DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA GR-DVL200 Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide Web and answer our Consumer Survey (in English only): http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/index-e.html The camcorder illustrations appearing in this instruction manual are of the GR-DVL200EG. INSTRUCTIONS CONTENTS AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION 5 GETTING STARTED RECORDING 14 –...
... remember that this camcorder is not compatible with other digital video formats..remember that this camcorder is intended for private consumer use only. Any commercial use without proper permission is prohibited. (Even if you record an event such as a show, performance or exhibition for personal enjoyment, it is strongly recommended that you obtain permission beforehand.)
Page 3
LCD monitor can result in dropping the unit, or in a malfunction. Take care not to get your finger caught in the cassette holder cover. Do not let children operate the camcorder, as they are particularly susceptible to this type of injury.
•AC Power Adapter/ Charger AA-V40EG or AA-V40EK •Cable Adapter •Lens Cap (Already attached to the camcorder) •Core Filter x 1 (GR-DVL200EG only) (for optional S-Video cable) •Editing Cable One plug has 3 rings around the pin, and the other has 1 ring around the pin.
•Wind the cable so that it is not slack. NOTE: Take care not to damage the cable. When connecting cables, attach the end with the Core Filter to the camcorder. Automatic Demonstration takes place when “DEMO. MODE” is set to “ON” (factory-preset).
Charging time varies according to the ambient temperature and the status of the battery pack. To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Power Adapter/Charger near a radio. If you connect the camcorder’s DC cord to the adapter during battery charging, power is supplied to the camcorder and charging stops.
BATTERY RELEASE Button ATTENTION: Before detaching the power source, make sure that the camcorder’s power is turned off. Failure to do so can result in a camcorder malfunction. INFORMATION: VU-V856KIT is a set composed of the BN-V856U battery pack and AA-V80EG or AA-V80EK AC Power Adapter/Charger.
•Some tripods are not equipped with studs. CAUTION: When using a tripod, be sure to open and extend its legs fully to stabilise the camcorder. To prevent damage to the unit caused by falling over, do not use a small- sized tripod. (cont.) ”...
32). Set the Power Switch to “ the Lock Button located on the switch. The power lamp lights and the camcorder is turned on. Press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears. Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “ “DISPLAY MENU” appears.
If the tape does not load properly, open the cassette holder cover fully and remove the cassette. A few minutes later, insert it again. When the camcorder is suddenly moved from a cold place to a warm environment, wait a short time before opening the cassette holder cover.
It is recommended that tapes recorded in the LP mode on this camcorder be played back on this camcorder. During playback of a tape recorded on another camcorder, blocks of noise may appear or there may be momentary pauses in the sound. ” while pressing down...
The number of storable images depends on the selected Picture Quality mode as well as the composition of the subjects in the images. The numbers listed above are applicable when the camcorder’s memory is empty (when there are no sample images stored). (cont.) ” while pressing down the ”...
Allows you to switch off the camcorder. Allows you to play back a recording on the tape, to display a still image stored in the camcorder’s built-in memory or to transfer a still image recorded on the tape or in the camcorder’s built-in memory to a computer.
Shooting while using the viewfinder: Close the LCD During monitor. shooting •The power lamp lights and the camcorder enters the Record-Standby mode. “PAUSE” is displayed. Tape remaining Press the Recording Start/Stop Button. “ time indicator while recording is in progress.
5 minutes. “TAPE END” also appears when a cassette at its end is loaded. If the Record-Standby mode continues for 5 minutes, the camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. To turn the camcorder on again, set the Power Switch to “OFF”, then back to “...
When “REC SELECT” is set to “ Menu Screen ( only onto the tape but also in the camcorder’s built-in memory. If SNAPSHOT is pressed when a tape is not loaded, still images will not be recorded in the memory.
There are 2 modes available: FINE and STD (Standard) ( pg. 12). Basic Shooting (Snapshot) You can use your camcorder as a Digital Still Camera for taking snapshots. NOTE: You should already have performed the procedures listed below. If not, do so before continuing.
Zoom in (T: Telephoto) 1 xW 1 0 xW 20xW Zoom out (W: Wide angle) Zoom display 1 0 xW Approximate zoom ratio Power Zoom Lever Power Switch RECORDING Basic Recording For Video And D.S.C. FEATURE: PURPOSE: To produce the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous 40xW change in image magnification.
Page 19
When recording is resumed, the time code starts counting up again from “00:00:00”. This means the camcorder may record the same time codes as those existing in a previously recorded scene. To prevent this, perform “Recording From The Middle of A Tape”...
