RCA PROV742 User manual

camcorder
user's guide
ProV730/ProV742

Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.
WARNING: Xo reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose
camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.
RISKOFELECrFIICSHOCK
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.
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 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 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 l-l/2 to 2 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 ProV 730/ProV742
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 70-71)
Customer Service ..................................... 800-336-1900 (Page 69)
Accessories ......................................... 800-338-0376 (Pages 59-65)
Safety Information ................................ i
Product Registration ............................. i
Contents ............................................. 1-2
First-Time Operation
•Assistance ............................................ 3
• Unpack Camcorder and
Accessories .................................. i...3
• Attach the Adapter/Charger ........... _.... 4
• Insert a Cassette .................................. 4
• Open the Lens Door ............................ 5
•Adjust the Handstrap ........................... 5
• Turn on the Camcorder ....................... 6
•Adjust Eyepiece Focus Control ........... 7
• Start and Stop Recording .................... 7
•Play Back What You Have
Recorded .......................................... 8
•Review the Camcorder's
Operating Controls ..................... 8-10
Remote Control
•Install Remote Battery ...................... 11
• Remote Sensor .................................. 11
• Location and Function of
Remote Buttons ........................ 12-13
Powering Your Camcorder
•Using the Adapter/Charger ............... 14
•Using the Rechargeable Battery
•Charge the Battery .......................... 15
• Insert the Battery ............................ 16
• Remove the Battery ........................ 16
•Proper Care and Storage ................. 17
•Battery Safety Precautions ............... 17
•Battery Level Indicator ..................... 18
• Using the Optional Car Cord
Adapter ........................................... 19
Video Cassettes
•Erase Protection ................................ 20
•Recording and Playback Speed and
Times .............................................. 20
• Inserting and Removing
Cassettes ......................................... 21
• Cassette Care and Storage ................. 21
Recording Features
•Microphone ..................... .................. 22
•Flying Erase Head ............................. 22
• Tally Light ......................................... 22
• Quick Review.. .................................. 22
• Edit Search ........................................ 23
•Tape Positioning ............................... 23

• Time Remaining Display ............ ......24
• Program AE (Auto Exposure) ........... 24
• Date Search ....................................... 25
• Date and Time Display
• Set the Date and Time .................... 26
• Record the Date and Time,
Date, or Date and Title ................. 27
• Install the Clock Lithium Cell ........ 28
• LCD Monitor
• Adjusting the Brightness ............... 29
• Moving the LCD Monitor .............. 29
• Viewfinder
• Eyepiece Focus Control ................. 30
• Tilt Adjustment .............................. 30
• Displays in Viewfinder
or LCD Monitor ...................... 31-32
• Focusing
• Auto Focus ..................................... 33
• Manual Focus ................................. 34
• Macro Focus ................................... 34
• Zooming ............................................ 35
• Digital Effects Recording .................. 36
• 16 x 9 Mode .................................... 37
• Negative/Positive Recording .......... 38
• Digital Zooming (ProV 742 only)..38
• Half-Mirror Recording ................... 39
• Mosaic Recording ......... :................ 39
• Fading In and Out of Scenes ........ 40-41
• Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS)
(ProV 742 only) ............................... 42
• Time Counter with Memory
Stop ............................................ 43-44
• Using the DISPLAY Button ............... 45
• Titler
• Creating a Title ............................... 46
• Recording Titles ............................. 47
• Audio/Video Dubbing ....................... 48
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ........... 49
Recording and Traveling Tips .......... 50
Playback
•Playing a Tape on
the LCD Monitor ............................... 51
• Viewfinder Playback .............. ,.......... 52
• Playback Features
• Stop-Action Pause .......................... 53
• Visual Searching ............................ 53
• Playback on TV (or VCR) with
A UDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks .......... 54-55
• Playback on TV without
Audio and Video Inputs ............ 56-57
Care and Maintenance ...................... 58
Optional Accessories ..................... 59-65
•Accessory Order Form ................. 63-65
Trouble Checks ............................. 66-67
User Information ................................ 68
Assistance ............................................ 69
Limited Warranty ......................... 70-71
Specifications ...................................... 72
Index (Alphabetical) ..................... 73-75
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.
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
cameorder.
• The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any are missing or
appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.
Camcorder Remote Control
(ProV 730 or ProV 742) Stock No. 239226
Rechargeable
7.2-Volt Battery
Stock No.
BB65L
DC Cable AC
Stock No. Adapter/Charger
221364 Stock No. 239224
Audio/Video
Output Cable
Stock No.
233408
AA Batteries
for Remote
Control
Clock Cell 3-Volt Micro
Lithium Cell -such as
CR2025 is available
from most local drug
stores and camera shops.
Use of other cells present
a risk of fire or
explosion.

