Technicolor - Thomson VMD 6 User Manual

User manual

VMD 6

35126120-vmd6-GB 1/08/00 14:24 Page Cov1

DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA

VMD6

ENGLISH

CONTENTS

AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION

GETTING STARTED

RECORDING

Basic Recording For Video .................... 14

Basic Recording For

Digital Still Camera (D.S.C.) ................ 17

Basic Recording For Video And D.S.C. ...... 18

Advanced Features For

Video And D.S.C. ............................. 2 1

PLAYBACK

Basic Playback For Video ..................... 31

Advanced Features For Video ................ 32

Basic Playback For D.S.C. ..................... 34

Advanced Features For D.S.C. ............... 3 6

CONNECTIONS

Basic Connections .............................. 40

Advanced Connections ......................... 42

DUBBING

Dubbing To A VCR ............................. 44

Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit

Equipped With A DV Connector ............ 45

Dubbing Images Stored In

A MultiMediaCard To A Tape ............... 46

Dubbing Images Recorded On A Tape To

A MultiMediaCard ............................ 47

USING THE REMOTE
CONTROL UNIT

Slow-Motion Playback, Frame-By-Frame

Playback and Playback Zoom .............. 50

Playback Special Effects ...................... 51

Random Assemble Editing .................... 52

For More Accurate Editing .................... 56

Audio Dubbing .................................. 58

TROUBLESHOOTING

USER MAINTENANCE

INDEX

Controls, Connectors And Indicators ........ 66

Indications ...................................... 68

CAUTIONS

TERMS

SPECIFICATIONS

6 – 13

14 – 30

31 – 39

40 – 43

44 – 47

48 – 58

59 – 64

66 – 72

73 – 75

76 – 77

78 – 79

5

65

INSTRUCTIONS

VMD6 EN (Sommaire) 4/08/00, 15:113

EN

2 EN

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing this digital video camera. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions
contained in the following pages to ensure safe use of this product.

Using This Instruction Manual

• All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents ( pg. 1).

• Notes appear after most subsections. Be sure to read these as well.

• Basic and advanced features/operation are separated for easier reference.

It is recommended that you . . .

..... refer to the Index ( pgs. 66 – 72) and familiarize yourself with button locations, etc. before use.

..... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions. They contain extremely important information regarding the safe use of

this product.

You are recommended to carefully read the cautions on pages 73 through 75 before use.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

IMPORTANT

Connection to the mains supply in the United Kingdom.
DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment. If

the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in
your home or the cable is too short to reach a power
point, then obtain an appropriate safety approved
extension lead or consult your dealer.

BE SURE to replace the fuse only with an identical
approved type, as originally fitted, and to replace the
fuse cover.

If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off be sure to
remove the fuse and dispose of the plug immediately, to
avoid possible shock hazard by inadvertent connection
to the mains supply.
If this product is not supplied fitted with a mains plug
then follow the instructions given below:
DO NOT make any connection to the Larger Terminal
coded E or Green.
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance
with the following code:

If these colours do not correspond with the terminal
identifications of your plug, connect as follows:
Blue wire to terminal coded N (Neutral) or coloured
black.
Brown wire to terminal coded L (Live) or coloured Red.
If in doubt — consult a competent electrician.

(for owners in the U.K.)

Blue to N (Neutral) or Black
Brown to L (Live) or Red

WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTIONS:

 To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No user

serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel.

 When you are not using the AC Power Adapter/

Charger for a long period of time, it is recommended
that you disconnect the power cord from AC outlet.

NOTES:

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) and safety
caution are on the bottom and/or the back of the
main unit.

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) of the AC Power
Adapter/Charger is on its bottom.

This camcorder is designed to be used with PAL-type
colour television signals. It cannot be used for playback
with a television of a different standard. However, live
recording and LCD monitor/ viewfinder playback are
possible anywhere. Use the BAT 600 battery packs and,
to recharge them, the provided multi-voltage AC Power
Adapter/Charger. (An appropriate conversion adapter
may be necessary to accommodate different designs of
AC outlets in different countries.)

When the equipment is installed in a cabinet or on a
shelf, make sure that it has sufficient space on all sides
to allow for ventilation (10 cm or more on both sides,
on top and at the rear).

Do not block the ventilation holes.
(If the ventilation holes are blocked by a newspaper, or
cloth etc. the heat may not be able to get out.)

No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles,
should be placed on the apparatus.

When discarding batteries, environmental problems
must be considered and the local rules or laws
governing the disposal of these batteries must be
followed strictly.

The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing.

Do not use this equipment in a bathroom or places with
water.
Also do not place any containers filled with water or
liquids (such as cosmetics or medicines, flower vases,
potted plants, cups etc.) on top of this unit.
(If water or liquid is allowed to enter this equipment,
fire or electric shock may be caused.)

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:452

EN3

Do not point the lens or the viewfinder directly into the sun. This can cause eye injuries, as well as lead to the
malfunctioning of internal circuitry. There is also a risk of fire or electric shock.

CAUTION!

The following notes concern possible physical damage to the camcorder and to the user.
When carrying, be sure to always securely attach and use the provided shoulder strap. Carrying or holding the
camcorder by the viewfinder and/or the LCD monitor can result in dropping the unit, or in a malfunction.
Take care not to get your finger caught in the cassette holder cover. Do not let children operate the camcorder, as
they are particularly susceptible to this type of injury.
Do not use a tripod on unsteady or unlevel surfaces. It could tip over, causing serious damage to the camcorder.

CAUTION!

Connecting cables (Audio/Video, S-Video, Editing, DC, etc.) and then leaving it on top of the TV is not recom­mended, as tripping on the cables will cause the camcorder to fall, resulting in damage.

 This camcorder is designed exclusively for the digital video cassette and MultiMediaCard. Only cassettes marked

“ ” and memory cards marked “ ” can be used with this unit.

Before recording an important scene . . .

..... make sure you only use cassettes with the Mini DV mark .

..... make sure you only use memory cards with the mark .

..... remember that this camcorder is not compatible with other digital video formats.

..... remember that this camcorder is intended for private consumer use only. Any commercial use without proper

permission is prohibited. (Even if you record an event such as a show, performance or exhibition for personal
enjoyment, it is strongly recommended that you obtain permission beforehand.)

SOME DO’S AND DON’TS ON THE SAFE USE
OF EQUIPMENT

This equipment has been designed and manufactured to meet international safety standards but, like any electrical
equipment, care must be taken if you are to obtain the best results and safety is to be assured.

DO read the operating instructions before you attempt to use the equipment.
DO ensure that all electrical connections (including the mains plug, extension leads and interconnections

between pieces of equipment) are properly made and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Switch off and withdraw the mains plug when making or changing connections.

DO consult your dealer if you are ever in doubt about the installation, operation or safety of your equipment.
DO be careful with glass panels or doors on equipment.
DON’T continue to operate the equipment if you are in any doubt about it working normally, or if it is damaged in

any way — switch off, withdraw the mains plug and consult your dealer.

DON’T remove any fixed cover as this may expose dangerous voltages.
DON’T leave equipment switched on when it is unattended unless it is specifically stated that it is designed for

unattended operation or has a standby mode. Switch off using the switch on the equipment and make sure
that your family knows how to do this. Special arrangements may need to be made for infirm or handicapped
people.

DON’T use equipment such as personal stereos or radios so that you are distracted from the requirements of road

safety. It is illegal to watch television whilst driving.

DON’T listen to headphones at high volume, as such use can permanently damage your hearing.
DON’T obstruct the ventilation of the equipment, for example with curtains or soft furnishings. Overheating will

cause damage and shorten the life of the equipment.

DON’T use makeshift stands and NEVER fix legs with wood screws — to ensure complete safety always fit the

manufacturer’s approved stand or legs with the fixings provided according to the instructions.

DON’T allow electrical equipment to be exposed to rain or moisture.
ABOVE ALL

— NEVER let anyone especially children push anything into holes, slots or any other opening in the case — this

could result in a fatal electrical shock;

— NEVER guess or take chances with electrical equipment of any kind — it is better to be safe than sorry!

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:463

4 EN

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

•AC Power Adapter/
AC 600

•Cable Adapter •AAA (R03) Battery x 2

•MultiMediaCard (16 MB)

•Lens Cap
(Already attached
to the camcorder)

•Remote Control Unit
TC 200 M

•Shoulder Strap

•Core Filter x 1
(for optional S-Video cable)

•Battery Pack
BAT 600

(for remote control unit)

•CD-ROM
The CD ROM contains the following
3 software programmes:

• JLIP Video Capture

• JLIP Video Producer

• Picture Navigator

•PC Connection Cable

•DV Cable

•Editing Cable
One plug has 3 rings around
the pin, and the other has
1 ring around the pin.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:464

•DC Cord

•Audio/Video Cable
(ø3.5 mini-plug to
RCA plug)

How To Attach The Core Filter

Attach the provided Core Filter to an optional S-Video cable. The Core Filter reduces interference.

EN5

12 3

Stopper

Release the
stoppers on both
ends of the Core
Filter.

Run the cable through the Core Filter, leaving approx.
3 cm of cable between the cable plug and the Core
Filter. Wind the cable once around the outside of the
Core Filter as shown in the illustration.

3 cm

Wind once

Close the Core Filter until it
clicks shut.

•Wind the cable so that it is not slack.

NOTE:

Take care not to damage the cable.

 When connecting cables, attach the end with the Core Filter to the camcorder.

AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION

Automatic Demonstration takes place when
“DEMO. MODE” is set to “ON” (factory-preset).

 Available when the Power Switch is set to “

” or “ ”

and no cassette is in the camcorder.

 Performing any operation during the demonstration stops

the demonstration temporarily. If no operation is per­formed for more than 1 minute after that, the demonstra­tion will resume.

 “DEMO. MODE” remains “ON” even if the camcorder

power is turned off.

 To cancel Automatic Demonstration, set the Power

Switch to “

”, then press MENU/BRIGHT while the

demo is in progress. This takes you directly to the demo
mode’s Setting Menu (so you will not have to go through
the Menu Screen). Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select
“OFF” and press it. The normal screen appears.

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

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6 EN

GETTING ST ARTED

Power

Battery pack
BAT 600

POWER
indicator

CHARGE indicator

Battery pack

BAT 600

NOTES:

●

If the protective cap is attached to the battery pack, remove it first.

●

Perform charging where the temperature is between 10°C and 35°C. 20°C to 25°C is the ideal temperature
range for charging. If the environment is too cold, charging may be incomplete.

●

Charging times noted above are for a fully discharged battery pack.

●

Charging time varies according to the ambient temperature and the status of the battery pack.

●

To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Power Adapter/Charger near a radio.

●

If you connect the camcorder’s DC cord to the adapter during battery charging, power is supplied to the
camcorder and charging stops.

●

Since the AC Power Adapter/Charger processes electricity internally, it becomes warm during use. Be sure to
use it only in well-ventilated areas.

●

When charging the battery pack for the first time or after a long storage period, the CHARGE indicator may
not light. In this case, remove the battery pack from the AC Power Adapter/Charger, then try charging again.

●

If the battery operation time remains extremely short even after having been fully charged, the battery is
worn out and needs to be replaced. Please purchase a new one.

DC OUT connector

Fully charging time

approx. 1 hr. 30 min.

To AC outlet

AC Power
Adapter/Charger

This camcorder’s 2-way power supply system lets you
choose the most appropriate source of power. Do not use
provided power supply units with other equipment.

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK

Make sure you unplug the camcorder’s DC cord from

1

the AC Power Adapter/Charger. Plug the AC Adapter/
Charger’s power cord into an AC outlet. The POWER
indicator lights.

Attach the battery pack with the mark aligned

2

with the corresponding marks on the AC Power
Adapter/Charger. The CHARGE Indicator begins
blinking to indicate charging has started.

When the CHARGE indicator stops blinking but stays

3

lit, charging is finished. Slide the battery and lift off.
Remember to unplug the AC Adapter/Charger’s
power cord from the AC outlet.

Lithium-ion is vulnerable in colder
temperatures.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:466

About Batteries

DANGER! Do not attempt to take the batteries apart, or

expose them to flame or excessive heat, as it may cause a fire
or explosion.

WARNING! Do not allow the battery or its terminals to come
in contact with metals, as this can result in a short circuit and
possibly start a fire.

The Benefits Of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion battery packs are small but have a large power
capacity. However, when one is exposed to cold temperatures
(below 10°C), its usage time becomes shorter and it may cease
to function. If this happens, place the battery pack in your
pocket or other warm, protected place for a short time, then
re-attach it to the camcorder. As long as the battery pack itself
is not cold, it should not affect performance.

(If you’re using a heating pad, make sure the battery pack does
not come in direct contact with it.)

USING THE BATTERY PACK

EN7

BATTERY RELEASE
Button

1

3

2

ATTENTION:

Before detaching the power source,
make sure that the camcorder’s power
is turned off. Failure to do so can result
in a camcorder malfunction.

Tilt the viewfinder upward 1.

1

With the arrow on the battery pack pointing
downward, push the battery pack slightly against the

2

battery pack mount 2, then slide down the battery
pack until it locks in place 3.

•If the battery pack is attached with its mark set
in the wrong direction, a malfunction may occur.

To Detach The Battery Pack . . .

....

tilt the viewfinder upward 1 and slide the battery pack
up slightly while pressing BATTERY RELEASE to detach it.

Approximate recording time

Battery pack

BAT 600

( ) : when the video light is on.

NOTES:

●

Recording time is reduced significantly under the
following conditions:

•

Zoom or Record-Standby mode is engaged repeatedly.

•

The LCD monitor is used repeatedly.

•

The playback mode is engaged repeatedly.

●

Before extended use, it is recommended that you
prepare enough battery packs to cover 3 times the
planned shooting time.

LCD monitor on/
Viewfinder off

1 hr.

(35 min.)

LCD monitor off/
Viewfinder on

1 hr. 15 min.

(40 min.)

USING AC POWER

Use the AC Power Adapter/Charger (connect as shown in the illustration).

NOTES:

●

The provided AC Power Adapter/Charger features automatic voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to
240 V.

●

For other notes,  pg. 6.

To DC Input
connector

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:467

DC cord

Power cord

AC Power
Adapter/Charger

To AC outlet

To DC OUT
connector

8 EN

PAUSE

GETTING ST ARTED

Grip Adjustment

(cont.)

Power
Zoom Lever

Recording
Start/Stop button

2

Power Switch

Dioptre Adjustment
Control

1

Separate the Velcro strip.

1

Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp

2

the grip.

Adjust so that your thumb and fingers can easily

3

operate the Recording Start/Stop Button and
Power Zoom Lever. Refasten the Velcro strip.

Viewfinder Adjustment

Set the Power Switch to “ ” or “ ” while

1

pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.

Turn the Dioptre Adjustment Control until the

2

indications in the viewfinder are clearly
focused.

Shoulder Strap Attachment

Make sure the battery pack or DC cord is

1

removed. Following the illustration, thread the
strap through the eyelet 1, then fold it back and
thread it through the buckle 2. Repeat the
procedure to attach the other end of the strap to
the other eyelet 3 located under the Grip Strap,
making sure the strap is not twisted.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:468

3

Tripod Mounting

Align the screw and camera direction stud on

1

the tripod with the camera’s mounting socket
and stud hole. Then tighten the screw.

•Some tripods are not equipped with studs.

CAUTION:

When using a tripod, be sure to open and
extend its legs fully to stabilise the
camcorder. To prevent damage to the unit
caused by falling over, do not use a small­sized tripod.

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

Power Switch

Power lamp

Display

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IRC

Lock Button

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EN9

Date/Time Settings

The date/time is recorded onto the tape at all times, but its
display can be turned on or off during playback
( pg. 32).

Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down

1

the Lock Button located on the switch. The power
lamp lights and the camcorder is turned on.

Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears.

2

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “ ”. Press it and

3

“DISPLAY MENU” appears.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “CLOCK ADJ.”.

4

Press it and “day” is highlighted.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to input the day. Press it.
Repeat to input the month, year, hour and minute.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “1RETURN”, and
press it twice. The Menu Screen closes.

NOTE:

Even if you select “CLOCK ADJ.”, if the parameter is not
highlighted the camcorder’s internal clock continues to
operate. Once you move the highlight bar to the first date/
time parameter (day), the clock stops. When you finish
setting the minute and press MENU/BRIGHT, the date and
time begin operation from the date and time you just set.

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DISPLAY MENU

10 EN

Erase protection tab*

Make sure the
window side is
facing out.

OPEN/EJECT SwitchCassette holder

GETTING ST ARTED

(cont.)

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

The camcorder needs to be powered up to load or eject a
cassette.

Slide and hold OPEN/EJECT in the direction of the

1

arrow then pull the cassette holder cover open until it
locks. The cassette holder opens automatically.

•Do not touch internal components.

Insert or remove a tape and press “PUSH HERE” to

2

close the cassette holder.

•Once the cassette holder is closed, it recedes
automatically. Wait until it recedes completely
before closing the cassette holder cover.

•When the battery’s charge is low, you may not be
able to close the cassette holder cover. Do not
apply force. Replace the battery with a fully charged
one before continuing.

Cassette holder
cover

PUSH HERE

*

To Protect Valuable Recordings . . .

.... slide the erase protection tab on the back of

the tape in the direction of “SAVE”. This
prevents the tape from being recorded over.
To record on this tape, slide the tab back to
“REC” before loading it.

NOTES:

●

It takes a few seconds for the cassette holder to open. Do not apply force.

●

If you wait a few seconds and the cassette holder does not open, close the cassette holder cover and try
again. If the cassette holder still does not open, turn the camcorder off then on again.

●

If the tape does not load properly, open the cassette holder cover fully and remove the cassette. A few
minutes later, insert it again.

●

When the camcorder is suddenly moved from a cold place to a warm environment, wait a short time before
opening the cassette holder cover.

●

Closing the cassette holder cover before the cassette holder comes out may cause damage to the camcorder.

●

Even when the camcorder is switched off, a cassette can be loaded or unloaded. After the cassette holder is
closed with the camcorder switched off, however, it may not recede. It is recommended to turn the power on
before loading or unloading.

●

When resuming recording, once you open the cassette holder cover a blank portion will be recorded on the
tape or a previously recorded scene will be erased (recorded over) regardless of whether the cassette holder
came out or not. See page 19 for information about recording from the middle of a tape.

●

Loosen the Grip Strap if it appears to interfere with the cassette holder cover operation ( pg. 8).

Close the cassette holder cover firmly until it locks

3

into place.

Approximate recording time

Tape

30 min. 30 min. 45 min.
60 min. 60 min. 90 min.
80 min. 80 min. 120 min.

Recording mode

SP LP

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4610

Card Cover

MultiMediaCard

Clipped edge

EN11

Loading A MultiMediaCard

Make sure the camcorder’s power is off.

1

Push the latch upward to open the card cover

2

(MEMORY CARD).

Insert the MultiMediaCard clipped edge first, with the

3

label facing up.

•Do not touch the terminal on the reverse side of the
label.

To close the card cover, push it until you hear a click.

4

NOTES:

●

Be sure to use only MultiMediaCards marked
“ ”.

●

Some brands of MultiMediaCards are not compatible
with this camcorder. Before purchasing a
MultiMediaCard, consult its manufacturer or dealer.

To Unload A MultiMediaCard . . .

.... in step 3 push the MultiMediaCard, which then comes

out of the camcorder automatically. Pull it out and
close the card cover.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4611

ATTENTION:

Do not insert/remove the MultiMediaCard while the
camcorder is turned on, as this may cause the
MultiMediaCard to be corrupted or cause the
camcorder to become unable to recognize whether or
not the card is installed.

12 EN

Power lamp

Display

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MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

Power Switch

Lock Button

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Menu Screen

Sub Menu

GETTING ST ARTED

(cont.)

Recording Mode Setting

Set the tape recording mode depending on your preference.

Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down

1

the Lock Button located on the switch. The power
lamp lights and the camcorder is turned on.

Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears.

2

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “ ” and press it.

3

“CAMERA MENU” appears.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “REC MODE” and

4

press it. The Sub Menu appears. Select “SP” or “LP”
by rotating MENU/BRIGHT and press it. Rotate
MENU/BRIGHT to select “1RETURN”, and press it
twice. The Menu Screen closes.

•Audio Dubbing ( pg. 58) is impossible on a tape
recorded in the LP mode.

•“LP” (Long Play) is more economical, providing

1.5 times the recording time.

NOTES:

●

If the recording mode is switched during recording, the
playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.

●

It is recommended that tapes recorded in the LP mode
on this camcorder be played back on this camcorder.

●

During playback of a tape recorded on another
camcorder, blocks of noise may appear or there may be
momentary pauses in the sound.

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Menu Screen

Sub Menu

Approximate Number of Storable Images

Picture Quality
Mode

FINE
STANDARD

MultiMediaCard

16 MB

(provided)

200
400

NOTE:

The number of storable images depends on the
selected Picture Quality mode as well as the
composition of the subjects in the images.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4612

Picture Quality Mode Setting

The Picture Quality mode can be selected to best match
your needs. Two Picture Quality modes are available:
FINE and STANDARD (in order of quality).

Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down the

1

Lock Button located on the switch. The power lamp
lights and the camcorder is turned on.

Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears.

2

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “ ” and press it.

3

“DSC MENU” appears.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “QUALITY” and

4

press it. The Sub Menu appears. Rotate MENU/
BRIGHT to select the desired mode and press it.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “1RETURN”, and
press it twice. The Menu Screen closes.

F. AUTO

To turn on the camcorder, set the Power

DSC

Switch to any operation mode except “OFF”
while pressing down the Lock Button located
on the switch.

Power Switch

Lock Button

F

Power lamp

F

O

Y

A

L

P

EN13

Operation Mode

Choose the appropriate operation mode according to your
preference using the Power Switch and VIDEO/DSC
Switch.

Power Switch Position

(Manual):

Allows you to set various recording functions using
the Menus. If you want more creative capabilities than
Full Auto recording, try this mode.

(Full Auto):

Allows you to record using NO special effects or
manual adjustments. Suitable for standard recording.

OFF:

Allows you to switch off the camcorder.

:

Allows you to play back a recording on the tape, to
display a still image stored in the MultiMediaCard or
to transfer a still image recorded on the tape or in the
MultiMediaCard to a computer.

When the Power Switch is set to “ ”,
“F. AUTO” appears. When set to “ ” or
“ ”, there is no indication.

When the Power Switch is set to “ ” or “ ”
and the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to “ ”,
“DSC” appears. When set to “VIDEO”, there is
no indication.

VIDEO/DSC Switch Position

VIDEO:

Allows you to record on a tape or play back a tape. If
“REC SELECT” is set to “

/

” in the DSC
Menu Screen, still images are also recorded in the
MultiMediaCard.

:

Allows you to record a still image or display a still
image stored in the MultiMediaCard.

VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch.)

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4713

14 EN

25

BR I GHT

–

+

Power lamp

Recording
Start/Stop Button

Display

Power Switch

Lock Button

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

During

shooting

Tape remaining
time indicator
(Approximate)

RECORDING

NOTE:

Basic Recording For Video

You should already have performed the procedures listed
below. If not, do so before continuing.

●

Power ( pg. 6)

●

Grip Adjustment ( pg. 8)

●

Viewfinder Adjustment ( pg. 8)

●

Load A Cassette ( pg. 10)

●

Recording Mode Setting ( pg. 12)

Press in the tabs on the lens cap to remove it. Press

1

PUSH OPEN, open the LCD monitor and set the
VIDEO/DSC Switch to “VIDEO”.

Set the Power Switch to “ ” or “ ” while pressing

2

down the Lock Button located on the switch.

Shooting while using the LCD monitor:

the LCD monitor is fully open. Tilt it upward/
downward for best viewability.

Shooting while using the viewfinder:

monitor.

•The power lamp lights and the camcorder enters the
Record-Standby mode. “PAUSE” is displayed.

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button. “ ” appears

3

while recording is in progress.

Close the LCD

Make sure

min

(Now calculating)

Tally lamp
(lights while recording
is in progress)

PUSH OPEN Button

90 min

(Blinking) (Blinking) (Blinking)

180°

90°

89 min

1 min0 min

VIDEO/DSC Switch

3 min

2 min

MENU/

BRIGHT Wheel

To Stop Recording . . .

.... press the Recording Start/Stop Button. The camcorder

re-enters the Record-Standby mode.

To Adjust The Brightness Of The Display

.... rotate MENU/BRIGHT until the bright level indicator

on the display moves and the appropriate brightness is
reached.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4714

EN15

NOTES:

●

When you use the LCD monitor outdoors in direct sunlight, the LCD monitor may be difficult to see. If this
happens, use the viewfinder instead.

●

The image will not appear simultaneously in the LCD monitor and the viewfinder .

●

The cassette holder cannot be opened unless a power supply is attached.

●

There may be a delay after you open the cassette holder cover until the cassette holder opens. Do not use force.

●

Once the cassette holder is closed, it recedes automatically. Wait until it recedes completely before closing
the cassette holder cover.

●

The time required to calculate and display the remaining tape length, and the accuracy of the calculation,
may vary according to the type of tape used.

●

“TAPE END” appears when the tape reaches its end, and the power goes off automatically if left in this
condition for 5 minutes. “TAPE END” also appears when a cassette at its end is loaded.

●

If the Record-Standby mode continues for 5 minutes, the camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. To turn
the camcorder on again, set the Power Switch to “OFF”, then back to “ ” or “ ”.

●

When a blank portion is left between recorded scenes on the tape, the time code is interrupted and errors
may occur when editing the tape. To avoid this, refer to “Recording from the middle of a tape” ( pg. 19).

●

During recording, sound is not heard from the speaker.

●

To turn the tally lamp off during recording,  pg. 22, 23.

●

To remove the indications from the camcorder’s display during recording,  pg. 22, 25.

Self-Recording

JOURNALISTIC SHOOTING

In some situations, different shooting angles may
provide more dramatic results. Hold the camcorder
in the desired position and tilt the LCD monitor in
the most convenient direction. It can rotate 270° (90°
downward, 180° upward).

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4715

SELF-RECORDING

You can shoot yourself while viewing your own
image in the LCD monitor. Open the LCD monitor
and tilt it upward 180° so that it faces forward, then
point the lens toward yourself and start recording.

16 EN

SNAPSHOT Button

MODE Button

VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch.)

FULL

FRAME
Snapshot mode with
frame*

MULTI-4
Multi-Analyser 4

* There is the sound effect of a shutter closing.

Power Switch

Lock Button

Snapshot mode

MULTI-9
Multi-Analyser 9

FULL
Snapshot mode with no
frame*

PIN-UP
Pin-Up mode*

RECORDING

Snapshot (For Video Recording)

This feature lets you record still images that look like
photographs onto a tape.

SNAPSHOT MODE SELECTION

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

1
2

SNAPSHOT RECORDING

1

Motor Drive Mode

Keeping SNAPSHOT pressed provides an effect similar to
serial photography. (Interval between still images: approx.
1 second)

NOTES:

●

Even if “MULTI-4” or “MULTI-9” is engaged, Snapshot
recording will be performed in the FULL mode during
Digital Zoom.

●

If Snapshot recording is not possible, “PHOTO” blinks
when SNAPSHOT is pressed.

●

If Programme AE with special effects ( pg. 28) is
engaged, certain modes of Programme AE with special
effects are disabled during Snapshot recording. In such a
case, the icon blinks.

●

If SNAPSHOT is pressed when “DIS” is set to “ON”
( pg. 24), the Stabiliser will be disabled.

●

When “REC SELECT” is set to “ / ” in the
Menu Screen ( pg. 25), still images are recorded not
only onto the tape but also in the MultiMediaCard. If
SNAPSHOT is pressed when a tape is not loaded, still
images will not be recorded in the MultiMediaCard.

●

To dub images recorded on a tape to the
MultiMediaCard,  pg. 47.

●

During tape playback as well, all snapshot modes are
available when “ COPY” is set to “OFF” in the
Menu Screen ( pg. 32). However, the shutter sound is
not heard.

●

During Snapshot recording, the image displayed in the
viewfinder may be partially missing. However, there is
no effect in the recorded image.

●

When a cable is connected to the AV connector, the
shutter sound is not heard from the speaker, however it
is recorded onto the tape.

●

Basic Recording For Video (cont.)

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “VIDEO”, then set the
Power Switch to “ ” or “ ” while pressing down
the Lock Button located on the switch.

Choose the appropriate Snapshot mode from the 5
available by repeatedly pressing MODE until the
desired snapshot mode indicator appears.

Press SNAPSHOT.

If you press during Record-Standby . . .

.... “PHOTO” appears and a still image will be

recorded for approx. 6 seconds, then the
camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode.

If you press during Recording . . .

.... “PHOTO” appears and a still image will be

recorded for approx. 6 seconds, then the normal
recording resumes.

will appear while the snapshot is being taken.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4716

RECORDING

STD

10/50

SNAPSHOT Button

MODE
Button

Basic Recording For Digital Still Camera (D.S.C.)

Power Switch

Lock Button

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Basic Shooting (Snapshot)

You can use your camcorder as a Digital Still Camera for
taking snapshots.

NOTE:

You should already have performed the procedures listed
below. If not, do so before continuing.

●

Power ( pg. 6)

●

Grip Adjustment ( pg. 8)

●

Viewfinder Adjustment ( pg. 8)

●

Loading A MultiMediaCard ( pg. 11)

●

Picture Quality Mode Setting ( pg. 12)

SNAPSHOT MODE SELECTION

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “ ”, then set the

1

Power Switch to “ ” or “ ” while pressing down
the Lock Button located on the switch.

Choose the appropriate Snapshot mode from the 5

2

available by repeatedly pressing MODE until the
desired snapshot mode indicator appears.

•The available Snapshot modes are the same as
those on pg. 16.

SNAPSHOT RECORDING

Press SNAPSHOT.

1

The image is stored in the MultiMediaCard.

EN17

VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch.)

Total number of shots

Displays the approximate total number of shots that
can be stored, including those already taken. The
number increases or decreases depending on the shots
stored, the Picture Quality mode, etc.

Display

Number of shots taken

Displays the number of images that
have already been shot.

Card icon

Appears during shooting and blinks when a
MultiMediaCard is not loaded.

Shooting icon

Appears and blinks during shooting.

Picture Quality mode

Displays the Picture Quality mode of the stored
image. There are 2 modes available:
FINE and STD (Standard) (

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4717

 pg. 12).

To Delete Unwanted Still Images . . .

.... when unwanted still images are stored in the

MultiMediaCard or its memory is full, refer to
“Deleting Images” ( pg. 38) and delete unwanted
still images.

NOTES:

●

Even if “MULTI-4” or “MULTI-9” is engaged, Snapshot
recording will be performed in the FULL mode during
Digital Zoom.

●

Even if “DIS” is set to “ON” ( pg. 24), the Stabiliser
will be disabled.

●

If Snapshot recording is not possible, “PHOTO” blinks
when SNAPSHOT is pressed.

●

The Motor Drive mode ( pg. 16) is disabled when the
VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to “ ”.

●

If Programme AE with special effects ( pg. 28) is
engaged, certain modes of Programme AE with special
effects are disabled during Snapshot recording. In such a
case, the icon blinks.

●

If shooting is not performed for approx. 5 minutes when
the Power Switch is set to “ ” or “ ” and power is
supplied from the battery pack, the camcorder shuts off
automatically to save power. To perform shooting again,
set the Power Switch to “OFF”, then to “ ” or “ ”.

●

Still images taken are compliant to DCF (Design rules for
Camera File systems). They do not have any
compatibility with devices which are not compliant to
DCF.

18 EN

RECORDING

Basic Recording For Video And D.S.C.

Zoom in (T: Telephoto)

1xW

T

10xW

T

Zoom display

10xW

Approximate zoom ratio

T

Power Zoom Lever

20xW

T

40xW

T

Zoom out (W: Wide angle)

Digital zoom
zone

10X (optical)
zoom zone

FEATURE:

Zooming

PURPOSE:

To produce the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous
change in image magnification.

OPERATION:

Zoom In

Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards “T”.

Zoom Out

Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards “W”.

 The further you slide the Power Zoom Lever, the

quicker the zoom action.

NOTES:

●

Focusing may become unstable during Zooming. In
this case, set the zoom while in Record-Standby,
lock the focus by using the manual focus
( pg. 21), then zoom in or out in Record mode.

●

Zooming is possible to a maximum of 100X, or it
can be switched to 10X magnification using the
optical zoom ( pg. 23).

●

Zoom magnification of over 10X is done through
Digital image processing, and is therefore called
Digital Zoom.

●

During Digital zoom, the quality of image may
suffer.

●

Digital zoom cannot be used when digital image
processing, such as Picture Wipe/Dissolve
( pg. 26, 27) or Video Echo ( pg. 28), is
activated.

●

Macro shooting (as close as approx. 5 cm to the
subject) is possible when the Power Zoom Lever is
set all the way to “W”. Also see “TELE MACRO” in
the Menu Screen on page 24.

Power Switch

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4718

EN19

NOTE: Recording From The Middle Of A Tape

Time Code

During recording, a time code is recorded on the tape. This code is to confirm the location of the recorded
scene on the tape during playback.
If recording starts from a blank portion, the time code begins counting from “00:00:00”
(minute:second:frame). If recording starts from the end of a previously recorded scene, the time code
continues from the last time code number.

To perform Random Assemble Editing ( pg. 52 – 57), time code is necessary. If during recording a blank
portion is left partway through the tape, the time code is interrupted. When recording is resumed, the time
code starts counting up again from “00:00:00”. This means the camcorder may record the same time
codes as those existing in a previously recorded scene. To prevent this, perform “Recording From The
Middle of A Tape” below in the following cases;

•When shooting again after playing back a
recorded tape.

•When power shuts off during shooting.

•When a tape is removed and re-inserted during

shooting.

•When shooting using a partially recorded tape.

•When shooting on a blank portion located

partway through the tape.

•When shooting again after shooting a scene
then opening/closing the cassette holder cover.

TC

Recording From The Middle Of A Tape

1. Play back a tape to find the spot at which you want to start recording, then engage the Still Playback

mode ( pg. 31).

2. Set the Power Switch to “ ” or “ ” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch, then

start recording.

NOTES:

●

The time code cannot be reset.

●

During fast-forwarding and rewinding, the time code indication does not move smoothly.

●

The time code is displayed only when “TIME CODE” is set to “ON” ( pg. 25, 32).

Display

12:34:24

Frames are not displayed
during recording.

Minutes
Seconds
Frames

(25 frames = 1 second)

When a blank portion is recorded on a tape

Time code
00:00:00

Tape

Shooting start point

Time code
05:43:21

Proper recording

Time code
00:00:00

Tape

Shooting start point

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4719

Time code
05:43:21

Time code
00:00:00

Shooting start pointShooting stop point

Time code
05:44:00

Shooting start pointShooting start point

Newly recorded sceneBlankAlready recorded scene

Latest sceneNew sceneAlready recorded scene

20 EN

RECORDING

Basic Recording For Video And D.S.C. (cont.)

LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON Switch
(Open the LCD monitor to
access this switch.)

DANGER

 The video light can become

extremely hot. Do not touch
it either while in operation or
soon after turning it off,
otherwise serious injury may
result.

 Do not place the camcorder into the

carrying case immediately after using the
video light, since it remains extremely
hot for some time.

 When operating, keep a distance of

about 30 cm between the video light and
people or objects.

 Do not use near flammable or explosive

materials.

 It is recommended that you consult your

nearest THOMSON dealer for replacing
the video light.

FEATURE:

Video Light

PURPOSE:

To brighten the scene when natural lighting is too dim.

OPERATION:

Set LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON as required:
OFF : Turns off the light.

AUTO : Automatically turns on the light when the

ON : Always keeps the light on as long as the

 The video light can only be used with the

 It is recommended to set the white balance

 When not using the video light, turn it off to save

NOTES:

●

●

camcorder senses insufficient lighting on the
subject.

camcorder is turned on.

camcorder’s power on.

( pg. 30) to when you use the video light.

battery power.

Even if the battery indicator ( ) does not blink
due to low battery charge, the camcorder may turn
off automatically when you turn on the video light,
or when you start recording with the video light
turned on.
When LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON is set to “AUTO”:

•

Depending on the lighting conditions, the video
light may keep turning on and off. In this case,
manually switch the light on or off using LIGHT
OFF/AUTO/ON.

•

While the “SHUTTER” mode ( pg. 28) is
engaged, the light is likely to stay on.

•

While the “TWILIGHT” mode ( pg. 28) is
engaged, the light will not activate.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4720

RECORDING

Focus detection zone

Advanced Features For Video And D.S.C.

While focusing on a further
subject

EN21

While focusing on a nearer
subject

FEATURE:

Auto Focus

PURPOSE:

The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers continuous shooting ability from close-up (as close as approx.
5 cm to the subject) to infinity.
However, correct focus may not be obtainable in the situations listed below (in these cases use manual
focusing):

•When two subjects overlap in the same scene.

•When illumination is low.*

•When the subject has no contrast (difference in brightness and darkness), such as a flat, one-colour wall,

or a clear, blue sky.*

•When a dark object is barely visible in the viewfinder.*

•When the scene contains minute patterns or identical patterns that are regularly repeated.

•When the scene is affected by sunbeams or light reflecting off the surface of a body of water.

•When shooting a scene with a high-contrast background.

* The following low-contrast warnings appear blinking: , , and

NOTES:

●

If the lens is smeared or blurred, accurate focusing is not possible. Keep the lens clean, wiping with a
piece of soft cloth if it gets dirty. When condensation occurs, wipe with a soft cloth or wait for it to dry
naturally.

●

When shooting a subject close to the lens, zoom out first ( pg. 18). If zoomed-in in the auto focus
mode, the camcorder may automatically zoom out depending on the distance between the camcorder
and the subject. This will not occur when “TELE MACRO” ( pg. 24) is activated.

FEATURE:

Manual Focus

PURPOSE:

To obtain correct focus.

OPERATION:

1)If you are using the viewfinder, you should already have made the necessary viewfinder adjustments

( pg. 8).

2)Set the Power Switch to “ ”, then press FOCUS (3). The manual focus indicator appears.

3)To focus on a farther subject, rotate MENU/BRIGHT towards “+”. “ ” appears and blinks.
To focus on a nearer subject, rotate MENU/BRIGHT towards “–”. “ ” appears and blinks.

4)Press MENU/BRIGHT. Focus adjustment is complete.

