COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER GR-AX470 GR-AX270 ENGLISH The Logical Choice PAL Compact VHS The only compact video cassettes that can be used with your VHS VCR* PAL MAJOR FEATURES n Program Manager (Z pg. 14 – 23) n Programme AE with Special Effects (Z pgs. 14, 15) n Integrated Auto Light (GR-AX470 only) (Z pg. 13) n Variable-Speed Hyper Zoom (Z pg. 11) n EasyEdit with Random Assemble Editing (Z pg. 31 – 33) (GR-AX470 shown.
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 . . . .
n Integrated Auto Light (GR-AX470 only) (Z pg. 13) n Variable-Speed Hyper Zoom (Z pg. 11) n EasyEdit with Random Assemble Editing (Z pg. 31 – 33) PROVIDED ACCESSORIES RECORDING •Battery Pack BN-V12U 26 Using The Cassette Adapter ................... 26 Basic Connections ............................... 27 Basic Playback .................................. 28 Features .......................................... 29 EDITING •AC Power Adapter/ Charger AA-V11EG 10 Basic Recording ............................
GETTING STARTED EN Power CHG. (charge) indicator Marks POWER indicator This camcorder’s 3-way power supply system lets you choose the most appropriate source of power. To AC outlet NOTES: ● No function is available without power supply. ● Use only specified power supply. ● Do not use provided power supply units with other equipment.
EN NOTES: 5 ● 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. ● Charging times noted on page 4 are for fully discharged battey pack, and discharging times are for fully charged battery pack. ● Charging and discharging times vary according to the ambient temperature and the status of the battery pack.
GETTING STARTED (cont.) EN Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal This battery is necessary for clock operation and to perform date/time settings. A 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 MENU 1 2 3 + PROGRAM AE select dial 4 NEAR FAR GAIN UP TELE MACRO INTERVAL TIMER REC TIME JLIP ID NO. SET CHARACTER DATE/TIME S.LX OFF OFF OFF 07 END :MENU KEY Set Time and Date Screen ACCESS MENU SCREEN Press MENU. SELECT FUNCTION Press – to move the highlight bar down to “DATE/ TIME”, then press NEAR. The Set Date And Time screen appears.
GETTING STARTED (cont.) EN SP-LP recording mode button T30•45•60 tape length select button Tape Length Setting Set the tape length according to the length of the tape used. 1 SET TAPE LENGTH Press T30•45•60 until the required indication appears in the veiwfinder. T30 = 30 minutes of recording time, T45 = 45 minutes, and T60 = 60 minutes (in SP). NOTE: The tape remaining time (Z pg. 10) displayed in the viewfinder is correct only if the correct tape length has been selected.
EN 9 Grip Adjustment 1 2 Recording Start/Stop button 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 lever. Refasten the Velcro strip.
RECORDING Basic Recording EN NOTE: Tape remaining time indicator *- - -MIN (Now calculating) 25MIN 120MIN 119MIN Power indicator 3MIN 2MIN (Blinking) 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.
RECORDING Basic Features Power zoom switch EN FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: NOTES: Zoom-in Zoom-out Zoom indicator 11 Zooming Varies the focal length of the lens and produces the zoom in/out effect. Zoom In 1) Pull the power zoom switch down toward “T”. Zoom Out 1) Push the switch up toward “W”. ● The further the power zoom switch is pushed, the faster the zoom speed becomes. ● Focusing may become unstable during zooming.
RECORDING Basic Features (cont.) EN FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: RETAKE (R/F) NOTE: FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: NOTE: Quick Review To check the end of the last recording. 1) Press “ ” and release quickly during the Record–Standby mode. •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. Retake To re-record certain segments.
EN 13 Video Light (GR-AX470 only) When natural lighting is too dim, you can brighten the scene by using the built-in video light. 1 LIGHT ON/AUTO/OFF SET VIDEO LIGHT Set the LIGHT ON/AUTO/OFF as required. ON : Always keeps the light on as long as the camcorder is turned on. AUTO : Automatically turns on the light when the camcorder senses insufficient lighting on the subject. OFF : Turns off the light. •The video light can be used with the camcorder’s power on.
RECORDING Advanced Features EN 1 second later, the mode is activated. After 1 sec. SEPIA Programme AE With Special Effects All you have to do to access any of the variety of shooting effects is to turn the PROGRAM AE select dial. 1 Viewfinder SELECT MODE Turn the PROGRAM AE 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 in the viewfinder for approx. 1 second.