2. Attach the adapter/charger.
DC IN 6V Jack
on back of Camcorder Adapter/Charger's
DC Cable Adapter/Charger
To AC 100-240V,
50160Hz.
[]
Since the battery must be charged
before it can be used the first time,
attach the adapter/charger.
•Attach one end of the adapter/
charger's DC cable to the DC OUT
jack on the adapter/charger.
DC OUT Jack .y
•Attach the other end of the cable to
the DC IN 6V jack on the camcorder.
• Plug the adapter/charger's plug into
an operating outlet.
•Details are on page 14.
Notes: Details on using the rechargeable
battery are on page 16.
3. Insert a cassette.
EJECT Switch
OPEN
Safety Tab
LCD
Tape Window
A. Press OPEN to open the LCD
monitor.
Note: You must open the LCD monitor
all the way before you can insert the
cassette.
B. Slide EJECT to open the cassette
compartment.
Fully insert cassette with tape
window and safety tab facing out.
D. Gently close compartment door by
pressing on the area labeled PUSH
LOCK until the door clicks.
Details are on page 21.
• E. Close the LCD monitor to view the
recording picture using the
viewfinder or leave it open to view
on the monitor. Details are on
page 29.

Mark" • " Lens Door
•OPEN
Lens Door Opener Handstrap
Small button
4. Open the lens Door.
A. Slide the opener to open and close
the lens door
B. Align the "e" mark with OPEN to
open the lens door for recording.
C. Hold down the small button in the
opener as you slide it to CLOSE.
5. Adjust the Handstrap.
Adjust the hand strap to best fit your
hand.
Note: After adjustment, close the hand
strap pad securely.
Handstrap Cover
Adjustment Strap
D. Align with CLOSE to close it.
Note: You do not need to hold the small
button to slide the opener to OPEN.
5

CAM/OFF/VCR Switch
Thumb Trigger
6. Turn on the camcorder.
The CAM/OFF/VCR switch tells the
camcorder whether you want to
record (CAM), play back tapes (VCR),
or turn off the camcorder's power
(OFF).
Some of the controls operate
differently depending on the position
of the CAM/OFF/VCR switch.
• Press and hold the small button on
CAM/OFF/VCR while sliding it to
CAM or VCR.
Important Note: The TAPE indicator
will flash in the viewfinder or LCD
monitor when there is moisture in the
camcorder. Remove the tape and wait an
hour before inserting the tape in the
camcorder again.
6

