RCA CC174 User manual

Product Registration .................................... i

Safety Precautions ................................. ii-vii

Optional Accessories ................................ l-7

Accessory Order Form ........................... .5-7

First-Time Operation.. .......................... .8-15

Powering Your Camcorder ................ .16-20

Attaching the Shoulder Strap.. ................ .21

Using the Cassette Adapter ................ .22-23

RCA Video Cassettes ......................... ..24-25

Electronic Viewfinder ............................... 26

Displays in Viewfinder ........................ ,27-29

Date, Time, and Age Displays ............ .30-33

Features

Tape Positioning ...................................... .34

Camera Edit -

............................................. .34

Quick Review .......................................... .35

Flying Erase Head.. .................................. .35

Auto Head Cleaner ................................. ..35

Microphone.. ............................................ .35

Tally Light ............................................... ,35

Self Timer ................................................. 35

Focusing Your Camcorder.. ................ 36-37

Power Zooming ...................................... .38

Fading In and Out of Scenes.................... .39

Variable Shutter Speeds........................... .40

16x9 Mode.. ............................................. .41

SCENE SELECT AE Modes .................... .42

White Balance.. ........................................ .43

Time Counter With Memory Stop.. ......... .44

Tape Time-Remaining Display ........._.......45

Recording and Traveling Tips ..................46

Playback Features

Tracking ....................................................47

Viewfinder Playback ...........................48-49

Playback on TV (or VCR) With

AUDIONIDEO IN Jacks ..,.............,.. 50-5 1

Playback on TV Without

AudiolVideo Inputs ............................52-53

Trouble Checks ...........

Design Specifications.

Care and Maintenance

Limited Warranty .....

Index (Alphabetical)...

........................ .54-56

.............................. 57

........................ .58-59

.............................. 60

........................ .61-63

You have selected a precision-engineered

camcorder designed to give you years of

performance and enjoyment.

Although your camcorder is very simple

to use, it is important that you read and

carefully follow the instructions in this

manual until you are completely familiar

with the proper operating procedures.

If you should experience a problem,

always refer first to “Trouble Checks” on

pages 54-56. Many times a simple

solution is all that is needed, and it could

save you acostly service call. If your

camcorder should require service during

the warranty period, refer to page 60 for

a description of what we will do and

instructions on how to request service.

Mail Your Registration Card

Today.

A Product Registration Card is packed

with your camcorder. Please fill out the

card and return it immediately.

Your prompt submission of this card

confirms your right to the protection

available under the terms and conditions

of the warranty and also allows us to

contact you should it ever become

necessary.

With your card on file, we can also help

you in the event of loss or theft by

verifying your ownership.

If you did not receive a Product

Registration Card, please contact your

dealer.

Attach Sales Receipt Here and File

For Future Reference.

To obtain warranty parts and service, you

must show your salesreceipt (or other

evidence of purchase) to your Authorized

RCA Compact Camcorder Servicenter.

Tape or staple your salesreceipt to this

manual so you will have it handy should

service ever be needed. Do not mail your

salesreceipt to us. File it at home with

your owner’s manual for future reference.

Record Vital Information Here.

No other RCA camcorder has the same

serial number asyours. You will find the

serial number and model number on the

bottom of your camcorder.

Be sure both numbers are recorded below

so that you will have them in caseyour

camcorder is stolen or you need a

complete description for identification.

Model No. CC 174

Serial No.

Purchase Date:

Purchased From:

Your video camcorder’s AC adapter/charger will operate on loo-240 volts AC,

50/60 Hz. It has a polarized plug with one blade of the plug wider than the

other. The plug fits in the wall socket only one way. Do not defeat the safety

feature of this plug. If you need an extension cord,

use

a polarized cord.

CAUTION:

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH THE WIDE BLADE OF THE

PLUG TO THE WIDE SLOT OF THE SOCKET, AND INSERT FULLY.

ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA

LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE

LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU’AU FOND.

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE

THE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. IF YOU

SPILL LIQUID ON THE CAMCORDER OR ADAPTER/CHARGER, DISCONNECT THE

AC ADAPTER/CHARGER’S POWER CORD TO PREVENT POSSIBLE FIRE OR SHOCK

HAZARD AND CONSULT AUTHORIZED SERVICE PERSONNEL. MOISTURE CAN

DAMAGE INTERNAL PARTS. HAVE SERVICE PERFORMED ONLY BY

AUTHORIZED RCA COMPACT CAMCORDER SERVICENTER PERSONNEL,

Caution: Read “Important Safety Instructions for AC Adapter/Charger” on the nent page

before using the AC adapter/charger.

