ENGLISH LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CAMCORDER VL-AH131E Russkij OPERATION MANUAL PAL
Before using the VIEWCAM, please read this operation manual carefully, especially page i. OPERATION MANUAL WARNING TO PREVENT SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. ENGLISH CAUTION To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified dealer or service centre. This equipment should be used with the recommended AC adapter or battery pack. CAUTION To prevent electric shocks and fire hazards, do NOT use any other power source.
Information for Australia/New Zealand Only This Camcorder must be supplied only with DC 3.6 volts from a BT-H22 or BTH32 battery or with DC 7.0 volts from the AC adapter (UADP-0313TAZZ). CAUTION: As there are no user-serviceable parts inside the Camcorder or AC adapter, do NOT remove 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. NOTE This VIEWCAM is a high technology product.
Precautions • When the VIEWCAM is not in use, remember to remove the cassette tape, turn off the power, and disconnect the VIEWCAM from the power source. • Always respect prohibitions or restrictions on the use of electronic equipment on commercial flights or in other sensitive areas. • Do not aim the lens at the sun. Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the VIEWCAM lens or LCD monitor screen, whether or not recording is in progress, as it may damage the CCD sensor or LCD screen surface.
About Your VIEWCAM Recording Format Hi8 is a high-performance extension of the ordinary 8 mm format. It uses advanced technology to achieve even higher resolution and picture quality. Use a video cassette with mark for high-quality recording and the playback, or with the mark to enjoy ordinary 8 mm recording and playback. • When you load a Hi8 tape, recording is in Hi8 format. (The indicator appears on the LCD screen.) When you load a normal 8 mm tape, recording is in ordinary 8 mm format.
Supplied Accessories iii Battery pack BT-H22 AC adapter Power cord CR2025 type lithium battery Shoulder strap Lens cap Audio/video cable
Optional Accessories Standard type battery pack BT-H22 Extended type battery pack BT-H32 Tripod adapter for 180° recording VR-33FA Soft case VR-33SC Sun hood VR-60BF Accessory shoe adapter VR-30AD Note: Some of these accessories may not be available in selected areas.
Contents Operation Summary Part Names .......................................................... 3 On-screen Display Index ..................................... 5 Quick Reference Index ........................................ 6 Warning Indicators ............................................... 7 Preparation Inserting and Removing the Battery Pack ........... 8 Charging the Battery Pack ................................... 9 Powering the VIEWCAM from an AC Outlet .........
Playback Useful Features Advanced Features Useful Information .............................................. 48 Demonstration Mode .......................................... 52 Before Requesting Service ................................ 53 Specifications ..................................................... 55 Basic Operations References Basic Operations Digital Picture Effects ......................................... 38 Scene Menu (Program AE) ................................
Operation Summary Operation Summary Part Names For details on the use of each part, refer to the page number indicated in the brackets. Front view Terminal cover Microphone Zoom lens VIDEO jack [pp. 20, 47] AUDIO jack [pp. 20, 47] DC IN jack [pp. 9, 10] Speaker When the cassette compartment door is open Cassette holder [p. 11] Lens hood [p. 30] Shoulder strap loop [p. 14] Lithium battery holder [p. 12] Cassette compartment door [p. 11] 3 Cassette compartment door release [p.
Operation Summary Rear view RECord START/STOP button [p. 16] Power Zoom Wide angle/ Telephoto control [p. 17] VOLume control [p. 19] LCD monitor screen Shoulder strap loop [p. 14] FADE button [p. 25] CHARGE indicator [p. 9] MENU button [p. 22] Hand strap [p. 14] Power switch (CAMERA/VCR select switch) [pp. 16, 19] Operation buttons [p. 22] DISPLAY button [p. 22] Bottom view Battery compartment door release [p. 8] Battery compartment door [p.
