RCA Pro 8 Manual

							Video Camcorder
Model Pro807
Owner’s Manual
CAMCORDER
Product Registration..............Inside Front Cover
Safety Precautions...........................................1-3
Optional Accessories.......................................4-7
• Accessory Order Form ...................................5-6
Using an Optional Tripod..................................7
First-Time Operation....................................8-13
Remote Control...........................................14-15
Powering Your Camcorder........................16-19
RCA Video Cassettes.......................................20
Special Features
• Camera Edit .....................................................21
• Quick Review ..................................................21
• Flying Erase Head ...........................................21
• Earphone Jack..................................................21
•
AUTO LOCKSwitch .......................................21
• Tape Positioning ..............................................21
• Microphone......................................................21
• Tally Light .......................................................21
Recording Features
• Date and Time Display...............................22-23
• Electronic Viewfinder .....................................23
• Displays in Viewfinder ..............................24-25
• Power Zooming ...............................................25
• Focusing Your Camcorder ..............................26
• Preset Program Modes.....................................27
• Time Counter with Memory Stop....................28
Recording and Traveling Tips........................29
Care and Maintenance.....................................30
Playback Features
• Viewfinder Playback .......................................31
• Playback on TV ( or VCR) Using 
Antenna Connections ................................32-33
• Playback on TV (or VCR) Using 
AUDIO/VIDEO INJacks ..........................34-35
Trouble Checks...........................................36-37
Design Specifications........................................38
Limited Warranty............................................39
Index (Alphabetical)...................................40-418
® 
						

							IMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS
Before using the AC adapter/charger, read all
instructions and cautionary markings on 
(1) AC adapter/charger, (2) battery, and 
(3) product using battery.
Caution:To reduce risk of injury, charge only
rechargeable batteries type AV608 or AV8MM.
Other types of batteries may burst causing personal
injury and damage.
Do not expose the adapter/charger to moisture of
any kind.
Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by
the battery charger manufacturer may result in a risk
of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord,
pull out the cord with the plug rather than the cord
when disconnecting the adapter/charger from the
wall outlet.
Make sure the cord is located so that it will not be
stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to
damage or stress.
Use of an improper extension cord could result in a
risk of fire and electric shock.  If an extension cord
must be used, make sure that:1.Pins on the plug of the extension cord are the
same number, size, and shape as those of the plug
on the adapter/charger.
2.Extension cord is properly wired and in good
electrical condition, and
3.Wire size below is met:
Minimum Length of Extension 
AWG Size Cord in 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/charger if it has received a
sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in
any way.  Take it to a qualified serviceman.
Do not disassemble charger.  Take it to an
Authorized RCA Compact Camcorder Servicenter
when service or repair is required.  Incorrect
reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock.
To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger
from outlet before attempting any maintenance or
cleaning.
Be sure to save these operating instructions for
future reference.
Product Registration
Mail Your Registration Card Today 
A Product Registration Cardis packed with your
camcorder.  Please fill out the card and return it
immediately.
Your prompt submission of this card confirms your
right to the protection available under the terms and
conditions of the warranty and also allows us to
contact you should it ever become necessary.
With your card on file, we can also help you in the
event of loss or theft by verifying your ownership.
If you did not receive a Product Registration Card,
please contact your dealer.
Attach Sales Receipt Here and File For
Future Reference
To obtain warranty parts and service, you must show
your sales receipt (or other evidence of purchase) to
your Authorized RCA Compact Camcorder
Servicenter.
Tape or staple your sales receipt to this manual so
you will have it handy should service ever be needed.  Do not mail your sales receipt to us.  File it
at home with your owner’s manual for future
reference.
Record Vital Information Here.
No other RCA camcorder has the same serial
number as yours.  You will find the serial number
and model number on the bottom of your camcorder.
Make sure both numbers are recorded below so that
you will have them in case your camcorder is stolen
or you need a complete description for
identification.
Model No.     Pro807                                                 
Serial No. 
Purchase Date: 
Purchased From: 
Important Safety Instructions for AC Adapter/Charger 
						

