Panasonic Palmcorder IQ PV-A396 User manual

Panasonic’
Palmcorder IQ °
Camcorder
Operating Instructions
PV-A396
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Spanish Quick Use Guide is included.
Guia para rápida consulta en espanol está incluida.
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Things You Should Know
Thank you for choosing Panasonic!
You have purchased one of the most
sophisticated and reliable products on the Dealer Purchased From
market today. Used properly, we're sure it
will bring you and your family years of Dealer Address
enjoyment. Please take time to fill in the
information at right. The serial number is on | Dealer Phone No.
the tag located on the underside of your
Palmcorder. Be sure to retain this manual | Model No.
as your convenient Palmcorder information
source. Serial No.
Unpack your Palmcorder
These accessories are provided in order to set up or use your Palmcorder.
1 pc. AC Adaptor 1 pc. Battery Pack 1 pc. Audio/Video 1 pc. Shoulder Strap
(PV-A17) (PV-BP15) Cable (VJAW0032) (VYCWO108)
with DC Power ze
Cable
Date of Purchase
1 pc. VHS PlayPak 1 pc. 9-Function Remote 1 pc. CR2025 Clock
(PV-P1/VYMWO0009) (VSQW0031 or VSQWO0033) Battery (VSBW0004)
and one "AA" battery with one Cee? Battery (installed in Palmcorder)
e?
Remote has been loaded with battery and
comes stored in Palmcorder. See page 22.
Safety Precautions
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Your Compact VHS Palmcorder is designed to record This Palmcorder is equipped with the HQ System to
and play back in Standard Play (SP) and Super Long provide excellen! video pictures, and is compatible
Play (SLP) modes. You can also play a Compact VHS with standard VHS equipment.
Palmcorder recording on your VHS VCR using the it is recommended that only cassette tapes that have
VHS PlayPak supplied. been tested and inspected for use in VCR machines
with the and/or mark be used.
This symbol warns the user that
uninsulated voltage within the unit may
CAUTION have sufficient magnitude to cause electric
ERE yd ERE shock. Therefore, it is dangerous to make
any kind of contact with any inside part of
this unit.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THÉ RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) This symbol alerts the user that important
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE literature concerning the operation and
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL maintenance of this unit has been Included
Theretore, it should be read carefully in
order to avoid any problems.
The above markings are located on the appliance bottom cover.

Important Safeguards
. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the unit is
operated.
Retain Instructions — The satety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed Warnings — All warnings on the unit and in
the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follow Instructions — All operating and
maintenance instructions should be followed.
Cleaning — Unplug this video unit from the wall
outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol
- cleaners. Use a dry cloth for cleaning.
Attachments — Do not use attachments not
recommended by the video product manufacturer
as they may be hazardous.
Water and Moisture — Do not use this video unit
near water — for example near a bath tub, wash
bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like.
. Accessories — Do not place this video unit on an
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The
video unit may fall, causing serious injury to a child
or adult, and serious damage to the unit. Use only
with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the
video unit. Any mounting of the unit should follow
the manufacturer's instructions and should use a
mounting accessory recommended by
the manufacturer. An appliance and
cart combination should be moved
with care. Quick stops, excessive
force, and uneven surfaces may
cause the appliance and cart
combination to overtum.
. Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet are
provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable
operation of the video unit and to protect it from
overheating. These openings must not be blocked
or covered. Never place the video unit on a bed,
sofa, rug, or other similar surface, or near or over a
radiator or heat register. This video unit should not
be placed in a built-in installation such as a
bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is
provided or the manufacturer's instructions have
been adhered to.
. Power Sources — This video unit should be
operated only from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label. if you are not sure
of the type of power supply to your home, consult
your appliance dealer or local power company. For
video units intended to be operated from battery
power, or other sources, refer to the operating
instructions.
11. Grounding or Polarization — This video unit may
1
1
1
2.
3.
^
be equipped with either a polarized 2-wire AC
(Alternating Current) line plug (a plug having one
blade wider than the other) or 3-wire grounding
type plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin.
The 2-wire polarized plug will fit into the power
outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you
are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet,
try reversing the plug. If the plug still fails to fit,
contact your electrician to replace your obsolete
outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized plug.
The 3-wire grounding type plug will fit into a
grounding type power outlet. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the
outlet, contact your electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose
of the grounding type plug.
Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords
should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to cords
of plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the unit.
Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an outside
antenna or cable system is connected to the video
unit, be sure the antenna or cable system is
grounded so as to provide some protection against
voltage surges and built-up static charges. Part 1
of the Canadian Electrical Code, in USA Section
810 of the National Electrical Code, provides
information with respect to proper grounding of the
mast and supporting structure, grounding of the
lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of
grounding conductors, location of antenna
discharge unit, connection to grounding
electrodes, and requirements for the grounding
electrode.
2 ROUNDING
{NEC ART 250, PART Hj
NEC — NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
. Lightning — For added protection of this video unit
receiver during a lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods of time,
unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the
antenna or cable system. This will prevent
damage to the video unit due to lightning and
power-line surges.

