Panasonic Digital Hd Video Cassette Player Recorder Ajhd1200a Operating Instructions

							11
Parts and their functions
MREC button2
No optional board installed
This unit is a video cassette player so it cannot
record by pressing the REC button.
When the REC button is pressed, the REC INH
lamp on the counter display lights for several
seconds.  When T&S&M has been selected as
the menu item No.006 [DISPLAY SEL] setting,
“NO OPTION FOR REC” appears in the
superimposed mode display area.
When the AJ-YA120AG or AJ-YAD120AG is
installed
When the REC button is pressed together with
the PLAY button, recording starts.  When it is
pressed during stop or eject, the input video
signals and audio signals can be checked even
when the TAPE/EE switch is set to TAPE.
The value of the time code generator can also be
checked.  (REC CHECK mode)
The REC CHECK mode is released when the
STOP button or other operation button is
pressed.
NTAPE/EE switch
This is used to select the signals which are to be
output in the STOP mode.
TAPE:
The signals played back from the tape are
output.
EE:
No optional board installed
The signals selected by menu item No.106
[EJECT EE SEL] are output.  The black signal
for the video signals and mute for the audio
output are the factory settings.
When the AJ-YA120AG or AJ-YAD120AG is
installed
The signals selected by menu item No.600
[VIDEO IN SEL] are output as the video
signals, and the signals selected by menu item
No.700 [AUDIO IN SEL] are output as the
audio signals.
However, when “1394” is selected as the
VIDEO IN SEL setting, the audio input signals
will also be supplied from the DV connector
(digital video interface).

The image and sound may be disrupted when this
switch’s position is changed.
Front panel
PRESET button
When this is pressed in the CTL mode, the counter
display is reset to zero.
QREC INHIBIT switch
2
This is used to enable or disable recording on the
cassette tape.
ON :Recording on the cassette tape is disabled.
The REC INHIBIT lamp on the display
lights.
OFF :When the cassette tape’s accidental
erasure prevention mechanism is at the
recording enable setting, recording onto the
cassette tape is enabled. OCOUNTER button
This is used to switch the counter display.
Each time it is pressed, the display is switched by
one step in the following sequence: CTL 5TC 5
UB 5r 5PB FORMAT 5CTL and so on.
CTL :The tape timer (control signal) is displayed.
TC :The time code is displayed.
UB :The user’s bit is displayed.
r:The remaining tape length and total tape
length are displayed in 1-minute
increments.
Example:
r30-46 = 30 minutes of tape remaining
out of a total tape length of 46 minutes
PB FORMAT:
The format of the tape now playing is displayed.
Counter display Playback tape format
DVCPRO HD-LP (1080i)DVCPRO HD-LP (720P)DVCPRO HD (1080i)DVCPRO HD (720P)DVCPRO50 (422)DVCPRO (411)DVCPRO50 (420P)
DV
DVCAM
Hd 1080Hd 720PHd 1080 SPHd 720P SPSd 50Sd 25Sd 50P
The DV lamp on the counter
display lights.
–––—
2This function is operational only when the AJ-
YA120AG (optional accessory) or AJ-YAD120AG
(optional accessory) has been installed. 
						

							12
PUSHPUSH
AUDIO IN (OPTION)PUSHPUSHCH 1CH 2
CH 3CH 4
CH 1CH 2
CH 3CH 4
TCHD/SD REF VIDEO INVIDEO OUTIN
OUT
L
RDC OUT
DC INSIGNAL
GND
FUSE 250V T2.5AH
F1
AC IN12V 250mA
R
E
M
O
T
E
AUDIO OUT
(OPTION)(OPTION)
75ΩON
1
2
(SUPER)
Y/GP
B/B
P
R/R
OFF
LR
MONITOR
AUDIOMON
OUT
12
3
4
567==8?

Rear panel
Parts and their functions
1AC IN inlet
This is the AC power inlet.  
Connect the accessory power cable here.
When both an AC power supply and DC power
supply have been connected, the AC power supply
takes priority.
2DC IN socket
This is the input connector for the DC 12V supply
voltage.
Use the optional AC adapter (AJ-B75 or AJ-B95).
When the voltage has dropped to around 10.6V, the
unit’s power is automatically turned off. (When
“TYPE-A” or “TYPE-B” is not selected as the menu
item No.180 [BATTERY SEL] setting)
Even when the supply voltage is restored later, the
power will not automatically come back on.  The
POWER switch must be set to OFF and then back
to ON several seconds later.
When both AC power supply and DC power supply
are connected, the AC power supply takes priority.3DC OUT socket
This is the DC 12V output socket.
Power is supplied from here to the external remote
controller (AJ-A95).
The DC power cable is packed together with the
AJ-A95.
4Fuse holder
This holds the AC 250 V/2.5 A fuse (time lag type).

Use the fuse specified by Panasonic.
3
1 2
4
1
2
3
4

Supplying +12V power to the GND terminal by mistake may give
rise to ignition, resulting in a fire, or it may cause injury.
Pin No.123
4
SignalGround––––––
+12 V
Pin No.
123
4
Signal
Ground––––––
+12 V 
						

							13
Rear panel
Parts and their functions
1
6
9
5
=Fan motor
This is provided to cool off the unit.
>Grips
Grips are provided on both sides of the unit, but the
unit should be placed on a flat, level surface for
operation.
?Option panel
When the AJ-YA120AG or AJ-YAD120AG option is
to be installed, remove this panel, and replace it
with the panel packed with the option.
For details on installation, refer to the instructions
accompanying the option concerned. :AUDIO OUT/MONITOR connector (CH1, CH2,
CH3, CH4)
These are the output connectors for the analog
audio signals.
The CH3 and CH4 connectors are also used as the
audio monitor output connectors (left and right
channels).  (See page 9)
;AUDIO MONITOR connectors
These are the audio monitor output connectors.
The same signals are output as the headphone
output signals.

The output signal level is fixed.

						

							14
Tapes
Align the cassette with the center of the slot and push
it gently inside.
The cassette tape is loaded automatically.
Inserting the tape
Usable tapes
POWER
ON
OFF
AUDIO SELECT
AUDIO OUT SEL
AUDIO MON SELECT
INPUTANALOG
PULL
FOR VAR
CH3-4
720 PCH1·2CH3·4
CH 1
RECCH 2
CH 3CH 4
CH1
ST
CH2
METER
TAPEPAUSE/STILLSEARCHFF STOP REW PLAYREC(OPTION)
EJECT
LOCAL
OFF ONREC INH (OPTION)
REMOTEMENU
COUNTER
RESET
EE SET s    DATA    r MODE DOWN   MENU   UP PAGE
M cassette size
L cassette size
Consumer DV, DVCAM cassettes
Standard DV, DVCAM cassettes
Mini DV, DVCAM cassettes
Note that long-playing mini DV cassette tapes
(80 minutes in standard mode, 120 minutes in
long-playing mode) cannot be used.
For consumer DV tapes, Panasonic
recommends the Panasonic brand.
M cassettes
DVCPRO HD-LP
Tapes with up to 33 minutes of
recording/playback (AJ-HP33EMG)
DVCPRO 25/50/50P HD playback tapes
L cassettes
DVCPRO HD-LP
Tapes with up to 92 minutes of
recording/playback (AJ-HP64ELG, AJ-
HP92ELG)
DVCPRO 25/50/50P HD playback tapesPrecautions for using consumer DV and DVCAM
cassettes
OUse a cassette adapter (AJ-CS455P) when using
mini DV or DVCAM cassette tapes.
Inserting a mini DV or DVCAM cassette tape into
the unit without using a cassette adapter may
cause trouble or malfunctioning.
OTapes recorded in the LP modes cannot be
played back.
OWhen editing material recorded on a consumer
DV or DVCAM cassette tape, record the material
onto a DVCPRO tape or onto another broadcast
VTR before use.
OThe maximum transport speed of a mini DV or
DVCAM cassette tape is 32x normal tape speed.
OThe images may be disrupted when a consumer
DV or DVCAM cassette tape is played back in a
slow motion mode.
OTo protect your tapes, refrain as much as
possible from repeatedly cueing up the tapes in
consumer DV or DVCAM cassettes at the same
place.
OWhen consumer DV or DVCAM cassette tapes
are used, the maximum STILL TIMER time is set
to 10 seconds. 
						

							15
STOP mode
POWER
ON
OFF
AUDIO SELECT
AUDIO OUT SEL
AUDIO MON SELECT
INPUTANALOG
PULL
FOR VAR
CH3-4
720 PCH1·2CH3·4
CH 1
RECCH 2
CH 3CH 4
CH1
ST
CH2
METER
TAPEPAUSE/STILLSEARCHFF STOP REW PLAYREC(OPTION)
EJECT
LOCAL
OFF ONREC INH (OPTION)REMOTE
MENU
COUNTER
RESET
EE SET s    DATA    r MODE DOWN   MENU   UP PAGE
1
POWER
ON
OFF
AUDIO SELECT
AUDIO OUT SEL
AUDIO MON SELECT
INPUTANALOG
PULL
FOR VAR
CH3-4
720 PCH1·2CH3·4
CH 1
RECCH 2
CH 3CH 4
CH1
ST
CH2
METER
TAPEPAUSE/STILLSEARCHFF STOP REW PLAYREC(OPTION)
EJECT
LOCAL
OFF ONREC INH (OPTION)REMOTE
MENU
COUNTER
RESET
EE SET s    DATA    r MODE DOWN   MENU   UP PAGE
Operation

OIf the same locations on the same tape are
repeatedly used, the cumulative standby time at
these same locations will continue to mount up.  To
protect your tapes, minimize the amount of standby
time at the same locations on the tapes.
Turning on the unit’s power
12
3
Turn on the unit’s power.1
When the STOP button is pressed, the unit is
set to the STOP mode.
The STOP lamp lights, and the tape stops
traveling.
OIn order to protect the tape inside the unit, the
unit is set to the tape protection mode when
the time selected as the menu item No.400
[STILL TIMER] has elapsed.
When the STOP, REW, FF or PLAY button is
pressed, the unit is transferred to the
corresponding mode.1
Insert a cassette tape.
Insert the cassette tape at the correct position
without forcing it in any way.2
Check that the STOP lamp has lighted.
As soon as the tape is inserted, the cylinder
starts rotating automatically, the tape is loaded,
and the unit is set to the stop mode.3

OBefore turning off the power, press the EJECT
button to eject the cassette.
OWhen ON is selected as the menu item No.104
[REF ALARM] setting, the STOP button’s lamp will
flash if the reference video input signal is not
supplied. Before attempting to operate the unit, check whether
the equipment has been connected properly.
Ensure that the unit is placed on a flat, level surface
for operation. 
						

							16
Operation

Check that the SERVO lamp remains lighted during
recording.  When it flashes or it is off, the playback
images will be disrupted. This function can be used only when the AJ-YA120AG
(optional accessory) has been installed.
Recording
Pause/recording 
(follow-on recording)
Press the PAUSE/STILL button while the
cassette tape is playing back.1
Press the REC button to set the unit to the
REC PAUSE mode.
The monitor display now switches to the E-E
screen.
When REC-P or ALL has been selected as the
menu item No.154 [AUTO BACK] setting, the
tape will be rewound for several seconds from
the position where the PAUSE/STILL button was
pressed.2
Press the PAUSE/STILL button to start
recording.
The tape now runs as far as the position where
the PAUSE/STILL button was pressed in step 
1,
and recording commences.

The E-E screen is now displayed.
3
Press the PAUSE/STILL button again to
temporarily stop the recording.
When REC-P or ALL has been selected as the
menu item No.154 [AUTO BACK] setting, the
tape will be rewound for several seconds from
the position where the PAUSE/STILL button was
pressed, and then it will stop temporarily.4
Follow-on recording can be performed by
repeating steps 
3and 4.5
Set the cassette tape’s erasure prevention tab
to recording enable, and insert the tape.1
1. Selecting the input audio signals
1) Connect the signals to be recorded.
2) Use menu item No.700 [AUDIO IN SEL] to
select the audio input signals.

When “1394” is selected as the menu item
No.600 [VIDEO IN SEL] setting, the audio
signals are input from the DV connector (digital
video interface) regardless of the AUDIO IN
SEL setting.
2. Adjusting the analog audio levels
OAdjust the levels of the audio input signals
when analog audio signals have been
selected as the audio input signals.
When the audio recording level controls are
at their pushed-in positions, the audio
signals are recorded at the proper levels.

When HD SDI signals or signals from the DV
connector (digital video interface) are selected
as the audio input signals, it is not possible to
adjust their level.4
While holding down the REC button, press
the PLAY button.
The REC and PLAY lamps light, and recording
commences.
When ALL has been selected as the menu item
No.154 [AUTO BACK] setting, the tape is
rewound for several seconds from the position
where the REC and PLAY buttons were pressed.
The tape will run up, and recording will start from
the position where the REC and PLAY buttons
were pressed so that the new recording will
follow on from the previous recording with no
disruptions in the continuity of the images.5
To end the recording, press the STOP button.
Recording now ends, and the unit is set to the
stop mode.6
Press the STOP button to set the unit to the
STOP mode.2
Selecting the input video signals
Use menu item No.600 [VIDEO IN SEL] to select
the video input signals.3 
						