							1
Your video camcorder’s AC adapter/charger will operate on 100-240 volts AC, 50/60 Hz, and has a polarized
plug.  Because one blade of the plug is wider than the other, the plug fits in the wall socket only one way.
Do not defeat the safety feature of this plug.  If you need an extension, use a polarized cord.
CAUTION:To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
MISE EN GARDE:Pour prévenir les chocs électriques, introduire la lame la plus large de
la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqú au fond.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover or back.  No user-serviceable
parts are inside.  If you spill liquid on the camcorder or AC 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 RCA Compact Camcorder
Servicenter personnel only.
Caution:Maintain electrical safety.  Powerline-operated equipment or accessories connected to this unit
should bear the UL listing mark or CSA certification mark on the accessories themselves and should not have
been modified so as to defeat the safety features. This will help avoid any potential hazard from electric
shock or fire. If in doubt, contact qualified service personnel.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
MISE EN GARDE
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
The symbol of a lightning flash within
a triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure and which may be
of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock.An exclamation point within a triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and maintenance
(service) instructions in the literature
accompanying the product.
FCC Warning:Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the user’s 
authority to operate.
Caution:  The unauthorized recording of television programs and other materials may infringe the 
rights of others.
Caution:Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving itfrom a cold location to a
warm location. Give the camcorder 1-1/2 to 2hours 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.
WARNING:To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain
or moisture.
Safety Precautions 
						

							In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality
standards in the manufacture of your video product,
safety is a major factor in the design of every instru-
ment.  However, safety is your responsibility too.
These pages list important information that will help
to assure your enjoyment and proper use of a
camcorder, adapter/charger and accessory
equipment.  Please read them carefully before
operating your video products.
Installation
1.Read and Follow Instructions—All the safety
and operating instructions should be read before
the video product is operated.  Follow all
operating instructions.
2.Retain Instructions—The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future
reference.
3.Heed Warnings—Comply with all warnings on
the video product and in the operating
instructions.
4.Polarization—This video product is equipped
with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a
plug having one blade wider than the other).  This
plug will fit into the power outlet only one way.
This is a safety feature.  If you are unable to insert
the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the
plug.  If the plug still fails to fit, contact your
electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.  To
prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized
plug with an extension cord, receptacle, or other
outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted
without blade exposure.  If you need an extension
cord, use one with a polarized plug.
5.Power Sources—This video product should be
operated only from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label.  If you are not sure
of the type of power supply to your home, consult
your video dealer or local power company.  For
video products intended to operate from battery
power, or other sources, refer to the operating
instructions.
6.Overloading—Do not overload wall outlets or
extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire
or electric shock.  Overloaded AC outlets,
extension cords, frayed power cords, damaged or
cracked wire insulation, and broken plugs are
dangerous.  They may result in a shock or fire
hazard.  Periodically examine the cord, and if its
appearance indicates damage or deteriorated
insulation, have it replaced by your service
technician.
7.Power-Cord Protection—Power-supply cords
should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to
cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the video product.
8.Ventilation—Slots and openings in the video
products are provided for ventilation to ensure
reliable operation of the video product and to
protect them from overheating.  These openings
must not be blocked or covered.  The openings
should never be blocked by placing the video
product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface.  This video product should never be
placed near or over a radiator or heat register.
This video product should not be placed in a
built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack
unless proper ventilation is provided or the
video product manufacturer’s instructions have
been followed.
9.Attachments—Do not use attachments unless
recommended by the video product
manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
10.Water and Moisture—Do not use this video
product near water—for example, near a bath
tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub, in
a wet basement, or near a swimming pool and
the like.
11.Accessories—Do not place this video product
on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table.  The video product may fall, causing
serious injury to a child or adult as well as
serious damage to the video product.  Use this
video product only with a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table recommended by the
manufacturer or sold with the video product.
Any mounting of the product should follow the
manufacturer’s instructions and use a mounting
accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
11AA video product and cart
combination should be
moved with care.  Quick
stops, excessive force, and
uneven surfaces may cause
the video product and cart
combination to overturn.
2
IMPORTANTSAFEGUARDS
Caution:Maintain electrical safety.
Powerline operated equipment or accessories
connected to this unit should bear the UL
listing mark or CSA certification mark on the
accessory itself and should not be modified so
as to defeat the safety features.  This will help
avoid any potential hazard from electrical
shock or fire.  If in doubt, contact qualified
service personnel. 
						

							12.Outdoor Antenna Grounding—If an outside
antenna or cable system is connected to the
video product, be sure the antenna or cable
system is grounded so as to provide some
protection against voltage surges and built-up
static charges.  Section 810 of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984
(Section 54 of Canadian Electrical Code, Part1)
provides information with respect to proper
grounding of the mast and supporting structure,
grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna-
discharge unit, size of grounding conductors,
location of antenna-discharge unit, connection
to grounding electrodes, and requirements for
the grounding electrode.  See example below.
Example of Antenna Grounding
13.Power Lines—An outside antenna system
should not be located in the vicinity of overhead
power lines, other electric light or power
circuits, or where it can fall into such power
lines or circuits.  When installing an outside
antenna system, extreme care should be taken to
keep from touching or approaching such power
lines or circuits as contact with them might be
fatal.  Installing an outdoor antenna can be
hazardous and should be left to a professional
antenna installer. 
Use
14.Cleaning—Unplug this video product from the
wall outlet before cleaning.  Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners.  Use a damp cloth
for cleaning.
15.Object and Liquid Entry—Never push objects
of any kind into this video product through
openings as they may touch dangerous voltage
points or “short-out” parts that could result in a
fire or electric shock.  Never spill liquid of any
kind on the video product.16.Lightning—For added protection for this video
product during a lightning storm, or when it is
left unattended and unused for long periods of
time, unplug it from the wall outlet and
disconnect the antenna or cable system.  This
will prevent damage to the video product due to
lightning and power line surges.
Service
17.Servicing—Do not attempt to service this video
product yourself as opening or removing covers
may expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards.  Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
18.Conditions Requiring Service—Unplug this
video product from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under
the following conditions.
A.When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged.
B.If liquid has been spilled, or objects  have
fallen into the video product.
C.If the video product has been exposed to rain
or water.
D.If the video product does not operate
normally by following the operating
instructions.  Adjust only those controls that
are covered by the operating instructions.
Improper adjustment of other controls may
result in damage and will often require
extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the video product to its normal
operation.
E.If the video product has been dropped or the
case has been damaged.
F.When the video product exhibits a distinct
change in performance—this indicates a need
for service.
19.Replacement Parts—When replacement parts
are required, have the service technician verify
that the replacements he uses have the same
safety characteristics as the original parts.  Use
of replacements specified by the video product
manufacturer can prevent fire, electric shock, or
other hazards.
20.Safety Check—Upon completion of any
service or repairs to this video product, ask the
service technician to perform safety checks
recommended by the manufacturer to determine
that the video product is in safe operating
condition.
3
IMPORTANTSAFEGUARDS(continued)
ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE
GROUND CLAMP
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H) ELECTRIC SERVICE
EQUIPMENTANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20) 
						

							4
Optional Accessories
We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for
sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using
your 8mm camcorder.  These pages have a selection
of accessories to help make your memorable
moments look and sound even better.
These accessories are designed to make the process
of recording and watching your videos more
enjoyable.  
To order accessories, contact your local Dealer.
If a dealer is not nearby, all accessories are available
through toll-free ordering or by using the order form
on page 5.
AC025A Soft Carrying Case
Custom compact soft
case designed
especially to provide
protection and utility
for your RCA 8mm
camcorder and most
accessories.  Rugged
fabric lined with soft non-abrasive material and
generous padding.  Has three outside pockets with
storage for lens filters, adapters, batteries, and tapes.
DCC05 DC Car Cord Adapter/Charger
This DC 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 or the AV8MM long play battery.  The
DCC05 is specially designed to convert power from
a 24-volt or 12-volt battery to a 6-volt output. 
All specifications and descriptions of accessories
are subject to change without notice. Rechargeable Batteries
These
rechargeable
nickel-
cadmium
batteries are
specifically
designed for
long life.
The AV608 can power your camcorder up to one
hour, and the AV8MM up to two hours (depending
on how much you use zoom and pause).  Both can be
recharged with the AC adapter/charger that came with
your camcorder.  Initial charging and recharging takes
approximately one hour for the AV608 or two hours
for the AV8MM.
Audio/Video Cables
These cables are shielded
for connecting AUDIOand
VIDEOjacks.  They have
RCA-type phono plugs on
each end.
Monaural VCR Dubbing Cable
This is a double cable that
lets you connect the
AUDIOand VIDEOjacks
of monaural components.
It can be used to connect
your camcorder to a  TV
monitor (or VCR).  The
cable is color coded and
shielded with RCA-type
phono plugs on each end.
193983 Cable Transformer
The 193983 is used to
connect a standard  300-
ohm antenna twin-lead to a
standard round 75-ohm
connector on the RF output
adapter.
Caution:Do not use any other RCA car cord with
this camcorder.  It may damage the camcorder.
AV608
AH069G (3-ft)
AH070G (5-ft)
AH075G (6-ft)
193983
AV8MM 
						