&.ItiOIl: Practice electrical safety. Powerline-operated equipment or accessories connected

to this unit should bear the UL listing mark or, if purchased and used in Canada, the CSA

certification mark on the accessories themselves and should not have been modified so as to

defeat the safety features. This will help avoid any potential hazard from electric shock or fire.

If in doubt, contact qualified service personnel.

WARNING

: To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose camcorder or

AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.

The symbol of a lightning flash

within a triangle is intended to

alert the user to the presence of

uninsulated “dangerous voltage”

within the product’s enclosure

and which may be of sufficient

magnitude to constitute a risk of

electric shock.

An exclamation point within a

triangle is intended to alert the

user to the presence of important

operating and maintenance

(service) instructions in the

literature accompanying the

product.

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two

conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept

any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Important Safety Instructions for AC Adapter/Charger

Review these operating instructions, then

save them for future reference.

Before using the AC adapter/charger,

read all instructions and cautionary

markings on (1) AC adapter/charger,

(2) battery, and (3) product using battery.

Caution:

To reduce risk of injury,

charge only rechargeable batteries type

FB 1260, or FB 120. Other types of

batteries may burst causing personal

injury and damage.

Do not expose the adapter/charger to

moisture of any kind.

Use of an attachment not recommended

or sold by the battery charger

manufacturer may result in a risk of fire,

electric shock, or injury to persons.

To reduce risk of damage to electric plug

and cord, disconnect the adapter/charger

from the wall outlet by pulling only on

the plug, rather than on the cord.

Make sure the cord is located so that it

will not be stepped on, tripped over, or

otherwise subjected to damage or stress.

Use of an improper extension cord could

result in a risk of fire and electric shock.

If an extension cord must be used, make

sure that:

1. Pins on the plug of the extension cord

are the same number, size, and shape

as those of the plug on the

adapter/charger.

2. Extension cord is properly wired

and

in good electrical condition, and

3. Wire size below is met:

Length of Extension Minimum

Cord (Feet) AWG Size

Less than or

Equal to 100 18

Greater than 100,

but lessthan 150” 16

* Do not operate with an extension

cord longer than 150 feet.

Do not operate adapter/charger with a

damaged cord or plug. Replace it

immediately.

Do not operate adapter/charger if it

has

received a sharp blow, been dropped,

otherwise damaged in any way. Take

to a qualified servicenter.

Do not disassemble charger. Take it

an Authorized RCA Compact

Camcorder

Servicenter when service or repair is

required. Incorrect reassembly may

result in a risk of electric shock.

To reduce risk of electric shock,

unplug

charger from outlet before attempting

any

maintenance or cleaning.

Note: FCC regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this

equipment may void the user’s authority to operate.

Caution:

The unauthorized recording of television programs and other materials

may

infringe the rights of others.

In addition

the careful attention

devoted to quality standards in the

manufacture of your video product,

safety is a major factor in the design

of every instrument. However, safety

is your responsibility too.

These pages list important

information that will help to assure

your enjoyment and proper use of a

camcorder, adapter/charger, and

accessory equipment. Please read

them carefully before operating your

video products.

Installation

Read and Follow Instructions-

All the safety and

operating instruc-

tions should be read

before the video

product is operated.

Follow all operating

instructions.

Retain Instructions-The safety and

operating instructions should be

retained for future reference.

Heed WarningsXomply with all

warnings on the video product and in

the operating instructions.

Polarization-This video product is

equipped with a polarized altemating-

current line plug (a plug having one

blade wider than the other). This plug

will fit into the power outlet only one

way. This is a safety feature. If you

are unable to insert the plug fully into

the outlet, try reversing the plug. If

the plug still fails to fit, contact your

electrician to replace your obsolete

outlet. To prevent electric shock, do

not use this

polarized plug with an

extension

cord, receptacle, or

other

outlet unless the blades can be

fully

inserted without blade exposure.

you need an extension cord, use

one

with a polarized plug.

Power Sources-This video

product

should be operated only from the

type

of power source indicated on the

marking label. If you are not sure

the type of power supply available

where you wish to operate the

camcorder, consult your video

dealer

or local power company. For

video

products intended to operate from

battery power, or other sources,

refer

to the operating instructions.

