Sharp VL-E41X User manual

SHARR
LIQUID CRYSTAL VIDEO CAMERA 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. 6.0 volts only from a BT-77, BT-70, BT-BH70,
BT-80, or BT-BH85 battery, the AC adaptor (UADP-0179GEZZ) or the optional VR-PlOOCH
car adaptor.
CAUTION:
As there are no user-serviceable parts inside the Camcorder or AC adaptor, do NOT re-
move 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 “Normal” position.
NOTE
This VIEWCAM is a high technology product.
The LCD Panel comprises 89622 TFT Transistors. Due to the high density of transistors, it is
possible that some pixels may fail.

C0yjratuLhi.m on a Wise !Detision!
With so many brands available, the choice was difficult.
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 it for future reference, since it will be useful if you
have any trouble during operation.
2.
3.
6.
7.
8.
VARIABLE-ANGLE SHOOTING AND INSTANT
9.
REPLAY WITH 10.2 cm COLOUR LCD MONI-
10,
TOR AND BUILT-IN SPEAKER
11.
8 x 2-SPEED POWER ZOOM
12.
PROGRAMME AE (SCENE MENU) FOR 4
13.
SHOOTING SITUATIONS-SPORT, SNOW/
14.
SAND, TWILIGHT, AND PARTY
15
Hi-Fi MONAURAL ’
16
CAT’S EYE-MINIMUM ILLUMINATION 4 LUX*
(See the note at the bottom of page 43.)
NEUROAUTOEXPOSURE
DIGITAL AUTO WHITE BALANCE
DIGITAL FULL RANGE AUTO FOCUS
17
Important:
Copyright may exist in material you wish to record. Copy-
ing such material without permission of the relevant licens-
ees or owners of the copyright is prohibited 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 implied at giving that authority.
ON-SCREEN MENU DISPLAY
16:9 WIDE SCREEN COMPATIBILITY
INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL
EDIT SEARCH
QUICK RETURN
FLYING ERASE HEAD FOR EDITING
AUTOHEADCLEANER
WARNING INDICATORS-LOW BATTERY, LOW
LIGHT, TAPE END, ETC.
3-WAY POWER SOURCE: AC, RECHARGEABLE
BATTERY, AND CAR BATTERY (with optional
VR-Pl OOCH)
Power Supply:
This unit can be operated by connecting it to either the AC
adaptor, battery pack or optional car battery adaptor/
charger. The AC adaptor incorporates the AUTO VOLT-
AGE (AC 1 lO-24OV, 50/60 Hz) function.
FEATURES.. .....................................................................
1
PRECAUTIONS..
..............................................................
2
PART NAMES .................................................................. 6
MONITOR DISPLAY.. .......................................................
9
WARNING INDICATORS.. ..............................................
9
PREPARATION.. ..............................................................
10
INSTALLING THE MEMORY BACKUP BATTERY..
........ IO
INSTALLING THE BATTERY IN THE
REMOTE CONTROL.. ..................................................
10
USING THE AC ADAPTOR/BATTERY CHARGER ..........
11
POWERING THE VIEWCAM FROM AN AC OUTLET
..... 12
USING THE CAR BATTERY ADAPTOR/BATTERY
CHARGER (OPTIONAL ACCESSORY) ....................... 12
ATTACHING AND DETACHING THE
BATTERY PACK
..........................................................
13
INSERTING AND REMOVING A CASSETTE.. ................
14
SETTING THE DATE AND TIME.. ...................................
15
PICTURE/VOLUME/BACKLIGHT ADJUSTMENTS
......... 16
USING THE HAND STRAP..
...........................................
17
BASIC OPERATIONS
CAMERA RECORDING ...................................................
18
EASY CAMERA RECORDING WITH FULL AUTO..
........ 18
ZOOMING ......................................................................
19
QUICK RETURN ............................................................. 20
EDIT SEARCH ............................................ . ................... 20
SETTING THE VIEWCAM TO FULL AUTO MODE..
....... 21
TIPS ON RECORDING POSITIONS ............................... 22
HINTS FOR BETTER SHOOTING................................... 22
RECORDING THE DATE AND TIME.. ............................
23
REMAINING RECORDING TIME DISPLAY.................... 24
TURNING OFF THE LCD MONITOR BACKLIGHT .........
24
PLAY BACK ...................................................................... 25
PLAYBACK.. ...................................................................
25
VOLUME CONTROL ......................................................
25
VIDEO SEARCH.. ...........................................................
26
STILL.. ............................................................................ 26
TAPE COUNTER FEATURE ........................................... 27
USING THE INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL ................ 29
USEFUL FEATURES FOR CAMERA RECORDING ....... 30
SELF RECORDING.. .......................................................
30
AUTO/MANUAL FOCUS ................................................
31
SCENE MENU (PROGRAMME AE) ................................ 32
BACKLIGHT COMPENSATION (BLC) ........................... 33
GAIN-UP (CAT’S EYE) ...................................................
33
MACRO SHOTS .............................................................
34
WIDE SCREEN ...............................................................
34
LIGHTING.. .......................................................................
35
CONNECTIONS FOR PLAYBACK ON A TV
.................. 36
CONNECTION TO TV ....................................................
36
CONNECTION TO TV VIA VCR .....................................
36
USING THE AV PACK (OPTIONAL ACCESSORY).
....... 37
CONNECTION TO TV WITHOUT
AUDIO/VIDEO JACKS................................................. 38
EDITING ...........................................................................
39
EDITING.. ....................................................................... 39
RECORDING FROM AN EXTERNAL SOURCE.. ............ 40
FLUORESCENT LAMP BACKLIGHT
.............................. 4 1
REPLACING THE FLUORESCENT
LAMP BACKLIGHT...................................................... 41
BEFORE REQUESTING SERVICE.. ................................ 42
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................ 43

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 tape stick to the
head. This causes damage both to the head and
the tape. When dew formation occurs, 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,
@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 tape to acclimate to the surround-
ings 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.
Plastic bag
@ Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag containing
the VIEWCAM.
@I Remove the bag when the air temperature
inside it reaches the temperature of the sur-
roundings
l “Dew” warning feature
If dew forms, the word “DEW” flashes on the LCD
monitor, and the power will automatically turn off in
approximately 10 seconds.
@ If the word “DEW” flashes on the LCD monitor,
remove the cassette, leave the cassette com-
partment open, and wait several hours to allow
tht: VIEWCAM to acclimate to the surrounding
temperature.
@I 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
screen.
(9 Do not insert a cassette while the word “DEW” is
flashing; this may result in damage to the tape.
@I Since dew forms gradually, it may take 10 to 15
minutes before the dew warning feature en-
gages.
l How to continually maintain good recording
If used in a variety of places, eventually your VIEW-
CAM may not function properly due to accumula-
tion 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 tapes:
Using a damaged or soiled video tape may also
soil the head drum, causing the picture to be
blurred or nothing to be recorded on the video
tape. Do not use such a video tape.
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 tape is dirty
may cause the head to clog, producing noise on
the recorded image or preventing the image from
being recorded at all.
Under such circumstances, contact the nearest
SHARP service centre or your dealer for further
advice.
(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 in-
structions accompanying the cleaning tape care-
fully, before using it.)
2

USE & CARE
l After operation, remove the battery pack from
the unit.
l Do not aim the lens at the sun.
00 not allow direct sunlight to strike the VIEWCAM
lens or LCD panel, whether recording is in prog-
ress 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 cassette tape, turn off
the power, and remove the battery pack when
the VIEWCAM is not in use.
l Using the VIEWCAM near a broadcasting sta-
tion or other powerful transmission source may
cause buzzing or picture deterioration.
*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 + 40°C and
at 35% to 80% relative humidfty. 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 de-
scribed above.
*Avoid situations where water, sand, dust or
other foreign matter could get on or inside the
VIEWCAM. Such substances could cause mal-
functions.
Do not use your VIEWCAM in areas with excessive
smoke or steam.
Do not leave your VIEWCAM in areas with exces-
sive dust or moisture.
Such environments can cause mildew to form on
this unit’s lenses. Be sure to provide ample venti-
lation.
l Some small, portable tripods may be difficult to
attach and may not be sturdy enough to sup
port 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 environment, 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 lo-
cation for some time before use. To prevent ex-
cessive 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 chemi-
cal cleaners. These may cause discolouration and damage to the casing.
I
l 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.
l Use the supplied cleaning cloth to wipe finger marks and other soiling off the LCD monitor and lens protec-
tor. Or, use the optional cleaning kit to clean the lens protector even better.
l 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
Battery pack consumption
@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 rec-
ommended to prevent undesirable interruptions in
your recording.
l Do not use an insufficiently charged or weak bat-
tery pack. Such battery packs may cause the
power to automatically stop during VIEWCAM op-
eration
Battery power is consumed even when the VIEW-
CAM’s power is turned off
If the VIEWCAM will
not be used, remove the battery pack. (See page
Note:
l Please use the SHARP BT-77, BT-70, BT-BH70, BT-80, or
BT-BH85 battery packs. They are designed specifically
for use with this VIEWCAM.
Extending battery pack life
This VIEWCAM uses a Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium) type
or Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) type battery pack.
1) We recommend that you use the battery pack
until \ts charge is fully drained and the VIEWCAM
is inoperable before recharging the pack.
2) Recharge the battery pack right before recording.
A battery pack stored for an extended time will
naturally discharge, resulting in decreased re-
cording time.
3) Do not try to recharge a fully charged battery
pack before it has been discharged, as this will
cause deterioration of the battery’s capacity.
4) Store the battery pack in a dry, cool place.
How to use the marker on
the battery pack
This marker is provided so that
you can remember if your bat-
tery is charged or not. Set the
switch to the “no mark” posi-
tion when charging is com-
pleted. Set the switch to the
“red mark” position when the
battery is depleted.
Temperature during charging
@The Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium) type BT-77, BT-70
and BT-80 battery packs can be charged at tem-
peratures of 0°C to 40°C, but, to utilize the battery’s
full capacity, it is recommended that charging take
place at temperatures of 10% to 35°C.
*The Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) type BT-BH70
and BT-BH85 battery packs can be charged at
temperatures of 10°C to 30°C.
Caution:
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 in contact with other metal items, there is a
danger that a short circuit may occur.

