Panasonic AJ-D250P User Manual

Digital Video Cassette Recorder

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AJ- P

Operating Instructions

Printed in Japan
VQT8188-2

S0699W3119

A

P

2

indicates safety information.

IMPORTANT

“Unauthorized recording of copyrighted
television programs, video tapes and other
materials may infringe the right of copyright
owners and be contrary to copyright laws.”

$

Do not insert fingers or any objects into the video
cassette holder.

$

Avoid operating or leaving the unit near strong magnetic
fields. Be especially careful of large audio speakers.

$

Avoid operating or storing the unit in an excessively hot,
cold, or damp environment as this may result in
damage both to the recorder and to the tape.

$

Do not spray any cleaner or wax directly on the unit.

$

If the unit is not going to be used for a length of time,
protect it from dirt and dust.

$

Do not leave a cassette in the recorder when not in use.

$

Do not block the ventilation slots of the unit.

$

Use this unit horizontally and do not place anything on
the top panel.

$

Cassette tape can be used only for one-side, one
direction recording. Two-way or two-track recordings
cannot be made.

$

Cassette tape can be used for either Color or Black &
White recording.

$

Do not attempt to disassemble the recorder.
There are no user serviceable parts inside.

$

If any liquid spills inside the recorder, have the recorder
examined for possible damage.

$

Refer any needed servicing to authorized service
personnel.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER TO 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 (service) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

CAUTION:

Do not install or place this unit in a bookcase,
built-in cabinet or in another confined space
in order to keep well ventilated 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.

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD AND ANNOYING INTERFERENCE,
USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
ONLY.

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, REFER MOUNTING OF THE
OPTIONAL INTERFACE BOARD TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

FCC Note:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
To assure continued compliance follow the attached
installation instructions and do not make any
unauthorized modifications.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a class A digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference
in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, REFER CHANGE OF SWITCH
SETTING INSIDE THE UNIT TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.

3

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Parts and Their Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Connector panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Tapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Turning on the power/inserting a cassette . . . . . . 11

STOP mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Pause/recording (frame-to-frame continuity) . . . . 14

Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Cue/review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Still picture playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Frame by frame advance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Audio switching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

REC CHECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Repeat playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Time Codes and User’s Bit . . . . . . . . . . 18

Time codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

User’s bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Setting the time code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Setting the user’s bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Playing back the time code/user’s bit . . . . . . . . . 20

Superimposed Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Setup (Initial Settings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

How to perform the settings using the on-screen

menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

How to restore the factory settings . . . . . . . . . . . 23

How to set the user default settings . . . . . . . . . . 24

How to load the user default settings . . . . . . . . . 25

How to initiate the menu protect mode . . . . . . . . 25

How to release the menu protect mode . . . . . . . . 26

How to display the DIAG menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Setup Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

SYSTEM menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

BASIC menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

OPERATION menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

INTERFACE menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

TAPE PROTECT menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

TIME CODE menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

VIDEO menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

AUDIO menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Audio editing functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

V-fading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

First Edit Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

RS-232C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

1.Hardware specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

1) Interface specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

2) Communication parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

2.Software specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

1) External interface specifications . . . . . . . . . 39

2) Sending format (computer VTR) . . . . . . . 39

3) Receiving format (VTR computer) . . . . . . 40

4) Command list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

5) Checkpoints for RS-232C communication . . 73

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Emergency Eject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Video Head Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Condensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

4

Introduction

The AJ-D250 is a digital VTR which uses 1/4˝ wide tapes. The incorporation of digital compression technology
ensures that the deterioration in picture and sound quality suffered during dubbing will be much less than with
conventional analog systems.
The model has a compact and lightweight design, enabling it to be readily carried about or easily installed in a
rack.
The interactive system, which is featured for the unit’s settings, enables these settings to be performed while
viewing the menus on the TV monitor screen.
The model AJ-D250 comes with an RS-232C connector which makes it possible to control the editing operations
and exercise remote control from a computer using the RS-232C remote control (AJ-A250 - available as an
optional accessory).

