RCA CC439 User manual

camcorder
user's guide
CC434/CC439

Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.
iWARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose [
1
product or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture. I
RISKOFE_d3TFUCSHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE I_ CHOC
EI.EC1TgOgE NE PASOUVRIR
This symbol indicates "dangerous w)ltage"
inside the product that presents a risk of
electric shock or personal injury.
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.
_ AUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug
to wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour 4viter les chocs 41ectriques, 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 this product immediately after moving it from a
cold location to a warm location. Give it 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.
this card allows us to contact you if needed. Returning
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 product.
Model
Serial No:
Purchase Date:
Purchased From:

We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any
questions, call:
Customer Service ..................................... 800-336-11900 (Page 71)
Accessories ......................................... 800-338-0376 (Pages 58-65)
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 ......................................... 1 l
• 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

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
• Power Zoom Buttons ...................... 28
• Instant Zoom .................................. 28
•Special Effect Recording .................. 29
• 16x9Mode .................................... 30
• Negative Recording ........................ 31
•Digital Zooming ............................. 31
•Half-Mirror Recording ................... 32
•Mosaic Recording .......................... 32
• Electronic Image Stabilizer
(EIS-model 439 only) ........................ 33
• Fading In and Out of Scenes ........ 34-35
• Tape Counter with Memory Stop ...... 36
•ProEdit ® Features
• Flying Erase Head .......................... 37
• Edit Search ..................................... 37
• Audio Dubbing .......................... 38-39
• Audio/Video Dubbing ............... 40-41
•Titler .......................................... 42-44
Recording Tips .................................. .45
Recording on the Camcorder ...... 46-47
Playback
• Viewfinder Playback ........................ .48
• Playback Features
• Stop-Action Pause ...................... 48-49
• Picture Search ........................... .48-49
• Tracking ......................................... 49
•Playback on TV (or VCR) with
Audio/Video Input Jacks ........ 50-51
•Playback on TV without
Audio/Video Input Jacks ........ 52-53
Color Enhancement Light ............ 54-55
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ........... 56
Packing Carrying Case ...................... 57
Information to User ........................... 57
Specifications ..................................... .58
Optional Accessories ..................... 58-65
• Accessory Order Form ................. 63-65
Care and Maintenance ................. 66-67
Trouble Checks ............................. 68-70
Limited Warranty .............................. 71
Index (Alphabetical) ..................... 74-76
2

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.
Customer Service ................ 800-336-1900
Accessories .................... 800-338-0376
1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.
• 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.
Camcorder*
*Your camcorder may differ slightly
from the pictures in this guide.
Shoulder Strap
Stock No. 227327
WARNING: LEAD:
ACID BATTERY. :
BEDISPOSED
ov P_OPERLV.
Rechargeahle 10-Volt Battery
Stock No. EP096FS
AC Adapter/Charger: Stock No. 232595
DC Cable: Stock No. 233328
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.
3

Adapter/Charger
DC OUTPUT
Jack
Adapter/Charger's
DC Cable DC IN 9.6V Jack on
Back of Camcorder
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.
• 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 ol7 page 10.
4

CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch
Handstrap
Lens Cap
3. Remove the lens cap and attach
it to the handstrap.
4. Turn on the camcorder.
The position of the
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch tells the
camcorder whether you want to record
(CAMERA), play back tapes (VCR), or
turn off the power (OFF).
•Press and hold the small button on
CAMERA/O FF/VCR while
sliding it in CAMERA. The
electronic viewfinder will come on.
5

Safety Tab
Tape Window
REC (Record)
/PAUSE
Button
Lens Cap on
Handstrap
Cassette Door
Press Here to Close
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 1Z
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.
6

CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch
REC (Record
/PAUSE
STOP/EJECT
PLAY
)/
REVIEW
Eyepiece
"" Electronic
Viewfinder
(Grasp Here
to Move)
oStart 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/PA USE to turn on the
camcorder.
Any material recorded on the tape will
automatically be erased if you record
over it.
8. Play hack what you have
recorded.
• Press REC/PA USE to stop recording.
• Press and hold the small button on
CAMERA/OFF/VCR while sliding
it to VCR.
• Press REW(rewind)/REVIEW 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 vie_t2finder playback are
on page 48.
7

::' :.... n,,
First-Time ,Jr,eration
9. Review the camcorder's operating controls.
DISPLA Y Button
RESET Button
DA TE/TIME Button
TITLER Button
A VDUB Button
REW (Rewind/Review) Button
Also Title Select - Button
PIA Y Button
F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button
Also Title Select + Button
STOP/EJECT Button
Also EDIT'ADV Button
Microphone Viewfinder
Light_
BRIGHT Control
(Located Under Microphone)
Eyepiece
Focus
Control
(Electronic
Image Stabilizer)
Button for Model
CC439 Only)
Lens LIGHT AUTO!
OFF/ON Switch
AV(Audio/Video)
for Model CC439
only
Lens
Hood FADE Button
DIGITAL EFFECTS Button
INST. (Instant} ZOOM
Button VIDEO, AUI)IO, and RF DC OUT
,lacks ll,ocaled Behind Small Cover)

:_- . :_ :_:_ :_: : : %: i:+
9. Review the camcorder's operating controls.
BATTERY
EJECT Lever
Shoulder Strap
Attachment
Ring
REC (Recordt
/PA USE Button
0
Hand Strap with
Lens Cap Holder
DC IN 9.6V .lack Cassette Door Power Zoom Buttons
(W and T) also
TRACKING Buttons

