Panasonic HM-TA1V User manual

Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, please read the
instructions completely.
Spanish Quick Use Guide is included.
Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida.
Operating Instructions
High Definition Mobile Camera
Model No. HM-TA1
VQT2Z95
1AG6P1P6073--(S)
until
2010/08/03
For USA and Puerto Rico assistance, please call: 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or,
contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca
PP
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2 VQT2Z95
Things You
Should Know
Thank you for choosing
Panasonic!
You have purchased one
of the most sophisticated
and reliable products on
the market today. Used
properly, we’re sure it will
bring you and your family
years of enjoyment. Please take time to fill in the information on the right.
The serial number is on the tag located on the underside of your camera.
Be sure to retain this manual as your convenient camera information
source.
Safety Precautions
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR PRODUCT DAMAGE,
≥DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN, MOISTURE,
DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS
FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE
PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.
≥USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES.
≥
DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK); THERE ARE NO
USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Date of Purchase
Dealer Purchased From
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No.
Model No.
Serial No.
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VQT2Z95 3
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN THE U.S.A.
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA.
FCC Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
≥Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
≥Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
≥Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
≥Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, follow the
attached installation instructions and use only
shielded interface cables with ferrite core when
connecting to computer or peripheral devices.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
this equipment.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: Panasonic
Model No.: HM-TA1
Responsible party: Panasonic Corporation of North America
One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Support Contact: Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
1-800-211-PANA (7262)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
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4 VQT2Z95
Battery pack (Lithium ion battery pack)
≥Use the specified unit to recharge the battery pack.
≥Do not use the battery pack with equipment other than the specified
unit.
≥Do not get dirt, sand, liquids, or other foreign matter on the
terminals.
≥Do not touch the plug terminals (iand j) with metal objects.
≥Do not disassemble, remodel, heat or throw into fire.
If any electrolyte should come into contact with your hands or clothes,
wash it off thoroughly with water.
If any electrolyte should come into contact with your eyes, never rub
the eyes. Rinse eyes thoroughly with water, and then consult a doctor.
Warning
Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above
60 oC (140 oF) or incinerate.
Product Identification Marking is located on the bottom of unit.
<For USA-California only>
This product contains a CR Coin Cell Lithium Battery which contains
Perchlorate Material – special handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
HM-TA1
A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable
powers the product you have purchased.
Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information
on how to recycle this battery.
U.S.A./CANADA CONSUMERS: ATTENTION:
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VQT2Z95 5
Precautions
USE & LOCATION
≥TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD ... Your camera and power supply should
not beexposedto rain or moisture. Do not connect the power supply or
operate your camera if it gets wet. Your camera has been designed for
outdoor use, however it is not designed to sustain direct exposure to
water, rain, sleet, snow, sand, dust, or a direct splashing from a pool or
even a cup of coffee. This action could permanently damage the
internal parts of your camera. Do not attempt to disassemble this unit.
There are no user serviceable parts inside. Unplug your camera from
the power supply before cleaning.
≥AS WITH ANY SMALL OBJECT, SD CARDS CAN BE SWALLOWED
BY YOUNG CHILDREN. DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO HANDLE
THE SD CARD.
≥DO NOT AIM YOUR CAMERA AT THE SUN OR OTHER BRIGHT
OBJECTS
≥DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR CAMERA TO EXTENDED HIGH
TEMPERATURE ... Such as, in direct sunlight, inside a closed car,
next to a heater, etc... This action could permanently damage the
internal parts of your camera.
≥AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE ... If the unit is
suddenly moved from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may form
on the SD card and inside the unit.
≥DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAMERA OR THE POWER SUPPLY
TURNED ON WHEN NOT IN USE.
≥STORAGE OF YOUR CAMERA ... Store and handle your camera in a
manner that will not subject it to unnecessary movement (avoid
shaking and striking). Your camera contains a sensitive pick-up device
which could be damaged by improper handling or storage.
CARE
≥TO CLEAN YOUR CAMERA ... Do not use strong or abrasive
detergents when cleaning your camera body.
≥
TO PROTECT THE LENS ... Do not touch the surface of the lens with
your hand. Use a commercial camera lens solution and lens paper
when cleaning the lens. Improper cleaning can scratch the lens coating.
WARNING
CAUTION
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6 VQT2Z95
≥TO PROTECT THE FINISH OF YOUR CAMERA ... Before handling
your camera, make sure your hands and face are free from any
chemical products, such as suntan lotion, as it may damage the finish.
-If you see this symbol-
∫Indemnity about recorded content
Panasonic does not accept any responsibility for damages directly or
indirectly due to any type of problems that result in loss of recording or
edited content, and does not guarantee any content if recording or editing
does not work properly. Likewise, the above also applies in a case where
any type of repair is made to the unit.
∫ About recording method and compatibility of this unit
This unit can record detailed high definition images based on the MP4
format (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec).
≥Since the recording method is different from the AVCHD format, the
data is not compatible.
∫Cards that you can use with this unit
SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and SDXC Memory Card
≥4 GB or more Memory Cards that do not have the SDHC logo or 48 GB
or more Memory Cards that do not have the SDXC logo are not based
on SD Memory Card Specifications.
≥Refer to page 16 for more details on SD cards.
∫For the purposes of these operating instructions
≥SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and SDXC Memory Card are
referred to as the “SD card”.
≥Pages for reference are indicated by an arrow, for example: l00
Information on Disposal in other Countries outside the
European Union
This symbol is only valid in the European Union.
If you wish to discard this product, please contact
your local authorities or dealer and ask for the
correct method of disposal.
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VQT2Z95 7
Accessories.................................8
Preparation
Parts identification and
handling...................................... 9
Battery supply.......................... 11
Inserting/removing the
battery..................................... 12
Charging the battery................ 13
Charging and recording time... 14
Approximate operating time
and number of recordable
still pictures ............................. 15
Preparing the card ................... 16
Cards that you can use with
this unit.................................... 16
Inserting/removing an SD
card......................................... 18
Recording/Playback
Turning the unit on/off............. 20
Setting date and time.............. 21
Recording................................. 22
Recording motion pictures ...... 22
Recording still pictures............ 23
Digital zoom in/out function..... 24
Recording with the LED light... 24
Effect function (applying
special effects) ........................ 25
Playback ................................... 26
Motion picture/Still picture
playback.................................. 26
Creating still picture from
motion picture.......................... 29
Playing back the slide show.... 29
Deleting motion pictures/
still pictures ............................. 30
Using the menu screen ........... 32
Menu list.................................. 33
Watching Motion/
Still Pictures on your TV ......... 36
With a PC
What you can do with a PC..... 38
Operating environment........... 40
Installation................................ 44
Connecting to a PC.................. 46
About the PC display .............. 47
Starting HD Writer PE 1.0........ 48
Reading the operating
instructions of the software
applications............................. 48
If using Mac.............................. 49
To use as a camera for
Skype........................................ 50
How to connect....................... 52
Others
Indications................................ 53
Messages/Troubleshooting .....55
Cautions for use .......................59
About copyright........................64
Recording modes/
approximate recordable
time ............................................65
Approximate number of
recordable pictures .................66
Specifications ...........................67
Optional accessories................71
Accessory Order Form
(For USA and Puerto Rico
Customers) ............................. 72
Limited Warranty (ONLY FOR
U.S.A. AND PUERTO RICO) .....73
Warranty (For Canadian
Customers)................................75
Index ..........................................76
Spanish Quick Use Guide/
Guía española para el uso
rápido.........................................77
Contents
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8 VQT2Z95
Accessories
Check the accessories before using this unit.
Keep the accessories out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
Product numbers correct as of July 2010. These may be subject to
change.
≥The unit comes with built-in HD Writer PE 1.0 video editing
software.
Battery pack
VW-VBJ10 AV cable VFA0530
Hand strap
VFC4627 USB extension cord K2KYYYY00064
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VQT2Z95 9
Preparation
Parts identification and handling
1 Motion picture button (l22)
2 Playback button [ ] (l26)
3 Light button [LIGHT] (l24)
4 Cursor button [T, W, 2, 1]
5 USB terminal slide lever (l13)
6 MENU/SET button [MENU/SET] (l32)
7 Delete button [ ] (l30)
8 Status indicator (l13, 18, 36)
9 Photoshot button [ ] (l23)
10 LCD monitor
11 Power button [ ] (l20)
12 Hand strap fixture
≥Do not cover the microphones.
Due to limitations in LCD production technology, there may be some
tiny bright or dark spots on the LCD monitor screen. However, this is
not a malfunction and does not affect the recorded picture.
1
6 7 8 910 1112
2
3
4
5


