RCA CC641 User manual

ncR
camcorder
user's guide
CC641/CC643

Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.
i WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose !
camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.
RISKOFELEC'n_CSHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"
inside the product that presents a risk of electric
shock or personal injury.
:USOI.EI:_ O-IOC _
NEPAS _
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 PERSONEL.
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 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:
CC643/CC641

We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any
questions, call:
Camcorder Exchange Warranty. .......... 800-283-6503 (pages 80-81)
Customer Service ................................... 800-336-1900 (page 79)
Accessories ............................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 66-71)
Safety Information .............................. i
First Time Operation
• Assistance ....................................... 3
•Unpack the Camcorder and
Accessories ................................. 3
• Attach the Adapter/Charger ............ 4
•Insert a Tape .................................... 4
• Adjust the Handstrap to Fit
Your Hand ................................... 5
• Slide LENS COVER Control to
Open Lens Cover ........................ 5
• Place POWER (CAMERA/OFF
VCR) Switch in CAMERA .......... 5
•Select a Recording Speed and
Tape Length ................................ 6
• Set the AE Dial to AUTO ................. 7
• Adjust the Viewfinder and
Eyepiece Focus Control ............. 7
•Start and Stop Recording ................ 8
• Play Back What you Have
Recorded .................................... 8
• Place the POWER Switch in OFF
to Turn Off the Camcorder ......... 8
• Close the Lens Cover ...................... 8
•Review Camcorder's
Operating Controls ................ 9- i 1
Powering Your Camcorder
• Using the Adapter/Charger to
Power Your Camcorder ............ 12
• Using the Battery to Power
Your Camcorder ................... 13-15
• Using the DCC08 Car Cord
Adapter ...................................... 16
Video Cassettes
• Erase Protection - Safety Tab ....... 17
• Recording and Playback
Speeds and Times ..................... 17
• Inserting and Removing
Cassettes ................................... 18
• Cassette Care and Storage ............. 18
Recording
• Adjust Viewfinder for
Convenient Viewing ................. 19
• Eyepiece Focus Control ............ 19
• Making a Recording ................. 20-21
• Viewfinder Displays ................. 22-25
• Flying Erase Head ......................... 26
• Auto Head Cleaner ........................ 26
• Tally Light ..................................... 26
• Quick Review Feature ................... 26
• Microphone .......... ......................... 27
• Camera Edit Feature ..................... 27
•Full Auto Mode ............................. 28
•Exposure Control .......................... 29
•Zooming
°Using the Zoom Lever .............. 30
• Tele Macro Zooming ................ 31

• %
• Focusing
• Auto Focus ................................ 32
• Focus Lock Feature .................. 32
• Manual Focus ........................... 33
• White Balance .......................... 34-35
• Fading In and Out ......................... 36
• 16 X 9 Mode ................................. 37
• Date/Time Display
• Clock Lithium Cell ................... 38
• Setting the Time and Date ........ 39
• Record the Date, Date and Time,
or Title on Your Tape ....... 40-41
• Titles
• Recording Preset ....................... 42
• Create Your Own Title .............. 43
• Gain Up ......................................... 44
•AE Dial .......................................... 45
• Self-Timer ................................ 46-47
• Animation Recording ............... 48-49
• Time-Lapse Recording ............. 50-51
• Time-Remaining Display .............. 52
• JLIP (Joint Level Interface Protocol)
Identification Number ............... 53
Recording and Traveling Tips ........ 54
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ......... 55
Playback
•Using the Cassette Adapter ...... 56-57
• Viewfinder Playback ..................... 58
• Playback Features
• Visual Searching ....................... 59
• Tape Positioning ....................... 59
• Stop-Action Pause .................... 59
• Time Counter ............................ 60
• Memory-Stop Feature ........... 60
• Tracking .................................... 61
• Playback on TV (or VCR)
with Audio/Video In Jacks .. 62-63
• Playback on a TV Without
Audio/Video Inputs ............. 64-65
Optional Accessories ................... 66-71
•Accessory Order Form ............. 69-71
Trouble Checks ........................... 72-75
Care and Maintenance
• Cleaning the Camcorder ............... 76
• Cleaning the Camcorder's Lens .... 76
• Cleaning the Camcorder's
Viewfinder ................................. 76
• Proper Care and Storage ............... 77
• Things toAvoid ............................. 77
Information to User ......................... 78
Customer Assistance ........................ 79
Limited Warranty ....................... 80-81
Specifications .................................... 82
Index ............................................ 83-85

