Sharp VL-AH131E Operation Manual

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER

VL-AH131E

OPERATION MANUAL

ENGLISH

Russkij

PAL

Before using the VIEWCAM, please read this operation manual carefully, especially page i.

OPERATION MANUAL

WARNING

TO PREVENT SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN

CAUTION

To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified dealer or service centre.

ENGLISH

OR MOISTURE.

This equipment should be used with the recommended AC adapter or battery pack.

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.

Your VIEWCAM is designed to record in SP mode only. It will not perform normal playback for programmes prerecorded in LP mode.

Power supply:

This unit can be operated by connecting it to either the AC adapter or battery pack. The AC adapter incorporates the AUTO VOLTAGE (AC 110–240 V, 50/60 Hz) function.

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 close to 90,000 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.

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Information for Australia/New Zealand Only

WARNING:

This Camcorder must be supplied only with DC 3.6 volts from a BT-H22 or BTH32 battery or with DC 7.0 volts from the AC adapter (UADP-0313TAZZ). 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 is a high technology product. The LCD Panel comprises 89,856 TFT Transistors. Due to the high density of transistors, it is 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.

ENGLISH

Precautions

• When the VIEWCAM is not in use,

remember to remove the cassette tape, turn off the power, and disconnect the VIEWCAM from the power source.

• Do not aim the lens at the sun. Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the VIEWCAM lens or LCD monitor screen, whether or not recording is in progress, as it may damage the CCD sensor or LCD screen surface. Be particularly careful when recording outside.

• 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 lens in a different direction until the picture returns to normal.

• Avoid magnetic

sources.

Using the VIEWCAM near strong fluorescent lights, motors, televisions, or other magnetic sources may adversely affect recorded images.

• Using the VIEWCAM near a broadcasting

station or other powerful transmission source may cause buzzing or picture deterioration.

• 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 noise in the recorded image.

• 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 0⬚C to Ⳮ40⬚ 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 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 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.

• When using your VIEWCAM in a cold environment, the LCD monitor 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.).

• Avoid placing the

VIEWCAM in close proximity to lighting equipment.

The heat from incandescent lights may deform the VIEWCAM, or cause it to malfunction.

About Your VIEWCAM

Recording Format

Hi8 is a high-performance extension of the ordinary 8 mm format. It uses advanced technology to achieve even higher resolution and picture quality. Use a video cassette with the mark for high-quality recording and playback, or with the mark to enjoy ordinary 8 mm recording and playback.

• When you load a Hi8 tape, recording is in Hi8 format. (The indicator appears on the LCD screen.) When you load a normal 8 mm tape, recording is in ordinary 8 mm format. (The indicator does not appear.)

• During playback, the recorded format is automatically detected.

• Video equipment not for use with Hi8 is unable to play back a tape recorded in Hi8 format.

• If you want to record with a Hi8 tape in normal 8 mm format, set the menu item to “OFF” on the (MENU 1) screen (Camera mode) before recording. (See page 23 for operation of the menu screen.)

LCD Monitor Screen

The VIEWCAM is equipped with a large LCD monitor screen that allows you to record scenes while comfortably holding the camcorder. The LCD monitor screen can be rotated for easy recording at high or low angles. It also functions as a handy playback monitor so you can enjoy what you have just recorded.

Cautions:

• Do not apply pressure to the screen.

• Do not expose the screen to shocks, as it may

break.

• Do not place the VIEWCAM with the screen facing down.

Note:

• Use a soft cloth to clean the screen.

Supplied Accessories

Battery pack

BT-H22 AC adapter

CR2025 type

lithium battery Shoulder strap Lens cap

Power cord Audio/video cable

iii

Optional Accessories

Standard type

battery pack

BT-H22

Tripod adapter

for 180° recording

VR-33FA

Note: Some of these accessories may not be available in selected areas.

Extended type

battery pack

BT-H32

Soft case VR-33SC

Sun hood

VR-60BF

Accessory

shoe adapter

VR-30AD

Contents

Operation Summary Part Names .......................................................... 3

On-screen Display Index ..................................... 5

Quick Reference Index ........................................ 6

Warning Indicators ............................................... 7

Preparation

Basic Operations

Inserting and Removing the Battery Pack ........... 8

Charging the Battery Pack ................................... 9

Powering the VIEWCAM from an AC Outlet......... 10

Inserting and Removing a Cassette .................. 11

Installing the Lithium Memory Battery ................ 12

Setting the Date and Time ................................. 13

Using the Hand Strap and the Lens Cap........... 14

Attaching the Shoulder Strap ............................. 14

Using the Sun Hood (Optional Accessory) ........ 15

Camera Recording

Easy Camera Recording with Full Auto Mode ... 16

Zooming ............................................................. 17

Tips on Recording Positions .............................. 17

Remaining Recording Time Display .................. 18

Remaining Battery Power Display ..................... 18

Playback

Playback ............................................................ 19

Volume Control................................................... 19

Watching the Playback on a TV ......................... 20

Video Search...................................................... 21

Still...................................................................... 21

Operation Summary

Useful Features

Advanced Features

Operations of the On-screen Controls

Using the Control Buttons............................... 22

Selecting the Mode/Menu Screens ................ 22

Adjusting the Menu Settings........................... 23

Recording the Date and Time ............................ 24

Fade In and Fade Out ........................................ 25

Quick Review ..................................................... 26

Quick Return ...................................................... 27

Edit Search......................................................... 27

Gamma Brightness Compensation .................... 28

Gain-up (Cat’s Eye)............................................ 29

Wide Screen (16:9) ........................................... 30

Macro Shots ....................................................... 30

Removing the Lens Hood .................................. 30

Self Recording ................................................... 31

Setting the VIEWCAM to Full Auto Mode ........... 33

Program Search ................................................. 34

Tape Counter Feature ........................................ 35

Using the Remote Control (Not supplied) .......... 37

Digital Picture Effects ......................................... 38

Scene Menu (Program AE) ................................ 39

Superimposing a Title ........................................ 40

Changing the Preset Titles ................................. 41

Auto/Manual Focus ............................................ 42

White Balance Lock ........................................... 43

Manual Exposure ............................................... 44

Picture/Backlight Adjustments ........................... 45

Gamma Playback............................................... 46

Turning Off the LCD Monitor Backlight .............. 46

Editing ................................................................ 47

Preparation

Camera Recording

Basic Operations

Playback

Useful Features

References Useful Information .............................................. 48

Demonstration Mode.......................................... 52

Before Requesting Service ................................ 53

Specifications..................................................... 55

Advanced Features

References

Operation Summary

Part Names

For details on the use of each part, refer to the page number indicated in the brackets.

Operation Summary

Front view

Terminal cover

Microphone

Zoom lens

VIDEO jack [pp. 20, 47]

AUDIO jack [pp. 20, 47]

DC IN jack [pp. 9, 10]

Speaker

When the cassette compartment door is open

Cassette holder [p. 11]

Lens hood [p. 30]

Cassette compartment door

[p. 11]

Cassette compartment door release [p. 11]

Shoulder strap loop [p. 14]

Lithium battery holder [p. 12]

Rear view

Operation Summary

RECord START/STOP button [p. 16]

CHARGE indicator

[p. 9]

MENU button

[p. 22]

Operation buttons [p. 22]

Bottom view

LCD monitor screen

DISPLAY button [p. 22]

Power Zoom Wide angle/ Telephoto control [p. 17] VOLume control [p. 19]

Shoulder strap loop [p. 14]

FADE button [p. 25]

Hand strap [p. 14]

Power switch (CAMERA/VCR select switch) [pp. 16, 19]

Battery compartment door release [p. 8]

Battery compartment door

[p. 8]

Tripod socket

Operation Summary

On-screen Display Index

For details on the use of each function, refer to the page number indicated.

Operation Summary

Camera Mode

p. 38

p. 42

p. 27

p. 40

VCR Mode

p. 19

p. 35

p. 46

PIC EFF

TLE

TURN

REW PLAY STOP STI LLFF

COU

GAMA

NTER

EFF.

COU

NTER

WHI TE EXPO

BAL.

16 9

GAMA EFF

SCENE

REW

SUREFOCUS

SE ARCH

p. 26

p. 28

p. 35

p. 25

p. ii

p. 37

p. 52

FADE

REMOTE DEMO MODE OFF

SET

NORMAL AUTO ON

PIC

PAGETURE

p. 45

p. 43

p. 44

p. 30

p. 39

p. 21

p. 24

p. 13

p. 45

p. 47

p. ii

DATE

DI SPLAY OFF SELECT DATE T IME SETTING

12H 24H

ED I T

REMOTE

TIME/

SET

1 000

24H

PIC

OFF AUTO ON

+ 1 2002

PAGETURE

p. 37

p. 45

p. 34

SET

PIC TURE

Note: See pages 22 and 23 for the procedure to display the desired screen.

Quick Reference Index

This index lists some example uses of the VIEWCAM’s features.

• To record with a Hi8 tape in normal 8 mm format. —See page ii (

• To quickly check what you have just recorded. —See page 26 (Quick Review)

• To quickly return the tape to the end of the last recorded scene after playback. —See page 27 (Quick Return)

• To locate the point on the tape where to begin recording while in Camera mode. —See page 27 (Edit Search)

• To record a backlit subject. —See page 28 (Gamma Brightness Compensation) or page 44 (Manual

Exposure)

Recording Format)

Operation Summary

• To record in a dark or poorly-illuminated location.

• To record yourself while monitoring the shot.

• To record a short video message for somebody.

• To find the beginning of a recorded scene to be played back.

• To display the elapsed recording or playback time.

• To focus on an off-centred subject.

• To increase the brightness of the subject during playback.

—See page 29 (Gain-up)

—See page 31 (Self Recording)

—See page 32 (Self-recording Message)

—See page 34 (Program Search)

—See page 35 (Tape Counter Feature)

—See page 42 (Manual Focus)

—See page 46 (Gamma Playback)

Operation Summary

Warning Indicators

Operation Summary

Displayed for the first

3 seconds

Displayed after

3 seconds

Description of warning

The video cassette is defective and should be removed (see page 11).

Dew has formed inside the VIEWCAM. Wait for a few hours until the dew disappears (see page 49). About 10 seconds after this warning appears, the VIEWCAM automatically turns off.

The battery is almost depleted. Replace it with a fully charged battery pack (see page 8).

The video heads are clogged and should be cleaned (see page 49).

There is no video cassette in the VIEWCAM. Insert a cassette (see page 11).

The erasure protect tab on the video cassette has been slid to the record-protect position, preventing recording (see page 51).

The tape is about to end. Prepare a new cassette (see page 11).

The tape has reached the end. Replace it with a new cassette (see page 11).

Note: indicates a flashing display.

In Self Recording mode, all warnings will be indicated by displayed in the centre of the monitor. To check the type of warning, rotate the monitor back to the normal position.

Preparation

Inserting and Removing the Battery Pack

Inserting the Battery Pack

1 Make sure that the Power switch is set

to OFF.

Power switch

2 Slide the battery compartment door

release on the bottom of the VIEWCAM in the direction of the arrow to open the battery compartment door.

Battery compartment door release

4 Close the door, pressing it firmly in the

centre until it clicks.

Preparation

Removing the Battery Pack

1 Perform steps 1 and 2 above.

2 Press the battery release as shown to

remove the battery pack.

Battery release

3 Insert the battery pack into the com-

partment as shown, and push it in completely until it locks into place.

Caution:

• Do not force the battery pack into the battery compartment if it does not go in easily.

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, potentially causing damage to the tape.

• Make sure the battery compartment door is closed firmly during operation. If it is not, the battery pack may fall out or VIEWCAM operation may fail because of the poor contact pressure.

• Remove the battery pack from the VIEWCAM if the VIEWCAM will not be used for a long period of time.

• When removing the battery pack, do not tilt

the VIEWCAM so that the battery compartment faces down. The battery pack may fall out.

• Do not expose the battery compartment door to strong force, as it may come off.

• Use only SHARP model BT-H22 or BT-H32 battery packs with this VIEWCAM. Use of other batteries may present a risk of fire or explosion.

Preparation

Charging the Battery Pack

Power switch

CHARGE indicator

Preparation

1 Insert the battery pack into the VIEWCAM

(see page 8). Make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF.

• The battery pack will not charge when the Power switch is set to CAMERA or VCR.

2 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter,

then insert the AC plug into a power outlet.

3 Open the terminal cover on the VIEWCAM

and insert the DC plug of the AC adapter into the DC IN jack on the VIEWCAM.

• The CHARGE indicator will light up in red.

Terminal cover

Charging time and maximum continuous recording and playback times

Charging

Battery

pack

BT-H22

BT-H32

Notes:

• Using the zoom (see page 17) 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 compared to the maximum continuous recording time listed above.

• The charging time and recording time may vary depending on the ambient temperature and the condition of the battery pack.

• It is recommended that you have enough battery packs on hand to provide two to three times your estimated recording time.

• See page 50 for more information on using the battery pack.

Caution:

• Charge only SHARP model BT-H22 or BT-H32 battery packs. Other types of battery packs may burst, causing personal injury and damage.

time

approx.

3 hr.

approx.

6 hr.

Max.

continuous

recording

time

approx.

1 hr. 40 min.

approx.

3 hr. 20 min.

Max.

continuous

playback

time

approx.

1 hr. 40 min.

approx.

3 hr. 20 min.

DC IN jack

To power outlet

4 When the battery is fully charged, the

CHARGE indicator will light up in green. Remove the DC plug from the VIEWCAM, and close the terminal cover.

Caution:

• When removing the plugs, grasp the plug, not the cable.

Powering the VIEWCAM from an AC Outlet

Caution:

• The supplied AC adapter is specially designed for use with this VIEWCAM, and should not be used as a power supply for other camcorders.

Power switch

1 Connect the power cord to the AC

adapter, then insert the AC plug into a power outlet.

2 Make sure that the Power switch is set

to OFF.

3 Open the terminal cover and insert the

DC plug of the AC adapter into the DC IN jack on the VIEWCAM.

Terminal cover

Cautions:

• BEFORE REMOVING THE DC PLUG, ALWAYS

STOP THE TAPE AND TURN THE POWER OFF.

If you remove the DC plug during recording or playback, the tape will remain wound around the video head drum, potentially causing damage to the tape.

• Remove the DC plug from the VIEWCAM if you will not use the VIEWCAM for a long period of time.

• When removing the plugs, grasp the plug, not the cable.

Note:

• Close the terminal cover after use.

Preparation

DC IN jack

To power outlet

4 Hold down the Lock

button and slide the Power switch to CAMERA or VCR.

Lock button

Preparation

Inserting and Removing a Cassette

Inserting a Cassette

1 Supply power to the VIEWCAM, then

slide the release and open the cassette compartment door.

• The cassette holder extends and opens

Preparation

automatically.

Cassette compartment

door release

2 Insert the cassette fully with the window

facing outwards, and with the erasure protect tab facing upwards.

Erasure protect tab

4 Wait for the cassette holder to fully

retract. Close the compartment door by pressing the centre until it clicks into place.

Removing a Cassette

Perform step 1 above, then take out the cassette.

Cautions:

• Do not try to close the cassette compartment door while the cassette holder is extending or retracting.

• Be careful not to get your fingers caught in the cassette holder.

• Do not apply force to the cassette holder except when pressing the PUSH mark to close it.

• Do not tilt the VIEWCAM or hold it upside down when you are inserting or removing a cassette. It may damage the tape.

• Remove the cassette if you will not use the VIEWCAM for a long period of time.

• If you do not correctly close the cassette holder in step 3, the VIEWCAM’s cassette protection mechanism might eject the cassette. If this happens, repeat the insertion procedure.

• Do not attempt to pick up the VIEWCAM by the cassette compartment door.

3 Press the PUSH mark gently until the

cassette holder clicks into place.

• The cassette holder retracts automatically.

PUSH mark

Notes:

• If the battery power is too low, you may not be able to eject the cassette. Replace the battery pack with a fully charged one.

• See page 51 for more information on the video cassette tapes for use with this VIEWCAM.

Installing the Lithium Memory Battery

The supplied lithium battery is used to store the memory of the date and time settings.

1 Slide the cassette compartment door

release and open the cassette compartment door.

5 Close the cassette compartment door by

pressing the centre until it clicks into place.

Preparation

Cassette compartment

door release

Note: The cassette holder will extend and open when the VIEWCAM is connected to a power source. Be sure to close the cassette holder before proceeding to the next step (see page 11).

2 Pull out the lithium battery holder using

a pointed object such as the tip of a ballpoint pen.

Lithium battery holder

3 Insert the lithium battery

into the battery holder with the ` side of the battery facing the j side of the holder.

Removing the Lithium Battery

Perform steps 1 and 2 above, then lift out the battery from the battery holder.

Note:

• Replace the battery with a new CR2025 battery when the date and time indicator starts to fall behind the correct time.

Notes on the Use of the Lithium Battery

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is

incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type CR2025 recommended by the equipment manufacturer.

WARNING KEEP THIS BATTERY AWAY FROM

CHILDREN. IF SWALLOWED, CONSULT A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT.

CAUTION BATTERY MAY EXPLODE IF MIS-

USED OR INSTALLED WITH POLARITY REVERSED. DO NOT RECHARGE, DISASSEMBLE OR DISPOSE OF IN FIRE.

• Do not short-circuit, recharge, disassemble, or heat the lithium battery.

• Should the lithium battery leak, wipe the battery compartment and holder clean, and then insert a new battery.

• The lithium battery will last about one year of normal usage.

4 Push the battery holder back

into position.

j mark

Preparation

2 000

1 2002

SETTI NG

2 000

6 2003

SETTI NG

10 00

6 2003

SETTI NG

10 30

6 2003

SETTI NG

Setting the Date and Time

Example: Setting the date to 2 June 2003 (2. 6.

2003) and the time to 10:30 am (10:30).

Note:

• Check that the lithium memory battery has been installed before setting the date and time.

Power switch

Preparation

MENU button

DISPLAY button

1 Hold down the Lock

Lock button

button and slide the Power switch to CAMERA.

2 Press the MENU button until

(MENU 2) appears.

DATE

TIME/ DI SPLAY OFF SELECT DATE T IME SETTING

12H 24H

• If MENU 1 appears on the screen, press the PAGE button ( ) to display MENU 2.

24H

SET

3 Press the SET button (B).

DATE

SET

TIME/ DI SPLAY OFF SELECT DATE T IME SETTING

12H 24H

24H

SET

1 000

PIC

1 000

PIC

+ 1 2002

PAGETURE

+ 1 2002

PAGETURE

4 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button (C or D) to

select “2” (day), and press the SET button.

5 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button to select “6”

(month), and press the SET button.

SETTI NG

6 2002

000

6 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button to select

“2003” (year), and press the SET button.

7 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button to select “10”

(hour), and press the SET button.

8 Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button to select “30”

(minute), and press the SET button.

• The internal clock now starts operating.

9 Press the DISPLAY button to turn off the

SET

DATE

DI SPLAY OFF SELECT DATE T IME SETTING

12H 24H

TIME/

10 30 AM 12H

SET

PIC

+ 6 2003

PAGETURE

menu screen

Changing to the 12-hour Time Mode

After performing step 8 above, press the 쑽 or 쒀 button (Q) to select “12H/24H”, then press

the SET button (B) (W) to select “12H”.

Notes:

• The date and time, once set, are stored in memory.

• The menu screen automatically turns off if no settings are made within 5 minutes.

• When changing the date and time settings, press the 쑽 or 쒀 button (C or D) to select “SETTING”, then press the SET button.

+ 44 hidden pages