Panasonic AJ-D850 User Manual

Digital Video Cassette Recorder

AJ- P

Operating Instructions

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.”

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

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

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

CAUTION:

To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard and annoying interference, use the recommended accessories only.

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, REFER MOUNTING OF THE OPTIONAL INTERFACE BOARD TO AUTHORIZED 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.

is the safety information.

■

Do not insert fingers or any objects into the video casette 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.

– 2 –

■

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.

Contents

General and Features ...............................................4

Controls and their functions ......................................6

• Front panel ..............................................................6

• Front panel top section .........................................7

• Front panel center section ....................................8

• Front panel bottom section .................................14

• Connector area .....................................................16

Connections

• Connections when one unit is used ......................19

• Connections when 2 units are used ......................20

• Connections with editing controller .......................21

• Connections for adjusting video output

o(encoder output) signals ...................................22

Tapes .......................................................................23

Switching on the power/inserting the cassette .........24

STOP/STAND BY mode ..........................................25

Recording ................................................................26

Playback ..................................................................27

Jog/shuttle ...............................................................28

Manual editing .........................................................29

Preroll ......................................................................30

Automatic editing .....................................................31

• Switch settings and adjustments ...........................32

• Selecting the editing mode ....................................33

• Entering the edit points .........................................34

• Checking the edit points ........................................35

• Modifying the edit points .......................................36

• Preview .................................................................37

• Executing automatic editing ..................................38

• Review ..................................................................39

• Split editing ...........................................................40

• Audio split editing ..................................................41

• Voice-over facility ..................................................43

• Audio cross-channel editing ..................................46

V blanking data recording/playback ........................48

Video output (encoder output)

signal adjustment ..................................................49

Setup (default settings) ...........................................50

Setup menus ............................................................51

• System menu ........................................................55

• Basic menu ...........................................................57

• Operation menu ....................................................59

• Interface menu ......................................................62

• Edit menu ..............................................................63

• Tape protect menu ................................................67

• Time Code menu ...................................................67

• Video menu ...........................................................69

• Audio menu ...........................................................71

• V BLANK menu......................................................74

• Menu menu ...........................................................77

Time code/user bit ...................................................78

• Recording internal/external time codes .................79

• Reproducing the time code/user bit ......................80

Superimpose screen ...............................................81

Servo reference .......................................................82

Audio V Fade Function ............................................84

Printed circuit board ................................................85

Rack mounting ........................................................86

Video head cleaning ................................................87

Condensation ..........................................................87

Error messages .......................................................88

Table of AUTO OFF Error messages ......................90

RS-232C interface ...................................................92

Connector signals ...................................................99

Specifications ........................................................101

Before operating this unit, check that all of its accessories are present and accounted for.

Power cord....1 pc

Option

• AJ-YA750P Component serial interface board

• AJ-CS750P Cassette adaptor

• AJ-MA75P Rack mounting adaptor

• AJ-YA752 Audio memory unit

• AJ-YAC850P SDTI/SDI board

– 3 –

General and Features

This unit is a digital video cassette recorder which uses 1/4-inch tapes. It incorporates digital compression technology so that the deterioration in picture quality and sound quality resulting from dubbing is significantly minimized compared with existing analog systems. Furthermore, since it has a compact 4U size and light weight, the unit can be carried around or mounted in a 19-inch rack with ease. The settings for the unit’s setup can be performed interactively while viewing the screen menus on the TV monitor, and editing functions include both assemble and insert editing.

Features

Compact size and light weight

This is a 4U size digital VTR. It can be mounted in a 19-inch rack with ease using the optional rack-mounting adaptors (AJ-MA75P).

Up to 184 minutes of recording

Two sizes of cassette tapes can be used with this unit: M cassette (max. 66 minutes) and L cassette (max. 184 minutes). The width of the tapes measures 1/4 inch to achieve a compact design.

Compatibility with consumer products

Consumer cassette tapes shot with digital cameras available on the consumer market can be played back on this unit using the optional cassette adaptor (AJ-CS750P).

<Notes>

• Slow motion playback is not possible with consumer cassette tapes.

• Consumer cassette tapes recorded in LP mode cannot be played back.

Digital slow motion/dial jog

The slow-motion playback images can be reproduced clearly at any of the speeds given below using commands from the external controller or other such device: –0.43/–0.3/–0.2/ –0.1/–0.03/0/+0.03/+0.1/+0.2/+0.3/+0.5/+0.75.

<Note>

Some noise may occur when the slow motion speed is changed.

Digital audio output in slow-motion/jog mode

This enables smooth playback of sound even in the slow-motion or jog mode, making it easier to use sound to search for edit points and determine their positions.

Dial shuttle

Shuttle operations enable the tape to be played back with color images at a speed of up to 60 times normal tape speed in either the forward or reverse direction.

Internal audio memory with 20-second capacity

Sound can now be recorded as pictures are played back without any time lag between the sound and picture (a process known as “voice-over”). Audio cross channel editing is enabled by using the unit in combination with an external sound mixer.

Audio memory unit (AJ-YA752) supported

Voice-over extending up to 34 minutes and 30 seconds (5 min. 46 sec. standard) is enabled by connecting the AJ-YA752 unit (optional accessory).

– 4 –

Features

(continued)

Recording and playing back V blanking data

In addition to closed caption and VITC, up to 28 lines of the character data per frame in the V blanking period can be recorded and played back.

<Note>

There is some limitation to the number of lines in which signals can be recorded.

Time codes

This unit comes with a built-in time code generator (TCG)/time code reader (TCR). In addition to the internal time code, an external code input or input signal VITC can be recorded in the machine as the LTC time code.

Multi-function input/output interfaces

• Analog input/output

Component (Y, PB, PR) and composite signal input and output connectors are provided.

