Sharp ViewCam VL-E89E Operation Manual
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LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER
OPERATION MANUAL
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Before using the VIEWCAM, please read this operation manual carefully,
especially page 5.
WARNING
TO PREVENT SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE.
This equipment should be used with
DC 3.6 V = only or recommended AC
adapter. :
CAUTION
To prevent electric shocks and fire
hazards, do NOT use any other power
source.
Important:
Audio-visual material may consist of
copyrighted works which must not be
recorded without the authority of the
owner of the copyright. Please refer to
relevant laws in your country.
CAUTION
To prevent shock, do not open the
cabinet. No user serviceable parts
inside. Refer servicing to qualified
dealer or service centre.
Power supply:
This unit can be operated by
connecting it to either the AC adapter,
battery pack, or optional car battery
adapter/battery charger. The AC
adapter incorporates the AUTO
VOLTAGE (AC 1 IO-240 V, 50/60 Hz)
function.
Your VIEWCAM is designed to record in SP mode only. It will not perform normal
playback for programmes prerecorded in LP mode.
This VIEWCAM does not have a PCM recording or playback function. PCM
recordings made using other VCRs or audio dubbing cannot be played back on this
unit.
If you record on a tape on which PCM sound has already been recorded, the audio
track of the new VIEWCAM recording may not come out if the tape is played back on
a PCM-capable VCR. If this occurs, set the VCR’s audio monitor select switch to the
“Standard” position.
NOTE
The VIEWCAM’s LCD panel is a very high technology product with more than
112,000 thin-film transistors*, giving you fine picture detail. Occasionally, a pixel may
appear on the screen as a fixed point of blue, green, red, or black. Please note that
this does not affect your VIEWCAM’s performance.
i
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Information for Australia/New Zealand Only
WARNING:
This Camcorder must be supplied with D.C. 3.6 volts only from a BT-H21 or BTNl battery, the AC adapter (UADP-0208TAZZ) or the optional VR-33CH car
battery adapter/battery charger or the optional VR-41OCA car battery adapter.
CAUTION:
As there are no user-serviceable parts inside the Camcorder or AC adapter, do
NOT remove their cabinets as touching parts inside could result in electric
shock. Please refer servicing to a qualified dealer or a Camcorder service
centre approved by Sharp.
NOTE
This VIEWCAM
The LCD Panel
transistors, it is
is a high technology product.
comprises 112,320 TFT Transistors. Due to the high density of
possible that some pixels may fail.
Important:
Copyright may exist in material you wish to record.
Copying such material without permission of the relevant licensees or owners of the
copyright is prohibited by law.
Sharp is not in a position to authorize the recording of copyright works and nothing
in this operation manual should be read or implied as giving that authority.
ii
Contents
Important
Information
Supplied Accessories
. . . . . . . . . . . ..*...*...*...........*........
3
Optional Accessories
. . . . . . . . . . ..a......*.......................
4
Precautions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Part Names
. . . . . . . . . . ..I.............................................
9
/
Preparation
Charging the Battery Pack
.................................
II-
Battery Pack Refreshing
....................................
11
Inserting and Removing the Battery Pack
.........
12
Powering the VIEWCAM from an AC Outlet..
.......
13
Powering the VIEWCAM from Your Car Battery
... 14
Inserting and Removing a Cassette
..................
15
Installing the Memory Backup Battery
............... 116
Installing the Battery in the Remote Control
...... 16
Setting the Date and Time
.................................
17
Monitor Display
..................................................
18
Using the Hand Strap and the Lens Cap..
......... 19
Attaching the Shoulder Strap
.............................
19
Handling the LCD Monitor
.................................
19
r
Basic Operations
\
Y
Camera Recording
Easy Camera Recording with Full Auto
.............
20
Zooming
.............................................................
21
Tips on Recording Positions
..............................
22
Hints for Better Shooting
....................................
22
Quick Return
......................................................
23
Edit Search..
.......................................................
23
Setting the VIEWCAM to Full Auto Mode
...........
