RCA PRO846 User Manual
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RCA PRO846 User Manual

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Pro846
USER'S
GUIDE
8
®
C A M C O
R D E R

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Summary of Contents for RCA PRO846

  • Page 1 Pro846 USER‘S GUIDE ® C A M C O R D E R...

  • Page 2: Important Safety Information

    Keep your sales receipt for proof of purchase to obtain warranty parts and service and attach it here. Record the serial and model numbers located on the bottom of the camcorder. Model _______________________________________________________ Pro846 Serial No:_____________________________________________________ Purchase Date: ________________________________________________ Purchased From: ______________________________________________...

  • Page 3: 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 66-67) Customer Service........800-336-1900 (Page 65) Accessories......... 800-338-0376 (Pages 55-61) Table of Contents Safety Information........i • Install Remote Battery ......9 •...
  • Page 4 Table of Contents Video Cassettes • Synchro Edit ........40-41 • Erase Protection ........20 • Recording from VCR or • Recording and Playback Speed and TV Monitor.......42-43 Times..........20 Optional Color Enhancement • Inserting and Removing Light.........44-45 Cassettes.........21 • Cassette Care and Storage....21 Attaching the Shoulder Strap ...46 Recording Features Removing the Lens Hood ....46...

  • Page 5: Assistance

    DISPLAY RECORD RESET ZOOM Rechargeable 6-Volt Battery TITLE S.EDIT Stock No. BV060 Remote Control Camcorder: Model Pro846 Stock No. 221363 Caution: Do not use this adapter/charger Shoulder Strap Lens Cap Cord for any other Stock No. 215770 Stock No. 221393...

  • Page 6: Attach The Adapter/Charger

    First-Time Operation 2. Attach the adapter/charger. Adapter/Charger’s DC Cable Adapter/ Charger DC OUTPUT DC IN 6V Jack on Side Jack of Camcorder POWER Indicator To AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz. Since the battery must be charged • Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into before it can be used the first time, an operating outlet.

  • Page 7: Attach The Lens Cap Cord

    First-Time Operation CAM/OFF/VCR Switch Lens Cap (Attach Lens Cap Here) Handstrap Cover Thumb Trigger Adjustment Strap 4. Attach the lens cap cord and E. Put your hand in the handstrap. adjust the handstrap. F. Pull the adjustment strap to tighten and close the strap.

  • Page 8: Adjust Eyepiece Focus Control

    First-Time Operation Eyepiece Focus Control Electronic Viewfinder in Operating Position Tally Light Thumb Trigger 6. Adjust eyepiece focus control 7. Start and stop recording. for your vision. Start and stop recording by pressing and releasing the thumb trigger. You A. Rotate viewfinder into a do not have to hold the thumb trigger comfortable viewing position.

  • Page 9: Recorded

    First-Time Operation Play back what you have recorded. A. Press thumb trigger to stop recording. B. Place CAM/OFF/VCR in VCR. C. Press REW to rewind the tape. D. Press PLAY to play back the tape in the viewfinder. E. Press STOP when you are finished. F.

  • Page 10: Operating Controls

    First-Time Operation Review camcorder’s operating controls. (continued) Power Zoom Buttons T = Telephoto W = Wide Angle INST. Accessory ZOOM Lens CAM/OFF/VCR Shoe Button Switch Tally Light (On Front) Remote Control Sensor (On Front) Install Charged Thumb Battery or Six Trigger Alkaline “AA”...

  • Page 11: Install Remote Battery

    Remote Control Install Remote Battery Battery Holder Back of Remote Pin Hole 1. Turn remote over, insert a pin or Cautions: Lithium cell battery. Must be disposed of properly. Never handle a straightened paper clip in the pin hole, punctured or leaking cell. May cause burns and remove the battery holder.

  • Page 12: Location And Function Of Remote Buttons

    You can use whichever is more convenient at the time. Note: An RCA VCR that is set to respond to VCR 2 on the VCR’s remote may respond to this remote when it is used to operate the camcorder.

  • Page 13: Remote Control

    Remote Control is in CAM to visually search the 2 STOP Button recorded material forward. When you • Press STOP when the camcorder’s release the F.FWD button, the CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in VCR to camcorder will stop searching, and stop playback, rewinding, or fast prepare to record at that point on the forwarding.