Features

Compatible with consumer-use equipment

Using the cassette adapter (AJ-CS750P: optional
accessory), consumer-use cassette tapes shot using
a consumer-use digital camera can be played back on
this unit. The LP mode is not supported.

Time codes

The unit comes with a built-in time code generator
(TCG)/time code reader (TCR).

Repeat playback

Any section on a tape can be played back repeatedly
for an unlimited number of times or one time only.

Menu-driven setup

The unit’s settings are performed using an interactive
system while viewing the menus on the TV monitor
screen.

Remote control

The unit can be operated from distances up to 5
meters away when the AG-A11 remote control
(optional accessory) is connected.

For AJ-5P92LP cassette tapes, use a VTR supporting
DVCPRO (25 Mbps) 184 minute tapes.

Compact and light

This unit is 8 7/16˝ (214 mm) wide, 5 1/4˝ (132 mm) high
and 15 7/16˝ (391 mm) deep, and weighs 14.3 lb (6.5
kg). It is equipped with grips so that it can be carried
easily.

Assemble editing and insert editing

Using the RS-232C remote control (AJ-A250 ­available as an optional accessory), two units—one a
player and the other a recorder—can be controlled
directly from the remote control to perform editing
operations.

Encoder control

The video output signals can be adjusted using the
items on the setup menus.

2-channel digital audio with high sound quality

RS-232C control

Use of the RS-232C remote control (AJ-A250 ­available as an optional accessory) enables not only
editing operations to be performed but remote control
can also be exercised, from a computer by connecting
the RS-232C cable between from the computer and
this VTR.

Up to 184 minutes of recording

The unit uses two types of cassette tapes: one for
news gathering (max. 66 minutes) and the other for
general-purpose applications (184 minutes: using AJ­5P92LP ).
The unit’s compact design accommodates tapes with
a 1/4˝ width.

5

ON

POWER

OFF

DIGITAL VIDEO

CASSETTE

EJECT

MENU

REMOTE

LOCAL

AUDIO

REC LEVEL

CH 1

CH 2

INPUT SELECT

S-VIDEO

LINE OPTION

BEGIN END

AUDIO OUT

SELECT

CH 3

CH 4

MENU DATA

DOWN

UP

MODE

-

+

SET

REW

STOP FF PLAY

PAUSE/STILL

REC

RESET

COUNTER

REMOTE

Digital Video Cassette Recorder

Parts and Their Functions

Front panel

Counter display

DVWIDE

REMOTE

REC

INH

CH 1
CH 2

dB -30

-25 -20 -16 -12 -8 -4 0

-

CTL
TC
UB

HOURS MINUTES SECONDS FRAMES

SERVO

23>

MLNOKJIHGFDEBCA@?

4

;

5

6 7 8 9 :

< =

1

6

Front panel

1

POWER switch

When the ON side is pressed, power is supplied to
the unit, and the counter display is illuminated.

2

Cassette insertion slot

News gathering cassettes, general-purpose
cassettes and consumer-use cassettes
accompanied by the adapter are inserted into this
slot. Consumer-use cassettes can be used for
playback only.

3

EJECT button

When this button is pressed, the tape is unloaded,
and a few seconds later it is automatically ejected.
If the counter display is set to the CTL display, the
display will be reset.

4

REC/REC INH lamp
REC

: The lamp lights during recording.

REC INH

: The lamp lights when the accidental

cassette erasure prevention status is
established.
It also lights when “ON” is selected as the
“REC INHIBIT” setting on the setup
menu.
Recording cannot be conducted while
this lamp is lighted.

5

REMOTE lamp

This lamp lights when the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE
switch has been set to REMOTE.

6

WIDE lamp

This lamp lights in the 16:9 wide screen mode.

7

Consumer-use cassette insertion lamp

This lamp lights when a cassette recorded using a
consumer-use DV device has been inserted.

8

REPEAT lamp

This lamp lights during repeat playback.

9

SERVO lamp

This lamp lights when the drum servo and capstan
servo are locked.

:

Channel status lamps

One of these lamps lights depending on the error
rate status. (Green Blue Red)

Green

: This lamp lights when the error rate for both

the video and audio playback signals is at
an acceptable level.

