Panasonic AG-TL950 User Manual

Operating

Instructions

INTRODUCTION

CONTROLS AND

CONNECTORS

Model AG-

Professional/Industrial video

CONNECTIONS

ON-SCREEN/MENU

SWITCHES

PREPARATION

RECORDING

PLAYBACK AND

SPECIAL-EFFECTS

PLAYBACK

Printed in Japan VQT9726

Time Lapse Video Cassette Recorder

Before attempting to connect, operate or adjust this product, please read these instructions completely.

LLT0004-001A

TROUBLE-

APPENDIXES

SHOOTING

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

CAUTION ATTENTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

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 120 V AC 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 rear of the unit.

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:

● Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

● Increase the separation between the equipment and

receiver.

● Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

● Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION

To assure continued compliance follow the attached installation instructions and do not make any unauthorized modificaitons.

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

RISQUE D’ELECTROCUTION

NE PAS OUVRIR

ATTENTION: POUR EVITER TOUT RISQUE D’ELECTROCUTION

SE REFERER A UN AGENT QUALIFIE EN CAS DE PROBLEME.

NE PAS OUVRIR LE BOITER.

AUCUNE PIECE INTERIEURE N’EST

A REGLER PAR L’UTILISATEUR.

Le symbole de l’éclair à l’intérieur d’un triangle équilatéral est destiné à alerter l’utilisateur sur la présence d’une “tension dangereuse” non isolée dans le boîtier du produit. Cette tension est suffisante pour provoquer l’électrocution de personnes.

Le point d’exclamation à l’intérieur d’un triangle équilatéral est destiné à alerter l’utilisateur sur la présence d’opérations d’entretien importantes au sujet desquelles des renseignements se trouvent dans le manuel d’instructions.

*Ces symboles ne sont utilisés qu’aux Etats-Unis.

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 alternatif en 120 V.

ATTENTION: Afin d’éviter tout resque d’incendie ou d’électrocution, ne pas utiliser d’autres sources d’alimentation électrique.

REMARQUE:

La plaque d’identification (numéro de série) se trouve sur le panneau arrière de l’appareil.

WARNING:

The battery used in the AG-TL950P must be replaced by a PANASONIC authorized service dealer only.

AVERTISSEMENT:

La pile utilisée dans l’AG-TL950P ne devra être remplacée que par un service après-vente PANASONIC agréé.

CAUTION:

Do not install or place this unit in a bookcase, built-in cabinet or in another confined space in order to keep well ventilation condition. Ensure that curtains and any other materials do not obstruct the ventilation condition to prevent risk of electric shock or fire hazard due to overheating.

ATTENTION:

Ne pas installer cet appareil dans une bibliothèque, un meuble fermé ou autres endroits renfermés. Installer l’appareil dans un endroit bien ventilé. S’assurer qu’aucun rideau ou autre matériel ne bouche la ventilation du lecteur de cassetie vidéo afin de prévenir tout risque de chocs électriques ou de dangers d’incendie dû au surchauffement.

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.

OPERATION LOCK

By engaging the operation lock system [LOCK], you can prevent accidental or deliberate interference with recording operation or power supply.

When this function is activated, all operation buttons are disabled.

REC

STOP

POWER

PAUSE/

/REW

REV ADV FWD ADV

REV PLAY

STILL

PLAY FF/

“LOCK” indicator

TRACKING

V. LOCK

SEARCH COUNTER

TIMER

[LOCK] button

LOCK CNT RESET

POWER

HDR

EJECT

RESET

CANCEL

ON SCREEN

SHIFT

MENU TIMEMODE

SET

[TIME MODE+/–] button

REC REVIEW REC

”

1 Engage the mode you want to lock (such as the Rec or Play mode). 2 While pressing the [LOCK] button, press the [TIME MODE+/–] button. “LOCK” is shown on the display, indicating

that the Operation Lock mode is engaged.

3 To unlock the VCR, press the [TIME MODE+/–] button while pressing the [LOCK] button. The “LOCK” indication on

the display disappears and the unit can now be operated normally.

To prevent unauthorized use, detach this page and keep it in a safe place.

