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GE CG709 Camcorder User Manual

1. Repeatedly press COUNTER gt 0000 gt M0000 DISPLAY Tape Counter Tape Counter with Memory Stop i i Displays in Pet oad Viewfinder Elapsed Time Counter TR lt No Display Elapsed Time Counter The time counter shows actual time elapsed while recording The CAMERA VCR switch must be in CAMERA for the time counter to operate Before you start to record a tape repeatedly press COUNTER DISPLAY to display the time counter in the viewfinder Then press the COUNTER RESET button to set the counter to 0 00 00 Time Remaining Display Time Remaining Display The time remaining display shows the amount of recording or playback time left on a cassette inserted in the camcorder When the time remaining display appears in the viewfinder the camcorder will automatically calculate and display the time remaining for any tape other than T 140 T 160 or T 180 Repeatedly press COUNTER DISPLAY to display the time remaining display in the viewfinder Note The display will remain blank while the camcorder takes a minute or two to calculate the time remaining on the tape After it has been calculated and displayed it will automatically be updated and readily available as long as the cassette remains in the camcorder 31 SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE Button POWER Switch PAUSE STILL Button CAMERA VCR Switch SELF TIMER TIME
2. TAPE Indicator Tape Copying Tape Counter Display Tape Positioning 25 Things to Avoid 54 Thumb Trigger iH Tilt Viewfinder 18 Time and Date Display 2022 23 Time Counter 31 Time Lapse Recording 33 Time Remaining Display 31 TITLE Button o on 8434 35 TITLE SELECT and Button TITLE SELECT Button 36435 Titler o oo nananana Titler Display Titles Recording 35 Tracking 2 33 seek hed awaee ees 41 Traveling and Recording Tips 15 Tripod Using 50 Trouble Checks 55 57 Index Unpacking the Camcorder sV V DUB Indicator 37 Variable Shutter Speeds 28 VID DUB Button Video Cassettes 16 17 Video Dubbing Viewfinder MIBE 8 19 2140 Viewfinder Displays 19 21 Viewfinder Playback Visual Searching a _Ww W B White Balance Button 8120 21 26 2 Warranty Limited White Balance 4 27 White Balance Indicators 20 f Zoom Buttons 9 26 27 ZOOMING 6 06 s cece teine isses 65 Need Assistance We want to help U S Consumers Camcorder Exchange Warranty 800 283
3. 800 283 6503 Customer Service 800 447 1700 ACCOSSOMES ccicocsdiathcses sieetentieenscadaiaudaiiees 800 338 0376 1 Unpack camcorder and accessories e 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 of the items are missing or appear damaged contact your dealer immediately Battery Pack Stock No 1CVA156 WARNING LEAD ACID BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED Shoulder Strap OF PROPERLY Stock No 222043 oy S A 7 QS Caution Do not use this YY eis adapter charger for any other purpose than AC Adapter Charger charging the I1CVA156 Audio Video Cable Stock No 210923 DC Cable Stock No 217840 battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder Stock No 229412 S Cautions Lithium cell battery Must be disposed of properly Clock Cell 3 Volt micro lithium cell battery such as CR2025 is available from most local drug stores and camera shops Use of another cell may present a risk of fire or explosion Never handle a punctured or leaking cell May cause burns or personal injury Keep out of the hands of children Can cause death or injury if swallowed If swallowed consult a physician immediately for emergency treatment The lithium cell used in this device may explode resulting in a fire or chemical burn if mistreated Do not recharge disassemble heat above 212 F 100 C or incinerat
4. CAMERA VCR Switch 678 e 2392 4 25 26 27 28 30 31 aai 32 35 86 37 39 F01 Care and Maintenance Care and Storage of Battery 14 Cassette Door 9f17 Cassette Inserting Cassettes Inserting and Removing Cautions Charging the Battery 11 Chart of Characters 35 Checking Problems 55 57 CLOCK SELECT and SET Buttons 31123 Clock Battery Holder 9 Clock Cell Installing 22 Contents eererreerkesned resep eed 1 2 Copying Tapes COUNTER DISPLAY Button E COUNTER RESET Button 8 21 Creating a Title Customer Assistance and Service Date and Time Display 20 22 23 DATE TIME Button 8 20 22 23 DC Cable sin cchusieease tans DOIN 12V Jack o n a 9 10 Design Specifications 58 DEW Indicator 20 21 Displays Viewfinder 19 21 Dubbing Audio 36 Dubbing Video 37 Index a a EDIT ADV Button 8134 35 Elapsed Time Counter 31 Electronic Indexing 25 END Indicator 20 21 Erase Protection 6 Eyepiece Focus Control E 8 F F FWD Button 325 FADE Button Fading srsrirennrpara erea sera eel 2 FF Indicator
5. DEW Indicator Flashing in Viewfinder If the DEW indicator is flashing in the viewfinder there is moisture in the camcorder Remove cassette and let camcorder dry out for at least two hours When the DEW indicator stops flashing camcorder will operate 56 Trouble Checks Trouble Checks and Adjustments Recorded Audio Low e Subject may have been too far from the camcorder Play Rewind or Fast e Make sure titler graphics are not in viewfinder Forward Does Not Work Buttons operate differently when titler is displayed Higher Shutter Speed or e CAMERA VCR switch must be in CAMERA MAN White Balance Indicator position Will Not Appear in e Press SHUTTER for higher shutter speeds Viewfinder e Press W B for manual white balance Date and Time or Date e Date and time or date will be recorded on the tape were Recorded on the Tape whenever they appear in the viewfinder Press DATE TIME to remove them from the viewfinder when recording Date and or Time are Incorrect e Clock battery cell may need replacing See page 22 e Date and or time may need to be reset See page 23 57 Specifications General Power requirement 12VDC Power consumption 10 5 watts normal Weight 5 28 Ibs 2 4 kg Dimensions 3 8 W x 8 3 H x 15 8 D 97 x 211 x 401 mm Video Recorder Section Format VHS Record Playback System Two video record playback heads One flying erase head Headwheel Cylinder Di
6. 2 Place the CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA and slide the POWER switch to turn on the camcorder Insert the cassette you want to record on Note When the camcorder is used as a camera turn the TV s volume down to prevent a high pitched squeal caused by feedback 3 Press the thumb trigger or PAUSE STILL button to begin recording You can watch what the camcorder is seeing or recording on the TV screen 43 Playback on a TV without Audio Video Input Jacks To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio video input jacks follow the steps below You will need an optional 1CVA488 RF output adapter Optional accessories are shown on page 49 3 AUDIO VIDEO and RF OUT Jacks VHF Antenna n I Located Behind Small Cover ON 3CH 4CH Switch S lg Located on Back of TV A Opposite side or Connected OR X to a TV SY RF Output WR Car enn VHF Adapter Optional Optional 300 75 ohm Transformer Such as 193983 Installation Qa Disconnect the VHF antenna from your TV and connect it to the optional RF output adapter A If your antenna is a round 75 ohm cable connect it to the ANT connector on RF output adapter B If your antenna is a flat twin lead connect the flat lead connectors to the screw terminals on an optional 300 75 ohm transformer such as 193983 Then connect the transformer to the ANT connector on the RF output adapter 44 Optional 75 300 ohm Transformer Such as A
7. 20 f Zoom Buttons Ld 26 27 ZOOMIN ortie ep hw cna ee ose ead 65 Need Assistance We want to help U S Consumers Camcorder Exchange Warranty 800 283 6503 Customer Service sessssoee e 2 800 447 1700 ACCESSOLICS cece eee see eceeee s 800 338 0376 Canadian Consumers English 6250s ve0 00ew seco 0s e 000 522 0338 French ccc ccc cc ccc cee ce eee ee 900 522 0445 If your camcorder needs service please contact your dealer or the nearest Servicenter from the yellow pages Please do not send any products to the Indianapolis address listed in this manual or on the carton This will only add delays in service for your product IN THOMSON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS 10330 N Meridian Street Indianapolis IN 46290 1995 Thomson Consumer Electronics Inc Trademark s Registered Marca s Registrada s Printed in Korea Part Number 95 CG709 1 Code Number 64709 1633 00 Trouble 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 GE Camcorder Servicenter look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing Then perform the simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble Trouble Checks and Adjustments No Power e If using the rechargeable battery it may need POWER Indicator recharging
8. F FWD Button 8125 30B6 3 740 41 FADE Button EZ Fading 6c sutcsnseustages Sacankes eesel 29 FF Indicator First Time Operation 3 9 Flying Erase Head FOCUS Control as FOCUS AUTO MAN and PUSH AUTO Buttons 8126 27 FOCUSING nc caneks ange kee es 6 27 Hand Strap 00 NO Hand Strap Adjusting Included Accessories INDEX Indicator Indexing Electronic 25 Information to User 58 Inserting and Removing Cassettes 17 INTERVAL Indicators Interval Displays 33 Dens ii 3650 bebe kevas dee Mawes ad Lens Cap ccicisg takes oe su dawned Lens Hood 020 eee Limited Warranty 60 61 Vy Macro Focus 0 0 eee 26 Maintenance and Care 54 MANUAL FOCUS Buttons 8 Manual Focus 27 Memory Stop 20 2130 Microphone 3112 4 a Operation First Time Optional Accessories 47 50 Order Form Accessory 51 53 a PAUSE Indicator 20 21 Pause Stop Action 41 PAUSE SSTILL Button ig e e PLAY Button Alsf25B6 3743145 Playback Features Playback First 0 Playback on TV or VCR with AUDIO VIDEO Jacks 42 43 Play
9. al O CG STILL TITLE SELECT EDIT ADV Microphone STOP EJECT Button REVIEW Button CAMERA AUTO Feature The camcorder will automatically control the white balance focus and set the shutter speed to 1 60 second when you place the CAMERA VCR switch in the CAMERA AUTO position To control white balance select a higher shutter speed or focus manually place CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA MAN Microphone The microphone picks up sound audio during recording It is more sensitive to sounds coming from the direction the lens is pointed 24 CAMERA AUTO MAN VCR Switch Record Review Press REVIEW to review the last few seconds of a recording The CAMERA VCR switch must be in CAMERA and the camcorder in record pause The camcorder will play back the last few seconds of the recording return the tape to its previous position and return to record pause Flying Erase Head A separate erase head is mounted on the spinning headwheel hence the term flying This flying erase head allows you to make clean edits without glitches or rainbow noise Camcorder Features Camera Edit Edit as you record by positioning the tape with F FWD REW or PLAY while the camcorder is in record pause The CAMERA VCR switch must be in CAMERA e Press and hold REW rewind to visually search the recorded tape in reverse e Press and hold F F WD fast forward to visu
10. s thumb trigger or PAUSE STILL to begin recording You can watch what the camcorder is seeing or recording on the TV screen adapter s plug from the camcorder so you can watch the signal from your VHF antenna Note to Cable TV Installer This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article 820 40 of the National Electrical Code Section 54 of Canadian Electrical Code Part I that provides guidelines for proper grounding and in particular specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical 45 Attaching the Shoulder Strap The shoulder strap is designed to let you carry the camcorder from your shoulder and when ready to record bring the camcorder to recording position in one quick movement 1 Unhook one end of the strap from the 3 Thread end of strap back through buckle leaving the tension band in tension band and then through buckle place Buckle mN Tension Band 4 Repeat steps 1 through 3 to attach the 2 Thread the end of the strap through other end of the strap to the camcorder one of the strap attachment rings 5 Adjust shoulder strap s length by pulling strap up through buckle and adjusting in either direction Attachment Ring Cautions Turn viewfinder to the front when using shoulder strap to prevent damage to the viewfinder from bumping against your body as y
11. Battery Level Indicator The battery level indicator mmm in the viewfinder shows you how much battery power is left This indicator will not be recorded on the tape when it is displayed Repeatedly press the COUNTER DISPLAY button to display and remove the battery level indicator from the viewfinder gt 7 Battery Level 0000 Indicator Display in Viewfinder e When the battery is fully charged the display reads m e After a while only m appears e When the battery reaches the empty level will start flashing Recharge the battery or attach the adapter charger before continuing to use the camcorder Note The m indicator will automatically appear in the viewfinder when the battery reaches empty even if the battery level indicator is not displayed Caution When the battery reaches empty the camcorder will turn off The battery should have enough power to eject the cassette If the camcorder does not eject the cassette when you press the STOP EJECT button do not force the cassette door open This will damage your camcorder Before attempting to eject the cassette power your camcorder with the adapter charger or recharge the battery 13 Powering the Camcorder Battery Care and Storage e The battery will provide better service and longer performance if you charge it before and after use and store it at normal room temperature Recharge the battery once at least every 6 months Le
