Panasonic Vdr M30 Operating Instructions Manual

							DVD Palmcorder
Operating Instructions
Model No. VDR-M30PP
Thank you for buying a Panasonic product. Please take time to become familiar with the operating 
instructions and how it is set up. Keep it handy for future reference.
Quick Start Guide for Software on page 12
This instruction manual uses recycled paper certified by the Eco Mark.
This instruction manual uses recycled paper certified by the Eco Mark.VQT0E25 QR34662
R
For USA assistance, please call: 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [email protected]
For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca
VDR-M30PP_GB.book Page 1 Friday, March 14, 2003 8:53 PM 
						

							QR34662
2
Important Information
For Your Safety
The power switch turns the DVD Palmcorder on and off, leaving the date/time feature unaffected. If the camera/recorder 
is to be left unattended for a long period of time, turn it off .
The DVD Palmcorder and AC adapter/charger have 
the following caution marks.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF 
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE 
PERSONNEL.
Precautions
WARNING: Many television programs and films 
are copyrighted. In certain circumstances, copy-
right law may apply to private in-home 
videotaping of copyrighted materials. Identifications of caution marks
This symbol warns the user that 
uninsulated voltage within the unit 
may have sufficient magnitude to cause 
electric shock. Therefore, it is dangerous 
to make any kind of contact with any 
inside part of this unit.
This symbol alerts the user that 
important literature concerning the 
operation and maintenance of this unit 
has been included. Therefore, it should 
be read carefully to avoid any problems.
WARNING : TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT 
EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
WARNING : TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, USE THE  RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, BE 
SURE TO USE THE SPECIFIED AC ADAPTER/CHARGER 
(PV-DAC13).
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
The liquid crystal display (LCD) panel is made 
by highly precise technology. More than 99.99% 
of its picture elements (pixels) are effective, but 
some (less than 0.01%) may appear as colored 
bright dots. This does not indicate a fault as the 
LCD panel stretches the limits of current 
technology.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
CAUTION
This product contains a laser diode of higher 
class than 1. To ensure continued safety, do not 
remove any covers or attempt to gain access to 
the inside of the product. Refer all servicing to 
qualified personnel.
VDR-M30PP_GB.book Page 2 Friday, March 14, 2003 8:53 PM 
						

							3
QR34642 Microsoft
®, Windows®, Windows® 98, Windows® 98 Second Edition, Windows® Me, Windows® 2000 
Professional, and Windows® XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Intel®, Pentium® Processor, and Celeron® Processor are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
IBM® and PC/AT® are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
“Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Other company names and product names listed are trademarks or brand names belonging to each 
individual company.
SD logo is a trademark.
FCC Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital 
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable 
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, 
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the 
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee 
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful 
ence to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and  user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:ent or relocate the receiving antenna.Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.nsult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
F
CCCaution: To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instructions and use 
only shielded interface cables with ferrite core when connecting to computer or peripheral devices.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the par ty responsible for compliance could 
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name:Panasonic
Model No.:VDR-M30PP
Responsible  party:Matsushita Electric Corporation of America
One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Support Conta ct:Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
1-800-211-PANA (7262)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions: (1)This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept 
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This class B digital apparatus complies with CANADIAN ICES-003.
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: 
A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable powers the product 
you have  purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information 
on how to recycle this battery.
U.S.A./CANADA CONSUMERS:  ATTENTION:
VDR-M30PP_GB.book Page 3 Friday, March 14, 2003 8:53 PM 
						