Operation Summary Operation Summary On-screen Display Index For details on the use of each function, refer to the page number indicated. Camera Mode p. 38 PIC EFF GAMA Q K REW EFF p. 26 p. 25 p. ii p. 28 p. 37 p. 35 MENU 1 F ADE NORMAL AUTO ON OFF REMOT E DEMO MODE p. 52 COUNTER SET P I CTURE PAGE p. 45 p. 43 p. 42 FOCUS WH I T E EXPO SURE BA L. p. 30 p. 27 p. 40 p. 44 T I - RE SCENE T L E TURN 1 6 9 MENU p. 24 p. 13 MENU 2 DATE / T IME D I SPLAY SELECT S E T T I NG p.
Operation Summary Quick Reference Index This index lists some example uses of the VIEWCAM’s features. • To record with a Hi8 tape in normal 8 mm format. Recording Format) —See page ii ( • To quickly check what you have just recorded. —See page 26 (Quick Review) • To quickly return the tape to the end of the last recorded scene after playback. —See page 27 (Quick Return) • To locate the point on the tape where to begin recording while in Camera mode. —See page 27 (Edit Search) • To record a backlit subject.
Operation Summary Operation Summary Warning Indicators Displayed for the first 3 seconds Displayed after 3 seconds Description of warning The video cassette is defective and should be removed (see page 11). Dew has formed inside the VIEWCAM. Wait for a few hours until the dew disappears (see page 49). About 10 seconds after this warning appears, the VIEWCAM automatically turns off. The battery is almost depleted. Replace it with a fully charged battery pack (see page 8).
Preparation Preparation Inserting and Removing the Battery Pack 4 Close the door, pressing it firmly in the centre until it clicks. Inserting the Battery Pack Make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF. Preparation 1 Removing the Battery Pack Power switch 2 Slide the battery compartment door release on the bottom of the VIEWCAM in the direction of the arrow to open the battery compartment door.
Preparation Charging the Battery Pack Preparation Power switch CHARGE indicator 1 Insert the battery pack into the VIEWCAM (see page 8). Make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF. • The battery pack will not charge when the Power switch is set to CAMERA or VCR. 2 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter, then insert the AC plug into a power outlet. 3 Open the terminal cover on the VIEWCAM and insert the DC plug of the AC adapter into the DC IN jack on the VIEWCAM.
Powering the VIEWCAM from an AC Outlet Caution: Note: • Close the terminal cover after use. Power switch 1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter, then insert the AC plug into a power outlet. 2 Make sure that the Power switch is set to OFF. 3 Open the terminal cover and insert the DC plug of the AC adapter into the DC IN jack on the VIEWCAM. Terminal cover DC IN jack To power outlet 4 Hold down the Lock button and slide the Power switch to CAMERA or VCR.
Preparation Inserting and Removing a Cassette Preparation Inserting a Cassette 1 4 Wait for the cassette holder to fully retract. Close the compartment door by pressing the centre until it clicks into place. Supply power to the VIEWCAM, then slide the release and open the cassette compartment door. • The cassette holder extends and opens automatically. Cassette compartment door release Removing a Cassette Perform step 1 above, then take out the cassette.
Installing the Lithium Memory Battery 5 Close the cassette compartment door by pressing the centre until it clicks into place. The supplied lithium battery is used to store the memory of the date and time settings. Preparation 1 Slide the cassette compartment door release and open the cassette compartment door. Cassette compartment door release Removing the Lithium Battery Perform steps 1 and 2 above, then lift out the battery from the battery holder.
Preparation Setting the Date and Time 4 Preparation Example: Setting the date to 2 June 2003 (2. 6. 2003) and the time to 10:30 am (10:30). Note: • Check that the lithium memory battery has been installed before setting the date and time. Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button (C or D) to select “2” (day), and press the SET button. S E T T I NG 5 Power switch Press the 쑽 or 쒀 button to select “6” (month), and press the SET button.
Using the Hand Strap and the Lens Cap 1 Open the hand strap flap (Q) and grip strap (W). Grip strap Preparation Hand strap flap Notes: • Always replace the lens cap on the lens when the VIEWCAM is not in use. • Attach the lens cap to the hand strap so it will not get in the way during recording. Attaching the Shoulder Strap 2 Pass your hand through the hand strap and put your thumb close to the Power Zoom control.
Preparation Using the Sun Hood (Optional Accessory) Closing the Sun Hood 1 Fold in both side covers while holding the top cover open. 2 Close the top cover by gently pressing the mark down until the cover clicks into place. Preparation It is recommended that you use the optional sun hood when recording outdoors on a sunny day or at a brightly illuminated location.
Basic Operations Camera Recording Easy Camera Recording with Full Auto Mode Before you start recording, perform the operations described on pages 8 through 15 to prepare your VIEWCAM for recording. REC START/STOP button Note: • When recording at the beginning of a tape, advance the tape about 15 seconds before you begin recording. This will prevent the beginning of the recording being cut off when it is played back. To Pause Recording Press the REC START/STOP button again.
Basic Operations Camera Recording Zooming Tips on Recording Positions Zooming allows you to move visually closer to or farther from a subject without physically changing your position. The rotating LCD monitor screen lets you enjoy easy video recording in a more relaxed posture without having to hold the VIEWCAM up to your eye. The LCD monitor also makes it easier to record high-angle and low-angle shots.
Remaining Recording Time Display Remaining Battery Power Display When the VIEWCAM is recording in Camera mode, about 10 minutes before the tape reaches the end, an on-screen indicator displays the approximate remaining recording time. When using the VIEWCAM with the battery pack as the power source, you can turn on and off the remaining battery power display by pressing the DISPLAY button. If the battery power becomes very low, a warning indicator will appear. Replace the battery pack. Approx.
Basic Operations Basic Operations Playback Playback Playback To Stop Playback The LCD monitor screen makes it possible to play back and see what you have just recorded. Nothing needs to be connected, allowing instant on-screen playback with the sound through the built-in speaker. Power switch LCD monitor screen Press the STOP button (A). REW P L A Y F F S T OP S T I L L Note: • If you wish to turn the Operation button indicators on or off, press the DISPLAY button.
Watching the Playback on a TV 3 • When connecting to a TV via a VCR, turn on the VCR and set it to the “AV” or “LINE” input channel. Operate the TV as you normally do to see the signal from the VCR. (See the operation manuals of your TV and VCR.) You can also connect the VIEWCAM to a TV to allow a larger audience to enjoy video playback. 1 Lift up the terminal cover on the VIEWCAM (Q) and rotate it to the right (W). Turn on the TV and set it to the “AV” or “VIDEO” channel.
Basic Operations Playback Video Search Still The video search function makes it easy to search for a desired scene on the tape. The still function makes it possible to pause playback. Searching for a Scene Near the Current Tape Position During playback, press the STILL button ( ). 1 During playback, press the Forward Search (B) (or Reverse Search [C]) button. REW P L A Y F F S T OP S T I L L • The playback picture fast forwards (or reverses).
Useful Features Useful Features Operations of the On-screen Controls Selecting the Mode/Menu Screens Using the Control Buttons You can use the mode screens to select various functions and the menu screens to adjust various settings. Follow the procedure below to display the mode/menu screen with the indicator of the desired function/setting. The following buttons on the VIEWCAM can be used to control the various functions, settings and on-screen displays.
Useful Features Adjusting the Menu Settings 5 Press the SET button (B) to select the desired setting. • Each time you press the SET button, the setting changes. Follow the procedure below to adjust the desired menu settings. Example Camera mode MENU 1 1 2 Hold down the Lock button and slide the Power switch to CAMERA. SET F ADE NORMAL AUTO ON REMOT E Press the MENU button until appears.
Recording the Date and Time When “AUTO” is selected, the date/time is displayed and recorded for 10 seconds at the beginning of the first recording of each day. When “ON” is selected, the date/time is continuously displayed and recorded. When “OFF” is selected, the date/time is neither displayed nor recorded. Follow the procedure shown below to record the date and time, or the date only, along with the subject.
Useful Features Fade In and Fade Out The fade function allows you to gradually bring the image and sound in or out at the beginning or end of a scene to create a scene transition. This VIEWCAM features one normal and two animated fade modes. Selecting Fade Mode 1 In Recording Standby mode, press the (MENU 1) MENU button until appears. MENU 1 F ADE REMOT E DEMO MODE Type of Fade Modes NORMAL: The picture fades in from and out to white.
2 Press the REC START/STOP button to begin recording. Quick Review • The picture and sound fade in with the selected fade mode. The quick review function lets you check the last 5 seconds of tape just recorded without switching to VCR mode, to make sure that the recording has come out right. 1 In Recording Standby mode, press the appears. MENU button until HA PPY B I R THDAY ! PIC EFF F ADE PIC EFF 3 GAMA Q K REW EFF Press the REC START/STOP button at the point where you wish to stop recording.
Useful Features Quick Return Edit Search When you have been playing back what you have recorded, and wish to quickly return to recording again from the end of the last recorded scene, use the quick return function. The edit search function lets you search, without switching from Camera mode to VCR mode, for the point on the tape where you wish to start recording next. 1 In Recording Standby mode, press the appears.
Gamma Brightness Compensation To obtain a brighter picture Press the GAMA EFF. button (A) again. • The When the subject is backlit, the image will be darkened if it is recorded normally. The gamma brightness compensation function improves the picture by increasing the brightness of the subject while leaving the brighter portions of the image unaffected. 1 2 indicator appears. GAMA E F F. GAMMA PIC EFF Press the MENU button until appears (Camera mode). GAMA Q K EFF RE REW Press the GAMA EFF.
Useful Features Gain-up (Cat’s Eye) To cancel the gain-up function When you are recording in a dark or poorlyilluminated location, “LIGHT” is displayed on the screen. Use the gain-up function to record a brighter picture. 1 2 Press the MENU button until appears (Camera mode). Press the GAMA EFF. button (A) once. • “GAMMA” appears, indicating that the gain-up function is now working. GAMA E F F.
Wide Screen (16:9) Macro Shots The wide screen function lets you record scenes with the wide-screen feel of a movie shown in a theatre. The top and bottom of the picture are masked with black bands to produce an effective screen aspect ratio of 16:9. This VIEWCAM lets you shoot close-up images of small objects such as flowers and insects, or make title frames for your videos. When you want to record a magnified image of a subject which is within approximately 1.5 m of the VIEWCAM, do not zoom in on it.
Useful Features Self Recording The LCD monitor can be rotated 180° vertically so that the monitor screen faces the subject. This lets you record yourself while watching your image on the screen. You can enjoy recording a portrait of yourself, or recording yourself and your friends together at a party. 3 Push the Power Zoom control to obtain the desired angle of view. 4 Press the REC START button (B) to begin recording. ME S SAGE To pause recording, press the REC STOP button (B).
3 Self-recording Message In Self Recording mode, you can record a short video message for somebody. This feature is convenient for editing video letters. • Complete steps 1 to 3 of “Normal Self Recording” on page 31, then perform the procedure below. When the remaining recording time reaches 5 seconds, “EXTEND” will begin flashing. • When you want to extend the recording time, press the EXTEND button (A) within 5 seconds. You may record continuously for 10 more seconds.
Useful Features Setting the VIEWCAM to Full Auto Mode 4 This VIEWCAM is equipped with auto focus, auto white balance, and auto exposure functions. For easy, high-quality camerarecording, record subjects in Full Auto mode. If “EXPOSURE” is displayed in yellow, press the EXPOSURE button ( ) to display the exposure setting screen, then press the AUTO button (B). • The exposure setting screen turns off and “EXPOSURE” returns to blue.
3 Program Search Press the REW (C) (or FF [B]) button. • The tape rewinds (or fast forwards) to the beginning of a scene immediately before (or after) the current tape position; playback then starts automatically. The program search function automatically finds and plays back the beginning of a number of previously recorded scenes. Up to 10 different scenes can be found on one tape.
Useful Features Tape Counter Feature Camera mode The tape counter shows elapsed playback or recording time in hours, minutes and seconds. (The counter continues to count internally even while it is not being displayed.) This feature can be set and used in both VCR and Camera modes. Using the Counter Press the MENU button until appears. SEARCH GAMA COUE F F . NT ER 2 Press the COUNTER button (D) to display the tape counter. Tape counter 0 11 20 GAMA COU - MEM- RE - SE E F F .
Using the Counter Memory 5 Press the REW button (C). • The tape will automatically stop when the counter reaches 0:00.00. Use the counter memory feature when you want to return to the beginning of a particular scene. The position where the counter was reset (0:00.00) is stored in memory to make it easier to return to that point on the tape. VCR mode 1 M 0 11 24 REW P L A Y F F S T OP S T I L L REW P L A Y F F S T OP S T I L L During playback, press the MENU appears.
Useful Features Using the Remote Control (Not supplied) The remote control (RRMCG0084TASA) is not supplied with this VIEWCAM. Contact the nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer for purchasing as a specified part. Operating the Remote Control Aim the remote control at the remote sensor of the VIEWCAM, and press the control buttons for operation. Remote sensor 1 2 Open the battery compartment cover.
Advanced Features Digital Picture Effects To cancel the digital picture effect These digital picture effects let you record the subject with a more dramatic effect. Type of Digital Picture Effects Select “PIC. EFF.” in step 2 above. Note: • The digital picture effect will be cancelled if the power source is interrupted. B/W EFF.: The picture is recorded in blackand-white. SEPA EFF.: The picture is recorded in sepia colour similar to that of an old photograph.
Advanced Features Scene Menu (Program AE) You can set the VIEWCAM to the shooting mode that will create the best results for a specific type of shooting situation. Just select one of the four scene settings shown below. The VIEWCAM will automatically set the exposure, white balance, and shutter speed to produce the optimum picture quality for the selected situation. Type of Scene Settings SPORT: When you want to record a fastmoving subject. SUNLIGHT: When the background is very bright.
3 Superimposing a Title Use the title feature to superimpose titles on your videos when recording. There are eight titles preset for your convenience which you can choose from. 1 Press the or button (Q) to select the desired title, then press the SET button (B) (W) to superimpose it. SET In Recording Standby mode, press the appears.
Advanced Features 4 Changing the Preset Titles You can make a new title of your own by changing any of the eight preset titles. The maximum number of title characters is fifteen. • The selected character will appear at the top of the screen and the cursor will automatically move to the right. Example: Changing “WEDDING DAY” to “IN HAWAII”. 1 Press the MENU button until appears, and then press the TITLE button (C) to display the title selection screen.
Auto/Manual Focus 1 In Recording Standby mode, press the MENU button until appears. Auto Focus The auto focus function is designed to focus on most types of subjects. In Auto Focus mode, the VIEWCAM automatically focuses on whatever is in the centre of the scene. Always keep the subject in the centre of the screen. 2 Notes: • If no subject is in the centre of the screen, the focus area will expand and the subject nearest the centre will be focused on.
Advanced Features 3 White Balance Lock • “WHITE BAL.” changes from blue to yellow and begins flashing. The colour of the subject on the screen tends to look different depending on the lighting condition. The VIEWCAM is preset to Auto White Balance mode, which automatically adjusts the hue of the picture for the current lighting condition. The auto white balance may not work properly for the following subjects. In this case, use the white balance lock function.
3 Manual Exposure Press the or button to select the desired exposure level. • The bar indicates the selected exposure The VIEWCAM is preset to Auto Exposure mode, which automatically chooses the optimal aperture. When there is too much contrast in brightness between the subject and background, however, you may not be able to record a clear image. In this case, use the manual exposure function to correct the exposure level. level.
