Panasonic Vdr D250 Operating Instructions Manual

							151LSQT1011
Frequently asked questions
Others
Is it possible to copy data to 
a computer (Windows)?DVD-RAM, DVD-RW (VR format):
Use DVD-MovieAlbum CopyTool or the File Export 
function in DVD-MovieAlbumSE.
≥Before using DVD-RW (VR format) on a computer, 
be sure to finalize it on this unit.
DVD-RW (Video format), DVD-R:
Copying data to a computer is not possible.
SD card: Copy with Windows Explorer.
What should I do when the 
disc contents cannot be 
displayed with 
DVD-MovieAlbumSE?If there are multiple drives, a drive other than this unit may be 
selected. Click the [Preference] button at top right of 
DVD-MovieAlbumSE screen, click the [Device setting] tab to 
choose the drive where the disc is loaded in the [Drive Select] 
column, and then click [OK].
Is playback possible on a 
computer (Macintosh)?DVD-RAM, DVD-RW (VR format):
Playback is not possible on a computer.
DVD-RW (Video format), DVD-R:
Finalize the disc on this unit and then play it back on 
a standard OS or commercially available DVD-Video 
playback software.
SD card: Use picture viewer software.
Is editing possible on a 
computer (Macintosh)?Use [MPEG Editor] in Pixe VRF Browser EX.
You can save the edited data to your computer and then write 
it to disc with ImageMixer VCD/DVD2.
≥Before using DVD-RW (VR format), DVD-RW (Video format) 
or DVD-R on a computer, finalize them on this unit.
Is it possible to save data to 
a computer (Macintosh)?Discs: Use Pixe VRF Browser EX.
≥Before using DVD-RW (VR format), DVD-RW 
(Video format) or DVD-R on a computer, finalize 
them on this unit.
SD card: Copy with the Finder.
DVD-RAM or DVD-RW (VR 
format) icon is not displayed 
on the desktop (Macintosh).What version of Mac OS X are you using? If it is V10.3.x or 
earlier, the icon is not displayed even if the disc is recognized 
by the computer. Use Disk Utility or Apple System Profiler to 
verify if the disc is recognized by the computer.
When Pixe VRF Browser EX 
is started, a message is 
displayed about ejecting the 
disc.Is there a disc in this unit when Pixe VRF Browser EX is 
started?
Insert the disc after starting Pixe VRF Browser EX.
Which format should be 
selected when saving 
motion pictures with Pixe 
VRF Browser EX?To use the saved file with ImageMixer VCD/DVD2, select 
[Default] (Program Stream).
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							152LSQT1011
Troubleshooting
Others
Troubleshooting
Unit operations
ProblemCheck points
This unit cannot be 
turned on.≥Is the battery fully charged?
#Charge the battery using the AC adaptor. (l28)
≥The battery protection circuit may have operated. Attach 
the battery to the AC adaptor for 5 to 10 seconds. If the unit 
still cannot be used, the battery is faulty.
≥Is the LCD monitor opened or the viewfinder extended?
This unit is turned off 
automatically.≥If you do not use the unit for approximately 5 minutes, the 
power is automatically turned off to conserve the battery 
charge. To resume recording, turn the power back on.
The power will not turn off automatically when the power 
save function (l144) is set to [OFF].
This unit does not stay 
on long enough.≥Is the battery low?
#If the remaining battery power indication is flashing or the 
message “LOW BATTERY.” is displayed, the battery has run 
down. Charge the battery. (l28)
Battery runs down 
quickly.≥Is the battery fully charged?
#Charge it with the AC adaptor. (l28)
≥Are you using the battery in an extremely cold place?
#The battery is affected by ambient temperature. In cold 
places, the operating time of the battery becomes shorter.
≥Has the battery worn out?
#The battery has a limited life. If the operating time is still too 
short even after the battery is fully charged, the battery has 
worn out and can no longer be used. 
This unit cannot be 
operated though 
powered up.
This unit does not 
operate normally.≥The unit cannot be operated unless you open the LCD 
monitor or extend the viewfinder.
≥Press the RESET button. (l155) If normal conditions are 
not restored yet, remove the battery or AC adaptor, wait 
about 1 minute and then reconnect the battery or AC 
adaptor. Then about 1 minute later, turn on the power 
again. (Conducting the above operation when the access 
lamp is on may destroy the data on the disc or card.) 
The screen has changed 
suddenly.≥Has the demonstration started?