							4
QR34642
Be sure to read the following before opening 
the package of CD-ROM
This Agreement will take effect at the moment you open the package of the storage device (CD-ROM) provided with this 
product, if you agree to the terms herein.
If you do not accept the terms of this Agreement, immediately return the unopened package of storage medium and 
enclosed materials (printed matter, external package, and all others) to your dealer, or return only the package of storage 
medium to your dealer.
Consult your dealer for any refund on the unused product. However, if only the package of storage medium is returned, 
no refund is possible.
This License Agreement certifies that you were granted license in the past.
License Agreement
Article 1 Grant of LicenseMatsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., grants you the following rights for the following products (to be referred to as 
“This Software” hereafter) that you have obtained with this Agreement:
(a)  You may use This Software only on a single piece of equipment. However, if this equipment cannot 
be used because of mechanical problem, you may temporarily use This Software on another piece of 
equipment.
(b) Although This Software contains several components that can be run on computer as independent 
functions, all components are licensed as a single product: You may not, by any means, use these 
components on different computers at the same time.
Article 2 Copyrights
The copyrights of This Software, attached manual, etc. are owned by the following corporations, and are protected by 
copyright laws in Japan and USA, as well as by other intellectual property and international properties:
Article 3 Other Rights and Limitations
(a)  You may not copy This Software or any of the printed materials attached, except for duplications to provide back-
up or storage.
(b)  Use of This Software by third parties is prohibited, whether by transferring, renting, leasing, lending, moving, or 
any other measures.
(c)  You may not decompile or disassemble this Software.
(d) Duplication and/or distribution of any files on this storage medium for commercial use is prohibited.
Article 4 Quality AssuranceUnder no circumstances will Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd., or Sonic Solutions accept any 
responsibility for any damages you may incur from using or being unable to use This Software (including, but not limited 
to, loss of business profit, interruption of business, loss of business information, or other monetary damages).
Article 5 Termination of AgreementIf you fail to comply with the terms of this Agreement, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd.,  and Sonic 
Solutions reserve the right to terminate the Agreement. In such a case, you will be obliged to discard all copies of This 
Software and its components.
Article 6 Prioritized License AgreementWhen some software programs are installed, the license agreements will be displayed (to be referred to as online license 
agreement). 
If the online license agreement conflicts with this Agreement, the online license agreement shall have a priority.
Name of SoftwareCopyright Owners
USB driver Hitachi, Ltd.
DVD-RAM Driver Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
DVD-MovieAlbumSE Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
MyDVD Sonic Solutions
VDR-M30PP_GB.book Page 4 Friday, March 14, 2003 8:53 PM 
						

							5
QR34642
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of your video product, safety is a major 
factor in the design of every instrument. But, safety is your responsibility too.
This page lists important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of DVD Palmcorder and 
accessory equipment. Please read it carefully before operating your video product and keep it in a handy place for future 
reference.
INSTALLATION1Read and Follow Instructions — All the safet y and 
operating instructions should be read before the video 
product is operated. Follow all operating and use 
instructions.
2Retain Instructions — The safety and operating 
instructions should be retained for future reference.
3Heed Warnings — Comply with all warnings on the 
video product and in the operating instructions.
4Power Sources — This video product should be 
operated only from the type of power source indicated 
on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of 
power supply to your home, consult your video dealer 
or local power company. For video products intended 
to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer 
to the operating instructions.
5Overloading — Do not overload 
wall outlets and extension cords 
as this can result in a risk of fire or 
electric shock. Overloaded AC 
outlets and extension cords are 
dangerous, and so are frayed 
power cables, damaged or 
cracked wire insulation and 
broken plugs. They may result in 
a shock or fire hazard. Periodically examine the cord 
and have it replaced by your service technician if 
appearance indicates damage or deteriorated 
insulation.
6Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords 
should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked 
on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, 
paying particular attention to cords at plugs, 
convenience receptacles, and the point where they 
exit from the appliance.
7Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet are 
provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of 
the video product and to protect it from overheating. 
These openings must not be blocked or covered. The 
openings should never be blocked by placing the video 
product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. 
This video product should never be placed near or over 
a radiator or heat register. This video product should 
not be placed in a built-in installation such as a 
bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided 
or the video product manufacturers instructions have 
been followed.
8Attachments — Do not use attachments unless 
recommended by the video product manufacturer as 
they may cause hazards.
Caution: Maintain electrical safety. Powerline operated 
equipment or accessories connected to this unit should 
bear the UL listing mark or CSA certification mark on the 
accessory itself and should not have been modified so as 
to defeat the safety features. This will help avoid any 
potential hazard from electric shock or fire. If in doubt, 
contact qualified service personnel.
9Water and Moisture — Do not use this video product 
near water — for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, 
kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near 
a swimming pool, and the like.
10Accessories — Do not place this video product on an 
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The 
video product may fall, causing serious injury to a child 
or adult, and serious damage to the appliance. Use 
only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table 
recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the 
video product. Any mounting of the product should 
follow the manufacturers instructions, and should use 
a mounting accessory recommended by the 
manufacturer.
kawaii konekoMOMOkey to chisemekoalbumcat book
mother
dietZoo Docter
Part 1Zoo Docter
Part 2sasaki akemihirayamo akikohorie youji setuko kimioauto moterkabushiki
mitoniikikatayakamashiiigarashiWhy?
kuro
abcdfevcdsz
kusanomitonokakuraitadashiigenkoutadashiigenkouoomori matudanurieyohsinarish yohsinarishashin
mitonamemekogaikiteitamito
momogatoiredemizubitashialbum
mame
1f
u
n
g
a
 
