RCA AutoShot CC6291 User manual

nCR'
camcorder
user's guide
CC6291

Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.
I ARNING" To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose
camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.
RISKOFB.ECTRICSHOCK
DO NOT OPEN AThis symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"
inside the product that presents a risk of electric
shock or personal injury.
NE PASOUVRIR
A This symbol indicates important instructions
accompanying the product.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER
(OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Cautions
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour _viter les chocs 61ectriques, introduire la lame
la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et
pousser jusqu au fond.
To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recom-
mended by the manufacturer for this camcorder. Other types of
batteries may burst causing damage and personal injury.
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to
this equipment may void the user's authority to operate it.
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately.
Returning this card allows us to contact you if needed.
Keep your sales receipt for proof of purchase to obtain warranty parts
and service and attach it here. Record the serial number and model
numbers located on the bottom of the camcorder.
Model No:
Serial No: _
Purchase Date'."': :....
Purchased From:
CC6291

Wewantto makesureyouenjoyyournewcamcorder.If you haveany
questions,call:
Camcorder Exchange Warranty ........... 800-283-6503 (pages 86-87)
Customer Service ................................... 800-336-1900 (page 85)
Accessories., ........................................... 800-338-0376 (pages 72-77)
Safety Information .............................. i
First Time Operation
•Assistance ....................................... 3
•Unpack the Camcorder and
Accessories ................................. 3
•Attach the Adapter/Charger ............ 4
• Adjust the Handstrap to Fit
Your Hand .................................. 4
•Slide LENS COVER Control to
Open Lens Cover ........................ 4
• Insert a Tape .................................... 5
• Set POWER (CAMERAIOFF
VCR) Switch to CAMERA .......... 5
•Adjust the Viewfinder
and Eyepiece Focus Control ...... 6
•Select a Recording Speed ................ 6
• Select a Tape Length ....................... 7
•Set theAE Dial toAUTO ................ 8
• Start and Stop Recording ................ 8
• Play Back What you Have
Recorded .................................... 9
• Set the POWER Switch to OFF
to Turn Off the Camcorder ........ 9
• Close the Lens Cover ...................... 9
• Review Camcorder's
Power Your Camcorder
• Use the Adapter/Charger to
Power Your Camcorder ............ 12
•Use the Battery to Power
Your Camcorder .................. 13-15
• Use the Optional DCC08
Car Cord Adapter ..................... 16
Date and Time Display
• Install Clock Lithium Cell ............ 17
• Set the Date and Time .............. 18-19
• Record the Date, Time, and
Title Displays ...................... 20-21
Videocassettes
•Erase Protection ............................ 22
•Recording and Playback
Speeds and Times ..................... 22
• Insert and Remove
Cassettes ................................... 23
• Cassette Care and Storage ............. 23
Recording
•Time-Remaining Display ......... 24-25
•Recording Tips .............................. 26 •
• _Use the Viewt-mder ........................ 27
• Viewfinder Displays ................. 28-31
, Operating Controls .............. 10-11

•Full Auto Mode ............................. 32
• Camera Edit Feature ..................... 33
• Quick Review Feature ................... 33
• Auto Head Cleaner ........................ 33
• Flying Erase Head ......................... 33
• Steady Pix Feature ........................ 33
• Zooming
• Use the Zoom Buttons .............. 34
•Use the ZOOM SPEED
Menu ............................... 34-35
• Tele Macro Zooming ................ 35
• Digital Zooming ....................... 36
• Front Light and Back Light ........... 37
•Focusing
• Auto Focus ................................ 38
• Manual Focus ...................... 38-39
• White Balance .......................... 40-41
• Exposure Control ..................... 42-43
• Fade In and Out... .......................... 44
•AE Dial .......................................... 45
•Titles
• Record Preset Title or
Title you Create .................... 46
• Create Your Own Title .............. 47
• Self-Timer Recording ............... 48-49
• Animation Recording ............. ,50-51
• T'mae-Lapse Recording ..... ,....... 52-53
• Tally Light ........... ........ .................. 54
• Color Bar Feature .......................... 55
• Demo Mode .................................. 56
• JLIP (Joint Level Interface Protocol)
Identification Number ............... 57
• Built-In Color Enhancement
Light .................................... 58-59
• Attach the Shoulder Strap :...... ...... 60
• Travel Tips ........... ._................ .....:.. 61
Playback
• Use the Viewfinder
for Playback ......................... 62-63
• Tracking ........................................ 63
• Playback Features
• Position the Tape ...................... 64
• Visual Search ............................ 64
• Stop-Action Pause .................... 64
• Time Counter ............................ 65
• Memory-Stop Feature ........... 65
• Use the Cassette Adapter ......... 66-67
• Playback on TV (or VCR)
with Audio/Video Inputs ..... 68-69
• Playback on a TV Without
Audio/Video Inputs ............. 70-71
Optional Accessories ................... 72-77
•Accessory Order Form ............. 75-77
Trouble Checks ........................... 78-81
Care and Maintenance
• Clean the Camcorder ..................... 82
• Clean the Camcorder's Lens ......... 82
•Clean the Camcorder's
Viewf'mder ................................. 82
•Proper Care and Storage ............... 83
• Things to Avoid ............................. 83
Specifications ................... ;................ 84
Information to User ...... ' .................. 84
Customer Assistance ........................ 85
Limited Warranty ....................... 86-87
Index ............................................ 88-91
2

This section describes the steps necessary to set up your camcorder to 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 Wan'anty ............... 800-283-6503
Customer Service ................................... 800-336-1900
Accessories ............................................. 800-338-0376
lo Unpack the camcorder and accessories.
•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 CC6291 Camcorder Rechargeable Battery
Part No. BB700
Shoulder Strap
Part No. ACS091
AC Adapter/Charger
and DC Cable
Clock Cell
3-Volt Micro Lithium
Cell -such as CR2025 -
available from most local
drug stores and camera
shops. Use of other cells
present a risk of fire or
explosion.
Part No. 241017
Part No. 233087
Cassette Adapter
Part No. VCAll5A
_+ -{}
Cassette Adapter Battery
(Size "AA" 1.5 Volt)
(continued on next page)3

oAttach the adapter/charger.
To AC 100-240,
50/60 Hz
Adapter/
Charger
OUT
Jack
Cable
Since the battery must be charged
before it can be used the first time,
attach the adapter/charger to the
camcorder.
Connect one end of the DC cable
to the DC OUT jack on the
adapter/charger.
•Connect the other end of the DC
cable to the DC in jack on the
camcorder as shown above.
• Plug the adapter/charger's plug
into an operating outlet.
3. Adjust the handstrap to fit your hand. __
Cover
Control
Strip (Under Flap)
Lift the flap on the
handstrap and separate
the velcro strip.
Insert your hand, adjust
the strap to fit snugly,
refasten the strap, and
close the flap.
4. Slide LENS COVER control to open lenscover, i=;--_i'- _ _ :-_ .....
4

5. Insert a tape. EJECT Button
gape Wheel
PUSH Here to
Close Cassette
Compartment
•Slide the EJECT button up.
The cassette holder opens
automatically.
• Turn the tape wheel on the
cassette to remove any slack
from the tape.
Tape Window
• Insert the cassette with the tape
wheel facing up and the tape
window facing out.
• Press on the area labeled PUSH
until the cassette holder locks
into place.
6. Set POWER (CAMERA/OFF/VCR) switch to CAMERA._
Switch and
Indicator
• The power indicator lights and the
camcorder enters record-pause.
PAUSE _-- appears in the
viewf'mder when the camcorder is
in record-pause.
• ,The position of this switch tells
the camcorder whether you want
to record (CAMERA), turn the
power off (OFF), or play back
tapes (VCR).
The carncorder automatically turns
off if it remains in record-pause
for five minutes. Set POWER
switch to OFF and then back to
CAMERA. _ ....
(continued on next page)
5

SP/SLP
Button
Eyepiece
Electronic Focus
Viewfinder Control
C_
7. Adjust the viewfinder and eyepiece focus control.
You can see what you record in the
viewf'mder.
•Adjust the viewfinder for a
comfortable viewing position.
Turn the eyepiece focus control to
adjust the focus of the viewfinder
for your vision.
8. Select arecording speed...:.:-:::.:::.-.:........................-..-.............:................-.-..::.::.........................................................._:._.:.,.._.
Select SP or SLP recording speed.
Press and hold the SP/SLP button to
select a recording speed. The tape
speed you select (SP or SLP) appears
in the-viewfinder. ..
•SP-Standard: play provides the
best picture, but the shortest-'
recording time (20 minutes with a
TC-20 tape).
SLP - Extended play provides
three times the recording time as
SP (60 minutes with a TC-20
tape). SLP has slightly more
picture noise in normal playback.
6

AE Dial
fENU Dial
9. Select a tape length.
Set the length of the tape you are
using so the camcorder can correctly
calculate the recording time
remaining on the tape.
•Place\the AE dial in MAN, and
press the MENU dial to display
the MENU in the viewfinder.
Rotate the dial to select TAPE
LENGTH.
•Press the MENU dial in to display
the TAPE LENGTH menu. Rotate
the dial to select the length of tape
you are using (T20, T30, or T40).
• Select T20 for atape with 20
minutes or less recording time
in SP.
•Select T30 for atape with 30
minutes recording time in sP.
• Select T40 for a tape with 40
minutes recording time in SP.
Press the MENU dial twice to
remove the menus from the
viewfinder.
Details are on pages 24-25.
7

Power
Indicator
Thumb
Trigger POWER (VCR/
OFF/CAMERA)
Switch
Tally
Light AE Dial
10. Set the AE dial to AUTO. H
This places the camcorder in the
AUTO mode.
In the A UTO mode, focus,
exposure, and white balance are
automatically controlled by the
camcorder.
I I I I IIII II
•Many of the special effects do not
operate in the AUTO mode.
•Details on page 32.
11. Start and stop recording.
• Press and release the thumb trigger
to start recording. _ appears in
the viewfinder, and the tally light
lights while the camcorder is
recording.
Press and release the thumb trigger
again to stop recording. The
camcorder is now in the record-
pause mode. = PAUSE= appears in
the viewf'mder.
8(continued on next page)

PLAY/PA USE
Button
Bu_on
12. Play back what you have
recorded.
• Set the POWER switch to VCR.
• Press VCR ••to rewind the tape.
• Press PLAY/PAUSEto play back
the tape.
•Press STOP when you are finished
playing back the tape.
•Details on viewfinder playback are
on pages 62-63.
13. Set the POWER switch to
OFF to turn off the
camcorder.
The power indicator turns off.
14. Close the lens cover.
(continued on next page) 9

15. Review camcorder's operating controls.
Button
VCR ,_
Button
STEADY PIX
Button
DATE/TIME Button
(Also COUNTER RIM Button)
SP/SLP Button
Color
Enhancement
Li
[]
VCR I_
Button
Button
Lens
Tally
Light )hone
AE Dial
I0

15. Review camcorder's operating controls. (continued)
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
EJECT Button
PUSH Here to
Close Cassette MENU
Compartment Dial
LIGHT OFF.A UTO.ON Switch Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
BATT. (Battery)
RELEASE Button
B(Bright) and C
(Color) Controls
(See Trouble Checks
for Details
Eyepiece Focus Control
Power Zoom Buttons
LENS
Control
Clock Cell Battery
Compartment
Attach Rechargeable
Battery Here
Attach Adapter/
Charger's DC
Cord Here
JLIP Connector
(Located Under
Small Cover)
AUDIO (MONO), RF DC, and
VIDEO OUT Jacks
(Located Under Small Cover)
Handstrap
Indicator
POWER (VCR/OFF/
CAMERA) Switch
Thumb Trigger
11

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 100-240
volts, 50160 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the
camcorder or recharge the battery.
To AC 100-240,
50/60 Hz
Adapter/
Charger
OUT
Jack Jack
Attach Adapter/Charger
1. Connect one end of the DC cable to
the DC OUT jack on the adapter/
charger.
2. Connect the other end of the DC cable
to the DC in jack on the camcorder as
shown above.
3. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into
the nearest AC outlet (100-240V,
50/60Hz).
Remove Adapter/Charger
1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the
wall outlet.
2. Remove the DC cable from the
adapter/charger and camcorder.
Using an Optional Plug Adapter
An optional plug adapter might be
required in some countries.
1.
2.
Optional AC AC 100-240V
Plug Adapter.
P!ug the adapter/charger's plug into
theACplug,a_apter. _......, ,
Plug the AC plug adapter int0 the AC
ouilet? ......
12

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder
The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the
f'n'st time. Initial charging takes approximately 100 minutes. When fully charged, the
battery supplies approximately 75-85 minutes of operating time - depending on how
much you use the light, zoom, and pause. Conserve battery power by turning the
camcorder off during recording breaks.
BAI_. RELEASE
Button
Attach the Charged Battery
If the DC cable is attached to the
camcorder, remove it before attaching
the battery. Also, install the lithium
clock cell before attaching the battery.
Details are on page 17.
1. Hook the top end of the battery to the
back of the camcorder as shown
above.
2. Press the battery down until it locks
into place.
3. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
The power indicator lights.
Remove the Battery
Slide and hold the BATT RELEASE
button to the right while removing the
battery.
ATTENTION: The RBRC seal on the battery used in your Thomson
Consumer Electronics product indicates that we are participating in a
program to collect and recycle Nickel Cadmium batteries throughout the
United States. Please call 1-800-8-BATYERY for information or •
qontact your local recycling center.
13