• Serial digital input/output

Digital component interfacing complying with the EBU Tech. 3267-E serial digital signal standard is possible when the optional component serial interface board (AJ-YA750P) is used. Transfer using SDTI is enabled by the AJ-YAC850P SDTI/SDI board (option). (SMPTE 305M)

• AES/EBU audio input/output

Digital audio input and output connectors are provided.

• 9-pin (RS-422A)/(RS-232C) remote

In addition to the standard 9-pin serial (RS-422A) connector, RS-232C and 25-pin parallel connectors are also featured. The RS-422A connector enables another VTR to be operated in parallel with the unit if a looping connection is used for the two units.

2-channel high-sound-quality digital audio

Sound can be edited separately for two channels while channel mixing capabilities are also available. One channel is provided for the analog cue track.

Automatic editing functions

Assembly and insert editing can be performed.

Menu-driven setup

The setup settings, which are conducted prior to operating the unit, are performed while viewing the setup menus either on the unit’s display or a TV monitor.

– 5 –

Controls and their functions

Front panel

$8 $7

OFF

POWER

METER

FULL/FINE

MONITOR SELECT

LEVEL CUE VIDEO

CH1 CH2

REC

HEADPHONES

PULL OPEN

PULL FOR VARIABLE

$4 !1

VIDEO Y PB PR

AUDIO ANALOG

y!8#6

INPUT SELECT

CMPST

AES/EBU

CH CONDITION

SDTI(V&A)

USER SET SDI

SDI

#7#8#9$0$1$2

TC SET

SHIFT ADJ START RESET

SCH CF

VIDEO CH1 CH2 CUE TC

INSERT-

PREROLL

CHROMA

LEVEL

MANUAL MANUAL MANUALMANUAL

SET UP HUE

–+

TRIM

SET

ENC

CONTROL

REMOTE

LOCAL

ASSEMBLE

PREVIEW

AUTO EDIT

REVIEW

VIDEO LEVEL

PRESET PRESET PRESET PRESET

EJECT

AUTO OFF

!9 @0 @1 @2 @4@3

TC MODE

TAPE

PLAYER

!6 !7

SERVO

PLAY

i!3

STOP

!0!2@9#0#1

REGEN

OFF

PRESET FREE RUN

CONTROL

REMOTE

LOCAL

RECORDER

REC INHIBIT

REC RUN

REC

INHIBIT

OFF

TC INT

TC/CTL

UB EXT EE

STAND BY

EDIT

OUT

REW

OUT

#3#2

SYNCHRO-

NIZE

8F/4F

JOG

REV FWD

!4 !5

MENU SET DIAG

PUSH

SHTL

SLOW

PULL OPEN

q POWER switch

When the ON side is pressed, the power is switched on, and the audio level and video level meters, counter display and INPUT SELECT display light up.

w INPUT SELECT switches

These are used to select the video and audio input signals.

<Video>

Each time the VIDEO button is pressed, the input video signal selection is switched in the order of Y PB PR, COMPOSITE, SDTI (V&A), SDI and back to Y PB PR. If SDTI (V&A) is selected, both the video and audio signals will be input from SDTI.

<Audio>

Each time the AUDIO button is pressed, the input audio signal selection is switched in the order of ANALOG, AES/EBU, USER SET, SDI and back to ANALOG. USER SET is a function for selecting two different input signals to be recorded on PCM audio signal CH1 and CH2, and it is used in tandem with the setup menu. For instance, if USER SET is selected by INPUT SELECT and CH1=ANALOG, and CH2=DIGI are selected on the setup menu No. 710 (CH1 IN SEL), No. 711 (CH2 IN SEL) and No. 712 (DIGI IN SEL), the analog input signal and AES/EBU digital signal will be respectively recorded on channels 1 and 2 of the PCM audio signals recorded on the tape. However, when SDTI has been selected for the video input, SDTI input will be forcibly established for the audio input as well.

$9 %0 %1 %2 %3 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9 ^0%4

– 6 –

e INPUT SELECT display

The characters corresponding to the selected input signal light. When, with the exception of analog signals, the selected input signals are not available, the display flashes to alert the user.

<Video> Y PB PR: Analog component video signal CMPST: Analog composite video signal SDTI (V&A): Compressed data, serial and digital video and audio signals (option) SDI: Serial digital video signal (EBU Tech. 3267-E) (option)

When BB has been selected as the setup menu No. 601 (INT BB SIG) setting, the entire display area will light up.

<Audio> ANALOG: Analog audio signal AES/EBU: Digital audio signal USER SET: Selection of audio signal to be recorded SDI: Serial digital audio signal (EBU Tech. 3267-E) (option)

When ON has been selected as the setup menu No. 722 (INT SG) setting, the entire display area will light up.

r Cassette insertion slot

The M cassette, L cassette and consumer cassette (S cassette) with adaptor are inserted into this slot. Consumer cassettes can be played back only.

t EJECT button

When this is pressed, the tape is unloaded and several seconds later the cassette is automatically ejected. When the counter display indicates “CTL”, the display is reset. The lamp lights when the eject command is received.

y Channel condition lamps

One of these lamps lights in accordance with the error rate status. (Green→amber→red) Green: This lights when the error rates for the video and audio playback signals are both

acceptable.

Amber: This lights when the error rate for the video or audio playback signals has

deteriorated.

Red: The playback picture will remain normal even when this lamp lights.

This lights when the video or audio signals are subject to rectification or interpolation.

u AUTO OFF lamp

This lights when trouble has arisen in the deck’s operation.

– 7 –

Controls and their functions (continued)

i PLAY button

Playback commences when this button is pressed. Recording commences when the button is pressed together with the REC button; manual editing commences when it is pressed together with the EDIT button during playback. Pressing only the PLAY button during manual editing will cut out the editing and establish the playback mode.

o REC button

Recording commences when this button is pressed together with the PLAY button. When it is pressed during playback, search, fast forward or rewind, EE mode images and audio signals can be monitored for as long as it is kept depressed. When it is pressed in the stop mode, EE mode images and sound can be monitored. When the STOP button is pressed, the original picture and sound are restored.

