Panasonic Memory Card Camera Recorder AG-HVX200AP Operating Instructions

							
Reference
121
Shooting (when using a P2 card)
Cannot shoot even though 
the P2 card is inserted 
correctly.•  The MEDIA switch may be in the TAPE position.
  If so, set it to the P2 position.
P 25
•  Make sure the P2 card’s write-protect switch is not in the PROTECT  position.
  Recording is not possible if it is in this position.  P 26
•  There may be little free memory left on the P2 card. If so, save the  data onto another media, and delete the data you no longer need; 
alternatively, replace the card with a new one. —
•  The P2 card may be formatted incorrectly. Alternatively, the card  you are using may not be formatted for use with the unit.
  If so, format the card in the unit. P 27
•  2 GB P2 cards cannot be used. —
•  The media information display may be indicating “E”. If so, format  the card in the unit. P 94
Cannot perform interval 
recording, one-shot 
recording or loop recording. •  Make sure that the DIR ENTRY NG CARD warning is not displayed 
after inserting the P2 card. Interval recording, one-shot recording 
and loop recording cannot be performed with this card. Format the 
card in the unit. P 94
Shooting (when using a tape)
Cannot record even 
though the tape is inserted 
properly.
•  The MEDIA switch may be in the P2 position.
  If this is the case, set it to the TAPE position. 
P 29
•  Make sure the VCR lamp is off.
  You cannot shoot in VCR mode. Press the mode switch to switch to  camera mode. P 29
•  Make sure the tab on the cassette tape for preventing accidental  erasure is not set to SAVE. You cannot record when the tab is in this 
position. P 31
•  The cassette tape may have reached the end. If so, replace it with  another tape. —
•  Make sure the cassette holder is closed. 
  You cannot operate the camera if the cassette holder is open.   —
•  If the AUTO OFF/T REEL LOCK warning appears, the tape may  have snapped. Check the tape. —
Editing
Cannot perform audio 
dubbing.•  Make sure the tab on the cassette tape for preventing accidental 
erasure is not set to SAVE. 
  You cannot edit when the tab is in this position. P 31
•  You may be trying to edit a part that was shot in LP mode.
  You cannot dub after recording in LP mode as the track on the tape  is thinner than the head. —
Cannot read the data on the 
SD memory card. •  Make sure the SD memory card is formatted correctly.
  If it is not, format the card in the unit. P 32
•  In the tape mode, SD memory cards cannot be read. Switch to the  P2 mode in order to read these cards. P 32
Cannot perform nonlinear 
editing. •  Check the specifications of your computer and connecting cable. P 83
Cannot dub onto an 
external device. •  Make sure the external device is connected correctly. P 79, 80 
						

							
122
Displays
Something is wrong with 
the time code display.• The time code display may not register a regular count if a tape is 
played in the reverse slow mode. This is normal. —
The remaining tape display 
differs from the actual 
amount of tape remaining.  • The remaining tape is not displayed accurately if you shoot 
continuously for periods of less than 30 seconds. —
• The display may show 2 to 3 minutes less than the actual time  remaining on the tape. —
Playback
Cannot play even when I 
press the play button.•  Make sure the MCR/VCR lamp is on (press the mode  button).
  No kind of playback operation can be performed unless this lamp is 
on. P 63, 64
Cannot play back P2 cards 
or tapes. •  Make sure the MEDIA switch is in the correct position.
  If not, set it to the P2 or TAPE position. P 63, 64
Mosaic-like noise appears 
when I cue or review a tape. •  This noise is inherent to digital video technology. This is normal. —
Images do not appear on 
the television even though 
I have connected the 
camera-recorder properly. •  Make sure the input selector on your television is set to video input.
  Read the television’s instructions carefully and select the correct 
video input connector for the camera-recorder. —
•  When a component video cable is connected, video signals are not  output from the VIDEO OUT and S-VIDEO OUT connectors. P 80
The playback images are 
not displayed clearly. •  The camera-recorder’s heads may be dirty.
  Images will not be displayed clearly if the heads are dirty. —
Cannot hear any sound 
from the camera-recorder’s 
speaker. •  You may have turned down the camera-recorder’s volume control 
too far.
  Adjust the volume level using the AUDIO MON/ VAR button+. P 76
I can hear two sets of 
sound. •  You may have selected “MIX” as the 32K(12bit) AUDIO setting in 
the PLAYBACK FUNCTION screen. P 110
•  If you perform audio dubbing on a tape that was recorded with 32K  (12bit) selected as the AUDIO REC setting in the RECORDING 
SETUP screen, you will hear the sound heard during recording 
and that of the audio dubbing. You can also listen to each sound 
separately. P 107
When I performed audio 
dubbing, the original sound 
was erased. •  If you perform audio dubbing on a tape that was recorded with 48K 
(16bit) selected as the AUDIO REC setting in the RECORDING 
SETUP screen, you will hear the sound heard during recording and 
that of the audio dubbing. To leave the original sound intact, make 
sure that 32K (12bit) is selected when you shoot. P 107
Cannot perform hot swap 
playback. •  This unit does not support hot swap playback.
  To replace one card with another during dubbing, stop the dubbing 
first, and upon completing the replacement, resume it. P 88
Before calling for service (continued) 
						

							
Reference
123
Other
Cannot remove the tape.•  Make sure the camera is supplied with power.
  Make sure the AC adapter or battery is inserted correctly.
  As long as the power is supplied, you can remove the tape without 
turning ON the POWER switch. P 17
Cannot perform any 
operation other than 
removing the tape. •  Condensation may have formed.
  If this happens, the only operation that you will be able to perform is 
to remove the tape. Wait until the condensation has dried out. P 126
•  When the cassette holder is closed immediately after sliding  EJECT switch to open the cassette holder, sometimes operations 
other than eject cannot be performed. In this case, slide EJECT 
switch again to open the cassette holder, check that the cassette 
mechanism has completed ejecting operation, and then close the 
cassette holder. —
The remote control does 
not work. •  The battery in the remote control may have run out.
  If the remote control fails to work even if it is operated close to the 
remote control sensor of the camera-recorder, it means that the 
battery has run out. Replace it with new one. P 19
•  Make sure the remote control setting is the same for the remote  control unit and the camera-recorder.
  If the REMOTE setting is different on the remote control and the  camera-recorder, the remote control will not work. P 19
There is a rattling sound 
when the camera-recorder 
is tilted back and forth. •  There are some parts of the camera that make a rattling sound in 
the VCR mode or when the POWER switch is OFF.  This is normal. —
A clicking sound is heard 
when the power is turned 
on or when the MCR/VCR 
mode is switched to the 
camera mode. •  This initialization operation is performed when the camera starts up. 
It occurs due to the construction of the camera and is not indicative 
of any trouble. — 
						

							
124
Operating precautions
Do not allow any water to get into the camera-
recorder when using it in the rain or snow or at 
the beach.
•  Failure to heed this caution will cause the camera-recorder, P2 card or cassette to 
malfunction (and may result in irreparable 
damage).
Keep the camera-recorder away from 
equipment (such as TV sets and video game 
machines) that generate magnetic fields.
•  Using the camera-recorder on top of or near a  TV set may cause distortion in the images and/or 
sound due to the electromagnetic waves that the 
set emits.
•  The powerful magnetic fields generated by  speakers or large motors may damage your 
recordings or distort the images.
• The electromagnetic waves emitted from a  microcomputer will adversely affect the camera-
recorder, causing the images and/or sound to be 
distorted.
•  If the camera-recorder is so adversely affected by  products that generate magnetic fields that it no 
longer operates properly, turn it off and remove 
the battery or unplug the AC adapter from the 
power outlet. Then install the battery again or 
reconnect the AC adapter. After this, turn the 
camera-recorder back on.
Do not use the camera-recorder near radio 
transmitters or high-voltage equipment.
•  Using the camera-recorder near a radio  transmitter or high-voltage equipment may 
adversely affect the recorded images and/or 
sound.
Do not allow any sand or dust to get into the 
camera-recorder when using it at the beach 
and other similar places.
•  Sand and dust can damage the camera-recorder,  P2 card and cassette. (Be especially careful 
when inserting or removing the P2 card or 
cassettes.) AC adapter and battery
•  If the battery is extremely hot or cold, the 
CHARGE lamp will blink several times before 
charging starts.
•  If the CHARGE lamp continues to blink even  when the battery temperature is normal, there 
may be something wrong with the battery or AC 
adapter. Contact your dealer.
•  The battery takes longer to charge when it is  warm.
•  The AC adapter can interfere with radio reception  so keep radios at least 1 meter away from it.
•  The AC adapter may make some noise when you  are using it, but this is normal.
Take precautions not to drop the camera when 
moving it.
•  Strong impacts may damage the camera and  cause it to stop working.
• Handle the camera with care, using the hand  strap or shoulder strap to carry it.
Do not spray the camera with insect sprays or 
other volatile substances.
•  These can warp the camera or cause the finish to  come off.
•  Do not leave the camera-recorder in contact with  rubber or PVC products for extended periods of 
time.
After use, remove the cassette and battery and 
disconnect the AC power supply cord.
•  The tape can become slack or damaged if you  leave it in the camera. 
						

							
Reference
125
Battery characteristics
This camera-recorder uses a rechargeable 
lithiumion battery that uses its internal chemical 
reaction to generate electrical energy. This reaction 
is easily influenced by the ambient temperature 
and humidity, and the battery’s effective operating 
time is reduced as the temperature rises or falls. In 
very low temperatures, the battery may last only 5 
minutes.
Protective circuitry functions if you use the battery 
where it is very hot and you will have to wait before 
you can use it again.
Remove the battery after use.
Completely remove the battery. (The battery 
continues to be used even if you have turned 
the camera off.) The battery can over discharge 
if you leave it in the camera and it may become 
impossible to recharge it.
Disposing of spent batteries
The battery will become unchargeable.
Rather than throwing the battery into the garbage, 
take it to a store that can assist in recycling it.
What to remember when throwing memory 
cards away or transferring them to others
Formatting memory cards or deleting data using 
the functions of the unit or a computer will merely 
change the file management information: it will 
not completely erase the data on the cards. When 
throwing these cards away or transferring them 
to others, either physically destroy them or use a 
data deletion program for computers (commercially 
available) to completely erase the data. Users are 
responsible for managing the data on their memory 
cards.Liquid crystal displays
•  Images or letters can get burned onto the screen 
of the LCD or viewfinder if they are displayed for 
a long time, but you can fix this by leaving the 
camera off for several hours.
•  The liquid crystal parts are highly precise with  99.99% of the pixels effective.
This leaves less than 0.01% of pixels that may 
not light or may remain on all the time. These 
phenomena are normal and will have no effect on 
the images you shoot.
•  Condensation may form if you use the camera  where temperatures fluctuate. Wipe dry with a 
soft, dry cloth.
•  The LCD may appear dim after immediately  turning on a cold camera, but will brighten as the 
camera warms up.
Do not point the lens or viewfinder at the sun.
Doing so may damage the parts inside.
Protective caps for the connectors
Keep the protective caps fitted over any connectors 
that are not being used.  
						

							
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Updating the driver in the camera
For the latest information on drivers, visit the P2 Support Desk at the following Web sites.
 https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/
To update a driver, select PROPERTY on the thumbnail menu and then SYSTEMINFO to check the 
camera-recorder’s version, go to the site given above, and download the driver as necessary.
The updating procedure is completed when the downloaded file has been loaded into the camera-recorder 
via the SD memory card.  For further details on this procedure, go the site given above.
•  For installation, you must connect the AC adapter.
•  If you are going to use SD memory cards with this camera-recorder, use only cards which are in compliance with the SD standard.
  Always format SD memory cards on this camera-recorder.  If it is necessary to format them on a personal  computer, download the special software program from the site given above before using them.
  An SDHC memory card cannot be used for updating.
Condensation
How to find out if there is condensation inside 
and what to do about it 
If the condensation mark 
 blinks, condensation 
has formed inside the camera-recorder. If this 
happens, the power automatically turns off in few 
seconds. Even if the condensation mark 
 is 
displayed, the camera-recorder will operate if set 
to P2 mode. If the camera-recorder is switched 
back to tape mode, the condensation mark 
 is 
displayed again, and the power automatically turns 
off in a few seconds.
Take the following action.
(1) Remove the cassette.
  No other functions will be possible. It may not  even be possible to remove the cassette tape 
depending on the amount of condensation. If 
this is the case, wait two to three hours before 
removing the cassette.
(2) Wait two to three hours with the cassette holder  open.
  The time you need to wait depends on the  amount of condensation and the ambient 
temperature.
(3) Turn on the power two to three hours later and  check whether or not the condensation display 
has gone off.
To make doubly sure, wait another hour or so 
after the condensation display has gone off 
before using the camera-recorder again. Also remember that even when the 
condensation display has not appeared, 
condensation may be forming.
•  Condensation builds up gradually so the 
condensation display may not appear for 10 to 15 
minutes after it has started to form inside.
In very cold areas, the condensation may freeze. If 
this happens, it will take another two to three hours 
for it to thaw out. 
						