24
Macro Shots
.......................................................
24
Recording the Date and Time
............................ 25
Remaining Recording Time Display
..................
26
Remaining Battery Power Display
.....................
26
Playback
Playback
............................................................
27
Volume Control
...................................................
27
Video Search
......................................................
28
Still.. ....................................................................
28
Using the Remote Control
..................................
29
/
Useful Features
Camera Recording
Self Recording
...................................................
30
Removing the Lens Hood
.................................. 32
Turning Off the LCD Monitor Backlight .............. 32
Fade In and Fade Out
........................................
33
Wide Screen
...................................................... 34
Block Shot (1 O-second Recording) .................... 34
Backlight Compensation (BLC) ......................... 35
Gain-up (Cat’s Eye)
............................................
35
Superimposing a Title ........................................ 36
Changing the Preset Titles ................................. 37
Auto/Manual Focus
............................................ 38
Scene Menu (Programme AE)
...........................
39
Picture/Backlight Adjustments
...........................
40
Lighting
.............................................................. 41
Playback and Editing
Programme Search
............................................
42
Tape Counter Feature
........................................
43
Connection to a TV
............................................ 45
Connection to a TV via a VCR
............................
45
Editing
................................................................ 46
Recording from an External Source ................... 47
/
r
Others
Before Requesting Service
. . . . . . . . . . ..I................... 48
Specifications
..,.......................,..........................
50
Supplied Accessories
Battery pack
BT-H21
Audio/video cable
AC adapter/ .
battery charger
Lithium battery x 2
DC output cable
(2.0 m)
Shoulder strap
Infrared remote control
Lens cap
Optional Accessories
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Battery pack
BT-N 1
Battery pack
BT-H21
Car battery adapter/
battery charger
VR-33CH
Car battery adapter
VR-41 OCA
Accessory
Tripod adapter
Sun hood shoe adapter
for 180” recording
VR-39BF
VR-30AD
VR-33FA
Note: Some of these accessories may not be available in selected areas.
Soft case
VR-33SC
Precautions
Use & Care
l After operation, remove the battery pack
from the unit.
l Do not aim the lens at the sun.
Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the
VIEWCAM lens or LCD panel, whether
recording is in progress or not, as it may
damage the CCD sensor or LCD panel
surface. Be particularly careful when
recording outside.
l When shooting in dark places, avoid sudden
brightly lit objects or light sources, such as
the sun. Otherwise, the image may white out.
Should this happen, point the camera in a
different direction until the picture returns to
normal.
l Avoid magnetic
sources.
Using the VIEWCAM
near strong fluorescent
lights, motors,
televisions, or other
magnetic sources may
adversely affect recorded images.
l Remember to remove the cassette tape,
turn off the power, and remove the battery
pack when the VIEWCAM is not in use.
l Using the VIEWCAM near a broadcasting
station or other powerful transmission
source may cause buzzing or picture
deterioration.
l Avoid shocks and
dropping.
Do not drop or otherwise
subject the VIEWCAM to
hard shocks or strong
vibrations. Bumping or
striking the unit during
recording will generate
in the recorded image.
! noise
l Avoid placing the
VIEWCAM in close
proximity to lighting
equipment.
The heat from
incandescent lights may
deform the VIEWCAM, or
OH
4
cause it to malfunction.
5
l Always respect prohibitions or restrictions
on the use of electronic equipment on
commercial flights or in other sensitive
areas.
Be aware of the temperature and humidity.
You can use your VIEWCAM at O°C to
+ 40°C and at 30% to 80% relative humidity.
Do not store the unit in an unventilated car in
the summer, in direct
sunlight, or near strong
heat sources; this can
result in severe damage
to the unit’s casing and
circuitry.
Avoid situations where water, sand, dust or
other foreign matter could get on or inside
the VIEWCAM, and do not use or leave
your VIEWCAM in areas with excessive
smoke, steam or moisture.