EN DIAL SYMBOL VIEWFINDER INDICATION SEPIA MODE DIAL SYMBOL Sepia VIEWFINDER INDICATION SPORTS Sepia The scene being shot is recorded in sepia-tinted (reddish-brown) monochrome, giving the effect of an older movie. Use together with Wide (Z pg. 18) for the authentic look of a classic Hollywood movie. TWILIGHT Twilight Twilight Dusk, twilight scenery, fireworks, etc., look more natural and dramatic. The following happens when Twilight mode is selected: • Auto gain control is turned off.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Focusing Auto Focus Focus detection zone 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 Power zoom lever 17 Manual Focus NOTE: You should already have made the necessary viewfinder adjustments (Z pg. 6). If you haven’t, do so before continuing. 1 SELECT MODE Turn the PROGRAM AE select dial to any position except AUTO LOCK. ADJUST FOCUS 2 FAR To farther subject . . . Press and hold FAR. The Manual Focus indications “ ” appear and “ ” blinks. Go to step 3. To nearer subject . . . NEAR Press and hold NEAR. The Manual Focus indications “ ” appear and “ ” blinks. Go to step 3.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Function indication FADE Fade-Standby indication FADE Fader This feature allows smooth fade-in and fade-out to black blank screen. Fade-in works at recording start, and fade-out works at recording end or when you enter Record–Standby mode. 1 SELECT button 2 3 PROGRAM AE select dial SET button 4 SELECT MODE Turn the PROGRAM AE select dial to any position except AUTO LOCK. SELECT FUNCTION Press SELECT repeatedly until “ FADE ” appears.
EN TITLE Title indication HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY HOLIDAYS OUR FAMILY MOVIE STAR No indication PARTY TIME Instant Titles The camcorder has eight preset titles in memory. You can superimpose one of them above a previously stored title as shown in the illustration to the left. DISPLAY 1 MERRY CHRISTMAS SELECT WEDDING DAY CONGRATULATIONS SET MENU The characters you have set using Character Generator 19 2 3 SELECT MODE Turn the PROGRAM AE select dial to any position except AUTO LOCK.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Date/Time Character Insert SELECT This feature allows you to display date, time and characters in your viewfinder and on a connected colour monitor, record them manually or automatically, and even make your own titles. NOTE: You should already have performed the Date/Time Setting procedure (Z pg. 7). If you haven’t, do so before continuing. DISPLAY SET PROGRAM AE select dial DISP.
EN 21 Manual White Balance Adjustment (M.W.B.) SELECT This camcorder’s Automatic Colour Temperature system senses the colour temperature of the ambient lighting for automatic white balance adjustment. However, precise colour adjustment is not possible under the following conditions: • When an object is in various shades of the same colour. • When a predominantly red or brown object is being shot outdoors. In these cases, use the camcorder’s built-in preset filters for white balance adjustment.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Using Menu For Detailed Adjustment MENU This camcorder is equipped with Program Manager, an easy-to-use, on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more detailed camcorder settings. 1 2 + FAR 3 NEAR – GAIN UP TELE MACRO INTERVAL TIMER REC TIME JLIP ID NO. SET CHARACTER DATE/TIME S.LX OFF OFF OFF 07 4 END :MENU KEY GAIN UP TELE MACRO INTERVAL TIMER REC TIME JLIP ID NO.
EN 23 MENU GAIN UP TELE MACRO INTERVAL TIMER REC TIME S.LX To record a subject in a dark lit environment. When it is more convenient to shoot the subject with a brighter image even if the picture becomes slightly coarse. Automatically selected when the PROGRAM AE select dial is set to AUTO LOCK mode. (S.LX : Super LoLux) NORM To record a subject in a dimly lit environment. When it is more convenient to shoot with a less coarse picture although the subject becomes slightly dark.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Self-Timer Interval Timer Indicator You can set the delay between pressing RECORDING START/STOP 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. 1MIN 1/2S Rec Time Indicator NOTE: Make sure the camcorder is in the Record-Standby mode before performing the following steps.
EN 25 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.
PLAYBACK Using The Cassette Adapter EN 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 Sliding latch Compact video cassette Slide the battery cover up to remove it, and install one “R6(AA)” size battery as shown in the illustration at left. Then reattach the cover.
PLAYBACK Basic Connections EN 27 There are two 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) NOTE: Use the provided Audio and Video cables. When connecting the cables, open the jack cover. To AUDIO and VIDEO connectors 1 Audio and Video cables (provided) 2 A If your TV/VCR has the SCART connector, use the provided cable adapter.
PLAYBACK Basic Playback EN PLAY/PAUSE REW FF NOTE: Make sure you connect your camcorder as directed in “Basic Connections” (Z pg. 27). 1 STOP 2 3 4 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 On indicator lights. PLAYBACK Press PLAY/PAUSE. The playback picture appears in the viewfinder and the connected TV.
PLAYBACK Features EN FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: NOTES: + FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: – COUNTER R/M PLAY/PAUSE NOTE: FEATURE: PURPOSE: STOP OPERATION: REW FF NOTE: FEATURE: PURPOSE: OPERATION: NOTES: 29 Manual Tracking To eliminate noise bars that appear on the screen during playback. 1) Press either +/– button as many times as necessary for best picture. ● To reset TRACKING to the original preset, press both + and – buttons simultaneously.
EDITING EN Tape Dubbing PLAY/PAUSE Power switch 1 2 3 When connecting the cables, open the jack cover. To AUDIO and VIDEO OUT connectors 5 Audio and Video cable (provided) If your TV/VCR has the SCART connector, use the provided cable adapter. 4 6 To AUDIO and VIDEO IN connectors VCR (Recording deck) 7 CONNECT EQUIPMENT Following the illustration at left, connect the camcorder and the VCR.
