Panasonic VDR-M30PP Schematic

DVD Video Camera/Recorder

• VDR-M30PP

VDR-M30EG VDR-M30B VDR-M30EN

VOL.1

(PP) or“TYPE PP” and (EG) or“TYPE EG” in this

manual stands for the model shown below.

(PP) or“TYPE PP”: VDR-M30PP (NTSC)

(EG) or“TYPE EG”: VDR-M30EG/B/EN (PAL)

Table 2-1-1 shows the method for servicing each circuit board and each unit. Refer to "4 Troubleshooting" for the method of judging defects in each circuit board and each unit.

Information:

These servicing methods are subject to change without notice for the purpose of facilitating service procedures.

Table 2-1-1 Circuit Board and Unit Servicing

Method

Circuit board/Unit

AEL circuit board DRF circuit board DRV circuit board FAF circuit board FRT circuit board GYR circuit board HDM circuit board LCD circuit board MAN circuit board

MR circuit board SAF circuit board SHE circuit board SID circuit board USB circuit board Disc drive unit

Servicing method

Component replacement. Unit replacement. Included in disc drive unit. Unit replacement. Component replacement.

Included in disc drive unit. Component replacement. Circuit board assembly replacement (Order format). Unit replacement.

Included in disc drive unit. Unit replacement. Unit replacement (Order format). Which incorporates the DRV, SID and HDM circuit boards.

LCD CIRCUIT BOARD

DISC DRIVE UNIT

AEL CIRCUIT BOARD

FAF CIRCUIT BOARD

GYR CIRCUIT BOARD

USB CIRCUIT BOARD

MR CIRCUIT BOARD

FRT CIRCUIT BOARD

SHE CIRCUIT BOARD

DRF CIRCUIT BOARD

MAN CIRCUIT BOARD

SAF CIRCUIT BOARD

Fig. 2-1-1 External Views of the Circuit Board/Unit

Slim & Compact

The volume of VDR-M30 series body has been reduced to approximately half that of the previous VDR-M20 series, by using a compact disc drive unit, increasing the parts mounting density on circuit boards while decreasing the number of circuit boards, and using a round DVD holder and compact zoom lens.

Complying with SD memory card/

MultiMediaCard:

The previous models could record photos only on DVD-RAM disc, but the VDR-M30 can also record them on SD memory card and MultiMediaCard (sometimes referred to as “a card” hereafter). The VDR-M30 can also copy to a card photos recorded on DVD-RAM disc. The VDR-M30 adopts the DCF standard*1 and complies with DPOF*1 so that photos recorded on card can be utilized on various devices.

*1: Refer to "3-2-2 Standards for recording photos

on card" for details on DCF standard and DPOF.

VDR-M30 Series

VDR-M20 Series

Fig. 2-2-1 Reduced Body Volume

Round DVD holder

DVD-RAM/ DVD-R disc

Card (SD memory card/ MultiMediaCard)

PC connection kit/software for editing

provided:

The VDR-M30 is provided with the PC connection kit and editing software, which were optional accessories with previous models. Connecting to PC and editing on it are easy.

Fig. 2-2-2 Media Storage Available on

VDR-M30

Specifications are subject to change without notice for the purpose of improvement.

Item

Power source Power consumption

CCD

Lens

Focus Zoom

Required minimum illumination Viewfinder

LCD monitor

Image Stabilizer Shutter speed Self-timer recording External microphone jack Recording mode

Maximum recordable time (per side)

Maximum number of recordable photos

DVD-RAM disc

DVD-R disc

DVD-RAM disc (per side)

Card

VDR-M30PP

DC7.9/7.2V Recording 5.8W

1/4-inch interlaced Total number of pixels:

Approx. 680,000

Number of effective pixels:

Video: Approx. 340,000

Photo: Approx. 310,000 F1.8 - 2.5, f = 1/8 - 1-1/4 (3.15 - 31.5 mm) Filter diameter: 1-3/16 (30.5 mm) Auto/Manual Optical 10×, 40 - 240× with digital zoom added (40× for photo) 12 lx (3 lx: When Low Light mode is selected)

0.44-inch color TFT (approx. 110,000 pixels)

2.5-inch color TFT (approx. 1,200,000 pixels) Electronic Type 1/60 - 1/4000 (video) Photo recording only Ø 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack Video (with audio) Photo (DVD-RAM disc, SD memory card, MultiMediaCard) XTRA mode: Approx. 18 min. FINE mode: Approx. 30 min. STD mode: Approx. 60 min. FINE mode: Approx. 30 min. STD mode: Approx. 60 min. LPCM mode: Approx. 30 min. 999 (However, if video and photo are mixed on one disc, the recordable number will decrease) Varies depending on the recording quality and the type of card

VDR-M30EG/B/EN

DC7.9/7.2V Recording (FINE)

4.7W (When using Viewfinder)

5.7W (When using LCD Monitor) 1/4-inch interlaced Total number of pixels:

Approx. 800,000

Number of effective pixels:

Video: Approx. 410,000

Photo: Approx. 410,000 F1.8 - 2.5, f = 3.15 - 31.5 mm Filter diameter: 30.5 mm

Auto/Manual Optical 10×, 40 - 240× with digital zoom added (40× for photo) 12 lx (3 lx: When Low Light mode is selected)

0.44-inch color TFT (approx. 110,000 pixels)

2.5-inch color TFT (approx. 1,200,000 pixels) Electronic Type 1/50 - 1/4000 (video) Photo recording only Ø 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack Video (with audio) Photo (DVD-RAM disc, SD memory card, MultiMediaCard) XTRA mode: Approx. 18 min. FINE mode: Approx. 30 min. STD mode: Approx. 60 min. FINE mode: Approx. 30 min. STD mode: Approx. 60 min.

999 (However, if video and photo are mixed on one disc, the recordable number will decrease) Varies depending on the recording quality and the type of card

Item VDR-M30PP VDR-M30EG/B/EN

Recording format

Audio playback format

Recording media

Jacks

DVD-RAM disc

DVD-R disc

Card

Video: Conforming to DVD video

recording format (MPEG 1 Audio layer 2)

Photo: Simultaneous recording,

conforming to DVD video recording format (704 × 480 pixels) and JPEG (640 × 480 pixels)

Video: Conforming to DVD video

format (MPEG1 Audio layer 2 or Linear PCM

(*1)

selected)

Photo: Conforming to JPEG (640 ×

480 pixels) standard MPEG1 Audio layer 2, Linear PCM, Dolby AC3 8 cm DVD-RAM disc (conforming to

DVD-RAM Ver. 2.1)

8 cm DVD-R disc (conforming to

DVD-R for General Ver. 2.0) SD memory card MultiMediaCard Video/audio input/output × 1 External microphone input × 1 USB terminal (connected

to PC USB port) × 1

Video: Conforming to DVD video

recording format (MPEG 1 Audio layer 2)

Photo: Simultaneous recording,

conforming to DVD video recording format (704 × 576 pixels) and JPEG (640 × 480 pixels)

Video: Conforming to DVD video

format (MPEG1 Audio layer

Photo: Conforming to JPEG (640 ×

480 pixels) standard

MPEG1 Audio layer 2, Dolby AC3

8 cm DVD-RAM disc (conforming to

DVD-RAM Ver. 2.1)

8 cm DVD-R disc (conforming to

DVD-R for General Ver. 2.0) SD memory card MultiMediaCard Video/audio output × 1 External microphone input × 1 USB terminal (connected

to PC USB port) × 1

USB Battery system Dimensions (W × H × D, excluding projections) Operating temperature (humidity)

USB2.0 compliant (max. 12Mbps) Lithium-ion Approx. 2.24 × 3.5 × 5.28 inch (57 × 89 × 134 mm) 32-104°F (0-40°C) (less than 80%) 32-86°F (0-30°C) when connected to

USB2.0 compliant (max. 12Mbps) Lithium-ion Approx. 57 × 89 × 134 mm

0-40°C (less than 80%) 0-30°C when connected to PC

PC Storage temperature Weight (excluding battery and

-4 - 104°F (-20 - 60°C)

Approx. 1.058 lbs (480 g)

-20 - 60°C

Approx. 480 g disc) Total weight when recording

Approx. 1.246 lbs (565 g) (when using

Approx. 565 g

CGA-DU14A battery pack)

Provided accessories

AC adapter/charger, battery pack, AV/S input/output cable, remote controller, button type battery for remote controller, lens cap, lens cap string, shoulder belt, power cable, DC cord, ferrite core, software CD-ROM, USB cable, 8cm DVD-RAM disc (in round DVD holder)

AC adapter/charger, battery, AV/S

output cable, infrared remote control,

Lithium battery for remote control,

lens cap, lens cap string, shoulder

strap, mains lead, DC power cord,

ferrite core, software CD-ROM, USB

cable, 8cm DVD-RAM disc (in round

DVD holder)

*1: The VDR-M30PP records audio on DVD-R disc using the MPEG1 Audio layer 2 format in FINE or STD

mode, and using the Linear PCM format in LPCM mode. The MPEG1 Audio layer 2 format is an option of DVD video format. Record a DVD-R disc in LPCM mode to play it back on a DVD player that does not comply with this option standard.

Item

Switching on-screen language

Full Auto button Disc protect Camera functions

Disc record functions

Card record functions

Minimum distance for recording Program AE

White balance Digital zoom Cinema Wind cut Exposure correction Backlight correction Input selection

External photo input Number of pixels for video (MPEG2) Number of pixels for photo during camera recording Number of pixels for photo during line-input recording Copying photos to card Input selection

External photo input Number of pixels on photo File size of photo

VDR-M30PP

English/French/German/Spanish/ Italian Equipped Software disc-protect Wide-angle side: Approx. 2 cm Telephoto side: Approx. 1 m Auto/Sports/Portrait/Spotlight/ Surf&Snow/Low Light Auto/Set/Outdoor/Indoor 1/Indoor 2 240×/40×/Off

-------------------------On/Off Exclusive button equipped (Auto/Manual) Exclusive button equipped

CAMERA/LINE (analog video signal input from external device) Frame/Field

XTRA/FINE: 704 × 480 pixels STD/LPCM: 352 × 480 pixels JPEG: 640 × 480 pixels MPEG: 704 × 480 pixels

JPEG: 640 × 480 pixels MPEG: 704 × 480 pixels

Enable on Disc Navigation function

CAMERA/LINE (analog video signal input from external device) Frame/Field

JPEG: 640 × 480 pixels

FINE: Approx. 128KB NORM: Approx. 64KB ECO: Approx. 32KB

VDR-M30EG/B/EN

--------------------------

XTRA/FINE: 704 × 576 pixels STD: 352 × 576 pixels JPEG: 640 × 480 pixels MPEG: 704 × 576 pixels

