background image

Table of Contents

1

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

Safety Precautions ...........................i-iii

Recording and Traveling Tips ...........2

Optional Accessories........................3-7

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

First-Time Operation

• Unpack the Camcorder and

Accessories....................................8

• Use an Adapter/Charger or

Battery to Supply Power ...............9

• Attach Lens Cap Cord and

Adjust Handstrap...........................9

• Insert a Cassette .............................10
• Turn On the Camcorder .................10
• Adjust the Viewfinder Focus .........10
• Start and Stop Recording ...............10
• Review the Camcorder Controls....11
• Review LCD Window Displays.....12

Powering Your Camcorder

• Using the Adapter/Charger ............13
• Using the Battery ......................14-16
• Using the Optional Car Cord 

Adapter/Charger ..........................17

Recording 

• Video Cassettes..............................18
• Recording Operation......................19
• PLAY/CAM Mode ..........................20
• Zooming.........................................20
• Viewfinder .....................................20
• Flying Erase Head..........................20
• Microphone ....................................20
• Blank Search ..................................21
• Time Counter .................................21

Playback

• Playback on TV (or VCR) with

AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks.............22

• Playback on a TV Using

the Antenna Connector...............23

• Playback Features ..........................24

Picture Search .............................24
Fast Forward or Rewind .............24
Stop-Action Pause ......................24

References

• Care and Maintenance....................25
• Things to Avoid .............................25
• Trouble Checks.........................26-27
• Information to User........................27
• Specifications.................................28
• Limited Warranty...........................29
• Index (Alphabetical) .................30-31

Summary of Contents for CG400

Page 1: ...Camcorder User s Guide CG400 We bring good things to life FPO ...

Page 2: ... other the plug fits in the wall socket only one way Do not defeat the safety feature of this plug If you need an extension cord use a polarized extension cord CAUTION TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT FULLY INSERT ATTENTION POUR ÉVITER LES CHOCS ÉLECTRIQUES INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU AU FOND ...

Page 3: ...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 VIDEO CASSETTE WHEN MOVED FROM A COLD AREA TO A WARM LOCATION MOISTURE MAY CONDENSE ON THE HEAD DRUM INSIDE THE MACHINE THIS MOISTURE COULD CAUSE THE TAPE TO STICK TO THE HEADWHEEL AND DAMAGE THE HEADWHEEL OR TAPE The symbol of a lightni...

Page 4: ...xtension cord are the same number size and shape as those of the plug on the adapter charger 2 Extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition and 3 Wire size below is met Minimum Length of Extension AWG Size Cord Feet 18 Equal to or less than 100 16 Equal to or less than 150 Do not operate adapter charger with a damaged cord or plug Replace it immediately Do not operate adapter ...

Page 5: ...indow Displays 12 Powering Your Camcorder Using the Adapter Charger 13 Using the Battery 14 16 Using the Optional Car Cord Adapter Charger 17 Recording Video Cassettes 18 Recording Operation 19 PLAY CAM Mode 20 Zooming 20 Viewfinder 20 Flying Erase Head 20 Microphone 20 Blank Search 21 Time Counter 21 Playback Playback on TV or VCR with AUDIO VIDEO IN Jacks 22 Playback on a TV Using the Antenna Co...

Page 6: ...g of your home and contents to store in a safe place Try to make sure indoor scenes are well lit This improves picture quality and color reproduction Do not bump or tap the camcorder s microphone while recording because this sound will be recorded 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 ...

Page 7: ...ame with your camcorder DCC05 Car Cord Adapter Charger This car cord adapter charger enables you to operate your camcorder from your car truck or RV by plugging the car cord directly into the vehicle s cigarette lighter socket It will also charge the AV608 battery supplied with the camcorder The DCC05 is specially designed to convert power from the 24 volt or 12 volt battery to a 6 5 volt output A...

Page 8: ...ot transport camcorder attached to tripod All specifications and descriptions of accessories are subject to change without notice Audio Video Cables AH069G 3 ft AH070G 5 ft These cables are shielded for connecting AUDIO and VIDEO jacks They have RCA type phono plugs on each end Coaxial RF Cables AH065G 6 ft AH066G 10 ft These RF cables are used with the RF output adapter to connect your camcorder ...

Page 9: ...ar Cord Adapter Charger DCC05 169 95 DC Cable for Adapter Charger DCC100 14 95 300 75 Ohm Cable Transformer 193983 6 95 Shoulder Strap 218555 13 95 Prices are subject to change without notice Total Merchandise 10 Minimum Order __________ Sales Tax __________ We are required by law to collect the appropriate sales tax for each individual state county and locality to which the merchandise is being s...

Page 10: ...er from your MasterCard My card expires My card expires Copy Number above your name on MasterCard AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE Prices are subject to change without notice Name Street Apt City State Zip Print or type your name and address clearly This will be your mailing label Please make sure that both sides of this form have been filled out completely A complete and correct order will save you days of w...

Page 11: ...ption 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 Thom...

Page 12: ...s only the basic steps necessary to set up your camcorder to record Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options Caution Do not use this adapter charger for any other purpose other than charging the AV608 battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder Model CG400 AC Adapter Charger Part No CPS801C DC Connecting Cord Part No DCC100 Lens Cap Cord Part No 224176 Rechargeab...

Page 13: ...harged and must be charged before it can be used the first time Details are on page 14 1 Slide the OPEN BATT button to open the battery compartment 2 Insert the battery sideways as shown and snap into place To remove the battery slide it toward the back of the camcorder and lift out 3 Close the battery compartment 1 Remove lens cap and attach the cord to the lens cap 2 Pull up the flap run the cor...

Page 14: ...the red indicator lights If you do not record within three minutes the camcorder shuts off to reserve power The displays appear in the LCD window with and flashing The red light located just inside the viewfinder rim flashes during record pause Adjust Viewfinder Focus Slide the eyepiece focus control back or forth to obtain the clearest possible picture Start and Stop Recording Press and release t...

Page 15: ... control door Microphone Handstrap Shoulder Strap Attachment LCD Window REC Record Start Stop Button Thumb Trigger Viewfinder Focus Control Shoulder Strap Attachment Warning Indicator Record Pause Indicator Cassette Compartment Zoom Slide Control W Wide Angle T Telephoto Power Switch PLAY CAM Button AUDIO VIDEO and DC OUT jacks Viewfinder Lens ...

Page 16: ...E Rewind Search 6 66 Fast Forward Search PLAY Playback Mode REC REC REC PLAY BLANK 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 5 BLANK Indicator Displayed when the Blank Search feature is used during recording or playback mode BLANK flashes when searching a recorded portion of the tape and lights for a blank portion 6 Tape Remaining Indicator Indicates the amount of tape remaining Tape is five minutes from the end Flashes when...

Page 17: ...er cord from the camcorder and adapter charger Using Optional AC Plug Adapter An optional plug adapter may be required in some countries 1 Plug the adapter charger s plug into the AC plug adapter 2 Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC outlet Optional AC Plug Adapter AC 100 240V Caution Do not use this adapter charger for any purpose other than charging recommended battery or supplying power to the...

Page 18: ...reshing a battery takes approximately 3 1 2 hours To Charge a Battery 1 Plug adapter charger into an AC outlet 100 240V 50 60Hz The POWER indicator lights 2 Align the reference marks on the battery with marks on the adapter charger and slide the battery in the direction of the arrow until it locks The CHARGE indicator lights while battery is charging 3 Remove the battery when the CHARGE indicator ...

Page 19: ... it to excessive heat over 149ºF 65ºC This could be hazardous Use the battery only with specified adapter chargers and camcorders ATTENTION THE PRODUCT THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED CONTAINS A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY AT THE END OF ITS USEFUL LIFE UNDER VARIOUS STATE AND LOCAL LAWS IT MAY BE ILLEGAL TO DISPOSE OF THIS BATTERY INTO THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL SOLID WASTE OFFICIALS FOR DE...

Page 20: ...hen the operation time becomes too short to be useful it is time to replace the battery The battery pack charging operating time in the table are approximate The operating time of the battery may be shorter than normal even after a full charge If it is used for the first time The operating time is restored to its original level after the battery has been used two or three times completely discharg...

Page 21: ...r cord adapter charger and the other end into the DC IN 6 5V jack on the side of the camcorder 3 Close the battery compartment 4 Insert the DCC05 s plug into the vehicle s cigarette lighter socket The POWER indicator on the DCC05 will light Cautions The DCC05 is designed to be used only with vehicles having negative ground electrical systems Do not use any other car cord with this camcorder Other ...

Page 22: ...recording open the safety tab and record over it 3 4 2 EJECT Caution Insert the cassette so the safety tab is at the top and the tape window is facing out The cassette should slide easily in the compartment Do not force the cassette 4 Gently press the compartment where it is labeled PUSH until it clicks into place The top closes automatically CAUTION Do not press down on the top or you may damage ...

