JVC AAV15U-AA-V15, AAV15EG-AA-V15 User Manual

2 EN

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS camcorder. Before use, please read the safety informa­tion and precautions contained in the following pages to ensure safe use of your new camcorder.

Using This Instruction Manual

•All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents (Z pg. 3).

•Notes appear after most subsections. Be sure to read these as well.

•Basic and advanced features/operation are separated for easier reference.

It is recommended that you . . .

.... refer to the Index (Z pg. 40 – 42) and familiarize yourself with button locations, etc. before use.

.... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions that follow and cautions (Z pg. 43, 44). They contain extremely

important information regarding the safe use of your new camcorder.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.

CAUTIONS:

n To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet.

No user serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.

n When you are not using the AC Power

Adapter/Battery charger for a long period of
time, it is recommended that you disconnect
the power cord from AC outlet.

NOTES:

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) and
safety caution are on the bottom and/or the
back of the main unit.

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) of the
AC Power Adapter/Charger is on its bottom.

Warning on lithium battery

The battery used in this device may present a
fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do
not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C or
incinerate.
Replace the battery with Maxell, Panasonic
(Matsushita Electric), Sanyo or Sony CR2025;
use of another battery may present a risk of fire
or explosion.

n Dispose of used battery promptly.
n Keep away from children.
n Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in

fire.

This camcorder is designed to be used with
PAL-type colour television signals. It cannot be
used for playback with a television of a different
standard. However, live recording and
viewfinder playback are possible anywhere.
Use the BN-V12U/V22U/V25U battery packs
and, to recharge them, the provided multi­voltage AC Power Adapter/Charger. (An
appropriate conversion adapter may be
necessary to accommodate different designs of
AC outlets in different countries.)

This unit is produced to comply with Standard
IEC Publ. 65.

PAL

n Camcorder is designed exclusively for the VHS-C video cassette. Only cassettes marked VHS-C can be

used with this unit.

n HQ VHS is compatible with existing VHS equipment.

MAJOR FEATURES

n

Program Manager II (Z pg. 18 – 31)

n Programme AE with Special Effects

(Z pg. 18, 19)

•Auto Mode Lock •Auto Mode Release

•Electronic Fog Filter •ND Effect

•Sepia •Twilight •Sports

•1/1000 sec. High Speed Shutter

•1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter

n 5Sec.-Rec (5 sec. Recording)

(Z pg. 16)

n

22x Optical Hyper Zoom (Z pg. 14)

CONTENTS

EN 3

EN 3

GETTING STARTED

Power .............................................. 4

Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal ..... 6

Date/Time Setting ................................ 7

Tape Length Setting ............................... 8

Recording Mode Setting .......................... 8

Loading/Unloading A Cassette .................. 9

Grip Adjustment ................................. 10

Viewfinder Adjustment ......................... 10

Shoulder Strap Attachment .................... 11

Tripod Mounting ................................. 11

4

The Logical Choice

The only compact video cassettes that can be used with
your VHS VCR*

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

•AC Power Adapter/
Charger AA-V15EG

•Shoulder Strap

•Lithium Battery
CR2025 x 1
(clock operation)

*With Cassette Adapter

•Cassette Adapter
C-P7U

•Battery Pack

BN-V12U

•AUDIO/VIDEO
(A/V) Cable

RECORDING

Basic Recording ................................. 12

Basic Features .................................. 14

Advanced Features ............................. 18

PLAYBACK

Basic Playback .................................. 32

Features ......................................... 33

Using The Cassette Adapter .................. 35

Basic Connections .............................. 36

TAPE DUBBING

TROUBLESHOOTING

INDEX

Controls ......................................... 40

Connectors ...................................... 40

Indicators ........................................ 40

Other Parts ..................................... 40

Viewfinder Indications ........................ 42

CAUTIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

12

32

37

38

40

43

45

•DC Cord

4 EN

Marks

CHG. (charge)
indicator

REFRESH switch

REFRESH indicator

REFRESH

The AC power adapter features a REFRESH
function that allows you to fully discharge
the battery pack before recharging.
Perform the REFRESH function after no less
than 5 chargings.

To discharge the battery . . .

..... attach the battery pack to the adapter

as shown in the above illustration.
Then push REFRESH. The REFRESH
indicator lights when discharging
starts, and goes out when discharging
is complete.

To AC outlet

GETTING STARTED

Power

This camcorder’s 3-way power supply system lets you
choose the most appropriate source of power.

NOTES:

●

No function is available without power supply.

●

Use only specified power supply.

●

Do not use provided power supply units with other
equipment.

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK

SUPPLY POWER

Connect the charger’s AC power cord to a wall

1

outlet.

ATTACH BATTERY PACK

Align the marks and slide the battery pack in the

2

direction of the arrow until it locks in place.

•The CHG. indicator begins blinking to indicate
charging has started.

DETACH BATTERY PACK

When the CHG. indicator stops blinking but stays lit,

3

charging is finished. Slide the battery pack opposite
the direction of the arrow.

BATT. PACK

BN-V12U approx. 1 hr. 10 min. approx. 3 hrs. 30 min.
BN-V22U approx. 2 hrs. 10 min. approx. 7 hrs.
BN-V25U approx. 2 hrs. 40 min. approx. 10 hrs.

CHARGE DISCHARGE

Hook on.

1

1

Push in.

2

BATT. RELEASE

ATTENTION:

Before detaching the power source,
make sure that the camcorder’s power
is turned off. Failure to do so can result
in a camcorder malfunction.

USING THE BATTERY PACK

ATTACH BATTERY PACK

Hook its top end to the camcorder and push the

1

battery pack in until it locks in place.

DETACH BATTERY PACK

Slide BATT. RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.

2

BATT. PACK Approximate recording time (unit: min.)

BN-V12U 75
BN-V22U 150
BN-V25U 200

EN 5

Charge marker

CHARGE MARKER

A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to
help you remember whether it has been charged or
not. Two colours are provided (red and black)—you
choose which one means charged and which
means discharged.

NOTES:

●

The recording time per charge is affected by such factors as the time spent in Record-Standby mode and
the frequency of zooming. It is safer to have spare battery packs.

●

Charging times noted on page 4 are for fully discharged battery pack, and discharging times are for fully
charged battery pack.

●

Charging and discharging times vary according to the ambient temperature and the status of the battery pack.

●

Remember to set the charge marker after charging a battery pack or after detaching a discharged one from
your camcorder.

●

Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings.

●

While the AC Power Adapter/Charger’s power cord is disconnected from the AC outlet, it is possible to
discharge the battery by pressing the REFRESH switch. During that time, the AC Power Adapter/Charger
does not charge the battery. When disharging is complete, detach the battery from the AC Power Adapter/
Charger to store it.

●

High temperatures can damage the battery pack, so use only where good ventilation is available. Don’t
allow it to discharge in container, such as a bag.

●

If you stop recharging or discharging part way through, make sure to remove the battery pack before
unplugging the adapter’s AC cord.

●

Remove the battery pack from the adapter immediately after discharging.

●

To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Power Adapter/Charger near a radio.

●

Make sure you unplug the DC cord before charging or discharging the battery pack.

●

The CHG. indicator may not light properly with a brand new battery pack, or with one that’s been stored
for an extended period. In this case, remove and reattach the battery pack and recharge it. The CHG.
indicator should blink during recharging. If not, contact your nearest JVC dealer.

To DC IN jack

DC cord

USING A CAR BATTERY

Use the optional Car Battery Charger/Adapter
(connect as shown in the illustration above).

NOTES:

●

When using the car battery, leave the engine idling.

●

The optional Car Battery Charger (BH-V3E) can
also be used to charge the battery pack.

●

When using the optional Car Battery Charger,
refer to the respective instruction booklet.

DC OUT
terminal

Car Battery Charger/Adapter
BH-V3E (optional)

To AC outlet

AC Power
Adapter/Charger
AA-V15EG

To car’s
cigarette
lighter socket

USING AC POWER

Use the AC Power Adapter (connect as shown in
the illustration above).

NOTE:

The supplied AC Power Adapter/Charger features
automatic voltage selection in the AC range from
110 V to 240 V.

6 EN

GETTING STARTED

A

Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal

This battery is necessary for clock operation and to
perform date/time settings.

SWITCH OFF POWER

Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power

1

supply unit.

OPEN COVER

Open the clock battery compartment cover while

2

pressing the release tab.

REMOVE BATTERY (when replacing)

Insert a pointed, non-metallic object between the

3

battery and the compartment (A) and pull the
battery out.

INSERT BATTERY

Ensure that the plus (+) side is up and insert a

4

CR2025 lithium battery and push it in.

CLOSE COVER

Close the compartment cover until it clicks in place.

(cont.)

5

NOTE:

See “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS” (Z pg. 2) for information
on safe handling of lithium batteries.

Select Dial

MENU
Jog Dial

Viewfinder

MENU

4

MENU END
FOCUS
EXPOSURE

DATE TIME

TELE MACRO
TAPE LENGTH
M. W. B.
ZOOM SPEED

4

NEXT

Menu Screen

YEAR

MONTH
DAY
TIME

EXIT

DATE/TIME Setting Menu

4

MENU END

FOCUS
EXPOSURE
DATE TIME
TELE MACRO
TAPE LENGTH
M. W. B.
ZOOM SPEED

4

NEXT

DATE TIME

MENU

AUTO
AUTO

1. 1. 98
OFF
T30
AUTO
FAST

1998

1
1

22:50

AUTO
AUTO

25. 12. 98
OFF
T30
AUTO
FAST

24-hour
indication

EN 7

Date/Time Setting

ACCESS MENU SCREEN

First set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”. Turn the

1

Select Dial to any position except AUTO LOCK,
then press the MENU Jog Dial.

SELECT FUNCTION

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

2

to “DATE/TIME”, then press it. The DATE/TIME
Setting Menu appears.

•If you decide you want to return the date and time
to the previous settings, rotate the MENU Jog Dial
to move highlight bar to “EXIT” and press it, then
go to step 6.

•If you want to set only the time without changing
the date, go to step 4.

SET DATE

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

3

to the item you want to set and then press it. When
the setting begins blinking, rotate the MENU Jog
Dial until the correct setting appears and then press
it. The setting stops blinking.

•Repeat this procedure until you’re satisfied with
the Date settings (“YEAR”, “MONTH” and “DAY”).

SET TIME

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

4

to “TIME” and then press it. When the hour setting
begins blinking, rotate the MENU Jog Dial until the
correct setting appears and then press it. When the
hour setting stops blinking and the minute setting
begins blinking, rotate the MENU Jog Dial until the
correct setting appears and then press it. The minute
setting stops blinking.

START CLOCK OPERATION

When none of these settings (YEAR, MONTH, DAY,

5

TIME) blinks, rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the
highlight bar to “EXIT”, and press it. The Menu
Screen appears and “MENU END” is highlighted.

CLOSE MENU

Press the MENU Jog Dial.

6

NOTE:

To display the date and time in the viewfinder and on a
connected TV, see “Date/Time/Character Insert”
(Z pg. 17).

8 EN

SP/LP Recording
Mode Button

Viewfinder

MENU

4

MENU END
FOCUS
EXPOSURE
DATE TIME
TELE MACRO

TAPE LENGTH

M. W. B.
ZOOM SPEED

4

NEXT

Menu Screen

TAPE LENGTH

T30

T45
T60

EXIT

TAPE LENGTH Setting Menu

4

MENU END

FOCUS
EXPOSURE
DATE TIME
TELE MACRO
TAPE LENGTH
M. W. B.
ZOOM SPEED

4

NEXT

MENU

AUTO
AUTO

25. 12. 98
OFF

T60

AUTO
FAST

AUTO
AUTO

25. 12. 98
OFF
T30
AUTO
FAST

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Tape Length Setting

Set the tape length according to the length of the tape
used.

ACCESS MENU SCREEN

First set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”. Turn the

1

Select Dial to any position except AUTO LOCK,
then press the MENU Jog Dial.

SELECT FUNCTION

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

2

to “TAPE LENGTH”, then press it. The TAPE
LENGTH Setting Menu appears.

SET TAPE LENGTH

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

3

to the correct setting. T30=30 minutes of recording
time, T45=45 minutes, and T60=60 minutes (in SP).

•If you decide you want to return the tape length to
the previous setting, rotate the MENU Jog Dial to
move the highlight bar to “EXIT”.

CLOSE MENU

Press the MENU Jog Dial. The Menu Screen

4

reappears and the highlight bar is on “MENU END”.
Then press the MENU Jog Dial again to close the
Menu Screen.

NOTES:

●

The tape remaining time (Z pg. 13) is correct only if
the correct tape length has been selected.

●

Once you have set the tape length, it remains un­changed even if the Select Dial is returned to AUTO
LOCK.

Select Dial

SP

T30

MENU Jog Dial

Tape length
indicator

Recording
mode
indicator

Recording Mode Setting

Set depending on your preference.

SET RECORDING MODE

First set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”. Press SP/LP

1

Button for more than 1 second. “SP” (Standard Play)
provides higher picture and sound quality and is
better for dubbing, while “LP” (Long Play) is more
economical, providing twice as the recording time.

NOTE:

If the recording mode is switched during recording, the
playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.

3

3

Erase Protection

1

1

Gear

2

2

Turn to take
up slack.

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

OPEN CASSETTE HOLDER

Slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force

1

to open.

INSERT/REMOVE CASSETTE

Make sure the label is facing outward.

2

CLOSE CASSETTE HOLDER

Press PUSH and make sure the holder is closed and

3

locked.

NOTES:

●

A cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power
supply is attached.

●

Make sure that the tape is not slack when loading the
cassette. If there is any slack, turn the gear on the
cassette in the direction of the arrow to take up the
slack.

●

Make sure the Erase Protection tab is in the position
that allows recording. If not, slide the tab. Some
cassettes have removable tabs. If the tab has been
removed, cover the hole with adhesive tape.

●

The cassette holder can’t be opened while the
camcorder is in the record mode.

EN 9

10 EN

Recording Start/Stop Button

Power Zoom Button

GETTING STARTED

Grip Adjustment

EXPAND LOOP

Separate the Velcro strip.

1

INSERT HAND

Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the

2

grip.

ADJUST STRAP LENGTH

Adjust so your thumb and fingers can easily operate

3

the Recording Start/Stop Button and Power Zoom
Button. Refasten the Velcro strip.

Viewfinder Adjustment

(cont.)

3

1

1

2

2

Set POWER to “CAMERA”.

POSITION VIEWFINDER

Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability

1

(see illustration to the left).

SELECT MODE

Set the Power Switch to CAMERA.

2

ADJUST DIOPTRE

Turn the Dioptre Adjustment Control until the

3

indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.

3

2

4

1

1

2

Shoulder Strap Attachment

ATTACH STRAP

Following the illustration at left, thread the strap

1

through the top of the eyelet 1, then fold it back
and thread it through the keeper 2, and then
through the buckle 3. Repeat the procedure to
attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet

4, making sure the strap isn’t twisted.

ADJUST LENGTH

Adjust as shown in the illustration at left 1, then

2

slide both keepers snug against the eyelets to
prevent slipping 2.

Tripod Mounting

ALIGN AND TIGHTEN

Align the screw and camera direction stud on the

1

tripod with the camera’s mounting socket and stud
hole. Then tighten the screw.

EN 11

CAUTION:

When using a tripod, be sure to open and extend
its legs fully to stabilize the camcorder. To
prevent damage to the unit caused by falling
over, do not use a small-sized tripod.

12 EN

Start/Stop Button

LENS COVER Switch

Power Switch

Power
indicator

RECORDING

Basic Recording

NOTE:

You should already have performed the procedures listed
below. If not, do so before continuing.

●

Power (Z pg. 4)

●

Tape Length Setting (Z pg. 8)

●

Recording Mode Setting (Z pg. 8)

●

Grip Adjustment (Z pg. 10)

LOAD A CASSETTE

Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then insert

1

the cassette with the label facing out. Press PUSH to
ensure the holder is closed and locked.

ENTER RECORD-STANDBY MODE

Slide the LENS COVER Open/Close Switch to open

2

the lens cover, then set the Power Switch to
CAMERA.

•The power indicator lights and the camcorder
enters the Record-Standby mode.

•The scene you’re aimed at appears on the
viewfinder screen, with the word “PAUSE”
superimposed upon it.

START SHOOTING

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button.

3

REC

•“

” appears in the viewfinder while recording is

in progress.

Tape remaining time indicator

25MIN

(Now calculating)

120MIN

119MIN

Start/Stop Button

MIN

3MIN

2MIN

(Blinking)

1MIN

(Blinking)

0MIN

(Blinking)

EN 13

STOP RECORDING

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button again to stop

4

recording.

•The camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby
mode.

NOTES:

●

A cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power
supply is attached.

●

There may be a delay after you slide EJECT until the
holder opens. Do not use force.

●

The displayed remaining time is approximate.

●

The time required to calculate the remaining tape
length, and the accuracy of the calculation, may vary
according to the type of tape used.

●

The tape remaining time indicator is correct only if the
correct tape length has been selected (Z pg. 8).

●

“TAPE END” appears when the tape reaches its end,
and the power goes off automatically if left in this
condition for 5 minutes. “TAPE END” also appears
when a cassette whose tape is already at its end is
loaded.

●

If the Record-Standby mode continues for 5 minutes
without performing Zoom or any other operations, the
camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. Set the
Power Switch to “POWER OFF”, and then back to
“CAMERA” to turn the camcorder on again.

●

If the Recording Start/Stop Button is pressed after the
Record-Standby mode has continued for over
5 minutes, recording may not start immediately.

●

If you’re recording on a cassette from the middle (such
as when a tape is removed and re-inserted during
recording), use the Retake function (Z pg. 15) to find
the end of the last recording so you don’t erase any of
it.

●

The LENS COVER warning blinks for about 5 seconds
when the camcorder is turned on when the cover is
closed.

14 EN

RECORDING

Basic Features

Zoom-in

Power Zoom button

Select Dial

4

FOCUS
EXPOSURE
DATE TIME
TELE MACRO
TAPE LENGTH
M. W. B.

ZOOM SPEED

4

FAST

SLOW

Viewfinder

MENU

MENU END

NEXT

Menu Screen

ZOOM SPEED

Zoom-out

Zoom indicator bar

MENU Jog Dial

AUTO
AUTO

25. 12. 98
OFF
T30
AUTO

FAST

FEATURE: Zooming
PURPOSE: To produce the zoom in/out effect, or

an instantaneous change in image
magnification.

OPERATION:

Zoom In

Press the “T” of the Power Zoom
Button.

Zoom Out

Press “W” of the Power Zoom
Button.

n Zooming speed is available. A total

of 4 zoom speeds are available. 2
speeds can be selected depending
on how hard the Power Zoom
Button is pressed (press the button
fully for regular-speed, press it
lightly for slow-speed), while 2
speed levels (FAST/SLOW) can be
selected in the ZOOM SPEED
Menu depending on the overall
speed you prefer.

The combinations of zoom speeds
are shown in the chart below.

Changing the ZOOM SPEED in the
Menu

1) Set the Select Dial to any position

except AUTO LOCK and press the
MENU Jog Dial. The Menu Screen
appears.

2) Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move
the highlight bar to “ZOOM
SPEED”, then press it. The ZOOM
SPEED Setting Menu appears.

3) Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move
the highlight bar to the desired
speed and press it twice. The
Menu Screen disappears and
setting is completed.

NOTE:

Focusing may become unstable
during Zooming. In this case, set the
zoom while in Record-Standby, lock
the focus by using the manual focus
(Z pg. 27), then zoom in or out in
Record mode.

EXIT

ZOOM SPEED Setting Menu

Zooming Speed ( 1 – 4 in order of speed)

“ZOOM SPEED”
in the Menu
Screen

FAST 1 (fastest) 3

SLOW 2 4 (slowest)

Pressing the
Power Zoom Button

fully lightly

: when the Select Dial is set to AUTO LOCK.

RETAKE (R/F)

EN 15

FEATURE: Quick Review
PURPOSE: To check the end of the last

OPERATION: 1) Press “ ” and release quickly

NOTE:

FEATURE: Retake
PURPOSE: To re-record certain segments.
OPERATION: 1) Make sure the camcorder is in the

NOTE:

recording.

during the Record-Standby mode.

n Tape is rewound for about 2

seconds and played back
automatically, then pauses in
Record-Standby mode for the
next shot.

Distortion may occur at start of
playback. This is normal.

Record-Standby mode.

2) Press either RETAKE button to
reach the start point for new
recording. Pressing “F” forwards
the tape and pressing “R” reverses
it.

3) Press Recording Start/Stop Button
to start recording.

Noise may appear during Retake.
This is normal.