#If you set [DEMO MODE] to [ON] without inserting a disc or a 
card in disc recording mode or card recording mode, the unit 
is automatically set to the demonstration mode for 
introducing its functions. Normally this should be set to 
[OFF]. Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP] # 
[DEMO MODE] # [OFF] and press the joystick.
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							153LSQT1011
Troubleshooting
Others
ProblemCheck points
The remote control does 
not function.≥Has the button-type battery of the remote control run out? 
#Replace it with a new button-type battery. (l20) 
The DISC EJECT lever 
does not work.≥The disc cover will not open unless the unit is powered.
#Connect a charged battery or AC adaptor.
≥The DISC EJECT lever does not work when the unit is 
connected to the computer. (l156, 158)
The disc cannot be read.≥Are there fingerprints or dirt on the surface of the disc?
#If there are fingerprints or dirt on the disc, wipe them off. 
(l27)
A function indication 
such as remaining time 
indication or elapsed 
time indication is not 
shown.≥If you set [SETUP]>[DISPLAY]>[OFF], indications other 
than warnings and date indications disappear.
Recording does not start 
although power is 
supplied to this unit and 
the disc or card is 
correctly inserted.≥Is the DVD-RAM or the DVD-RW (VR format) write-
protected?
#Release the protection. (l102) If the DVD-RAM or DVD-
RW (VR format) was protected on another device, release 
the protection on the same device.
≥Has the DVD-RW (Video format) or DVD-R been finalized?
#After finalizing, the discs become play-only and cannot 
record. If you un-finalize a DVD-RW (Video format), it can be 
used for recording. (l101)
≥Has the SD card’s write protect switch been set to LOCK?
#No recording is possible while the write protect switch is set 
to LOCK. (l26)
≥Is the memory of the disc or card full?
#If the disc or card has no more available memory, free up 
some memory by deleting unnecessary scenes (l81, 94) or 
use a new disc or card.
≥Is the unit set to the disc recording mode or card recording 
mode?
#No recording is possible unless the mode dial is at   or 
.
≥Is the disc cover open?
#If the cover is open, this unit may not operate normally. Close 
the disc cover.
Recording starts but 
stops immediately.
The playback picture 
breaks up for a moment.≥Is the disc scratched or dirty?
#Clean the disc. (l27) If there are scratches on the disc, use 
a new disc.
≥The unit is hot. Follow the messages on the display.
To use the unit again, turn the unit off and leave it for a 
while.
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							154LSQT1011
Troubleshooting
Others
ProblemCheck points
The unit arbitrarily stops 
recording.≥Is the AGS function activated? 
#Record in the normal horizontal position or set [AGS] to 
[OFF]. (l49) 
Recorded still pictures 
are not clear.≥Are you trying to record small or finely detailed objects 
with [PICT. QUALITY] set at [ ]?
#If you try to record small or finely detailed objects with 
[PICT. QUALITY] set at [ ], the images may break up into 
a mosaic-like pattern. Record with [PICT. QUALITY] set at 
[ ] instead. (l55)
Auto focus function does 
not work.≥Is manual focus mode selected?
#Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to AUTO.
≥Are you trying to record a scene which is hard to bring into 
focus in auto focus mode?
#There are some recording subjects and surroundings for 
which the auto focus does not operate correctly. (l164) If 
so, use the manual focus mode to adjust the focus. (l72)
≥Is the MagicPix function set? 
#When the MagicPix function is working, focusing shifts into 
the manual mode.
Sound is not played back 
from the built-in speaker 
of this unit.≥Is the volume too low?
#During playback, move the volume lever to display the 
volume indication and adjust it. (l77)
Although this unit is 
correctly connected to a 
TV, playback images 
cannot be seen.
The playback images are 
squeezed horizontally.≥Have you selected video input on the TV? 
#Please read the operating instructions of your TV and select 
the channel that matches the input used for the connection.
≥Is the [TV ASPECT] setting correct? 
#Change the setting to match the aspect ratio of the TV.
Press the MENU button, then select [ SETUP] # 
[ TV ASPECT] # [16:9] or [4:3] and press the joystick.
Scenes cannot be deleted 
or edited.≥Is the DVD-RAM or the DVD-RW (VR format) write-
protected?
#Release the protection. (l102)
If the disc or the contents on the disc have been protected on 
another device, release the protection on the same device.
≥It may not be possible to delete scenes that have been 
divided.
#Combine the divided scenes, and then delete them. (l84)
≥Scenes displayed as thumbnails in shades of blue and 
white may not be deleted. If the scenes are unnecessary, 
format the disc or card to erase the data. (l98, 99) Please 
be aware that if a disc or card is formatted then all the data 
recorded on the disc or card will be erased.