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10 VQT2Z95
13 Audio-video output terminal [A/V] (l36)
≥Use the AV cable (only the supplied cable).
14 Speaker
15 USB terminal [ ] (l13, 44, 46, 52)
16 USB terminal cover (l13)
17 LED light (l24)
18 Lens
19 Internal microphones
20 Card/battery door (l12, 18)
21 Battery slot (l12)
22 Card slot (l18)
23 Battery release lever [BATT] (l12)
24 Tripod receptacle
A/V
13
1514 16
20 212223 24
17 18 19
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VQT2Z95 11
Preparation
Battery supply
∫About batteries that you can use with this unit
The battery that can be used with this unit is VW-VBJ10.
It has been found that counterfeit battery packs which look very
similar to the genuine product are made available to purchase in
some markets. Some of these battery packs are not adequately
protected with internal protection to meet the requirements of
appropriate safety standards. There is a possibility that these
battery packs may lead to fire or explosion. Please be advised that
we are not liable for any accident or failure occurring as a result of
use of a counterfeit battery pack. To ensure that safe products are
used we would recommend that a genuine Panasonic battery pack
is used.
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12 VQT2Z95
1Open the card/battery door and insert the battery in
the direction shown in the figure.
≥Push the center of the battery in the direction of the #until it
“clicks” and locks.
2Close the card/battery door.
∫Removing the battery
Move the battery release lever in the
direction indicated by the arrow and
remove the battery when unlocked.
≥Turn off the unit and make sure the LCD
monitor is turned off. Then remove the
battery while supporting the unit to prevent
it from dropping.
Inserting/removing the battery
CAUTION
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only
with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.
Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.



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VQT2Z95 13
Important:
≥The battery will not be charged if the unit is turned on.
1 Slide the USB terminal slide lever while holding it down.
≥ This pushes the USB terminal cover open deploying the USB terminal.
2Connect USB terminal of this unit to a PC with a USB
extension cord.
≥Connect the USB extension cord by inserting it securely all the
way without forcing.
AUSB extension cord (supplied)
≥Do not use any other USB extension cords except the supplied one.
(Operation is not guaranteed with any other USB extension cords.)
≥Insert the USB extension cord securely all the way.
(The insertion of the plug to the USB terminal of this
unit leaves a gap B.) It will not operate properly if it
is not inserted all the way.
≥During charging, the status indicator flashes. When
charging is finished, the status indicator turns off.
Charging the battery
When this unit is purchased, the battery is not charged. Charge
the battery fully before using this unit for the first time.

ASlide the USB
terminal slide lever
until it “clicks” and
locks.


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14 VQT2Z95
∫ To return the USB terminal slide lever to its original position
While holding down the USB terminal
slide lever, slide it to its original
position and close the USB terminal
cover.
≥Please refer to page 60 if the status indicator flashes quickly.
≥During the charging,the unit can not be turned on with the power
button. In order to turn on the unit, disconnect it from the PC.
≥We recommend using Panasonic batteries (l8, 71).
≥
If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this product.
≥Do not heat or expose to flame.
≥Do not leave the battery(ies) in an automobile exposed to direct
sunlight for a long period of time with doors and windows closed.
∫Charging/Recording time
≥Temperature: 25 oC (77 oF)/humidity: 60%RH
* Maximum continuous recordable time for one scene:
jIf [REC MODE] is set to //:
29min59sec
jIf [REC MODE] is set to :
Approx. 20 min (up to 4 GB recording capacity)
≥These times are approximations.
≥
The indicated charging time is for when the battery has been
discharged completely. Charging time and recordable time vary
depending on the usage conditions such as high/low temperature.
Charging and recording time
Battery model
number
[Voltage/
Capacity
(minimum)]
Charging
time
Recording
mode
Maximum
continuous
recordable
time*
Actual
recordable
time
Supplied battery/
VW-VBJ10
(optional)
[3.6 V/940 mAh]
4h10min
1h20min 45min
/ 1h35min 50min
1h50min 1h



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VQT2Z95 15
≥The actual recordable time refers to the recordable time when
repeatedly starting/stopping recording, turning the unit on/off, adjusting
the zoom etc.
≥The batteries heat up after use or charging. This is not a malfunction.
Recording conditions by CIPA standard
≥CIPA is an abbreviation of Camera & Imaging Products Association.
≥Using the supplied battery
≥Using a Panasonic SD Memory Card (2 GB)
Approximate operating time and number of
recordable still pictures
Number of recordable
pictures Approx.
230 pictures By CIPA standard
Recording time Approx. 115 min
Playback time Approx. 180 min
Battery capacity indication
≥The display changes as the battery capacity reduces.
####
If the battery discharges, then will become red.
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16 VQT2Z95
Preparation
Preparing the card
Use SD cards conforming to Class 4 or higher of the SD Speed
Class Rating* for motion picture recording.
* The SD Speed Class Rating is the speed standard for successive
writes.
This unit (an SDXC compatible device) is compatible with SD Memory
Cards, SDHC Memory Cards and SDXC Memory Cards. When using
an SDHC memory card/SDXC memory card with other equipment,
check the equipment is compatible with these memory cards.
Cards that you can use with this unit
Card type Capacity Motion picture
recording Still picture recording
SD
Memory
Card
8MB/
16 MB/
32 MB/
64 MB/
128 MB/
256 MB
Cannot be guaranteed
in operation.
The recording may
suddenly stop during
motion picture
recording depending
on the SD card you
use. (l56)
Can be used.
512 MB/
1GB/2GB
Can be used.
SDHC
Memory
Card
4GB/6GB/
8GB/12GB/
16 GB/24 GB/
32 GB
SDXC
Memory
Card 48 GB/64 GB
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VQT2Z95 17
≥4 GB or more Memory Cards that do not have the SDHC logo or 48 GB
or more Memory Cards that do not have the SDXC logo are not based
on SD Memory Card Specifications.
≥When the write-protect switch A on SD card is locked,
no recording, deletion or editing will be possible on the
card.
≥Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to
prevent swallowing.
32
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18 VQT2Z95
Caution:
Check that the status indicator has gone off.
1Open the card/battery door and insert (remove) the
SD card into (from) the card slot B.
≥Face the label side Cin the direction shown in the illustration and
press it straight in as far as it will go.
≥Press the center of the SD card and then pull it straight out.
2Securely close the card/battery door.
≥Do not touch the terminals on the back of the SD card.
≥Do not apply strong shocks, bend, or drop the SD card.
≥Electrical noise, static electricity or the failure of this unit or the SD card
may damage or erase the data stored on the SD card.
≥When the status indicator is lit, do not:
jRemove the SD card
jTurn the unit off
jInsert and remove the USB terminal
jExpose the unit to vibrations or shock
Performing the above while the lamp is on may result in damage to
data/SD card or this unit.
≥Do not expose the terminals of the SD card to water, dirt or dust.
Inserting/removing an SD card
When using an SD card not from Panasonic, or one previously used
on other equipment, for the first time on this unit, format the SD card.
(l35) When the SD card is formatted, all of the recorded data is
deleted. Once the data is deleted, it cannot be restored.



Status indicator A
≥When this unit is
accessingtheSDcard,
the status indicator
lights up.
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VQT2Z95 19
≥Do not place SD cards in the following areas:
jIn direct sunlight
jIn very dusty or humid areas
jNear a heater
jLocations susceptible to significant difference in temperature
(condensation can occur.)
jWhere static electricity or electromagnetic waves occur
≥To protect SD cards, return them to their cases when you are not using
them.
≥About disposing of or giving away the SD card. (l63)
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20 VQT2Z95
Recording/Playback
Turning the unit on/off
Press the power button to turn on the unit.
≥The LCD monitor lights on.
To turn off the unit
Continue pressing the power button until the LCD monitor goes off.
∫About the screen display
Please refer to page 53 for details of the icons displayed on the screen.
∫About the power save function
To prevent battery consumption, it will turn off the
screen and go into idle mode after approx.
2 minutes of no operation. (The status indicator A
flashes.)
The unit will be turned off automatically if no
operation is performed for a further 5 minutes
(approx.) while in idle mode.
≥Idle mode is canceled by pressing one of the buttons.
∫About the high temperature warning icon
When the high temperature warning icon is displayed, the
temperature of the unit is high.
≥It is possible to continue recording/playback when is displayed,
but it is recommended to stop operations and turn off the unit as soon
as possible.
≥If the temperature rises further, the unit will be turned off automatically
after flashes. You will not be able to turn on the unit again until the
temperature lowers ( will flash.), so wait until the temperature
lowers before using again.
≥A countdown until the recording is stopped will start from approx.
15 seconds during motion picture recording, and the recording will stop
when the display reaches 0 seconds.
≥When you turn off the unit while the temperature is high ( is
displayed.), you will not be able to turn on the unit again until the
temperature lowers. ( will flash.)

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