Panasonic Digital Hd Video Cassette Recorder Ajhd1400 Operating Instructions

							F0606T1086 -F 
Printed in JapanVQT0X83-1D
Digital HD Video Cassette Recorder
Operating Instructions
Model No.  AJ- E
Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this manual for future use.
P
ENGLISH 
						

							2
Read this first!
For AJ-HD1400P and AJ-HD1400E
 indicates safety information.
WARNING:
zTO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
zTO 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.
CAUTIONS:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD AND ANNOYING INTERFERENCE,
USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
ONLY.
_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 house-
hold wiring.
Extension cords used with the equipment must be
three-core and be correctly wired to provide connec-
tion 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.CAUTIONS:
In order to maintain adequate ventilation, do not
install or place this unit in a bookcase, built-in
cabinet or any other confined space. To prevent risk
of electric shock or fire hazard due to overheating,
ensure that curtains and any other materials do not
obstruct the ventilation.
CAUTION:
THE AC RECEPTACLE (MAINS SOCKET
OUTLET) SHALL BE INSTALLED NEAR THE
EQUIPMENT AND SHALL BE EASILY
ACCESSIBLE. TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT
THIS EQUIPMENT FROM THE AC MAINS,
DISCONNECT THE POWER CORD PLUG
FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE.
IMPORTANT
“Unauthorized recording of copyrighted
television programmes, video tapes and other
materials may infringe the rights of copyright
holders and contravene copyright laws.”
Operating precaution
Operation near any appliance which generates strong
magnetic fields may give rise to noise in the video and
audio signals. If this should be the case, deal with the
situation by, for instance, moving the source of the
magnetic fields away from the unit before operation. 
						

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Read this first! (continued)
For AJ-HD1400P
 indicates safety information.
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 en-
closure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral tri-
angle is intended to alert the user to the pres-
ence of important operating and maintenance
(service) instructions in the literature accom-
panying the appliance.FCC Note:
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.
Warning:
To assure continued FCC emission limit compliance, the
user must use only shielded interface cables when
connecting to external units.  Also, any unauthorized
changes or modifications to this equipment could void
the user’s authority to operate it.
Notice (U.S.A. only):
This product has a fluorescent lamp that
contains a small amount of mercury. It also
contains lead in some components. Disposal
of these materials may be regulated in your
community due to environmental
considerations. For disposal or recycling
information, please contact your local
authorities, or the Electronics Industries
Alliance:
CAUTION:
This apparatus can be operated at a voltage in
the range of 100 – 240 V AC.
Voltages other than 120 V are 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.

This product contains a CR Coin Cell Lithium Battery whichcontains Perchlorate Material — special handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca/gov/hazardouswaste.perchlorate. 
						

							4
Read this first! (continued)
For AJ-HD1400E
 indicates safety information.
„DO NOT REMOVE PANEL COVERS BY UNSCREWING THEM.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the covers. No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Caution for AC Mains Lead
FOR YOUR SAFETY PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TEXT CAREFULLY.
This product is equipped with 2 types of AC mains cable.  One is for continental Europe, etc. and the other one is only
for U.K.
Appropriate mains cable must be used in each local area, since the other type of mains cable is not suitable.
FOR CONTINENTAL EUROPE, ETC.
Not to be used in the U.K.FOR U.K. ONLY
If the plug supplied is not suitable for your socket out-
let, it should be cut off and appropriate one fitted.
FOR U.K. ONLY
This appliance is supplied with a moulded three pin mains
plug for your safety and convenience.
A 13 amp fuse is fitted in this plug.
Should the fuse need to be replaced please ensure that the
replacement fuse has a rating of 13 amps and that it is ap-
proved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362.
Check for the ASTA mark   or the BSI mark   on the
body of the fuse.
If the plug contains a removable fuse cover you must en-
sure that it is refitted when the fuse is replaced.
If you lose the fuse cover the plug must not be used until a
replacement cover is obtained.
A replacement fuse cover can be purchased from your lo-
cal Panasonic Dealer.
IF THE FITTED MOULDED PLUG IS UNSUITABLE FOR
THE SOCKET OUTLET IN YOUR HOME THEN THE
FUSE SHOULD BE REMOVED AND THE PLUG CUT
OFF AND DISPOSED OF SAFELY.  THERE IS A DAN-
GER OF SEVERE ELECTRICAL SHOCK IF THE CUT
OFF PLUG IS INSERTED INTO ANY 13 AMP SOCKET.
How to replace the fuse
1. Open the fuse compartment with a screwdriver.
2. Replace the fuse.
Fuse 
						

