2 EN Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS camcorder. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions contained in the following pages to ensure safe use of your new camcorder. Using This Instruction Manual • All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents (Z pg. 3). • Notes appear after most subsections. Be sure to read these as well. • Basic and advanced features/operation are separated for easier reference. It is recommended that you . . .
CONTENTS MAJOR FEATURES n Program Manager II (Z pg. 18 – 31) n Programme AE with Special Effects (Z pg. 18, 19) •Auto Mode Lock •Auto Mode Release •Electronic Fog Filter •ND Effect •Sepia •Twilight •Sports •1/1000 sec. High Speed Shutter •1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter n 5Sec.-Rec (5 sec. Recording) (Z pg. 15) n 22x Optical Hyper Zoom (Z pg. 14) n Intergrated Auto Light (GR-AX31/AX21 only) (Z pg.
4 GETTING STARTED EN Power Marks To AC outlet CHG. (charge) indicator This camcorder’s 3-way power supply system lets you choose the most appropriate source of power. NOTES: ● No function is available without power supply. ● Use only specified power supply. ● Do not use provided power supply units with other equipment.
EN Charge marker 5 CHARGE MARKER A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to help you remember whether it has been charged or not. Two colours are provided (red and black)—you choose which one means charged and which means discharged. NOTES: ● The recording time per charge is affected by such factors as the time spent in Record-Standby mode and the frequency of zooming. It is safer to have spare battery packs.
6 GETTING STARTED (cont.) EN A Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal This battery is necessary for clock operation and to perform date/time settings. 1 2 3 4 5 SWITCH OFF POWER Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power supply unit. OPEN COVER Open the clock battery compartment cover while pressing the release tab. REMOVE BATTERY (when replacing) Insert a pointed, non-metallic object between the battery and the compartment ( A ) and pull the battery out.
EN 7 Date/Time Setting 1 2 Select Dial Viewfinder MENU FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED 4NEXT 3 AUTO AUTO 1. 1. 98 OFF T30 AUTO FAST 4 DATE TIME 1998 1 1 22:50 24-hour indication EXIT DATE/TIME Setting Menu 5 MENU 4MENU END FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED 4NEXT AUTO AUTO 25. 12. 98 OFF T30 AUTO FAST SELECT FUNCTION Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar to “DATE/TIME”, then press it.
8 GETTING STARTED (cont.) EN Tape Length Setting Viewfinder MENU 4MENU END FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED 4NEXT AUTO AUTO 25. 12. 98 OFF T60 AUTO FAST Set the tape length according to the length of the tape used. 1 Menu Screen 2 TAPE LENGTH T30 T45 T60 3 EXIT MENU FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED 4NEXT AUTO AUTO 25. 12. 98 OFF T20 AUTO FAST First set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”.
EN 9 Loading/Unloading A Cassette 1 1 3 2 2 3 OPEN CASSETTE HOLDER Slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force to open. INSERT/REMOVE CASSETTE Make sure the label is facing outward. CLOSE CASSETTE HOLDER Press PUSH and make sure the holder is closed and locked. NOTES: Turn to take up slack. Erase Protection Gear ● A cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power supply is attached. ● Make sure that the tape is not slack when loading the cassette.
10 GETTING STARTED (cont.) EN Power Zoom Button Grip Adjustment 1 2 3 EXPAND LOOP Separate the Velcro strip. INSERT HAND Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the grip. ADJUST STRAP LENGTH Adjust so your thumb and fingers can easily operate the Recording Start/Stop Button and Power Zoom Button. Refasten the Velcro strip. Recording Start/Stop Button Viewfinder Adjustment 3 1 1 2 Set POWER to “CAMERA”.
EN 11 Shoulder Strap Attachment 3 2 2 1 1 1 4 2 ATTACH STRAP Following the illustration at left, thread the strap through the top of the eyelet 1, then fold it back and thread it through the keeper 2, and then through the buckle 3. Repeat the procedure to attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet 4, making sure the strap isn’t twisted. ADJUST LENGTH Adjust as shown in the illustration at left 1, then slide both keepers snug against the eyelets to prevent slipping 2.
12 RECORDING Basic Recording EN LENS COVER Switch NOTE: You should already have performed the procedures listed below. If not, do so before continuing. ● Power (Z pg. 4) ● Tape Length Setting (Z pg. 8) ● Recording Mode Setting (Z pg. 8) ● Grip Adjustment (Z pg. 10) Power indicator 1 Power Switch Start/Stop Button 2 LOAD A CASSETTE Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then insert the cassette with the label facing out. Press PUSH to ensure the holder is closed and locked.