12. The built in character register contains 47 different characters for creating titles O _POWER PAUSE REW F FWD AUD DUBsVID RECORD CD a Si GS BH oO STILL TITLESELECT EDIT ADV TITLE SELECT Button TITLE SELECT Button EDIT ADV Button TITLE SELECT Button Creating a Title 1 34 Attach a power source turn on the camcorder and place the CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA Press TITLE to display the title page graphics in the viewfinder Press TITLE SELECT to display the other title page in the viewfinder Press EDIT ADV to move the flashing cursor to the place you want to begin your title Select the first character for your title by pressing TITLE SELECT or until the character you want appears See the Chart of Characters for the characters available in the titler s register 6 After you have selected the first character press EDIT ADV to move the flashing cursor to the next position you want a character to appear If a blank space is desired press EDIT ADV without selecting a character Repeat steps 4 6 until you have completed the title Press TITLE SELECT if you want to create a title on the other title page Press TITLE to remove the title from the viewfinder and store it in memory Notes The clock battery cell must be installed to store the title Remove the title from the viewfinder for normal record
13. When the light goes out the battery is fully charged Remove the charged battery by sliding it off the adapter charger Insert the charged battery into the camcorder as shown on the next page 11 Powering the Camcorder Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder Insert Charged Battery Match Side of Battery to on Camcorder BATT Battery EJECT Lever Insert Charged Battery Remove Battery 1 Insert battery with the arrow facing 1 Slide BATT battery EJECT lever down and side of battery matching 2 Remove battery from the camcorder side of battery compartment Note Remove the battery from the 2 Press the battery down firmly until it camcorder when not using it Store in a locks into place cool dry place Notes If the DC cable is attached to the camcorder remove it The battery cannot operate the camcorder if the DC cable is attached The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time ATTENTION LEAD ACID BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY THE PRODUCT THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED ORY CONTAINS A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY AT THE END OF ITS USEFUL LIFE UNDER VARIOUS STATE AND LOCAL LAWS IT eae MAY BE ILLEGAL TO DISPOSE OF THIS BATTERY INTO THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL Pb SOLID WASTE OFFICIALS FOR DETAILS IN YOUR AREA FOR RECYCLING OPTIONS OR PROPER DISPOSAL 12 Powering the Camcorder Checking Battery Power
14. 3 Place the CAMERA VCR switch in VCR 4 Use PLAY F FWD and REW to locate a place on the tape slightly before where you want to begin video dubbing Press PAUSE STILL at the point you want dubbing to begin 5 Press VID DUB V DUB and PAUSE will appear in the viewfinder The camcorder is ready to begin video dubbing Audio Video Cable IN Jack Located Under Small Cover Note To simultaneously dub audio and video on the tape press VID DUB and then AUD DUB in step 5 Be sure to connect both an audio and video source to the camcorder 6 Start the external video source playing and then press PAUSE STILL V DUB and REC will appear in the viewfinder when you are dubbing 7 Press STOP EJECT when you are finished Caution Video dubbing is designed to replace existing video Do not attempt to video dub on a blank tape 37 Recording from a TV or VCR To record on the camcorder from a TV or VCR with AUDIO and VIDEO OUT jacks you will need the audio video cable that came with your camcorder Audio Video Cable Back of Supplied Mono VCR or TV Monitor 2 White A Audio Plug 7 INJack 2 eee Under OUT yer age Small VIDEO gett Cover OUT E 3 Yellow Video Plug 0 4 White Audio Plug OR Y Adapter ug Back of Available from p VIDEO AUDIO Stereo VCR or Electronics ae IN Jack IN Jack TV Monitor Supply Store Plug Audio Video Cable oneer Supp
15. Press TITLE to remove the title page from the viewfinder 5 Place a tape with the safety tab in place in the VCR and place the VCR in record pause 6 Start copying the tape 7 When you see the place on the tape you want to record the title press TITLE The title will be recorded on the copy in place of the original audio and video Press TITLE again to stop recording the title 35 Audio Dubbing The audio dubbing feature lets you record new sound audio on a previously recorded tape without erasing the original picture video Tapes must be recorded in SP tape speed New audio can be dubbed by connecting an external sound system to the Audio Video Cable AUDIO IN jack Back of Supplied Mono VCR or TV Monitor White Audio Plug AUDIO OUT VIDEO OUT Yellow Video Plug w F No Connection White Audio Plug OR Y Adapter White Back of Available from Audio Stereo VCR or Electronics Plug TV Monitor Supply Store Lrg s O Yellow Video Plug No Connection To Audio Dub 1 Connect the audio source to the AUDIO IN jack on the camcorder Note If your TV or VCR has RIGHT and LEFT AUDIO OUT jacks attach the white audio plug to the one labeled MONO If one is not labeled MONO you may need a Y adapter to record sound from both channels If you want to monitor the dubbing on a TV attach the TV to the camcorder as shown on page 42 or 44 2 T
16. Tapes on a VCR 1 A Camcorder connected directly to TV monitor Turn on the TV and tune it to its 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 If your VCR does not have a line or camera mode consult the VCR owner s manual Operate the TV as you normally do to see the signal coming from the VCR 2 Place the CAMERA VCR switch in VCR and slide the camcorder s POWER switch Insert the cassette you want to play back or copy Note The camcorder can only play back tapes recorded at the SP speed 3 Press PLAY on the camcorder If necessary adjust tracking Details are on page 41 To copy what the camcorder is playing place a blank cassette in the VCR and start the VCR recording 4 Press the STOP EJECT button when you are finished Caution The unauthorized recording of television programs and other materials may infringe the rights of others Watching What the Camcorder is Seeing or Recording on the TV 1 A Camcorder connected directly to TV Turn on the TV and tune it to its 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 If your VCR does not have a line or camera mode consult the VCR owner s manual Operate the TV as you normally do to see the signal coming from the VCR
17. back on a shutter speed of 1 100 1 250 1 1000 275 head VCR using special effects such as 12000 or 1 4000 second Theihigher Or TOs and slow mong shutter speed 100 250 1000 2000 or The normal shutter speed 1 60 second is 3 recommended for indoor videos and most of 4000 walla pecan in the viewfinder your recording Tape recorded at the higher shutter speeds may not show movement and SHUTTER Button Shutter Speed Displays change of scene as smoothly as recordings at in Viewfinder the normal 1 60 second speed Not Pressed 1 60 None 5 eS Tios TA Higher shutter speeds require more light For indoor high speed shutter recording Press Twice 1 250 250 pe x additional halogen or tungsten lighting may Press Three limes 1 1000 1900 be required Use of fluorescent mercury Press Four Times 1 2000 2000 vapor or sodium lighting may cause a Press Five Times 1 4000 4000 flickering effect 28 Zooming and Fading In and Out of Scenes Power Zoom Buttons T Telephoto W Wide Angle FADE Button Power Zooming The 12 1 motorized zoom lens allows you to zoom in and out for close up or wide angle shots The power zoom buttons are easily controlled by your index and middle fingers when you hold the camcorder properly through the handstrap e Press T to move the lens in the telephoto close up direction e Press W to move the lens in the wide angle
18. camcorder These numbers are located on the bottom of your unit If your camcorder is within the warranty period please provide a copy of the bill of sale to verify purchase date Use the original box and packing material to protect the equipment from damage in shipment For your protection insure all shipments for full replacement value and use a reliable shipper Thomson assumes no responsibility for warranty shipments from the customer to the factory if not shipped in the manner prescribed by Thomson 59 Limited Warranty What your warranty covers e Any defect in materials or workmanship accessories and your bill of sale which validates date of purchase to the exchange location and you will be For how long after your purchase provided the new or refurbished unit e 90 days for labor charges 4 If the repairs were covered by your e One year for parts warranty you will not be billed What we will do If you are not located near an exchange During the initial 90 days point 1 Provide your Discover MasterCard or e 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 After the 90 days and within one year e Exchange your camcorder with a new or at our option a refurbished unit or at your option repair your camcorder Parts will be provided at no charge but you will be responsible for the cost of labor required for the
19. direction Fading In and Out of Scenes When you fade in and out of scenes the picture gradually appears or disappears Speed of the fade is automatically controlled by the camcorder Fading In When you fade into a scene the recording will start with a blank screen and the picture will gradually appear 1 While recording press the thumb trigger or PAUSE STILL to place the camcorder in record pause 2 Press and hold FADE until the picture in the viewfinder disappears Then press the thumb trigger or PAUSE STILL to start recording 3 Release FADE after a few seconds The picture will gradually appear Fading Out When you fade out of a scene the picture will gradually disappear 1 While recording press and hold FADE The picture will gradually disappear from the screen 2 Continue to hold FADE and press the thumb trigger or PAUSE STILL button to put the camcorder in record pause 3 When the camcorder has entered record pause release FADE The camcorder will return to normal operation 29 Counters and Time Remaining Display Repeatedly press COUNTER DISPLAY to display the tape counter tape counter with memory stop elapsed time counter or time remaining display in the viewfinder These displays are not recorded on the tape Tape Counter CAMERA VCR Switch COUNTER RESET Button COUNTER DISPLAY Button The tape counter helps you locate a place on the tape Record the tape counter rea
20. the following measures e Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void the user s FCC authority to operate this camcorder This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the interference causing equipment standard entitled Digital Apparatus ICES 003 of the Department of Communications Cet appareil num rique respecte les limites de bruits radio lectriques applicables aux appareils num riques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le mat riel brouilleur Appareils Num riques NMB 003 dict e par le ministre des Communications 58 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 m to 5 p m CST Monday Friday for U S customers only Thomson provides a toll free telephone number to help you with any problems you may encounter with your camcorder Many can be diagnosed over the phone and if necessary a replacement unit can be shipped to you Please have your camcorder model ser
21. 0 283 6503 and have your unit s date of purchase and model serial number ready The model serial number information is on the bottom of your camcorder e A representative will troubleshoot your problem over the phone If the representative determines that you should receive a replacement unit you will be provided with a Return Authorization RA number and the location of a nearby exchange point if one exists No returns will be accepted without the RA number To receive a replacement camcorder before you return yours If you are located near an exchange point 1 We will send a replacement unit to the exchange point next business day delivery 2 The exchange location will notify you of its arrival 3 Take your unit including all 60 Visa account number and expiration date to our phone representative This is for security purposes If we receive your unit including all accessories within 14 days from the date you were provided a Return Authorization number only items not covered by warranty will be charged to your account IF YOUR UNIT INCLUDING ALL ACCESSORIES IS NOT RECEIVED WITHIN 14 DAYS THE SUGGESTED RETAIL VALUE OF THE CAMCORDER AND OR ACCESSORIES WILL BE CHARGED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD This amount will be credited if the unit is subsequently received We will send you a replacement unit next business day delivery You will receive an invoice packed with the replacement product bu
