the correct tape length before the camcorder can correctly calculate time remaining. T20e30_it0 SP-SLP Button...
JLIP (Joint Level Interface Protocol) Identification Number The camcorder has a JLIP connector that may be used in the future to connect a device, such as a home computer. AE Dial JLIP MENU Connector Button To Select a JLIP ID NO. 1.
Recording and Traveling Tips Recording Tips • In case of fire or theft, make a video • Learn to use the special production recording of your home and contents to effects available with your camcorder store in a safe place. to add variety to your recordings.
Attaching 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 Attach the other end of the strap to the 1.
Using the Cassette Adapter The camcorder uses a smaller size cassette, but records in standard VHS format. The cassette adapter allows you to play your VHS-C cassettes in a VCR just like other standard VHS cassettes. Insert the VHS-C cassette into the cassette adapter. Insert the cassette adapter into the VHS VCR like a normal VHS cassette.
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Load Gently close the cassette compartment Caution: lid until it locks into place. Make sure extendin the cassette reel area under the adapter is free to turn while the cassette is Loading. Note: You should hear a whirring sound while the tape loads. The adapter's load detector will automatically retract into the adapter.
Playback _:._i Viewfinder Playback Viewfinder playback is the simplest way to watch tapes using the camcordcr. Button PLAY/ PAUSE Button Switch FF Button Button POWER Switch in VCR To Play Back a Tape 3. Press PLAY/PAUSE to begin playback. 1. Place POWER switch in VCR. The If necessary, adjust tracking.
Playback Features Visual Searching Stop-Action Pause • During playback, press PLAY/PAUSE • During playback, press and release FF to "stop the action" and view one frame or REW if you want to search the tape of the tape. visually in forward or reverse. •...
Playback Features (Continued) COUNTER R/M Button Button Switch Button Switch in Fime Counter Fhe time-counter display shows the actual time elapsed when playing back a _egment of tape. The memory-stop feature helps locate a certain point on the tape. When memory stop is on, the tape will stop automatically during rewind or fast forward when the time counter reaches M 0:00:00.
Playback Features (Continued) Tracking Buttons (Also + and - Buttons) Tracking During playback, streaks may appear in the playback picture. Press either tracking button to move the streaks up or down and out of the picture. • During stop-action playback, pressing Note: The tracking buttons may have no one tracking button may reduce picture effect on tapes recorded on other camcorders...
Playback on TV (or VCR) with AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or VCR) with AUDIO/VIDEO IN jacks, you will need an optional audio/video cable such as VH83 shown on page 68. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, you can attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch...
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Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes on the VCR 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to • During playback, use the playback TV: Turn on the TV and tune it to features on pages 59-61. the video input channel. To copy what the camcorder B.
Playback on a TV Without Audio/Video Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio/video inputs, you will need an optional ICVA 147C RF output adapter and an optional coaxial RF cable, such as VH82 or VH90 shown on page 68. If your TV has AUDIO and VIDEO IN jacks (or is connected to a VCR), refer to pages 62-63.
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Playback Operation 4. Place POWER switch in VCR. Power 1. Set the CH3/CH4 switch on the RF indicator will light. output adapter to channel 3 or 4. 5. Press PLAY/PA USE on the camcorder. 2. Turn on the TV, and tune it to the same channel you selected with the RF...
We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your compact VHS camcorder. The following pages have a selection of accessories to help make your memorable moments look and sound even better. These accessories are designed to make the process of recording...
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Using the Optional AC088 Tripod FB1260 and FB120 Rechargeable Batteries Mounling 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.
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1CVA147C RFOutput A dapter VH54 Cable Transformer This 7540-300 ohm transformer is used to connect a standard 75-ohm antenna cable This RF output adapter is used with a (such as VH82 or VH90) to the 300 ohm coaxial RF cable, such as VH82 or VH90, screw terminals on a TV.
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Order Form for Camcorder Model CC643/CC641 Total Part No. Price Qty. Description AC088 $ 39.95 Super Lightweight Tripod AC201A $ 39.95 Soft Camcorder Case ACS091 $ 12.95 Shoulder Strap AH25 1.95 Y-Adapter CPS91 $ 59.95 AC Battery Charger DCC08 $ 89.95 Car Cord Adapter FB 120 $ 79.95...
Accessory Order Form Charge your order on your VISA,MasterCard, or Discover Card'by filling in below YOUR CREDIT CARD IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card t,,g till tl-7T-II-I-I-I_T-1 Expi,_t,ondateUl--II-Tt • i :-¸: _ _::: ::-i IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard I-WI-T-11 I I I I[--VT-_I I I I 1 Copy Number above your name on MasterCard [...
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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 ._ _.
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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.
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ouble Checks and Adjustments Tape stops during Time-counter memory may be on. Whenever an "M" rewind or fast forward appears with the time-counter display, the camcorder will stop rewinding (or fast forwarding) when counter reads M 0:00:00. Press REW or FF again to continue rewinding or fast forwarding, or press COUNTER R/M to turn off the memory-stop feature.
Trouble Checks and Adjustments Picture is too dark • For best results, only use higher shutter speeds or subject too dark outdoors. Rotate AE dial to sports (._) or 1/1000. See page 45. • Subject in front of a strong backlight. Rotate AE dial to select back-lit...
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_ ill'fill iii! _ • •! _ ll _ : 'd_i ii:i __ _ l!'il I?j_ seconds and then connect power source (EO1, E02, etc.) again. If error number does not disappear appears viewfinder from viewfinder, consult your Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter..". £::. :':.i.': -'-::::::i:-::!-':] : .'. "...
Careahd M ten ce Cleaning the Camcorder To clean the camcorder's exterior, remove Caution: Use of strong cleaning any power source connected to the products, such as those containing camcorder and gently wipe it with a clean alcohol or benzine, may damage soft cloth.
This equipment has been tested and found is encouraged to try to correct the to comply with the limits for a Class B interference by one or more of the digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the following measures: FCC Rules.
Thomson provides a toll-free telephone You can reach Thomson at the number to help you with any problems you following number: may encounter with your camcorder. Many 800-283-6503 can be diagnosed over the phone, and if necessary, a replacement unit can be shipped (Toll free inside U.S.A.) to you.
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of purchase to the exchange location What your warranty covers: you will be provided the new or • Any defect in materials or workmanship. refurbished unit. For how long after your purchase: 4. If the repairs were covered by your warranty, you will not be billed.
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• 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 your sales receipt or other, evidence of purchase.
General Camera Section Power requirement: 6VDC Image Sensor: 1/4" CCD Imager Lens: F1.6, f=3.8 to 68.4mm Power consumption: 18:1 power zoom lens CC641:5.3 watts Filter Diameter: 46 mm CC643:5.5 watts Weight: Approximately 1.8 lbs. Tripod Mount CC641:820 grams One 1/4" x 20 threaded hole CC643:805 grams AC Adapter/Charger...
+ and-buttons 29, 31, 39, 43, Cassette care and storage 46, 48, 50 Cassette compartment 9, 18 Cassettes 16 X 9 mode 23, 37 Accessories inserting and removing included 3 Cassettes, video optional 66 Cleaning the camcorder order form 69 Cleaning the camcorder's lens 76...
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menu 31, 39, 43, 46, 50, 53 Tape length display 21 self-timer 46 Tape length, set 52 Tape positioning speed 2 I Tape speed indicators 23 time-lapse 50 Tele macro zooming 31 title display 40 Things to avoid 77 Recording speeds 6, 17 Thumb trigger 10, 21, 27, 47, 49, 51 Recording tips 54 Time counter 60...
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Need Assistance? We want to help! U.S. Consumers: 800-283-6503 Camcorder Exchange Warranty 800-336-1900 Customer Service Accessories 800-338-0376 ..• i_:: " • : • .,: : -!. ÷, Canadian Consumers: 800-522-0338 English 800-522-0445 French If your camcorder needs service, please contact your dealer or the nearest Servicenter from the yellow pages.