EN Tape remaining time indicator 25MIN MIN (Now calculating) 120MIN 119MIN 3MIN 2MIN (Blinking) 1MIN (Blinking) 0MIN (Blinking) Start/Stop Button 4 13 STOP RECORDING Press the Recording Start/Stop Button again to stop recording. •The camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode. NOTES: ● A cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power supply is attached. ● There may be a delay after you slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force. ● The displayed remaining time is approximate.
14 RECORDING Basic Features EN FEATURE: PURPOSE: Zoom-in OPERATION: Zoom-out Zoom indicator bar Power Zoom button Select Dial MENU Jog Dial Viewfinder MENU 4MENU END FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED 4NEXT AUTO AUTO 25. 12. 98 OFF T30 AUTO FAST NOTE: Menu Screen ZOOM SPEED Zooming To produce the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous change in image magnification. Zoom In Press the “T” of the Power Zoom Button. Zoom Out Press “W” of the Power Zoom Button.
EN FEATURE: PURPOSE: 5SEC. REC OPERATION: RETAKE (R/F) NOTE: FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: Viewfinder NOTE: FEATURE: PURPOSE: PAUSE 5S OPERATION: 5Sec. Rec mode indicator NOTE: 15 Quick Review To check the end of the last recording. 1) Press “ ” and release quickly during the Record-Standby mode. n Tape is rewound for about 2 seconds and played back automatically, then pauses in Record-Standby mode for the next shot. Distortion may occur at start of playback. This is normal.
16 EN RECORDING Basic Features (cont.) FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON NOTES: DANGER n The video light can become extremely hot. Do not touch it either while in operation or soon after turning it off, otherwise serious injury may result. n Do not place the camcorder into the carrying case immediately after using the video light, since it remains extremely hot for some time. n When operating, keep a distance of about 30 cm. between the video light and people or objects.
EN DATE/TIME FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: Select Dial Display NOTES: Date display Time display Date/Time display Auto Date Record mode Date-off mode (No display) The characters you have set using Character Generator (Z pg. 22) Date display 25.12.98 Auto Date Record mode AUTO DATE Auto date record mode Time display 25.12.98 22:50:00 Date/Time display 25.12.
18 RECORDING Advanced Features EN Programme AE With Special Effects 1 second later, the mode is activated. Viewfinder SEPIA All you have to do to access any of the variety of shooting effects is to turn the Select Dial. 1 SELECT MODE Turn the Select Dial until the symbol of the function you want is aligned with the mark. •The selected mode’s name and its indication are displayed for approx. 1 second. Then the name disappears, and only the indication remains. The mode is activated.
EN Dial symbol Viewfinder indication Mode LOCK AUTO LOCK Auto Mode Lock Dial symbol Viewfinder indication TWILIGHT 19 Mode Twilight Auto Mode Lock Twilight Locks the camcorder in Full Auto mode, preventing incorrect operation due to accidental button pressing during shooting. • In this mode the following controls are disabled; DATE/TIME display select, and the Menu Jog Dial. Dusk, twilight scenery, fireworks, etc., look more natural and dramatic.
20 RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Fader Fade-in This feature allows smooth fade-in and fade-out to black blank screen. Fade-in works at recording start, and fadeout works at recording end or when you enter RecordStandby mode. Fade-out Viewfinder 4EFFECT 1 After 2 sec. FADER ENGAGE FADE-STANDBY MODE Press EFFECT to engage the Fade-Standby mode. •“ BK FADER” is displayed for approx. 2 seconds. Then “BLACK FADER” disappears, and only “ BK ” remains.
EN 21 Super LoLux(Gain Up) Viewfinder 4S . LX After 2 sec. MAX Bright, natural recordings can be taken even in areas with low or poor lighting. 1 MAX SELECT SUPER LOLUX MODE Press SUPER LOLUX repeatedly to cycle through the modes as shown to the left. Once the desired mode appears, it is engaged. •The mode’s name is displayed for approx. 2 seconds, then disappears. MAX : To record a subject in a dark lit environment.
22 RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Character Generator You can enter an original title of up to 18 characters. 1 Select Dial MENU Jog Dial 2 Viewfinder MENU 4MENU END FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED 4NEXT 4BACK Menu Screen AUTO AUTO 25. 12. 98 OFF T30 AUTO FAST 3 OFF OFF ON GR-AX31/AX21 only 07 OFF 4 4MENU END J T À : 0 A K U È .
