CONTENTS COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER GR-AX860 GETTING STARTED 6 RECORDING 14 Basic Recording ...................... Basic Features ........................ Video Light ........................... Advanced Features .................. 14 15 17 18 Date/Time Insert .................... 18 Snapshot ................................ 19 Digital Image Stabilizer (D.I.S.) ................................... 20 Exposure Control .................... 20 White Balance Adjustment ...... 21 Focusing ....................
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 your new camcorder. Using This Instruction Manual • All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents (Z cover page). • 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 . . . ..
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 viewfinder playback are possible anywhere. Use the BN-V12U/BN-V22U/BNV25U 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.
MAJOR FEATURES REMEMBER The Logical Choice Multi Function Control (Z pg. 20 – 33) Digital Hyper Zoom (Z pg. 15) Zoom-in The only compact video cassettes that can be used with your VHS VCR* W W W T T W T T Zoom-out Programme AE with Special Effects (Z pg. 24) n Cinema n Sepia n Twilight n Sports n High Speed (1/2000 sec.) Shutter n Classic Film n Strobe n Slow Shutter Digital Image Stabilizer (Z pg. 20) Digital Wipes and Fades (Z pg.
QUICK OPERATION GUIDE SUPPLY POWER INSERTING A VIDEO CASSETTE Hook on. 1 EJECT 1 2 Push in. 3 PUSH 2 Insert. BATT. RELEASE Using the battery pack 1 Hook-on the battery pack’s top end to the camcorder. (Charging procedure, Z P. 6) 2 Push in the battery pack until it locks into place. 1 Slide EJECT. 2 Insert a video cassette. 3 Press PUSH. (For more details, Z P. 11) To remove the battery pack Slide BATT. RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.
GETTING STARTED Power 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 specified power supply. ● Do not use provided power supply units with other equipment. CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK CHG. (charge) indicator Marks POWER indicator To AC outlet 1 2 END indicator 3 REFRESH switch REFRESH indicator SUPPLY POWER Connect the charger’s AC power cord to a wall outlet.
**CHARGE MARKER Charge marker A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to help you remember whether it has been charged or not. Two colours 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.
GETTING STARTED (cont.) Clock Battery (Lithium) Insertion/Removal A This battery is necessary for clock operation and to perform date/time settings. 1 2 3 4 5 SWITCH OFF POWER Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power supply unit. OPEN COVER Open the clock battery compartment cover while pressing the release tab. REMOVE BATTERY (when replacing) Insert a pointed, non-metallic object between the battery and the compartment ( A ) and pull the battery out.
Date/Time Setting Shooting mode selector FAR + 1 MENU 2 3 NEAR – Set POWER to “CAMERA”. 4 SELECT MODE Set the Power switch to “CAMERA”, and the Shooting Mode selector to “PRESET”. ACCESS MAIN MENU SCREEN Press MENU. SELECT FUNCTION Press – to move the highlight bar down to “Date/ Time”, then press NEAR. The Set Date And Time screen appears. SET DATE/TIME Press FAR or NEAR until the item you want to set begins blinking, then press + or – to until the correct setting appears.
GETTING STARTED (cont.) Tape Length Setting Shooting mode selector FAR + 1 MENU 2 3 NEAR – 4 5 SELECT MODE Set the Power switch to “CAMERA”, and the Shooting Mode selector to “PRESET”. ACCESS MAIN MENU SCREEN Press MENU. SELECT FUNCTION Press + or – to move the highlight bar to “Tape Length”. SET TAPE LENGTH Press FAR or NEAR to cycle through until the correct setting appears (depending on the tape used). T30 = 30 minutes of recording time, T45 = 45 min. and T60 = 60 min.
Recording Mode Setting 1 SP/LP Pressing SP/LP alternates the setting between SP (standard play-provides higher picture and sound quality, better for dubbing) and LP (Long Play-more economical, recording at 1/2 the speed of SP). NOTE: If the recording mode is switched during recording, the playback picture will be blurred at the switching point. Loading/Unloading A Cassette 1 2 LP SP SP 3 OPEN CASSETTE HOLDER Slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force to open.
GETTING STARTED (cont.) Grip Adjustment 1 2 Recording Start/Stop button 3 EXPAND LOOP Separate the Velcro strip. INSERT HAND Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the grip. 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.
