Panasonic Vdr M50pp Operating Instructions Manual

							41
Changing Display Format of Date and Time
You can select one of three date display formats: month/day/year, day/month/year, or year/month/day. The time
display format will also change as follows:
1Press the MENU button.
The menu screen will appear.
2Use the joystick to choose 
“Date Mode” on the “Date 
Setup” menu screen, and 
then press the Abutton.
The options will appear to 
the right of “Date Mode”: The Zmark will be attached 
to the currently selected option.
3Use the joystick to select the 
desired date display format, 
and then press the 
Abutton.
The menu screen for setting date will be restored, and 
the “Date Mode” will have been changed as you 
designated.
4Press the MENU button to switch off the menu 
screen.
Note:If the date display format has been changed, the display 
format during playback as well as during recording will also 
be changed (See page 54).
Display formatExample of display
M/D/Y5:00PM
SEP 30 2004
D/M/Y17:00
30. 9.2004
Y/M/D17:00
2004. 9.30
RAM
M/D/ Y
Y/M/D Da t e  Mode
ENTER RETURN
Da t e  Se t
D/M/ Y
D a t e  Se t u pRAM
Da t e  Mode
ENTER RETURNDa t e  Se tD/M/ Y
D a t e  Se t u p 
						

							42
About the Battery Pack
Attaching Battery Pack to DVD Video Camera
1Fit the battery pack to the battery attachment platform 
on this DVD Video Camera and slide it upward until 
a click is heard.Note:•Make sure that the battery pack is in the correct
orientation.
•Make sure that the battery pack is securely attached: 
Incomplete attachment could cause the battery pack to 
fall, resulting in damage.
Removing Battery Pack
After using the DVD Video Camera, remove the battery pack from it.
1Slide the BATTERY EJECT switch on the bottom of 
DVD Video Camera: The battery pack can be 
removed.
2Slide the battery pack downward to remove it.
Note:•For safety, be sure to turn the DVD Video Camera off
before attaching or removing the battery pack.
•Be careful not to drop the removed battery pack.•If the battery remains attached, minute level current will 
flow even if the DVD Video Camera is off, and the battery 
pack will discharge.
Terminal 
must 
face up.
1
2 
						

							43
lRecordable time with fully charged 
battery pack (with no zoom 
operation, etc.)
For your reference, the approximate DVD Video Camera 
recordable time with fully charged battery pack [with 
model CGA-DU14A]:
VDR-M50PP
VDR-M70PP
*1The time in XTRA mode is only for reference: It varies 
depending on recording contents.
*2LPCM mode can be set only when DVD-R disc is used.
Continuous Recording (without zoom):
The continuous recording time of DVD Video Camera in 
the left table shows the available recording time when the 
DVD Video Camera is in the recording mode without 
using any other function after recording is started. In 
actual recording, the battery pack will discharge 2-3 
times faster than this reference since the REC button and 
zoom are being operated, and playback is performed. 
Assume that the recordable time with a fully charged 
battery pack is between 40 and 60 minutes [with model 
CGA-DU14A], and prepare the type and number of 
batteries to allow for the time you are planning to record 
on the DVD Video Camera.
Note that the battery pack discharges faster in cold 
places.
lThe time taken for charging the 
battery pack is as follows 
[at 77ºF (25 ºC)]
Note:•See page 158 when charging is not possible.•The charge time will vary depending on the remaining 
battery level.
•During and after charging, the battery pack will be warm, 
but this does not indicate a fault.
•If the following phenomena appear, the battery pack 
may be dead: Replace it.
- Charging does not start within 10 seconds (the
CHARGE indicator does not light).
- The battery pack cannot be charged up to 75% if more
than 9 hours have elapsed after charging started.
- The battery pack cannot be fully charged if more than
5 hours have elapsed after it was charged to 75%.
•Charge the battery pack at ambient temperature 50°F to 
86°F (10°C to 30°C): Charging at temperatures other 
than this range could damage the battery pack.
Video 
quality 
modeDVD-RAM discDVD-R disc
XTRA
*1When using 
viewfinderapprox. 140 min−
When using 
LCD monitorapprox. 120 min−
FINE When using 
viewfinderapprox. 140 min approx. 135 min
When using 
LCD monitorapprox. 120 min approx. 115 min
STD When using 
viewfinderapprox. 165 min approx. 160 min
When using 
LCD monitorapprox. 135 min approx. 130 min
LPCM
*2When using 
viewfinder−approx. 135 min
When using 
LCD monitor
−approx. 115 min
Video 
quality 
modeDVD-RAM discDVD-R disc
XTRA
*1When using 
viewfinderapprox. 130 min−
When using 
LCD monitorapprox. 110 min−
FINE When using 
viewfinderapprox. 130 min approx. 125 min
When using 
LCD monitorapprox. 110 min approx. 105 min
STD When using 
viewfinderapprox. 150 min approx. 145 min
When using 
LCD monitorapprox. 125 min approx. 120 min
LPCM
*2When using 
viewfinder−approx. 125 min
When using 
LCD monitor
−approx. 105 min
CGA-DU14A 
165 min 
						