EN Random Assemble Editing [R.A.Edit] SET REMOTE/VCR CODE 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 MBR (Multi-Brand Remote RM-V704U or RM-V700U) is set to operate with your brand of VCR (see VCR CODE LIST), but can also be performed by operating the VCR manually.
EDITING (cont.) EN REW/FF STOP 2 CANCEL IN/OUT R.A. EDIT PLAY/PAUSE 3 PREPARE CAMCORDER Insert a recorded tape and set the Power switch to “PLAY”. PREPARE VCR Turn the power on, insert a recordable tape and engage the AUX mode (refer to VCR’s instructions).
EN AUTOMATIC EDITING TO VCR ORIGINAL TAPE (camcorder) 1 IN OUT 33 3 IN OUT 2 IN OUT 1 EDITED TAPE (VCR) 2 STOP 3 EDIT ENGAGE VCR’S RECORD–PAUSE MODE Point the remote control toward the VCR’s infrared sensor and press VCR REC STBY, or manually engage the VCR’s Record-Pause mode. BEGIN AUTOMATIC EDITING Press EDIT on the camcorder, and the previously selected scenes are copied to the VCR in the specified order.
USING REMOTE CONTROL UNIT EN A 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. B Lock hole Installing The Battery Release tab 1 2 3 4 5 0 ! 6 7 8 9 # $ % ^ 1 @ 2 3 & RM-V704U or RM-V700U (provided) PULL OUT BATTERY HOLDER Pull out the battery holder according to the type of remote control unit you have.
EN FEATURE: PURPOSE: Transmitted beam effective area OPERATION: 15° 5m 30 ° 15° 30° Remote sensor 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.
USING REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.) EN Insert Editing COUNTER R/M 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. NOTE: Use the RM-V704U or RM-V700U remote control unit to perform this procedure. 1 2 POWER M-0:23:45 Tape Counter 3 Insert editing indicator 4 Viewfinder 5 6 SELECT MODE Set the Power switch to “PLAY”.
EN Audio dubbing indicator Viewfinder e 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. 36) before continuing. •The sound comes from the built-in mike. 1 2 Mike 3 REW A.
TROUBLESHOOTING EN SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) POWER 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 39 POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) OTHER The tape won’t eject. ● The battery pack is running low. Some functions are not available. ● The PROGRAM AE 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.
INDEX Controls EN 1 2 67890! @ 3 # $ 4 5 q % ^ & *( ) Controls 1 Diopter Adjustment ............................ Z pg. 6 2 Power Zoom Lever ............................ Z pg. 11 3 BATT. [Battery] RELEASE Switch ......... Z pg. 4 4 Recording Start/Stop Button ................ Z pg. 10 5 POWER Switch .................................. Z pg.10,28 6 STOP Button ...................................... Z pg. 28 7 Tape Length [T30•45•60] @ REW Button ....................................... Z pg.
EN W E R T 41 Y o p u w Q O e Ir ty i U Connectors Other Parts w J terminal (JLIP (Joint Level Interface Protocol) o Video Light (GR-AX470 only) .............. Z pg. 13 p • Camera sensor Connector.) (Located beneath the jack cover) • Connect the Editing Cable when performing Random Assemble Editing ( Z pg. 32). •It is used to connect the camcorder to a device such as a personal computer. For further detail consult your nearest JVC dealer.
INDEX Viewfinder EN 1 23 8 9 0 18MIN REC SP 4 5 DISP. SEPIA LENS COVER FADE 6 7 T30 – 05 MWB P AUSE ! @ # $ 1MIN 1/2S INDEX TAPE END MERRY CHR ISTMAS 25 . 12 . 97 10 : 24 % ^ & * ( ) q w e Viewfinder Indications 1 Cassette Warning/Remaining Tape Time .......................................... Z pg. 10 When no cassette is inserted or when Erase Protection tab is not in the position that allows recording, the Cassette ( ) Warning blinks. Otherwise, the Remaining Tape Time is displayed.
CAUTIONS EN DANGER: • 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. • 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.
CAUTIONS (cont.) EN Main Unit 1. For safety, DO NOT . . . .... open the camcorder’s chassis. .... disassemble or modify the unit. .... short-circuit the terminals of the battery pack. Keep it away from metallic objects when not in use. .... allow inflammables, water or metallic objects to enter the unit. .... remove the battery pack or disconnect the power supply while the power is on. .... leave the battery pack attached when the camcorder is not in use. 2. Avoid using the unit . . . ....
SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL Format Power source Power consumption GR-AX470 light on GR-AX470 light off/ GR-AX270 Signal system Video recording system Luminance Colour Cassette Tape speed SP LP Recording time Max. SP : VHS PAL standard : DC 6 V : 8.3 W : 5.3 W : PAL-type Viewfinder White balance adjustment CASSETTE ADAPTER (C-P7U) : 1/4” format CCD : F1.6, f = 3.8 to 68.4 mm, 18:1 power zoom lens with auto iris and macro control, filter diameter 46 mm : Electronic viewfinder with 0.
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EN GR-AX470 GR-AX270 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LIMITED COPYRIGHT© 1997 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD.