GE CG400 User Manual

General electric camcorder user's guide
CG400
Camcorder User's Guide
FPO
We bring good things to life.
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Summary of Contents for GE CG400

  • Page 1 CG400 Camcorder User’s Guide We bring good things to life.
  • Page 2: Product Registration

    INSIDE. IF YOU SPILL LIQUID ON THE CAMCORDER OR ADAPTER/CHARGER, DISCONNECT THE AC ADAPTER/CHARGER’S POWER CORD TO PREVENT POSSIBLE FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND CONSULT AUTHORIZED SERVICE PERSONNEL. MOISTURE CAN DAMAGE INTERNAL PARTS. REFER ALL SERVICE TO AUTHORIZED GE CAMCORDER SERVICENTER PERSONNEL ONLY.
  • Page 3 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 VIDEO CASSETTE. WHEN MOVED FROM A COLD AREA TO A WARM LOCATION, MOISTURE MAY CONDENSE ON THE HEAD DRUM INSIDE THE MACHINE.
  • Page 4 Take it to a qualified serviceman. Do not disassemble charger. Take it to an Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock.
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    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 •...
  • Page 6: Recording And Traveling Tips

    • 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.
  • Page 7: Optional Accessories

    We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your camcorder. The following pages have a selection of accessories to help make the process of recording and watching your videos more enjoyable.
  • Page 8 Cautions: Before using a tripod, make sure it is stable enough to hold the camcorder without falling over. 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- eighths (3/8) inch.
  • Page 9: Accessory Order Form

    Order Form for Camcorder Model CG400 Description Soft Camcorder Case Super Lightweight Tripod 75-300 Ohm Cable Transformer RF Coaxial Cable (6-ft.) RF Coaxial Cable (10-ft.) Audio/Video Cable (3-ft.) Audio/Video Cable (5-ft.) Y-Adapter Rechargeable Battery (1 Hr.) AC Adapter/Charger RF Output Adapter...
  • Page 10 Charge your order on your VISA USE YOUR CREDIT CARD IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card My card expires: IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard Copy Number above your name on MasterCard AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE Prices are subject to change without notice. Print or type your name and address clearly.
  • Page 11 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.
  • Page 12: First-Time Operation

    This section describes only the basic steps necessary to set up your camcorder to record. Refer to the other sections for detailed operation and feature options. Unpack the Camcorder and Accessories The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately. Model CG400 AC Adapter/Charger Part No.
  • Page 13: Use An Adapter/Charger Or Battery To Supply Power

    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. Attach Lens Cap Cord and Adjust Handstrap 1. Remove lens cap and attach the cord to the lens cap.
  • Page 14: Insert A Cassette

    Turn On the Camcorder Slide the POWER switch upward to turn the camcorder on (or off). Tips: Whenever the camcorder is powered on, it turns on in the CAMERA mode. If it does not, press the PLAY/CAM button until the red indicator lights If you do not record within three minutes, the camcorder shuts off to reserve power.
  • Page 15: Review The Camcorder Controls

    Review the Camcorder Controls Viewfinder Lens Camera Lens AUDIO, VIDEO and DC OUT jacks Handstrap Microphone Viewfinder Focus Control Record-Pause Indicator BLANK Button Shoulder Strap Attachment PLAY/CAM Button LCD Window Warning Indicator Shoulder Strap Attachment EJECT Button Playback Controls (located...
  • Page 16: Review Lcd Window Displays

    3. Head Clog Warning ( Flashes when the video head is clogged or dirty. Contact an Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter. 4. Status Displays Recording Flashing : Record-Pause Playback...
  • Page 17: Powering Your Camcorder

    The adapter/charger lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. It operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge the battery. You may need a plug adapter in some countries. Consult your dealer.
  • Page 18: Using The Battery

    Tips: Conserve battery power by turning the camcorder off during short recording breaks. Use the small marker switch on the top of the battery to help you remember to recharge the battery. It has no other function.
  • Page 19: Installing The Battery

