RCA CC4251 User manual

ncR
camcorder
user's guide
CC4251

Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all the safety informationbefore you begin to use this product.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose I
camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture, I
AThis symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"
inside the product that presents a risk of electric
shock or personal injury.
_ This symbolindicatesimportantinstructions
accompanyingthe 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 6viter 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 pu_hase 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: CC4251
Serial No:
Purchase Date:
Purchased From:

We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any
questions, call:
Camcorder Exchange Warranty. .......... 800-283-6503 (pages 55-56)
Customer Service, ..................... ............. 800-336-1900 (page 54)
Accessories ............................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 41-47)
Safety Information .............................. i
First Time Operation
•Assistance ....................................... 3
• Unpack the Camcorder and
Accessories ................................. 3
• Attach the Adapter/Charger ............ 4
• Adjust the Handstrap, Remove
Lens Cap, and Attach
It to Handstrap ............................. 4
•Insert a Tape .................................... 5
• Turn on the Camcorder .......... ......... 5
• Adjust the Viewfinder and
Eyepiece Focus Control .............. 6
• Start and Stop Recording ................ 6
• Play Back What you Have
Recorded .................................... 7
•Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR
Switch to OFF ............................ 7
•Replace the Lens Cap ...................... 7
• Review Camcorder's
Operating Controls .................. 8-9
Powering Your Camcorder
•Use the Adapter/Charger to
Power Your Camcorder ............ 10
• Use the Battery to Power
Your Camcorder .................. 11-13
• Charge the Battery .................... 11
• Attach the Charged Battery ...... 12
• Remove the Battery .................. 12
• Battery Level Indicator ............. 13
• Battery Care .............................. 14
• Battery Storage ......................... 14
•Battery Safety Precautions ....... 14
• Use the RCA Optional Car
Cord Adapter ............................ 15
Videocassettes
•Erase Protection ............................ 16
•Recording and Playback
Speed and Times ...................... 16
•Insert and Remove
Cassettes ................................... 17
• Cassette Care and Storage ............. 17

Date/Time Display
• Set the Time and Date ................... 18
• Record Time andDate,AUTO
Date, Auto T/TLE, or Date ......... 19
• Charge the Built-in Clock
Battery ....................................... 19
Recording
• Use the Viewfinder ................... 20-21
• Adjust Viewfinder for
Convenient Viewing ............. 20
•Eyepiece Focus Control ............ 20
•Tilt Adjustment ......................... 21
•BRIGHTControl ....................... 21
• Viewfinder Displays ................. 22-23
•DISPLAY Button ........................... 24
•Quick Review Feature ................... 24
• Camera Edit Feature ..................... 25
• AutoShoff MFeature ...................... 25
• Microphone ................................... 25
•Auto Focus .................................... 25
• Macro Focus .................................. 25
• Tape-Remaining Display ......:........ 26
• Electronic Indexing ....................... 26
• Zooming ............................ ............ 27
•Tape Counter ................................. 28
•Use Memory-Stop Feature ....... 28
• Recording Tips ......... ..................... 29
• Travel Tips ................................. _..29
•Titler ......................................... 30-32
•To Create aTitle 31
o Chart of charaCters ............ i...... 31
• Record a Title on a Tape in
the Camcorder 32
•Record aTitle While Copying
a Tape from the Camcorder
to Another VCR ................... 32
It
Playback
• Viewfinder Playback ..................... 33
• Playback Features
• Tape Positioning ....................... 34
• Visual Searching ....................... 34
• Stop-Action Pause .................... 34
•Tracking ....................... ............. 35
• Playback on TV (or VCR) with
Audio/Video Inputs ............. 36-37
• Playback on TV Without
Audio/Video Inputs ............. 38-39
Attach the Shoulder Strap ............ _40
Optional Accessories ................... 41-47
•Use aTripod .................................. 42
•Remove the Lens Hood ......... :....... 44
•Accessory Order Form ............. 45-47
Trouble Checks ........................... 48-50
Care and Maintenance
•Clean the Camcorder ..................... 51
• Clean the Camcorder's Lens ......... 51
•Clean the Camcorder's
Viewfinder ................................. 51
• Proper Care and Storage ............... 52
•Things to Avoid ............................. 52
Specifications .................................... 53
Information to User ....................... 53
Customer Assistance .................. ..... 54
Limited Warranty ............. ......... 55-56
Index .................................... 57-60