Page 23: ...rty Video Head REC To Make a Recording 1 Attach a power supply AC adapter charger battery car cord adapter See pages 13 17 2 Insert a video tape 3 Push the POWER switch upward to turn on the camcorder The record pause indicator red light to the right of viewfinder and and in the LCD window flash This indicates the camcorder is in the record pause mode 4 Make sure the PLAY CAM button is in the CAME...

Page 24: ...om as desired The zoom distances are indicated below T Zoom in focus set at approx 1 6m or more close up shot W Zoom out focus set at approx 0 7m or more wide angle shot T W PLAY CAM Zoom Slide Control T Telephoto W Wide Angle Viewfinder The viewfinder enables you to see what you are recording The eyepiece focus control moves back and forth so you can set the focus of the viewfinder for your perso...

Page 25: ...ch can also be used in the playback PLAY mode When the camcorder is being used to play back a tape just place the camcorder in the stop mode and press BLANK REC BLANK REW PLAY F FWD EJECT STOP PAUSE BLANK Time Counter The time counter appears in the LCD window and shows the actual time elapsed when recording a program or playing back a segment of a prerecorded tape It helps you locate the end or b...

Page 26: ...ries Playback Operation 1 Camcorder connected to TV Turn on the TV and tune it to the video input channel Camcorder connected to VCR that is 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 Attach a power supply and turn on the ...

Page 27: ...ss the PLAY CAM button to turn on PLAY mode The green indicator lights 6 Press PLAY During playback use the playback features described on page 24 7 Press STOP on the camcorder when you are finished Watch What the Camcorder is Seeing Or Recording 1 Tune the TV to channel 3 or 4 Tip Turn down the TV s volume to prevent a high pitched squeal caused by feedback 2 Set the CHANNEL 4CH 3CH switch on the...

Page 28: ...tape visually in forward or reverse Release the button to return to normal playback Fast Forward or Rewind While in the stop position press and quickly release REW rewind or F FWD fast forward button to rewind or fast forward the tape REW PLAY F FWD EJECT STOP PAUSE BLANK Stop Action Pause Press PAUSE during play to stop the tape and view the details of a scene Press PAUSE or PLAY to return to nor...

Page 29: ...corder There are no user serviceable parts inside 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 cold to warm condensation may cause the tape to stick to the headwheel and damage the headwheel or tape Do not expose the ca...

Page 30: ... it is plugged into a working outlet If the dew indicator flashes in the LCD window there is moisture in the camcorder Wait until the dew indicator no longer appears before operating the camcorder Make sure the PLAY CAM button is in the CAMERA or PLAY mode Details on page 20 No cassette in the camcorder Try ejecting and re inserting the cassette The cassette tape may be broken try another cassette...

Page 31: ...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 ...

Page 32: ... 140 F Dimensions W x H x D Approx 93 x 105 x 182 mm Weight Approx 630g excluding battery and tape AC Adapter Charger Rated output When connected to the camcorder 6 5V 1 7A When recharging a battery pack 10V 1 3A Power requirement AC 100V 240V 50 60 Hz Power consumption 24W Dimensions W x H x D Approx 72 x 39 x 156 mm Weight Approx 300g Specifications This digital apparatus does not exceed the Cla...

Page 33: ...hed with the camcorder Include in the camcorder carton 1 a copy of your sales receipt or other evidence of purchase date 2 your name and address and 3 a brief description of the problem Ship the camcorder to an Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter Pay any charges billed to you by the Servicenter for service not covered by the warranty What your warranty does not cover Customer instruction Your owne...

Page 34: ...17 Care and Maintenance 25 Care and Storage of Battery 16 Carrying Case 3 Cassette Compartment Door 10 11 18 Cassette Safety Tab 18 Cassettes Inserting Removing 10 18 Charging the Battery 14 Checking Problems 26 27 Cleaning the Camcorder 25 Contents 1 D Design Specifications 28 Dew Warning 12 E EJECT Button 10 11 18 Erase Protection 18 F F FWD Fast Forward Button 24 First Time Operation 8 12 Flyin...

Page 35: ...ter Optional 3 23 S Safety Instructions AC Adapter Charger iii Safety Precautions i ii Safety Tab 18 Search Picture 24 Shoulder Strap 3 Shoulder Strap Attachment Rings 11 Solving Problems 26 27 Specifications 28 Speed Recording 18 Playback 18 Status Displays 12 STOP Button 24 Stop Action Pause 24 T T Telephoto Zoom Button 11 20 Table of Contents 1 Tape End Warning 12 19 Tape Remaining Indicators 1...

Page 36: ...ber 94 CG400 1 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 Canadian Consumers Your toll free numbers are English 1 800 522 0338 French 1 800 522 0445 10330 N Meridian Indianapolis IN ...

Reviews: