JVC GR-AXM151 Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTIONS

ENGLISH LYT1076-001A

COMPA CT VHS CAMCORDER

GR-AXM151

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.

COPYRIGHT© 2002 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD

US

Printed in Malaysia
1202-DY-YL-PJ

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 LCD monitor or viewfinder.

! to “ ” and press the MENU Wheel 1 in

1 to select “OFF” and press it.

1

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

•AC Adapter

AP-V13U or AP-V11U

•Shoulder Strap

•Lens Cap

•Cassette Adapter
C-P7U

•Battery Pack
BN-V11U

•AA (R6) Battery
(for Cassette Adapter)

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.

2

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 APP ARATUS 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 LCD
monitor/viewfinder playback are possible any­where.

•Use the JVC BN-V11U/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.

3

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.

4

INDEX

A

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

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

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

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

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

B

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

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

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

Brighten The Image .................................................pg. 18

Brighten The LCD Monitor ................................. pg. 11, 22

C

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

Charge Marker ...........................................................pg. 6

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

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

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

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

D

Darken The Image ...................................................pg. 18

Darken The LCD Monitor ................................... pg. 11, 22

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

E

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

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

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

F

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

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

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

G

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

H

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

I

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

L

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder, Indications ..............pg. 9, 10, 17

Load A T ape ...............................................................pg. 8

M

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

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

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

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

N

ND Effect Mode........................................................pg. 24

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

P

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

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

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

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

Q

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

R

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

S

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

T

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

U

Unload A T ape............................................................pg. 8

V

Video Light ...............................................................pg. 13

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

W

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

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

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

Z

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

5

GETTING STARTED

Hook on.

Push in.

BATTERY RELEASE Switch

Battery pack

To AC outlet

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

8.

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

Power Switch

To DC IN
connector

AC Adapter

( stops blinking but

7 and pull out the

USING THE BATTERY PACK

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

Approximate recording time (unit: min.)

Battery pack

BN-V11U

BN-V12U
(optional)

BN-V20U
(optional)

BN-V400U
(optional)

( ):when the video light is on

Viewfinder on

85

(45)

85

(45)
140

(80)
330

(195)

LCD monitor on

75

(40)

75

(40)
125

(75)
300

(180)

USING AC POWER

Connect the AC Adapter to the camcorder ( 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

(

Charge marker helps you remember
whether the battery pack has been
charged or not. Two colors are provided
(red and black)—you choose which one
means charged and which means
discharged.

Battery pack

BN-V11U
BN-V12U (optional)
BN-V20U (optional)
BN-V400U (optional)

Charging times are for a fully discharged battery pack.

Charging time

approx. 1 hr. 40 min.
approx. 1 hr. 40 min.
approx. 2 hrs. 40 min.
approx. 5 hrs. 10 min.

6

STORE BATTERY :

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-V11U/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 or the LCD monitor is used 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

“

4

TO SYSTEM MENU” and press it to display
SYSTEM MENU. Rotate the MENU Wheel
select “

4

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

1 to select “

4

EXIT”, and press it.
The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight
bar on “

4

7) Press the MENU Wheel

RETURN”.

1 in to close the Menu

Screen.

•To display the date and time in the camcorder’s
display and on a connected TV, see DATE/TIME
DISP. (

 pg. 20) in SYSTEM MENU.

•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

!

0

DAT E T I ME

Y

E

A

R

M

O

N

T

D

A

Y

T

I

M

E

.

E

X

IHT

PM

280

0

2

J

U

N

2

8

:

2

0

12-hour
indication with
AM to PM

7

p

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

3

9

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.

p. Then

Viewfinder Adjustment

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

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

0 located on the

u until the

u

!

180°180°

0

PAUSE

Shoulder Strap Attachment

Thread the strap through the eyelet r, 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.

r, making sure the strap is not

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

1) Open the LCD monitor fully and keep it aligned
vertically with the camera (do not tilt it at an
angle). Slide EJECT
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. Close the LCD
monitor.

•Closing the LCD monitor while the cassette holder

is still open may cause damage to the LCD
monitor.

•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

y

* until the cassette holder

y to close the cassette

*

Erase Protection tab

A

Gear

Turn to
take up
slack.

r

8

Eyepiece

5
6

7

CONTROLS, CONNECTORS AND INDICATORS

12

809!

34

Refer to this diagram while reading the instructions.

During

shooting

Keep the lens
cap attached to
the camcorder.

