JVC GY-HD250, GY-HD251 User Manual

e_hd250_cover_7.fm Page 1 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:13 PM

GY-HD250/GY-HD251

E

INTRODUCTION

CONTROLS,
INDICATORS AND
CONNECTORS

HD CAMERA RECORDER

HD CAMERA RECORDER

INSTRUCTIONS

GY-HD250
GY-HD251

PREPARATIONS

PREPARATIONS
FOR OPERATION

SETTING AND
ADJUSTMENTS
BEFORE SHOOTING

SHOOTING
OPERATION

PLAYBACK MODE

USING EXTERNAL
COMPONENTS

MENU SCREENS

FEATURES OF THE
CAMERA SECTION

Thank you for purchasing this JVC product. Before operating this
device, please read the instructions carefully to ensure the best
possible performance.

OTHERS

* The illustration shows the GY-HD250/GY-

HD251 HD CAMERA RECORDER with the
provided lens, viewfinder and microphone
attached.

© 2006 Victor Company of Japan, Limited LST0440-001B

For Customer Use:

Enter below the Serial No. which is located on the body.
Retain this information for future reference.
Model No.
Serial No.

LST0440-001B

e_hd250.book Page I Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

Important Safeguards

1. Read all of 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 resisters, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for
your safety.
If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, con­sult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete out­let.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plug, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.

12. 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 tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during light­ning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14. 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
id damaged, liquid has been spilled objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate nor­mally, or has been dropped.

I

e_hd250.book Page II Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

Safety Precautions

FOR USA AND CANADA

INFORMATION (FOR CANADA)
RENSEIGNEMENT (POUR CANADA)

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-

003.

Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la
norme NMB-003 du Canada.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

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.

INFORMATION FOR USA

INFORMATION:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communi­cations. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:

z Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
z Increase the separation between the equipment and

receiver.

z Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different

from that to which the receiver is connected.

z Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for

help.

CAUTION:

CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT APPROVED BY JVC
COULD VOID USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE
EQUIPMENT.

WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELEC­TRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

This unit should be used with 12V DC only.
CAUTION:
To prevent electric shocks and fire hazards, do NOT
use any other power source.

NOTE:

The rating plate (serial number plate) is on the bottom of the unit.

CAUTION:

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

AVERTISSEMENT :
POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D’INCENDIE
OU D’ELECTROCUTION, NE PAS EXPOSER
L’APPAREIL A L’HUMIDITE OU A LA PLUIE.

Ce magnétoscope ne doit être utilisé que sur du cou­rant direct en 12V.
ATTENTION :
Afin d’eviter tout resque d’incendie ou d’électrocu­tion, ne pas utillser d’autres sources d’alimentation
électrique.

REMARQUE:

La plaque signalétique (plaque du numéro desérie) est située sur
le cadre inférieur de l’unité.

Due to design modifications, data given in this instruction book are
subject to possible change without prior notice.

The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and
that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed
close to the apparatus.

Worded - “CAUTION - Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly
replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.”

THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC
RULES.
OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO CON­DITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL
INTERFERENCE, AND (2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT
ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFER­ENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.

II

e_hd250.book Page III Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

Safety Precautions (Cont’d)

FOR EUROPE

This equipment is in conformity with the provisions and protection
requirements of the corresponding European Directives.
This equipment is designed for professional video appliances and
can be used in the following environments:

z residential area (in houses)
z commercial and light industry; e.g. offices or theatres
z urban outdoors

In order to keep the best performance and furthermore for electro­magnetic compatibility we recommend to use cables not exceeding
the following length:

Camera

Port Cable Length

DC IN Exclusive Cable 2 m

VIDEO Coaxial Cable 3 m

Y, P

B, PR Coaxial Cable 3 m

AUDIO INPUT1,
INPUT2

AUDIO OUT CH1,
CH2

Phones1, 2 Exclusive Cable 2 m

IEEE1394 (HDV/DV)

GENLOCK/AUX IN Coaxial Cable 3 m

HD/SD-SDI Coaxial Cable 3 m

REMOTE Exclusive Cable 5 m

STUDIO Exclusive Cable 1 m

Shielded Cable 3 m

Shielded Cable 3 m

Exclusive Cable 4.5 m

WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

This unit should be used with 12V DC only.
CAUTION:
To prevent electric shocks and fire hazards, do NOT
use any other power source.

NOTE:

The rating plate (serial number plate) is on the bottom of the unit.

CAUTION:

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

Due to design modifications, data given in this instruction book are
subject to possible change without prior notice.

The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and
that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed
close to the apparatus.

Worded - “CAUTION - Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly
replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.”

Caution: Where there are strong electromagnetic waves or mag­netism, for example near a radio or TV transmitter, transformer,
motor, etc., the picture and the sound may be disturbed. In such
case, please keep the apparatus away from the sources of the dis­turbance.

Dear Customer,

This apparatus is in conformance with the valid European direc­tives and standards regarding electromagnetic compatibility and
electrical safety.

European representative of Victor Company of Japan Limited is:
JVC Technology Centre Europe GmbH
P.O. Box 10 05 52
61145 Friedberg
Germany

III

e_hd250.book Page IV Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

Information for Users on Disposal of
Old Equipment

Attention:

This symbol is only valid in the European
Union.

[European Union]

This symbol indicates that the electrical and electronic equip­ment should not be disposed as general household waste at
its end-of-life. Instead, the product should be handed over to
the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical
and electronic equipment for proper treatment, recovery and
recycling in accordance with your national legislation.

By disposing of this product correctly, you will help to con­serve natural resources and will help prevent potential nega­tive effects on the environment and human health which
could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling
of this product. For more information about collection point
and recycling of this product, please contact your local
municipal office, your household waste disposal service or
the shop where you purchased the product.
Penalties may be applicable for incorrect disposal of this
waste, in accordance with national legislation.

(Business users)

If you wish to dispose of this product, please visit our web
page www.jvc-europe.com
take-back of the product.

[Other Countries outside the European Union]

If you wish to dispose of this product, please do so in accor­dance with applicable national legislation or other rules in
your country for the treatment of old electrical and electronic
equipment.

to obtain information about the

IV

e_hd250.book Page 2 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

Thank you for purchasing the JVC GY-HD250U/CHU and
GY-HD251E/CHE HD CAMERA RECORDER.
These instructions are for the GY-HD250U/CHU and GY­HD251E/CHE.

• A lens is included with the GY-HD250U and GY-HD251E.

• A lens is not included with the GY-HD250CHU and GY­HD251CHE.

Information applicable only to the GY-HD250U/CHU is
marked by “(U model only)”.
Information applicable only to the GY-HD251E/CHE is
marked by “(E model only)”.

ACCESSORIES

This device is a HDV/DV video system format camera

/

recorder.
Videocassettes marked with the A symbol can be used.

The following phenomena may occur when tapes recorded
on other units (including another GY-HD250/GY-HD251)
are recorded or played back on GY-HD250/GY-HD251.

• The transient section between scenes recorded on other
units and those recorded on this device may appear dis­turbed.

• Digital noise may appear during playback due to track­ing errors.

• This device records and plays back in the SP mode.
Recording or playback in the LP mode is not possible.
(In DV format)

• Due to manufacturing dispersion of tapes, we recom­mend not to record pictures within the first 2 to 3 min­utes from the beginning of the tape.

• Before recording important scenes, be sure to perform a
test recording and confirm that both video and audio are
recorded correctly.

• Recorded video and audio contents are for private use.
Other use may infringe on the rights of copyright hold­ers.

• JVC cannot assume liabilities that may derive from the
impossibility of normal recording or playback of video or
audio due to malfunction of this device or the videocas­sette.

(Excluding the CHU/CHE

model)

Lens

X See pages 10 and 33

Core Filter

For Viewfinder Cable

X Seepage34

SD memory card

X Seepage34

Microphone

X Seepage33

Clamp Filters ×4

For DC (×2)/Earphone/

IEEE1394 Cable

X See pages 12, 36 and 64

Tripod base

(Provided only for U model)

X Seepage35

* All product names in this manual are trademarks or regis-

tered trademarks of their respective companies.
Marks such as ™, ® and © are not used in this manual.

2

e_hd250.book Page 3 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

MAIN FEATURES

• GY-HD250/GY-HD251 records in HDV format or DV format.
DV format can record and play back SD (Standard Defini­tion) video on Mini DV videocassettes.
HDV format can record and play back HD (High Definition)
video on Mini DV videocassettes.
There are two types of recording formats within HDV format.
HDV 720p (720 effective scan lines, progressive scan)
HDV 1080i (1080 effective scan lines, interlaced scan)

GY-HD250/GY-HD251 supports HDV 720p format. (HDV
720p)
HDV and are trademarks of Sony Corporation
and Victor Company of Japan, Limited.

• 24p mode shooting function
In HDV format, it records in 24p mode.
It uses a 2:3:2:3 pulldown when recording to tape and con­verts the images to 60 frames. Component output is con­verted to 60 frames during playback as well.
24p DV format video uses a 2:3:2:3 pulldown (24p Mode).
A 2:3:3:2 pulldown (24p Advanced Mode) is also supported.
It can shoot with the same number of frames as movie
film.

• Time code input/output terminal and slave lock function
Slave lock to an external time code generator connected
to the time code input terminal.
The time code output terminal outputs built-in time code
generator data.

• Built-in large 3.5" color LCD display
In addition to displaying the camera image and the play­back image, the LCD monitor shows the status screens,
menu screens for settings, and alarm indications.

• Built-in monitor speaker for audio checking
The input audio can be monitored in recording or EE mode.
The playback sound can be monitored in the playback
mode. The speaker also outputs an alarm tone in case an
abnormal condition occurs in this device.

• Recording check function for convenient recording review
function

• Camera section designed with 3-CCD system for high­quality picture
1/3" 3-CCD with 1,110,000 effective pixels employed. Dig­ital signal processing for reproduction of HDV/DV high­quality picture.

• Multi-Zone Auto Iris Detection Circuit
Multi-zone auto iris detection circuit ensures optimum iris
position even in back light conditions or when a bright sub­ject moves in a frame.