Blue

: This lamp lights when the error rate for

either the video or audio playback signals
has deteriorated. A normal playback picture
appears even when the lamp is lighted.

Red

: This lamp lights when either the video or

audio playback signals have become
subject to correction or interpolation.

;

Level meter

This indicates the levels of the audio signals.
During recording or E-E selection, it indicates the
audio input signal levels; during playback, it
indicates the audio output signal levels.

<

Cassette insertion lamp

This lamp lights when a cassette has been inserted
into the unit.

=

Counter display

The time codes, CTL count values and on-screen
information and other messages appear on this
display.

>

LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch

This switch is set when the menu settings are to be
performed or when the unit is to be controlled from
an external source.

LOCAL

: Set here when the unit is to be controlled

using the controls provided on the unit’s
operation panel.

MENU

: Set here when the on-screen menu items

are to be set.

REMOTE

: Set here when the unit is to be controlled

using the RS-232C interface or other
external control device.

?

INPUT SELECT switch

This is used to select the input signals.

LINE

: Set here to record the signals which are

supplied to the video signal input
connector.

S-VIDEO

: Set here to record the signals which are

supplied to the S-VIDEO input connector.

OPTION

: Set here to supply video and audio

signals from the optional board and
record them.

@

BEGIN button

This button sets the start point for repeat playback
and it indicates the start point which is currently
entered.

A

END button

This button sets the end point for repeat playback
and it indicates the end point which is currently
entered.

B

CH3/CH4 lamps

These lamps light when the audio signals have
been set to CH3 and CH4 during DV format
playback.

C

AUDIO OUT SELECT button

This button selects the audio signals which are to
be output.

Parts and Their Functions

7

D

Headphones jack

When headphones are connected to this jack, they
can be used to monitor the sound being recorded or
played back.

E

Volume control

This is used to adjust the volume to the
headphones.

F

Audio recording level controls

These controls are used to adjust the recording
level for PCM audio signals CH1 and CH2.

G

REW button

When this button is pressed, the tape is rewound,
and the playback pictures can be monitored if
“TAPE” has been selected for the “S/F/R EE SEL”
setup menu item setting.

H

STOP button

When this button is pressed, the tape stops
traveling, and the still picture can be monitored
when the “TAPE” setting has been selected for the
“S/F/R EE SEL” setup menu item.
In the stop mode, the drum still continues to rotate,
and the tape remains tightly wrapped around the
drum.
When the designated period of time has elapsed in
the stop mode, the unit is automatically set to the
standby OFF mode in order to protect the tape.

I

FF button

When this button is pressed, the tape is fast­forwarded, and the playback pictures can be
monitored if “TAPE” has been selected as the
“S/F/R EE SEL” setup menu item setting.

J

PLAY button

When this button is pressed, playback is
commenced.
Recording is commenced when it is pressed
together with the REC button.

K

PAUSE/STILL button

When this button is pressed during recording,
recording is stopped temporarily. When it is
pressed again, recording is resumed.
When this button is pressed during playback, the
still picture mode is established. When it is pressed
again, playback is resumed.

L

REC button

Recording is commenced when this button is
pressed together with the PLAY button. When it is
pressed during playback or in the STOP mode or
standby OFF mode, the REC CHECK mode is
established. (See page 15)

M

REMOTE connector

When the remote control (AG-A11) is plugged into
this connector, the unit can be operated at a
distance using the controls on the remote control
instead of the unit’s function buttons.
Keep the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch at the
REMOTE position.

N

COUNTER button

This button is used to switch the counter display.
CTL: Set here to display the tape timer (control

signal).

TC: Set here to display the time code.
UB: Set here to display the user’s bit.
Remaining tape:

Set here to display the amount of remaining
tape.

O

RESET button

When this button is pressed in the CTL mode, the
counter display is reset to 00:00:00:00.

