RCA CC421 User manual

USER‘S
GUIDE
CC421
CAMCORDER

i
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug
to wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour éviter les chocs électriques, 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 recommended by the
manufacturer for this camcorder. Other types of batteries may burst causing
damage and personal injury.
CAUTION: Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from
a cold location to a warm location. Give the camcorder 2 to 3 hours to reach a
stable temperature before inserting a video cassette. When moved from a cold
area to a warm location, moisture may condense on the head drum inside the
machine. This moisture could cause the tape to stick to the headwheel and
damage the headwheel or tape.
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 and model numbers located on the bottom of
the camcorder.
Model _______________________________________________________
Serial No:_____________________________________________________
Purchase Date: ________________________________________________
Purchased From: ______________________________________________
Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose
camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.
RISKOF ELECTRICSHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
This symbol indicates “dangerous voltage”
inside the product that presents a risk of
electric shock or personal injury.
This symbol indicates important
instructions accompanying the product.
RISQUEDE CHOC
ELECTRIQUENE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION
ATTENTION
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.
CC421

1
Assistance
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 66-67)
Customer Service..................................... 800-336-1900 (Page 65)
Accessories......................................... 800-338-0376 (Pages 52-59)
(continued on next page)
Safety Information................................i
Product Registration.............................i
Contents.............................................1-2
First-Time Operation
• Assistance............................................3
• Unpack Camcorder and
Accessories ......................................3
• Attach the Adapter/Charger ................4
• Remove Lens Cap and Attach
to Handstrap.....................................5
• Turn on the Camcorder .......................5
• Insert a Cassette ..................................6
• Position Viewfinder and
Adjust Eyepiece Focus Control .......6
• Start and Stop Recording ....................7
• Play Back What You Have
Recorded..........................................7
• Review the Camcorder’s
Operating Controls .......................8-9
Powering the Camcorder
• Using the Adapter/Charger ...............10
• Using the Rechargeable Battery
• Charging.........................................11
• Attaching and Removing................12
• Care and Storage ............................13
• Safety Precautions..........................13
• Battery Level Indicator...................14
• Using the Optional Thomson
Car Cord Adapter...........................15
Video Cassettes
• Erase Protection..............................16
• Recording and Playback Times......16
• Inserting and Removing
Cassettes.....................................17
Cassette Care and Storage................17
Traveling Tips ....................................18
Cassette Tips.......................................18

Table of Contents
2
Recording Features
• Quick Review....................................19
• Tape Positioning ...............................19
• Microphone.......................................19
• AI (Artificial Intelligence) ................19
• Program AE (Auto Exposure)...........20
• Auto Focus........................................20
• Macro Focus......................................20
• Electronic Indexing...........................21
• Time Remaining Display ..................21
• Viewfinder...................................22-23
• Displays in Viewfinder................24-25
• Date and Time Display
• Set the Date and Time....................26
• Record the Date and Time
(or Date) on Your Tape.............27
• Charging the Clock Cell.................27
• Zooming............................................28
• Fading In and Out of Scenes.............29
• Tape Counter with Memory Stop......30
• ProEdit®Features
• Flying Erase Head..........................31
• Edit Search .....................................31
• Audio Dubbing..........................32-33
• Audio/Video Dubbing...............34-35
• Titler..........................................36-38
Recording Tips...................................39
Recording on the Camcorder ......40-41
Playback
• Viewfinder Playback.........................42
• Playback Features
• Stop-Action Pause.....................42-43
• Picture Search ...........................42-43
• Tracking .........................................43
• Playback on TV (or VCR) with
AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks.......44-45
• Playback on TV without
Audio and Video Inputs.........46-47
Color Enhancement Light............48-49
Attaching the Shoulder Strap...........50
Specifications......................................51
User Information................................51
Optional Accessories.....................52-59
• Accessory Order Form.................57-59
Care and Maintenance.................60-61
Trouble Checks.............................62-64
Assistance............................................65
Limited Warranty.........................66-67
Index (Alphabetical).....................68-69

3
First-Time Operation
• Save the box and packing materials in case you ever need to store or ship
your camcorder.
• The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any of them are
missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.
LIGHT
AUTO OFF ON
FADE
TRACKING
REC/PAUSE
OFF
OWER VCR AVDUB REW PLAY F.FWD STOP/EJECT
TITLESEL
–+EDIT– ADV
AC Adapter/Charger: Stock No.
221355 or 221356
DC Cable: Stock No. 209342
Rechargeable 10-Volt Battery
Stock No. EP096FS
WARNING: LEAD-
ACID BATTERY.
MUST BE DISPOSED
OF PROPERLY.
Camcorder
Model CC421
POWER CHARGE
Shoulder Strap
Stock No. 227327
This section describes only the basic 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 Warranty . . . . .800-283-6503
Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-336-1900
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-338-0376
1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.
Caution: Do not use this
adapter/charger for any purpose other than
charging the EP096FL or EP096FS battery
pack or supplying power to the camcorder.

4
First-Time Operation
2. Attach the adapter/charger.
Since the battery must be charged
before it can be used the first time,
attach the adapter/charger to the
camcorder.
• Attach one end of the
adapter/charger’s DC cable to the
DC OUTPUT jack on the
adapter/charger.
POWER CHARGE
BATTERY
Adapter/
Charger
DC OUTPUT
Jack
Adapter/Charger’s
DC Cable
DC IN 9.6V Jack on
Back of Camcorder
• Attach the other end of the cable to
the DC IN 9.6V jack on the
camcorder.
• Plug the adapter/charger’s plug into
an operating outlet.
•Details are on page 10.

5
LIGHT
AUTO OFF ON
FADE
TRACKING
REC/PAUSE
OFF
OWER VCR AVDUB REW PLAY F.FWD STOP/EJECT
TITLESEL
–+EDIT– ADV
First-Time Operation
POWER (CAMERA/OFF/VCR)
Switch and Indicator
Lens Cap
Handstrap
3. Remove the lens cap and attach
it to the handstrap.
4. Turn on the camcorder.
The position of the POWER
(CAMERA/OFF/VCR) switch tells
the camcorder whether you want to
record (CAMERA), play back tapes
(VCR), or turn off the power (OFF).
(continued on next page)
• Press and hold the small button on
POWER while sliding it in
CAMERA. The POWER indicator
will light when the camcorder is
turned on.

BATTERY
First-Time Operation
Lens Cap on
Handstrap
Cassette Door
Press Here to Close
Tape Window
Safety Tab
REC (Record)
/PAUSE
Button
6
5. Insert a cassette.
•Press STOP/EJECT to open the
cassette compartment.
• Insert the cassette with the safety tab
facing up and the tape windows
facing out.
• Press the cassette down gently until
it locks into place, and close the
cassette compartment door.
•Details are on page 17.
6. Position viewfinder and adjust
eyepiece focus control.
• Grasp the viewfinder and rotate it
horizontally.
• Pull the viewfinder out from the
camcorder and rotate the eyepiece
into a comfortable viewing position.
Caution: Pulling on the eyepiece may
cause damage to the eyepiece or
camcorder.
• If the image in the viewfinder is
blurry, adjust the eyepiece focus
control for your vision. Details are
on page 22.

7
First-Time Operation
7. Start and stop recording.
Start and stop recording by pressing
and releasing REC/PAUSE. REC
appears in the viewfinder. You do not
have to hold the button to record.
Notes: If you do not record within five
minutes, the camcorder will automatically
shut off to prevent excessive tape wear.
Press REC/PAUSE to turn on the
camcorder.
Any material recorded on the tape will
automatically be erased if you record
over it.
8. Play back what you have
recorded.
•Press REC/PAUSE to stop recording.
• Press and hold the small button on
POWER while sliding it in VCR.
• Press REW (rewind) to rewind the
tape.
• Press PLAY to play back the tape in
the viewfinder.
• Press STOP/EJECT when you are
finished playing back the tape.
• Details on viewfinder playback are
on page 42.
(continued on next page)
LIGHT
AUTO OFF ON
FADE
TRACKING
REC/PAUSE
OFF
OWER VCR AV DUB REW PLAY F.FWD STOP/EJECT
TITLESEL
–+EDIT– ADV
STOP/EJECT
PLAY
REW (Rewind)
POWER (CAMERA/OFF/VCR)
Switch and Indicator
Eyepiece
Electronic
Viewfinder
(Grasp Here
to Move)
REC (Record)
/PAUSE
Eyepiece
Focus
Control

8
LIGHT
AUTO OFF ON
FADE
TRACKING
REC/PAUSE
OFF
OWER VCR AVDUB REW PLAY F.FWD STOP/EJECT
TITLESEL
–+EDIT– ADV
REVIEW DISPLAY RESET DATE TITLER CAMERA OFF VCR
POWER AV DUB REW PLAY F.FWD TITLE SEL STOP/EJECT EDIT – ADV
– +/TIME
AV
OUT / IN
First-Time Operation
9. Review the camcorder’s operating controls.
VIDEO, AUDIO, and RF DC OUT
Jacks (Located Behind Small Cover)
AV (Audio/Video)
OUT/IN Switch
Lens
Lens
Hood
Microphone
Light
Eyepiece
Focus
Control
Viewfinder
FADE Button
LIGHT AUTO/OFF/ON
Switch
STOP/EJECT Button
Also EDIT–ADV Button
F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button
Also TITLE SEL + Button
PLAY Button
Also TITLE SEL Button
AV DUB Button
REVIEW Button
DISPLAY Button
RESET Button
DATE/TIME Button
TITLER Button
POWER
(CAMERA/OFF/VCR) Switch
and Indicator
REW (Rewind) Button
Also TITLE SEL – Button

9
BRIGHT FOCUS
BATTERY
DC IN
9.5V
First-Time Operation
BRIGHT and
FOCUS Controls
9. Review the camcorder’s operating controls.
Power Zoom Buttons
(Wand T) also TRACKING
Buttons
DC IN 9.6V Jack
Shoulder Strap
Attachment
Ring
Shoulder Strap
Attachment
Ring
BATTERY
Eject Lever
Cassette Door
Hand Strap with
Lens Cap Holder
REC (Record)
/PAUSE Button

10
POWER CHARGE
BATTERY
Powering the Camcorder
1. Connect one end of the adapter/
charger’s cable to the adapter/
charger’s DC OUTPUT jack and the
other end to the DC IN 9.6V jack on
the back of the camcorder.
2. Plug the adapter/charger into the
nearest AC outlet (120V, 50/60 Hz).
3. The POWER indicator on the
adapter/charger will light when it is
properly connected.
Notes: The adapter/charger cannot charge
the battery and operate the camcorder at the
same time. If you connect both, the
adapter/charger will power the camcorder.
Remove the adapter/charger’s cable from
the DC OUTPUT jack to charge the
battery.
When using the adapter/charger to power
the camcorder, the battery level indicator
may display . This indicator is used
for battery operation and has no meaning
when using the adapter/charger to power
the camcorder.
To Remove the Adapter/Charger
1. Remove the adapter/charger’s plug
from the AC outlet.
2. Remove the adapter/charger’s DC
cable from the DC IN 9.6V jack on the
camcorder.
Caution: Do not attempt to use a “power converter” to use your AC adapter/charger
on a power source other than 120 volts, 50/60 Hz, or the adapter/charger and
camcorder may be damaged. If you wish to operate the AC adapter/charger on a
power source other than 120 volts, 50/60 Hz, use only a transformer-type power
converter. Do not use “solid-state” or “switching-type” power converters. They
will damage your AC adapter/charger. An optional CPS014 shown on page 53 is
designed for use on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz.
Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder
Adapter/Charger
POWER
Indicator
Adapter/Charger’s
DC Cable
DC
OUTPUT
Jack
Plug in AC Outlet
(120V, 50/60Hz)
DC IN 9.6V Jack
Caution: Do not use this adapter/charger
for any purpose other than charging the
EP096FS, EP096FL, CB096FS, or CB096FL
battery pack or supplying power to the
camcorder.

11
Powering the Camcorder
1. Attach the battery to the adapter/
charger as shown. Align the reference
arrow on the battery with the arrow on
the adapter/charger. Hold the battery
flush against the adapter/charger and
slide it in the direction of the arrow.
Note: You cannot charge the battery and
operate the camcorder from the adapter/
charger at the same time. Remove the
adapter/charger’s DC cable from the
camcorder to charge the battery.
2. Plug the adapter/charger into the
nearest AC outlet (120 V, 50/60 Hz).
3. The CHARGE indicator will light
while the battery is being charged.
When the indicator turns off, the
battery is fully charged.
4. Remove the battery from the
adapter/charger by sliding the battery
up and off.
5. Attach the charged battery to the
camcorder as shown on the next page.
Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder
Charging the Battery
The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time. Charging will take
approximately two hours depending on the condition of the battery. When fully
charged, the battery should supply approximately 60 minutes of operating time
(depending on how much you use zoom and pause). To extend the battery’s operation
time, turn off the camcorder’s power when not in use.
POWER CHARGE
Adapter/Charger
Rechargeable
Battery
Hold Battery
Flush and
Slide Down
Plug in AC Outlet
(120 V, 50/60 Hz)
Align Arrows
CHARGE
Indicator Caution: When a
battery is attached to
the adapter/charger,
do not turn them
upside down. The
battery may fall off
and be damaged or
cause injury.
WARNING: LEAD-
ACID BATTERY.
MUST BE DISPOSED
OF PROPERLY.
(continued on next page)

12
Powering the Camcorder
Attach Charged Battery
1. Align reference arrow on battery with
arrow on camcorder. Hold battery
flush against camcorder while sliding
it down in the direction of the arrow as
shown.
2. Press and hold small button on
POWER while placing it in CAMERA.
POWER indicator will light if battery
is properly attached.
Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder
BRIGHT FOCUS
POWER Switch
and Indicator
BATTERY
Eject Switch
Align Arrows
Rechargeable
Battery
Hold Battery
Flush and
Slide Down
Remove the Battery
1. Slide POWER to OFF. POWER
indicator will turn off.
2. Press and hold BATTERY eject while
sliding battery up and off the
camcorder.
ATTENTION: LEAD-ACID BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED
OF PROPERLY. THE PRODUCT THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED
USES A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY. AT THE END OF ITS
USEFUL LIFE, UNDER VARIOUS STATE AND LOCAL LAWS, IT
MAY BE ILLEGAL TO DISPOSE OF THIS BATTERY INTO THE
MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM. CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL
SOLID WASTE OFFICIALS FOR DETAILS IN YOUR AREA FOR
RECYCLING OPTIONS OR PROPER DISPOSAL.
Pb

13
Powering the Camcorder
Battery Care
• Your battery will provide better service
and longer performance if you charge it
before and after use, and store it at
normal room temperature.
• The battery should be charged at a
temperature of 32ºF-95ºF (0ºC-35ºC) to
prevent damage.
• Do not operate the battery at
temperatures below 14ºF (-10ºC) or
above 95ºF (35ºC). The battery may be
Battery Storage
•Store the battery at normal room
temperature.
• Lead acid batteries discharge if not
used. Recharge the battery at least once
every six months or you may not be
able to recharge it.
Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder
damaged if operated at temperatures
above 122ºF (50ºC). Operation time
will decrease at extremely low
temperatures.
• After repeated chargings and use, the
operation time will gradually decrease.
When operation time becomes too short
to be useful, it is time to replace the
battery.
• A battery stored for a long period may
not supply power for the specified time.
Additional rechargings may help
restore the battery’s operation time.
Allow battery to cool down before
attaching it to adapter/charger. The
CHARGE indicator will not light and
the battery will not charge if you attach
a hot battery.
Do not attempt to disassemble or
modify the battery. There are no user-
serviceable parts inside.
Use the battery only with specified AC
adapter/chargers and camcorders.
If leakage from a damaged battery
contacts your skin or clothing, wash it
off immediately with running water.
Batteries being recharged that have not
been used for an extended period may
continue to charge after the normal
time. Do not charge a battery for more
than 24 hours.
If both indicators on the adapter/
charger start flashing, remove the
battery, and reattach it. If after several
attempts — the indicators continue to
flash — your battery cannot take a
charge and must be replaced.
Throwing the battery into a fire or
exposing the battery to excessive heat –
over 149º F (65º C) could be hazardous.
Do not short the battery’s terminals.
Battery Safety Precautions

14
Powering the Camcorder
The battery level indicator ( )
always appears in the camcorder’s
viewfinder to show how much battery
power is left in the rechargeable battery.
This indicator is not recorded on the tape.
• When the battery is fully charged, the
display shows .
• After a while, only appears.
Battery Level Indicator
Display in Viewfinder
Caution: When the battery reaches its empty level during use, the camcorder will
turn off. However, the battery should have enough reserve power to eject the cassette
when you press STOP/EJECT.
If the camcorder does not eject the cassette when you press STOP/EJECT, do not
force the cassette door open. This will damage your camcorder.
Before attempting to eject the cassette, power your camcorder with the
adapter/charger or recharge the battery.
Check Battery Power (Battery Level Indicator)
•When the battery reaches the empty
level, will start flashing.
Recharge the battery or attach the
adapter/charger before continuing to
use the camcorder.
Note: The battery level indicator has no
meaning when you power the camcorder with
the adapter/charger or optional car cord.