Such environments can
cause malfunctions or
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0
cause mildew to form
on the lenses. Be sure
to keep the unit in a
well-ventilated location.
Some small, portable
tripods may be difficult to
attach and may not be
sturdy enough to support
your VIEWCAM. Be sure to
use only a strong, stable
tripod.
l When using your VIEWCAM in a cold
environment, the colour LCD view screen
often appears less bright immediately after
the power is turned on.This is not a
malfunction. To prevent the VIEWCAM from
becoming too cold, wrap it in a thick cloth
(a blanket, etc.).
Dew Formation
l What is “dew formation”?
When cold water is poured into a glass, dew
drops form on the glass. This clinging of
water drops is called dew formation.
l When dew forms in your VIEWCAM.
Dew will gradually form on the head drum of
your VIEWCAM and make the video tape stick
to the head. This causes damage both to the
head and the tape. When dew formation
occurs, recording and playback may not
function properly.
Dew is likely to form in the following circum-
stances:
l when moving the VIEWCAM from a cold
place to a warm place,
l when placing the VIEWCAM in a cold room
which is then heated rapidly,
l when moving the VIEWCAM outdoors from
an air conditioned room,
l when placing the
VIEWCAM in the direct
path of air blowing from
an air conditioner,
l when placing the
VIEWCAM in a humid
room.
”
l How to prevent trouble due to dew
formation.
When using the VIEWCAM in a place where
dew formation is likely to occur, allow the
VIEWCAM and the video tape to acclimate to
the surroundings for about one hour.
For example, when bringing the VIEWCAM
indoors after skiing, place it in a plastic bag
and allow it to adapt to room conditions for
some period of time.
Plastic bag
Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag
containing the VIEWCAM.
Remove the bag when the air temperature
inside it reaches the temperature of the surroundings.
l “Dew” warning feature
If dew forms, the word “DEW” flashes on the
LCD monitor, and the power will automatically
turn off in approximately 10 seconds.
If the word “DEW” flashes on the LCD
monitor, remove the cassette, leave the
cassette compartment open, and wait
several hours to allow the VIEWCAM to
acclimate to the surrounding temperature.
To use the VIEWCAM again, turn on the
power after waiting for several hours. Be
sure that the word “DEW” has disappeared
from the monitor screen.
Do not insert a cassette while the word
“DEW” is flashing; this may result in damage
to the tape.
Since dew forms gradually, it may take IO to
15 minutes before the dew warning feature
engages.
l How to maintain high recording quality.
If used in a variety of places, eventually your
VIEWCAM may not function properly due to
accumulation of dirt on the head drum. Avoid
the following as much as possible when using
your VIEWCAM.
1) Dew formation on the head drum.
2) Using a damaged or soiled video tape.
3) Use in a humid or dusty place.
l When the video heads become clogged.
Using the VIEWCAM when the video tape is
dirty may cause the head to clog, producing
noise on the recorded image or preventing
the image from being recorded at all.
Under such circumstances, contact the
nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer
for further advice.
Note: Video head cleaning can be done by
using a commercially available cleaning tape.
However, excessive use of the cleaning tape
may also cause damage to the video heads.
Please read the instructions accompanying the
cleaning tape carefully, before using it.
Precautions
AC Adapter/Battery Charger
l The AC adapter/battery charger may interfere
with reception if used near a radio.
l Prevent flammables, liquids, and metal objects
from entering the adapter/charger.
l The adapter/charger is a sealed unit. Do not
attempt to open or modify it.
l Do not damage, drop, or subject the adapter/
charger to vibration.
l Do not leave the adapter/charger in direct
sunlight.
l Avoid using the adapter/charger in humid or
extremely hot places.
Battery Pack
Battery pack consumption
l Recording with many starts and stops, frequent
zooming, and recording in low temperatures will
somewhat shorten actual recording times.
Accordingly, be sure to turn off the power when
not recording. Use of an auxiliary battery pack is
recommended to prevent undesirable interrup-
tions in your recording.
l Do not use an insufficiently charged or weak bat-
tery pack. Such battery packs may cause the
power to automatically stop during VIEWCAM
operation to protect both the battery pack and
the unit.