Overloading-Do not overload

wall

outlets or extension cords as this

can

result in a risk of fire or electric

shock.

Overloaded AC outlets or

extension

cords, frayed

power cords,

damaged or

cracked wire

insulation, and

broken plugs are

dangerous. They

may result in a

shock or fire hazard. Periodically

examine the cord, and if its

appearance indicates damage or

deteriorated insulation, have it

replaced by your service

technician.

Power-Cord Protection-Power-

supply cords should be routed so

that

they are not likely to be walked on

pinched by items placed upon or

against them, paying particular

attention to cords at plugs,

convenience receptacles, and the

point

where they exit from the video

product. (continued on next

page)

8. Ventilation-Slots

and openings in

the video products are provided for

ventilation to ensure reliable

operation of the video product and to

protect them from overheating.

These openings must not be blocked

or covered. The openings should

never be blocked by placing the

video product on a bed, sofa, rug, or

other similar surface. This video

product should never be placed near

or over a radiator or heat register.

This video product should not be

placed in a built-in installation such

asa bookcase or rack unless proper

ventilation is provided or the video

product manufacturer’s instructions

have been followed.

9. Attachments-Do

not use

attachments unless recommended by

the video product manufacturer as

they may cause hazards.

caut’ion,: ;Maintain.$le+cat

Sa&y.~,Powerl@e operated

equi$nent ot accessodes COr&cted

to &is unit should be& thy,U&

l&&g

m@=kor

GSA certification

rn@c an the’ac+$&ory’i&~~f aiid

,_.:‘‘y

‘i&$idd not be modified So& $3

6f&@ tl+ &fety”fe@m3$~, This will

help%v,gid a@pdte~tial ly@rd

fr@l t$&ric~ !hoc&‘oi fm. If ih

doubt,

Con&t

qu@ificd service

~per%finel.

10. Water and Moisture-Do

not

use

this video product near water-for

example, near a bathtub, wash

bowl,

kitchen sink or laundry tub, in a

wet

basement, or near a swimming

pool

and the like.

11. Accessories-Do

not place this

video product on an unstable cart,

stand, tripod, bracket, or table.

The

video product may fall, causing

serious injury to a child or adult

well as serious damage to the

video

product. Use this video product

only

with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket,

table recommended by the

manufacturer or sold with the

video

product. Any mounting of the

product should follow the

manufacturer’s instructions and

use

a mounting accessory

recommended

by the manufacturer.

11A

A video product and cart

combination should be moved

with

care. Quick stops, excessive

force,

or uneven surfaces may cause the

video product and cart

combination

to overturn.

12. Outdoor Antenna Grounding-If

an outside antenna or cable system is

connected to the video product, be

sure the antenna or cable system is

grounded so asto provide some

protection against voltage surges and

built-up static charges. Section 810

of the National Electrical Code,

ANWNFPA No. 70-1984 (Section

54 of Canadian Electrical Code,

Part 1)provides information with

respect to proper grounding of the

mast and supporting structure,

grounding of the lead-in wire to an

antenna-discharge unit, size of

grounding conductors, location of

antenna-discharge unit, connection

to grounding electrodes, and

requirements for the grounding

electrode. See example below.

Example of Antenna Grounding

13. Power Lines-An outside antenna

system should not be located in the

vicinity of overhead power lines,

other electric light or power circuits,

or where it can fall against such

power lines or circuits. When

installing an outside antenna system,

extreme care should be taken to keep

from touching or approaching such

power lines or circuits ascontact

with them might be fatal. Installing

an outdoor antenna can be hazardous

and should be left to a professional

antenna installer.

Use

14.

15.

16.

Cleaning-Unplug this video

product from the wall outlet before

cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners

or aerosol cleaners. Use adamp

cloth for cleaning.

Object or Liquid Entry-Never

insert objects of any kind into this

video product through openings as

they may touch dangerous voltage

points or “short-out” parts that could

result in a fire or electric shock.

Never spill liquid of any kind on the

video product.

Lightning or Power Line Surge-

For added protection for this video

product during a lightning storm, or

when it is left unattended and

unused for long periods of time,

unplug it from the wall outlet and

disconnect the antenna or cable

system. This will prevent damage to

the video product due to lightning

and power line surges.

(continded on next page)

Service

17.

18.

Servicing-Do not attempt to

service this video product yourself

asopening or removing covers may

expose you to dangerous voltage or

other hazards. Refer all servicing to

qualified service personnel.

Conditions Requiring Service-

Unplug this video product from the

wall outlet and refer servicing to

qualified service personnel under the

following conditions.

A, When the power-supply cord or

plug is damaged.

B. If liquid has been spilled, or

objects have fallen into the video

product.

C. If the video product has been

exposed to rain or water.

D. If the video product does not

operate normally by following the

operating instructions. Adjust

only those controls that are

covered by the operating

instructions. Improper

adjustment of other controls may

result in damage and will often

require extensive work by a

qualified technician to restore the

video product to its normal

operation.

E. If the video product has been

dropped or the casehas been

damaged.

F. When the video product exhibits a

distinct change in performance-

this indicates a need for service.

19. Replacement Parts-When

replacement parts are required, have

the service technician verify that the

replacements he useshave the same

safety characteristics as the original

parts. Use of replacements specified

by the video product manufacturer

can prevent fire, electric shock, or

other hazards.

20. Safety Check-Upon completion of

any service or repairs to this video

product, ask the service technician to

perform safety checks recommended

by the manufacturer to determine

that the video product is in safe

operating condition.

21. Lithium Cell Batteries-Must be

disposed of properly.

A. Never handle punctured or

leaking cell batteries. May cause

burns or personal injury.

B. Can cause death or injury if

swallowed.

C. Keep out of hands of children. If

swallowed, consult a physician

immediately for emergency

treatment.

D. The lithium cell battery may

explode resulting in a fire or

chemical bum hazard if

mistreated. Do not recharge,

disassemble, heat above 212°F

(lOO”C), or bum.

vii

We invite you to take a look at some

great ideas for sparking creativity and

adding to the fun of using your compact

VHS camcorder. These pages have a

selection of accessoriesto help make

your memorable moments look and

sound even better.

These accessories are designed to make

the process of recording and watching

your videos more enjoyable.

To order accessories, contact your

local Dealer.

If a dealer is not nearby, all accessories

are available through toll-free ordering or

by using the order form olt page 5.

ACO25A Soft Carrying Case VCClOOO Video Color Control Center

Custom compact soft casedesigned

especially to provide protection and utility

for your RCA compact VHS camcorder

and most accessories. Rugged fabric

lined with soft non-abrasive material and

generous padding. Has three outside

pockets with storage for lens filters,

adapters, batteries, and tapes.

The VCClOOO is actually two accessories

in one. The color control center allows

you to adjust the color intensity, tint,

white balance, and sharpnessof tapes

being dubbed. This is especially helpful

when the original tape was produced in

poor lighting conditions or poor color

settings. The second feature, the

character generator, lets you create titles

that can be recorded on your tapes. This

lets you add a professional and/or

personal touch to your home videos.

41 qx&icatioris ar~id&ri$oxis of accessories are’subject tooh%& without notice.

j” ,,

FB1260 and FB120 Rechargeable

Batteries

These rechargeable nickel-cadmium

batteries specifically are designed for long

life. The FB 1260 can power your

camcorder up to approximately 1 hour, and

the FB 120 up to approximately 2 hours

(depending on how much you usezoom

and pause). Both can be recharged with

the AC adapter/charger that came with

your camcorder.

CPS91 AC Battery Charger

The CPS91battery charger plugs directly

into an AC outlet and charges the FB1260

and PB120 camcorder batteries. Because

the CPS91 operates on 100-240 Volts,

50/60 Hz, it can be used virtually

anywhere in the world. A plug adapter

may be required in some countries.

Charging takes approximately eight hours

for the FB 1260 (l-hour battery) and 13

hours for the FB120 (Zhour battery).

VDCSS Color Enhancement Light

This ultra compact 15-watt video light is

cordless, light in weight, and includes a

rechargeable battery. The VDC88

provides excellent soft, lush fill light. An

extra BP1000 battery also can be ordered.

A VDC085 battery charger is included.

This light requires a lCVS14OC shoe

mount and grip.

lCVSl4OC Shoe Mount and Grip

This shoe mount and grip

adds stability while

shooting. It also provides a

shoe mount so additional

accessories, such asthe VDC88 color

enhancement light, can be used with the

camcorder.

DCCOS DC Car Cord Adapter

This DC car cord

adapter enables you to

operate your

camcorder from your

car, truck, or RV by

plugging the car cord directly into the

vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. The

DCC08 isdesigned specifically to convert

power from a 12-volt battery to a 6-volt

output.

Do not useany othercarcord with this

camcorder.

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