JPEG: 640 × 480 pixels MPEG: 704 × 576 pixels

Enable on Disc Navigation function

--------------------------

JPEG: 640 × 480 pixels

FINE: Approx. 128KB NORM: Approx. 64KB ECO: Approx. 32KB

Jacks

Disc Navigation function

Item VDR-M30PP VDR-M30EG/M30B/M30EN

Video/audio input/ output

External microphone PC connection Accessory shoe With disc

10-pin exclusive input/output terminal [S (output only)/video/audio L/audio R] × 1 Ø 3.5 mm stereo × 1

Type B (mini USB) Power/control terminal not provided

Scene Delete [RAM]

Playlist [RAM]

Program Switch [RAM/R]

Go To [RAM/R]

Disc

ETC. Other settings

Edit [RAM] Copy [RAM]

Select [RAM/R]

Detail [RAM/R] Switch

Play Create Edit Title Delete

Play [RAM/R] Title [RAM]

To p End

Capacity [RAM/R] Protect Disc [RAM] Format Disc [RAM] Update Control Info. [RAM] Finalize Disk [R]

Category [RAM] Repeat Play [RAM/R]

Thumbnail Skip Fade Combine Divide Move Start -> Current Current -> End All

10-pin exclusive output terminal [S/ video/audio L/audio R] × 1

Ø 3.5 mm stereo × 1

Type B (mini USB) Power/control terminal not provided

Scene Delete [RAM]

Playlist [RAM]

Program Switch [RAM/R]

Go To [RAM/R]

Disc

ETC. Other settings

Edit [RAM] Copy [RAM]

Select [RAM/R]

Detail [RAM/R] Switch

Play Create Edit Title Delete

Play [RAM/R] Title [RAM]

To p End

Capacity [RAM/R] Protect Disc [RAM] Format Disc [RAM] Update Control Info. [RAM] Finalize Disk [R]

Category [RAM] Repeat Play [RAM/R]

Thumbnail Skip Fade Combine Divide Move Start -> Current Current -> End All

With card

Scene Delete

Go To

Card

Slide Show

Lock DPOF Select Detail

To p End

Capacity Format Card

All DPOF

Start -> Current Current -> End All

Scene Delete

Go To

Card

Slide Show

[RAM/R]: Operable with both DVD-RAM and R discs [RAM]: Operable with DVD-RAM disc only [R]: Operable with DVD-R disc only

Lock DPOF Select Detail

To p End

Capacity Format Card

All DPOF

Start -> Current Current -> End All

(1) Inserting disc to DVD video camera/recorder

1 Press down the DISC EJ ECT button once and

release it. A few moments af ter the ACCESS/PC indi cator

blinks, the cover of disc inser tion block w il l open slightly.

DISC EJECT button

2 Gently op en th e cover by ha nd until it stops. 3 Inser t the di sc , in Round DVD Hold er, into the

disc guide until it sto ps. Note that the recording/playback sur face of

di sc must face the inside of DVD vid eo camera/ recorder. The orientation f or inserting the disc into the disc guide is also predetermined: Load the disc correctly, referring to the figure.

4 Push the section marked “PUSH CLOSE” on

the cover of disc inser tion bloc k, to close the co ver .

5 Turn t he DVD video camera /rec order on

( VI DEO or PHOTO).

When “DISC ACCESS” disappears, the DVD vid eo camera/recorder is ready for recording.

Identifying recording/playback sides of disc :

Single sided disc:

The recording/playback side is opposi te to the prin ted label.

Double -sided disc :

The recording/playbac k side of “ SIDE A” is opposi te to the “SIDE A” marked side. The recording/playback si de of “SIDE B” is the “SIDE A” marked side.

“SIDE A” mark

The opposite side is the “SIDE A” recording/playback side.

Disc cover

PUSH CLOSE portion

Disc guide

Correct orientation

Incorrect orientation

(2) Removing disc from round DVD holder

Hold the Round DVD Holder with SIDE A facing u p. While pushing the two release levers in marked on hold er, sl owl y open SIDE A o f the ho lder i n the di recti on of arrows (2), taking c are not to dro p th e disc .

Without touching the recording/playback surface, hold the disc edge and center hole to remove it.

Release levers

SIDE A mark

Do not open more than 90˚.

the direction of arrows (1)

(3) Replacing disc in round DVD holder

Open SIDE A of the Round DVD Holder, and replace the disc in

the hold er with the SIDE A mark or label sur face facing up,

taking care not to touc h the disc sur fac e.

Close SIDE A of the Round DV D Holder , and pu sh it to lock the

releas e levers at p ositions (3).

(4) When the hinge of round DVD holder comes off

OPEN marks

SIDE A mark s ide or Label surface

SIDE A mark

1 Push the hinged portion of the holder piece marked SI DE A with

thumb and middle finger, an d warp it in the direct ion of arrows (4).

2 Fit the hinged porti on of the other holder piece in to the war ped

hinge por t ion.

Note

•

Handle the disc carefully so that no scratch, dirt, to the recording/playback

•

When not usingthe Round DVD Holder, storeit in case:

Do not leave a bare holder as is.

•

Be careful of drop or impact: If you drop the Round DVD Holder, the disc may pop out.

•

Do not subject the Round DVD Holder to force.

surface.

fingerprint or dust adheres

SIDE A mark side

Hinged portions

Approx. 90˚

Index

Abbreviation/Term

AC3

CPRM

DCF

Dolby AC3

DPOF

DVD

DVD Forum DVD-Audio DVD-R DVD-RAM DVD-ROM DVD-RW DVD-Video

DVD Video Format DVD Video Recording Format

Exif

FireWire

IEEE1394

Interlaced CCD

i-LINK

JEIDA JEITA

JPEG

LCD LPCM

MMC MMCA

Explanation

See Dolby AC3. Content Protection for Recordable Media: Security technology (cross-certification technology) for SD memory card. Design rule for Camera File system standard: This camera file system standard, established by JEIDA (now merged to JEITA). Audio coding format developed by Dolby Laboratories in U.S, also simply referred as AC3 format: Supports 5-channel full-range sound and one channel for sub-woofer sound playback. Digital Print Order Format: DPOF allows user to record print information along with photos on storage media to facilitate printing of photos. Digital Versatile Disc. A huge amount of digital data for video (movie) and audio can be recorded on this disc, whose size is the same as CD. International organization that formulates the technical standards of DVD One type of DVD standard disc, on which high-quality audio can be recorded One type of DVD standard disc, to which writing once is possible (recordable type) One type of DVD standard disc, to which writing up to 100,000 times is possible One type of DVD standard disc, to which data for computer can be recorded One type of DVD standard disc, to which writing up to 1000 times is possible One type of DVD standard disc, on which high-quality video and audio can be recorded Video recording/playback standard that applies to DVD-Video, DVD-R and DVDRW Video recording/playback standard that applies to DVD-RAM and DVD-RW: This allows versatile editing functions, differing from the DVD Video Format. Exchangeable image file format. File format used for recording photos on digital cameras, established by JEIDA (now merged to JEITA). See IEEE1394. Also referred to as FireWire or i-LINK: Standard for serial interface that connects PC and peripheral devices This CCD scans one image twice (scans roughly once and interpolates between first scanning lines the second time) and interlaces the images obtained by scanning twice to create a one-image signal. See IEEE1394. JEIDA stands for Japan Electronic Industry Development Association. JEITA stands for Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association, which came into existence when JEIDA merged with EIAJ (Electronic Industries Association of Japan). JEITA has established Exif and DCF standard. Joint Photographic Expert Group: International standard format for compressing still images Liquid Crystal Display. LCD formats include STN and TFT. Linear Pulse Code Modulation. Also referred to as linear PCM. LPCM is a format that digitizes analog audio data during recording and converts it to analog data during playback. See MultiMediaCard. See MultiMediaCard Association.

Index Abbreviation/Term Explanation

MPEG

MPEG 1 Audio Layer 2 MultiMediaCard

MultiMediaCard Association OSTA

SCSI

SDA SD Card Association SDMI

SD Memory Card

SecureMMC Secure MultiMediaCard

Software discProtect

STN LCD

TFT LCD

UDF

USB

VBR

Motion Picture Experts Group: Standard related to compression of digital video and audio. MPEG2 is a higher standard of MPEG and is applied to video (movie) requiring higher quality. One of three audio compression standards (layers 1-3) defined by MPEG.

Also referred to as MMC. Compact memory card, 32 mm long × 24 mm wide × 1.4 mm thick. Also referred to as MMCA. This association promotes the widespread use of multimedia cards. Optical Storage Technology Association, which is an international industry organization that promotes recordable optical storage used to store computer data and images. Small Computer System Interface: A standard for connecting computer and peripheral devices. Frequently notated by prefixing or suffixing the number that indicates the data transfer rate, and First, Ultra, Wide, etc., to SCSI. See SD Card Association. Also referred to as SDA. This organization promotes the popularization of SD memory card. Secure Digital Music Initiative: This conference was established by hardware makers, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and music industry companies, to protect copyrights of musical compositions. Formally named Secure Digital Memory Card. This compact memory card, 32 mm long × 24 mm wide × 2.1 mm thick, is equipped with an advanced copyright protection function. See Secure MultiMediaCard. Also referred to as SecureMMC. This compact memory card has multimedia card specifications, to which an advanced copyright protection function is added. Unusable on the DVD video camera/recorder. This function writes the protect information to DVD-RAM disc to prevent accidental erasure. Software Disc-Protect is included in DVD-RAM disc specifications defined by DVD Forum. Super-Twisted Nematic Liquid Crystal Display: This type of color LCD is inferior to TFT LCD in coloring, view angle, etc. Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display: This type of color LCD features clear display, high contrast, wide view angle, etc. Universal Disc Format, which is a file format of recordable disc defined by OSTA. The version 2.01 UDF is used on DVD video camera/recorder. Universal Serial Bus: Standard of serial interface that connects PC and peripheral devices. Two versions - USB1.1 and USB2.0, with different data transfer rates exist at present. Stands for Variable Bit Rate: This format of coding audio and video varies the amount of data depending on the subject image.

(1) Lock mechanism of disc loading block (lock unit)

Since the structure of disc loading block in VDR-M30 is different from that of the lock unit in previous models, it will not open unless a power supply (battery or AC adapter/charger) is connected. The lock arm in VDR-M30 lock unit is driven by the DC motor controlled by a microprocessor (see Fig. 3-1-1). The lock arm is usually in locked status: When the DISC EJECT button is pressed, the DC motor drives the lock arm in the release direction.