							
Reference
127
   Eye cup holder
        Eye cup
      Projection
System resetting
Reset the system microcomputer if you can no 
longer operate the camera-recorder even though 
its power is on or a similar kind of a problem has 
occurred.
Use a pointed object to press the RESET button on 
the camera-recorder.
The menu setting entered and memory contents 
will not be cleared even when the system is reset.
Do not press the RESET button when the camera-
recorder is operating normally.
Cleaning
When cleaning, do not use benzene or thinner.
•  Using benzine or paint thinners may deform the camera-recorder and/or cause the surface finish 
to peel off.
•  Before proceeding with maintenance, remove the  battery or disconnect the AC cord from the power 
outlet.
•  Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe the camera- recorder. To remove stubborn dirt, wipe the 
camera-recorder with a cloth moistened with 
kitchen detergent that has been diluted with 
water and then use a dry cloth to take up the 
remaining moisture.
Cleaning the Viewfinder
If there is dust inside the view finder, remove the 
eye cup holder and get rid of the dust.
•  The interior of the eye cup holder is specially  finished, so do not ever wipe it. If there is dust on 
it, blow it off with an air blower.
•  Remove the eye cup holder with the eye cup  attached by rotating it counterclockwise. (It will 
be tightly screwed on.) When you do this, tilt the 
view finder slightly upward.
•  To amount the eye cup holder, align the ridges  and grooves of the eye cup holder and camera-
recorder, and turn clockwise until the holder 
clicks into place.
CH 1 SELECT CH 2 SELECTINPUT 1 INPUT 2INT(L)
INPUT 1
INPUT 2 INT(R)
INPUT 2 ON
OFF
BARS
AUDIO
SHUTTERSPEED SEL
COUNTER RESET/TC SETZEBRA OIS
RESET
ON
OFFMIC POWER +48V
RESET button 
						

							
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Video Heads
Dirty video heads cause partial mosaic-pattern 
noise or make the whole display bluish on 
playback.
When the video heads get extremely dirty, the 
recording quality decreases, and, in the worst 
case, it won’t record at all.
Causes of dirty video heads
• Dusty atmosphere
•  High temperature and humidity
•  Scratches on tapes
• Overuse
Using A Cleaning Tape (Page 136, OPTIONAL 
UNITS)
(1) Insert the cleaning tape in the camera recorder and turn on the power switch.
(2) Press the mode button and make sure the VCR  lamp is on.
(3) Press the operation button 
. Press  within 
ten seconds.
(Do not rewind the tape at this point.)
(4) Eject the cleaning tape and insert another tape. Record on it and play it back. Make sure the 
picture is fine.
(5) If the picture is not clear, repeat the steps 1-4.
  (Do not use the cleaning tape more than four  times in a row.) •  Do not rewind the cleaning tape until it gets to the 
end of the tape. When the tape gets to the end, 
rewind it to the beginning to use it again.
•  If the video head gets dirty soon after you clean  it, the cleaning tape might be damaged. Stop 
using the cleaning tape right away.
•  Overusing the cleaning tape might damage the  video head. If the video head is damaged, the 
picture quality will not improve even when you 
clean the video head.
•  When you can’t clean a dirty video head with the  cleaning tape, it needs cleaning and repair at the 
dealer. Please contact them.
Regular Maintenance
For the superior picture quality, we recommend 
replacing consumable parts such as a video head 
approximately every 2,000 hours of use.
(However, this estimated time varies greatly 
depending on the environment in which it is used, 
such as temperature, humidity, and dust.) 
						