Important Safeguards
15. Power Lines — An outside antenna system should b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or objects
not be located in the vicinity of overhead power have fallen into the video unit.
lines or other electric light or power circults, or c. If the video unit has been exposed to rain or
where it can fall into such power lines or circults. water.
When installing an outside antenna system, d. If the video unit does not operate normally by
extreme care should be taken to keep from
touching such power lines or circuits as contact
with them might be fatal.
following the operating instructions. Adjust only
those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions, as an improper adjustment of other
16. Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets and controls may result in damage and will often
extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or require extensive work by a qualified technician
electric shock. to restore the video unit to its normal operation.
17. Objects and Liquids — Never push objects of any e. ff the video unit has been dropped or the cabinet
kind into this video unit through openings as they has been damaged.
may touch dangerous voltage points or short out f. When the video unit exhibits a distinct change in
parts that could result in a fíre or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind onto the video unit.
18. Servicing — Do not attempt to service this video
unit yourself as opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
performance — this indicates a need for service.
20. Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are
required, be sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or
have the same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
19. Damage Requiring Service — Unpiug this video electric shock or other hazards.
unit from the wall outlet and refer servicing to 21. Safety Check— Upon completion of any service or
qualified SONICS personnel under the following repairs to this video vnit, ask the service technician
conditions: i to perform safety checks to determine that the
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is video unit Is in safe operating order.
damaged.
Precautions
USE & LOCATION
* TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD ... Your Camcorder and power supply should not be exposed to rain or moisture.
Do not connect the power supply or operate your Camcorder if it gets wet. Your Camcorder has been designed
tor 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 interna! parts of
your Camcorder. Do not attempt to disassemble this unit. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Unplug
your Camcorder from the power supply before cleaning.
* DO NOT AIM YOUR CAMCORDER AT THE SUN OR OTHER BRIGHT OBJECTS
* DO NOT LEAVE THE PALMCORDER WITH THE EVF AIMED DIRECTLY AT THE SUN AS THIS MAY
CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE INTERNAL PARTS OF THE EVF
* DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR CAMCORDER 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
Camcorder.
* AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE ... If the unit is suddenly moved from a cold place to a warm
place, moisture may form on the tape and inside the unit.
* DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAMCORDER OR THE POWER SUPPLY TURNED ON WHEN NOT IN USE.
* STORAGE OF YOUR CAMCORDER ... Store and handle your Camcorder in a manner that will not subject it to
unnecessary movement (avoid shaking and striking). Your Camcorder contains a sensitive pick-up device which
could be damaged by improper handling or storage.
CARE
* TO CLEAN YOUR CAMCORDER ... Do not use strong or abrasive detergents when cleaning your Camcorder
body.
* TO PROTECT THE LENS ... Do not touch the surface of the lens with your hand. Use a commercial camcorder
tens solution and lens paper when cleaning the lens. Improper cleaning can scratch the lens coating.
¢ TO PROTECT THE FINISH OF YOUR CAMCORDER ... Before handling your Camcorder, make sure your
hands and face are free from any chemical products, such as suntan lotion, as it may damage the finish.
4

