JVC GR-SXM730, GR-SXM930 Instruction Manual

CONTENTS

ENGLISH

COMPACT
VHS CAMCORDER

GR-SXM930
GR-SXM730

INSTRUCTIONS

For Customer Use:

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

Model No.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

AUTOMATIC
DEMONSTRATION

GETTING STARTED

VIDEO RECORDING &
PLAYBACK

VIDEO RECORDING............ 18 – 21

VIDEO PLAYBACK.............. 22 – 26

DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.)
RECORDING &
PLAYBACK

D.S.C. RECORDING ............ 28 – 29

D.S.C. PLAYBACK .............. 30 – 34

ADVANCED
FEATURES

REFERENCES

TROUBLESHOOTING ............ 55 – 57

DETAILS ........................... 58 – 59

INDEX ............................. 60 – 63

TERMS ............................ 64 – 65

CAUTIONS ........................ 66 – 68

SPECIFICATIONS .........................69

ESPAÑOL.......................... 70 – 73

FOR SERVICING

(Only in U.S.A.) .......................... 74

WARRANTY

(Only in U.S.A.) .......................... 75

2 – 3

7 – 16

17 – 26

27 – 34

35 – 53

54 – 75

4

6

Serial No.

LYT0705-001B

EN

2 EN

Dear Customer,

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

Using This Instruction Manual

•All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents on the cover.

•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 ( pgs. 60 – 63) 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 66 – 68 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.

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.)

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.

WARNING:
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 safety caution of the
AC Adapter are on its upper and lower sides.

Cassettes marked and can be used with this camcorder.

EN3

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 EN

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

•AC Adapter
AP-V10U

•Remote Control
Unit RM-V715U

•CD-ROM

The CD-ROM contains
the following 4 software
programs:

• Picture Navigator
Presto!

• Mr. Photo

• PhotoAlbum

• ImageFolio

•Cassette Adapter
(VHS Playpak)
C-P7U

•Shoulder Strap

•AAA (R03) Battery x 2
(for Remote Control Unit)

(for Windows® PC)

•PC Connection Cable

•Battery Pack
BN-V11U

•Lens Cap

•AA (R6) Battery

(for Cassette Adapter)

How To Attach The Lens Cap

To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the camcorder as shown in the illustration.

132

EN5

6 EN

O

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F

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XFIT

DEMO MODE

AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION

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



Available when the Power Switch is set to “ ” or “ ” and the VIDEO

mode is selected (the DSC Lamp is not lit).



Operating the Power Zoom Lever during the demonstration stops the
demonstration temporarily. If the Power Zoom Lever is not moved 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 to “ ” and
press the MENU Wheel in 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 to select
“OFF” and press it.

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.

Setting Menu

GETTING STARTED

EN7

GETTING STARTED

CONTENTS

Power.................................................. 8 – 9

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

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

Shoulder Strap Attachment ............................. 10

Tripod Mounting .......................................... 10

Date/Time Settings...................................... 11

Recording Format Setting ........................ 12 – 13

Recording Mode Setting ................................. 14

Tape Length Setting ...................................... 14

Loading/Unloading A Cassette ......................... 15

Picture Mode Setting .................................... 16

8 EN

Hook on.

1

BATTERY RELEASE Switch

REFRESH Button

REFRESH Lamp

CHARGE Lamp

2

Push in.

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

Make sure the battery pack is attached to the

1

camcorder. Hook its end to the camcorder 1 and
push the battery in until it locks in place 2.

•If the battery pack is attached in the wrong position,
a malfunction may occur.

Set the Power Switch to “OFF”. Connect the AC

2

Adapter to the camcorder 3.

Plug the AC Adapter into an AC outlet 4.

3

The CHARGE lamp on the camcorder blinks to
indicate charging has started.

Battery pack

Power Switch

4

To AC outlet

Battery pack

BN-V11U

BN-V12U (optional)

BN-V20U (optional)

BN-V400U (optional)

AC Adapter

Charging time

approx. 1 hr. 30 min.

approx. 1 hr. 30 min.

approx. 2 hrs. 20 min.

approx. 4 hrs. 30 min.

3

To DC IN
connector

When the CHARGE lamp stops blinking but stays lit,

4

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 and pull out the battery pack.

