JVC GR-AX890UC User Manual

INSTRUCTIONS

ENGLISH LYT1233-001B

COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER

GR-AX890

For Customer Use:

Enter below the Model No. and Serial No. which is located on the bottom of the camcorder. Retain this information for future reference.

Model No.

Serial No.

Printed in Malaysia

US/UC

1203YDR-NF-VM

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS camcorder. Before use, please read “PRECAUTIONS” (

 pg. 3, 4) to ensure safe use of this product.

AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION

Automatic Demonstration takes place when “DEMO MODE” is set to “ON” (factory-preset).

• Available when the Power Switch ! is set to “ ” or “ ” while pressing down the Lock Button 0

located on the switch.

• Performing any operation during the demonstration stops the demonstration temporarily. If no operation is performed for more than 1 minute after that, the demonstration will resume.

• “DEMO MODE” remains “ON” even if the camcorder power is turned off.

• To cancel Automatic Demonstration, set the Power Switch while the demo is in progress. This takes you directly to the demo mode’s Setting Menu (so you will not have to go through the main Menu Screen). Rotate the MENU Wheel

NOTES:

• When a tape whose Erase Protection tab is in the position that allows recording is loaded in the camcorder, demonstration is not available.

• If you do not detach the Lens Cap, you cannot see the actual changes of the Automatic Demonstration activated on the viewfinder.

! to “ ” and press the MENU Wheel 1 in

1 to select “OFF” and press it.

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

• AC Adapter

AP-V14U or AP-V15U

• Shoulder Strap

• Lens Cap

NOTE:

In order to maintain optimum performance of the camcorder, provided cables may be equipped with one or more core filter. If a cable has only one core filter, the end that is closest to the filter should be connected to the camcorder.

• Battery Pack BN-V10U

• Cassette Adapter C-P7U

• AA (R6) Battery (for Cassette Adapter)

PRECAUTIONS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE

OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

This product has a fluorescent lamp that contains a small amount of mercury. Disposal of these materials may be regulated in your community due to environmental considerations. For disposal or recycling information please contact your local authorities, or the Electronics Industries Alliance:

<http://www.eiae.org>

CAUTIONS

• This camcorder is designed to be used with NTSC-type color 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 JVC BN-V10U/V12U/V20U/V400U battery packs and, to recharge them or to supply power to the camcorder from an AC outlet, use the provided multi-voltage AC Adapter. (An appropriate conversion adapter may be necessary to accommodate different designs of AC outlets in different countries.)

NOTES:

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

• The rating information and safety caution of the AC Adapter are on its upper and lower sides.

ATTENTION:

The product that you have purchased is powered by a rechargeable battery. The battery is recyclable. 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 details in your area for recycling options or proper disposal.

Cassettes marked can be used with this camcorder.

The EPA certified RBRC® Battery Recycling Seal on the nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery indicates JVC is voluntarily participating in an industry program to collect and recycle these batteries at the end of their useful life, when taken out of service in the United States. The RBRC® program provides a convenient alternative to placing used Ni-Cd batteries into the trash or the municipal waste stream, which may be illegal in your area. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY™ for information on Ni-Cd battery recycling and disposal bans/restrictions in your area. JVC’s involvement in this program is part of our commitment to preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources.

When the equipment is installed in a cabinet or on a shelf, make sure that it has sufficient space on all sides to allow for ventilation (10 cm (3-15/16") or more on both sides, on top and at the rear).

Do not block the ventilation holes. (If the ventilation holes are blocked by a newspaper, or cloth etc. the heat may not be able to get out.)

No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

When discarding batteries, environmental problems must be considered and the local rules or laws governing the disposal of these batteries must be followed strictly.

The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing.

Do not use this equipment in a bathroom or places with water. Also do not place any containers filled with water or liquids (such as cosmetics or medicines, flower vases, potted plants, cups etc.) on top of this unit. (If water or liquid is allowed to enter this equipment, fire or electric shock may be caused.)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

(1) Read these instructions.