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
Marks To AC Wall
Outlet 100-
240 Volts,
50/60 Hz.
CHG
(Charge)
REFRESH
• Indicator Adapter/Charger
Button
Charge the Battery
If the DC cable is attached to the DC OUT
jack on the adapter/charger, remove it.
1. Align reference mark on battery with
mark on adapter/charger.
2. Hold the battery flush against the
adapter/charger and slide it in the
direction of the arrow.
3. Plug adapter/charger into nearest AC
outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).
4. If the battery is properly connected,
the CHG indicator flashes.
Note: If you try to charge a battery that
has not been charged for a long period of
time, it may take a few minutes for the
CHG indicator to flash.
.
o
.
After the battery is charged, the CHG
indicator stops flashing and lights.
Remove the charged battery by sliding
it office adapter/charger.
Attach'the charged battery to the
Camcorder.
Use the REFRESH Button
The battery provides increased
operation time if you "refresh" it after
five chargings. The, refresh feature
"refreshes" the battery by completely
discharging it.
1. Attach battery to adapter/charger.
2. Press REFRESH. The REFRESH
indicator lights and the battery
begins discharging.
3. When discharging is completed, the
REFRESH indicator turns off, and
the CHG indicator flashes. The
battery now charges.
4. After the battery is charged, the
CHG (charge) indicator stops
flashing and lights.
5. Remove the battery from the
adapter/charger.
14

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
Battery Level Indicator
The battery level indicator appears in the
viewfinder and shows you the amount of
power in the rechargeable battery.
• When the battery power is almost
_::_" flashes in the viewfinder.
gone, ,, , \
The camcorder turns off automatically
after a few seconds. Set the POWER
switch to OFF to turn off the cam-
corder before replacing the battery.
The battery level indicator is not recorded
on the tape.
ill]
• When _ appears, the battery is
fully charged.
• As the power is used Oi_ and
appear.
Battery Care and Storage ....
Recharging takes approximately 100
minutes depending on the battery's
condition.
Refreshing takes approximately 5-1/2
hours depending on the battery's
condition.
• After repeated charging and use,
operation time gradually decreases.
when operation time is too short to be
useful, it is fimeto replace the battery.
• If the battery discharging must be
stopped in the middle, remove the
battery from the adapter/charger before
unplugging it from the AC outlet.
If the battery pack become too hot,
remove it from the charger and let it
cool down.
Let ahot battery cool down before
attaching it to the AC adapter/charger.
15

Optional Car Cord Adapter
The optional DCC08 car cord shown on
page 72 allows you to power your
camcorder from the cigarette lighter
socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts
12-volts to a 6-volt output.
Note: Consult the installation and operating
instructions enclosed with the DCC08 for
complete operating instructions.
Use the DCC08 Car Cord Adapter _:.
Cigarette
Lighter Socket Power POWER Connector
Indicator
Optional DCC08 Car
Cord Adapter
.
.
Set the POWER switch to OFF to turn
off the camcorder. The power
indicator on the camcorder turns off.
If the battery or DC cable is attached
to the camcorder, remove it.
3. Hold the top of the power connector
flush against the camcorder, and press
the bottom of the power connector
down until it locks into place.
4. Take the vehicle's cigarette lighter out
of the socket.
5. Insert the car cord's cigarette lighter
plug into the vehicle's cigarette lighter
socket. The power indicator on the car
cord adapter lights.
6. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA to
turn on the camcorder. The power
indicator on the camcorder lights.
16

Install the Clock Lithium Cell
The clock cell indicator c_ flashes for a few seconds in the viewf'mder when
you turn on the camcorder if the cell is not installed or needs replacing.
Insert Object Here
to Remove Cell
Clock Cell
(+ Side Facing Out)
Clock Cell
Compartment
1. Make sure camcorder is turned off,
and remove any power supply
attached to the camcorder.
2. Press release tab of clock cell
compartment cover and open the
compartment.
3. Insert the clock cell with the "+"
terminal facing out, and press it in.
4. Close the compartment cover.
It clicks into place.
To Remove Lithium Cell
To remove battery, insert apointed
nonmetallic object between battery and
compartment and lift.
17

Set the Date and Time
You must set the correct date and time before you can display and record it
on your tapes. The clock cell must be installed as shown on the previous
page before you can set the date.
MENU Dial
(Rotate or Press In)
1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA,
and make sure the AE dial is not set to
AUTO.
2. Press the MENU dial in to display the
main MENU in the viewfinder.
MENU
)'MENU END
EXPOSURE
DATE/TIME JAN 1.98
TELE MACRO OFF
TAPE LENGTH T30
M.W.B. AUTO
ZOOM SPEED FAST
),NEXT
3. Rotate the MENU dial to highlight
DATE/TIME.
MENU
)'MENU END
FOCUS AUTO
AUTO
JAil 1.98
TELE MACRO OFF
TAPE LENGTH T30
M.W.B. AUTO
ZOOM SPEED FAST
),NEXT
4. Press the MENU dial to display the
DATE/TIME menu.
DATE/lIME
MONTH
DAY 1
TIME PM 12.-00
IEXn"
18
oRotate the MENU dial to highlight
YEAR. Press the MENU dial in.