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION

1-1 Major Features............................................. 6

1-2 Periodical Maintenance................................ 7

1-3 Precautions.................................................. 7

1-4 Daily Inspection............................................ 8

1-5 Regarding S-VHS ET Rcording ................... 8

2 CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS

2-1 Front Panel .................................................. 9

2-2 Display ....................................................... 11

2-3 Rear Panel................................................. 12

3 CONNECTIONS

3-1 Connecting to a Camera............................ 14

3-2 System Using Sequential Switcher............ 15

3-3 Connecting the Rear Panel Input/Output

Terminal Connections................................ 16

4 ON-SCREEN/MENU SWITCHES

4-1 On-Screen Display..................................... 17

4-2 Main Menu Display .................................... 18

4-3 Date and Time Setting ............................... 19

4-4 Hour Meter Display .................................... 20

4-5 Alarm Input/Power Loss Data Display ....... 21

4-6 Menu Switch Setting .................................. 22

4-7 Contents of Menu Switches ....................... 23

7 PLAYBACK AND SPECIAL-EFFECTS

PLAYBACK

7-1 Preparation ................................................ 46

7-2 Playback .................................................... 46

7-3 Special-Effects Playback ........................... 47

• Still/Field Advance/Reverse Playback .... 47

• Shuttle Search ........................................ 48

7-4 Alarm Search/Date and Time Search ........ 49

7-5 Repeat Playback........................................ 51

7-6 Counter Memory Function ......................... 51

7-7 Tracking/V. Lock Adjustment ..................... 52

7-8 QUASI-V .................................................... 52

8 TROUBLESHOOTING

8-1 Error Indications......................................... 53

8-2 No Error Indication..................................... 54

9 APPENDIXES

9-1 Tape Reel Counter/Tape Remaining Time

Table.......................................................... 55

9-2 Rear Panel’s Inputs/Outputs ...................... 56

9-3 Specifications............................................. 57

5 PREPARATION

5-1 Cassette Loading/Unloading...................... 27

5-2 Recording/Playback Speed Mode

Selection .................................................... 28

6 RECORDING

6-1 Switch Setting During Recording ............... 29

6-2 Recording Basic Operation........................ 30

6-3 Timer Recording ........................................ 31

• Timer Recording Program Setting .......... 31

• Holiday Timer Recording Setting ............ 35

• Canceling/Changing Timer Recording

Program .................................................. 36

• Notes on Timer Recording...................... 37

6-4 Alarm Recording ........................................ 38

6-5 Sensor Recording ...................................... 40

6-6 Series Recording ....................................... 41

6-7 Repeat Recording ...................................... 43

6-8 Recording with External VCR Activation

Signal......................................................... 44

6-9 How to Restore Recording After Power

Failure........................................................ 45

6-10 External Timer Recording .......................... 45

6-11 Tape End Buzzer ....................................... 45

The AG-TL950P is a video cassette recorder able to execute timelapse recording with VHS cassettes. Use only video cassettes bearing the This unit is designed for professional use.

Panasonic is not liable for compensation for loss or damage to recordings in the event this unit fails to record or play back properly because the unit malfunctions or a defective video cassette tape is used.

Please note that it may be unlawful to use any material recorded from TV broadcast programs or pre-recorded programs without the consent of the owner of copyright, except in cases where this material is recorded exclusively for personal use.

or mark.

1 INTRODUCTION

1-1 Major Features

5 S-VHS/S-VHS ET recording

S-VHS or S-VHS ET is employed as the recording mode. Employing the S-VHS ET recording mode enables recording with a horizontal resolution of 400 lines on a VHS cassette. The VHS mode is only available for playback.

5 Extended timelapse recording for up to 960 hours

Recording times are selectable from 2 hours (SP mode), 6 hours (EP mode) and L12/L18/L24/24/48/72/120/168/ 240/480/960 (Timelapse mode) (when T-120 tape is used).

5 High-resolution recording Delivers horizontal resolution of more than 400 lines

even in color mode. *When a tape recorded on this unit is played back on

another VCR, noise may appear on playback picture.

5 High-density recording (HDR) function Using the EP head, the tape is advanced at a fine pitch

for timelapse recording. In this way, about three times more information is recorded in the same period than in conventional timelapse modes. While this results in some degradation of picture quality, the increased coverage allows you to analyze the development of a situation in greater detail. The actual recording duration on the tape is the same as that of an ordinary timelapse recording (select with menu switch <HIGH DENSITY REC>).

5 Alarm recording function

When an alarm signal is input in the Record mode, the 2/6/L12/L18/L24/24/48-hour mode is automatically engaged. Alarm recording time can be selected from 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120, or 180 sec., to COUNTINUE, or set manually. An index code is automatically recorded at the start point of the alarm recording for use as an alarm cue signal. Alarm recording points can be accessed quickly with the alarm search function.

5 Sensor recording

Whenever an alarm signal is input in the Stop mode

(Stop, Timer Recording Standby or Operating Off mode), the Record mode is automatically engaged.

5 Time/date generator

Superimposes date, month, year, hour, minute and second on the image during recording. Also allows you to display the number of alarms, alarm time, and the number of the power failures on a monitor.

5 Timer-recording function

Up to 8 programs can be set for daily, weekly, or weekday timer-recording. You can also set timer recording for up to 16 days a year by specifying the date (holidays, for example).

5 Tape position search function You can automatically search the start of an alarm

recording or search for a recording made at a specified date and time.

5 Recording check function

Recording conditions (quality) can be checked at any time during recording by pressing the REC REVIEW button.

5 Operation lock system

The secret operation lock system prevents an accidental or deliberate interference with VCR operation.

5 Camera switching signal output terminal 5 Warning function

Error indications are shown on the front panel display. Error warnings include condensation and problems with cassette loading, cassette unloading, or the rotating system operation mode.

5 Operating mode-off video throughout function

Even when the operating mode is off, the camera’s EE input can be output from the VCR.

5 Series recording function

Two or more AG-TL950P can be connected for extended, long-term series recording. As the tape in each VCR reaches the end, the next unit in the series will automatically start recording.

5 Time adjust function

With the IN/OUT terminal for time adjustment, the time difference can be set to “0” with m u l t ip l e AG-TL950P connected. (adjustment time: 00:00/12:00)

5 Digital hour meter display 5 Repeat playback/recording 5 Alarm recording, tape end and warning electronic

buzzer

5 Recording control with external activation signal 5 Counter end function 5 External timer connection 5 Summer time compensation function

1 INTRODUCTION

1-2 Periodical Maintenance

This VCR incorporates precision mechanical parts which will collect dirt over time and ultimately deteriorate and wear out. Over long periods of use, dirt and dust accumulates on the heads, drums and tape transport mechanisms. Dust which penetrates the VCR (especially during outdoor use) also promotes the wear and deterioration of mechanical parts by causing poor contact between tape and heads. This also prevents the VCR from maintaining video and audio quality at high levels. To prevent wear and deterioration, clean the heads regularly using a head cleaning tape. However, because a head cleaning tape alone cannot clean the entire tape transport mechanism, this should also be inspected periodically to prevent any problems that could result from a sudden failure.

As replacement and adjustment of parts require advanced skills and specialized equipment, please contact the person in charge of professional video equipment at your nearest Panasonic-authorized service agent for servicing.

Monitoring Usage Time

The total operation time reached by an ordinary home VCR in 5 or 6 years may be reached by a professional VCR in as few as 5 or 6 months. Therefore, it is important that the total hours of operation be carefully monitored. An hour meter in the on-screen display (see page 20) shows the accumulated time. In the chart below, the hours accumulated in each month are shown in relation to the number of hours used per day. Times shown in the shaded area indicate that maintenance should be performed.

Usage time per day

1 month 2 months 3 months 6 months 12 months

2 hours 60 120 180 360 720 8 hours 240 480 720 1440 2880 12 hours 360 720 1080 2160 4320 24 hours 720 1440 2160 4320 8640

1-3 Precautions

Handling and storage place

5 Avoid using the unit in places subject to the following

conditions:

• extreme heat or cold

• strong magnetic fields (do not use a transceiver within 2

meters of this unit)

• high humidity

• dust and soil

• vibrations

• variations in temperature

5 Use this unit in horizontal (flat position) only. 5 To avoid overheating the unit, do not block ventilation

slots or stack the units. If the internal temperature rises too high, the tape may be damaged.

5 When playing back a tape recorded on another VTR, there

may be some noise output even when tracking adjustments are carried out. This is not a malfunction.

5 Do not leave the unit in the Still or Record Pause mode for a

long time as this may damage the tape.

Condensation

Periodic Maintenance

Check or replace the following mechanical parts according to the running time.

Running time 1000H 2000H 3000H 4000H

Drum ass’y (including heads) ^ 䡬䡬䢇 Pinch rollers ^ 䡬䡬䢇 Drive parts ^^ ^ 䡬

^ : Cleaning

䡬 : Check or replace as required. 䢇 : Replace

• Maintenance requirements may vary depending on the operating environment and usage. The information above should be used as a reference guide. Replace the built-in lithium battery approximately every two years.

After about 3 minutes, this unit automatically enters the Stop mode.

5 Handle the unit carefully

• Do not place anything heavy on the unit (a monitor, etc.). A malfunction may occur.

• Do not put any foreign substance into the cassette loading slot.

• Avoid violent shocks to the recording chassis during transportation. Remove the cassette tape from the unit for transportation.

5 Turn off the power to save electricity when not using the

unit.

5 To clean the unit, just wipe it with a soft cloth.

Use of thinner or benzene may dissolve or tarnish the surface. To remove stains, wipe it using a cloth dipped in water mixed with a little amount of neutral detergent, and wipe it again with a dry cloth later on.

5 Never put your hand into the front-loading tape door.

If you do so, you may get hurt.

5 Condensation

When cold beer is poured into a glass, water drops appear on the glass’s surface. This phenomenon is called “condensation”. When condensation occurs on the VCR’s head drum and tape guides it may damage the tape.

5 Condensation occurs in the

following cases:

Head drum

• When the VCR is moved from a cold place to a warm place.

• In a room that has just been heated or in an area directly exposed to a cooler.

• When there is excessive humidity.

Video tape

5 When condensation is expected to occur

Turn the power of the VCR on before use.

5 If condensation has occurred

The VCR automatically ejects the cassette and the error indication “E-08” blinks on the display. Operation is disabled until the “E-08” indication on the display goes out.

REC

STOP

POWER

PAUSE/

/REW

PLAY FF/

REV PLAY

STILL

REV ADV FWD ADV

TIMER

V. LOCK

TRACKING

SEARCH COUNTER

LOCK CNT RESET

EJECT

POWER

HDR

RESET CANCEL

MENU TIMEMODE

REC REVIEW REC

ONSCREEN

SHIFT

SET

AG-

1 INTRODUCTION

1-3 Precautions

Video cassette

Erasure prevention tab

Timelapse recording (24H-960H mode) is performed over very long periods of time which means that a durable tape is required. When using VHS tapes, do not use tapes with recording times of more than 120 minutes (T-160/T-180 etc.). For best results, use a T-120 tape.

• Only use video cassette bearing the or mark.

• To prevent accidental erasure of a recorded tape, break the erasure prevention tab on the cassette. To use a cassette with a broken tab, place a piece of cellophane tape over the broken tab.

• Video cassettes cannot be used upside down.

• Leaving the tape in a partially wound condition for a long time may damage the tape. Rewind the tape to the beginning before storage.

To obtain the best picture quality, use an HG (high grade) tape . Degradation of picture quality may result with some types of tape. Make a test recording before performing any important recording to check the picture quality.

1-4 Daily Inspection

Although this unit has been designed for reliable operation over a long period of time, a daily inspection is recommended to ensure optimum performance. In particular, be sure to check the repeat recording/playback function on a daily basis.

Inspection procedure

1 Turn on the power for all units connected to the

surveillance system.

2 Check the quality of the image shown on the monitor.

1-5 Regarding S-VHS ET Recording

• The S-VHS ET recording feature of this unit ensures a picture quality (horizontal resolution of 400 lines) on a par with S-VHS when a VHS tape is used. This function is automatically activated when a VHS tape is inserted into the unit and recording started. This unit does not perform normal VHS recording.

• S-VHS ET recording is not performed in the linear

slow (L12/L18/L24) mode.

• Playback of a tape recorded in the S-VHS ET format should be performed on this unit, or on a video deck equipped with function for S-VHS or S-VHS simple playback (SQPB). (Playback may not be possible on some video decks.)

• HG (high-grade) VHS tapes are recommended for S-VHS ET recording. Depending on the characteristics of the tape, correct recording may not always be possible. Use the tape after making a test recording to ensure that recording is conducted correctly.

3 Check that the date and time shown on the monitor are

correct.

4 Rewind the tape recorded the previous day for several

seconds.

5 Press the play button for playback. 6 Check that the playback picture is normal. 7 Check that the recorded date and time are correct.

5 This unit includes a Recording Check function (using the

[REC REVIEW] button). Use these features to quickly check recording quality on a daily basis.

If any problems are found after inspection, turn the power off, unplug the mains plug from the socket, and contact your Panasonic dealer.

• Accidentally inserting a tape recorded in the S-VHS ET format into a dedicated VHS deck that is not designed for playback of this type could result in damage. To avoid this kind of accident, mark cassettes labels in such a way that you can easily distinguish between S-VHS ET and VHS recordings when storing cassettes.

• As far as possible avoid operations that apply a load to the tape, such as search playback, etc. This will result in deteriorating picture quality.

• Noise may appear in the playback picture during search playback and field advance. This is not a malfunction.

2 CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS

2-1 Front Panel

STOP

POWER

PAUSE/

/REW

REV PLAY

REV ADV FWD ADV

STILL

PLAY FF/

TRACKING

V. LOCK

TIMER

9 8

1 [POWER] power on/off button

Press to turn the operating mode ON/OFF. When this button is POWER indicator 8 lights and the unit can be operated. When a cassette is loaded, operating mode is switched on and the POWER indicator lights automatically.

The POWER button does not completely shut off the mains power to the unit, but switches the operating current on and off.

2 [STOP] button

Press this button to stop the tape.

3 Cassette loading slot

Insert a cassette in this slot. Use a VHS cassette tape.

4 [EJECT] button

Press to eject the cassette.

5 [REC] indicator

This indicator lights during recording if menu switch <REC TALLY> on the <F. DISP> screen is set to “ON”.

6 [REC] button

Press this button in the Stop mode to engage the Record mode. Press to engage the Record mode in the Rec-Pause mode.

7 [REC REVIEW] button

Use this button to check recording. When pressed in the Record mode, the VCR will rewind the tape for about 5 seconds of tape time and then play back the rewound section in the 2H/6H mode to check recording quality. Recording is resumed automatically after playback at the point where recording was interrupted.

• If picture quality is judged to be inferior during recording check, the heads are cleaned automatically and the error code “E-09” is shown on the display for about 10 seconds. Recording will continue regardless of the results of the recording check.

8 [POWER] indicator

Lights when the

9 Display section

For details, refer to page 11.

0 [ON SCREEN/SHIFT 7/t] buttons

• Use these buttons on the normal screen to move the display position or recording position of on-screen information. The position can be moved down by pressing the 7 button and to the right by pressing the t button.

• Use these buttons on the menu screen to select the desired item in date/time setting, timer program setting and menu switch setting.

1 [POWER] button is turned on.

SEARCH COUNTER

POWER

LOCK CNT RESET

EJECT

HDR

RESET CANCEL

ON SCREEN

SHIFT

MENU TIME MODE

SET

! [TIME MODE/SET +/–] buttons

• Use to select the recording and playback speed mode. Available recording/playback speed modes vary depending on the setting of menu switch <HIGH DENSITY REC> on the <VTR MODE> screen. Each time these buttons are pressed, the recording/ playback speed mode changes as follows. The recording/ playback speed mode is shown on the display.

S-VHS tape VHS tape

HDR recording HDR recording Playback speed

On Off On Off

2H* 2H 2H* 2H Standard

6H 6H* 6H 6H* 3x

— L12H ——12-hour SP linear slow

L18H ———18-hour EP linear slow

— L24H ——24-hour SP linear slow — 24H — 24H 24-hour SP timelapse

24H — 24H — 24-hour EP timelapse

— 48H — 48H 48-hour SP timelapse

48H — 48H — 48-hour EP timelapse

— 72H — 72H 72-hour SP timelapse

72H — 72H — 72-hour EP timelapse

— 84H — 84H 84-hour SP timelapse

84H — 84H — 84-hour EP timelapse

— 120H — 120H 120-hour SP timelapse

120H — 120H — 120-hour EP timelapse

— 168H — 168H 168-hour SP timelapse

168H — 168H — 168-hour EP timelapse

— 240H — 240H 240-hour SP timelapse

240H — 240H — 240-hour EP timelapse

— 480H — 480H 480-hour SP timelapse

480H — 480H — 480-hour EP timelapse

— 960H — 960H 960-hour SP timelapse

960H — 960H — 960-hour EP timelapse

• The speed selection display - when a cassette tape is not

yet inserted - becomes a display when the S-VHS tape is being used. If the VHS cassette tape is inserted after setting the speed that can only be selected during the time the S-VHS tape is used, it automatically changes over to the speed that can be selected when the VHS tape is being used. Example: If the VHS tape is inserted - when a cassette

tape is not yet inserted - after selecting L18H, the recording speed comes to 24H mode.

@ [MENU] button

Press to display the date/time, timer program, and various other menu setting screens, as well as the hour meter, on the monitor. Press again to cancel the menu or hour meter display.

51 2 3

REC

REC REVIEW REC

AG-

2 CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS

2-1 Front Panel

STOP

POWER

PAUSE/

/REW

REV PLAY

REV ADV FWD ADV

STILL

PLAY FF/

TRACKING

20 19

V. LOCK

TIMER

SEARCH COUNTER

POWER

HDR

LOCK CNT RESET

14151617

EJECT

RESET

CANCEL

MENU TIME MODE

ON SCREEN

SHIFT

SET

REC

REC REVIEW REC

AG-

# [RESET/CANCEL] button

• In the Timer Program Setting mode, press this button to cancel the program settings. For details, refer to “Timer Recording” on page 36.

• Also press this button to interrupt alarm recording or to reset the alarm input data or power loss (power failure) data. For details, refer to pages 21 and 39.

• Resets the seconds in the currently displayed time to 00 when pressed together with the

$ [CNT RESET] button

(except in menu setting mode).

- When the seconds value is 29 or less, the minutes value

is the same but the seconds value is reset to 0. (eg. 12:34:29 [ 12:34:00)

- When the seconds value is 30 or more, the seconds value

is reset to “00” and the minutes value is increased by one. (e.g. 12:34:30 [12:35:00)

$ [CNT RESET] button

When the display shows the control tape counter or reel tape counter, press this button to reset to “00

H00M00S” or “0000”.

% [LOCK] button

Press to activate the operation lock function.

^ [COUNTER] button

Selects which data — current time, control tape counter

H 00M 00S — 23H 59M 59S) or reel tape counter (0 —

(00

9999) — is displayed. Each time this button is pressed, the display switches to the next item.

& [SEARCH] button

Use to search the alarm recorded section or a section recorded at a specified date and time. In the Stop mode, select the search mode by pressing this button.

• Press once to engage the Alarm Search mode.

• Press twice to engage the Alarm Scan mode.

• Press three times to engage the Date/Time Search mode.

• Press four times to release the search mode.

After the search mode is selected with this button, press the [FF] or [REW] button to execute the search operation in the selected mode. For details, refer to page 49.

* [TIMER] button

Normally use this button for timer recording. For details, refer to “Timer Recording” on page 31.

( [V. LOCK +/–] buttons

Press to reduce vertical picture jitter in the Still, Field Advance Playback and Linear Slow Timelapse Play modes.

) [TRACKING +/–] buttons

If picture noise appears during play or field advance, press these buttons to adjust tracking so that noise is reduced. When the [+] and [–] buttons are pressed simultaneously, tracking is reset to the preset level.

* You cannot make any tracking adjustment at L12H and

L24H Linear Slow Time-lapse Playback modes.

q [FF] button

• Press to fast-forward the tape.

• Starts fast-forward search when pressed in the Play mode.

• Starts forward alarm search or date/time search when the

Search mode is specified with the

& [SEARCH] button.

• Also controls field-by-field playback in the forward direction.

w [PLAY] button

• Press to play back the tape.

e [PAUSE/STILL] button

• Engages the Record-Pause mode when pressed in the Record mode.

• Displays a still picture when pressed in the Play mode.

• Field advance or reverse playback is executed each time

the [FF] or [REW] button is pressed while pressing this button in the Still mode. (When the [FF] or [REW] button is pressed for more than 2 seconds, Continuous Field Advance Playback mode is engaged. After about 3 minutes, the Stop mode is engaged.)

r [REV PLAY] button

Starts reverse playback when pressed in any mode except Record, Record-Pause and Record Check.

t [REW] button

• Press this button to rewind the cassette.

• Starts rewind search when pressed in the Play mode.

• Starts reverse alarm search or date/time search when

the Search mode is specified with the

& [SEARCH] button.

• Also controls field-by-field playback in the reverse direction.

y [HDR] indicator

Lights in the HDR recording and HDR playback modes. * HDR: High Density Recording

• For details on HDR recording, refer to page 28.

2 CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS

2-2 Display

1 6

2 3

1 Operation mode display

Shows the operation modes.

Playback Recording

Still

Field-by-field playback

* (

) mark in the Rec/Pause mode is shown in red.

Recordpause

Reverse step slow playback

Rewind

Rewind search

Fastforward

Fast-forward search

2 Cassette indication

Lights when a cassette is loaded. Blinks when a cassette is being ejected.

3 [SP/EP] indication

Shows the standard (SP) mode or extended (EP) mode during recording/playback. During ordinary timelapse recording/playback, the [SP] indication is shown. The [EP] indication is shown during recording in the HDR (High-Density Record) mode or during playback of a tape section recorded in the HDR mode.

4 Tape counter/clock indication

• Shows the current time (hour: minute: second), tape control counter (00H 00M 00S — 23H 59M 59S) or tape reel counter (0 — 9999) when the operating mode is on.

The display can be selected with the [DISPLAY] button.

Shows the current time when the operating mode is off. When a cassette is ejected, the tape control counter and tape reel counter are reset automatically.

• When the cassette is rewound to the beginning in the Repeat Recording or Auto Rewind mode using the counter end output function, the tape control counter and tape reel counter are reset.

• The control and reel counter counts slowly in the Timelapse mode.

• In the timelapse mode, the control counter shows the time equivalent to that shown when a tape is played back in the 2H or 6H mode. (Example: The control counter advances 1 second for about 8 minutes in the 960H ordinary timelapse mode.)

• During date/time search setting and operation, “td” is shown in place of the seconds.

• Shows the setting item during menu switch setting.

Timelapse playback

Reverse playback

1211

5 Recording/playback speed display

• Normally shows the recording/playback speed mode set with the [TIME MODE] button.

•

Shows the following indications in the Alarm Search mode. During alarm search: Shows the specified alarm number (example: AL12) During alarm scan: Shows the alarm scan mode (ALSC). During date/time search: Shows the specified date and time (example 2310).

• Shows setting details in menu switch setting.

• When an error occurs, the error indication “E-**” blinks (if

the menu switch <WARNING> on the <FRONT DISPLAY> screen is set to “ON”). For error indications, refer to page 53.

6 [TIMER] indication

Lights during timer recording programming/operation.

7 [REPEAT] indication

When <REPEAT REC> in the <VTR MODE> menu is set to “ON”, this indication is shown. When <TAPE END MODE> in the <ALARM/SENSOR MODE> menu is set to “STOP” and the Repeat Record mode is engaged, the [REPEAT] indication goes out if alarm recording or sensor recording takes place.

8 [OVERLAP] indication

Blinks when programs scheduled for timer recording overlap.

9 Timer program number

All programmed timer recording numbers light. During timer recording, the number of the program being recorded blinks. When the timer recording ends, this number goes out.

0 [AL] (alarm) indication

Shown during alarm recording or sensor recording. Blinks when alarm recording or sensor recording ends.

! [S-VHS] indication

Lights when a S-VHS cassette is loaded. In the playback mode, it lights during playback of a tape recorded in the SVHS mode.

@ [LOCK] indication

Lights when the operation lock function is activated.

# [AL REC] (alarm recording) indication

Lights when the menu switch <REC MODE> on the <ALARM/ SENSOR MODE> screen is set to “ALARM” or “AL/ SENSOR”.

$ [SENSOR REC] (sensor recording) indication

Lights when the menu switch <REC MODE> on the <ALARM/ SENSOR MODE> screen is set to “SENSOR” or “AL/ SENSOR”.

2 CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS

2-1 FRONT PANEL

2-3 Rear Panel

RS-232C

AUDIO

SPARE

MIC

OUT

1 [AC IN] connector

Connect to an AC 120 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz socket using the AC mains cable.

2 [SPARE] spare connector

This connector is not used now and thus has on function.

3 [MIC] mic input connector

Connect a microphone with 3.6-mm dia. plug. When signals are input from both the microphone connector and the audio input connector, audio signals are mixed and recorded.

4 [AUDIO IN] audio input connector (Phono)

Receives audio signals from a connected audio source.

5 [AUDIO OUT] audio output connector (Phono)

Outputs audio signals. No signal is output in the Timelapse Recording/Playback mode.

6 [VIDEO IN] video input connector (BNC)

Receives composite video signals from a connected camera or other video source.

• For composite video signal input, set the <INPUT> menu switch in <VIDEO MODE> to LINE.

7 [VIDEO OUT] video output connector (BNC)

Outputs composite video signals. Even when the power is not supplied to this unit, input signals (composite video signals) from a camera can be output through this connector (Operating mode-Off Video Throughout function).

8 [S-VIDEO IN] S-VIDEO input terminal (4 pin)

Inputs separate Y/C signals.

• For separate Y/C signal input, set the <IN> menu switch in <VIDEO MODE> to “S-VIDEO”.

VIDEO

AC~IN

S-VIDEO

CAM SW

OUT

COM

ALARM

CLOCK

COM

END OUT

SERIES

RESET IN

REC IN

WARNING

SERIES

CLOCK

TAPE

OUT

REC OUT

RESET OUT

COM

CLOCK

RESET OUT

1918

SERIES REC IN

SERIES

REC OUT

CAM SW

OUT

1211

COM

ALARM

RESET

ALARM

REC OUT

1413

TAPE

END OUT

WARNING

RESET IN

OUT

ALARM

REC OUT

ALARM RESET

9 [S-VIDEO OUT] S-VIDEO output terminal (4 pin)

Outputs separate Y/C signals.

0 Signal ground terminal

This ground terminal is not provided for safety purposes. It is used to ground signals. Connect this terminal to ground the signal between VCRs.

! [CAM SW OUT] camera switching signal output

terminal

When a sequential switcher is connected, this terminal outputs camera switching timing control signals. For details on these signals, refer to page 56.

@ [COM] common ground terminal

Connect to the signal ground terminal of a connected unit.

# [ALARM IN] alarm signal input terminal

Receives signals to start alarm or sensor recording.

$ [ALARM RESET] alarm signal reset input terminal

Receives signals to cancel alarm recording. * Alarm input data is not reset.

% [ALARM REC OUT] alarm recording mode signal

output terminal

Outputs +12 V signals during alarm recording.

2 CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS

2-3 Rear Panel

^ [TAPE END OUT] tape end signal output terminal

Outputs a signal when the tape ends during recording. If the menu switch <CNT TAPE END> on the <SRI/EXT MODE> screen is set, signals are output when the specified tape reel counter value is exceeded.

• Outputs a +12 V signal during recording. When the tape ends or the specified counter value is passed, a 0 V (GND level) signal is output.

• When the tape ends during auto repeat recording or auto rewind recording, 0 V signal is output for about 2 seconds.

• Connect an external alarm or buzzer via an external interface.

• To cancel the output, press the [EJECT] button, [PLAY] button, [FF] button or [REW] button.

& [COM] common ground terminal

Connect to the signal ground terminal of a connected unit.

* [WARNING OUT] warning signal output terminal

Outputs warning signals (+12 V) when a tape running or mechanism problem occurs.

( [CLOCK RESET IN] clock reset input terminal

Connect to a master clock or another AG-TL950P’s [CLOCK RESET OUT] terminal. When the clock reset signal is input, the time is automatically synchronized with the master clock or another AG-TL950P’s clock. However, the time difference between VCRs should be within ±30 seconds. When the clock reset signal is input, the clock in this unit is reset as shown below.

• When the seconds value is 29 or less, the minutes value is the same but the seconds value is reset to 0. (eg. 12:34:29 —> 12:34:00)

• When the seconds value is 30 or more, the second value is reset to 00 and the minutes value is increased by one. (e.g. 12:34:30 —> 12:35:00)

) [CLOCK RESET OUT] clock reset output terminal

Outputs the clock reset signal. The clock reset signal is output in the following cases.

• When the internal clock is at 0:00 or 12:00 When this unit is connected to another AG-TL950P’s [CLOCK RESET IN] terminal, the other VCR’s clock can be set to the clock in this unit. However, the time difference should be within ±30 seconds.

q [SERIES REC IN] series recording/VCR activation

signal input terminal

Receives series recording signal or VCR activation signal from an external control device. Select the input signal with the menu switches in the <SRI/EXT MODE> menu.

5 Series recording input

A series recording signal is input when [SRI/EXT REC] is set to “SERIES”.

• Connect to another VCR’s series recording signal output terminal.

• When the tape in the preceding VCR ends, a signal is delivered to this terminal and recording starts automatically. When the menu switch <CNT TAPE END> on the <SRI/EXT MODE> screen is set, the signals are delivered when the specified tape reel counter value is reached. Recording starts automatically.

5 VCR activation signal input

When [SRI/EXT REC] is set to “EXT”, recording is started and stopped with an external signal.

• Connect to an external control device. If a VCR activation signal (ground input) is input to this terminal, the VCR starts recording automatically and continues recording for as long as the VCR activation signal is input.

w [SERIES REC OUT] series recording signal output

terminal

Outputs series recording signals. A series recording signal is output when [SRI/EXT REC] is set to “SERIES”.

• Connect to another VCR’s series recording signal input terminal.

• Outputs a signal when the tape being recorded in this unit ends. When the menu switch <CNT TAPE END> on the <SRI/EXT MODE> screen is set, the signals are output when the specified tape reel counter value is reached.

3 CONNECTIONS

3-1 Connecting to a Camera

Microphone

Amplifier

Microphone

CCD

Video camera

Phono

BNC

4pin

M3.5 minijack

CLOCK

SERIES

RESET IN

REC IN

SERIES

WARNING

CLOCK

REC OUT

OUT

RESET OUT

Alarm sensor

AC~IN

RS-232C

SPARE

MIC

Phono

AUDIO

OUT

BNC

Monitor TV

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

4pin

CAM SW

OUT

COM ALARM IN

ALARM

COM

REC OUT

ALARM

TAPE

COM

RESET

END OUT

1 Connect the monitor’s video/audio input connectors to the AG-TL950P’s video/audio output connectors. 2 Connect the video camera’s video output connector to the AG-TL950P’s video input connector. 3 Input audio signals to the audio input connectors via an amplifier. 4 When connecting an alarm sensor, connect it to the AG-TL950P’s alarm input terminal. 5 When the connection is complete, connect the power plug to an AC 120 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz socket.

Mains cable

AC 120 V 50 Hz/60 Hz

3 CONNECTIONS

3-2 System Using Sequential Switcher

Video camera

CCD

1 2 3 4 5 6

CCD

Video output

Alarm sensor input

1 2 3 4 5 6

Alarm signal output

Camera switching signal input

Alarm sensor

Sequential switcher

Microphone

CCD

RS-232C

SPARE

Phono

MIC

Phono

BNC

AUDIO

OUT

BNC

Monitor TV

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

CAM SW OUT

4pin

CAM SW

OUT

ALARM

COM

ALARM

COM

RESET IN

REC OUT

ALARM

WARNING

TAPE

RESET

OUT

END OUT

ALARM IN

CLOCK

SERIES REC IN

CLOCK

RESET OUT

Amplifier

AC~IN

SERIES

REC OUT

Mains cable

AC 120 V 50 Hz/60 Hz

1 Connect video cameras and alarm sensor to a sequential switcher (frame switcher). 2 Connect the sequential switcher’s (frame switcher) alarm signal output, camera switching signal input and video output to

the AG-TL950P.

3 Connect the monitor’s video/audio input connectors to the AG-TL950P’s video/audio output connectors. 4 When the connection is complete, connect the power plug to an AC 120 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz socket. 5 Synchro should be applied to all connected video cameras. 6 If you are connecting the camera switching signal input from a sequential switcher (frame switcher) to the AG-TL950P, be

sure to set the <CAMERA SW> menu switch.

3 CONNECTIONS

3-3 Connecting the Rear Panel Input/Output Terminal Connections

[CAM SW OUT] camera switching signal output terminal

CAM SW

OUT

COM

Sequential switcher camera switching signal input

[ALARM RESET] alarm reset terminal

ALARM RESET

COM

Vcc

Switch

Vcc: 5V–12V

[ALARM IN] alarm signal input terminal

ALARM

COMIN

Sequential switcher alarm output terminal

[ALARM REC OUT] alarm recording mode signal output terminal

ALARM RESET

Switch

ALARM

REC OUT COM

External interface

[TAPE END OUT] tape end output terminal [WARNING OUT] warning signal output terminal

Alarm lamp

TAPE

END OUT

COM

Alarm lamp

External interface

[CLOCK RESET] clock reset terminal

5 When setting the clock to the first VCR’s clock

First VCR Second VCR Last VCR

CLOCK

OUT

CLOCK

INCOM

COM

CLOCK

5 When setting the clock to the external master clock

First VCR Second VCR Last VCR

External master clock

CLOCK

COM

CLOCK

COM

IN COM

WARNING

COM

CLOCK

OUT

COM

Alarm lamp

External interface

External interface example

Example: Lamp lights with HIGH signal

Power supply

Control signal

GND

(Lamp, etc.)

