RCA CC6383 - Manuals

First-Time Operation 3 Assistance 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. This s...

4 First-Time Operation 3. Adjust the handstrap to fit your hand. LENSCOVER Control Handstrap Handstrap VelcroStrip (Under Flap) 2. Attach the adapter/charger. DC In Jack DC Cable Adapter/Charger To AC 100-240,50/60 Hz • Connect the other end of the DC cable to the DC in jack on thecamcorder as shown...

First-Time Operation 5 ( Continued on next page ) 5. Set POWER ( CAMERA MAN/CAMERA AUTO/OFF/VCR) switch to CAMERA AUTO. POWER Switch and Indicator • The power indicator lights. • The position of this switch tells the camcorder whether you wantto record ( CAMERA MAN or CAMERA AUTO) , turn the power o...

6 First-Time Operation 7. Select a recording speed. 6. Insert a tape. • Open the LCD monitor at least 60˚ before opening the cassette holder. • Slide the EJECT switch. The cassette holder opensautomatically. • Turn the tape wheel on the cassette to remove any slack from the tape. Select SP or SLP re...

First-Time Operation 7 EyepieceFocusControl 180 ° 180 ° Use the LCD Monitor • Make sure the monitor is open at least 60˚. The viewfinderturns off. • You can tilt the monitor 180˚ up or 90˚ down for convenient viewing. • Rotate the menu PUSH dial to adjust the brightness of the imagein the monitor. U...

8 First-Time Operation PUSH – + 9. Select a tape length. T20T30T35T40 EXIT TAPE LENGTH 5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the type of tape you areusing. POWER Switch and Indicator MENU/DISPLAY Button Menu PUSH Dial (Rotate or Push In) 1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN . 2. Press the PUSH ...

First-Time Operation 9 REW Button POWER Switch ThumbTrigger Power Indicator STOP Button PLAY/PAUSE Button 10. Start and stop recording. • Place the POWER switch in CAMERA AUTO . • Press and release the thumb trigger to start recording. REC appears in the viewfinder or on the LCDmonitor. • Press and ...

First-Time Operation 11 14. Review camcorder’s operating controls. ( Continued ) Microphone Lens Handstrap Attach Adapter/Charger’sDC Cord (DC In JackLocated Under Battery) orRechargeable Battery Here Thumb Trigger A (Audio) and V (Video) Jacks (Behind Small Cover) LENSCOVER Control 5SEC. REC Button...

12 Power Your Camcorder Power Your Camcorder Adapter/Charger The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorderdirectly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 100-240volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power theca...

Power Your Camcorder 13 Rechargeable Battery The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the first time. Initial charging takes approximately 70 minutes. When fully charged, thebattery supplies approximately 80-90 minutes of operating time – depending on howmuch y...

14 Power Your Camcorder 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. Charge the Battery If the DC cable is attached to the DC OUT jack on the adapter/charger, remove it. 1. Align reference mark on ...

Power Your Camcorder 15 Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder ( Continued ) 4. After the battery is charged, the CHG (charge) indicator stops flashing andlights. 5. Remove the battery from the adapter/ charger. Battery Level Indicator The battery level indicator appears in theviewfinder or on the ...

16 Power Your Camcorder Optional Car Cord Adapter The optional DCC08 car cord shown on page 65 allows you to power your camcorder from the cigarette lightersocket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts12-volts to a 6-volt output. Note: Consult the installation and operating instructions enclosed with t...

17 Date and Time Display Install the Clock Lithium Cell The clock cell indicator flashes for a few seconds in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor when you turn on the camcorder if the cell is not installed or needsreplacing. 1. Make sure camcorder is turned off, and remove any power supplyattached ...

18 Date and Time Display Set the Date and Time You must set the correct date and time before you can display and record iton your tapes. The clock cell must be installed as shown on the previous page before you can set the date. 1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN . 2. Press the MENU/DISPLAY butto...

20 Date and Time Display Record AUTO DATE , Date, Time, and Title Displays You must install the clock cell and set the date and time ( as shown on the previous pages ) before the you can select and record the correct date and time. 1. Attach a power supply and set POWER switch to CAMERA MAN . The po...

21 Date and Time Display 5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the date/time display youwant to record. • AUTO DATE : The date is auto- matically recorded for approxi-mately five seconds and then AUTO DATE is displayed whenever: • The date is set or changed. • This display mode is selected. • Th...

22 Videocassettes Recording Time Cassette SP SLP TC-20 20 Min. 60 Min. TC-30 30 Min. 90 Min. TC-35 35 Min. 105 Min. TC-40 40 Min. 120 Min. Make sure you select good quality tapes for your camcorder. Use of poor quality tapesor tapes that have been damaged or mishandled can contaminate the video head...

23 Videocassettes CAUTIONS Insert the cassetteonly one way with thetape wheel facing upand the tape windowfacing out. Thecassette should slideeasily into the holder.Do not force thecassette. Never try to open thedoor by prying as youcould damage thecamcorder. Cassette Care and Storage • When you are...

24 Recording Recording PUSH — + Time-Remaining Display The approximate time remaining on the tape in the camcorder for the tapespeed you select is displayed. You must set the correct tape length in the TAPE LENGTH feature of the menu before the camcorder can correctly calculate time remaining. Selec...

26 Recording Use the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder to See What You Record You can see what you are recording on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. Whenthe LCD monitor is open more than 60˚, the viewfinder turns off. When you close theLCD monitor, the viewfinder turns on. To enable both you and the pe...

27 Recording 180 ° 180 ° Eyepiece Focus Control Viewfinder Cautions Do not force the viewfinderto rotate completelyaround. This will damagethe viewfinder and/or thecamcorder. When carrying the cam-corder with the shoulderstrap, put the viewfinderdown to help preventpossible damage to theviewfinder f...

28 Recording Battery Level Indicator ( ) • This indicator shows the amount ofpower left in the rechargeable battery. • This indicator flashes when the batteryis almost empty. Cassette Warning • The indicator flashes when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA and there is no cassette in the camcorder. • ...

29 Recording LCD Monitor and Viewfinder Displays ( Continued ) • SPORTS This indicator appears when you select SPORTS to record fast-moving action, such as sporting events. • SD:SHADOW This indicator appears when you select SD:SHADOW to darken the picture and reduce glare. • HZ: HAZE This indicator ...

30 Recording BRIGHT (or VOLUME ) Indicator • The BRIGHT indicator appears when you adjust the brightness of themonitor with the bright control (alsomenu PUSH dial). • During playback, the VOLUME indicator appears when you adjust thevolume of the speaker with the VOLcontrol (also zoom lever). Exposur...

31 Recording LCD Monitor and Viewfinder Displays ( Continued ) Lithium Cell ( ) • This indicator appears for a few seconds when you turn on the cam-corder and the clock cell is missing orneeds to be replaced. • Details are on page 17. Animation, Time-Lapse, and Five-Second Recording Indicators ( 15S...

32 Recording POWER Switch SEARCH F Button AutoShot™ Mode The POWER switch lets you select automatic or manual control of severalfeatures. To Turn on the AutoShot™ Mode 1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO . The power indicator lights and the camcorder enters record-pause. P AU SE appears in the vi...

33 Recording Camera Edit Feature The camera edit feature allows you toposition the tape when the camcorder is inrecord-pause. Set POWER switch to CAMERA AUTO or CAMERA MAN. • Press and hold SEARCH R to visually search the recorded tapein reverse. • Press and hold SEARCH F to visually search forward ...

34 Recording PUSH — + Zooming You can zoom in and out for close ups or wide-angle shots just by moving thezoom lever on the camcorder. The camcorder automatically focuses when youzoom at most distances. Digital zooming allows you to zoom up to 200 timesfor Model CC6373 and 300 times for Model CC6383...

35 Recording • Select ON to turn digital zooming on. • Select OFF to turn D. ZOOM off. 5. Press the menu PUSH dial twice to turn digital zooming on or off andremove the menus from theviewfinder or LCD monitor. Notes: As the zoom level increases, the picture gradually becomes less sharp. Digital zoom...

36 Recording PUSH — + Focusing The camcorder adjusts focus automatically under normal conditions.You might need to focus manually under certain conditions. Auto Focus During auto focus the camcorderfocuses on the object located in thecenter area of the viewfinder. • Set the POWER switch to CAMERA AU...

37 Recording Focusing (Continued) Manual Focus You might need to focus manually undercertain conditions. 1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN . 2. Rotate the zoom lever to T to zoom in on the subject and center the subjectin the viewfinder or on the LCDmonitor. 3. Press the menu PUSH dial in to dis...

38 Recording White Balance Making colors look natural is what white balance is all about. This is achieved byadjusting the way the camcorder “sees” and records the light source in the sceneyou record. Your camcorder is equipped with automatic white balance.You might want to adjust white balance manu...

39 Recording FOCUSEXPOSUREM. W. B.16 X 9TAPE LENGTHTITLEDATE/TIME DISP. RETURN AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF T30 3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight M. W. B. and press the dial in to display the M.W.B. menu . AUTO :FINE :CLOUD :HALOGENMWB EXIT M.W.B. 4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the white ba...

40 Recording Exposure Control The camcorder controls the iris for you when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA AUTO . The camcorder adjusts brightness automatically under normal conditions. You might need to adjust brightness manually whenthe background is too bright or too dark in comparison with the...

41 Recording Exposure Control ( Continued ) 3. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight EXPOSURE, and press the dial in to display the EXPOSURE menu . AUTOMANU EXIT EXPOSURE 4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight MANU (manual) and press the dial in. The exposure indicator( 00 ) appears. 5. Adjust t...

42 Recording FADES Button Fade or Wipe In or Out You can add a professional touch to your recordings when you fade or wipein and out of scenes. The picture gradually appears or disappears. Thespeed of the fade or wipe is controlled by the camcorder. To Fade or Wipe In or Out 1. Set the POWER switch ...

43 Recording Fade or Wipe In 1. Press the thumb trigger to pause recording. 2. Repeatedly press FADES to select the fade or wipe you want to use. Note: The last fade or wipe used appears the first time you press FADES . 3. Press the thumb trigger to start recording. The picture and soundgradually ap...

44 Recording P. (Program) AE Button The P. (Program) AE button lets you select one of several different effects. Press the button to select the effect you want. The name and indicator for the effectappears briefly and then the indicator remains. Picture is recorded in sepia (brownish red) and offers...

45 Recording 4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight OFF or ON . • Select ON to record 16X9. • Select OFF to turn off 16X9. 5. Press the menu PUSH dial in twice to turn 16X9 on or off and remove themenus. New 16x9 TV Screen Standard Shape TV Screen 1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN . 2. Press ...

Recording 46 Preset Titles The title feature lets you choose one of eight preset titles. You can also choosethe language for your titles. Select a Language for the Title You can select English, French, orSpanish to record your preset titles. 1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN . 2. Press the MENU/...

47 Recording Record a Preset Title 1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN . 2. Press the menu PUSH dial in to display the menu in the viewfinder oron the LCD monitor. FOCUS is highlighted. FOCUSEXPOSUREM. W. B.16 X 9TAPE LENGTHTITLEDATE/TIME DISP. RETURN AUTO AUTO AUTO OFF T30 3. Rotate the menu PUSH...

Recording 48 To Record Using Animation 1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN . 2. Press and hold SP/SLP to select SP . SP appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. 3. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. D. ZOOM is highlighted. Animation R...

49 Recording Animation Recording ( Continued ) 4. Rotate the menu PUSH dial down to highlight REC TIME and press the dial in to display the REC TIME menu. OFF1/4 S1/2 S1 S5 S EXIT REC TIME 5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the amount of time you wantthe camcorder to record. • Select 1/4S to ...

Recording 50 To Record Using Time Lapse 1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN . 2. Press and hold SP/SLP to select SP . SP appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. 3. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. D. ZOOM is highlighted. Time-Lapse...

51 Recording OFF1/4 S1/2 S1 S5 S EXIT REC TIME 5. Rotate the menu PUSH dial to highlight the amount of time youwant the camcorder to record. • Select 1/4S to record for 1/4 second. • Select 1/2S to record for 1/2 second. • Select 1S to record for one second. • Select 5S to record for five seconds. 6...

Recording 52 PUSH — + To Turn the Demo Mode On 1. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA MAN . 2. If a cassette is inserted, remove the safety tab or set it to REC OFF . 3. Press the MENU/DISPLAY button to display the menu in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. D. ZOOM is highlighted. D. ZOOMTELE MACROREC...

53 Recording Attach the Shoulder Strap The camcorder’s shoulder strap is designed to let you carry the camcorder from yourshoulder and – when you are ready to shoot – bring the camcorder to shooting positionin one quick movement. Keeper To Attach the Shoulder Strap 1. If the strap keeper is over a d...

Recording 54 Built-In Color Enhancement Light The built-in color enhancement light automatically adds more light whenneeded. The POWER switch must be set to CAMERA to operate the video light. To Use the Light Set the LIGHT OFF•AUTO•ON switch. • Set to ON to turn the light on. Note: We recommend you ...

55 Recording Built-In Color Enhancement Light ( Continued ) Replace the Bulb Assembly Carefully follow the instructions below. Cautions The video light and bulb need to cool for approximately 30 minutes afterthe camcorder has been used before the bulb assembly is replaced. Do not touch the light bul...

56 Playback EJECT Switch STOP Button VOL (Volume) Control (Also Zoom Lever) Viewfinder Eyepiece FocusControl PLAY/PAUSE Button Use the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder for Playback You can view tapes in the LCD monitor or the viewfinder. You canhear the sound from the tapes on the built-in speaker. FF Butt...

57 Playback Use the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder for Playback (Continued) To Play Back a Tape 1. Attach a power supply. Attach the adapter/charger, chargedbattery, or optional car cord. 2. Insert a tape. • Open the LCD monitor. Open the monitor at least 60˚ before openingthe cassette compartment. • Sli...

58 Playback Caution: Pause is designed for momentary interruptions and should not be used for anextended period of time. If the camcorderremains in pause for more than five minutes,it enters the stop mode and turns off toprevent excessive tape wear. Playback Features Position the Tape Set POWER swit...

59 Playback Time Counter The time-counter display shows theactual time elapsed when playing back asegment of tape. The memory-stopfeature helps locate a certain point on thetape. Turn memory stop on to stop thetape automatically during rewind or fastforward when the time counter reaches M 0:00:00 . ...

60 Playback Use the Cassette Adapter The camcorder uses a smaller size cassette, but records in standard VHS format. Thecassette adapter allows you to play your VHS-C cassettes in a VCR just like otherstandard VHS cassettes. Insert the VHS-C cassette into the cassette adapter. Insert the cassette ad...

61 Playback Caution: If the load detector is still extending from the side of the cassetteadapter after you have attempted to loadthe cassette, loading is not complete. Tryto load the cassette again. Attempting toinsert the cassette adapter into a VCRwith the load detector extending maycause damage ...

62 Playback Playback on TV (or VCR) with Audio/Video Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or VCR) with audio/video inputs, youneed an optional audio/video cable, such as VH83 shown on page 66 . If your TV is already connected to a VCR, attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what thec...

63 Playback Viewing What the Camcorder is Seeing (or Recording) Playback Operation and How to Copy Tapes on the VCR 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV: Turn on the TV and tune it tothe video input channel. B. Camcorder connected to VCR that is already connected to TV: Turnon VCR and place it i...

64 Recording and Traveling Tips Traveling Tips • Write down your camcorder’s serial number and keep it separate from thecamcorder when traveling. If yourcamcorder is lost or stolen, you will beable to identify it. • Use extra care to avoid damage to your camcorder and accessories whenoperating them ...

65 Optional Accessories Optional Accessories We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding tothe fun of using your compact VHS camcorder. The following pages have a selectionof accessories to help make your memorable moments look and sound even better. These acc...

66 Optional Accessories VH83 Audio/Video Cable This six foot audio/video cable can beused to connect the camcorder to a TVmonitor or VCR for tape playback orcopying tapes. AH25 Y-Adapter This Y-adapter allows you to connect yourcamcorder’s mono audio cable to a stereoTV or VCR. All specifications an...

67 Optional Accessories Cautions: Before using a tripod, make sure it is stable enough to hold the camcorder without falling over. Do not transport the camcorder attached tothe tripod. When attaching your camcorder to a tripod, be careful not to force the tripodscrew into the camcorder’s tripod moun...

68 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 bytelephone or direct-by-mail. United States and Canada Orders To place your order by phone, have your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card readyand cal...

69 Accessory Order Form Order Form for Camcorder Models CC6373 and CC6383 Description Part No. Price Qty. Total Super Lightweight Tripod AC088 $ 49.95 Soft Camcorder Case AC201A $ 34.95 Shoulder Strap ACS091 $ 12.95 Y-Adapter AH25 $ 2.95 Rechargeable Battery (Extended) BB99L $ 77.60 AC Battery Charg...

70 Accessory Order Form ® r r s TM Charge your order on your VISA,MasterCard, or Discover Card by filling in below USE YOUR CREDIT CARD IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard Expiration date: Expiration date: Copy Numb...

71 Trouble Checks Trouble Checks Troubles sometimes are caused by simple “faults” that you can easily correct withoutthe help of a service technician by first checking a few basic remedies. Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Camcorder ServiceCenter, look below for the type o...

75 Specifications General Power requirement: 6VDCPower consumption: CC6373 Viewfinder on: 4.2 watts LCD monitor on: 4.6 watts LCD monitor and Viewfinder on: 5.1 watts Power consumption: CC6383 Viewfinder on: 4.2 watts LCD monitor on: 4.6 watts LCD monitor and Viewfinder on: 5.1 watts Video Light 3.0...

Care and Maintenance 76 Clean the Camcorder To clean the camcorder’s exterior, removeany power source connected to thecamcorder and gently wipe it with a cleansoft cloth. Caution: Use of strong cleaning products, such as those containingalcohol or benzine, might damagethe camcorder. Caution: Do not ...

77 Care and Maintenance Proper Care and Storage • Keep dust and grit from entering the camcorder’s cassette door. Dust andgrit are abrasive and cause excessivewear to both the camcorder’srecording/playback heads andcassettes. • Always close the lens cover when the camcorder is not in use. • Before h...

Customer Assistance and Service 78 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.m. to 5 p.m., CST Monday – Friday for U.S. customers only Thomson provides a toll-free telephonenumber to help you with any proble...

79 Limited Warranty Limited Warranty 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.The warranty period for rental units beginswith the first rental or 45 days from date ofshipment to the rental...

Limited Warranty 80 To receive a replacement unit after we havereceived your unit: 1. Write the SR number on the outside of the carton used to return the unit.Make sure you insure your shipment incase of damage or loss. 2. Carefully pack the unit, excluding all accessories, using the original box an...

81 Index Index 16X9 recording 455SEC. REC button 11, 31, 33 A Accessories included 3optional 65order form 69 Adapter/charger charging battery 14using 4, 12 Animation indicator 49Animation recording 48Assistance 1, 3Assistance, customer 78Attach shoulder strap, 53Audio/video jacks 11, 62AUTO DATE dis...

Index 82 E EJECT button 6, 10, 23, 57Erase protection 22Exposure control 40, 41Exposure indicators 30, 41Eyepiece focus control 7, 10, 27 F Fade and wipe indicators 30, 42Fade/wipe feature 42, 43FADES button 59Fast forward indicator 29FF button 10, 58First recording 9First time operation 3Five-secon...

83 Index Manual white balance 38Manual white balance indicators 29Memory stop 59Menu 8, 20Menu PUSH dial 8, 10, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 32, 35,37, 38, 40, 45, 46, 47, 49, 51, 52 MENU/DISPLAY button 8, 10, 18, 28, 32, 33, 34, 35, 46, 48, 50, 52 Microphone 11, 32 O Operating controls 11Optional ac...

Index 84 SLP tape speed 6, 22Solving problems 71SP tape speed 6, 22SP/SLP button 10, 22, 24, 31, 33, 48, 50Special effect indicators 28Specifications 75Speeds, recording and playback 22Sports feature 44Status displays 29STEADY PIX button 11, 31, 41Steady Pix feature 41Steady Pix indicator 31STOP but...

Information to User This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class Bdigital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed toprovide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residentialinstallation. This equipment generates, uses...