JVC GR-SXM255AS, GR-SXM30ER User Manual

INSTRUCTIONS

Printed in Malaysia
1003-AS-YL-PJ

AG/AS/AA

ENGLISH LYT1202-001B

COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER

GR-SXM600
GR-SXM300
GR-SXM255
GR-SXM200
GR-SX260
GR-SX160

®Registered Trademark owned by VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD.

COPYRIGHT© 2003 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD.

Dear Customer,

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

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 ! 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.

* Applicable models only.

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

AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION

AS

AG/AS/AA

AS

AG/AS

AG

AG/AS

625

@ to “ ” and press the MENU Wheel 1 in

1 to select “OFF” and press it.

VHS
PAL

1

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

• AC Adapter
AP-V14E/A or AP-V15E

• Cassette Adapter
C-P7U

• Lens Cap

• Remote Control Unit
RM-V715U
(GR-SXM600AS, GR­SXM300AG/AS/AA, GR­SXM255AS, GR-SX260AG only)

• Power Cord

• AAA (R03) Battery x 2
(for Remote Control Unit,
GR-SXM600AS, GR-SXM300AG/AS/AA,
GR-SXM255AS, GR-SX260AG only)

• Shoulder Strap

• Battery Pack
BN-V10U

• A/V (Audio/Video)
Cable

• 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

WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

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

CAUTIONS

To avoid electric shock or damage to the
unit, first firmly insert the small end of the
power cord into the AC Adapter until it is no
longer wobbly, and then plug the larger end
of the power cord into an AC outlet.

CAUTIONS

• If you notice smoke or a peculiar smell coming
from the camcorder or AC adapter, shut it down
and unplug it immediately. Continue using the
camcorder or AC adapter under these conditions
could lead to fire or electric shock. Contact your
JVC dealer. Do not attempt to repair the
malfunction yourself.

• To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No
user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel.

• When you are not using the AC Adapter for a long
period of time, it is recommended that you
disconnect the power cord from AC outlet.

• The socket outlet shall be installed near the
equipment and easily accessible, or the mains
plug or an appliance coupler shall remain readily
operable.

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 bottom.

CAUTIONS

• This camcorder is designed to be used with
PAL-type colour television signals. It cannot be
used for playback with a television of a different
standard. However, live recording and LCD
monitor*/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.)

* Applicable models only.

Cassettes marked and can be used with this camcorder.
However, S-VHS recordings are possible only with cassettes marked

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 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.)

ATTENTION USERS OF RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

DO NOT DISPOSE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES OR PRODUCTS POWERED BY
NON-REMOVABLE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES, THESE BATTERIES AND
PRODUCTS CAN BE RECYCLED.

AT THE END OF NORMAL LIFE,

IN AUSTRALIA, RETURN TO YOUR POINT OF PURCHASE OR MAIL TO:

Hagemeyer Brands Australia PTY Limited, T/A Hagemeyer Appliances, ABN 22 000 668 977
PO Box 4013, Kingsgrove NSW 2208 Australia

Attn : Service Dept.
Phone : [phone] Website : www.jvc-australia.com

IN NEW ZEALAND, PLEASE RETURN BATTERIES BY MAIL TO:

Hagemeyer (NZ) Limited P.O. Box 100589 Auckland 1333
Phone : [phone]

4

INDEX

A

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

Animation Recording .......................................... pg. 21, 26

Audio Dubbing ......................................................... pg. 27

Auto Date Record .................................................... pg. 21

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

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

B

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

Battery Pack ......................................................... pg. 6, 29

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

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

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

C

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

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

Classic Film Effect ................................................... pg. 24

Clean The Camcorder ..............................................pg. 30

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. 21

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

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

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

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

Dioptre 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

Insert Editing ............................................................ pg. 26

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

L

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

Load A Tape ...............................................................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

Night-Scope ............................................................. pg. 23

P

Picture Stabiliser ...................................................... pg. 18

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

Playback Special Effects .......................................... pg. 14

Playback Zoom ........................................................ pg. 26

Programme 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 Format (S-VHS/S-VHS ET) .................... pg. 20