22. 6503 Customer Service sessssoee e 2 800 447 1700 ACCESSOLICS cece eee see eceeee s 800 338 0376 Canadian Consumers English 6250s ve0 00ew seco 0s e 000 522 0338 French ccc ccc cc ccc cee ce eee ee 900 522 0445 If your camcorder needs service please contact your dealer or the nearest Servicenter from the yellow pages Please do not send any products to the Indianapolis address listed in this manual or on the carton This will only add delays in service for your product IN THOMSON CONSUMER ELECTRONICS 10330 N Meridian Street Indianapolis IN 46290 1995 Thomson Consumer Electronics Inc Trademark s Registered Marca s Registrada s Printed in Korea Part Number 95 CG709 1 Code Number 64709 1633 00
23. A VCR switch switch tells the camcorder whether you want to record CAMERA or play back tapes VCR CAUTION Avoid operating your e Place the switch in CAMERA camcorder immediately after moving AUTO to have the camcorder 1 tom i cole roca rie wai i location Give the camcorder 1 1 2 to automatically control white balance 2 hours to reach a stable temperatur focus and shutter speed cbs aes ee ee before inserting a video cassette e Place the switch in CAMERA MAN Wiren innved Soina Ci Eea oa manual to manually control white warm location moisture may balance focus and shutter speed condense on the head drum inside the e Place the switch in VCR to play machine This moisture could cause back tapes the tape to stick to the headwheel and damage the headwheel or tape DEW 7 Slide POWER switch to turn on flashes in the viewfinder when the camcorder The POWER moisture is present in the camcorder indicator lights If a cassette is inserted press STOP EJECT and remove the cassette Leave the cassette compartment open and turn off the camcorder for at least 2 hours If you do not record within five minutes the camcorder will First Time Operation Thumb Trigger 8 Rotate the viewfinder into Any material recorded on the tape will be operating position and adjust erased if you record over it the eyepiece focus control The camcorder records and plays back only in SP speed If the image in the viewfinder i
24. CG709 6 Camcorder User s Guide We bring good things to life Important Safety Information Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product WARNING To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard do not expose camcorder or AC adapter charger to rain or moisture inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or personal injury RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION b This symbol indicates dangerous voltage RISQUE DE CHOC instructions accompanying the product ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR ATTENTION This symbol indicates important 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 Cautions CAUTION To prevent electric shock match wide blade of plug to wide slot fully insert ATTENTION Pour viter les chocs lectriques 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 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 Re
25. Detach Here 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 United States and Canada Orders To place your order by phone have your Visa or MasterCard ready and call the toll free number listed below between 8AM and 8PM Eastern Standard Time Use this number only to place an order for accessory items listed on this order form 1 800 338 0376 Most times your order will be shipped UPS within 72 hours of receipt If ever it is not possible to ship within 30 days we will notify you with an update on your order and an option to cancel To place your order by mail detach and mail the completed order form with credit card information money order or check in U S currency made payable to Thomson Consumer Electronics Inc to the following address Video Accessories PO Box 8419 Ronks PA 17573 For more information on these accessories or current prices write to the following address Video Accessories Customer Service Thomson Consumer Electronics Inc Distributor amp Special Products 2000 Clements Bridge Rd Deptford NJ 08096 2088 International Orders This offer is valid only in the United States and Canada For international orders please send your request for a price quotation not an order to International Customer Service Thomson Consumer Electronics Inc Distributo
26. First Time Operation Flying Erase Head FOCUS Control 13 FOCUS AUTO MAN and PUSH AUTO Buttons 826 27 FOCUSING sas caneks megs hes d 6 27 H Hand Strap 0 59 Hand Strap Adjusting Included Accessories INDEX Indicator 20 21 Indexing Electronic 25 Information to User 58 Inserting and Removing Cassettes 17 INTERVAL Indicators Interval Displays 33 LenS i c60 064 roetes Cee ae eee Lens Cap ccicise takes ce sudan eds Lens Hood 0 00000 Limited Warranty M Macro Focus 000000 6 26 Maintenance and Care 54 MANUAL FOCUS Buttons 8127 Manual Focus 27 Memory Stop 20 2180 Microphone 31124 Operation First Time 3 9 Optional Accessories 47 50 Order Form Accessory 51 53 P PAUSE Indicator 20 21 Pause Stop Action 41 PAUSE SSTILL Button PLAY Button 7 8 251B6 37143 Playback Features Playback First 0 Playback on TV or VCR with AUDIO VIDEO Jacks 42 43 Playback on TV Without Audio Video Inputs 44 45 Index Playback Speed 16 Playback Viewfinder 40 Plug Ada
27. H011 2 Attach the OUT connector of the RF output adapter directly to the VHF IN terminal on the back of your TV Note If your TV has VHF screw terminals you may need an optional 75 300 ohm transformer such as AH011 Connect the three pronged plug end of the RF output adapter to the AUDIO RF and VIDEO OUT jacks on the camcorder Playback on a TV or VCR continued Playback Operation 1 Choose 3CH 4CH using the switch on the RF output adapter 2 Turn on the TV and tune it to the same channel you selected with the 3CH 4CH switch on the RF output adapter 3 Place the camcorder s CAMERA VCR switch in VCR and slide POWER Insert the cassette you want to play back into the camcorder Press the PLAY button on the camcorder Press the STOP EJECT button on the camcorder when you are finished playing back the tape Watching What the Camcorder is Seeing or Recording on the TV 1 Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3 or 4 the same channel you selected with the RF output adapter 2 Place the camcorder s CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA and slide POWER Insert the cassette you want to record on Normal TV Viewing For normal TV viewing you can leave the RF output adapter hooked up to the TV Just disconnect the RF output Note When the camcorder is used as a camera turn the TV s volume down to prevent a high pitched squeal caused by feedback Remove the cassette Press the camcorder
28. IME Button SHUTTER Button e Press again to display the tape e PAUSE appears when the counter with memory stop An camcorder is in record pause M appears in front of the tape thumb trigger or PAUSE STILL counter button pressed to stop recording e Press again to display the elapsed e ST BY stand by appears briefly time counter when the camcorder is preparing to Note Press COUNTER RESET to record reset the tape or elapsed time counter to 0000 or 0 00 00 when they appear e Press again to display the time remaining display TAPE flashes when the safety tab has been removed from the cassette and the CAMERA VCR switch is in CAMERA e DEW appears when the camcorder has too much moisture inside to operate Remove the cassette and e Press again to remove the displays from the viewfinder e These displays are not recorded on allow the camcorder to dry out for the tape when they appear approximately two hours Details e Details are on pages 30 31 are on page 6 8 Status Indicator 9 INDEX and END Indicators The following displays appear to tell e INDEX flashes briefly when the you what the camcorder is doing camcorder automatically indexes e REC appears when the camcorder the tape Details are on page 25 is recording END flashes when you reach the e FF appears during fast forward end of the cassette during recording e REW appears during rewind or playback 21 Date and Time Display Recordin
29. LAPSE Button Self Timer Recording The camcorder will delay the start of a recording for approximately ten seconds after you activate the self timer recording feature 1 Turn on camcorder and place or PAUSE STILL The camcorder CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA will record for approximately 30 2 A Slide SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE seconds and then stop once The SELF 30S display will automatically appear in the viewfinder B Slide SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE twice The SELF END display will appear in the viewfinder Self Timer PAUSE Indicator 7 SELF 30S Ten seconds before you want to record press the thumb trigger or PAUSE STILL The camcorder will record until you press the thumb trigger to stop it Display in Viewfinder 3 To cancel self timer recording press Ten seconds before you want to the thumb trigger or PAUSE STILL record press the thumb trigger 32 SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE Button Adjustable Time Lapse Recording This feature lets you compress slow moving action such as nature studies into clean short videos The camcorder will record for approximately one second at preset intervals 1 Turn on camcorder and place CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA Slide SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE three times INTERVAL 0 60 appears in the viewfinder Interval PAUSE Indicator 1 INTERVAL 0 60 Display in Viewfinder Animation Recording This feature lets you create animation recordings cartoonin
30. NTSC Color Information to User This device complies with Part 15 of the 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 This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications However there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a Camera Section Scanning 525 Lines 60 Fields 30 Frames Image Sensor One integral color filter CCD Imager Lens 1 12 5 4 64 8mm Diameter 52 mm AC Adapter Charger Power Requirement 100 240 V 50 60 Hz Power Consumption 35 watts nominal Weight 1 13 lbs 513 g Dimensions 3 3 11 W x 2 5 11 H x 7 D 83 x 62 x 177 mm Tripod Mount One 1 4 x 20 threaded hole particular installation If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
31. Will Not Come On e If using the AC adapter charger make sure it is plugged into a working AC outlet Will Not Record or If the DEW indicator is flashing in the viewfinder Play Back there is moisture in the camcorder Remove cassette and let camcorder dry out for at least two hours When the DEW indicator stops flashing camcorder will operate e Make sure there is a cassette in the camcorder e Try ejecting and re inserting the cassette e The cassette tape is broken try another cassette e You have reached the end of the cassette try rewinding it Will Not Play Back e CAMERA VCR switch must be in VCR Will Not Record e Safety tab has been removed from cassette See page 16 e CAMERA VCR switch must be in CAMERA No Picture in Viewfinder e Make sure lens cap has been removed Tape Stops During e The tape counter with memory stop may be displayed Rewind or Fast in viewfinder When an M appears in front of the Forward tape counter display the camcorder will stop rewinding or fast forwarding when the counter reads M0000 Press the REW rewind or F FWD fast forward button again to continue or press the COUNTER DISPLAY button to remove the display from the viewfinder Camcorder Remains in Play Pause Mode e Press PAUSE STILL or PLAY to return to normal playback continued on next page 55 Trouble Checks Trouble Checks and Adjustments Viewfinder Displays are out of Focus e Try adju
32. ad acid batteries tend to discharge if not used for extended periods After being stored for a long period the battery may not supply power for the specified time Additional rechargings may help restore operation time After repeated chargings and use operation time will gradually decrease When operation time becomes too short to be useful it is time to replace the battery Battery Safety Precautions Batteries that are being recharged that have not been used for an extended period may continue to charge after the normal time Do not charge a battery for more than ten hours If both indicators on the AC adapter charger start flashing remove the battery and reattach it If the indicators continue to flash after several attempts your battery cannot take a charge and needs to be replaced Do not attach a hot battery The battery should be allowed to cool down Both indicators on the adapter charger will flash if you attach a hot battery 14 e The battery should be charged at a temperature of 32 F 95 F 0 C 35 C to prevent damage e Do not operate the battery at temperatures below 14 F 10 C or above 95 F 35 C The battery may be damaged if operated at temperatures above 122 F 50 C Operation time will decrease at extremely low temperatures e Use the battery only with specified GE AC adapter chargers and camcorders Throwing the battery into a fire or exposing the battery to excessive heat ove