≥Is the file on the SD card locked?
#Locked files cannot be deleted. Release the lock setting. 
(l96)
≥If the SD card’s write protect switch is set to LOCK, then 
deletion is disabled. (l26)
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							155LSQT1011
Troubleshooting
Others
ProblemCheck points
The images on the SD 
card do not look normal.≥The data may be destroyed. It may have been destroyed by 
static or electromagnetic waves. Store important data on a 
computer or other products as well.
Even if a disc or a card is 
formatted, it cannot be 
used.≥Either this unit or the disc or card may be damaged. Please 
consult a dealer. Use an SD Memory Card from 8 MB to 
2 GB with this unit.
The indication 
disappears.
The screen is frozen.
No operation can be 
performed.≥Is this unit connected to a computer?
#No operation can be performed on this unit when it is 
connected to a computer.
≥Turn off the power to this unit. If the power cannot be 
turned off, press the RESET button, or remove the battery 
or AC adaptor and then reattach it. After that, turn on the 
power again. If normal operation is still not restored, 
detach the power connected, and consult the dealer who 
you purchased this unit from.
“PUSH THE RESET 
SWITCH.” is displayed.≥The unit has automatically detected an error. Press the 
RESET button with the projecting part of the grip belt A. 
This will restart the unit.
≥If you do not press the RESET button, the power to this 
unit is turned off automatically about 1 minute later.
≥Even after you press the RESET button, the indication may 
still appear repeatedly. If so, this unit needs repair. Detach 
the power connected, and consult the dealer who you 
purchased this unit from. Do not attempt to repair the 
appliance by yourself.A
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							156LSQT1011
Troubleshooting
Others
With a computer (Windows)
ProblemCheck points
Even if connected by the 
USB cable, this unit is not 
recognized by the 
computer.≥Have you set this unit to the correct mode?
#The unit is not recognized if it is set to a recording mode. Set 
it to a playback mode. If it is set to card playback mode, 
disconnect the USB cable, set [USB FUNCTION] to 
[PC CONNECT] and then reconnect the USB cable.
≥Select another USB terminal on the computer.
≥Check the operating environment. (l114)
≥Turn on the power to this unit.
When 
DVD-MovieAlbumSE is 
started, the [Mount 
Information] dialog box 
appears.≥You inserted an incompatible disc.
#A disc other than a DVD-RAM or a DVD-RW (VR format) is 
loaded in the drive: DVD-MovieAlbumSE cannot be used for 
media other than DVD-RAM or DVD-RW (VR format).
≥If there are multiple drives, a drive other than this unit may 
be selected.
#Click the [Preference] button in the dialog box, click the 
[Device setting] tab to choose the drive where the disc is 
loaded in the [Drive Select] column, and then click [OK].
≥If an error message appears even after a compatible disc is 
inserted, packet writing software may be installed in your 
computer. Uninstall the packet writing software.
An image that should 
have been recorded does 
not appear when 
DVD-MovieAlbumSE is 
started.≥If there are multiple drives, a drive other than this unit may 
be selected.
#Click the [Preference] button at top right of 
DVD-MovieAlbumSE screen, click the [Device setting] tab to 
choose the drive where the disc is loaded in the 
[Drive Select] column, and then click [OK].
DVD-RW (Video format) 
or DVD-R cannot be 
played back on 
DVD-MovieAlbumSE.≥DVD-MovieAlbumSE does not support playback or data 
read of DVD-RW (Video format) or DVD-R.
#Use optional-user provided DVD-Video playback software to 
play back DVD-RW (Video format) or DVD-R on the 
computer.
The DISC EJECT lever 
does not work when the 
unit is connected to the 
computer.≥The DISC EJECT lever does not work after the unit is 
connected to the computer. 
#Use Windows Explorer to right-click the drive icon and 
execute [Eject]. Or use the software’s eject button to eject 
the disc.
≥After files are exported from DVD-MovieAlbumSE, a 
confirmation message is displayed about ejecting the disc. 
Select [Eject the disc being used.].
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							157LSQT1011
Troubleshooting
Others
With a computer (Macintosh)
ProblemCheck points
Cannot write to DVD-
RAM.
Cannot format a disc with 
the DVD-RAM Driver.≥(Windows XP only) Deleting the unit name from the Device 
Manager and then connecting the unit and the computer 
again can improve this. Follow the steps below. Before 
proceeding, be sure to remove the disc from the unit.