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

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

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

Remote Control ........................................................pg. 25

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

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

S

Self-Recording ......................................................... pg. 11

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

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

Snapshot During Playback ....................................... pg. 12

Snapshot ..................................................................pg. 12

Solarisation Effect .................................................... pg. 24

Specifications .....................................................pg. 31, 32

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

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

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

Strobe Effect ............................................................ pg. 24

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

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

Super VHS Expansion Technology .......................... pg. 20

Surf & Snow Mode ................................................... pg. 24

T

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

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

Tape Length Setting ................................................. pg. 21

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

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

Time-Lapse Shooting .........................................pg. 21, 26

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

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

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

U

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

V

Video Echo Effect.....................................................pg. 24

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

! located on the switch.

Connect the AC Adapter to the DC IN connector

9, then connect the Power Cord to the AC

Adapter.

3) Plug the Power Cord 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

8 and pull out the

USING THE BATTERY PACK

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

Approximate recording time (unit: min.)

Battery
pack

BN-V10U

BN-V12U
(optional)

BN-V20U
(optional)

BN-V400U
(optional)

Viewfinder on LCD monitor on

1

2

90

(45)

95

(50)

155
(80)

365

(205)

95

(50)

100
(55)

160
(85)

380

(210)

3

100
(55)

110
(60)

170
(90)

410

(220)

1

75

(40)

80

(45)

135
(70)

315

(190)

2

80

(45)

85

(50)

140
(80)

330

(195)

1When using GR-SXM600AS only
2When using GR-SXM300AG/AS/AA, GR-SXM255AS,

GR-SXM200AG/AS

3 When using GR-SX260AG, GR-SX160AG/AS

( ):when the video light is on (GR-SXM600AS,GR-

SXM300AG/AS/AA, GR-SX260AG only)

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 or storing it for a long period of time,
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.

q 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.

6

BASIC FEATURES

Snapshot (GR-SXM600AS, GR-SXM300AG/AS/AA,

GR-SX260AG only)

You can record still images that look like photo­graphs onto a tape.

1) Perform step 1) of “RECORDING” (

2) Press SNAPSHOT 2.

• There is a momentary camera shutter-type
blackout together with the sound effect of a
shutter closing.

• Snapshot is also available during playback.
However, the shutter sound is not heard.

5Sec. Rec (5-sec. Recording)

(GR-SXM255AS, GR-SXM200AG/AS, GR-SX160AG
only)

To record a scene for 5 seconds, providing quick
scene transitions like those seen in TV
programmes.

1) Make sure the recording mode is set to “SP”.

2) During Record–Standby, press 5SEC. REC

5S appears and 5Sec. Rec is reserved.

3) Press the Recording Start/Stop Button

Recording starts, and after 5-second recording
is finished, the camcorder reenters the Record–
Standby mode automatically.

4) To cancel the 5Sec. Rec. function, press 5SEC.

• Fade/Wipe (

2 again so that 5S disappears.

REC

 pg. 23) cannot be activated by

pressing 5SEC. REC 2.

 pg. 11).

2.

0.

Backlight Compensation

To quickly increase the brightness of the subject
relative to the background.

1) Press BACK LIGHT
displayed and the subject is brightened.

2) To cancel Backlight Compensation, press BACK
LIGHT

r again. “ ” disappears and the

brightness returns to the previous level.

• Backlight Compensation functions in both

recording modes (“

• Using BACK LIGHT

bright, resulting in a washed out or white image.

• BACK LIGHT

manual Exposure Control mode (
engaged.

r during recording. “ ” is

” or “ ”).

r may make the subject too

r cannot be used when the

 pg. 18) is

Auto/Manual Focus

If correct focus cannot be obtained with Auto
Focus, use Manual Focus.

1) Set the Power Switch
down the Lock Button

2) Press

3) To focus on a distant subject, rotate the MENU

Wheel
To focus on a close subject, rotate the MENU
Wheel

4) To cancel the Manual Focus, press

FOCUS 4. “ ” appears.

