GR-SXM607 GR-SXM55 ENGLISH CONTENTS SAFETY PRECAUTIONS COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER 2–3 AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION 4 PROVIDED ACCESSORIES GETTING STARTED GR-SXM607 GR-SXM55 RECORDING 4 6 – 13 14 – 29 Basic Recording .......................... 14 Basic Features ........................... 16 Zooming, Picture Stabilizer, Quick Review, Video Light, Retake Advanced Features ......................
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 this product. Using This Instruction Manual •All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents on the cover. •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 . . . ....
EN This camcorder is designed to be used with PAL-type colour television signals. It cannot be used for playback with a television of a different standard. However, live recording and LCD monitor/viewfinder playback are possible anywhere. Use the JVC BN-V11U**/V12U/V20U/V400U battery packs and, to recharge them or to supply power to the camcorder from an AC outlet, use the provided multi-voltage AC Adapter.
EN AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION Automatic Demonstration takes place when ”DEMO MODE” is set to ”ON” (factory-preset). Available when the Power Switch is set to ” ” or ” ”. Operating the Power Zoom Lever during the demonstration stops the demonstration temporarily. If the Power Zoom Lever is not moved for more than 1 minute after that, the demonstration will resume. “DEMO MODE” remains ”ON” even if the camcorder power is turned off.
EN How To Attach The Core Filter Attach the provided Core Filter to the provided A/V Cable, S-Video Cable and AC Adapter. The Core Filter reduces interference. 1 2 1 Release the stoppers on both ends of the Core Filter. 5 cm 2 Run the cable through the Core Filter, leaving approx. 5 cm of cable between the cable plug and the Core Filter. Wind the cable around the outside of the Core Filter as shown in the illustration. •Wind the cable so that it is not slack. NOTE: Take care not to damage the cable.
GETTING STARTED EN Power Hook on. 1 This camcorder’s 2-way power supply system lets you choose the most appropriate source of power. Do not use provided power supply units with other equipment. 2 Push in. CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK 1 Make sure the battery pack is attached to the camcorder. Hook its end to the camcorder 1 and push the battery in until it locks in place 2. •If the battery pack is attached in the wrong position, a malfunction may occur. 2 Set the Power Switch to “OFF”.
EN 7 USING THE BATTERY PACK 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. Perform step 1 of “CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK” ( pg. 6). Approximate recording time (unit: min.
GETTING STARTED (cont.) EN Grip Adjustment Power Zoom Lever Recording Start/Stop Button 3 2 1 2 3 1 OFF AY M A Set to “ “ ”. Separate the Velcro strip. Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the grip. Adjust so that your thumb and fingers can easily operate the Recording Start/Stop Button and Power Zoom Lever. Refasten the Velcro strip. Set the Power Switch to “ ” or “ ”. Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability.
EN Date/Time Settings MENU Wheel Power Switch Display CAME RA ME NU T O S Y S T EM ME NU F OCU S AU T O E X POS UR E AU T O M . W. B . AU T O NE X T Menu Screen S Y S TEM ME NU R E C MOD E D . Z OOM 1 2 3 Set the Power Switch to “ comes on. 4 5 Rotate MENU to select “DATE/TIME” and press it. The DATE/TIME Menu appears. 6 When none of these settings (“YEAR”, “MONTH”, “DAY”, “TIME”) blinks, rotate MENU to select “EXIT”, and press it.
GETTING STARTED (cont.) EN Recording Format Setting MENU Wheel Set the recording format according to the format of the tape used or type of recording you wish to perform. NOTE: S-VHS ET recording is not possible when the recording mode is set to “LP”. Before performing the following steps, make sure that the recording mode is set to “SP” ( pg. 12). Power Switch Display: when a VHS cassette is loaded. NE X T S Y S T EM ME NU R E C MOD E D .
EN 11 NOTES about S-VHS and S-VHS ET JVC EHG (Extra High Grade) tapes are recommended for superior results. Use S-VHS tape for storing recordings for an extended period or for recording important scenes, as it enables higher-quality recording and playback. — It is recommended to specifically label S-VHS ET recordings so you can easily distinguish them from regular VHS recordings. With some tapes, better picture quality may not be obtained even with S-VHS ET recording.
GETTING STARTED (cont.) EN Recording Mode Setting MENU Wheel Set the tape recording mode depending on your preference. 1 2 3 4 Power Switch Display REC MODE REC MODE Menu SP LP Set the Power Switch to “ comes on. ”. The power lamp Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears. Rotate MENU to select “ TO SYSTEM MENU” and press it to display SYSTEM MENU. Rotate MENU to select “REC MODE” and press it. The REC MODE Menu appears. Select “SP” or “LP” by rotating MENU and press it.