(2) Keep these instructions.

(3) Heed all warnings.

(4) Follow all instructions.

(5) Do not use this apparatus near water.

(6) Clean only with dry cloth.

(7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install

in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

(8) Do not install near any heat sources such as

radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

(9) Only use attachments/accessories specified

by the manufacturer.

(10) Use only with the cart, stand,

tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

(11) Unplug this apparatus during lightning

storms or when unused for long periods of time.

(12) Refer all servicing to qualified service

personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

INDEX

AC Adapter .................................................................pg. 6

Animation Recording ................................................ pg. 21

Auto Date Record ....................................................pg. 20

Auto Focus ...............................................................pg. 12

Auto Shut Off ........................................................... pg. 11

Backlight Compensation .......................................... pg. 12

Battery Pack .........................................................pg. 6, 26

Blue Filter Effect ...................................................... pg. 24

Cassette Adapter .....................................................pg. 16

Charging The Battery Pack ........................................pg. 6

Clean The Camcorder ..............................................pg. 27

Connection To a VCR/TV ......................................... pg. 15

Counter Memory ...................................................... pg. 14

Date/Time Display .................................................... pg. 20

Date/Time Settings .....................................................pg. 7

Demonstration Mode ............................................pg. 1, 22

Digital Effects ........................................................... pg. 24

Digital Zoom .............................................................pg. 20

Diopter Adjustment .....................................................pg. 8

Electronic Fog Filter Mode ....................................... pg. 24

Erase Protection ........................................................pg. 8

Exposure Control ..................................................... pg. 18

Fade-In/Out ..............................................................pg. 23

Fast-Forward Tape ................................................... pg. 11

5-Second Recording Mode ...................................... pg. 12

Grip Adjustment .........................................................pg. 8

High Speed Shutter Mode ........................................ pg. 24

Instant Titles .............................................................pg. 19

Load A Tape ...............................................................pg. 8

Manual Focus ..........................................................pg. 12

Menu Screen ................................................... pg. 18 – 22

Monotone Effect .......................................................pg. 24

Mosaic Effect ...........................................................pg. 24

ND Effect Mode ........................................................ pg. 23

Nega/Posi Mode ......................................................pg. 24

Picture Stabilizer ...................................................... pg. 18

Playback .................................................................. pg. 11

Program AE with Special Effects ............................. pg. 24

Provided Accessories ................................................ pg. 2

Quick Review ........................................................... pg. 13

Recording, Advanced Features..........................pg. 23, 24

Recording, Start/Stop ............................................... pg. 11

Recording Mode .......................................................pg. 20

Record-Standby ....................................................... pg. 11

Red Filter Effect ....................................................... pg. 24

Retake ...................................................................... pg. 13

Rewind The Tape ..................................................... pg. 11

Sepia Mode ..............................................................pg. 24

Shoulder Strap Attachment ........................................pg. 8

Solarization Effect .................................................... pg. 24

Specifications ...........................................................pg. 28

Sports Mode ............................................................. pg. 24

Still Playback ............................................................ pg. 11

Stretch Effect ...........................................................pg. 24

Super LoLux (S.LX) .................................................pg. 20

Surf and Snow Mode ...............................................pg. 24

Sunset Mode ............................................................pg. 24

Tape Counter ........................................................... pg. 14

Tape Dubbing ........................................................... pg. 15

Tape Length Setting ................................................. pg. 20

Tele Macro ............................................................... pg. 21

Time Base Corrector ............................................... pg. 14

Time-Lapse Shooting ...............................................pg. 21

Tracking ................................................................... pg. 14

Tripod Mounting ......................................................... pg. 8

Twilight Mode ...........................................................pg. 24

Unload A Tape ............................................................ pg. 8

Viewfinder Adjustment ...............................................pg. 8

Viewfinder, Indications ................................... pg. 9, 10, 17

White Balance Adjustment .......................................pg. 19

Wide Mode ...............................................................pg. 20

Wipe-In/Out ..............................................................pg. 23

Zooming ................................................................... pg. 13

GETTING STARTED

Hook on.

