JVC GR-SXM98AC User manual

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INSTRUCTIONS ENGLISH LYT1087-001A
AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION
Automatic Demonstration takes place when “DEMO MODE” is set to “ON”
(factory-preset).
• Available when the Power Switch @is set to “ ” or “ ” while pressing down the Lock Button !located
on the switch.
• 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 “ ” and press the MENU Wheel 1in
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 main Menu Screen). Rotate the MENU Wheel 1to select “OFF” and press it.
NOTES:
• When a tape whose Erase Protection tab is in the position that allows recording is loaded in the
camcorder, demonstration is not available.
• 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.
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS camcorder. Before use, please read
“PRECAUTIONS” (pg. 3, 4) to ensure safe use of this product.
Printed in Malaysia
1202-MK-UN-PJ
AC
COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER
GR-SXM98AC
GR-SXM88AC
GR-SXM68AC
VHS
PAL
625
®Registered Trademark owned by VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD.
COPYRIGHT© 2002 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD.
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PROVIDED ACCESSORIES
• Battery Pack
BN-V11U
• Shoulder Strap
• Lens Cap
• Power Cord
• A/V (Audio/Video)
Cable
• Remote Control Unit
RM-V715U
(GR-SXM98AC,
GR-SXM88AC only)
• AAA (R03) Battery x 2
(for Remote Control Unit,
GR-SXM98AC, GR-SXM88AC only)
• Cassette Adapter C-P7U
(GR-SXM98AC, GR-SXM88AC only)
• AA (R6) Battery
(for Cassette Adapter,
GR-SXM98AC, GR-SXM88AC only)
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.
• AC Adapter
AP-V13AC or AP-V12ED
1 GR-SXM98/88/68AC_EN_M 02.11.13, 3:15 PM2

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
CAUTIONS
•If you notice smoke or a peculiar smell coming
from the camcorder or AC adapter, shut it down
and unplug it immediately. Continue using the
camcorder or AC adapter under these conditions
could lead to fire or electric shock. Contact your
JVC dealer. Do not attempt to repair the
malfunction yourself.
•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 Adapter 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 information and safety caution of the
AC Adapter are on its bottom.
CAUTIONS
•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 JVC BN-V11U/V12U/V20U/V400U
battery packs and, to recharge them or to supply
power to the camcorder from an AC outlet, use
the provided multi-voltage AC Adapter. (An
appropriate conversion adapter may be
necessary to accommodate different designs of
AC outlets in different countries.)
CAUTIONS
To avoid electric shock or damage to the
unit, first firmly insert the small end of the
power cord into the AC Adapter until it is no
longer wobbly, and then plug the larger end
of the power cord into an AC outlet.
Cassettes marked and can be used used with this camcorder.
However, S-VHS recordings are possible only with cassettes marked .
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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.)
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INDEX
A
AC Adapter ................................................................. pg. 6
Animation Recording .......................................... pg. 21, 26
Audio Dubbing ......................................................... pg. 27
Auto Date Record .................................................... pg. 21
Auto Focus ............................................................... pg. 12
Auto Shut Off ........................................................... pg. 11
B
Backlight Compensation .......................................... pg. 12
Battery Pack .........................................................pg. 6, 29
Blue Filter Effect ...................................................... pg. 24
Brighten The Image ................................................. pg. 18
Brighten The LCD Monitor ................................. pg. 11, 22
C
Cassette Adapter ..................................................... pg. 16
Charge Marker ........................................................... pg. 6
Charging The Battery Pack ........................................ pg. 6
Classic Film Effect .................................................... pg. 24
Clean The Camcorder .............................................. pg. 30
Connection To a VCR/TV ......................................... pg. 15
Counter Memory ...................................................... pg. 14
D
Darken The Image ................................................... pg. 18
Darken The LCD Monitor ................................... pg. 11, 22
Date/Time Display .................................................... pg. 21
Date/Time Settings ..................................................... pg. 7
Demonstration Mode ............................................pg. 1, 22
Digital Effects ........................................................... pg. 24
Digital Zoom ............................................................. pg. 20
Dioptre Adjustment .....................................................pg. 8
E
Electronic Fog Filter Mode ....................................... pg. 24
Erase Protection ........................................................ pg. 8
Exposure Control ..................................................... pg. 18
F
Fade-In/Out .............................................................. pg. 23
Fast-Forward Tape ................................................... pg. 11
5-Second Recording Mode ...................................... pg. 12
G
Grip Adjustment ......................................................... pg. 8
H
High Speed Shutter Mode ........................................ pg. 24
I
Insert Editing ............................................................ pg. 26
Instant Titles ............................................................. pg. 19
L
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder, Indications .............. pg. 9, 10, 17
Load A Tape ............................................................... pg. 8
M
Manual Focus .......................................................... pg. 12
Menu Screen .................................................... pg. 18 –22
Monotone Effect ....................................................... pg. 24
Mosaic Effect ........................................................... pg. 24
N
ND Effect Mode ........................................................pg. 24
Nega/Posi Mode ...................................................... pg. 24
Night-Scope ............................................................. pg. 23
P
Picture Stabiliser ...................................................... pg. 18
Playback .................................................................. pg. 11
Playback Special Effects .......................................... pg. 14
Playback Zoom ........................................................ pg. 26
Programme AE with Special Effects ........................ pg. 24
Provided Accessories ................................................ pg. 2
Q
Quick Review ........................................................... pg. 13
R
Recording, Advanced Features .......................... pg. 23, 24
Recording, Start/Stop ............................................... pg. 11
Recording Format (S-VHS/S-VHS ET) .................... pg. 20
Recording Mode ....................................................... pg. 20
Record-Standby ....................................................... pg. 11
Red Filter Effect ....................................................... pg. 24
Remote Control ........................................................ pg. 25
Retake ...................................................................... pg. 13
Rewind The Tape ..................................................... pg. 11
S
Self-Recording ......................................................... pg. 11
Sepia Mode .............................................................. pg. 24
Shoulder Strap Attachment ........................................ pg. 8
Snapshot During Playback ....................................... pg. 12
Snapshot .................................................................. pg. 12
Solarisation Effect .................................................... pg. 24
Specifications ..................................................... pg. 31, 32
Sports Mode ............................................................. pg. 24
Still Playback ............................................................ pg. 11
Stretch Effect ........................................................... pg. 24
Strobe Effect ............................................................ pg. 24
Super LoLux (S.LX) ................................................. pg. 20
Super VHS Expansion Technology .......................... pg. 20
T
Tape Counter ........................................................... pg. 14
Tape Dubbing ........................................................... pg. 15
Tape Length Setting .................................................pg. 21
Tele Macro ............................................................... pg. 21
Time Base Corrector ............................................... pg. 14
Time-Lapse Shooting ......................................... pg. 21, 26
Tracking ................................................................... pg. 14
Tripod Mounting ......................................................... pg. 8
Twilight Mode ........................................................... pg. 24
U
Unload A Tape ............................................................pg. 8
V
Video Echo Effect ..................................................... pg. 24
Video Light ............................................................... pg. 13
Viewfinder Adjustment ............................................... pg. 8
W
White Balance Adjustment ....................................... pg. 19
Wide Mode ............................................................... pg. 20
Wipe-In/Out .............................................................. pg. 23
Z
Zooming ................................................................... pg. 13
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GETTING STARTED
Hook on.
Push in.
BATTERY RELEASE
Switch
Battery pack
Power Switch
To DC IN
connector
To AC outlet
AC Adapter
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK
1) Hook the end of the battery pack to the
camcorder and push the battery in until it locks
in place.
•If the battery pack is attached in the wrong
position, a malfunction may occur.
2) Set the Power Switch @to “OFF”while pressing
down the Lock Button !located on the switch.
Connect the AC Adapter to the DC IN connector
9, then connect the Power Cord to the AC
Adapter.
3) Plug the Power Cord into an AC outlet. The
CHARGE lamp )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 . . .
... slide BATTERY RELEASE 8and pull out the
battery pack.
Battery pack
BN-V11U
BN-V12U (optional)
BN-V20U (optional)
BN-V400U (optional)
Charging time
approx. 1 hr. 40 min.
approx. 1 hr. 40 min.
approx. 2 hrs. 40 min.
approx. 5 hrs. 10 min.
Charging times are for a fully discharged battery pack.
USING THE BATTERY PACK
Perform step 1) of “CHARGING THE BATTERY
PAC K ”.
Approximate recording time (unit: min.)
1When using GR-SXM98AC
2When using GR-SXM88AC, GR-SXM68AC
( ):when the video light is on (GR-SXM98AC,
GR-SXM88AC only)
Battery
pack
BN-V11U
BN-V12U
(optional)
BN-V20U
(optional)
BN-V400U
(optional)
Viewfinder on
12
85 90
(45) (45)
85 90
(45) (45)
135 140
(80) (80)
325 340
(190) (195)
LCD monitor on
12
75 80
(40) (45)
75 80
(40) (45)
125 130
(70) (75)
290 305
(180) (185)
USING AC POWER
Connect the AC Adapter to the camcorder (step
2) and 3) of “CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK”).
•The provided AC Adapter features automatic
voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to
240 V.
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.
REFRESH:
Be sure to fully discharge a battery pack before
recharging or storing it for a long period of time,
otherwise the battery performance will be reduced.
1) Perform steps 1) through 3) of “CHARGING
THE BATTERY PACK”.
2) Press REFRESH qfor over 2 seconds. The
POWER lamp $blinks to indicate discharging
has started.
3) When discharging is finished, charging
automatically starts and the CHARGE lamp )
blinks.
Charge marker helps you remember
whether the battery pack has been
charged or not. Two colours are provided
(red and black)—you choose which one
means charged and which means
discharged.
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•The following steps have the same function as
“REFRESH”(pg. 6).
1) Attach the battery to the camcorder with no
cassette inserted.
2) Set the Power Switch @to “ ” or “ ” while
pressing down the Lock Button !located on the
switch.
•During charging or discharging, the camcorder
cannot be operated.
•Charging and discharging 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. Remove the battery pack from
the camcorder, then try charging again.
•If a fully-charged battery’s operation time remains
extremely short, the battery is worn out. Please
purchase a new one.
•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 time varies according to the ambient
temperature and the status of the battery pack.
