Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide
Web and answer our Consumer Survey (in
English only):
http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/index-e.html
For Accessories:
http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/accessory
The camcorder
illustrations appearing in
this instruction manual are
of the GR-DVM96.
GETTING STARTED
VIDEO RECORDING &
PLAYBACK
DIGITAL STILL CAMERA
(D.S.C.) RECORDING &
PLAYBACK
ADVANCED FEATURES
9
18
26
37
INSTRUCTIONS
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.
REFERENCES
TERMS
LYT0973-001B
80
102
EN
2EN
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing this digital video camera. Before use, please read the safety information and
precautions contained in the following pages to ensure safe use of this product.
Using This Instruction Manual
● All major sections are listed in the Table Of Contents on the cover page.
● 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 (墌 pg. 94 – 101) and familiarize yourself with button locations, etc. before use.
…read thoroughly the Safety Precautions and Safety Instructions that follow. They contain extremely
important information regarding the safe use of this product.
You are recommended to carefully read the cautions on pages 88 through 90 before use.
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.
WARNI NG:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
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 safty caution of the
AC Adapter are on its upper and lower sides.
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-V306U/V312U 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.)
EN 3
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.)
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>
IMPORTANT SAFTY 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.
4EN
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Do not point the lens or the viewfinder directly into the sun. This can cause eye injuries, as well as lead to the
malfunctioning of internal circuitry. There is also a risk of fire or electric shock.
CAUTION!
The following notes concern possible physical damage to the camcorder and to the user.
When carrying, be sure to hold the camcorder firmly in your hand, with the grip strap securely around your
wrist. Carrying or holding the camcorder by the viewfinder and/or the LCD monitor can result in dropping the
unit, or in a malfunction.
Take care not to get your finger caught in the cassette holder cover. Do not let children operate the
camcorder, as they are particularly susceptible to this type of injury.
Do not use a tripod on unsteady or unlevel surfaces. It could tip over, causing serious damage to the
camcorder.
CAUTION!
Connecting cables (Audio/Video, S-Video, etc.) to the camcorder and leaving it on top of the TV is not
recommended, as tripping on the cables will cause the camcorder to fall, resulting in damage.
䡲 This camcorder is designed exclusively for the digital video cassette, SD Memory Card and
MultiMediaCard. Only cassettes marked “” and memory cards marked “” or
“” can be used with this unit.
Before recording an important scene…
… make sure you only use cassettes with the Mini DV mark .
… make sure you only use memory cards with the mark or .
… remember that this camcorder is not compatible with other digital video formats.
… remember that this camcorder is intended for private consumer use only. Any commercial use without
proper permission is prohibited. (Even if you record an event such as a show, performance or exhibition for
personal enjoyment, it is strongly recommended that you obtain permission beforehand.)
EN 5
Provided Accessories
or
● AC Adapter
AP-V10U, AP-V11U or AP-V12U
● Remote Control Unit
RM-V717U
● USB Cable● Memory Card 8 MB
● Audio/Video Cable
(ø3.5 mini-plug to
RCA plug)
● Battery Pack
BN-V306U
● CD-ROM● AAA (R03) Battery x 2
(Already inserted in the
camcorder)
● Editing Cable● Grip Belt
(墌 pg. 6 for
attachment)
● Battery Mount Cover*
(Already attached on the
camcorder)
(for remote control unit)
● Lens Cap
(墌 pg. 7 for attachment)
● Finger Support
(墌 pg. 6 for
attachment)
* Attach the battery mount cover to protect the battery connector when the battery pack is removed. For the
attachment/detachment, refer to “Charging The Battery Pack” (墌 pg. 10).
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.
6EN
How To Attach The Grip Belt
NOTES:
● It is recommended to use the finger support so that
the tally lamp or the flash is unobstructed with
your fingers.
● The grip belt can be attached to the camcorder
even if the finger support is not used. Be careful
not to cover the tally lamp or the flash when
holding camcorder without finger support.
1) Thread the finger support with the end of the strap
g.
g
2) Thread the loop end g through the eyelet a, then
pass the other end of the strap h and the pad
through the loop end h.
a
h
4) Thread the end of the strap through the buckle c.
Open the pad and fold the end of the strap h in
the pad. Then fold the pad.
c
5) Adjust the grip. (墌 pg. 12)
g
3) Thread the end of the strap h through the eyelet
b.
b
h
EN 7
How To Attach The Lens Cap
To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to
the camcorder as shown in the illustration.
NOTE:
To confirm the lens cap is on correctly make sure the
cap is flush to the camcorder.
1)
2)
3) Attach the lens cap with the cut downward.
● During shooting
8EN
Automatic Demonstration
Automatic Demonstration takes place when “DEMO
MODE” is set to “ON” (factory-preset).
䡲 Automatic Demonstration starts when there is no
operation for about 3 minutes after the Power Switch is
set to “A” or “M” and no cassette is in the camcorder.
䡲 Performing any operation during the demonstration
stops the demonstration temporarily. If no operation is
performed for more than 3 minute after that, the
demonstration will resume.
䡲 “DEMO MODE” remains “ON” even if the camcorder
power is turned off.
䡲 To cancel Automatic Demonstration:
1) Set the Power Switch to “M” while pressing down the
Lock Button located on the switch.