							5
Contents
Read this first! ........................................... 2
Introduction................................................ 6
Features...................................................... 6
Parts and their functions .......................... 9
Front panel (1) ......................................................9
Front panel (2) ....................................................10
Front panel (3) ....................................................11
Display panel ......................................................12
Rear panel ..........................................................14
Reference signals .................................... 16
Reference frequencies ............................ 17
Tapes ........................................................ 18
Connections ............................................. 19
Example of connections 
with an editing controller .....................................19
IEEE1394 digital interface ....................... 20
Settings for this unit ............................................20
Precautions for use .............................................20
VANC data recording/playback .............. 21
VANC data recording ..........................................21
VANC data playback ...........................................21
Joystick and 
Variable Speed Playback ........................ 22
Joystick ...............................................................22
Variable Speed Playback ....................................22
PF (Programmable Function) ................. 23
Performing operations using the PF buttons.......23
Operation using the PF buttons ..........................23
Pause/Recording 
(Recording with pauses) ......................... 24
Cue up ...................................................... 24
Repeat playback ...................................... 25
Setting the BEGIN and END points ....................25
Setting the repeat playback mode ......................25
Recording from a variable frame rate 
camera ...................................................... 26
Recording the HD SDI output signal 
from a variable frame rate camera ......................26
Field displacement ..............................................26
Setup (initial settings) ............................. 27
Setting method using the on-screen menus .......27
Returning to the factory settings .........................27
Setting the user defaults .....................................28
User default loading method ...............................29
Menu protection method .....................................30
Menu protection release method ........................30
System frequency switching ...............................31
Procedure for shifting the system frequency.......31
Setup menus ............................................ 32
Menus which are displayed ................................ 32
SYSTEM ............................................................. 36
BASIC ................................................................. 37
Formats for playback .......................................... 39
OPERATION ...................................................... 40
INTERFACE ....................................................... 43
EDIT ................................................................... 44
TAPE PROTECT ................................................ 45
TIME CODE ........................................................ 45
VIDEO ................................................................ 47
AUDIO ................................................................ 51
DIF ...................................................................... 53
MENU ................................................................. 54
Time code/user bits ................................. 55
Timecodes recorded by this product .................. 56
Superimpose screen ............................... 57
Video head cleaning ................................ 58
Condensation........................................... 58
Maintenance ............................................. 58
Error messages ....................................... 59
DIAG menu ......................................................... 59
Displaying the DIAG menu ................................. 59
Displaying the “HOURS METER” information .... 59
UMID information display ................................... 60
Displaying the warning information..................... 61
Error messages .................................................. 62
Emergency eject ...................................... 64
Specifications .......................................... 65 
						

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Introduction
This unit is a multi-format VTR capable of recording and
playing back HD signals (1080i/59.94 Hz, 1080i/50 Hz,
720P/59.94 Hz, 720P/50 Hz) in DVCPRO HD-LP format
using a small cassette tape 1/4 inch wide, HD (DVCPRO
HD/DVCPRO HD-LP*) and SD (DVCPRO50/DVCPRO)
recorded in DVCPRO format as well as conventional
consumer DV/DVCAM tapes. 
A down-converter as a standard feature verifies all tapes
using analog composite signals and SD SDI output.
Similarly, each of the following output signals can be
obtained.z720/25p over 60p sources can be converted to 1080/25
PsF or 576i format output signals.
z720/50p over 60p sources can be converted to 720/50p,
1080/50i or 576i format output signals.
The compact size and light weight of the unit enable it to be
carried around and mounted in a standard rack with ease.
You can perform the unit’s settings interactively with the on-
screen menus displayed on the TV monitor.
* DVCPRO HD-LP has the same format as the DVCPRO HD EX 
described in the operation manual of our camera recorder.
Features
Compact size and light weight
The unit has a width of 214 mm (8-7/16 inches), a height
of 132 mm (5-1/4 inches), and a depth of 442 mm (17-3/
8 inches) (Protruding portion is not included), and
weighs only 8.5 kg (18.74 lb).
Grips are also attached for easy carry.
Efficient installation in a rack
The unit’s width is one-half of 19 inches and its height is
3U: this translates into greater saving of installation
space in a standard rack compared to conventional
models.
DVCPRO HD cassette tapes used
The unit uses 1/4-inch wide cassette tapes.