!0 STOP button

When this is pressed, the tape stops traveling, and if the TAPE/EE selector switch is at TAPE, still pictures can be monitored. The drum continues to rotate even in the stop mode, and the tape remains in close contact with the drum. If the stop mode continues for more than a certain period of time, the unit automatically switches to the standby OFF mode in order to protect the tape. The stop mode is established immediately after a cassette has been inserted into the unit.

!1 FF button*

The tape is fast forwarded when this is pressed.

!2 REW button*

The tape is rewound when this is pressed.

!3 EDIT button

For manual editing, press both this button and the PLAY button together during playback. When the button is pressed in the stop mode, the input mode signals selected by the ASSEMBLE or INSERT button can be monitored in the EE mode. The original picture and sound are restored when the STOP button is pressed. When the button is pressed during playback, search, fast forward or rewind, the input signals of the mode selected by the ASSEMBLE or INSERT button can be monitored in the EE mode for as long as the button is held down.

!4 SERVO lamp

This lights when the drum servo and capstan servo have locked.

!5 REC INHIBIT lamp

This lights when the REC INHIBIT switch in the front panel bottom section is at ON or when the accidental erasure prevention mode has been set for the cassette. In this state, neither recording nor editing is possible.

* The FF/REW speed can be selected on the setup menu No. 102 (FF. REW MAX), and it is

set to the same speed.

– 8 –

!6 STAND BY button

When this is pressed, the same tension as in the regular stop mode is applied to the tape, and while the head drum continues to rotate, the button’s lamp lights to indicate that the standby ON mode is established. In the standby OFF mode, the half-loading mode is established. When this button is pressed in the stop mode, the standby OFF mode is established, the half-loading mode is established. The lamp in the button now goes off. When the unit remains in the stop mode for longer than a predetermined period, the standby OFF mode is automatically established in order to protect the tape. When this button or the STOP button is pressed in the standby OFF mode, the standby ON mode is established. When a button other than the STOP button is pressed, the mode corresponding to the button pressed is established. On-screen settings are available for the transfer time to the standby OFF mode.

!7 PLAYER/RECORDER buttons

These buttons are operated when editing operations are conducted using the unit as the recorder and a VTR equipped with an RS-422A serial interface remote control connector (9 pins). Neither button functions when the unit is used on its own.

PLAYER button: When this button is pressed, its lamp lights, and the player

RECORDER button: When this button is pressed, its lamp lights, and the editing and

connected to the unit can be operated by remote control. The unit’s editing and tape transport buttons now control the player’s functions.

tape transport buttons control the recorder’s (= the unit’s) functions.

!8 TC/CTL switch

By pressing this switch, what appears on the counter display is changed between TC and CTL. When TC is selected, either the TC or UB value is displayed depending on the position selected by the TC/UB switch.

!9 TC/UB switch

This selector switch determines whether the value of TC or UB appears on the counter display when the TC/CTL switch has been set to TC.

@0 INT/EXT switch

INT: For using the built-in time code generator. EXT: For using the time external code which is input from the time code input connector or

the video signal VITC. The selection is set at the setup menu No. 505 (EXT TC SEL).

@1 TAPE/EE switch

<In the stop mode> TAPE: For outputting the signals played back from the tape. EE: For outputting the input signals selected by the INPUT SELECT switch.

Select NORMAL or THRU as the setup menu No. 116 (EE MODE SEL) setting. In either case, use the switch for monitoring purposes.

<In the editing*/recording mode> TAPE: For outputting the simultaneous playback signals. EE: For outputting the input signals selected by the INPUT SELECT switch.

* The SETUP menu No. 308 (CONFI EDIT) setting is required.

– 9 –

Controls and their functions (continued)

@2 REMOTE/LOCAL switch

This switch is set when the unit is to be controlled from an external source using the REMOTE connector, RS-232C connector or parallel connector. REMOTE: Set to this position when controlling the unit by a device connected using the

9-pin REMOTE connector or RS-232C/parallel connector.

LOCAL: Set to this position when controlling the unit using the controls on its own

operation panel.

@3 REMOTE lamp

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

@4 Search button

This button is pressed to establish the search mode. When the search dial is set to the shuttle mode and turned to a particular position, and this button is pressed, playback commences at the speed set by the search dial.

@5 JOG/SHTL/SLOW lamps

These indicate the present status of the search dial and SHTL/SLOW switch.

JOG: This lights when the unit is in the JOG mode. SHTL: This lights when the unit is in the SHTL mode. SLOW: This lights when the unit is in the VAR (variable) mode.

@6 SHTL/SLOW switch

This selector switch is set when the search dial is used for SHTL or SLOW applications.

@7 REV/STILL/FWD lamps

One of these lamps lights depending on the operation of the search dial. REV: This lights when the dial is turned counterclockwise and the tape travels in the

REV direction provided that the lamp in the search button has lighted.

STILL: This lights in the JOG mode while the dial is kept stationary, and the tape stops

traveling provided that the lamp in the search button has lighted. It lights in the SHTL mode provided that the dial is at the STILL position.

FWD: This lights when the dial is turned clockwise, and the tape travels in the FWD

direction provided that the lamp in the search button has lighted.

@8 Search dial

This is used to search for the edit points. Each time it is pressed, the mode is alternately set to shuttle or jog, and one of the JOG, SHTL and SLOW lamps lights. When the power has been turned on, the dial will not function until it has first returned to the STILL position. Shuttle mode: When the dial is turned and stopped at a particular position while the

SHTL/SLOW switch is at SHTL, the tape can be played back at the speed corresponding to the dial’s rotary angle position. A still picture appears at the dial’s center position. When the dial is turned all the way counterclockwise with the SHTL/ SLOW switch at SLOW, the tape speed is set to –4× normal speed, when it is set to the center position, a still picture is produced, and when it is turned all the way clockwise, the tape speed is set to +4× normal speed. The maximum speed for SLOW can be set using setup menus No. 317 (VAR FWD MAX) and No. 318 (VAR REV MAX).