+

SET

PAUSE/STILL

REC

RESET COUNTER

REMOTE

tte Recorder AJ-

Panasonic

(AG-A11)

Parts and Their Functions

8

RS­232C

AC IN

SIGNAL

GND

OUTPUT

CH1

CH2

AUDIO 2

CH1

CH2

AUDIO 1

VIDEO
MONIT

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

INPUT

CH1

CH2

AUDIO

REF
VIDEO

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

1

3

;92>:

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Connector panel

Parts and Their Functions

9

RS­232C

AC IN

SIGNAL

GND

OUTPUT

CH1

CH2

AUDIO 2

CH1

CH2

AUDIO 1

VIDEO
MONIT

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

INPUT

CH1

CH2

AUDIO

REF
VIDEO

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

Connector panel

1

AC IN socket

Plug one end of the unit’s power cord into this
power socket.

2

SIGNAL GND terminal

In order to reduce noise, connect this terminal to
the signal grounding terminal on one of the devices
to which the unit is connected. This is not a safety
ground.

3

Fan motor

This motor is used to cool the unit.

4

Grip

This grip is fitted on the side panel. When
operating the unit, however, place the unit flat on its
bottom surface.

5

S-VIDEO IN connector

The S-VIDEO video signals are supplied to this
connector.

6

VIDEO IN connector

The analog video signals are supplied to this
connector.

7

REF VIDEO IN connector

This is connected to the reference video signal
when the unit is to be synchronized with the
reference sync signals of an external unit during
playback.

8

AUDIO IN connectors

The analog audio signals are supplied to this
connector.

9

S-VIDEO OUT connector

The S-VIDEO video signals are output from this
connector.

:

VIDEO OUT connector

The analog video signals are output from this
connector.

;

MONITOR OUT connector

The video monitor signals are output from this
connector. Superimposed video signals can be
output.

<

AUDIO 1 OUT connectors

The analog audio signals are output from this
connector.

=

AUDIO 2 OUT connectors

The analog audio signals are output from this
connector.

>

RS-232C connector

Editing operations can be conducted speedily and
efficiently by connecting the RS-232C remote
control (AJ-A250 - available as an optional
accessory) to this connector. Various operations
can be performed from a computer by using the
RS-232C cable which is available as an optional
accessory.

RS-232C
connector

Parts and Their Functions

10

ON

POWER

OFF

11

ON

POWER

OFF

DIGITAL VIDEO

CASSETTE

EJECT

MENU

REMOTE

LOCAL

AUDIO

REC LEVEL

CH 1

CH 2

INPUT SELECT

S-VIDEO

LINE OPTION

BEGIN END

AUDIO OUT

SELECT

CH 3

CH 4

MENU DATA

DOWN

UP

MODE

-

+

SET

REW

STOP FF PLAY

PAUSE/STILL

REC

RESET

COUNTER

REMOTE

Digital Video Cassette Recorder

Operation

Before proceeding to operate the unit, make sure that the unit has been connected properly.

1

Turn on the unit’s power.

2

Insert the cassette tape.

Insert it at the prescribed position without forcing it in any way.

3

Check that the STOP lamp is lighted.

When the tape is inserted, the cylinder starts rotating automatically, the tape is loaded,
and the STOP mode is established.

<Note>

It is possible to change the mode when a tape is inserted using the settings in Item No.
104 “TAPE IN MOD” of the Setup menu. (See page 29)

Turning on the power/inserting a cassette

1 2

3

12

1

When the STOP button is pressed, the STOP mode is established.

The STOP lamp lights, and the tape stops traveling.

O

In order to protect the tape, the tape protection mode will be established when the time
selected for the “STILL TIMER” setup menu item setting has elapsed. (See page 31)
When the STOP, REW, FF or PLAY button is pressed, the corresponding mode will be
established.

<Checkpoint for STILL TIMER setting>

O

Repeatedly using the same locations on the same tape will increase the cumulative standby
time at those locations. In the interest of protecting the tape, keep the standby times at the
same locations as short as possible.

STOP mode

ON

POWER

OFF

DIGITAL VIDEO

CASSETTE

EJECT

MENU

REMOTE

LOCAL

AUDIO

REC LEVEL

CH 1

CH 2

INPUT SELECT

S-VIDEO

LINE OPTION

BEGIN END

AUDIO OUT

SELECT

CH 3

CH 4

MENU DATA

DOWN

UP

MODE

-

+

SET

REW

STOP FF PLAY

PAUSE/STILL

REC

RESET

COUNTER

REMOTE

Digital Video Cassette Recorder

1

Operation

13

1

Set the accidental erasure prevention tab on the cassette tape to “recording,” and
insert the tape.