#@ $ ^

%

&*

() q w

Cassette holder

e

180°

I

P
s

g

f

Viewfinder

u

o

O
a

d

h

90°

Speaker

180°

90°

i

y

LCD monitor

Microphone

Video light

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications

During Recording During Playback

Q

1

2

0

I

R

E

C

S

4

4

4

5

MMI

N

CONGRATULATIONS

25. 12. 02
BRIGHT

N
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TWI

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A

L

I

G

P

A

U

–

–

–

E

W

H

T

S

E

–

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T

Y

3

0

T

+

0

2

M

W

B

1/2 S

11 : 45 : 18

–

–

+

k

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j

l

U

1X

a

b

S H D A GF

TVBOC

LUME

r

–

r

t

p

––––––

T urn the gear to
take up slack.

Erase
protection tab

S

P

4

:

1

4

5

2

3

A

T

–

–

–:–

–

6

+

J

 pg. 25 for Warning Indications .

9

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

•BRIGHT Wheel [–, +] ..............................

•Speaker Volume Control [VOL.] .............

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

 pg. 11
 pg. 11

2 5-Second Recording Button

[5 SEC. REC]...........................................

 pg. 12

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

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

•Time Base Corrector Button [TBC] ........

 pg. 14

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

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

7 Battery Release Switch

[BATTERY RELEASE]...............................

 pg. 6

8 DC IN Connector .......................................  pg. 6

9 Recording Start/Stop Button ..................... pg. 1 1

0 Lock Button............................................... pg. 11

! Power Switch [PLAY, OFF, CHARGE,

, ] ...................................................... pg. 11

@ Video Light Button [LIGHT]......................  pg. 13

# POWER Lamp ...........................................  pg. 6

$ Digital Effect Button [DIGIFECT] .............  pg. 24

% Programme AE Button [P.AE] ..................  pg. 24

^ Play/Pause Button .................................... pg. 11

& • Retake Forward Button [RETAKE F] .....  pg. 13

•Fast-Forward Button [F]..........................

 pg. 11

* EJECT Switch............................................  pg. 8

( CHARGE Lamp .........................................  pg. 6

) REFRESH Button ......................................  pg. 6

q • Fade/Wipe Button [FADE/WIPE] ...........  pg. 23

•Counter Reset/Memory Button

[COUNTER R/M] ...................................

 pg. 14

w • Retake Rewind Button [RETAKE R] ......  pg. 13

•Quick Review Button [

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

R] .................  pg. 13

e • Stop Button [STOP] ................................ pg. 11

•Backlight Compensation Button

[BACK LIGHT] .......................................

 pg. 12

r Shoulder Strap Eyelets ..............................  pg. 8

t Battery Pack Mount ...................................  pg. 6

y Close Button ..............................................  pg. 8

u Diopter Adjustment Control........................  pg. 8

i Camera Sensor

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

o Grip Strap ..................................................  pg. 8

p Tripod Mounting Socket.............................  pg. 8

Q Tape Remaining Time..............................  pg. 20

W Recording Mode Indicator .......................  pg. 20

E Video Light Indicator ................................  pg. 13

R Backlight Compensation Indicator ...........  pg. 12

T • Digital Effect Indicator............................  pg. 24

•Programme AE Indicator .......................

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

 pg. 24

Y Tape Length Indicator..............................  pg. 20

U Zoom Indicator Bar ..................................  pg. 13

Zoom Level Indicator
Approximate Zoom Ratio

I Recording Indicator .................................. pg. 11

O Digital Effect Indicator..............................  pg. 24

P Programme AE Indicator .........................  pg. 24

a Fade/Wipe-Standby Indicator ..................  pg. 23

s Picture Stabilizer Indicator .......................  pg. 18

d • Interval Time/Recording Time Indicator....  pg. 21

•5 Sec. Rec Mode Indicator ....................

 pg. 12

f Bright Level Indicator .......................... pg. 11, 22

g Instant Title Display .................................  pg. 19

h Date/Time Display ...................................  pg. 20

j Focus Indicator ........................................  pg. 12

k Exposure Control Level Counter .............  pg. 18

l White Balance Mode Indicator.................  pg. 19

; Record-Standby Mode Indicator ............... pg. 11

A : Cassette Indicator .............................  pg. 8

S TBC Indicator...........................................  pg. 14

D Tape Counter...........................................  pg. 14

F Recording Mode Indicator (SP/EP) .........  pg. 20

G Tape Running Indicator

4

: Playback

3

: Fast-Forward/Shuttle Search

2

: Rewind/Shuttle Search

6 : Pause

H Tracking Indicator ....................................  pg. 14

J • BRIGHT: Bright Level Indicator............... pg. 11

•VOLUME: Speaker Volume Indicator ...... pg. 11

10