COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER GR-AX640 ENGLISH For Customer Use: Enter below the Model No. and Serial No. which is located on the bottom of cabinet. Retain this information for future reference. INSTRUCTIONS Model No. Serial No.
EN Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS camcorder. 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 ( Z pg. 7). • 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 . . . .....
EN IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Electrical energy can perform many useful functions. But improper use can result in potential electrical shock or fire hazards. This product has been engineered and manufactured to assure your personal safety. In order not to defeat the built-in safeguards, observe the following basic rules for its installation, use and servicing. ATTENTION: Follow and obey all warnings and instructions marked on your product and its operating instructions.
EN USE SERVICING 1. Accessories 1. Servicing To avoid personal injury: • Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. It may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. • Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the product. • Use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any mounting of the product.
QUICK OPERATION GUIDE EN INSERTING A VIDEO CASSETTE SUPPLY POWER A Hook on. B Push in. PUSH Button BATTERY RELEASE Using the battery pack Hook its end to the camcorder ( ) and push the battery pack in until it locks in place ( ). (Charging procedure, Z pg. 8) EJECT Switch 1 Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder. 2 Insert a video cassette. 3 Press PUSH to close the cassette holder. (For more details, Z pg. 13) To remove the battery pack Slide BATTERY RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.
MAJOR FEATURES EN Picture Stabilizer (Z pg. 20) REMEMBER The Logical Choice The only compact video cassettes that can be used with your VHS VCR* Digital Hyper Zoom (Z pg. 18) Zoom in Program AE with Special Effects (Z pg. 22, 23) n Electronic Fog Filter n ND Effect n Sepia n Twilight n Sports n Nega/Posi n 1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter 5-Sec. Recording ( Z pg. 20) Zoom out PROVIDED ACCESSORIES •AC Power Adapter/ Charger AA-V15U •Cassette Adapter (VHS Playpak) C-P7U Menu Adjustment (Z pg.
CONTENTS GETTING STARTED EN 7 8 – 15 Power............................................................................................................ 8 Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal .............................................................. 10 Date/Time Settings .......................................................................................... 11 Recording Mode Setting..................................................................................... 12 Tape Length Setting ...
GETTING STARTED EN Power Marks To AC outlet CHARGE indicator This camcorder’s 3-way power supply system lets you choose the most appropriate source of power. NOTES: ● No function is available without power supply. ● Use only the specified power supply. ● Do not use provided power supply units with other equipment. CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK REFRESH switch 1 SUPPLY POWER 2 ATTACH BATTERY PACK Connect the charger’s AC power cord to a wall outlet.
EN 9 A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to help you remember whether it has been charged or not. Two colors are provided (red and black)—you choose which one means charged and which means discharged. NOTES: ● The recording time per charge is affected by such factors as the time spent in Record-Standby mode and the frequency of zooming. It is safer to have spare battery packs to cover 3 times the planned shooting time.
GETTING STARTED (cont.) EN Slot Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal This battery is necessary for clock operation and to perform date/time settings. 1 SWITCH OFF POWER Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power supply unit (battery pack, AC Power Adapter/Battery Charger, etc.). 2 REMOVE BATTERY HOLDER 3 INSERT BATTERY IN HOLDER Pull out the battery holder. Battery holder Insert the battery in the holder, and be sure to have the “+” mark visible.
EN 11 1 ACCESS MENU SCREEN Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”, then press MENU. •The power lamp comes on. 2 SELECT FUNCTION Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to “DATE/TIME”, then press it. The DATE/TIME Menu appears. MENU Button Power lamp •If you decide you want to return the date and time to the previous settings, rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to “EXIT” and press it, then go to step 6. •If you want to set only the time without changing the date, go to step 4.
GETTING STARTED (cont.) EN Recording Mode Setting Set depending on your preference. 1 SET RECORDING MODE First set the Power Switch to “AUTO” or “PRO.”. Press SP/EP for more than 1 second. “SP” (Standard Play) provides higher picture and sound quality and is better for dubbing, while “EP” (Extended Play) is more economical, providing three times the recording time.
EN 13 1 OPEN CASSETTE HOLDER Slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force to open. 2 INSERT/REMOVE CASSETTE 3 CLOSE CASSETTE HOLDER Make sure the label is facing outward. Press PUSH and make sure the holder is closed and locked. PUSH Button EJECT Switch Turn to take up slack. Erase Protection Gear NOTES: ● The cassette holder cannot be opened unless a power supply is attached. ● Make sure that the tape is not slack when loading the cassette.
GETTING STARTED (cont.) EN Power Zoom Lever Grip Adjustment 1 EXPAND LOOP 2 INSERT HAND Separate the Velcro strip. Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the grip. 3 ADJUST STRAP LENGTH Adjust so your thumb and fingers can easily operate the Recording Start/Stop Button and Power Zoom Lever. Refasten the Velcro strip. Recording Start/Stop Button Viewfinder Adjustment 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE Set the Power Switch to “CAMERA” (“AUTO” or “PRO.”).
EN 15 1 ATTACH STRAP 1 2 3 4 Following the illustration at left, thread the strap through the top of 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, making sure the strap is not twisted. 2 ADJUST LENGTH Adjust as shown in the illustration at left 4. Tripod Mounting 1 ALIGN AND TIGHTEN Align the screw and camera direction stud on the tripod with the camera’s mounting socket and stud hole.
RECORDING Basic Recording EN LENS COVER Open/Close Ring NOTE: You should already have performed the procedures listed below. If not, do so before continuing. ● Power ( Z pg. 8) ● Recording Mode Setting ( Z pg. 12) ● Tape Length Setting ( Z pg. 12) ● Grip Adjustment ( Z pg. 14) ● Viewfinder Adjustment ( Z pg. 14) 1 LOAD A CASSETTE Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then insert the cassette with the label facing out. Press PUSH to ensure the holder is closed and locked.
EN Tape remaining time indicator MIN 25MIN (Now calculating) 120MIN 17 4 STOP RECORDING Press the Recording Start/Stop Button again to stop recording. •The camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode. 3MIN 2MIN (Blinking) 1MIN (Blinking) 0MIN (Blinking) Recording Start/Stop Button DISPLAY Button ● The cassette holder cannot be opened unless a power supply is attached. ● There may be a delay after you slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force.
RECORDING Basic Features EN FEATURE: Zooming Zoom in PURPOSE: Zoom out To produce the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous change in image magnification. Digital circuitry extends the maximum magnification offered by optical zoom. This system is called Digital Zoom. OPERATION: Display Zoom indicator bar 1X Zoom level indicator Approximate zoom ratio Power Zoom Lever Power Switch Zoom In Push the Power Zoom Lever towards “T”. Zoom Out Push the Power Zoom Lever towards “W”.
EN 19 FEATURE: Quick Review PURPOSE: To check the end of the last recording. OPERATION: 1) Press “ ” and release quickly during the Record– Standby mode. n Tape is rewound for about 2 seconds and played back automatically, then pauses in Record–Standby mode for the next shot. NOTE: RETAKE (R/F) Button FEATURE: Retake PURPOSE: To re-record certain segments. OPERATION: 1) Make sure the camcorder is in the Record–Standby mode. 2) Press either RETAKE to reach the start point for new recording.
RECORDING Basic Features (cont.) EN 5 SEC. REC Button P. STABILIZER Button FEATURE: Picture Stabilizer PURPOSE: To compensate for unstable images caused by camerashake, particularly at high magnification. OPERATION: 1) Press P. STABILIZER. “ ”appears. n To switch off the Picture Stabilizer, press P. STABILIZER. The indicator disappears.
RECORDING Advanced Features EN 21 Fade/Wipe [Ex.: Fader] Fade in These effects let you make pro-style scene transitions. Fade- or wipe-in works at recording start, and fade- or wipe-out works at recording end or when you enter Record–Standby mode. 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE FADE- OR WIPE-STANDBY 2 ENGAGE MODE Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”. Display After 2 sec. EFFECT MOSAIC EFFECT MOSAIC Press EFFECT to cycle through the modes as shown at left.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Program AE With Special Effects Display P.AE After 2 sec. : SEPIA P.AE : SEPIA All you have to do to access any of the variety of shooting effects is press P.AE. 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 SELECT MODE Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”. Press P.AE to cycle through the modes as shown on the left. •The selected mode’s name and its indication are displayed for approx. 2 seconds. Then the name disappears, and only the indication remains. The mode is activated.
EN Display SEPIA Mode Sepia Display S 1/2000 Mode 1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter Sepia High-Speed Shutter (1/2000s.) The scene being shot is recorded in sepia-tinted (reddish-brown) monochrome, giving the effect of an older movie. Use together with Wide (Z pg. 27) for the authentic look of a classic Hollywood movie. Captures faster action than Sports mode. NEGA POSI 23 Nega/Posi Nega/Posi (Negative/Positive) Sports The colors of a picture are reversed.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Date/Time Insert This feature allows you to display the date and time in the viewfinder or on a connected color monitor, as well as to record them manually or automatically. 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 ACCESS MENU SCREEN 3 ACCESS “DATE/TIME DISP.” MENU Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”. Press the Select Dial to display the Menu Screen. Move the highlight bar to “DATE/TIME DISP.” by rotating the Select Dial while in Record-Standby.
EN 25 Instant Titles The camcorder has eight preset titles in memory. You can superimpose one of them above a previously stored title as shown in the illustration to the left. Instant Titles can be displayed not only in English but also in French, Spanish and Portuguese. Change the setting in TITLE LANG. in the Menu Screen. (Z pg. 26, 28). 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 ACCESS MENU SCREEN 3 ACCESS “TITLE” MENU Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Using Menu 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. Select Dial 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 ACCESS MENU SCREEN Turn the Power Switch to “PRO.”. MENU Button Display (ex. Menu Screen available using the MENU Button) 4NEXT M .W. B . D .
EN 27 FOCUS EXPOSURE WIDE S.LX AUTO Adjusts focus automatically. MANU Allows you to adjust focus manually (Z pg. 30, 31). AUTO Adjusts exposure automatically. MANU Allows you to adjust exposure manually (Z pg. 29). OFF Does not display black bars. ON Allows you to record black bars at the top and bottom of the screen to produce a cinema-like “wide-screen” effect.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Menu Screen Available Using The MENU Button (cont.) DATE/TIME Allows you to set the current date and time (Z pg. 11). TAPE LENGTH Allows you to set the tape length depending on the tape used (Z pg. 12). REC TIME This feature allows you to set the parameters for Animation and Time-Lapse recording (Z pg. 35). INT. TIME This feature allows you to set the parameters for Self-Timer (Z pg. 34) and TimeLapse recording ( Z pg. 34, 35).
EN 29 Exposure Control This feature automatically adjusts the iris for the best available picture quality, but you can override and make the adjustment manually. 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 ACCESS MENU SCREEN 3 ACCESS “EXPOSURE” MENU Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”. Press the Select Dial to display the Menu Screen. 4 ACCESS MANUAL EXPOSURE Rotate the Select Dial to move the highlight bar to “MANU”, then press it. “00” (exposure control level counter) appears.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Focus detection zone Focusing AUTO FOCUS The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers continuous shooting ability from close-up 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-color wall, or a clear, blue sky.
EN 31 MANUAL FOCUS NOTE: You should already have made the necessary viewfinder adjustments (Z pg. 14). If you haven’t, do so before continuing. 1 SELECT OPERATION MODE 2 ACCESS MENU SCREEN 3 ACCESS “FOCUS” MENU 4 ACCESS MANUAL FOCUS Set the Power Switch to “PRO.”. Press the Select Dial to display the Menu Screen. Select Dial Power Switch 5 ADJUST FOCUS Display FOCUS AUTO EXPOSURE AUTO WIDE OFF S . LX OFF TITLE DATE TIME DISP.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN White Balance Adjustment A term that refers to the correctness of color reproduction under various lighting. If the white balance is correct, all other colors will be accurately reproduced. The white balance is usually adjusted automatically. However, the more advanced camcorder operator would prefer to control this function manually and achieve a more professional color/tint reproduction.
EN White paper 33 Manual White Balance Operation If the camera is operating in PRO. mode, perform a Manual White Balance when shooting under various types of lighting. MODE 1 SELECT OPERATION Z Follow steps 1 through 4 of the white balance adjustment ( pg. 32), and select “MWB”. 2 SET MANUAL WHITE BALANCE Hold a sheet of plain white paper in front of the subject. Adjust zoom or position yourself so that the white paper fills the screen.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Self-Timer You can set the delay between pressing the Recording Start/Stop button and the actual start of recording. If you secure the camcorder, you (or whoever is operating the camcorder) can enter the scene before recording starts. NOTE: Make sure the Power Switch is set to “PRO.” and the camcorder is in the Record-Standby mode before performing the following steps. 1 ACCESS MENU SCREEN 2 ACCESS “INT. TIME” MENU MENU Button Press MENU.
EN 35 Animation Time-Lapse You can give stationary scenes or objects an illusion of movement. This function allows you to shoot a series of pictures, each slightly different, of the same object for a brief period of time. You can record sequentially at preset time spans. Leaving the camcorder aimed at a specific subject, you can record subtle changes over an extended period of time. NOTE: NOTE: Before performing the following steps, make sure that: ● The Power Switch is set to “PRO.”.
PLAYBACK Basic Playback EN REW (2) Button FF (3) Button PLAY/PAUSE (4/6) Button STOP (5) Button 1 LOAD A CASSETTE Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then insert the cassette with the label facing out. Press PUSH to ensure the holder is closed and locked. 2 SELECT MODE Set the Power Switch to “PLAY”. The power lamp lights. 3 PLAY BACK Press PLAY/PAUSE (4/6). The playback picture appears. 4 STOP PLAYBACK Press STOP (5).
PLAYBACK Features EN 37 Tracking This function can be used to eliminate noise bars that appear on-screen during playback. Initial setting is Auto Tracking. Manual Tracking is also available. 1 ACTIVATE MANUAL TRACKING Press P.AE and EFFECT simultaneously. Then, press P.AE or EFFECT as many times as necessary until the noise bars disappear. •To return to Auto Tracking, press P.AE and EFFECT simultaneously. “AT” blinks. When Auto Tracking finishes, the indication disappears.
PLAYBACK Features (cont.) EN Power Switch FEATURE: Still Playback PURPOSE: To pause during playback. OPERATION: 1) Press PLAY/PAUSE (4/6) during playback. 2) To resume normal playback, press PLAY/PAUSE (4/6) again. NOTE: Noise bars appear and pictures may become monochrome during Still Playback. This is normal. FEATURE: Shuttle Search PURPOSE: To allow high-speed search in either direction.
PLAYBACK Using The Cassette Adapter EN 39 Cassette Adapter (VHS Playpak) Use this to play back a VHS-C video cassette recorded with this camcorder on a VHS VCR. It is fully compatible with any VHS video cassette recorder. The C-P7U adapter is battery powered and automatically performs tape loading and unloading. 1 INSERT BATTERY Slide the battery cover up to remove it, and install one “AA(R6)” size battery as shown in the illustration at left, then reattach the cover.
PLAYBACK Basic Connections And Tape Dubbing EN These are some basic types of connections. When making connections, refer also to your VCR and TV instruction manuals. A. Connections Connection to a TV or VCR equipped with an S-VIDEO Basic Use optional Video and Audio cables. TV To Video Output To VIDEO IN Video cable (optional) To TV or VCR Audio cable (optional) To AUDIO IN To Audio Output VCR Connector cover* A.
EN Basic Connections 41 Tape Dubbing 1 CONFIRM POWER-OFF STATUS 1 CONNECT EQUIPMENT CAMCORDER TO TV OR 2 CONNECT VCR 2 PREPARE FOR DUBBING Make sure the camcorder’s power is off. Following the illustration on pg. 40, connect the camcorder and the VCR. Pull out the connector cover and open it. Connect as shown in the illustration (Z pg. 40). Set the camcorder’s Power Switch to “PLAY”, turn on the VCR’s power, and insert the appropriate cassettes in the camcorder and the VCR.
USER MAINTENANCE EN LENS COVER Open/Close Ring BATTERY RELEASE Set to “POWER OFF”. After Use 1 2 3 4 5 Set the Power Switch to “POWER OFF” to turn off the camcorder. Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then remove the cassette. Close and lock the cassette holder by pressing PUSH. Slide BATTERY RELEASE to remove the battery pack. Turn the LENS COVER Open/Close Ring to close the lens cover. Cleaning The Camcorder 1 CLEAN EXTERIOR Wipe gently with a soft cloth.
TROUBLESHOOTING EN 43 If, after following the steps in the chart below, the problem still exists, please consult your JVC 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 clock battery; and then re-connect it and proceed as usual from the beginning.
TROUBLESHOOTING (cont.) EN SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) OTHER During recording, the indications do not appear. ● Press DISPLAY for longer than 1 second to make the indications appear (Z pg. 17). The tape will not eject. ● The battery pack is running low. Some functions are not available. ● The Power Switch is set to “AUTO”. ● Certain combinations of modes or effects are not possible to use. Vertical white lines appear when shooting a very bright object.
INDEX Indications 1 EN 2 3 45 4 5 6 7 9 8 0 ! @ S T30 30MIN FINE 10 REC SP FADER NORM 01 2 LENS COVER PAUSE 20X 15S INDEX TAPE END 5S BRIGHT MERRY CHRISTMAS DEC 25. 99 AM 11 : 45 : 18 1 Cassette Warning/ Tape Remaining Time .......................... Z pg. 17 When no cassette is inserted: the cassette ( ) warning blinks. When the Erase Protection tab is not in the position that allows recording: the cassette ( ) warning lights.
INDEX Controls, Connectors And Indicators EN y 1 r2 u ) o i p qw 345 Q 6 7 8 0 9 ! @ # $ % W e ( ^ & t* E R
EN 47 Controls Connectors 1 Diopter Adjustment Control ................. Z pg. 14 2 Lens Cover Open/Close Ring ................ Z pg. 16 3 5-Second Recording Button ) DC IN Jack ............................................ Z pg. 9 The connectors q to e are located beneath the 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ! @ # $ [5SEC. REC] ......................................... Z pg. 20 Power Zoom Lever [T/W] ..................... Z pg. 18 Picture Stabilizer Button [P.STABILIZER] ..................................... Z pg.
INDEX Terms EN A P AC Power Adapter/Charger ..................... Z pg. 8, 9 Animation Recording ................................ Z pg. 35 Auto Date Record ..................................... Z pg. 24 Auto Focus ............................................... Z pg. 30 Auto Shut off ...................................... Z pg. 17, 36 Picture Stabilizer ...................................... Z pg. 20 Power Switch Position .............................. Z pg. 16 Program AE With Special Effects .....
CAUTIONS EN When using the AC Power Adapter/Charger in areas other than the USA n The provided AC Power Adapter/Charger features automatic voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V. USING HOUSEHOLD AC PLUG ADAPTER In case of connecting the unit’s power cord to an AC wall outlet other than American National Standard C73 series type use an AC plug adapter, called a “Siemens Plug”, as shown. For this AC plug adapter, consult your nearest JVC dealer.
EN Cassettes To properly use and store your cassettes, be sure to read the following cautions: 1. During use . . . .... make sure the cassette bears the VHS-C 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. ....
SPECIFICATIONS EN 51 Camcorder General Format : Power source : Power consumption : Signal system : Video recording system Luminance : Color : Cassette Tape speed SP EP Recording time (max.) SP EP VHS NTSC standard DC 6.0 V 5.4 W NTSC-type Operating temperature: Operating humidity : Storage temperature : Weight : Dimensions : FM recording Converted sub-carrier direct recording Conforms to VHS standard cassette : Pickup Lens : 33.35 mm/sec. (1-5/16 ips) : 11.12 mm/sec.
ESPAÑOL EN Marcas A la toma de corriente de CA Indicador CHARGE (carga) Alimentación Esta cámara de video posee un sistema de alimentación de 3 vías que le permite seleccionar la fuente de alimentación más apropiada. NOTAS: ● Sin alimentación no hay ninguna función disponible. ● Utilice exclusivamente la alimentación indicada. ● No utilice las unidades de alimentación suministradas con otro equipo.
GUIA PARA OPERACION RAPIDA EN 53 Si la unidad comienza a funcionar mal, deje de usarla inmediatamente y consulte a su concesionario local de JVC. INSERCION DEL CASSETTE DE VIDEO ALIMENTACION A Enganche. B Empuje. BATTERY RELEASE Botón PUSH Utilización de la batería Enganche el lado extremo de la batería en la cámara de video ( ) y empuje la batería hasta que se bloquee en el lugar ( ). (Procedimiento para carga, Z p. 8) Conmutador EJECT 1 Deslice EJECT para abrir el portacassette.
FOR SERVICING (Only in U.S.A.) EN HOW TO LOCATE YOUR JVC SERVICE CENTER TOLL FREE: 1-800-252-5722 Dear customer: In order to receive the most satisfaction from your purchase, read the instruction booklet before operating the unit. In the event that repair is necessary, or for the address nearest your location, please refer to the factory service center list below or within the Continental United States, call 1-800252-5722 for your authorized servicer.
WARRANTY (Only in U.S.A.) EN LIMITED WARRANTY 55 CONSUMER VIDEO 1-90 JVC COMPANY OF AMERICA warrants this product and all parts thereof, except as set forth below ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER AT RETAIL to be FREE FROM DEFECTIVE MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP from the date of original retail purchase for the period as shown below.
EN GR-AX640 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LIMITED COPYRIGHT© 1998 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD.