Eyepiece Focus Control
Electronic Viewfinder in Operating Position
Tally Light
Thumb Trigger
Cassette Compartment
LCD Monitor
OPEN Button
Bright Control
7. Adjust eyepiece focus control
for your vision.
A. Pull out the eye cup all the way.
Note: The eye cup is pulled out when the
camcorder is delivered from the factory. If it
is not, please pull it out untilyou hear a
click. The focus control will not work
unless the eye cup is correctly pulled out.
You can store the eye cup when you are
using the LCD instead of the viewfinder.
B. Rotate viewfinder into a comfortable
viewing position.
C. If the image in the viewfinder is blurry,
adjust the eyepiece focus conwol for
your vision.
Details are on page 30.
Or, adjustthe brightnessof the
LCD monitor.
A. Press OPEN to open the LCD monitor.
B. Use the Bright control to adjust the LCD
monitor brightness.
Details are on page 29.
8. Start and stop recorfflng.
Start and stop recording by pressing and
releasing the thumb trigger. You do not
have to hold the thumb trigger to record.
The tally light will light and REC will
appear in the viewfinder or LCD monitor
when the carncorder is recording.
Notes: Ifyou do notrecord withinfiveminutes,
thecarm'orderautomaticallyshutsoff toprevent
excessivetapewear. Ifthishappens,pressthe
thumbtrigger.Any materialrecordedon thetape
willautomaticallybeerasedif yourecordover it.
7

9. Play back what you have recorded.
A. Press thumb trigger to stop recording.
B. Place CAM/OFF/VCR in VCR.
C. Press REW/REVIEW to rewind the tape.
D. Press PLAY to play back the tape in the viewfinder.
E. Press STOP when you are finished.
F. Details on viewfinder or LCD playback are on page 51.
10. Review camcorder's operating controls.
INST. ZOOM button
EIS button \
(model ProV
742 only)
D. EFFECTS button
Shoulder Strap Attachment Rings
FADE button
DATE/DISP (Display) button
FOCUS buttons
Install Charged Battery
(Behind the Cover)
DC IN 6 JACK
(Connect Adapter/Charger here)
8

10. Review camcorder's operating controls.
BATTERY EJECT lever
EJECT switch / POWER ZOOM control
T = telephoto
W=wide angle
Handstrap
/
/
ii CAM/OFF/VCR switch
Thumb Trigger
PLAY button
z/-
STOP button J
(also TITLER button)
F.FWD button
(also TITLER button)
-_ REW/REVIEW button
_(also TITLER button)
"_ Audio/Video Output Connector
(behind the cover)
Eyepiece Focus control
Lens
Lens Door
Speaker
Remote Control Sensor
Microphone Tally Light
9

10. Review camcorder's operating controls.
OPEN button
Bright control
"/ 1
Volume control i
i
LCD monitor Cassette Compartment PUSH LOCK button
Clock Cell HoMer Tt__odMounting (threaded socket)
10

Install Remote Batteries
ack of Remote
1. Slide the cover in the direction of the
arrow to remove it.
2. Insert batteries with correct polarity
3. Replace the cover to the remote.
Notes: Never place anything heavy on top of
the remote control or lay it upside-down.
Replace batteries when camcorder fails to
respond to remote.
Remove the batteries from the remote if it will
not be used for a month or more. This will
prevent possible damage from battery
Battery Holder
leakage. If leakage occurs, wipe up the liquid
inside the compartment and replace
the batteries.
Cautions::_
same time,
Remote Sensor
The remote operates the camcorder by
infrared light, so it is protected from
electrical and sound interference.
However, the remote must be aimed
directly at the camcorder's remote
sensor. There cannot be any obstructions
between them.
Note: The camcorder may not respond to the
remote control if the camcorder's remote
sensor is exposed to direct sunlight or strong
artificial light. 11

Location and Function of Remote Buttons
A brief description of the functions of the remote buttons is given here. Some buttons
perform the same function as the corresponding controls on your camcorder. You can
use whichever is more convenient at the time.
Note: An RCA VCR that is set to respond to VCR 2 on the VCR's remote may respond to this
remote when it is used to operate the camcorder.
PLA Y Button
@REW(Rewind)
Button
A/V (Audio/Video) z"J
DUB Button z/z"
(_ DISPLAY Button
RESET Button
/@F.FWD (Fast Forward)
Button
STOP Button
'"_ @ PA USE and RECORD
Button
TITLE ON/OFF
Button
\ @ ZOOM Buttons
PLA Y Button
•Press PLAY when the camcorder's
CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in VCR to
begin playback.
• Press and hold PLAY when the
camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch
is in CAM to view the recorded
material at normal speed. When you
release PLAY, the camcorder will
stop playing and prepare to record at
that point on the tape.
REW (Rewind) Button
• Press REW when the camcorder's
CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in VCR to
rewind the tape.
• Press REW during playback
(camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch
in VCR) to visually search the tape in
reverse at a higher speed. Press
PLAY to return to normal playback.
12