Note:
l This VIEWCAM uses a Ni-MH (nickel-metal
hydride) type or Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium) type
battery pack. Use only the SHARP BT-H21 or BTNl battery packs. They are designed specifically
for use with this VIEWCAM.
Battery pack life
The battery pack has a limited service life. If
the period of use becomes noticeably shorter
with a normal charge, the battery pack is at the
end of its service life. Replace it with a new
battery pack.
Extending battery pack life
l We recommend that you use the battery pack
until its charge is fully drained and the VIEWCAM is inoperable before recharging the pack.
l Recharge the battery pack right before record-
ing. A battery pack stored for an extended time
will naturally wear down, resulting in decreased
recording time.
l Do not try to recharge a fully charged battery
pack before it has been discharged, as this will
cause deterioration of the battery’s capacity.
l Store the battery pack in a dry, cool place.
How to use the battery pack cover
l After the battery pack is charged, put the cover
on it so that the “CHARGE” mark printed on the
label is seen through the window, as shown.
Battery
pack
Label
Window
Cover
l Before the battery pack is charged, put the
cover upside down so that only the battery pack
casing is seen through the window.
1 Battery power is consumed even when the
VEWCAM’s power is turned off. If you are not
going to use your VlEWCAM immediately,
remove the battery pack. (See page 12.)
Temperature during charging
l The Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) type BT-H21
battery pack can be charged at temperatures of
15°C to 30°C.
l The Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium) type BT-N1 battery
pack can be charged at temperatures of 15°C to
40°C but, to utilize their full capacity, it is
recommended that charging take place at
temperatures of 15°C to 35°C.
Caution:
l For safety, keep the battery pack in its
protective cover when it is not being used. If
the metal parts of the battery pack come in
contact with other metal items, there is a
danger that a short circuit may occur.
Replacing the Fluorescent
Lamp
This VIEWCAM uses a fluorescent lamp backlight
which has a limited service life. If the monitor
becomes dark or difficult to view, the fluorescent
lamp may need to be replaced. Contact the
nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer for
further advice.
q
E
Video Cassette Tapes
Use only those tapes with the q mark.This
VIEWCAM is designed to operate with MP
tapes. Playing back ME tapes will result in
“noisy” pictures. Use MP-type tapes
whenever possible.
To protect recordings against erasure
When a previously recorded cassette is used
again for recording, the previously recorded
material is erased. To protect a recording
against accidental erasure, slide the tab on the
cassette to cover the hole. (A red mark will be
exposed.) To record, slide the tab to open the
hole.
Notes:
l Do not insert anything into the erasure-
protection hole in the cassette.
l Do not put anything into the holes on the
bottom of the cassette.
l Do not store or place your video tapes in
direct sunlight, near heaters, or in places with
excessive moisture or dust.
l Do not keep video tapes near magnetic
objects as they may erase the recording.
l Do not drop or subject the tapes to excessive
shocks.
l Uneven tape winding will damage the tape. If
the tape is not properly wound, reinsert it in
the VIEWCAM and rewind the tape.
l Store the cassettes in their cases and stand
them on edge.
Care
Cleaning and maintenance
l Many plastic parts are used in the VIEWCAM
casing. Do not use thinners, benzenes or
other strong chemical cleaners. These may
cause discoloration and damage to the
casing.
l Clean the casing with a soft, dry cloth. If the
casing is particularly dirty, wipe the casing
with a tightly wrung cloth dampened with a
diluted, neutral detergent. Then wipe it again
with a soft, dry cloth.
l Use a soft cloth to wipe finger marks and
other soiling off the LCD monitor.
l Use a soft cloth, or compressed air and lens
papers designed for photographic lenses to
clean the lens.
Using Your VIEWCAM
Abroad
Television signal standards and electrical
voltages and frequencies vary substantially
from country to country. When you are abroad,
check the sections below before using the AC
adapter or connecting the VIEWCAM to a TV.
The supplied AC adapter is compatible with 50
Hz and 60 Hz electrical systems in the range of
1 IO V to 240 V AC.
This adapter can be used with 12 V and 24 V
negative-ground system cars only. Do not use it
with positive-ground system cars.
In any country, you can always watch the video
picture by using the LCD monitor screen.
However, if you want to watch the picture on a
TV screen, the TV must be PAL system
compatible. PAL is used in the following
countries:
Germany, Great Britain, Sweden, Denmark,
Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Spain,
Holland, Finland, Portugal, Norway, Hong
Kong, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand,
Singapore, Kuwait, China, etc.
cl9
E
Tripod socket
Part Names
For details on the use of each control, refer to the page number indicated in the brackets.
Zoom lens
Microphone
I
Cassette c
ompartment door
151
Inside the cassette
compartment door
Cassette comoartment [p. 151
Cassette
compartment
door [p. 151
-
Memory backup
battery compartment
[Pa 161
Battery compartment door
RECord START/STOP button [pp. 20, 471
Shoulder strap loop [p
Photoreceptor
J ack cover [p. 451
[P. 291
AUDIO/VIDEO
jack [pp. 45-471
MENU button
[pp. 17, 21, 2
24, 25, 291
LCD monitor [p. 191
Power Zoom Widenelephoto
r
control lever [p. 211
VOLume control lever [p. 271
MODE DISPLAY bu
[pp. 17, 23-27, 291
Shoulder strap
loop [p. 191
Hand strap
[P* 191
FADE button
[P* 331
271
tton
\
Power switch
(CAMERA/VCR select
switch) [pp. 20, 271
CAMERA mode
Forward Edit Search
Quick Return
VCRmode
Play button
Stop button
OFF
VCR
E Csi [P- 271 [P* 271
I
Rewind/Reverse
Fast Forward/Forward
Still/Search/
&~MERA
Search button
Search button
Pause button
[pp. 27, 28,421 [pp.
27, 28, 423
[pp. 28, 42, 471
Note:
l The button functions listed above are those for normal recording and playback operations.
The other functions for advanced operations are explained on later pages. [pp. 17, 21, 25, 29,
30, 31, 34, 36, 37,
40, 43, 441
IO q
P,reparation
Charging the Battery Pack
Battery Pack Refreshing
Disconnect the DC output cable from the
AC adapter/battery charger if it is connected. Insert the AC plug into a power
outlet. The POWER indicator will light.
Align the V mark on the battery pack
with the A mark on the charger (3).
Next, press the other side of the battery
pack down (g) until it clicks into place.
The CHARGE indicator will light.
POWER indi&tor
REFRESH button
(red)
I
CHARGE indicator (orange)
3 When the battery pack is charged, the
CHARGE indicator will go off. Slide the
battery release in the direction of the
arrow (1s) and remove the battery (L?).
Then, unplug the charger’s AC plug from
the power outlet.
CHARGE indicator
Caution:
l Charge only SHARP model BT-H21 or BT-N1 battery
packs. Other types of battery packs may burst,
causing personal injury and damage.
This VIEWCAM uses a Ni-MH (nickel-metal
hydride) or Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium) type battery
which requires “refreshing” from time to time;
otherwise the operating time of the battery pack
may be shortened. Please refresh your battery
pack(s) once for every ten rechargings.
How to Refresh the Battery Pack
1
Connect the AC adapter/battery charger
to a power outlet and mount the
depleted battery pack on it. The POWER
and CHARGE indicators will light.
2 Press the REFRESH button.
l The CHARGE indicator blinks while the
battery is being refreshed. When refreshing
is completed, charging starts automatically,
and the indicator is continuously lit.
Note:
l Do not refresh a fully-charged battery pack.
Charging time, refresh time, and maximum
continuous camera recording and playback
times
BT-H21 ;ptrrox.
approx. approx.
hr.
approx.
1
1 hr. 30
min. 2 hr. 5 min.
BT-N1 approx.
approx. approx.
1 hr. IO min. 1
approx.
hr.
55 min. 1 hr. 15 min.
* When using the AC adapter/battery charger
- Time required to refresh a depleted battery
Notes:
l Using the zoom (see page 21) and other
functions or turning the power on and off
frequently will increase power consumption.
This may result in a decrease of more than 50%
in the actual recording time per battery pack
compared to the maximum continuous recording
time listed above.
l The battery pack and charger become warm
during charging.This is not a malfunction.
l The charging time and recording time may vary
depending on the ambient temperature and the
condition of the battery pack.
l See page 7 for more information on using the
Inserting and Removing the
Battery Pack
Inserting the Battery Pack
1
2
3
Slide the battery compartment door
release on the bottom of the VIEWCAM
in the direction of the arrow (x), to open
the battery compartment door (2 ).
Insert the battery pack into the compartment with its bottom facing the
battery compartment door (IQ), and
push it in completely until it locks into
place @).
Caution:
l Do not force the battery pack into the
battery compartment if it does not go in
easily.
0
Mode
label
Close the door, pressing it firmly in the
centre until it clicks.
Removing the Battery Pack
1 Perform step 1 in the above procedure.
2 With the VIEWCAM facing down, press
the battery release as shown (j), and
remove the battery pack ( p).
0
1
a@
Cautions:
BEFORE REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK,
ALWAYS STOP THE TAPE AND TURN THE
POWER OFF. If you remove the battery pack
during recording or playback, the tape will
remain wound around the video head drum and
may be damaged. Should the power source
(battery or adapter) become disconnected
during operation, reconnect it again immediately.
Do not expose the battery compartment door to
strong force, as it may come off.
Make sure the battery compartment door is
closed firmly during operations. If it is not, the
battery pack may come off or VIEWCAM
operation may fail because of the poor contact
pressure.
Remove the battery pack from the VIEWCAM or
disconnect the VIEWCAM from the AC adapter if
the VIEWCAM will not be used for a long time.
When removing the battery pack, do not tilt the
VIEWCAM so that the battery compartment faces
down. The battery pack may fall out.
Battery Pack Handling
l Make sure that you take enough battery
packs with you to provide two to three times
your estimated recording time. See page 11.
l Recording time will be reduced in cold
weather.
l The battery will drain in Recording Standby
mode. Turn off the power if you will not be
recording again soon.
Preparation
Powering the VIEWCAM from
an AC Outlet
Precaution:
l The supplied AC adapter/battery charger is
specially designed for use with the VIEWCAM,
and should not be used as a power supply for
other camcorders.
1
Slide the battery compartment door
release on the bottom of the VIEWCAM
in the direction of the arrow (,7), to open
the
battery compartment door (2:).
ent
se
2
Insert the DC cable connecting plate into
the compartment (X), and push it in
completely until it locks into place @).
0
0 .
Connecting plate
3 Pass the DC cable through the cable
notch, and then close the door pressing
it firmly in the centre until it clicks.
q 13
4 Insert the DC cable plug into the DC
OUT jack on the supplied AC adapter.
Plug the adapter power cord into a
power outlet. The POWER indicator on
the AC adapter will light.
POWER indicator
To power outlet
DC cable
Note:
DC OUT jack
l When the AC adapter is used to power the
VIEWCAM, it cannot be used to charge the
battery pat k.
Removing the DC Cable from the
VIEWCAM
1 Slide the battery compartment door
release and open the door.
2 Remove the cable from the cable notch,
press the release as shown ( I), and
then remove the DC cable ( z).
Cautions:
l Turn the Power switch off before removing the
DC cable.
l When removing the DC cable, grasp the
connecting plate, not the cable itself, and pull it
out of the compartment.
l If you remove the DC cable during recording or
playback, the tape will remain wrapped around
the drum, potentially causing damage to the
tape. Reconnect the power source to the main
unit immediately.
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