Panasonic Digital Video Cassette Recorder Ajd850a Operating Instructions

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Audio monitor
signals
Recorder
AV monitor
AV monitor AV monitor AV monitor
Video monitor
signals
Audio monitor
signalsVideo monitor
signals
Audio monitor signals
Video monitor signals
Editing controller
AV switcherReference
signal generator
Remote
To REMOTE IN/OUT
connector
To REMOTE
IN/OUT connector
Remote
Video input signals
Audio input signals
Video monitor signals
Audio monitor
signals
Reference signal Audio output signals Video output signals
RemoteAudio output
signals Video output signals
Reference signal
Source machineTo REMOTE
IN/OUT connector
Source machine

When an editing controller 
made by CMX is used, 
support must be provided at 
the editing controller side.
Connections
Connections with editing controller 
						

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Supply the external reference signal from a 
sync signal generator to the units.
Use the composite connectors for the video 
signals.Make these two
cables equally long.
VIDEO 1
OUTVIDEO 1
OUTVIDEO IN
REF (BB) 
P1 IN P2 IN
REF IN
RECORDER OUT
MONITOR  OUT 
REF (BB)75W
Switcher
TV
monitorWFM
(waveform monitor)VSC
(vectorscope)
Player 1
(source machine 1)Player 2
(source machine 2)RECORDERREF
(BB)
REF
VIDEO INREF
(BB)
REF
VIDEO INREF
(BB)
REF
VIDEO IN
q
w
Connections
Connections for adjusting video output (encoder output) signals 
						

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M cassette
L cassette

For AJ-5P92LP cassette tapes recorded using the DVCPRO (25 Mbps) mode, use a VTR supporting
DVCPRO (25 Mbps) 184 minute tapes.

¥ Consumer DV tapes and DVCAM tapes can be used for playback only.
¥ Consumer DV tapes which have been recorded in the LP mode cannot be played back.
¥ When materials which have been recorded on consumer DV tapes or DVCAM tapes are to be edited,
record them onto a DVCPRO tape or tape of any other broadcasting VTR for use.
¥ Recordings cannot be made on consumer DV tapes and DVCAM tapes: this means that all functions
related to recording, REC operation, editing selection and execution, TAPE/EE switching and other
such operations are prohibited.
¥ The maximum transport speed for consumer DV tapes and DVCAM tapes is 32 times the normal tape
speed.
¥ The maximum time for the STILL TIMER when consumer DV tapes or DVCAM tapes are used is set
to 10 seconds, and the total STEP FWD time when the machine has been left standing in the STILL
status is set to 1 minute.
¥ Slow-motion playback of consumer DV tapes and DVCAM tapes is not possible.
¥ In order to protect your tapes, it is recommended that repeated cue-up in the same location on a
consumer DV tape or DVCAM tape be avoided as far as possible.
¥ Finally, check out the cautionary items for setup menu item No. 108 ÒFORMAT SELÓ.
Description
Tape designed exclusively for the camcorders used by consumers in
general. Only playback is possible using the optional cassette adaptor.
However, please note that long-play cassette tapes (80-minute standard/
120-minute LP mode) cannot be used.
Use of Panasonic consumer DV cassette tapes is recommended.
Note that inserting a cassette tape without using the cassette adaptor can
damage the unit.
Recording/playback tape with a maximum capacity of 66 minutes.
(AJ-P12MP, AJ-P24MP, AJ-P33MP, AJ-P46MP, AJ-P66MP)
Recording/playback tape with a maximum capacity of 184 minutes.
(AJ-P34LP, AJ-P66LP, AJ-P94LP, AJ-P126LP, AJ-5P92LP)
Tapes
Type
Consumer
cassette
(S cassette)
M cassette
L cassette
Align the cassette with the center of the insertion slot and push it in gently. The cassette tape
is loaded automatically. 
						