1 upward. “ ” appears and blinks.

1 downward. “ ” appears and blinks.

@ to “ ” while pressing

! located on the switch.

FOCUS

4. “ ” disappears and the Auto Focus is

applied.

• When the focus level cannot be adjusted any

farther or closer, “

” or “ ” will blink.

12

• The following steps have the same function as
“REFRESH” (

 pg. 6).

1) Attach the battery to the camcorder with no

cassette inserted.

2) Set the Power Switch

pressing down the Lock Button

@ to “ ” or “ ” while

! 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. 20°C to 25°C 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 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.

* Applicable models only.

@ to “ ”, “ ” or “ ”.

Date/Time Settings

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

down the Lock Button

2) Press the MENU Wheel
Screen appears.

• You can select the language (ENGLISH,

CHINESE or ARABIC) used in all messages
displayed on screen (
LANG.” in SYSTEM MENU) (not available on
GR-SXM300AA).

3) Rotate the MENU Wheel

4

TO SYSTEM MENU” and press it to display

“

SYSTEM MENU. Rotate the MENU Wheel
select “4NEXT” 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

! located on the switch.

1 in. The Menu

 pg. 18, 22 “MENU

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. 21) in SYSTEM MENU.

• The date/time cannot be stored in memory if the
built-in clock battery runs out. Consult an
authorised JVC dealer for replacement, or set the
date/time as necessary before you start shooting.

1

@

!

DAT E T I M2E

Y

E

A

R

M

O

N

T

D

A

Y

T

I

M

E

200:0

3
6

2

8

2

0

24-hour
indication

t

E

X

IHT

7

Grip Adjustment

Q

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.

0 and

3

0

!

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 stabilise
the camcorder. To
prevent damage to the
unit caused by falling
over, do not use a
small-sized tripod.

Q. Then

Viewfinder Adjustment

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

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

! located on the

i until the

i

180°180°

PAUSE

Shoulder Strap Attachment

Thread the strap through the eyelet t, 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.

t, 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.

* Applicable models only.

Cassette holder

u

( until the cassette holder

u to close the cassette

(

Erase
Protection tab

Gear

Turn to
take up
slack.

t

Cassette
holder

8

Eyepiece

12

CONTROLS, CONNECTORS AND INDICATORS

34

Refer to this diagram while reading the instructions.

5

6
7

8

Viewfinder

i

180°

p

9!0@

Speaker
(applicable
models only)

LCD monitor
(applicable
models only)

o

Microphone

During
shooting

Keep the lens cap
attached to the
camcorder.

Cassette holder

90°

30°

90°

30°

u

T
U

t

W

E

R

Y

I

180°

Video light
(GR-SXM600AS,GR-SXM300AG/AS/AA, GR­SX260AG only)

5 m

Transmitted beam
effective area

Q

^

$# % &

)q w e

Turn the gear to

t

take up slack.

y

Remote control
(GR-SXM600AS,GR­SXM300AG/AS/AA,GR­SXM255AS, GR­SX260AG only)

O

a
d

*(

r

Erase
protection tab

P

s

1

R

4

2

B

2
E

4

5

5
R

0

C

4

M

.

I

M

I

N

S

P

I

N

C

O

N

1

2

.

G

H

T

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications

During Recording

A

L

I

V

–

S

H

P

A

R

G

A

T

0

3

–

–

T

S

–

E

G

H

T

S

R

E

C

U

S

E

O

U

L

A

T

I

1

1

–

–

–

–

–

–

3

0

T

+

0

2

M

W

B

1

/

2

S

N

S

:

:

4

18

5

–

–

–

+

6

1X

b

a

 pg. 28 for Warning Indications .

9

TVBOC

LMUOM

During Playback

–

E

T

S

–

T

O

N

O

–

0

:

M

–

E

1

N

E

:

3

4

1

2

–

–

–

–

–

6

S

P

4

:

4

5

2

3

A

T

–

–

–:–

–

+