1) Select [start] # ([Settings] #) [Control Panel] #　
([Performance and Maintenance] #) [System].
2) Click the [Hardware] tab, then click [Device Manager].
3) Right click [MATSHITA DVD-RAM LMXK1931 USB Device] 
displayed at [DVD/CD-ROM drives] and then select 
[Uninstall].
4) When erasing is complete, reboot the computer. The 
computer will automatically recognize the unit again.
When the USB cable is 
disconnected, an error 
message will appear on 
the computer.≥To disconnect the USB cable safely, double-click the  
icon in the task tray and follow the instructions on the 
screen.
ProblemCheck points
Even if connected by the 
USB cable, this unit is not 
recognized by the 
computer.≥Have you set this unit to the correct mode?
#The unit is not recognized if it is set to a recording mode. Set 
it to a playback mode. If it is set to card playback mode, 
disconnect the USB cable, set [USB FUNCTION] to 
[PC CONNECT] and then reconnect the USB cable.
≥Select another USB terminal on the computer.
≥Check the operating environment. (l133)
≥Turn on the power to this unit.
DVD-RAM or DVD-RW 
(VR format) icon is not 
displayed on the desktop.≥What version of Mac OS X are you using?
#If it is V10.3.x or earlier, the icon is not displayed even if the 
disc is recognized by the computer. Use Disk Utility or Apple 
System Profiler to verify if the disc is recognized by the 
computer.
When Pixe VRF Browser 
EX is started, a message 
is displayed about 
ejecting the disc.≥Is there a disc in this unit when Pixe VRF Browser EX is 
started?
#Insert the disc after starting Pixe VRF Browser EX.
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							158LSQT1011
Troubleshooting
Others
ProblemCheck points
Cannot register the file 
with ImageMixer VCD/
DVD2.≥Is there a file with a compatible format in the folder?
#Check the help for ImageMixer VCD/DVD2.
≥In [Options] in the [Select folder], confirm the small box for 
[Add sub-folder(s)] is checked.
≥The same folder cannot be selected simultaneously in 
DVD-Video mode and Video CD mode. In [Selected 
folder(s)] for the mode not being used, delete the folder.
Cannot select this unit as 
the write destination 
drive with ImageMixer 
VCD/DVD2. ≥Cannot write to this unit with ImageMixer VCD/DVD2.
#To create a DVD-Video disc, a separate DVD-RW/DVD-R/
+RW/+R drive is required.
The disc for writing is not 
recognized by 
ImageMixer VCD/DVD2.≥If there is a disc in the drive before ImageMixer VCD/DVD2 
is started, the drive will not be recognized properly.
#1) Click the upper-right save icon and save the settings.
2) Exit from ImageMixer VCD/DVD2 and remove the disc.
3) Start ImageMixer VCD/DVD2 again, click the [Load 
Project] button to read the file with the saved settings.
4) Proceed with [Write to Disc] again.
The message [There is no 
work disk space.] is 
displayed and the data 
cannot write to disc.≥There is not enough work space to write to the disc.
#Click the [Preferences] button on the upper-right of 
ImageMixer VCD/DVD2 and select a work space with a large 
amount of free space. 
The DISC EJECT lever 
does not work when the 
unit is connected to the 
computer.≥The DISC EJECT lever does not work after the unit is 
connected to the computer. Use the software’s eject button 
to eject the disc.
When the USB cable is 
disconnected, an error 
message will appear on 
the computer.≥When the drive icon is displayed on the desktop, drag the 
icon into the Trash and then disconnect the USB cable.
≥When the drive icon is not displayed on the desktop, exit 
the application and then disconnect the USB cable.
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							159LSQT1011
Cautions for use
Others
Cautions for use
≥The unit, disc and card become warm after 
long operation, but this is not a malfunction.
Keep the unit away from magnetized 
products/mobile phones, microwave ovens, 
TVs and video game products.
≥If you use the unit on or near a TV, the 
images or sound may be disturbed due to 
electromagnetic wave radiation.
≥Do not use near cell phone because doing so 
may cause noise to adversely affect the 
picture and sound.
≥Recordings may be damaged, or images may 
be distorted, by the strong magnetic fields 
created by speakers or large motors.
≥Electromagnetic wave radiation generated by 
digital circuits including microprocessors may 
adversely affect the unit, causing the 
disturbance of images and sounds.
≥If the unit is affected by such products and 
does not function properly, turn off the unit 
and detach the battery or AC adaptor. Then 
connect the battery or AC adaptor again.
Do not use the unit near radio transmitters 
or high-voltage cables.
≥If you record pictures near radio transmitters 
or high-voltage cables, recorded images or 
sounds may be adversely affected.
Make sure to use the supplied cords and 
cables. If you use optional accessories, use 
the cords and the cables supplied with 
them.
Do not extend the cords and the cables.
Do not spray insecticides or volatile 
chemicals onto the unit.
≥If the unit is sprayed with such chemicals, its 
body may be marred and the surface finish 
may peel off.
≥Do not leave rubber or plastic products in 
contact with the unit for a long time.
When you use the unit in a sandy or dusty 
place such as a beach, do not let sand or 
fine dust get into the body and terminals of 
the unit.
Also, keep the unit away from sea water.≥Sand or dust may damage the unit. (Care 
should be taken when inserting and removing 
a disc or a card.)
≥If sea water splashes onto the unit, wipe off 
the water with a well wrung cloth. Then wipe 
the unit again with a dry cloth.
When carrying the unit, do not drop or 
bump it.
≥A strong impact can break the unit’s casing, 
causing it to malfunction.
Do not use benzine, paint thinner or alcohol 
for cleaning the unit.
≥Before cleaning, detach the battery or pull out 
the AC cable from the AC outlet.
≥The camera body may be discolored and the 
surface finish may peel off.
≥Wipe the unit with a soft dry cloth to remove 
dust and fingerprints. To remove stubborn 
stains, thoroughly wring a cloth that has been 
soaked in a neutral detergent diluted with 
water and wipe the unit with it. Afterwards, 
wipe it with a dry cloth.
≥When you use a chemical dust cloth, follow 
the instructions that came with the cloth.
Do not touch the laser pickup lens.
≥If you touch the laser pickup lens directly it 
may cause malfunctions.
Do not use a commercial available 8 cm (3z) 
CD lens cleaner.
≥Using 8 cm (3z) CD lens cleaner could cause 
this unit to malfunction.
Do not use the unit for surveillance 
purposes or other business uses.
≥If you use the unit for a long time, heat will 
build up inside it and this may cause a 
malfunction.
≥This unit is not intended for business use.
When you are not going to use the unit for 
an extended time
≥When storing the unit in a cupboard or 
cabinet, it is recommended that you place a 
desiccant (silica gel) in with it.
About this unit
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							160LSQT1011
Cautions for use
Others
The battery used in this unit is a rechargeable 
lithium-ion battery. It is susceptible to humidity 
and temperature and the effect increases the 
more the temperature rises or falls. In cold 
areas, the full charge indication may not appear 
or the low battery indication may appear about 
5 minutes after starting use. At high 
temperatures, the protection function may be 
triggered, making it impossible to use the unit.
Be sure to detach the battery after use.
≥If the battery is left attached, a minute 
amount of current continues to flow even if 
the unit’s power is off. Keeping the unit in this 
state may result in over discharge of the 
battery. This may result in you not being able 
to use the battery even after it is charged.
≥The battery should be stored in the vinyl bag 
so metal does not come into contact with the 
terminals.
≥The battery should be stored in a cool place 
free from humidity, with as constant 
temperature as possible. (Recommended 
temperature: 15 °C to 25 °C (59 °F to 77 °F), 
Recommended humidity: 40% to 60%) 
≥Extremely high temperatures or low 
temperatures will shorten the life of the 
battery.
≥If the battery is kept in high-temperature, 
high-humidity, or oily-smoky places, the 
terminals may rust and cause malfunctions.
≥To store the battery for a long period of time, 
we recommend you charge it once every 
year and store it again after you have 
completely used up the charged capacity. 
≥Dust and other matter attached to the battery 
terminals should be removed.
Prepare spare batteries when going out for 
recording.
≥Prepare batteries appropriate to 3 to 4 times 
the period during you want to record pictures 
in. In cold places such as a ski resort, the 
period during which you can record pictures 
is shortened. 
≥When you travel, do not forget to bring an AC 
adaptor so that you can recharge the 
batteries at your destination.If you drop the battery accidentally, check to 
see if the terminals are damaged.
≥Attaching a battery with damaged terminals 
can damage the unit or AC adaptor.
Do not throw old battery into fire.
≥Heating a battery or throwing it into a fire may 
result in an explosion.
≥If the operating time is very short even after 
the battery has been recharged, the battery 
has worn out. Please purchase a new battery. 
About the battery
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