							44
Remaining Battery Level Indicator
When the battery pack is used to power the DVD Video Camera, the battery remaining level appears in the viewfinder
or on the LCD screen as follows:
Note:•If you use the optional CGA-DU07A battery pack at low temperatures, “ ” may not appear, and the battery usable
time may be shorter.
•If you use the provided CGA-DU14A battery pack, the remaining level indicator “ ” may be displayed for an extended 
period, and “ ” or “ ” may be displayed for a shorter period.
Efficient Use of Battery Pack
Charge battery pack immediately before using
DVD Video Camera:
The battery pack will slightly discharge even if it is 
detached from the DVD Video Camera. If the battery 
pack is left attached to DVD Video Camera, it will 
consume a slight amount of power.
Important Note:Therefore, it is recommended that you charge the 
battery pack shortly before using the DVD Video 
Camera, usually on the day before you plan to use it.
Since the battery pack used for this DVD Video Camera 
is free from the memory effect, you do not need to 
completely discharge the battery pack before charging it.
When not using the DVD Video Camera for an
extended period:
It is recommended that you fully charge the battery pack 
once a year, attach it to DVD Video Camera and use it up; 
then remove the battery pack and store it in a cool place 
again.Store in cool place:
When you are not using the DVD Video Camera, remove 
the battery pack and store it in a cool place. If you store 
it in a place where the temperature is high, the battery life 
will be shortened. Be especially sure not to store the 
battery pack in an environment (in a closed vehicle) over 
140°F (60°C): Neglecting this could damage the battery 
pack.
Battery life:
Battery life varies greatly depending on the ambient 
environment and how often the DVD Video Camera is 
used. If the usable time of DVD Video Camera with a 
fully charged battery pack is noticeably short, the battery 
pack is probably dead: Purchase a new one.
Power save and discharge of battery pack:
It is recommended that you turn the DVD Video Camera 
off in status other than recording, since even during 
recording pause battery power is consumed at the same 
level as during recording. 
If, when you specify Power Save On, the recording pause 
status continues for approximately 5 minutes, the DVD 
Video Camera will automatically turn off.
To set or release power save, see “Turning DVD Video 
Camera Off Automatically (Power Save)” on page 92.
Fully charged Nearly empty
Shows remaining level(Blinks) 
						

							45
Using DVD Video Camera with AC adaptor
It is recommended that you use the AC adaptor to power the DVD Video Camera from a household AC outlet when
you perform settings on it, play back or edit images, or use it indoors.
Note:Be sure to use the specified AC adaptor to power the DVD Video Camera. Using other AC adaptors could cause electric
shock or result in fire.
1Connect the power cable to AC adaptor.
2Plug the power cable into household AC outlet.
3Plug one end of DC cord into the DC output jack on 
AC adaptor.
4Attach the other end of DC cord to the battery 
attachment platform on DVD Video Camera.
Note:The AC adaptor can be used around the world. An AC plug 
adaptor is required in some foreign countries. If you need 
one, purchase it from your distributor.
Power cable
AC adaptor DC cord
AC 200-240V
AC Plug Adaptor (not supplied) 
						

							46
Inserting and Removing Disc
Inserting Disc
1Press down the DISC EJECT lever once and release 
it.
A few moments after the ACCESS/PC indicator 
blinks, the cover of disc insertion compartment will 
open slightly.
2Gently open the cover by hand until it stops.
3Insert the disc, in Round DVD Holder, into the disc 
guide until it stops.
Note that the recording/playback surface of disc must 
face the inside of DVD Video Camera.  The 
orientation for inserting the disc into the disc guide is 
also specific: load the disc correctly, referring to the 
figure below.
•
The disc exposed portion must face in the same 
direction as the lens, as shown in figure.
•The recording/playback side must face the inside of 
DVD Video Camera.
4Push the section marked “PUSH CLOSE” on the 
cover of disc insertion compartment, to close the 
cover.
5Turn the DVD Video Camera on (  or  ).
When “DISC ACCESS” disappears, the DVD Video 
Camera is ready for recording.
lIdentifying recording/playback 
sides of disc:
Single sided disc:
The recording/playback side is 
opposite to the printed label.
Double-sided disc:
The recording/playback side of 
“SIDE A” is opposite to the 
“SIDE A” marked side.
The recording/playback side of 
“SIDE B” is the “SIDE A” 
marked side.
Disc cover
DISC EJECT 
lever
PUSH CLOSE 
portion
Disc guide
Correct 
orientation
Incorrect orientation
“SIDE A” mark
The opposite side is 
the “SIDE A” 
recording/playback 
side. 
						

							47
Note:•Disc cannot be inserted or removed unless the battery 
pack or AC adaptor is connected to DVD Video Camera.
•See page 74 for how to set disc in Round DVD Holder.•If there is some delay before recording starts, refer to 
“Check 4” on page 150.
•The disc insertion orientation is specific: Forcibly 
inserting a disc in wrong orientation could damage the 
DVD Video Camera or Round DVD Holder of disc.
•If the disc is not correctly inserted, the cover will not close. 
Never try to forcibly close the cover: This could cause 
damage. Reinsert the disc properly.
•If a single-sided disc is inserted into DVD Video Camera 
with the printed label facing the inside, an error message 
will appear. Remove the disc and reinsert it with its 
recording/playback side facing the inside.  See “Error 
Messages” on page 152.
•When using double-sided disc
Recording is possible on both sides of double-sided disc. 
However, when recording or playback on one side is 
finished, recording or playback will not move 
automatically to the other side. Remove the disc once 
from the DVD Video Camera, turn over the disc in Round 
DVD Holder and insert it again for continued use.
lWhen using brand-new DVD-R disc
Recognition of the disc will 
start.
The messages on the right will 
appear in sequence by pressing 
the A button between 
messages.
When recording on this 
DVD Video Camera:
When the first message 
“Format the disc now?” 
appears, choose “YES” and 
then press the A button. The 
disc will be automatically 
formatted. 
When formatting is complete, 
“DVD-R disc, Video mode 
cannot be changed” will appear 
(See page 155): Press the A 
button to erase the message.
Once formatted, a DVD-R disc 
can no longer be recorded on by 
a PC, even if it has not been 
recorded on by this DVD Video 
Camera.
Note:See page 86 for movie quality mode.
When recording data from PC:
While the above messages are being displayed, press the g button, or when message “Format the disc now?” 
appears, choose “NO” and then press the A button.
If data from PC has not yet been recorded, the disc can be 
made usable on this DVD Video Camera. When inserting 
the disc into this DVD Video Camera, the same message 
will appear: If you wish to use it on this DVD Video 
Camera, choose “YES”.
Note:Do not initialize a disc on which you wish to record data 
created using the application MyDVD on PC.
NEXT
This disc must be formatted
before it can be used by
this camera. For
mat Disc
CANCEL
ENTER
Format the disc now? For
mat Disc
YESNO
NEXT
Format Disc
CANCEL
Do not format this disc
if you want to record from
the PC connect i on terminal. 
						

							48
Removing Disc
1Set the power switch to “OFF” 
to turn the DVD Video Camera 
off.
2Press down the DISC EJECT 
lever once and release it. 
In a moment, the cover of disc 
insertion compartment will 
open slightly.
3Gently open the cover until it 
stops.
When the cover is fully open, 
the disc will slightly come out 
from the disc guide, and stop.
4Remove the disc.
Hold the top of Round 
DVD Holder as shown in 
the illustration and 
gently pull it out.
Note:Be careful not to touch the 
exposed disc portion 
when removing the disc.
5Gently push the section 
indicated “PUSH CLOSE” 
on the cover of disc insertion 
compartment (on side) to 
close the cover.
Note:•Even after the DVD Video Camera is turned on, the disc
can be removed unless it is in recording status. Hold
down the DISC EJECT lever for approximately 2
seconds, and then release it to remove the disc. (The
DISC EJECT indicator on the LCD screen will blink.) It is
recommended that you turn the DVD Video Camera off
before inserting or removing disc to prevent
misoperation.
•Do not remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC 
adaptor during removal of the disc or until power is 
completely turned off: If you do, the disc cover will not 
open. If this happens, reattach the battery pack or AC 
adaptor, push down the DISC EJECT lever once, and 
then release it.
•Do not insert anything other than the 8 cm DVD-RAM or 
DVD-R disc into the disc insertion block: Doing so could 
cause malfunctions.
•Set the power switch to “OFF” to turn the DVD Video 
Camera off.
•When inserting or removing the disc, be careful not to 
touch the inside of DVD Video Camera [especially, the 
lens of laser pickup (see “Terminology” on page 148 )].
•When inserting or removing the disc, connect a charged 
battery pack or AC adaptor to the DVD Video Camera: 
The disc cover will not open unless the DVD Video 
Camera is powered.
DISC EJECT
When grasping the holder, 
avoid the exposed disc 
portion. 
						

							49
Inserting and Removing Card
1
Turn the DVD Video Camera off.
2Open the cover of card 
insertion slot.
3Insert card with its contacts 
inward until it locks.
Removing Card
Push the center of card edge: 
The card will come out so that 
it can be held by fingers.
4Close the cover of card 
insertion slot.
Note:Do not push the label pasting 
portion of SD Memory Card when 
removing it: Doing so could 
damage the SD Memory Card.
When you close the cover, be sure 
not to insert the grip belt into the 
insertion slot. If you insert the grip 
belt into the insertion slot, the 
insertion slot will be damaged.
Label pasting 
por tion 
						

							50
Basic Techniques
This section explains the basic techniques of recording movies and still images, and also basic settings 
on DVD Video Camera.
Basic Operation of DVD Video Camera
Turning DVD Video Camera On or Off
While holding down the button at the center of power 
switch, set the switch according to each recording 
function:
Power ON status
During playback, set the power switch to “ ” or 
“ ” when using disc, or set it to “ ” when using 
card.
Turn the switch while holding down the button at the 
center of switch.Note:•Once you turn the DVD Video Camera on to let it 
recognize the disc, you can immediately record or play 
back the same disc when the DVD Video Camera is 
turned on again  (DVD-RAM). However, if you remove the 
disc, replace it, or if the date changes after power is 
turned on, it will take some time for the DVD Video 
Camera to start because it must recognize the disc again 
(See page 150).
•Once you have turned the DVD Video Camera on to 
record, you can immediately start recording when turning 
the DVD Video Camera on next time (DVD-R disc).
•It will take some time for the DVD Video Camera to display 
the Disc navigation screen after power is turned on.
•When you turn the DVD Video Camera on, the ACCESS 
indicator will light or blink to show that the DVD Video 
Camera is recognizing the disc or card: During this time, 
no operation, such as recording, can be performed.
After several seconds, the ACCESS indicator will go out, 
and operating the DVD Video Camera will be possible. 
If the ACCESS indicator does not go out, refer to “Check 
4” on page 150.
•When the DVD Video Camera is turned on, the self-
diagnosis function operates and a message may appear. 
In this case, refer to “Error Messages” on page 152 and 
take corrective action.
•While the ACCESS/PC or CARD ACCESS indicator is lit 
or blinking, do not cause impact or vibration to the DVD 
Video Camera.
Set to “ ”:
To record still on SD Memory 
Card or MultiMediaCard
Set to “OFF”:
The DVD Video Camera will 
turn off.
Set to “ ”:
To record movie on DVD-
RAM or DVD-R disc
Set to “ ”:
To record still on DVD-RAM 
disc.
Power switch
ACCESS/PC 
indicator CARD ACCESS 
indicator