33. ally scan forward on the recorded tape e Press and hold PLAY to view the recorded tape at normal speed When you release the button the camcorder will return to record pause at that point on the tape Tape Positioning You can quickly position the tape using F FWD fast forward or REW rewind when the camcorder is stopped The CAMERA VCR switch must be in VCR e Press F FWD fast forward to fast forward the tape Press STOP to stop e Press REW rewind to rewind the tape to the beginning Press STOP to stop Electronic Indexing The camcorder automatically records an index mark every time it begins recording after the cassette door has been opened an edit feature has been used the camcorder has been placed in the stop mode or the power has been turned off for an extended period of time The INDEX indicator will flash briefly in the viewfinder when the camcorder is recording an index mark REC INDEX T INDEX Indicator Display in Viewfinder Later when you play back the indexed tape in a VCR that has a compatible indexing feature called VHS Index Search System the invisible marks can be located automatically See your VCR owner s manual for index playback instructions 25 Focusing Your Camcorder Power Zoom Buttons T and W MANUAL FOCUS Buttons PUSH AUTO FOCUS Button AUTO MAN Switch Auto Focus The camcorder will focus automatically when the CAMERA VCR
34. amage Produet Registration Please complete and mail the Product Registration Card packed with your camcorder It will make it easier to contact you should it ever be necessary The return of the card is not required for warranty coverage How State Law relates to warranty This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights that vary from state to state If you purchased your Camcorder outside the United States This warranty does not apply Contact your dealer for warranty information 61 Index _A A DUB Indicator 36 37 Accessories Included Accessories Optional 47 50 Accessory Shoe 0 4 Accessory Order Form 51 5 Adapter Charger Using 410 Animation Recording Assistance 118 59 Back Cover AUD DUB Button 8186 37 AUDIO and VIDEO IN Jacks Audio Dubbing Auto Focus 0 004f 26 B BATT EJECT Lever 1 211 4 Battery Level Indicator 1319 Battery Safety Precautions 14 Battery Care and Storage 14 Battery Inserting and Removing Battery Using Rechargeable 11 14 BRIGHT Control 225360500305 as Camcorder Powering 10 14 Camcorder Recording on B8 39 Camcorder Unpacking CAMERA AUTO Feature 24 Camera Edit Feature 25 62
35. amcorder The tape in these cassettes is of high quality formulation manufactured to critical specifications for excellent performance Use of tape not meeting these specifications could considerably reduce the performance of your camcorder Use of 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 Playing a new tape for approximately 30 minutes will often satisfactorily clean the heads and improve your picture If a snowy picture or no picture condition persists consider the use of a dry chemical nonabrasive head cleaning kit Be sure to follow the directions with the head cleaning kit carefully Improper use of a head cleaner may damage your camcorder Erase Protection Safety Tab You can use your video cassettes over and over again To erase a previous recording just record over it To prevent accidental To record again cover erasure break the tab the hole with vinyl tape Recording Speed and Times The camcorder records and plays back in CASSETTE RECORDING TIME VHS standard speed SP Listed are the T 60 ONIE maximum SP recording times for popular VHS cassettes T 120 2 Hrs T 160 2 Hrs 40 Min T 180 3 Hrs 16 Vi
36. ameter 62 mm Video Signal EIA Standard NTSC Color Information to User This device complies with Part 15 of the 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 This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications However there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a Camera Section Scanning 525 Lines 60 Fields 30 Frames Image Sensor One integral color filter CCD Imager Lens 1 12 5 4 64 8mm Diameter 52 mm AC Adapter Charger Power Requirement 100 240 V 50 60 Hz Power Consumption 35 watts nominal Weight 1 13 lbs 513 g Dimensions 3 3 11 W x 2 5 11 H x 7 D 83 x 62 x 177 mm Tripod Mount One 1 4 x 20 threaded hole particular installation If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on the user is encouraged to try to c
37. ators 20 21 Stop Action Pause 41 STOP EJECT Button SARAPA s lt Table of Contents 1 2 TAPE Indicator 20 21 Tape Copying Tape Counter Display Tape Positioning Things to Avoid 54 Thumb Trigger H Tilt Viewfinder 18 Time and Date Display 2022 23 Time Counter 31 Time Lapse Recording 33 Time Remaining Display 31 TITLE Button 934 35 TITLE SELECT and Button 8 34 35 TITLE SELECT Button 384 35 Titler cic sdvenbaventakers 198435 Titler Display Titles Recording 35 Tracking 2 33 yee aad awa ae es 41 Traveling and Recording Tips 15 Tripod Using 50 Trouble Checks 55 57 Index Unpacking the Camcorder sV V DUB Indicator 4 37 Variable Shutter Speeds VID DUB Button 3 Video Cassettes 16 17 Video Dubbing Viewfinder E si sifi9 2 1 Viewfinder Displays 19 21 Viewfinder Playback Visual Searching a _Ww W B White Balance Button 8120 2 126 27 Warranty Limited 60 61 White Balance 4 27 White Balance Indicators
38. back on TV Without Audio Video Inputs 44 45 Index Playback Speed 16 Playback Viewfinder 40 Plug Adapter 4 10 POWER Switch and Indicator EEZ Power Zoom Buttons 9126 27129 Powering the Camcorder 10 14 Problem Solving 55 57 Product Registration Inside Front Cover R REC Indicator RECORD Button 8139 Record Review 24 Recording and Traveling Tips 15 Recording Date and Time 22 Recording From a TV or VCR 38 39 Recording Speed 16 Recording First Recording Making a 3 9 Registration Card REVIEW Button 81124 REW Rewind Button se RF DC OUT Jack 9144 RF Output Adapter 4 4149 5 Safety Tab 0000 16 Searching Visual 41 SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE Button oonan onanan 832 33 Self Timer Displays 19132 Self Timer Recording Shoulder Strap Attachment Rings 946 64 Shoulder Strap Attaching 46 SHUTTER Button 81120 Shutter Speed Indicators 20 Shutter Speeds 28 Solving Problems 55 57 Specifications 58 Speed Recording and Playback 16 ST BY Indicator 20 2783 Status Indic
39. cell and never short circuit the and sides of the battery Date and Time Display Set or Correct the Time and Date Display Follow the steps below to set or correct the time and date display j POWER Switch CAMERA VCR Switch CLOCK SET Button DATE TIME Button Install the clock cell battery as described on the previous page Attach a power supply battery or adapter charger to the camcorder Slide the POWER switch and place the CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA If the date and time display does not appear in the viewfinder press DATE TIME Press CLOCK SELECT until the part of the display you want to set or correct flashes 12200 AM JAN 1 1995 Display in Viewfinder 6 7 oo CLOCK SELECT Button Press CLOCK SET until the correct digit s appear Note Press and hold CLOCK SET to advance the digits faster When the correct digit is displayed press CLOCK SELECT The next part of the display will flash 10 06 AM JAN 1995 Display in Viewfinder Repeat steps 5 and 6 to set the correct hour minute s AM PM month day and year After setting or correcting the time and date press CLOCK SELECT until no part of the display flashes to start the internal clock 23 Camcorder Features PLAY Button REW Rewind Button PAUSE REW F FWD Fast Forward Button PLAY F FWD AUD DUBsVID RECORD
40. cording Tips Insert a Cassette Place CAMERA VCR Switch Video Cassettes in CAMERA AUTO o e Erase Protection Safety Tab e Turn on the Camcorder 0 ceeeee e Recording Speed and Times e Adjust Viewfinder and Eyepiece e Inserting and Removing Cassettes Focus Control ccccccecesceeeeeereeeeed e Cassette Care and Storage 04 e Start and Stop Recording e Play Back What You Have Recorded e Review Camcorder Operating Control uten Table of Contents Recording Features a Viewfinder e Viewfinder Displays 00 19 21 Date and Time Display e Recording the Time and Date or Date on Your Tape e Install the Clock Battery 0 0 0 0 e Set or Correct the Display e Camcorder Features CAMERA AUTO Feature Microphone ee eeeeeeeeeeeees Record Review cccccceeseseeesees e Flying Erase Head c cesses Camera Edit 0 0 0 0 ceecceesseeeeeeees e Tape Positioning cee eeeeeeeeeeee e Electronic Indexing eee e Focusing Your Camcorder 26 27 e W B White Balance Button e Using Variable Shutter Speeds Power ZOOMING 0 0 eeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeees Po e Fading In and Out of Scenes P9 e Counters and Time Remaining Display Tape Counter misiista e Tape Counter with Memory Stop BO e Elapsed Time Coun
41. d such as but not limited to lightning damage Produet Registration Please complete and mail the Product Registration Card packed with your camcorder It will make it easier to contact you should it ever be necessary The return of the card is not required for warranty coverage How State Law relates to warranty This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights that vary from state to state If you purchased your Camcorder outside the United States This warranty does not apply Contact your dealer for warranty information 61 Index _A A DUB Indicator 36 37 Accessories Included Accessories Optional 47 50 Accessory Shoe 004 Accessory Order Form 51 53 Adapter Charger Using 410 Animation Recording Assistance 1 3 59 Back Cover AUD DUB Button 8 AUDIO and VIDEO IN Jacks 0 9 36 37 38 39 AUDIO and VIDEO OUT Jaksi once betide 9 42 43144 45 Audio Dubbing f 36 Auto Focus 02 004f 26 B BATT EJECT Lever 9 Battery Level Indicator 1319 Battery Safety Precautions 14 Battery Care and Storage 14 Battery Inserting and Removing Battery Using Rechargeable 11 14 BRIGHT Control 2 253 050 000045 as Camcorder Powering 10 14 Camcorder Recording on 38 39 Camco
42. ded period of time If the camcorder remains in the pause mode for more than five minutes it will automatically move the tape away from the spinning heads to prevent excessive tape wear e Press PAUSE STILL again or PLAY to return to normal playback Visual Search During playback you can visually search the tape e During playback press F FWD or REW to visually search the tape in forward or reverse e To return to normal playback press the button again or press PLAY Tracking During playback the CLOCK SELECT and SET buttons are also the tracking buttons Tracking is used when you play a tape that was recorded on a different camcorder or VCR Note Only tapes recorded in SP standard play can be played When you play a tape not recorded on your camcorder streaks may appear if the recorded tracks on the tape do not align precisely with the playback heads To remove the streaks and align the heads with the tape tracks press either one of the tracking buttons to move the streaks up or down and out of the picture Press and hold both tracking buttons to reset tracking to preset center Tracking is automatically reset whenever a cassette is inserted The TRACKING buttons only affect tape playback They have no effect during recording 41 Playback on a TV or VCR with AUDIO and VIDEO IN Jacks To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor or VCR with AUDIO IN and VIDEO IN jacks you will need the audio
43. deo Cassettes Inserting and Removing Cassettes 1 Attach a power source either a charged battery or adapter charger 2 Press STOP EJECT to open the cassette door 3 Insert or remove the cassette from the cassette compartment Cassette Care and Storage e Rewind and remove the cassette from the camcorder Break off the safety tab to prevent accidental erasure and label the cassette before storing it e Store cassettes vertically in their protective cases at normal room temperatures e Keep dust from entering the cassette compartment All dust is abrasive and will cause excessive wear on the tape and camcorder s heads iE SSS aa Safety Tab Caution Insert cassette with safety tab facing up and the tape windows facing out The cassette should slide easily into the compartment 4 Gently close the cassette door with your hand e Keep cassettes away from strong magnetic fields such as electric motors Do not use a cassette if it has been damaged or exposed to moisture The tape may jam or damage the camcorder e Do not leave your camcorder or cassettes in a car or outdoors for an extended period Excessive heat or cold may damage them 17 Viewfinder The camcorder s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the picture seen by the camcorder when recording The viewfinder can also be used for viewing the tape during playback For convenient viewing turn t
44. ding at the beginning and end of each recording session for future reference Press COUNTER RESET whenever the tape counter is displayed to reset the counter to 0000 Tape Counter with Memory Stop The tape counter s memory stop feature helps locate a certain point on the tape This is useful if you want to review a section immediately after recording or repeatedly play back a segment of the tape When memory stop is turned on the tape will stop automatically during fast forward or rewind when the time counter reaches M0000 To use memory stop 1 Repeatedly press COUNTER DISPLAY to display tape counter with memory stop M appears with tape counter when memory stop is on 2 Locate the place on the tape you want to return to and press COUNTER RESET to reset tape counter to M0000 3 Continue to record or play the tape When you want to return to the place you marked press the thumb trigger to stop recording or press STOP to stop playback 30 4 Make sure the CAMERA VCR switch is in VCR Then press REW rewind The tape will rewind until it reaches the time counter reading of M0000 Note Whenever the tape counter with memory stop is displayed in the viewfinder the camcorder will stop rewinding or fast forwarding when the counter reaches M0000 To continue rewinding or fast forwarding the tape press REW rewind or F FWD fast forward again Counters and Time Remaining Display