Using The RM-V706U Remote Control Unit The RM-V706U full-function MBR (Multi-Brand Remote) can operate this camcorder from a distance as well as the basic operations (PLAY, STOP, PAUSE, FF, and REW) of your VCR. This remote control unit is useful when dubbing from the camcorder to your VCR, and it makes additional recording functions possible.
RECORDING Basic Recording LENS COVER SWITCH NOTE: You should already have performed the procedures listed below. If not, do so before continuing. ● Power (Z pg. 6) ● Tape Length ( Z pg. 10) ● Recording Mode Setting (Z pg. 11) ● Grip Adjustment (Z pg. 12) 1 POWER Start/Stop The power indicator 2 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.
RECORDING Basic Features FEATURE: PURPOSE: Zoom-in W W W W OPERATION: T T T T Zoom-out Zoom indicator bar W Zoom level indicator T Shooting mode selector FAR + MENU NOTES: ● During Hyper Zoom, the speed increases the further you slide the Zoom Lever. ● Focusing may be come unstable during Hyper Zoom. In this case, set the zoom while in Record – Standby, set manual focus or Focus Lock (Z pg. 22, 23), then zoom in or out in Record mode.
RECORDING Basic Features (cont.) FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: START/STOP NOTE: VISS RM-V706U (provided) RETAKE FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: NOTE: FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: AUTO PAUSE NOTES: Record-Standby Up Normal Upside down Record Record-Standby Record-Standby Down Index Code Marking To give you automatic access to any selected point on a recording. Auto Marking and Manual Marking are available.
Video Light When natural lighting is too dim, you can brighten the scene by using the built-in video light. 1 LIGHT ON/AUTO/OFF SET VIDEO LIGHT Set the LIGHT ON/AUTO/OFF as required. ON : Always keeps the light on as long as the camcorder is turned on. AUTO : Automatically turns on the light when the camcorder senses insufficient lighting on the subject. OFF : Turns off the light. •The video light can be used with the camcorder’s power on. •It is recommended to set the white balance ( Z pg.
RECORDING Advanced Features Date/Time Insert This feature allows you to display the date and time in your viewfinder and on a connected TV. NOTE: You should already have performed the Date/Time Setting procedure (Z pg. 9). If you haven’t, do so before continuing. DISPLAY DISPLAY 1 CHOOSE DISPLAY MODE Press DISPLAY during Record–Standby to cycle through the available modes as shown in the illustration at left. NOTES: 25.12.
Snapshot SNAP SHOT This interesting feature lets you record several types of digital still images that look, and sound, like photographs. It’s a great way to spice up footage of events such as parties, weddings and graduations. 1 SNAP SHOT MODE Frame Pin-up 2 M ult i4 Full Multi 4 Multi 9 Pin-Up A still image on a blue background. The image is bordered in white and a shadow effect is added to give it a more dimensional feel. Frame A still image with a white border is recorded.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) Digital Image Stabilizer This feature compensates for unstable images caused by camera-shake, particularly noticeable at high magnification. 1 Shooting Mode Selector + ACTIVATE D. I. STABILIZER Press D.I.STABILIZER. “ ” appears in the viewfinder. •To switch off the Digital Image Stabilizer, press D.I.STABILIZER. The indicator disappears. NOTES: D.I.
White Balance Adjustment MWB This camcorder’s Automatic Colour Temperature system senses the colour temperature of the ambient lighting for automatic white balance adjustment. However, precise colour adjustment is not possible under the following conditions: •When an object is in various shades of the same colour. •When a predominantly red or brown object is being shot outdoors. In these cases, use the camcorder’s built-in preset filters for white balance adjustment.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) Focusing Auto Focus Focus detection zone Shooting Mode Selector FAR NEAR 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.
Shooting Mode Selector FAR NEAR Manual Focus NOTE: You should already have made the necessary viewfinder adjustments (Z pg. 8). If you haven’t, do so before continuing. 1 SELECT SHOOTING MODE Set the Shooting Mode selector to “PRESET”. ADJUST FOCUS Power zoom lever 2 2 A TO FARTHER SUBJECT Press and hold FAR. The Manual Focus indications “ ” appear and “ ” blinks. Go to step 3. B TO NEARER SUBJECT Press and hold NEAR. The Manual Focus indications “ ” appear and “ ” blinks. Go to step 3.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) Shooting Mode Selector EFFECT/PROG.AE Programme AE With Special Effects Useful in making the picture look creative and attractive. Effects can be selected during recording, as well as in Record–Standby. 1 2 OFF 1 Cinema 2 Sepia 3 Twilight 4 Sports 5 HI.S 1/2000 6 Classic Film 7 Strobe 8 Slow Shutter Effect menu SELECT SHOOTING MODE Set the Shooting Mode selector to either “FULL AUTO” or “PRESET”. If you set to “FULL AUTO”, . . . ....
INDICATION MODE CINEMA Adds black bars to the top and bottom of the screen to produce a cinema-like “16:9 wide-screen” effect. SEPIA The picture becomes sepia-tinted (reddish brown) monochrome, creating the look of an old photograph. TWILIGHT Makes dusk and twilight scenes, etc. look more natural and dramatic. White balance is set to “ ”. Press MWB if you want to change the setting.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) Shooting mode selector Fade/Wipe These effects let you make pro-style scene transitions. 1 FADE/WIPE 2 OFF 1 BK 2 C 3 4 5 6 7 P 8 –– B l ack F ad er B l u e F ad er M o sai c F ad er S h u t t er W i p e Slide Wipe C o rn er W i p e D i sso l ve A u t o S el ect 3 Set the Shooting Mode selector to either “FULL AUTO” or “PRESET”. If you set to “FULL AUTO”, . . . .... only the Black Fader mode is available. If you set to “PRESET”, . . . ....
BK BLACK FADER Fades in/out to a black screen. C BLUE FADER Fades in/out to a blue screen. MOSAIC FADER — — AUTO SELECT Press RECORDING START/STOP to begin or end recording, and 6 wipe-ins are automatically generated, in the order shown below: SLIDE WIPE SCROLL WIPE Gradually turns/returns the picture into/from a mosaic pattern.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) Shooting mode selector FAR + Using Menu For Detailed Adjustment This camcorder is equipped with Multi-Function Control, an easy-to-use, on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more detailed camcorder settings. MENU 1 – 2 NEAR 3 4 S hift Zoom Tele Macro Gain Up Color Filter Tape Length Title Date/Time S ub Menu OFF OFF AGC NOR. T45 Main Menu screen Tally/E L ON 5 SELECT SHOOTING MODE Set the Shooting Mode selector to “PRESET”.
MAIN MENU OFF Magnifies wide-angle images to approximately 3.6 times the original size, and enables zooming in the 18x – 50x range. l140x Magnifies wide-angle images to approximately 10 times the original size, and allows zooming from 50x to 140x. Shift Zoom Tele Macro OFF lON Gain UP AGC lA lOFF Color Filter Disables the Shift Zoom function. l50x NOR Usually set to this position. Usually the distance to a subject where the lens is in focus depends on the zoom magnification.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) Instant Titles Shooting mode selector + MENU You can superimpose one of 8 preset titles, or a title you made yourself, onto a scene. 1 – FAR 2 NEAR 3 4 Sh i f t Z o o m Tele Macro Gain Up Color Filter Tape Length Title Date/Time Su b M e n u OFF OFF AGC NOR.
Character Generator Shooting mode selector + You can enter an original title of up to 18 characters. Perform steps 1, 2 and 3 of the “Instant Title” procedure (Z pg. 30) before continuing. MENU 1 – FAR NEAR 2 SET : MENU KEY A B C D E F G J K L M N O P Q T U V W X Y Z Ä À È Ì Ò Ù Ñ Æ Ø : . , ’ – / ! ? 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 GR– AX 8 6 0 End Press + or – to move the highlight bar to “(Set Character)”, then press NEAR. The Character Set menu appears.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) Interval Timer Indicator Recording Time Indicator 1min 1s Shooting mode selector Self-Timer You can set the delay between pressing RECORDING START/STOP and the actual start of recording. If you secure the camcorder, you (or whomever is operating the camcorder) can enter the scene before recording starts. + NEAR 1 2 MENU FAR – 3 4 Tally lamp START/STOP 5 INT.
Animation Time-Lapse 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. 1 2 3 ENGAGE RECORD–STANDBY MODE Make sure the lens cover is open, then set the power switch to “CAMERA”.
PLAYBACK Using The Cassette Adapter Cassette Adapter Use this to play back a VHS-C video cassette recorded with this camcorder. 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 VCR Compartment door 2 3 4 Sliding latch Compact video cassette Slide the battery cover up to remove it, and install one “R6(AA)” size battery as shown in the illustration at left. Then reattach the cover.
PLAYBACK Basic Connections There are three basic types of connections. When making the connections, refer also to your VCR and TV instruction manuals. Connection To A VCR [A] (Editing, Dubbing and Playback) NOTE: Use the optional Audio and Video cables. To AUDIO and VIDEO connectors Audio and Video cables (optional) A If your TV/VCR has the SCART connector, use the provided cable adapter.
PLAYBACK Basic Playback PLAY/PAUSE STOP NOTE: Make sure you connect your camcorder as directed in “Basic Connections” (Z pg. 35). 1 FF REW 2 3 4 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. SELECT MODE Set the Power switch to “PLAY”. The Power On indicator lights. PLAYBACK Press PLAY/PAUSE. The playback picture appears in the viewfinder and the connected TV.
PLAYBACK Features TRACKING COUNTER R/M PLAY/PAUSE FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: NOTES: REW FF STOP FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: NOTE: FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: NOTE: FEATURE: PURPOSE: REW OPERATION: FF PAUSE PLAY RM-V706U (provided) NOTES: Manual Tracking To eliminate noise bars that appear on the screen. 1) Press either TRACKING button as many times as necessary for best picture. ● To reset TRACKING to the original preset, press both TRACKING buttons simultaneously.
EDIT EDITING Tape Dubbing PLAY/PAUSE 1 2 3 Power switch To AUDIO out To VIDEO out 5 Audio and Video cable (optional) To AUDIO IN To VIDEO IN 4 If your TV/VCR has the SCART connector, use the provided cable adapter. VCR (Recording deck) 6 7 CONNECT EQUIPMENT Following the illustration at left, connect the camcorder and the VCR. PREPARE FOR DUBBING 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.
SET REMOTE/VCR CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 MBR SET VCR CTL 0 BUTTONS (A) (B) AKAI 6 2 6 4 7 7 BLAUPUNKT 1 3 FERGUSON 9 7 9 8 3 2 GRUNDIG VCR BRAND NAME BUTTONS (A) (B) PHILIPS 1 9 1 9 9 9 1 3 1 4 3 4 SANYO 3 6 3 5 HITACHI 6 6 6 3 SELECO, REX 9 1 9 6 JVC 9 1 9 6 9 3 SHARP 1 5 1 ` SONY 6 6 3 3 5 ` 9 1 THOMSON, TELEFUNKEN, SABA, NORDMENDE 9 9 9 3 1 6 7 2 TOSHIBA 6 9 6 1 A B C MITSUBISHI 6 7 6 8 NEC 3 7 3 8 PANASONIC 1 1 1 9 1 3 7 1 4 8 9 5 1 4 1 6 2 3 Turn of
EDITING (cont.) REW/FF CANCEL 2 IN/OUT R.A. EDIT PLAY/PAUSE STOP 3 PREPARE CAMCORDER Insert a recorded tape and set the Power switch to “PLAY”. PREPARE VCR Turn the power on, insert a recordable tape and engage the AUX mode (refer to VCR’s instructions). SELECT SCENES 1 To JLIP To AUDIO and VIDEO out connectors Audio and Video cable (optional) Editing cable (provided) A B C 2 If your TV/VCR has the SCART connector, use the provided cable adapter.
AUTOMATIC EDITING TO VCR ORIGINAL TAPE (camcorder) 1 IN 3 IN OUT OUT 2 IN OUT 1 EDITED TAPE (VCR) EDIT STOP 2 3 ENGAGE VCR’S RECORD–PAUSE MODE Point the remote control toward the VCR’s infrared sensor and press VCR REC STBY, or manually engage the VCR’s Record-Pause mode. BEGIN AUTOMATIC EDITING Press EDIT on the camcorder, and the previously selected scenes are copied to the VCR in the specified order.
EDITING (cont.) COUNTER R/M Insert Editing You can record a new scene into a previously recorded tape, replacing a section of the original recording with minimal picture distortion at the in- and out-points. The original audio remains unchanged. NOTE: Use the RM-V706U remote control unit to perform this procedure. 1 2 3 POWER Insert editing indicator w M–0:12:34 Tape Counter 4 5 Viewfinder 6 7 REW PLAY INSERT PAUSE RM-V706U (provided) SELECT MODE Set the Power switch to “PLAY”.
Audio dubbing indicator Viewfinder e M-0:05:20 Audio Dubbing You can record a new soundtrack on a prerecorded tape (normal audio only). ** Perform steps 1, 2 and 3 of the Insert Editing procedure (Z pg. 42) before continuing. •The sound comes from the built-in mike (or an external mike if connected). 1 External Mike Mike 2 3 REW PLAY A.
USER MAINTENANCE LENS COVER open/close switch 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. Press BATT. RELEASE to remove the battery pack. Slide the LENS COVER open/close switch to close the lens cover. Set to “POWER OFF” Cleaning The Camcorder BATT. RELEASE EJECT 1 2 PUSH 3 Remove 4 5 CLEAN EXTERIOR Wipe gently with a soft cloth.
TROUBLESHOOTING SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) POWER No power is supplied. ● The battery pack has not been attached correctly ( Z pg. 6). ● The battery pack is not charged (Z pg. 6). ● The power supply has not been correctly connected ( Z pg. 7). The power suddenly goes off and doesn’t come back on by itself. ● The battery pack has completely discharged. ● Remove the cassette and disconnect the power source, then after a few minutes, try turning the power back on.
TROUBLESHOOTING (cont.) SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) OTHER The tape won’t eject. ● The battery pack is running low. Some functions are not available. ● The Shooting Mode selector is set to “FULL AUTO“. Vertical white lines appear when shooting a very bright object. ● This sometimes occurs when the contrast between the background and the object is great. It is not a defect of the camcorder. Bright, crystal-shaped spots appear in the viewfinder. ● Sunlight is directly entering the lens.
INDEX Controls ^ &* ( # $ % )q w ert y 12 u i 3 o 0 ! @ 4 5678 9 Controls 1 Multi-Function Control 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ! @ # $ % ^ [FAR/NEAR/+/– Buttons] ........................ Z pg. 9 EFFECT/PROG.AE Button .................... Z pg. 24 PUSH Button ......................................... Z pg. 5 Shooting Mode Selector ........................ Z pg. 9 DISPLAY Button .................................. Z pg. 18 SNAPSHOT MODE Button .................. Z pg. 19 FADE/WIPE Button ...................
a s d f A g PLAY E REC LP SP B D C h I O QWE R T U j p P Y k Connectors Other Parts p External MIC jack ................................ Z pg. 43 Q DC IN Jack ............................................ Z pg. 7 W JLIP (Joint Level Interface Protocol) Connector. I Video Light .......................................... Z pg. 17 O Microphone ........................................ Z pg. 43 P Infrared beam sensor window ............. Z pg.
INDEX Viewfinder 1 2 r e w q ) ( 42min REC SP 3 45 1min 1/4s Mu lti4 678 T45 + 02 MWB l PAUSE INDEX TAPE END Congratulations 25. 12. 95 10:45:13 * & ^ W 9 0 ! @ # $ t T % Viewfinder Indications 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ! @ # Remaining Tape Time .......................... Z pg. 14 Recording Mode (SP/LP) Indicator ....... Z pg. 11 Interval Timer Indicator. ...................... Z pg. 32 Recording Time Indicator .................... Z pg. 33 Snapshot Mode Display ...................... Z pg.
INDEX Terms A M AC Power Adapter .................................. pg. 7 Animation Recording .............................. pg. 33 Audio Dubbing ....................................... pg. 43 Auto Focus .............................................. pg. 22 Main Menu ............................................. pg. 29 Manual Focus ......................................... pg. 23 MBR Code Setting ................................... pg. 39 B P Battery Pack .........................................
CAUTIONS Video Light • The video light becomes 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. • When operating, keep a distance of about 30 cm between the video light and people or object. • Do not us e near flammable or explosive materials.
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 . . . .....
SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL Format Power source Power consumption Light on Light off Signal system Video recording system Luminance Colour Cassette Tape speed SP LP Recording time Max. SP : VHS PAL standard : DC 6V : 8.7 W : 5.7 W : PAL-type : FM recording : Converted sub-carrier direct recording *Conforms to VHS *standard : VHS-C cassette : 23.39 mm/sec : 11.
MEMO
MEMO
GR-AX860 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LIMITED COPYRIGHT© 1996 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD.
