Panasonic Aj Sd930b Operating Instructions Manual

							VQT0F41 Printed in Japan
S0903W @P
AJ- P
Model No.AJ- P
Operating Instructions
Digital Video Cassette Recorder
Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this manual for future use. 
						

							2
IMPORTANT
“Unauthorized recording of copyrighted television programs, video tapes and other materials may infringe the
right of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.”
indicates safety information.
$THIS APPARATUS MUST BE GROUNDED
To ensure safe operation the three-pin plug must be
inserted only into a standard three-pin power outlet which
is effectively grounded through normal household wiring.
Extension cords used with the equipment must be three-
core and be correctly wired to provide connection to the
ground. Incorrectly wired extension cords can be
extremely hazardous.
The fact that the equipment operates satisfactorily does
not imply that it is grounded, and the installation is not
necessarily safe. For your safety, if in any doubt about
the effective grounding of the equipment or power outlet,
please consult a qualified electrician.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD AND ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE
THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, REFER MOUNTING OF THE OPTIONAL
INTERFACE BOARD TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
CAUTION:
OKeep the temperature inside the rack to between
41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C).
OBolt the rack securely to the floor so that it will
not topple over when VTR is drawn out.
CAUTION:
Do not install or place this unit in a bookcase,
built-in cabinet or any other confined space in
order to maintain adequate ventilation. Ensure
that curtains and any other materials do not
obstruct the ventilation to prevent risk of electric
shock or fire hazard due to overheating.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, REFER CHANGE OF SWITCH SETTING
INSIDE THE UNIT TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, 
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR  BACK).
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER TO SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (service) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
FCC Note:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
To assure continued compliance follow the attached
installation instructions and do not make any
unauthorized modifications.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a class A digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in
a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
CAUTION:
This apparatus can be operated at a voltage in the
range of 100 – 240 V AC.
Voltage other than 120 V is not intended for U.S.A.
and Canada.
CAUTION:
Operation at a voltage other than 120 V AC may
require the use of a different AC plug. Please contact
either a local or foreign Panasonic authorized service
center for assistance in selecting an alternate AC
plug.
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, KEEP THIS EQUIPMENT AWAY FROM
ALL LIQUIDS-USE AND STORE ONLY IN
LOCATIONS WHICH ARE NOT EXPOSED TO THE
RISK OF DRIPPING OR SPLASHING LIQUIDS, AND
DO NOT PLACE ANY LIQUID CONTAINERS ON
TOP OF THE EQUIPMENT.
CAUTION:
THE AC OUTLET (MAINS SOCKET) SHALL BE
INSTALLED NEAR THE EQUIPMENT AND SHALL
BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
CAUTION:
Even when the Power Switch is in the OFF
position, a small current flows the filter circuit. 
						

							3
Introduction
The AJ-SD930B and AJ-SD955B are multi-purpose
studio digital VTRs which utilize small, 1/4-inch wide
cassette tapes for high quality recording, playback
and editing of video images recorded at a rate of 50
Mbps in addition to recording, playback and editing in
DVCPRO (25 Mbps) format.
These VTRs incorporate digital compression
technology to dramatically reduce deterioration of
picture quality and sound resulting from dubbing,
thereby attaining high picture quality.These units also come equipped with a variety of
functions, such as assemble and insert functions,
which are necessary when performing editing
operations with a VTR.
(Editing operations cannot be performed with the AJ-
SD930B alone; however, these operations are
possible if an external controller is connected to the
unit.)
These operating instructions include descriptions for both the AJ-SD955B and AJ-SD930B.
Descriptions which concern only the AJ-SD955B are marked with  .
SD955B
Optional interface boards
OAnalog Video Input Board
AJ-YA931G (525i), AJ-YA932G (625i)
OSDTI Interface Board
AJ-YAC930G
ODigital Video Interface Board (IEEE 1394)
AJ-YAD955G
Use only the optional boards listed above.
The AJ-YAD455P or AJ-YAD755G cannot be
used with this unit.
Never use the AJ-YAD455P or AJ-YAD755G with
this unit as it will cause malfunctioning.
AJ-YAD455P: IEEE 1394 board for the AJ-D455
AJ-YAD755G: IEEE 1394 board for the AJ-SD755
Contents
Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Features  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Parts and their functions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Front panel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Display panel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Rear panel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Connections  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Tapes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Jog/Shuttle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Manual editing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Preroll  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Automatic editing (deck-to-deck)   . . . . . . .20
Switch settings and adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Selecting the editing mode  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Registering the edit points  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Checking and previewing edit points  . . . . . . . . . .22
Modifying edit points  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Executing and reviewing automatic editing  . . . . .24
Audio split editing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Variable memory editing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Setup (initial settings)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Setup menus  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
SYSTEM menu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
USER menus  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
SD955B
SD955B
SD955B
SD955B
SD955B
Time code/user’s bit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Superimpose screen  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Video output signals and servo reference 
signal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Audio V fade function  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Audio recording channel and monitor output
selection  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Printed circuit board  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Rack mounting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Video head cleaning  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Condensation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Maintenance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Error messages  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
RS-232C interface  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
SDTI interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Connector signals  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 
						