Jog mode: The dial clickstops are cleared, and the tape is played back at the speed

corresponding to the speed at which the dial is turned. The maximum speed can be selected using the setup menu No. 320 (JOG FWD MAX) and No. 321 (JOG REV MAX) settings.

– 10 –

@9 PREROLL button

This is used for feeding and cueing the tape for manual editing. When it is pressed, the tape travels to the preroll point where it stops. The preroll time can be set on the setup menu No. 000 (P-ROLL TIME). When this button is pressed while the IN or OUT button is held down, the tape can be cued to the IN or OUT point entered. When the AUTO ENTRY on the setup menu No. 311 is set to “ENA”, IN point has been entered at the point where the PREROLL button is pressed even if the IN point has not been entered.

#0 AUTO EDIT button

Automatic editing is executed when this is pressed after an edit point has been entered. When the AUTO EDIT button is pressed though the IN point has not been entered, automatic editing is executed using the point at which the button was pressed as the IN point.

#1 PREVIEW/REVIEW buttons

PREVIEW: When this is pressed after an edit point has been entered, the tape travels,

editing is not performed, and the rehearsal can be activated on the screen connected to the recorder. If it is pressed when the IN point has not been entered, the point at which the button was pressed is entered as the IN point, and preview is executed accordingly.

REVIEW: If this is pressed after a block has been edited, the now edited block can be

played back and monitored on the screen connected to the recorder.

#2 IN (A IN)/SET/OUT (A OUT) buttons

When the SET button is pressed while the IN (A IN) or OUT (A OUT) button is held down, the IN or OUT point is entered. The A IN and A OUT buttons are used to enter audio IN and OUT points which are different from the corresponding video points for audio split editing. While an IN or OUT point is being entered, the lamp in the IN or OUT button corresponding to the point being entered lights. When this button is pressed after a point has been entered, the IN or OUT point value appears on the counter display. When the IN or OUT button is pressed together with the RESET button, the IN or OUT point entry is cleared.

#3 TRIM buttons

These buttons are used to trim IN or OUT point finely. When the “+” or “–” button is pressed while the IN or OUT button is held down, the entered edit point can be trimmed in 1-frame increments. When the “+” button is pressed, the tape is advanced by one frame; when the “–” button is pressed, it is rewound by one frame.

#4 ASSEMBLE button

This is pressed for assemble editing. The button is self-illuminating, and it is set ON (lamp lights) when it is pressed once and OFF (lamp goes off) when it is pressed again.

#5 INSERT buttons

Press one of these five buttons to select the input signals to be edited during insert editing. The buttons are self-illuminating, and they are set ON (lamp lights) when they are pressed once and OFF (lamp goes off) when they are pressed again.

#6 Counter display

This displays the TC and CTL count values, on-screen information and other messages.

– 11 –

Controls and their functions (continued)

#7 Time code buttons

These are used to set the TC or UB value. SHIFT: When setting the TC or UB value, first press this button to stop the data running.

Change the digit now flashing on the display. Each time the button is pressed, the flashing moves to the right by one digit, and when it reaches the right-most digit, it returns to the left-most digit. When it is kept depressed, the flashing moves consecutively.

ADJ: This is used to change the numeral of the digit now flashing on the display.

When the button is pressed once, the number is incremented by 1, and when it is kept depressed, the number is incremented consecutively.

START: This enters the data which has been changed by the SHIFT and ADJ buttons.

Also, Pressing this button when the TC or UB value are not set enables the TCG or UBG setting values to be confirmed.

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

In the CTL mode, the entered edit points are cleared. In the TC/UB mode, the generator is reset when the button is pressed together with the SHIFT button.

#8 Warning lamp

This lights to warn the operator of a particular item.

#9 Cassette insertion display lamp

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

$0 Consumer cassette insertion display lamp

This lights when a cassette recorded on a consumer DV device has been inserted.

$1 SCH lamp

This lights when the SCH of the external sync signal is within a specific range.

$2 CF lamp

This lights when the color framing is locked.

$3 Level meters

These indicate the PCM audio signal CH1/CH2, CUE track signal and video signal levels. The audio signal indicates the output signal levels. The video signal indicates the input signal levels.

$4 Input/output level controls*

These are used to adjust the recording and playback levels of the PCM audio signal CH1/ CH2 and CUE track signals and the recording level of the composite video signals. Each control located on the upper level is for adjusting the recording level, and each control located on the lower level is for adjusting the playback level. These are “pull for variable” controls which means that they enable adjustment only when they have been pulled up. The signals levels are set to the unity value (preset value) when the controls have been pushed down.

$5 Headphones jack

The sound being recorded, played back or edited can be monitored on stereo headphones when they are connected to this jack.

* The input levels are always fixed (at –18 dB) when “ON” has been selected as the setup

menu No. 722 (INT SG) setting

– 12 –

$6 Volume control

This is used to adjust the headphones volume and the monitor output volume. Whether the headphones output and monitor output volumes are to be linked or kept separate can be set on the setup menu No. 708 (MONI OUT). (Note that the headphones output volume is normally linked.) When the volumes are kept separate, the monitor output is set to the unity value (preset value).

$7 MONITOR SELECT switches

These are used to select the audio signals output to the monitor L/R channels. Each time the “L” button is pressed, the signals output to the monitor L channel are selected in turn in the following order: CH1, CH2, CUE and back to CH1. Each time the “R” button is pressed, the signals output to the monitor R channel are selected in turn in the following order: CH1, CH2, CUE and back to CH1. The L or R lamp on the level meter display lights to indicate which signal is now being selected. (When the unit is set to “AUTO 1” or “AUTO 2” in No. 713 (MONI CH SEL) on the setup menu, then the display will change according to the monitor output.)

$8 METER (FULL/FINE) selector switch

This switch is used to select the scale unit display mode for the audio level meters.

FULL mode: Standard scale units (ranging from –∞ to 0 dB) are used. FINE mode: The scale is divided up into 0.5 dB increments.

– 13 –

Controls and their functions (continued)

$9 ENCODER CONTROL switch

This selects whether the adjustments to the video output signals are to be performed by the unit or by an external encoder/remote controller. REMOTE: The adjustments to the video output signals are performed by the external

encoder/remote controller.

LOCAL: The adjustments to the video output signals are performed by the unit.

%0 VIDEO LEVEL control and switch

When the ENCODER CONTROL switch is at LOCAL, the video level can be adjusted. When it is at PRESET, the video level is set to the unity value (0 dB). When it is at MANUAL, the video level can be adjusted using this control.

%1 CHROMA LEVEL control and switch

When the ENCODER CONTROL switch is at LOCAL, the chroma level can be adjusted. When it is at PRESET, the chroma level is set to the unity value (0 dB). When it is at MANUAL, the chroma level can be adjusted using this control.

%2 SET UP control and switch (Composite output only variable.)

When the ENCODER CONTROL switch is at LOCAL, the setup level can be adjusted. When it is at PRESET, the setup level is set to the unity value (0 IRE). When it is at MANUAL, the setup level can be adjusted using this control.

%3 HUE control and switch (Composite output only variable.)

When the ENCODER CONTROL switch is at LOCAL, the hue can be adjusted. When it is at PRESET, the hue is set to the unity value (0°). When it is at MANUAL, the hue can be adjusted using this control.

%4 CF switch

This selects whether the playback framing is to be locked in 8/4-field increments or 2-field increments.

8F/4F: The framing is locked in 8/4-field increments. 2F: The framing is locked in 2-field increments.

Switching to 8F or 4F is enabled by the SETUP menu No. 107 (CAP.LOCK) setting.

%5 SYNCHRONIZE switch

This selects whether to provide phase synchronization between two decks.

ON: Phase synchronization is provided. Error-less editing can be performed. OFF: Phase synchronization is not provided. The edit point will be off by several frames,

but editing can be performed quickly.

%6 TC generator switch

REGEN: When the REGEN/PRESET switch is at REGEN, the internal time code

generator is synchronized with the time code which the time code reader read from the tape. Whether to set TC or UB to REGEN can be selected at the setup menu No. 503 (TCG REGEN).

PRESET: When the REGEN/PRESET switch is at PRESET, presetting is enabled by

the controls on the operation panel or by remote control.

REC RUN: The time code runs only during recording when the RUN MODE switch has

been set to REC. The time code runs constantly when the REGEN/PRESET switch is set to REGEN.

FREE RUN: The time code runs regardless of the operation mode as long as the power

is being supplied when the RUN MODE switch has been set to FREE.

– 14 –

%7 REC INHIBIT switch

This selects whether to enable or inhibit the recording on the cassette tape. ON: The recording on the cassette tape is inhibited.

The REC INHIBIT lamp on the front panel now lights.

OFF: The recording on the cassette tape is enabled provided that the cassette’s

accidental erasure prevention mechanism has been set to the recording enable position.

%8 MENU button

When this is pressed, the setup menu appears on the TV monitor using VIDEO OUT 3 connector, and the setup menu No. appears on the display. When it is pressed again, the setup menu setting mode is exited and the original operating mode is restored.

%9 SET button

When this is pressed, the data which has been set on the setup menu is entered. After data entry, the setup menu setting mode is exited and the original operating mode is restored.

^0 DIAG button

When this is pressed, VTR information is displayed. When it is pressed again, the original display is restored. There are two types of VTR information: “HOURS METER” information and “WARNING” information. Switching between these types is enabled by pressing the search button. Indicated on the “HOURS METER” screen are the power-on time, drum rotation time, tape travel time, loading count, etc. Indicated on the “WARNING” screen are the warnings.

– 15 –

Controls and their functions (continued)

Controls and their functions

Connector area

SIGNAL

GND

rt i

ANALOG REMOTE

INPUT

AUDIO

y u

OUTPUT

AUDIO

OUT

MONITOR

VIDEO

OUT

~AC IN

CH2CH1

CUE INTIME CODE

CH2

CH1

CUE OUT

TIME CODE OUT

!2 !3 !4 !5 !6 !7

o!9 r

VIDEO

REMOTE IN/OUT

75Ω

OFF

REMOTE OUT

REF VIDEO

ENCODER REMOTE

75Ω

OFF

RS-232C

PARALLEL

@1 @2

DIGITAL

CH 1/2 CH 1/2

PUSH

IN AUDIO OUT

DIGITAL

IN OUT

SDI/ SDTI

– 16 –

q AC IN connector

This is for connecting the unit to the power outlet using the power cord provided.

w SIGNAL GND terminal

This terminal is connected to the signa unit which is connected to the unit in order to reduce noise. It is not connected to ground for safety purposes.

e Fuse holder

This contains a fuse.

r Fan motor

This is for cooling the unit. The W lamp lights when trouble has caused the fan motor to stop. If the unit is still operated in the warning status, the temperature inside the deck will rise, and when it exceeds the safety temperature, all the unit’s operations will be shut down.

t ANALOG AUDIO IN connectors

These are the analog audio input connectors.

y CUE IN connector

The analog signal to be recorded on the CUE track is supplied to this connector. The audio signals from a microphone can also be recorded by selecting the –60 dB input mode on the setup menu No. 702 (CUE IN LV).

u TIME CODE IN connector

This is the connector for recording the external time code on the tape.

i ANALOG COMPONENT VIDEO IN connector

The analog component video signal is supplied to this connector.

o ANALOG COMPOSITE VIDEO IN connectors and 75Ω termination switch

The analog composite video signal is supplied to these two connectors which are connected in a loop-through configuration. When the termination is required, set the switch to ON.

!0 REF VIDEO IN connectors and 75Ω termination switch

These are the input connectors for the reference video signals. When the termination is required, set the switch to ON.

!1 ANALOG AUDIO OUT connectors

The analog audio signals are output from these connectors.

!2 TIME CODE OUT connector

The playback time code is output from this connector during playback. During recording, the time code generated by the internal time code generator is output.

!3 CUE OUT connector

The analog signal recorded on the CUE track is output from this connector.

!4 MONITOR OUT connector

During playback, the playback signals from the CUE track or PCM audio signal CH1/CH2 are output from this connector.

– 17 –

Controls and their functions (continued)

!5 ANALOG COMPONENT VIDEO OUT connector

The analog component video signal is output from this connector.

!6 ANALOG COMPOSITE VIDEO OUT connectors

The analog composite video signals are output from these connectors. The video signal with signals superimposed on it can be output from the VIDEO OUT3 connector. The superimpose function can be set ON or OFF on the setup menu No. 006 (SUPER).

!7 DIGITAL AUDIO IN/OUT connector

This I/O connector is for digital audio signals which comply with the AES/EBU standard.

!8 SERIAL DIGITAL COMPONENT AUDIO/VIDEO IN/OUT connector

(optional AJ-YA750P interface board required)

This I/O connector is for digital component audio and video signals which comply with the EBU Tech. 3267-E standard. The connectors are known by different names when the AJ-YAC850P SDTI/SDI board (option) is used. For further details, refer to the operating instructions of the AJ-YAC850P board.

!9 Remote control connectors

The unit can be controlled from an external source by connecting the unit with another unit or an external controller. There are two remote control connectors, one for IN/OUT uses and the other for OUT uses. IN/OUT: For connection with an external controller.

For connection with deck-to-deck operation.

OUT: For connection with parallel running operations.

@0 ENCODER REMOTE connector

The external encoder/controller is hooked up to this connector when the video output signal and other settings are to be adjusted from an external source.

@1 RS-232C connector

@2 PARALLEL REMOTE connector

This is used when operating the unit from an external source.

– 18 –

Connections when one unit is used

Set the CONTROL switch on the front panel to LOCAL.

Analog audio input connectors

Analog video input (component) connectors

Reference input connectors

CH1

SIGNAL

~AC IN

GND

TIME CODE OUT

Analog audio output connectors

Audio monitor output connectors

CH2CH1

AUDIO

CUE INTIME CODE

CH2

AUDIO

OUT

CUE OUT

ANALOG REMOTE

INPUT

OUTPUT

MONITOR

VIDEO

P B

P R

75Ω

OFF

REF VIDEO

IN ON

75Ω

OFF

VIDEO

OUT

REMOTE IN/OUT

REMOTE OUT

ENCODER REMOTE

RS-232C

PARALLEL

Digital audio input connector

Video monitor output connectors (composite ×3, component)

DIGITAL

CH 1/2 CH 1/2

PUSH

IN AUDIO OUT

DIGITAL

IN OUT

SDI/ SDTI

Active through output connector (option)

Digital audio output connector

Digital audio/video input connector

(option)

Digital audio/video output connectors (option)

– 19 –

Connections when 2 units are used (deck to deck)

Source machine: •Set the CONTROL switch on the front panel to REMOTE. Recorder: •Set the CONTROL switch on the front panel to LOCAL.

Reference Signal generator

Remote control signal (9P)

~AC IN

SIGNAL

GND

To audio monitor

CH1

TIME CODE OUT

ANALOG REMOTE

CH2CH1

INPUT

AUDIO

CUE INTIME CODE

OUTPUT

CH2

AUDIO

OUT

MONITOR

CUE OUT

device

OFF ON

VIDEO

REMOTE IN/OUT

75Ω

P B

OFF

P R

P B

P R

REMOTE OUT

REF VIDEO

ENCODER REMOTE

75Ω

OFF

RS-232C

VIDEO

OUT

PARALLEL

DIGITAL

CH 1/2 CH 1/2

PUSH

IN AUDIO OUT

DIGITAL

IN OUT

SDI/ SDTI

To video monitor device

RecorderSource machine

CH2CH1

AUDIO

CUE INTIME CODE

OUTPUT

CH2

CH1

AUDIO

~AC IN

SIGNAL

GND

TIME CODE OUT

OUT

MONITOR

CUE OUT

To audio monitor

device

Digital video/audio signal (option)

(Digital audio)

Analog video signal (component)

ANALOG REMOTE

INPUT

VIDEO

OFF

REF VIDEO

IN ON

OFF

VIDEO

OUT

75Ω

ENCODER REMOTE

75Ω

REMOTE IN/OUT

REMOTE OUT

RS-232C

PARALLEL

To video monitor device

DIGITAL

CH 1/2 CH 1/2

PUSH

IN AUDIO OUT

DIGITAL

IN OUT

SDI/ SDTI

– 20 –

Connections with editing controller

Recorder

AV monitor

Video monitor signals

Audio monitor signals

Editing controller

Remote

To REMOTE IN/OUT connector

Remote

Audio output

Video output signals

signals

Remote

Video input signals

Audio input signals

Video monitor signals

AV switcher

Video output signals

AV monitor

Audio monitor

signals

Reference signal generator

Reference signal

Audio output signals

Source machine

Video monitor

signals

To REMOTE IN/OUT connector

Audio monitor

signals

To REMOTE IN/OUT connector

Reference signal

Source machine

<Note>

When an editing controller made by CMX is used, support must be provided at the editing controller side.

Video monitor

signals

AV monitorAV monitor

Audio monitor

signals

– 21 –

Connections for adjusting video output (encoder output) signals

Player 1

REF (BB)

REF VIDEO IN

(source machine 1)

VIDEO 1 OUT

REF (BB)

REF IN

REF (BB)

REF VIDEO IN

P1 IN P2 IN

Switcher

Supply the external reference signal from a sync signal generator to the units.