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 areavailable 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.
• 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 CC643 or CC641"
*Your model of camcorder may not look
exactly like the pictures in this guide.
Caution: Do notuse
this adapter/charger
for _y puq_se _er
:the:charging the
7"_ 1260 or FB 120
_baRer_ packor _:i
supplying powerto;
the camcogder.
AC Adapter/Charger Part No. 236689
and DC Cable Part No. 233087
WANG: NICKEL
CAD_ _ATTERY
MusT BE RECYCLED OR
DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
Rechargeable 6 Volt Battery
Part No FB1260
Shoulder Strap
Part No. ACS091
Cassette Adapter
Part No. 232845
or---=0
Cassette Adapter Battery
(Size "AA" 1.5 Volt)
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.
7"

To AC 100-240,
50/60 Hz
Adapter/
Charger
POWER
Indicator
DC OUT
Jack
DC Cable
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.
• 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. The
adapter/charger's POWER
indicator will light.
tInsert a tape.
• Slide EJECT.
• Turn the tape wheel on the
cassette to remove any slack from
the tape.
• Insert the cassette with the tape
wheel facing up and the tape
window facing out.
• Press on the area labeled PUSH
until the cassette door locks
into place.

EJECT
Button
Tape Wheel
LENS
Cover
Control
PUSH Here
to Close
Tape Window
Handstrap
POWER
Switch and Handstrap Velcro
Indicator Strip (Under Flap)
4. Adjust the handstrap to fit
your hand.
• 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.
5. Slide LENS COVER control
to open lens cover.
6. Place POWER (CAMERA/
OFF/VCR) switch
in CAMERA.
• The power indicator will light and
the camcorder will enter record
pause. = PAUSE:= appears in the
viewfinder 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 camcorder will automatically
turn off if it remains in record
pause for five minutes. Place
POWER in OFF and then back in
CAMERA.
(continuedon next page)
5

T20,30,,40
Button SP-SLP
Button
7. Select a recording speed and tape length.
Select SP orSLP recording speed.
Press the SP-SLP button to select a
recording speed. The speed selected
(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.
Set the length of the tape you are
using so the camcorder can correctly
calculate the recording time
remaining on the tape.
Repeatedly press the T20o30•40
button to select a tape length.
• Select T20 if you are using a tape
with 20 minutes or less recording
time in SP.
• Select T30 if you are using a tape
with 30 minutes recording time
in SP.
• Select T40 if you are using a tape
with 40 minutes recording time
in SP.

Eyepiece
Focus
Control \
Electronic
Viewfinder
AE Dial
8. Set the AE dial to AUTO.
• This places the camcorder in the
AUTO mode.
• In the AUTO mode, the focus,
exposure, and white balance are
automatically controlled by the
camcorder.
• Many of the special effects do not
operate in the AUTO mode.
Details on page 28.
.Adjust the viewfinder and
eyepiece focus control.
• Pull out and rotate the viewfinder
into acomfortable operating
position.
• Turn the eyepiece focus control to
adjust the focus of the viewfinder
for your vision.

STOP
Button
PAUSE
Button
_REW
Button
Po_ver POWER
Indicator (VCR/OFF/
CAMERA)
Switch
Trigger
10. Start and stop recording.
• Press and release the thumb trigger
to start recording. _,_ appearsin
the viewfinder, and the tally light
will light when 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 viewfinder).
11. Play back what you have
recorded.
• Place the POWER switch in VCR.
•Press REW to rewind the tape.
• Press PLAY/PAUSE to play back
the tape in the viewfinder.
• Press STOP when you are finished
playing back the tape.
•Details on viewfinderplayback are
on page 58.
12. Place the POWER switch in
OFF to turn off the
camcorder.
The power indicator will turn off.
13. Close the lens cover.