When recording HD signals, use DVCPRO HD
cassettes.
High image quality
The unit achieves a high image quality by recording
4:2:2 HD component signals with a recording rate (=100
Mbps) which is four times as high as that for existing
DV C P RO  fo r m a t s .
1080i or 720p, NTSC or PAL selectable
By switching the settings provided for the video signal
input (1080i/59.94 Hz or 720p/59.94 Hz) on the setup
menu, the unit can record and playback each signal and
also playback NTSC SD material.
The unit also supports the PAL mode. Playback of
1080i/50 Hz, record and playback of 720P/50 Hz or
playback of PAL SD materials is enabled by switching
the setting on the system menu.
Frame rate conversion
When playing back a tape recorded at a frame rate of 24
fps using a variable frame rate camera, the tape’s
signals can be converted to the 1080/24 PsF format and
output by selecting a menu item setting.
When playing back a tape recorded at a frame rate of 25
fps, the tape’s signals can be converted to the 1080/25
PsF or 576i format and output. When playing back a
tape recorded at a frame rate of 50 fps, the tape signals
can be converted to the 1080/50i or 576i format and
output.

zUse tapes that are shot with a variable frame rate
camera.
zDo not use dubbed or edited tapes. The tape control
information may be lost, making it impossible to
convert the signals for playback.
DVCPRO-compatible playback
In addition to DVCPRO HD-LP playback, the unit can
play back tapes recorded using the existing DVCPRO
HD, DVCPRO50 and DVCPRO formats.
It can also play back consumer DV tapes (SP) and
DV C A M  t a p e s .
SD down-converter
The unit comes with a built-in SD down-converter as a
standard feature to enable the output of SD SDI signals
and analog composite signals at the same time as HD
SDI output signals and for monitoring the signals on an
SD monitor.
Up-convert function
When an SD format tape is played back, it is possible to
output the signals in the HD SDI output and HD analog
component signals while at the same time outputting
them in SD format, since this unit includes the HD
converter as a standard feature. 
						

							7
Features (continued)
Cross-convert function
The unit comes with a built-in cross-converter to enable
1080i/59.94 Hz format signals to be converted into
720p/59.94 Hz format signals or, conversely, to enable
720p/59.94 Hz format signals to be converted into
1080i/59.94 Hz format signals.
Cross-convert with 1080i/50 Hz and 720p/50 Hz is also
possible.
HD analog component output
This feature enables HD signals to be monitored with
ease.
Gamma correction of cinema for film
This feature corrects the image from a variable frame
rate camera in cinema gamma mode for film to an image
with film quality.
AC/DC operation
The unit supports AC supply voltages ranging from
100V to 240V and DC12V power supply as well.
Editing function
Using the 9-pin serial remote (RS-422A), assembly or
insertion is allowed.
(Only with 1080i/59.94 Hz, 720P/59.94 Hz, 1080i/50 Hz,
and 720P/50 Hz)
Encoder remote controller function
Using the external encoder remote controller, each
setting for the video output signal can be adjusted.
Follow-on recording function
Using the REC button and PAUSE button together
activates the auto back function, enabling the next
image to follow on from the last image with no
disruptions in the continuity.
On-screen menu settings
Highly detailed and individualized function settings can
be performed on-screen.
Time code
The unit is equipped with a built-in time code generator/
time code reader (TCG/TCR). Since time code signals
can also be input from an external device, regeneration
to an external time code is possible.
Since the backup function using a backup battery is
incorporated in the TCG (time code generator), time
codes during free-run operations are retained even if the
power of the unit is turned off.
Joystick and variable speed playback
The unit is equipped with a joystick (stick controller) for
use of the search function during variable speed
playback.
In addition, the joystick allows convenient setting of the
onscreen menu/time code generator.
PF (Programmable Function) button
The unit is equipped with three PF buttons. Selecting
the three most frequently used setup menus, the menu
settings can be changed with the buttons on the front
panel. 
UMID information recording and playback
This unit supports the recording/playback of UMID
(Unique Material Identifier) information in the SMPTE
330M standard. UMID information can be confirmed
with the diagnostic menu.
VANC data recording/playback
VANC data packets that added to the Y stream of HD
SDI can be recorded with the video signal. In addition,
VANC data packets can be played back with the Y
stream of HD SDI. This unit is capable of input and
output through the IEEE1394 standard interface.
AUTO REC Feature
This unit can be connected to our camera recorder
using HD SDI signals. It is possible to remotely turn ON/
OFF the recording feature of this unit by using
overlapped commands. VTRs that do not support the recording/playback of
UMID information will not playback UMID information
correctly. In addition, when VTRs that do not support
recording/playback of UMID information are connected
to this unit, UMID information will not be recorded
correctly. 
						

