Panasonic AJ-FRC27E User Manual

VQT9737

Model No. AJ- E

Operating Instructions

Frame Rate Converter

Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this manual for future use.

2 (E)

indicates safety information

FOR U.K. ONLY

This appliance is supplied with a moulded three pin
mains plug for your safety and convenience.
A 13 amp fuse is fitted in this plug.
Should the fuse need to be replaced please ensure that
the replacement fuse has a rating of 13 amps and that it
is approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362.
Check for the ASTA mark Ïor the BSI mark Ìon the
body of the fuse.

If the plug contains a removable fuse cover you must
ensure that it is refitted when the fuse is replaced.
If you lose the fuse cover the plug must not be used
until a replacement cover is obtained.
A replacement fuse cover can be purchased from your
local Panasonic Dealer.

IF THE FITTED MOULDED PLUG IS UNSUITABLE
FOR THE SOCKET OUTLET IN YOUR HOME THEN
THE FUSE SHOULD BE REMOVED AND THE PLUG
CUT OFF AND DISPOSED OF SAFELY. THERE IS A
DANGER OF SEVERE ELECTRICAL SHOCK IF THE
CUT OFF PLUG IS INSERTED INTO ANY 13 AMP
SOCKET.

If a new plug is to be fitted please observe the wiring
code as shown below.
If in any doubt please consult a qualified electrician.

WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.
IMPORTANT: The wires in this mains lead are coloured

in accordance with the following code:

Green-and-Yellow: Earth
Blue: Neutral
Brown: Live

Caution for AC Mains Lead

As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this
appliance may not correspond with the coloured mark­ings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as
follows:

• The wire which is coloured GREEN-AND-YELLOW
must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is
marked with the letter E or by the Earth symbol Óor
coloured GREEN or GREEN-AND-YELLOW.

• The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected
to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the let­ter N or coloured BLACK.

• The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connect­ed to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the
letter L or coloured RED.

FOR YOUR SAFETY PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TEXT CAREFULLY.

This product is equipped with 2 types of AC mains cable. One is for continental Europe, etc. and the other one is only
for U.K.
Appropriate mains cable must be used in each local area, since the other type of mains cable is not suitable.

FOR CONTINENTAL EUROPE, ETC.

Not to be used in the U.K.

FOR U.K. ONLY

If the plug supplied is not suitable for your socket out­let, it should be cut off and appropriate one fitted.

How to replace the fuse

1.Open the fuse compartment with a screwdriver.

2.Replace the fuse.

Fuse

Contents

3 (E)

ENGLISH

Operating precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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

System configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Parts and their functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Basic operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Menu selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Time code (TC) and user’s bit (UB) . . . . . .15

Input/output formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Error displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Operating precautions

O This unit uses a hard disk drive: prior to operation, save

some data into a part of the memory that is free or load
data from the drive to check that the drive is working
properly.

O Since this unit uses a hard disk drive, it should never be

used when condensation has formed inside.

O If the unit has not been shut down properly, the data on

its hard disk drive may be destroyed or malfunctioning
may result.

O Do not set the power switch back to the ON position

immediately after it was set to the OFF position. Doing
so may cause malfunctioning.

O After operating the unit, ensure that the area around the

air intake openings on the front panel is well-ventilated
and keep it adequately ventilated.

O The cooling fans at the front and back of the unit are

maintenance parts: replace them at regular intervals.

$

DO NOT REMOVE PANEL COVER BY
UNSCREWING.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
cover. No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

$

THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED

To ensure safe operation the three-pin plug must be
inserted only into a standard three-pin power point
which is effectively earthed through the normal
house-hold wiring.
Extension cords used with the equipment must be
three-core and be correctly wired to provide connec­tion to earth. Wrongly wired extension cords are a
major cause of fatalities.
The fact that the equipment operates satisfactorily
does not imply that the power point is earthed and
that the installation is completely safe. For your safe­ty, if in any doubt about the effective earthing of the
power point, consult a qualified electrician.

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK HAZ­ARD, KEEP THIS EQUIPMENT AWAY FROM ALL
LIQUIDS-USE AND STORE ONLY IN LOCATIONS
WHICH ARE NOT EXPOSED TO THE RISK OF
DRIPPING OR SPLASHING LIQUIDS, AND DO NOT
PLACE ANY LIQUID CONTAINERS ON TOP OF
THE EQUIPMENT.

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 AUTHORIZED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.

CAUTION:

THE SOCKET SHALL BE INSTALLED NEAR THE
EQUIPMENT AND SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSI­BLE.

CAUTION:

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

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK HAZ­ARD, REFER INSTALLATION OF HARD- DISK
DRIVE TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
HARD-DISK DRIVE MUST BE BEARING THE CE­MARKING.

Features

4 (E)

System configuration

Frame rate conversion function

Using the HD-SDI input signals from a variable frame rate
camera (AJ-HDC27F) or DVCPRO HD VTR, this unit con­verts frame rates by taking out only the effective frames of
variable frame rate recorded clips, recording them, and play­ing them back. It can reproduce the slow or quick speed
effects intended during shooting on the spot. Its built-in
hard disk drive is capable of recording up to 100 minutes (at
24 fps) and playing back the recordings without the use of a
VTR.

Format conversion function and line/down-conversion
function

During playback, this unit can select a frame rate of 24, 25,
30 or 60 fps and line-convert to 1080/24p or down-convert
to an existing SDTV (480/60i) format. It supports both on­line and off-line editing environments. When frame rate
conversion is not needed, the unit can provide EE through
conversion where the input signals are converted and output
directly.

AUTO REC function

When this unit is connected to a variable frame rate camera
(AJ-HDC27F) using the HD-SDI connector, each cut can be
automatically recorded in the unit as a separate clip in con­junction with the REC/STOP operation of the camera. Even
with editing operations undertaken in the studio, each cut
can be automatically turned into a clip by using the START
and END marks recorded on the tape in the variable frame
rate camera to play back the cuts in a VTR and then record
them in this unit. Afterwards, all that the user needs to do is
choose the acceptable cuts and play them back.

Simple operation functions

Recording and playback are easily accomplished using the
unit’s front panel controls. The various settings can be
checked or changed using the cursor keys.

External RS-422 control

When a simple remote controller (AJ-A95) is connected to
the remote IN connector on the unit’s rear panel, the unit
can be operated by remote control using simplified remote
control functions.

Half rack unit dimensions

This unit is compactly designed with a width equivalent to a
half rack unit and a height of 5U. Its carrying handle
enables it to be carried around for use on location. Its ability
to enable the images shot to be viewed on the spot and the
results of its speed effects to be monitored makes it a wor­thy representative of the new style of digital cinema produc­tion.

<Notes>

O This unit is not designed to meet portability (drip-proof,

dust-proof) specifications. Bear in mind that operating it
outdoors or moving it with its power still on may cause
malfunctioning. In particular, take care to protect the
hard disk drive from vibration and impact.

O If a problem has occurred with the hard disk drive, the

recorded data may be destroyed or the system may not
start up. Consult with your dealer, and replace the drive
with a new one.

AJ-HDC27F

AJ-HD150

AJ-HD150

HD-SDI

HD-SDI

HD monitor

SD monitor

Composite
signals

Remote
control

HD-SDI

AJ-FRC27

AJ-A95

When recording using the VTR, set the VTR in
such a way that regeneration is initiated with the
external time code. For further details, contact
your dealer.

ON

OFF

CH CONDITION ENTER ESCAPE SHIFT

POWER

METER

FULL/FINE

L

MONITOR SELECT

R

CH

ASMBL

LEVEL

CH 1/5 CH 2/6 CH 3/7 CH 4/8 CUE

1

REC

PREVIEW
REVIEW

HEADPHONES

PULL
OPEN

PB

PULL FOR VARIABLE

AUDIO CH SELECT

1

CH

4

CH 5CH

8

VIDEO

CH1/5CH2/8 CH3/7 CH4/8 CUE TC

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

MULTICUE

AUTO EDIT

PREROLL

EJECT

M-cassette / ADAPTER

Caution: Do not insert S-cassette without adapter

MODE

CONTROL

PUSH

TC INTTCTAPE

REMOTE

JOG SHTL

RESET

SLOW

REV FWD

UB

EXT EE

LOCAL

TC/CTL

STAND BY

PLAYER

RECORDER

TC SET

SHIFT ADJ

START

SERVO

REC INHIBIT

EDIT PLAY

REC

INSERT

A

A

IN

OUT

TRIM

REW STOP

FF

IN

SET OUT

PULL
OPEN

ON

OFF

CH CONDITION ENTER ESCAPE SHIFT

POWER

METER

FULL/FINE

L

MONITOR SELECT

AUDIO CH SELECT

R

CH

1

CH

4

CH 5CH

8

ASMBL

VIDEO

CH1/5CH2/8 CH3/7 CH4/8 CUE TC

LEVEL

CH 1/5 CH 2/6 CH 3/7 CH 4/8 CUE

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

INSERT

MULTICUE

A

REC

PREVIEW

IN

AUTO EDIT

PREROLL

REVIEW

HEADPHONES

PULL
OPEN

IN

PB

PULL FOR VARIABLE

EJECT

M-cassette / ADAPTER

Caution: Do not insert S-cassette without adapter

MODE

CONTROL

PUSH

TC INTTCTAPE

REMOTE

JOG SHTL

RESET

SLOW

REV FWD

UB

EXT EE

LOCAL

TC/CTL

STAND BY

PLAYER

RECORDER

TC SET

SHIFT ADJ

START

SERVO

REC INHIBIT

EDIT PLAY

REC

A

OUT

TRIM

REW STOP

FF

SET OUT

PULL
OPEN

Parts and their functions

5 (E)

ENGLISH

1 POWER switch

After the unit’s operation has been shut down properly,
set this switch to the OFF position. If the power is turned
off while the unit is operating, the data may be destroyed
or the hard disk drive may malfunction.

2 WARNING lamp

This flashes when an error or warning has occurred. For
details, refer to the error table (page 19).

3 HDD lamp

This lights when the hard disk drive is being accessed.

