Panasonic Multi Format Camera Ak Hc931bp Operating Instructions

							
Multi-format camera
AK-HC931BP
Before attempting to connect, operate or adjust this product,  
please read these instructions completely. 
						

							
2

CAUTION:
This product uses a semiconductor laser system 
a n d i s a l a s e r c l a s s 1 p r o d u c t c o m p l i e s w i t h 
R a d i a t i o n   Pe r f o r m a n c e   S t a n d a r d s ,   2 1 C F R 
SUBCHAPTER J.
Use of controls or adjustments or perfor mance 
of procedures other than those specified herein 
may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Don’t make any modifications.
Don’t repair by yourself.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
CAUTION:
Invisible Laser radiation is emitted from the 
Optical fiber connector when this product is 
turned on.
Don’t look into directly into the Optical fiber 
connector of this product.
 indicates safety information.
CAUTION:
TO  REDUCE  THE  RISK  OF  FIRE  OR  SHOCK 
HAZARD  AND  ANNOYING  INTERFERENCE,  USE 
THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
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.
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.
For your safety
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  aler t  the  user  to  the 
 
p r e s e n c e   o f   i m p o r t a n t   o p e ra t i n g   a n d 
maintenance  (ser vice)  instructions  in  the 
literature accompanying the appliance.
This  class  A  digital  apparatus  complies  with 
Canadian ICES-003.
Cet  appareil  numérique  de  la  classe  A  est 
conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
For CANADA
This  product  contains  a  CR  Coin  Cell  Lithium  Battery 
which  contains  Perchlorate  Mater ial 
—   special 
handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. 
						

							
3

 indicates safety information.
For your safety
  1) Read these instructions.
  2) Keep these instructions.
  3) Heed all warnings.
  4) Follow all instructions.
  5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
  6) Clean only with dry cloth.
  7)  Do  not  block  any  ventilation  openings.  Install  in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  8)  Do  not  install  near  any  heat  sources  such  as  radiators,  heat  registers,  stoves,  or  other 
 
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
  9)  Do  not  defeat  the  safety  purpose  of  the  polarized  or  grounding-type  plug.  A  polarized  plug  has  two 
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-
type  plug  has  two  blades  and  a  third  grounding 
prong.  The  wide  blade  or  the  third  prong  are 
provided  for  your  safety.  If  the  provided  plug  does 
not  fit  into  your  outlet,  consult  an  electrician  for 
replacement of the obsolete outlet.   10)  Protect  the  power  cord  form  being  walked  on  or 
 
pinched  particularly  at  plugs,  convenience 
receptacles,  and  the  point  where  they  exit  from 
 
the apparatus.
  11)  Only  use  attachments/accessories  specified  by 
 
the manufacturer.
  12)  Use  only  with  the  cart,  stand,  tripod, 
 
bracket,  or  table  specified  by  the 
manufacturer,  or  sold  with  the 
apparatus.  When  a  cart  is  used,  use 
 
caution  when  moving  the 
 
cart/apparatus  combination  to  avoid 
injury from tip-over.
  13)  Unplug  this  apparatus  during  lightning  storms  or  when unused for long periods of time.
  14)  Refer  all  servicing  to  qualified  service  personnel.  Servicing  is  required  when  the  apparatus  has 
been  damaged  in  any  way,  such  as  power-supply 
cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or 
 
objects  have  fallen  into  the  apparatus,  the 
apparatus  has  been  exposed  to  rain  or  moisture, 
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Read  these  operating  instructions  carefully  before  using  the  unit.  Follow  the  safety  instructions  on  the  unit  and  the 
applicable safety instructions listed below. Keep these operating instructions handy for future reference.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 
						

							
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Contents
For your safety  ........................................................................................................................................................... 2
Overview  ....................................................................................................................................................................
 5
Features  ....................................................................................................................................................................
 5
Controls and their functions  ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Mounting the lens  .................................................................................................................................................... 11
Adjusting the lens flange back  .................................................................................................................................
 12
Performing the viewfinder adjustments  ....................................................................................................................
 13
Connecting the microphone  ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Mounting the camera on a tripod  .............................................................................................................................
 16
Component system configuration  ............................................................................................................................
 17
System connections 1 (with multi-format camera)  ...................................................................................................
 19
System connections 2 (with build-up unit)  ...............................................................................................................
 20
System connections 3 (with MSU)  ........................................................................................................................... 21
Status displays on viewfinder screen  .......................................................................................................................
 22
Menu operations  ......................................................................................................................................................
 23
Setting menu configuration  ......................................................................................................................................
 25
How to select the video format  ................................................................................................................................
 28
AK-HC931BP connector pin assignment  ................................................................................................................. 29
External dimension drawings  ...................................................................................................................................
 30
Specifications  .......................................................................................................................................................... 31 
						

							
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This new-generation HD camera is designed to support the 720P or 1080I format.
The 720P or 1080I video format can be selected using the menu settings. This model uses newly developed 2/3
 CCDs with a 
million pixels [1280 (H) 
 720 (V)]. By taking a fresh approach to the on-chip lens, CCD structure and processes, these new 
CCDs embody dramatically improved sensitivity, smear and dynamic range specifications compared with conventional CCDs, 
and they achieve a high performance which is on a par with that of SD. Furthermore, the moire in the band has been slashed by 
offsetting the pixels by combining Panasonic’s unique horizontal line readout CCDs with high-accuracy signal processing.
The newly developed digital signal processing LSI which supports 12-bit A/D conversion and which is provided in the camera 
head processes the gamma, knee, detail, matrix and other process signals and uses a new system for CCD defect correction 
to achieve improved operability with a greater number of functions, high quality and high stability which only digital systems can 
deliver. The 12-bit A/D converter yields a stable wide dynamic circuit with a high signal-to-noise ratio from the dark areas to the 
highlights.
A newly developed casing is used to house the multi-format camera head to achieve a compact size and light weight. The 
amount of heat generated has been significantly reduced by designing the new circuitry to consume less power and by adopting 
an efficient heat dissipation design for the new casing.
SD signals (D1, VBS) can be output and RET images and PROMPT signals can be input by connecting the multi-format camera 
to the CCU (AK-HCU931P, optional accessory).
In terms of controlling the camera’s functions, the ROP (AK-HRP931P) or MSU (AK-MSU930P), also available as an optional 
accessory, can be connected to the CCU to control such analog functions as the camera head’s pedestal and iris and to control 
such switches as the gain and output selector switches.
720P and 1080I video formats supported
  Either the 720P or 1080I video format can be selected  using the menu settings.
  The camera can be connected to existing peripheral devices no matter which video format is selected.
Newly developed 720P, 2/3
 million-pixel CCDs 
incorporated
  This achieves a high sensitivity that surpasses the  standard sensitivity of F10 and is on a par with SD.
  Smear has been cut to 130 dB and the number of white marks has been drastically reduced by process 
improvements.
  H-CCD drive is accomplished at a frequency of 74 MHz to 
attain a high response and high resolution.
Digital signal processing LSI with high picture quality 
featured in the camera unit
  After the process circuits, the signals undergo 12-bit,  
74 MHz high-picture-quality digital processing, yielding a 
high reliability, more functions and enhanced operating 
ease as a result.
Multi-functional enhancer
  In addition to the many functions such as chroma DTL, 
skin DTL and dynamic DTL, there is a choice of 8 boost 
frequencies. (For both HD and SD)
Designed to achieve low noise levels of below NC15
  The fan mode can be switched to suit the application at  hand, and measures to reduce the power requirements 
and improve the heat dissipation were adopted in the final 
design. Fuller complement of control circuits and auto setup 
(ASU) function
  The self-diagnosis functions have been enhanced, and it 
has now become possible to select the ASU function by 
combining the external shooting chart and internal test 
signals as well as the normal, simplified or other mode.
Peripheral components
  Ease of operation can be further improved by configuring  a system where the multi-format camera is used in 
combination with the remote operation panel (ROP) and 
master setup unit (MSU).
  Using the ROP matrix, for instance, ROP assignment is enabled without connector patch switching.
Data trunk function
  Two RS-422 circuits are provided as a standard feature. They obviate the need for the cables used with virtual 
control, pan/tilt head and lens control, etc.
D/C output of camera supported (optional function)
  The VF output or camera output can be selected as the 
D/C output.
  The VF images can be monitored on the NTSC LCD  monitor.
VF signals output in 1080I format
  Regardless of whether 720P or 1080I is selected as the 
format, the VF signals are output in the 1080I format so 
there is no need to provide two viewfinders.
Overview
Features 
						

							
6

Controls and their functions 
						

							
7

Controls and their functions 
						

							
8

 Lens mount (Bayonet type)
This is where the lens is mounted.
 Lens clamp lever
The lens is inserted into the lens mount , and this lever 
is then turned to clamp the lens in place.
 Lens cable and mic cable clamps
These are used to clamp the lens cable and mic cable in 
place.
 Tripod mount
Before securing the multi-format camera to a tripod, 
attach the tripod adapter (SHAN-TM700) which is 
available as an optional accessory.
 Shoulder pad
Adjust this pad in such a way that the multi-format 
camera can be operated easily when carried on the 
shoulder.
The pad position can be moved forward or backward 
once the two fixing screws are loosened.
 Optical fiber connector (EDW.3K made by LEMO)
 Camera power switch [POWER]
This is used to select the camera power input (power 
supplied from the CCU or from an external connector) 
and turn the power ON and OFF.
 Power LED
This lights up red when power is supplied to the camera.
 Power circuit breaker [BREAKER]
When an overcurrent flows to the camera, the breaker is 
tripped, and the power supply is cut off.
 INCOM connectors 1, 2 [INCOM1, INCOM2]
The INCOM or headset plugs are connected here.
 INCOM1 MIC ON/OFF switch [MIC1 TALK]
This is the INCOM1 MIC ON/OFF selector switch.
 INCOM1 level control [INCOM1 LEVEL]
This is used to adjust the INCOM1 receive level.
 INCOM2 MIC ON/OFF switch [MIC2 TALK]
This is the INCOM2 MIC ON/OFF selector switch.
 INCOM2 level control [INCOM2 LEVEL]
This is used to adjust the INCOM2 receive level.
 INCOM1 PGM selector switch [INCOM1 PGM]
This is used to select the PGM to be mixed with INCOM1.
 INCOM1 PGM level control [INCOM1 PGM]
This is used to adjust the INCOM1 and PGM mixing level.
 INCOM2 PGM selector switch [INCOM2 PGM]
This is used to select the PGM to be mixed with INCOM2.
 INCOM2 PGM level control [INCOM2 PGM]
This is used to adjust the INCOM2 and PGM mixing level.
 RET-A selector switch [RET A]
This switch is used to select the return images to be 
switched by RET-A.
 RET-B selector switch [RET B]
This switch is used to select the return images to be 
switched by RET-B.
 CALL LED
This lights when the CALL switch is pressed. It also lights 
in response to a call from the ROP or MSU.
 CALL switch [CALL]
This lights the CALL LED on the ROP or MSU and 
sounds the buzzer.
 OPT LED
This indicates the camera’s optical signal reception 
status. It normally lights up green. When any problem has 
occurred, it lights up red.
 Back tally LED selector switch
This is used to set the back tally LED to ON or OFF.
 Back tally LED
This lights when the tally signal is supplied.
 RET switching control connector [RET CONT]
The cable of the RET switching box (optional accessory) 
is connected here for controlling the ON/OFF settings of 
RET1, 2, 3 and INCOM1 MIC.
 Build-up unit connector [EXT I/O]
The cable from the build-up unit (optional accessory) is 
connected here.
  Camera main line SDI output connector (BNC) 
[HD SDI]
The camera main line’s HD-SDI images are output from 
this connector.
 Optional video output connector (BNC) [AUX OUT]
When the camera D/C unit (AK-HDC931, optional 
accessory) has been installed, the camera’s D/C images 
(VBS) are output from this connector.
  Genlock sync input/PROMPT output connector  [PROMPT/GL]
When the GL/PROMPT selector switch is set to GL, the 
reference signal (tri-level SYNC) which is used to genlock 
the camera is input to this connector; when it is set to 
PROMPT, the images input from the CCU are output from 
this connector.
 GL/PROMPT selector switch
This is used to select the genlock input or the input/output 
(genlock input and PROMPT output) signals of the 
PROMPT output connector.
Controls and their functions 
						

							
9

 RCB connector [RCB]
The simplified remote control unit (RCB, optional 
accessory) is connected to this connector.
 External power supply input connector [DC IN]
The input of the external DC power supply is connected 
to this connector. (DC 12V)
 MIC1 selector switch [MIC1 F/R]
This is used to switch the MIC1 input signal to the front 
or rear.
 Rear MIC1 connector [MIC1]
An audio component or microphone is connected to this 
connector.
 Rear MIC2 connector [MIC2]
An audio component or microphone is connected to this 
connector.
 Tally output connector [TALLY OUT]
The R or G tally signal is output from this connector 
(open collector). A DC 12 V voltage (approx. 1.0 A) can 
also supplied.
 Earphone jack [EARPHONE]
When an earphone (optional accessory) is connected to 
this jack, the INCOM1 receive signal and MIC1 monitor 
signal can be heard.
 Data trunk connector [TRUNK]
The trunk data [RS-422 2] of the CCU is input to and 
output from this connector.
 MIC1 power selector switch
This is used to select what kind of power is to be supplied 
to MIC1. (The switch is set to phantom 48 V, AB 12 V or 
OFF.)
 MIC2 power selector switch
This is used to select what kind of power is to be supplied 
to MIC2. (The switch is set to phantom 48 V, AB 12 V or 
OFF.)
 MIC1 Input gain selector switch
This is used to set the MIC1 input gain (in 10 dBm 
increments from –20 to 60 dBm).
 MIC2 input gain selector switch
This is used to set the MIC2 input gain (in 10 dBm 
increments from –20 to 60 dBm).
 RET selector switch [RET]
This is used as return image selector switch.
 Optical filter selector switch [FILTER LOCAL]
This is pressed to adjust the optical filter manually.
When it is pressed again, the optical filter can be 
controlled by the ROP.
 Monitor output selector switch [MONI SEL]
This is used to select the images (Y/C, NAM, R, G, B) 
which are to be output from the monitor output connector.
 ND filter selector knob
This is used to adjust the optical filter manually when 
LOCAL has been selected as the filter setting.
1: CAP, 2: Through, 3: 1/4, 4: 1/16, 5: 1/64
 CC filter selector knob
This is used to adjust the optical filter manually when 
LOCAL has been selected as the filter setting.
A: 3200K, B: 4300K, C: 6300K, D: Cross, E: DFO
 Power save switch [CAM/VTR]
This is used to select the power supply status when VTR 
recording has been temporarily stopped. It is not effective 
when the CCU is connected to the camera.
 Gain selector switch [GAIN]
This is used to select the gain for the camera images. It is 
not effective when the CCU is connected to the camera.
 Camera output selector switch [OUTPUT]
This is used to select the video output (CAM, BAR or 
TEST). It is not effective when the CCU is connected to 
the camera.
 White balance selector switch [W.BAL]
This is set when there is no time to perform the coarse 
adjustment of the white balance. It is not effective when 
the CCU is connected to the camera.
 PTT switch [PTT]
This selector switch is used to set the INCOM1 MIC to 
ON or OFF.
 Assignable switch [USER SEL]
Using the setting menu, user settings can be assigned 
to this switch. When the switch is pressed, the assigned 
user setting mode is established; when it is pressed 
again, the selected mode is released.
 SD card connector [SD CARD]
The setup card (optional accessory) is inserted here. For 
details on its operation, refer to the menu.
 Menu switch [MENU]
When this switch is pressed, the camera’s user menu is 
output; when it is pressed again, the menu screen display 
is cleared.
Controls and their functions 
						

							
10

 Lens connector [LENS]
The lens cable is connected to this connector.
 Front MIC1 connector [MIC1]
A microphone (optional accessory) is connected here.
The power supply for the microphone can be connected 
from this connector. What kind power is to be supplied is 
set using the MIC1 power selector switch.
 VF connector [VF]
The viewfinder cable is connected to this connector.
 Monitor output connector (BNC) [MONITOR OUT]
The video signals for the monitor are output from this 
connector. The images to be output are selected using 
the monitor output selector switch.
 Rear VF connector
This D-sub connector is used for viewfinder interface.
 JOG dial button
Turning the JOG dial while the menu screen is displayed 
moves the cursor to the setting items. The menu settings 
are established by operating this dial button.
For details on the menu operations, refer to the section 
on the menu operations.
 Electronic shutter selector switch [SHUTTER]
This is set to ON when the electronic shutter is to be 
used. When it is set to the SEL position, the shutter 
speed is switched in the preset range and the mode 
is also switched. It is not effective when the CCU is 
connected to the camera.
 AWB/ABB start switch [AUTO W/B BAL]
This switch is operated when the white balance (AWB) or 
black balance (ABB) is to be adjusted automatically. It is 
not effective when the CCU is connected to the camera.
 VTR start/RET selector switch [VTR/RET]
This is used as the REC start switch of the VTR and 
return image selector switch. It performs the same 
operations as the VTR button of the lens. Its function can 
be allocated as desired on the menu.
Controls and their functions