• Tapes recorded in the DVCAM format can only be played
back (simple playback).
Recording in the DVCAM format is not possible.
DVCAM is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

• 60 Hz/50 Hz HD or HDTV signals
Supports both 60 Hz/50 Hz HD or HDTV signals.
You can select this in a menu screen.

• Cross-convert video output
You can output converted video from the video output con­nectors. You can select this in a menu screen.

• Outputs composite, component, Y/C separate and RGB
signals as analog video in DV format. Outputs composite
and component signals in HDV format.

• Features HD/SD SDI output terminals
Outputs serial digital HD and SD signals.

• Focus assist function
Enables easy and accurate focusing during shooting.

• User buttons added
Enables you to switch camera settings instantly to suit the
shooting conditions.

• External video signal input enabled
Records composite video signals from an external source.

• GENLOCK input terminal
Input BB (Black Burst) or HD Tri-sync signals. SC phase
and HD/SD H phase adjustments can be performed.

• Time code reader/generator
The built-in time code reader/generator can be used to
record the time code and user’s bits.

• Safety Zone indication in viewfinder

• Zebra pattern video level indication in viewfinder

• Full Auto Shooting (FAS) function
Eliminates the need for troublesome switch or filter opera­tions by automatically providing a wide range of compati­bility with shooting conditions that change as you move
between indoors and outdoors or between bright and dark
locations.

• ND filters for 1/4ND, 1/16ND provided

• IEEE1394 connector
IEEE1394 connector (6-pin) provided. Enables transfer of
digital data to other equipment provided with IEEE1394
connector, such as a non-linear editing system. (Power
cannot be supplied.)

• 1/3" bayonet type lens

• Built-in color bars (ARIB (multi-format color bars), SMPTE/
EBU type)

• Shutter speeds and menus can be selected using a dial,
making it very easy to use.

• Variable scan shutter
There is no flicker when shooting computer screens and
other non-NTSC/PAL format screens.

• Slow shutter
Makes it possible to brightly shoot video of dark subjects
with little motion by accumulating the images.

• Backup recording function
Continuous extended recording is possible by connecting
to HDV/DV devices.

• Connect to KA-HD250 Studio Kit and use as a studio cam­era.

3

e_hd250.book Page 4 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

CONTENTS

ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

MAIN FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

INTRODUCTION

Precautions for Proper Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Routine and Periodical Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Precautions for Use of Head Cleaning Tape . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Battery Pack to be Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Videocassette to be Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

For recording and storing videotapes in the best condition

Condensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Characteristic CCD Phenomena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND
CONNECTORS

ZOOM Lens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Front Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Rear Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

LCD Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Right Side Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Left Side Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Top Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Recording and Image Output Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Indications on the LCD Monitor and in the Viewfinder . . . . 22

Status Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Status Screens in the Camera Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Status Screen in VTR MODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Magnified Status Indications on the LCD Monitor. . . . . 29

Auto White Balance Indication (Camera mode only)

Menu Setting Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Alarm Message Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Safety Zone Indication (Camera mode only) . . . . . . . .30

Switching between the LCD Screen and

Viewfinder Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

PREPARATIONS

Basic System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Attaching the Zoom Lens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Attaching the Microphone (Provided) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

How to Attach the Viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Inserting an SD Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Inserting an SD Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Taking out the SD memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

About SD Memory Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Attaching the Tripod Base (Provided only for U model)

AC Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

. . . 8

. . . .30

. . . . . 35

Charging the Built-in Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Battery Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Attaching the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Removing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Precautions for the Battery Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Remaining Battery Power Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Operating Time with Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Precautions for the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Recharging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

PREPARATIONS FOR OPERATION

Turning the Power ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Turning the Power ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Turning the Power OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Loading/Unloading the Cassette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Cassette Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Unloading the Cassette. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Setting and Displaying the Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Setting the Date and Time Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Setting the Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Displaying the Time and Date on the Screen . . . . . . . . 42

Displaying Time Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Displayed Time Code/User’s Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Time code input entered the IEEE1394 connector . . . .43

Presetting and Recording of Time Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Presetting time code data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Presetting user’s bit data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Zero-resetting the Time Code or User’s Bit Data . . . . .45

Presetting the Time Code from the LCD Screen . . . . . . . .46

Recording Time Codes in Continuation of

Time Codes Recorded on Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Playing Back Time Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Synchronizing with the Time Code of

the IEEE1394 (DV)-Connected Master Unit . . . . . . 48

Synchronizing with an External Time Code Generator . . .49

Screen Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Viewfinder Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Back Focus Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

White Balance Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

White Balance Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Full Auto White Balance (FAW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

White Shading Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

SETTING AND ADJUSTMENTS BEFORE
SHOOTING

Setting the Video Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Setting the FRAME RATE Item. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Camera Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Screen Size (4:3/16:9) Mode Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Audio Input Signal Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Selecting the CH-2 channel input connector. . . . . . . . .56

Selecting the audio signal input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

4

e_hd250.book Page 5 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

Adjusting Audio during Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Monitoring Audio during Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

SHOOTING OPERATION

Basic Recording Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

If the Record-Standby Mode Continues . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Checking Recorded Contents in Record-Standby Mode

(Recording Check Function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

HEADER REC Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

PLAYBACK MODE

Playback Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Fast-Forward, Rewind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Outputting Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

USING EXTERNAL COMPONENTS

Connecting the Video Signal Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Connecting the IEEE1394 Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Recording Composite Video Signals from

an External Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Using GENLOCK Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Dubbing with AV Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

HDV/DV Dubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Backup Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Connect a Remote Control Unit (RM-LP55/RM-LP57) . . . 71

OTHERS[1/2] Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

OTHERS[2/2] Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

GENLOCK Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

FILE MANAGE Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Displaying the FILE MANAGE menu screen . . . . . . .100

Loading a menu settings file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Saving settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Resetting the menu settings to the factory settings

Initializing (formatting) an SD memory card . . . . . . . .102

. . . .102

FEATURES OF THE CAMERA SECTION

How to Use Skin Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Outputting Color Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

OTHERS

Warnings and Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

How to Display the Hour Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

MENU SCREENS

Menu Screen Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Setting Menu Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

TOP MENU Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

VIDEO FORMAT[1/2] Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

VIDEO FORMAT[2/2] Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

CAMERA OPERATION Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

CAMERA PROCESS[1/2] Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

CAMERA PROCESS[2/2] Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

ADVANCED PROCESS Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

COLOR MATRIX ADJUST Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

SKIN COLOR ADJUST Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

WHITE BALANCE Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

SWITCH MODE Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

AUDIO/MIC[1/2] Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

AUDIO/MIC[2/2] Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

LCD/VF[1/4] Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

LCD/VF[2/4] Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

LCD/VF[3/4] Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

LCD/VF[4/4] Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

TC/UB/CLOCK Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

HEADER REC Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

TIME/DATE Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

5

e_hd250.book Page 6 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

INTRODUCTION

Precautions for Proper
Use

• Supply voltage

Make sure that the power is between 11 V and 15 V DC. If
the power voltage is too low, abnormal color and
increased noise may occur.

• Allowable ambient temperature and humidity

Be sure to use this device within the allowable tempera­ture range of 0°C to 40°C and a relative humidity of 30% to
80%. Using this device at a temperature or humidity out­side the allowable ranges could result not only in malfunc­tion but the impact on the CCD elements could be serious
as small white spots may be generated.

• Strong electromagnetic waves or magnetism

Noise may appear in the picture or audio and/or the colors
may be incorrect if the camera is used near a radio or tele­vision transmitting antenna, in places where strong mag­netic fields are generated by transformers, motors, etc., or
near devices emitting radio waves, such as transceivers or
cellular phones.

• Use of wireless microphone near the camera

When a wireless microphone or wireless microphone
tuner is used near the camera during recording, the tuner
could pick up noise.

• Avoid using or placing this device in places;

• subject to extreme heat or cold;

• with excessive dirt or dust;

• with high humidity or moisture;

• subject to smoke or vapour such as near a cooking
stove;

• subject to strong vibrations or on an unstable surface;

• also do not leave this device for long hours in a parked
car under direct sunlight or near room heating equip­ment.

• Do not leave this device where it is subject to radiation or
X-rays or where corrosive gasses occur.

• Protect this device from being splashed with water (espe­cially when shooting in the rain).

• Protect this device from being wet when shooting on a
beach.
In addition, salt and sand may adhere to the camera body.
Be sure to clean the camera after use.

• Protect this device against penetration of dust when using
it in a place subject to sandy dust.

• Optical performance of lens
Due to the optical performance of the lens, color diver­gence phenomena (magnification chromatic aberration)
may occur at the periphery of the image.
This is not a camera malfunction.

• Noise may appear in the viewfinder when switching
between the playback picture and the EE picture.

• Use this device in an upright position.
If placed on its side, heat release efficiency will deterio­rate, adversely affecting the tape transport. Depending on
circumstances the tape may also be damaged.

• Vibrations
Colors may fail to appear and/or the image and sound
may be disturbed during VTR playback in locations sub­jected to strong vibrations.

• Precautions for transportation
Do not drop or hit this device against a hard object.

• Remove the videocassette before transporting this device.

• Do not insert an object other than a videocassette in the
cassette insertion slot. Be sure to close the cassette cover
when this device is not to be used for a long period.

• Do not set the POWER switch to OFF or remove the
power cable during recording or playback. Otherwise the
tape may be damaged.

• The sensitivity level of the provided microphone is set
lower than the reference input (–60 dBs) setting.

• When this device is not in use, be sure to set the POWER
switch to OFF in order to reduce power consumption.

• Cleaning the body: Wipe body with a dry, soft cloth. To
prevent deformation of the body, etc. and to avoid opera­tion hazards, do not allow volatile liquids such as benzine
and thinner to touch the body, and do not wipe it with a
cloth soaked in such a liquid. When it is extremely dirty,
soak the cloth in a solution of neutral detergent, wipe the
body with it, and then use a clean cloth to remove the
detergent.

• The camera may not show stable pictures in the period
immediately after the power is turned on, but this is not a
malfunction.

• A sound occurs when the built-in head cleaner that runs
when you load or eject a videocassette operates, but this
is not a malfunction.

• The LCD monitor and the viewfinder screen
The LCD monitor and the viewfinder screen are manufac­tured using high-precision technology. Black spots may
appear on the LCD monitor and the viewfinder screen, or
red, blue, green and/or white spots may not turn off. How­ever, this is not a malfunction and these spots are not
recorded on the tape.