Lock unit

Spring

Lock arm

Release direction

DISC EJECT button

Camera control µP

SH µP

µP in disc drive unit

DC motor

Fig. 3-1-1 Lock Unit in VDR-M30

The lock arm in lock units of previous models is mechanically coupled with the DISC EJECT button via a solenoid*1, except when disc is being accessed (see Fig. 3-1-2). The solenoid is controlled by the current supplied from camera control microprocessor. While the disc is being accessed, the camera control microprocessor outputs the current and controls the solenoid to release the coupling between DISC EJECT button and lock arm, so that the disc loading block does not open. If no power supply is connected, the camera control microprocessor will not operate, and the solenoid will not release the coupling.

*1: A device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy, using the magnetic force that is generated

when current flows to electromagnetic coil.

In status other than

disc access

Lever

Lock unit

Solenoid

Open

DISC EJECT button

During disc access

Lever

Lock unit

Solenoid

Open

DISC EJECT button

Camera control µP

Lock arm

Case

Fig. 3-1-2 Lock Unit on Previous Models

Camera control µP

Lock arm

Current

Case

(2) Structure schematics

1) Disc cover (includes power switch, speaker and card slot)

2) Lock arm in lock unit

3) DC motor in lock unit

4) Lock unit

5) Disc drive unit

6) Lens cover

7) Hood

8) LCD case U

9) Front cover

10) FRT circuit board

11) Jack cover

12) R case

13) Hand strap

14) Lens unit*1 (includes CCD and circuit board that incorporates CCD)

15) GYR circuit board

16) Accessory shoe

17) SHE circuit board

18) EVF unit

19) Eyecup

20) MAN circuit board

21) Rear cover (includes zoom, REC and disc eject switches)

22) L cover

23) L case

24) AEL circuit board

25) 2.5 LCD unit

26) LCD case B

27) LCD circuit board

28) Backlight

*1: These components are shown as if they were

viewed from the L case, but actually they are assembled in the R case.

Fig. 3-1-3 Structure Schematics

The VDR-M30 records photos on SD memory card or MultiMediaCard, conforming to Exif and the DCF standard. The VDR-M30 also supports DPOF to facilitate printing of photos recorded on SD memory card or MultiMediaCard.

(1) Exif (Exchangeable image file format)

Exif is a file format based on JPEG, and is used for recording photos on digital cameras. Almost all devices that handle photos, such as digital cameras, use high-compression and highquality JPEG: To apply JPEG, the basic photo technique, to devices, the file format, etc., used must be specified. To meet this requirement, Exif was established by JEIDA*1. Exif has also been adopted for storage media other than SD memory card and MultiMediaCard.

(2) DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) standard

The DCF standard further strictly specifies the Exif specifications in order to enhance compatibility between various makers and models of digital cameras. It clearly defines the storage names of JPEG files and folders conforming to Exif, along with additional information, such as recording date, recording device, etc. The widespread use of digital cameras has increased the need for direct exchange of images between devices, including playback of recorded images on another camera or cameras made by other companies, direct image output on printers, etc.: To meet this demand, the DCF standard was established by JEIDA*1. The DCF standard can also be adapted to storage media other than SD memory card and MultiMediaCard. Almost all digital cameras conform to the DCF standard, which makes it a de facto standard of digital camera.

*1: JEIDA stands for Japan Electronic Industry Development Association. JEIDA merged with EIAJ

(Electronic Industries Association of Japan), and the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) was formed.

(3) DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)

DPOF included in card navigation functions of VDR-M30 allows user to record print information along with recorded photos, such as the selection of recorded photos to be printed and specification of number of prints, on SD memory card or MultiMediaCard. The print information thus stored on card means user does not need to select scenes and specify the number of prints later at photo lab or on home-use printer, thereby facilitating printing. The DPOF standard was jointly proposed by Cannon, Kodak, FUJIFILM and Matsushita in 1998, so that photos recorded on compact memory card could easily be output. DPOF also conforms to storage media other than SD memory card and MultiMediaCard, and is accepted by numerous companies.

The VDR-M30 is equipped with a software disc-protect function instead of an erase-prevention mechanism: The erase-prevention mechanism is not provided with new round disc holder because of its structure. The software disc-protect function writes the protect data to DVD-RAM disc to prevent data on it from being accidentally erased: It performs the same function as the write-protect tab of conventional disc cartridge, using software. Software disc-protect can repeatedly be set and released on one disc, in the same way as the mechanical write-protect tab. The software disc-protect function is included in the DVD-RAM disc specifications defined by DVD Forum. Therefore, the disc-protect set on VDR-M30 can be released or set again on devices equipped with the same function. DVD video camera/recorders that use DVD-RAM disc packed in a cartridge are not equipped with the software disc-protect function, since a write-protect tab is provided on the cartridge. Therefore, if a disc for which software disc-protect has been set is put in a cartridge and the write-protect tab is released, the disc can be played back on those DVD video camera/recorders, but no recording or editing can be performed on them. To record or edit such discs, release the software disc-protect on VDR-M30 or on another device equipped with the same function.

Perform troubleshooting in the order shown in Fig. 4-1-1.

Updating unneeded

Updating needed

No improvement after updating

Trouble Diagnosis (section 4-7)

Check phenomenon

System reset (section 4-2)

: Phenomenon

: Troubleshooting

: Check

No message or error code

appears

Message

appears

Error code

appears

Problem guide (section 4-3)

Messages and Troubleshooting (section 4-4)

Major Error Codes and Troubleshooting (section 4-5-3)

No improvement

Check firmware version (section 4-6-1)

Update firmware (section 4-6-2)

*1: Messages and error codes will appear on LCD monitor or in viewfinder.