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 Warranty ............... 800-283-6503
Customer Service ................................... 800-336-1900
Accessories ............................................. 800-338-0376
lo Unpack the camcorder and accessories.
• Save the packing materials andbox 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 CC4251
:WARNING:
_xcro
BARRY.
vtsPOS_ OF
PROPERLY.
Rechargeable10-VoltBattery
Stock No. EP096FS
AC Adapter/Charger: Stock No. 241044
DC Cable: Stock No. 241308
%
Shoulder Strap
Stock No. 241305 or
Stock No. 227327
uautlon: _:not _ thisadapter/c_er forany
t
(continued on next page)
3

2. Attach the adapter/charger.
To AC 120V,
50160 Hz
• Charger
Since the battery must be charged
before it can be used the first time,
attach the adapter/charger to the
camcorder.
1.Attach one end of the adapter/
charger's DC cable to the DC
OUTPUT jack on the side of the
adapter/charger.
_DCIN 9.6V
Jack
2. Attach the other end of the cable
to the DC IN 9.6V jack on the
camcorder.
3.Plug the adapter/charger's plug
into an operating outlet.
4. Details are on page 10.
3. Adjust the handstrap, remove lens cap, and attach
it to the handstrap.._o_ _.
port
Handstrap
4
1.Open the handstrap, insert your
hand, and adjust the handstrap to
, fit your hand.
2. Remove the lens cap and attach it
to the handstrap where shown.

.Insert a tape.
STOP/EJECT
Button
Salty Tab
Windows
Cassette Door
Press Here to Close
•Press STOP/EJECTto 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.
5. Turn on the camcorder. ..............
Ich
• Press and hold the small button on
the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch
while sliding it to CAMERA.
The camcorder enters 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 camcorder will automatically
turn off if it remains in record-
pause for five minutes. Place the
switch to OFF and then back to
CAMERA to turn the camcorder
back on.
(continuedonnextpage)
5

Electronic
Viewfinder (Grasp
here to move.
Eyepiece Focus
Control
BRIGHT
Control
REC/PA USE
Button
.Adjust the viewfinder and
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.
•Turn the eyepiece focus control to
adjust the focus of the viewfinder
for your vision.
• Adjust the brighmess of the image
in the viewfinder by turning the
tBRIGHT control.
7. Start and stop recording.
• Press andrelease the REC/PAUSE
button to startrecording. REC
appearsin the viewfinder when
the camcorder is recording.
• Press andrelease the REC/PA USE
button again to stop recording.
The camcorder is now in the
record-pause mode ( II appears in
the viewfinder when the
camcorder is in record-pause).

CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
REW/ PLAY
REVIEW Button
Button
EJECT
Button
REC/PA USE
.Play back what you have
recorded.
•Press the REC/PAUSE button to
pause recording.
• Press and hold the small button
while you set the CAMERA/OFF/
VCR switch to VCR.
• Press REW/REVIEW to rewind
the tape.
• Press PLAY to play back the tape.
• Press STOP/EJECT when you are
finished playing back the tape.
•Details on viewfinder playback
are on page 33.
9. Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR
switch to OFF to turn off the
camcorder.
10. Replace the lens cap.
(continuedon nextpage)
7