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Switching on the power/inserting the cassette
Before starting to operate the unit, check whether the equipment has been connected
properly.
1Turn on the power.
2Check that the AUTO OFF lamp is off.
When condensation has formed or some other trouble has occurred, the AUTO OFF
lamp lights, and all operations are disabled.
3Insert the cassette tape.
Insert the tape at its proper position without force.
4Check that the STOP lamp is on.
When the tape is inserted, the cylinder rotates automatically, the tape is loaded and the
unit goes into the stop mode. The EJECT lamp goes off.
132
4
ON
OFF
L
LEVEL CUE VIDEO
ASSEMBLEDV AUDIO ANALOGVIDEO Y PB PR
AES/EBUCMPST INPUT SELECT
CH CONDITION
SCH CFSHIFT ADJ START RESETSTAND BYUB EXT EETC INTTC MODE
TAPE
LOCALREV FWD
PULL
OPEN JOGPUSHEJECT
AUTO OFF
SHTL
SLOW CONTROL
REMOTE
EDIT
REWPLAY SERVO
STOP PLAYER
REC REC INHIBIT
FF RECORDERTC/CTL
TC SET
INSERT-VIDEO CH1 CH2 CUE TC
AUTO EDIT
PREROLL PREVIEW
REVIEW REC
PB
PULL FOR VARIABLE PULL
OPENHEADPHONESCH1 CH2 RMONITOR SELECTW
TRIM
IN
SET–+
OUT
AOUTAIN
METER
FULL/FINE
POWERUSER SET SDISDI
SDTI(V&A) 
						

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STOP/STAND BY mode
1
When the STOP button is pressed, the unit goes into the stop mode. The STOP lamp
lights and the tape stops traveling.
¥ In order to protect the tape, the unit goes into the standby OFF mode after the time set
by setup menu No. 400 (STILL TIMER) has elapsed. When the STOP, REW, FF or
PLAY button is pressed, the unit will go into the appropriate mode.
2When the STAND BY button is pressed, the unit goes into the standby ON/OFF mode.
When the buttonÕs lamp is lighted, the unit is in the standby ON mode.
When the button is pressed during the stop mode, the unit goes into the standby OFF
mode and half-loading mode and the lamp goes off.
When the button is pressed during the standby OFF mode, the unit goes to the standby
ON mode.
Still Timer Setting
In order to protect the tape and VTR helical heads, it is recommended that the Still Timer be
set for automatic tape protection mode in 30 seconds or under.
Page 67 indicates the settings for menu item 400-Still Timer set. Still Timer settings 4 and
below will best protect the tape.
2
1
ON
OFF
L
LEVEL CUE VIDEO
ASSEMBLEDV AUDIO ANALOGVIDEO Y PB PR
AES/EBUCMPST INPUT SELECT
CH CONDITION
SCH CFSHIFT ADJ START RESETSTAND BYUB EXT EETC INTTC MODE
TAPE
LOCALREV FWD
PULL
OPEN JOGPUSHEJECT
AUTO OFF
SHTL
SLOW CONTROL
REMOTE
EDIT
REWPLAY SERVO
STOP PLAYER
REC REC INHIBIT
FF RECORDERTC/CTL
TC SET
INSERT-VIDEO CH1 CH2 CUE TC
AUTO EDIT
PREROLL PREVIEW
REVIEW REC
PB
PULL FOR VARIABLE PULL
OPENHEADPHONESCH1 CH2 RMONITOR SELECTW
TRIM
IN
SET–+
OUT
AOUTAIN
METER
FULL/FINE
POWERUSER SET SDISDI
SDTI(V&A) 
						

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Recording
1
Set the accidental erasure prevention tab on the cassette tape to the ÒrecordingÓ
position and insert the tape.
2Press the STOP button to place the unit in the stop mode.
3Set the TAPE/EE switch to EE.
EE images now appear on the TV monitor.
4Check that the REC INHIBIT lamp is off.
If this lamp is lighted, set the REC INHIBIT switch to OFF.
5Select the video and audio input signals and adjust their levels.
5-1Selecting video/audio input signals
1Connect the signals to be recorded.
2Select the input signals using the INPUT SELECT switches on the front panel.
The input signals corresponding to the lighted lamps have been selected.
5-2Adjusting the video level
1Normally, the adjustment control $4 for the video input level should be pressed
in. (unity value)
The video signals will be recorded at the proper level.
2To adjust the recording level, pull out the adjustment knob and adjust in the
+3 dB to Ð3 dB range.
5-3Adjusting the audio level
1Adjust the audio input signal levels of the analog audio CH1/CH2 signals and
analog cue signal. Keep the audio input/output level controls $4 pushed in
(unity value).
The audio signals will be recorded at the proper level.
2To adjust the recording level, pull out the controls and adjust them. With the
CUE signal, adjust the control in such a way that Ð20 dB will not be exceeded.
6Press the REC and PLAY buttons together. The REC and PLAY lamps light, and
recording commences.
7To end the recording, press the STOP button.
Recording is ended, and the unit goes into the stop mode.

¥ Check that the SERVO lamp is lighted during recording. If it flashes or if it is off, the images
played back will be disturbed.
¥ Only the analog composite video input signals can be adjusted. (The digital video and
analog component input signals cannot be adjusted.)
¥ The sound and pictures to be recorded are offset from the playback pictures by 5 frames
and recorded. When, for instance, recording sound at a particular timing while the playback
pictures are monitored, the sound to be recorded will be recorded at a position which is
offset from the playback pictures by 5 frames. 
						

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Playback
1
Insert the cassette tape, and place the unit in the stop mode.
2Press the PLAY button.
Regular playback is now commenced.
3Adjust the audio playback level.
Pull out the audio level controls and turn them clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust
the levels. Normally, they are kept in the pushed-in state (unity value).
4To end playback, press the STOP button.
The VTR now goes into the stop mode.

Check that the SERVO lamp is lighted during playback. If it flashes or if it is off, the images
played back will be disturbed. 
						

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Jog/shuttle
Jog mode
1Push the search dial to the ÒinÓ position.
Be sure that the JOG lamp lights.
2Rotate the search dial.
The dialÕs clickstops are cleared, and the tape is played back at the speed
corresponding to the speed at which the dial is turned. The maximum speed can be
selected using the setup menu No. 320 (JOG FWD MAX) and No. 321 (JOG REV
MAX) settings. When the dial rotation is stopped, a still picture appears. The playback
picture is noise-free.
3To transfer from the jog mode to another mode, press the appropriate button.
Shuttle mode
1Push the search dial to release it from the ÒinÓ position. The SHTL lamp lights, and the
unit goes into the shuttle mode.
¥ Immediately after the power has been turned on, rotate the search dial and set it to the
center position.
2Set the SHTL/SLOW switch to SHTL or SLOW.
3Rotate the search dial.
When the SHTL/SLOW switch has been set to SHTL, the playback picture speed is
varied from 0 to ±60´ normal speed depending on the position of the dial. The playback
picture speed can be switched to ±16´, ±32´ and ±60´ normal speed with setting menu
No. 101 (SHTL MAX).
The dialÕs center position is a clickstop where a still picture appears as the playback
image. When the SHTL/SLOW switch has been set to SLOW, the playback picture
speed is varied from Ð4 to +4´ normal speed depending on the position of the dial. The
maximum speed can be selected using the setup menu No. 317 (VAR FWD MAX) and
No. 318 (VAR REV MAX) settings. However, noise appears at speeds other than Ð0.43
to +1´ normal speed.
The dialÕs center position is a clickstop where a still picture appears as the playback
image. The playback picture is noise-free.
4To transfer from the shuttle mode to another mode, press the STOP button or other
button.

When the unit leaves the factory, its operation is set up so that it will be transferred to the
shuttle or jog mode when the search dial is rotated. If it is inconvenient for operation to be
transferred to the variable-speed mode directly, it can also be transferred through the search
button.
Set setting menu No. 100 (SEARCH ENA) to KEY. 
						

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Manual editing
1
Select the editing mode.
ASSEMBLE:For assemble editing.
INSERT:For insert editing.
2Select the editing channel.
In the case of insert editing, press the channel button corresponding to the signals to be
edited, and check that its lamp is on.
3Press the PLAY button.
4Search for the position where the editing is to be commenced (IN point) while viewing
the TV monitor, and press the PLAY and EDIT buttons together at the IN point.
5Press the STOP or PLAY button at the position where editing is to be completed (OUT
point) while viewing the TV monitor. The unit goes into the stop mode, and editing is
completed.

The sound and pictures to be recorded are offset from the playback pictures by 5 frames and
recorded. When, for instance, recording sound at a particular timing while the playback
pictures are monitored, the sound to be recorded will be recorded at a position which is offset
from the playback pictures by 5 frames. 
						

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Preroll
1
Press the PREROLL button.
The VTR now performs the preroll operation.
¥ When the edit IN point has been entered, the tape is rewound from the edit IN point for
the duration set by setting menu Ò000,Ó and the unit then goes into the stop mode.
¥ When the edit IN point has not been entered, the tape is rewound for the duration set
by setting menu Ò000Ó from the position where the button was pressed, and the unit
then goes into the stop mode.

¥ The time code or CTL signal must be continuously recorded between the edit IN point and
preroll point.
¥ When the IN point has not been entered, whether to enter the IN point and perform preroll
or to perform preroll without entering the IN point can be selected at setting menu No. 311
(AUTO ENTRY).