<Notes>

O

If recording prevention signals are included among the input signals, the input signals will not
be recorded properly.

O

Check that the SERVO lamp has lighted during recording. The image which is played back
will be disturbed if the lamp is flashing or off.

2

Press the STOP button to set the unit to the STOP mode.

3

Check that the REC INH lamp has gone off.

4

Selecting the video and audio input signals and adjusting the audio levels

4-1

Selecting the video and audio input signals

1

Connect the signals which are to be recorded.

2

Select the input signals using the INPUT SELECT switch on the front panel.

4-2

Adjusting the audio levels

1

Adjust the levels of the audio input signals.
The audio signals are recorded at the proper levels when the level controls

are at their center-click positions.

5

Press the PLAY button while holding down the REC button.

The REC and PLAY lamps light and recording commences.

6

Press the STOP button to end the recording.

The recording now ends, and the STOP mode is established.

Recording

Operation

14

1

Insert the cassette tape.

<Note>

Check that the SERVO lamp has lighted during playback. The playback image will be disturbed
if the lamp is off or flashing.

2

Press the PLAY button.

Normal playback is now commenced.

3

Press the STOP button to end the playback.

The unit is now set to the STOP mode.

Cue/review

Playback

Hold down the FF or REW button during playback.

While this button is pressed, the tape will be cued or reviewed at about 10 times the normal tape
speed.
Normal playback is restored when the button is released.

O

When ON has been selected as the SEARCH CUE setup menu item setting, the CUE track
sound will be output during cue or review. (See page 34)

Still picture playback

Press the PAUSE/STILL button during playback.

Normal playback is restored when the PAUSE/STILL button is pressed again.

O

No sound will be heard during still picture playback.

1

Press the PAUSE/STILL button while the cassette tape is playing.

When ON has been selected as the AUTO BACK setup menu item setting, the tape will
be rewound for about 2 seconds starting from the position where the PAUSE/STILL was
pressed. (See page 29)

Pause/record (frame-to-frame continuity)

2

Press the REC button to set the unit to the REC PAUSE mode.

The monitor display now switches to the E-E screen.

3

Press the PAUSE/STILL button to commence recording.

The tape travels to the position where the PAUSE/STILL was pressed in step 1above,
and recording commences.

<Note>

The E-E screen is now displayed.

Operation

15

CH3 CH4

CH4

CH1+CH3 CH2+CH4

CH3

AUDIO OUT connectors

CH1 output CH2 output

CH1
CH2

CH3
CH4

LED

CH1

CH1

CH2

CH1 CH3

CH4

CH2

CH3
CH4

No display

CH3
CH4

No display

CH3
CH4

No display

CH3
CH4

CH1
CH2

CH3
CH4

The AUDIO OUT SELECT button is used to switch to the desired sound.

By pressing this button, the audio output is switched to the modes in the sequence shown below.

Display tube

CH2

• • • • • • • OFF

• • • • • • • ON

The settings in the boxes ( ) are valid only during DV format
4-channel mode playback.

Audio switching

Frame by frame advance

When the FF or REW button is pressed during still picture playback, the tape will be
advanced forward or backward one frame at a time.

O

No sound will be heard during frame by frame advance.

REC CHECK

By pressing the REC button during playback or in the STOP or STANDBY OFF mode, it is
possible to check the audio input signals, time code generator value and the video input signals
which have been selected using the INPUT SELECT switch.

O

REC CHECK during playback

The REC CHECK mode is established while the REC button is held down. Normal playback
is restored when the button is released.

O

REC CHECK in the STOP or STANDBY OFF mode

The REC CHECK mode is established when the REC button is pressed. To release the
mode, press the STOP button.

Mode

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

Sequence in which the modes are selected

[[..A >>B >>C >>D >>E >>F >>G ..]]
aa"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" }}

Operation

16

1

Set the unit to the menu mode (by setting the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the
MENU position).