BATTERY RELEASE Switch

Push in.

Power Switch

USING THE BATTERY PACK

Perform step 1) of “CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK”.

Approximate recording time (unit: min.)

Battery pack Viewfinder on

BN-V10U 100

BN-V12U 110 (optional)

BN-V20U 170 (optional)

BN-V400U 410 (optional)

Battery pack

To DC IN connector

To AC outlet

AC Adapter

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK

1) Hook the end of the battery pack to the camcorder and push the battery in until it locks in place.

• If the battery pack is attached in the wrong

position, a malfunction may occur.

2) Set the Power Switch down the Lock Button

! to “OFF” while pressing

0 located on the switch.

Connect the AC Adapter to the DC IN connector

3) Plug the AC Adapter into an AC outlet. The CHARGE lamp has started.

4) When the CHARGE lamp stays lit, charging is finished. Unplug the AC Adapter from the AC outlet. Disconnect the AC Adapter from the camcorder.

To Detach The Battery Pack . . .

... slide BATTERY RELEASE

battery pack.

* blinks to indicate charging

* stops blinking but

7 and pull out the

USING AC POWER

Connect the AC Adapter to the camcorder (墌 step

2) and 3) of “CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK”).

• The provided AC Adapter features automatic voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V.

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.

REFRESH:

Be sure to fully discharge a battery pack before recharging otherwise the battery performance will be reduced.

1) Perform steps 1) through 3) of “CHARGING

THE BATTERY PACK”.

2) Press REFRESH

POWER lamp has started.

3) When discharging is finished, charging

automatically starts and the CHARGE lamp blinks.

( for over 2 seconds. The

@ blinks to indicate discharging

Battery pack

BN-V10U

BN-V12U (optional)

BN-V20U (optional)

BN-V400U (optional)

Charging times are for a fully discharged battery pack.

Charging time

approx. 1 hr. 30 min.

approx. 1 hr. 40 min.

approx. 2 hrs. 40 min.

approx. 5 hrs. 10 min.

STORE BATTERY:

Y M D T

E O A

A N Y

R T

IHT

DAT E TPIMME

280

0 U 2 2

3 N 8 0

Be sure to fully discharge a battery pack by performing the following steps before storing it for a long period of time, otherwise the battery performance will be reduced.

1) Attach the battery to the camcorder with no cassette inserted.

2) Set the Power Switch pressing down the Lock Button

! to “ ” or “ ” while

0 located on

the switch.

• During charging or discharging, the camcorder

cannot be operated.

• Charging and discharging is not possible if the

wrong type of battery is used.

• When charging the battery pack for the first time

or after a long storage period, the CHARGE lamp

* may not light. Remove the battery pack from

the camcorder, then try charging again.

• If a fully-charged battery’s operation time remains

extremely short, the battery is worn out. Please purchase a new one.

• Perform charging where the temperature is

between 10°C and 35°C (50°F and 95°F). 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) is the ideal temperature range for charging. If the environment is too cold, charging may be incomplete.

• Charging time varies according to the ambient

temperature and the status of the battery pack.

• Since the AC Adapter processes electricity

internally, it becomes warm during use. Be sure to use it only in well-ventilated areas.

• The following operation stops charging or

discharging:

• Set the Power Switch

• Disconnect the AC Adapter from the camcorder.

• Unplug the AC Adapter’s power cord from the AC outlet.

• Detach the battery from the camcorder.

• Using the optional AA-V15 AC Power Adapter/ Charger, you can charge the BN-V10U/V12U/ V20U/V400U battery pack without the camcorder. However, it cannot be used as an AC adapter.

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

• Recording time is reduced significantly when Zoom or Record-Standby mode is engaged repeatedly.

• Before extended use, it is recommended that you prepare enough battery packs to cover 3 times the planned shooting time.

! to “PLAY”, “ ” or “ ”.

Date/Time Settings

1) Set the Power Switch ! to “ ” while pressing

down the Lock Button

2) Press the MENU Wheel appears.

3) Rotate the MENU Wheel

TO SYSTEM MENU” and press it to display

“ SYSTEM MENU. Rotate the MENU Wheel

select “

NEXT” and press it to display the next

page.

4) Rotate the MENU Wheel TIME” and press it. The DATE/TIME Menu appears.

5) To set “YEAR”, “MONTH”, “DAY” or “TIME” (hour/minute), rotate the MENU Wheel select the desired item, and press it. When the setting begins blinking, rotate the MENU Wheel

0 located on the switch.

1 in. The Menu Screen

1 to select

1 to

1 to select “DATE/

1 to

1 until the correct setting appears and then

press it. The setting stops blinking.

6) When none of these settings (“YEAR”, “MONTH”, “DAY”, “TIME”) blinks, rotate the MENU Wheel The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight bar on “

7) Press the MENU Wheel Screen.

• To display the date and time in the camcorder’s

display and on a connected TV, see DATE/TIME

墌 pg. 20) in SYSTEM MENU.

DISP. (

• The date/time cannot be stored in memory if the

built-in clock battery runs out. Consult an authorized JVC dealer for replacement, or set the date/time as necessary before you start shooting.

1 to select “

RETURN”.

EXIT”, and press it.

1 in to close the Menu

12-hour indication with AM or PM

(

Grip Adjustment

1) Separate the Velcro strip.

2) Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp

the grip.

3) Adjust so that your thumb and fingers can easily operate the Recording Start/Stop Button Power Zoom Lever

3. Refasten the Velcro strip.

9 and

Velcro strip

Tripod Mounting

Align the screw and camera direction stud on the tripod with the tripod mounting socket tighten the screw.

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.

o. Then

Viewfinder Adjustment

1) Set the Power Switch ! to “ ” or “ ” while pressing down the Lock Button the switch.

2) Turn the Diopter Adjustment Control indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.

0 located on

y until the

180°180°

PAUSE

Shoulder Strap Attachment

Thread the strap through the eyelet e, then fold it back and thread it through the buckle. Repeat the procedure to attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet twisted. Adjust the length.

e, making sure the strap is not

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

1) Slide EJECT & until the cassette holder opens.

Do not use force to open.

2) Insert or remove a cassette. When inserting, make sure the label is facing outward. appears when a cassette is loaded.

3) Press the Close button holder until it locks into place.

• 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 cannot be opened while the

camcorder is in the record mode or detached from the power source.

Cassette holder

t to close the cassette

Gear

Erase Protection tab

Turn to take up slack.

Eyepiece

5 6

CONTROLS, CONNECTORS AND INDICATORS

809!

Refer to this diagram while reading the instructions.

During

shooting

Keep the lens cap attached to the camcorder.

@ # %

*( ) q

Cassette holder

180°

I P

Viewfinder

1 R

U O

Microphone

Viewfinder Indications

During Recording During Playback

N P

AT I

1O1

l D;k SA

TBC

Turn the gear to take up slack.

S2P

–

Erase protection tab

4A5

墌 pg. 25 for Warning Indications .

1 • MENU Wheel [–, +] ................................ 墌 pg. 18

• TRACKING Wheel [–, +] ........................ 墌 pg. 14

2 5-Second Recording Button

[5 SEC. REC] ........................................... 墌 pg. 12

3 Power Zoom Lever [T/W] ......................... 墌 pg. 13

4 • Manual Focus Button [ FOCUS] ........ 墌 pg. 12

• Time Base Corrector Button [TBC] ........ 墌 pg. 14

5 Audio Output Connector [A] ..................... 墌 pg. 15

6 Video Output Connector [V] ..................... 墌 pg. 15

7 Battery Release Switch

[BATTERY RELEASE] ............................... 墌 pg. 6

8 DC IN Connector ....................................... 墌 pg. 6

9 Recording Start/Stop Button .....................墌 pg. 11

0 Lock Button ...............................................墌 pg. 11

! Power Switch

[PLAY, OFF, , ] ................................. 墌 pg. 11

@ POWER Lamp ........................................... 墌 pg. 6

# Digital Effect Button [DIGIFECT] ............. 墌 pg. 24

$ Program AE Button [P.AE] ....................... 墌 pg. 23

% Play/Pause Button ................................... 墌 pg. 24

^ • Retake Forward Button [RETAKE F] ..... 墌 pg. 13

• Fast-Forward Button [F] .......................... 墌 pg. 11

& EJECT Switch ............................................ 墌 pg. 8

* CHARGE Lamp ......................................... 墌 pg. 6

( REFRESH Button ...................................... 墌 pg. 6

) • Fade/Wipe Button [FADE/WIPE] ........... 墌 pg. 23

• Counter Reset/Memory Button

[COUNTER R/M] ................................... 墌 pg. 14

q • Retake Rewind Button [RETAKE R] ...... 墌 pg. 13

• Quick Review Button [ R] ................. 墌 pg. 13

• Rewind Button [R] ................................... 墌 pg. 11

w • Stop Button [STOP] ................................墌 pg. 11

• Backlight Compensation Button

[BACK LIGHT] ....................................... 墌 pg. 12

e Shoulder Strap Eyelets .............................. 墌 pg. 8

r Battery Pack Mount ................................... 墌 pg. 6

t Close Button .............................................. 墌 pg. 8

y Diopter Adjustment Control........................ 墌 pg. 8

u Camera Sensor

Be careful not to cover this area; a sensor necessary for shooting is built-in here.

i Grip Strap .................................................. 墌 pg. 8

o Tripod Mounting Socket ............................. 墌 pg. 8

p Tape Remaining Time .............................. 墌 pg. 21

Q Recording Mode Indicator ....................... 墌 pg. 20

W Backlight Compensation Indicator ........... 墌 pg. 12

E • Digital Effect Indicator ............................ 墌 pg. 24

• Program AE Indicator ............................ 墌 pg. 24

• Fade/Wipe-Standby Indicator ................ 墌 pg. 23

R Tape Length Indicator .............................. 墌 pg. 20

T Zoom Indicator Bar .................................. 墌 pg. 13

Zoom Level Indicator Approximate Zoom Ratio

Y Recording Indicator .................................. 墌 pg. 11

U Digital Effect Indicator .............................. 墌 pg. 24

I Program AE Indicator .............................. 墌 pg. 24

O Fade/Wipe-Standby Indicator .................. 墌 pg. 23

P Picture Stabilizer Indicator ....................... 墌 pg. 18

a • Interval Time/Recording Time Indicator .... 墌 pg. 21

• 5 Sec. Rec Mode Indicator .................... 墌 pg. 12

s Instant Title Display ................................. 墌 pg. 19

d Date/Time Display ................................... 墌 pg. 20

f Focus Indicator ........................................ 墌 pg. 12

g Exposure Control Level Counter ............. 墌 pg. 18

h White Balance Mode Indicator ................. 墌 pg. 19

j Record-Standby Mode Indicator ...............墌 pg. 11

k : Cassette Indicator ............................. 墌 pg. 8

l TBC Indicator ........................................... 墌 pg. 14

; Tape Counter ........................................... 墌 pg. 14

A Recording Mode Indicator (SP/EP) ......... 墌 pg. 20

S Tape Running Indicator

: Playback

: Fast-Forward/Shuttle Search

: Rewind/Shuttle Search

8 : Pause

D Tracking Indicator .................................... 墌 pg. 14

+ 22 hidden pages