11. Review camcorder's operating controls.
DISPLAY Button
RESET Button
DATE/TIME Button
TITLER Button
CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
Switch
REW (Rewind)IREVIEW Button
(Also- Button)
PLAY Button
F.FWD (Fast Forward)
Button
(Also + Button)
STOP/EJECT
Button
(Also EDIT-AD V
Button)
BRIGHT
Control
Lens
Lens Hood
(See Trouble
Checks for
details.)
VIDEO, AUDIO and RF DC
OUT Jacks (Located Behind
Small Cover)

11. Review camcorder's operating controls. (continued)
BATTERY
EJECT
Button
Attach
Rechargeable
Battery Here
\
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Eyepiece
Focus
Control\
Viewfinder
Button
DC IN 9.6V Jack
Attach Adapter/
Charger's DC
Cord Here
Cassette Door
(Press here to
close.)
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Handstrap
with Lens
Cap Holder
Wand TPower
Zoom Buttons
(Also TRACKING
Buttons)

Use the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder
The adapter/chargerattaches to the camcorder andlets you power your camcorder
directly from standardhousehold power. The adapter/charger operates on 120 volts,
50/60 Hz, and can be used to power the camcordcr orrecharge the battery,
Caution:, Do not attempt to use a"power €onverter" to use your AC adapter/
charger on apower source other than 120 volts, 50160 Hz, or the adapter/charger
and camcorder:may be damaged. If you wish to operate the AC adapter/charger
conve_rs, They__dam_ige_y0ur A ter!charger. An optional
CPS014, shown onpage 42,_ designed foi:_se on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz.
5,, ......... :S";...........•
ToAC 120V, _DCIN9.6V
50160Hz _-_*_--\ - Jack
Indicator // f//llllll \fr___//
__ Jack _..._ !_
Adapter/ [ ]_ x,q[_ /
Charger _ _ _.....--"_
DC Cable
Attach Adapter/Charger
1. Attach one end of theadapter/
charger's DC cable to the DC
OUTPUT jack on the adapter/charger.
2. Attach the other end of the cable to
the DC IN 9.6V jack on the camcorder.
3. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into an
operating outlet. The POWER
indicator on the adapter/charger lights
when it is properly connected.
Notes: The adapter/chargercannotchargethe
battery and operate the camcorder at the same
time, If you connectboth, the adapter/charger
will power the camcorder. Remove the
10
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 __---I. This indicator is used for
battery operation and has no meaning when
using the adapter/charger to power the
camcorder.
Remove Adapter/Charger
1. Unplug the adapter/chargerfrom the
wall outlet.
2. Remove the DC cable from the
adapter/charger and camcorder.

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder
Charge the Battery
The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time. Initial charging will
take approximately two hours. The camcorder's operating time depends on how often
you turn the power0n and off and how much you use zoom and pause. Conserve
battery power by turning the camcorder off during recording breaks.
ToAC 120V,
50160 Hz Rechargeable Battery
(Hold battery flush and
slide down.)
:;x ¸ t ?_
DISPOSED OF
PROPERLY.
CHARGE
Indicator
Align
Arrows
Charger
Charge the Battery
If the DC cable is attached to the
DC OUTPUT jack on the adapter/charger,
remove it.
1. Align reference mark on battery With
mark on adapter/charger.
2. Hol d the battery flush against the
adaptei'/ch_ger and slide it in the
direction of the arrow.
3. Plug adapter/charger into nearest AC
,outlet (120V, 50/60Hz).
4. If the battery is properly connected,
the adapter/charger's CHARGE
indicator lights.
Note: Yourbattery will provide better
serviceif you charge it before and afteruse
and storeit at room temperature.
5. Remove the charged battery by sliding
it up and off the adapter/charger.
6. Attach the charged battery to the
camcorder as shown on the next page.
U

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
BATTERY
EJECT
CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
Switch
Rechargeable
Hold Battery
Flush and
Slide Down
Attach the Charged Battery
If the DC cable is attached to the
camcorder, remove it before attaching
the battery.
1. Align the reference arrow on the
battery to the arrow on the back of
the camcorder.
2. Hold the battery flush against the
camcorder while sliding it down in
the direction of the arrow.
3. Press and hold the small button on the
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you
slide it to CAMERA.
Remove the Battery
1. Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to
OFF.
2. Press andhold the BATTERY EJECT
button and remove the battery.
ATTENTION: LEAD ACID BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED OF
PROPERLY. THE PRODUCT THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED
USES A RECHARGEABLE BA'I'TERY. 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
REGYCLING OPTIONS OR PROPER DISPOSAL. Pb
12

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.
Battery Level Indicator Display
in Viewfinder
Note: If the battery leveldisplaydoes not
appear,press DISPLAY
•When aNN appears, the battery is
fully charged.
• As the power is used _ m and I
appear.
• When the battery power is almost
gone, _- • flashes in the viewfinder.
Recharge the battery or use the adapter/
charger before continuing to use the
camcorder. Set the CAMERA/OFF/
VCR switch to OFF to turn off the
camcorder before replacing the battery.
Notes: When recording using the recharge-
able battery, the battery level indicator
flashes to warn you of low battery power
even if you do not have the battery level
indicator displayed.
The battery level indicator will not be
recorded on the tape when it appears in the
viewfinder.
The battery level indicator has no meaning
when you use the adapter/charger or optional
car cord to power the camcorder.
_', °,_- _ _ )_[)_:_S_ , :_','_,;'_ ;_;,_ __ _. "_Y " .-:._
If _ _r d6_s not ejeci the cassette when you press;STOP/F_dE_,_do ,_....
not [0rce m_casset_€ aoor open. _ms wm aargag_.yo_c_me_i_ __io,_-_,._-__
Be_o_ att to _! _e cassette, power the eamcorder,w_th the-adapter/,, _'_
cnarger°or recn_ge the oattery, ,,,,_:-,..<,_5_.._,_.,,_,_.... .,. ._-_.,_ _::z,,
I,
13

Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
Battery Care
•Your battery will provide better service
and longer performance if you charge
if before and after use, and store it at
normal room temperature.
•The battery should be charged at a
temperature of 32°F-95°F (0°C-35"C)
to prevent damage.
•Do not operate the battery at tempera-
tures below 140F(- 10*C) or above 95"F
(35°C). The battery might be damaged
if operated at temperatures above 122"F
(50°C). Operation time will decrease at
extremely low temperatures.
After repeated chargings and use the
operation time will decrease. When
the operation time becomes too short to
be useful, it is time to replace the
battery.
Store the battery at normal room
temperature.
Lead acid batteries discharge if not
used. Recharge the battery at least
once ever six months or you may not
be able to recharge it.
A battery stored for a long period
might not supply power for the
specified time. Additional rechargings
might help restore the battery's
operation time.
Battery Safety Precauti on s........................................................................................................................................................................................................."
°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 the CHARGE indicator on the
adapter/charger starts flashing, remove .
the battery, and reattach it. If after
several attempts, the indicator contin-
ues 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 149*F (65"C) could be hazardous.
Do not short the battery's terminals.
Allow the battery to cool down before
attaching it to the 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
adapterlchargers and camcorders.
If leakage from a damaged battery
contacts your skin or clothing, wash it
off immediately with running water.
14

Use the RCA Optional Car Cord Adapter
The optional DCC096 car cord shown on
page 41 allows you to power your
camcorder from the cigarette lighter
socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts
12-volts to a 9.6-volt output.
Note: Consult the installation and operating
instructionsenclosed with the DCC096 for
complete operating instructions.
Caution: The DCC096 carcord is
designedto be used only with
vehicles having 12-voltnegative _,
ground electrical systems.
Warning: To avoid possible damage
to the camcorder, use only the
DCC096 car cord. It has positive tip
polarity and is capable of converting
12 vokstb 9.6 volts. :°_
Use the DCC096 Car Cord Adapter .................................................................................................... :
/Cigarette
_// Lighter
Socket
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to
OFF to turn off the camcorder.
If the battery or DC cable is attached
to the camcorder, remove it.
Insert the small plug on the car cord to
the DC IN 9.6V jack located on the
back of the camcorder.
Take the vehicle's cigarette lighter out
of the socket.
Insert the car cord's cigarette lighter
plug into the vehicle's cigarette lighter
socket.
P
DC IN 9.6V
Jack
.Press and hold the small button on the
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you
set it to CAMERA to turn 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 has no
meaning.
15

Make sure you select good quality tapes for 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
nonabrasive head-cleaning tape. Be sure to follow the directions with the head-
cleaning kit carefully. Improper use of a head cleaner might damage your camcorder.
Erase Protection -Safety Tab
You can use your videocassettes over and over again. To erase aprevious recording,
record over it.
y Tab
To prevent accidental To record on the tape again,
erasure, break off the tab. cover the hole with vinyl tape.
Recording and Playback Speed and Times _°_°_:_::_:___
The camcorder records and plays back in VHS standard speed (SP). Listed below are
the maximum recording times for popular VHS cassettes.
T-120 2 Hrs.
T- 160 2 Hrs.,40 Min.
T-180 3Hrs.

Insert and Remove Cassettes
STOP/
EJECT
Button
Tab
Windows
one way with the
UPand ithe tape
__@i_dbwsfacing!
_casse_dd_'until
itl_ksintoplace.
1. Attach a power source to the "
camcorder.
2.
.
Press the STOP/EJECT button.
The cassette holder opens
automatically.
Insert the cassette with the tape wheel
facing up and tape windows facing
Press here
to close.
4.
out. Gently push the cassette down
until it locks into place.
Gently close the cassette holder with
your hand.
Cassette Care and Storage __:_-_:___
•When you are finished with a cassette,
rewind it, remove it from the
camcorder, and label it.
•Store cassettes vertically in their
protective cases atnormal room
temperatures. Do not leave your
camcorder or cassettes in a car or
outdoors for an extended period.
Excessive heat or cold might damage
your cassettes.
•Keep the cassette away from strong
magnetic fields such as electric motors
and other devices.
•Keep dust from entering the cassette
compartment. All dust is abrasive
and causes excessive wear on the
tape and the camcorder's recording
or playback heads.
• Do not use cassettes with damaged or
spliced tape.
• Do not use a cassette if it has been
damaged or exposed to moisture. The
tape may jam and/or damage your
camcorder.
Break off the safety tab to prevent
accidental erasure of your recording.
17

Set the Time and Date
You must set the correct date and time before it can be displayed and recorded on your
tapes. The built-in clock cell must be charged as described on the nextpage.
CAMERA/
DATE/TIME OFF/VCR
Button Switch
O0 0
PEW/
REVIEW F.FWDButton
Button
I I STOP/EJECT
IIButton
1.
2.
.
.
18
Attach a power supply to the
camcorder.
Press and hold the small button on the
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you
set it to CAMERA.
Press the DATE/TIME button to
display the date and time in the
viewfinder.
A flashing cursor lets you know which
part of the display you are setting.
If the flashing cursor does not appear,
press and hold DATE/TIME and then
press STOP/EJECT.
12:00AM
"1_ 111998
Repeatedly press the EFWD or REW/
REVIEW until the correct month
appears. Press and hold the button to
advance the digits faster.
5. When the correct month is displayed,
press STOP/EJECT. The cursor
moves to the next part of the display.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to set the correct
month, day, year, hour, minute(s), and
AM/PM.
.After setting AM or PM, press the
DATE/TIME button to remove the
flashing cursor and start the internal
clock.
To Correct the Date or Time
To correct the date or time, press and hold
the DATE/TIME button and then press
STOP/EJECT. The display appears along
with the flashing cursor. Use STOP/
EJECT, EFWD, and REW/REVIEW to
correct the time or date. Press DATE/
TIME to remove the flashing cursor and
start the clock.