NOTES:

●

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.
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.

●

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.

REFRESH:

Charging a battery with some charge remaining reduces that battery’s capacity. Perform the procedure
below to fully discharge the battery pack before recharging.

1. Perform steps 1 through 3 of “CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK”.

2. Press REFRESH on the camcorder for over 2 seconds. The REFRESH lamp on the camcorder blinks to

indicate discharging has started.

3. When discharging is finished, charging automatically starts and the CHARGE lamp blinks.
When you are not using a battery pack for a long period of time, be sure to fully discharge it before storing

because leaving a battery with some charge left over also reduces performance.

For other notes,  pg. 58

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.

Charge marker

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

USING THE BATTERY PACK

Perform step 1 of “CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK”
( pg. 8).

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

80

(45)

80

(45)

130
(75)

305

(185)

NOTES:

●

Recording time is reduced significantly under the
following conditions:

•

Zoom or Record-Standby mode is engaged repeatedly.

•

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.

LCD monitor on

65

(35)

65

(35)

105
(60)

245

(160)

EN9

To AC outlet

AC Adapter

To DC IN
connector

USING AC POWER

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

NOTES:

●

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

●

For other notes,  pg. 58.

10 EN

PAUSE

33

22

180°180

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Grip Adjustment

Power Zoom
Lever

Separate the Velcro strip.

1

Recording
Start/Stop
Button

Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the

2

grip.

Adjust so that your thumb and fingers can easily

3

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

Viewfinder Adjustment

°

Set the Power Switch to “ ” or “ ”.

1

4

2

3

1

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Set to “

”.

“

” or

Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability.

2

Turn the Diopter Adjustment Control until the

3

indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.

Shoulder Strap Attachment

Following the illustration, thread the strap through the

1

eyelet 1, then fold it back and thread it through the
buckle 2. Repeat the procedure to attach the other
end of the strap to the other eyelet 3, making sure
the strap is not twisted.

Adjust as shown in the illustration 4.

2

Tripod Mounting

Align the screw and camera direction stud on the

1

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

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VIDEO Lamp

MENU Wheel

Date/Time Settings

Set the Power Switch to “ ”. The VIDEO Lamp

1

comes on.

Press the MENU Wheel in. The Menu Screen

2

appears.

Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “ TO SYSTEM

3

MENU” and press it to display SYSTEM MENU.
Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “ NEXT” and
press it to display the next page.

Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “DATE/TIME” and

4

press it. The DATE/TIME Menu appears.

EN11

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Menu Screen

DATE/TIME Menu

12-hour
indication with
AM or PM

To set “YEAR”, “MONTH”, “DAY” or “TIME” (hour/

5

minute), rotate the MENU Wheel to select the desired
item, and press it. When the setting begins blinking,
rotate the MENU Wheel until the correct setting
appears and then press it. The setting stops blinking.

When none of these settings (“YEAR”, “MONTH”,

6

“DAY”, “TIME”) blinks, rotate the MENU Wheel to
select “EXIT”, and press it. The Menu Screen
reappears with the highlight bar on “ RETURN”.

Press the MENU Wheel in to close the Menu Screen.

7

NOTE:

To display the date and time in the camcorder’s display and
on a connected TV, see “Date/Time Insert” ( pg. 47).

For other notes,  pg. 58

12 EN

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Recording Format Setting

Set the recording format according to the format of the
tape used or type of recording you wish to perform.

VIDEO Lamp

MENU Wheel

Power Switch

Display: when a VHS cassette is loaded.

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Menu Screen

When an S-VHS
cassette is
loaded: S-VHS

Setting Menu

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Set the Power Switch to “ ”. The VIDEO Lamp

1

comes on.

Press the MENU Wheel in. The Menu Screen

2

appears.

Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “ TO SYSTEM

3

MENU” and press it to display SYSTEM MENU.

If a VHS cassette is loaded . . .

.... rotate the MENU Wheel to select “S-VHS ET”,

then press it. The S-VHS ET Setting Menu
appears.

If an S-VHS cassette is loaded . . .

.... rotate the MENU Wheel to “S-VHS”, then press

it. The S-VHS Setting Menu appears.