::::.::.::_::_:::ii_:_._:::;.:::i;_-:#;;:::? :,: . :i;:_.: .:i::_:: .. • ::-!i::::!:: :i:.::::?::.i:!:i:::!:.: .:: :: : ii_ /::i::!_:!_?i::.::::::
:.:. :_::
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 59 is
designed for use on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz.
Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder
Plug in AC Outlet
(120V, 50/60Hz)
Adapter/Charge__._..:_._
IO2a% / ? ,<
DC Adapter/Charger's
OUTPUT DC Cable
Jack
l .
°
.
Connect one end of the adapter/
charger's cable to the adapter/
charger's DC OUTPUT jack and the
other end to the DCIN9.6Vjack on
the back of the camcorder.
Plug the adapter/charger into the
nearest AC outlet (120V, 50/60 Hz).
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 cmncorder 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.
'DC IN 9.6V Jack
When using the adapter/charger to power
the camcorder, the battery level indicator
may display m. 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 use this adapter/charger
for any purpose other than charging the
EP096FS or EP096FL battery, pack or
supplying power to the camcorder.
10

P0 ring the Camcorder ::
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
tirne, turn off the camcorder's power when not in use.
Plug in AC Outlet
(120 V, 50/60 Hz)
WARNING: LEAD-
ACID BATTERY.
MUST BE DISPOSED
OF PROPERLY.
Hold Batter),
Flush and
Slide Down
Rechargeable
Battery
Align Arrows
Adapter/Charger
CHARGE
Indicator . _ :__z
1. Attach the battery to the adapter/
charger as shown. Align the reference
arrow on the battery with the a_Tow 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).
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,
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.
11

Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder
CAMERA/OFF/VCR Switch
BATTER Y EJECT Lever
Rechargeable
Battery
Hold Battery
Flush and
Slide Down
Align Arrows
o .
-.'-: 2/." " • _52-_'_
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
CAMERA/OFF/VCR while placing it
in CAMERA.
Remove the Battery
1. Slide CAMERA!OFF/VCR to 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 ARECHARGEABLE 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 1N YOUR AREA FOR
RECYCLING OPTIONS OR PROPER DISPOSAL.
Pb
12

Using the Battery to Power Your 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 32"F-95°F (0°C-35°C) to
prevent damage.
• Do not operate the battery at
temperatures below 14°F (- 10°C) or
above 95°F (35°C). The battery may 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 gradually decrease.
When operation time becomes too short
to be useful, it is time to replace the
battery.
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.
• 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.
Battery Safety Precautions ............
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 149 ° F(65 °C) could be hazardous.
Do not short the battery's terminals.
4: ??? :;: :_:_ :_ ¸¸ =
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.
13

Check Battery Power (Battery Level Indicator)
n
Battery Level Indicator
Display in Viewfinder
When DISPLAY is pressed, the battery
level indicator ( ,_m ) 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 ,sam
• After a while, only m appears.
• When the battery reaches the empty
level, _ will start flashing.
Recharge the battery or attach the
adapter/charger before continuing to
use the camcorder.
Notes: The battery level indicator has no
meaning when you power the camcorder with
the adapter/charger or optional car cord.
When a rechargeable battery is used to power
the camcorder, I flashes even if
DISPLAY is not pressed to warn you that the
battery power level is low.
Before attempting to eject the cassette, power your camcorder with the
adapter/charger or recharge the battery.
14

Using the Optional Thomson Car Cord Adapter
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 59.
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.
Caution: :Me DCC096car 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.
Cigarette Lighter Socket
/
///,,
/J
/
/
Optional Car Cord /
DC IN 9.6V Jack
Adapter (DCC096)
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
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch in
CAMERA. If the car cord is connected
properly, the electronic viewfinder will
come on.
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 In . This indicator is used for
battery operation and has no meaning when
using the car cord to power the camcorder.
15

We recommendthat goodquality cassettesbeusedwith your camcorder.Useof poor
quality tapesor tapesthat havebeendamagedor mishandledcancontaminatethe
video heads,resulting in asnowy picture orno picture at all during playback.Because
thereis no control over thetypeof tapepurchasedorrentedby 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 ahead cleaner may damage your camcorder.
Erase Protection mSafety Tab :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
You can use your video cassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording,
just record over it.
To prevent accidental
erasure, break the tab. To record again, cover
the hole with vinyl tape.
::::>_-.-x:--5., : i: 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.
T-60 60 Min.
T- 120 2 Hrs.
T-160 2 Hrs., 40 Min.
T-180 3 Hrs.
16

Inserting and Removing Cassettes
STOP/EJECT
Tab
cassette with I _....
safety tab facing::
_indo:ws fadifig ::
should slide
Press Here to Close
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.
Tape Windows
compartment.
cassette down
into place. ._
3. Insert or remove the cassette from the
cassette compartment.
4. Gently close the cassette door with
your hand.
Cassette Care and Storage : : :' :::::_:::: " : :-::_:': : ':':::'::_':'::::_:_'_::_::::_::::':':::_:_:_::::::::::::_'
Follow these directions for continued high-quality performance from your cassettes.
When you are finished with a cassette,
rewind it and remove it from the
camcorder.
Keep cassettes away from strong
magnetic fields, such as electric motors
and other devices.
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.
• 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.
17

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.
Carry your camcorder in a carrying case
when traveling. See page 58 ibr a
specially designed soft 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.
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.
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.
18