  • Page 14: Using The Adapter/Charger

    Powering Your Camcorder 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 Hz. Adapter/Charger’s DC Cable Adapter/ Charger DC OUTPUT DC IN 6V Jack on Side Jack...

  • Page 15: Charging And Refreshing

    Powering Your Camcorder Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Your Camcorder The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time. Initial charging will take approximately one hour. When fully charged, the battery should supply about 45-55 minutes of operating time (depending on how much you use zoom and pause). Note: Use the small marker switch on the top of the battery as a reminder to help you remember to recharge the battery.

  • Page 16: Inserting And Removing

    Powering Your Camcorder Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Your Camcorder Insert the Battery 5. Close the battery compartment cover. 1. Make sure the CAM/OFF/VCR switch Hold the OPEN lever and align the is in OFF. tabs on the cover with the tabs on the 2.

  • Page 17: Care And Storage

    Powering Your Camcorder Proper Care and Storage of Your Battery The battery will provide better service After repeated chargings and use, the and longer performance if you refresh it operation time will gradually decrease. before charging and store it at normal When operation time becomes too short room temperature.

  • Page 18: Inserting

    Powering Your Camcorder Using Alkaline “AA” Batteries to Power Your Camcorder The camcorder can be powered by six alkaline dry-cell “AA” batteries. The operation time of the camcorder depends on the type of alkaline batteries used. Insert the Batteries 5. Close the battery compartment cover. 1.

  • Page 19: Safety Precautions

    Powering Your Camcorder Safety Precautions When Using Alkaline Batteries Do not short, disassemble, heat, or throw the batteries into the fire. Batteries become warm during and after use. Use caution when removing them. Use “AA” alkaline batteries only during their recommended lifetime. Remove at least one battery if you will not be using the camcorder for a long period of time to extend the batteries useful life.

  • Page 20: Play Back What You Have Adapter

    Powering Your Camcorder Using the Optional Thomson Car Cord Adapters The optional DCC06 car cord adapter and DCC80 car cord adapter/charger allow 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. The DCC80 can also charge the battery that came with your camcorder and the BB150 battery.

  • Page 21: Review The Camcorder's Adapter/Charger

    Powering Your Camcorder Use DCC80 Car Cord Adapter/Charger to Power Camcorder Car Cord Adapter Cigarette Lighter Socket OUTPUT Jack DC IN 6V Jack Adapter/Charger’s DC Cable 1. Make sure the camcorder’s into vehicle cigarette lighter’s socket. CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in OFF. 5.

  • Page 22: Video Cassettes

    Video Cassettes We recommend RCA cassettes be used with your camcorder. Use of poor quality or damaged tapes can contaminate the video heads, resulting in snow or no picture during playback. Head cleaning is not covered under warranty. It is considered normal maintenance.

  • Page 23: Inserting And Removing Cassettes

    Video Cassettes Inserting and Removing Cassettes EJECT Switch Safety Tab Cassette Door Tape Window PUSH Caution: Insert the cassette with the safety tab and tape window facing out. The cassette should slide easily in the compartment. Do not force it. 1.

  • Page 24: Recording Features

    Recording Features Tally Light 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 is sounds coming from the direction the recording.

  • Page 25: Edit Search

    Recording Features CAM/OFF/VCR Switch F.FWD REW Button F.FWD Button STOP PLAY STOP Button PLAY A/V DUB PAUSE Button PLAY DISPLAY RECORD Button RESET ZOOM EDIT SEARCH and REW TITLE S.EDIT Button STOP EDIT SEARCH Button and F.F Button Edit Search Tape Positioning Edit search uses EDIT SEARCH When the CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in...

  • Page 26: Time Remaining Display

    Recording Features Time-Remaining Display The time-remaining display shows the amount of recording or playback time left on the tape in the camcorder. The display will display “– – – – – –” for • TAPE END flashes when there is approximately ten seconds when you first approximately three minutes of start playing or recording a tape while the...

  • Page 27: Date Search

    Recording Features Date Search You can search for the beginning and end of recordings you make on a certain day. CAM/OFF/VCR Switch F.FWD REW Button F.FWD Button STOP PLAY STOP Button PLAY A/V DUB PAUSE Button DISPLAY RECORD DISPLAY DISPLAY Button ZOOM RESET...

  • Page 28: Date And Time Display

    Date and Time Display 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 PLAY Button REW Button STOP Button DATE/TITLE Button F.F Button 1. Attach a power supply to the 4.

  • Page 29: Record The Date And Time

    Date and Time Display 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, it will be recorded. The camcorder also has auto date and auto title features.

  • Page 30: Install The Clock Lithium Cell

    Date and Time Display Install the Clock Lithium Cell 1. Make sure camcorder is turned off, and 4. Place the cell holder into the remove any power supply attached to camcorder. the camcorder. 2. Pull out the cell holder. 3. Insert the clock cell into the cell holder with the “+”...

  • Page 31: Viewfinder

    Viewfinder The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the picture seen by the lens. CAM/OFF/VCR Switch Eyepiece Viewfinder Focus Control COLOR TINT BRIGHT Eyepiece Focus Control The eyepiece focus control lets you set the focus of the viewfinder for your personal vision.

  • Page 32: Displays In Viewfinder

    Displays in Viewfinder Displays in Viewfinder AE Shutter Time Counter Speed with Memory AE:1000 FOCUS 0:00:35M Time Remaining Manual Focus Battery Level Indicator ZOOM, ZOOM TAPE I.ZOOM, and TAPE, NO TAPE, Zoom Level or TAPE END A/V DUB 10:30AM Time and Date 11/18/1995 Status Several displays that aid in the operation of the camcorder appear in the viewfinder.
  • Page 33 Displays in Viewfinder F.FWD CAM/OFF/VCR Switch STOP PLAY ZOOM and INST. ZOOM Buttons A/V DUB PAUSE DISPLAY DISPLAY RECORD Button ZOOM RESET ZOOM Buttons TITLE S.EDIT FOCUS DATE/TITLE Buttons Buttons 6 Time Remaining • NO TAPE flashes when you try to record and there is no cassette in the •...

  • Page 34: Focusing Your Camcorder

    Focusing Your Camcorder Power Zoom Buttons “ T ” and “W ” FOCUS F (Far) and N (Near) Buttons Auto Focus Auto focus will operate on the telephoto The camcorder will focus automatically “T” side from approximately 3.3 feet to whenever FOCUS does not appear in the infinity.

  • Page 35: Manual Focus

    Focusing Your Camcorder Manual Focus Under certain conditions, such as those 3. Press and hold either FOCUS button listed, you may need to focus manually. until the subject is clearly focused. 1. Press FOCUS F and N at the same 4.

  • Page 36: Zooming

    Zooming The motorized zoom lens allows you to zoom in (enlarge the image from 1-12 times) for close-ups or out for wide-angle shots. Digital zoom lets you zoom in on a subject with magnification up to 24 times. Instant zoom lets you magnify the picture 1.5 times regardless of the position of the zoom buttons.

  • Page 37: Time Counter With Memory Stop

    Time Counter With Memory Stop The time counter shows actual time elapsed when recording or playing back a tape. It quickly locates the end of recorded segments. CAM/OFF/VCR Switch F.FWD F.FWD Button Button STOP PLAY A/V DUB PAUSE PAUSE/RECORD DISPLAY Button DISPLAY RECORD...

  • Page 38: Titler

    Titler 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 F.FWD F.FWD REW Button...

  • Page 39: Recording Titles

    Titler Chart of Characters in Titler’s Register A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ? ’...

  • Page 40: Audio/Video Dubbing

    Audio/Video Dubbing A/V (audio/video) DUB on the remote lets you record new audio and video from another VCR or camcorder to a previously recorded tape in the camcorder. You will need an optional VAA009 audio/video input cable shown on page 57. Notes: The source for audio and video when dubbing is the signal coming through the audio and video plugs of the audio/video input cable.