EN EJECT Switch Cassette holder Turn to take up slack. Erase Protection tab Gear Loading/Unloading A Cassette 1 2 3 4 5 Close Button 13 Open the LCD monitor fully. Slide EJECT until the cassette holder opens. Do not use force to open. Insert or remove a cassette. When inserting, make sure the label is facing outward. Press the Close button to close the cassette holder until it locks into place. Close the LCD monitor.
RECORDING Basic Recording EN NOTE: You should already have performed the procedures listed below. If not, do so before continuing. ● Power ( pg. 6) ● Load A Cassette ( pg. 13) ● Recording Mode Setting ( pg. 12) ● Tape Length Setting ( pg. 12) ● Grip Adjustment ( pg. 8) ● Viewfinder Adjustment ( pg. 8) During shooting Power Switch Shooting While Watching The Viewfinder 1 Make sure the LCD monitor is closed and locked. Press in the tabs on the lens cap to remove it.
EN 15 NOTES: ● If the Record-Standby mode continues for 5 minutes without performing Zoom or any other operations, the camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. Set the Power Switch to “OFF”, and then back to “ ” or “ ” to turn the camcorder on again. ● If you are recording on a cassette from the middle (such as when a tape is removed and re-inserted during recording), use the Retake function ( pg. 17) to find the end of the last recording so you do not erase any of it.
RECORDING Basic Features EN Zoom in (T: Telephoto) Zoom out (W: Wide angle) RETAKE (2/3) Button LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON Switch Power Zoom Lever P. STABILIZER Button Display Zoom indicator bar 1x Zoom level indicator Approximate zoom ratio Picture Stabiliser indicator Zooming: To produce the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous change in image magnification. Digital circuitry extends the maximum magnification offered by optical zoom. This system is called Digital Zoom.
EN Quick Review: To check the end of the last recording. 1) Make sure the camcorder is in the Record–Standby mode. 2) Press 2 and release quickly. Tape is rewound for approx. 1 second and played back automatically, then pauses in Record– Standby mode for the next shot. ● Distortion may occur at the start of playback. This is normal. Retake: To re-record certain segments. 1) Make sure the camcorder is in the Record–Standby mode. 2) Press and hold either RETAKE to reach the start point for new recording.
RECORDING Advanced Features EN SNAPSHOT Button Snapshot Use your camcorder like a regular camera and take a snapshot, or several of them in succession. 1 2 Power Switch NOTES: ● After SNAPSHOT is pressed, there is a momentary camera shutter-type blackout together with the sound effect of a shutter closing, which is recorded together with the image. ● Snapshot is available during playback as well. However, the shutter sound is not heard. NIGHT-SCOPE Button Set the Power Switch to “ Press SNAPSHOT.
EN FADE/WIPE Button 19 Fade/Wipe Effects These effects let you make pro-style scene transitions. Fade- or wipe-in works at recording start, and fade- or wipe-out works at recording end. 1 2 Power Switch Recording Start/Stop Button 3 4 Set the Power Switch to “ ”. Press FADE/WIPE repeatedly until the desired mode’s name and indication appear. They are displayed for approx. 2 seconds, then the name disappears so that only the indication remains. The effect is reserved.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN P.AE Button Program AE With Special Effects 1 2 Set the Power Switch to “ 3 To cancel the effect, press P.AE repeatedly until “OFF” appears. “OFF” is displayed for approx. 2 seconds. ”. Press P.AE repeatedly until the desired mode’s name and indication appear. They are displayed for approx. 2 seconds, then the name disappears so that only the indication remains. The mode is activated.
EN DIGIFECT Button 21 Digital Effects 1 2 Set the Power Switch to “ 3 To cancel the effect, press DIGIFECT repeatedly until “OFF” appears. “OFF” is displayed for approx. 2 seconds. ”. Press DIGIFECT repeatedly until the desired mode’s name and indication appear. They are displayed for approx. 2 seconds, then the name disappears so that only the indication remains. The mode is activated. Power Switch SEPIA Recorded scenes have a brownish tint like old photos. Combine this with the WIDE mode ( pg.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Using Menus 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. MENU Wheel Power Switch Display CAME RA ME NU T O S Y S T EM ME NU F OCU S AU T O E X POS UR E AU T O 1 2 3 Set the Power Switch to “ 4 Press MENU to display the Setting Menu and rotate it to select the desired setting. If you select “JLIP ID NO.” . . . .... Press MENU. The number blinks.
