Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product Pro884HB RCA
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USER‘S GUIDE Pro884HB CAMCO RDER 8 ®.
CAUTION : To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert. ATTENTION: Pour éviter les chocs électriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu au fond.
1 Assistance We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call: Camcorder Exchange W arranty ...... 800-283-6503 (Pages 72-73) Customer Service..................................... 800-336-1900 (Page 71) Accessories...
2 T able of Contents Recording Features • Stereo Microphone ............................24 • Flying Erase Head .............................24 • Tally Light.........................................24 • Quick Review ............................
3 First-T ime Operation 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.
4 2. Attach the adapter/charger . • 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. You can also use six alkaline “AA” batteries to power the camcorder.
First-T ime Operation 5 DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 16X9 FADE EIS Handstrap Handstrap Cover Lens Cap Attach Lens Cap Here 4. Attach the lens cap cord and adjust the handstrap. Lens Cap Lens Cap Cord B.
DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 16X9 FADE EIS 6 First-T ime Operation 5. T urn 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 ) .
7 First-T ime Operation 6. Adjust eyepiece focus contr ol for your vision. A. Rotate viewfinder into a comfortable viewing position. B. If the image in the viewfinder is blurry, adjust the eyepiece focus control for your vision. Details are on page 31.
8 First-T ime Operation 8. Play back what you have recorded. A. Press thumb trigger to stop recording. B. Place CAM/OFF/VCR in VCR . C. Press REW to rewind the tape. D. Press PLAY to play back the tape in the viewfinder. E. Press STOP when you are finished.
9 First-T ime Operation DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 16X9 FADE EIS INST. ZOOM Button Power Zoom Buttons T = Telephoto W = Wide Angle Handstr.
High-Band 8mm V ideo Recording System 10 High-band 8mm is a video recording format based on the original 8mm recording system. Special circuitry inside the camcorder produces high-quality recordings when using the high-band 8mm recording system.
PUSH REW F.FWD STOP PLAY A/V DUB PAUSE DISPLAY RESET TITLE RECORD T W ZOOM ON OFF S.EDIT 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.
12 Remote Contr ol 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.
13 Remote Contr ol 2 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 PAUSE/RECORD.
14 Powering Y our 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. To Remove the Adapter/Charger 1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the wall outlet.
15 Powering Y our Camcorder 1. Align the reference arrow on the battery with the arrow on the adapter/charger. 2. Hold the battery flush against the adapter/charger, and slide it in the direction of the arrow. 3. Plug the adapter/charger into the nearest AC outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).
16 Powering Y our Camcorder Insert the Battery 1. Make sure the CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in OFF . 2. Lift the OPEN lever and pull up the battery compartment cover. Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Y our Camcorder OPEN Lever Reference Marks 3. Insert the battery into the battery compartment aligning the reference marks.
17 Powering Y our Camcorder A TTENTION: NICKEL CADMIUM BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY. THE PRODUCT THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED CONTAINS A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY. AT THE END OF ITS USEFUL LIFE, UNDER VARIOUS STATE AND LOCAL LAWS, IT MAY BE ILLEGAL TO DISPOSE OF THIS BATTERY INTO THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM.
Powering Y our Camcorder 18 Insert the Batteries Using Alkaline “AA” Batteries to Power Y our Camcorder The camcorder can be powered by six alkaline dry-cell “AA” batteries. The operation time of the camcorder depends on the type of alkaline batteries used.
Powering Y our Camcorder 19 Checking Battery Power (Battery Level Indicator) The battery level indicator shows how much recording time is left on the rechargeable or alkaline batteries. This indicator will not be recorded on the tape. Display in Viewfinder Battery Level Indicator Caution: The camcorder will shut off when the battery reaches empty.
20 Powering Y our Camcorder 1. Make sure the camcorder’s CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in OFF . 2. Connect the DC cable’s small plug into the DC OUTPUT jack on the car cord adapter. 3. Attach the other end of the cable to the DC IN 6V jack on the camcorder.
21 Car Cord Adapter Cigarette Lighter Socket DC IN 6V Jack Adapter/Charger’s DC Cable DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N POWER Jack DC OUTPUT 16X9 FADE EIS Powering Y our Camcorder 1. Make sure the camcorder’s CAM/OFF/VCR switch is in OFF .
22 V ideo Cassettes You can use your video cassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording, just record over it. 8 We recommend our cassettes be used with your camcorder. Use of poor quality or damaged tapes can contaminate the video heads, resulting in snow or no picture during playback.