  • Page 41: Audio/Video Dubbing

    Audio/Video Dubbing CAM/OFF/VCR Switch F.FWD PLAY Button STOP PLAY STOP Button PLAY Button A/V DUB PAUSE A/V (Audio/ PAUSE/ Thumb Trigger Video) DUB STOP DISPLAY RECORD RECORD Button Button Button RESET ZOOM TITLE S.EDIT To Audio/Video Dub on the Camcorder 1.

  • Page 42: Synchro Edit

    VCR. This is convenient when you want to copy only selected segments from a previously recorded tape. An optional AVS80 synchro edit cable shown on page 57 is required. Note: Not all RCA VCRs have compatible synchro edit jacks. CAM/OFF/VCR Switch PLAY Button REW Button F.F Button...

  • Page 43: Synchro Edit

    Synchro Edit 4. Press S.EDIT on the remote to start the camcorder playing and the VCR recording. F.FWD F.FWD REW Button Button Note: Pressing S.EDIT puts the STOP PLAY camcorder in review for several seconds STOP Button PLAY Button and then into playback. A/V DUB PAUSE 5.

  • Page 44: Recording From Vcr Or Tv Monitor

    Recording from VCR or TV Monitor To connect your camcorder to a TV (or VCR) with AUDIO and VIDEO OUT jacks, you will need an optional VAA009 audio/video input cable shown on page 57. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, you can attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the camcorder is recording on the TV.
  • Page 45 Recording from VCR or TV Monitor Installation 1 Attach the audio/video input cable’s 3 Attach the plug on the other end of the white plug to the AUDIO OUT jack on audio/video input cable to the the TV or VCR. audio/video in/out connector behind the small cover on the side of the Note: If your TV or VCR has stereo left...

  • Page 46: Optional Color Enhancement Light

    Optional Color Enhancement Light An optional VLP04 color enhancement light shown on page 55 helps create brighter, sharper pictures in very low light conditions. It lights subjects in darkened areas or corrects unflattering shadows. Light Power Connector Light Power Button Caution: Do not touch the light power connector when the...

  • Page 47: Light

    Optional Color Enhancement Light Cautions: After using the light, be sure Dangers: During operation and after to allow it sufficient time to cool down using the light, the front surface and completely. bulb of the light will be very hot. To avoid burns, do not touch them.

  • Page 48: Attaching The Shoulder Strap

    Attaching the Shoulder Strap The shoulder strap packed with your camcorder is designed to let you carry the camcorder from your shoulder and – when you are ready to shoot – bring the camcorder to shooting position in one quick movement. To Attach the Shoulder Strap 1.

  • Page 49: Recording And Traveling Tips

    Camcorder Recording and Traveling Tips • Do not bump or tap the microphone • Practice recording under a variety of while recording – this sound will be lighting conditions. recorded. Be aware of backgrounds. • Use the viewfinder to keep camcorder Background details may show up as level or scenes will appear “tilted”.

  • Page 50: Viewfinder Playback

    Viewfinder Playback and Playback Features 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 EJECT Switch PLAY Button Button F.F Button STOP Button Thumb Trigger...

  • Page 51: Playback Features

    Viewfinder Playback and Playback Features F.FWD REW Button F.FWD Button STOP PLAY STOP Button PLAY Button A/V DUB PAUSE PAUSE/ RECORD DISPLAY RECORD Button RESET ZOOM TITLE S.EDIT Playback Features Stop-Action Pause Visual Searching • During playback, press the thumb •...

  • Page 52: Audio/Video In Jacks

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

  • Page 53: Playback On Tv Or Vcr

    Playback on TV or VCR Installation 2 Attach the yellow video plug on the same end of the audio/video cable to 1 Attach the white plug on the the VIDEO IN jack on the TV or audio/video cable to the AUDIO IN VCR.

  • Page 54: Playback On Tv Without Audio And Video Inputs

    Playback on TV without Audio/Video Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio and video inputs, you need an optional RF output adapter, such as CRF81 shown on page 57. Back of TV Audio/Video In/Out Connector (Located behind small cover) Optional 75/300 ohm Transformer...

  • Page 55: Playback Operation

    Playback on TV without Audio/Video Inputs 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 on 2. Turn on the TV, and tune it to page 49.