EN 23 MENU SCREEN EXPLANATIONS CAMERA MENU FOCUS EXPOSURE Refer to “Focusing” ( pg. 28). Refer to “Exposure Control” ( pg. 27). M.W.B. Refer to “White Balance Adjustment” and “Manual White Balance Operation” ( pg. 29). GAIN (GR-SXM607 only) NORMAL 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. OFF Allows you to shoot dark scenes with no picture brightness adjustment.
EN SYSTEM MENU (cont.) RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) S-VHS* (S-VHS ET*) ON Records in S-VHS on a VHS or S-VHS cassette ( pg. 10). OFF Records in VHS on a VHS or S-VHS cassette ( pg. 10). TAPE LENGTH Allows you to set the tape length depending on the tape used ( pg. 12). DISPLAY FULL Make all of the indications appear on the LCD monitor/ viewfinder during playback or recording.
EN Date/Time Insert Allows you to display the date and time in the camcorder or on a connected colour monitor, as well as to record them manually or automatically. You should have already performed the Date/ Time Setting procedure ( pg. 9). MENU Wheel Power Switch 25. 12. 01 AUTO DATE 25. 12. 01 (DATE) 22 : 25 : 00 (TIME) 1 2 3 4 5 Set the Power Switch to “ 25 ”. Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears. Rotate MENU to select “DATE/TIME DISP.” and press it. The DATE/TIME DISP. Menu appears.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN NOTE: Before performing the following steps, make sure that: ● The Power Switch is set to “ ”. ● The camcorder is in the Record-Standby mode. ● The recording mode is set to “SP”. MENU Wheel Recording Start/Stop Button Display REC T I ME REC TIME Menu OF F 1/4 S 1/2 S 1 S 5 S Animation You can shoot a series of pictures, each slightly different, of the same object for a brief period of time. 1 2 Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
EN 27 Exposure Control MENU Wheel Power Switch Manual Exposure Screen 00 Exposure control level counter To brighten the image –06 –06 This feature automatically adjusts the iris for the best available picture quality, but you can override it and make the adjustment manually. Manual exposure adjustment is recommended in the following situations: • When shooting using reverse lighting or when the background is too bright.
RECORDING Advanced Features (cont.) EN Focusing Focus detection zone AUTO FOCUS NOTES: ● If the lens is smeared or blurred, accurate focusing is not possible. Keep the lens clean, wiping with a piece of soft cloth if it gets dirty. When condensation occurs, wipe with a soft cloth or wait for it to dry naturally. ● When shooting a subject close to the lens, zoom out first ( pg. 16).
EN 29 White Balance Adjustment Manual White Balance Operation A term that refers to the correctness of colour reproduction under various lighting. If the white balance is correct, all other colors will be accurately reproduced. The white balance is usually adjusted automatically. However, more advanced camcorder operators control this function manually to achieve a more professional colour/tint reproduction. Perform Manual White Balance when shooting under various types of lighting.
PLAYBACK Basic Playback EN Stop (5) Button Rewind (2) Button Play/Pause (4/6) Button Fast-Forward (3) Button BRIGHT Wheel Power Zoom Lever (VOL.) Speaker Set to “ ”. 1 2 Load a tape (墌 pg. 13). Set the Power Switch to “ ”. To start playback, press 4/6. •To stop playback, press 5. •Press 2 to rewind, or 3 to fast-forward the tape during Stop mode. NOTES: ● The camcorder shuts off automatically after about 5 minutes in Stop mode. To turn on again, set the Power Switch to “OFF”, then to “ ”.
PLAYBACK Features COUNTER R/M Button Stop (5) Button Rewind (2) Button Play/Pause (4/6) Button Fast-Forward (3) Button TRACKING Wheel TBC Button Set to “ ”. EN 31 Tracking: Eliminates noise bars that appear on-screen during playback. Factory-preset is Auto Tracking. To activate Manual Tracking: 1) Press TRACKING for approx. 2 seconds. “MT” appears. 2) Rotate TRACKING so that the noise bars disappear. ● To return to Auto Tracking, press TRACKING for approx.
PLAYBACK Connections EN Use the provided A/V cable and S-Video cable. To TV or VCR TV To S-Video Input To S-Video Output S-Video cable White to Audio Input White to Audio Output A/V cable VCR the S-Video Yellow to p ( When cable is not used. ) [ Video Output Yellow to Video Input Connector cover* * When connecting the cables, open this cover. If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin connector Use the provided Cable Adapter.