Rotate the MENU Wheel to set to either of the

4

parameters, then press it. The Menu Screen reappears
with the highlight bar on “ RETURN”.

In the S-VHS ET Setting Menu,

ON : Records with S-VHS picture quality on a VHS

cassette. This is called Super VHS ET
(Expansion Technology).

OFF : Records in VHS.

In the S-VHS Setting Menu,

ON : Records in S-VHS on an S-VHS cassette.
OFF : Records in VHS on an S-VHS cassette.

Press the MENU Wheel in to close the Menu Screen.

5

•When the S-VHS ET mode is engaged, “S-ET” is
displayed.

•During S-VHS record mode, “S“ is displayed.

•When S-VHS ET or S-VHS recording starts,
“S-VHS REC” is displayed for approx. 3 seconds.

NOTE:

If a cassette is not loaded, “S-VHS” will be displayed in the
Menu Screen.

Normal Screen

EN13

NOTES about S-VHS and S-VHS ET



JVC EHG (Extra High Grade) tapes are recommended for superior results.
Use S-VHS tape for storing recordings for an extended period or for recording important scenes, as it
enables higher-quality recording and playback.



With some tapes, better picture quality may not be obtained even with S-VHS ET recording. It is
recommended that you do test record beforehand to make sure whether better results can be obtained.



If the S-VHS ET mode or recording format is switched during recording, the playback picture will be
blurred at the switching point.



It is recommended that tapes recorded in the SP mode on this camcorder be played back on this
camcorder.



Noise may appear on-screen when tapes recorded in the EP mode are played back.



Tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode can be played back not only on this camcorder but also on
a Super VHS VCR or a VCR equipped with the SQPB (S-VHS QUASI PLAYBACK) function.

— When tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode are played back on a VCR equipped with the

SQPB (S-VHS QUASI PLAYBACK) function, S-VHS picture quality is not available.

— Tapes recorded in S-VHS ET mode cannot be played back on some VCRs, including some JVC VCRs

(eg: HR-S6600U, HR-SC1000U, etc.).



Tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode cannot be played back correctly on a normal VHS VCR.



You can play back S-VHS ET recordings not only on this camcorder but also on another VHS VCR
equipped with S-VHS ET.

— It is recommended to specifically label S-VHS ET recordings so you can easily distinguish them from

regular VHS recordings.



S-VHS ET does not work with S-VHS tapes.



To avoid on-screen noise, do not perform Still Playback or Shuttle Search repeatedly.



If the picture contains a lot of jitter or noise, use a cleaning cassette.

Compatibility Between S-VHS And VHS

Recording Playback

Blank tape Camcorder Recorded tape

S-VHS-C
cassette

VHS-C
cassette

S-VHS
recordings

VHS
recordings

Cassette adapter

S-VHS ET
recordings

S-VHS VCR

VHS VCR with SQPB

function

•The recorded format (S-VHS or
VHS) is automatically detected
when playback begins.

Regular VHS VCR

•S-VHS recorded tapes cannot be
viewed on regular VHS VCRs,
other than those equipped with the
SQPB (S-VHS QUASI PLAYBACK)
function.

14 EN

T

30

SP

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Recording Mode Setting

Set the tape recording mode depending on your preference.

S

E

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T
T
T
T

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XIT

2

0

3

0

3

5

4

0

Display

REC MODE

Display

TAPE LENGTH

VIDEO Lamp

MENU Wheel

Power Switch

REC MODE Menu

Recording mode
indicator

TAPE LENGTH
Menu

Set the Power Switch to “ ”. The VIDEO Lamp

1

comes on.

Press the MENU Wheel in. The Menu Screen

2

appears.

Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “ TO SYSTEM

3

MENU” and press it to display SYSTEM MENU.

Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “REC MODE” and

4

press it. The REC MODE Menu appears. Select “SP”
or “EP” by rotating the MENU Wheel and press it.
The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight bar on
“ RETURN”. Press the MENU Wheel in to close the
Menu Screen.

•“EP” (Extended Play) is more economical, providing
three times the recording time.

NOTE:

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

Tape Length Setting

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

Perform steps 1 through 3 above.

1

Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “TAPE LENGTH”,

2

then press it. The TAPE LENGTH Menu appears.