• If you use this device continuously for a long period of
time, the characters displayed in the viewfinder may tem­porarily remain on the screen. This is not recorded on the
tape. In addition, they are no longer displayed if you turn
the power off and then on again.

• If you use this device in a cold location, the images may
appear to lag on the screen, but this is not a malfunction.
This is not recorded on the tape.

• Do not insert fingers or foreign objects into the cassette
insertion slot as this may result in personal injury or dam­age to the mechanism.

• To prevent damage to the connectors, use this device with
the connector covers on when you are not using the video/
audio signal output connectors.

CAUTION

• Do not point the lens or viewfinder directly at the sun or
other strong light source.

• Eye damage could result.

• If the lens or viewfinder is left pointed at the sun, rays

may collect inside this device and cause damage or a
fire.

• When carrying the camera, be sure to hold the carrying
handle. Holding the lens or viewfinder may result in
damage.

6

e_hd250.book Page 7 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

Routine and Periodical
Maintenance

The GY-HD250/GY-HD251 incorporates precision mechani­cal parts, which will collect dirt, wear out and deteriorate as
this device is used. After this device has been used for a long
period even in a normal environment, the heads, drums and
tape transport mechanisms also collect dirt. Especially, dust
which penetrates the inside of the VTR section during out­door use will promote the wear and deterioration of mechani­cal parts by causing poor contact between tape and heads or
failing to maintain the video and audio quality at high levels.
To prevent wear and deterioration, clean the mechanical
parts using a head cleaning tape as routine maintenance.
However, cleaning with a head cleaning tape alone is not
enough for cleaning the entire tape transport mechanism, so
it is also recommended to apply periodical maintenance
(inspection) to prevent the sudden occurrence of failure. As
the replacement, adjustment and servicing of parts require
advanced skill and equipment, please consult the person in
charge of professional video equipment at your nearest JVC­authorized service agent.

Head Cleaning

• To maintain beautiful pictures and sound, be sure to use a
head cleaning tape to clean the head periodically.
X See “Precautions for Use of Head Cleaning Tape”. If
head cleaning is not performed periodically, a type of
mosaic noise called block noise may appear in the picture
or sound may be interrupted.

Block Noise

• Please use cleaning tape produced by JVC. Do not use
head cleaning tapes other than specified.
X See “Precautions for Use of Head Cleaning Tape”
about how to use the head cleaning tape and precautions
for use of the head cleaning tape.

• When dust adheres to the heads, the warning message
“HEAD CLEANING REQUIRED!” is displayed on the LCD
monitor, and in the viewfinder during playback and record­ing check using the RET button on the lens section.

Periodical Maintenance

Contents : Check or replace the following mechanical parts

according to the running time.

Usage Time 500H 1000H 1500H 2000H

Drum assembly (includ­ing heads)

Tape guides, rollers GEEF
Belt gears HEEF
Drive parts HHE F

G: Clean, check and adjust.
E: Clean and check. Replace as required.
F: Replace.

GEEF

• The maintenance contents vary depending on the operat­ing environment and method. Therefore, the data in the
chart should be considered as a reference.

Time management
The accumulated running time of this device can be con­firmed with the hour meter display (which shows the accu­mulated drum and fan motor running time). X See “How to
Display the Hour Meter” on page 111.

For consultations related to the maintenance planning or
cost, please contact the person in charge of professional
video equipment at your nearest JVC-authorized service
agent.

Precautions for Use of
Head Cleaning Tape

Please use cleaning tape produced by JVC.
Adhere to the following precautions when using the head
cleaning tape.

1. Insert the cleaning tape.

Press the PLAY/STILL button after the cleaning tape is
fully loaded.
The tape runs for 10 seconds at a time in the PLAY
mode. (The tape stops automatically and then this device
enters the STOP mode.)

2. Do not use the tape more than four times at the most for

each cleaning.

 Use the following chart as a guide for periodical head

cleaning.

Low

Running

Operating envi­ronment

Yardstick for
use of cleaning
tape

Note 1) When used in a low humidity environment, head

Note 2) If an M-DV80 tape is used immediately after head

Note 3) Use the cleaning tape in the room temperature

Note 4) The cleaning tape case contains instructions for

Note 5) If the “HEAD CLEANING REQUIRED!” does not

temperature

0°C to 10°C 10°C to 35°C 35°C to 40°C

1 to 2 times ev­ery 5 hours

cleaning should be conducted at intervals half of
those given in the chart above.

cleaning, the “HEAD CLEANING REQUIRED!”
indicator may remain on. In this case, let the tape
run as the indicator will turn off after the tape has
run for a while.

(10°C to 35°C).

use of the cleaning tape. However, some of these
instructions differ from the contents of this sheet.
When using the cleaning tape, please follow the
instructions of this sheet.

disappear after repeated head cleanings, the
recording tape may be abnormal. Avoid excessive
repeated use of the head cleaning tape.

Room
temperature

1 to 2 times ev­ery 20 to 30
hours

High
temperature

1 to 2 times ev­ery 5 hours

7

e_hd250.book Page 8 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

INTRODUCTION

Battery Pack to be Used

The GY-HD250/GY-HD251 can use any of the following bat­teries. (Factory setting)

U model: Anton Bauer battery
E model: IDX battery

Recommended batteries

U model: Dionic 90 (Anton Bauer)
E model: Endura-7 (IDX)

CAUTION

Use only the recommended batteries.
If a heavy battery is used, the battery may fall out depend­ing on the way the HD camera recorder is used.

Videocassette to be Used

• Use JVC’s videocassette tapes marked with the A

symbol.

• Mini DV videocassette : M-DV63HD
M-DV63PROHD

* Do not use M-DV80.

• Videocassettes cannot be used upside down.

• Avoid storing a videocassette with its tape not being com-

pletely wound, as this may damage the tape. Rewind it to
the beginning before placing a cassette into storage.

• Store videocassettes in a place with little humidity and

good ventilation where mould does not form.

• After a videocassette tape has been used repeatedly, it

becomes unable to maintain full performance due to an
increase in noise caused by dropouts, etc. Do not continue
to use a dirty or damaged tape, as this will reduce the
rotary head life.

• Videocassette tapes with the A symbol are provided

with a switch on the back to prevent accidental erasure.

• Slide the switch to SAVE to protect the required recording

in the tape from being overwritten.

• To record on the tape, slide the switch to REC.

For recording and storing
videotapes in the best con­dition

Observe the following instructions for the best recording and
storage of videotapes.

• Take care of the conditions of handling videotapes. It is
recommended that you record and store videotapes in the
environment below.

Storage

Recording

Temperature 17°C to 25°C 15°C to 23°C 15°C to 19°C

Humidity 30% to 70% 40% to 55% 25% to 35%

Hourly tempera-

ture change

Hourly humidity

change

• Do not leave the videotapes neglected for a long period. If
videotapes are left wound for a long period of time, it may
result in distortion of the tape. Also it may cause tape-to­tape adhesion (known as blocking). It is recommended
that videotapes be unspooled and rewound once a year
for refreshing.

• When tapes are not in use, store them in cases and on
end. Storage cases protect videotapes from humidity, dust
and ultraviolet light. Keep tapes in cases and do not store
them lying flat. When housed in a horizontal position, pres­sure from other tapes can cause distortions and deforma­tions of the tape edges.

Less than

10°C

Less than

10%

Short period

(Up to 10

years)

HH

HH

Long period

(Over 10

years)

8

Switch

e_hd250.book Page 9 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

Condensation

• If this device has been cooled down in a cold place and is
then carried to a warm place, the moisture contained in
the warm air may adhere to the head drum or tape guides
and be cooled into water droplets. This phenomenon is
referred to as condensation (dew). When this occurs, the
head drum and tape guides are covered with droplets
allowing the tape to be stuck to them, leading to tape dam­age.

• Condensation occurs in the following cases:

• When this device is suddenly

moved from a cold place to a
warm place.

• When a room heater has just

started or when this device is
exposed directly to cold air from
an air conditioner.

• When this device is placed in a

very humid place.

Head drum

Video tape

eocassette, place this device in a tightly sealed vinyl bag,
and then move it to a new environment.
To ensure no condensation occurs, allow the temperature
of this device in the bag to reach that of the new environ­ment before using it.

Characteristic CCD Phe­nomena

Smear and Blooming
Due to the physical structure of a CCD it is possible to induce
vertical streaking (called “smear”) when shooting an
extremely bright light source. Another effect is the expansion
of light around a bright light or object (called “blooming”).
The CCD employed in this device is characterized by induc­ing very little smear or blooming. Nevertheless, please take
note that smear or blooming may be induced when shooting
a bright light source.

Smear
Vertical pale streaking appearing at high
luminous object

Do not leave the videocassette inserted when moving the
camera under conditions where the temperature environ­ment changes.
After moving this device, do not use until the internal parts
have stabilized.

• “CONDENSATION ON DRUM” is displayed on the LCD
monitor and in the viewfinder when condensation occurs
in this device.

Keep the power on until the warning message disappears.
If the power is turned off while the warning message is dis­played, condensation may remain in the device even if the
warning message is not displayed. Wait until this device is
completely dry before using.

• Pay attention to condensation even before the condensa­tion indication appears.
As condensation forms gradually, the condensation indica­tion may not appear for the first 10-15 minutes after con­densation has formed inside.
In an extremely cold place, the condensation could freeze
and turn into frost. In such a case, it takes an additional 2­3 hours for the frost to first melt into condensation and
then to be dissolved.

• To prevent condensation
When moving this device from one place to another where
the temperatures are greatly deferent, first remove the vid-

High luminous object
(Electric light, sunlight, etc.)

Blooming

Monitor screen

Moire or Aliasing
Shooting stripes or fine patterns may cause a jagged effect
or a banding in fine mesh patterns.

White dots
High temperatures can cause CCD sensor pixels to produce
the effect of white dots in the image. This condition is con­spicuous especially when gain is applied.
This is a characteristic of the charged-coupled device (CCD).
As far as possible, use this device under conditions where
the temperature of this device does not increase.

Blurring in highlight

9

e_hd250.book Page 10 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS

ZOOM Lens

The zoom lens is not provided with the GY-HD250CHU or
the GY-HD251CHE.

Th16 × 5.5BRMU

3

2

1

6ZOOM servo control lever

To operate the servo zoom feature with this lever, set the
ZOOM knob b to “S”.

• Pressing the “W” section of this lever increases the
angle of the lens for a wider shooting angle.

• Pressing the “T” section of this lever narrows the lens
angle perspective for telephoto shots.

• Pushing harder changes the speed of the zoom.

7IRIS mode switch

A : Activates the auto iris feature.
M : Allows manual iris control.

8Momentary auto iris button

When the IRIS mode switch 7 is at “M”, pushing this but­ton activates the Auto Iris Function while it is held down
only.

9[S] IRIS speed adjusting control

For adjusting the iris operation speed.

789

b

M
A

d

MACRO

c

RET

WT

4

0

5

6

a

1FOCUS ring

Manual focus ring.

2ZOOM lever/ring

This is the manual zoom ring equipped with a zoom lever.
To adjust the zoom manually, turn the zoom mode knob b
to position “M”.

3IRIS ring

Manual iris ring. To activate the auto iris feature, set the
Iris Mode switch 7 to “A”.

4[VTR] VTR trigger button

To start/stop shooting.

5[RET] Return video button

You can only monitor the return video signal from the VTR
on the viewfinder, LCD monitor and video signal connector
while this button is pressed.
When the camera control unit is connected, you can moni­tor the return video signal on the viewfinder while this but­ton is pressed. You cannot monitor on the LCD monitor or
video output terminal.
When you set the LENS RET item to “FOCUS ASSIST” in
the SWITCH MODE menu screen, you can use this button
as the FOCUS ASSIST button.
X See page 86.

MEMO

If the speed becomes too fast, hunting may occur. To avoid
the phenomena described above, perform adjustment
again.

0FILTER thread

Protect the lens with a clear filter or UV filter by screwing
the filter onto the thread inside the lens hood from the
front.
Other filters can be used for various effects.

aZOOM servo connector

Connect an optional zoom servo unit here.

b[ZOOM] ZOOM mode knob

S : Servo zoom mode. Allows operation by the zoom

servo control lever 6.

M : Manual zoom mode. Allows zoom control by the

zoom lever/ring 2.

cBACK FOCUS ring/fixing screw

For back focus adjustment only. Secure with the screw
knob after adjustment. X See “Back Focus Adjustment”
on page 51.

dMacro focusing ring (for close-up shooting)

By rotating this ring in the direction of the arrow, close-up
shooting of very small objects becomes possible.
Normal focus adjustment and zooming are not available in
the macro mode.
To shoot images in the macro mode, set the focus ring 1
to the infinite position (∞) and the zoom ring 2 to the max­imum wide-angle position. To adjust the focus of the
macro image, rotate this ring in the direction of the arrow
until the object is focused.

CAUTION

• The back-focus knob is located close to the macro ring,
be careful not to mistake the back-focus knob for the
macro ring.

• After the required operation, be sure to return the macro
focusing ring to the normal position.

X See “Attaching the Zoom Lens” on page 33.
X See “Back Focus Adjustment” on page 51.

10

e_hd250.book Page 11 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

Front Section

32

4

5

1Shoe

Makes it possible to mount separately sold lights and
accessories.

2Knob

This is the mounting knob for the microphone holder 3.

3Microphone holder

Makes it possible to attach the provided microphone or a
separately sold microphone.
X See “Attaching the Microphone (Provided)”
on page 33.

4Front tally lamp

This lamp lights up when the GY-HD250/GY-HD251 enters
the record mode. It blinks during the transition to the
record mode.
When the tape has run out, or the VTR enters the warning
mode, it blinks quickly.

• Use the FRONT TALLY item on the OTHERS[1/2] menu
screen to select whether or not the lamp should light
and the lighting pattern.
X See page 96.

5[LENS] Lens control connector

Connect 12-pin lens control cable from lens here.

Pin
No.

1 Return switch 7 Iris position

2 VTR trigger 8 IRIS A/R INPUT

3 GND 9 EXTENDER position

4

5 IRIS control 11 –

6 +12V DC 12 –

Function

Lens AUTO/MANU con­trol

1

8

7

6

Pin
No.

10 ZOOM position

6[ZEBRA] Zebra switch

When this switch is ON, a zebra pattern is imposed on the
viewfinder or LCD areas having luminance levels in accor­dance with the menu settings made for the video signal.
This pattern can be used as a reference for manual adjust­ment of the lens iris. Zebra patterns are also displayed
during color bar display when this switch is set to ON.

• The default value is 70% - 80%. The luminance level
can be changed with the ZEBRA setting in the LCD/
VF[1/4] menu screen.
X See page 89.

While this switch is pressed to the SKIN AREA side, the
color tone areas specified with the SKIN COLOR ADJUST
item on the ADVANCED PROCESS menu are indicated in
the viewfinder. The switch returns to the OFF position
when released.
X See “How to Use Skin Detail” on page 103.
* The Skin Detail color tone areas are not indicated while

the color bar or VTR playback picture is shown in the
viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

7[AWB] Auto white balance button

When the WHT.BAL switch c on page 15 is set to A or B
and you press this button, the white balance is automati­cally adjusted.
* It is not activated in preset, full auto shooting, full auto

white balance and color bar modes.
X See “White Balance Adjustment” on page 52.

8Lens mounting ring/Lens lock lever

Hold the lens and use the lever to turn the ring anticlock­wise to release lens.
To mount lens make sure the lens guide pin fits well, and
then turn the ring clockwise until firm.
X See “Attaching the Zoom Lens” on page 33.

Function

11

e_hd250.book Page 12 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS

Rear Section

 Connecting the Earphone Cable
To reduce the emission of unwanted radio waves, be sure to
attach the provided clamp filter as shown in the figure below.

• Attach the clamp filter as close to this device as possible,
as shown in the figure.

1

2

3

4

1Back tally lamp

This lamp lights up when the GY-HD250/GY-HD251 enters
the record mode. It blinks during the transition to the
record mode.
When the tape has run out, or the VTR enters the warning
mode, it blinks quickly.

• Use the BACK TALLY item on the OTHERS[1/2] menu
screen to select whether or not the lamp should light
and the lighting pattern.
X See page 96.

2[PHONES] Earphone jack

This is a stereo mini-jack for connecting an earphone for
audio monitoring. Plug in an earphone or headphone with
a 3.5 mm diameter plug. The earphone can also be used
to monitor alarm tones in accordance with the circum­stances.
The audio channel to be output is selected with the AUDIO
MONITOR item on the AUDIO/MIC[2/2] menu screen and
MONITOR SELECT switch d on page 19.
The audio output level is adjusted with the Audio monitor
volume control 3 on page 14.

Earphone cable

Clamp filter

3Shoulder belt hooks

Allows you to attach a separately sold shoulder belt.

4LCD monitor

Shows a color camera image or the VTR playback picture.
It is also used for displaying the following:

• Menu Setting screens

• Characters showing the whether the GY-HD250/GY­HD251 is set to shooting mode or VTR playback mode

• Date and time and time code

• Audio level meter

• Warning indications, etc.

X See page 22.

MEMO

• The volume of the alarm sound is set with the ALARM
VR LEVEL item on the OTHERS[1/2] menu screen.

• When using a stereotype jack and stereo sound should
be output, the following setting should be performed.
Set the MONITOR SELECT switch d on page 19 to
BOTH.
Set the AUDIO MONITOR item on the AUDIO/MIC[2/2]
menu screen to STEREO.

12

e_hd250.book Page 13 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

LCD Door

LCD BRIGHT

-

1

2

+

AUDIO SELECT

CH-2

CH-1

AUTO
MANU

1[LCD BRIGHT +/–] LCD brightness +/– button

This button is for adjusting the brightness of the LCD mon­itor display.

• Pushing the button in the + direction makes the monitor
brighter.

• Pushing the button in the – direction makes the monitor
darker.

• Pushing the +/– buttons simultaneously returns the set­ting to the standard setting.

2[CH-1/CH-2 AUDIO SELECT] CH-1/CH-2 audio selector

switch

Selects the method of adjusting the CH-1 and CH-2 audio
channel audio levels.

AUTO : The audio level is automatically adjusted

according to the input level. When excessive
audio is input, the limiter works to suppress
the audio level.
The “AUTO” LED in the CH-1/CH-2 AUDIO
LEVEL area f on page 15 lights.

MANU : Allows you to adjust the audio levels using

the CH-1/CH-2 AUDIO LEVEL volume con­trols f on page 15.
Set AUDIO LIMITER on the AUDIO/MIC[1/2]
menu screen to use limiter functions when
excessive audio is input.
X See “AUDIO LIMITER” on page 87.

3[TC DISPLAY] TC/UB display switch

Selects the contents displayed on the TC counter of the
LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. (This switch works when
the TC/UB item on the LCD/VF[3/4] menu screen is set to
ON.)

TC : Set to this position to display time code values.
UB : Set to this position to display the user’s bits values.

DISPLAY

TC
UB

3

CAM/VTR

TC

GENE.

FREE
REC
REGEN

4

4[TC GENE.] Time code generator setting switch

Switch for setting the time code generator to preset mode
or regeneration mode. It is also used to select the time
code run mode when the preset mode is selected.

FREE : The preset mode is selected, and the time

code run mode becomes the FREE run
mode.
Set to this position to record with the time
code or user’s bits set anew (preset). In this
setting, the time code always operates in the
run mode.

5

* If this setting is used when recording

scenes one after another, the time codes
become discontinuous at the transition
points between scenes.

REC : The preset mode is selected, and the time

code run mode becomes the REC run mode.
Set to this position to record with the time
code or user’s bits set anew (preset). The
time code operates in the run mode during
recording only. If this setting is used when
recording scenes one after another, the time
codes are recorded as continuous time
codes.

REGEN : Regeneration mode, in which this device

reads existing time codes on the tape and
records time codes in continuation of the
existing ones. Set to this position when you
want to add additional time codes to time
codes already recorded on the tape.

MEMO

• This switch is enabled when TCG SOURCE on the TC/
UB/CLOCK menu screen is set to INTERNAL.

• Preset of time code and user’s bits is performed on the
TC/UB/CLOCK menu.

X See page 44.
X See “TC/UB/CLOCK Menu Screen” on page 93.

5[CAM/VTR] Camera/VTR mode switch button

Each time you press this button, the mode switches
between camera mode and VTR mode.
When you do this, the VTR indicator f on page 19 dis­plays the following statuses.
While the mode is being switched: Flashing
In VTR mode : Lit
In camera mode : Off

• Select the Camera mode to record the camera image.

• Select the VTR mode to playback VTR or to input the

HDV/DV signal from the IEEE1394 connector 0 on
page 16.

• When the power is turned on, the mode becomes the
Camera mode.

13

e_hd250.book Page 14 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS

Right Side Section

2

4

5

7

8

b

c

6

9

ND FILTER

2

0

a

1

STATUS

WHT.BAL

ON

OFF

POWER

d

3

VF BRIGHT

USER 3USER 2USER 1

MENU

AUTO

AUTO
AUDIO
LEVEL

CH-1 CH-2

REC

efg

1Monitoring speaker (Cheek pad)

• In the Camera mode, the input sound can be EE moni­tored.
In the VTR mode, the speaker outputs the VTR play­back sound. In the VTR mode, the HDV/DV input sound
can be EE monitored.
The sound to be output is selected with the MONITOR
SELECT switch d on page 19.

• The sound level is adjusted with the MONITOR sound
level volume 3. This speaker also outputs various
warning sounds superimposed on other sound.

X See “Alarm Sound” on page 109.

2Cheek pad set screw

Screw for adjusting the height of the cheek pad.

3[MONITOR] Audio monitor volume control

Adjusts the volume of the monitoring loudspeaker and ear­phone.

4[VF BRIGHT] Viewfinder brightness adjustment

To adjust the brightness of the viewfinder.
X See page 50.

5[PEAKING] Contour adjustment

To adjust the contours of the LCD monitor and viewfinder
image.
* When the Focus Assist function is running, this control

does not operate.

X See page 50.

6[FOCUS ASSIST] Focus assist button

When you press this button during shooting, the area of
focus is displayed in blue, red or green, making it easy to
focus accurately.

1

i

7Clamp

Attach the cable from the viewfinder here.

8[USER1/2/3] User buttons

You can assign camera functions to the USER1 - 3 but­tons.
Use them to switch shooting conditions depending upon
the subject.
Set them using the USER1 - 3 items in the SWITCH
MODE menu screen.
X See page 86.
Use this button to preset the time code.
X See page 46.

h

MEMO

• The USER buttons work together with the menu settings.

• When a menu screen is being displayed, they also func-

tion as menu operation buttons. X See “Setting Menu
Screens” on page 75.

9[SHUTTER] Shutter/Menu dial

• Every time this dial is pressed while in the normal
screen mode (when the menu screen is not displayed),
the shutter speed switches between on/off.

• When this dial is turned 1 click up or down in the normal
screen mode, the shutter speed indicator is shown for
about 3 seconds on the LCD monitor or in the view­finder. The shutter speed is changed when this dial is
turned while the shutter speed indicator is shown.
X See page 86.

• When this dial turned upward or downward while the
menu screen is displayed, the cursor (K) also moves
upward or downward to allow selection of items in the
menu. To change the setting value of the item, press
this dial. When the setting value starts blinking, turn this
dial upward or downward to change the setting.
X See “Setting Menu Screens” on page 75.

0[ND FILTER] ND filter switch

Switches the built-in ND filter.
OFF : Turns the filter OFF (FILTER OFF)

1:
2:

Cuts the light intensity to approximately 1/4. (1/4ND)

Cuts the light intensity to approximately 1/16. (1/16ND)
When you change this switch, the type of the new ND filter
is displayed in the LCD monitor or viewfinder.

CAUTION

If you switch the ND filter while shooting is in progress, the
picture may be disturbed or noise may occur in the audio.
X See “Camera Settings” on page 55.

MEMO

• When FOCUS ASSIST on the LCD/VF[1/4] menu screen is
set to ACCU-FOCUS and this button is pressed, ACCU
FOCUS functions with FOCUS ASSIST. This makes depth of
field shallower, making it easier to focus.

• This button has the same function as the FOCUS
ASSIST button 7 in the Top Section.

X See “LCD/VF[1/4] Menu Screen” on page 89.

14

e_hd250.book Page 15 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

a[STATUS] Status/Menu button

• Pressing this button in the normal screen mode (condi­tion in which the menu screen is not shown) displays a
status screen in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
The displayed status screen changes each time the but­ton is pressed.
X See “Status Screens” on page 22.

• Pressing this button for more than 1 second in the nor­mal screen mode displays the menu screen in the view­finder or on the LCD monitor. Pressing this button while
the menu screen is displayed in the viewfinder or on the
LCD monitor makes the menu screen disappear.
X See “Setting Menu Screens” on page 75.

b[GAIN] Sensitivity selector switch

Electronically boosts the light sensitivity when there is
insufficient illumination on the subject.
The boosting level differs depending on the switch position
as follows:
(Factory presets)
L : 0 dB (no boosting is applied)
M : 9 dB (boosted to approximately 3 times the original)
H : 18 dB (boosted to approximately 8 times the original)

• The boosting level for each switch position can be
changed with the SWITCH MODE menu screen.
X See page 86.
The more the boosting level is increased, the more the
resulting image will be noisy.

• When the FULL AUTO switch g on page 19 is “ON”,
this is fixed at “ALC”.

c[WHT.BAL] White balance switch

Three white balance modes are selectable with this
switch.

B : Switch into white balance mode memorized

in B. If white balance is performed with the
switch in this position, it will be memorized
into B.

A : Switch into white balance mode memorized

in A. If white balance is performed with the
switch in this position, it will be memorized

into A.
PRST
(PRESET)

FAW (Full Auto White Balance) mode can be set to A, B or
PRESET with the SWITCH MODE menu screen.
X See page 86.
In the FAW mode, video color temperatures are constantly
sampled for automatic adjustment to a proper white bal­ance.

• When the FULL AUTO switch g on page 19 is “ON”,

this is fixed at “FAW”.

MEMO

Fine-tune red and blue to match the white adjusted in auto
white balance in WHITE PAINT<R>/<B> on the WHITE
BALANCE menu screen. (Available only when this switch is
set to A or B.)
X See “WHITE BALANCE Menu Screen” on page 85.

: Switch into white balance mode (3200K or

5600K) set in PRESET TEMP. item on the

CAMERA OPERATION menu screen.

X Seepage80.

d[POWER] Power ON/OFF switch

Switch that turns the power ON/OFF.
When the power is OFF, “POFF” is displayed in the LCD
monitor or viewfinder.
* Wait at least 5 seconds if you need to turn the power on

again.

e[REC] REC trigger button (start/stop recording)

Start and stop recording using this button.
(This works together with the REC trigger button on the
top and the lens VTR trigger button.)
When “SPLIT” is set for the 1394 REC TRIGGER item on
the OTHERS[2/2] menu screen, this button becomes the
start/stop recording button for an external device.

X See page 97.
X See “Backup Recording” on page 70.

f[CH-1/CH-2 AUDIO LEVEL] CH-1/CH-2 Audio level con-

trols and AUTO LED

Allow you to adjust the audio level for the CH-1 and CH-2
audio channels.

• To use these controls, set the CH-1/CH-2 AUDIO

SELECT switch 2 on page 13 to “MANU”.

• When the FULL AUTO switch g on page 19 or the CH­1/CH-2 AUDIO SELECT switch 2 on page 13 is set to
“AUTO”, “AUTO” LED lights. (The audio level controls
do not work.)

g[HDV/DV LED]

• In camera mode, this lights according to the setting for
the video format being shot.

• In VTR mode, it lights according to the video format
being recorded on tape or the IEEE1394 input video for­mat.

HDV : Lights when the format is HDV.
DV : Lights when the format is DV.
HDV/DV : Turns off when the format is 1080i.

MEMO

• During a system error, HDV/DV flash alternately.

X See page 108.

• Select whether or not to have this light in the FORMAT
LED item on the OTHERS[1/2] menu screen.
X See page 96.

hLCD door lock and release knob

To open the LCD door, move this knob on the direction
toward the rear section.

iLCD door

LCD monitor door.
The LCD monitor is located on the inner side of the door.
The LCD monitor can be viewed when this door is opened.
The door can be turned to change the orientation of the
LCD monitor, and it can be rotated so that it can be
accommodated in the main body of the camera.
X See page 50.

15

e_hd250.book Page 16 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS

Left Side Section

98 7

1

2

CH2-AUDIO OUT-CH1 VIDEO

IEEE 1394

0

456

1Viewfinder connector (6-pin)

Connect the cable from the viewfinder here.

• Set the image format for this terminal in VF SIGNAL on

the LCD/VF[4/4] menu screen. X See page 92.

2[CH-2 INPUT] CH-2 audio input connector selector

switch

Selects the CH-2 audio input connector.
INPUT1 : Inputs the audio from the INPUT1 connector

4 into CH-2.

INPUT2 : Inputs the audio from the INPUT2 connector

4 into CH-2.

MEMO

The audio from the INPUT1 connector is also input into
CH-1 regardless of the setting.

3[AUDIO INPUT] Audio input signal selector switch

This switch is used to select the input sound signal from
INPUT1 or INPUT2 connector.

LINE : Set to this position when connected to audio

equipment, etc. The reference input level is
+4 dBs.

MIC : Set to this position when the dynamic micro-

phone is connected.

MIC+48V : Set to this position when a microphone

requiring +48 V power supply (phantom
microphone, etc.) is connected.

CAUTION

When connecting a component that does not require +48 V
power supply, make sure that the switch is not set to
MIC+48V before the component is connected.

MEMO

You can select the normal input level for MIC and MIC+48V
in the INPUT1, 2 MIC REF. item on the AUDIO/MIC[1/2]
menu screen.
X See page 87.

3

4[INPUT1/INPUT2] INPUT1/INPUT2 audio input connec-

tors

These are audio input connectors for connecting to an
external audio device or microphone.

• Set the [AUDIO INPUT] switch 3 according to the

device to be connected.

• Set the CH-2 audio input connector using the [CH-2

INPUT] switch 2.
The CH-2 audio from the set connector is recorded.

5Shoulder pad slide button

Button to adjust the position of the shoulder pad.
When you press this button, you can move the position of
the shoulder pad 6 forward or backward.

6Shoulder pad
7Cassette cover

Sliding the EJECT switch a on page 18 located on the
top section opens this cover to allow insertion or removal
of the videocassette.

CAUTION

To prevent foreign objects from entering the internal parts of
the VTR unit, do not leave this device with the cover open
for extended periods of time.

8[VIDEO OUT] Video output terminal (RCA)

This is a terminal for composite video signal output.

• Select whether or not to output a signal with setup in
SET UP on the VIDEO FORMAT[2/2] menu screen.
(Only for U model)

9[AUDIO OUTPUT CH-1/CH-2] Audio output connector

(RCA)

Output connector for audio signals.

• Outputs the input audio signal in the Camera mode.

• Outputs the playback audio signal in the VTR mode.

• When a HDV/DV signal (IEEE1394) is input, the EE
sound of the input audio signal is output in the VTR
mode.

MEMO

Alarm sound is not output.

0[IEEE1394] IEEE1394 connector (6-pin)

Using an IEEE1394 cable (optional), a digital video com­ponent with IEEE1394 connector can be connected here.

X See “Connecting the IEEE1394 Cable” on page 64.
X See “HDV/DV Dubbing” on page 68.

CAUTION

When connecting the IEEE1394 cable, confirm that the
connector is facing the right direction before inserting.
X Seepage64.

MEMO

Put the covers on the connectors when you are not using
them.

16

e_hd250.book Page 17 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

d

c

e

g

h

f

b

CH2-AUDIO OUT-CH1 VIDEO

IEEE 1394

i

j

k

a

a[STUDIO] Studio terminal (Round 10-pin)

Connect the studio cable from the KA-HD250 Studio Kit
(sold separately). Connect the KA-HD250 to use this
device as a studio camera.
For details, refer to the KA-HD250 INSTRUCTION MAN­UAL.

b[DC INPUT] DC input terminal (XLR 4-pin)

This is the 12V DC power input terminal. Connect to the
AC adapter.
When a battery is installed and a cable is connected to this
terminal, power supply from the battery stops and power is
supplied by this terminal.

c[GENLOCK/AUX IN] GENLOCK/AUX IN switch

Set according to the signal input in the [GENLOCK/AUX
IN] terminal.
GENLOCK : Set to this when inputting external synchroni-

zation signals.

AUX IN : Set to this when inputting composite video

signals from an external device.

MEMO

If no signals are input to the [AUX IN] terminal and this
switch is set to AUX IN, the monitor turns black and video is
not output from any terminal.

d[PBPR/TC] PBPR/Time code switch

Set according to the [P

B/TC IN] and [PR/TC OUT] terminal

signals.
P

BPR : Set to this when outputting component PB signals

from the [P
ponent P

B/TC IN] terminal and outputting com-

R signals from the [PR/TC OUT] terminal.

TC : Set to this when inputting LTC time code from the

[P

B/TC IN] terminal and outputting the built-in time

code generator from the [P

R/TC OUT] terminal.

MEMO

When this switch is set to TC, video is not output from the
Y/P

B/PR terminal (i j k).

e[IEEE1394] IEEE1394 switch

Set according to the image format of the input/output sig­nal and playback signal of the IEEE1394 terminal.
HDV : Set to this for HDV format.
DV : Set to this for DV format.

f[REMOTE] REMOTE terminal (Round 6-pin)

Some functions of this camera can be controlled exter­nally.
Connect to a remote control unit (RM-LP55/RM-LP57).
X See “Connect a Remote Control Unit (RM-LP55/RM­LP57)” on page 71.

g[GENLOCK/AUX IN] GENLOCK/AUX IN terminal (BNC)

• Input synchronization signals in this terminal when
externally synchronizing camera images or playback
images.
Synchronization signal: BB (Black Burst) signal of SD

or Tri sync signal of HD

• Input composite video signals to record images from an
external device with this device.

• Select the signal to input with the [GENLOCK/AUX IN]
switch c.

X See “Using GENLOCK Functions” on page 66.
X See “Recording Composite Video Signals from an

External Device” on page 65.

h[HD/SD-SDI] HD/SD-SDI output terminal (BNC)

Outputs HD/SD-SDI (Serial Digital Interface) signals. Out­puts embedded audio signals as digital audio.
The sampling frequency for embedded audio is 48 kHz.
In addition, the time code for the built-in time code genera­tor and playback time code are output.
X See pages 20 and 21 for the signals that are enabled.

MEMO

Set whether or not to output SDI signals from this terminal
in HD/SD-SDI OUT of the VIDEO FORMAT[2/2] menu
screen.

i[Y] Component Y signal output terminal (BNC)

Outputs Y signal of component when the [P

BPR/TC] switch

d is set to PBPR.

j[P

B/TC IN] Component PB signal output/time code

input terminal (BNC)

• Outputs P
switch d is set to P

• Inputs time code when the [P

B signal of component when the [PBPR/TC]

BPR.

BPR/TC] switch d is set to

TC. Enter the LTC time code to slave lock this device’s
time code generator with an external time code genera­tor.

MEMO

Set TCG SOURCE on the TC/UB/CLOCK Menu screen to
EXTERNAL to input external time codes.
X See “Synchronizing with an External Time Code Gener­ator” on page 49.

k[PR/TC OUT] Component PB signal output/time code

output terminal (BNC)

• Outputs P

R signal of component when the [PBPR/TC]

switch d is set to PBPR.

• Outputs the LTC time code of the built-in time code gen­erator when the [P

BPR/TC] switch d is set to TC.

MEMO

Set the [Y/P

B/PR] terminal (i j k) output image signal to

RGB or Y/C video signals in OUTPUT TERM. [DV] on the
VIDEO FORMAT[2/2] menu screen. (Only for DV format)
X See “OUTPUT TERM. [DV]” on page 79.

17

e_hd250.book Page 18 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS

Top Section

5

4

3

2

1

d

e
f
g

h

i

j

k

1Viewfinder

Displays the camera image and the playback picture.

MEMO

Set the image format for the viewfinder to RGB, compo­nent, composite, or Y signal in VF SIGNAL on the LCD/
VF[4/4] menu screen. X See page 92.

6

7

8

9

0

l

a

b

c

MEMO

• When FOCUS ASSIST on the LCD/VF[1/4] menu screen
is set to ACCU-FOCUS and this button is pressed,
ACCU FOCUS functions with FOCUS ASSIST. This
makes depth of field shallower, making it easier to focus.

• This button has the same function as the FOCUS
ASSIST button 6 in the Right Side Section.

X See “LCD/VF[1/4] Menu Screen” on page 89.

8[REC] REC trigger button (start/stop recording)

Start and stop recording using this button.
(This works together with the REC trigger button on the
right panel and the lens VTR trigger button.)

9[REC LOCK] REC LOCK switch

Slide this switch in the direction of the arrow to lock the
[REC] trigger button 8. Use this to prevent unwanted
recording.
(The REC trigger button on the right panel and the lens
VTR trigger button are not locked.)

0SD memory card cover

When you open this cover, you can insert and remove the
SD memory card.
X See “Inserting an SD Memory Card” on page 34.
When an SD memory card is loaded

• You can save, call up and reset the menu settings on
GY-HD250/GY-HD251.

• You can initialize (format) an SD memory card.

X See “FILE MANAGE Menu Screen” on page 100.

a[EJECT] Eject switch and LED

Slide this switch to the side to insert or eject a videocas­sette tape.
The LED lights while ejecting is in progress.

MEMO

• It takes a few seconds before the videocassette is
ejected. Do not close the cassette cover during the eject
operation.

• Do not touch the cassette insertion slot or cassette dur­ing the eject operation. This could result in damage.

bOperation cover

Open this cover when operating in the playback mode.
Otherwise, keep this cover closed.
This cover can be opened by sliding it to the side.

2Eyepiece

Ensures that ambient light does not reach the viewfinder
screen or falls into the eye of the cameraman.

3Eyepiece focus ring

You can adjust the focus by turning this ring.

4Eyepiece mounting ring

You can adjust the position of the eyepiece forward or
backward by loosening this ring.

5Slide mounting ring

You can adjust the position of the viewfinder left or right by
loosening this ring.

6Clamp

Attach the microphone cable here.

7[FOCUS ASSIST] Focus assist button

When you press this button during shooting, the area of
focus is displayed in blue, red or green, making it easy to
focus accurately.

18

MEMO

When the STOP button h is pressed in the Camera mode
to set the VTR operation mode indicator to indicate STOP,
playback operations become possible.

cBattery adapter

Attach the battery.
U model: Anton Bauer battery
E model: IDX battery
X See “Battery Operation” on page 37.

e_hd250.book Page 19 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

d[MONITOR SELECT] Audio monitor selector switch

This switch is used to select the monitor sound output and
playback sound output from the monitoring speaker 1 on
page 14 or the PHONES jack 2 on page 12.

CH-1 : The CH-1 channel audio is output.
BOTH : CH-1 and CH-2 channel audio are output mixed.

When this setting is selected, the menu screen
can be used to select whether the mixed sound
or stereo sound should be output via the
PHONES jack. (AUDIO MONITOR item on the
AUDIO/MIC[2/2] menu screen)
When AUDIO MONITOR item on the AUDIO/
MIC[2/2] menu screen is set to “STEREO”, only
the audio of CH-1 is output from the monitoring
speaker.

CH-2 : The CH-2 channel audio is output.

X See “Outputting Audio” on page 63.
X See “AUDIO/MIC[2/2] Menu Screen” on page 88.