							Optional Accessories  Accessory Order Form
5
VCC1000 Video Color Control
Center
The VCC1000 is actually two
accessories in one.  The color
control center allows you to
adjust the color intensity, tint,
white balance, and sharpness of
tapes being dubbed.  This is
especially helpful when the
original tape was produced in
poor lighting conditions or poor
color settings.  The second
feature, the character generator,
lets you create titles that can be
recorded on your tapes.  This lets
you add a professional and/or
personal touch to your home
videos.
VDC88 Color Enhancement
Light
This ultra compact 15-watt video
light is cordless, light in weight,
and includes a rechargeable
battery.  It mounts on the top of
the camcorder and fits on a
standard accessory shoe.  The
VDC88 provides excellent soft,
lush fill light.  The VDC88 uses
one 15-watt (VDC090)
replacement bulb.  The
rechargeable battery BP1000 can
be charged with the VDC085
battery charger.
Detach Here
Please complete other side also
Order Form for Pro807
DescriptionPart No.    PriceQty.  Total
Soft Camcorder CaseAC025A$  59.95
Super Lightweight TripodAC035$  69.95
Gold-Tipped Audio/Video Cable (3-ft.)AH069G$    5.99
Gold-Tipped Audio/Video Cable (5-ft.)AH070G$    7.99
Gold-Tipped Dubbing Cable (6-ft.)AH075G$  10.99
Rechargeable BatteryAV608$  49.95
Rechargeable BatteryAV8MM$  59.95
RF Output AdapterCRF800$  49.95
AC Adapter/Charger CPS800$189.95
DC Car Cord Adapter/ChargerDCC05$169.95
DC Cable for Adapter/ChargerDCC100$  14.95
Video Control CenterVCC1000$349.90
Color Enhancement LightVDC88$  79.95
Replacement Bulb (15 watt)
for VDC88VDC090$  12.95
Extra Battery for VDC88BP1000$  29.95
Charger for BP1000VDC085$  18.95
Replacement Remote Control 211026$  49.95
RF Connecting Cable213003$  11.95
Shoulder Strap213004$  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 sent.
Shipping, Handling, and Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.00
Total Amount Enclosed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$__________
Use VISA or MasterCard preferably.  Money order
or check must be in U.S. currency only.  No COD 
or CASH.
•All accessories are subject to availability.
•Where applicable, we will ship a superseding model. 
						

							®
r r sTM
o  Maste Ca d by
filling in below
USE YOUR CREDIT CARD
IMPORTANT:Copy complete account number
from your VISA card
IMPORTANT:Copy complete account number
from your MasterCard My card expires:
My card 
expires: Copy Number 
above your 
name on
MasterCard
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
Prices are subject to change without notice.
PLEASE
Name: 
Street:
Apt:
City:
State:
Zip: 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.
Please make sure that both sides of this form have
been filled out completely.
Detach Here