							
Reference
129
Storage Precautions
Before storing the video camera, remove both the 
cassette and battery.
Store all of these items in a place with low humidity 
and relatively constant temperature.
[Recommended temperature range: 15°C to 25°C 
(59 °F to 77 °F )]
[Recommended relative humidity: 40% to 60%]
Video camera
•  Wrap the video camera in a soft cloth to keep the dust off.
Battery
•  The battery life is shortened in places with  extreme temperatures.
•  Storing the battery in a location with oily vapors  or high dust concentrations may corrode the 
terminals or cause other damage, leading to 
malfunction.
•  Keep metal objects (such as necklaces  and hair pins) away from the terminals. 
Shortcircuiting may occur across the 
terminals, causing the battery to heat up, and 
you may seriously burn yourself if you touch 
the battery in this state.
•  Discharge the battery before storing it. When  storing it for an extended time, charge it at least 
once a year, use up its charge in the camera-
recorder, and then store it again. P2 cards
•  After ejecting a P2 card from the unit, be 
absolutely sure to attach its special cap to keep 
sand and dust away from the connector area. 
Stow the P2 cards in their own cases when 
storing them or carrying them around.
•  Do not leave P2 cards in areas where corrosive  gases, etc. are present.
Cassette Tapes
•  Do not store in locations exposed to high  temperatures. This could damage the tape so that 
mosaic-shaped noise occurs during playback.
•  Always rewind your tapes to the beginning  before storing them. They will become slack if 
left stopped part way through for six months or 
more (the time frame depends on the storage 
conditions). Make sure that all of your tapes are 
rewound to the beginning before storage.
•  Always put your tapes back into their original  cases before storing them. Dust, direct sunlight 
(ultraviolet rays) or humidity may damage the 
tapes. Dust contains particles of hard minerals.
  These particles could burrow into the cassettes,  causing damage to the video camera’s heads or 
other parts. Make sure that all of your tapes are 
stored in the cases.
•  Fast forward and rewind tapes once every six  months. If tapes are left wound up for more than 
a year, the expansion and contraction caused by 
changes in temperature and humidity may distort 
the tapes or make them stick to each other.
•  Do not place substances or equipment with  strong magnetic fields near cassettes.
•  Tapes are surfaced with microscopically small  magnetic particles where the signals are 
recorded. Magnetic necklaces, toys and other 
products may have an unexpectedly strong 
magnetic field and this may cause data loss or 
generate noise on the screen and in the sound.
SD memory cards
•  After ejecting an SD memory card from the unit,  be absolutely sure to stow it in its own case.
•  Do not leave SD memory cards in areas where  corrosive gases, etc. are present.
•  Do not leave the cards inside vehicles, in places  exposed to direct sunlight or in other places 
where the temperature is high.
•  Do not leave the cards where the humidity level  is high or where there are high concentrations of 
dust. 
						

							
130
CONTENTSAUDIO
CLIP
ICON
PROXY
VIDEO
VOICE
LASTCLIP.TXT *
How to handle data recorded on P2 cards
The P2 card is a semiconductor memory card that is used as the recording medium in the professional 
video production and broadcasting devices that make up the DVCPRO P2 Series.
  
Since data recorded in the DVCPRO P2 
format are in a file format, they have excellent 
compatibility with PCs. The file structure is a 
unique format, which in addition to video and 
audio data in MXF files contains various other 
important information items. The folder structure 
links the data as shown on the right.
Changing or deleting just one information 
component could make it impossible to 
recognize the data as P2 data or use the card   
in a P2 device. Drive: \
All these folders are required.
∗   This is the file in which the information on 
the final clip that was recorded with the P2 
device is written.
   When transferring data from a P2 card to a PC, or when rewriting data saved on a PC to a P2 card, to 
prevent data loss be sure to use the special P2 Viewer software. Download it from the following website. 
(Compatible with the Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows Vista operating systems.)
 https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/cs/csregistp2m/p2indexe.html   When using regular IT tools such as Microsoft Windows Explorer or Apple Finder to transfer data to a 
PC, follow the instructions below. However, be sure to use the P2 Viewer when returning data to a P2 
card.
  •  Transfer the corresponding CONTENTS folder and LASTCLIP.TXT file together as a set. 
    Do not transfer individual files from the CONTENTS folder.
    When copying, copy the LASTCLIP.TXT file at the same time as the CONTENTS folder.
 •   When transferring multiple P2 cards to a PC, create a folder for each P2 card to prevent clips with the 
same name from being overwritten.
  •  Do not delete data from the P2 card.
  •  Before using a P2 card, be sure to format it with a P2 device.
 
 •   Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation in the USA and other 
countries.
  •  Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc., in the USA and other countries.