CAUTION

Make sure to move switches all the way. Do not leave a
switch stopped in a midway position. Noise will be gener­ated and operation irregularities will occur.

e[DISPLAY] Display button

• When LCD+VF in the LCD/VF[4/4] menu display is set
to OFF, press the DISPLAY button for 2 seconds to
switch between the LCD screen and the viewfinder
screen.

• When LCD+VF in the LCD/VF[4/4] menu display is set
to ON, press the DISPLAY button for 2 seconds to
switch the LCD screen ON and OFF. Press the DIS­PLAY button briefly to change the display mode for the
LCD screen as follows.

Only image displayed

Image and characters displayed

Characters shown enlarged

CAUTION

When the power is turned on while the camera is in the
FAS mode, it takes about 10 seconds before the automatic
adjustment of FAS is completed.
All of the previous setting contents are recalled when the
FAS mode is cancelled.

h[STOP] Stop button

Press to enter the stop mode.

i[REW] Rewind button

Press this button to rewind the tape.

• Pressing this button in the stop or fast forward mode ini­tiates the rewind mode. (Only for VTR mode)

• Pressing this button during playback, still picture play­back or forward search initiates reverse search.

j[PLAY/STILL] Play/still button

Press to start playback. Press to enter the still picture
mode during playback, in the stop mode or in the search
mode.
Depending on the ambient temperature, if still image play­back mode continues for between 30 seconds and 3 min­utes, it stops automatically. (Tape protect mode)
During still picture playback and search mode, press this
button to return to the normal playback mode.
* If the auto tracking is active at the moment the play

mode is entered, the playback video will be interfered
with digital noise.

k[FF] Fast forward button

Press this button to fast forward the tape.

• Pressing this button in the stop or rewind mode initiates
the fast forward mode. (Only for VTR mode)

• Pressing this button during playback, still picture play­back or reverse search initiates forward search.

lScrew holes for mounting accessories

You can mount lights and other accessories.

X See “Magnified Status Indications on the LCD Monitor”
on page 29.

f[VTR] VTR indicator

This indicator lights when the camera is in the VTR mode.
To perform VTR playback or to input the HDV/DV signal
from the IEEE1394 connector 0 on page 16, press the
CAM/VTR button 5 on page 13 to turn on this indicator.
It flashes when the mode is being changed.

g[FULL AUTO] Full auto shooting (FAS) switch

This is the ON/OFF switch for FAS mode.

• During FAS mode, “FAS” is displayed on the LCD moni­tor or the viewfinder.

• FAS mode works together with the auto iris and auto
level control (ALC) modes and automatically adjusts to
the optimal video signal level and white balance.

• You can select automatic adjustment mode or manual
adjustment mode for audio recording level.
X See “AUDIO/MIC[2/2] Menu Screen” on page 88.

• Even if there are color bars, this automatically sets to
camera video.

• Auto iris mode operates even if the lens iris mode
switch is set to the manual position.

• The gain changes continuously until it reaches the max­imum ALC MAX setting, and the shutter speed also
changes continuously.

• When you release FAS mode, all of the settings return
to their previous modes.

19

e_hd250.book Page 20 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS

Recording and Image Out­put Formats

This device supports HDV and DV image formats, as well as images input from external devices. This device also has various
output terminals. (Composite, analog component, HD/SD-SDI, IEEE1394)
Select analog component, RGB or Y/C signals for images from the Y/P
(Select in OUTPUT TERM. [DV] on the VIDEO FORMAT[2/2] menu screen)
During recording and playback, image formats from each of the output terminals are as shown in the table below.

Notes about the table

(Shaded): Indicates the setting item in the VIDEO FORMAT menu screen.

N/A: Terminal is not available.
q : Same format as the left.

 When recording camera images

HD

(HDV)

DV

HD

Recording (Shooting)

[REC] menu item Format

HDV-HD60P

HDV-HD30P

HDV-HD50P

HDV-HD25P

HDV-HD24P

DV-60I

U model only

E model only

[1080I CAMERA]

menu item

DV-24P

DV-24PA

DV-50I

DV-25P

480/60i(24p) qq q qq q

480/60i(24p) qq q qq q

576/50i(25p) qq q qq q

Frame rate

ON

720/60p qq q N/A N/A 480/60i

720/30p qq 720/60p N/A N/A 480/60i

720/50p qq q N/A N/A 576/50i

720/25p qq 720/50p N/A N/A 576/50i

720/24p qq 720/60p N/A N/A 480/60i

480/60i qq q qq q

576/50i qq q qq q

60/30 N/A N/A 1080/60i N/A N/A 480/60i

50/25 N/A N/A 1080/50i N/A N/A 576/50i

Rec on

Tape

Rec on

Tape

1394 Out

1394 Out

B/PR terminal in DV format.

IEEE

IEEE

Component / SDI Out

(EE Out)

Component / SDI Out RGB Out Y/C Out

RGB Out Y/C Out

Composite

Composite

Out

Out

 In PLAY mode

IEEE

Playback

720/60p qq q1080/60i 480/60i N/A 480/60i
720/30p q 720/60p q 1080/60i 480/60i N/A 480/60i
720/50p qq q1080/50i N/A 576/50i 576/50i

HDV

DV

*1

When HDV PB OUTPUT is set to NTSC, 480/60i format video signal is output.

*2

When HDV PB OUTPUT is set to PAL, 576/50i format video signal is output.

720/25p q 720/50p q 1080/50i N/A 576/50i 576/50i
720/24p q 720/60p q 1080/60i 480/60i N/A 480/60i

480/60p N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

576/50p N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

480/60i qq qqq

U model

E model

480/

60i(24p)

576/50i qq qqq

576/

50i(25p)

1394

Out

qq qqq

qq qqq

NATIVE 720P 1080I NTSC PAL

Component / SDI Out

[HDV PB OUTPUT] menu item

RGB Out Y/C Out

*1

480/60i

*1

480/60i

*2

576/50i

*2

576/50i

*1

480/60i

Composite

*1

*1

*2

*2

*1

MEMO

Synchronize the setting for FRAME RATE in the VIDEO FORMAT menu screen with the frame rate of the playback signal.

Out

480/60i

480/60i

576/50i

576/50i

480/60i

20

e_hd250.book Page 21 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

 When Recording HDV or DV Images from the IEEE1394 Terminal

Recording

(IEEE1394 In)

720/60p qq q1080/60i 480/60i N/A 480/60i
720/30p q 720/60p q 1080/60i 480/60i N/A 480/60i
720/50p qq q1080/50i N/A 576/50i 576/50i

HDV

DV

*1

When HDV PB OUTPUT is set to NTSC, 480/60i format video signal is output.

*2

When HDV PB OUTPUT is set to PAL, 576/50i format video signal is output.

720/25p q 720/50p q 1080/50i N/A 576/50i 576/50i
720/24p q 720/60p q 1080/60i 480/60i N/A 480/60i

480/60p N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

576/50p N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

480/60i qq qqq

U model

E model

480/

60i(24p)

576/50i qq qqq

576/

50i(25p)

Rec on

Tape

[HDV PB OUTPUT] menu item

NATIVE 720P 1080I NTSC PAL

qq qqq

qq qqq

Component / SDI Out

RGB Out Y/C Out

*1

480/60i

*1

480/60i

*2

576/50i

*2

576/50i

*1

480/60i

Composite

*1

*1

*2

*2

*1

Out

480/60i

480/60i

576/50i

576/50i

480/60i

MEMO

Synchronize the setting for FRAME RATE on the VIDEO FORMAT menu screen with the frame rate of the IEEE1394 input signal.

 When Recording Composite Images from the AUX IN Terminal

Compos-

ite Out

HD

SD

Recording (Composite In)

U model 480/60i qqqqqq
E model 576/50i qqqqqq

Rec on

Tape

IEEE

1394 Out

Component/SDI Out (EE Out) RGB Out Y/C Out

MEMO

• For the U model, set REC on the VIDEO FORMAT[1/2] menu screen to DV-60I.

• For the E model, set REC on the VIDEO FORMAT[1/2] menu screen to DV-50I.

21

e_hd250.book Page 22 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS

Indications on the LCD
Monitor and in the View­finder

The contents of the status display are divided into those for
the Camera mode and those for the VTR mode.

• Each time the STATUS button is pressed in the Camera
mode, one of 5 status screens is displayed. (STATUS 0, 1,
2, 3, 4)

• One type of screen is displayed in the VTR mode.

• CAMERA MODE (display example)

In addition to showing the EE image and the playback pic­ture, the LCD monitor and viewfinder are also used for the
following character displays.
To show characters on the LCD monitor, press the DISPLAY
button briefly.

DISPLAY button

 Status screens (screens for checking the current cam-

era settings)

 Auto white display (only displayed in the Camera

mode)

 Menu setting screens
 Alarm message display
 Safety zone display (only displayed in the Camera

mode)

MEMO

When ANALOG OUT CHAR. on the OTHERS[1/2] menu
screen is ON, characters are also shown on images from
the Y/PB/PR OUT and VIDEO OUT terminals.
Characters are also shown on images from the HD/SD-SDI
OUT terminal when the SDI OUT CHAR. is ON.

Status Screens

Press the STATUS button while normal screen is displayed
to show one of the status screens.

STATUS 1STATUS 0

STATUS 4

STATUS 2

•VTR MODE
(display example)

STATUSSTATUS 3

MEMO

• When the STATUS button is pressed for 1 second or
longer, the menu setting screen is displayed.
To display the Status screen while the menu setting
screen is displayed, press the STATUS button to return
to the normal screen.

• You can switch between the LCD monitor and the view­finder by holding down the DISPLAY button for about 2
seconds. (When the LCD+VF item on the LCD/VF[4/4]
menu screen is set to OFF.)

22

ND FILTER

2

1

STATUS button

USER 3USER 2USER 1

SHUTTER

MENU

STATUS

e_hd250.book Page 23 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

Status Screens in the Camera Mode

1

0

External Image Input Mode (AUX IN)

a

0

DD

266S

23

STATUS 0 Screen

9

8
7
6
5
4

DV-60I AUX

1

23

STATUS 0 Screen

266S

DD

STATUS 0

1 Event Indication

When the Gain or Shutter Speed is changed manually, the setting condition is displayed for about 3 seconds at the time the
change is made.

• Set the shutter display method to seconds or angle in SHUTTER DISP. on the LCD/VF[3/4] menu screen. (Only when
frame rate is 24p or 25p mode)

Setting Status Contents of Indications

Gain value was changed GAIN 0 dB, 3 dB, 6 dB, 9 dB, 12 dB, 15 dB, 18 dB

Gain value reached the ALC GAIN ALC

FULL AUTO was turned ON/OFF FULL AUTO ON, FULL AUTO OFF

ZEBRA was turned ON/OFF ZEBRA ON, ZEBRA OFF

Shutter speed value was changed
(When SHUTTER DISP. is set to SEC)

Variable shutter speed value was changed
(When SHUTTER DISP. is set to SEC)

Shutter was turned OFF SHUTTER OFF [1/**]

Shutter speed value was changed
(When SHUTTER DISP. is set to DEG)

Variable shutter speed value was changed
(When SHUTTER DISP. is set to DEG)

White balance value was changed (Example)

FILTER value was changed FILTER OFF, FILTER ND 1 [1/4ND], FILTER ND 2 [1/16ND]

AE LEVEL value was changed

BLACK gain value was changed

PRESET TEMP. value was changed

HEADER REC is running HEADER REC

FOCUS ASSIST was turned ON/OFF FOCUS ASSIST ON, FOCUS ASSIST OFF
Time code was set to zero reset TC ZERO PRESET X Seepage45.
REC LOCK switch was turned ON/OFF REC SWITCH LOCKED, REC SWITCH UNLOCKED X See page 18, 9 REC LOCK switch.

A REC command was sent from the IEEE1394
connector

*1

*2

*2

*2 *3

SHUTTER 1/6, 1/6.25, 1/7.5, 1/12, 1/12.5, 1/15, 1/24, 1/25, 1/30, 1/48, 1/50, 1/60, 1/100, 1/120,
1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, 1/10000

*1

V. SHUTTER 1/24.01 to 1/10489.5

*4

SHUTTER 360.0°, 180.0°, 172.8°, 150.0°, 144.0°, 135.0°, 120.0°, 105.0°, 90.0°, 75.0°, 60.0°,

45.0°, 30.0°, 22.5°, 11.2°

0° to 360°

WHITE BAL A [3200K]
Numeric value: Any of 2300, 2500, 2800, 3000, 3200, 3400, 3700, 4300, 5200, 5600, 6500,

8000

AE LEVEL –3, –2, –1, NORMAL, +1, +2, +3

BLACK NORMAL
BLACK STRETCH 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
BLACK COMPRESS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

WHITE BAL PRST [3200K], WHITE BAL PRST [5600K]

TRIGGER TO HDV, TRIGGER TO DV

23

e_hd250.book Page 24 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS

Indications on the LCD Monitor
and in the Viewfinder (Cont’d)

Setting Status Contents of Indications

FF/REW button was pressed in CAMERA
mode

REC/VTR trigger button was pressed when
1080I CAMERA in the VIDEO FORMAT[1/2]
menu screen was set to ON

Other Displays X See “FILE MANAGE Menu Screen” on pages 100-102.

*1

The range for the shutter speed differs depending on the video format setting. X Seepage86.

*2

Displayed if functions were assigned to the USER1 - 3 buttons. X See page 86.

*3

Displayed when the [WHT.BAL] white balance selector switch c on page 15 is set to PRST (PRESET).

*4

“ ** ” depends on the video format.

SWITCH TO VTR MODE

1080I REC INVALID

X See “Warnings and Responses” on page 106.

No. Item Contents

2 VTR mode indication STBY : In record standby mode (record-pause mode)

REC : During recording
PLAY : During playback
FF : During fast forward
REW : During rewind
STL : During still picture playback mode
FWD : During playback in forward direction (FWD1: About ×2 speed, FWD2: About ×5 speed, FWD3:

About ×10 speed)

REV : During playback in reverse direction (REV1: About ×2 speed, REV2: About ×5 speed, REV3:

STOP : Stop mode (Tape protect mode)
EJECT : Cassette being ejected

- - - : No tape loaded

3 Indication of date and time Indicates the date and time.

LCD BRIGHT indication When the brightness of the monitor screen is adjusted with the LCD BRIGHT button, the date and time

4 Indication of Black operation B : Displayed when the black stretch or black compress settings are other than NORMAL.
5 Indication of skin tone detail

color operation

6 Indication of Iris level opera-

tion

7 Indication of FAW operation FAW : Indicated when Full Auto White Balance is ON.
8 Gain operation indication * dB : Indicates gain value when gain is other modes than 0 dB and ALC.
9 Indication of various function

operations

0 Indication of DR-HD100 Oper-

ation

a AUX display Displays when in external image input mode. (AUX IN mode)

Whether or not the date and time should be displayed as well as the display style are set on the TIME/
DATE menu.

indications and the VTR mode indication 2 are turned off and the LCD BRIGHT indicator is displayed.
(Example)
BRIGHT +5 •••••+•••••O
Numeric value: Any of –5, –4, –3, –2, –1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5.

SD : Indicated when skin tone detail is ON.

I : Displayed when the AE LEVEL setting is other than NORMAL

FOCUS : Displayed when the Focus Assist function is ON.
SKIN AREA : Blinks while the skin detail color area is displayed.
ALC : Displayed when ALC function alone is ON.
FAS : Displayed when the Full Auto Shooting function is ON.
S : Displayed when the shutter speed is a setting other than the default setting.

When a DR-HD100 (HDD unit by FOCUS enhancements) is connected, its operation status is displayed.

[: DR-HD100 is connected (displays white)
[: Recording with DR-HD100 (displays red)

(For details, refer to the DR-HD100 INSTRUCTION MANUAL.)

About ×10 speed)

X Seepage86.

24

e_hd250.book Page 25 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

12

3

External Image Input Mode (AUX IN)

c

2

4

8

a

0

9

76b

STATUS 1 Screen

5

DV-60I AUX

STATUS 1 Screen

STATUS 1

In addition to the information on the STATUS 0 screen, this screen displays the following items.

No. Item Contents

1 VIDEO FORMAT display Displays the currently selected video format.

Allows you to select the REC item on the VIDEO FORMAT[1/2] menu screen. X See page 77.
You can switch this display ON/OFF using the VIDEO FORMAT item on the LCD/VF[3/4] menu screen.
X See page 91.

2 Time Code (TC)/User’s Bits

(UB) indication

3 Synchronized display with an

external time code generator

4 Remaining tape indication Remaining tape indication (displayed in 1-minute steps)

5 Voltage indication (Example) 12.2V: Indicates remaining battery level in 0.1V steps.

Indicates the time code (h:m:s:frame) or user’s bits data.

(Example) Time code TC 00 : 00 : 00 : 00

Colon (:) when non-drop frame mode
Dot (.) when drop frame mode

User’s bits UB FF EE DD 20

Whether or not to display this item is set with the TC/UB item on the LCD/VF[3/4] menu screen.
X See page 91.
Whether the time code or user’s bits should be shown is selected with the TC DISPLAY switch inside the
LCD door.

Lights up when the time code generator of this device synchronizes with the time code input from the TC
IN terminal. Blinks when synchronization is unsuccessful. Turns off If there is no input signal.

This indicator blinks when remaining tape time is equivalent to less than 3 minutes.
Whether or not to display this item is set with the TAPE REMAIN item on the LCD/VF[3/4] menu screen.
X See page 91.
* When inserting a brand-new tape, the remaining tape time is not indicated.

When the tape has been run, the indication will appear.
* The remaining tape indication is to be regarded only as a guide.
* When this device is used at low temperatures, it may take a while before the indication of the remaining

tape time appears.

Battery voltage and remaining battery are displayed. Select the display method in BATTERY INFO. on the
LCD/VF[3/4] menu screen. X See page 91.
Anton Bauer battery: Voltage/remaining capacity (%)/remaining time

IDX Endura battery : Voltage/remaining capacity (%)

4

5

67

b

25

e_hd250.book Page 26 Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:11 PM

CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS

Indications on the LCD Monitor
and in the Viewfinder (Cont’d)

No. Item Contents

6 Audio sampling frequency in-

dication

7 Audio level meter indication Displays the CH-1, CH-2 audio level meters.

8 Standard audio level indication The level at which audio is recorded on the tape is indicated by “O”.

32 K : Indicated when the AUDIO MODE item on the AUDIO/MIC[1/2] menu screen is set to 32 K. (Audio

is recorded with 12-bit, 32 kHz sampling.)

48 K : Indicated when the AUDIO MODE item on the AUDIO/MIC[1/2] menu screen is set to 48 K. (Audio

is recorded with 16-bit, 48 kHz sampling.) When HDV format is set, 48K is displayed.

X See page 87.
Whether or not to display this item is set with the AUDIO item on the LCD/VF[3/4] menu.

Whether or not to display this item is set with the AUDIO item on the LCD/VF[3/4] menu.
X See page 91.

–20 dB, –12 dB
X See “AUDIO REF.LEVEL” on page 87.

–20 dB –12 dB

OO

CH-1 OOOOOOOOO\\\]
CH-2 OOOOOOOOO\\\]

9 Iris indicator display M: Iris set higher than normal

b: Iris set to normal
N: Iris set lower than normal

The indication can be switched ON/OFF with the F.NO/IRIS IND. item on the LCD/VF[1/4] menu screen.
X See page 89.

0 Iris F-value indication Indicates the F-number of the connected lens.

OPEN, F2, F2.8, F4, F5.6, F8, F11, F16, CLOSE
It is not displayed when the lens is removed. For some lenses, no display appears.
The indication can be switched ON/OFF with the F.NO/IRIS IND. item on the LCD/VF[1/4] menu screen.
X See page 89.

a Filter position indication Indicates the current filter position.

No display : FILTER OFF
ND1 : FILTER ND1 (1/4ND)
ND2 : FILTER ND2 (1/16ND)
The indication can be switched ON/OFF with the FILTER item on the LCD/VF[1/4] menu screen.
X See page 89.

b Audio Lock Indication Displayed when the audio signal is locked to the video signal.
c AUX display Displays when in external image input mode (AUX IN mode)

26