  • Page 56: Care And Maintenance

    Care and Maintenance • Keep dust and grit from entering the • Before handling your camcorder, make cassette door. They are abrasive and sure your hands and face 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 57: Optional Accessories

    Optional Accessories We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your 8mm camcorder. These pages have a selection of accessories to help make your memorable moments look and sound even better. These accessories are designed to make the process of recording and watching your videos more enjoyable.
  • Page 58 Optional Accessories DCC80 Car Cord Adapter/Charger CPS85 AC Battery Charger Caution: Do not use any other car cord adapter/charger with this camcorder. This car cord adapter/charger enables you to operate your camcorder from your car, The CPS85 battery charger plugs directly truck, or RV by plugging it into the into an AC outlet, and charges the BV060 vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket.
  • Page 59 Optional Accessories CRF81 RF Output Adapter AVS80 Synchro Edit Cable This adapter is used to connect your camcorder to a standard TV (one without audio/video input jacks) for playback. If This cable attaches to the camcorder to your antenna cable is the flat twin-lead provide video and audio outputs for type attached by two screws, you will also dubbing, or for direct input to a monitor...
  • Page 60 Optional Accessories 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. The grooved, tubular 3-section leg design folds down to 26"...

  • Page 61: Accessory Order Form

    Accessory Order Form Order Form for Camcorder Model Pro846 Description Part No. Price Qty. Total Soft Camcorder Case AC025A $ 59.95 Super Lightweight Tripod AC088 $ 39.95 75-300 Cable Transformer AH011 $ 1.90 Y-Adapter AH25 $ 1.95 Synchro Edit Cable AVS80 $ 54.95...
  • Page 62 Accessory Order Form Charge your order on your VISA or MasterCard by filling in below USE YOUR CREDIT CARD ® IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card My card expires: IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard Copy Number My card above your...
  • Page 63 Accessory Order Form To order accessories, contact your local Dealer. If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow the directions below to order by telephone or direct-by-mail. United States and Canada Orders To place your order by phone, have your Visa or MasterCard ready and call the toll- free number listed below between 8AM and 8PM Eastern Standard Time.

  • Page 64: Trouble Checks

    Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Compact Camcorder Servicenter, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then perform the simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble.

  • Page 65: Trouble Checks

    Trouble Checks Trouble Checks and Adjustments Poor auto-focus • Make sure FOCUS does not appear in viewfinder. Press operation FOCUS F and N buttons together to turn on auto focus. See pages 32-33. • Scene is dark. Auto-focus may not work under this condition.

  • Page 66: Specifications

    Specifications General Video Signal: EIA Standard NTSC Color Power requirement: 6VDC Tape Speed: 14.3 mm/sec. Power consumption: 5.3 W (when Video Input: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm FOCUS indicator appears in viewfinder) Video Output: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm Weight: 1.87 lbs. (without battery pack, Audio Input: –7.8 dBs (316 m Vms) lens hood, lens cap, and cassette) Audio Output: –7.8 dBs (316 m Vms)

  • Page 67: Assistance

    Customer Assistance and Service Thomson provides a toll-free telephone You can reach Thomson at the 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 number be shipped to you.

  • Page 68: Limited Warranty

    Limited Warranty What your warranty covers: which validates date of purchase to • Any defect in materials or the exchange location and you will be workmanship. provided the new or refurbished unit. 4. If the repairs were covered by your For how long after your purchase: warranty, you will not be billed.

  • Page 69: Limited Warranty

    336-1900 for the Authorized RCA eligibility. Camcorder Servicenter nearest you. • A brief note describing your • Take your unit to the Authorized RCA camcorder problem. Camcorder Servicenter of your choice. • Your name, address and phone • Show the Authorized RCA Camcorder number.

  • Page 70: Index (Alphabetical)

    Index A/V (Audio/Video) DUB Clock Cell, Installing ....28 Button ....10-11,39 COLOR Control .
  • Page 71 Index Sensor, Remote Control ....8,9 Microphone ..... . .7,22 NO TAPE Display .
  • Page 72 This will only add delays in service for your product. 10330 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290 © 1995 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Trademark(s) ® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Printed in Japan Part Number 95-Pro846-1 QR12994...

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