45. e Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell and never short circuit the and sides of the battery First Time Operation 12V Jack DC Cable Supplied To AC Outlet 100 240 V 50 60 Hz 2 Attach the adapter charger Since the battery must be charged e Plug the adapter charger into the before it can be used the first time nearest AC outlet 100 240V attach the adapter charger to the 50 60 Hz camcorder The POWER indicator on the e Attach one end of DC cable to DC adapter charger will light IN 12V jack on side of camcorder e Attach the other end of DC cable to DC OUT 12V 2A jack on AC adapter charger continued on next page First Time Operation Lens Cap on Lens G j Cap Holder Press Here to Close 3 Adjust the handstrap 5 Insert a cassette Open the strap adjust to fit your right A Press STOP EJECT to open cassette hand and close the strap compartment B Insert cassette with safety tab facing dt ind faci t 4 Remove the lens cap and attach fe chet AN it to the handstrap C Close cassette compartment door First Time Operation POWER Switch and Indicator STOP EJECT Button Viewfinder in Operating Position PAUSE STILL Button Eyepiece Focus Control CAMERA VCR Switch 6 Place CAMERA VCR switch in automatically shut off to prevent CAMERA AUTO excessive tape wear To turn the camcorder on again slide the POWER The position of the CAMER
46. ew camcorder s operating controls Shoulder Strap Attachment Ring BATT Battery EJECT Lever Rech bl Power Zoom Buttons Battery W and T Compartment Cassette Door Shoulder Strap Clock Battery Holder Attachment Ring DC IN 12V Jack AUDIO and VIDEO OUT Jacks Also RF DC OUT Jack AUDIO and VIDEO IN Jacks Remove Small Cover Powering the Camcorder Using the Adapter Charger The DC cable attaches the adapter charger to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power DC IN 12V Jack DC Cable AC Adapter Charger To AC Outlet 100 240 V 50 60 Hz DC OUT 12V 2A Jack Attach the Adapter Charger 1 Attach one end of DC cable to DC OUT 12V 2A jack on the AC adapter charger 2 Attach the other end of DC cable to DC IN 12V jack on side of camcorder 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 Notes The adapter charger cannot charge the battery and operate the camcorder at the same time Remove the battery when you use the adapter charger to power the camcorder 10 Using an Optional Plug Adapter The adapter charger operates on 100 240 volts 50 60 Hz Some countries may require a plug adapter 100 240 V 50 60Hz E gt E9 lt AC Plug Adapter 1 Plug the ada
47. g You can make an object appear to move by taking several still shots of it in different positions When the tape is played back the object appears animated 1 Turn on camcorder and place CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA 2 Repeatedly slide SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE until INTERVAL MAN display appears in the viewfinder Interval PAUSE Indicator INTERVAL MAN Display in Viewfinder 3 Press the thumb trigger or PAUSE SSTILL ST BY will appear in the viewfinder The camcorder will record for approximately one second every 60 second interval The time left until the next recording will be displayed in the viewfinder 4 To stop adjustable time lapse recording repeatedly slide SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE until the INTERVAL display is removed from the viewfinder or press the thumb trigger or PAUSE STILL 3 Position the object and then press the thumb trigger or PAUSE STILL The camcorder will record for approximately one second every time you press the thumb trigger It is usually best to get three to five shots of each pose 4 Move the object slightly and press the thumb trigger again for each one second recording in this position 5 To stop animation recording slide SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE to remove the INTERVAL MAN display from the viewfinder 33 Titler The titler can create and store two different titles Each title can contain two lines with a total of 32 characters 16 on each line
48. g the Time and Date or Date on Your Tape Install the clock battery and set the correct time and date before you record them on your tape Whenever the time and date or date appear in the viewfinder it will be recorded on the tape If you do not want to record the display remove it from the viewfinder by repeatedly pressing the DATE TIME button Press DATE To Display in Viewfinder TIME Button and Record on Tape Date and Time Date Only Neither Date or Time One Time Two Times Three Times Four Times Returns to Date and Time Install Clock Battery x Clock Battery Holder Insert battery side down 1 Remove the clock battery holder Insert the clock battery with the terminal facing down in the holder Fully insert the clock battery holder into the camcorder Note flashes in the viewfinder when the clock battery is missing discharged or not installed properly Cautions Lithium cell battery Must be disposed of properly Never handle a punctured or leaking cell May cause burns or personal injury Keep out of the hands of children Can cause death or injury if swallowed If swallowed consult a physician immediately for emergency treatment The lithium cell used in this device may explode resulting in a fire or chemical burn if mistreated Do not recharge disassemble heat above 212 F 100 C or incinerate Never use metallic tweezers to hold the
49. gher shutter speed 1 100 1 250 1 1000 1 2000 or 1 4000 selected with SHUTTER appears No display appears for the standard 1 60 second shutter speed The CAMERA VCR switch must be in CAMERA MAN manual e These displays are not recorded on the tape when they appear e Details are on page 28 6 White Balance Indicators 20 The indicator for the manual white balance selected with W B white balance appears here The CAMERA VCR switch must be in CAMERA MAN manual e Display when recording using indoor incandescent light e Display when recording under outdoor light on a bright day e No display appears for automatic white balance e These displays are not recorded on the tape when they appear e Details are on page 27 6 Time and Date Display e Repeatedly press DATE TIME to display or remove the time and date or date only This display will be recorded whenever it appears in the viewfinder e The clock battery warning appears here when the clock battery is missing installed incorrectly or needs replacing e Details are on page 22 7 Tape Counter Tape Counter with Memory Stop M Elapsed Time Counter and Time Remaining Display Repeatedly press COUNTER DISPLAY for these displays e Press COUNTER DISPLAY once to display the tape counter Viewfinder Displays W B White Balance Button CAMERA VCR Switch COUNTER RESET Button COUNTER DISPLAY Button DATE T
50. he viewfinder to the left and lock it into position After the viewfinder is locked you can slide it out and use the right or left eye Caution When carrying or storing the camcorder turn the viewfinder back to the front to prevent damage to the viewfinder and or camcorder Viewfinder in Operating Position Eyepiece Focus Control The eyepiece focus control lets you set the focus of the viewfinder for your personal vision If you wear eyeglasses you may be able to operate the camcorder without them It is easiest to set the correct focus by focusing on one of the viewfinder s on screen displays such as the counter Look through the viewfinder and adjust the eyepiece focus control for your vision The eyepiece focus control does not affect the focus of the picture actually recorded by the camcorder 18 Eyepiece Eyepiece Focus Control on bottom of viewfinder Tilt Adjustment You can turn the eyepiece up or down about 180 degrees Caution Do not force the eyepiece to rotate completely around This will damage the viewfinder and or the camcorder Viewfinder Controls BRIGHT and FOCUS controls are located on the bottom of the viewfinder The camcorder must be turned upside down and the viewfinder fully extended to see them These controls were set at the factory and should need no adjust ment If adjustment becomes necessary carefully use a plastic screwdriver and make adjustments with caution
51. ial number and date of purchase ready when you call If your unit is out of warranty we will quote the cost of an exchange unit to you Returning equipment to Thomson for repair or exchange If we are unable to resolve your problem over the phone we will gladly service your unit or exchange it for a new or refurbished camcorder Refer to the limited warranty on the reverse side to learn about your specific rights and responsibilities Always consult Thomson and get a Return Authorization number before returning anything Obtain a Return Authorization RA number from the telephone representative before returning your equipment to avoid delays accounting errors or even loss of your unit Important information to customers who ship defective equipment to Thomson Consumer Electronics The Thomson representative who authorized the return of your equipment will give you an RA number over the phone They will also provide you with instructions on where and how to return your camcorder Write the number in large clear characters on the outside of the box To avoid confusion and misunderstandings shipments without an RA number clearly visible on the outside of the box will be returned to you at your expense Include a brief note describing the problem and any conversations about the problem you have had with Thomson personnel Include your name address and model serial number of your camcorder These numbers are located on
52. ing Titler Chart of Characters in Titler s Register Correcting Errors During Programming 2 Press TITLE SELECT or until the 1 Press EDIT ADV until the flashing cursor is placed over the character you wish to correct correct character appears Note To delete a character press TITLE SELECT or until the blank space appears Recording Titles on a Tape in the Camcorder 1 Attach a power supply turn on the camcorder and place the CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA 2 Locate the place on the tape where you want to record the title Note If you record a title on a pre recorded tape audio and video will be erased where the title is inserted There may be a 3 4 second pause before existing audio and video return 3 Press TITLE to display the title graphics in the viewfinder Press TITLE SELECT to display the other title in the viewfinder Press the thumb trigger to start recording When you are finished recording the title press TITLE to remove the title graphics from the viewfinder Recording Titles While Copying Tapes from Camcorder to another VCR 1 Attach a power supply turn on the camcorder and place the CAMERA VCR switch in VCR 2 Place the tape you want to copy in the camcorder 3 Press TITLE to display the title page you want to record in the viewfinder Press TITLE SELECT to display the other title in the viewfinder The camcorder will remember the last title 4
53. ite balance manually Place the CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA MAN to manually adjust white balance Press W B white balance to display the appropriate indicator in the viewfinder e Display amp when recording indoors with incandescent light The following conditions during recording may require manual focusing e Recording subjects with shiny surfaces e Recording subjects with sharp angles e Recording flat subjects such as a white wall e Recording in low light situations e Recording fast moving action such as golf swings White w Balance Pe Indicator Electronic Viewfinder Display when recording outdoors on a bright day Display no white balance indicator to have the camcorder control white balance automatically 27 Using Variable Shutter Speeds The camcorder has a variable shutter with five higher shutter speeds than the normal 1 60 second speed The shutter speed is automatically set to the normal shutter speed of 1 60 second when the CAMERA VCR switch is in CAMERA AUTO No indicator appears in the viewfinder when the shutter speed is set to 1 60 Shutter Speed 1000 Display in Viewfinder SHUTTER CAMERA VCR Button Switch To Select Higher Shutter Speeds 1 Place the CAMERA VCR switch in Notes Higher shutter speeds are CAMERA MAN manual recommended when taping fast moving action 2 Repeatedly press SHUTTER to selecta _ doors that you plan to play
54. just color intensity tint white balance and sharpness of tapes being dubbed This is helpful when the original tape was produced under poor lighting conditions or poor color settings 48 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 Optional Accessories 1CVA488 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 If your TV has 300 ohm VHS screw terminals you will need an optional 75 300 ohm transformer such as AH011 193983 Cable Transformer This 300 to 75 ohm transformer is used to connect a standard 300 ohm antenna twin lead to a standard round 75 ohm connector AHO011 Cable Transformer oj This 75 to 300 ohm transformer is used to connect a standard 75 ohm antenna to the 300 ohm screw terminals on a TV All specifications and descriptions of accessories are subject to change without notice 49 Optional Accessories 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