Rotate the MENU Wheel to select the correct tape

3

E

X

IT

Tape length
indicator

length setting.

•T20=20 minutes

•T30=30 minutes

•T35=35 minutes

•T40=40 minutes

(in SP)

Press the MENU Wheel in. The Menu Screen

4

reappears with the highlight bar on “ RETURN”.
Press the MENU Wheel in to close the Menu Screen.

NOTE:

The tape remaining time ( pg. 18) is correct only if the
correct tape length has been selected.

EJECT Switch

Cassette holder

Close Button

Erase Protection tab Gear

Turn to take
up slack.

EN15

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

Open the LCD monitor fully.

1

Slide EJECT until the cassette holder opens. Do not

2

use force to open.

Insert or remove a cassette. When inserting, make

3

sure the label is facing outward.

Press the Close button to close the cassette holder

4

until it locks into place.

Close the LCD monitor.

5

NOTES:

●

Closing the LCD monitor while the cassette holder is still
open may cause damage to the LCD monitor.

●

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

●

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

●

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

●

The cassette holder cannot be opened while the
camcorder is in the record mode.

16 EN

VIDEO Lamp

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Picture Mode Setting

The Picture mode can be selected to best match your
needs. Two Picture modes are available: FINE and
STANDARD (in order of quality).

Set the Power Switch to “ ”. The VIDEO Lamp

1

comes on.



N

E

E

R

C

.

D

I

W

D

–

S

V

A

T

P

I

D

S

P

I

C

S

N

A



R

E

F

I

N

S

T

A

E

X

I



N

E

R

E

C

D

.

W

I

D

–

S

V

T

A

P

D

I

S

P

I

C

N

S

A



R

E

Power Switch

S

Y

S

TGETMHME

X

T
M

O

D

E

Z

O

O

M

E

S

H

L

E

E

N

P

L

A

Y

T

U

R

E

P

S

H

T

O

T

U

R

N

CTURE

E

NTDAPRID

S

Y

S

TGETMHME

T

X

M

O

D

E

Z

O

O

M
E
H

S

E

L

E

N

P

L

A

Y
T

U

R

E
P

S

H

O

T

T

U

R

N

Display

MENU Wheel

Press the MENU Wheel in. The Menu Screen

2

appears.

Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “ TO SYSTEM

3

MENU” and press it to display SYSTEM MENU.

Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “PICTURE” and

4

press it. The PICTURE Menu appears. Select “FINE”
or “STANDARD” by rotating the MENU Wheel and
press it. Selection is complete.

The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight bar on

5

N

U

P

S
5

0

x

O

F

F

O

N

T

3

0

F

U

L

L

F

I

N

E

F

U

L

L

Menu Screen

PICTURE Menu

“ RETURN”. Press the MENU Wheel in to close the
Menu Screen.

Picture Quality
Mode

FINE

STANDARD

Approximate Number of

Storable Images

30

60

NOTES:

●

The number of storable images depends on the selected
Picture mode as well as the composition of the subjects
in the images.

●

The numbers listed above are applicable when the
camcorder’s memory is empty (when there are no
sample images stored).

N

U

P

S
5

0

x
F

O

F

O

N

T

3

0

F

U

L

L

F

I

N

E

F

U

L

L

Normal Screen

VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK

VIDEO RECORDING

VIDEO RECORDING ....................... 18 – 21

Shooting While Watching The Viewfinder ........ 18

Shooting While Watching The LCD Monitor ....... 18

LCD Monitor Brightness Adjustment .............. 18

Power Switch Position ............................. 18

Journalistic Shooting ................................ 19

Self-Recording ....................................... 19

Zooming ............................................. 20

Picture Stabilizer .................................... 20

Quick Review (for scenes recorded onto a tape) .... 21

Retake ............................................... 21

Video Light .......................................... 21

EN17

&

PLAYBACK

CONTENTS

VIDEO PLAYBACK ......................... 22 – 26

LCD Monitor Brightness Adjustment .............. 22

Speaker Volume Control ............................ 22

Still Playback ........................................ 22

Shuttle Search ....................................... 22

Tracking .............................................. 23

TBC (Time Base Corrector) ......................... 23

Counter Memory Function .......................... 23

Playback Special Effects ............................ 23

Basic Connections ............................ 24 – 25

Tape Dubbing ........................................ 25

Using The Cassette Adapter (VHS Playpak) ...... 26

18 EN

BR I GHT

–

–––––––6–––

+

25

MIN

REFRESH Button

Makes the DSC lamp go out.