2) Open the LCD monitor fully, or pull out the viewfinder
fully.
3) Press the MENU Wheel in. The Menu Screen appears.
4) Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “s SYSTEM”, and
press it. The SYSTEM Menu appears.
5) Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “DEMO MODE”,
and press it. The Sub Menu appears.
6) Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “OFF”, and press it.
7) Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “BRETURN”, and
press it twice. The normal screen appears.
NOTE:
Detach the lens cap to see the actual changes of the
Automatic Demonstration activated on the LCD monitor
or viewfinder.
MENU Wheel
Power S witch
Y
A
L
P
Lock Button
Sub Menu
MOD EDEMO
OFF
ON
OFF
A
M
EN 9
GETTING STARTED
CONTENTS
Power ..................................................................................................10
Loading A Cassette/Unloading A Cassette .................................................16
Loading A Memory Card/Unloading A Memory Card ...................................17
10EN
GETTING STARTED
Power
This camcorder’s 2-way power supply system lets
you choose the most appropriate source of power.
Do not use provided power supply units with other
equipment.
Charging The Battery Pack
Lock Button
BATT.RELEASE
Ta b
Power Switch
CHARGE Lamp
To DC connector
AC Adapter
To AC outlet
d
With the arrow on the battery pack pointing to
1
the lens side, push the battery pack slightly
against the battery pack mount a, then slide the
battery pack until it locks in place b.
2 Set the Power Switch to “OFF” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.
3 Connect the AC Adapter to the camcorder c.
4 Plug the AC Adapter into an AC outlet d.
5 The CHARGE Lamp on the camcorder blinks to
indicate charging has started.
6 When the CHARGE Lamp stops blinking but
stays lit, charging is finished.
7 Unplug the AC Adapter from the AC outlet.
8 Disconnect the AC Adapter from the camcorder.
c
Open the cover.
To detach the battery pack...
While sliding and holding the BATT.RELEASE tab to
the right, remove it.
Battery packCharging time
BN-V306UApprox. 1 hr. 30 min.
BN-V312U
(optional)
NOTES:
● During charging, the camcorder cannot be
operated.
● If the protective cap is attached to the battery
pack, remove it first.
● When charging the battery pack for the first time
or after a long storage period, the CHARGE Lamp
may not light. In this case, remove the battery
pack from the camcorder, then try charging again.
● If the battery operation time remains extremely
short even after having been fully charged, the
battery is worn out and needs to be replaced.
Please purchase a new one.
● For other notes, 墌 pg. 81.
Approx. 2 hr. 40 min.
Using The Battery Pack
Perform step 1 of “Charging The Battery Pack” in the
left column.
Approximate recording time
For GR-DVM96:
Battery pack LCD monitor on Viewfinder on
BN-V306U* 45 min.55 min.
BN-V312U1 hr. 40 min.2 hr.
BN-V840U4 hr. 50 min.5 hr. 40 min.
BN-V856U7 hr. 20 min.8 hr. 35 min.
For GR-DVM76:
Battery pack LCD monitor on Viewfinder on
BN-V306U* 50 min.1 hr. 05 min.
BN-V312U1 hr. 50 min.2 hr. 15 min.
BN-V840U5 hr. 20 min.6 hr. 40 min.
BN-V856U8 hr. 10 min.10 hr. 10 min.
*Provided
NOTES:
● Recording time is reduced significantly under the
following conditions:
• Zoom or Record-Standby mode is engaged
repeatedly.
• The LCD monitor is used repeatedly.
• The playback mode is engaged repeatedly.
● Before extended use, it is recommended that you
prepare enough battery packs to cover 3 times the
planned shooting time.
EN 11
INFORMATION:
The optional extended-use battery pack kit is a set
composed of a battery pack and AC Power Adapter/
Charger:
VU-V840 KIT: BN-V840U battery pack & AA-V15U
VU-V856 KIT: BN-V856U battery pack & AA-V80U
Read the kit’s instruction manual before using.
Also, by using the optional JVC VC-VBN856U DC
Cord, it will be possible to connect BN-V840U or
BN-V856U battery packs to the camcorder and
supply power directly to the camcorder.
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.
AC Power Adapter/Charger
AC Power Adapter/Charger
Using AC Power
To DC
AC Adapter
To AC outlet
connector
a
Open the cover.
b
Connect the AC Adapter to the camcorder a.
1
2 Plug the AC Adapter into an AC outlet b.
NOTES:
● The provided AC Adapter features automatic
voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to
240 V.
● For other notes, 墌 pg. 81.
About Batteries
Lithium-ion is vulnerable in colder temperatures.
DANGER! Do not attempt to take the batteries apart,
or expose them to flame or excessive heat, as it may
cause a fire or explosion.
WARNING! Do not allow the battery or its terminals
to come in contact with metals, as this can result in
a short circuit and possibly start a fire.
The Benefits Of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion battery packs are small but have a large
power capacity. However, when one is exposed to
cold temperatures (below 10°C/50°F), its usage time
becomes shorter and it may cease to function. If this
happens, place the battery pack in your pocket or
other warm, protected place for a short time, then
re-attach it to the camcorder. As long as the battery
pack itself is not cold, it should not affect
performance.
(If you’re using a heating pad, make sure the battery
pack does not come in direct contact with it.)
