JVC LYT0002-025A, GR-AX275EG Instructions Manual

GR-AX275

COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER

LYT0002-025A

INSTRUCTIONS

ENGLISH

EN

Compact VHS



PAL

The Logical Choice

PAL

The only compact video

cassettes that can be

used with your VHS VCR*

Dear Customer,

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

Using This Instruction Manual

•All major sections and subsections are listed in the
Table Of Contents (Z pg. 3).

•Notes appear after most subsections. Be sure to
read these as well.

•Basic and advanced features/operation are
separated for easier reference.

It is recommended that you . . .

..... refer to the Index (Z pgs. 38 – 40) and

familiarize yourself with button locations, etc.
before use.

..... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions that

follow and cautions (Z pgs. 41, 42). They
contain extremely important information
regarding the safe use of your new camcorder.

SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS

WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.

CAUTIONS:

n To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet.

No user serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.

n When you are not using the AC Power

Adapter/Battery charger for a long period of
time, it is recommended that you disconnect
the power cord from AC outlet.

n Camcorder is designed exclusively for the

VHS-C video cassette. Only cassettes marked
VHS-C can be used with this unit.

n HQ VHS is compatible with existing VHS

equipment.

Warning on lithium battery

The battery used in this device may present a
fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do
not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C or
incinerate.
Replace battery with Panasonic (Matsushita
Electric), Sanyo or Maxell CR2025; use of
another battery may present a risk of fire or
explosion.

n Dispose of used battery promptly.
n Keep away from children.
n Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in

fire.

Crossed Out Dust Bin Mark

n The Crossed Out Dust Bin

Mark on the battery pack
indicates that the product
complies with Directives
91/157/EEC and 93/86/
EEC.

n Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd)

battery pack must be
recycled or disposed of
properly.

This camcorder is designed to be used with
PAL-type colour television signals. It cannot be
used for playback with a television of a different
standard. However, live recording is possible
anywhere. Use the BN-V12U/V22U/V25U
battery packs and, to recharge them, the
provided multi-voltage AC Power Adapter/
Charger. (An appropriate conversion adapter
may be necessary to accommodate different
designs of AC outlets in different countries.)

NOTES:

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) and
safety caution are on the bottom and/or the
back of the main unit.

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) of the
AC Power Adapter/Charger is on its bottom.

This unit is produced to comply with Standard
IEC Publ. 65.

2 EN

PAL

n

Programme Manager (Z pg. 12 – 23)

n Programme AE with Special Effects

(Z pgs. 12, 13)

• Auto Mode Lock

• Auto Mode Release

• Electronic Fog Filter • ND Effect

• Sepia • Twilight • Sports

• 1/1000 sec. High Speed Shutter

• 1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter

n Variable-Speed Hyper Zoom

(Z pg. 11)

n EasyEdit with Random Assemble

Editing (Z pg. 29 – 31)

MAJOR FEATURES

CONTENTS

EN 3

GETTING STARTED 4

Power .............................................. 4

Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal ... 6

Viewfinder Adjustment .......................... 6

Date/Time Setting................................ 7

Tape Length Setting ............................... 8

Loading/Unloading A Cassette.................. 8

Grip Adjustment................................... 9

Shoulder Strap Attachment ...................... 9

Tripod Mounting ................................... 9

RECORDING 10

Basic Recording ................................. 10

Basic Features ................................... 11

Advanced Features ............................. 12

PLAYBACK 24

Using The Cassette Adapter ................... 24

Basic Connections ............................... 25

Basic Playback .................................. 26

Features.......................................... 27

EDITING 28

Tape Dubbing .................................... 28

Random Assemble Editing [R.A.Edit] ......... 29

USING REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

32

Insert Editing .................................... 34

Audio Dubbing ................................... 35

TROUBLESHOOTING 36
INDEX 38

Controls .......................................... 38

Connectors ....................................... 39

Indicators ........................................ 39

Other Parts ...................................... 39

Viewfinder ....................................... 40

CAUTIONS 41
SPECIFICATIONS 43

GETTING STARTED

RECORDING

PLAYBACK

EDITING

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

•Battery Pack
BN-V12U

•AC Power Adapter/
Charger AA-V11EG

•Shoulder Strap

•Remote Control
Unit RM-V705U

•Lithium Battery
CR2025 x 2

•Cassette Adapter C-P7U

•AUDIO/VIDEO
(A/V) cable

•DC cord

•Cable Adapter

4 EN

GETTING STARTED

REFRESH indicatorREFRESH switch

CHG. (charge) indicator

Marks

END
indicator

POWER
indicator

ATTENTION:

Before detaching the power source, make
sure that the camcorder’s power is turned
off. Failure to do so can result in a
camcorder malfunction.

Hook on.

Push in.

BATT. RELEASE

Power

This camcorder’s 3-way power supply system lets you
choose the most appropriate source of power.

NOTES:

●

No function is available without power supply.

●

Use only specified power supply.

●

Do not use provided power supply units with other
equipment.

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK

SUPPLY POWER

1

Connect the charger’s AC power cord to a wall
outlet. The power indicator lights.

ATTACH BATTERY PACK

2

Align the marks and slide the battery pack in the
direction of the arrow until it locks in place.
The CHG. indicator lights.

DETACH BATTERY PACK

3

When charging is completed, the END indicator
lights. Slide the battery pack opposite the direction
of the arrow.

To AC outlet

BATT. PACK CHARGE DISCHARGE

BN-V12U approx. 1 hr. 10 min. approx. 3 hrs. 30 min.
BN-V22U approx. 2 hrs. 10 min. approx. 7 hrs.
BN-V25U approx. 2 hrs. 40 min. approx. 10 hrs.

USING THE BATTERY PACK

ATTACH BATTERY PACK

1

Hook its top end to the camcorder and push the
battery pack in until it locks in place.

DETACH BATTERY PACK

2

Slide BATT. RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.

BATT. PACK APPROXIMATE RECORDING TIME

BN-V12U 1 hr. 10 min.
BN-V22U 2 hrs. 25 min.
BN-V25U 3 hrs. 10 min.

**REFRESH

The AC power adapter features a REFRESH function that
allows you to fully discharge the battery pack before
recharging.

To discharge the battery . . .

..... attach the battery pack to the adapter as shown in the

illustration to the left. Then push REFRESH. The
REFRESH indicator lights when discharging starts,
and goes out when discharging is complete.

Charge marker

** CHARGE MARKER

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

EN 5

NOTES:

●

The recording time per charge is affected by such factors as the time spent in Record/Standby mode and
the frequency of zooming. It is safer to have spare battery packs.

●

Charging times noted on page 4 are for fully discharged battey pack, and discharging times are for fully
charged battery pack.

●

Charging and discharging times vary according to the ambient temperature and the status of the battery
pack.

●

Remember to set the charge marker after charging a battery pack or after detaching a discharged one from
your camcorder.

●

Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings.

●

High temperatures can damage the battery pack, so use only where good ventilation is available. Don’t
allow it to discharge in container, such as a bag.

●

If you stop recharging or discharging part way through, make sure to remove the battery pack before
unplugging the adapter’s AC cord.

●

Remove the battery pack from the adapter immediately after discharging.

●

To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Power Adapter/Charger near a radio.

●

Make sure you unplug the DC cord before charging or discharging the battery pack.

●

A blinking CHG. indicator means that the battery pack has become hot. Wait until it cools down to
continue.

●

The CHG. indicator may not light properly with a brand new battery pack, or with one that’s been stored
for an extended period. In this case, remove and reattach the battery pack and recharge it. The CHG.
indicator should light during recharging. If not, contact your nearest JVC dealer.

To AC outlet

To DC in jack

DC OUT
terminal

DC cord

AC Power
Adapter/Charger
AA-V11EG

To car’s cigarette
lighter socket

Car Battery Charger/Adapter
BH-V3E (optional)

USING A CAR BATTERY

Use the optional Car Battery Charger/Adapter
(connect as shown in the illustration to the left).

NOTES:

●

When using the car battery, leave the engine
idling.

●

The optional Car Battery Charger (BH-V3E) can
also be used to charge the battery pack.

●

When using the optional Car Battery Charger,
refer to the respective instruction booklet.

USING AC POWER

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

NOTE:

The supplied AC Power Adapter/Charger features
automatic voltage selection in the AC range from
110 V to 240 V.

6 EN

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal

This battery is necessary for clock operation and to
perform date/time settings.

SWITCH OFF POWER

1

Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power
supply unit.

OPEN COVER

2

Open the clock battery compartment cover while
pressing the release tab.

REMOVE BATTERY (when replacing)

3

Insert a pointed, non-metallic object between the
battery and the compartment (A) and pull the
battery out.

INSERT BATTERY

4

Ensuring the plus (+) side is up, insert a CR2025
lithium battery and push it in.

CLOSE COVER

5

Close the compartment cover until it clicks in place.

NOTE:

See “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS” (Z pg. 2) for information
on safe handling of lithium batteries.

Viewfinder Adjustment

POSITION VIEWFINDER

1

Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability
(see illustration at left).

SELECT MODE

2

Set the power switch to “CAMERA”.

ADJUST DIOPTER

3

Turn the diopter adjustment control until the
indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.

1

2

3

Set POWER to “CAMERA”.

A

EN 7

SET
CANCEL

1.1.00 10:45

+

–

GAIN UP S.LX
TELE MACRO OFF
INTERVAL TIMER OFF
REC TIME OFF
JLIP ID NO. 07
SET CHARACTER 

DATE/TIME 

END :MENU KEY

Date/Time Setting

SELECT MODE

1

First set the power switch to “CAMERA”. Turn the
PROGRAM AE select dial to any position except
AUTO LOCK.

ACCESS MENU SCREEN

2

Press MENU.

SELECT FUNCTION

3

Press – to move the highlight bar down to “DATE/
TIME”, then press NEAR. The Set Date And Time
screen appears.

SET DATE/TIME

4

Press FAR or NEAR until the item you want to set
begins blinking, then press + or – to until the correct
setting appears.

•If you decide you want to return the date and time

to the previous settings, press FAR or NEAR to
move the highlight bar to “CANCEL”, then press
MENU.

•If you’re satisfied with the settings, go on to step 5.

START CLOCK OPERATION

5

Once you’ve set the day, month, year and time,
press FAR or NEAR until “SET” begins to blink, then
press MENU. The Menu screen reappears.

CLOSE MENU

6

Press MENU.

NOTES:

●

To display the date and time in the viewfinder and on a
connected TV, see “Date/Time Insert” (Z pg. 18).

●

If, in step 4, you input an invalid date (30. 2, 31. 6,
etc.) and perform step 5, “INPUT ERROR” appears
blinking at the bottom of the screen. Press +, –, FAR or

NEAR to input the correct number.

PROGRAM AE
select dial

NEAR

FAR

Set Time and
Date Screen

Menu Screen

Date

Day/Month/Year

Time

24-hour indication

MENU

8 EN

T30

T30

T45 T60

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Tape Length Setting

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

SET TAPE LENGTH

1

Press T30•45•60 until the required indication
appears in the veiwfinder. T30 = 30 minutes of
recording time, T45 = 45 minutes, and T60 = 60
minutes.

NOTE:

The tape remaining time (Z pg. 10) displayed in the
viewfinder is correct only if the correct tape length has
been selected.

Set POWER to “CAMERA”.

Tape length indicator

Gear

T30•45•60
tape length
select button

Turn to take
up slack.

Erase Protection

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

OPEN CASSETTE HOLDER

1

Slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force
to open.

INSERT/REMOVE CASSETTE

2

Make sure the label is facing outward.

CLOSE CASSETTE HOLDER

3

Press PUSH and make sure the holder is closed and
locked.

NOTES:

●

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

●

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

●

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

●

The cassette holder can’t be opened while the
camcorder is in the record mode.

EN 9

Grip Adjustment

EXPAND LOOP

1

Separate the Velcro strip.

INSERT HAND

2

Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the
grip.

ADJUST STRAP LENGTH

3

Adjust so your thumb and fingers can easily operate
the Recording Start/Stop button and Power Zoom
lever. Refasten the Velcro strip.

Shoulder Strap Attachment

ATTACH STRAP

1

Following the illustration at left, thread the strap
through the top of the eyelet 1, then fold it back
and thread it through the keeper 2, and then
through the buckle 3. Repeat the procedure to
attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet,
making sure the strap isn’t twisted.

ADJUST LENGTH

2

Adjust as shown in the illustration at left 1, then
slide both keepers snug against the eyelets to
prevent slipping 2.

Tripod Mounting

ALIGN AND TIGHTEN

1

Align the screw and camera direction stud on the
tripod with the camera’s mounting socket and stud
hole. Then tighten the screw.

2

3

1

2

1

Recording Start/Stop button

10 EN

25MIN

RECORDING

Basic Recording

NOTE:

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

●

Power (Z pg. 4)

●

Tape Length setting (Z pg. 8)

●

Grip Adjustment (Z pg. 9)

LOAD A CASSETTE

1

Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then insert
the cassette with the label facing out. Press PUSH to
ensure the holder is closed and locked.

ENTER RECORD–STANDBY MODE

2

Slide the LENS COVER open/close switch to open
the lens cover, then set the power switch to
“CAMERA”.

•The power indicator lights and the camcorder
enters the Record–Standby Mode.

•The scene you’re aimed at appears on the
viewfinder screen, with the word “PAUSE”
superimposed upon it.

START SHOOTING

3

Press the RECORDING START/STOP button.

•The tally lamp lights while recording is in progress,
and “

REC

” appears in the viewfinder.

STOP RECORDING

4

Press the RECORDING START/STOP button again to
stop recording.

•The camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby
mode.

Tape remaining time indicator

POWER

Power indicator

Start/Stop button

LENS COVER
switch

Tally lamp

60MIN
59MIN

3MIN
2MIN (Blinking)
1MIN (Blinking)
0MIN (Blinking)

*-

-

-MIN

(Now calculating)

NOTES:

●

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

●

There may be a delay after you slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force.

●

The tape’s remaining time is displayed in the viewfinder as shown.

●

The indicated remaining time is approximate.

●

The time required to calculate the remaining tape length, and the accuracy of the calculation, may vary
according to the type of tape used.

●

The tape remaining time displayed in the viewfinder is correct only if the correct tape length has been
selected (Z pg. 8).

●

“TAPE END” appears when the tape reaches its end, and the power goes off automatically if left in this
condition for 5 minutes. “TAPE END” also appears when a cassette whose tape is already at its end is
loaded.

●

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

●

If the Recording Start/Stop button is pressed after the Record-Standby mode has continued for over 5
minutes, recording may not start immediately.

●

If you’re recording on a cassette from the middle, use the RETAKE function (Z pg. 11) to find the end of
the last recording so you don’t erase any of it.

●

The LENS COVER warning blinks for about 10 seconds when the camcorder is turned on, when the cover
is closed.

EN 11

FEATURE: Zooming
PURPOSE: Varies the focal length of the lens

and produces the zoom in/out effect.

OPERATION:

Zoom In

1) Pull the power zoom switch down

toward “T”.

Zoom Out

1) Push the switch up toward “W”.

NOTES: ●

The further the power zoom switch
is pushed, the faster the zoom
speed becomes.

●

Focusing may become unstable
during zooming. In this case, set
the zoom while in Record–
Standby, set manual focus or Focus
Lock (Z pgs. 14, 15), then zoom
in or out in Record mode.

FEATURE: Quick Review
PURPOSE: To check the end of the last record-

ing.

OPERATION: 1) Press “

” and release quickly

during the Record–Standby mode.

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

NOTE:

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

FEATURE: Retake
PURPOSE: To re-record certain segments.
OPERATION: 1) Make sure the camcorder is in the

Record–Standby mode.

2) Press either RETAKE button to

reach the start point for new
recording.
Pressing “F” fast-forwards the tape
and pressing “R” reverses it.

3) Press Recording Start/Stop to start

recording.

NOTE:

Noise may appear during Retake.
This is normal.

RECORDING

Basic Features

Zoom indicator

Power zoom switch

Zoom-in

Zoom-out

RETAKE (R/F)

12 EN

1

/

1

0

0

0

1

/

2

0

0

0

F

G

N

D

A

U

T

O

M

O

D

E

L

O

C

K

R

E

L

E

A

S

E

FAR NEAR

+

–

SEPIA

RECORDING

Advanced Features

Programme AE With Special Effects

All you have to do to access any of the variety of
shooting effects is to turn the PROGRAM AE select
dial.

SELECT MODE

1

Turn the PROGRAM AE select dial until the
symbol of the function you want is aligned
with the mark.

•The selected mode’s name and its indication
are displayed in the viewfinder for approx.
1 second. Then the name disappears, and
only the indication remains. The mode is
activated.

•When Auto Mode Lock or Auto Mode
Release mode is selected, only the mode’s
name is displayed. Then the name disappears
and the mode is activated.

NOTES:

●

Only one effect can be engaged at a time.

●

The screen becomes slightly reddish when the
fader (Z pg. 16) is used in the Sepia mode.

●

The screen becomes slightly dark in the High
Speed Shutter mode. Use in well-lighted
situations.

●

In the High Speed Shutter or Sports modes,
picture colour may be adversely affected if
subject is lit by alternating discharge-type light
sources such as flourescent or mercury-vapour
lights.

1 second later, the mode is activated.

DIAL VIEWFINDER

MODE

SYMBOL INDICATION

Electronic Fog Filter

Makes the picture look misty white, as when an
external fog filter is attached to the lens. Softens the
image and gives it a “fancy” look.

ND Effect

A black mist darkens the picture, as when an ND
filter is used. Helps to counter the effects of glare on
the subject.

DIAL VIEWFINDER

MODE

SYMBOL INDICATION

Auto Mode Lock

Locks the camcorder in Full Auto mode, preventing
incorrect operation due to accidental button
pressing during shooting.

•In this mode the following controls are disabled;
FADE, WIDE, TITLE, DISPLAY, M.W.B (Manual
White Balance), Manual Focus, Focus Lock,
Exposure Control and MENU

Auto Mode Release

Re-enables the controls that were disabled by Auto
Mode Lock.

Auto Mode Lock

LOCK

AUTO LOCK

Auto Mode Release

RELEASE

AUTO RELEASE

Electronic Fog Filter

FG:FOGFG

ND EffectND:ND EFFECTND

Viewfinder

After
1 sec.

Mark

PROGRAM AE
select dial

EN 13

DIAL VIEWFINDER

MODE

SYMBOL INDICATION

Sepia

The scene being shot is recorded in sepia-tinted
(reddish-brown) monochrome, giving the effect of
an older movie. Use together with Wide (

Z pg. 16)

for the authentic look of a classic Hollywood
movie.

Twilight

Dusk, twilight scenery, fireworks, etc., look more
natural and dramatic. The following happens when
Twilight mode is selected:

•Auto gain control is turned off.

•White Balance is set to “ ” (outdoor mode), but

can also be manually changed to another mode
(Z pg. 19).

•Auto Focus becomes available only in the range of

10 m to infinity. To focus when the subject-to­camera distance is less than 10 m, use manual
focusing (Z pg. 15).

DIAL VIEWFINDER

MODE

SYMBOL INDICATION

Sports

High shutter speed clearly captures fast-moving
action.

High-Speed Shutter (1/1000s., 1/2000s.)

Captures faster action than Sports mode.

Sports

SPORTS

Sepia

SEPIA

Twilight

TWILIGHT

1/1000 sec.
High Speed Shutter

1/1000

S 1/1000

1

1/2000 sec.
High Speed Shutter

1/2000

S 1/2000

2

+

02

+

06

–

06

+

–

To brighten the image

To darken the image

Exposure Control

This feature automatically adjusts the iris for the
best available picture quality, but you can override
and make the adjustment manually.

SELECT MODE

1

Turn the PROGRAM AE select dial to any
position except AUTO LOCK.

BRIGHTEN IMAGE

2

Press + (maximum +06). The Exposure level
indicator appears in the viewfinder.

OR . . .

DARKEN IMAGE

Press – (maximum –06). The Exposure level
indicator appears in the viewfinder.

When you want to return to the factory
setting . . .

RESTORE INITIAL SETTING

3

Press + and – simultaneously. The standard
setting is immediately restored and the
Exposure level indicator disappears.

Exposure Level Indicator

14 EN

RECORDING

Advanced Features (cont.)

Focusing

Auto Focus

The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers continuous
shooting ability from close-up to infinity. However,
correct focus may not be obtainable in the situations
listed below (in these cases use manual focusing):

•When two subjects overlap in the same scene.

•When illumination is low.*

•When the subject has no contrast (difference in
brightness and darkness), such as a flat, one-colour
wall, or a clear, blue sky.*

•When a dark object is barely visible in the viewfinder.*

•When the scene contains minute patterns or identical
patterns that are regularly repeated.

•When the scene is affected by sunbeams or light
reflecting off the surface of a body of water.

•When shooting a scene with a high-contrast
background.

* The low-contrast warning “

” appears in the

viewfinder.

Focus Lock

This feature locks the focus in place, which is especially
helpful in the following situations:

•When things pass between your subject and the
camcorder. Engage the focus lock function to lock your
subject in before recording.

•When you want your subject to be focused, and to
appear in a corner of the screen. First, center on the
subject and focus using auto focus mode. Then engage
the focus lock function and move the camcorder until
the subject is where you want it.

SELECT MODE

1

Turn the PROGRAM AE select dial to any position
except AUTO LOCK.

LOCK FOCUS

2

Press FAR or NEAR. The focus lock indication “ ”
appears in the viewfinder.

RELEASE FOCUS LOCK

3

Press FAR and NEAR simultaneously. The focus lock
indication disappears.

NOTES:

●

If the lens is smeared or blurred, accurate focusing is
not possible. Keep the lens clean, wiping with a piece
of soft cloth if it gets dirty. When condensation occurs,
wipe with a soft cloth or wait for it to dry naturally.

●

When shooting a subject close to the lens, zoom-out
first (

Z

pg. 11). If zoomed-in in the auto focus mode,
the camcorder could automatically zoom out
depending on the distance between the camcorder and
the subject. *When Tele Macro (

Z

pg. 21) is activated,

the camcorder will not zoom out automatically.

Focus
detection zone

NEARFAR

PROGRAM AE select dial