EN Basic Connections Tape Dubbing 1 2 Make sure all units are turned off. 1 2 3 4 5 Connect the VCR output to the TV input, referring to your VCR’s instruction manual. Connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR as shown in the illustration (墌 pg. 32). If using a VCR . . . go to step 3. If not . . . go to step 4. Turn on the camcorder, the VCR and the TV. Set the VCR to its AUX input mode, and set the TV to its VIDEO mode.
PLAYBACK Using The Cassette Adapter EN Cassette Adapter (optional) Use this to play back an S-VHS-C/VHS-C video cassette recorded with this camcorder on a VHS VCR. It is fully compatible with any S-VHS/VHS video cassette recorder. The C-P7U (optional) adapter is battery powered and automatically performs tape loading and unloading.
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (GR-SXM607 only) EN 35 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. 1 RM-V715U (provided) RM-V700U (optional) 1 # 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 $ 9 0 ! @ 7 % @ 4 3 2 9 ^ 0 5 ! 6 & Functions Buttons With the camcorder’s Power Switch set to “ ” or “ ”. 1 Infrared beam Transmits the beam signal. With the camcorder’s Power Switch set to “ ”.
EN USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (GR-SXM607 only) (cont.) Installing The Batteries (RM-V715U, provided) 1 3 The remote control uses two ”AAA (R03)” size batteries. See “General Battery Precautions” (墌 pg. 45). 2 A 1 2 3 1 2 1 1 1 Insert two ”AAA (R03)” size batteries in the correct direction. Replace the battery compartment cover. Installing The Battery (RM-V700U, optional) The remote control uses one lithium battery (CR2025).
EN Remote sensor 37 Playback Zoom To magnify the recorded image up to 10X at any time during playback. NOTES: ● Use the RM-V715U remote control unit to perform this procedure. ● Make sure that the TBC mode is activated ( 墌 pg. 31). 1) Press PLAY to find the scene of interest. 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. To End Zoom . . . .... press and hold W until magnification returns to normal.
EN USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (GR-SXM607 only) (cont.) COUNTER R/M Button Insert Editing You can record a new scene onto 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 remote control unit to perform this procedure.
EN Audio Dubbing Display e4 M– 0 : 0 5 : 2 0 Audio dubbing indicator During Audio Dubbing Remote sensor Microphone START/STOP PAUSE A.DUB STOP OR You can record a new soundtrack on a prerecorded tape. The existing original sound is erased and replaced by the sound from the built-in microphone. Perform steps 1, 2 and 3 of the Insert Editing procedure (墌 pg. 38) before continuing. NOTE: Use the remote control unit to perform the following procedures.
EN USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (GR-SXM607 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 RM-V700U MBR (Multi-Brand Remote, 墌 pg. 35) 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 1 To S-Video output connector Open the cover. To J terminal (JLIP) Connect the editing cable to the R.A.EDIT connector. VCR OTHER THAN TYPE Editing cable (ø3.5 mini-plug cable) (optional) To AUDIO (L/MONO), VIDEO* and -IN connectors “Y/C”/“CVBS” video out select switch VCR If your VCR has the SCART connector, use the cable adapter. OR Connect the editing cable to the RM-V700U’s PAUSE-IN connector. 2 3 A/V cable Connect the editing cable to the Remote PAUSE terminal.
EN USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (GR-SXM607 only) (cont.) OFF SELECT SCENES 4 Point the remote control at the camcorder’s remote sensor. Press PLAY, then press ON/OFF on the remote control. The R.A. Edit counter display appears. 5 Press REW or FF to locate the beginning of the scene you want, then press IN/OUT to register that point. The data appears under “IN” on the display. 6 Press REW or FF to locate the end of the scene and press IN/OUT to register it.
EN AUTOMATIC EDITING TO VCR Original tape (camcorder) 1 IN OUT 43 3 IN OUT 2 IN OUT Edited tape (VCR) 9 10 Rewind the tape in the camcorder to the beginning of the scene you want to edit and press PAUSE. 11 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button on the camcorder to begin Automatic Editing, and the previously selected scenes are copied to the VCR in the specified order. While editing, the R.A. Edit counter of the scene which is being copied is shown with a blinking highlight.