    When the battery is empty, the indicator flashes and the camcorder shuts off. Tip: The battery level indicator has no meaning when you power the camcorder with the adapter/charger or optional car cord. ATTENTION: THE PRODUCT THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED CONTAINS A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY.
  • Page 20 Do not store a battery pack where it can reach high temperatures. Remove the battery from the camcorder when it is not in use to prolong the battery life. Recharge the battery just before it is used. If the battery is recharged and not used, it will slowly lose its charge.
  • Page 21: Using The Optional Car Cord Adapter/Charger

    Using the Optional Car Cord Adapter/Charger This adapter/charger lets you power your camcorder from the cigarette lighter socket of a car, truck, or RV. It converts 24- or 12-volts to a 6.5-volt output. It can also charge the battery that came with your camcorder. Consult the operating instructions enclosed with the DCC05.
  • Page 22: Recording

    Recording Video Cassettes We recommend that our cassettes be used with your camcorder. Use of poor quality or damaged tapes can contaminate the video heads. Head cleaning is not covered under warranty and is considered normal maintenance. Inserting or Removing Cassettes EJECT 1.
  • Page 23: Recording Operation

    Recording Operation Only the basic steps were discussed in the “First Time Operation” section to set up your camcorder. This section explains in detail how to make a recording. Record-Pause Indicator (Red) Warning Indicator (Yellow) To Make a Recording: 1. Attach a power supply (AC adapter charger/battery/car cord adapter).
  • Page 24: Play/Cam Mode

    CAMERA- recording mode and the green indicator lights when the camcorder is in the PLAY mode. Tip: The camcorder must be attached to a TV or TV and VCR for playback. Zooming The 3:1 zoom is controlled by the zoom slide control.
  • Page 25: Blank Search

    PAUSE BLANK PLAY F.FWD EJECT Blank Search With the press of a button, the camcorder advances through the tape for a blank section. This feature saves time and tape by locating the end of the last recorded segment. 1. Place the camcorder in record-pause.
  • Page 26: Playback

    The basic playback features are described in this section of the manual. Before you can use these features, you must attach your camcorder to a TV (or VCR) to view the playback. Check order form on page 5 for optional accessories.
  • Page 27: Playback On A Tv Using The Antenna Connector

    Playback on a TV Using the Antenna Connector To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio/video inputs, additional accessories are required for this connection. STOP PAUSE BLANK PLAY F.FWD EJECT Output Jacks (Located behind AV TERMINAL cover) * Optional accessories are available from your dealer, local electronics store, or mail order. Order form is on page 5.
  • Page 28: Playback Features

    Playback Features The playback features described below are used when you connect your camcorder to a TV with or without AUDIO/VIDEO jacks as described on pages 22 and 23. The buttons are located under the control panel on top of the camcorder.
  • Page 29: Care And Maintenance

    • 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. • Do not aim your camcorder at the sun or other bright objects. Reference •...
  • Page 30: Trouble Checks

    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.
  • Page 31: Information To User

    • This may occur when background extremely contrasts ing bright object Cannot see video • Camcorder must be connected to a TV (or VCR) to see during playback • The camcorder’s video head is clogged or dirty. Contact ) indicator...
  • Page 32: Specifications

    F to 140 Approx. 93 x 105 x 182 mm Approx. 630g (excluding battery and tape) When connected to the camcorder: 6.5V, 1.7A When recharging a battery pack: 10V, 1.3A AC 100V - 240V, 50/60 Hz Approx. 72 x 39 x 156 mm Approx.
  • Page 33: Limited Warranty

    Servicenter for the new or, at our option, refurbished replacement parts required to repair your camcorder. How you get service: • Check with your GE Camcorder Dealer or call 1-800-447-1700 for the Authorized GE Camcorder Servicenter nearest you. State that you have a GE camcorder.
  • Page 34: Index (Alphabetical)

    Checking Problems ... . 26-27 Cleaning the Camcorder ..25 Contents ......1 Design Specifications .
  • Page 35 Turning On the Camcorder ..10 Unpacking the Camcorder ..8 User Information ....27 Video Cassettes .
  • Page 36 For your nearest GE Dealer or Authorized Servicenter call toll-free in the U.S.A. 1-800-447-1700 Canadian Consumers – Your toll-free numbers are: English: 1-800-522-0338 French: 1-800-522-0445 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.

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