For other notes, 墌 pg. 81.
12EN
PAUSE
GETTING STARTED (cont.)
Grip AdjustmentViewfinder Adjustment
1 Loosen the belt.
2 Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp
the grip.
3 Hung your third and little fingers on the finger
support so that the tally lamp or the flash is
unobstructed with your fingers.
4 Adjust your thumb and fingers through the grip to
easily operate the Recording Start/Stop Button,
Power Switch and Power Zoom Ring. Be sure to
tighten the belt to your preference.
1 Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M” while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.
2 Pull out the viewfinder fully.
3 Turn the Diopter Adjustment Control until the
indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.
OFF
A
M
Power Switch
Diopter Adjustment
Control
PLAY
Lock Button
EN 13
BR I GHT
Tripod Mounting
Align the screw on the tripod with the camcorder’s
mounting socket. Then tighten the screw.
● Some tripods are not equipped with studs.
CAUTION:
When attaching the camcorder to a tripod, extend
its legs to stabilize the camcorder. It is not advised
to use small sized tripods. This may cause damage
to the unit by falling over.
LCD Monitor And Viewfinder
While using the LCD monitor:
Make sure the viewfinder is pushed back in. Open
the LCD monitor fully. It can rotate 270º (90º
downward, 180º upward).
While using the viewfinder:
Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and locked.
Pull out the viewfinder fully.
● Be sure to pull out the viewfinder until you hear a
click, otherwise it may be pushed back in during
use.
180˚
90˚
Brightness Adjustment Of The
Display
Rotate the MENU (MENU/BRIGHT) Wheel until the
bright level indicator on the display moves and the
appropriate brightness is reached.
MENU/
BRIGHT Wheel
14EN
GETTING STARTED (cont.)
Operation Mode
To turn on the camcorder, set the Power Switch to
any operation mode except “OFF” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.
POWER
Lamp
Choose the appropriate operation mode according
to your preference using the Power Switch and
VIDEO/MEMORY Switch.
A (Full Auto Recording):
Allows you to record using NO special effects or
manual adjustments. Suitable for standard
recording.
“A” appears on the display.
VIDEO/MEMORY Switch
Power S witch
Lock Button
Power Switch Position
OFF
A
Y
M
A
L
P
VIDEO/MEMORY Switch Position
VIDEO:
Allows you to record on a tape or play back a
tape. If “REC SELECT” is set to “/”
(墌 pg. 50), still images are recorded both on the
tape and the memory card.
MEMORY:
● Allows you to record on a memory card or
access data stored on a memory card.
● When the Power Switch is set to “A” or “M”, the
currently selected image size appears.
1024
M (Manual Recording):
Allows you to set various recording functions
using the Menus. (墌 pg. 38)
If you want more creative capabilities than Full
Auto Recording, try this mode.
There is no indication on the display.
OFF:
Allows you to switch off the camcorder.
P:
● Allows you to play back a recording on the tape.
● Allows you to display a still image stored in the
memory card or to transfer a still image stored in
the memory card to a PC.
● Allows you to set various playback functions
using the Menus. (墌 pg. 38)
EN 15
Date/Time Settings
The date/time is recorded onto the tape at all times,
but its display can be turned on or off during
playback. (墌 pg. 38, 49)
POWER Lamp
Power Switch
OFF
A
Y
M
A
L
P
Lock Button
MENU Wheel
1 Set the Power Switch to “M” while pressing down
the Lock Button located on the switch.
2 Open the LCD monitor fully, or pull out the
viewfinder fully.
3 Press the MENU Wheel in. The Menu Screen
appears.
4 Rotate the MENU Wheel to select
“n DISPLAY”, and press it. The DISPLAY Menu
appears.
FADER
/ W I P E
AM A EPROGR
EXPOSURE
AN E
W. BAL
ACAMER
LMANU A
MSYSTE
AYDISPL
DSC
END
TIME CODE
CLOCK
ADJ .
OF
F
C
RE NEON SC
–
LCD/ TV
UAOT
–
IMETDA TE /
–FFO
25 'C02
ED
53
PM0
:
5 Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “CLOCK
ADJ.”, and press it. The parameter for “Month” is
highlighted.
6 Rotate the MENU Wheel to input the month, and
press it. Repeat to input the day, year, hour and
minute.
CLOCK
ADJ .
25 'C02
E
D
53
PM0
:
7 Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “BRETURN”,
and press it twice. The Menu Screen closes.
Built-in Clock’s Rechargeable Lithium Battery
To store the date/time in memory, the clock’s
rechargeable lithium battery is integrated in the
camcorder. While the camcorder is connected to an
AC outlet using the AC Adapter, or while the battery
pack attached to the camcorder continues to supply
power, the clock’s rechargeable lithium battery is
always charged. However, if the camcorder is not
used for approx. 3 months, the clock’s lithium
battery will become discharged and the date/time
stored in memory will be lost. When this occurs, first
connect the camcorder to an AC outlet using the AC
Adapter for over 24 hours to charge the clock’s
rechargeable lithium battery. Then perform the date/
time setting before using the camcorder.
Note that the camcorder can be used without setting
the date/time.
