Samsung VP-D20 Setup guide

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PHOTO DISPLAY
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RECSEARCHFADEBLC
Digital Video Camcorder
Owner’s Instruction Book
Before operating the unit, please read this
instruction book thoroughly, and retain it for
future reference.
AF Auto Focus
CCD Charge Coupled Device
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
VP-D20/D21
VP-D20i/D21i
ELECTRONICS
This product meets the intent of
Directive 89/336 CEE, 73/23 CEE, 93/68 CEE.

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Contents
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Features ···················································································································································································································· 11
Accessories Supplied with camcorder ····································································································································································· 12
Front & Left View ······································································································································································································ 13
Left side View ··········································································································································································································· 14
Right & Top View ······································································································································································································ 15
Rear & Bottom View ································································································································································································· 16
Remote control ········································································································································································································· 17
OSD (On Screen Display in CAMERA and PLAYER modes) ································································································································· 18
Turning the OSD on/off (On Screen Display) ····················································································································································· 19
How to use the Remote Control ·············································································································································································· 20
Battery Installation for the Remote Control ························································································································································ 20
Self Record using the Remote Control ······························································································································································· 20
Lithium Battery Installation··························································································································································································21
Adjusting the Hand Strap ························································································································································································ 22
Hand strap ··········································································································································································································· 22
Shoulder strap·······································································································································································································22
Connecting a Power Source ···················································································································································································· 23
To use the AC Power adapter and DC Cable ··················································································································································· 23
Using the Lithium Ion Battery Pack ········································································································································································· 24
Charging the Lithium Ion Battery Pack ······························································································································································· 24
Table of continuous recording time based on model and battery type ············································································································· 25
Battery level display ···························································································································································································· 26
Inserting and Ejecting a Cassette ··········································································································································································· 27
Making your First Recording ···················································································································································································· 28
Record Search (REC SEARCH) ······································································································································································· 29
Hints for Stable Image Recording ············································································································································································ 30
Recording with the LCD monitor ······································································································································································· 30
Recording with the Viewfinder ··········································································································································································· 30
BASIC Recording 28
Preparation 20
Notes and Safety Instructions 6
Getting to Know Your Camcorder 11

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Contents
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Adjusting the LCD ···································································································································································································· 31
Using the VIEWFINDER ························································································································································································· 32
Adjusting the Focus ···························································································································································································· 32
Playing back a tape you have recorded on the LCD ··············································································································································· 33
Adjusting the LCD during PLAY ·········································································································································································· 34
Controlling Sound from the Speaker ······································································································································································· 34
Use of various Functions ·························································································································································································· 35
Setting menu items ····························································································································································································· 35
Set the camcorder to CAMERA or PLAYER mode············································································································································· 35
Availability of functions in each mode ································································································································································ 36
CLOCK SET ······································································································································································································· 37
REMOCON ········································································································································································································ 38
BEEP SOUND ··································································································································································································· 39
SHUTTER SOUND ···························································································································································································· 40
DEMONSTRATION ···························································································································································································· 41
PROGRAM AE ··································································································································································································· 42
Setting the PROGRAM AE ················································································································································································· 43
WHT. BALANCE (WHITE BALANCE) ································································································································································ 44
Zooming In and Out with DIGITAL ZOOM ························································································································································· 45
Zooming In and Out ···························································································································································································· 45
Digital Zoom ······································································································································································································· 46
DIS (Digital Image Stabilizer) ·············································································································································································· 47
DSE (Digital Special Effects) SELECT ······························································································································································· 48
Selecting an effect ······························································································································································································· 49
REC MODE ········································································································································································································ 50
AUDIO MODE ···································································································································································································· 51
WIND CUT ········································································································································································································· 52
DATE/TIME ········································································································································································································ 53
TV DISPLAY ······································································································································································································· 54
Using Quick Menu ··································································································································································································· 55
Setting the Quick menu ······················································································································································································ 56
SHUTTER SPEED & EXPOSURE ··································································································································································· 57
Advanced Recording 35