f
u
n
g
a
 
f
u
n
g
a
 
f
u
n
g
a
f
u
n
g
a
 
f
u
n
g
a
 
f
u
n
g
ametsuki
123 nyanko
1midori
3 okubyo
2mother
Part2tomodachi
3junkaikun
2 momo
3 momo
2 momo
1 ebisu
2 ebisu
1 key
5 key
4 key
3 key
2 key
1 chise
5 chise
4 chise
3 chise
2 chise
1
VDR-M30PP_GB.book Page 5 Friday, March 14, 2003 8:53 PM 
						

							6
QR34642
11An appliance and cart combination 
should be moved with care. Quick 
stops, excessive force, and uneven 
surfaces may cause the appliance 
and cart combination to overturn.
12Power Lines — An outside antenna system should 
not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or 
other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall 
into such power lines or circuits. When installing an 
outside antenna system, extreme care should be 
taken to keep from touching or approaching such 
power lines or circuits as contact with them might be 
fatal. Installing an outdoor antenna can be hazardous 
and should be left to a professional antenna installer.
USE13Cleaning — Unplug this video product from the wall 
outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or 
aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
14Object and Liquid Entry — Never push objects of any 
kind into this video product through openings as they 
may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts 
that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill 
liquid of any kind on the video product.
15Lightning — For added protection for this video 
product during a lightning storm, or when it is left 
unattended and unused for long periods of time, 
unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the 
antenna or cable-system. This will prevent damage to 
the video product due to lightning and power-line 
surges.
SERVICE16Servicing — Do not attempt to service this video 
product yourself as opening or removing covers may 
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. 
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
17Conditions Requiring Service — Unplug this video 
product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to 
qualified service personnel under the following 
conditions.
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into 
the video product.
c. If the video product has been exposed to rain or 
water.
d. If the video product does not operate normally by 
following the operating instructions. Adjust only 
those controls that are covered by the operating 
instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls 
may result in damage and will often require 
extensive work by a qualified technician to restore 
the video product to its normal operation.
e. If the video product has been dropped or the 
cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the video product exhibits a distinct change 
in performance — this indicates a need for service.
18Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are 
required, have the service technician verify that the 
replacements he uses have the same safety 
characteristics as the original parts. Use of 
replacements specified by the video product 
manufacturer can prevent fire, electric shock or other 
hazards.
19Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or 
repairs to this video product, ask the service 
technician to perform safety checks recommended by 
the manufacturer to determine that the video product 
is in safe operating condition.
20Heat — The product should be situated away from 
heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, 
or other products (including amplifiers) that produce 
heat.
VDR-M30PP_GB.book Page 6 Friday, March 14, 2003 8:53 PM 
						

							7
QR34642
Cautions When Using
Handle the liquid crystal display (LCD) with care:
•The LCD is a very delicate display device: Do not press its surface with force, hit it or prick it with a sharp 
object.
If you push the LCD surface, unevenness in display may occur. If unevenness does not disappear, turn 
the DVD Palmcorder off, wait for a few moments, and then turn it on again.
Do not place the DVD Palmcorder with the open LCD screen down.
Close the LCD monitor when not using the DVD Palmcorder.
Liquid crystal display and viewfinder:
The LCD screen and viewfinder are the products of highly precise technology. Among the total number 
of pixels (approx. 120,000 pixels for LCD monitor and approx. 110,000 pixels for viewfinder), 0.01% or 
less pixels may be missing (black dots) or may remain lit as colored dots (red, blue, green). This shows 
the limitations of the current technology, and does not indicate a fault that will interfere with recording.
The LCD screen and viewfinder will be slightly dimmer than usual when the DVD Palmcorder is at low 
temperature, as in cold areas, or immediately after power is turned on. Normal brightness will be 
restored when the temperature inside the DVD Palmcorder rises.
Hold the DVD Palmcorder correctly:
Do not hold the by viewfinder or LCD monitor when lifting the DVD Palmcorder: The viewfinder or 
LCD monitor could detach and the DVD Palmcorder may fall.
Do not subject the DVD Palmcorder to impact:
This DVD Palmcorder is a precision machine. Take great care that you do not strike it against a hard 
object or let it fall.
Do not use the DVD Palmcorder on a tripod in a place where it is subject to severe vibrations or impact.
No sand or dust!
Fine sand or dust entering the DVD Palmcorder or AC adapter/charger could cause malfunctions or 
defects.
No water or oil!
Water or oil entering the DVD Palmcorder or AC adapter/charger could cause electric shock, 
malfunctions or defects.
VDR-M30PP_GB.book Page 7 Friday, March 14, 2003 8:53 PM 
						