VIDEO CASSETTE TAPES
To protect recordings against erasure
When a previously recorded cassette is used again for re-
cording, the previously recorded material is erased. To pro-
tect a recording against accidental erasure, slide the tab on
the cassette to cover the hole. (A red mark will be exposed.)
To record, slide the tab to open the hole.
Notes:
. Do not insert anything into the erasure-protection hole in the cas-
sette.
l Only use those tapes with the q mark.
. Because this unit is designed to operate with MP tapes, playing
back ME tapes will result in “noisy” pictures. Therefore, we
recommend that you use MP-type tapes whenever possible.
l Do not put anything into the holes on the bottom of the cassette.
l Do not store or place your video tapes in direct sunlight, near
heaters, or in places with excessive moisture or dust.
l Do not keep video cassette tapes near magnetic objects as they
may erase the recording.
l Do not drop or subject the tapes to excessive shocks.
l Uneven tape winding will damage the tape. If the tape is not prop-
erly wound, reinsert it in the VIEWCAM and rewind the tape.
l Store the 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 coun-
tries:
Germany, Great Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Holland, Finland, Portu-
gal, Norway, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Kuwait, China, etc.
Note:
To connect the VIEWCAM to a TV which does not have audiolvid-
eo jacks, you must use the AV pack as well as the RF converter
and 75-ohm coaxial cable, available as optional accessories
(see page 38).

For details on the use of each control, refer to the page number indicated in the brackets.
Zoom lens
Lens protector*
Microphone
Cassette compartment door [ 141
Lithium battery
compartment [ 1 Cl]
A.?9
Inside the cassette compartment door
Cassette EJECT button [ 141
Inside the lith\um battery
compartment cover
BATTERY EJECT release
*- Retractab,e stand [291
l Before mounting the optional wide or telephoto conversion lens, remove the
lens protector by turning it anti-clockwise.
Take care when attaching or removing the lens protector, as it is made of glass.
When camera module is rotated
Fluorescent lamp Fluorescent lamp
compartment cover 1411
compartment [41]
VI
I------
Cassette compartment
door OPEN release [ 141
PICTURE/VOLUME
ADJUSTment button [ 161
MENU display button [ 151
6

TAPE INFORMATION
button [20, 271
-Power Zoom Wide/Telephoto
control buttons [ 191
RECord START/STOP button (in
CAMERA mode) [ 181
Record button (in VCR mode) [40]
AUDIO/VIDEO Input/
Output jack [36]
EARphone jack [ 18,251
PLUG IN POWER
MICrophone jack
(*See below.)
Speaker [25]
Hand strap [ 171
L Operate switch
I_-
(CAMERA/VCR select switch) [18, 251
MODE DISPLAY button [21, 251
;........................“...........................................................*..““....~~~*.~“.....................;
:
:
RewindlReverse Play button Fast Forward/
I
I
Search button
Stop button Pause/Still
ES261
P51
CAMERA
:
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111 Search ej
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. :
Quick Return/ Auto/Manual
Edit Se&h @/ Backtig At
:
!
Manual Focus Manual Focus Focus button ,,,ear bution
Scene Menu Compensation/
[311
button [32]
f
tr button
L&311
[ZO, 31)
Gain-up button :
(331
:
:
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..~....~..~r....r~~.*..*....‘~..*~.,...........................................................................*..........!
Note: *
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I 6 The b&on functions listed above are those which are directly related to recording and playback operations. De-
” ‘: * ~‘,Ws OR the \Jse of these functions as well as instructions on the functions which are made available when the
~~MEt\lU button, PICTUREWCILUME ADJUST button, or TAPE INFORMAT!ON buttbn+it&r)retSsed, qre$ given on later
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*About the PLUG IN POWER MIC Jack
This external microphone jack outputs a DC voltage of 3.0 V. It is for use with the microphone supplied with
the sports housing optional accessory for this VIEWCAM, or with any 3.5 mm diameter plug, 2.5-4.0 volt DC
use condenser-type microphone. The use of other types of microphones may result in damage to the micro-
phone or the VIEWCAM.
7

Tripod socket
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
---VOLUME Up button
Notes:
l To use the infrared remote control, make sure that the re-
mote 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 29.
l The REC START/STOP button on the remote control has
no effect when the VIEWCAM’s Operate switch is set to
VCR.
8