Advanced Features 3 Picture/Backlight Adjustments Press the or button to adjust the picture or backlight to the desired setting. If the monitor picture is difficult to see due to ambient lighting, etc., adjust the picture settings. This feature can be adjusted in both Camera and VCR modes. • The example screens for this feature are for Camera mode. 1 Press the MENU button until (Camera mode) or (VCR mode) appears.
Gamma Playback The gamma playback function improves the picture by increasing the brightness of the subject while leaving the brighter portions of the image unaffected. 1 During playback, press the MENU button until appears. GAMA COUE F F . NT ER 2 SEARCH Turning Off the LCD Monitor Backlight The LCD monitor uses a fluorescent lamp for backlighting (see page 50). In order to reduce battery consumption, you can turn off the lamp when backlighting is not necessary (e.g.
Advanced Features Editing Video editing lets you refine your videos by removing unwanted sequences from your tape, or transposing one sequence with another. This VIEWCAM lets you monitor the source program on the built-in LCD monitor without having to connect it to an external TV or video monitor. Connect the VIEWCAM to a VCR with the supplied audio/video cable, as shown.
References Useful Information Hints for Better Shooting • Position the subject in the centre of the screen. When you are using auto focus, whatever is in the centre of the screen is kept in focus. Lighting For clear, good-quality recording, 500 to 100,000 lux is needed. Recording is possible with less light, but the picture quality may suffer. Adequate lighting is also essential for correct white balance. Brightness (Lux) Situation (Lux) Blue sky 100,000 ○ Position the subject in the centre.
References Dew Formation • 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. • 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.
Replacing the Fluorescent Lamp This VIEWCAM uses a fluorescent lamp to backlight the LCD monitor. If the monitor becomes dark or difficult to view, the fluorescent lamp may need to be replaced. Contact the nearest SHARP service centre or your dealer for further advice. Battery Pack Battery pack consumption • Recording with many starts and stops, frequent zooming, and recording in low temperatures will shorten actual recording times. Accordingly, be sure to turn off the power when not recording.
References Cleaning Video Cassette Tapes Use only tapes with the with this VIEWCAM. or mark To protect recordings against erasure When a previously recorded cassette is used again for recording, the previously recorded material is erased. To protect a recording against accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette to cover the opening. (A red mark will be exposed.) To record, slide the tab to open the opening. Notes: • Do not insert anything into the erasure-protection opening in the cassette.
Demonstration Mode Cancelling Demo Mode You can watch a brief demonstration of the special VIEWCAM features in Demo mode. If the demonstration appears on the screen when you turn on the VIEWCAM for the first time, cancel the Demo mode to use your VIEWCAM. 1 During the demonstration, perform step 3 above. 2 Press 쑽 or 쒀 button (Q) to select “DEMO MODE”, then press the SET button (B) (W) to select “OFF”.
References Before Requesting Service Before calling for service, please check the following troubleshooting table. Symptom Power No power. CAMERA mode REC START/STOP button does not work. VCR mode References Suggested solution Power source is not properly connected. Connect power source properly (pp. 8, 10). Battery pack is not charged. Charge battery pack sufficiently (p. 9). Dew in VIEWCAM. Wait until dew dries (p. 49). Safety function is in effect.
VCR mode Symptom Suggested solution Cannot play back, rewind Position at beginning or end of tape. or fast forward tape. Rewind or fast forward tape to desired point (p. 19). Video noise in image. Dirty video heads. Call for service. Old or worn tape. Use a new cassette. Power source is not properly connected. Connect power source properly (pp. 8, 10). Battery pack is not charged. Charge battery pack sufficiently (p. 9). VIEWCAM is recording. Stop tape and try again (p. 16).
References Specifications VIEWCAM Signal System: Recording System: Cassette: Recording/Playback Time: Tape Speed: Pickup Device: Lens: Lens Filter Diameter: Monitor: Microphone: Colour Temperature Compensation: Minimum Illumination: Video Output Level: Audio Output Level: Speaker Output: Power Requirement: Power Consumption: Operating Temperature: Operating Humidity: Storage Temperature: Dimensions (approx.): Weight (approx.
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