							4
Features
Time codes
This unit has a built-in TCG (time code
generator)/TCR (time code reader).
In addition to the internal time code, external time
code input or input signal VITC can be recorded on
this VTR as the time code.
Multifunctional interface
OSerial digital input/output
A component serial interface is provided as
standard and enables interfacing of the serial digital
component signals.
OAnalog video input/output
Both composite and component signal outputs are
provided as standard.
Use of an analog video input board (AJ-YA931G,
optional accessory) enables interfacing of the
component (Y, PB, PR) and composite signal input.
OAES/EBU audio input/output
Digital audio input/output connectors are provided.
OIEEE1394 digital input/output
Use of an digital video interface board (AJ-
YAD955G, optional accessory) enables input/output
interfacing of the digital signals with the IEEE1394
standard.
OSDTI input/output
Use of an SDTI board (AJ-YAC930G, optional
accessory) enables input/output interfacing of the
SDTI (Serial Data Transport Interface) signals.
O9-pin RS-422A/RS-232C remote
In addition to the standard 9-pin serial remote (RS-
422A), RS-232C and 25-pin parallel remote
connectors are also provided. 
The RS-422A enables another VTR to be operated
in parallel with the unit if loop connection is used.
O4-channel, high-sound-quality digital audio
The 4-channel PCM audio enables independent
editing for all four channels in addition to channel
mixing.
OMenu-based setup
The setup settings, which are conducted prior to
operating the unit, are performed while viewing the
setup menus on the unit’s display or a TV monitor.Use the AJ-YA932G analog video input board
when the AJ-SD955B is to be used with a 625i
system.Light and compact
This unit is a 4U size digital VTR and can be easily
mounted in a 19-inch rack by using the rack mounting
adapters (AJ-MA75P, optional accessory).
Up to 92 minutes of recording
M cassettes (max. 33 minutes: using the AJ-5P33MP)
and L cassettes (max. 92 minutes: using the AJ-
5P92LP) can be used with this unit. Tape width is a
compact 1/4-inch.
Superior picture quality
Superior picture quality is achieved through 4:2:2
component signal recording at 2 times the recording
rate of the existing DVCPRO (25 Mbps) format.
Switching between 525i and 625i TV systems
By selecting the setting (setup menu item No. 070)
that matches the video input signal TV system (525i or
625i), the signals of each TV system can be recorded
and/or played back.
SDI interface
A 4:2:2 serial digital interface is a standard feature.
Compatibility with DVCPRO (25 Mbps) format
This unit can record, play back and edit material in the
existing DVCPRO (25 Mbps) format.
Compatibility with general consumer video
equipment
DV cassette tapes containing material shot with a
consumer digital camera or the like can be played
back on this unit. A cassette adapter (AJ-CS455P) is
necessary when a mini DV cassette tape is to be
used.
Digital slow motion/jog dial
Panasonic’s original digital slow-motion technology
makes it possible to attain clear pictures even during
slow playback at speeds of –0.43 to +0.43/+0.5/+0.75.
(DVCPRO, DVCPRO50)
Dial shuttle
Color images can be played back in forward and
reverse directions up to a maximum of a32 normal
playback speed.
Recording and playback of UMID information
Recording and playback of UMID (Unique Material
Identifier) information complies with the SMPTE 330M
standard.
UMID information can be checked on the DIAG menu.
UMID information cannot be played back correctly by VTRs that
do not support the recording and playback of UMID information. 
In addition, even if a VTR that does not support the recording
and playback of UMID information is connected to this unit and
recording performed, UMID information will not be recorded
correctly.
SD955B 
						