14. Review camcorder's operating controls.
Power
Zoom
Lever
Cassette Compartment
Lens
Tally
Light
JLIP Connector
(Located Under
Small Cover)
Microphone
SET
Button
SELECT
Button
MENU
Button
AE Dial
(continuedon next page)
9

14. Review camcorder's operating controls. (continued)
Model CC643 Only:
B(Bright) and C(White
Balance) Controls (See
trouble checks for details.)
\
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Clock Cell
Battery
Compartment
Attach
Rechargeable
Battery Here
Attach Adapter/
Charger's DC
cord Here
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Eyepiece
Focus
Control
Viewfinder
LENS COVER Control
Handstrap
POWER (VCR/OFF/
CAMERA) Switch
Thumb 1_rigger
AUDIO
(MONO), RF DC
OUT, and
VIDEO jacks
10

14. Review camcorder's operating controls.
T20"30o40 Button
(Also COUNTER R/M Button)
SP-SIP Button
_t _T20"30_40 SP-SLP
COUNTER R/M
STOP Button STOP
Button
REW (Rewindt
(Also EDIT SEARCH -
Button) Fast Forward) Button
(Also EDIT SEARCH + Button)
BATT. (Battery)
RELEASE Button
11

Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder
The adapter/chargerattaches 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 100-240V, 50/60 Hz
DC Cable
POWER
Indicator DC OUT
Jack
Attach Adapter/Charger
1. Connect one end of the DC cable to
the DC OUT jack on the adapter/
charger.
2. Connect the otherend of the DC cable
to the DC injack on the camcorder as
shown above.
3. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into
the nearest AC outlet (100-240V,
50/60Hz).
4. If the adapter/charger is properly
connected, its POWER indicator
will light.
Remove Adapter/Charger
1. Unplug the adapter/chargerfrom the
wall outlet.
2. Remove the DC cable from the
adapter/charger and camcorder.
Using an Optional Plug Adapter
An optional plug adapter may be required
in some countries.
J
OptionalAC AC 100-240V
Plug Adapter
1. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into
the AC plug adapter.
2. Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC
outlet.
12

Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder
The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the
first time. Initial charging will take approximately 70 minutes. When fully charged,
the battery should supply about 70 minutes of operating time (depending on how much
you use zoom and pause). Conserve battery power by turning the camcorder off during
recording breaks.
Note: The small marker switch on top of the battery is for use as a personal reminder to help you
remember to recharge the battery. It has no other function.
Reference
Marks
Marker
Switch
termifials.
Do not attempt to disassemble or
modify the battery. There are no
BATT. RELEASE Button POWER Switch
and Indicator
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 pack.
Details on page 38.
1. Align the reference mark on the
battery with mark on back of
camcorder.
2. Hold the top of the battery flush
against the camcorder and press the
specified adapter/chargers and
camcorders.
Throwing the battery into a fire
or exposing it to excessive heat-
over 149°F (65°C) could be
hazardous.
bottom of the battery down until it
locks into place.
3. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA.
The power indicator will light.
Remove the Battery
Slide and hold BATE. RELEASE 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-BATTERY for information or
contact your local recycling center. _Ni-Cd
13
.--- .• _. i • :-•

.... _-;.:- : i ..... _ . ii-i ¸
i i ¸!i i iilli ,
POWER
Indicator
CHG
Indictor
Hold Battery
Flush and
Slide
Reference
Marks
To AC Wall
Outlet 100-
240 Volts,
50/60 Hz.
END
Indicator
REFRESH
Button
Indicator
Adapter/Charger
Caution: When a battery is attached tOthe adapter/charger, do not turn them
upside down. The battery may fall off and be damaged or cause injury.
Charge the Battery
If the DC cable is attached to the DC OUT
jack on the adapter/charger, remove its
plug.
I. 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, 50160Hz).
4. If the battery is properly connected,
the adapter/charger's CHG (charge)
indicator will light.
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 light.
5. After the battery is charged, the END
indicator will light.
6. Remove the charged battery by sliding
it off the adapter/charger.
7. Attach the charged battery to the
camcorder.
Use the REFRESH Button
The battery will provide 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 will light and the battery
will begin discharging.
3. When discharging is completed, the
REFRESH indicator will turn off,
and the CHG indicator will light.
The battery will then charge.
4. After the battery is charged, the
END indicator will light. Remove
the battery from the adapter/charger.
14
• -!?ii_i •