<Notes>

O

“– –:– –:– –:– –” appears on the display when the points have not been set. In this case,
repeat playback will start at the beginning of the tape which serves as the BEGIN point and
end at the end of the tape which serves as the END point.

O

When the MODE button (REW button) is pressed instead of the SET button upon completion
of the settings, the time code setting will be canceled.

2

3
4

Select the digit to be changed (blinking display) using the UP button (FF button) or
DOWN button (STOP button).

The frame digits cannot be selected. They always appear as “00.”

5

DO decreENU.(or)]TJ0 -DATA+TfT*-0.0PAUSE/STILLWN bunnot be son).DO-DATAen tTfT*-0.0PLAYTc(The frame di.83 Tm0 Tc(5)Tj/F5 1 Tf10 0 12the unit4 364688 Tm0.018mpletion)]91b]91b]9115.8 0 10on).

17

1

Set the unit to the local mode (by setting the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the
LOCAL position).

2

When the BEGIN or END button on the front panel is pressed, the current position
is set as the BEGIN or END point.

Setting the BEGIN and END points
[Front panel]

1

Set the unit to the remote mode (by setting the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to
the REMOTE position).

2

When the BEGIN or END button on the front panel is pressed, the BEGIN or END
point is displayed while the button is held down.

The settings are not changed.

Displaying the BEGIN and END points

1

Set the unit to the menu mode (by setting the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the
MENU position).

2

Select the “MEMORY MODE” setup menu item, and select the repeat playback
mode. (See page 29)

Setting the repeat playback mode

Setting Operation

OFF

M-STOP

REPT1

CONT

Normal operation
The tape stops near the BEGIN point when it is fast-forwarded

or rewound.
When the tape playback reaches the END point, the tape is

rewound to the BEGIN point, where it stops.
When the tape playback reaches the END point, the tape is

rewound to the BEGIN point and playback is repeated.

<Notes>

O

The picture quality will deteriorate when the same tape is repeatedly played back over and
over again. As a general guideline, replace the tape with a new one after about 100 repeat
playback operations.

O

When repeat playback is to be initiated using a consumer-use tape, the unit will not operate
even if CONT has been selected as the setup menu item No.111 “MEMORY MODE” setting.
(See page 29)

Operation

3

Set the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the LOCAL or REMOTE position.

18

Time Codes and User’s Bit

Time codes

Time codes are used when recording time code signals generated by the time code generator
on the tape, reading out their values with the time code reader, and displaying the absolute
positions of the tape in increments of hours, minutes, seconds and frames.

The time codes are written in the sub-code area (data area) of the helical track. For this reason,
they can be read at any playback speed from the stop mode to slow-motion playback or high­speed playback.
The time code value is indicated on the display or superimposed.

TCR 00 : 07 : 04 : 24

Hours Minutes Seconds Frames

User’s bit

The user’s bit is the 32-bit (8-digit) data frame in the time code signal which is made available to
users. It can record operator numbers, etc.

The characters which can be used for the user’s bit are 0 to 9 and A B C D E F.

19

Setting the time code

Now follow the same procedure as for setting the time code.

1

Set the unit to the menu mode (by setting the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the
MENU position).

<Notes>

O

The current time code value appears as the default value.

O

When the RESET button is pressed while the digit to be changed is blinking, the display is
reset to “00:00:00:00.”

O

The time code cannot be set unless P-REC or P-FREE has been selected as the “TC MODE”
setup menu item setting. (See page 32)

O

If the MODE button (REW button) is pressed instead of the SET button while the digit to be
changed is blinking, the time code setting will be canceled.

2

Select the “TC PRESET” setup menu item, and press the DATA+ button
(PAUSE/STILL button) or DATA– button (PLAY button).

(See page 32)

3

Select the digit to be changed (blinking display) using the UP button (FF button) or
DOWN button (STOP button).

4

The value is incremented or decremented using the DATA+ button (PAUSE/STILL
button) or DATA– button (PLAY button).

5

Press the SET button (REC button) upon completion of the settings.

Setting the user’s bit

1

Set the unit to the menu mode (by setting the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the
MENU position).

2

Select the UB PRESET setup menu item, and press the DATA+ button
(PAUSE/STILL button) or DATA– button (PLAY button).