Fig. 4-1-1 Troubleshooting Procedure

Note:

1) Before troubleshooting or servicing, be sure to obtain customer approval for the following:

a) The image data stored on disc may be lost depending on the details and situation of fault

(defect).

b) The date/time and various settings, including video recording mode, designated by customer

after purchase may in some cases be reset to the defaults before purchase (factory settings).

2) Take note of settings on received product, referring to “4-2 System Resetting/Resetting Camera Functions”: The notes will be necessary not only for resetting, but for checking defects that occur under the particular setting conditions.

The VDR-M30 has two types of reset function: “System reset” and “Resetting camera functions”. The reset operation will return the various settings to the defaults when the VDR-M30 was shipped form factory.

Information:

If a defect occurs in product, take note of settings, and then execute system reset first: The defect may disappear.

Table 4-2-1 shows the setting items that will be reset to defaults at the factory by the two types of reset operation: “system reset” and “resetting camera functions”. Utilize the memo column and note column provided in the table to enter the settings of any received device.

Yes: Will be reset

Table 4-2-1 Settings to Be Reset (1/2)

No: Will not be reset

Camera

Item

System

reset

function

reset

Default at

factory

Setting range

Remarks

Memo

Camera Functions Setup

Program AE

White Bal.

EIS/SIS Dig. Zoom (For VDR-M30PP) Dig. Zoom (For VDR-M30EG/ B/EN) Wind Cut

Cinema (VDR-M30EG/B/ EN only)

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

Auto

40×

Off

Auto, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Surf & Snow, Low Light VDR-M30PP:

Auto, Set, Outdoor, Indoor 1, Indoor 2

VDR-M30EG/B/EN:

Auto, Set, Outdoor,

Indoor On, Off 240×, 40×, Off

Off, On

Off,On

Displayed when disc is used

Item

VIDEO Mode

Quality

Input Source (VDR-M30PP only) PHOTO Input (VDR-M30PP only) Self Timer

System

reset

Yes

Table 4-2-1 Settings to Be Reset (2/2)

Camera

function

reset

Default at

factory

Setting range Remarks Memo

Record Functions Setup

Yes

FINE

CAMERA

Field

Off

With DVD-RAM disc:

XTRA, FINE, STD With DVD-R disc:

FINE, STD,

LPCM (VDR-

M30PP only) FINE, NORM, ECO

CAMERA, LINE

Frame, Field

On, Off

Yes: Will be reset

No: Will not be reset

Displayed when disc is used

Displayed when card is used

OSD Output

Date Mode (For VDR-M30PP) Date Mode (For VDR-M30EG/ B/EN) Date Set (For VDR-M30PP) Date Set (For VDR-M30EG/ B/EN)

Brightness Color Level

Beep Power Save Record LED Language

Note Column

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Date Setup

M/D/Y

D/M//Y

JAN 1 2003

00:00AM

1 1 2003

00:00

LCD Setup

Center Center

Initial Setup

On Off On

English

On, Off

year/month/day PM5:00, month/day/year 5:00PM, day/month/year 17:00

-----------------

On, Off On, Off On, Off English, French, Spanish, German, Italian

1) Set the power switch to “POWER OFF”, and then disconnect the battery or AC adapter/charger.

2) Use a fine tipped pen, etc. to hold down the RESET button for approx. 2 seconds.

RESET Button

Fig. 4-2-1 System Reset

1) Connect the battery or AC adapter/charger to power the VDR-M30.

2) Set the power switch to “VIDEO” and place the VDR-M30 in the recording pause status; loading disc is not necessary at this time. For the following steps, operate VDR-M30 while viewing the LCD monitor or viewfinder.

3) Press the MENU button to display the camera setting menu screen.

4) Use the joystick to choose “Initial Setup”, and then press the playback/pause button (press the center of joystick).

5) Use the joystick to choose “Reset”, and then press the playback/pause button: The screen for verifying reset will appear.

6) Use the joystick to choose “YES”, and then press the playback/pause button: Reset will be executed.

7) After reset, press the MENU button to close the camera setting menu.

Check the following before judging that VDR-M30 is faulty.

Symptom

Battery cannot be charged.

The CHARGE indicator on AC adapter/charger is blinking.

Power turns off immediately after being turned on. When power is turned on, the LCD screen will turn on and off. Power goes off unexpectedly.

Power cannot be turned off.

Cause and Correction

Power supplies

Is the DC power cord connected to AC adapter/charger? Unplug it. If the DC power cord is connected, the AC adapter/charger will not enter the charge status. Is the battery abnormally hot? Remove the battery from AC adapter/charger, leave it as is until it cools down, and then charge it again. Has the battery been unused for a long time? Remove the battery from AC adapter/charger, and then reattach it. Is the ambient temperature is too low or high? Always charge the battery at 10 - 30°C (50 - 86°F). Is the ambient temperature is too low or high? Always charge the battery at 10 - 30°C (50 - 86°F). The battery may be over-discharged. Continue charging: The CHARGE indicator will change to a steady light, and the battery will be charged normally. Is battery charged? Charge it.

Is Power Save specified "On"? The specifications state that the powered VDR-M30 automatically turns off if it is left for as long as 5 minutes without performing recording or playback, with "Power Save: On" specified. Set the power switch to "POWER OFF", and then turn VDR-M30 on again. To stop automatic power off, specify "Power Save: Off". Execute system reset (disconnect the battery or AC adapter/charger, and then use a fine tipped pen, etc. to hold down the RESET button for several seconds). Then connect a battery or AC adapter/charger and make sure the VDR-M30 accepts operation. System reset will return the date/time and all items set using menu (except for LCD settings) to the defaults at the factory. After recovery, reset the date/time and each setting item as required.

Symptom Cause and Correction

Pressing the REC button will not start recording. Recording starts but stops immediately.

During recording

Is input image copy-guarded? The specifications state that VDR-M30 cannot record a copy-guarded image. Does dirt or fingerprint adhere to disc, or is disc scratched? Clean the disc. If there is still no improvement, replace the disc.

Disc cleaning method:

Use soft cloth to clean from inner to outer circumference in axial direction.

[Never use solvent.]

Recording starts but stops immediately. (For VDR-M30PP)

LCD screen is hard to see.

Black dots or red, blue or green dots always lit appear on LCD screen or in Viewfinder.

Focus is not correct.

Recognition of disc is not complete. Pressing the playback button will not start playback.

Is some other AV device directly connected to the AV/S input/output jack of VDR-M30? If the AV device is connected via several other devices, such as AV selector, the video signal may not be transmitted correctly. In such a case, reduce the number of devices through which the video signal is transmitted, or connect AV device directly. Are you attempting to record image from video game or PC? Depending on video game or PC, image cannot be recorded on VDR-M30. Has brightness of LCD screen been adjusted? Stop recording and adjust the brightness. Is VDR-M30 being used outdoors? Use the viewfinder. When using LCD monitor, adjust angle so that LCD screen is not exposed to direct sunlight. The panels used for LCD monitor and viewfinder of VDR-M30 are produced using highly precise technology. However, 0.01% or less of total pixels may not light (black dots) or may remain lit (red, blue, green dots). (The effective amount of pixels on LCD panel is 99.99% or more.) This shows the limitations of the current technology, and does not indicate a fault that will interfere with the operation of LCD panel or operation of VDR-M30. Is it difficult to use auto-focus with the subject? Focus manually. Does "MF" appear? The VDR-M30 is set to manual focus. Focus the subject manually, or release manual focus. Is the diopter control of viewfinder correctly adjusted? Adjust the diopter control. In cases other than the above, set the power switch to "POWER OFF", and then reset it to the original position.

During playback

Does dirt or fingerprint adhere to disc, or is disc scratched? Clean the disc. Was the image recorded on a device other than VDR-M30? Playback of image recorded on devices other than VDR-M30 may be impossible. Has scene been edited on a device other than VDR-M30? If a scene that was recorded on VDR-M30 is edited on a device other than VDRM30, playback may not be possible on VDR-M30.

Symptom Cause and Correction

No playback image appears on TV screen.

Playback picture is momentarily interrupted. Poor playback picture. (For VDR-M30PP)

Playback picture is greatly distorted. (For VDR-M30PP) No sound.

Disc Navigation thumbnails do not appear. (For VDRM30PP)

Power does not come on, or no operation occurs by pressing button.

The date and time are incorrect.

No scene can be deleted.

Disc cannot be removed.

Is TV input selector set correctly? If the TV has multiple video input jacks, check to see whether the correct input jack was selected. If VDR-M30 is connected to VCR, set the input selector of VCR to "external input (LINE)". Is VDR-M30 connected to TV correctly? Check the connections. Does dirt or fingerprint adhere to disc, or is disc scratched? Clean the disc. [Refer to page 4-5] Was the image input from analog VCR (VHS, 8 mm) and recorded? The problem may be improved if a VCR equipped with TBC (time base corrector) circuit is used for playback. Was recording of external input made with "Frame" specified? Specify "Field" for "PHOTO Input" in record mode settings. Is the TV volume control set correctly? Adjust volume control on TV. Did the image recorded from AV/S input/output jack have noise or disturbance? Re-record image with no noise or disturbance.

Miscellaneous

Execute system reset (disconnect the battery or AC adapter/charger, and then use a fine tipped pen, etc. to hold down the RESET button for several seconds). Then connect a battery or AC adapter/charger and make sure the VDR-M30 accepts operation. System reset will return the date/time and all items set using menu (except for LCD settings) to the defaults at the factory. After recovery, reset the date/time and each setting item as required. Has VDR-M30 been subjected to impact? The VDR-M30 could be damaged. Has the VDR-M30 been left unused for a long period of time? The internal backup battery may be discharged: Charge it. (Charge procedure: Connect the AC adapter/charger to the VDR-M30 and AC outlet, set the power switch on VDR-M30 to "POWER OFF", and then leave them for at least 24 hours.) Is the cursor placed on scene to be deleted? Even if desired scenes are selected using yellow cursor, if there are the selected scenes (in red frame), those scenes in red frame will be deleted. Check the color of cursor and bar graph on the thumbnail display screen. Is battery or AC adapter/charger (power supply) connected? With the VDR-M30, a disc cannot be removed unless a power supply is connected. Has disc rotation stopped? Making sure the disc stops, and then restart operation. Disc cannot be removed until rotation has stopped. Did you disconnect the battery or AC adapter/charger (power supply) while the disc was being accessed? Reconnect power supply, set the power switch to "VIDEO", and then remove the disc after the sound showing the disc lock has been released is heard. If the disc still cannot be removed, the VDR-M30 is faulty: Refer to "4-8 Procedure for Removing Disc from Faulty VDR-M30".

Symptom Cause and Correction

VDR-M30 cannot be operated from remote control.