4 REW key

Press this to search backward through the recorded data
or search for a previous clip. To search for a previous
clip, press the REW key and SHIFT key at the same time.

5 STOP key

Press this to stop the unit’s operation.

6 FF key

Press this to search forward through the recorded data or
search for a subsequent clip. To search for a subsequent
clip, press the FF key and SHIFT key at the same time.

7 PLAY key

Press this to play back recorded data, switch to the V-V
mode or record new data. To record new data, press the
PLAY key and REC key at the same time.

8 SHIFT key

Press this to search for recorded data. To search for a
previous clip, press the REW key and SHIFT key at the
same time; to search for a subsequent clip, press the FF
key and SHIFT key at the same time.
Keep pressing both the SHIFT key and the [2] (down)
key for more than 2 seconds and a shutdown confirma­tion message will appear on END screen of this unit.

9 REC key

Press this to record data or forcibly switch to the E-E
mode.

: [# ] (up) key

This is used to move the item to be shown on the display
panel upward.

; [2 ] (down) key

This is used to move the item to be shown on the display
panel downward.

< [! ] (left) key

This is used to move the cursor or item to be shown on
the display panel to the left.

= [1 ] (right) key

This is used to move the cursor or item to be shown on
the display panel to the right.

> SET key

This is used to enter the item shown on the display panel.

? CANCEL key

This is used to restore the screen immediately before the
one now shown.

@ Display panel

The basic screens and menu screens (page 10) appear
on this panel.

Front panel

POWER

ON

1

2

3

OFF

45678

REW

WARNING

HDD

PREV SHIFT

@

CANCEL

< =

>

STOP FF PLAY REC

NEXT

?

:

;

9

Parts and their functions

6 (E)

1 HD SDI IN connector (BNC)

The HD SDI signals are supplied to this connector.

2 HD SDI through connector (BNC)

The HD SDI input signals are passed straight through the
unit and output here.

3 HD SDI OUT connector (BNC)

The HD SDI signals are output from this connector.

4 REMOTE IN (RS-422) connector

The remote controller is connected to this connector.
The only commands supported in the remote control
mode are FF, REW, STOP, PLAY, REC and SHTL.

<Note>

Functions that cannot be used when an external control
unit is used
OClip location function initiated by pressing the SHIFT

key and FF or REW key at the same time

OEject control function initiated by pressing the SHIFT

key and REW key on the remote controller (AJ-A95)

5 SD OUT VIDEO connector

The down-converted signals are output from this connec­tor.

6 AC IN socket

The power cord is connected to this socket.

7 FUSE holder

This contains a 3.15A fuse.

8 SIGNAL GND

To minimize noise, this is connected to the signal ground
on the component connected. It is not a safety ground.

9 Fan motors

These are used to cool down the unit.

123

5

4

6

7

8

9

REMOTE IN

SD OUT

HD SDI

VIDEO

IN

ACTIVE

THROUGH

OUT

AC IN

~

SIGNAL

GND

F

U

S

E

P

U

S

H

Rear panel

Basic operations

7 (E)

ENGLISH

Startup

1.

Set the power switch to the ON position.

Panasonic AJ-FRC27

Now Booting/222...

05141501 00:00:00:00

720/60P STOP >

2.

The following message appears on the display panel.

3.

When startup is completed normally, the following dis­play appears on the display panel.

Recording

1. Check that the HD SDI signals are being input from the

variable frame rate camera.

2. Select ON as the AUTO REC setting on the setup

menu.

3. Return to the basic screen, and press the REC key to

set the unit to the recording standby mode (both the
REC and STOP lamps now light).
The data recording is now automatically controlled by
the AUTO REC flag set in the HD SDI signals. (While
recording is in progress, both the REC and PLAY
lamps light.)

OVariable frame rate camera in REC mode:

When the unit detects the REC START signal, record­ing starts automatically.

O Variable frame rate camera in STOP mode:

When the unit detects the STOP signal, recording
stops automatically.

$ When AUTO REC is set to ON

Control flow when AUTO REC is set to ON

There are two recording mode settings: AUTO REC ON
where data is recorded automatically in accordance with the
variable frame rate camera, and AUTO REC OFF where
data is recorded manually.
When new data is recorded, it is always recorded under a
new clip name. The clip name is shown on the display
panel in the form of a date and time.

Example:

The name of the clip whose recording started on May 14
(2002) at 15 hr 01 min 30 sec appears as “05141501.”

If the remaining memory is reduced to under one minute
(equivalent to 60p) during recording when ON has been
selected as the ALARM setting on the setup menu, the
“DISK FULL” message is displayed, and the alarm sounds.
When there is no more free memory remaining, recording is
stopped.

<Note>

When the variable frame rate camera’s frame rate has been
switched from 23P to 24P or from 25P to 24P, the screen
may be subject to an instantaneous disturbance as an E-E
output. Bear this in mind when switching the frame rate dur­ing recording if the unit’s output signals are recorded on an
external VTR.

STOP detected

START mark STOP mark

REC detected

Recording starts

STOP

Variable frame
rate camera

AutoRec Flag

AJ-FRC27

STOP

REC

STOP STOP

REC

Recording stops