							5
Front panel
1POWER switch
2Format display area
The recording format and the format of the tape
inserted in the unit are displayed here.
DVCPRO50:
This indicates recording and playback of
DVCPRO50 (50 Mbps) format tapes.
DVCPRO:
This indicates recording and playback of
DVCPRO (25 Mbps) format tapes.
DV:
This indicates playback of DV format tapes.
3Cassette insertion slot
4EJECT button
When this button is pressed, the tape is unloaded
and the cassette is ejected automatically a few
seconds later. 
When CTL display has been selected for the
counter display, the display is reset.
EJECT button operation can be enabled or disabled
with setup menu No. 115 (EJECT SW INH).5INPUT SELECT buttons
These buttons switch the video and audio input
signals. It is also possible to switch the input signals
to the internal reference signal selected on setup
menu No. 600 (INT SG).
VIDEO:
Each time the VIDEO button is pressed, the input
video signal selection is switched in the order of
Y PB PR 5CMPST 5SDI 5SDTI/1394 5SG
(SG/SG1/SG2).
OWhen SG has been selected, the signal is
switched to the internal reference signal
selected on setup menu No. 600 (INT SG).
AUDIO:
Each time the AUDIO button is pressed, the
input audio signal selection is switched in the
order of ANALOG 5AES/EBU 5USER SET 5
SDI 5SDTI/1394 5SG.
OUSER SET is a function which enables the
input signals to be selected and recorded
separately on PCM audio signal channels 1
through 4, and is used in conjunction with the
setup menu.
Example: 

OIt is possible to inhibit input switching operations
(video and audio) of the INPUT SELECT buttons
with setup menu No. 112 (V IN SEL INH) and
No. 113 (A IN SEL INH).
OY PB PR, CMPST and SDTI/1394 cannot be
selected unless one of the optional boards (AJ-
YA931G, AJ-YAC930G) has been installed.
Settings
AUDIO button
USER SET
Setup menus
No.715 (CH1 IN SEL) : ANA
No.716 (CH2 IN SEL) : DIGI
No.717 (CH3 IN SEL) : DIGI
No.718 (CH4 IN SEL) : ANA
No.719 (D IN SEL12) : AES
No.720 (D IN SEL34) : SIF
PCM audio signals to be recorded on the tape
CH1 : Analog input signals
CH2 : AES/EBU digital signals
CH3 : SDI input digital signals
CH4 : Analog input signals
Parts and their functions
ON
OFFPOWERDVDVCPRODVCPRO 50
METER
L
R FULL/FINE
MONITOR SELECT
HEADPHONESMONITOR
MIXA VOL
SELECTINPUT SELECTPREVIEW/PREVIEWAUTO EDITPREROLLVIDEO
REC LEVELCH1PB LEVEL
AUDIOCH2 CH3 CH4TCPRESETMENU SET DIAGSUPER REC INHINT TCGMODECONTROLON
OFFUNITY
VA R
COUNTERRESET
A  INTRIM
SET
OUT IN
A  OUTCH1 CH4CH2INSERTCH3ASSEMVIDEO CUE TCSTAND BY
EDIT
REW STOPPLAY REC PLAYER
RECORDER
FF
JOGSHTLSLOW
TAPE
EEONREGENPRESETEXITOFFREMOTELOCAL
12345 
						

							6
ON
OFFPOWERDVDVCPRODVCPRO 50
METER
L
R FULL/FINE
MONITOR SELECT
HEADPHONESMONITOR
MIXA VOL
SELECTINPUT SELECTPREVIEW/PREVIEWAUTO EDITPREROLLVIDEO
REC LEVELCH1PB LEVEL
AUDIOCH2 CH3 CH4TCPRESETMENU SET DIAGSUPER REC INHINT TCGMODECONTROLON
OFFUNITY
VA R
COUNTERRESET
A  INTRIM
SET
OUT IN
A  OUTCH1 CH4CH2INSERTCH3ASSEMVIDEO CUE TCSTAND BY
EDIT
REW STOPPLAY REC PLAYER
RECORDER
FF
JOGSHTLSLOW
TAPE
EEONREGENPRESETEXITOFFREMOTELOCAL
6
						

							7
Front panel
=PLAYER and RECORDER buttons 
These buttons are operated if the VTR is to be used
as a recorder to conduct editing operations with a
VTR equipped with an RS-422A serial interface
remote control connector (9 pins). Neither button
works when the VTR is used on its own.
PLAYER:
When this button is pressed, its lamp lights to
indicate that the player connected to the VTR
can be operated by remote control. The VTR’s
editing and tape transport system buttons can
now be used to control the player.
RECORDER:
When this button is pressed, its lamp lights to
indicate that the editing and tape transport
system buttons can now be used to operate the
recorder (this VTR).
When the PLAYER button or RECORDER button is
pressed while ENA has been selected as the setup
menu No. 200 (PARA RUN) setting, the lamps of
both buttons light to indicate that the VTR now
serves as the master unit for parallel run
operations.
(However, when this setting is used, it is no longer
possible to perform external control from the 9-pin
REMOTE connector.)
>Search button
When this button is pressed, the search mode is
established. 
When it is pressed after the search dial has been
set to the shuttle mode and turned to the desired
position, playback starts at the speed which was set
by the search dial.
?SHTL/SLOW button
This button is used to select whether the search
dial is to be used for SHTL or SLOW applications.
Each time it is pressed, the search dial is set
alternately to SHTL or SLOW.SD955B
Parts and their functions
@Search dial
This dial is used to locate the edit points.
Each time it is pressed, it is set alternatively to the
SHTL/SLOW mode or the JOG mode, and the JOG,
SHTL or SLOW lamp lights.
When the power is turned on, the search dial will not
operate unless it is first returned to the STILL position.
SHTL (shuttle) mode:
When the dial is turned and set to the desired
position while the SHTL lamp among the JOG,
SHTL and SLOW lamps is lighted, the tape can be
played at the speed corresponding to the angle at
which the dial has been turned. A still picture
appears when the dial is set to the center position.
SLOW mode:
When the dial is turned all the way in the
counterclockwise direction while the SLOW lamp
among the JOG, SHTL and SLOW lamps is lighted,
the tape speed is set to –4.1a. Similarly, when it is
set to the center position, it is set to still picture, and
when it is turned all the way in the clockwise
direction, it is set to +4.1a. The SLOW speed in
each direction can be selected using setup menu
No. 320 (VAR FWD MAX) and No. 321 (VAR REV
MAX).
JOG mode:
In this mode, the click-stop positions of the dial are
released, and the tape is played at a speed ranging
from –1ato +1ain accordance with the speed at
which the dial is turned.
The maximum speed can be set using setup menu
No. 323 (JOG FWD MAX) and No. 324 (JOG REV
MAX).
ADial ring
The dial ring lights during search mode.
The conditions under which the ring is to light can be
selected using setup menu No. 117 (DIAL LAMP).
BJOG, SHTL and SLOW lamps
These lamps indicate the search dial mode.
JOG :This lights in the JOG mode.
SHTL :This lights in the SHTL mode.
SLOW :This lights in the SLOW mode.
CCOUNTER button
Each time this button is pressed, the counter display
on the display panel changes to the next setting in the
following sequence: CTL 5TC 5UB.
DRESET button
When this button is pressed in the CTL mode, the
counter display is reset to [00:00:00:00]. At the same
time, any edit points that have been registered will
also be cleared.
When this button is pressed while the TC PRESET
button is held down in the TC or UB mode, the time
code generator is reset.
ON
OFFPOWERDVDVCPRODVCPRO 50
METER
L
R FULL/FINE
MONITOR SELECT
HEADPHONESMONITOR
MIXA VOL
SELECTINPUT SELECTPREVIEW/PREVIEWAUTO EDITPREROLLVIDEO
REC LEVELCH1PB LEVEL
AUDIOCH2 CH3 CH4TCPRESETMENU SET DIAGSUPER REC INHINT TCGMODECONTROLON
OFFUNITY
VA R
COUNTERRESET
A  INTRIM
SET
OUT IN
A  OUTCH1 CH4CH2INSERTCH3ASSEMVIDEO CUE TCSTAND BY
EDIT
REW STOPPLAY REC PLAYER
RECORDER
FF
JOGSHTLSLOW
TAPE
EEONREGENPRESETEXITOFFREMOTELOCAL
CD>?
@A
=B
TC PRESET button 
						

							8
Front panel
EASSEM button 
This button is pressed to proceed with assemble
editing.
It has a self-illuminating lamp which comes ON
when the button is pressed and goes OFF when it
is pressed again.
FINSERT buttons 
The input signals to be edited when insert editing is
to be conducted are selected by pressing one of
these seven buttons.
Each of these buttons has a self-illuminating lamp
which comes ON when the button is pressed and
goes OFF when it is pressed again.
G
IN (A IN), SET and OUT (A OUT) buttons
When the SET button is pressed while the IN (A IN)
or OUT (A OUT) button is held down, the IN (A IN)
or OUT (A OUT) point is registered.
The A IN and A OUT buttons are used during audio
split editing to register audio IN and OUT points that
differ from the corresponding video points.
When an IN (A IN) or OUT (A OUT) point has been
registered, the lamp of the IN (A IN) or OUT (A
OUT) button which has registered that point lights.
When these buttons are pressed after points have
been registered, the IN (A IN) or OUT (A OUT)
point value appears on the counter display. When
the IN (A IN) or OUT (A OUT) button is pressed
together with the RESET button, the registration of
the IN (A IN) or OUT (A OUT) point is cleared.
HTRIM buttons 
These buttons are used to make fine adjustments
to the IN (A IN) or OUT (A OUT) point.
By pressing the + or – button while the IN (A IN)
button or OUT (A OUT) button is held down, the
registered edit point can be adjusted in 1-frame
increments. When the + button is pressed, the point
is moved ahead by one frame; conversely, when
the – button is pressed, it is moved back by one
frame.
SD955B
SD955B
SD955B
SD955B
Parts and their functions
IPREROLL button 
This button is used to locate where a transmission
or manual editing starts on the tape.
When it is pressed, the tape travels to the preroll
point and stops.
The preroll time can be set using setup menu No.
000 (P-ROLL TIME).
When the button is pressed while the IN (A IN) or
OUT (A OUT) button is held down, the tape is cued
up to the registered point concerned.
If this button is pressed when no IN point has been
entered, the point where the button was pressed
will automatically be entered as the IN point.
(However, this is only the case if ENA has been
selected as the setup menu No. 313 (AUTO
ENTRY) setting.
JPREVIEW/REVIEW button 
PREVIEW:
When the button is pressed after an edit point
has been registered, the tape travels and the
editing can be previewed without actually
performing the editing.
If the button is pressed when no IN point has
been registered, the point where it was pressed
is registered as the IN point, and preview is
executed using this IN point.
REVIEW:
When the button is pressed after a section has
been edited, the section that was just edited is
played back and can be viewed on the recorder’s
monitor.
KAUTO EDIT button 
When this button is pressed after the edit points
have been registered, automatic editing is initiated.
If this button is pressed when no IN point has been
entered, automatic editing is initiated with the point
where the button was pressed serving as the IN
point.
LMETER (FULL/FINE) selector button
This button is used to select the scale display for
the audio level meter.
FULL mode:
The standard scale (–
∞to 0 dB) is selected.
FINE mode:
The scale in 0.5 dB increments is selected.
The 
5position indicates the standard audio
level of –20 dB, and each of the dots (O)
displayed indicates a 1 dB scale increment. 
(See page 12)
SD955B
SD955B
SD955B
ON
OFFPOWERDVDVCPRODVCPRO 50
METER
L
R FULL/FINE
MONITOR SELECT
HEADPHONESMONITOR
MIXA VOL
SELECTINPUT SELECTPREVIEW/PREVIEWAUTO EDITPREROLLVIDEO
REC LEVELCH1PB LEVEL
AUDIOCH2 CH3 CH4TCPRESETMENU SET DIAGSUPER REC INHINT TCGMODECONTROLON
OFFUNITY
VA R
COUNTERRESET
A  INTRIM
SET
OUT IN
A  OUTCH1 CH4CH2INSERTCH3ASSEMVIDEO CUE TCSTAND BY
EDIT
REW STOPPLAY REC PLAYER
RECORDER
FF
JOGSHTLSLOW
TAPE
EEONREGENPRESETEXITOFFREMOTELOCAL
EIKJFH
G
L 
						