NOTE:
Even if you select “CLOCK ADJ.”, if the parameter is
not highlighted, the camcorder’s internal clock
continues to operate. Once you move the highlight
bar to the first date/time parameter (month), the
clock stops. When you finish setting the minute and
press the MENU Wheel in, the date and time begin
operation from the date and time you have just set.
NRETUR
16EN
GETTING STARTED (cont.)
Loading A Cassette
/Unloading A Cassette
The camcorder needs to be powered up to load or
eject a cassette.
1 Slide down and hold OPEN/EJECT in the
direction of the arrow, then pull the cassette
holder cover open until it locks. The cassette
holder opens automatically.
● Do not touch internal components.
2 Insert or remove a tape and press “PUSH HERE”
to close the cassette holder.
● Be sure to press only the section labelled
“PUSH HERE” to close the cassette holder;
touching other parts may cause your finger to
get caught in the cassette holder, resulting in
injury or product damage.
● Once the cassette holder is closed, it recedes
automatically. Wait until it recedes completely
before closing the cassette holder cover.
● When the battery pack’s charge is low, you
may not be able to close the cassette holder
cover. Do not apply force. Replace the battery
pack with a fully charged one or use AC power
before continuing.
3 Close the cassette holder cover firmly until it
locks into place.
Cassette holder cover
Cassette holder
Make sure the
window side is
facing out.
To protect valuable recordings…
Slide the erase protection tab on the back of the tape
in the direction of “SAVE”. This prevents the tape
from being recorded over. To record on this tape,
slide the tab back to “REC” before loading it.
Approximate recording time
Ta pe
30 min.30 min.45 min.
60 min.60 min.90 min.
80 min.80 min.120 min.
To switch the recording mode, refer to page 38 and
44.
NOTES:
● It takes a few seconds for the cassette holder to
open. Do not apply force.
● If you wait a few seconds and the cassette holder
does not open, close the cassette holder cover and
try again. If the cassette holder still does not open,
turn the camcorder off then on again.
● If the tape does not load properly, open the
cassette holder cover fully and remove the
cassette. A few minutes later, insert it again.
● When the camcorder is suddenly moved from a
cold place to a warm environment, wait a short
time before opening the cassette holder cover.
● Closing the cassette holder cover before the
cassette holder recedes may cause damage to the
camcorder.
● Even when the camcorder is switched off, a
cassette can be loaded or unloaded. After the
cassette holder is closed with the camcorder
switched off, however, it may not recede. It is
recommended to turn the power on before
loading or unloading.
● When resuming recording, once you open the
cassette holder cover a blank portion will be
recorded on the tape or a previously recorded
scene will be erased (recorded over) regardless of
whether the cassette holder came out or not. See
“Recording From The Middle Of A Tape”
(墌 pg. 21).
Recording mode
SPLP
PUSH HERE
Erase protection tab
OPEN/EJECT Switch
EN 17
Loading A Memory Card
/Unloading A Memory Card
The provided memory card is already inserted in the
camcorder at the time of purchase.
Card Cover
To protect valuable files (available only for SD
Memory Card)…
Write/erase protection
tab
Slide the write/erase protection tab on the side of the
memory card in the direction of “LOCK”. This
prevents the memory card from being recorded over.
To record on this memory card, slide the tab back to
the position opposite to “LOCK” before loading it.
NOTES:
● Be sure to use only SD Memory Cards marked
“” or MultiMediaCards marked
“”.
● Some brands of memory cards are not compatible
with this camcorder. Before purchasing a memory
card, consult its manufacturer or dealer.
● Before using a new memory card, it is necessary to
FORMAT the card. (墌 pg. 36)
ATTENTION:
Do not insert or remove the memory card while the
camcorder is turned on, as this may cause the
memory card to be corrupted or cause the
camcorder to become unable to recognize whether
or not the card is installed.
Clipped edge
Memory card
Label
1 Make sure the camcorder’s power is off.
2 Open the card cover.
3 To load a memory card, firmly insert it with its
clipped edge first.
To unload a memory card, push it once. After the
memory card comes out of the camcorder, pull it
out.
● Do not touch the terminal on the reverse side
of the label.
4 Close the card cover.
18EN
VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK
CONTENTS
VIDEO RECORDING ..................................................................................... 19
Connections To A TV Or VCR .................................................................... 24
VIDEO RECORDING
25
min
EN 19
Basic Recording
NOTE:
Before continuing, perform the procedures listed
below:
● Power (墌 pg. 10)
● Loading A Cassette (墌 pg. 16)
● Remove the lens cap (墌 pg. 7)
POWER Lamp
MENU Wheel
Tally Lamp
1 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.
2 Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M” while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.
3 Open the LCD monitor fully, or pull out the
viewfinder fully.
● The POWER Lamp lights and the camcorder
enters the Record-Standby mode. “PAUSE” is
displayed.
4 To start recording, press the Recording Start/Stop
Button. The Tally Lamp lights and “T REC”
appears on the display while recording is in
progress.
5 To stop recording, press the Recording Start/Stop
Button again. The camcorder re-enters the
Record-Standby mode.
VIDEO/MEMORY Switch
Recording Start/
Stop Button
Power S witch
OFF
A
Y
M
A
L
P
Lock Button
Tape Remaining Time
Approximate tape remaining time appears on the
display. “– – min” means the camcorder is
calculating the remaining time. When the remaining
time reaches 2 minutes, the indication starts
blinking.
min
90 min
89 min
(Now calculating)
(Blinking) (Blinking) (Blinking)
1 min0 min
NOTES:
● The image will not appear simultaneously on the
LCD monitor and the viewfinder.