• PressandholdREW when the
camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch
is in CAM to visually search the
recorded material in reverse. When
you release REW, the camcorder
stops searching and will record at
that point on the tape.
(_) A/V (Audio/Video) DUB Button
•Use this button to record new audio
and video in place of existing audio
and video on a recorded tape.
Details are on page 48.
DISPLA Y Button
• Press DISPLAY to turn the time
counter's memory-stop feature on
and off.
RESET Button
•Press RESET to set the time counter
back to "'0:00:00".
(_ F.FWD (Fast Forward) Button
•Press F.FWD when the camcorder's
CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in VCR to
fast forward the tape.
•Press F.FWD during playback
(camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch
in VCR) to visually search the tape
forward at a high speed. Press PLAY
to return to normal playback.
•Press and hold F.FWD when the
camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch
is in CAM to visually search the
recorded material forward. When
you release the F.FWD button, the
camcorder will stop searching, and
prepare to record at that point on
the tape.
(_ STOP Button
•Press STOP when the camcorder's
CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in VCR to
stop playback, rewinding, or fast
forwarding.
•STOP has no effect when the
camcorder's CAM/OFF/VCR switch
is in CAM. To stop recording, press
PA USE/RECORD.
(_ PA USE/RECORD Button (same
as thumb trigger on camcorder)
• Press and release PA USE/RECORD
when the CAM/OFF/VCR switch is
in CAM to start and stop recording.
• Press PA USE/RECORD during
playback (camcorder' s CAM/OFF/
VCR switch in VCR)toproduce a
stop-action picture. Press PA USE/
RECORD again to return to normal
playback.
_TITLE ON/OFF Button
•Press TITLE ON/OFF to display and
remove the titler graphics from the
viewfinder. Details are on pages 46-47.
ZOOM (W and T) Buttons
• Press and hold W ZOOM to move the
lens in the wide-angle direction.
• Press and hold TZOOM to move the
lens in the telephoto direction.
13

Using the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder
The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder
directly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 100-240
volts, 50/60 Hz.
DC IN 6V Jack
on back of Camcorder Adapter/Charger's
DC Cable Adapter/Charger
To AC 100-240V,
50160 Hz.
[]
DC OUT Jack
To Attach the Adapter/Charger
1. Make sure the CAM/OFF/VCR switch
is in OFF.
2. Connect the DC cable's small plug
into the DC OUT jack on the
adapter/charger.
3. Attach the other end of the cable to the
DC IN 6V jack on the camcorder.
4. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into
the nearest AC outlet (100-240V,
50/60Hz).
5. If the adapter/charger is properly
connected, its POWER indicator will
light.
To Remove the Adapter/Charger
1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the
wall outlet.
2. Remove the DC cable from the DC IN
6V jack on the camcorder.
Using an Optional Plug Adapter
An optional plug adapter may be required
in some countries.
Optional AC "/#€
Plug Adapter /AC 200-240V
1. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into
the AC plug adapter.
2. Plug the AC plug adapter into an
AC outlet.
14

Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Your Camcorder
To AC Wall Outlet
100-240V, 50/60 Hz
C
POWER Indicator
Notes: You can use the battery before it is
completely charged.
Remove the DC cord from the AC
adapter/charger before attempting to charge
the battery.
If you re-attach the fully charged battery to
the AC adapter/charger after the CHARGE
indicator goes out, the lamp will light. This
simply informs you that the battery has been
completely charged; it does not indicate that
the charge has been insufficient.
Charge the Battery
The first step is to set the battery to
charge using the provided AC
adapter/charger.
Notes: This camcorder operates with a
Lithium Ion battery such as BB65L.
Charge the battery on a flat surface without
vibration.
.
.
.
Plug the AC adapter/charger power
cord into an AC outlet. The POWER
indicator lights. (RED)
Align the bottom of the battery with
the • mark on the on the AC
adapter/charger, and then slide it in the
direction of the arrow. The CHARGE
indicator lights. (GREEN)
The CHARGE lamp will repeatedly
light for 3 seconds and then go off to
show that the battery has been charged
approximately 70% of full charge.
When the CHARGE lamp goes out, the
battery has been completely charged.
After the lamp goes out, unplug the
AC adapter/charger from the AC outlet
and remove the battery from the AC
adapter/charger.
Charging Time
Notes: Charge the battery at temperatures
32-104°F (0-40°C). At temperatures outside
this range, charging will take longer.
The battery cannot be charged at extremely
high or low temperatures. The CHARGE
indicator will flash at 2-second intervals to
show that charging is not taking place.
_-_Battery pack IBB65L
Charging
Full Charge [ 130 min.
70% Charge 70 min.
Operating Time
The camcorder operating time depends on
how often you turn power on/off and use
start/stop and zoom.
Battery pack LCD t
Recording
Continuous
Recording
Typical
Recording
BB65L
monitor r
OFF 120 min.
ON 100 min.
OFF :70 min. ,
ON 55 rain. i;
15

Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Your Camcorder
Align Arrows
Fully move in the direction of the arrow to install.
Insert the Battery
1. Make sure the CAM/OFF/VCR switch
is in OFF.
2. Align the bottom of the battery with
the mark I_ on the camcorder so that
the battery fits into the grooves.
3. Slide the battery downward.
Notes: Always remove the battery from the
camcorder after use.
We cannot guarantee against malfunctions of
the camcorder which occur when you use
battery packs other than those specified.
Always attach a battery by the procedure
described here. Attaching a battery forcibly
could cause damage.
BATTERY EJECT lever
Remove the Battery
1. Make sure the CAM/OFF/VCR switch
is in OFF.
2. Slide the BATTERY EJECT lever in
the direction of the arrow and hold it,
then slide the battery to the upper side
al_d remove.
16

Proper Care and Storage of Your Battery
Do not operate the battery at temperatures
below 14°F (-10°C) or above 113°F
(45°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.
Charge the battery at a temperature of
32°F - 104°F (0°C-40°C) to prevent
damage.
It is recommended that the battery always
be left in the discharged state when not in
use, and charge before you use it.
Avoid storing a fully charged battery, and
do not store it in aplace where the
temperature is high: this will damage the
battery.
If the POWER indicator begins to flash
during charging, remove the battery and
then reattach it to the AC adapter/charger.
If the POWER indicator continues to flash
after several attempts to attach it, the
battery is unable to take a charge and
must be replaced.
Do not attach a hot battery to the AC
adapter/charger. Allow it to cool.
Attaching a hot battery to the AC
adapter/charger causes the POWER
indicator to flash.
17

Checking Battery Power (Battery Level Indicator)
The battery level indicator (one of six symbols displayed when the battery is used)
shows how much recording time is left on the rechargeable battery. This indicator
will not be recorded on the tape.
FULL -Illlil
NORMAL 1 --]lllll
NORMAL 2 - -iSAllll
.............................
NORMAL 3 :- i
NORMAL 4 :---_ii_ _ll
_,, I//
LOWBATT _-_/ _i_11
//1",\
Display in Viewfinder or LCD Monitor
•When the battery is fully charged, the
display shows _ in the :when the battery reaches empty. The
viewfinder or LCD monitor.
• After several minutes, the display shows whenyo_ siideEJECTJ'!If it:d_S not,
• When the battery level display
-_:__--a starts flashing, it is time to
recharge (or replace) the batteries.
Note: The battery level indicator does not
appear when the camcorder is powered by
the AC adapter/charger.
18