Accessory Order Form (continued)
6
®
r r sTM
Charge your order on your VISA
or MasterCard by
filling in below
USE YOUR CREDIT CARD
IMPORTANT:Copy complete account number
from your VISA card
IMPORTANT:Copy complete account number
from your MasterCard My card expires:
My card 
expires: Copy Number 
above your 
name on
MasterCard
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
Prices are subject to change without notice.
PLEASE
Name: 
Street:
Apt:
City:
State:
Zip: 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.
•Allow 8 weeks for deliver.
•All accessories are subject to availability.
•Where applicable, we will ship a superseding model.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 OrdersTo 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:
RCA 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 & Special Products
2000 Clements Bridge Rd
Deptford, NJ  08096-2088
Canadian Orders
For Canada inquiries, please call one of
these toll-free numbers for information
about accessories:
English: 1 – 800 – 668 – 5518
French:  1 – 800 – 668 – 5507
International OrdersThis offer is valid only in the 50 United
States.  For international orders, please
send your request for a price quotation
(not an order) to:
International Customer Service
Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.
Distributor & Special Products
2000 Clements Bridge Rd
Deptford, NJ  USA  08096-2088 
						

							Optional Tripod
7
AC035 Super Lightweight Tripod
This tripod’s fluid-effect head provides smooth
camera pan and tilt.  The quick-release mount makes
it easy to attach or remove the camcorder.  The
grooved, tubular 3-section leg design folds down to
23-1/2 when not in use and weighs only 3-1/2 lbs.
Rubber feet allow for sure footing.
Caution: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-eighth (3/8) inch.  Forcing the screw
could damage the mounting hole on the bottom of the camcorder.
REWF.FWD.BATTERYSTOP
MODE SEL.
AUTO LOCK
MANUAL FOCUSON
OFF+
–
FOCUSPLAY
ADJ.DATE/TIMERES.MEM COUNTERPULL
Using an Optional Tripod
Mounting the camcorder on a tripod, such as
AC035 will keep the camcorder steady and
produce excellent video results. 
						

							First-Time Operation
8Thank you for choosing an RCA camcorder.
You have selected a precision-engineered
camcorder designed to give you years of
performance and enjoyment.  
Although your camcorder is very simple to use, it is
important that you read and carefully follow the
instructions in this manual until you are completely
familiar with the proper operating procedures.
1. Unpack the camcorder and accessories.
Make sure you remove all the accessories and
information papers that came packed with the
camcorder.
• Save the packing materials and box in case you
ever need to ship or store your camcorder.
REWF.FWD.BATTERY
STOP
MODE SEL.
AUTO LOCK
MANUAL FOCUSON
OFF+
–
FOCUSPLAY
ADJ.DATE/TIMERES.MEM COUNTERPULL
POWER
CHARGEREFRESH
RECORD STOP
F.FWD PLAY REW
STILL
SCENE SEARCH
COUNTER  DISPLAY–+
START
STOP
MEMORY
RESET
Caution:  Lithium battery.  Must be disposed
of properly.
Never handle punctured or leaking batteries.
May cause burns or personal injury.
Can cause death or injury if swallowed.
Keep out of hands of children.  If swallowed,
consult a physician immediately for emergency
treatment.
Camcorder:  Model Pro807
RF Connecting Cable
Stock No. 213003 AC Adapter/Charger
Stock No. CPS800
RF Output Adapter 
Stock No. CRF800 DC Connecting Cord
Stock No. DCC100
Remote Control
Stock No. 211026
Remote
Control
Batteries
(size “AA”
1.5 volt)Rechargeable 
6-Volt Battery
Stock No. AV608
Shoulder Strap
Stock No. 213004
Clock Battery:
3-Volt Micro
Lithium Cell (such
as Maxell No.
CR2025 available
from most local
drug stores and
camera shops)
WARNING:
NICKEL
CADMIUM
BATTERY
MUST BE
DISPOSED OF
PROPERLY.
+         -
+         -
If you should experience a problem, always refer
first to “
Trouble Checks” on pages 36-37.  Many
times a simple solution is all that is needed, and it
could save you a costly service call.  If your
camcorder should require service during the
warranty period, refer to page 39 for a description of
what we will do and instructions on how to request
service.
• The items shown below are packed with your
camcorder.  If any of the items are missing or
appear damaged, contact your RCA dealer
immediately.