● If the Record-Standby mode continues for
5 minutes, the camcorder’s power shuts off
automatically. To turn the camcorder on again,
push back and pull out the viewfinder again or
close and re-open the LCD monitor.
● LCD monitor/viewfinder indications:
• When power is supplied from a battery: the
“” battery indicator is displayed.
(墌 pg. 100)
• When power is supplied from an AC outlet: the
“” battery indicator does not appear.
● When a blank portion is left between recorded
scenes on the tape, the time code is interrupted
and errors may occur when editing the tape. To
avoid this, refer to “Recording From The Middle
Of A Tape” (墌 pg. 21).
● To turn the Tally Lamp or beep sounds off,
墌 pg. 38, 48.
● To record in LP (Long Play) mode, 墌 pg. 38, 44.
● For other notes, 墌 pg. 81.
3 min
2 min
20EN
VIDEO RECORDING (cont.)
Zooming
Produces the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous
change in image magnification.
Zoom In
Turn the Power Zoom Ring towards “T”.
Zoom Out
Turn the Power Zoom Ring towards “W”.
● The further you turn the Power Zoom Ring, the
quicker the zoom action.
Zoom in (T: Telephoto)
1xW
T
10xW
T
20xW
T
40xW
T
Zoom out (W: Wide angle)
10xW
Approximate zoom ratio
T
Digital zoom
zone
10X (optical)
zoom zone
Power Zoo m
Ring
OFF
A
M
PLAY
NOTES:
● Focusing may become unstable during Zooming.
In this case, set the zoom while in RecordStandby, lock the focus by using the manual focus
(墌 pg. 55), then zoom in or out in Record mode.
● Zooming is possible to a maximum of 200X, or it
can be switched to 10X magnification using the
optical zoom. (墌 pg. 44)
● Zoom magnification of over 10X is done through
Digital image processing, and is therefore called
Digital Zoom.
● During Digital zoom, the quality of image may
suffer.
● Digital zoom cannot be used when the VIDEO/
MEMORY Switch is set to “MEMORY”.
● Macro shooting (as close as approx. 5 cm (2”) to
the subject) is possible when the Power Zoom
Ring is set all the way to “W”. Also see “TELE
MACRO” in MANUAL Menu on page 46.
● For other notes, 墌 pg. 81.
Journalistic Shooting
In some
situations,
different shooting
angles may
provide more
dramatic results.
Hold the
camcorder in the
desired position
and tilt the LCD
monitor in the
most convenient
direction. It can
rotate 270º (90º
downward, 180º
upward).
Self-Recording
You can shoot yourself while viewing
your own image in the LCD monitor.
Open the LCD monitor and tilt it
upward 180º so that it faces forward,
then point the lens toward yourself and
start recording.
EN 21
Time Code
During recording, a time code is recorded on the tape. This code is to confirm the location of the recorded
scene on the tape during playback.
If recording starts from a blank portion, the time code begins counting from “00:00:00”
(minute:second:frame). If recording starts from the end of a previously recorded scene, the time code
continues from the last time code number.
To perform Random Assemble Editing (墌 pg. 73 – 77), time code is necessary. If during recording a blank
portion is left partway through the tape, the time code is interrupted. When recording is resumed, the time
code starts counting up again from “00:00:00”. This means the camcorder may record the same time codes as
those existing in a previously recorded scene. To prevent this, perform “Recording From The Middle Of A
Tape” below in the following cases;
● When shooting again after playing back a
recorded tape.
● When power shuts off during shooting.
● When a tape is removed and re-inserted during
shooting.
● When shooting using a partially recorded tape.
● When shooting on a blank portion located
partway through the tape.
● When shooting again after shooting a scene then
opening/closing the cassette holder cover.
12:34:24
Display
Frames are not
displayed during
recording.
Minutes
Seconds
Frames
(30 frames = 1 second)
Recording From The Middle Of A Tape
1) Play back a tape or use Blank Search (墌 pg. 23) to find the spot at which you want to start recording, then
engage the Still Playback mode. (墌 pg. 22)
2) Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch, then start
recording.
NOTES:
● The time code cannot be reset.
● During fast-forwarding and rewinding, the time code indication does not move smoothly.
● The time code is displayed only when “TIME CODE” is set to “ON”. (墌 pg. 49)
When a blank portion is recorded on a tape
Time code
00:00:00
Ta pe
Shooting start point
Already recorded scene
Proper recording
Time code
00:00:00
Ta pe
Shooting start pointShooting start pointShooting start point
Already recorded scene
Time code
05:43:21
Blank
Shooting stop point
Time code
05:43:21
New scene
Time code
00:00:00
Newly recorded scene
Shooting start point
Time code
05:44:00
Latest scene
22EN
S
VIDEO PLAYBACK
Normal Playback
top Button
(8)
Power Zoom Ring
(Speaker Volume
Control)
1 Load a cassette. (墌 pg. 16)
2 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.
3 Set the Power Switch to “P” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.
4 To start playback, press 4/9.
5 To stop playback, press 8.
● During Stop mode, press 3 to rewind, or
NOTES:
● If Stop mode continues for 5 minutes when power
is supplied from a battery, the camcorder shuts off
automatically. To turn on again, set the Power
Switch to “OFF”, then to “P”.
● The playback picture can be viewed in the LCD
monitor, viewfinder or on a connected TV.
(墌 pg. 24)
● You can also view the playback picture on the
LCD monitor with it flipped over and pushed
against the camcorder body.
● LCD monitor/viewfinder indications:
• When power is supplied from a battery: the
“” battery indicator is displayed.
(墌 pg. 100)
• When power is supplied from an AC outlet: the
“” battery indicator does not appear.
• During Stop mode, none of the indications are
displayed.
● When a cable is connected to the AV connector,
the sound is not heard from the speaker.
Rewind Button (3)
Play/Pause Button (4/9)
Fast-Forward Button
(5)
VIDEO/MEMORY
Switch
Power S witch
OFF
Y
A
L
P
Speaker
Lock Button
5 to fast-forward the tape.
A
M
To control the speaker volume…
Turn the Power Zoom Ring toward “T” to turn up the
volume, or toward “W” to turn down the volume.
Still Playback
Pauses during video playback.
1) Press 4/9 during playback.
2) To resume normal playback, press 4/9 again.
● If still playback continues for more than about
3 minutes, the camcorder’s Stop mode is
automatically engaged.
● When 4/9 is pressed, the image may not
pause immediately while the camcorder
stabilizes the still image.
Shuttle Search
Allows high-speed search in either direction during
video playback.
1) During playback, press 5 for forward search,
or 3 for reverse search.
2) To resume normal playback, press 4/9.
● During playback, press and hold 5 or 3.
The search continues as long as you hold the
button. Once you release the button, normal
playback resumes.
● A slight mosaic effect appears on the display
during Shuttle Search. This is not a malfunction.
ATTENTION:
During Shuttle Search, parts of
the picture may not be clearly
visible, particularly on the left
side of the screen.
Frame-By-Frame Playback
Allows frame-by-frame search.
1) Engage Still Playback.
2) During Still Playback, rotate the MENU Wheel
toward “+” for forward Frame-By-Frame
Playback, or towards “–” for reverse Frame-ByFrame Playback.
3) To resume normal playback, press 4/9.
● You can also use the provided remote control
for Frame-By-Frame Playback. (墌 pg. 68)
EN 23
Blank Search
Helps you find where you should start recording in
the middle of a tape to avoid time code interruption.
(墌 pg. 21)
Stop Button (8)
MENU Wheel
VIDEO/MEMORY Switch
Power Switch
OFF
A
Y
M
A
L
P
Lock Button
1 Load a cassette. (墌 pg. 16)
2 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”.
3 Set the Power Switch to “P” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.
4 Press the MENU
Wheel in. The Menu
Screen appears.
5 Rotate the MENU
Wheel to select
“t VIDEO”, and
press it. The VIDEO
Menu appears.
VIDEOSOUND MODE
MSYSTE
AYDISPL
END
12
BIT
SYNC ROH
REC
MOD E
SCHRBLA KN
COPY
MOD E
6 Rotate the MENU
Wheel to select
BLANK SRCH
“BLANK SRCH”, and
press it. The Sub
Menu appears.
BLANK SRCH
7 Rotate the MENU
Wheel to select
“EXECUTE”, and
press it.
● The “BLANK
BLANK SEARCH
SEARCH”
indication appears
blinking and the
camcorder automatically starts reverse or
forward search, then stops at the spot which is
about 3 seconds of tape before the beginning
of the detected blank portion.
● To cancel Blank Search midway, press 8.
NOTES:
● In step 7, if the current position is at a blank
portion, the camcorder searches in the reverse
direction. If the current position is at a recorded
portion, the camcorder searches in the forward
direction.
● Blank Search does not work if “HEAD CLEANING
REQUIRED. USE CLEANING CASSETTE” has
appeared with the tape.
● If the beginning or end of the tape is reached
during Blank Search, the camcorder stops
automatically.
● A blank portion which is shorter than 5 seconds of
tape may not be detected.
● The detected blank portion may be located
between recorded scenes. Before you start
recording, make sure there is no recorded scene
after the blank portion.
Slow-Motion Playback
Playback Zoom
Playback Special Effects
Available only with the remote control (provided).
(墌 pg. 68, 69)
CANCEL
–
EXECUTE
5
24EN
VIDEO PLAYBACK (cont.)
Connections To A TV Or VCR
These are some basic types of connections. When making the connections, refer also to your VCR and TV
instruction manuals.
A. Connection to a TV or VCR equipped only with A/V input connectors
To TV or VCR
TV
VCR
*The Audio cable is not required for watching still images only.
** When connecting the cables, open this cover.
B. Connction to a TV or VCR equipped with an S-VIDEO IN and A/V input connectors
To TV or VCR
TV
VCR
White to AUDIO L IN*
Red to AUDIO R IN*
Yellow to VIDEO IN
Audio/Video cable
White to AUDIO L IN*
Red to AUDIO R IN*
Connector Cover**
Audio/Video cable
(provided)
To AV
(provided)
Yellow: Not connected
To AV
Connector Covers**
To S-VIDEO IN
*The Audio cable is not required for watching still images only.
** When connecting the cables, open these covers.
S-Video cable
(optional)
To S-VIDEO
EN 25
1 Make sure all units are turned off.
2 Connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR as shown
in the illustration. (墌 pg. 24)
If using a VCR, go to step 3.
If not, go to step 4.
3 Connect the VCR output to the TV input,
referring to your VCR’s instruction manual.
4 Turn on the camcorder, the VCR and the TV.
5 Set the VCR to its AUX input mode, and set the
TV to its VIDEO mode.
To choose whether or not the following displays
appear on the connected TV…
● Date/Time
Set “DATE/TIME” to “AUTO”, “ON” or “OFF”.
(墌 pg. 49)
Or, press DISPLAY on the remote control to turn
on/off the date indication.
● Time Code
Set “TIME CODE” to “ON” or “OFF”. (墌 pg. 49)
● Playback sound mode, tape speed and tape
running displays for video playback
Set “ON SCREEN” to “LCD” or “LCD/TV”.
(墌 pg. 49)
NOTES:
● It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as the
power supply instead of the battery pack.
(墌 pg. 11)
● The S-Video cable is optional. Be sure to use the
YTU94146A S-Video cable. Consult the JVC
Service Center described on the sheet included in
the package for details on its availability. Make
sure to connect the end with a core filter to the
camcorder. The core filter reduces interference.
● To monitor the picture and sound from the
camcorder without inserting a tape or memory
card, set the camcorder’s Power Switch to “A” or
“M”, then set your TV to the appropriate input
mode.
● Make sure you adjust the TV sound volume to its
minimum level to avoid a sudden burst of sound
when the camcorder is turned on.
● If you have a TV or speakers that are not specially
shielded, do not place the speakers adjacent to the
TV as interference will occur in the camcorder
playback picture.
● While the Audio/Video cable is connected to the
AV connector, sound cannot be heard from the
speaker.
NOTE:
How to open the LCD monitor when using the
connectors beneath the cover...
Making A New Folder .............................................................................. 34
Setting Print Information (DPOF Setting) ................................................... 34
Initializing A Memory Card ....................................................................... 36
D.S.C. RECORDING
EN 27
Basic Shooting (D.S.C. Snapshot)
You can use your camcorder as a Digital Still
Camera for taking snapshots. Still images are stored
in the memory card.
NOTE:
Before continuing, perform the procedures listed
below:
● Power (墌 pg. 10)
● Loading A Memory Card (墌 pg. 17)
● Remove the lens cap (墌 pg. 7)
VIDEO/MEMORY Switch
Power S wi tch
OFF
A
Y
M
A
L
P
Lock Button
SNAPSHOT Button
1 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “MEMORY”.
2 Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M” while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.
3 Open the LCD monitor fully, or pull out the
viewfinder fully.
4 Press SNAPSHOT. The “O” indication
appears while the snapshot is being taken.
● Still images are recorded in the snapshot mode
with no frame.
● To delete unwanted still images, refer to
“Deleting Files” (墌 pg. 33).
● When you do not want to hear the shutter
sound, set “BEEP” to “OFF”. (墌 pg. 48)
● To change the Image Size and/or Picture
Quality, 墌 pg. 50.
Snapshot mode with
no frame
A
B
1024
C
51
E
D
A Image Size (墌 pg. 50, 97)
B Shooting Icon (墌 pg. 97)
C Card Icon (墌 pg. 97)
D Picture Quality (墌 pg. 50, 97)
E Remaining Number Of Shots (墌 pg. 97)
NOTES:
● Even if “DIS” is set to “ON” (墌 pg. 46), the
Stabilizer will be disabled.
● If Snapshot recording is not possible, “O”
blinks when SNAPSHOT is pressed.
● If Program AE with special effects (墌 pg. 42) is
engaged, certain modes of Program AE with
special effects are disabled during Snapshot
recording. In such a case, the icon blinks.
● If shooting is not performed for approx. 5 minutes
when the Power Switch is set to “A” or “M” and
power is supplied from the battery pack, the
camcorder shuts off automatically to save power.
To perform shooting again, push back and pull out
the viewfinder again or close and re-open the LCD
monitor.
● The Motor Drive mode (墌 pg. 53) is disabled
when the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch is set to
“MEMORY”.
● When a cable is connected to the AV connector,
the shutter sound is not heard from the speaker,
however it is recorded onto the tape.
● Still images taken are compliant to DCF (Design
rule for Camera File system). They do not have any
compatibility with devices which are not
compliant to DCF.
There is the sound of
a shutter closing.
28EN
D.S.C. PLAYBACK
Normal Playback Of Images
Images shot with the camcorder are automatically
numbered, then stored in numerical order in the
memory card. You can view the stored images, one
at a time, much like flipping through a photo album.
Stop Button (8)/
SELECT Button
(GR-DVM96 only)
MENU Wheel
1 Load a memory card. (墌 pg. 17)
2 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “MEMORY”.
3 Set the Power Switch to “P” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.
4 Open the LCD monitor fully, or pull out the
viewfinder fully.
● The type of file (IMAGE, E-MAIL CLIP or
SOUND) which has been played back at the
last time is displayed.
5 If the video clip playback (E-MAIL CLIP,
(墌 pg. 29)) or the digital sound playback
(SOUND, (墌 pg. 29)) screen appears, press
SELECT. The MEMORY SELECT screen appears.
