Sharp Viewcam VL-H410X User manual

SHARP,
LIQUID CRYSTAL VIDEO CAMERA kli H PAL
OPERATION MANUAL
Before using this VIEWCAM, please read this manual
carefully, especially page 2.
SHARP

WARNING:
This Camcorder must be supplied with D.C. 3.6 volts only from a BT-U or BT-l.11 battery,
the AC adaptor (UADP-019OGEZZ) or the optional VR-41OCHNR-410CA car adaptor.
CAUTION:
As there are no user-serviceable parts inside the Camcorder or AC adaptor, do NOT
remove their cabinets as touching parts inside could result in electric shock. Please refer
servicing to a qualified dealer or a Camcorder service centre approved by Sharp.
This VIEWCAM does not have a PCM recording or playback function. PCM recording made
using other VCRs or audio dubbing cannot be played back on this unit.
Your VIEWCAM is designed to record in SP mode only. It will not perform normal playback for
programmes prerecorded in LP mode.
If you record on a tape on which PCM sound has already been recorded, the audio track of the
new VIEWCAM recording may not come out when the tape is played back on a PCM-capable
VCR. If this occurs, set the VCR’s audio monitor select switch to the “STANDARD” position.
NOTE
This VIEWCAM is a high technology product.
The LCD Panel comprises of 89622 TFT Transistors. Due to the high density of transistors, it is
possible that some pixels may fail.
The Pixel appear on the screen like blue-, red-, green- or black dots. Please note that this has
no effect on the VIEWCAM functions.

But after enjoying the top quality and high performance of this Sharp VIEWCAM, you’ll know you were right.
The purchase of this VIEWCAM will further enhance your home video enjoyment. Before operating, please read this opera-
tion manual to get the most out of your Sharp VIEWCAM. Also, please save tt for future reference, since it wtll be useful tf you
have any trouble during operation
1
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FREE-ANGLE SHOOTING AND INSTANT REPLAY
WITH 10.2 cm COLOUR LCD MONITOR AND
BUILT-IN SPEAKER
EASY TV/VCR CONNECTION AND CONTINUOUS
CHARGING WITH VIEWCAMPORT UNIT
16x DIGITAL ZOOM (OPTICAL 8x POWER ZOOM)
DIGITAL 2x QUICK ZOOM (2x EXTEND ZOOM)
DIGITAL IMAGE STABILIZATION
DIGITAL STILL/STROBE/SNAP RECORDING
Hi-Fi STEREO SOUND
NEURO AUTO EXPOSURE
DIGITAL AUTO WHITE BALANCE
DIGITAL FULL RANGE AUTO FOCUS
INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL
14 PROGRAM SEARCH/QUICK RETURN
15BACKLIGHT COMPENSATION
161/10000, l/4000, l/1000, l/250, l/120, AND
STANDARD l/50-SECOND SWITCHABLE HIGH-
SPEED ELECTRONIC SHUTTER FOR BLUR-FREE
STILL IMAGES
17 FADE IN AND FADE OUT
18FLYING ERASE HEAD FOR EDITING
19 EDIT SEARCH
20 WARNING INDICATORS - LOW BATTERY, LOW
LIGHT, TAPE END, ETC.
21 3-WAY POWER SOURCE: AC, RECHARGEABLE
BATTERY AND CAR BATTERY (WITH OPTIONAL
VR-410CH or VR-410CA)
Important:
Copyright may exist in material you wish to record.
Copying such material without permission of the relevant
ltcensees or owners of the copyright is prohibtted by law
Sharp is not in a position to authorize the recording of
copyright works and nothing In this operation manual
should be read or implled at giving that authority
Power Supply:
This unit can be operated by connecting it to etther the AC
adaptor, battery pack or optional car battery adaptor/
charger. The AC adaptor incorporates the AUTO VOLT-
AGE (1 IO-240V AC, 50/60 Hz) function.
FEATURES
.......... .............................................................
PRECAUTIONS.. ................... .......... ............................... :
PART NAMES ........................................ ......................... 6
MONITOR DISPLAY.. ........................
.........................
9
DISPLAY LOCATIONS
............... ....... ..........
9
WARNING INDICATOf%.
.............. ..............
9
PREPARATION
...............
........... ............. IO
lNSTALLlNG THE MEMORY BACKUP BATTERY. .... 10
lNSTALLlNG THE BATTERY IN THE
REMOTE CONTROL.. ...................... ...... ...
..... 10
USlNG THE AC ADAPTOR/BATTERY CHARGER ......... 11
CHARGING ON THE VIEWCAMPORT UNIT.
....
12
POWERING THE VIEWCAM FROM AN AC OUTLET ... 13
USING THE CAR BATTERY ADAPTOR/BATTERY
CHARGER (OPTIONAL ACCESSORY) ........... 13
INSERTING AND REMOVING A BATTERY PACK ...... 14
INSERTING AND REMOVING A CASSETTE .............
15
SETTING THE DATE AND TIME
...........................
16
WORLD CLOCK
...................................
17
PICTURE/VOLUME/BACKLIGHT ADJUSTMENTS
.......
20
ATTACHING THE SHOULDER STRAP .................. 21
USING THE HAND STRAP..
....................................
21
BASIC OPERATIONS
CAMERA RECORDING ...........
.... .....
............
22
EASY CAMERA RECORDING WITH FULL AUTO ....... 22
ZOOMING.
.......................
..... ......
............
23
DIGITAL 2x QUICK ZOOM (EXTEND ZOOM).
........
24
AUTO/MANUAL FOCUS
...............................
........
25
QUICK RETURN.. ......................... ...... ............... 26
EDIT SEARCH
............ .............
....
.........
26
TIPS ON RECORDING POSlTlONS ... .............. 27
HlNTS FOR BETTER SHOOTlNG.. .......................
27
RECORDING THE DATE AND TlME. ............ 28
REMAINING TAPE AND BATTERY ...... ................. .:: 29
TURNING OFF THE LCD MONITOR BACKLIGHT
.......
30
1
PLAYBACK..
............................................................... ... 31
PLAYBACK
.....................................................................
31
PROGRAM SEARCH..
........
......................................
32
VIDEO SEARCH ............ ...................................
33
STILL.
.... .......
......................................
33
SLOW ........ .... .................................
33
TAPE COUNTER FEATURE .............................
34
USING THE INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL..
..... 36
USEFUL FEATURES FOR CAMERA RECORDING.
.. .37
SELF RECORDING
..............................................
37
USING THE DIGITAL IMAGE STABILIZATION (DIS)
FEATURE. ............................ ........ ....
38
RECORDING A FIVE-SECOND STILL IMAGE
(SNAPSHOT RECORDING). .....................
38
STILL AND STROBE RECORDING .......................
39
BACKLIGHT COMPENSATION (BLC)
..................
40
GAIN-UP (CAT’S EYE) .......................................
40
WHITE BALANCE LOCK.
......... ...................... 41
HIGH-SPEED SHUTTER.. ............ ... .......... .....
42
MACRO SHOTS
... ...
.............................
...
43
FADE IN AND FADE OUT
...
.............................
43
WIDE SCREEN.. .............
........ ..... ............. 44
LIGHTING.. ........ ................
CONNECTIONS FOR PLAYBACK ON’A ii..
45
........ ::: 46
CONNECTION TO TV VIA VIEWCAMPORT
..........
46
CONNECTION TO TV VIA VCR ..... ......................
46
USING THE AV PACK (OPTIONAL ACCESSORY). .....
47
CONNECTION TO TV WITHOUT
AUDIO/VIDEO JACKS. ............. ................... ., 48
EDITING
... ............ ................. ........................ 49
EDITING
... ..... .............................
49
RECORDING FROM AN EXTERNAL SOURCE
........
50
FLUORESCENT LAMP BACKLIGHT ............ ........
5 1
REPLAClNG THE FLUORESCENT LAMP BACKLIGHT 51
BEFORE REQUESTING SERVICE.............. ...............
. 52
SPECIFICATIONS..
...... .......
.......................... ................
53

