JVC GR DVL920 User Manual

ENGLISH  
CONTENTS  
AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION  
GETTING STARTED  
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA  
6
7 – 14  
TAPE  
RECORDING & PLAYBACK  
15 – 24  
GR-DVL920  
Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide Web and  
answer our Consumer Survey (in English only):  
TAPE RECORDING ........................ 16 – 20  
TAPE PLAYBACK .......................... 21 – 24  
MEMORY CARD  
RECORDING & PLAYBACK  
25 – 36  
MEMORY CARD RECORDING ......... 26 – 27  
MEMORY CARD PLAYBACK ............ 28 – 29  
ADVANCED FEATURES .................... 30 – 36  
For Accessories:  
ADVANCED FEATURES  
37 – 66  
FOR RECORDING ........................... 38 – 45  
USING MENUS FOR  
DETAILED ADJUSTMENT .............. 46 – 51  
DUBBING ..................................... 52 – 53  
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT... 54 – 64  
SYSTEM CONNECTIONS.................. 65 – 66  
REFERENCES  
67 – Back Cover  
DETAILS ............................................. 68  
TROUBLESHOOTING ...................... 69 – 73  
USER MAINTENANCE ............................ 74  
CAUTIONS .................................... 75 – 77  
SPECIFICATIONS ........................... 78 – 79  
INDEX ......................................... 80 – 86  
TERMS ............................... 87 – Back Cover  
For Customer Use:  
Enter below the Model No. and Serial  
No. which is located on the bottom of the  
camcorder. Retain this information for  
future reference.  
Model No.  
Serial No.  
INSTRUCTIONS  
EN  
LYT1017-001A  
EN  
3
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 (3-15/16") 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.)  
IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
(1) Read these instructions.  
(2) Keep these instructions.  
(3) Heed all warnings.  
(10) Use only with the cart,  
stand, tripod, bracket, or  
table specified by the  
manufacturer, or sold  
with the apparatus. When  
a cart is used, use  
(4) Follow all instructions.  
(5) Do not use this apparatus near water.  
(6) Clean only with dry cloth.  
caution when moving the  
cart/apparatus  
combination to avoid  
injury from tip-over.  
(7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in  
accordance with the manufacturers instructions.  
(11) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or  
(8) Do not install near any heat sources such as  
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other  
when unused for long periods of time.  
(12) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.  
Servicing is required when the apparatus has  
been damaged in any way, such as power-  
supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been  
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,  
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or  
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been  
dropped.  
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.  
(9) Only use attachments/accessories specified by  
the manufacturer.  
4
EN  
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS  
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, etc.) to the camcorder and leaving the unit 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, SD Memory Card and  
MultiMediaCard. Only cassettes marked “  
can be used with this unit.  
and memory cards* marked “  
or  
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  
.
or  
.
.... 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.)  
EN  
5
PROVIDED ACCESSORIES  
or  
AC Adapter AP-V10U,  
AP-V11U or AP-V12U  
Remote Control  
Unit RM-V717U  
Battery Pack  
BN-V408U  
Shoulder Strap  
Lens Cap  
(pg. 6 for attachment)  
Memory Card 16 MB  
(Already inserted in  
the camcorder)  
AAA (R03) Battery x 2  
(for remote control unit)  
CD-ROM  
Audio/Video Cable  
Editing Cable  
(ø3.5 mini-plug to RCA plug)  
USB Cable  
Lens hood  
(Already attached to the  
camcorder)  
NOTE:  
In order to maintain optimum performance of the camcorder, provided cables may be equipped with one or more  
core filter. If a cable has only one core filter, the end that is closest to the filter should be connected to the  
camcorder.  
6
EN  
AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Automatic Demonstration takes place when DEMO  
MODEis set to ON(factory-preset).  
Automatic Demonstration starts when there is no operation for  
AUTO  
about 3 minutes after the Power Switch is set to “  
or  
MANUAL  
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 3 minutes after that, the demonstration will resume.  
DEMO MODEremains ONeven if the camcorder power is  
turned off.  
To cancel Automatic Demonstration:  
Power Switch  
Lock Button  
MANUAL  
1. Set the Power Switch to “  
while pressing down the  
Sub Menu  
Lock Button located on the switch and press the MENU/  
BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu Screen appears.  
2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “  
SYSTEM”  
DEMO MODE  
OFF  
ON  
and press it. The SYSTEM Menu appears.  
3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select DEMO MODE”  
and press it. The Sub Menu appears.  
4. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select OFFand press  
it.  
5. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “  
and press it twice. The normal screen appears.  
RETURN,  
NOTE:  
If you do not detach the Lens Cap, you cannot see the actual changes of the Automatic Demonstration activated on  
the LCD monitor or viewfinder.  
How To Attach The Lens Cap  
To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the camcorder as shown in the illustration.  
NOTE:  
To confirm the lens cap is on correctly make sure the cap is flush to the camera.  
1
2
3
The lens cap can  
be attached only  
when the lens  
hood is attached  
to the camcorder.  
EN  
7
GETTING STARTED  
GETTING STARTED  
CONTENTS  
Power.................................................. 8 – 9  
Grip Adjustment ......................................... 10  
Viewfinder Adjustment.................................. 10  
Shoulder Strap Attachment ............................. 10  
Tripod Mounting.......................................... 10  
Date/Time Settings...................................... 11  
Loading/Unloading A Cassette ......................... 12  
Recording Mode Setting ................................. 13  
Loading A Memory Card ................................ 14  
Picture Quality/Image Size Setting .................... 14  
8
EN  
GETTING STARTED (cont.)  
BATT. RELEASE Button  
Power  
This camcorders 2-way power supply system lets  
you choose the most appropriate source of power. Do  
not use provided power supply units with other  
equipment.  
1
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK  
3
2
1
Tilt the viewfinder upward 1. With the arrow on  
the battery pack pointing downward, push the battery  
pack slightly against the battery pack mount 2, then  
slide down the battery pack until it locks in place 3.  
Power Switch  
2
Set the Power Switch to OFF. Connect the AC  
Adapter to the camcorder 4.  
CHARGE Lamp  
3
Plug the AC Adapter into an AC outlet 5.  
The CHARGE lamp on the camcorder blinks to  
indicate charging has started.  
4
When the CHARGE lamp stops blinking but stays  
lit, charging is finished. Unplug the AC Adapter from  
the AC outlet. Disconnect the AC Adapter from the  
camcorder.  
To Detach The Battery Pack . . .  
..... Press BATT. RELEASE and pull out the battery  
pack.  
NOTES:  
If the protective cap is attached to the battery pack,  
remove it first.  
During charging, the camcorder cannot be operated.  
Charging is not possible if the wrong type of battery is  
used.  
When charging the battery pack for the first time or  
after a long storage period, the CHARGE lamp may not  
light. In this case, remove the battery pack from the  
camcorder, then try charging again.  
Battery pack  
AC Adapter  
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.  
Using the optional AA-V40U AC Power Adapter/  
Charger, you can charge the BN-V408U/V416U/V428U  
battery pack without the camcorder. However, it cannot  
be used as an AC adapter.  
5
4
To DC  
connector  
To AC outlet  
Battery pack  
Charging time  
approx. 1 hr. 30 min.  
approx. 3 hrs.  
BN-V408U  
BN-V416U (optional)  
BN-V428U (optional)  
approx. 5 hrs.  
For other notes, pg. 68  
EN  
9
ATTENTION  
USING THE BATTERY PACK  
Before detaching the power source, make sure that  
the camcorders power is turned off. Failure to do so  
can result in a camcorder malfunction.  
Perform step 1 of CHARGING THE BATTERY  
PACK(pg. 8).  
Approximate recording time  
NOTES:  
Battery  
pack  
LCD monitor on  
Viewfinder on  
Recording time is reduced significantly under the  
following conditions:  
BN-V408U  
55 min.  
(35 min.)  
1 hr. 10 min.  
(45 min.)  
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.  
BN-V416U  
(optional)  
1 hr. 55min.  
(1 hr. 15 min.)  
2 hrs. 25 min.  
(1 hr. 30 min.)  
BN-V428U  
(optional)  
3 hrs. 25 min.  
(2 hrs. 15 min.)  
4 hrs. 20 min.  
(2 hrs. 40 min.)  
BN-V840U  
(optional)  
4 hrs. 25 min.  
(2 hrs. 55 min.)  
5 hrs. 40 min.  
(3 hrs. 30 min.)  
BN-V856U  
(optional)  
6 hrs. 40 min.  
(4 hrs. 15 min.)  
8 hrs. 30 min.  
(5 hrs. 5 min.)  
(
) : when the video light is on  
INFORMATION  
The extended-use battery pack kit is a set composed of a battery pack and AC Power Adapter/Charger:  
VU-V840 KIT: BN-V840U battery pack & AA-V15U AC Power Adapter/Charger  
VU-V856 KIT: BN-V856U battery pack & AA-V80U AC Power Adapter/Charger  
Read the kit's instruction manual before using.  
Also, by using the optional JVC VC-VBN856U DC Cord, it will be possible to connect BN-V840U or BN-V856U  
battery packs to the camcorder and supply power directly to the camcorder.  
USING AC POWER  
Use the AC Adapter (connect as shown in the  
illustration).  
NOTES:  
The provided AC Adapter features automatic voltage  
selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V.  
For other notes, pg. 68.  
AC Adapter  
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.  
To AC outlet  
To DC connector  
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/50°F), 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.  
Lithium-ion is vulnerable in colder temperatures.  
(If youre using a heating pad, make sure the battery  
pack does not come in direct contact with it.)  
10EN  
Power  
Zoom Lever  
GETTING STARTED (cont.)  
Grip Adjustment  
1
2 Separate the Velcro strip.  
Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp  
the grip.  
Recording Start/  
Stop button  
3
Adjust your thumb and fingers through the grip, to  
easily operate the Recording Start/Stop button and  
Power Switch and Power Zoom Lever. Be sure to  
fasten the Velcro strip to your preference.  
Power Switch  
Viewfinder Adjustment  
Diopter  
Adjustment Control  
AUTO  
MANUAL  
1
Set the Power Switch to “  
or “  
while pressing down the Lock Button located on the  
switch.  
2
Turn the Diopter Adjustment Control until the  
indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.  
PAUSE  
Shoulder Strap Attachment  
1
Make sure the battery pack is 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 . Confirm the strap is not twisted.  
2
1
3
Tripod Mounting  
CAUTION  
When attaching the camcorder to a tripod, extend its  
legs to stabilize the camcorder. It is not advised to  
use small sized tripods. This may cause damage to  
the unit by falling over.  
1
To attach the camcorder to a tripod, align the  
direction stud and screw to the mounting socket and  
stud hole on the camcorder. Then tighten the screw  
clockwise. Some tripods are not equipped with studs.  
EN 11  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Power Lamp  
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. 50, 51).  
MANUAL  
while pressing  
down the Lock Button located on the switch. The  
power lamp lights and the camcorder is turned on.  
1
Set the Power Switch to “  
2
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in to access the  
Menu Screen.  
3
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
DISPLAY. Press it and the DISPLAY Menu  
appears.  
Power Switch  
4
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
CLOCK ADJ.. Press it and monthis highlighted.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to input the month.  
Press it. Repeat to input the day, year, hour and  
minute.  
Lock Button  
Display  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
W I P E / FADER  
OF  
F
PROGRAM AE  
EXPOSURE  
W. BALANCE  
CAMERA  
MANUAL  
SYSTEM  
D I SPLAY  
DSC  
RETURN, and press it twice. The Menu Screen  
closes.  
NOTE:  
Even if you select CLOCK ADJ., if the parameter is not  
highlighted the camcorders internal clock continues to  
operate. Once you move the highlight bar to the first date/  
time parameter (month), the clock stops. When you finish  
setting the minute and press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel  
in, the date and time begin operation from the date and  
time you just set.  
END  
DISPLAY Menu  
ON SCREEN  
DATE / T I ME  
T I ME CODE  
CLOCK  
LCD / TV  
AUTO  
OFF  
DEC 25 02  
5 : 30 PM  
ADJ .  
RETURN  
CLOCK  
ADJ .  
DEC 25 02  
5 : 30 PM  
12EN  
GETTING STARTED (cont.)  
Loading/Unloading A Cassette  
The camcorder needs to be powered up to load or  
eject a cassette.  
Erase protection tab*  
Make sure the  
window side is  
facing out.  
1
Slide and hold OPEN/EJECT in the direction of  
the arrow then pull the cassette holder cover open  
until it locks. The cassette holder opens automatically.  
Do not touch internal components.  
Cassette  
holder  
2
Insert or remove a tape and press PUSH HERE”  
to 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 batterys 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.  
OPEN/EJECT  
Switch  
3
Close the cassette holder cover firmly until it  
Cassette holder cover  
locks into place.  
PUSH HERE  
Approximate recording time  
* 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 RECbefore loading it.  
Recording mode  
Tape  
SP  
LP  
30 min.  
60 min.  
80 min.  
30 min.  
60 min.  
80 min.  
45 min.  
90 min.  
120 min.  
Be sure to press only the section labeled PUSH  
HEREto close the cassette holder; touching other  
parts may cause your finger to get caught in the  
cassette holder, resulting in injury or product damage.  
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 20 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. 10).  
EN 13  
Recording Mode Setting  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Power Lamp  
Set the tape recording mode depending on your  
preference.  
MANUAL  
while pressing  
down the Lock Button located on the switch. The  
power lamp lights and the camcorder is turned on.  
1
Set the Power Switch to “  
2
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
Screen appears.  
3
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
CAMERAand press it. The CAMERA Menu  
appears.  
4
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select REC  
Power Switch  
Lock Button  
MODEand press it. The Sub Menu appears. Select  
SPor LPby rotating the MENU/BRIGHT wheel  
and press it. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to  
select “  
RETURN, and press it twice. The Menu  
Screen closes.  
Audio Dubbing (pg. 63) and Insert Editing  
(pg. 64) are possible on tapes recorded in the  
SP mode.  
• “LP(Long Play) is more economical, providing  
1.5 times the recording time.  
Display  
Menu Screen  
Sub Menu  
REC MODE  
SP  
LP  
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.  
14EN  
GETTING STARTED (cont.)  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Power Switch  
Display  
QUAL I TY  
I MAGE S I ZE  
REC SELECT  
F I NE  
1024X768  
Lock Button  
Card Cover  
Label  
Power Lamp  
Clipped edge  
Memory card  
RETURN  
Loading A Memory Card  
Picture Quality/Image Size Setting  
The provided memory card is already inserted in the  
camcorder when you receive the camcorder.  
The Picture Quality/Image Size can be selected to  
best match your needs. Refer to the chart on page 27  
for your selection.  
1
2 Make sure the camcorders power is off.  
Press PUSH OPEN and open the LCD monitor,  
1
Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to MEMORY,  
MANUAL  
then set the Power Switch to “  
while pressing  
then open the card cover (MEMORY CARD).  
down the Lock Button located on the switch. The  
power lamp lights and the camcorder turns on.  
3
Insert the memory card clipped edge first.  
Do not touch the terminal on the reverse side of the  
label.  
2
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
Screen appears.  
4
To close the card cover, push it until you hear a  
click.  
3
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
DSCand press it. The DSC Menu appears.  
To Unload A Memory Card . . .  
4
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
..... in step 3 push the memory card, which then  
comes out of the camcorder automatically. Pull it  
out and close the card cover.  
QUALITYand press it. The Sub Menu appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the  
desired mode and press it.  
NOTES:  
5
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
Be sure to use only SD Memory Cards marked  
IMAGE SIZEand press it. The Sub Menu appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the  
desired mode and press it.  
or MultiMediaCards marked  
.  
Some brands of memory cards are not compatible with  
this camcorder. Before purchasing a memory card ,  
consult its manufacturer or dealer.  
Before using a new memory card, it is necessary to  
FORMAT the card. pg. 36.  
6
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
RETURN, and press it twice. The Menu Screen  
closes.  
ATTENTION  
Do not insert/remove the memory card while the  
camcorder is turned on, as this may cause the  
memory card to be corrupted or cause the camcorder  
to become unable to recognize whether or not the  
card is installed.  
EN 15  
TAPE RECORDING & PLAYBACK  
TAPE RECORDING  
&
PLAYBACK  
CONTENTS  
TAPE RECORDING ........................ 16 20  
Basic Recording..................................... 16  
Journalistic Shooting ............................... 17  
Self-Recording ...................................... 17  
Operation Mode .................................... 17  
Zooming ............................................ 18  
Video Light ......................................... 19  
Time Code ........................................... 20  
TAPE PLAYBACK .......................... 21 24  
Normal Playback ................................... 21  
Still Playback ....................................... 21  
Shuttle Search ...................................... 21  
Frame-By-Frame Playback ........................ 21  
Connections .................................. 22 23  
Blank Search ........................................ 24