EN 23 Using Menu For Detailed Adjustment This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use, on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more detailed camcorder settings. 1 Select Dial MENU Jog Dial 2 Viewfinder MENU 4MENU END FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED 4NEXT MENU REC TIME INT. TIME TALLY LAMP CHARACTER JLIP ID NO. DEMO MODE OFF OFF ON 07 OFF GR-AX31/AX21 only 3 4MENU END Menu Screen 2 REC TIME OFF 1 4S 1 2S 1 S 5 S EXIT Setting Menu (ex.
24 EN Menu Screen Explanations FOCUS EXPOSURE RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) AUTO Adjusts focus automatically. MANU Allows you to adjust focus manually (Z pg. 26, 27). AUTO Adjusts exposure automatically. MANU Allows you to adjust exposure manually (Z pg. 28). DATE/TIME Allows you to set the current date and time (Z pg. 7). TELE MACRO OFF ON Usually the distance to a subject where the lens is in focus depends on the zoom magnification.
EN 25 REC TIME This feature allows you to set the parameters for Animation and Time-Lapse recording (Z pg. 31). INT. TIME This feature allows you to set the parameters for Self-Timer (Z pg. 30) and TimeLapse recording (Z pg. 31). TALLY LAMP ON The tally lamp comes on to signal the start of recording. (available only for GR-AX31/AX21) OFF The tally lamp remains off at all times. (GR-AX11: always set to this mode.) CHARACTER Allows you to enter an original title of up to 18 characters (Z pg. 22).
26 RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Focusing Focus detection zone Auto Focus The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers continuous shooting ability from close-up 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. •When illumination is low.* •When the subject has no contrast (difference in brightness and darkness), such as a flat, one-colour wall, or a clear, blue sky.
EN 27 Manual Focus NOTE: You should already have made the necessary viewfinder adjustments (Z pg. 10). If you haven’t, do so before continuing. Select Dial 1 MENU Jog Dial Viewfinder FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED 4NEXT AUTO AUTO 25. 12. 98 OFF T30 AUTO FAST Menu Screen Turn the Select Dial to any position except AUTO LOCK, then press the MENU Jog Dial. The Menu Screen appears, and the highlight bar is placed on “FOCUS”.
28 RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Exposure Control This feature automatically adjusts the iris for the best available picture quality, but you can override and make the adjustment manually. 1 Select Dial MENU Jog Dial Viewfinder 2 MENU 4MENU END FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED 4NEXT AUTO AUTO 25. 12.
EN Viewfinder MENU 4MENU END FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED 4NEXT Menu Screen M. W. B. Manual White Balance Adjustment (M.W.B.) The white balance is usually adjusted automatically. However, the more advanced camcorder operator would prefer to control this function manually and achieve a more professional colour/tint reproduction. AUTO AUTO 25. 12. 98 OFF T30 AUTO FAST AUTO : FINE : CLOUD : HALOGEN MWB 29 1 M.W.B.
30 RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Self-Timer Recording Start/Stop Button You can set the delay between pressing the Recording Start/Stop Button and the actual start of recording. If you secure the camcorder, you (or whomever is operating the camcorder) can enter the scene before recording starts. NOTE: Make sure the camcorder is in the Record-Standby mode before performing the following steps.
EN 31 Animation Time-Lapse Give stationary scenes or objects an illusion of movement. This function allows you to shoot a series of pictures, each slightly different, of the same object for a brief period of time. You can record sequentially at preset time spans. Leaving the camcorder aimed at a specific subject, you can record subtle changes over an extended period of time.
32 PLAYBACK Basic Playback EN Battery pack remaining power indicator Tape counter Recording mode indicator SP 4 M–0: 23 : 45 Tape running indicator 4 : Playback 3 : Fast-Forward/ Forward Search 2 : Rewind/Reverse Search 6 : Still Playback PLAY/PAUSE REW 1 2 3 4 FF LOAD A CASSETTE Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then insert the cassette with the label facing out. Press PUSH to ensure the holder is closed and locked. SELECT MODE Set the Power Switch to “PLAY”. The power indicator lights.
PLAYBACK Features EN 33 Tracking AT This function can be used to eliminate noise bars that appear on-screen during playback. Initial setting is Auto Tracking. Manual Tracking is also available. 1 ACTIVATE MANUAL TRACKING Press the MENU Jog Dial during playback mode. Keep rotating it until noise bars disappear. •To return to Auto Tracking, press the MENU Jog Dial. “AT” blinks. When Auto Tracking finishes, the indication disappears.