Page 20
30 cm between the video light and people or objects. Do not use near flammable or explosive materials. It is recommended that you consult your nearest JVC dealer for replacing the video light. Basic Recording For Video And D.S.C. (cont.) Video Light FEATURE: PURPOSE: To brighten the scene when natural lighting is too dim.
FEATURE: PURPOSE: The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers continuous shooting ability from close-up (as close as approx. 5 cm to the subject) to infinity. However, correct focus may not be obtainable in the situations listed below (in these cases use manual focusing): •When two subjects overlap in the same scene.
Page 22
Normal Screen Advanced Features For Video And D.S.C. (cont.) Using Menus For Detailed Adjustment Power Switch This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use, on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more Lock Button detailed camcorder settings ( Set the Power Switch to “...
Page 23
TALLY The tally lamp remains off at all times. This number is necessary when connecting the camcorder to a device such as a computer using the J terminal (JLIP). The numbers range from 01 to 99. Factory setting is 06.
Page 24
NOTES: If a tape is in the camcorder, the demonstration cannot be turned on. “DEMO. MODE” remains “ON” even if the camcorder power is turned off. If “DEMO. MODE” remains “ON”, some functions will not be available.
Page 25
TV screen. DATE/ The date/time is always displayed. TIME The date/time does not appear. Time code is displayed on the camcorder and on the connected TV. Frame TIME numbers are not displayed during recording. CODE Time code is not displayed.
If you start recording a new scene within 5 minutes of the end of the previous recording (without having turned the camcorder’s power off), the previous scene wipes out, revealing the new scene. ” while pressing down the Lock...
Page 27
The new scene wipes in over the previous one from the centre toward the top and bottom of the screen. When this function is activated, the camcorder randomly selects the effect used in scene transition (from , and ).
30) is initially set to , but can be changed to your desired setting. When Twilight is chosen, the camcorder automatically adjusts the focus from approx. 10 m to infinity. From less than 10 m, adjust the focus manually.
Exposure Control Manual exposure adjustment is recommended in the following situations: • When shooting using reverse lighting or when the background is too bright. • When shooting on a reflective natural background such as at the beach or when skiing. •...
Page 30
The white balance is usually adjusted automatically. However, more advanced camcorder operators control this function manually to achieve a more professional colour/tint reproduction. Set the Power Switch to “...
1) Press 4/6 during playback. 2) To resume normal playback, press 4/6 again. If still playback continues for more than about 3 minutes, the camcorder’s Stop mode is automatically engaged. After 5 minutes in the Stop mode, the camcorder’s power is automatically turned off.
” or “ 23). If “ON SCREEN” is set to “SIMPLE”, it keeps the camcorder’s display (except the date, time and time code) from appearing on the connected TV. It also makes the playback sound mode and tape speed disappear on the camcorder.
Playback Sound During playback, the camcorder detects the sound mode in which the recording was made, and plays the sound back. Select the type of sound to accompany your playback picture. According to the menu access explanation on pg. 32, select “SOUND MODE” or “12BIT MODE” from the Menu Screen and set it to the desired parameter.
Button Images shot with the camcorder are automatically numbered, then stored in numerical order in the camcorder’s built-in memory. You can view the stored images, one at a time, much like flipping through a photo album. Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “...
Picture Quality mode Index number Selected image < > EXIT INDEX Protect icon Power Switch Lock Button MENU/BRIGHT Wheel Display Menu Screen Playback Screen INDEX Screen The images you shot can be displayed together with their index information. Convenient for checking images shot beforehand, the INDEX Screen also shows the Picture Quality mode as well as which images are protected against accidental erasure.
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel Stop (5) Button VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the LCD monitor to access this switch.) Display PLAYBACK Slide Show Power Switch You can run through all the images stored in memory automatically in numerical order. Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “ Power Switch to “...
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the LCD monitor to access this switch.) Lock Button Power Switch Display Menu Screen < > EXIT PROTECT PROTECT Index Screen Normal playback If Protection is removed < > EXIT PROTECT Normal playback Protecting Images The Protect mode helps prevent the accidental erasure of images.
NEXT DELETE MENU CAUTION: Do not perform any other operation (such as turning off the camcorder) during deletion. Also, be sure to use the provided AC Power Adapter/ Charger, as the memory may be corrupted if the battery becomes exhausted during deletion. If the memory becomes corrupted initialise it.
Page 39
Lock Button Power Switch Display Menu Screen Initialising The Built-in Memory You can initialise the camcorder’s built-in memory anytime. After initialising, all images stored in the memory, including those which have been protected, are cleared. Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “...
These are some basic types of connections. When making the connections, refer also to your VCR and TV instruction manuals. A. Connection to a TV or VCR equipped with a SCART connector compatible only with regular video signal Connector cover* * When connecting the cables, open this cover.
Page 41
It is recommended to use the AC Power Adapter/ Charger as the power supply instead of the battery pack pg. 7). When connecting the cables, make sure to connect the ends with a core filter to the camcorder. The core filter reduces interference.
CONNECTIONS Connection To A Personal Computer This camcorder can transfer still images to a PC by using the provided software when connected as shown in the illustration. It is also possible to transfer still images to a PC with a DV connector-equipped capture board installed.
Page 43
Also refer to the instruction manuals of the connected To PC connector units. When using a DV cable, be sure to use the optional JVC VC-VDV204U DV cable. Core filter PC connection cable (provided) To RS-232C pg.
... set “ON SCREEN” to “LCD” or “SIMPLE” in the Menu Screen ( remote control. When connecting the cables, make sure to connect the ends with a core filter to the camcorder. The core filter reduces interference. Set the video out select switch of the cable adapter as required:...
It is recommended to use the AC Power Adapter/ Charger as the power supply instead of the battery pack pg. 7). If the remote control is used when both the player and recorder are JVC video units, both units will perform the same operation. To prevent this from happening, press the buttons on both units.
LCD monitor to access this switch.) Display Dubbing Images Stored In The Built-in Memory To A Tape Images can be dubbed from the camcorder’s built-in memory to a tape. Load a cassette ( To locate the point where you wish to dub a still image, play back the tape.
LCD monitor to access this switch.) Display Dubbing Images Recorded On A Tape To The Built-in Memory Images can dubbed from a tape to the camcorder’s built-in memory. Load a cassette ( pg. 10). Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “VIDEO”, then set the Power Switch to “...
Remote sensor USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT The Full-Function Remote Control Unit can operate this camcorder from a distance as well as the basic operations (Playback, Stop, Pause, Fast-Forward and Rewind) of your VCR. It also makes additional playback functions possible.
Page 49
Zoom in/out ( pg. 18) — — — — — — — — — Functions the same as the Recording Start/Stop Button on the camcorder. — Functions the same as SNAPSHOT on the camcorder. — — — — — — — —...
2) Press the Zoom Buttons (T/W) on the remote control. Make sure the remote control is pointed at the camcorder's remote sensor. Pressing T zooms in. 3) You can move the image on screen around to find a particular portion of the picture. While holding...
To allow you to add creative effects to the video playback image. OPERATION: 1) To start playback, press PLAY 2) Point the remote control at the camcorder's remote sensor and press EFFECT. The PLAYBACK EFFECT Select Menu appears. 3) Move the highlight bar to the desired effect by pressing EFFECT.
MBR SET VCR BRAND BUTTONS NAME (A) (B) IMPORTANT PHILIPS Although the MBR is compatible with JVC VCRs and those of many other makers, it may not work with yours or may offer limited functions. NOTES: SANYO SELECO, SHARP SONY...
(plug which has 3 rings around the pin) to the camcorder. MAKE CONNECTIONS Also refer to pg. 40 and 41. A JVC VCR equipped with a remote pause connector ..connect the editing cable to the Remote PAUSE connector.
Page 54
Since time codes register time only as accurately as seconds, the time code total time may not match the total programme time exactly. Turning off the camcorder’s power erases all registered Edit-In and Edit-Out points. If you select Sepia or Monotone mode from Programme AE with special effects, you cannot use the Dissolve or Black &...
EDIT IN/OUT CANCEL AUTOMATIC EDITING TO VCR Rewind the tape in the camcorder to the beginning of the scene you want to edit and press PAUSE (6). Point the remote control towards the VCR’s remote sensor and press VCR REC STBY (q6), or manually engage the VCR’s Record-Pause mode.
Record mode faster than others. Even if you begin editing Editing Menu for the camcorder and the VCR at exactly the same time, you may lose scenes you wanted, or find that you have recorded scenes you did not want. For a cleanly edited tape, confirm and adjust the timing of the camcorder against your VCR.
Page 57
(Recording deck) R.A.EDIT ON/OFF ADJUSTMENT OF VCR/CAMCORDER TIMING Point the remote control at the camcorder’s remote sensor and press R.A.EDIT ON/OFF to make the Random Assemble Editing menu disappear, then press MENU/BRIGHT. The Menu Screen appears. Rotate MENU/BRIGHT to select “...
If you dub onto a blank space on the tape, the sound may be disrupted. Make sure you only edit recorded areas. If feedback or howling occurs during TV playback, move the camcorder’s microphone away from the TV, or turn Stereo microphone down the TV’s volume.
TROUBLESHOOTING If, after following the steps in the chart below, the problem still exists, please consult your nearest JVC dealer. The camcorder is a microcomputer-controlled device. External noise and interference (from a TV, a radio, etc.) might prevent it from functioning properly. In such cases, first disconnect its power supply unit (battery pack, AC Power Adapter/Battery Charger, etc.) and wait a few minutes;...
Page 60
SYMPTOM 7. The cassette will not load properly. 8. Snapshot mode cannot be used. 9. The colour of Snapshot looks strange. 10. The image taken using Snapshot is too dark. 11. Digital Zoom does not work. 12. Programme AE with special effects and Fade/ Wipe Effects do not work.
Page 61
15. •Select Picture Wipe or Dissolve before beginning recording. The effects are then automatically activated pg. 26). •Do not turn off the camcorder’s power after setting Edit-In and Edit-Out points, as they will all be erased ( pg. 26). •The camcorder automati-...
Page 62
LCD monitor become dark. Consult your nearest JVC dealer. 28. •The light used to illuminate the LCD monitor causes it to become hot. 29. •This may occur when the surface or the edge of the LCD monitor is pressed.
Page 63
SYMPTOM 30. The LCD monitor or viewfinder indications blink. 31. Coloured bright spots appear all over the LCD monitor or the viewfinder. 32. During recording, sound cannot be heard. 33. Play, Rewind and Fast- Forward functions do not work. 34. Images in the built-in memory cannot be played back.
Page 64
If the indication remains even though you repeat the above two or three times, please consult your nearest JVC dealer. 42. •To protect the battery, it is recommended to charge it in places with a temperature of 10°C to 35°C (...
USER MAINTENANCE After Use Turn off the camcorder. Slide and hold OPEN/EJECT in the direction of the arrow, then pull the cassette holder cover open until it locks. The cassette holder opens automatically. Remove the cassette. Press “PUSH HERE” to close the cassette holder.
7 Interface Protocol)/EDIT] ... •Connect the editing cable when performing pg. 22 Random Assemble Editing. •Connect to a JLIP-compatible camcorder or VCR pg. 14 to control it from the computer using the provided Software. pg. 16, 17, 47 DC Input Connector ...
Appears while the tape is running. Displays the sound mode for approx. 5 seconds after turning on the camcorder. 7 6 5 * Displays the Time Code. Appears when the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to “...
Page 69
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Both Video And D.S.C. Recording * Appears when the power switch is set to “ Appears when backlight compensation is used. Appears when the white balance is adjusted. Appears when the exposure is adjusted. Displays the selected Programme AE with special effects.
Page 70
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Video Playback LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During D.S.C. Playback BR I GHT – 1 0 / 3 0 Displays the sound mode. Displays the tape speed. Appears while a tape is running. 3 : Fast-Forward/Shuttle search 2 : Rewind/Shuttle search 64 : Forward slow-motion 16 : Reverse slow-motion 6e : Audio Dubbing Pause...
Warning Indications Indications CHECK TAPE’S ERASE PROTECTION SWITCH HEAD CLEANING REQUIRED USE CLEAN- ING CASSETTE CONDENSATION, OPERATION PAUSED PLEASE WAIT TAPE! TAPE END DIFFERENT FORMATTED TAPE Displays the battery remaining power. Remaining power level: high Remaining power level: exhausted As the battery power comes close to nil, the battery indicator When the battery power is exhausted, power turns off automatically.
Page 72
Appears when the date/time is not set. Appears when the built-in clock battery runs out and the previously set date/time is erased. Consult your nearest JVC dealer for replacement. Appears for 5 seconds after power is turned on if the lens cap is attached.
Do not use near flammable or explosive materials. It is recommended that you consult your nearest JVC dealer for replacing the video light. General Battery Precautions If the remote control is not functioning even if it is being operated correctly, the batteries are ex- hausted.
1. To prevent damage to the LCD monitor, DO NOT ..push it strongly or apply any shocks..place the camcorder with the LCD monitor on the bottom. 2. To prolong service life . . .
Page 75
Also refer to the cleaning cassette’s instructions. If, after using the cleaning cassette, the problems still exist, consult your nearest JVC dealer. Mechanical moving parts used to move the video heads and video tape tend to become dirty and worn out over time.
Storage media Compression system File size Picture quality Approximate number of storable images FINE STANDARD Camcorder : DC 6.3 V (Using AC Power Adapter/Charger) DC 7.2 V (Using battery pack) : Approx. 4.3 W : Approx. 5.3 W : Approx. 3.5 W...
Page 79
For Connectors Video output Audio output DV output PC (DIGITAL PHOTO) Digital still output JLIP/EDIT AC Power Adapter/Charger AA-V40EG or AA-V40EK Power requirement Power consumption Output Charge Dimensions (W x H x D) Weight AA-V40EG AA-V40EK Specifications shown are for SP mode unless otherwise indicated. E & O.E. Design and specifications subject to change without notice.