15
Powering the Camcorder
To power your camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV, you
need the optional car cord adapter DCC096 shown on page 53.
The DCC096 car cord is especially designed to convert power from a 12-volt battery to
the 9.6-volt input jack on the camcorder.
Notes: The vehicle does not have to be
turned on for the camcorder to operate from
the DC car cord.
When using the car cord to power the
camcorder, the battery level indicator may
display . This indicator is used for
battery operation and has no meaning when
using the car cord to power the camcorder.
Using the Optional Thomson Car Cord Adapter
Caution: The DCC096 car cord is designed to be used only with vehicles having
12-volt negative ground electrical systems.
Warning: To avoid possible damage to your camcorder, use only the DCC096.
It has positive tip polarity and is capable of converting 12-volts to 9.6 volts.
BATTERY
DC IN
9.5V
Optional Car Cord
Adapter (DCC096)
DC IN 9.6V Jack
Cigarette Lighter Socket
1. Remove the adapter/charger’s DC
cable or battery from the camcorder, if
either is attached.
2. Connect the small plug on the car cord
to the DC IN 9.6V jack located on the
back of the camcorder.
3. Insert the other end of the car cord into
the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket.
4. Place the camcorder’s POWER switch
in CAMERA. If the car cord is
connected properly, the POWER
indicator will light.

16
Video Cassettes
To prevent accidental
erasure, break the tab. To record again, cover the hole with vinyl tape.
CASSETTE RECORDING TIME
T-60 60 Min.
T-120 2 Hrs.
T-160 2 Hrs., 40 Min.
T-180 3 Hrs.
Safety Tab
Erase Protection — Safety Tab
You can use your video cassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording,
just record over it.
Recording and Playback Times
The camcorder records and plays back in VHS standard speed (SP). The chart shows
the maximum SP recording times for popular VHS cassettes.
We recommend that our cassettes be used with your camcorder. Use of poor quality
tapes or tapes that have been damaged or mishandled can contaminate the video heads,
resulting in a snowy picture or no picture at all during playback. Because there is no
control over the type of tape purchased or rented by consumers, head cleaning is not
covered under warranty. It is considered normal maintenance.
If a snowy picture or no-picture condition persists, consider the use of a dry chemical
non-abrasive head-cleaning tape. Be sure to follow the directions with the head-
cleaning kit carefully. Improper use of a head cleaner may damage your camcorder.

17
BATTERY
Video Cassettes
Inserting and Removing Cassettes
Caution: Insert
cassette with
safety tab facing
up and tape
windows facing
out. Cassette
should slide
easily into the
compartment.
Gently push the
cassette down
until it locks
into place.
Press Here to Close Tape Windows
STOP/EJECT
Safety Tab
Cassette Care and Storage
Follow these directions for continued high-quality performance from your cassettes.
• Keep cassettes away from strong
magnetic fields, such as electric motors
and other devices.
• Do not use a cassette if it has been
damaged or exposed to moisture. The
tape may jam or damage the camcorder.
• When you are finished recording, break
off the safety tab on the cassette to
prevent accidental erasure.
• Do not leave your camcorder or
cassettes in a car or outdoors for an
extended period. Excessive heat or
cold may damage them.
• When you are finished with a cassette,
rewind it and remove it from the
camcorder.
• Label and store cassettes vertically in
their protective cases at normal room
temperatures. Excessive heat or cold
may damage your cassettes.
• Keep dust from entering the cassette
compartment. All dust is abrasive and
will cause excessive wear on the tape
and the camcorder’s recording or
playback heads.
1. Attach a power source to the
camcorder (either a charged battery or
adapter/charger).
2. Press STOP/EJECT on the top of the
camcorder to open cassette door.
3. Insert or remove the cassette from the
cassette compartment.
4. Gently close the cassette door with
your hand.

18
Camcorder Traveling and Cassette Tips
Traveling Tips
Write down your camcorder’s serial
number and keep it separate from the
camcorder when traveling. If your
camcorder is lost or stolen, you will be
able to identify it.
Make sure you have any plug adapters
you need before taking your camcorder to
other countries. Consult your dealer.
Use extra care to avoid damage to your
camcorder and accessories when operating
them at a beach or pool. Spray, sand, and
dust should be avoided. If your lens has
been exposed to the elements, clean it
only with proper lens cleaning supplies.
Cassette Tips
Do not use a cassette if it has been
damaged or exposed to moisture. The
tape may jam or damage your camcorder.
When you are finished recording, break
off the safety tab on the cassette to prevent
accidental erasure.
Label your cassettes before storing them.
Carry your camcorder in a carrying case
when traveling. See page 52 for a
specially designed case. An ordinary
suitcase or carry bag does not offer the
protection your camcorder needs. Treat
your camcorder as carry-on luggage to
protect it from rough handling.
Store your cassettes vertically in their
protective cases at normal room
temperature.
Do not leave your camcorder or cassettes
in a car or outdoors for an extended
period. Excessive heat or cold may
damage them.