							8
Features (continued)
Multi-functional interfaces
zSerial digital input/output
The unit’s HD component serial I/O interface enables
interfacing with HD component video signals and 8-
channel digital audio signals using a single BNC
connector. (SMPTE 292M/296M/299M)
The unit is also equipped with an SD downconverter as
a standard feature so that SD component serial signals
can be output as well.
(SMPTE 259M-C, 272M-A, ITU-R BT.656-4)
zAnalog video output
Since the unit’s down-converter comes as a standard
feature, the analog composite signals can be monitored
on an SD monitor.
z9-pin remote
The unit’s 9-pin remote control connector enables it to
be operated with an external remote controller.
zIEEE1394 digital input/output
Set to this position when controlling this unit with the AV/
C command of the 9-pin REMOTE, REMOTE of HD
SDI, IEEE1394.

When any of the settings below is established, no
signals will be output from the IEEE1394 digital
interface.
zWhen “60/24” is selected as the menu item No.030
HD FREQUENCY setting
zWhen “23/24,” “25 (HD),” “25 (SD),” “50 (HD),” or “50
(SD)” is selected in menu item No. 025 SYSTEM
FREQ.

Playback format Output format
DV C P R O  H D - L P,  
DV C P R O  H DDVCPRO HD, 
DV C P RO 5 0 ,  DV
DVCPRO50 DVCPRO50, DV
DVCPRO DVCPRO, DV
DV,  DV C A M DV
In case of EE and REC modes:
zSelect a value other than “1394” with the 
INPUT SELECT button on the front 
panel.DVCPRO HD 
						

							9
Parts and their functions
Front panel (1)
POWER switch
Cassette insertion slot (See page 18)
EJECT 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.
To enable or disable the EJECT button operation during
recording, use menu No. 115 EJECT SW INH.
CONTROL switch
This is selected to control the unit from an external
source using the REMOTE connector.
REMOTE:Set to this position when controlling the unit
with the AV/C command or the commands
overlapped on the HD SDI of the 9-pin
REMOTE, via IEEE1394.
LOCAL :Set to this position to control the unit using
the controls on the unit’s operation panel.
REC INHIBIT 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.
METER (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
 position indicates the standard level of –20 dB
(For AJ-HD1400P) or –18 dB (For AJ-HD1400E).
(See page 12)
MONITOR SEL button
This button is used to select the audio signals which are
to be output to the AUDIO MON L and R connectors.
Each time the button is pressed, the audio signals to be
output to the AUDIO MON L or R connector are
changed in the following sequence.
Which signal is currently selected is displayed by the
lighting of the L or R lamp on the level meter display.
Select [CH5-8] on the menu No. 783 AUDIO CH SEL to
monitor CH5 to CH8.
Headphone jack and volume control
When stereo headphones are connected to the headset
jack, you can monitor the audio signal through the
headphones during recording and playback.
The headphone volume for output and monitoring output
can be adjusted with the volume control knob. Whether
the monitoring volume is linked to the volume control
knob or not can be selected in menu No. 712 MONI
OUT. In independent operation, the monitor output is
fixed regardless of the position of the volume control
knob.
Also, the output volume of the headphones is always
linked to the volume control knob.
REC/PBCH1/5 CH2/6
CH3/7 CH4/8 REC
PB CH1 CH2 CH1 CH2
PB
HD
[CH1]      [CH3]      [CH1]      [CH2]      [CH3]      [CH4]
[CH2]      [CH4]      [CH1]      [CH2]      [CH3]      [CH4]
      [CUE]      [CH1+CH2]      [CH3+CH4]
      [CUE]      [CH1+CH2]      [CH3+CH4] 