Disc cover cannot be closed.

Operating sound is heard cyclically.

Is the remote control pointed at the infrared receiver on VDR-M30? Point it at the infrared receiver on VDR-M30. Is the infrared receiver on VDR-M30 exposed to direct sunlight or strong fluorescent light? The remote control cannot operate VDR-M30 when strong light strikes the infrared receiver. Adjust the position or angle of VDR-M30. Is there a battery in the remote control? Also check the polarities of battery. Replace the battery if necessary. Is VDR-M30 powered? Turn it on. Is disc correctly loaded? Remove the disc and then reload it. Is round DVD holder being used? A bare disc that is not in round DVD holder, or is in a square cartridge or caddy, cannot be used. Put disc in the round DVD holder. Is round DVD holder inserted in the proper orientation? Remove the round DVD holder, make sure of the orientation, and then reinsert it. This sound is heard because the disc is cyclically operated; it does not indicate a fault.

Some messages may appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder during operation. If a message appears, refer to the following table and perform troubleshooting according to the message. Messages divided by broken lines will automatically appear in sequence from the upper row each time the playback/pause button is pressed (press the center of joystick).

Message

Cause/condition for

Troubleshooting

message to appear

Battery is almost empty. Replace it.

Cannot combine scene.

Cannot combine. Deselect photo scenes.

Cannot combine. Select multiple scenes. Cannot delete scenes.

Cannot execute. Unselect multiple scenes.

Cannot execute. Change display category to All. Cannot move scene in program mode. Create new PlayList.

*1: the DVD video recording format defines the maximum number of entry points as 999: Since one entry

point is allocated to one scene, the maximum number of scenes recordable on disc with VDR-M30 is 999.

*2: If recording is continued without editing, one scene will comprise one cell for each entry point.

When scenes are combined, only the number of entry points will decrease (only the entry point is deleted); the number of cells will not decrease. Assume, for example, that the number of cells before scenes are combined is 999, which is the upper limit defined by the DVD video recording format. If a scene comprising one cell is divided at two points and the scene between the divided scenes needs to be deleted, the cell must be further divided in order to delete. However, since the number of cells has reached the upper limit in this case, the cell cannot be divided and the scene cannot be deleted.

Appears if the battery is discharged.

Appears if an attempt is made to combine unconnected scenes: The specifications state that combining of only multiple scenes is possible. Appears if an attempt is made to combine scenes when a photo was selected: The specification state that combining of only video scenes is possible. Appears when combining one scene was attempted. Appears when user performed deletion at the upper limit of 999 scenes registered.

Appears if an attempt is made to select multiple scenes for division: The specifications state that dividing multiple scenes is impossible. Appears when combining or moving scenes was instructed with “Category: VIDEO or PHOTO” specified. Appears if an attempt is made to move scenes in program.

Replace with a charged battery, or use the AC adapter/charger to power VDR-M30. Stop trying to combine scenes, or create a play list containing the scenes to be combined, and combine them on the play list. Select only video scenes, or stop trying to combine scenes.

Select multiple scenes and then combine them. Combine divided scenes, and then delete if necessary.

Divide scenes one by one.

Specify “Category: All”, and then operate VDR-M30 again.

Create a play list, and then move scenes on the play list.

Message

Cannot record photos.

Cannot replace thumbnail on PHOTO scenes.

CARD ALMOST FULL

Card error has occurred. Format the card now?

Card error has occurred. Formatting is not complete.

Cause/condition for

message to appear

Appears if an attempt is made to record photos on DVD-R disc: The specifications state that no photo is recordable on DVD-R disc. Appears when a photo thumbnail was selected for change in scene editing menu: The specifications stipulate that the thumbnail of photo cannot be changed. Appears when the remaining recordable number of photos is less than 10 during recording. Appears when a card initialized on PC, etc., or a card whose initialization was interrupted before, is loaded. Appears when a damaged card is initialized.

Troubleshooting

Use a DVD-RAM disc or card when recording photos.

Select a video to change the thumbnail.

Prepare another card, or delete unnecessary photos.

Choose “YES” and designate it to initialize the card (deleting all recorded data). Replace the card.

Card error has occurred. Keep card inside & restart.

Card error.

Card full.

Card full. Cannot execute. Card is not formatted. Format the card now.

YES NO

CHECK DISC

Appears when no photo could be recorded on card normally.

Appears when the card cannot be recognized because its terminals are dirty. Also appears when data other than photos is recorded on card. Appears when the recording capacity of card has reached the limit during recording. Appears when a card whose remaining recording capacity is small, and on which no photo can be recorded, is loaded. Appears when the remaining capacity of card has reached the recordable limit. Appears when an unformatted card or a card formatted on PC was loaded.

Appears when disc that cannot be used on the VDR-M30, or logically damaged disc (warped or distorted), was loaded. If the type of disc is acceptable, and there is no scratch or distortion, the disc may be defective.

Set the power switch to “POWER OFF”, and after several seconds, set it to “[CARD]PHOTO”. Initialize the card (deleting all recorded data). Use a dry cloth to clean the card terminals.

Replace the card.

Replace the card, or delete unnecessary photos . Replace the card, or delete unnecessary photos.

Replace the card, or delete unnecessary photos. Choose “YES” and designate it when formatting card (deleting all recorded data). Check the type of disc, and for scratch or distortion on disc: If the disc is scratched or distorted, replace it. Replace the disc.

+ 61 hidden pages

Panasonic VDR-M30PP Schematic

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual