Panasonic Vdr M30 Operating Instructions Manual

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Read This First 
To guide you, weve included following six chapters.
The section on “Setups” explains how to set up 
the DVD Palmcorder, battery pack, and set the 
date/time.
The section on “Basic Techniques” explains the 
basic operation of this DVD Palmcorder-
recording of movies, still images, external input,  
and playback of recorded images.
The section on “Advanced Techniques” explains 
settings on this DVD Palmcorder for more 
advanced usage.
The section on “Disc Navigation” explains 
editing with Disc Navigation: Refer to this 
section when finalizing DVD-R disc and 
initializing DVD-RAM disc.
The section on “Installing Software” explains the 
c o n t e n t s  o f  p r o v i d e d  C D - R O M  a n d  h o w  t o  i n s t a l l  
the contained software included.
“Subsidiary Information” includes an 
introduction to products sold separately, proper 
cleaning, and troubleshooting.We want this manual to be as helpful as possible, 
so it includes two easy ways to find the information 
you need:
A quick index for the information you use most 
often (this page).
A detailed table of contents directing you to 
specific information quickly.
Get to know your DVD Palmcorder by using this 
manual, and get to know Panasonic. We appreciate 
your business.
Quick Index
Available Discs................................................. 24
Recording Movie.............................................. 52
Immediately Checking Recorded Scene ......... 69
Connecting to a TV .......................................... 74
Functions Available with Disc Navigation ...... 101
Installing Software ......................................... 134
With this DVD Palmcorder you can view the picture being recorded or the playback picture whether on the 
LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. Opening or closing the LCD monitor switches the picture to appear on the 
LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. The following text describes the operation assuming that the viewfinder 
is used as a major monitor device.
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Introduction
●You can record even during playback
Unlike tape devices, you do not need to search for the recording start position or locate the beginning of 
blank portion. 
You can start recording during playback New recording will not overwrite any previously recorded data.
●You can immediately play back desired recorded scenes
You do not need to rewind, unlike recorders using tape.
You can select any scene you want and immediately play it back (using Disc Navigation function).
●Use Disc Navigation to create your original movie
You can delete unnecessary scenes, move any scenes, etc., and create your original movie work (Play List).
●You can easily edit scenes
Using this DVD Palmcorder, you can collect scenes 
of your child, for example, on play list of Disc 
Navigation function and create an original movie: 
Then simply play back the play list and dub it on 
V C R .  I t  i s  a l s o  e a s y  t o  m a k e  a n y  n u m b e r  o f  i d e n t i c a l  
tapes.
●Create original DVDs on PC
You can use a DVD-R disc to create an original 
DVD, using the provided software CD-ROM.
The created DVD disc can be played back on DVD 
player, DVD-ROM drive, etc.
If you stop playback midway and start recording, overwrite will not occur.
Recorded scenes
Before editing
After editing
Until now, you had to 
repeatedly press 
buttonsWith DVD, you can simply 
play back this DVD 
Palmcorder, and press the 
record button on VCR.
Original DVD being 
createdPlayback of DVD
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							Quick Start Guide for Software
Features
Following software programs are contained on the provided CD-ROM.
≥Confirming the environment of connecting equipment: see page 134
Installation Guide (See page 134 for details)
1 Installing USB Driver.
≥Be sure not to connect the USB Cable before executing “USBready.exe” on the provided 
CD-ROM.
≥ After opening the “VDR-M30” drive from “My Computer”, and double-click “USB Ready” icon. “USB 
Ready” message will appear, and then connect the USB  Cable. Installation automatically starts.
2Install the software (DVD-RAM Driver, MyDVD and DVD-MovieAlbumSE).
Suggestions for using software (See page 142 for details)
1Connect this DVD Palmcorder with the recorded DVD-RAM disc inserted to PC using 
USB Cable as follows.
2 Edit 
motion images using DVD-MovieAlbumSE.
≥You can edit images on the DVD-RAM disc.
3 Export motion image data to PC using DVD-MovieAlbumSE.
4 MyDVD will automatically start. (See page 00 for details)
SoftwareFeature
USB Driver Install this driv er when using the provided USB Cable to connect this 
DVD Palmcorder to PC.
DVD-RAM Driver Install this  driver when using stills and images recorded on DVD-RAM 
disc on a PC.
DVD-MovieAlbumSE By combining DVD-MovieA lbumSE with the DVD Palmcorder, it is 
possible to use playback, recording and editing. It is also possible to 
transfer extracted data and title information etc to My DVD.
MyDVD Use this software when creating a DVD-Video disc from motion images  edited using DVD-MovieAlbumSE.
We will add the figure connecting 
PC to DVD Palmcorder.
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							5Edit motion image and interractive DVD menu using MyDVD.
6 Insert the new DVD-R disc into the DVD palmcorder.
≥When making an original DVD-R disc using MyDVD software, a message for initialization appears 
on the LCD of DVD Palmcorder. Press “No” and then follow the instructions on the screen of your 
PC to make the original DVD-R disc. Do not perform initialization on DVD Palmcoder when using a 
DVD-R disc with computer.
7 Write images to the DVD-R Disc with MyDVD.
≥Write edited motion images to an 8 cm DVD-R di sc in this DVD Palmcorder using MyDVD 
software.
Cautions for use
≥ When using a new DVD-R disc in your Palmcorder, you must initialize it before motion images. 
DVD-RAM disc and Card do not require initialization.
≥ When using MyDVD software on Windows 2000 Professional / XP, log on to your PC as 
Administrator or with a login name equally authorized . If you log on with a login name other 
than Administrator, you cannot use MyDVD. 
≥ Set the display resolution to 1024 ~ 768 (16 bits color) when using the DVD-MovieAlbum.
DIsplay Settings method as follows:
Select “Start” >> “Settings” >> “Control Panel” >> “Display” and select “Settings” tab on 
“Display”, and then adjust “Screen Resolution” and “Color quality” to the above.
≥ DVD-R discs are a write-one format, therefore when you write information to the DVD-R disc 
with DVD-MovieAlbum or My DVD, you cannot edit it again.
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Table of Contents
Be sure to read the following before opening 
the package of CD-ROM .................................. 4
Cautions When Using ......................................... 7
Cautions When Storing ..................................... 10
Suggestions and Restrictions ........................... 10
Read This First ................................................. 11
Introduction ....................................................... 12
Quick Start Guide for Software ......................... 13
Table of Contents ............................................. 15
Checking Provided Accessories ....................... 18
Names of Parts ................................................. 19
About This Manual ............................................ 23
Discs and Cards ............................................... 24
Available Discs ......................................................24
Information on DVD-R Disc ...................................25
Examples of Discs that Cannot be Used on 
this DVD Palmcorder: .........................................25
Handling Discs .......................................................26
Available Cards .....................................................27
Storage Capacity on Disc or Card .................... 28Recordable Time of Movie (Video) ........................28
Recordable Stills (Photos) .....................................29
Features of DVD Palmcorder............................ 30Versatile Functions Available ................................30
Recording on Disc .................................................32
Recording Movie and Still ......................................32
Immediate Reviewing of Recorded Image.............33
Editing in Various Ways on DVD Palmcorder 
Alone ..................................................................33
Using with Various Devices ...................................33
Setups
Setting Up the DVD Palmcorder ....................... 34Attaching adjuster (securing tab) ...........................34
Holding DVD Palmcoder........................................34
Attaching Shoulder Belt .........................................35
Attaching Lens Cap ...............................................35
Inserting Battery into Remote Controller ...............36
Removing Battery from Remote Controller............36
Setting Up the Battery Pack.............................. 38Charging Battery Pack...........................................38
Attaching Battery Pack to DVD Palmcorder ..........39
Removing Battery Pack .........................................39
Battery Remaining Level Indicator.........................41
Efficient Use of Battery Pack .................................41
Using DVD Palmcorder with AC Adapter/Charger 42
Inserting and Removing Disc ............................ 43Inserting Disc .........................................................43
Removing Disc ......................................................45
Inserting and Removing Card ........................... 46
Basic Techniques
Basic Operation of DVD Palmcorder ................ 47Turning DVD Palmcorder On or Off ...................... 47
Viewing Subject Through Viewfinder..................... 48
Viewing Image on LCD Monitor Screen ................ 48
Closing LCD Monitor ............................................. 49
Setting Date and Time ...................................... 50Changing Display Format of Date and Time ......... 51
Recording Movie............................................... 52Using External Microphone ................................... 54
Recording Stills................................................. 55
Zooming............................................................ 57
Macro Recording ................................................... 58
Using Conversion Lens (Generally Available) ....... 58
Manually Focusing Subject............................... 59Focusing During Recording ................................... 59
Adjusting Exposure Manually ........................... 61
Compensating for Backlight.............................. 62
Using Auto Function ......................................... 63
On-Screen Information ..................................... 64
Information Display During Recording................... 64
Recording Images from Other AV Devices....... 67Connecting to Other AV Device ............................ 67
Recording Images from AV Device ....................... 68
Playing Back ..................................................... 69Immediately Checking Recorded Scene ............... 69
Playback from Start of Disc or Card ...................... 70
Search Playback of Movie ..................................... 70
Frame Advance/Frame Back/Slow Playback of 
Movie .................................................................. 70
Skip Playback of Movie ......................................... 71
Playing Back Stills ................................................. 71
Jumping to Specified Point (Go To) ...................... 72
On-Screen Information Display ........................ 73Information Display during Playback ..................... 73
Playback on Other Devices .............................. 74Connecting to a TV................................................ 74
Viewing on TV Screen ........................................... 75
Playback on DVD Player ....................................... 76
Removing and Replacing from/in Round 
DVD Holder ........................................................ 77
How to Remove Disc ............................................. 77
Replacing Disc in Round DVD Holder ................... 78
When the Hinge of Round DVD Holder 
Comes Off .......................................................... 78
Disc Cleaning ........................................................ 78
Playback on DVD Video Recorder/Player ........ 79
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Advanced Techniques
Understanding Flow of Menu ............................ 80
Setting Up Camera Functions........................... 82
Selecting Shooting Mode to Match the Subject 
(Switching Program AE Mode) ...........................82
Adjusting Color (White Balance)............................83
Using the Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS)...........85
Magnifying Subject Image (Dig. Zoom) .................86
Reducing Wind Noise During Recording 
(Wind Cut)...........................................................87
Setting Up Record Functions ............................ 88Switching Movie Quality (VIDEO Mode) ................88
Switching Quality of Still Image (Quality)...............89
Receiving Image from Another Device 
(Input Source) .....................................................90
Switching External Input Recording Method 
(PHOTO Input)....................................................90
Self Timer ..............................................................91
Setting OSD Output On or Off 
(On-Screen Display) ...........................................92
LCD Setup ........................................................ 93Setting Brightness of LCD Screen (Brightness) ....93
Setting Color Density of LCD screen 
(Color Level) .......................................................93
Initial Settings ................................................... 94Switching Operating Sound On or Off (Beep) .......94
Turning DVD Palmcorder Off Automatically 
(Power Save) ......................................................94
Turning Record LED On or Off (Record LED) .......95
Changing Display Language (Language) ..............95
Resetting Menu Settings to Defaults (Reset) ........96
Disc Navigation
Using Disc Navigation....................................... 97Starting Disc Navigation ........................................97
Exiting Disc Navigation ..........................................99
Playing Back from Disc Navigation Screen ...........99
Selecting Multiple Scenes ...................................100
Selecting Consecutive Scenes Together.............100
Disc Navigation Menu ..................................... 101Functions Available with Disc Navigation ............101
Understanding Flow of Disc Navigation Menu.....102
Scene.............................................................. 103Deleting Scenes (Delete).....................................103
Changing Images for Thumbnails 
(Edit - Thumbnail) .............................................105
Playing Back by Skipping Scenes (Edit - Skip) ...106
Adding Special Effects (Edit - Fade)....................107
Arranging Order of Scenes (Edit - Move) ............108
Combining Multiple Scenes (Edit - Combine) ......109
Dividing Movies (Edit - Divide).............................110
Copying Stills on DVD-RAM Disc to Card 
(Copy) ...............................................................111
Locking Scenes on Card (Lock) ..........................112
Designating Scenes to be Printed (DPOF) ..........113
Selecting Scenes Using Menu Screen (Select) ...114
Displaying Information Using Menu Screen 
(Detail) ..............................................................115
Program .......................................................... 116What is “program”? ..............................................116
Switching to Thumbnail Display of Specific Date (Switch) ............................................................ 116
Playing Back Program (Play) .............................. 117
Changing Title of Program (Title) ........................ 117
Play List .......................................................... 119What is “Play List”? ............................................. 119
Creating New Play List (Create) .......................... 119
Switching to Display of Each Play List (Switch) .. 120
Playing Back a Play List (Play)............................ 121
Adding Scenes to Play List (Editing Play List)..... 122
Deleting Scenes from Play List 
(Editing Play List) ............................................. 123
Adding Scenes Using Submenu for Editing 
(Editing Play List) ............................................. 123
Deleting Scenes Using Submenu for Editing 
(Editing Play List) ............................................. 124
Selecting Scenes Using Submenu for Editing 
(Editing Play List) ............................................. 124
Arranging Order of Scenes (Move) ..................... 125