							17
Operation
Cue/review
When the FF or REW button is pressed while one of
the search modes (search still, FWD search, REV
search, FWD search still or REV search still) is
established, the tape is cued or reviewed at the speed
which was set using menu item No.150 [SEARCH
SPEED].
Furthermore, when the FF is pressed during cue or
the REW button is pressed during review, the cue or
review speed can be increased to 1.85x normal tape
speed.  When the FF or REW button is pressed again,
the tape is restored to the speed which was set using
menu item No.150 [SEARCH SPEED].
When the SEARCH button is pressed in the FF mode
or REW mode, the tape first slows down to the speed
which was set using menu item No.150 [SEARCH
SPEED], and cue or review is then performed.
When the PAUSE/STILL button is pressed during cue
or review, the tape is temporarily stopped (paused).
When it is pressed again, cue or review is resumed.
Playback
Insert a cassette tape into the unit.1
Press the PLAY button.
Normal playback now commences.2
To end playback, press the STOP button.
The VTR is set to the stop mode.3

OCheck that the SERVO lamp remains lighted during
recording.  When it flashes or it is off, the playback
images will be disrupted.
OWhen playback starts up, the images will be
disrupted for a moment.
Resulting VTR
operation VTR operation
statusButton operated
SEARCHSearch still
FF or REWFF or REW PLAY or STOP
PLAYPLAY
STOPSTOP Any status
PLAY or STOPPLAY or STOP
SEARCHFWD search (cue) FF
PLAY or STOPPLAY or STOP
SEARCHREV search (review) REW
PAUSE/STILL or
SEARCH or REWFWD search (cue)
REWREV search (review) FWD search still
FFFWD search speed
switching
PAUSE/STILL or
SEARCH or REWREV search (review)
FFFWD search (cue) REV search still
PLAY or STOPPLAY or STOP
FFFWD search (cue)
REWREV search (review) Search still
SEARCHFF
REWREV search (review)
PAUSE/STILLFWD search still FWD search (cue)
SEARCHREW
FFFWD search (cue)
PAUSE/STILLREV search still REV search
(review)
REWREV search speed
switching
Still image playback
Press the PAUSE/STILL button during playback.  
When it is pressed again, normal playback is restored.

ONo sound is heard during still image playback.
ONoise may appear on the still images. 
						

							18
Operation
Linear 0.3kplayback
The unit is set to the slow still mode when the
SEARCH button is pressed during still image playback
(PLAY PAUSE).
When the FF or REW button is now pressed, the tape
is played back at the linear 0.3kspeed.
Pressing the PAUSE/STILL button during linear 0.3k
playback will pause the tape.
When the PAUSE/STILL button is pressed again,
linear 0.3kplayback resumes.
Variable speed playback 
(when AJ-A95 is connected)
When the AJ-A95 (option) is connected to the
REMOTE connector, the tape speed can be varied by
operating the search dial on the AJ-A95.

ONoise may appear on the screen when the tape is
playing back at a speed other than 1k.
ODuring variable speed playback, the sound
recorded on the analog CUE track is played back.
Resulting VTR
operation VTR operation
statusButton operated
PAUSE/STILLPLAY PAUSE PLAY
PLAYPLAY
STOPSTOP Any status
STOP 5FFFF
STOP 5REWREW Any status
PAUSE/STILL or
PLAYPLAY
SEARCHSlow still PLAY PAUSE
PLAYPLAY
FFFWD slow Slow still
REWREV slow
PAUSE/STILL or
SEARCH or FFFWD slow
REWREV slow FWD slow still
PAUSE/STILL or
SEARCH or REWREV slow
FFFWD slow REV slow still
REWREV slow
SEARCH or
PAUSE/STILLFWD slow still FWD slow
FFFWD slow
SEARCH or
PAUSE/STILLREV slow still REV slow 
						

							19
Operation
Repeat playback
Setting the BEGIN and END points Setting the repeat playback mode
Set the VTR to the menu mode.
(This is done by setting the LOCAL/MENU/
REMOTE switch to the MENU position).1Set the VTR to the menu mode.
(This is done by setting the LOCAL/MENU/
REMOTE switch to the MENU position).1
Select menu item No.160 [MEMORY MODE],
and select the repeat playback mode.2
Set the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the
LOCAL or REMOTE position.3

OThe image will deteriorate if the same tape is
played back over and over again.  Once a tape has
been played back for a hundred or so times,
replace it with a new one.
OThe image which is to be output when the tape is
returned to the BEGIN point in the repeat playback
mode can be set using menu item No.163 [REPT
MODE].
When FREEZE is selected as the menu item
No.163 [REPT MODE] setting, the playback image
will not freeze properly if the tape end is set to
serve as the END point.  Set the END point in a
section of the tape where images have been
recorded.
OIf the counter display mode (TC/CTL) established
using the menu item No.161 [CTL (TC) BGN] or
No.162 [END] setting and the counter display mode
(TC/CTL) in which repeat playback is to be
performed do not correspond, the REPEAT lamp
flashes, and the repeat playback operation will not
be performed. Select menu item No.161 [CTL (TC) BGN] or
No.162 [END], and press the DATA+ button
(PAUSE/STILL button) or DATA- button (PLAY
button).

Whether a setting is to be entered can be
selected by operating the DATA+ button and
DATA– button.
The – –:– –:– –:– – display appears when there is
no setting.  When repeat playback is performed
in this status, the BEGIN point serves as the tape
start and END point as the tape end.
2
Use the COUNTER button to select TC or CTL.

When the RESET button is pressed, the display
is reset to  00:00:00:00.3
Use the UP button (FF button) and DOWN
button (STOP button) to select the digit to be
changed (the one that is flashing).
The frame digits cannot be selected, and they
always appear as “00.”4
The DATA+ button (PAUSE/STILL button) and
DATA– button (PLAY button) are used to
change the value displayed.5
After performing the settings, press the SET
button (REC button).
The settings are now stored in the memory.

If the MODE button (SEARCH) button is pressed
without first pressing the SET button after the
settings have been performed, the settings will
not be stored in the memory and the statuses
established prior to those settings will be
restored.6
Set the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the
LOCAL or REMOTE position.7
SettingOperation
OFF Normal operation
M-STOPWhen the tape is fast forwarded or rewound, it
stops near the BEGIN point.
REPT1When the tape is played back to the END point, it
is rewound to the BEGIN point where it stops.
CONTWhen the tape is played back to the END point, it
is rewound to the BEGIN point and played back
again, and these operations are repeated. 
						

							20
ODisplayed as the initial value is the current value of
the time code generator.
OPressing the RESET button while TC PRESET is
being set (status in which the numbers are flashing)
will reset the setting to 00000000.
OThe time code cannot be set when REGEN is set
using a combination of menu items No.503 [TCG
MODE] and No.505 [TCG REGEN].
OWhen the MODE button (SEARCH button) is
pressed without first pressing the SET button after
the setting has been performed, the time code
setting is canceled, and the display returns to the
regular menu screen.
Time code & user’s bit
Time code
The time code signals generated by the time code
generator (time code signal generator) are recorded
on the tape, and their values are read by the time
code reader (time code signal reader) to indicate
absolute positions on the tape in increments of hours,
minutes, seconds and frames.
The time code itself is written in the sub code area
(data area) of the helical track.
This enables the VTR’s playback speed to be read
from the stop mode to slow playback or even to high-
speed playback.
The time code values are indicated on the display or
superimposed onto the screen.
TCR. 00 : 07 : 04 : 24
tt t t
Hours Minutes Seconds Frames
User’s bit
The user’s bit is a 32-bit (8-digit) information frame
among the time code signals which has been released
to users.  It can be used to record the operator
number or other such information.
The alphanumerics which can be used for the user’s
bit are the numbers 0 to 9 and the letters A, B, D, E
and F.
Setting the time code 
(from the menu)
Set the VTR to the menu mode.
(This is done by setting the LOCAL/MENU/
REMOTE switch to the MENU position).
1
Set menu item No.507 [TC SOURCE] to INT.2
Select menu item No.530 [TC PRESET].3
When the DATA+ button (PAUSE/STILL
button) or DATA– button (PLAY button) is
pressed, the value of the first digit starts
flashing.4
When the MENU-UP button (FF button) or
MENU-DOWN button (STOP button) is
pressed, the next digit whose value is to be
changed starts flashing.5
Use the DATA+ button (PAUSE/STILL button)
or DATA– button (PLAY button) to change the
value.6
After performing the setting, press the SET
button (REC) button.
(The display now returns to the regular menu
screen.)7
Set the LOCAL/MENU/REMOTE switch to the
LOCAL or REMOTE position.8
This function can be used only when the AJ-YA120AG
(optional accessory) or AJ-YAD120AG (optional
accessory) has been installed.
Setting the time code 
(from the front panel)
Hold down the RESET button for at least two
seconds.
Now perform steps 
4to 7of “Setting the time
code (from the menu).”
1
When AJ-YA120AG (optional accessory) or AJ-
YAD120AG (optional accessory) has been installed
and INT has been selected as the menu item No.507
[TC SOURCE] setting, the time code can be set from
the front panel.