							9
Front panel
MMONITOR SELECT (L andR) buttons
These buttons are used to select the audio signals
which are to be output to the MONITOR L and R
connectors.
Each time the L button is pressed, the signal to be
output to the MONITOR L connector is changed in the
following sequence: CH1 5CH2 5CH3 5CH4 5
CUE.
Similarly, each time the R button is pressed, the signal
to be output to the MONITOR R connector is changed
in the following sequence: CH1 5CH2 5CH3 5
CH4 5CUE.
Which signal has now been selected is displayed by
the lighting of the L or R lamps on the level meter
display.
When AUTO has been selected as the setup menu
No. 721 (MONI CH SEL) setting, the display is
switched in tandem with the monitor output. The
channel to which monitor output is to be switched
automatically can be selected using setup menu No.
735 (MON AUTO SEL).
NMONITOR MIX button
This button is used to select the mixed signals which
are to be output to the MONITOR L and R connectors.
Each time the MONITOR SELECT L button is pressed
while this button is held down, the signals to be output
to the MONITOR L connector change in the following
sequence: CH1 + CH2 5CH3 + CH4 5CH1 + CH3
5CH2 + CH4 5mixing release.
The mixed signals to be output to the MONITOR R
connector are changed in the same way by the
MONITOR SELECT R button.
OHeadphone jack and volume control
When stereo headphones are connected to the
headphone jack, the sound during recording, playback
or editing can be monitored using the headphones.
The volume level of the headphone output and
monitor output can be adjusted using the volume
control.
Whether the volume level of the monitor output is to
be coupled to the volume control or not can be
selected using the setup menu item No. 713 (MONI
OUT).  (Note that the volume level of the headphones
is coupled at all times.)
When the volume of the monitor output is not coupled,
it is fixed at a set level and is not affected by the
position of the volume control.
Parts and their functions
PA VOL SELECT button and lamps
(REC LEVEL, PB LEVEL)
This switches the function of the audio level control
knobs Qbetween recording and playback.
Each time this button is pressed (for 1 second or
longer), the functioning of the audio level control
knobs switches alternately been recording and
playback.
When the audio level control knobs have been set to
adjust the recording level, the REC LEVEL lamp lights.
When they have been set to adjust the playback level,
the PB LEVEL lamp lights.
QAudio level control knobs
These knobs are used to adjust the recording and
playback level of the PCM audio signals (CH1, CH2,
CH3 and CH4).
Whether the recording level or the playback level is to
be adjusted is selected using the A VOL SELECT
button P.
RAudio level control selector switch
UNITY:
At this position, the audio signals are recorded or
played back at a fixed level regardless of the
positions of the audio level control knobs Q.
VAR:
At this position, the audio signals are recorded or
played back at the level adjusted by the audio level
control knobs Q.

It is not possible to set it so that both the recording
level and playback level can be adjusted.
When REC LEVEL is selected, UNITY (fixed level) is
set for the playback level; when PB LEVEL is
selected, UNITY is set for the recording level.
STC PRESET button
This button is used to set the TC or UB value.
When the TC or UB value is to be set, this button is
pressed first to stop the data from advancing. The set
of digits whose display is flashing is then changed.
TMENU button
When this button is pressed, the setup menus are
displayed on the TV monitor (but only when the
VIDEO OUT 3 connector or SDI OUT 3 connector is
used), and the setup menu numbers appear on the
VTR’s display panel.
When it is pressed again, the setup menu settings are
exited, and the original status is restored.
ON
OFFPOWERDVDVCPRODVCPRO 50
METER
L
R FULL/FINE
MONITOR SELECT
HEADPHONESMONITOR
MIXA VOL
SELECTINPUT SELECTPREVIEW/PREVIEWAUTO EDITPREROLLVIDEO
REC LEVELCH1PB LEVEL
AUDIOCH2 CH3 CH4TCPRESETMENU SET DIAGSUPER REC INHINT TCGMODECONTROLON
OFFUNITY
VA R
COUNTERRESET
A  INTRIM
SET
OUT IN
A  OUTCH1 CH4CH2INSERTCH3ASSEMVIDEO CUE TCSTAND BY
EDIT
REW STOPPLAY REC PLAYER
RECORDER
FF
JOGSHTLSLOW
TAPE
EEONREGENPRESETEXITOFFREMOTELOCAL
ONPRS
T
M
Q 
						