							8
QR34642
Heat on surface of product:
The surface of the DVD Palmcorder will be slightly warm, but this does not indicate a fault. 
Screen on connected TV:
Never leave the disc navigation screen, still image or camera image displayed on your TV to which the 
DVD Palmcorder is connected: Doing so could result in displayed image retention or phosphor 
degradation of TV screen.
Be careful of ambient temperature:
Using the DVD Palmcorder in a place where the temperature is over 140ºF (40°C) or under 32ºF (0°C) 
will result in abnormal recording/playback.
Take care that the temperature of this DVD Palmcorder, when connected to PC does not rise excessively 
(reference for usage: approx. 30 minutes at about 86ºF (30ºC).
Do not leave the DVD Palmcorder on a beach or in a closed vehicle where the temperature is very high 
for a long time: This could cause malfunctions.
Do not point directly at the sun:
If direct sunlight strikes the lens or viewfinder, the DVD Palmcorder could malfunction or a fire could 
occur.
Do not leave the DVD Palmcorder with the LCD screen exposed to direct sunlight: This could cause 
malfunctions.
Do not use the DVD Palmcorder near TV or radio:
This could cause noise to appear on the TV screen or in radio broadcasts.
Do not use the DVD Palmcorder near strong radio waves or magnetism:
I f  t h e  D V D  P a l m c o r d e r  i s  u s e d  n e a r  s t r o n g  r a d i o  w a v e s  o r  m a g n e t i s m ,  s u c h  a s  n e a r  a  r a d i o  w a v e  t o w e r  
or electric appliances, noise could enter video and audio that are being recorded. During playback of 
normally recorded video and audio, noise may also be present in picture and sound. 
At worst the DVD Palmcorder could malfunction.
Do not expose the DVD Palmcorder to soot or steam:
Thick soot or steam could damage the DVD Palmcorder case or cause malfunctions.
Do not use the DVD Palmcorder near corrosive gas:
Using it in a place where there is dense exhaust gas generated by gasoline or diesel engines, or corrosive 
gas such as hydrogen sulfide, could corrode the battery connecting terminals, which could result in loss 
of power.
Do not use the DVD Palmcorder near ultrasonic humidifier:
With some water in humidifier, calcium and other chemicals dissolved in water could scatter in the air, 
and white particles could adhere to the optical head of the DVD Palmcorder, which could cause it to 
operate abnormally.
Do not expose the DVD Palmcorder to insecticide:
Insecticide entering the DVD Palmcorder could dirty the lens in laser pickup block, and in such a case 
the DVD Palmcorder might not operate normally. Turn the DVD Palmcorder off and cover it with vinyl 
sheet, etc. before using insecticide.
Do not use a generally available 8 cm CD lens cleaner:
Cleaning the lens is not necessary when using this DVD Palmcorder in the usual way.
Using 8 cm CD lens cleaner could cause this DVD Palmcorder to be faulty.
Do not touch the lens in laser pickup block.
Touching the lens in laser pickup block could cause malfunctions.
VDR-M30PP_GB.book Page 8 Friday, March 14, 2003 8:53 PM 
						