Use the composite connectors for the video signals.

Player 2 (source machine 2)

VIDEO 1 OUT

RECORDER OUT

MONITOR OUT

monitor

REF (BB)

REF VIDEO IN

RECORDER

VIDEO IN

WFM

(waveform monitor)

Make these two cables equally long.

VSC

(vectorscope)

75Ω

– 22 –

T apes

T ype

Description

Tape designed exclusively for the camcorders used by consumers in general. Only playback is possible using the optional cassette adaptor.

Consumer

cassette

(S cassette)

However, please note that long-play cassette tapes (80-minute standard/ 120-minute LP mode) cannot be used.

Use of Panasonic consumer DV cassette tapes is recommended.

Note that inserting a cassette tape without using the cassette adaptor can damage the unit.

M cassette

L cassette

Recording/playback tape with a maximum capacity of 66 minutes. (AJ-P12MP, AJ-P24MP , AJ-P33MP, AJ-P46MP, AJ-P66MP)

Recording/playback tape with a maximum capacity of 184 minutes. (AJ-P34LP, AJ-P66LP , AJ-P94LP, AJ-P126LP, AJ-5P92LP)

Align the cassette with the center of the insertion slot and push it in gently. The cassette tape is loaded automatically.

M cassette

L cassette

<Note>

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

• Consumer DV tapes and DVCAM tapes can be used for playback only.

• Consumer DV tapes which have been recorded in the LP mode cannot be played back.

• When materials which have been recorded on consumer DV tapes or DVCAM tapes are to be edited, record them onto a DVCPRO tape or tape of any other broadcasting VTR for use.

• Recordings cannot be made on consumer DV tapes and DVCAM tapes: this means that all functions related to recording, REC operation, editing selection and execution, TAPE/EE switching and other such operations are prohibited.

• The maximum transport speed for consumer DV tapes and DVCAM tapes is 32 times the normal tape speed.

• The maximum time for the STILL TIMER when consumer DV tapes or DVCAM tapes are used is set to 10 seconds, and the total STEP FWD time when the machine has been left standing in the STILL status is set to 1 minute.

• Slow-motion playback of consumer DV tapes and DVCAM tapes is not possible.

• In order to protect your tapes, it is recommended that repeated cue-up in the same location on a consumer DV tape or DVCAM tape be avoided as far as possible.

• Finally, check out the cautionary items for setup menu item No. 108 “FORMAT SEL”.

– 23 –

Switching on the power/inserting the cassette

Before starting to operate the unit, check whether the equipment has been connected properly.

Turn on the power.

Check that the AUTO OFF lamp is off. When condensation has formed or some other trouble has occurred, the AUTO OFF lamp lights, and all operations are disabled.

Insert the cassette tape. Insert the tape at its proper position without force.

Check that the STOP lamp is on. When the tape is inserted, the cylinder rotates automatically, the tape is loaded and the unit goes into the stop mode. The EJECT lamp goes off.

1 3 2

OFF

POWER

METER

FULL/FINE

MONITOR SELECT

CH1 CH2

LEVEL CUE VIDEO

HEADPHONES

PULL OPEN

REC

PULL FOR VARIABLE

VIDEO Y PB PR

AUDIO ANALOG

ASSEMBLE

PREVIEW

REVIEW

INPUT SELECT

CMPST

AES/EBU

CH CONDITION

AUTO EDIT

SDTI(V&A)

USER SET SDI

SHIFT ADJ START RESET

SCH CF

VIDEO CH1 CH2 CUE TC

INSERT-

PREROLL

SDI

TC SET

–+

TRIM

SET

EJECT

AUTO OFF

CONTROL

TC MODE

TAPE

PLAYER

SERVO

PLAY

STOP

REMOTE

LOCAL

RECORDER

REC INHIBIT

REC

TC INT

TC/CTL

UB EXT EE

STAND BY

EDIT

OUT

REW

OUT

PUSH

SHTL

JOG

SLOW

REV FWD

PULL OPEN

– 24 –

STOP/STAND BY mode

When the STOP button is pressed, the unit goes into the stop mode. The STOP lamp lights and the tape stops traveling.

• In order to protect the tape, the unit goes into the standby OFF mode after the time set by setup menu No. 400 (STILL TIMER) has elapsed. When the STOP, REW, FF or PLAY button is pressed, the unit will go into the appropriate mode.

When the STAND BY button is pressed, the unit goes into the standby ON/OFF mode. When the button’s lamp is lighted, the unit is in the standby ON mode. When the button is pressed during the stop mode, the unit goes into the standby OFF mode and half-loading mode and the lamp goes off. When the button is pressed during the standby OFF mode, the unit goes to the standby ON mode.

Still Timer Setting

In order to protect the tape and VTR helical heads, it is recommended that the Still Timer be set for automatic tape protection mode in 30 seconds or under. Page 67 indicates the settings for menu item 400-Still Timer set. Still Timer settings 4 and below will best protect the tape.

OFF

POWER

METER

FULL/FINE

MONITOR SELECT

CH1 CH2

LEVEL CUE VIDEO

HEADPHONES

PULL OPEN

REC

PULL FOR VARIABLE

VIDEO Y PB PR

AUDIO ANALOG

ASSEMBLE

PREVIEW

REVIEW

INPUT SELECT

CMPST

AES/EBU

CH CONDITION

AUTO EDIT

SDTI(V&A)

USER SET SDI

SHIFT ADJ START RESET

SCH CF

VIDEO CH1 CH2 CUE TC

INSERT-

PREROLL

SDI

TC SET

–+

TRIM

SET

EJECT

AUTO OFF

CONTROL

TC MODE

TAPE

PLAYER

SERVO

PLAY

STOP

REMOTE

LOCAL

RECORDER

REC INHIBIT

REC

TC INT

TC/CTL

UB EXT EE

STAND BY

EDIT

OUT

REW

OUT

PUSH

SHTL

JOG

SLOW

REV FWD

PULL OPEN

– 25 –

Recording

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

Press the STOP button to place the unit in the stop mode.

Set the TAPE/EE switch to EE. EE images now appear on the TV monitor.

Check that the REC INHIBIT lamp is off. If this lamp is lighted, set the REC INHIBIT switch to OFF.

Select the video and audio input signals and adjust their levels.

5-1 Selecting video/audio input signals

1 Connect the signals to be recorded. 2 Select the input signals using the INPUT SELECT switches on the front panel.

The input signals corresponding to the lighted lamps have been selected.

5-2 Adjusting the video level

1 Normally, the adjustment control $4 for the video input level should be pressed

in. (unity value) The video signals will be recorded at the proper level.

2 To adjust the recording level, pull out the adjustment knob and adjust in the

+3 dB to –3 dB range.

5-3 Adjusting the audio level

1 Adjust the audio input signal levels of the analog audio CH1/CH2 signals and

analog cue signal. Keep the audio input/output level controls $4 pushed in (unity value). The audio signals will be recorded at the proper level.

2 To adjust the recording level, pull out the controls and adjust them. With the

CUE signal, adjust the control in such a way that –20 dB will not be exceeded.

Press the REC and PLAY buttons together. The REC and PLAY lamps light, and recording commences.

To end the recording, press the STOP button. Recording is ended, and the unit goes into the stop mode.

<Notes>

• Check that the SERVO lamp is lighted during recording. If it flashes or if it is off, the images played back will be disturbed.

• Only the analog composite video input signals can be adjusted. (The digital video and analog component input signals cannot be adjusted.)

• The sound and pictures to be recorded are offset from the playback pictures by 5 frames and recorded. When, for instance, recording sound at a particular timing while the playback pictures are monitored, the sound to be recorded will be recorded at a position which is offset from the playback pictures by 5 frames.

– 26 –

Playback

Insert the cassette tape, and place the unit in the stop mode.

Press the PLAY button. Regular playback is now commenced.

Adjust the audio playback level. Pull out the audio level controls and turn them clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the levels. Normally, they are kept in the pushed-in state (unity value).

To end playback, press the STOP button. The VTR now goes into the stop mode.

<Note>

Check that the SERVO lamp is lighted during playback. If it flashes or if it is off, the images played back will be disturbed.

– 27 –

Jog/shuttle

Jog mode

Shuttle mode

Push the search dial to the “in” position. Be sure that the JOG lamp lights.

Rotate the search dial. The dial’s clickstops are cleared, and the tape is played back at the speed corresponding to the speed at which the dial is turned. The maximum speed can be selected using the setup menu No. 320 (JOG FWD MAX) and No. 321 (JOG REV MAX) settings. When the dial rotation is stopped, a still picture appears. The playback picture is noise-free.

To transfer from the jog mode to another mode, press the appropriate button.

Push the search dial to release it from the “in” position. The SHTL lamp lights, and the unit goes into the shuttle mode.

• Immediately after the power has been turned on, rotate the search dial and set it to the center position.

Set the SHTL/SLOW switch to SHTL or SLOW.

Rotate the search dial. When the SHTL/SLOW switch has been set to SHTL, the playback picture speed is varied from 0 to ±60× normal speed depending on the position of the dial. The playback picture speed can be switched to ±16×, ±32 × and ±60× normal speed with setting menu No. 101 (SHTL MAX). The dial’s center position is a clickstop where a still picture appears as the playback image. When the SHTL/SLOW switch has been set to SLOW, the playback picture speed is varied from –4 to +4× normal speed depending on the position of the dial. The maximum speed can be selected using the setup menu No. 317 (VAR FWD MAX) and No. 318 (VAR REV MAX) settings. However, noise appears at speeds other than –0.43 to +1× normal speed. The dial’s center position is a clickstop where a still picture appears as the playback image. The playback picture is noise-free.

To transfer from the shuttle mode to another mode, press the STOP button or other button.

<Note>

When the unit leaves the factory, its operation is set up so that it will be transferred to the shuttle or jog mode when the search dial is rotated. If it is inconvenient for operation to be transferred to the variable-speed mode directly, it can also be transferred through the search button. Set setting menu No. 100 (SEARCH ENA) to KEY.

– 28 –

Manual editing

4 5

<Note>

The sound and pictures to be recorded are offset from the playback pictures by 5 frames and recorded. When, for instance, recording sound at a particular timing while the playback pictures are monitored, the sound to be recorded will be recorded at a position which is offset from the playback pictures by 5 frames.

Select the editing mode.

ASSEMBLE: For assemble editing. INSERT: For insert editing.

Select the editing channel. In the case of insert editing, press the channel button corresponding to the signals to be edited, and check that its lamp is on.

Press the PLAY button. Search for the position where the editing is to be commenced (IN point) while viewing

the TV monitor, and press the PLAY and EDIT buttons together at the IN point. Press the STOP or PLAY button at the position where editing is to be completed (OUT

point) while viewing the TV monitor. The unit goes into the stop mode, and editing is completed.

– 29 –

Preroll

Press the PREROLL button. The VTR now performs the preroll operation.

• When the edit IN point has been entered, the tape is rewound from the edit IN point for the duration set by setting menu “000,” and the unit then goes into the stop mode.

• When the edit IN point has not been entered, the tape is rewound for the duration set by setting menu “000” from the position where the button was pressed, and the unit then goes into the stop mode.

<Notes>

• The time code or CTL signal must be continuously recorded between the edit IN point and preroll point.

• When the IN point has not been entered, whether to enter the IN point and perform preroll or to perform preroll without entering the IN point can be selected at setting menu No. 311 (AUTO ENTRY).

– 30 –

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