55. lied imi Cover A Tn Yellow oi Do a W ideo Plug VIDEO OUT G Yellow Video Plug W 7 White Audio Plug 38 Recording from a TV or VCR Installation G Attach a power source AC adapter charger or battery to the camcorder 2 Attach the white audio plug to the AUDIO OUT jack on the TV or VCR Note If your TV or VCR has RIGHT and LEFT AUDIO OUT jacks attach the white audio plug to the one labeled MONO If one is not labeled MONO you may need a Y adapter to record sound from both channels Operation and How to Copy Tapes 1 A Camcorder connected directly to TV with AUDIO VIDEO OUT jacks Turn on TV and tune it to channel you want to record B Camcorder connected to VCR that is already connected to TV Turn on VCR and select channel you want to record or place cassette you want to copy in the VCR Note If you want to see what is being recorded turn on the TV and tune it to the channel you normally use to see what the VCR is doing 2 Turn on the camcorder and place the CAMERA VCR switch in VCR 3 Insert a cassette with the safety tab intact into the camcorder G Attach the yellow video plug to the VIDEO OUT jack on the TV or VCR 4 Attach the white audio plug on the other end of the audio video cable to the AUDIO IN jack and the yellow video plug to the VIDEO IN jack on the camcorder 4 Press the small red RECORD button on the top of the ca
56. mcorder to start recording Note If you are copying a tape start the VCR playing the tape you want to copy 5 Press the STOP EJECT button when you are finished recording Caution The unauthorized recording of television programs and other materials may infringe the rights of others 39 Viewfinder Playback and Playback Features REW Button PLAY Button PAUSE STILL Button F FWD Button O POWER PAUSE REW PLAY F FWD AUD DUB eVID RECORD CD BM Ooo STILL TITLE SELECT EDIT ADV POWER Switch and Indicator STOP EJECT Button CAMERA VCR Switch SELECT and SET Buttons Viewfinder 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 1 io Slide the POWER switch to turn on the 4 Press PLAY to begin playback Adjust camcorder The POWER indicator tracking if necessary will light 5 Press STOP EJECT when you are Place the CAMERA VCR switch finished in VCR Press STOP EJECT and insert the cassette you want to playback Note Only tapes recorded in SP standard play can be played 40 Viewfinder Playback and Playback Features Playback Features Stop Action Pause During playback you can stop the action and view one frame of the tape e Press PAUSE STILL Caution Pause is designed for momentary interruptions and should not be used for an exten
57. ndise 10 Minimum Order 0 00 Dales Vax E A es iiancansesies We are required by law to collect the appropriate sales tax for each individual state county and locality to which the merchandise is being sent Shipping Handling and Insurance eee 5 00 Total Amount Enclosed 0 0 0 0 cccceceseeseseteeeeeeeneeeees Use VISA or MasterCard preferably Money order or check must be in U S currency only No COD or cash e Allow eight weeks for delivery e All accessories are subject to availability e Where applicable we will ship a superseding model Please complete other side also 51 Accessory Order Form 52 Charge your order on your VISA or MasterCard by filling in below USE YOUR CREDIT CARD E IMPORTANT Copy complete account number VI SA from your VISA card ATTAT My card expires CL CLI IMPORTANT Copy complete account number Master Card from your MasterCard Copy Number CLIII My card above your expires LI LT name on MasterCard AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE Prices are subject to change without notice PLEASE Print or type your name and address clearly This will be your mailing label A complete and correct order will save you days of waiting l l l l Name i l l Street l l l l l l Apt I l l l vie l City i l l l State Zip l l eee eee A E ee J Please make sure that both sides of this form have been filled out completely S lt
58. orrect the interference by one or more of the following measures e Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void the user s FCC authority to operate this camcorder This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the interference causing equipment standard entitled Digital Apparatus ICES 003 of the Department of Communications Cet appareil num rique respecte les limites de bruits radio lectriques applicables aux appareils num riques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le mat riel brouilleur Appareils Num riques NMB 003 dict e par le ministre des Communications 58 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 m to 5 p m CST Monday Friday for U S customers only Thomson provides a toll free telephone number to help you with any problems you may encounter with your camcorder Many can be diagnosed over the phone and if necessary a replacement unit can be shipped to
59. ote describing your camcorder problem e Your name address and phone number Return transportation storage and handling costs and insurance are your responsibility We accept no liability in case of damage or loss 4 Include a cashier s check or money order for payment if there are any out of warranty labor or parts charges which were indicated by the representative and you elected not to use your credit card 5 Upon receipt of your product a new or refurbished unit will be shipped to you next day delivery To have your Camcorder repaired by an Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter Check with your dealer or call 1 800 447 1700 for the Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter nearest you Take your unit to the Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter of your choice Show the Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter representative your sales receipt or other evidence of purchase Pick up your camcorder when repairs are complete What your warranty does not cover Adjustment of customer controls Damage from misuse or neglect A unit that has been modified or incorporated into other products or is used for institutional or other commercial purposes Battery for clock and other features Cleaning of video audio heads Camcorders purchased or serviced outside the U S A Return transportation storage and handling costs of your unit including insurance for loss or damage Acts of God such as but not limited to lightning d
60. ou move Attachment Ring Make sure shoulder strap is securely fastened to the camcorder before using it to carry the camcorder 46 Optional Accessories We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your GE camcorder 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 on pages 51 53 1CVB100 Soft Camcorder Case This case provides exceptional pro tection and utility for full size camcorders and most accessories It is constructed of rugged type fabric for years of service and good looks Three outside pockets provide accessory storage with mesh covered lens filter compartment and built in holders for other accessories The hand grip and adjustable strap allow for comfortable transportation of the camcorder 47 Optional Accessories VDC88 Color Enhancement Light This light is an indispensible accessory for camcorder users who desire brighter sharper pictures It also brightens natural colors in extremely low light situations The light comes with a battery pack BP 1000 and battery charger VDC085 Uses one replacement bulb VDC090 VCC1000 Video Color Control Center The VCC1000 is two accessories in one It allows you to ad
61. packed with the replacement product but will not be charged for the unit portion of the invoice amount if we receive your unit including all accessories within 14 days from the date you were provided the RA number Any labor and parts charges not covered by our warranty will be included and charged against your account Ship the unit back to us along with all accessories included with your camcorder using the replacement unit s carton Shipping instructions will be included in the carton along with your RA number which will allow you to easily ship the unit back to us Limited Warranty Make sure you insure your shipment in case of damage or loss Include with the shipment e A copy of your dated bill of sale to verify your unit s warranty eligibility e A brief note describing your camcorder problem e Your name address and phone number Return transportation storage and handling costs and insurance are your sole responsibility We accept no liability in case of damage or loss To receive a replacement unit after we have received your unit 1 Write the RA number on the outside of the carton used to return the unit Make sure you insure your shipment in case of damage or loss 2 Carefully pack the unit along with all accessories included with your camcorder using the original box and packing material if possible 3 Include with the shipment e A copy of your dated bill of sale to verify your uni
62. pter 4 10 POWER Switch and Indicator Power Zoom Buttons Powering the Camcorder 10 14 Problem Solving 55 57 Product Registration Inside Front Cover REC Indicator Apo 2S RECORD Button Record Review 24 Recording and Traveling Tips 15 Recording Date and Time 22 Recording From a TV or VCR 38 39 Recording Speed 16 Recording First Recording Making a 3 9 Registration Card REVIEW Button 81124 REW Rewind Button a 0 21P5p0 36 37 RF DC OUT Jack 9144 RF Output Adapter 44 49 5 Safety Tab 000 16 Searching Visual 41 SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE Button 8182 33 Self Timer Displays 19132 Self Timer Recording 32 Shoulder Strap Attachment Rings 946 64 Shoulder Strap Attaching 46 SHUTTER Button 81120 Shutter Speed Indicators 20 Shutter Speeds 28 Solving Problems 55 57 Specifications 58 Speed Recording and Playback 16 ST BY Indicator 20 21 83 Status Indicators 20 21 Stop Action Pause 41 STOP EJECT Button BRST 31730 36 3789 f0 41 f43 A5 af Table of Contents
63. pter charger s plug into the AC plug adapter 2 Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC outlet Powering the Camcorder Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time Initial charging will take approximately two hours When fully charged the battery should supply about 100 120 minutes of operating time depending on how much you use zoom and pause When using the battery to power the camcorder slide POWER to turn off the camcorder during recording breaks to conserve the battery s power Charging the Battery WARNING LEAD ACID BATTERY MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY To AC Outlet 100 240 V 50 60 Hz POWER and CHARGE Indicators Located on Other Side 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 1 Plug the adapter charger into the nearest AC outlet 100 240V 50 60Hz The POWER indicator on the adapter charger will light Note If the DC cable is attached to the adapter charger remove it before charging the battery The adapter charger cannot charge the battery if the DC cable is attached 2 Slide the battery into the adapter charger matching the side of the battery to the side of the adapter charger as shown above 3 If the battery is properly connected the adapter charger s CHARGE indicator will light
64. quick release mount makes it easy to attach or remove the camcorder The grooved tubular 3 section leg design folds down to 26 when not in use Rubber feet allow for sure footing Cautions Before using a tripod make sure it is stable enough to hold the camcorder without falling over Do not transport camcorder attached to tripod When attaching your camcorder to a tripod be careful not to force the tripod screw into the camcorder s tripod mounting hole The tripod screw should not protrude into the camcorder more than approximately three eighth 3 8 inch Forcing the screw could damage the mounting hole on the bottom of the camcorder 50 Accessory Order Form D Detach Here Order Form for Camcorder Model CG709 Description Part No Price Qty Total Super Lightweight Tripod ACO088 39 95 75 300 Ohm Transformer AH011 1 90 Battery Pack for VDC88 BP1000 29 95 Video Color Control Center VCC1000 349 00 Battery Charger for VDC88 VDCO085 18 95 Replacement Bulb for VDC88 Light VDC090 12 95 Color Enhancement Light VDC88 79 95 Rechargeable Battery ICVA156 49 95 RF Output Adapter 1CVA488 49 95 Soft Camcorder Case 1CVB100 89 95 300 75 Cable Transformer 193983 6 95 Audio Video Cable 210923 10 00 DC Cable 217840 14 95 Shoulder Strap 222043 _22 95 AC Adapter Charger 229412 149 95 Prices are subject to change without notice Total Mercha
65. r If the DEW indicator is flashing in the viewfinder there is moisture in the camcorder Remove cassette and let camcorder dry out for at least two hours When the DEW indicator stops flashing camcorder will operate 56 Trouble Checks Trouble Checks and Adjustments Recorded Audio Low e Subject may have been too far from the camcorder Play Rewind or Fast e Make sure titler graphics are not in viewfinder Forward Does Not Work Buttons operate differently when titler is displayed Higher Shutter Speed or e CAMERA VCR switch must be in CAMERA MAN White Balance Indicator position Will Not Appear in e Press SHUTTER for higher shutter speeds Viewfinder e Press W B for manual white balance Date and Time or Date e Date and time or date will be recorded on the tape were Recorded on the Tape whenever they appear in the viewfinder Press DATE TIME to remove them from the viewfinder when recording Date and or Time are Incorrect e Clock battery cell may need replacing See page 22 e Date and or time may need to be reset See page 23 57 Specifications General Power requirement 12VDC Power consumption 10 5 watts normal Weight 5 28 Ibs 2 4 kg Dimensions 3 8 W x 8 3 H x 15 8 D 97 x 211 x 401 mm Video Recorder Section Format VHS Record Playback System Two video record playback heads One flying erase head Headwheel Cylinder Diameter 62 mm Video Signal EIA Standard
66. r amp Special Products 2000 Clements Bridge Rd Deptford NJ USA 08096 2088 53 Care and Maintenance Keep dust and grit from entering the camcorder s cassette door Dust and grit are abrasive and will cause excessive wear to both the camcorder s recording and playback heads and cassettes Do not use strong or abrasive detergents when cleaning your camcorder They may damage the camcorder Before handling your camcorder make sure your hands and face are free from any chemical products such as suntan lotion as it may damage the finish Do not touch the lens with your fingers The oil from your skin may damage the lens To clean the lens always use lens cleaning tissues and a commercially prepared cleaning solution designed for use on camera lens Things to Avoid Do not aim your camcorder at the sun or other bright objects Do not operate or leave your camcorder in extremely humid environments Do not use an adapter charger or batteries other than the ones specified for this camcorder Use of the wrong accessories may cause damage to the camcorder Do not operate the camcorder for extended periods in temperatures below 40 F 4 C or above 95 F 35 C Do not expose the camcorder or adapter charger to rain or moisture If either component becomes wet turn off the power and take the unit to an Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter 54 Always replace the lens cap on the lens when the camcorder is no
67. r 149 F 65 C could be hazardous Do not short the battery s terminals Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery There are no user serviceable parts inside If leakage from a damaged battery contacts your skin or clothing wash it off immediately with running water Read the cautions on the battery pack Camcorder Recording Tips Make a video recording of your home and contents to store in a safe place in case of fire or theft Practice recording under different lighting conditions This will help you respond quickly whenever you see a scene you want to record Do not move the camcorder rapidly from side to side while recording A steady gradual pan avoids blurring and jitter Use the viewfinder to make sure the camcorder is level while recording or your scenes will appear tilted Try to make sure indoor scenes are well lit This improves picture quality and color reproduction Try to avoid taping backlit subjects indoors Bright light behind your subject may cause the subject to appear too dark For a different perspective try kneeling down or laying on the floor when recording children or pets Traveling Tips Write down your camcorder s serial number and keep it separate from the camcorder when traveling If your camcorder is lost or stolen you will be able to identify it Make sure you have any plug adapters that you may need before taking your camcorder to other co
68. r Displays are out of Focus e Try adjusting the eyepiece focus control Details are on page 18 Poor Picture Quality During Recording e There is insufficient light Add more light e Place the CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA AUTO or repeatedly press SHUTTER to set the shutter speed to normal 1 60 second Details are on page 28 e Place the FOCUS AUTO MAN switch in AUTO position to have the camcorder focus automatically Details are on pages 26 27 Poor Auto Focus Operation Place the FOCUS AUTO MAN switch in the AUTO position for the camcorder to control the focus automatically Details are on pages 26 27 Subject may be too dark Auto focus system may not work under this condition Place FOCUS AUTO MAN switch in MAN position and focus manually Details are on pages 26 27 Lens may be smudged and image appears unfocused Viewfinder eyepiece focus control may be adjusted incorrectly Details are on page 18 Poor Picture Quality During Playback e Tape was recorded on a different camcorder or VCR If the picture contains black and white streaks press one of the tracking CLOCK SELECT and SET buttons to correct Details on page 41 Camcorder only has one speed SP If tape was recorded at different speed it cannot be played back in this camcorder Picture Too Dark Repeatedly press SHUTTER to set shutter speed to normal 1 60 second or place CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA AUTO Details are on pages 24 and 28
69. rder Unpacking CAMERA AUTO Feature 24 Camera Edit Feature 25 62 CAMERA VCR Switch 6 718 m a 232 4 25 26 2728 30 31 ne 32 35136 37189 40 41 Care and Maintenance Care and Storage of Battery 14 Cassette Door 9f17 Cassette Inserting Cassettes Inserting and Removing Cautions Inside Front Cover Charging the Battery 11 Chart of Characters 35 Checking Problems 55 57 CLOCK SELECT and SET Buttons 31123 Clock Battery Holder 9 Clock Cell Installing 22 Contents cv gceelnw ck poe ced oe bo 1 2 Copying Tapes 38 3942 43 COUNTER DISPLAY Button 1319 2 180 31 COUNTER RESET Button 8 21 Creating a Title 0 34 Customer Assistance and Service Date and Time Display 20 22 23 DATE TIME Button 8 20 22 23 DC Cable pin cere ense ban oe DOIN 12V Jack o an 9 10 Design Specifications 58 DEW Indicator d Displays Viewfinder 19 21 Dubbing Audio oaaao 36 Dubbing Video 37 Index a a EDIT ADV Button 834 35 Elapsed Time Counter 31 Electronic Indexing 25 END Indicator 20 21 Erase Protection Eyepiece Focus Control KE
70. repair How you get service e Call 1 800 283 6503 and have your unit s date of purchase and model serial number ready The model serial number information is on the bottom of your camcorder e A representative will troubleshoot your problem over the phone If the representative determines that you should receive a replacement unit you will be provided with a Return Authorization RA number and the location of a nearby exchange point if one exists No returns will be accepted without the RA number To receive a replacement camcorder before you return yours If you are located near an exchange point 1 We will send a replacement unit to the exchange point next business day delivery 2 The exchange location will notify you of its arrival 3 Take your unit including all 60 Visa account number and expiration date to our phone representative This is for security purposes If we receive your unit including all accessories within 14 days from the date you were provided a Return Authorization number only items not covered by warranty will be charged to your account IF YOUR UNIT INCLUDING ALL ACCESSORIES IS NOT RECEIVED WITHIN 14 DAYS THE SUGGESTED RETAIL VALUE OF THE CAMCORDER AND OR ACCESSORIES WILL BE CHARGED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD This amount will be credited if the unit is subsequently received We will send you a replacement unit next business day delivery You will receive an invoice
71. s blurry adjust the eyepiece focus control for your vision 10 Play back what you have recorded 9 Start and Stop Recording e Press the thumb trigger to stop Press the thumb trigger to start and recording stop recording Do not hold the e Place the CAMERA VCR switch thumb trigger REC will appear in in VCR the viewfinder when the camcorder is i e Press REW to rewind the tape recording Notes Pressing PAUSE STILL will also Press PLAY to play back the tape start and stop recording e Press STOP EJECT when you are finished First Time Operation 11 Review camcorder s operating controls PLAY Button F FWD Fast Forward Button Also TITLE SELECT Button Also TITLE SELECT Button POWER Switch REW Button Also TITLE AUD Audio DUB Button and Indicator SELECT Button Also EDIT ADV Button VID Video PAUSEISTILL DUB Button RECORD Button PLAY F FWD AUD DUBe VID RECORD OOO STILL TITLE SELECT EDIT ADV Accessory Shoe STOP EJECT Button Viewfinder Microphone Eyepiece Focus Control on bottom of viewfinder REVIEW Button W B White Balance Button AMERA VCR Switch MANUAL FOCU OUNTER DISPLAY and RESET Buttons Buttons DATE TIME Button FOCUS AUTO MA CLOCK SELECT and SET Buttons and FOCUS PUSH Also Tracking Buttons AUTO Buttons FADE Button TITLE Button SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE Button SHUTTER Button continued on next page First Time Operation 11 Revi
72. sting the eyepiece focus control Details are on page 18 Poor Picture Quality During Recording e There is insufficient light Add more light e Place the CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA AUTO or repeatedly press SHUTTER to set the shutter speed to normal 1 60 second Details are on page 28 e Place the FOCUS AUTO MAN switch in AUTO position to have the camcorder focus automatically Details are on pages 26 27 Poor Auto Focus Operation Place the FOCUS AUTO MAN switch in the AUTO position for the camcorder to control the focus automatically Details are on pages 26 27 Subject may be too dark Auto focus system may not work under this condition Place FOCUS AUTO MAN switch in MAN position and focus manually Details are on pages 26 27 Lens may be smudged and image appears unfocused Viewfinder eyepiece focus control may be adjusted incorrectly Details are on page 18 Poor Picture Quality During Playback e Tape was recorded on a different camcorder or VCR If the picture contains black and white streaks press one of the tracking CLOCK SELECT and SET buttons to correct Details on page 41 Camcorder only has one speed SP If tape was recorded at different speed it cannot be played back in this camcorder Picture Too Dark Repeatedly press SHUTTER to set shutter speed to normal 1 60 second or place CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA AUTO Details are on pages 24 and 28 DEW Indicator Flashing in Viewfinde
73. switch is in CAMERA AUTO or the FOCUS AUTO MAN switch is in FOCUS AUTO 26 W B White Balance Button CAMERA VCR Switch Macro Focus The auto focus system lets you focus on objects very close to the camcorder 1 Press the power zoom button W to put the camcorder in wide angle focus 2 Place the camcorder as close to the subject as necessary to obtain the desired size Notes To change the size of the subject move the camcorder closer or farther away You may want to steady the camcorder by mounting it on an optional tripod continued on next page Focusing Your Camcorder Manual Focus Under certain conditions you may need to focus manually 1 Place the CAMERA VCR switch in CAMERA MAN 2 Place the FOCUS AUTO MAN switch in MAN 3 To maintain proper focus throughout the zoom range zoom in on the subject by pressing power zoom button T 4 Press one of the MANUAL FOCUS buttons to display a sharp clear picture in the viewfinder When FOCUS MAN is in MAN you can press and hold PUSH AUTO to switch to auto focus Release PUSH AUTO to return to manual focus W B White Balance Button Automatic White Balance The camcorder automatically controls color white balance when the CAMERA VCR switch is in CAMERA AUTO No white balance indicator appears in the viewfinder for automatic white balance Manual White Balance Under some conditions you may want to adjust wh
74. t s warranty eligibility e A brief note describing your camcorder problem e Your name address and phone number Return transportation storage and handling costs and insurance are your responsibility We accept no liability in case of damage or loss 4 Include a cashier s check or money order for payment if there are any out of warranty labor or parts charges which were indicated by the representative and you elected not to use your credit card 5 Upon receipt of your product a new or refurbished unit will be shipped to you next day delivery To have your Camcorder repaired by an Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter Check with your dealer or call 1 800 447 1700 for the Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter nearest you Take your unit to the Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter of your choice Show the Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter representative your sales receipt or other evidence of purchase Pick up your camcorder when repairs are complete What your warranty does not cover Adjustment of customer controls Damage from misuse or neglect A unit that has been modified or incorporated into other products or is used for institutional or other commercial purposes Battery for clock and other features Cleaning of video audio heads Camcorders purchased or serviced outside the U S A Return transportation storage and handling costs of your unit including insurance for loss or damage Acts of Go
75. t in use The camcorder can be damaged by improper storage or handling Do not subject the camcorder to swinging shaking or dropping Do not store the camcorder in temperatures below 22 F 30 C or above 149 F 65 C When the camcorder is not in use always remove the cassette and AC adapter charger or battery Retain the original carton for future storage or shipping purposes Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold location to a warm location Give the camcorder 1 1 2 to 2 hours to reach a stable temperature before inserting a cassette When the camcorder is moved from a cold location to a warm location moisture may cause the tape to stick to the headwheel and damage the headwheel or tape Do not leave your camcorder in direct sunlight Doing so could permanently damage the camcorder s internal parts Do not attempt to disassemble your camcorder There are no user serviceable parts inside Trouble 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 GE Camcorder Servicenter look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing Then perform the simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble Trouble Checks and Adjustments No Power e If using the rechargeable battery i