6 Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “IMAGE”, and
press it. The image playback screen (IMAGE)
appears.
7 Press 3 to display the previous file. Press 5
to display the next file.
● Pressing INFO gives you details on the
displayed file. (墌 pg. 30)
● You can also look for the desired file using
Index Screen. (墌 pg. 30)
● You can turn off the on-screen playback
display. (墌 pg. 31)
NOTES:
● Even if you shoot a new image after playing back a
low-numbered one, this will not overwrite an
existing image, because new images are
automatically stored after the last-recorded one.
Rewind Button (3)
Play/Pause Button (4/9)
Fast-Forward Button
(5)
VIDEO/MEMORY
Switch
Power Switch
OFF
A
Y
M
A
L
P
Lock Button
● Images shot in a file size other than “640 x 480”,
“1024 x 768” and “1280 x 960” (GR-DVM96
only) with another devices will be displayed
thumbnail images. These thumbnail images
cannot be transferred to a PC.
● Images shot with devices (such as
JVC GR-DVM70) that are not compatible with
DCF cannot be viewed with this
camcorder; “UNSUPPORTED FILES” will be
displayed.
Auto Playback Of Images
You can run through all the images stored in
memory card automatically.
1 Perform steps 1 – 6 in “Normal Playback Of
Images”.
2 Press 4/9 to start Auto Playback.
● If you press 3 during Auto Playback, files
are displayed in descending order.
● If you press 5 during Auto Playback, files
are displayed in ascending order.
3 To end Auto Playback, press 8.
[For Normal Playback]
To display the next image[For Auto Playback]
Image playback screen
(IMAGE)
To display the previous
image
EN 29
Playback Of Video Clips
(GR-DVM96 only)
You can view video clips (墌 pg. 60) stored in the
memory card.
1 Load a memory card. (墌 pg. 17)
2 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “MEMORY”.
3 Set the Power Switch to “P” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.
4 Open the LCD monitor fully, or pull out the
viewfinder fully.
● The type of file (IMAGE, E-MAIL CLIP or
SOUND) which has been played back at the
last time is displayed.
Wheel to select
“E-MAIL CLIP”, and
press it. The video clip
playback screen
(E-MAIL CLIP)
appears.
7 Press 3 to select the
previous file. Press 5 to select the next file.
● Pressing INFO gives you details on the
displayed file. (墌 pg. 30)
● You can also look for the desired file using
Index Screen. (墌 pg. 30)
8 To start playback, press 4/9.
9 To stop playback, press 8.
E-MAIL CLIP
Playback Of Digital Sound Effects
(GR-DVM96 only)
12 sound effects are pre-stored in the provided
memory card. You can listen to the sound effects
stored in the memory card. The sound effects can be
also dubbed onto a tape. (墌 pg. 59)
EXPLOSIONExplosion
SIRENSiren
LAUGHTERLaughter
RACE CARRacing car
DOOR BELLDoor bell
BUZZERBuzzer
FANFAREFanfare
APPLAUSEApplause
CHEERSCheers
BOINGBoing
SCREAMScream
JEERSJeers
1 Load the provided memory card. (墌 pg. 17)
2 Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “MEMORY”.
3 Set the Power Switch to “P” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.
4 Open the LCD monitor fully, or pull out the
viewfinder fully.
● The type of file (IMAGE, E-MAIL CLIP or
SOUND) which has been played back at the
last time is displayed.
Wheel to select
“SOUND”, and press
it. The digital sound
playback screen
(SOUND) appears.
7 To play back to the
sound effect, press
4/9.
● All the sounds are played back in ascending
order.
NOTES:
● In the digital sound playback screen,
• Press 3 to select the previous file. Press 5
to select the next file.
• Pressing INFO gives you details on the displayed
file. (墌 pg. 30)
● You can also look for the desired file using Index
Screen. (墌 pg. 30)
SOUND
30EN
D.S.C. PLAYBACK (cont.)
Index Playback Of Files
You can view several different files stored in the
memory card at a time. This browsing capability
makes it easy to locate a particular file you want.
1 For Index Playback of image files, perform 1 – 6
in “Normal Playback Of Images” (墌 pg. 28).
For Index Playback of video clip files, perform
1 – 6 in “Playback Of Video Clips (GR-DVM96
only)” (墌 pg. 29).
For Index Playback of sound files, perform 1 – 6
in “Playback Of Digital Sound Effects
(GR-DVM96 only)” (墌 pg. 29).
2 Press INDEX. The Index Screen of the selected
type of file appears.
Selected file
Index number
3
2
1
4
5
6
89
7
3 Rotate the MENU Wheel to move the frame to
the desired file.
● Pressing 5 displays the next page and 3
displays the previous page.
4 Press the MENU Wheel in. The selected file is
displayed.
● Pressing INFO gives you details on the
displayed file. (墌 right column)
Index Screen
Viewing File Information
You can get the relevant file information by pressing
the INFO Button during normal playback or Index
Playback.
DCF: Folder and file number (IMAGE only)
FOLDER: Folder name (墌 pg. 34)
FILE: File name (墌 pg. 34)
DATE: Date the file was made
SIZE: Image size (IMAGE/E-MAIL CLIP