To reset to Auto Focus, press FOCUS (3) twice or set the Power Switch to “ ”.
If FOCUS (3) is pressed once, the camcorder will enter the focus adjustment mode again.

NOTES:

●

Be sure to focus the lens in the maximum telephoto position when you use the Manual Focus mode. If
you focus in on a subject in the wide-angle position, sharply focused images cannot be obtained when
zoomed up because the depth-of-field is reduced at longer focal lengths.

●

When the focus level cannot be adjusted any further or closer, “ ” or “ ” will blink.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4821

22 EN

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

RECORDING

Power Switch

Lock Button

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Advanced Features For Video And D.S.C. (cont.)

Using Menus For Detailed Adjustment

This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use,
on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more
detailed camcorder settings ( pg. 23 – 25) .

Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down

1

the Lock Button located on the switch.
Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears.

2

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select the desired function

3

icon, and press it. The selected function menu
appears.

Function menu setting depends on the function.

4

If you have selected “ ”, “ ”, “ ” or “ ” . . .

4

Display

FAD

E

W

I

W

I

R

A

O

F

F

A

F

A

F

A

/

P

E

I

W

R

–

C

R

E

S

P

–

H

U

E

S

P

O

M

D

N
F

–

H

W

R

E

D

–

B

L

R

E

D

–

O

M

R

E

D

O

L

T

T

I

T

A

C

S

A

L

E

E
K

IRC

Menu Screen

.... see pg. 23.

If you have selected “ ”, “ ”, “ ” or “ ” . . .

C

A

M

E

R

A

MEN

D

S

C

NU

1

R

E

T

U

R

N

Q

U

A

L

I

T

Y

R

SFTIANNEDARD

E

C

S

E

LEMCET

1

R

E

R

E

C

S

O

U

Z

O

O

G

A

I

T

A

L

I

D

D

E

M

U

T

U

R

N

M

O

D

E

S

P

N

D

M

O

D

E

L

P

M
N

U

P

L

Y

N

U

M

B

E

R

O

.

M

O

D

E

.... go to step 5.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select the desired function

5

and press it. The Sub Menu appears.
Then, rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select the parameter,
and press it. Selection is complete.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “1RETURN” and

6

press it twice. The Menu Screen closes.

•The icon represents “END”.

M

A

N

U

A

L

ME

E

T

U

S

L

E

D

E

N

D

M

R

R

N

M

A

C

R

O

M

O

D

E

C

U

T

E

S

E

T

Sub Menu

D

I

1

R

E

T

O

N

S

D

A

T

E

T

I

M

E

C

L

O

C

N

O

N

O

FUF

U

L

P

A

Y

S

MEN

N

R

U

E

R

E

N

C

/

T

I

M

E

C

O

D

E

J.

.

K

1

.

A

D

030

:

0

112

1

R

D

I

T

E

W

I

W

I

C

A

END

Normal Screen

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4822

Menu Screen Explanations

EN23

FADER/WIPE
P.AE/EFFECT
EXPOSURE
W .BALANCE

REC MODE

SOUND
MODE

ZOOM

CAMERA MENU

GAIN UP

TALLY

ID
NUMBER

12 BIT

16 BIT

10X

40X

100X

OFF
AGC
AUTO

ON
OFF

This number is necessary when connecting the camcorder to a device such as a computer
using the J terminal (JLIP). The numbers range from 01 to 99. Factory setting is 06.

Refer to “Fade/Wipe Effects” ( pg. 26, 27).
Refer to “Programme AE With Special Effects” ( pg. 28).
Refer to “Exposure Control” and “Iris Lock” ( pg. 29).
Refer to “White Balance Adjustment” and “Manual White Balance Operation”

( pg. 30).
Allows you to set the recording mode (SP or LP) depending on your prefer-

ence ( pg. 12).
Enables video recording of stereo sound on four separate channels, and is

recommended for use when performing audio dubbing ( pg. 58). (Equiva­lent to the 32 kHz mode of previous models)

Enables video recording of stereo sound on two separate channels. (Equiva­lent to the 48 kHz mode of previous models)

When set to “10X” while using digital zoom, the zoom magnification will
reset to 10X since digital zoom will be disengaged.

Allows you to use the Digital Zoom. By digitally processing and magnifying
images, zooming is possible from 10X (the optical zoom limit), to a maximum
of 40X digital magnification.

Allows you to use the Digital Zoom. By digitally processing and magnifying
images, zooming is possible from 10X (the optical zoom limit), to a maximum
of 100X digital magnification.

Allows you to shoot dark scenes with no picture brightness adjustment.
The overall appearance may be grainy, but the image is bright.
The shutter speed is automatically adjusted (1/25 — 1/200 sec.). Shooting a

subject in low or poor lighting at 1/25 sec. shutter speed provides a brighter
image than in the AGC mode, but the subject’s movements are not smooth or
natural. The overall appearance may be grainy. When the shutter speed is
automatically adjusted, “ ” is displayed.

The tally lamp comes on to signal the start of recording.
The tally lamp remains off at all times.

: Factory-preset

NOTES:

●

The “ CAMERA MENU” settings are effective when the Power Switch is set to both “ ” and “ ”.

●

“REC MODE” can be set when the Power Switch is set to “ ” or “ ” ( pg. 12, 32).

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4823

24 EN

RECORDING

Menu Screen Explanations (cont.)

Advanced Features For Video And D.S.C. (cont.)

DEMO.
MODE

CAMERA MENU

DIS

TELE
MACRO

WIDE
MODE

MANUAL MENU

ON

OFF
ON

OFF

ON

OFF

OFF

CINEMA

SQUEEZE

Demonstrates certain functions such as Programme AE with special effects,
etc., and can be used to confirm how these functions operate. When “DEMO.
MODE” is set to “ON” and the Menu Screen is closed, demonstration starts.
Performing any operation during the demonstration stops the demonstration
temporarily. If no operation is performed for more than 1 minute after that,
the demonstration will resume.

NOTES:

● If a tape is in the camcorder, the demonstration cannot be turned on.

● “DEMO. MODE” remains “ON” even if the camcorder power is turned off.

● If “DEMO. MODE” remains “ON”, some functions will not be available.

After viewing demo, set to “OFF”.
Automatic demonstration will not take place.
To compensate for unstable images caused by camera-shake, particularly at

high magnification.

NOTES:

● Accurate stabilisation may not be possible if hand shake is excessive, or

under the following conditions:

•When shooting subjects with vertical or horizontal stripes.

•When shooting dark or dim subjects.

•When shooting subjects with excessive backlighting.

•When shooting scenes with movement in various directions.

•When shooting scenes with low-contrast backgrounds.

● Switch off this mode when recording with the camcorder on a tripod.

● The “ ” indicator blinks or goes out if the Stabiliser cannot be used.

Usually the distance to a subject where the lens is in focus depends on the
zoom magnification. Unless there is a distance more than 1m to the subject,
the lens is out of focus at the maximum telephoto setting. When set to “ON”,
you can shoot a subject as large as possible at a distance of approx. 60 cm.

•Depending on the zoom position, the lens may go out of focus.
Records with no change in the screen ratio. For playback on a TV with a

normal screen ratio.
Inserts black bands at the top and bottom of the screen. During playback on

wide-screen TVs, the black bands at the top and bottom of the screen are cut
and the screen ratio becomes 16:9. appears. When using this mode, refer
to your wide-screen TV’s instruction manual. During playback/recording on
4:3 TVs/LCD monitor/viewfinder, black bands are inserted at the top and
bottom of the screen and the image appears like a letterboxed 16:9 movie.

•The “CINEMA” mode is effective only when the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set

to “VIDEO”.

For playback on TVs with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Naturally expands the image
to fit the screen without distortion. appears. When using this mode, refer to
your wide-screen TV’s instruction manual. During playback/recording on 4:3
TVs/LCD monitor/viewfinder, the image is elongated vertically.

•The “SQUEEZE” mode is effective only when the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set

to “VIDEO”.

: Factory-preset

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4824

EN25

WIND
CUT

CAM

MANUAL MENU

RESET
ON

SCREEN

DATE/
TIME

DISPLAY MENU

TIME
CODE

CLOCK
ADJ.

QUALITY

REC
SELECT

DSC MENU

ON

OFF

CANCEL
EXECUTE
LCD

LCD/TV

SIMPLE

ON
OFF
ON

OFF

Allows you to set the current date and time ( pg. 9).

Allows you to set the Picture Quality mode (FINE and STANDARD) depending on your
preference ( pg. 12).

Helps cut down on noise created by wind. “ ” appears. The quality of the
sound will change. This is normal.

Disengages the function which cuts down on noise created by wind.

Does not reset all settings to the factory-preset.
Resets all settings to the factory-preset.
Keeps the camcorder’s display (except the date, time and time code) from

appearing on the connected TV screen.
Makes the camcorder’s display appear on screen when the camcorder is

connected to a TV.
Keeps the indications (except the tape running indicator, warnings, date, time,

time code, etc.) from appearing in the camcorder. Also keeps the camcorder’s
display (except the date, time and time code) from appearing on the con­nected TV screen.

The date/time is always displayed.
The date/time does not appear.
Time code is displayed on the camcorder and on the connected TV. Frame

numbers are not displayed during recording.
Time code is not displayed.

When Snapshot recording is performed with the VIDEO/DSC Switch set to
“VIDEO”, still images are recorded only onto the tape.

/

When Snapshot recording is performed with the VIDEO/DSC Switch set to
“VIDEO”, still images are recorded not only onto the tape but also in the
MultiMediaCard.

: Factory-preset

NOTES:

●

The “MANUAL MENU” settings are effective only when the Power Switch is set to “ ”.

●

“DISPLAY MENU” functions which are set when the Power Switch is set to “ ” are also applied when the
Power Switch is set to “ ” ( pg. 32). “CLOCK ADJ.” only appears when the Power Switch is set to “ ”.

●

The “DISPLAY MENU” settings are effective even when the Power Switch is set to “ ”.

●

The “ON SCREEN” setting can also be changed by pressing the DISPLA Y Button on the remote control
(provided) ( pg. 41, 44, 53).

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4825

26 EN

RECORDING

Fade/Wipe Effects

These effects let you make pro-style scene
transitions. Use them to spice up the transition
from one scene to the next. You can also vary
transitions from scene to scene.

IMPORTANT:

Some Fade/Wipe Effects cannot be used with
certain modes of Programme AE with special
effects ( pg. 28). If an unusable Fade/Wipe
Effect is selected, its indicator blinks or goes
out.

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

Advanced Features For Video And D.S.C. (cont.)

FADE/WIPE SELECTION ( , , , ,

, , , , , and )

Fade or Wipe works when video recording is started or
when you stop recording.

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “VIDEO”, then set the

1

Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down the Lock
Button located on the switch.

Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears.

2

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “ ”, then press it.

3

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select the desired function,

4

then press it. Selection is complete.

•The FADER/WIPE Menu disappears and the effect is
reserved. The indicator representing the selected
effect appears.

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to activate the

5

Fade-in/out or Wipe-in/out.

Recording
Start/Stop Button

VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch.)

To Deactivate The Selected Effect . . .

.... select “OFF” in step 4.

NOTES:

●

You can extend the length of a Fade or Wipe
by pressing and holding the Recording Start/
Stop Button.

●

If the power is turned off after a scene is
finished recording, the stored point is erased,
disabling the Picture Wipe/Dissolve combina­tion. When this happens, the Picture Wipe/
Dissolve indicator blinks. Also note that
power shuts off automatically if 5 minutes
elapse in the Record-Standby mode.

●

The sound at the end of the last recorded
scene is not stored.

Power Switch

PICTURE WIPE OR DISSOLVE SELECTION
( , , , , , and )

The Picture Wipe or Dissolve works when video recording
is started.

Follow steps 1 through 4 above.

1

If you select Picture Wipe/Dissolve during

2

recording . . .

.... press the Recording Start/Stop Button when one

scene is finished. The point at which the scene
ended is stored in memory.

If you select Picture Wipe/Dissolve during Record­Standby mode . . .

.... press the Recording Start/Stop Button to start

recording and press it again when one scene is
finished. The point at which the scene ended is
stored in memory.

If you select Picture Wipe/Dissolve during Record­Standby mode after performing a Picture Wipe/
Dissolve . . .

.... the point at which the scene ended is already

stored in memory.

If you start recording a new scene within 5 minutes of

3

the end of the previous recording (without having
turned the camcorder’s power off), the previous scene
wipes out, revealing the new scene.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4826

Fader And Wipe Menu

Menu Effect

FADER — WHITE

EN27

Fade in or out with a white screen.

FADER — BLACK

FADER — MOSAIC

FADER — B.W

WIPE — CORNER

WIPE — WINDOW

WIPE — SLIDE

WIPE — DOOR

WIPE — SCROLL

WIPE — SHUTTER

DISSOLVE

WIPE — CORNER

WIPE — WINDOW

WIPE — SLIDE

WIPE — DOOR

WIPE — SCROLL

WIPE — SHUTTER

RANDOM

Fade in or out with a black screen.

Fade in or out with a full-screen mosaic effect.

Fade in to a colour screen from a black and white screen, or fade out
from colour to black and white.

Wipe in on a black screen from the upper right to the lower left
corner, or wipe out from lower left to upper right, leaving a black
screen.

The scene starts in the centre of a black screen and wipes in toward
the corners, or comes in from the corners, gradually wiping out to the
centre.

Wipe in from right to left, or wipe out from left to right.

Wipe in as the two halves of a black screen open to the left and right,
revealing the scene, or wipe out and the black screen reappears from
left and right to cover the scene.

The scene wipes in from the bottom to the top of a black screen, or
wipes out from top to bottom, leaving a black screen.

Wipe in from the centre of a black screen toward the top and bottom,
or wipe out from the top and bottom toward the centre leaving a
black screen.

The new scene gradually appears as the old one gradually disappears.

The new scene wipes in over the previous one from the upper right
corner to the lower left corner.

The next scene gradually wipes in from the centre of the screen
toward the corners, covering the previous scene.

The next scene gradually wipes in over the previous one from right to
left.

The previous scene wipes out from the centre to the right and left, like
a door being pushed open to reveal the next scene.

The new scene wipes in over the last one from the bottom of the
screen to the top.

The new scene wipes in over the previous one from the centre toward
the top and bottom of the screen.

When this function is activated, the camcorder randomly selects the
effect used in scene transition (from , , , , , ,

, , , and ). The Picture Wipe/Dissolve function is not

available.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4927

28 EN

RECORDING

IMPORTANT:

Some modes of Programme AE with special
effects cannot be used with certain Fade/Wipe
Effects ( pg. 27). If an unusable mode is
selected, its indicator blinks or goes out.

MENU/
BRIGHT Wheel

Power Switch

Display

P.A

/

C

E

E

F

E

4

1/50
1/100
1/250

F

S

O

W

4

x

L

1

S

O

W

0

x

L

E

E

CTHO

V

D

O

I

F

F

O

1/50

R

E

S

T

U

T

H

1/100

R

E

S

T

U

T

H

1/250

R

E

S

T

U

T

H

Menu Screen

Advanced Features For Video And D.S.C. (cont.)

Programme AE With Special Effects

Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down

1

the Lock Button located on the switch.
Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears.

2

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “ ”, then press it.

3

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select the desired mode,

4

then press it. Selection is complete.

•The P.AE/EFFECT Menu disappears and the selected
mode is activated. The selected mode indicator
appears.

To Deactivate The Selected Mode . . .

.... select “OFF” in step 4.

NOTE:

Programme AE with special effects can be changed during
recording or during Record-Standby.

TWILIGHT

Makes evening scenes look more natural.
White Balance ( pg. 30) is initially set to

, but can be changed to your desired
setting. When Twilight is chosen, the
camcorder automatically adjusts the focus
from approx. 10 m to infinity. From less than
10 m, adjust the focus manually.

SEPIA

Recorded scenes have a brownish tint like
old photos. Combine this with the Cinema
mode for a classic look.

MONOTONE

Like classic black and white films, your
footage is shot in B/W. Used together with
the Cinema mode, it enhances the “classic
film” effect.

CLASSIC FILM

Gives recorded scenes a strobe effect.

STROBE

Your recording looks like a series of
consecutive snapshots.

VIDEO ECHO

Adds a “ghost” to the subject, giving your
recording a “fantasy” feeling. Zoom
magnification of over 10X is not available.

SLOW (Slow Shutter)

Lights dark subjects or areas even brighter than they
would be under good natural lighting. Use “SLOW”
only in dark areas.

SLOW 4X

The Shutter Speed is set to 1/12.5th of a second to
quadruple the sensitivity.

SLOW 10X

The Shutter Speed is set to 1/5th of a second to provide
10 times the sensitivity.

NOTES:

●

When using “SLOW”, the image takes on a strobe-like
effect.

●

If the manual focus indicator blinks when “SLOW” is
used, adjust focus manually and use a tripod.

SHUTTER (V ariable Shutter Speed)
1/50–The shutter speed is fixed at 1/50th of a second.

Black bands that usually appear when shooting a TV
screen become narrower.
1/100–The shutter speed is fixed at 1/100th of a second.
The flickering that occurs when shooting under a
fluorescent light or mercury-vapour lamp is reduced.
1/250, 1/500 –These settings allow fast-moving images
to be captured one frame at a time, for vivid, stable
slow-motion playback. The faster the shutter speed, the
darker the picture becomes. Use the shutter function
under good lighting conditions.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4928

Exposure Control

Manual exposure adjustment is recommended in the
following situations:

•

When shooting using reverse lighting or when the
background is too bright.

•

When shooting on a reflective natural background
such as at the beach or when skiing.

•

When the background is overly dark or the subject
light.

Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing

1

down the Lock Button located on the switch.
Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen

2

appears.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “ ”, then

3

press it.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “MANUAL”,

4

then press it. The Menu Screen disappears.
“EXP.” and the highlight bar on the exposure
control indicator are displayed.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT towards “+” to brighten

5

the image, or towards “–” to darken the image.
(maximum ±6)

Press MENU/BRIGHT. Exposure adjustment is

6

complete. The indication “EXP.” and the
highlight bar on the exposure control indicator
go out.

EN29

Iris Lock

Use this function in the following situations:

•

When shooting a moving subject.

•

When the distance to the subject changes (so its
size in the LCD monitor or the viewfinder changes),
such as when the subject is backing away.

•

When shooting on a reflective natural background
such as at the beach or when skiing.

•

When shooting objects under a spotlight.

•

When zooming.

When the subject is close, keep the iris locked. Even
when the subject moves away from you, the image
will not darken or brighten.

Before the following steps, perform steps 1 through
4 of “Exposure Control”.

Adjust zoom so that the subject fills the LCD

5

monitor or the viewfinder, then press and hold
MENU/BRIGHT for over 2 seconds. The
exposure control indicator and “ ” appear.
Press MENU/BRIGHT. “ ” changes to “ ”
and the iris is locked. “EXP.” goes out.

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

Power Switch

EX0P.

To Return To Automatic Exposure Control . . .

.... select “AUTO” in step 4. Or, set the Power

Switch to “ ”.

NOTE:

To Brighten The Subject Quickly . . .

.... press BACKLIGHT. is displayed and the

subject is brightened. If pressed again,
disappears and the brightness returns to the
previous level.

•+3 exposure has the same effect as the

BACKLIGHT Button.

•Using BACKLIGHT may cause the light around the

subject to become too bright and the subject to
become white.

•Backlight compensation is also available when the
Power Switch is set to “ ”.

•Pressing the BACKLIGHT button has no effect
when the exposure is set to “MANUAL” and
the Power Switch is set to “ ”.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4929

BACKLIGHT Button

Iris lock indicator

To Return To Automatic Iris Control . . .

.... rotate MENU/BRIGHT to display “AUTO” then

press it in step 4. The exposure control indicator
and “ ” disappear. Or, set the Power Switch to
“ ”.

To Lock The Exposure Control And The Iris . . .

.... after step 4, adjust the exposure rotating MENU/

BRIGHT. Then lock the iris in step 5. For

automatic locking, rotate MENU/BRIGHT to
select “AUTO”, then press it in step 4. The iris
becomes automatic after about 2 seconds.

Iris

Like the pupil of the human eye, it contracts in well­lit environments to keep too much light from
entering, and dilates in dim environments to allow in
more light.

30 EN

RECORDING

White Balance Adjustment

A term that refers to the correctness of colour
reproduction under various lighting. If the white
balance is correct, all other colours will be accu­rately reproduced.
The white balance is usually adjusted automatically.
However, more advanced camcorder operators
control this function manually to achieve a more
professional colour/tint reproduction.

Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing

1

down the Lock Button located on the switch.
Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen

2

appears.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “ ”, then

3

press it. The Menu Screen disappears and
“W.BAL” and the currently selected mode are
displayed.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select the desired

4

mode.

“AUTO”–White balance is adjusted automati-

“ MAN.”–White balance is set manually.
“ ”–Outdoors on a sunny day.
“ ”– Outdoors on a cloudy day.
“ ”–A video light or similar type of lighting

cally (factory preset).

is used.

Advanced Features For Video And D.S.C. (cont.)

Manual White Balance Operation

Perform Manual White Balance when shooting under
various types of lighting.

Follow steps 1 through 4 of the white balance

1

adjustment, and select “ MAN.”.

Hold a sheet of plain white paper in front of the

2

subject. Adjust zoom or position yourself so that
the white paper fills the screen.

Press MENU/BRIGHT until begins blinking.

3

When the setting is completed, stops
blinking.

Press MENU/BRIGHT. Only the Manual White

4

Balance indicator is displayed.

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

White paper

Press MENU/BRIGHT. Selection is complete.

5

To Return To Automatic White Balance . . .

.... select “AUTO” in step 4. Or, set the Power

Switch to “ ”.

NOTE:

White balance cannot be used when Sepia or
Monotone ( pg. 28) is activated.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4930

Power Switch

To Change The Tint For Recording . . .

.... in step 2, substitute coloured paper for white.

The white balance is adjusted based on the
colour, changing the tint. Red paper = deeper
green; blue paper = orange; yellow paper =
deeper purple.

NOTES:

●

In step 2, it may be difficult to focus on the white
paper. In such a case, adjust focus manually
( pg. 21).

●

A subject can be shot under various types of
lighting conditions indoors (natural, flourescent,
candlelight, etc.). Because the colour temperature
is different depending on the light source, the
subject tint will differ depending on the white
balance settings. Use this function for a more
natural result.

●

Once you adjust white balance manually, the
setting is retained even if the power is turned off or
the battery removed.

PLA YBACK

Rewind Button (

Stop Button (5)

VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch)

Power Switch

Basic Playback For Video

2

)

Speaker

Play/Pause Button
(

4

/6)

Fast-Forward Button

3

)

(

Power Zoom
Lever (VOL.)

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Lock Button

EN31

Load a tape ( pg. 10).

1

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “VIDEO”, then set the
Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down the

2

Lock Button located on the switch. To start playback,
press 4/6.

•To stop playback, press 5.

•Press 2 to rewind, or 3 to fast-forward the tape

during Stop mode.

To Control The Speaker Volume . . .

....

slide the Power Zoom Lever (VOL.) towards “+” to turn
up the volume, or towards “–” to turn down the volume.

NOTES:

●

If Stop mode continues for 5 minutes when power is
supplied from a battery, the camcorder shuts off
automatically. To turn on again, set the Power Switch to
“OFF”, then to “ ”.

●

The playback picture can be viewed in the LCD monitor,
viewfinder or on a connected TV ( pg. 40).

●

You can also view the playback picture on the LCD
monitor with it flipped over and pushed against the
camera body.

●

LCD monitor/viewfinder indications:

•

When power is supplied from a battery: the “ ”
battery pack remaining power indicator is displayed.
When power is supplied through the DC cord: “ ”
does not appear.

•

During Stop mode, none of the indications are
displayed.

●

When a cable is connected to the AV connector, the
sound is not heard from the speaker.

Still Playback:

1)Press 4/6 during playback.

2)To resume normal playback, press 4/6 again.

●

If still playback continues for more than about 3 minutes, the camcorder’s Stop mode is automatically

Pauses during playback.

engaged. After 5 minutes in the Stop mode, the camcorder’s power is automatically turned off.

●

When

4

/6

is pressed, the image may not pause immediately while the camcorder stabilises the still

image.

Shuttle Search:

1)Press 3 for forward or 2 for reverse search during playback.

2)To resume normal playback, press 4/6.

●

During playback, press and hold 2 or 3. The search continues as long as you hold the button.

Allows high-speed search in either direction.

Once you release it, normal playback resumes.

●

A slight mosaic effect appears on screen during Shuttle Search. This is not a malfunction.

Frame-By-Frame Playback: Allows frame-by-frame search.

1)Engage Still Playback.

2)Rotate MENU/BRIGHT towards “+” for forward Frame-By-Frame Playback, or towards “–” for reverse

Frame-By-Frame Playback during Still Playback.

 To resume normal playback, press 4/6.

●

You can also use the provided remote control for Frame-By-Frame Playback ( pg. 50).

Playback Zoom and Playback Special Effects

Available only with the remote control (provided) ( pg. 50, 51).

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4931

32 EN

1

S

1
S
R

R

O

2
Y
E

E

U

B
N
C

V
T

N

I

C

I
U

D

T
H
M

D
R

R
O

E
N

M

M
O
D
C

O

O

O
E

O

D

D

P

M

E

E

Y

ENU

S

S
S

T

O
O

E

U
U

R

N
N

E

D
D

O

L
R

1

O
D

T

R
N
A

I

D
E

T

M

I
T
S
E

E

S
U
C

/

P
R
R
T

C

L
N
E

I

O

A
E

M

D

Y
N

E

E

M

EN

O

O

U

N

FF

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

Power Switch

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Lock Button

PLA YBACK

Advanced Features For Video

Using Menus For Detailed Adjustment

The following procedure applies to all except

Comp ( pg. 56, 57).

Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down

1

the Lock Button located on the switch.
Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears.

2

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select the desired function

3

icon, and press it. The selected function menu
appears.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select the desired function,

4

and press it to display the Sub Menu.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select the desired

5

parameter and press it. Selection is complete.

Synchro

Recording Start/Stop Button

Display

Menu Screen

* Each setting is linked with “DISPLAY MENU”,

which appears when the Power Switch is set
to “ ” ( pg. 25). The parameters are the
same as in the description on pg. 25.

NOTES:

●

It is also possible to change the ON SCREEN
settings by pressing DISPLAY on the remote
control (provided).

●

“REC MODE” can be set when the Power
Switch is set to “ ” or “ ” ( pg. 12,

23).

●

If “ON SCREEN” is set to “SIMPLE”, it keeps
the camcorder’s display (except the date,
time and time code) from appearing on the
connected TV. It also makes the playback
sound mode and tape speed disappear on the
camcorder.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “1RETURN” and

6

press it twice to close the Menu Screen.

SOUND MODE
12BIT MODE
SYNCHRO
REC MODE

 pg. 33.
 pg. 33.
 pg. 57.

Allows you to set the
video recording mode (SP
or LP) depending on your
preference ( pg. 12).
It is recommended you
use “REC MODE” in the
“VIDEO MENU” when

VIDEO MENU

COPY

using this camcorder as a
recorder during digital
dubbing ( pg. 45).

ON: Enables dubbing of
images recorded on a tape
to a MultiMediaCard
( pg. 47).
OFF: Enables snapshots to
be taken during video
playback ( pg. 16).

ON SCREEN*

Makes the camcorder’s
indications appear/
disappear from the
connected TV screen.

DATE/TIME*

Makes the date/time
appear/disappear on the

DISPLAY MENU

TIME CODE*

camcorder.
Makes the time code

appear/disappear on the
camcorder.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:4932

EN33

Playback Sound

During playback, the camcorder detects the sound mode in which the recording was made, and plays the
sound back. Select the type of sound to accompany your playback picture. According to the menu access
explanation on pg. 32, select “SOUND MODE” or “12BIT MODE” from the Menu Screen and set it to the
desired parameter.

SOUND MODE

12BIT MODE

STEREO
SOUND L
SOUND R
SOUND 1
SOUND 2
MIX

Sound is output on both “L” and “R” channels in stereo.
Sound from the “L” channel is output in stereo.
Sound from the “R” channel is output in stereo.
Original sound is output on both “L” and “R” channels in stereo.
Dubbed sound is output on both “L” and “R” channels in stereo.
Original and dubbed sounds are combined and output in stereo on

both “L” and “R” channels in stereo.

: Factory-preset

NOTES:

●

The “SOUND MODE” setting is available for both 12-bit and 16-bit sound. (In previous models’ functions,
“12-bit” is called “32 kHz” and “16-bit” is called “48 kHz”.)

●

The camcorder cannot detect the sound mode in which the recording was made during fast-forward or
rewind. During playback the sound mode is displayed in the upper left corner.

Display

ON SCREEN setting:
For playback sound, tape
speed and tape running.

12

BIT/SOUND

1

SP

4

DATE/TIME setting:
For date/time.

TIME CODE setting:
For time code.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:5033

25. 1127.:030
0

TC

12:34:24

Frames*

Seconds

Minutes

*25 frames = 1 second

34 EN

2

Rewind (
Button

VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch.)

)

Power Switch

Fast-Forward (
Button

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

PLA YBACK

3

)

Normal Playback

Images shot with the camcorder are automatically
numbered, then stored in numerical order in the
MultiMediaCard. You can view the stored images, one at a
time, much like flipping through a photo album.

1
2

3

Basic Playback For D.S.C.

Load a MultiMediaCard ( pg. 11).

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “ ”, then set the
Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down the
Lock Button.

•A stored image is displayed.

Press 3 to display the next image.
Press 2 to display the previous image.

To display the
next image

10/ 50

11/ 50

12/ 50

Display

Lock Button

100–0010

100–0011

100–0012

100–0013

NOTES:

●

Even if you shoot a new image after playing back a low­numbered one, this will not overwrite an existing image,
because new images are automatically stored after the
last-recorded one.

●

Images shot in a file size other than VGA with devices
that are compatible with DCF (Design rules for Camera
File systems) will be displayed as reduced-size
thumbnail images. These thumbnail images cannot be
transferred to a PC.

●

Images shot with devices that are not compatible with
DCF cannot be viewed with this camcorder;
“Unsupported Data!” will be displayed.

Directory and File names

Displays the directory and file names.
Shows that the selected shot is in a directory called “100” and its file
name is “DVC00013”.
Each time shooting takes place, a file name is made using a number
which is larger by one than the largest number of the file names which are
in use. If the file name reaches DVC09999, a new directory will be made
and the file name will start again from DVC00001.
In the playback screen, the directory and only the last four digits of the file
name are displayed.

13/ 50

Total number of images

To display the
previous
image

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:5034

Displays the total number of stored images.

Image number

Displays the index number of the image file (

 pg. 35).

Picture Quality mode

Index number Selected image

EXIT

001 F 002 S

004 F

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

<

INDEX

005 F

Power Switch

>

003 S

006 F

O

Y

A

L

P

Lock Button

Protect icon

F

F

EN35

INDEX Screen

The images you shot can be displayed together with their
index information. Convenient for checking images shot
beforehand, the INDEX Screen also shows the Picture
Quality mode as well as which images are protected
against accidental erasure.

001: Index number

Index numbers are marked from 001. For example, when
10 images are stored (index number: 001 to 010), if three
images with index numbers 002, 004 and 006 are deleted
from memory, the remaining images are automatically
moved up to fill any gaps in the numerical sequence.
Therefore, the number of remaining images is 7, and the
new index numbers range from 001 to 007.

F/S: Picture Quality mode

Displays the Picture Quality mode of the stored image.
There are 2 modes available: FINE and STANDARD (in
order of quality) ( pg. 12).

: Protect icon

When an image is protected against its accidental erasure,
a padlock mark appears next to the Picture Quality mode
indicator, and that image cannot be deleted.

Selected Image

An image is framed in green like this when it is selected.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to move the green frame to the
desired image.

Index Playback

You can view the images stored in memory six at a time.
Use this mode when looking for an image you wish to view.

Display

MOEWNU

D

S

C

R

1

E

T

U

R

N

I

N

D

E

X

S

L

I

D

E

STH

P

R

O

T

E

C

D

E

L

E

T

E

F

O

R

M

A

T

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:5035

Menu Screen

Playback Screen

Perform step 1 of “Normal Playback” on pg. 34.

1

Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears.

2

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “ ” and press it.

3

“DSC MENU” appears.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “INDEX” and press

4

it. The INDEX Screen appears.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to move the green frame to

5

the desired image and press it. The selected image is
displayed on the whole screen, then the screen enters
normal playback.

36 EN

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

Power Switch

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Lock Button

PLA YBACK

Advanced Features For D.S.C.

Slide Show

You can run through all the images stored in memory
automatically in numerical order.

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “ ”, then set the

1

Power Switch to “ ”, while pressing down the
Lock Button.

Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears.

2

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “ ” and press it.

3

“DSC MENU” appears.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “SLIDE SHOW” and

4

press it. The Slide Show starts.

To stop the Slide Show, press 5.

5

Stop (5) Button

VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch.)

Display

MOEWNU

D

S

C

R

1

E

T

U

R

N

I

N

D

E

X

S

L

I

D

E

STH

P

R

O

T

E

C

D

E

L

E

T

E

F

O

R

M

A

T

Play/Pause (
Button

4

/6)

To start the Slide Show without going through the Menu
Screen . . .

.... after step 1, press 4/6. To stop the Slide Show, press

5.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:5036

VIDEO/DSC Switch
(Open the LCD monitor
to access this switch.)

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Lock Button

EN37

Protecting Images

The Protect mode helps prevent the accidental erasure of
images. When a padlock mark is displayed next to the
Picture Quality Mode indication, that image cannot be
deleted.

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “ ”, then set the

1

Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down the
Lock Button.

•A stored image is displayed.
Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears.

2

Rotate it to select “ ” and press it. “DSC MENU”
appears.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “PROTECT” and

3

press it. The PROTECT Index Screen appears.

Display

D

S

C

R

1

E

T

U

R

N

I

N

D

E

X

S

L

I

D

E

STH

P

R

O

T

E

C

D

E

L

E

T

E

F

O

R

M

A

T

EXIT

<

PROTECT

001 F 002 S

004 F

Normal playback

EXIT

001 F 002 S

004 F

005 F

<

PROTECT

005 F

MOEWNU

>

003 S

006 F

>

003 S

006 F

Power Switch

Menu Screen

PROTECT Index
Screen

Padlock mark

If Protection is
removed

TO PROTECT AN IMAGE

Before doing the following, perform steps 1 through 3
above.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to move the green frame to

4

the desired image and press it. A “ ” padlock mark
appears on the selected image.
Repeat this procedure for all images you do not wish
to delete by accident.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT upward to select “EXIT” and

5

press it. The normal playback screen appears.

NOTE:

When the memory is initialised or corrupted, even
protected images are deleted. If you do not want to lose
important images, transfer them to a PC and save them.

TO REMOVE PROTECTION

Before doing the following, perform steps 1 through 3
above.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to move the green frame to

4

the desired image and press it. The “ ” padlock
mark located above the image disappears and the
image is no longer protected.
Repeat this procedure for all images from which you
wish to remove protection.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT upward to select “EXIT” and

5

press it. The normal playback screen appears.

Normal playback

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:5037

38 EN

VIDEO/DSC Switch
(Open the LCD monitor
to access this switch.)

PLA YBACK

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Advanced Features For D.S.C. (cont.)

Deleting Images

Previously shot images can be deleted either one at a time
or all at once.

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “ ”, then set the
Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down the

1

Lock Button.

•A stored image is displayed.

Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears.
Rotate it to select “ ” and press it. “DSC MENU”

2

appears.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “DELETE” and press

it. The Sub Menu appears.

3

Lock Button

Power Switch

CEAXNEC

Display

<

DELETE

005 F

D

S

E

L

C

U

TCE

MENU

>

003 S

006 F

DELETE Index
Screen

Deletion
Confirmation
Screen

EXIT

001 FX 002 SX

004 F

CAUTION:

Do not remove the MultiMediaCard or
perform any other operation (such as
turning off the camcorder) during deletion.
Also, be sure to use the provided AC Power
Adapter/Charger, as the MultiMediaCard
may be corrupted if the battery becomes
exhausted during deletion. If the
MultiMediaCard becomes corrupted,
initialise it. ( pg. 39)

TO SELECT AN IMAGE BY BROWSING
IMAGES STORED IN MEMORY

Before doing the following, perform steps 1 through 3 above.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “SELECT” and press
it. The DELETE Index Screen appears.

4

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to move the green frame to the
desired image that you wish to delete and press it. An

5

“ ” appears above the selected image.
Repeat this procedure for all images that you wish to
delete.
To deselect an image, press MENU/BRIGHT again.
The “ ” disappears.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT upward to select “NEXT” and
press it. The Deletion Confirmation Screen appears.

6

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “EXECUTE” and
press it. The selected images are deleted and the

7

normal playback screen appears.

•To cancel deletion, rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select

“CANCEL” and press it.

TO DELETE ALL IMAGES

Before doing the following, perform steps 1 through 3 above.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “ALL” and press it.
The Deletion Confirmation Screen appears.

4

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “EXECUTE” and
press it. All the images are deleted and the normal

5

playback screen appears.

•To cancel deletion, rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select

“CANCEL” and press it.

NOTES:

●

Protected images ( pg. 37) cannot be deleted with the
above operation. To delete them, remove protection first.

●

Once images are deleted, they cannot be restored.
Check images before deleting.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:5038

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

EN39

Initialising A MultiMediaCard

You can initialise a MultiMediaCard anytime.

After initialising, all images and data stored in the
MultiMediaCard, including those which have been
protected, are cleared.

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “ ”, then set the

1

Power Switch to “ ”, while pressing down the
Lock Button located on the switch.

VIDEO/DSC Switch
(Open the LCD monitor
to access this switch.)

Display

MOEWNU

D

S

C

1

R

E

T

U

R

N

I

N

D

E

X

S

L

I

D

E

STH

P

R

O

T

E

C

D

E

L

E

T

E

F

O

R

M

A

CEAXNECCEUL

T

Lock Button

Power Switch

TE

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Menu Screen

Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears.

2

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “ ” and press it.

3

“DSC MENU” appears.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “FORMAT” and

4

press it. The Sub Menu appears.
Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “EXECUTE” and

5

press it. The MultiMediaCard is initialised. When
initialisation is finished, “NO STORED IMAGE”
appears.

•To cancel initialisation, rotate MENU/BRIGHT to

select “CANCEL” and press it.

CAUTION:

Do not perform any other operation (such as
turning off the camcorder) during initialisation.
Also, be sure to use the provided AC Power
Adapter/Charger, as the MultiMediaCard may be
corrupted if the battery becomes exhausted
during initialisation. If MultiMediaCard becomes
corrupted initialise it.

VMD6 EN(02/39) 28/08/00, 15:5039

40 EN

CONNECTIONS

Basic Connections

These are some basic types of connections. When making the connections, refer also to your VCR and TV
instruction manuals.

A. Connection to a TV or VCR equipped with a SCART connector compatible only with regular video

signal

To AV

White to

Core filter

Audio/Video cable

Connector cover*

* When connecting the cables, open this cover .
** The Audio cable is not required for watching still images when the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to “ ”.

[mini-plug to RCA plug]
(provided)

AUDIO L IN**

Red to
AUDIO R IN**

Yellow to VIDEO

To TV or VCR

Cable Adapter
(provided)

Set to CVBS

TV

VCR

B. Connection to a TV or VCR equipped with a SCART connector compatible with Y/C signal

-IN

To TV or VCR

Cable Adapter
(provided)

Set to Y/C

TV

VCR

Audio/Video cable
[mini-plug to RCA plug]
(provided)

Core filter

To AV

To S

Core
filter

S-Video cable
(optional)

Yellow:
Not connected

White to
AUDIO L IN**

Red to
AUDIO R IN**

To

Connector cover*

* When connecting the cables, open this cover .
** The Audio cable is not required for watching still images when the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to “ ”.

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0640

EN41

C.

Connection to a TV or VCR equipped with an S-VIDEO IN and/or A/V input (RCA type) connectors

* When connecting the cables, open this cover.
** The Audio cable is not required for watching still

images when the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to “ ”.

Audio/Video cable
[mini-plug to RCA plug]
(provided)

Core filter

To AV

To S

Core filter

Connector cover*

Make sure all units are turned off.

1

Connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR as

2

shown in the illustration ( pg. 40).

If using a VCR . . . go to step 3.
If not . . . go to step 4.

Connect the VCR output to the TV input,

3

referring to your VCR’s instruction manual.
Turn on the camcorder, the VCR and the TV.

4

Set the VCR to its AUX input mode, and set the

5

TV to its VIDEO mode.

When an S-Video
cable is not used.

Yellow to VIDEO IN

S-Video cable
(optional)

To choose whether or not the following displays
appear on the connected TV . . .

•Date/Time

.... set “DATE/TIME” to “ON” or “OFF” in the

Menu Screen ( pg. 32).

•Time Code

.... set “TIME CODE” to “ON” or “OFF” in the

Menu Screen ( pg. 32).

•Playback Sound Mode, T ape Speed And Tape

Running Displays for video playback

OR

Directory/File Names and Image Number/Total
Number of Images for D.S.C. Playback

.... set “ON SCREEN” to “LCD” or “SIMPLE” in the

Menu Screen ( pg. 32). Or , press DISPLAY
on the remote control (provided).

←

White to
AUDIO L IN**

Red to
AUDIO R IN**

To S-VIDEO IN

To TV or VCR

TV

VCR

NOTES:

●

It is recommended to use the AC Power Adapter/ Charger as the power supply instead of the battery pack
( pg. 7).

●

When connecting the cables, make sure to connect the ends with a core filter to the camcorder. The core
filter reduces interference.

●

To monitor the picture and sound from the camcorder without inserting a tape or MultiMediaCard, set the
camcorder’s Power Switch to “ ” or “ ”, then set your TV to the appropriate input mode.

●

Make sure you adjust the TV sound volume to its minimum level to avoid a sudden burst of sound when the
camcorder is turned on.

●

If you have a TV or speakers that are not specially shielded, do not place the speakers adjacent to the TV as
interference will occur in the camcorder playback picture.

●

Set the video out select switch of the cable adapter as required:
Y/C : When connecting to a TV or VCR which accepts Y/C signals and uses an S-Video cable.
CVBS : When connecting to a TV or VCR which does not accept Y/C signals and uses an audio/video cable.

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0741

42 EN

Connector
cover*

CONNECTIONS

Power Switch

Advanced Connections

To DV IN/OUT

Core filter

DV cable**

To DV
connector

To PC
(DIGITAL
PHOTO)

PC
connection
cable
(provided)

To
RS-232C

PC with DV
connector-equipped
capture board

* When connecting the cable, open this cover.
** Use the DV cable provided with the capture

board.

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0742

PC

Connection To A Personal Computer

This camcorder can transfer still images to a PC by using
the provided software when connected as shown in the
illustration. It is also possible to transfer still images to a PC
with a DV connector-equipped capture board installed.

Make sure the camcorder and PC are turned off.

1

Connect the camcorder to your PC using the

2

appropriate cable as shown in the illustration.
Turn the camcorder’s Power Switch to “ ” while

3

pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch
and turn on the PC.

NOTES:

●

It is recommended to use the AC Power Adapter/
Charger as the power supply instead of the battery pack
( pg. 7).

●

Never connect the PC connection cable and the DV
cable simultaneously to the camcorder. Connect only
the cable you wish to use to the camcorder.

●

The date/time information cannot be captured into the
PC.

●

Refer to the instruction manuals of the provided
Software.

●

Also refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual for
the DV connector-equipped capture board.

EN43

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0743

44 EN

Connector
cover**

Core filter

Power Switch

To AV

To S

Audio/Video cable
[mini-plug to RCA
plug] (provided)

Core filter

DUBBING

Dubbing To A VCR

Following the illustration, connect the camcorder and

1

the VCR. Also refer to pg. 40 and 41.
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “VIDEO”, then set the

2

camcorder’s Power Switch to “ ” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch, turn on
the VCR’s power, and insert the appropriate cassettes
in the camcorder and the VCR.

Engage the VCR’s AUX and Record-Pause modes.

3

Engage the camcorder’s Play mode to find a spot just

4

before the edit-in point. Once it is reached, press

4

/6 on the camcorder .

Press 4/6 on the camcorder and engage the VCR’s

5

Record mode.
Engage the VCR’s Record-Pause mode and press

6

4

/6 on the camcorder .

Repeat steps 4 through 6 for additional editing, then

7

stop the VCR and camcorder when finished.

S-Video cable
(optional)

To AUDIO,
VIDEO* and
connectors

“Y/C”/“CVBS”
video out
select switch

VCR (Recording deck)

* Connect when an S-Video cable is not used.
** When connecting the cables, open this cover.

If your VCR has a
SCART connector,
use the provided
cable adapter.

TV

NOTES:

●

Before you start dubbing, make sure that the indications
do not appear on the connected TV. If they do, they are
being recorded onto the new tape.

To choose whether or not the following displays appear
on the connected TV . . .

-IN

•Date/Time

.... set “DATE/TIME” to “ON” or “OFF” in the Menu

Screen ( pg. 32).

•Time Code

.... set “TIME CODE” to “ON” or “OFF” in the Menu

Screen ( pg. 32).

•Playback Sound Mode, T ape Speed And Tape Running

Displays

.... set “ON SCREEN” to “LCD” or “SIMPLE” in the

Menu Screen ( pg. 32). Or, press DISPLAY on the
remote control.

●

When connecting the cables, make sure to connect the
ends with a core filter to the camcorder. The core filter
reduces interference.

●

Set the video out select switch of the cable adapter as
required:
Y/C : When connecting to a TV or VCR which accepts

Y/C signals and uses an S-Video cable.

CVBS : When connecting to a TV or VCR which does

not accept Y/C signals and uses an audio/video

●

●

cable.

It is recommended to use the AC Power Adapter/
Charger as the power supply instead of the battery pack
( pg. 7).

You can use Playback Zoom ( pg. 50) or Playback
Special Effects ( pg. 51) in step 5.

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0744

Power Switch

Connector cover*

To DV
IN/OUT

* When connecting the cable, open this cover.

To
DV IN/OUT

Core filter

DV cable

Video unit equipped
with DV connector

EN45

Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit Equipped
With A DV Connector (Digital Dubbing)

It is also possible to copy recorded scenes from the
camcorder onto another video unit equipped with a DV
connector. Since a digital signal is sent, there is little if any
image or sound deterioration.

[To use this camcorder as a player]

Make sure all units are turned off. Connect the
camcorder to a video unit equipped with a DV input

1

connector using a DV cable as shown in the illustration.
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “VIDEO”, set the

camcorder’s Power Switch to “ ” while pressing

2

down the Lock Button located on the switch, turn on the
video unit’s power, and insert the appropriate cassettes in
the camcorder and the video unit.

Press 4 to play back the source tape.

3

While watching the playback on the monitor, engage the
DV connector-equipped video unit’s record mode from

4

the spot on the source tape you want to begin recording.

NOTES:

●

It is recommended to use the AC Power Adapter/Charger as
the power supply instead of the battery pack ( pg. 7).

●

If the remote control is used when both the player and
recorder are THOMSON video units, both units will
perform the same operation. To prevent this from happen­ing, press the buttons on both units.

●

For Digital Dubbing, this camcorder can be connected only
to one device at a time.

●

If a blank portion or disturbed image is played back on the
player during dubbing, the dubbing may stop so that an
unusual image is not dubbed.

●

Even though the DV cable is connected correctly, some­times the image may not appear in step 4. If this occurs, turn
off the power and make connections again.

●

If “Playback Zoom” ( pg. 50), “Playback Special Effects”
( pg. 51) or “Snapshot” is attempted during playback,
only the original playback image recorded on the tape is
output from the DV OUT connector.

To Use This Camcorder As A Recorder . . .

1. Turn the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch.

2. Set “REC MODE” to “SP” or “LP” in the Menu Screen ( pg. 32).

3. Connect the DV cable as shown in the illustration and load a cassette to record on.

4. Press the Recording Start/Stop button to engage the Record-Pause mode. “DV. IN” appears on the screen.

5. Press the Recording Start/Stop button to start recording. “DV. IN” changes to “

6. Press the Recording Start/Stop button again to engage the Record-Pause mode. “

NOTES:

●

Digital Dubbing is performed in the sound mode recorded on the original tape, regardless of the current
“SOUND MODE” setting ( pg. 23).

●

During Digital Dubbing, no signals are output from the AV output connector.

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0745

DV . IN

”.

DV . IN

” returns to “DV. IN”.

46 EN

DUBBING

(cont.)

Dubbing Images Stored In A
MultiMediaCard To A Tape

Images can be dubbed from a MultiMediaCard to a tape.

Load a MultiMediaCard ( pg. 11) and cassette

1

( pg. 10).
To locate the point where you wish to dub a still

2

image, play back the tape. Stop playback at the
desired point.

Power Switch

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Recording
Start/Stop Button

Lock Button

Rewind Button (

VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch.)

Display

TPOUSCHOPSYTATROT/TSATPOE

2

)

Fast-Forward
Button (

3

P

)

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “ ”, then set the

2

3

Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down the
Lock Button located on the switch.

To select a still image to be dubbed, perform Index

3

4

Playback ( pg. 35) or press 2 or 3 to select the
image you wish.

To engage Dub-Standby, press the Recording Start/

5

Stop Button. The message “TO COPY TO TAPE PUSH
START/STOP” appears.

While the message is being displayed, press the

6

Recording Start/Stop Button. The selected still image
is recorded on the tape for approx. 5 seconds.

•The indicator disappears when dubbing is
complete.

NOTE:

If the Recording Start/Stop Button is pressed in step 5 when
the tape’s erase protection tab is set to “SAVE”, the
message “COPYING FAILED” is displayed.

R

4E4C4

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0746

MODE Button

SNAPSHOT Button

MENU/
BRIGHT
Wheel

M

O

V

I

D

E

1

R

E

T

U

R

N

S

M

O

1

2

S

Y

R

E

E

U

O

D

N

D

M

E

B

O

D

I

T

O

N

C

H

R

D

E

C

M

O

YENOUN

C

O

P

VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch.)

Power Switch

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

Lock Button

Play/Pause Button (4/6)

EN47

Dubbing Images Recorded On A Tape To A
MultiMediaCard

Images can be dubbed from a tape to a MultiMediaCard.

Load a MultiMediaCard ( pg. 1 1) and cassette

1

( pg. 10).
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “VIDEO”, then set the

2

Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down the
Lock Button.

Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears.

3

Rotate it to select “ ” and press it. “VIDEO MENU”
appears.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “ COPY”

4

and press it. The Sub Menu appears. Rotate it to
select “ON” and press it. Selection is complete.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “1RETURN” and

5

press it twice. The normal playback screen resumes.
To select a video image to be dubbed, start playback

6

by pressing 4/6. At the moment you find the image
you wish to dub, press it again to engage Still
Playback.

Press MODE to select the Snapshot mode to use for

7

dubbing the image to the MultiMediaCard.
T o start dubbing, press SNAPSHOT. The selected

8

image is stored in the MultiMediaCard.

•“ ” blinks during dubbing.

NOTES:

●

If SNAPSHOT is pressed in step 8 when a
MultiMediaCard is not loaded, the message “COPYING
FAILED” is displayed.

●

If an image recorded on the tape using the WIDE mode
( pg. 24) is dubbed to a MultiMediaCard, the WIDE
mode identifying signal is not dubbed with it.

●

To use Playback Special Effects with a video image you
wish to dub, perform up to step 8 using the remote
control (provided) ( pg. 51).

Display

SP

6

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0747

48 EN

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

The Full-Function Remote Control Unit can operate this
camcorder from a distance as well as the basic operations

1

3

Tab

(Playback, Stop, Pause, Fast-Forward and Rewind) of your
VCR. It also makes additional playback functions possible.

Installing The Batteries

The remote control uses two “AAA (R03)” size batteries.
See “General Battery Precautions” ( pg. 73).

Remove the battery compartment cover while

1

pushing up the tab as illustrated.
Insert two “AAA (R03)” size batteries in the correct

2

direction.

2

–

Remote sensor

+

+

–

Transmitted beam
effective area

5m

30°

Re-attach the battery compartment cover .

3

When using the remote control, be sure to point it
at the remote sensor . The illustration shows the
approximate transmitted beam effective area for
indoor use.
The transmitted beam may not be effective or may
cause incorrect operation outdoors or when the
remote sensor is directly exposed to sunlight or
powerful lighting.

30°

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0748

EN49

10

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Buttons

1 Infrared beam transmitting window
2 Zoom (T/W) Buttons
3 DISPLAY Button
4 SHIFT Button
5 SLOW Rewind/Forward Buttons

Left/Right Buttons

6 REW Button

7 FADE/WIPE Button
8 EFFECT ON/OFF Button
9 EFFECT Button
0 PAUSE IN Connector
! START/STOP Button
@ MBR SET Button
# SNAPSHOT Button
$ Up Button

INSERT Button*

% Down Button

A. DUB Button

^ PLAY Button

& FF Button

* STOP Button

( PAUSE Button
) R.A.EDIT Buttons

*This function is unavailable with this camcorder.

With the camcorder’s Power
Switch set to the camera position
(“ ” or “ ”) .

Transmits the beam signal.
Zoom in/out ( pg. 18)

Functions the same as the Recording Start/Stop Button on the camcorder.

Functions the same as SNAPSHOT on the camcorder.

!

@

#

$

%

^

&

*

(

)

Functions

With the camcorder’s Power Switch
set to “

Zoom in/out (

—
—
—

—
—

—
—
—
—

—

—
—

—
—

—

—

—

—
—

 pg. 41, 44, 53
 pg. 50, 52
 pg. 50

 pg. 50

• Rewind/Reverse Shuttle Search on
a tape ( pg. 31)

• Displays previous image in a
MultiMediaCard (

 pg. 54
 pg. 51
 pg. 51
 pg. 53

 pg. 52

 pg. 50

 pg. 50
 pg. 58

•Starts Playback of a tape (

•Starts Slide Show (

•Forward/Forward Shuttle Search

on a tape ( pg. 31)

•Displays next image in a
MultiMediaCard (

•Stops the tape (

•Stops Slide Show (

Pauses the tape (

 pg. 52 – 57

”.

 pg. 50)

 pg. 34)

—

 pg. 31)

 pg. 36)

 pg. 34)

 pg. 31)

 pg. 36)

 pg. 50)

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0749

50 EN

Zoom Buttons

Left or SLOW

Rewind Button

Right or SLOW

Forward Button

SHIFT

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

Remote sensor

Press TNormal playback

Up Button

Down
Button

PLAY
PAUSE

STOP

FEATURE:

Slow-Motion Playback

PURPOSE:

To allow slow-speed search in either direction during
video playback.

OPERATION:

1)To change from normal to Slow-Motion Playback,
press PAUSE (6) to engage Still Playback then press
SLOW (9 or 0) more than approx. 2 seconds. After

approx. 1 minute in Slow Rewind or approx. 2
minutes in Slow Forward, normal playback resumes.

 To stop Slow-Motion Playback, press PLAY (4).

NOTES:

●

During Slow-Motion Playback, due to digital image
processing, the picture may take on a mosaic effect.

●

After SLOW
image may be displayed for a few seconds,
followed by a blue screen for a few seconds. This is
not a malfunction.

●

There may be a small margin between the slow­motion playback start point you chose and the
actual start point for Slow-Motion Playback.

●

During Slow-Motion Playback, there will be
disturbances in video and the picture may seem
unstable, especially with steady images. This is not
a malfunction.

●

During Slow-Motion Playback, press PAUSE
pause playback.

FEATURE:

(9 or 0)

is pressed and held, the still

Frame-By-Frame Playback

(cont.)

(6)

to

PURPOSE:

To allow frame-by-frame search during video playback.

OPERATION:

1)To change from normal to Frame-By-Frame Playback,
press PAUSE (6) to engage Still Playback then press
SLOW (0) repeatedly for forward or SLOW (9)

repeatedly for reverse. Each time it is pressed, the
frame is played back.

FEATURE:

To move image,
press
while keeping
SHIFT held down.

Playback Zoom

(Right)

PURPOSE:

To magnify the recorded image up to 10X at any time during playback.

OPERATION:

1)Press PLAY (4) to find the scene of interest.

2)Press the Zoom Buttons (T/W) on the remote control. Make sure the remote control is pointed at the
camcorder's remote sensor. Pressing T zooms in.

3)You can move the image on screen around to find a particular portion of the picture. While holding

down SHIFT, press (Left), (Right), (Up) and (Down).

 To end zoom, press and hold W until magnification returns to normal. Or, press STOP (5) and then press

PLAY (4).

NOTES:

●

Zoom can also be used during slow-motion and still playback.

●

Due to digital image processing, the quality of the image may suffer.

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0750

P4LOA

YFBACK

F
1
2
3
4
5

EN51

T

E

C

F

F

E

C

L

A

M

O

N

S

E

P

S

T

R

V

I

D

LM

C

S

S

I

N

E

O

T

O

I

A

E

O

B

E

CFHIO

E

O

Remote sensor

PLAYBACK
EFFECT Select
Menu

FEATURE:

Playback Special Effects

PURPOSE:

To allow you to add creative effects to the video
playback image.

OPERATION:

1)To start playback, press PLA Y (

2)Point the remote control at the camcorder's remote

sensor and press EFFECT. The PLA YBACK EFFECT
Select Menu appears.

3)Move the highlight bar to the desired effect by
pressing EFFECT. The selected function is activated
and after 2 seconds the menu disappears.

 To deactivate the selected effect, press EFFECT ON/

OFF on the remote control. Pressing it again re-

activates the selected effect.

 To change the selected effect, repeat from step 2

above.

NOTES:

●

When some Playback Special Effects are used, the
Multi-Analyser 4 and Multi-Analyser 9 Snapshot
modes ( pg. 16) are not available.

●

The effects that can be used during playback are
Classic Film, Monotone, Sepia, Strobe and Video
Echo. The effects work the same in playback as they
did in recording. Refer to page 28 for more
information.

4

).

PLAY

EFFECT

EFFECT ON/OFF

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0751

52 EN

SHIFT

VCR CODE LIST

VCR BRAND
NAME

AKAI

BLAUPUNKT

FERGUSON

GRUNDIG

HITACHI

JVC

A
B
C

MITSUBISHI

NEC

PANASONIC

VCR (Recording deck)

3

1
6

789`

BUTTONS

(A) (B)

6 2
6 4
7 7

1 3

9 7
9 8
3 2

1 4
3 4

6 6
6 3

9 1
9 6
9 3

6 7
6 8

3 7
3 8

1 3
1 7
1 1
9 4
1 8

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

Random Assemble Editing [R.A.Edit]

Create edited videos easily using your camcorder as
the source player. You can select up to 8 “cuts” for
automatic editing, in any order you like. R.A.Edit is
more easily performed when the MBR (Multi-Brand
Remote) is set to operate with your brand of VCR (see
VCR CODE LIST), but can also be performed by
operating the VCR manually.
Before operation, make sure the batteries are installed
in the remote control ( pg. 48).

MBR SET

VCR BRAND
NAME

PHILIPS

SANYO

SELECO,
REX

SHARP

SONY

THOMSON,
TELEFUNKEN,
SABA,
NORDMENDE

TOSHIBA

4

2
5

BUTTONS

(A) (B)

1 9
9 5
1 1
9 4
9 1
9 6
1 2
3 3
7 2



3 6



3 5
9 1

9 6
1 5

1 `
6 5

6 `
3 9
3 1



9 1
9 6
9 7
3 2

6 9
6 1

SET REMOTE/VCR CODE

Turn off the power to the VCR and point the

1

remote towards the VCR’s infrared sensor. Then,
referring to the VCR CODE LIST, press and hold
MBR SET, and press button (A) and then (B).
The code is automatically set once you release
MBR SET, and the VCR’s power comes on.

Make sure the VCR’s power is on. Then, while

2

holding SHIFT, press the button on the remote
for the desired function. The functions the
remote can control are PLA Y, STOP, PAUSE, FF,
REW and VCR REC STBY (you do not need to
press SHIFT for this one).

You are now ready to try Random Assemble
Editing.

IMPORTANT

Although the MBR is compatible with THOMSON
VCRs and those of many other makers, it may not
work with yours or may offer limited functions.

NOTES:

●

If the VCR’s power does not come on in step 1, try
another code from the VCR CODE LIST.

●

Some brands of VCR do not come on automati­cally. In this case, turn the power on manually and
try step 2.

●

If the remote control is not able to control the VCR,
use the controls on the VCR.

●

When the remote control’s batteries run out, the
VCR brand you have set will be erased.
In that case, replace the old battery with a new one
to reset the VCR brand.

(cont.)

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0752

Connector
cover**

To S

To AV

Core filter

To JLIP/
EDIT

MAKE CONNECTIONS

Also refer to pg. 40 and 41.

A THOMSON VCR equipped with a remote

1

pause connector . . .

... connect the editing cable to the Remote

PAUSE connector.

A THOMSON VCR not equipped with a
remote pause connector but equipped with
an R.A. EDIT connector . . .

... connect the editing cable to the R.A.EDIT

connector.

A VCR other than above . . .

... connect the editing cable to the remote

control’s PAUSE IN connector.

EN53

Core filter

S-Video cable
(optional)

To AUDIO,
VIDEO*

-IN

and
connectors

“Y/C”/“CVBS”
video out
select switch

VCR

TV

* Connect when an S-Video cable is not used.
** When connecting cables, open this cover.

Audio/Video cable
[mini-plug to RCA
plug] (provided)

Editing cable
(provided)

If your VCR has the
SCART connector,
use the provided
cable adapter.

To
Remote PAUSE
or R.A.EDIT

To PAUSE IN

DISPLAY

ATTENTION FOR EDITING CABLE

Make sure you connect the end with the
core filter (plug which has 3 rings around
the pin) to the camcorder.

Insert a recorded tape into the camcorder. Set the

2

VIDEO/DSC Switch to “VIDEO”, then set the Power

Switch to “ ” while pressing down the Lock
Button located on the switch.

Turn the VCR power on, insert a recordable tape and

3

engage the AUX mode (refer to the VCR’s instructions).

NOTES:

●

Before Random Assemble Editing, make sure the
indications do not appear on the TV monitor. If they do,
they will be recorded onto the new tape.

To choose whether or not the following displays appear
on the connected TV . . .

•Date/Time

.... set “DATE/TIME” to “ON” or “OFF” in the Menu

Screen ( pg. 32).

•Time Code

.... set “TIME CODE” to “ON” or “OFF” in the Menu

Screen ( pg. 32).

•Playback Sound Mode, T ape Speed And Tape Running

Displays

.... set “ON SCREEN” to “LCD” or “SIMPLE” in the

Menu Screen ( pg. 32). Or , press DISPLAY on the
remote control.

●

When connecting the cables, make sure to connect the
end with a core filter to the camcorder. The core filter
reduces interference.

●

Set the video out select switch of the cable adapter as
required:
Y/C : When connecting to a TV or VCR which accepts

Y/C signals and uses an S-Video cable.

CVBS : When connecting to a TV or VCR which does not

●

accept Y/C signals and uses an audio/video cable.
When editing on a VCR equipped with a DV input
connector, a DV cable can be connected instead of an
S-Video cable and audio/video cable.

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0753

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

54 EN

Programme

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

SELECT SCENES

(cont.)

I

U

T

M

N
:

1

——

2
3
4
5
6
7
8

TTIOM

EDIT IN/OUT

NOTES:

●

When choosing a scene, set Edit-In and Edit-Out points so that there is a relatively large difference between
them.

●

If the search time for an in-point exceeds 5 minutes, the recording deck’s Record-Standby mode will be
cancelled and editing will not take place.

●

If there are blank portions before or after the Edit-In and Edit-Out points, a blue screen may be included in
the edited version.

●

Since time codes register time only as accurately as seconds, the time code total time may not match the
total programme time exactly.

●

Turning off the camcorder’s power erases all registered Edit-In and Edit-Out points.

●

If you select Sepia or Monotone mode from Programme AE with special effects, you cannot use the Dissolve
or Black & White Fader. In this case the Dissolve or Black & White indicator begins blinking. Once the next
Edit-In point is registered, the effect is turned off. T o combine these effects, use Sepia or Monotone during
recording, then use the Dissolve or Black & White Fader during Random Assemble Editing.

●

It is not possible to use Fade/Wipe effects and Programme AE with special effects during Random Assemble
Editing using a DV cable.

~

—

—

~
~
~
~
~
~
~

E

C—O—D

EO—

T

A

L

FADE/WIPE

EFFECT

ODE

:

—0—

—

:

0

0

0

Remote sensor

CANCEL

Random Assemble
Editing Menu

PLAY

R.A.EDIT
ON/OFF

Point the remote control at the camcorder’s remote
sensor. Press PLAY (4) and then press R.A.EDIT ON/

4

OFF on the remote control.

The Random Assemble Editing Menu appears.
If using a Fade/Wipe at the beginning of the scene,

press FADE/WIPE on the remote control.

5

•Cycle through the effects by pressing repeatedly,
and stop when the one you want is displayed.

•You cannot use a Picture Wipe/Dissolve at the
beginning of Programme 1.

At the beginning of the scene, press EDIT IN/OUT on
the remote control. The Edit-In position appears in

6

the Random Assemble Editing Menu.
At the end of the scene, press EDIT IN/OUT. The

Edit-Out position appears in the Random Assemble

7

Editing Menu.
If using a Fade/Wipe at the end of the scene, press

FADE/WIPE.

8

•Cycle through the effects by pressing repeatedly,
and stop when the one you want is displayed.

•If you select a Fade/Wipe effect for an Edit-Out
point, the effect is automatically applied to the
following Edit-In point.

•You cannot use a Picture Wipe/Dissolve at the end
of the last scene.

•When you use Fade/Wipe effects, that time is
included in the total time (this does not apply to
Picture Wipe/Dissolve).

If using Playback Special Effects, press EFFECT
( pg. 51).

9

Repeat steps 6 through 9 to register additional scenes.

10

•To change previously registered points, press

CANCEL on the remote control. The registered
points disappear, one at a time, from the most
recently registered point.

•If you are not using Fade/Wipe or Programme AE
with special effects, repeat steps 6 and 7 only.

1

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0754

Recording Start/Stop Button

I

O

U

N

:

1
2
3

———

4
5

6

—

7
8

TTIOM

~

0

0

2

5

0

2

:

~

0

1

8

7

0

8

:

~

0

3

3

3

0

5

:

~

0

3

0

9

1

3

:

~

1

5

5

5

1

6

:

~

—

—

—

—

~
~

E

C

O

D

E

1

T

A

6

L

9

T

M

O

DE

:

0

5

—

—

:

3

1

—

—

—

—

:

5

3

:

1

5

:

2

—

—

0

—

—

:

3

0

:

3

9

Remote Sensor

Random Assemble
Editing Menu

EN55

AUTOMATIC EDITING TO VCR

Rewind the tape in the camcorder to the beginning of

11

the scene you want to edit and press PAUSE (6).
Point the remote control towards the VCR’s remote

12

sensor and press VCR REC STBY (q6), or manually
engage the VCR’s Record-Pause mode.

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button on the

13

camcorder. Editing proceeds as programmed, right
through to the end of the last registered scene.

•Pressing START/STOP on the remote control does
not start editing.

•When dubbing is complete, the camcorder enters
the Pause mode, and the VCR enters its Record­Pause mode.

•If you do not register an Edit-Out point, the tape will
be dubbed all the way to the end automatically.

•If you operate the camcorder during automatic
editing, the VCR will enter its Record-Pause mode
and automatic editing will stop.

Engage the Stop modes for the camcorder and the

14

VCR.
To make the R.A.Edit counter display disappear, press
R.A.EDIT ON/OFF on the remote control.

NOTES:

●

Pressing R.A.EDIT ON/OFF on the remote control clears
all settings registered during Random Assemble Editing.

●

When the editing cable is connected to the remote
control’s Pause In connector during dubbing, make sure
the remote control is pointed at the VCR’s sensor, and
the path between the two is unobstructed.

●

Random Assemble Editing may not function properly
when using a tape including several duplicated time
codes ( pg. 19).

1

FADE/WIPE

EFFECT

EDIT IN/OUT

REW

CANCEL

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0755

STOP
PAUSE

R.A.EDIT
ON/OFF

VCR REC
STBY

56 EN

Programme 1

I

1

—

—

——

2
3
4
5
6
7
8

TTIOM

E

L

T

A

(Recording deck)

N
:

C—O—D

~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~

EO—

VCR

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

U

T

M

ODE

:

—

—0—

:

0

0

0

Remote sensor

Random Assemble
Editing Menu

TV

(cont.)

For More Accurate Editing

Some VCRs make the transition from Record-Pause to
Record mode faster than others. Even if you begin editing
for the camcorder and the VCR at exactly the same time,
you may lose scenes you wanted, or find that you have
recorded scenes you did not want. For a cleanly edited
tape, confirm and adjust the timing of the camcorder
against your VCR.

DIAGNOSING VCR/CAMCORDER TIMING

Play back the tape in the camcorder, then point the

1

remote control at the camcorder’s remote sensor and
press R.A.EDIT ON/OFF.
The Random Assemble Editing Menu appears.

Perform Random Assemble Editing on Programme 1

2

only. In order to check VCR and camcorder timing,
select the beginning of a scene transition as your Edit­In point.

Play back the dubbed scene.

3

•If any images from the scene prior to the
transition you chose for your Edit-In point were
recorded, that means your VCR moves too quickly
from Record-Pause to Record mode.

•If the scene you tried to dub starts in progress, the
VCR is slow to start recording.

R.A.EDIT
ON/OFF

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0856

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

ADJUSTMENT OF VCR/CAMCORDER
TIMING

Point the remote control at the camcorder’s remote

4

sensor and press R.A.EDIT ON/OFF to make the
Random Assemble Editing menu disappear , then
press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “ ” and press it.

5

“VIDEO MENU” appears. Then, rotate it to
“SYNCHRO” and press it. The value for “SYNCHRO”

is highlighted.

EN57

Display

O

M

ENU

V

I

D

E

1

R

E

T

U

R

N

S

M

O

U

O

D

E

N

D

1

2

M

B

O

D

E

I

T

S

Y

O

N

C

H

R

R

E

D

E

C

M

O

C

O

P

Y

Remote sensor

VCR

(Recording deck)

+

1.0

TV

Based on the diagnostics performed ( pg. 56), you

6

can now advance the VCR’s record timing by rotating
MENU/BRIGHT towards “+”. You can also delay the
VCR’s record timing by rotating MENU/BRIGHT
towards “–”. The adjustment range is from –1.3 to
+1.3 seconds, in 0.1-second increments.
Press MENU/BRIGHT to finish the setting.

Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “1RETURN” and

7

press it twice.
Now perform Random Assemble Editing beginning
with step 4 on page 54.

NOTES:

●

Before performing actual Random Assemble Editing, do
a few Random Assemble Editing trial runs to check
whether the value you have input is appropriate or not,
and make adjustments accordingly.

●

Depending on the recorder, there may be situations
where the timing difference cannot be fully corrected.

R.A.EDIT
ON/OFF

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0857

58 EN

Display

PLAY

STOP

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

Audio Dubbing

6e

Speaker

Remote sensor

Audio Dub
Standby mode

Power Switch

Stereo
microphone

A.DUB

PAUSE

The audio track can be customized only when recorded in
the 12-bit mode ( pg. 23).

NOTES:

Audio Dubbing is not possible on a tape recorded in

●

16-bit audio, on a tape recorded in the LP mode or on a
blank portion of a tape.

●

To perform Audio Dubbing while watching on the
television, make connections ( pg. 40, 41).

Play back the tape to locate the point where editing

1

will start, then press PAUSE (6).
While holding A.DUB (e) on the remote control,

2

press PAUSE (6). “6e” appears.
Press PLAY (4), then begin “narrating”.

3

Speak into the microphone.

•To pause dubbing, press PAUSE (6).

To end Audio Dubbing, press PAUSE (6), then STOP

4

(5).

To hear the dubbed sound during playback . . .

.... set “12BIT MODE” to “SOUND 2” or “MIX” in the

Menu Screen ( pg. 32, 33).

NOTES:

●

Sound is not heard from the speaker during Audio
Dubbing.

●

When editing onto a tape that was recorded at 12-bit,
the old and new soundtracks are recorded separately.

●

If you dub onto a blank space on the tape, the sound
may be disrupted. Make sure you only edit recorded
areas.

●

If feedback or howling occurs during TV playback, move
the camcorder’s microphone away from the TV, or turn
down the TV’s volume.

●

If you change from 12-bit to 16-bit in mid-recording and
then use the tape for Audio Dubbing, it is not effective
from the point where 16-bit recording began.

●

During Audio Dubbing, when the tape moves to scenes
recorded in the LP mode, scenes recorded in 16-bit
audio or a blank portion, Audio Dubbing stops
( pg. 72).

(cont.)

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0858

TROUBLESHOOTING

If, after following the steps in the chart below, the problem still exists, please consult your nearest THOMSON
dealer.

The camcorder is a microcomputer-controlled device. External noise and interference (from a TV, a radio,
etc.) might prevent it from functioning properly . In such cases, first disconnect its power supply unit (battery
pack, AC Power Adapter/Battery Charger, etc.) and wait a few minutes; and then re-connect it and proceed
as usual from the beginning.

EN59

SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIVE ACTION

1.

No power is supplied.

2.

“SET DATE/TIME!”
appears.

3.

Recording cannot be
performed.

4.

There is no picture.

5.

Some functions are not
available using MENU/

BRIGHT.

6.

The focus does not adjust
automatically.

1.

•The power is not connected
properly.

•The battery is dead.

2.

•The date/time is not set.

•The built-in clock battery

has run out and the
previously set date/time has
been erased.

3.

— For Video Recording —

•The tape’s erase protection
tab is set to “SAVE”.

•The Power Switch is set to
“ ” or “OFF”.

•The VIDEO/DSC Switch is
set to “ ”.

•“TAPE END” appears.

•The cassette holder cover is

open.

— For D.S.C. Recording —

•The VIDEO/DSC Switch is
set to “VIDEO”.

4.

•The camcorder is not getting
power, or some other
malfunction exists.

5.

•The Power Switch is set to
“ ”.

6.

•Focus is set to the Manual
mode.

•The recording was done in a
dark place, or the contrast
was low.

•The lens is dirty or covered
with condensation.

1.

•Connect the AC Power
Adapter/Charger securely
( pg. 7).

•Replace the dead battery
with a fully charged one
( pg. 6, 7).

2.

•Set the date/time ( pg. 9).

•Consult your nearest

THOMSON dealer for
replacement.

3.

•Set the tape’s erase
protection tab to “REC”
( pg. 10).

•Set the Power Switch to
“ ” or “ ” ( pg. 13).

•Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch
to “VIDEO”.

•Replace with new cassette

( pg. 10).

•Close the cassette holder
cover.

•Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch
to “ ”.

4.

•Turn the camcorder’s power
off and on again ( pg. 13).

5.

•Set the Power Switch to
“ ” ( pg. 13).

6.

•Set Focus to the Auto mode
( pg. 21).

•Clean the lens and check
the focus again ( pg. 65).

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0859

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

60 EN

SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIVE ACTION

7.

The cassette will not load
properly.

8.

The MultiMediaCard will
not load properly.

9.

Snapshot mode cannot be
used.

10.

The colour of Snapshot
looks strange.

11.

The image taken using
Snapshot is too dark.

12.

Digital Zoom does not
work.

13.

Programme AE with
special effects and Fade/
Wipe Effects do not work.

14.

The Black & White Fader
does not work.

15.

The Dissolve function does
not work.

TROUBLESHOOTING

7.

•The cassette is in the wrong
position.

•The battery’s charge is low.

8.

•The MultiMediaCard is in
the wrong position.

9.

•The Squeeze mode is
selected.

10.

•The light source or the
subject does not include
white. Or there are various
different light sources
behind the subject.

•The Sepia or Monotone
mode is activated.

11.

•Shooting was performed
under backlit conditions.

12.

•10X optical zoom is
selected.

•“P.AE/EFFECT” is set to
“VIDEO ECHO” in the

Menu Screen.

•Picture Wipe or Dissolve are
being used in a scene
transition.

13.

•The Power Switch is set to
“ ”.

14.

•The Sepia or Monotone
mode is activated.

15.

•The Sepia, Monotone or
Slow Shutter mode of
Programme AE with special
effects is activated.

•“WIDE MODE” is set to
“SQUEEZE” in the Menu

Screen.

•The previously selected
mode of Programme AE
with special effects was
changed after the last
selected scene for editing
was registered.

(cont.)

7.

•Set it in the right position
( pg. 10).

•Install a fully charged
battery ( pg. 6, 7).

8.

•Set it in the right position
( pg. 1 1).

9.

•Disengage the Squeeze
mode ( pg. 24).

10.

•Find a white subject and
compose your shot so that it
also appears in the frame
( pg. 16, 17).

•T urn off Sepia and Mono­tone ( pg. 28).

11.

•Press the BACKLIGHT
Button ( pg. 29).

12.

•Set “ZOOM” to “40X” or
“100X” in the Menu Screen

( pg. 23).

•Disengage the “VIDEO
ECHO” mode ( pg. 18,

28).

•Wait until the Picture Wipe
or Dissolve effects are
completed ( pg. 18, 26).

13.

•Set the Power Switch to
“ ” ( pg. 26, 28).

14.

•T urn off Sepia and Mono­tone ( pg. 26, 28).

15.

•T urn off Sepia, Monotone or
Slow Shutter before adding
Dissolve to a scene
transition ( pg. 26, 28).

•Set “WIDE MODE” to
“CINEMA” or “OFF” mode

( pg. 24).

•Make sure you have
selected the mode of
Programme AE with special
effects you want before
starting editing
( pg. 26, 28).

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0860

SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIVE ACTION

16.

The Picture Wipe and
Dissolve functions do not
work.

17.

The picture wipe function
does not work.

18.

Scene transition does not
go as expected.

19.

The Video Echo mode
does not work.

20.

Even when Slow Shutter is
not selected, the image
looks like it is activated.

21.

There is no strobe when
the Classic Film or Strobe
mode is activated.

16.

•The last selected editing
scene is ending.

•At the end of the last
selected scene for editing,
the Power Switch was set to

“OFF”.

•The power is off.

17.

•The Slow Shutter mode is
activated.

•“WIDE MODE” is not set to
“OFF”.

18.

•When using “Picture Wipe/
Dissolve” ( pg. 26), there
is a delay of a fraction of a
second between the
previous record stop-point
and the Dissolve start-point.
This is normal, but this slight
delay becomes especially
noticeable when shooting
fast-moving subject or
during rapid panning.

19.

•The Picture Wipe or
Dissolve functions are in use.

•“WIDE MODE” is set to
“SQUEEZE” in the Menu

Screen.

•A Fade-In or Fade-Out is in
progress.

20

•When shooting in the dark,
the unit becomes highly
sensitive to light and the
image takes on an effect
similar to Slow Shutter.

21.

•The Picture Wipe or
Dissolve function is in use.

16.

•Select Picture Wipe or
Dissolve before beginning
recording. The effects are
then automatically activated
( pg. 26).

•Do not turn off the
camcorder’s power after
setting Edit-In and Edit-Out
points, as they will all be
erased ( pg. 26).

•The camcorder automati­cally shuts off after 5 minutes
have elapsed in the Record­Standby mode. Make sure
you continue operations
within 5 minutes after
engaging Record-Standby
mode ( pg. 26).

17.

•Disengage the Slow Shutter
mode or set “WIDE MODE”
to “OFF” before preparing
to use the Picture Wipe
( pg. 24, 26, 28).

18.

————

19.

•Set “WIDE MODE” to
“CINEMA” or “OFF” mode

( pg. 24).

•Do not try to use the Video
Echo mode during a Fade-In
or Fade-Out ( pg. 26, 28).

20.

•If you want the lighting to
look more natural, set GAIN
UP to “AGC” or “OFF” in
the Menu Screen
( pg. 23).

21.

•Do not try to use the Classic
Film or Strobe mode during
a scene transition
( pg. 26, 28).

EN61

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0861

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

62 EN

SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIVE ACTION

22.

White Balance cannot be
activated.

23.

When shooting a subject
illuminated by bright light,
vertical lines appear.

24.

When the screen is under
direct sunlight during
shooting, the screen
becomes red or black for
an instant.

25.

During recording, the date/
time does not appear.

26.

Images stored in the
MultiMediaCard cannot be
deleted.

27.

The indicators and
messages do not appear.

28.

Images on the LCD
monitor appear dark or
whitish.

29.

The rear of the LCD
monitor is hot.

30.

The indicators and the
image colour on the LCD
monitor are not clear.

TROUBLESHOOTING

22.

•The Sepia or Monotone
mode is activated.

23.

•This is a result of exceed­ingly high contrast, and is
not a malfunction.

24.

•This is not a malfunction.

25.

•“DATE/TIME” is set to
“OFF” in the Menu Screen.

•Self-Recording is performed.

26.

•Images stored in the
MultiMediaCard are
protected.

27.

•“ON SCREEN” is set to
“SIMPLE” or “TIME CODE”

is set to “OFF” in the Menu
Screen.

28.

•In places subject to low
temperature, images become
dark due to the characteristics
of the LCD monitor. When
this happens, the displayed
colours differ from those that
are actually recorded. This is
not a defect of the camcorder.

•When the LCD monitor's
fluorescent light reaches the
end of its service life,
images on the LCD monitor
become dark. Consult your
nearest THOMSON dealer.

29.

•The light used to illuminate
the LCD monitor causes it to
become hot.

30.

•This may occur when the
surface or the edge of the
LCD monitor is pressed.

(cont.)

22.

•T urn off Sepia or Monotone
before setting White
Balance ( pg. 28, 30).

23.

————

24.

————

25.

•Set “DATE/TIME” to “ON”
in the Menu Screen
( pg. 25).

•During Self-Recording, the
date/time does not appear
( pg. 15).

26.

•Remove protection from the
images stored in the
MultiMediaCard and delete
them ( pg. 37, 38).

27.

•Set “ON SCREEN” to “LCD”
or “LCD/TV” and set
“TIME CODE” to “ON”
in the Menu Screen
( pg. 25, 32).

28.

•Adjust the brightness and
angle of the LCD monitor
( pg. 14, 15).

29.

•Close the LCD monitor to
turn it off or set the Power
Switch to “OFF”, and let the
unit cool down.

30.

————

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0862

SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIVE ACTION

31.

The LCD monitor or
viewfinder indications
blink.

32.

Coloured bright spots
appear all over the LCD
monitor or the viewfinder.

33.

During recording, sound
cannot be heard.

34.

Play , Rewind and Fast­Forward functions do not
work.

35.

A MultiMediaCard cannot
be played back.

36.

The tape is moving, but
there is no picture.

37.

The LCD monitor image is
distorted.

38.

Images on the LCD
monitor are jittery.

39.

Blocks of noise appear
during playback, or there is
no playback picture and
the screen becomes blue.

31.

•Certain Fade/Wipe effects,
certain modes of Programme
AE with special effects, “DIS”
and other functions that
cannot be used together are
selected at the same time.

32.

•The LCD monitor and the
viewfinder are made with
high-precision technology.
However, black spots or
bright spots of light (red,
green or blue) may appear
constantly on the LCD
monitor or the viewfinder.
These spots are not recorded
on the tape. This is not due to
any defect of the unit.
(Effective dots: more than

99.99 %)

33.

•This is normal.

34.

•The Power Switch is not set
to “ ”.

35.

•The VIDEO/DSC Switch is
set to “VIDEO”.

•The Power Switch is set to
“ ” or “ ”.

36.

•Y our TV has AV input
terminals, but is not set to its
VIDEO mode.

•The cassette holder cover is
open.

37.

•During playback of the
unrecorded portion, High­speed Search and still
playback, LCD monitor
indications appear distorted.
This is not a defect.

38.

•The speaker volume is too
great.

39.

————

31.

•Re-read the sections
covering Fade/Wipe effects,
Programme AE with special
effects and “DIS”
( pg. 24, 26 – 28).

32.

————

33.

34.

•Set the Power Switch to

35.

•Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch

•Set the Power Switch to

36.

•Set the TV to the mode

•Close the cassette holder

————

“ ” ( pg. 31).

to “ ”.
“ ”.

or channel appropriate
for video playback
( pg. 40, 41).

cover ( pg. 10).

37.

————

38.

•Turn the speaker volume
down ( pg. 31).

39.

•Clean the video heads with
an optional cleaning
cassette ( pg. 75).

EN63

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0863

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

64 EN

SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIVE ACTION

40.

The LCD monitor, the
viewfinder and the lens
have become dirty (ex.
fingerprints).

41.

An unusual mark appears.

42.

An error indication
(E01 — E06) appears.

43.

The charger indicator on
the AC Power Adapter/
Charger does not light.

44.

Picture does not appear on
the LCD monitor.

45.

When the image is printed
from the printer , a black
bar appears at the bottom
of the screen.

46.

When the camcorder is
connected via the DV
connector, the camcorder
does not operate.

47.

The MultiMediaCard
cannot be removed from
the camcorder.

TROUBLESHOOTING

40.

————

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

————

•A malfunction of some kind

has occurred. In this case
the camcorder’s functions
become unusable.

•The temperature of the
battery is extremely high/low.

•Charging is difficult in
places subject to extremely
high/low temperatures.

•The lens cap is attached.

•The LCD monitor's

brightness setting is too
dark.

•This is not a malfunction.

•The DV cable was plugged/

unplugged with power
turned on.

————

(cont.)

40.

•Wipe them gently with soft
cloth. Wiping strongly can
cause damage ( pg. 65).

41.

•Check the section of the
manual that explains LCD
monitor/viewfinder
indications ( pg. 68 – 72).

42.

•Remove the power supply
(battery pack, etc.) and wait a
few minutes for the indication
to clear. When it does, you
can resume using the
camcorder.
If the indication remains even
though you repeat the above
two or three times, please
consult your nearest
THOMSON dealer.

43.

•T o protect the battery, it is
recommended to charge it
in places with a temperature
of 10°C to 35°C ( pg. 73).

44.

•Remove the lens cap
( pg. 14).

•Adjust the brightness of the
LCD monitor ( pg. 14).

•If the monitor is tilted
upward 180 degrees, open
the monitor fully ( pg. 15).

45.

•By recording with “DIS”
activated ( pg. 24) this
can be avoided.

46.

•T urn the camcorder’s power
off and on again, then
operate it.

47.

•Push in the MultiMediaCard
a few more times
( pg. 1 1).

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0864

USER MAINTENANCE

After Use

EN65

Cleaning The Camcorder

Turn off the camcorder.

1

Slide and hold OPEN/EJECT in the direction of

2

the arrow, then pull the cassette holder cover
open until it locks. The cassette holder opens
automatically. Remove the cassette.

Press “PUSH HERE” to close the cassette holder.

3

•Once the cassette holder is closed, it recedes
automatically. Wait until it recedes completely
before closing the cassette holder cover.

Press BATTERY RELEASE and remove the battery

4

pack.

Cassette holder

Remove.

OPEN/EJECT
Switch

To clean the exterior, wipe gently with a soft

1

cloth.
Put the cloth in diluted mild soap and wring it
well to wipe off heavy dirt. Then wipe again
with a dry cloth.

Press PUSH OPEN and open the LCD monitor.

2

Wipe gently with a soft cloth. Be careful not to
damage the monitor. Close the LCD monitor.

To clean the lens, blow it with a blower brush,

3

then wipe gently with lens cleaning paper.
To clean the viewfinder, raise it to the vertical

4

position. Carefully open the cover on the
bottom of the viewfinder 1.

Insert a lens blower or soft cloth into the gap at

5

the bottom of the viewfinder and clean the
interior of the viewfinder with it 2.

Close the cover . Tilt the viewfinder back to the

6

horizontal position.

NOTES:

●

Avoid using strong cleaning agents such as benzine
or alcohol.

●

Cleaning should be done only after the battery
pack has been removed or other power units have
been disconnected.

●

Mould may form if the lens is left dirty.

●

When using a cleaner or chemically treated cloth
refer to the cautions of each product.

Cassette holder
cover

PUSH HERE

BATTERY
RELEASE Button

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0865

1

Cover

2

Lens blower

66 EN

INDEX

Controls, Connectors And Indicators

u

i

2

q
w
e

r

3 4 5 6 7 8

W

Q

p o

y

1

F

F

O

Y

A

L

P

$ %#

T E

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0866

! @9 0

YRU I

&^ * ( )

Controls

1 Monitor Open Button

[PUSH OPEN] .....................................  pg. 14

2 Dioptre Adjustment Control ...................  pg. 8

3 Battery Release Button

[BA TTERY RELEASE] ..............................  pg. 7

4 •MENU Wheel [+, –, PUSH] ...............  pg. 22

•LCD Monitor BRIGHT

(Brightness) Control [+, –]..................  pg. 14

5 Snapshot Button

[SNAPSHOT]...........................  pg. 16, 17, 47

6 •Power Zoom Lever [T/W] ..................  pg. 18

•Speaker Volume Control [VOL.] ........  pg. 31

7 Snapshot Mode Button

[MODE] ........................................  pg. 16, 17

8 OPEN/EJECT Switch .............................  pg. 10

9 Stop Button [5] ...................................  pg. 31

0 •Rewind Button [

•BACKLIGHT Button ..........................  pg. 29

! Play/Pause Button [
@ •Fast-Forward Button [

•FOCUS Button ..................................  pg. 21

# Power Switch

[ , , , OFF] ...........................  pg. 13

$ Recording Start/Stop Button..................  pg. 14

% Lock Button .........................................  pg. 13

^ VIDEO/DSC Switch [VIDEO, ] ......  pg. 13

& Video Light Switch

[LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON]......................  pg. 20

2

] .........................  pg. 31

4

/6]......................  pg. 31

3

] .................  pg. 31

EN67

Connectors

T o connect cables to the following connectors * and (,
open the LCD monitor.

* PC (DIGITAL PHOTO) Connector ........  pg. 42

( J Terminal/Edit Connector [JLIP (Joint Level

Interface Protocol)/EDIT] ......................  pg. 53

•Connect the editing cable when performing
Random Assemble Editing.

•Connect to a JLIP-compatible camcorder or VCR
to control it from the computer using the
provided Software.

) DC Input Connector ..............................  pg. 7

The connectors q to e are located beneath a cover.

q Audio/Video Output Connector

[AV] ........................................  pg. 40, 44, 53

w Digital Video Connector

[DV IN/OUT]

(i.link*) ....................................  pg. 42, 43, 45

* i.Link refers to the IEEE1394-1995 industry

specification and extensions thereof. The logo
is used for products compliant with the i.Link
standard.

e S-Video Output Connector [S]...  pg. 40, 44, 53

Indicators

r T ally Lamp...........................................  pg. 14

t Not applicable

y Power Lamp ........................................  pg. 14

Other Parts

u •Remote Sensor ..................................  pg. 48

•Camera Sensor
Be careful not to cover this area, a sensor
necessary for shooting is built-in here.

i Viewfinder.............................................  pg. 8

o Video Light..........................................  pg. 20

p Stereo Microphone ..............................  pg. 58

Q Shoulder Strap Eyelets ............................  pg. 8

W Grip Strap..............................................  pg. 8

E Battery Pack Mount ...............................  pg. 7

R LCD Monitor .................................  pg. 14, 15

T Speaker ...............................................  pg. 31

Y Stud Hole ..............................................  pg. 8

U Tripod Mounting Socket .........................  pg. 8

I MEMORY CARD Cover .......................  pg. 11

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0867

68 EN

INDEX

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Video Recording Only

Indications

1 Displays the selected Fade/Wipe effect.

3

R

4

5
E4C

*

4

2 Appears when in the Squeeze or Cinema

mode. ( pg. 24)

*

3

Displays the recording mode (SP or LP).

*

4

Displays the tape remaining time. ( pg. 14)

*

5

•“REC” appears during recording.

•“PAUSE” appears during Record-

Standby mode. ( pg. 14)

1 2 3*4

SP

6 Appears when the wind cut mode is engaged

to cut down on noise created by wind.

U:N2D512

TCS2O3

9 8

BIT

7 6 5

7 Appears while the tape is running. ( pg. 14)
8 Displays the sound mode for approx.

*

5 seconds after turning on the camcorder.

9 Displays the Time Code. ( pg. 19, 25)

*Setting “ON SCREEN” to “SIMPLE” in the Menu

Screen removes indications marked with * from the
screen ( pg. 25, 32).

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During D.S.C. Recording Only

( pg. 26, 27)

( pg. 12)

( pg. 25)

( pg. 23)

1 532 4 6

STD

DSC

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0868

10/50

1 Appears when the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to

“ ” and the Power Switch is set to “ ” or
“ ”.( pg. 13, 17)

2 Appears and blinks during shooting. ( pg. 17)
3 Displays the Picture Quality mode of the stored

image. There are 2 modes available:
FINE and STD (Standard). ( pg. 12, 17)

4 •Appears during shooting.

•Blinks when a MultiMediaCard is not loaded.

( pg. 17)

5 Displays the number of images that have already

been shot. ( pg. 17)

6 Displays the total number of shots that can

be stored, including those already taken.

( pg. 17)

EN69

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Both Video And D.S.C. Recording

*

F.2AUPTHO

1

4

0

x

2

3

O

T

O

4

5

6

B

R

I

7

*

1

Appears when the power switch is set to “ ”.

2 Appears when backlight compensation is used.

3 Appears when the white balance is adjusted.

4 Appears when the exposure is adjusted.

5 Displays the selected Programme AE with

special effects. ( pg. 28)

6 Appears when Digital Image Stabiliser

(“DIS”) is engaged. ( pg. 24)

7 Appears when the focus is adjusted manually.

( pg. 13)

( pg. 29)

( pg. 30)

( pg. 29)

( pg. 21)

W

GHT

T

–

1+.

.

000

:

0

112

8 Appears during zooming.

Zoom level indicator ( pg. 18)

9 •Approximate zoom ratio: Appears during

zooming. ( pg. 18)

• : Appears when “GAIN UP” is set to
“AUTO” and the shutter speed is

automatically adjusted. ( pg. 23)

0 Appears when taking a Snapshot.

! Appears when the iris is locked. ( pg. 29)

*

@

Displays the brightness of the LCD monitor.

# Displays the date/time. ( pg. 9)

0

@

8

9

!

*

#

( pg. 16, 17)

( pg. 14)

*Setting “ON SCREEN” to “SIMPLE” in the Menu Screen removes indications marked with * from the screen

( pg. 25, 32).

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0869

70 EN

INDEX

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Video Playback

1 Displays the sound mode. ( pg. 32, 33)

1 3

IT

1L2

/

S

O

U

N

D

V

O

L

U

M

E

2

L.P

1

:

TBC

1

:

0

0

6

210

5

112

46

4

.

000

:

0

2 Displays the tape speed. ( pg. 12)
3 Appears while a tape is running.

4

: Playback

3

: Fast-Forward/Shuttle search

2

: Rewind/Shuttle search

6 : Pause

6

4

: Forward slow-motion

1

6 : Reverse slow-motion
e : Audio Dubbing
6e : Audio Dubbing Pause

4 Displays the date/time. ( pg. 32, 33)
5 Displays the time code. ( pg. 32, 33)
6 BRIGHT :

VOLUME : Displays the speaker volume.

Displays the brightness of the LCD
monitor.

The level indicator moves.

Indications (cont.)

( pg. 14)
( pg. 31)

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During D.S.C. Playback

1 Displays the index number of the image file.

1 2 3 4

100

10/50

BR I GHT

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0870

–

+

–

0001

2 Displays the total number of stored images.

3 Displays the brightness of the LCD monitor.

The level indicator moves.

4 Displays the directory and file names. ( pg. 34)

( pg. 34)

( pg. 34)

( pg. 14)

Warning Indications

Indications Function

Displays the battery remaining power.

Remaining power level: high
Remaining power level: exhausted

As the battery power comes close to nil, the battery indicator blinks.
When the battery power is exhausted, power turns off automatically.

Appears when no tape is loaded. ( pg. 10)

CHECK T APE’S ERASE

PROTECTION SWITCH

HEAD CLEANING

REQUIRED USE CLEAN-

ING CASSETTE

CONDENSATION,

OPERATION PAUSED

PLEASE WAIT

TAPE!

TAPE END

DIFFERENT

FORMATTED TAPE

SET DATE/TIME!

LENS CAP

A. DUB ERROR!

A. DUB ERROR!

<CANNOT DUB

ON AN LP RECORDED

<CHECK T APE’S ERASE

PROTECTION SWITCH>

TAPE>

<CANNOT DUB

ON A 16BIT

RECORDING>

MEMORY IS FULL

Appears when the erase protection tab is set to “SAVE” while the Power
Switch is set to “ ” or “ ” and the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to
“VIDEO”.( pg. 10)

Appears if dirt is detected on the heads. Use an optional cleaning cassette.

Appears if condensation occurs. When this indication is displayed, wait
more than 1 hour until condensation disappears.

Appears if a tape is not loaded when the Recording Start/Stop Button or
SNAPSHOT Button is pressed while the Power Switch is set to “ ” or
“ ” and the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to “VIDEO”.

Appears when the tape ends during recording or playback. ( pg. 15)
Appears if a tape in another format is loaded.

● Appears when the date/time is not set. ( pg. 9)

● Appears when the built-in clock battery runs out and the

previously set date/time is erased. Consult your nearest THOMSON
dealer
for replacement.

Appears for 5 seconds after power is turned on if the lens cap is attached.
Appears if Audio Dubbing is attempted on a blank portion of a tape.

● Appears if Audio Dubbing is attempted on a tape recorded in the LP
mode. ( pg. 58)

● Appears if Audio Dubbing is attempted on a tape recorded in 16-bit
audio. ( pg. 58)

● Appears if A. DUB (e) on the remote control is pressed when the erase
protection tab is set to “SAVE”.( pg. 58)

Appears when the MultiMediaCard’s memory is full and shooting is not
possible.

EN71

( pg. 75)

( pg. 58)

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0871

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

72 EN

Indications Function

COPYING FAILED

MEMORY CARD!

PLEASE
FORMAT

NO STORED IMAGE

E01 — E06

UNIT IN SAFEGUARD

MODE REMOVE AND

REATTACH BATTERY

INDEX

● Appears if dubbing of copyguarded signals is attempted while this
camcorder is being used as a recorder. ( pg. 45)

● Appears in the following cases when dubbing from a tape to a
MultiMediaCard:

– when no MultiMediaCard is loaded.
– when the MultiMediaCard's memory is full.
– when the MultiMediaCard is not formatted. ( pg. 47)

● Appears in the following cases when dubbing still images stored in the
MultiMediaCard’s memory to a tape:

– when condensation occurs.
– when no tape is loaded.
– when the erase protection tab is set to “SA VE”.
– when a tape in another format is loaded.
– when the tape ends. ( pg. 46)

Appears if a MultiMediaCard is not loaded when SNAPSHOT is pressed
while the Power Switch is set to “ ” or “ ” and the VIDEO/DSC Switch
is set to “ ”.

Appears when there is a problem with a MultiMediaCard and its memory is
corrupt, or it has not been initialised. Initialise the MultiMediaCard.

Appears if there are no images stored in the MultiMediaCard when the
Power Switch is set to “ ” and the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to “ ”.

The error indications (E01 — E06) show what type of malfunction has
occured. When an error indication appears, the camcorder turns off
automatically. Remove the power supply (battery, etc.) and wait a few
minutes for the indication to clear. When it does, you can resume using the
camcorder. If the indication remains, consult your nearest THOMSON
dealer.

Indications (cont.)

( pg. 39)

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0872

CAUTIONS

EN73

Video Light

DANGER

 The video light can become extremely

hot. Do not touch it either while in
operation or soon after turning it off,
otherwise serious injury may result.

 Do not place the camcorder into the carrying case

immediately after using the video light, since it
remains extremely hot for some time.

 When operating, keep a distance of about 30 cm

between the video light and people or objects.

 Do not use near flammable or explosive materials.
 It is recommended that you consult your nearest

THOMSON dealer for replacing the video light.

General Battery Precautions

If the remote control is not functioning even if it is
being operated correctly, the batteries are ex­hausted. Replace them with fresh ones.

Use only the following batteries: AAA (R03) size x 2
Please make note of the following rules for battery

use. When misused, the batteries can leak or
explode.

1. When replacing batteries, refer to page 48.

2. Do not use any different size of batteries from those

specified.

3. Be sure to install batteries in the correct direction.

4. Do not use rechargeable batteries.

5. Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat as

they can leak or explode.

6. Do not dispose of the batteries in a fire.

7. Remove the batteries from the unit if it is to be

stored for an extended period to avoid battery
leakage which can cause malfunctions.

Battery Packs

The supplied battery pack is a
lithium-ion battery. Before using
the supplied battery pack or an
optional battery pack, be sure to
read the following cautions:

1. To avoid hazards . . .

....do not burn.

....do not short-circuit the terminals. When

transporting, make sure the provided battery
cap is attached to the battery. If the battery cap

is misplaced, carry the battery in a plastic bag.

....do not modify or disassemble.

....do not expose the battery to temperatures

exceeding 60°C, as this may cause the battery

to overheat, explode or catch fire.

....use only specified chargers.

2. To prevent damage and prolong service life . . .

....do not subject to unnecessary shock.

....charge in an environment where temperatures

are within the tolerances shown in the chart

below. This is a chemical reaction type

battery—cooler temperatures impede chemical

reaction, while warmer temperatures can

prevent complete charging.

....store in a cool, dry place. Extended exposure

to high temperatures will increase natural

discharge and shorten service life.

....fully charge and then fully discharge the

battery every 6 months when storing the

battery pack over a long period time.

....remove from charger or powered unit when

not in use, as some machines use current even

when switched off.

NOTES:

●

It is normal for the battery pack to be warm after
charging, or after use.

Temperature Range Specifications

Charging............. 10°C to 35°C

Operation ........... 0°C to 40°C

Storage ............... –10°C to 30°C

●

Recharging time is based on room temperature of
20°C.

●

The lower the temperature, the longer recharging
takes.

Terminals

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0873

74 EN

CAUTIONS

(cont.)

Cassettes

To properly use and store your cassettes, be sure to
read the following cautions:

1. During use . . .

....make sure the cassette bears the Mini DV

mark.

....be aware that recording onto prerecorded

tapes automatically erases the previously
recorded video and audio signals.

....make sure the cassette is positioned properly

when inserting.

....do not load and unload the cassette

repeatedly without allowing the tape to run at
all. This slackens the tape and can result in
damage.

....do not open the front tape cover. This exposes

the tape to fingerprints and dust.

2. Store cassettes . . .

....away from heaters or other heat sources.

....out of direct sunlight.

....where they won’t be subject to unnecessary

shock or vibration.

....where they won’t be exposed to strong

magnetic fields (such as those generated by
motors, transformers or magnets).

....vertically, in their original cases.

MultiMediaCards

To properly use and store your MultiMediaCards, be
sure to read the following cautions:

1. During use . . .

....make sure the MultiMediaCard bears the

MultiMediaCard mark.

....make sure the MultiMediaCard is positioned

properly when inserting.

2. While the MultiMediaCard is being accessed (during
recording, playback, deletion, initialisation, etc.) . . .

....never unload the MultiMediaCard and never

turn off the camcorder.

3. Store MultiMediaCards . . .

....away from heaters or other heat sources.

....out of direct sunlight.

....where they won’t be subject to unnecessary

shock or vibration.

....where they won’t be exposed to strong

magnetic fields (such as those generated by
motors, transformers or magnets).

LCD Monitor

1. To prevent damage to the LCD monitor,
DO NOT . . .

....push it strongly or apply any shocks.

....place the camcorder with the LCD monitor on

the bottom.

2. To prolong service life . . .

....avoid rubbing it with coarse cloth.

3. Be aware of the following phenomena for LCD
monitor use.
These are not malfunctions:

•While using the camcorder, the surface around

the LCD monitor and/or the back of the LCD
monitor may heat up.

•If you leave power on for a long time, the

surface around the LCD monitor becomes hot.

Main Unit

1. For safety, DO NOT . . .

....open the camcorder’s chassis.

....disassemble or modify the unit.

....short-circuit the terminals of the battery pack.

Keep it away from metallic objects when not in
use.

....allow inflammables, water or metallic objects

to enter the unit.

....remove the battery pack or disconnect the

power supply while the power is on.

....leave the battery pack attached when the

camcorder is not in use.

2. Avoid using the unit . . .

....in places subject to excessive humidity or dust.

....in places subject to soot or steam such as near

a cooking stove.

....in places subject to excessive shock or

vibration.

....near a television set.

....near appliances generating strong magnetic or

electric fields (speakers, broadcasting anten-

nas, etc.).

....in places subject to extremely high (over 40°C)

or extremely low (under 0°C) temperatures.

3. DO NOT leave the unit . . .

....in places of over 50°C.

....in places where humidity is extremely low

(below 35%) or extremely high (above 80%).

....in direct sunlight.

....in a closed car in summer.

....near a heater.

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0874

4. To protect the unit, DO NOT . . .

....allow it to become wet.

....drop the unit or strike it against hard objects.

....subject it to shock or excessive vibration

during transportation.

....keep the lens directed at extremely bright

objects for long periods.

....expose the lens to direct sunlight.

....carry it by holding the LCD monitor or the

viewfinder.

....swing it excessively when using the shoulder

strap or the grip.

5. Dirty heads can cause the following problems:

•No picture during playback.

•Blocks of noise appear during playback.

•During recording, the Head Clog Warning

indicator “ ” appears.

In such cases, use an optional cleaning cassette.
Insert it and play back. If the cassette is used
more than once consecutively, damage to the
video heads may result. After the camcorder
plays back for about 20 seconds, it stops
automatically. Also refer to the cleaning cassette’s
instructions.
If, after using the cleaning cassette, the problems
still exist, consult your nearest THOMSON
dealer.
Mechanical moving parts used to move the video
heads and video tape tend to become dirty and
worn out over time. In order to maintain a clear
picture at all times, periodic check-ups are
recommended after using the unit for about
1,000 hours. For periodic check-ups please
consult your nearest THOMSON dealer.

EN75

How To Handle A CD-ROM

•Take care not to soil or scratch the mirror surface
(opposite to the printed surface). Do not write
anything or put a sticker on either the front or
back surface. If the CD-ROM gets dirty, gently
wipe it with a soft cloth outward from the centre
hole using a circular motion.

•Do not use conventional disc cleaners or cleaning
spray.

•Do not bend the CD-ROM or touch its mirror
surface.

•Do not store your CD-ROM in a dusty, hot or
humid environment. Keep it away from direct
sunlight.

About moisture condensation . . .

● You have observed that pouring a cold liquid
into a glass will cause drops of water to form
on the glass‘ outer surface. This same
phenomenon occurs on the head drum of a
camcorder when it is moved from a cool
place to a warm place, after heating a cold
room, under extremely humid conditions or
in a place directly subjected to the cool air
from an air conditioner.

● Moisture on the head drum can cause severe
damage to the video tape, and can lead to
internal damage to the camcorder itself.

Serious malfunctioning

If malfunctioning occurs, stop using the unit
immediately and consult your local THOMSON
dealer.

The camcorder is a microcomputer-controlled
device. External noise and interference (from a
TV, a radio, etc.) might prevent it from function­ing properly. In such cases, first disconnect its
power supply unit (battery pack, AC Power
Adapter/Battery Charger, etc.) and wait a few
minutes and then re-connect it and proceed as
usual from the beginning.

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0875

76 EN

A

AC Power Adapter/Charger .....................  pg. 6, 7

Audio Dubbing ........................................  pg. 58

Auto Focus ...............................................  pg. 21

Auto Shut off ......................................  pg. 15, 31

B

Backlight Compensation ...........................  pg. 29

Battery Low ..............................................  pg. 71

Battery Pack .....................................  pg. 6, 7, 73

Brighten The LCD Monitor........................  pg. 14

C

Channels (Left/Right).................................  pg. 33

Charge The Battery Pack .............................  pg. 6

Cinema ....................................................  pg. 24

Classic Film ..............................................  pg. 28

Clean The Camcorder...............................  pg. 65

Connections ......................  pg. 7, 40, 42 – 45, 53

D

Darken The LCD Monitor .........................  pg. 14

Date/Time Display........................  pg. 25, 32, 33

Date/Time Settings......................................  pg. 9

Deleting Images........................................  pg. 38

Demonstration Mode............................  pg. 5, 24

Digital Zoom ......................................  pg. 18, 23

DIS (Digital Image Stabiliser).....................  pg. 24

Dioptre Adjustment ....................................  pg. 8

Dubbing...........................................  pg. 44 – 47

E

Erase Protection........................................  pg. 10

Exposure Control ......................................  pg. 29

TERMS

F

Fade-In/Out ........................................  pg. 26, 27

Fast-Forward The Tape..............................  pg. 31

Frame-By-Frame Playback ..................  pg. 31, 50

G

Gain Up ...................................................  pg. 23

Grip Adjustment .........................................  pg. 8

I

Icons ................................................  pg. 22 – 25

Index Playback .........................................  pg. 35

Index Screen ............................................  pg. 35

Initialise A MultiMediaCard ......................  pg. 39

Iris............................................................  pg. 29

Iris Lock ...................................................  pg. 29

J

Journalistic Shooting .................................  pg. 15

L

LCD monitor/Viewfinder

Indications .....................................  pg. 68 – 72

Load A Tape .............................................  pg. 10

M

Manual Focus...........................................  pg. 21

Menu Screen, CAMERA MENU...........  pg. 23, 24

Menu Screen, DISPLAY MENU ...........  pg. 25, 32

Menu Screen, DSC MENU..................  pg. 25, 37

Menu Screen, MANUAL MENU..........  pg. 24, 25

Menu Screen, VIDEO MENU ....................  pg. 32

Monotone ................................................  pg. 28

Motor Drive Mode....................................  pg. 16

MultiMediaCard .................................  pg. 11, 74

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0976

P

Picture Quality Mode ...............................  pg. 12

Picture Wipe/Dissolve.........................  pg. 26, 27

Playback Special Effects ............................  pg. 51

Playback Zoom ........................................  pg. 50

Power Switch Position ..............................  pg. 13

Programme AE With Special Effects...........  pg. 28

Protecting Images .....................................  pg. 37

Provided Accessories ..................................  pg. 4

R

Random Assemble Editing.................  pg. 52 – 57

Record-Standby ........................................  pg. 14

Recording Mode.......................................  pg. 12

Remote Control ........................................  pg. 48

Reset ........................................................  pg. 25

Rewind The Tape......................................  pg. 31

S

Self-Recording ..........................................  pg. 15

Sepia........................................................  pg. 28

Set Remote Control/VCR Code ..................  pg. 52

Shuttle Search...........................................  pg. 31

Shutter Speed ...........................................  pg. 28

Slide Show ...............................................  pg. 36

Slow-Motion Playback..............................  pg. 50

Slow Shutter .............................................  pg. 28

Snapshot ............................................  pg. 16, 17

Snapshot Mode ........................................  pg. 16

Sound Mode.................................  pg. 23, 32, 33

Speaker Volume .......................................  pg. 31

Specifications .....................................  pg. 78, 79

Squeeze ...................................................  pg. 24

Still Playback............................................  pg. 31

Strobe ......................................................  pg. 28

EN77

T

Tally ...................................................  pg. 14, 23

Tele Macro ...............................................  pg. 24

Time Code..............................  pg. 19, 25, 32, 33

Tripod Mounting.........................................  pg. 8

Twilight ....................................................  pg. 28

U

Unload A Tape .........................................  pg. 10

V

VIDEO/DSC Switch Position .....................  pg. 13

Video Echo...............................................  pg. 28

Video Light...............................................  pg. 20

W

White Balance..........................................  pg. 30

Wide Mode ..............................................  pg. 24

Wind Cut .................................................  pg. 25

Wipe In/Out .......................................  pg. 26, 27

Z

Zooming ..................................................  pg. 18

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0977

78 EN

SPECIFICA TIONS

Camcorder

For General

Power supply : DC 6.3 V (Using AC Power Adapter/Charger)

Power consumption

LCD monitor off, viewfinder on : Approx. 4.3 W
LCD monitor on, viewfinder off : Approx. 5.3 W
Video light : Approx. 3.5 W

Dimensions (W x H x D) : 80 mm x 96 mm x 170 mm
Weight : Approx. 580 g

Operating temperature :0°C to 40°C
Operating humidity : 35% to 80%
Storage temperature : –20°C to 50°C
Pickup : 1/4" CCD
Lens : F 1.8, f = 3.6 mm to 36 mm, 10:1 power zoom lens
Filter diameter : ø37 mm
LCD monitor : 2.5" diagonally measured, LCD panel/TFT active matrix system
Viewfinder : Electronic viewfinder with 0.24" black/white LCD
Speaker : Monaural

For Digital Video Camera

Format : DV format (SD mode)
Signal format : PAL standard
Recording/Playback format : Video : Digital component recording

Cassette : Mini DV cassette
Tape speed : SP: 18.8 mm/s

Maximum recording time : SP: 80 min.
(using 80 min. cassette) LP: 120 min.

DC 7.2 V (Using battery pack)

(with the LCD monitor closed and the viewfinder pushed down)

: Audio : PCM digital recording, 32 kHz 4-channel (12-bit),

48 kHz 2-channel (16-bit)

LP: 12.5 mm/s

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0978

For Digital Still Camera

Storage media : MultiMediaCard
Compression system : JPEG (compatible)
File size : VGA: 640 x 480 pixels
Picture quality : 2 modes (FINE/STANDARD)
Approximate number of storable images

(with an optional MultiMediaCard [8 MB])
FINE : 100
STANDARD : 200
(with the provided MultiMediaCard [16 MB])
FINE : 200
STANDARD : 400

For Connectors

S :Y:1 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analogue output

C : 0.29 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analogue output

AV

Video output :1 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analogue
Audio output : 300 mV (rms), 1 kΩ, analogue, stereo

DV

Input/output : 4-pin, IEEE 1394 compliant

PC (DIGITAL PHOTO)

Digital still output : ø2.5 mm, 3-pole

JLIP/EDIT : ø3.5 mm, 4-pole

EN79

AC Power Adapter/Charger AC600

Power requirement : AC 110 V to 240 V`, 50 Hz/60 Hz
Power consumption : 23 W
Output

Charge : DC 7.2 V , 1.2 A

VTR : DC 6.3 V , 1.8 A
Dimensions (W x H x D) : 68 mm x 38 mm x 110 mm
Weight : Approx. 260 g

Specifications shown are for SP mode unless otherwise indicated. E & O.E. Design and specifications subject
to change without notice.

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0979

80 EN

NOTES

VMD6 EN(40/80) 28/08/00, 16:0980

THOMSON MULTIMEDIA

46 quai A. Le Gallo
92648 Boulogne
Cedex France
RCS NANTERRE B 322 019 464

http://www.thomson-multimedia.com

35126120
LYT0665-001A

© Copyright THOMSON multimedia 2000

DAE Communication - 95000 Cergy

35126120-vmd6-GB 1/08/00 14:24 Page Cov2