Table of Contents
Getting Started
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Important Safeguards ets usse e etes dice epe dicas statue Ded veiut neidio ERR AR Sae 3,4
Precautions .. Pac E EE UNT DERE PO e
Quick Operation Guide .
Supplying Power
Charge he Ballory PACK civic tdci 7
Use thé Battery Pack ota veep varcvencdoumeinekGeentooweas 7
Battëry Refresh ue [i TT —— — Á—— 8
ruta 45r m ——— ———— ——X !—— — 8
AG Livi dier cm 9
Car Battery Cord (pippa ss Qoa EEE E ees E A EA OR A E EE: 9
Cassette InfolmiabliOli cornisas tdi rata VO
Setting the Clock
Set the Time Zone .. M ——————— — MÀ P
Set the Daylight Saving Ti Time... O d Maid Prec vet tor A WE
Set thé Date and TIME ooo aet cea hao adan iaa 13
Replace the Battery ... add .14
Electronic Viewfinder Indications . ——————— TT “15, 16, 17
Attaching the Shoulder AAA A UO
Basic Operation
Camera Recording
Simple Recording
Stand-by Mode MPH 20
Stand-by Relea Se neee sys vede Renee ph vb ay Pe RE ve O
EASY Edit Sand od 21
Manual Easy Editing AAA A A 21
9-Function Remote Control
Programmed Recording «securo nave rho a a vn rpaa Cres nacta eo vp FER pa vr ees ke eaa pus on spa V S Uca EG 23
Playback your Recordings
Playback: using the EVE... oed eesee pres A ERE 24
Playback using the PlayPak.......eoeeeer riter noa year aro exer exer epa E teaavestiesicuees Wecsseeveusaveaanvaynn MED
Playback or VIBW OD 8 TW herd e ede ao aede toute tee peste tees MB
Special Features
Four-Speed Power Zoom ........ ins eri eoa spina ear asea va xo dob a Sup Or air Qu RP ERE EE NR eoa gea eq andina M PAR 27
COne-Touch Auto PRO. ur od n hp itur R er rude der
gl QR pP IPTE 28
ambas Rcg pde DD —————'——e
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Intelligent Titler... des PO,
Copying your Tapes (dubbing) .. iia 31
For Your Information
Paimcorder Accessory stems ep DRE V
Notes Regarding ee uc TT RHENO:
Specifications ... en n r—— ——Á—— GÓC
Before Requesting S Service .. TET RENTRER ci ad ao
Index of Controls .. Mop REM OUBLIE
Index
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Quick Operation Guide
Camera Recording
Charge the Battery Pack fully before operation (see page 7).
Attach the Battery (see page 7).
Make sure Battery is charged before
use (see page 7).
Slide the TAPE EJECT switch to open
the door.
3 insert a cassette (see page 10).
Mb cscs here to close the door.
5 Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
Built-In Lens Cover opens and POWER
Lamp lights.
6 siiae the TAPE SPEED Selector for
SP or SLP (see page 10).
| with the Eye Cup up to your eye,
p PS = adjust the Vision Adjustment Control
Ea i li E to your eyesight.
aie 8 e
SPUR | Press RECORD/PAUSE to sta
E AG = ol recording.
m N// Y :
$ LESEN Press RECORD/PAUSE again to pause
SLP; S recording (see page 19).
1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.
2 Press REWIND/SEARCH to rewind the
tape.
3 Press PLAY to start playback.
A press STOP to stop playback.

Supplying Power
Charge the Battery Pack
Charge the Battery Pack fully
before operation.
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CUR 1 Plug in the AC Adaptor.
CHARGE ;
Lamp POWER Lamp lights up.
insert the Battery
® Align the right side of the Battery with
the line on the AC Adaptor.
(8) Press down on the Battery and then
slide it in the direction of the arrow.
CHARGE Lamp lights up. It goes out
when charging is done (about one hour).
3 Remove the Battery
Slide the Battery out and then tift up.
Battery Charging
Confirmation Marker
* The useful operation time of the Battery will
gradually decrease after repeated use and
recharging. The Battery is no longer serviceable
if the operation time is very short, even after a
Use this marker as a reminder to yourself sufficient charge.
when the battery is fully charged or in Note:
need of a charge. This marker performs After recharging the Battery Pack about 5 times,
no function and is for your reference only.| use the BATTERY REFRESH feature as
explained on page 8.
Use the Battery Pack
With a fully charged Battery Pack, you will have a maximum of about one hour of
continuous use.
1 Attach the Battery
® Align the Battery with the top of the
mounting surface.
® Press it into place until it locks with a
click.
2 Remove the Battery
While sliding the BATTERY RELEASE
button, remove the Battery. 7

Supplying Power
Battery Refresh Feature
This feature completely discharges the Battery before recharging begins.
To maintain your battery's operating capacity, use the refresh feature after about every five charges.
CHARGE Lamp
I Plug in AC Adaptor.
2 Place the Battery into the
SS AC Adaptor.
NS
Io Press the BATTERY REFRESH
button.
The CHARGE Lamp will flash when
discharging begins and stop flashing
when fully discharged. POWER Lamp
will stay lit when fully charged.
4 Remove the Battery
* Should you accidentally press the BATTERY
REFRESH button, remove Battery and then
re-insert it to begin charging.
* It takes about five hours when both Battery
Refresh and charging are performed.
ONLY FOR U.S.A.
ATTENTION:
The product that you have purchased is powered by a rechargeable battery. The battery
is recyclable. At the end of its useful life, under various state and local laws, it may be
illegal to dispose of this battery into the municipal waste stream. Check with your local
solid waste officials for details in your area for recycling options or proper disposal.
Battery Care
Caution: To avoid damage to the Battery:
* Charge only with specified charger. * Do not drop or jar the Battery.
« The Battery can be charged within a tempera- * Use the Battery with specified units only.
ture range of 32° F (0° C) and 104° F (40? C). * If the Battery is used in extremely high
* The Battery may be warm after charging or temperatures, a safety device will automati-
just after use. This is normal. cally prevent operation.
* Do not use an insufficiently charged or worn
out Battery.
To insure longer battery life:
, ; * While not in use, remove Battery from the
=e f Fed Miss diss or diapose ot ih Patmcorder and AC Adaptor and store ina
fire 9 Y ' P cool, dark, dry place. |
+ Do not directly connect (short circuit) the * Keep the Battery terminals clean.
positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.
* Never attempt to disassemble or reassemble
the Battery.
8

Supplying Power
AC Adaptor
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DC Power Cable
DC IN 1 Connect the VCR DC OUT on
Connector the AC Adaptor to the DC IN on
the Palmcorder with the DC
Power Cable (supplied).
POWER Lamp
VCR DC OUT Connector ed
* The POWER Lamp will light up.
Note:
* AC Adaptor can not be used to power the Palmcorder while charging the Battery.
* While not in use, unplug the AC Adaptor from the AC outlet. (AC Adaptor consumes
1.2W of electric power if it is plugged into an AC outlet even when not in use.)
1 Connect a PV-C16 Car Battery Cord
(optional) to the DC IN of the
Palmcorder.
2 Start your car engine and then insert
the Car Battery Cord plug into your
cigarette tighter socket.
* There is a fuse located in the lighter plug
end of the cord.
Cigarette Lighter Should fuse replacement be necessary
Socket (12V) use the exact current rating (in amps).
Note:
* This cord can only be used in vehicles
equipped with DC 12V (negative ground)
batteries. Use only the specified car battery
cord. If you are not sure check with your local
car/truck dealer as to what type of DC battery
ground you have in your vehicle.
Car Battery Cord Cigarette * Be sure to start your car engine before
j I ; inserting the cigarette lighter plug of the
(optional Lighter Plug Car Battery Cord into the lighter socket;
otherwise, the cigarette lighter plug fuse
may burn out.
* Because the car is running while your
Palmcorder is in operation, make sure
you're in a well ventilated area.
* Disconnect the cigarette lighter plug when
your Palmcorder is not being used.
9

Cassette Information
Cassette Insertion/Removal
I Turn the Tape Wheel in the direction
of the arrow until there is no slack.
2 Attach the Battery (see page 7).
3 Slide the TAPE EJECT switch
to open the door.
7 ENS the cassette vertically
with its window side facing
out.
5 Press here to close the door.
+. To remove the cassette, slide the TAPE EJECT switch.
Record/Playback Time TAPE SPEED Selector
Use tapes with the (VS [e] mark in this unit.
Tape Speed Selector Cassette type
SLP (Super Long Play) | 1 hour 1 hour 2 hours
30 minutes
* SP provides the best picture.
* SLP has slightly more picture noise during playback.
Erase Protection Tab
Cassettes have a record tab to ensure that recordings are not accidentally erased.
1 To prevent accidental erasure
Break off the tab with a screwdriver.
(Or, slide tab open.)
210 record again
Cover the hole with adhesive tape.
(Or, slide tab closed.)