							9
QR34642
Be careful of moisture condensation:
When you move the DVD Palmcorder between places where the difference in temperatures is great - 
such as entering a lodge from a ski slope or going out of a cooled room or vehicle - condensation (vapor 
in air warmed or cooled to water droplets) could occur on the lens and/or inside the DVD Palmcorder. 
If condensation occurs, do not open the cover of disc or card insertion block if possible. If condensation 
occurs on the lens, wipe it off with a soft, dry cloth. Even if the external surface of DVD Palmcorder has 
dried, condensation may remain inside: Turn the DVD Palmcorder off and leave it in a dry place for at 
least 1-2 hours before using it again.
Do not use the DVD Palmcorder for a long, uninterrupted period of time:
This DVD Palmcorder cannot be used for a long time continuously as a surveillance camera/monitor. 
If you use the DVD Palmcorder for a long continuous period of time, the temperature of DVD 
Palmcorder could exceed a limit and the recording/playback operation could be slowed down: In this 
case, turn it off and wait for a while before using it again.
Do not turn the DVD Palmcorder off while the ACCESS/PC indicator or CARD ACCESS 
indicator is lit or blinking:
The ACCESS/PC or CARD ACCESS indicator is lit or blinking 
t o  s h o w  t h a t  d a t a  i s  b e i n g  w r i t t e n  t o  d i s c  o r  c a r d ,  o r  b e i n g  r e a d  
from it.  At this time, do not do any of the following, so as not 
to damage the data:
−Remove battery pack−Disconnect AC adapter/charger−Plug or unplug USB cable−Remove disc or card−Subject DVD Palmcorder to severe vibrations or impact.−Forcefully open or close the LCD monitor
If you turn the DVD Palmcorder off while the ACCESS/PC or CARD ACCESS indicator is lit or blinking, 
turn it on again with the disc or card loaded in it: Repair of the disc or card will be executed automatically 
(see page 150).
Do not wipe the DVD Palmcorder case with benzene or thinner:
The coating of case could peel off or the case surface could deteriorate.
When using a chemical cleaning cloth, follow the instructions.
Also read the instructions attached with optional accessories:
For optional accessories, observe the cautions and follow instruction manuals attached.
Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
CARD 
ACCESS 
indicator
ACCESS/PC 
indicator
VDR-M30PP_GB.book Page 9 Friday, March 14, 2003 8:53 PM 
						

							10
QR34642
Cautions When Storing
Do not leave the DVD Palmcorder in a place where the temperature is very high for a long 
period of time:
The temperature inside a closed vehicle or trunk can become very high in a hot season. If you leave the 
DVD Palmcorder in such a place, it could malfunction or the case could be damaged. Do not expose the 
DVD Palmcorder to direct sunlight or place it near a heater.
Do not store the DVD Palmcorder in a place where the humidity is high or in a dusty place:
Dust entering the DVD Palmcorder could cause malfunctions. If the humidity is high, the lens could be 
moldy, and the DVD Palmcorder could become inoperative. It is recommended that you put the DVD 
Palmcorder with a desiccant in a box when storing it in a closet, etc.
Do not store the DVD Palmcorder in a place subject to strong magnetism or intense 
vibrations:
This could cause malfunctions.
Detach the battery pack from the DVD Palmcorder and store it in a cool place:
Leaving the battery pack attached or storing it at high temperature could shorten its life.
Suggestions and Restrictions
Make a trial recording:
Always make a trial recording before doing actual recording to make sure that recording is normal. The 
d a t a  t ha t h a v e  n o t  b e e n  s t o re d  no r m a l ly  b e ca u s e  o f  a  d e f e c t in  t h e D V D  P a lm c o rd e r  c a n no t  b e  re s t o re d .
It is recommended that you use D VD- RAM disc from which recorded co ntents can be deleted f or trial 
recording.
Do not use the DVD Palmcorder for professional applications:
This DVD Palmcorder is designed and produced for home-use recording and playback. 
The recorded contents cannot be compensated for:
Panasonic cannot compensate for any damages caused when recording is not made normally or 
recorded contents cannot be played back because of a defect in the DVD Palmcorder, disc or card. Also, 
Panasonic cannot be responsible for your recorded video and audio.
If you or a third party make a mistake when handling this DVD Palmcorder, disc, card, etc., the recorded 
contents may be lost. We cannot be responsible for compensation for damage due to loss of recorded 
contents.
Copyright:
Data recorded on the disc or card in this DVD Palmcorder using other digital/analog media or devices 
are protected by the copyright act and cannot be used without permission of the owner of copyright, 
except for personal enjoyment. Be aware that recording is restricted for some demonstrations, 
performances and exhibitions, even for personal enjoyment.
Do not use the DVD Palmcorder for professional applications:
This DVD Palmcorder is designed and produced for home-use recording and playback. 
VDR-M30PP_GB.book Page 10 Friday, March 14, 2003 8:53 PM