ENGLISH
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SLOW SHUTTER(Low Shutter Speed) ·································································································································································· 58
EASY Mode (for Beginners) ····················································································································································································· 59
MF/AF (Manual Focus/Auto Focus) ········································································································································································· 60
Auto Focusing ····································································································································································································· 60
Manual Focusing ································································································································································································· 60
BLC (Back Light Compensation) ·············································································································································································· 61
Fade In and Out ········································································································································································································ 62
To Start Recording ······························································································································································································ 62
To Stop Recording (use FADE IN / FADE OUT) ················································································································································ 62
Audio dubbing ·········································································································································································································· 63
Dubbing sound.···································································································································································································· 63
Dubbed Audio Playback ······················································································································································································ 64
PHOTO Image Recording ························································································································································································ 65
Searching for a PHOTO picture ·········································································································································································· 65
NIGHT CAPTURE (0 lux recording)···········································································································································································66
POWER NIGHT CAPTURE ·······················································································································································································67
Using the VIDEO LIGHT·····························································································································································································68
Various Recording Techniques ················································································································································································· 69
Tape Playback ·········································································································································································································· 70
Playback on the LCD ·························································································································································································· 70
Playback on a TV monitor ·················································································································································································· 70
Connecting to a TV which has Audio Video input jacks ····································································································································· 70
Connecting to a TV which has no Audio and Video input jacks ························································································································ 71
Playback ·············································································································································································································· 71
Various Functions while in PLAYER mode ······························································································································································ 72
Playback pause ··································································································································································································· 72
Picture search (Forward/Reverse) ······································································································································································ 72
Slow playback (Forward/Reverse) ······································································································································································ 72
Frame advance (To play back frame by frame) ················································································································································· 73
X2 Playback (Forward/Reverse ) ········································································································································································ 73
ZERO MEMORY ····································································································································································································· 74
PB DSE (Playback Digital Special Effects) ······························································································································································ 75
PB ZOOM ················································································································································································································ 76
Contents
Playback 70

Transferring IEEE1394 (i.LINK)-DV standard data connections ····························································································································· 78
Connecting to a DV device ················································································································································································· 78
Connecting to a PC ····························································································································································································· 78
System requirements ·························································································································································································· 79
Recording with a DV connection cable (VP-D20i/D21i only)······························································································································ 79
Transferring a Digital Image through a USB Connection ········································································································································ 80
System Requirements ······························································································································································································ 80
Installing DVC Media 5.0 Program············································································································································································ 81
Connecting to a PC ·································································································································································································· 82
After finishing a recording ························································································································································································· 83
Cleaning and Maintaining the Camcorder································································································································································· 84
Cleaning the Video Heads ·················································································································································································· 84
Using Your Camcorder Abroad ················································································································································································· 85
Power sources ···································································································································································································· 85
Colour system ····································································································································································································· 85
Troubleshooting ········································································································································································································ 86
Self Diagnosis Display ························································································································································································ 86
Moisture Condensation ······················································································································································································· 86
ENGLISH
Contents
55
Maintenance 83
Troubleshooting 86
Specifications 88
INDEX 89
Power Sources (United Kingdom Only) 90
Recording in PLAYER mode (VP-D20i/D21i only) 77
IEEE 1394 Data Transfer 78
USB interface (VP-D21/D21i only) 80

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Notes and Safety Instructions
66
Notes regarding the rotation of the LCD screen
Please rotate the LCD screen carefully as illustrated.
Over rotation may cause damage to the inside of the hinge that connects the LCD screen to the Camcorder.
1. LCD screen closed.
2. Standard recording using the LCD screen.
3. Recording when looking at the LCD screen from the top.
4. Recording when looking at the LCD screen from the front.
5. Recording with the LCD screen closed.
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Television programs, video tapes, DVD titles, films, and other program materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized copying of copyrighted material may be against the law.
1. A sudden rise in atmospheric temperature may cause condensation to form inside the camcorder.
for example:
- When you move the camcorder from a cold location to a warm location (e.g. from outside to inside during winter.)
- When you move the camcorder from a cool location to a hot location (e.g. from inside to outside during the summer.)
2. If the (DEW) protection feature is activated, leave the camcorder for at least two hours in a dry, warm room with the
cassette compartment opened and the battery removed.
1. Do not leave the camcorder exposed to high temperature (above 60°C or 140°F).
For example, in a parked car in the sun or exposed to direct sunlight.
2. Do not let the camcorder get wet.
Keep the camcorder away from rain, sea water, and any other form of moisture. If the camcorder gets wet, it may get
damaged.
Sometimes a malfunction due to exposure to liquids cannot be repaired.
ENGLISH
Notes and Safety Instructions
77
Notes regarding CAMCORDER
Notices regarding COPYRIGHT (VP-D20i/D21i only)
Notes regarding moisture condensation

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88
Notes and Safety Instructions
Notes regarding the battery pack
Notes regarding the Video Head Cleaning
- Make sure that the battery pack is fully charged before starting to record.
- To preserve battery power, keep your camcorder turned off when you are not
operating it.
- If your camcorder is in CAMERA mode, and it is left in STBY mode without
being operated for more than 5 minutes with a tape installed, it will
automatically turn itself off to protect against unnecessary battery discharge.
- Make sure that the battery pack is fitted firmly into place.
Dropping the battery pack may damage it.
- A brand new battery pack is not charged.
Before using the battery pack, you need to charge it completely.
- It is a good idea to use the viewfinder rather than the LCD when making long
recordings, because the LCD uses up more battery power.
- To ensure normal recording and a clear picture, clean the video heads regularly. If a square block-shape distorts playback,
or only a blue screen is displayed, the video heads may be dirty. If this happens, clean the video heads with a dry type
cleaning cassette.
- Do not use a wet-type cleaning cassette. It may damage the video heads.
* When the battery reaches the end of its life, please contact your local dealer.
The batteries have to be dealt with as chemical waste.
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Notes and Safety Instructions
99
- Do not film with the camera lens pointing directly at the sun.
Direct sunlight can damage the CCD(Charge Coupled Device).
1. Do not position the camcorder such that the viewfinder is pointing towards the sun.
Direct sunlight can damage the inside of the viewfinder. Be careful when placing the camcorder under sunlight or near a
window exposed to sunlight.
2. Do not pick up the camcorder from the viewfinder.
3. Over-rotating of the viewfinder may damage it.
1. The LCD display has been manufactured using high precision tech-
nology. However, there may be tiny dots (red, blue or green in colour)
that appear on the LCD display.
These dots are normal and do not affect the recorded picture in any
way.
2. When you use the LCD display under direct sunlight or outdoors,
it maybe difficult to see the picture clearly.
If this occurs, we recommend using the viewfinder.
3. Direct sunlight can damage the LCD monitor.
- To ensure a steady picture during filming, check that the hand strap is properly adjusted.
- Do not force your hand into the hand strap as you could damage it.
Note regarding the LENS
Notes regarding electronic viewfinder
Notes regarding ‘Record’ or ‘Playback’ using the LCD
Notes regarding the hand strap

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Notes and Safety Instructions
1010
Precautions regarding the Lithium battery
1. The lithium battery maintains the clock function and user settings; even if the battery pack or AC adapter is removed.
2. The lithium battery for the camcorder lasts about 6 months under normal operation from time of installation.
3. When the lithium battery becomes weak or dead, the date/time indicator will flash for about five seconds when you set the
power switch to CAMERA.
In this case, replace the lithium battery with a new one(type CR2025 ).
4. Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type.
Warning: Keep the LITHIUM BATTERY out of reach of children. Should a battery be swallowed, consult a doctor
immediately.
Danger:
- The Video Light can become extremely hot. Do not touch it during operation or after turning it off, otherwise serious injury
may result. Wait 5 minutes (approx.) for the light to cool down.
- Do not place the camcorder into the carrying case immediately after using the video light.
The video light will be hot. Please allow time for it to cool down.
- Do not use it near flammable or explosive materials.
- It is recommended that you consult your nearest SAMSUNG dealer for replacement bulbs.
- Not to be handled by children. Emits intense heat and light. Use with caution to reduce the risk of fire or injury to persons.
DANGER: DO NOT DIRECT LIGHT AT PERSONS OR MATERIALS LOCATING LESS THAN FOUR FEET
DURING USE. DISCONNECT WHEN NOT IN USE.
DANGER: TO PREVENT POSSIBLE BURN HAZARD, DISCONNECT THE SUPPLY CORD AND ALLOW THE
LAMP TO COOL DOWN BEFORE REPLACING.
Notice regarding VIDEO LIGHT

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Getting to Know Your Camcorder
1111
Features
•Digital data transfer function with IEEE1394
By incorporating the IEEE 1394 (i.LINK™ : i.LINK is a serial data transfer protocol and interconnectivity system, used to
transmit DV data) high speed data transport port, both moving and still images can be transferred to a PC, making it possible
to produce or edit various images.
•USB interface for digital image data transfer (VP-D21/D21i only)
You can transfer still images to a PC using the USB interface without an add-on card.
•PHOTO
The PHOTO function lets you capture an object as a still along with sound, while in Camera mode.
•800x Digital zoom
Allows you to magnify an image up to 800 times its original size.
•Colour TFT LCD
A high-resolution colour TFT LCD gives you clean, sharp images as well as the ability to review your recordings immediately.
•Digital Image Stabilizer (DIS)
The DIS compensates for any handshake, reducing unstable images particularly at high magnification.
•Various digital effects
The DSE (Digital Special Effects) allows you to give your films a special look by adding various special effects.
•Back Light Compensation (BLC)
The BLC function compensates for the bright background behind a subject you're recording.
•Program AE
The Program AE enables you to alter the shutter speed and aperture to suit the type of scene/action to be filmed.
•NIGHT CAPTURE
The NIGHT CAPTURE function enables you to record a subject in a dark place.

Make sure that the following basic accessories are supplied with your digital video camera.
Basic Accessories
1. Lithium Ion Battery pack
2. AC Power Adapter
3. AC Cord
4. AUDIO/VIDEO cable
5. S-VIDEO cable
6. Instruction Book
7. Lithium batteries for Remote Control and Clock.
(TYPE: CR2025, 2 EA)
8. Remote Control
9. Shoulder strap
10.USB cable (VP-D21/D21i only)
11.Software CD (VP-D21/D21i only)
Optional Accessory
12.Scart adapter
ENGLISH
Getting to Know Your Camcorder
1212
Accessories Supplied with camcorder
START/
STOP
SELF
TIMER
A.DUB
ZERO
MEMORY
PHOTO DISPLAY
X2
SLOW
F.ADV
PHOTO
SEARCH
DATE/
TIME
1. Lithium Ion Battery pack
4. AUDIO/VIDEO cable
7. Lithium batteries (2EA)
(CR2025, 2 EA)
10. USB cable
3. AC cord
6. Instruction Book
9. Shoulder strap
2. AC Power Adapter
5. S-VIDEO cable
8. Remote Control
11. Software CD
12. Scart adapter

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Getting to Know Your Camcorder
1313
Front & Left View
1. Internal MIC
2. Lens
3. Video Light
4. Remote sensor
5. Viewfinder (see page 32)
6. EASY button (see page 59)
7. TFT LCD monitor
8. IR(Infrared) Light
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2. Lens
3. Video Light
8. IR(Infrared) Light
4. Remote sensor
1. Internal MIC 5. Viewfinder
7. TFT LCD monitor
6. EASY button

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Getting to Know Your Camcorder
1414
Left Side View
PLAYER CAMERA
- EASY
: (REW) REC SEARCH –
: (FF) REC SEARCH +
: (PLAY/STILL) FADE
: (STOP) BLC
2. PB zoom
3. Display
4. V. light
5. DV jack
6. DC jack
7. ENTER button
8. MENU dial
9. Speaker
10. MENU button
1. Function buttons
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1. Function buttons
2. PB zoom
3. Display
4. V. light
5. DV jack
9. Speaker
10. MENU button
8. MENU dial
7. ENTER button
6. DC jack

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Getting to Know Your Camcorder
1515
Right & Top View
1. Zoom lever
2. PHOTO button (see page 65)
3. START/STOP button
4. Power switch (CAMERA or PLAYER)
5. Hook for handstrap
6. External MIC in
7. Audio/Video jack
8. S-VIDEO jack
9. USB jack (VP-D21/D21i only)
10. NIGHT CAPTURE switch
11. Slow shutter
9. USB jack (VP-D21/D21i only)
8. S-VIDEO jack
7. Audio/Video jack
6. External MIC in
5. Hook for handstrap
10. NIGHT CAPTURE switch
11. Slow shutter
1. Zoom lever
2. PHOTO button
3. START/STOP button
4. Power switch

ENGLISH
Getting to Know Your Camcorder
1616
Rear & Bottom View
1. Charging indicator
2. Battery Release
3. Lithium battery cover
4. Hook for shoulder strap
5. TAPE OPEN/EJECT
6. Focus adjust knob
7. Tripod receptacle
5. TAPE OPEN/EJECT
7. Tripod receptacle
1. Charging indicator
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6. Focus adjust knob
4. Hook for shoulder strap
3. Lithium battery cover
2. Battery Release

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Getting to Know Your Camcorder
1717
Remote control
1. PHOTO
2. START/STOP
3. SELF TIMER (see page 20)
4. ZERO MEMORY (see page 74)
5. PHOTO Search
6. A.DUB (see page 63)
7. (FF)
8. (REW)
9. (PLAY)
10. Direction ( , )
11. F. ADV (see page 73)
12. (STOP)
13. (STILL)
14. (SLOW)
15. DATE/TIME
16. X2 (see page 73)
17. Zoom
18. Display
1. PHOTO
2. START/STOP
3. SELF TIMER
4. ZERO MEMORY
5. PHOTO SEARCH
6. A.DUB
7. (FF)
8. (REW)
9. (PLAY)
10. Direction
18. DISPLAY
17. Zoom
16. X2
15. DATE/TIME
14. (SLOW)
13. (STILL)
11. F. ADV
12. (STOP)

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Getting to Know Your Camcorder
1818
OSD (On Screen Display in CAMERA and PLAYER modes)
1. Battery level (see page 26)
2. Easy mode (see pages 59)
3. DSE (Digital Special Effects) mode (see page 48)
4. Program AE (see page 42)
5. White Balance mode (see page 44)
6. BLC (Back Light Compensation) (see page 61)
7. Manual focus (see page 60)
8. Shutter speed and EXPOSURE (see page 57)
9. Zoom position (see page 45)
10. NIGHT CAPTURE (see page 66)
11. DATE/TIME (see page 53)
12. USB (VP-D21/D21i only)
13. REMOCON
14. WIND CUT (see page 52)
15. Audio recording mode (see page 51)
16. Zero memory indicator (see page 74)
17. Remaining Tape (measured in minutes)
18. Tape Counter
19. Operating mode
20. Record speed mode
21. PHOTO mode
22. Self recording and waiting timer (see page 20)
23. DIS (see page 47)
24. Volume control (see page 34)
25. Audio playback channel
26. DV IN(DV data transfer mode) (VP-D20i/D21i only) (see page 79)
27. DEW (see page 7)
28. Message Line
29. PB DSE (see page 75)
30. PB zoom/enter (see page 76)
31. Video light (see page 68)
32. POWER NIGHT CAPTURE (see page 67)
OSD in CAMERA mode
TAPE !
NIGHT CAPTUREMF
MIRROR
SHUTTER P
ZOOM
SHUTTER
EXPOSURE
EASY M - 0 : 0 0 : 0 0
5 5 min
1 6 bit
1 0 : 0 0 AM
J A N. 1 0 , 2 0 0 3
REC
EXPOSURE
BLC
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OSD in PLAYER mode
. . . C
SOUND [ 2 ]
MIRROR
ENTER :
PB ZOOM
1.2x
M - 0 : 0 0 : 0 0
5 5 min
1 6 bit
1 0 : 0 0 AM
J A N . 1 0 , 2 0 0 3
VOL. [ 1 1 ]
DV
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Getting to Know Your Camcorder
1919
Turning the OSD on/off (On Screen Display)
●Turning OSD on/off
Press the DISPLAY button on the left side panel.
- Each press of the button toggles the OSD function on and off.
- When you turn the OSD off,
In CAMERA mode: The STBY, REC, EASY.Q modes are always displayed on the OSD,
even when the OSD is turned OFF and the key input is displayed for 3 seconds then turned off.
In PLAYER mode: When you press any Function button, the function is displayed
on the OSD for 3 seconds before it turns off.
●Turning the DATE/TIME on/off
- The DATE/TIME is not affected when the OSD function is switched ON or OFF.
- To turn the DATE/TIME on or off, access the menu and change the DATE/TIME mode. (see page 53)
- You may also use the Quick Menu to turn the DATE/TIME ON or OFF. (see page 55)
(only in CAMERA mode)

ENGLISH
Preparation
2020
How to use the Remote Control
Battery Installation for the Remote Control
✤You need to insert or replace the lithium battery when :
- You purchase the camcorder.
- The remote control doesn’t work.
✤Ensure that you insert the lithium cell correctly, following the + and - markings.
✤Be careful not to reverse the polarity of the battery.
Self Record using the Remote Control
When you use the Self Timer function on the remote control, the recording begins
automatically in 10 seconds.
1. Set the camcorder to CAMERA mode.
2. Press the SELF TIMER button until the appropriate indicator is displayed in the viewfinder.
3. Press the START/STOP button to start the timer.
- After a 10 second wait, recording starts.
- Press START/STOP again when you wish to stop recording.
START/
STOP
SELF
TIMER
A.DUB
ZERO
MEMORY
PHOTO DISPLAY
X2
SLOW
F.ADV
PHOTO
SEARCH
DATE/
TIME
Self
Timer
S
A
M
S
U
N
G
C
A
M
C
O
R
D
E
R
L
E
N
S
1
0
X
Z
O
O
M