Battery Level Indicator
The battery level indicator appears in the
viewfinder and shows you the amount of
power in the rechargeable battery.
When _ appears, the battery is
fully charged.
• As the power is used _ and CZ_]
appear.
° When the battery power is almost gone,
_" flashes in the viewfinder. The
/[ \
camcorder will turn off automatically
after a few seconds. Place the POWER
switch in OFF to turn off the cam-
corder before replacing the battery.
The battery level indicator will not be
recorded on the tape when it appears in
the viewfinder.
Battery Care and Storage
• Recharging takes approximately 70
minutes depending on the battery's
condition.
• Refreshing takes approximately 210
minutes depending on the battery's
condition.
• After repeated charging and use,
operation time will gradually decrease.
When operation time becomes too
short to be useful, it is time to replace
the battery.
• If the CHG indicator starts flashing, the
battery pack has become too hot.
Remove the battery and let it cool
down.
• If the battery discharging must be
stopped in the middle, remove the
battery from the adapter/charger before
unplugging it from the AC outlet.
• Let a hot battery cool down before
attaching it to the AC adapter/charger.
15

Optional Car Cord Adapter
The optional DCC08 car cord shown on
page 66 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.
Cautions: The DCC08 is designed to
be used only with vehicles having
negative ground electrical systems.
Use only car cord adapter DCC08 with
this camcorder. Use of any other car
cord adapter may damage the
camcorder and void your warranty.
Using the DCC08 Car Cord Adapter _'_ _ .........
Cigarette
Lighter Socket POWER Indicator
"_'____....__ __ [Power __._"'_¢J /_'------__.
Optional DCC08 Car Cord Adapter
I. Place the POWER switch in OFF to
turn off the camcorder. Power
indicator on the camcorder turns off.
2. 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 will light.
6. Place the POWER switch in CAMERA
to turn on the camcorder. The power
indicator on the camcorder lights.
16

Makesureyouselectgoodqualitytapestobeusedwithyourcamcorder.Useof 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.
The automatic head-cleaning system minimizes the need for accessory cleaners or
cleaning by a Servicenter. This system is activated whenever you insert or remove a
cassette.
Erase Protection -Safety Tab
You can use your video cassettes over andover again. To erase a previous recording,
just record over it.
A. Remove
safety tab or
slide tab to
REC OFF.
B. Cover hole
with vinyl tape or
slide tab to REC ON to
record over tape.
Recording and Playback Speeds and Times _,_,_ _ ......-...............
The camcorder records and plays back in standard speed (SP) orextended play (SLP).
Select the recording speed using the SP-SLP button. The selected speed will be
displayed in the viewfinder. Listed below arethe maximum SP and SLP recording
times for popular VHS-C cassettes.
• SP - Standard play provides the
best picture (less picture noise),
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 than SP in normal
playback. This may not be
noticeable.
Cassette
TC-20
TC-30
TC-40
Recording Time
SP SLP
20 Min. 60 Min.
30 Min. 90 Min.
40 Min. 120 Min.
17

.i : H -.r
,Video Cassettes ........
Inserting and Removing Cassettes
EJECT Button
PUSH Here to
Close Cassette Tape
Compartment Window
Tape
Wheel
"Safety Tab
Caution:
Insert the
cassette only
one way with
the tape wheel
facing up and
the tape win-
dow facing out.
The cassette
should slide _-
easily into the
compartment.
Do not force
the cassette.
Before inserting a cassette, turn the tape
wheel on the side of the cassette in the
direction shown to remove any slack in
the tape. _Wheel
1.
2.
3.
Attach a power supply. Then slide
and release EJECT to open the
cassette compartment.
Insert or remove the cassette.
Close the cassette compartment door
by pressing on the area labeled PUSH
until it locks into place.
• When you are finished with a cassette,
rewind it, remove it from the
camcorder, and label it.
• Store cassettes vertically in their
protective cases at normal room
temperatures. Do not leave your
camcorder or cassettes in a car or
outdoors for an extended period.
Excessive heat or cold may damage
your cassettes.
• Keep the cassette away from strong
magnetic fields such as electric motors
and other devices.
18
• 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 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.