•Since the AC Adapter processes electricity
internally, it becomes warm during use. Be sure to
use it only in well-ventilated areas.
•The following operation stops charging or
discharging:
•Set the Power Switch @to “ ”, “ ” or “ ”.
•Disconnect the AC Adapter from the camcorder.
•Unplug the AC Adapter’s power cord from the
AC outlet.
•Detach the battery from the camcorder.
•Using the optional AA-V15 AC Power Adapter/
Charger, you can charge the BN-V11U/V12U/
V20U/V400U battery pack without the camcorder.
However, it cannot be used as an AC adapter.
•To avoid interference with reception, do not use
the AC Adapter near a radio.
•Recording time is reduced significantly when
Zoom or Record-Standby mode is engaged
repeatedly or the LCD monitor is used repeatedly.
•Before extended use, it is recommended that you
prepare enough battery packs to cover 3 times the
planned shooting time.
Date/Time Settings
1) Set the Power Switch @to “ ” while pressing
down the Lock Button !located on the switch.
2) Press the MENU Wheel 1in. The Menu
Screen appears.
•You can select the language (ENGLISH,
CHINESE or ARABIC) used in all messages
displayed on screen (pg. 18, 22 “MENU
LANG.”in SYSTEM MENU).
3) Rotate the MENU Wheel 1to select
“
4 TO SYSTEM MENU”and press it to display
SYSTEM MENU. Rotate the MENU Wheel 1to
select “
4 NEXT”and press it to display the next
page.
4) Rotate the MENU Wheel 1to select “DATE/
TIME”and press it. The DATE/TIME Menu
appears.
5) To set “YEAR”, “MONTH”, “DAY”or “TIME”
(hour/minute), rotate the MENU Wheel 1to
select the desired item, and press it. When the
setting begins blinking, rotate the MENU Wheel
1until the correct setting appears and then
press it. The setting stops blinking.
6) When none of these settings (“YEAR”,
“MONTH”, “DAY”, “TIME”) blinks, rotate the
MENU Wheel 1to select “
4 EXIT”, and press it.
The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight
bar on “
4 RETURN”.
7) Press the MENU Wheel 1in to close the Menu
Screen.
•To display the date and time in the camcorder’s
display and on a connected TV, see DATE/TIME
DISP. (pg. 21) in SYSTEM MENU.
•The date/time cannot be stored in memory if the
built-in clock battery runs out. Consult an
authorised JVC dealer for replacement, or set the
date/time as necessary before you start shooting.
24-hour
indication
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(
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Grip Adjustment
1) Separate the Velcro strip.
2) Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp
the grip.
3) Adjust so that your thumb and fingers can easily
operate the Recording Start/Stop Button 0and
Power Zoom Lever 3. Refasten the Velcro strip.
Loading/Unloading A Cassette
1) Open the LCD monitor fully and keep it aligned
vertically with the camera (do not tilt it at an
angle). Slide EJECT (until the cassette holder
opens. Do not use force to open.
2) Insert or remove a cassette. When inserting,
make sure the label is facing outward. e
appears when a cassette is loaded.
3) Press the Close button uto close the cassette
holder until it locks into place. Close the LCD
monitor.
•Closing the LCD monitor while the cassette
holder is still open may cause damage to the
LCD monitor.
•Make sure the erase protection tab is in the position
that allows recording. If not, slide the tab. Some
cassettes have removable tabs. If the tab has been
removed, cover the hole with adhesive tape.
•The cassette holder cannot be opened while the
camcorder is in the record mode or detached from
the power source.
Tripod Mounting
Align the screw and camera direction stud on the
tripod with the tripod mounting socket Q. Then
tighten the screw.
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
small-sized tripod.
Shoulder Strap Attachment
Thread the strap through the eyelet t, then fold it
back and thread it through the buckle. Repeat the
procedure to attach the other end of the strap to
the other eyelet t, making sure the strap is not
twisted. Adjust the length.
Viewfinder Adjustment
1) Set the Power Switch @to “ ” or “ ” while
pressing down the Lock Button !located on the
switch.
2) Turn the Dioptre Adjustment Control iuntil the
indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.
PAUSE
180°180°
i
Cassette holder
Gear
Turn to take
up slack.
t
3
0
Erase Protection tab
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CONTROLS, CONNECTORS AND INDICATORS
Eyepiece
During
shooting
Refer to this diagram while reading the instructions.
Keep the lens cap
attached to the
camcorder.
Cassette holder
Turn the gear to
take up slack.
Erase
protection tab
LCD monitor
Video light
(GR-SXM98AC,
GR-SXM88AC only)
Microphone
During Recording During Playback
Viewfinder
Speaker
pg. 28 for Warning Indications .