DETAILS EN ITEMS NOTES ➪ Power (墌 pg. 6) ❍ Perform charging where the temperature is between 10° and 35°C. 20° to 25°C is the ideal temperature range for charging. If the environment is too cold, charging may be incomplete. ❍ Charging times noted above are for a fully discharged battery pack. ❍ 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 Adapter near a radio.
CAUTIONS Video Light 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 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.
CAUTIONS (cont.) EN Cassettes Main Unit To properly use and store your cassettes, be sure to read the following cautions: 1. During use . . . ... make sure the cassette bears the S-VHS-C or VHS-C mark. ... be aware that recording onto prerecorded tapes automatically erases the previously recorded video and audio signals. ... make sure the cassette is positioned properly when inserting. ... do not load and unload the cassette repeatedly without allowing the tape to run at all.
EN 47 LCD Monitor For Your Maintenance 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 . . . ... avoid rubbing it with coarse cloth. 3. Be aware of the following phenomena for LCD monitor use. These are not malfunctions: •While using the camcorder, the surface around the LCD monitor and/or the back of the LCD monitor may heat up.
TROUBLESHOOTING EN If, after following the steps in the chart below, the problem still exists, please consult your 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 Adapter, etc.); and then re-connect it and proceed as usual from the beginning. SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) POWER No power is supplied.
EN SYMPTOM 49 POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) OTHER During recording, the indications do not appear. ● Set “DISPLAY” to “FULL” in SYSTEM MENU (墌 pg. 24). The tape will not eject. ● The battery pack is running low. ● If the LCD monitor is not open over 60 degrees, the EJECT Switch does not function. Some functions are not available. ● The Power Switch is set to “ ”. ● Certain combinations of modes or effects are not possible to use. Vertical white lines appear when shooting a very bright object.
INDEX Controls, Connectors And Indicators EN p # $ % ^ Q q w e 1 2 3 4 5 y u ( rt * 6 7 8 9 0! & o i ) W E @ R T I Y U
EN 51 Controls Connectors 1 Video Light Switch [LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON] The connectors q to t are located beneath the cover. q S-Video Output Connector [S] .............. 墌 pg. 32 w Audio Output Connector [A] ................ 墌 pg. 32 e Video Output Connector [V] ................ 墌 pg. 32 r J Terminal/Edit Connector [JLIP (Joint Level Interface Protocol)/EDIT] •Connect the editing cable when performing Random Assemble Editing (墌 pg. 40 – 43).
INDEX Indications EN Indications During Recording 1 7 8 9 0 ! @ # % $ 2 3 5 4 1 2 0M I N S–ET REC S P 444 1 N I GH T 1 0 x S – VHS REC P AU S E T40 +0 2 Blinks when a tape is about to reach its end. 2 Recording Mode Indicator (SP/LP) ........ 墌 pg. 12 3, 8 Digital Effect Indicator ..................... 墌 pg. 21 Displayed at 3 for approx. 2 seconds when the Digital Effect is switched from one mode to another by pressing DIGIFECT, then only the indicator remains at 8.
EN Indications During Playback 1 23 4 5 1• 6 7 2 3 4 5 6 4 S–ET –1 : 23 : 45 T BC MONO T ON E AT M– 0 : 1 2 : 3 4 VO L UME – – – – – –6– – – – – + 9 53 8 7 8 9 : Cassette Indicator Displayed when a tape is loaded. •w: Insert Editing Indicator .................. 墌 pg. 38 Displayed during Insert Editing. TBC Indicator ...................................... 墌 pg. 31 Playback Special Effect Indicator .......... 墌 pg. 31 Recording Format Indicator (S/S-ET) ..... 墌 pg. 10 Tape Counter ...............
TERMS EN A AC Adapter ............................................. pg. 5, 6, 7 Animation Recording .............................. pg. 26, 37 Audio Dubbing ............................................. pg. 39 Auto Date Record ......................................... pg. 25 Auto Focus .................................................... pg. 28 Auto Shut Off .......................................... pg. 15, 30 B Monotone Mode ........................................... pg. 21 Mosaic Mode ...........
SPECIFICATIONS Camcorder EN LCD monitor General Format Power source : S-VHS/VHS PAL standard : DC 11 V (Using AC Adapter) DC 6 V (Using battery pack) Power consumption Viewfinder on : 4.0 W LCD monitor on : 4.5 W Video light* : 3.0 W * GR-SXM607 only. Signal system : PAL-type Video recording system Luminance : FM recording Colour : Converted sub-carrier direct recording Conforms to VHS standard Cassette : / cassette Tape speed SP LP Recording time (max.