Power Switch

Recording Start/Stop Button

MIN 119MIN

(Now calculating)

(Blinking) (Blinking) (Blinking)

180°

120MIN

1MIN0MIN

90°

During shooting

Tape remaining
time indicator
(Approximate)

2MIN

BRIGHT Wheel

3MIN

VIDEO RECORDING

NOTE:

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

●

Power ( pg. 8)

●

Load A Cassette ( pg. 15)

●

Recording Mode Setting ( pg. 14)

●

Tape Length Setting ( pg. 14)

●

Grip Adjustment ( pg. 10)

●

Viewfinder Adjustment ( pg. 10)

Shooting While Watching The Viewfinder

Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and locked.

1

Press in the tabs on the lens cap to remove it. Set the
Power Switch to “ ” or “ ”. If the DSC Lamp is lit,
press REFRESH for approx. 1 second to select
“VIDEO”. The VIDEO Lamp lights and the camcorder
enters the Record-Standby mode. “PAUSE” is
displayed in the viewfinder.

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button. “ ” appears

2

in the viewfinder while recording is in progress.

To Stop Recording . . .

.... press the Recording Start/Stop Button. The camcorder

re-enters the Record-Standby mode.

Shooting While Watching The LCD Monitor

Make sure the LCD monitor is fully open. Press in the

1

tabs on the lens cap to remove it. Set the Power
Switch to “ ” or “ ”. If the DSC Lamp is lit, press
REFRESH for approx. 1 second to select “VIDEO”.
The VIDEO Lamp lights and the camcorder enters the
Record-Standby mode. “PAUSE” is displayed in the
LCD monitor.

To Adjust The Brightness Of The LCD Monitor

.... rotate the BRIGHT Wheel until the bright

level indicator on the display moves and
the appropriate brightness is reached.

: Suitable for standard recording using NO special effects or manual adjustments.
: Allows you to set recording functions using the menus for more creative capabilities.

OFF : Switches off the camcorder.

: Allows you to play back your recordings.

Tilt the LCD monitor upward/downward for best

2

viewability and press the Recording Start/Stop Button.
“ ” appears in the LCD monitor while recording is
in progress.

NOTE:

When you use the LCD monitor outdoors in direct
sunlight, the LCD monitor may be difficult to see. If this
happens, use the viewfinder instead.

To Stop Recording . . .

.... press the Recording Start/Stop Button. The camcorder

re-enters the Record-Standby mode.

Power Switch Position

EN19

NOTES:

●

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

●

If you are recording on a cassette from the middle (such as when a tape is removed and re-inserted during
recording), use the Retake function ( pg. 21) to find the end of the last recording so you do not erase any
of it.

●

To remove the indications from the camcorder’s display during recording,  pg. 40, 42.

Self-Recording

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 270° (90°
downward, 180° upward).

SELF-RECORDING

You can shoot yourself while viewing your own
image in the LCD monitor. Open the LCD monitor
and tilt it upward 180° so that it faces forward, then
point the lens toward yourself and start recording.

For other notes,  pg. 59

20 EN

Zoom in (T: Telephoto)

RETAKE (2/3) Button

Display

Picture Stabilizer indicator

Zoom out (W: Wide angle)

LIGHT
OFF/AUTO/ON
Switch

Power Zoom Lever

P. STABILIZER
Button

Zoom indicator
bar

1

x

Zoom level
indicator

Approximate
zoom ratio

VIDEO RECORDING

(cont.)

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

instantaneous change in image magnification.
Digital circuitry extends the maximum magnification offered
by optical zoom. This system is called Digital Zoom.

Zoom In
Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards “T”.

Zoom Out
Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards “W”.

●

The further you slide the Power Zoom Lever, the quicker
the zoom action.

●

Focusing may become unstable during Zooming. In
this case, set the zoom while in Record–Standby, lock
the focus by using the manual focus ( pg. 45), then
zoom in or out in Record mode.

●

The zoom level indicator
Once the zoom level indicator reaches the top of the
zoom indicator bar, all magnification from that point is
through digital processing.

●

When using Digital Zoom, the quality of image may
suffer. To deactivate Digital Zoom, set “D.ZOOM” to
“OFF” in SYSTEM MENU ( pg. 41).

●

Digital zoom cannot be used when the “VIDEO
ECHO” mode ( pg. 39) is activated.

Picture Stabilizer:

images caused by camera-shake, particularly at high
magnification.

1) Press P. STABILIZER. “ ” appears.

2) To switch off the Picture Stabilizer, press
P. STABILIZER. The indicator disappears.

●

Accurate stabilization may not be possible if hand shake
is excessive, or under the following conditions:

•

When shooting subjects with vertical or horizontal
stripes.

•

When shooting dark or dim subjects.

•

When shooting subjects with excessive backlighting.

•

When shooting scenes with movement in various
directions.

•

When shooting scenes with low-contrast backgrounds.

●

Switch off the Picture Stabilizer when recording with
the camcorder on a tripod.

●

The “ ” indicator appears blinking if the Stabilizer
cannot be used.

●

This function cannot be activated during the “Night-
Alive” ( pg. 36), “CLASSIC FILM”, “STROBE” and
“VIDEO ECHO” mode ( pg. 39).

(5)

moves during zoom.

To compensate for unstable

Quick Review (for scenes
recorded onto a tape):

of the last recording.

1) Make sure the camcorder is in the Record–Standby

mode.

2) Press 2 and release quickly.

Tape is rewound for approx. 2 seconds and
played back automatically, then pauses in
Record–Standby mode for the next shot.

●

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

Retake:

1) Make sure the camcorder is in the Record–Standby

mode.

2) Press and hold either RETAKE to reach the start

point for new recording. Pressing 3 forwards the
tape and pressing 2 reverses it.

3) Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to start

recording.

●

Noise bars appear and pictures may become
monochrome or darken during Retake. This is
normal.

To re-record certain segments.

To check the end

EN21

Video Light:

natural lighting is too dim.

1) Set LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON as required:
OFF : Turns off the light.
AUTO : Automatically turns on the light when the

ON : Always keeps the light on as long as the

●

●

●

●

●

camcorder senses insufficient lighting on
the subject.

camcorder is turned on.

The video light can only be used with the
camcorder’s power on.
It is recommended to set the white balance
( pg. 46) to
When not using the video light, turn it off to save
battery power.
Even if the battery indicator
if the battery pack’s charge is low, the camcorder
may turn off automatically when you turn on the
video light, or when you start recording with the
video light turned on.
When LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON is set to “AUTO”:

•

Depending on the lighting conditions, the video
light may keep turning on and off. In this case,
manually switch the light on or off using LIGHT
OFF/AUTO/ON.

•

While the “Sports” or “High Speed Shutter”
mode ( pg. 38) is engaged, the light is likely
to stay on.

•

While the “Twilight” mode ( pg. 38) is
engaged, the light will not activate.

To brighten the scene when

when you use the video light.

( )

does not blink

DANGER

 The video light can become extremely hot.

Do not touch it either while in operation or
soon after turning it off, otherwise serious
injury may result.

 Do not place the camcorder into the carrying

case immediately after using the video light,
since it remains extremely hot for some time.

 When operating, keep a distance of about 30

cm (11-13/16") between the video light and
people or objects.

 Do not use near flammable or explosive

materials.

 It is recommended that you consult your

nearest JVC dealer for replacing the video
light.

22 EN

REFRESH Button

Makes the DSC lamp go out.

Rewind (2) Button

Play/Pause (

Fast-Forward (

Speaker

Set to “

Stop (5) Button

4

/6) Button

3

) Button

BRIGHT Wheel

Power Zoom
Lever (VOL.)

”.

VIDEO PLAYBACK

Load a tape ( pg. 15).

1

Set the Power Switch to “ ”. If the DSC Lamp is

2

lit, press REFRESH for approx. 1 second to select

“VIDEO”.
To start playback, press 4/6.

•To stop playback, press 5.

•Press 2 to rewind, or 3 to fast-forward the tape

during Stop mode.

NOTES:

●

The camcorder shuts off automatically after about
5 minutes in Stop mode. To turn on again, set the Power
Switch to “OFF”, then to “ ”.

●

When the Power Switch is set to “ ” and the LCD
monitor is opened at an angle of 60 degrees or more, the
LCD monitor switches on and the viewfinder switches
off automatically to save power.

●

The playback picture can be viewed in the viewfinder
(with the LCD monitor shut), on the LCD monitor or on
a connected TV ( pg. 24, 25).

●

You can also view the playback picture on the LCD
monitor with it flipped over and retracted.

●

If a blank portion on the tape is played back, the screen
may become black. This is not a malfunction.

LCD Monitor Brightness Adjustment: Rotate the BRIGHT Wheel towards “+” to brighten, or

towards “–” to darken.

●

The Bright Level Indicator is displayed under the Date/Time Display when you play back images recorded in
Wide Mode ( pg. 41).

Speaker Volume Control: Slide the Power Zoom Lever (VOL.) towards “+” to turn up the volume,

or towards “–” to turn down the volume.

●

The Speaker Volume Indicator is displayed under the Date/Time Display when you play back images
recorded in Wide Mode ( pg. 41).

Still Playback: Pauses during playback.

1) Press 4/6 during playback.

2) To resume normal playback, press 4/6 again.

●

Noise bars will appear and the picture will become monochrome during Still Playback.

●

If TBC ( pg. 23) is engaged, noise bars will not appear. This mode is called Fine Still.

Shuttle Search: Allows high-speed search in either direction.

1) Press 3 for forward or 2 for reverse search during playback.

2) To resume normal playback, press 4/6.

●

During playback, press and hold 2 or 3. The search continues as long as you hold the button. Once you
release it, normal playback resumes.

●

Noise bars appear and pictures may become monochrome or darken during Shuttle Search. This is normal.

REFRESH Button

Makes the DSC lamp go out.

COUNTER R/M Button

Rewind (

Play/Pause (

Fast-Forward (

Set to “ ”.

Stop (5) Button

2

) Button

4

/6) Button

3

) Button

TRACKING
Wheel

TBC Button

EN23

Tracking: Eliminates noise bars that appear on-screen

during playback. Factory-preset is Auto Tracking.
To activate Manual Tracking:

1) Press the TRACKING Wheel for approx. 2 seconds.
“MT” appears.

2) Rotate the TRACKING Wheel so that the noise bars
disappear.

●

To return to Auto Tracking, press the TRACKING Wheel
for approx. 2 seconds or set the Power Switch to “OFF”
and then ” ” again. “AT” blinks. When Auto
Tracking finishes, the indication disappears.

●

When noise bars appear during playback, the
camcorder enters the Auto Tracking mode and “AT” is
displayed.

●

Manual Tracking may not work with tapes recorded on
other VCRs or camcorders.

TBC (Time Base Corrector): Removes jitter from

fluctuating video signals to deliver a stable picture even
with old tapes. Factory-preset: TBC is engaged.
To activate/release the TBC mode, press TBC during
playback for more than 1 second. When the TBC mode is
activated, “TBC” is displayed.

Counter Memory Function: Makes it easier to

locate a specific tape segment.

1) Press COUNTER R/M and hold for more than 1 second.
The counter resets to “0:00:00”.

2) Press COUNTER R/M for less than 1 second.
“M” appears.

3) After recording or playback, press 5, then 2. The tape
automatically stops at or close to 0:00:00.

4) Press 4/6 to start playback.

●

The counter memory functions in the Fast-Forward and
Rewind modes.

●

To disable the Counter Memory Function, press
COUNTER R/M for less than 1 second so that “M”
disappears.

Playback Special Effects (CLASSIC FILM,
MONOTONE, SEPIA, STROBE and VIDEO
ECHO,

effects to the playback image.

1) Activate the TBC mode and Auto Tracking.

2) Press DIGIFECT repeatedly until the desired mode’s

3) To cancel the effect, select “OFF” in step 2.

●

●

 pg. 39): Allows you to add creative

name and indication appear. They are displayed for
approx. 2 seconds, then the name disappears so that
only the indication remains. The mode is activated.

Playback Special Effects do not work during shuttle
search.
The selected effect mode cannot be changed during still
playback.

For other notes,  pg. 59