23 FOCUS EJECT N F DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. REW EDIT SEARCH PUSH 16X9 FADE EIS V ideo Cassettes 1. Slide EJECT to open the cassette compartment. 2. Fully insert cassette with tape window and safety tab facing out. Cassette Care and Storage • Close the safety tab to prevent accidental erasure.
PUSH 24 Recording Features Stereo Micr ophone The stereo microphone picks up the sound during a recording. It is more sensitive to sounds coming from the direction the lens is pointed. Flying Erase Head A separate erase head is mounted on the spinning headwheel (hence the term “flying”).
DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 16X9 FADE EIS REW F.FWD STOP PLAY A/V DUB PAUSE DISPLAY RESET TITLE RECORD T W ZOOM ON OFF S.EDIT 25 Recording Featur es Edit Search Edit search uses EDIT SEARCH , EDIT SEARCH ( REW and F.
26 Recording Featur es Program AE (Auto Exposur e) Program auto exposure automatically selects the shutter speed and adjusts the iris according to the shutter speed.
Recording Featur es 27 Date Search You can search for the beginning and end of recordings you make on a certain day. remote) to search for the place you stopped recording. When the camcorder locates the beginning or end of the recording, it will enter the stop mode.
28 1. Attach a power supply to the camcorder. Press and hold the small button on the CAM/OFF/VCR switch while you slide it in CAM . 2. If the date and time display does not appear in the viewfinder, press DATE/TITLE . 3. A flashing cursor lets you know which part of the display you are setting.
29 Date and T ime Display The time and date, date only, or date and title can be recorded on your tape. Whenever one of the displays appears in the viewfinder, it will be recorded. The camcorder also has auto date and auto title features. The clock cell must be installed and the clock set.
Date and T ime Display 30 Install the Clock Lithium Cell 1. Make sure camcorder is turned off, and remove any power supply attached to the camcorder. 2. Pull out the cell holder. 3. Insert the clock cell into the cell holder with the “+” terminal facing out.
31 COLOR TINT BRIGHT FOCUS EJECT N F DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. STOP REW EDIT SEARCH PUSH 16X9 FADE EIS V iewfinder The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the picture seen by the lens.
32 Time Remaining Time Counter with Memory 9 10 11 Status Time and Date 7 8 12 13 Displays in V iewfinder 1 Manual Focus • FOCUS appears when manual focus is turned on. • No indicator appears when auto focus is turned on. • Press both FOCUS buttons together to turn auto focus on and off.
• ZOOM appears when you press T and zoom in the telephoto direction more than twelve times. • I.ZOOM appears when you press INST. ZOOM to enlarge the picture 1.5 times. 7 Status The following status displays appear. • REC appears during recording.
DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 16X9 FADE EIS 34 Focusing Y our Camcorder Auto Focus The camcorder will focus automatically whenever FOCUS does not appear in the viewfinder. • If FOCUS appears, press FOCUS F and N at the same time to turn on auto focus.
35 Focusing Y our Camcorder Conditions that May Require Manual Focus The following conditions may require the use of manual focusing during recording. Macro Focus The macro-focus feature lets you focus on objects as close as 3/8 inch from the camcorder lens.
DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 16X9 FADE EIS 36 Zooming INST. ZOOM Button Using Power Zoom Buttons • Press “W” to move the lens in the wide- angle direction. • Press “T” to move the lens in the telephoto (close-up) direction.
37 16 X 9 Mode The new 16 x 9 TV format provides a 30% wider picture than conventional TVs of the same height. The 16 x 9 recording mode lets you make recordings compatible with this new format. When the 16 x 9 mode is activated, the camcorder records black bars at the top and bottom of the picture to produce the wide-screen effect.
38 Fading In and Out of Scenes You can add a professional touch to your recordings when you fade in and out of scenes. Both the picture and sound will gradually appear or disappear. Fade In 1. Place the camcorder in record pause. 2. Repeatedly press FADE to select fade mode.
39 Electr onic Image Stabilizer (EIS) The electronic image stabilizer (EIS) corrects slight shaking of images during some recording modes. • While zooming in on a distant object. • When recording an approaching small object. • When recording while walking or riding in a vehicle.
40 T ime Counter W ith Memory Stop The time counter shows actual time elapsed when recording or playing back a tape. It quickly locates the end of recorded segments. 0:00:00M Time Counter With Memory Stop Turned On in Viewfinder T o Use T ime Counter For example, you recorded a 10-minute segment.