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications
Remote control
(GR-SXM98AC,
GR-SXM88AC only)
Transmitted beam
effetive area
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1•MENU Wheel [–, +] ........................................... pg. 18
•BRIGHT Wheel [–, +] ......................................... pg. 11
•Speaker Volume Control [VOL.] ........................ pg. 11
•TRACKING Wheel [–, +] ................................... pg. 14
2•Snapshot Button [SNAPSHOT]*1...................... pg. 12
•5-Second Recording Button
[5 SEC. REC]*2................................................. pg. 12
3Power Zoom Lever [T/W] .................................... pg. 13
4•Manual Focus Button [ FOCUS] .................. pg. 12
•Time Base Corrector Button [TBC] ................... pg. 14
5S-Video Output Connectors [S] ........................... pg. 15
6Audio Output Connector [A] ................................ pg. 15
7Video Output Connector [V] ................................ pg. 15
8Battery Release Switch
[BATTERY RELEASE] .......................................... pg. 6
9DC IN Connector ................................................... pg. 6
0Recording Start/Stop Button ................................ pg. 11
!Lock Button .......................................................... pg. 11
@Power Switch [ , OFF, , ] .................... pg. 11
#Video Light Button [LIGHT]*1.............................. pg. 13
$POWER Lamp ...................................................... pg. 6
%Digital Effect Button [DIGIFECT]......................... pg. 24
^Programme AE Button [P.AE] ............................. pg. 24
&Play/Pause Button ............................................... pg. 11
*•Retake Forward Button [RETAKE F] ................ pg. 13
•Fast-Forward Button [F] ..................................... pg. 11
(EJECT Switch ....................................................... pg. 8
)CHARGE Lamp .................................................... pg. 6
q•REFRESH Button ............................................... pg. 6
•NIGHT Button*1................................................. pg. 23
w•Fade/Wipe Button [FADE/WIPE] ...................... pg. 23
•Counter Reset/Memory Button
[COUNTER R/M] ............................................... pg. 14
e•Retake Rewind Button [RETAKE R] .................. pg. 13
•Quick Review Button [ R] ............................. pg. 13
•Rewind Button [R] .............................................. pg. 11
r•Stop Button [STOP] ........................................... pg. 11
•Back Light Compensation Button
[BACK LIGHT] ................................................... pg. 12
tShoulder Strap Eyelets .......................................... pg. 8
yBattery Pack Mount ................................................ pg. 6
uClose Button .......................................................... pg. 8
iDioptre Adjustment Control .................................... pg. 8
o•Camera Sensor
Be careful not to cover this area; a sensor
necessary for shooting is built-in here.
•Remote Sensor*1.......................................... pg. 9, 17
Grip Strap ............................................................. pg. 8
QTripod Mounting Socket ........................................ pg. 8
WInfrared Beam Transmitting Window ............... pg. 9, 17
EZOOM (T/W) Buttons .................................... pg. 13, 26
RPLAY Button ......................................................... pg. 11
TREW Button (Functions the same as e)
YSTOP Button (Functions the same as r)
UINSERT Button .................................................... pg. 26
I•REC TIME Button .............................................. pg. 26
•ANIM. Button ...................................................... pg. 26
OSTART/STOP Button (Functions the same as 0)
PFF Button (Functions the same as *)
aPAUSE Button ...................................................... pg. 11
sA.DUB Button ....................................................... pg. 26
d•INT.TIME Button ................................................ pg. 26
•SELF TIMER Button (non-functional)
1Tape Remaining Time ......................................... pg. 21
2Recording Mode Indicator ................................... pg. 20
3Video Light Indicator*1......................................... pg. 13
4Backlight Compensation Indicator ...................... pg. 12
5Recording Format Indicator (S/S-ET) ................. pg. 20
6•Digital Effect Indicator ....................................... pg. 24
•Programme AE Indicator ................................... pg. 24
•Night-Scope Indicator*1..................................... pg. 23
•Fade/Wipe-Standby Indicator ........................... pg. 23
7Tape Length Indicator ......................................... pg. 21
8Zoom Indicator Bar ............................................. pg. 13
Zoom Level Indicator
Approximate Zoom Ratio
9Recording Indicator .............................................. pg. 11
0Digital Effect Indicator .......................................... pg. 24
!•Programme AE Indicator ................................... pg. 24
•Night-Scope Indicator*1..................................... pg. 23
@Fade/Wipe-Standby Indicator ............................. pg. 23
#Picture Stabiliser Indicator .................................. pg. 18
$•Interval Time/Recording Time Indicator ............... pg. 21
•5 Sec. Rec Mode Indicator*2............................. pg. 12
%Instant Title Display ............................................. pg. 19
^Date/Time Display ............................................... pg. 21
&Bright Level Indicator ..................................... pg. 11, 22
*Focus Indicator ................................................... pg. 12
(Exposure Control Level Counter ......................... pg. 18
)White Balance Mode Indicator ............................ pg. 19
qS-VHS/S-VHS ET Recording Indicator ............... pg. 20
wRecord-Standby Mode Indicator .......................... pg. 11
e•: Cassette Indicator ...................................... pg. 8
•w: Insert Editing Indicator*1.............................. pg. 26
rTBC Indicator ...................................................... pg. 14
tPlayback Special Effect Indicator*1..................... pg. 14
yRecording Format Indicator (S/S-ET) ................. pg. 20
uTape Counter ................................................ pg. 14, 26
iRecording Mode Indicator (SP/LP) ..................... pg. 20
oTape Running Indicator
4 : Playback
3 : Fast-Forward/Shuttle Search
2 : Rewind/Shuttle Search
6: Pause
e
4 : Audio Dubbing*1
pTracking Indicator ................................................. pg. 14
QTape Counter*1.................................................... pg. 26
W•BRIGHT: Bright Level Indicator .......................... pg. 11
•VOLUME: Speaker Volume Indicator ................. pg. 11
*1GR-SXM98AC, GR-SXM88AC only.
*2GR-SXM68AC only.
1 GR-SXM98/88/68AC_EN_M 02.11.13, 3:15 PM10

11
RECORDING
Set REC MODE, S-VHS (S-VHS ET), TAPE
LENGTH and DATE/TIME in SYSTEM MENU.
(pg. 18 –22, “MENU SETTINGS”)
1Remove the lens cap. Set the Power Switch @
to “ ” or “ ” while pressing down the Lock Button
!located on the switch.
Shooting while using the viewfinder: Make sure
the LCD monitor is closed and locked.
Shooting while using the LCD monitor: Make
sure the LCD monitor is fully open.
The camcorder enters the Record-Standby mode
and “PAUSE”wis displayed.
•The viewfinder and LCD monitor cannot be used
simultaneously on this camcorder. Therefore,
when opening the LCD monitor and tilting it
upward to 180°, you cannot view any image in the
viewfinder, however you can shoot yourself while
viewing your own image in the LCD monitor.
2Press the Recording Start/Stop Button 0. 9
appears while recording is in progress.
•To stop recording, press the Recording Start/Stop
Button 0. The camcorder re-enters the Record-
Standby mode.
To Adjust The Brightness Of The LCD Monitor,
When the Power Switch @is set to “ ”, adjust
“LCD BRIGHT”in SYSTEM MENU (pg. 18, 22).
When the Power Switch @is set to “ ” or
“OFF”,this adjustment cannot be performed.
PLAYBACK
1Load a tape (pg. 8, “Loading/Unloading A
Cassette”).
2Set the Power Switch @to “ ” while
pressing down the Lock Button !located on the
switch. To start playback, press
4 /6&or R.
To stop playback temporarily (Still Playback), press
4 /6&or a. To stop playback, press 5r. Press
2 eto rewind, or 3 *to fast-forward the tape.
High-speed picture search (Shuttle Search) is
possible by pressing
2 eor 3 *during
playback (holding
2 eor 3 *down during
playback continues search until released). To
resume normal playback, press
4 /6&or R.
For VIDEO RECORDING/VIDEO PLAYBACK
•The camcorder shuts off automatically after about
5 minutes in the Record-Standby or Stop mode.
To turn on again, set the Power Switch @to
“OFF”, then to “”, “ ” or “ ”.
•When the Power Switch @is set to “ ”, “ ” or
“”and the LCD monitor is opened at an angle
of 60 degrees or more, the LCD monitor switches
on and the viewfinder switches off automatically
to save power.
•The playback picture can be viewed in the
viewfinder (with the LCD monitor shut), on the
LCD monitor or on a connected TV (pg. 15,
“Connections To A TV/VCR”).
•To remove the indications, pg. 21, DISPLAY or
OSD OUTPUT in SYSTEM MENU.
•To control the speaker volume, rotate the MENU
Wheel 1towards “+”to turn up, or towards “–” to
turn down. While shooting, sound is not heard
from the speaker.
•Noise bars appear and pictures may become
monochrome or darken during Shuttle Search.
This is normal.
•If TBC (pg. 14) is engaged during Still
Playback, noise bars will not appear.
(GR-SXM98AC, GR-SXM88AC only)
1 GR-SXM98/88/68AC_EN_M 02.11.13, 3:15 PM11

12
BASIC FEATURES
Snapshot (GR-SXM98AC, GR-SXM88AC only)
You can record still images that look like
photographs onto a tape.
1) Perform step 1) of “RECORDING”( pg. 11).
2) Press SNAPSHOT 2.
•There is a momentary camera shutter-type
blackout together with the sound effect of a
shutter closing.
•Snapshot is also available during playback.
However, the shutter sound is not heard.
5Sec. Rec (5-sec. Recording)
(GR-SXM68AC only)
To record a scene for 5 seconds, providing quick
scene transitions like those seen in TV
programmes.
1) Make sure the recording mode is set to “SP”.
2) During Record–Standby, press 5SEC. REC 2.
5S $appears and 5Sec. Rec is reserved.
3) Press the Recording Start/Stop Button 0.
Recording starts, and after 5-second recording
is finished, the camcorder reenters the Record–
Standby mode automatically.
4) To cancel the 5Sec. Rec. function, press 5SEC.
REC 2again so that 5S $disappears.
•Fade/Wipe (pg. 23) cannot be activated by
pressing 5SEC. REC 2.
Backlight Compensation
To quickly increase the brightness of the subject
relative to the background.
1) Press BACK LIGHT rduring recording. “ ” is
displayed and the subject is brightened.
2) To cancel Backlight Compensation, press BACK
LIGHT ragain. “ ” disappears and the
brightness returns to the previous level.
•Backlight Compensation functions in both
recording modes (“”or “ ”).
•Using BACK LIGHT rmay make the subject too
bright, resulting in a washed out or white image.
•BACK LIGHT rcannot be used when the
manual Exposure Control mode (pg. 18) is
engaged.
Auto/Manual Focus
If correct focus cannot be obtained with Auto
Focus, use Manual Focus.
1) Set the Power Switch @to “ ” while pressing
down the Lock Button !located on the switch.
2) Press FOCUS 4. “ ” appears.
3) To focus on a distant subject, rotate the MENU
Wheel 1upward. “ ” appears and blinks.
To focus on a close subject, rotate the MENU
Wheel 1downward. “ ” appears and blinks.
4) To cancel the Manual Focus, press FOCUS
4. “ ” disappears and the Auto Focus is
applied.
•When the focus level cannot be adjusted any
farther or closer, “”or “ ” will blink.
1 GR-SXM98/88/68AC_EN_M 02.11.13, 3:15 PM12

13
Video Light (GR-SXM98AC, GR-SXM88AC only)
To brighten the scene when natural lighting is too
dim.
Pressing LIGHT #changes the Video Light mode
sequentially as shown below.
OFF : Turns off the light.
AUTO: Automatically turns on the light when the
camcorder senses insufficient lighting on
the subject.
ON : Always keeps the light on as long as the
camcorder is turned on.
•It is recommended to set M.W.B. (pg. 19) to
in CAMERA MENU when you use the video
light.
•Even if the battery indicator ( ) does not blink
if the battery pack’s charge is low, 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 the Video Light mode is set to “AUTO”:
•Depending on the lighting conditions, the video
light may keep turning on and off. Press LIGHT
#repeatedly until “ON”or “OFF”is selected as
required.
•While the “Sports”or “High Speed Shutter”mode
is engaged, the light is likely to stay on. While the
“Twilight”mode is engaged, the light will not
activate. (pg. 24, “Programme AE with
Special Effects”)
Zooming
To produce the zoom in/out effect. Digital circuitry
extends the maximum magnification offered by
optical zoom. This system is called Digital Zoom.
•Slide the Power Zoom Lever 3towards “T”to
zoom in, or “W”to zoom out.
•The further you slide the Power Zoom Lever 3,
the quicker the zoom action.
•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. 12, “Auto/Manual Focus”), then zoom in or
out in Record mode.
•The zoom level indicator 8- moves during
zoom. Once the zoom level indiator 8-reaches
the top, all magnification from that point is through
digital processing.
•When using Digital Zoom, the quality of image
may suffer. To deactivate Digital Zoom, set
“D.ZOOM”(pg. 20) to “OFF”in SYSTEM
MENU.
•Digital zoom cannot be used when the “VIDEO
ECHO”mode (pg. 24, “Digital Effects”) is
activated.
Quick Review
To check the end of the last recording.
1) Make sure the camcorder is in the Record–
Standby mode.
2) Press
2 eand release quickly.
Tape is rewound for approx. 1 second and
played back automatically, then pauses in
Record–Standby mode for the next shot.
•Distortion may occur at the start of playback. This
is normal.
Retake
To re-record certain segments.
1) Make sure the camcorder is in the Record–
Standby mode.
2) Press and hold either RETAKE *or eto reach
the start point for new recording. Pressing
3 *
forwards the tape and pressing 2 ereverses
it.
3) Press the Recording Start/Stop Button 0to
start recording.
•Noise bars appear and pictures may become
monochrome or darken during Retake. This is
normal.
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
JVC dealer for replacing the video light.
OFF (no indication) AUTO ( ) ON ( )
1 GR-SXM98/88/68AC_EN_M 02.11.13, 3:15 PM13

14
Tracking
Eliminates noise bars that appear on-screen during
playback. To activate Manual Tracking:
1) Press the TRACKING Wheel 1for approx.
2 seconds. “MT”pappears.
2) Rotate the TRACKING Wheel 1so that the
noise bars disappear.
•To return to Auto Tracking, press the TRACKING
Wheel 1for approx. 2 seconds or set the Power
Switch @to “OFF”and then “ ” again. “AT ”p
blinks. When Auto Tracking finishes, the indication
disappears.
•When noise bars appear during playback, the
camcorder enters the Auto Tracking mode and
“AT ”pappears.
•Manual Tracking may not work with tapes
recorded on other VCRs or camcorders.
TBC (Time Base Corrector)
Removes jitter from fluctuating video signals to
deliver a stable picture even with old tapes.
To activate/release the TBC mode, press TBC 4
during playback for more than 1 second. When the
TBC mode is activated, “TBC”ris displayed.
•The “TBC”indicator rturns green (grey with a
camcorder equipped with a black/white
viewfinder) while TBC is working, and white while
TBC is not operative.
•TBC does not work during Still Playback and
Shuttle Search (pg. 11).
•It may take a few seconds before TBC actually
starts working.
•The picture may be distorted if the TBC mode is
activated or deactivated at the edit-in/-out points
or when normal playback resumes after Still
Playback or Shuttle Search (pg. 11).
•If the playback picture is distorted when TBC is
set to on, turn off TBC.
Counter Memory
Makes it easier to locate a specific tape segment.
1) Press COUNTER R/M wand hold for more than
1 second. The counter uresets to “0:00:00”.
2) Press COUNTER R/M wfor less than 1 second.
“M”appears.
3) After recording or playback, press 5r, then
2 e. The tape automatically stops at or close
to 0:00:00.
4) Press
4 /6&to start playback.
•The counter memory functions in the Fast-
Forward and Rewind modes.
•To disable the counter memory function, press
COUNTER R/M wfor less than 1 second so that
“M”disappears.
Playback Special Effects
(GR-SXM98AC, GR-SXM88AC only)
Allows you to add creative effects to the playback
image. (pg. 24, “Digital Effects”)
1) Activate “TBC”and Auto “Tracking”.
2) Press DIGIFECT %repeatedly until the desired
mode tappears.
•To cancel the effect, select “OFF”.
•NEGA POSI, MOSAIC and STRETCH are not
available.
•Playback Special Effects do not work during
Shuttle Search (pg. 11).
•The selected effect mode cannot be changed
during Still Playback (pg. 11).
1 GR-SXM98/88/68AC_EN_M 02.11.13, 3:15 PM14

15
Connections To A TV/VCR
1) Make sure all units are turned off.
2) Connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR. If using
both TV and VCR, connect the VCR output to
the TV input.
3) Turn on all units. Set the VCR to its AUX input
mode, and set the TV to its VIDEO mode.
•Use the AC Adapter as the power supply.
•The S-Video cable connection can improve the
dubbed picture quality. A commercially available
S-Video cable is required.
•Be sure to 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.
Tape Dubbing
1) Connect the camcorder and the VCR
(“Connections To A TV/VCR”). Set the 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.
2) Press
4 /6&to find a spot just before the edit-
in point. Once it is reached, press
4 /6&again.
3) Press
4 /6&and engage the VCR’s Record
mode.
4) Engage the VCR’s Record-Pause mode and
press
4 /6&.
•Repeat steps 2) through 4) for additional editing,
then stop the VCR and camcorder when finished.
White to
Audio
Output 6
Yellow to
Video
Output 7
Connector cover
S-Video cable
(commercially
available)
To S-Video
Output 5
TV
A/V cable
VCR
To S-Video
Input
Yellow to
Video Input
White to
Audio
Input
To TV or VCR
1 GR-SXM98/88/68AC_EN_M 02.11.13, 3:15 PM15

16
Using The Cassette Adapter
(GR-SXM98AC, GR-SXM88AC only)
Use this to play back an S-VHS-C/VHS-C video
cassette recorded with this camcorder on a S-VHS/
VHS VCR.
1) Slide the battery cover up to remove it, install
one “AA (R6)”size battery, then reattach the
cover.
2) Slide the latch to open the compartment door,
then insert the cassette and close the
compartment door.
3) Load the cassette adapter into the VCR and
play the tape back.
4) Slide the latch and the compartment door opens
automatically. This may take around 10 seconds.
Do not attempt to force the adapter open. Then,
insert your finger in the hole, and push up and
remove the cassette.
•During tape loading and unloading, do not touch
the reels for safety and tape protection.
•Tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode
cannot be played back on a regular VHS VCR.
Playback is possible with a VCR equipped with
the S-VHS function.
•During special-effect playback (slow motion, still
frame, etc.), the picture may vibrate or noise bars
may appear on the screen.
•To record on a VCR using a compact cassette
and the adapter, cover the adapter’s recording
safety hole with adhesive tape.
Compartment Door
Recording
Safety Hole
Battery Cover
Reels
Hole
Sliding Latch
1 GR-SXM98/88/68AC_EN_M 02.11.13, 3:15 PM16

17
INSTRUCTIONS
1
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30°
30°
5 m
Eyepiece
During
shooting
Refer to this diagram while reading the instructions.
Keep the lens cap
attached to the
camcorder.
Cassette holder
Turn the gear to
take up slack.
Erase
protection tab
LCD monitor
Video light
(GR-SXM98AC,
GR-SXM88AC only)
Microphone
During Recording During Playback
Viewfinder
Speaker
pg. 28 for Warning Indications .
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications
Remote control
(GR-SXM98AC,
GR-SXM88AC only)
Transmitted beam
effetive area
1 GR-SXM98/88/68AC_EN_M 02.11.13, 3:15 PM17

18
3Press the MENU Wheel 1in to display the
Setting Menu and rotate it to select the desired
setting.
4Press the MENU Wheel 1in. The Menu
Screen reappears with the highlight bar on
“
4 RETURN”. Press the MENU Wheel 1in. The
normal screen reappears.
MENU SETTINGS
1Set the Power Switch @to “ ” while pressing
down the Lock Button !located on the switch.
2Press the MENU Wheel 1in. The Menu
Screen appears. Rotate the MENU Wheel 1to
select the desired function.
•To go from CAMERA MENU to SYSTEM MENU,
rotate the MENU Wheel 1to select “
4 TO
SYSTEM MENU”and press it. SYSTEM MENU is
composed of 2 pages. To go to the next page,
rotate the MENU Wheel 1to select “
4 NEXT”
and press it.
•To return to CAMERA MENU from page 2 of
SYSTEM MENU, rotate the MENU Wheel 1to
select “
4 TO CAMERA MENU”and press it.
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CAMERA MENU
EXPOSURE
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.
1) Rotate the MENU wheel 1to select “MANUAL”,
then press it.
2) To brighten the image, rotate the MENU Wheel
1downward.
To darken the image, rotate the MENU Wheel
1upward.
The exposure control level increases/decreases
(maximum ±06).
STABILIZER
The Picture Stabiliser compensates for unstable
images caused by camera-shake, particularly at
high magnification.
ON : The Picture Stabiliser is activated.
“”#appears.
OFF : The Picture Stabiliser is disactivated.
“”#disappears.
•Accurate stabilisation may not be possible in
certain conditions including excessive hand
shake.
•#appears blinking if the Stabiliser cannot be
used.
•This function cannot be activated during the
“Night-Scope”, “CLASSIC FILM”, “STROBE”and
“VIDEO ECHO”modes ( pg. 24, “Digital
Effects”).
1 GR-SXM98/88/68AC_EN_M 02.11.13, 3:15 PM18

19
M.W.B.
If the white balance is correct, all other colours will
be accurately reproduced.
AUTO : White balance is adjusted
automatically.
FINE : Outdoors on a sunny day.
CLOUD : Outdoors on a cloudy day.
HALOGEN : A video light or similar type of
lighting is used.
MWB: White balance is set manually. 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. If it is difficult to focus on the white
paper, adjust focus manually (pg. 12, “Auto/
Manual Focus”). Press the MENU Wheel 1in until
“MWB”begins blinking. When the setting is
completed, “MWB”stops blinking.
•Once you adjust white balance manually, the
setting is retained even if the power is turned off
or the battery removed.
•White balance cannot be used when the “SEPIA”
or “MONOTONE”mode ( pg. 24, “Digital
Effects”) is activated.
TITLE
Allows you to superimpose one of eight preset
titles in 11 different languages. Change the
language in LANGUAGE in TITLE SETUP in
CAMERA MENU (pg. 19).
•^shows the selected title which remains until
OFF is selected.
TITLE SETUP
Adjust the settings for TITLE.
SIZE : When “LARGE”is selected, the title
is twice enlarged vertically more
than selected “NORMAL”.
SCROLL : When “ON”is selected, the title is
scrolled from right to left.
LANGUAGE : Select the language (ENGLISH,
CHINESE, ARABIC, RUSSIAN) for
TITLE.
To set “SIZE”, “SCROLL”or “LANGUAGE”, rotate
the MENU Wheel 1to select the desired item, and
press it. When the setting begins blinking, rotate
the MENU Wheel 1until the correct setting
appears and then press it. The setting stops
blinking.
1 GR-SXM98/88/68AC_EN_M 02.11.13, 3:15 PM19

20
SYSTEM MENU
This Menu Screen cannot be accessed while
recording.
REC MODE
Allows you to set the recording mode. “LP”(Long
Play) is more economical, providing twice the
recording time.
•If the recording mode is switched during
recording, the playback picture will be blurred at
the switching point.
D. ZOOM
Zooming is possible from 16X (the optical zoom
limit), to a maximum of 50X or 700X digital
magnification.
When set to “OFF”only optical zoom (maximum
16x magnification) can function.
S.LX
MAX: To record a subject in a darkly lit environ-
ment, when it is more convenient to shoot the
subject with a brighter image even if the picture
becomes slightly coarse.
NORMAL: To record a subject in a dimly lit
environment, when it is more convenient to shoot
with a less coarse picture although the subject
becomes slightly dark.
OFF: Allows you to shoot dark scenes with no
picture brightness adjustment.
WIDE
When set to “ON”black bars will be recorded at the
top and bottom of the screen to produce a cinema-
like “wide-screen”effect. Not effective with
“Snapshot”(GR-SXM98AC, GR-SXM88AC only,
pg. 12).
S-VHS (S-VHS ET)
ON: With an S-VHS cassette, “S”appears and the
camcorder records in S-VHS.
With a VHS cassette, “S-ET”appears and the
camcorder records with S-VHS picture quality,
which is called Super VHS ET (Expansion Technol-
ogy). S-VHS REC appears during recording.
OFF: Records in VHS on a VHS or S-VHS cas-
sette.
•JVC EHG (Extra High Grade) tapes are recom-
mended for superior results.
Use S-VHS tape for storing recordings for an
extended period or for recording important
scenes, as it enables higher-quality recording and
playback.
•With some tapes, better picture quality may not
be obtained even with S-VHS ET recording. It is
recommended that you do test record beforehand
to make sure whether better results can be
obtained.
•If the S-VHS ET mode or recording format is
switched during recording, the playback picture
will be blurred at the switching point.
•It is recommended that tapes recorded on this
camcorder be played back on this camcorder.
•Tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode can
be played back not only on this camcorder but
also on a Super VHS VCR.
—Tapes recorded in S-VHS ET mode cannot be
played back on some VCRs, including some
JVC VCRs.
•Tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode
cannot be played back correctly on a normal VHS
VCR.
•S-VHS ET does not work with S-VHS tapes.
•To avoid on-screen noise, do not perform Still
Playback or Shuttle Search repeatedly.
•If the picture contains a lot of jitter or noise, use a
cleaning cassette.
1 GR-SXM98/88/68AC_EN_M 02.11.13, 3:15 PM20