76. t may need POWER Indicator recharging Will Not Come On e If using the AC adapter charger make sure it is plugged into a working AC outlet Will Not Record or If the DEW indicator is flashing in the viewfinder Play Back there is moisture in the camcorder Remove cassette and let camcorder dry out for at least two hours When the DEW indicator stops flashing camcorder will operate e Make sure there is a cassette in the camcorder e Try ejecting and re inserting the cassette e The cassette tape is broken try another cassette e You have reached the end of the cassette try rewinding it Will Not Play Back e CAMERA VCR switch must be in VCR Will Not Record e Safety tab has been removed from cassette See page 16 e CAMERA VCR switch must be in CAMERA No Picture in Viewfinder e Make sure lens cap has been removed Tape Stops During e The tape counter with memory stop may be displayed Rewind or Fast in viewfinder When an M appears in front of the Forward tape counter display the camcorder will stop rewinding or fast forwarding when the counter reads M0000 Press the REW rewind or F FWD fast forward button again to continue or press the COUNTER DISPLAY button to remove the display from the viewfinder Camcorder Remains in Play Pause Mode e Press PAUSE STILL or PLAY to return to normal playback continued on next page 55 Trouble Checks Trouble Checks and Adjustments Viewfinde
77. t will not be charged for the unit portion of the invoice amount if we receive your unit including all accessories within 14 days from the date you were provided the RA number Any labor and parts charges not covered by our warranty will be included and charged against your account Ship the unit back to us along with all accessories included with your camcorder using the replacement unit s carton Shipping instructions will be included in the carton along with your RA number which will allow you to easily ship the unit back to us Limited Warranty Make sure you insure your shipment in case of damage or loss Include with the shipment e A copy of your dated bill of sale to verify your unit s warranty eligibility e A brief note describing your camcorder problem e Your name address and phone number Return transportation storage and handling costs and insurance are your sole responsibility We accept no liability in case of damage or loss To receive a replacement unit after we have received your unit 1 Write the RA number on the outside of the carton used to return the unit Make sure you insure your shipment in case of damage or loss 2 Carefully pack the unit along with all accessories included with your camcorder using the original box and packing material if possible 3 Include with the shipment e A copy of your dated bill of sale to verify your unit s warranty eligibility e A brief n
78. ter 0 e Time Remaining Display e SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE Button Self Timer Recording 0 0 eAdjustable Time Lapse Recording B3 eAnimation Recording c Tilers i canis dass eaten 34 35 e Audio Dubbing ceccecseesceeeesteeseesees e Video Dubbing ccececceceesseeseeses Recording from a TV or VCR 38 39 Playback e Viewfinder Playback 00 0 ce eeeeeeeeeed ho e Playback Features Stop Action Pause eVisual Searching cece STrACkN enina e Playback on a TV or VCR with AUDIO and VIDEO IN Jacks 42 43 e Playback on a TV without Audio and Video Inputs 44 45 Attaching the Shoulder Strap uel Optional Accessories e Optional Accessories 45 47 50 e Using an Optional Tripod 50 e Accessory Order Form 51 53 Care and Maintenance J Trouble Checks eee 55 57 Specifications eeeeeeneees Customer Assistance and Service 59 Limited Warranty 00 0 00 60 61 Index Alphabetical 62 65 First Time Operation This section describes only the basic steps to setup 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
79. the bottom of your unit If your camcorder is within the warranty period please provide a copy of the bill of sale to verify purchase date Use the original box and packing material to protect the equipment from damage in shipment For your protection insure all shipments for full replacement value and use a reliable shipper Thomson assumes no responsibility for warranty shipments from the customer to the factory if not shipped in the manner prescribed by Thomson 59 Limited Warranty What your warranty covers e Any defect in materials or workmanship accessories and your bill of sale which validates date of purchase to the exchange location and you will be For how long after your purchase provided the new or refurbished unit e 90 days for labor charges 4 If the repairs were covered by your e One year for parts warranty you will not be billed What we will do If you are not located near an exchange During the initial 90 days point 1 Provide your Discover MasterCard or e 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 After the 90 days and within one year e Exchange your camcorder with a new or at our option a refurbished unit or at your option repair your camcorder Parts will be provided at no charge but you will be responsible for the cost of labor required for the repair How you get service e Call 1 80
80. to prevent damaging these miniature controls Viewfinder Displays Self Timer and INTERVAL Indicators INTERVAL 0 60 2 Tittle ___ _ __ TITLER G Battery Level Indicator Displays in Viewfinder CAMERA VCR Switch TITLE Button SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE Button Self Timer and INTERVAL 2 Titler Display Indicators e SELF 30S or SELF END appears when the camcorder is set for self timer recording using SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE e INTERVAL indicators appear when Press the TITLE button to create or display a title e The title is recorded on the tape when it appears e Details are on pages 34 35 the camcorder is set for interval or G Battery Level Indicator animation recording using SELF TIMER TIME LAPSE e These displays are not recorded on the tape when they appear e Details are on pages 32 33 Press COUNTER DISPLAY to display or remove the battery level indicator e This indicator is not recorded on the tape when it appears e Details are on page 13 continued on next page 19 Viewfinder Displays G Manual White Shutter Speed Indicators Balance Indicators Time and Date Display and Clock Battery Warning WW 10 30AM NOV 18 1995 Counters and Time Remaining m0000 Display REC INDEX O Status TAPE and DEW Indicators 9 INDEX and END Indicators Displays in Viewfinder 4 Shutter Speed Indicators e The hi
81. turning 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 No CG709 Serial No Purchase Date Purchased From Assistance We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder If you have any questions call Camcorder Exchange Warranty 800 283 6503 pages 60 61 Customer Service cccccssscssssscssesssesssrees 800 447 1700 page 59 ACCESSOTIES scssssscessscssssssssssssssssssseeses D00 338 0376 pages 47 50 Table of Contents Safety Precautions c cccceeeee ql Powering the Camcorder e Using the Adapter Charger Product Registration 0000 e Attach the Adapter Charger e Using an Optional Plug Adapter 10 Table of Contents cceeee ones oe T e Using the Battery Assistance 0 00 eeeeteeeceeeeeeeeneeeeteeene p Charging the Battery ssesw e Insert and Remove the Battery First Time Operation e Checking Battery Power e Unpack Camcorder and Accessories Battery Level Indicator e Attach the Adapter Charger e Battery Care and Storage e Adjust the Handstrap c cece e Battery Safety Precautions Remove Lens Cap and Attach to Handstrap ccceseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees Camcorder Re
82. untries Consult your GE dealer for advice Use extra care to avoid damage to your camcorder and accessories when operating them at a beach or pool Be aware of video and audio backgrounds Background details barely noticed while you are taping may show up as visual clutter on your recording Background noises especially TV sets radios household appliances traffic sounds etc can detract from the sound you want to record Do not bump or tap the camcorder s microphone while recording because this sound will be recorded Avoid long still shots of landmarks and scenic attractions Recordings are more interesting if they include people and details Local color will give travel videos lasting appeal Consider recording a familiar or landmark scene from an unfamiliar vantage point for added interest Remember to check the lighting before starting to record Include close up shots of individuals when taping family outings or group functions Spray sand and dust should be avoided If your lens has been exposed to the elements clean it only with proper lens cleaning supplies Carry your camcorder in a carrying case when traveling See page 47 for a specially designed case An ordinary suitcase or carry bag does not offer the protection your camcorder needs Treat your camcorder as carry on luggage to protect it from rough handling 15 Video Cassettes We recommend our cassettes be used with your c
83. urn on the camcorder and insert the tape you want to dub on 3 Place the CAMERA VCR switch in VCR 4 Use PLAY F FWD and REW to locate a place on the tape slightly before where you want to begin audio 36 Yellow Video Plug x No Connection AUDI IN Jack Under Small Cover Audio Video Cable Supplied No Connection e White Audio Plug dubbing Press PAUSE STILL at the point you want dubbing to begin Press AUD DUB A DUB and PAUSE will appear in the viewfinder The camcorder is ready to begin audio dubbing Start the audio source playing and then press PAUSE STILL to start dubbing A DUB and REC will appear in the viewfinder when you are dubbing Press STOP EJECT when you are finished Video Dubbing The video dubbing feature lets you record new pictures video on a previously recorded tape without erasing the original sound audio Tapes must be recorded in SP tape speed New video can be dubbed by connecting an external video source to the VIDEO IN jack Back of VCR or Laser Disc white Player Audio Plug No Connection Supplied AUDIO OUT VIDEO OUT Audio Plug No Connection To Video Dub 1 Connect the external video source to the VIDEO IN jack on the camcorder If you want to monitor the dubbing on a TV attach the TV to the camcorder as shown on page 42 or 44 2 Turn on the camcorder and insert the tape you want to dub new video on
84. video cable supplied with the camcorder If your TV is already connected to a VCR you can attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the camcorder is recording or playing on the TV Back of Mono VCR or Audio Video J TV Monitor White Cable T AUDIO D Audio Plug Supplied VIDEO i OUT Jack 9 OUT Jack Behind IN Small VIDEO Yellow __3 1 Cover Video Plug E T a f fF pares ederin atear 2 Yellow Video Plug orl 3 White Audio Plug Y Adapter i Pack a Available from Whit sg J ereo or Electronics ite caus en TV Monitor Supply Store J Audio Gapje VIDEO OUT Jack 9 ug Supplied OUT Jack Behind AUDIO X FS Small N q Cover _r S Yellow a E i hi ae r 2 Yellow Video Plug amg p ____ i White Audio Plug 42 Playback on a TV or VCR continued Installation Attach the audio video cable s white plug to the AUDIO IN jack on the TV or VCR Note If your TV or VCR has stereo left and right AUDIO IN jacks attach the plug to the one labeled MONO If one of the jacks is not labeled MONO you may need a Y adapter to hear both channels 2 Attach the audio video cable s yellow plug to the VIDEO IN jack on the TV or VCR G Attach the white audio plug on the other end of the audio video cable to the AUDIO OUT jack and the yellow video plug to the VIDEO OUT jack on the camcorder Playback Operation and How to Copy
85. you Please have your camcorder model serial number and date of purchase ready when you call If your unit is out of warranty we will quote the cost of an exchange unit to you Returning equipment to Thomson for repair or exchange If we are unable to resolve your problem over the phone we will gladly service your unit or exchange it for a new or refurbished camcorder Refer to the limited warranty on the reverse side to learn about your specific rights and responsibilities Always consult Thomson and get a Return Authorization number before returning anything Obtain a Return Authorization RA number from the telephone representative before returning your equipment to avoid delays accounting errors or even loss of your unit Important information to customers who ship defective equipment to Thomson Consumer Electronics The Thomson representative who authorized the return of your equipment will give you an RA number over the phone They will also provide you with instructions on where and how to return your camcorder Write the number in large clear characters on the outside of the box To avoid confusion and misunderstandings shipments without an RA number clearly visible on the outside of the box will be returned to you at your expense Include a brief note describing the problem and any conversations about the problem you have had with Thomson personnel Include your name address and model serial number of your

GE CG709 Camcorder User Manual

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