34 PLAYBACK Features (cont.) EN COUNTER R/M FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: PLAY/PAUSE REW FF NOTE: STOP FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: NOTE: FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: NOTES: Still Playback To pause during playback. 1) Press PLAY/PAUSE during playback. 2) To resume normal playback, press PLAY/PAUSE again. Noise bars appear and pictures may become monochrome during Still Playback. This is normal. Shuttle Search To allow high-speed search in either direction.
PLAYBACK Using The Cassette Adapter EN 35 Cassette Adapter Use this to play back a VHS-C video cassette recorded with this camcorder. It is fully compatible with any VHS video cassette recorder. The C-P7U adapter is battery powered and automatically performs tape loading and unloading. 1 VCR Compartment door 2 3 4 Compact video cassette Sliding latch INSERT BATTERY Slide the battery cover up to remove it, and install one “R6(AA)” size battery as shown in the illustration to the left.
36 PLAYBACK Basic Connections EN There are three basic types of connections. When making the connections, refer also to your VCR and TV instruction manuals. Connection To A VCR A (Editing, Dubbing and Playback) When connecting the cables, open the jack cover. NOTE: To AUDIO and VIDEO OUT connectors Audio and Video cables (provided) If your TV/VCR has the SCART connector, use the cable adapter. (optional) To AUDIO and VIDEO IN connectors Use the optional Audio and Video cables.
TAPE DUBBING EN 37 Tape Dubbing 1 PLAY/PAUSE 2 3 4 Power Switch When connecting the cables, open the jack cover. To AUDIO and VIDEO OUT connectors 5 6 Audio and Video cables (provided) If your TV/VCR has the SCART connector, use the cable adapter. (optional) 7 To AUDIO and VIDEO IN connectors VCR (Recording deck) CONNECT EQUIPMENT Following the illustration to the left, connect the camcorder and the VCR.
38 EN USING REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (GR-AX31/AX21 only) The Full-Function Remote Control Unit can operate this camcorder from a distance as well as the basic operations (PLAY, STOP, PAUSE, FF, and REW) of your VCR. This remote control unit makes additional recording functions possible.
EN FEATURE: PURPOSE: Transmitted beam effective area OPERATION: 5m 15° 30 ° 15° Remote sensor 30° When using the remote control, be sure to point it at the remote sensor. The above illustration shows the approximate transmitted beam effective area for indoor use. The transmitted beam may not be effective or may cause incorrect operation outdoors or when the remote sensor is directly exposed to sunlight or powerful lighting.
40 EN USING REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (GR-AX31/AX21 only) (cont.) Random Assemble Editing [R.A.Edit] Create edited videos easily using your camcorder as the source player. You can select up to 8 “cuts” for automatic editing, in any order you like. R.A.Edit is more easily performed when the optional RM-V700U MBR (MultiBrand Remote, Z pg. 38) is set to operate with your brand of VCR (see VCR CODE LIST), but can also be performed by operating the VCR manually.
EN 41 MAKE CONNECTIONS CONNECT TO . . . 1 A Connect the editing cable to the Remote PAUSE terminal. Open the cover B To J terminal (JLIP) To AUDIO and VIDEO OUT connectors A B C To Remote PAUSE To Pause-In 2 If your TV/VCR has the SCART connector, use the cable adapter. (optional) VCR (Recording deck) RM-V700U (optional) VCR OTHER THAN TYPE A OR B Connect the editing cable to the RM-V700U’s Pause-In jack.
42 EN USING REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (GR-AX31/AX21 only) (cont.) PLAY/PAUSE SELECT SCENES FF STOP 1 REW 2 3 RM-V700U (optional) FF PAUSE REW PLAY IN/OUT ON/OFF CANCEL IN 1 0:00:25 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 COUNTER TOTAL IN 1 0:00:25 2 0:03:18 3 0:02:33 4 0:04:11 5 6 7 8 COUNTER TOTAL OUT -- : -- : -- 0:00:25 0:00:00 OUT 0:01:05 0:03:31 0:02:53 -- : -- : -- 0:04:11 0:01:13 4 5 ACCESS R.A.
EN AUTOMATIC EDITING TO VCR Original tape (camcorder) 1 IN OUT 43 3 IN OUT 2 IN OUT 1 Edited tape (VCR) 2 STOP 3 ENGAGE VCR’S RECORD-PAUSE MODE Point the remote control towards the VCR’s infrared sensor and press VCR REC STBY, or manually engage the VCR’s Record-Pause mode. BEGIN AUTOMATIC EDITING Press the MENU Jog Dial on the camcorder, and the previously selected scenes are copied to the VCR in the specified order. While editing, the R.A.