(See page 32)

Time Codes and User’s Bit

6

Set the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the LOCAL or REMOTE position.

20

1

Set the unit to the STOP mode.

<Notes>

O

The colon between the seconds and frames changes to a period when a drop frame time
code is read.

O

Interpolation is automatically provided by the CTL signal if the time code signal is missing.
The display appearing at this time will be as shown below.

2

Set to TC or UB using the COUNTER button.
TC: The time code appears on the display.
UB: The user’s bit appears on the display.

O

Interpolation is provided by the CTL signal if the time code cannot be read.

3

Press the PLAY button.

Playback is commenced, and the time code appears on the display.
When ON has been selected as the SUPER setup menu item setting, the time code value
will be superimposed onto the video signals which are output from the MONITOR OUT
connector. (See page 28)

T R 00 : 07 : 04 : 24

“ ” appears here when the time code signal is missing.
(Superimpose only)

The colon between the seconds and frames changes to a
period in the case of a drop frame.

Playing back the time code/user’s bit

Time Codes and User’s Bit

21

Display position

The position where the superimposed display appears
can be changed using setup menu item No.002
“CHARA H-POS” and No.003 (CHARA V-POS).
(See page 28)

Superimposed Screens

<Note>

When the MODE button and the DATA+ button or
DATA– button are pressed, the counter display
appears temporarily while the buttons are held down
so that the setting can be checked.
Even while the MODE button is held down, settings
can still be performed using the DATA+ button or
DATA– button as the actual status is checked.

When the unit’s MONITOR OUT connector has been
connected to a TV monitor, the control signals, time
codes, etc. are displayed on the TV monitor screen as
abbreviations.
The display can be switched ON or OFF using the
setup menu item No. 000 setting. (See page 28)

Characters displayed

The background of the characters superimposed onto
the display can be changed using the setup menu
item No.004 “CHARA TYPE” setting. (See page 28)

TCR

: : :

TV monitor

TTCCRR

:: :: ::

TV monitor

TCR

: : :

TV monitor

TCR

: : :

TV monitor

TCR

: : :

TV monitor

Abbreviation
CTL: control signal
TCR: time code playback value
UBR: user’s bit playback value
REM: remaining tape amount

No display:

Normally, no display

S: Appears with FAN STOP.
L: Appears with LOW RF.
N:Appears with NO RF.

22

<Notes>

One of the following errors may be displayed on the
third line (remaining tape amount line) in the T&S&R
mode. (See page 74)

[NO RF]:

This appears when a blank part has been
detected on the tape.
“E-09” appears on the front panel’s counter
display.

[LOW RF]:

This appears when there is no head output.
“E-01” appears on the front panel’s counter
display.

[FAN STOP]:

This appears when the cooling fan has shut
down.
“E-70” and the counter value appear alternately
on the front panel’s counter display.

[SERVO NOT LOCKED]:

This appears when the servo is not locked.
“E-00” appears on the front panel’s counter
display area.

Operation mode

The value to be displayed can be selected using setup
menu item No.001 “DISPLAY SEL”.
(See page 28)

TIME: Counter value
T&STA: Counter value and VTR operation mode
T&R: Counter value and remaining tape amount
T&S&R:Counter value, VTR operation mode and

remaining tape amount

Superimpose Screens

Counter value

TIME mode

TCR

: : :

TV monitor

Counter value

T&STA mode

TCR

: : :

STOP

TV monitor

VTR operation mode

Counter value

T&S&R mode

TCR

: : :

STOP

REMAIN

:

TV monitor

VTR operation mode

Counter value

T&R mode

TCR

: : :

REMAIN

:

TV monitor

Remaining tape amount

Remaining tape amount

Press the MENU-UP button or MENU-DOWN
button to move the cursor ( ) to the item
where the changes are to be made.

The page can be scrolled up or down by pressing
the MENU-UP button or MENU-DOWN button
while holding down the MODE button.

4

Press the DATA+ or DATA– button to change
the setting.

The setting value will flash while changes to the
setting are being performed.

5

Set the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the
LOCAL or REMOTE position.