REW F.FWD STOP PLAY A/V DUB PAUSE DISPLAY RESET TITLE RECORD T W ZOOM ON OFF S.EDIT 41 T ime Counter W ith Memory Stop DISPLAY Button PAUSE/RECORD Button RESET Button REW Button F.FWD Button 2. Locate the place on the tape you want to return to and press RESET on the remote to set the time counter to “ 0:00:00M ”.
42 DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 16X9 FADE EIS T itler The titler can store a title page in memory that can be displayed and recorded at any time. The built-in character register contains 47 characters for creating titles on two lines with up to 16 characters per line.
43 6. Press TITLE ON/OFF on remote to remove the titler graphics from the viewfinder. The camcorder will now record as normal. If you do not want to continue recording, press the thumb trigger ( PAUSE/RECORD on remote) to stop recording.
44 3 Attach the plug on the other end of the input cable to the audio/video in/out connector located behind the small cover on the side of the camcorder.
45 DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 16X9 FADE EIS Audio/V ideo Dubbing 1. Slide camcorder’s CAM/OFF/VCR switch to VCR . 2. Insert the tape you want to dub on, press PLAY, and locate a place on the tape a few seconds before where you want the dubbing to begin.
46 Synchr o Edit Synchro edit allows your camcorder to control a VCR (one that has a compatible PAUSE , EDIT , EDIT IN/OUT, or SYNC jack) while tapes are being copied from the camcorder to the VCR. This is convenient when you want to copy only selected segments from a previously recorded tape.
47 Synchr o Edit 4. Press S.EDIT on the remote to start the camcorder playing and the VCR recording. Note: Pressing S.EDIT puts the camcorder in review for several seconds and then into playback. 5. Pressing REW , F.FWD , STOP, or thumb trigger (PAUSE/RECORD on remote) automatically puts the VCR into record pause.
48 Recording fr om VCR or TV Monitor DC IN 6V T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N AUDIO OUT VIDEO OUT Back of Mono VCR White and Red Audio Plugs Yellow Video Plu.
49 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV monitor: Turn on the TV, and tune it to the channel you want to record. B. Camcorder connected to a VCR that is already connected to a TV: Turn on VCR and select channel you want to record, or place the cassette you want to copy in the VCR.
50 Optional Color Enhancement Light An optional VLP04 color enhancement light shown on page 61 helps create brighter, sharper pictures in very low light conditions. It lights subjects in darkened areas or corrects unflattering shadows. 1. Attach the rechargeable battery or AC adapter/charger to power the camcorder.
51 Optional Color Enhancement Light 1. Turn the case front counterclockwise to remove it. 2. Remove the bulb by pulling it out through the open case. 3. Hold the new bulb with a soft cloth and align the notch in the rim of the bulb’s base with the mark outside the socket.
52 Attaching the Shoulder Strap Removing the Lens Hood Caution: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, you may find it convenient to rotate the viewfinder down. This helps prevent possible damage to the viewfinder from bumping against your body as you move.
53 • Practice recording under a variety of lighting conditions. • Use the viewfinder to keep camcorder level or scenes will appear “tilted”. • Include close-up shots of individuals when taping family outings or group functions. • Make a video recording of your home and contents to store in a safe place in case of fire or theft.
DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N 16X9 FADE EIS 54 V iewfinder Playback Viewfinder playback is the simplest way to watch tapes using the camcorder. This method is generally used only to review scenes immediately after recording.
Stop-Action Pause • During playback, press the thumb trigger ( PAUSE/RECORD on remote ) to “stop the action” and view one frame of the tape. • Press the thumb trigger ( PAUSE/RECORD on remote ) again to return to normal playback. V isual Searching • During playback, press and hold F.
56 Playback on TV or VCR Using AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks DC IN 6V OPEN T W INST. ZOOM FOCUS DATE/TITLE DISPLAY PLAY F.F. EDIT SEARCH STOP REW F N AUDIO IN VIDEO IN Back of Mono VCR or TV/Monitor White and .
57 Playback on TV or VCR 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV monitor: Turn on the TV and tune it to the video input channel. B. Camcorder connected to VCR that is already connected to TV: Turn on VCR and place it in the “line” or “camera mode”.
58 Playback on TV without Audio/V ideo Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio and video inputs, you need an optional RF output adapter, such as CRF81 shown on page 63 .
59 V iewing What the Camcorder Is Recording 1. Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3 or 4. Note: When the camcorder is used as a camera, turn the TV ’s volume down to prevent a high-pitched squeal caused by feedback. 2. Set the CH3/CH4 switch on the RF output adapter to the same channel you selected on the TV.
60 Cleaning the V iewfinder Car e and Maintenance • Keep dust and grit from entering the cassette door. They are abrasive and cause excessive wear both to the camcorder’s recording/playback heads and cassettes. • Always replace the lens cap on the lens when the camcorder is not in use.
VCC1000 Video Color Control Center The VCC1000 is two accessories in one. The color control center allows you to adjust the color intensity, tint, white balance, and sharpness of tapes being dubbed. This is especially helpful when the original tape was produced in poor lighting conditions or poor color settings.
Optional Accessories 62 DCC80 Car Cord Adapter/Charger This car cord adapter/charger enables you to operate your camcorder from your car, truck, or RV by plugging it into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. It will also charge the BV060 battery supplied with your camcorder or the BB150 battery.
Optional Accessories 63 CRF81 RF Output Adapter This adapter is used to connect your camcorder to a standard TV (one without audio/video input jacks) for playback. If your antenna cable is the flat twin-lead type attached by two screws, you will also need a 300-75 ohm transformer, such as 193983.
Optional Accessories 64 AC088 Super Lightweight Tripod Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such as AC088, will keep the camcorder steady and produce excellent video results. This tripod’s fluid-effect head provides smooth camera pan and tilt. The quick- release mount makes it easy to attach or remove the camcorder.
65 Accessory Order Form Detach Here ✂ Please complete other side also Order Form for Camcorder Model Pro884HB Description Part No. Price Qty. Total Soft Camcorder Case AC025A $ 59.95 Super Lightweight Tripod AC088 $ 39.95 75-300 Cable Transformer AH011 $ 1.
66 Accessory Order Form Detach Here ✂ ® r r s TM Charge your order on your VISA or MasterCard by filling in below USE YOUR CREDIT CARD IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card IM.
67 Accessory Order Form To order accessories, contact your local Dealer. If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow the directions below to order by telephone or direct-by-mail.
68 T r ouble Checks Troubles sometimes are caused by simple “faults” that you can easily correct without the help of a service technician by first checking a few basic remedies. Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Compact Camcorder Servicenter, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing.
69 T r ouble Checks T rouble Checks and Adjustments • Make sure FOCUS does not appear in viewfinder. Press FOCUS F and N buttons together to turn on auto focus. See pages 34-35. • Scene is dark. Auto-focus may not work under this condition. See pages 34-35 for details on manual focus.
70 User Information This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, and RF lighting device, pursuant to Part 15 and 18 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
71 (continued on next page) Customer Assistance and Service You can reach Thomson at the following number: 800-283-6503 (Toll free inside U.S.A.) Our toll-free Camcorder number operates from 8 a.
72 What your warranty covers: • Any defect in materials or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: • 90 days for labor charges. • One year for parts. What we will do: During the initial 90 days • Exchange your camcorder with a new or, at our option, a refurbished unit or at your option, repair your camcorder at no cost to you.
73 Limited W arranty Include with the shipment: • A copy of your dated bill of sale to verify your unit’s warranty eligibility. • A brief note describing your camcorder problem. • Your name, address and phone number. Return transportation, storage, and handling costs and insurance are your sole responsibility.
74 Specifications General Power requirement: 6VDC Power consumption: 5.9 W (when FOCUS indicator appears in viewfinder) Weight: 1.89 lbs. (without battery pack, lens hood, lens cap, and cassette) Dime.
Index 75 16X9 Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8,37 16X9 Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32,37 16X9 Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 A/V (Audio/Video) DUB Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13,45 A/V DUB Indicator .
Index 76 EJECT Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,8,19,23 Erase Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Eyepiece Focus Control . . . . . . . .7,8,31 F.F and F.FWD (Fast Forward) Buttons . . . . . . .8,12-13,25,27,40-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index 77 Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-13 Remote Control Battery . . . . . . . . . . .11 Remote Control Sensor . . . . . . . . . .9,11 Removing Lens Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Removing Rechargeable Battery . . . .16 RESET Button .
© 1995 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. Trademark(s) ® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s) Printed in Japan Part Number 95-Pro884HB-1 QR12997 If your camcorder needs service, please contact your dealer or the nearest Servicenter from the yellow pages.
An important point after buying a device RCA Pro884HB (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought RCA Pro884HB yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data RCA Pro884HB - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, RCA Pro884HB you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get RCA Pro884HB will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of RCA Pro884HB, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime RCA Pro884HB.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with RCA Pro884HB. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device RCA Pro884HB along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