							10
Front panel
USET button
When this button is pressed, the data which has been
set using the setup menus is entered.
After the data has been entered, the setup menu
settings are exited, and the original status is restored.
When the internal time code has been set, the data
which has been set is entered.
VDIAG button
When this button is pressed, the VTR information is
displayed.
When it is pressed again, the original display is
restored.
The VTR information consists of the “WARNING”
information, “HOURS METER” information and
“UMID” information.
Switching between the display of each type of
information is accomplished by pressing the search
button.
Displayed on the “WARNING” screen are details of the
warnings.
Displayed on the “HOURS METER” screen are the
deck’s serial number, power-on time, drum rotation
time, tape travel time, number of times a cassette has
been loaded, number of times the power has been
turned on and off, and so on.
Displayed on the “UMID INFO” screen are details of
the UMID (Unique Material Identifier) information.
WSUPER switch
ON:
The superimposed time code and other information
is output to the VIDEO OUT 3 connector or SDI
OUT 3 connector.
OFF:
The superimposed information is not output.
XREC INH switch
This switch is used to enable or disable recording on
the cassette tape.
ON:
Recording on the cassette tape is disabled
(inhibited).
In this state, the REC INH lamp lights on the display
panel.
OFF:
Recording on the cassette tape is enabled so long
as the accidental erasure prevention mechanism on
the cassette tape is set to enable recording.
Parts and their functions
YTCG switch
REGEN:
The internal time code generator is synchronized
with the time code which the time code reader
has read from the tape.
The signal that is to be used for regeneration is
selected using setup menu No. 503 (TCG
REGEN).
PRESET:
The time code generator can be preset on the
operation panel or by remote control.
EXT: 
The external time code which is input from the
time code input connector or video signal VITC is
used. Which of the two is to be set is selected
using setup menu No. 505 (EXT TC SEL).
ZMODE switch

TAPE:
The signal which is played back from the tape is
output.
EE:
The input signal selected by the INPUT SELECT
button is output.

TAPE:
The simultaneous playback signals are output.
(The setup menu No.310 (CONFI EDIT) setting
is necessary.)
EE:
The input signal selected by the INPUT SELECT
button is output.
[CONTROL switch
This switch is set to the REMOTE or LOCAL
position when the VTR is to be controlled by an
external unit using the REMOTE, RS-232C or
PARALLEL connector.
REMOTE:
Set the switch to this position to control the VTR
using a component that has been connected
using the 9-pin REMOTE, RS-232C or
PARALLEL connector.
LOCAL:
Set the switch to this position to control the VTR
using its operation panel.
When the unit is to be controlled with the switch
at this position by a component connected using
the PARALLEL connector, selection can be
made using setup menu No. 211 (LOCAL 25P).ON
OFFPOWERDVDVCPRODVCPRO 50
METER
L
R FULL/FINE
MONITOR SELECT
HEADPHONESMONITOR
MIXA VOL
SELECTINPUT SELECTPREVIEW/PREVIEWAUTO EDITPREROLLVIDEO
REC LEVELCH1PB LEVEL
AUDIOCH2 CH3 CH4TCPRESETMENU SET DIAGSUPER REC INHINT TCGMODECONTROLON
OFFUNITY
VA R
COUNTERRESET
A  INTRIM
SET
OUT IN
A  OUTCH1 CH4CH2INSERTCH3ASSEMVIDEO CUE TCSTAND BY
EDIT
REW STOPPLAY REC PLAYER
RECORDER
FF
JOGSHTLSLOW
TAPE
EEONREGENPRESETEXITOFFREMOTELOCAL
WUY[
VXZ