 L :
R : 
						

							10
Parts and their functions (continued)
Front panel (2)
INPUT SELECT buttons
These buttons are used to switch the video and audio
input signals. They can also be used to switch the video
input signals to the internal reference signal selected as
the menu item No.601 VIDEO INT SG setting.
VIDEO:
Each time the VIDEO button is pressed, the input
video signal selection is switched in the order of
[HD SDI] > [1394] > [SG].
When SG has been selected, the signal is switched to
the internal reference signal selected as the menu item
No.601 VIDEO INT SG setting.
AUDIO:
Each time the AUDIO button is pressed, the input
audio signal selection is switched in the order of
[HD SDI] > [SG] > [ANALOG].

zIt is possible to inhibit the input switch operations
(video and audio) of the INPUT SELECT buttons
using menu item No.190 V IN SEL INH and item
No.191 A IN SEL INH.
zThe audio input signal cannot be switched to [1394]
independently. The audio signal can be switched to
[1394] only when the video signal is switched to
[1394] by interlocking.
Since the audio input signal at this time is fixed to
[1394], it cannot be switched to another input signal.
PF button
When this button is pressed, buttons   -   to
function as the PF1, PF2 and PF3 buttons, respectively.
When it is pressed again before another button is
pressed, these modes are canceled.
When this button is pressed together with the MENU/
DIAG button  , the DIAG screen is displayed.
COUNTER/PF1 button
Each time this button is pressed, the counter display on
the display panel changes by one step in the following
sequence: CTL > TC > UB > REM.
RESET/PF2 button
When this button is pressed in the CTL mode, the
counter display is reset to [00:00:00:00].
When it is pressed in the TC/UB mode while holding
down the TC PRESET button  , the generator is reset.
TC PRESET/PF3 button
This button is used to set the TC or UB values.
MENU/DIAG button
When the connector that is selected in menu No. 005
SUPER is used, When this button is pressed, the setup
menus are displayed on the TV monitor, and the setup
menu numbers are displayed on the unit’s display panel.
When it is pressed again, the setup menu settings are
exited, and the original status is restored.
When the button is pressed while holding down the PF
button  , the VTR information is displayed. When it is
pressed again, the original display is restored. The VTR
information consists of the WARNING, HOURS METER,
UMID INFO and DIF STATUS 1, 2 information.
The SEARCH button
 is used to switch the displays
between these kinds of information.
Descriptions of the warnings are displayed on the
WARNING screen. The deck’s serial number, poweron
time, drum rotation time, tape travel time, number of
loading times, number of power on/off times, etc. are
displayed on the HOURS METER screen. The UMID
(Unique Material Identifier) information is displayed on
the UMID INFO screen. The IEEE1394 digital interface
information is displayed on the DIF STATUS 1, 2 screen.
TCG 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 menu No. 505 TCG REGEN.
PRESET:The time code generator can be preset (see
page 55) 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 SLTC,
SVITC or IEEE1394 digital input signal is used.
Which of the two is to be set is selected using
menu No. 507 EXT TC SEL.

When selecting “1394” with the INPUT VIDEO switch on
the front panel, the time code input to IEEE1394 digital
input/output connector is used.
SUPER switch
ON:Outputs superimposed information, such as time
code, to the connector selected in menu No. 005
SUPER.
OFF:No superimposed information is output.
REC/PBCH1/5 CH2/6
CH3/7 CH4/8 REC
PB CH1 CH2 CH1 CH2
PB
HD
SEARCH
button