DEW FORMATION
l What is “dew formation?”
When cold water is poured into a glass, dew drops
form on the glass. This clinging of water drops is
called dew formation.
l When dew forms in your VIEWCAM.
Dew will gradually form on the head drum of your
VIEWCAM and make the video cassette stick to the
head. This causes damage both to the head and
the tape. Recording and playback may not function
properly.
Dew is likely to form in the following circumstances:
*when moving the VIEWCAM from a cold place to
a warm place,
l when placing the VIEWCAM in a cold room which
is then heated rapidly,
*when moving the VIEWCAM outdoors from an air
conditioned room,
l when placing the VIEWCAM in the direct path of
air blowing from an air conditioner,
l when placing the VIEWCAM in a humid room.
l How to prevent trouble due to dew formation.
When using the VIEWCAM in a place where dew
formation is likely to occur, allow the VIEWCAM
and the video cassette to acclimate to the
surroundings for about one hour.
For example, when bringing the VIEWCAM indoors
after skiing, place it in a plastic bag and allow it to
adapt to room conditions for some period of time.
Plasiic bag
@ Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag containing
the VIEWCAM.
@ Remove the bag when the air temperature Under such circumstances, contact the nearest
inside it reaches the temperature of the SHARP service centre or your dealer for further
surroundings. advice.
l “Dew” warning feature
If dew forms, the word “DEW” flashes on the LCD
monitor, and the power will autQmatically turn off in
approximately 10 seconds.
@ If the word “DEW” flashes on the LCD monitor,
remove the video cassette, leave the cassette
compartment open, and wait several hours to
allow the VIEWCAM to acclimate to the
surrounding temperature.
@ To use the VIEWCAM again, turn on the power
after waiting for several hours. Be sure that the
word “DEW” has disappeared from the monitor.
@ Do not insert a video cassette while the word
“DEW” is flashing; this may result in damage to
the tape.
@ Since dew forms gradually, it may take 10 to 15
minutes until the word “DEW” appears on the
monitor
l How to continually maintain good recording
If used in a variety of places, eventually your
VIEWCAM may not function properly due to
accumulation of dirt on the head drum. Please pay
special attention to the following points when using
your VIEWCAM.
1) Dew formation on the head drum.
2) Worn video cassettes:
Using a damaged or soiled video cassette may
also soil the head drum, causing the picture to
be blurred or nothing to be recorded on the
video cassette. Do not use such a video
cassette
3) VIEWCAM use in a humid or dusty place. Use in
extremely humid or dusty places may cause
damage to your VIEWCAM.
l When the video heads become clogged.
Using the VIEWCAM when the video cassette is
dirty may cause the head to clog, producing noise
on the recorded image or preventing the image
from being recorded at all.
(Video head cleaning can be easily done by using
a commercially available cleaning tape. However,
excessive use of the cleaning tape may also cause
damage to the video heads. Please read the
instructions accompanying the cleaning tape
carefully, before using it.)
,./’
2

USE 81 CARE
@After operation, remove the battery pack from
the unit.
*Do not aim the lens at the sun.
Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the VIEWCAM
lens or LCD panel, whether recording is in
progress or not, as it may damage the CCD sensor
or LCD panel surface. Be particularly careful when
recording outside.
*When shooting in dark places, avoid sudden
brightly lit objects or light sources, such as the sun.
Otherwise, the image may white out. Should this
happen, point the camera in a different direction
until the picture returns to normal.
l Avoid magnetic sources.
Using the VIEWCAM near strong fluorescent lights,
motors, televisions, or other magnetic sources may
adversely affect recorded images.
l Remember to remove the video cassette, turn
off the power, and remove the battery pack
when the VIEWCAM is not in use.
l Using the VIEWCAM near a broadcasting
station or other powerful transmission source
may cause buzzing or picture deterioration.
l Avoid shocks and dropping.
Do not drop or otherwise subject the VIEWCAM to
hard shocks or strong vibrations. Bumping or strik-
ing the unit during recording will generate noise in
the recorded image.
l Watch the temperature and humidity.
You can use your VIEWCAM at 0°C to +4O”C, and
at 35% to 80% relative humidity. Do not store the
unit in an unventilated car in the summer, in direct
sunlight, or near strong heat sources; this can
result in severe damage to the unit’s casing and
circuitry. Be careful when handling the unit after it
has been left in a hot place, such as the ones
described above.
b
b
*Avoid situations where water, sand, dust or
other foreign matter could get on or inside the
VIEWCAM. Such substances could cause
malfunctions.
Do not use your VIEWCAM in areas with excessive
smoke or steam.
Do not leave your VIEWCAM in areas with
excessive dust or moisture.
Such environments can cause mildew to form on
this unit’s lenses. Be sure to provide ample
ventilation.
l Some small, portable tripods may be diff icuit
to attach and may not be sturdy enough to
support your VIEWCAM. Be sure to use only a
strong, stable tripod.
l When you use the VIEWCAM at a ski resort or in
some other cold environments, the VIEWCAM
may chill down enough that its LCD monitor
screen is less bright than normal for a while
after it is turned on. This is not a malfunction.
If this occurs, put the VIEWCAM in a warmer
location for some time before use. To prevent
excessive cooling, wrap the VIEWCAM in a thick
cloth (a blanket, etc.).

CARE
Cleaning and maintenance
*Many plastic parts are used in the VIEWCAM casing. Do not use thinners, benzenes or other strong chemical
cleaners. These may cause discoloration and damage to the casing. 1
*Clean the casing with a soft, dry cloth. If the casing is particularly dirty, wipe the casing with a tightly wrung
cloth dampened with a diluted, neutral detergent. Then wipe it again with a soft, dry cloth.
.Use the supplied cleaning cloth to wipe finger marks and other soiling off the LCD monitor and lens
protector. Or, use the optional cleaning kit to clean the lens protector even better.
@If the lens needs cleaning, first remove the lens protector by turning it anti-clockwise. Then clean the lens
with the supplied cleaning cloth, the optional cleaning kit, or compressed air and lens papers designed for
photographic lenses.
BATTERY PACK
This VIEWCAM uses a lithium-ion type battery pack.
It is not necessary to store the lithium-ion battery
pack in a full-discharged state. Also, if stored in the
charged state, the battery will self-discharge
naturally, resulting in decrease recording time.
Charge the battery pack soon (a day) before use.
Battery pack consumption
l Recording with many starts and stops, frequent
zooming, and recording in low temperatures will
somewhat shorten actual recording times.
Accordingly, be sure to turn off the power when not
recording. Use of an auxiliary battery pack is
recommended to prevent undesirable interruptions
in your recording.
l Do not use an insufficiently charged or weak
battery pack. Such battery packs may cause the
power to automatically stop during VIEWCAM
operation.
Note:
Please use the SHARP BT-L1 or BT-L1 1 battery packs.
They are designed specifically for use with this
VIEWCAM.
How to use the marker on the battery pack
The marker is provided to indicate the battery’s
charge condition. Slide the switch to indicate the
battery charge condition as follows:
I
Position
Charge conditions
I
Temperature during charging
*Store the battery pack in a dry, cool place.
l Charge the battery pack at temperature of 10°C to
30°C.
For long battery lifetime
*Charge the battery pack (lithium-ion type) at least
once every six months.
l Do not leave the battery pack being charged for
long periods of time.
Cautions:
l If the battery pack is misused, there is danger of fire or
explosion. Pay close attention to the followlng:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Do not dispose of in fire.
Do not short-circuit the terminal by metallic contact.
Do not disassemble or repair yourself.
Do not use any battery charger other than those
designed for this battery pack.
Do not place the battery pack under direct sunlight or
in excessively hot places (over 60%) such as the
dash board of cars.
Do not expose to moisture, water or sea water.
Do not drop or subject to strong force
Keep the battery pack out of reach of children and in
onginal package until ready to use.
Dtspose of used batteries promptly.
l The battery pack will become warm during charging and
use. This IS normal and not a malfunction.
l The battery pack has a limited service life. If the period of
use becomes noticeably shorter with a normal charge,
this indicates the end of the battery pack’s service life.
Replace it with a new battery pack.
l For safety, keep the battery pack in its protective cover
when It is not being used. If the metal parts of the battery
pack come tn contact with other metal items, there IS a
danger that a short circuit may occur.
. Do not carry the battery in your pocket or a bag together
with metal objects (keys, coins, jewelry, etc).
l Do not insert objects (metal etc.) into the battery
compartment of this product or into the rechargeable
battery.
Do not get the terminals dirty If the rechargeable
terminals are dirty, the operating time may be shortened
or it may not be possible to charge the battery.
4

VIDEO CASSETTE TAPES
To protect recordings against erasure
When a previously recorded video cassette is used again for
recording, the previously recorded material is erased.
To protect a recording against accidental erasure, slide the
tab on the video cassette to cover the hole. (A red mark will
be exposed.) To record again, slide the tab to open the hole.
Notes:
l Do not insert anything into the erasure-protection hole in the
video cassette.
l Only use those video cassettes with the )i[i q or the q mark.
l Do not put anything into the holes on the bottom of the vtdeo
cassette
l Do not store or place your video cassettes in direct sunlight, near
heaters, or in places with excessive moisture or dust
l Do not keep video cassettes near magnetic objects as they may
erase the recording
l Do not drop or subject the video cassettes to excessive shocks.
l Uneven tape winding will damage the video cassettes. If the video
cassette is not properly wound, reinsert it In the VIEWCAM and
rewind the tape.
l Store the video cassettes in their cases and stand them on edge
Using Your VIEWCAM Abroad
Television system signals and electrical system voltages and frequencies vary substantially from country to
country When you are abroad, please check the sections below before using the AC adaptor or connecting
the VIEWCAM to a TV.
The AC adaptor is compatible with 50 Hz and 60 Hz electrical systems in the range of 110 V to 240 V AC
This can be used with 12 V and 24 V negative-ground cars only. Do not use it with positive-ground electrical
systems.
In any country, you can always watch the video picture by using the LCD monitor. However, if you want to
watch the picture on a TV screen, the TV must be PAL system compatible. PAL is used in the following
countries:
Germany, Great Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Holland, Finland,
Portugal, Norway, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Kuwait, China, etc.

Cover -
PICTURE/
VOLUME bu
PHONES (Headphone) jack
PLUG IN POWER
\
Krophone jack (See below) -_---J
RETURN/SEARCH button [26, 321
Zoom button [23]
REC START/STOP button [22]
SNAP/EXTEND button [24, 381
STILL/STROBE button [39]
DIS button [38]
Operate switch
(CAMERA/VCR select) [22, 311
Photoreceptor
LAMP OFF indicator [30]
MODE DISPLAY [25]
\
Y
VCR
VCR mode
jE
*-
“_ ”
Rewind/Reverse
\,I
Search button
Play button
Fast Forward/ *
, Pause/Still
[311
Forward Search
stop bittoo ’
131, 32,331 1
button [31, ?2,3?] [3’1 ’
a *’
1‘ by!ton [33B 5oj
AERA, f
,‘
’ /
/ ‘.,
:. : : I
directly related to r&cording and playback
e MENU button, PICTUFWVCXUME butt%, ER button is pressed
*About the PLUG IN POWER MIC Jack
This external microphone jack outputs a DC voltage of 4.0 V. It is for use with the VR-1MC stereo microphone
optional accessory or the microphone supplied with the sports case optional accessory for this VIEWCAM. The
use of other types of microphones may result in damage to the microphone or the VIEWCAM.
7

VIEWCAM securing lever
VIEWCAM release button
AC adaptor release button
LED-lamp window
Record START/STOP button
PLAY
button
Rewind/Reverse Search
button
STOP
button
VOLUME down
button
Power Zoom Telephoto/Wide
control buttons
____ PAUSE/STILL button
Fast Forward/Forward Search
button
SLOW button
~ VOLUME up button
Notes:
l To use the infrared remote control, make sure that the
remote control menu item (“REMOTE”) is set to “ON” The
remote control cannot be used to operate the VIEWCAM
when this item IS set to “OFF” See page 36
l The REC START/STOP button on the remote control has
no effect when the VIEWCAM’s Operate switch is set to
VCR.
8

DISPLAY LOCATIONS
- Recording mode indicators
Hi8 indicator
Backlight-off indicators
World clock/Summer time indicator
II-_-__
The VIEWCAM is In Recording
Standby mode, and is not recording
0 > > i i 5
(Continuous flashing)
I Recording
1
I
, , 1-11
1 rExtended zoom display
Date/Time indicators-
Picture/Volume adjustment indicators __I
Zoom indicators
Tape warnings
Remaining recording time indicator
Clogged heads warning
Low battery/Dew warnings-+
FULL AUTO indicator-
Lighting (LIGHT)/Backlight
compensation (a)/Gain-up (au ‘)I
DIS indicator/EDIT indicators
r
--Fade indicators
--Large-character warning
displays/Quick Return Indicators
I
J---Tape counter display
--Recording/playback operatlon-
. related button indicators are normally
Note:
Only the date/time indicators are recorded on the tape along with the subject.
displayed In white. They are
displayed in green when selected
functions are operating. The
functions of each button are further
explained on later pages.
WARNING INDICATORS
Except for the “CHANGE THE CASSETTE.” warning, the backlight warning, and warnings during Self Record-
ing mode, the indicators light in large characters for the first 3 seconds, and then blink in regular-size
characters.
DEW
INSERT
A CASSETTE.
-$A$S:E~TF-
CASSETTE NOT
RECORDABL Em
-$~$(E$T:. (A$
THE TAPE
ENDS SOON.
-Tj t E: (ND-
CHANGE THE
CASSETTE. TAPE END
The video cassette IS defective and should be removed.
Dew has formed instde the VIEWCAM Wait for a few hours until
the dew disappears (see page 2).
About 10 seconds after this warning appears, the VIEWCAM’s
power is turned off, and the display goes off too
The battery is almost depleted
Replace it with a fully charged battery
The video heads are clogged and should be cleaned
(see page 2)
There is no video cassette in the VIEWCAM.
Load a video cassette
The red erasure prevention tab In the video cassette has been
slid to the record-protect position, preventing recording.
The tape is about to end. Get ready to load a new video cassette
The tape has reached its end
Load a new video cassette
The fluorescent lamp behind the LCD monitor is close to the end
of its service life Replace it with a new one (see page 51)
The LCD monitor turns off about 1 minute after this warning IS
displayed.
During Self Recording mode, every warning indicator is replaced
by a “@” indicator displayed in the centre of the monitor. To
check the meaning of the warning, rotate the monitor back to the
normal positlon.