44 EN USING REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (GR-AX31/AX21 only) (cont.) Insert Editing You can record a new scene into a previously recorded tape, replacing a section of the original recording with minimal picture distortion at the in- and out-points. The original audio remains unchanged. COUNTER R/M PLAY/PAUSE REW FF STOP NOTE: Use the RM-V705U or RM-V700U remote control unit to perform this procedure.
EN Audio dubbing indicator e4 M–0:05:20 Audio Dubbing You can record a new soundtrack on a prerecorded tape (normal audio only). Perform steps 1, 2 and 3 of the Insert Editing procedure (Z pg. 44) before continuing. •The sound comes from the built-in microphone. 1 Viewfinder Microphone 2 3 4 REW Press REW to go a little beyond the beginning of the scene onto which you want to dub new audio, press PLAY to view the recorded tape, then press PAUSE at exactly the point where dubbing should start.
46 TROUBLESHOOTING EN SYMPTOM POWER POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) No power is supplied. ● The battery pack has not been attached correctly ( Z pg. 4). ● The battery pack is not charged (Z pg. 4). ● The power supply has not been correctly connected ( Z pg. 5). The power suddenly goes off and doesn’t come back on by itself. ● The battery pack has completely discharged. ● Remove the cassette and disconnect the power source, then after a few minutes, try turning the power back on.
EN SYMPTOM OTHER 47 POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) The tape won’t eject. ● The battery pack is running low. Some functions are not available. ● The Select Dial is set to “AUTO LOCK”. Vertical white lines appear when shooting a very bright object. ● This sometimes occurs when the contrast between the background and the object is great. It is not a defect of the camcorder. Bright, crystal-shaped spots appear in the viewfinder. ● Sunlight is directly entering the lens. This is not a defect of the camcorder.
48 INDEX EN 5 1 u 6 7 9 4 0 8 ! p ^ 2 3 y i o Q ) E @ #$ % ( T W q w er& * t R
EN 49 Controls Connectors 1 Power Zoom Button ........................... Z pg. 14 2 Select Dial ......................................... Z pg. 18 3 Multi-Function Control ) DC IN Jack ......................................... Z pg. 5 The jacks q to r are located beneath the jack 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 ! @ # $ •EFFECT Button ................................. Z pg. 20 •WIDE Button ................................... Z pg. 20 •TITLE Button .................................... Z pg. 21 •SUPER LOLUX Button .....
50 INDEX (cont.) EN 1 6 7 @ $ MERRY CHRISTMAS 25. 12. 98 22: 50: 00 9 # 4 5 30MIN 4S. LX T30 REC SP 444 TWILIGHT NORM 01 LENS COVER MWB PAUSE 5MIN 1 4S TAPE END 8 ! 2 3 0 % & ( ^ * ) Viewfinder Indications 1 Cassette Warning / Tape Remaining Time ......................... Z pg. 13 When no cassette is inserted: the cassette ( ) warning blinks. When Erase Protection tab is not in the position that allows recording: the cassette ( ) warning lights.
CAUTIONS EN NOTES: DANGER: Video Light • The video light becomes extremely hot. Do not touch it either while in operation or soon after turning it off, otherwise serious injury may result. • Do not place the camcorder into the carrying case immediately after using the video light, since it remains extremely hot for some time. • When operating, keep a distance of about 30 cm between the video light and people or object. • Do not use near flammable or explosive materials.
52 CAUTIONS (cont.) EN 3. DO NOT leave the unit . . . ..... in places of over 50°C. ..... in places where humidity is extremely low. (below 35%) or extremely high (above 80%). ..... in direct sunlight. ..... in a closed car in summer. ..... near a heater. 4. To protect the unit, DO NOT . . . ..... allow it to become wet. ..... drop the unit or strike it against hard objects. ..... subject it to shock or excessive vibration during transportation. .....
SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL Format Power source Power consumption • GR-AX31 light on • GR-AX31 light off • GR-AX21 light on • GR-AX21 light off • GR-AX11 Signal system Video recording system Luminance Colour Cassette Tape speed SP LP Recording time (max.) SP LP Operating temperature Operating humidity Storage temperature Weight • GR-AX31 • GR-AX21 • GR-AX11 Dimensions (Including viewfinder) • GR-AX31 • GR-AX21/AX11 Viewfinder White balance adjustment 53 VIDEO : VHS PAL standard : DC 6V : 8.0 W : 5.1 W : 7.