Changing Title of Play List (Title) ........................ 126
Deleting Play List (Delete) ................................... 126
Go To.............................................................. 127Top (End) ............................................................ 127
Disc or Card Management.............................. 128Verifying Remaining Free Space on Disc or Card 
(Capacity) ......................................................... 128
Protecting Disc from Writing (Protect Disc) ......... 128
Initializing DVD-RAM Disc or Card 
(Format Disc. format Card)............................... 129
Updating Control Information of DVD-RAM Disc. 130
Finalizing Disc (DVD-R) ...................................... 131
Others ............................................................. 132Displaying Movies or Stills Independently 
(Category) ........................................................ 132
Playing Back Scenes Repeatedly (Repeat Play) 132
Slide Show (Continuous Playback of Stills)......... 133
Installing Software
Compatible PC for use with DVD Camcorder: 
VDR M30 ..................................................... 134
Operations will not be guaranteed under the 
following conditions. ..................................... 134
Contents on Provided CD-ROM ..................... 135
Installing USB Driver ........................................... 137
Installing DVD-RAM Driver .................................. 140
Installing DVD-MovieAlbumSE ............................ 142
Installing MyDVD ................................................. 144
Creating DVD Video on PC from DVD-RAM Disc 
Recorded on DVD Palmcorder .................... 145
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Subsidiary Information
Cleaning.......................................................... 147
No DVD Palmcorder Operation - Check the 
Following: ..................................................... 148
Error Messages .............................................. 150
Troubleshooting .............................................. 157
System Reset ................................................. 164
Major Specifications........................................ 165
Introduction to Optional Accessories .............. 167
Palmcorder Accessory System............................167
Information on Round DVD Holder ......................168
Index ............................................................... 169
Request for Service Notice (USA Only) .......... 172
Limited Warranty (For USA Customers) ......... 173
Customer Services Directory .......................... 174
Warranty (For Canadian Customers).............. 175
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Checking Provided Accessories
Make sure that you have all the following accessories in package: 
Battery Pack (model CGA-DU14A):
Portable power supply for this DVD 
Palmcorder. Charge it before use.AC Adapter/Charger (model PV-DAC13):
Used to power the DVD Palmcorder from AC 
outlet, or charge battery pack.DC Cord:
When powering the DVD Palmcorder from 
household AC outlet, use this cord to connect 
the DVD Palmcorder and AC adapter/
charger.
Power  Ca ble:
Connect between household AC outlet and 
AC adapter/charger. Remote Controller (model VEQ3993):
Use to control the DVD Palmcorder from a 
distance.Button Type Battery (model CR2025):
To power the remote controller.
A V /S  In pu t/O utp ut Ca ble : (EW12432)
Used when viewing the picture played back 
on the DVD Palmcorder on TV screen, or 
input or output video from/to another video 
device. Shoulder Belt:
Attach to the DVD Palmcorder to hang it from 
shoulder.
Lens Cap and Lens Cap String:
Attach the lens cap when not recording, to 
protect the lens.
8 cm DVD-RAM Disc (in Round DVD 
Holder):
To record video (movie) on this DVD 
Palmcorder. F
errit e  Core : (BZ10682)
In order to control radio noise emission, 
attach this to external microphone cable if 
you are using the external microphone. S
oft w are  CD-R O M:  (VFF0197)
Use this CD-ROM on PC when connecting 
the DVD Palmcorder to PC.
USB C ab le : (EW12381)
WARNING:  Keep 
this battery away 
from children. If 
swallowed, consult 
a physician 
immediately for 
emergency 
treatment.
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Names of Parts 
1 Recording indicator (P. 95)
The red indicator will light during recording.
2 Optical 10× zoom lens (P. 57)
3 Lens hood (P. 58)
Always remove this lens hood when using 
generally available tele-conversion or wide-
conversion lens.
4 Infrared receiver (P. 37)
When the remote controller is used to operate 
the DVD Palmcorder, this receiver will receive 
the infrared signal.
5 Zoom lever (P. 57)
Push the lever to the T side for telephoto, or to 
the W side for wide-angle.
6 Accessory shoe7 External microphone jack (P. 54)
8 AV input/output jack (P. 67, 74)
9 Stereo microphone (P. 54)
10 2.5” type Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 
(inside) (P. 48)
11 BATTERY EJECT switch (P. 39)
The BATTERY EJECT switch is located on the 
bottom of this DVD Palmcorder: Slide it when 
removing the battery pack.
A/V
MIC
BATTERY EJECT
78
11
910 1234 5 6
(Inside the cover)
(Bottom)
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QR34642 12 Viewfinder (P. 48)
13 Diopter control (P. 48)
To adjust the focus of image appearing in the 
viewfinder. (Pull out the viewfinder.)
14 ACCESS/PC indicator (P. 9, 52, 55)
Will blink or light while the DVD Palmcorder is 
operating.
15 DISC EJECT button (P. 43)
Press and release this button to open the disc 
guide.16 CARD ACCESS indicator (P. 9, 55)
17 Card insertion block (P. 46)
18 Battery attachment platform (P. 39)
19 Record button (REC) (P. 52)
20 Shoulder belt attachments portion (P. 35)
21 Power switch (P. 47, 52, 55)
22 Speaker (P. 69)
23 Grip Belt (Free Style Grip Belt) (P. 34)
12 13 14 1715
18 19 21 232216
20
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