The menu setting procedure is now terminated.

7

Press the SET button to enter the setting.

To change another item, repeat steps 4, 5 and

6.

<Note>

The setting can be canceled by pressing the
MODE button. To change another item without
entering a setting, press the MODE button, and
repeat steps 4, 5 and 6.

6

23

Setup (Initial Settings)

The unit’s main settings can be performed and
checked using the on-screen menus which appear on
the video monitor connected to the unit.
It is also possible to perform and check the settings
using the item numbers and setting numbers which
appear on the front panel’s display.
One user setting memory set is provided with the unit
to enable the desired settings to be stored in the
memory ahead of time for use.

How to perform the settings
using the on-screen menus

Set the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the
MENU position.

The unit is now set to the menu setting mode,
and the menu screen appears on the video
monitor.

1

Press the MENU-UP button or MENU-DOWN
button to move the cursor ( ) to the menu
where the changes are to be made.

2

Press the SET button to set the item.

To return to the menu screen, press the SET
button while holding down the MODE button.

3

In the menu setting mode, the REW, STOP, FF,
PLAY, PAUSE/STILL and REC buttons serve as
the MODE, MENU-DOWN, MENU-UP, DATA–,
DATA+ and SET buttons.

SET–UP MENU MAIN

NO.00

00 SYSTEM
000 BASIC
100 OPERATION
200 INTERFACE
400 TAPE PROTECT
500 TIME CODE
600 VIDEO
700 AUDIO

END

How to restore the factory
settings

Set the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the
MENU position.

The unit is now set to the menu setting mode,
and the menu screen appears on the video
monitor.

1

Press the RESET button.

The unit is set to the default setting mode, and
the default setting screen appears on the video
monitor.

2

SELECT MODE

ESCAPE
LOAD
SAVE
PROTECT

24

Setup (Initial Settings)

SET–UP MENU <LOAD>

NO
FACTORY (ALL)
FACTORY (NOT SYSTEM)
USER (ALL)
USER (NOT SYSTEM)

Press the MENU-UP button or MENU-DOWN
button to move the cursor to FACTORY (ALL),
and press the SET button.

O

If the cursor is moved to FACTORY (NOT
SYSTEM) and this operation is performed, all
the menus except the SYSTEM menu will be
restored to the factory settings.

O

If the cursor is moved to NO and this operation
is performed, operation will return to the menu
screen without restoring the factory settings.

4

Press the MENU-UP button or MENU-DOWN
button to move the cursor to USER (ALL), and
press the SET button.

O

If the cursor is moved to USER (NOT
SYSTEM) and this operation is performed, all
the menus except the SYSTEM menu will be
updated.

O

If the cursor is moved to NO and this operation
is performed, operation will return to the menu
screen without updating the settings.

5

Set the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the
LOCAL or REMOTE position.

The menu setting procedure is now terminated.

5

Set the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the
LOCAL or REMOTE position.

The menu setting procedure is now terminated.

7

SET–UP MENU <SAVE>

NO
USER (ALL)
USER (NOT SYSTEM)

Press the MENU-UP button or MENU-DOWN
button to position the cursor at SAVE, and
press the SET button.

The unit is set to the SAVE mode, and the SAVE
screen appears on the video monitor.

4

SAVE OK?

NO
YES

The screen to confirm whether SAVE is to be
initiated or canceled now appears. Press the
MENU-UP button or MENU-DOWN button to
move the cursor to the YES position, and
press the SET button.

The settings are now saved in the memory.

6

How to set the user default
settings

Set the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the
MENU position.

The unit is now set to the menu setting mode,
and the menu screen appears on the video
monitor.

1

Performs steps 2 through 6 of “How to

perform the settings using the on-screen
menus,” and change to the desired settings.

(See page 23)

2

Press the RESET button.

The unit is set to the default setting mode, and
the default setting screen appears on the video
monitor.

3

SELECT MODE

ESCAPE
LOAD
SAVE
PROTECT

Press the MENU-UP button or MENU-DOWN
button to position the cursor at LOAD, and
press the SET button.

The unit is set to the LOAD mode, and the LOAD
screen appears on the video monitor.

3