Relay

5 Use appropriately rated devices.

4 ON-SCREEN/MENU SWITCHES

4-1 On-Screen Display

Displays the time date (date and time), recording speed, number of alarms and number of power losses (power failures) on screen in the Stop mode, Record mode and Record-Pause mode. During recording, the on-screen data is recorded together with video signals.

• The on-screen display position can be moved with the [ON SCREEN] buttons.

• The type of data shown and display brightness can be selected on the <ON SCREEN /FRONT DISPLAY MODE> screen.

STOP

POWER

PAUSE/

/REW

PLAY FF/

REV PLAY

STILL

REV ADV FWD ADV

Time (hour, minute, second)

Date (month, day, year)

Number of alarms

[ON SCREEN 7] button

Display items

POWER

TIMER

SEARCH COUNTER

TRACKING

V. LOCK

LOCK CNT RESET

On-screen display

Recording speed (T-MODE) ALARM indication during alarm/sensor recording

–

[ON SCREEN t] button

–

B U T E B

* * * *

–

ON SCREEN MODE screen

[

[ON SCREEN 7] button

RESET/

REC

EJECT

RESET

HDR

CANCEL

ONSCREEN

SHIFT

MENU TIMEMODE

SET

REC REVIEW REC

AG-

CANCEL

ON SCREEN

SHIFT

TIME MODE

–

SET

[ON SCREEN t] button

Preparation

5 Connect the video output connector of this unit to the

monitor’s video input connector.

Number of

power losses

(power

failures)

* N N N N N

N N

]

1 Turn on the monitor and VCR. 2 When a video signal from a camera is input to the video

input connector, on-screen data is superimposed on the picture.

When there is no input signal, on-screen data is shown

on a black background.

Changing the on-screen display position

Move horizontally.

Press the [ON SCREEN t] button.

[ The display position is moved to the right

5 Move downward.

Press the [ON SCREEN 7] button. [ The display position is moved down.

Selecting the data display

The data displayed on-screen can be selected on the <ON SCREEN MODE> screen. Set the <ONSCREEN/F. DISP MODE> setting to “ON”.

5 When you do not want to display or record on-screen

data, set the corresponding menu item to “OFF”.

Changing the on-screen display brightness

Set the brightness with the menu switch <TONE> on the <ON SCREEN MODE> screen. Select 0, 30, 70 or 100.

• The higher the number, the brighter the characters. * For details on menu operation, refer to page 22.

4 ON-SCREEN/MENU SWITCHES

4-2 Main Menu Display

You can display date and time data recorded when an alarm input or power failure occurs, as well as the hour meter (drum rotating time) by selecting the desired item in the main menu. The date/time setting screen, menu switch setting screen for each application, and timer recording program setting screen can also be displayed by selecting the desired item in the main menu. Date/time setting, menu switch setting and hour meter can be checked on the VCR’s display as well.

POWER

HDR

CNT RESET

[MENU] button

* * * * * * * * * * * *

EJECT

RESET

CANCEL

ON SCREEN

SHIFT

MENU TIMEMODE

SET

[SET +] button

[SET –] button

Main menu screen

[

[SHIFT t] button[SHIFT 7] button

Operation

5 Connect the video output connector of this unit to the

REC

REC REVIEW REC

AG-

]

Cursor

monitor’s video input connector.

1 Turn on the monitor and VCR. 2 Press the [MENU] button.

[ The main menu screen is shown on the monitor

screen.

3 Press the [SHIFT 7] button to move the cursor to the

item you want to display.

4 Press the [SET +/–] button to display the selected menu

screen on the monitor (see below).

5 To restore the main menu screen, press the [MENU]

button. To cancel the main menu mode, press the [MENU] button again. The normal screen is restored.

Contents of the main menu items

TIME ADJUST (VCR's display T ADJ)

Displays the date/time setting screen. * Set the clock before operating the VCR (refer to

page 19).

5 ONSCREEN/FRONT DISPLAY MODE

(VCR's display DiSP)

Let’s you choose whether or not to display onscreen display items, brightness selection, [REC] indicator and warning indicator.

5 VIDEO/VTR MODE (VCR's display ViDEO)

For VCR operation settings such as V. Pulse ON/ OFF, HDR recording, counter memory function and repeat recording/playback.

5 SRI/EXT MODE (VCR's display SRi ET)

For setting series recording or automatic recording with an external signal.

5 ALARM/SENSOR MODE (VCR's display AL 5EN)

For setting alarm recording or sensor recording operation.

5 BUZZER/IN OUT (VCR's display BU22iO)

Turn ON/OFF buzzers such as the tape end buzzer and alarm/sensor buzzer and set camera switch signal output.

5 PROGRAM TIMER (VCR's display PRG)

Shows timer recording program settings with the day of the week.

5 HOLIDAY SET (VCR's display HOLiDY)

Shows timer recording program settings at specified dates.

5 HOUR METER (VCR's display HOUR)

Shows the VCR’s operating time (drum rotation time).

5 ALARM RECALL/POWER LOSS

(VCR's display AL P0)

Shows the date and time when an alarm was input or a power failure occurred.

+ 40 hidden pages

Panasonic AG-TL950 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

On-screen display