Panasonic Vdr M53pp Operating Instructions Manual

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Installing DVDfunSTUDIO
Does not support recording to DVD-RW or DVD+RW discs with the DVD Video Camera. 
1Insert the provided CD-ROM into the PC, and click 
“DVDfunSTUDIO 2.2” on the “Setup Menu” screen.
If the “Setup Menu” screen does not appear, 
double-click the CD-ROM drive icon.
2The screen for installing “DVDfunSTUDIO” will 
appear. Click “Next”.
3Choose “NTSC (North America)” for the TV 
broadcast system. Click “Next”.
4“Choose Destination Location” will appear. If you 
do not wish to change the folder where the 
software is installed, click “Next”.
5Check the contents, and then click “Install”. 
Installation will start.
6A message for verifying whether a shortcut icon 
is to be created on desktop will appear.
If you want to create one, click “Yes”. If not, 
choose “No”.
Installation will start.
7Click “Finish”, and then restart the PC.
8The following window is displayed during the first 
run of DVDfunSTUDIO after installation. 
Carefully read the Software License Agreement. 
If you accept it, click “I agree”.
Note:If your PC uses Windows® 2000 Professional/
XP Home Edition/XP Professional, set the user name 
to “Administrator (computers manager)”  (or user 
name with equivalent authorization), log on to PC, and 
then install the software (if you do not have 
authorization, consult your system manager).
When using DVDfunSTUDIO software on Windows® 
2000 Professional/XP Home Edition/
XP Professional, log on to your PC as Administrator 
with a login name equally authorized. If you log on with 
a login name other than Administrator, you can not 
use DVDfunSTUDIO.
This software is compatible only with Windows Me/2000/XP. It will not run in other versions of 
Windows, such as Windows 98SE. 
Click
Click
Click
Click
Click
Click
Click
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If you insert an unformatted DVD-R disc in the DVD Video Camera. . . .
The following message is displayed on the camera monitor: “This disc must be formatted before it can be 
used by this camera”.
Follow these steps when authoring DVD-R discs with DVDfunSTUDIO. 
1Press the g button to cancel formatting. 
Formatting discs at this time prevents you from 
using them with DVDfunSTUDIO. (However, 
formatted discs can be used for recording 
movies and shots and with the camera.) 
2Start DVDfunSTUDIO. 
3Choose Preference from the Tool menu. In DVD 
drive, choose the DVD Video Camera. 
Before closing the USB connection (disconnecting the USB cable) or toggling 
the power switch
You must follow the steps to stop the drive before disconnecting the USB cable from the computer or 
toggling between Disc Mode and Card Mode with the power switch while the USB cable is connected. 
lStopping the Drive
1Close the application. In Windows, click the   
icon in the task tray (in the lower-right corner). 
2Choose “Safely remove USB Mass Storage 
Device” (for Windows XP). 
A message will inform you that hardware may be 
disconnected. 
Close the application and make sure the camera 
access indicator is green before disconnecting 
the USB cable. 
lToggling the Power Switch
1Disconnect the USB cable following the 
instructions in “Stopping the Drive” (see above).
2You may now toggle the power switch.
3Reconnect the DVD Video Camera to the 
computer with the USB cable.
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Creating DVD Video on PC from DVD-RAM Disc 
Recorded on DVD Video Camera
Using DVD-MovieAlbumSE and DVDfunSTUDIO, you can create a DVD Video disc (DVD-R disc) from the 
images recorded on this DVD Video Camera, following the procedure below:
1Insert a recorded DVD-RAM disc into the DVD 
Video Camera, and connect the DVD Video 
Camera to the USB terminal of PC.
Note:Connect the DVD Video Camera to the AC Adaptor.
2Align the DVD Video Camera power switch with 
 or  .
3Start DVD-MovieAlbumSE, and edit the images 
on DVD-RAM disc as necessary.
When starting DVD-MovieAlbumSE, “Mount 
Information” window may appear or the recorded 
movies may not be shown. If this has occurred, 
try the following procedure. If multiple drives 
exist, for example, another drive may have been 
selected.
1. Click “Preference”, and then “Device setting”. 
2. Select the drive in which the DVD-RAM disc is 
inserted. In the “Drive Select” column, click 
“OK”.
4Right-click the thumbnail from which you wish to 
create a DVD Video disc on the DVD-
MovieAlbumSE screen, and execute “Export”.
5The “Export a title” screen, shown below, will 
appear: Make the displayed recommended 
setting.
Note:Choose “Divide by Chapter” in the “Option” box. Each 
scene of program recorded on the DVD Video Camera 
will be saved as an independent movie file so that 
export can be executed at high speed. If you do not 
choose “Divide by Chapter”, movie files may be 
unified and re-encoded, so it may take time to export 
them or the image quality may slightly deteriorate. 
DVD-MovieAlbumSE may automatically encode a 
movie recorded in the XTRA mode containing rapidly 
moving scenes (8 Mbps or higher), regardless of the 
“Divide by Chapter” setting.
If you want to change the destination folder, click “Ref.” 
and specify the appropriate folder.
If you want to create a new folder, type the name of 
new folder directly in the “Destination Folder” field.
6Click the Start button to start export.
A confirmation message appears.
7When export is complete, message “Export 
completed normally. Do you wish to create a 
‘DVD-Video’ disc using the exported data?” will 
appear. Check the small box for “Eject the disc 
being used”, and then click “Yes”.
Insert a brand-new DVD-R disc into the DVD 
Video Camera. 
(Do not format the disc.)
DVD-MovieAlbumSE will automatically end.
“Preference” tab
“Export a title” Screen
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8DVDfunSTUDIO starts automatically. When the 
folder selection screen (CollectTool) appears, 
click OK.
After a few moments, the exported scene will be 
automatically registered on the DVDfunSTUDIO 
editing screen.
Now you can change the DVD menu to the desired 
style, change the title, etc. on this editing screen.
(If multiple drives exist, for example, another 
drive may have been selected.)
If the contents are not displayed, click [Tool], 
[Preference], and [DVD drive] to select the drive 
(the DVD Video Camera) in which the DVD-R 
disc is installed, and then click OK. The drive 
name (X:) will differ depending upon the 
computer you are using.
9Click the Burn button. A confirmation message 
appears. Writing to DVD-R disc will start. When 
writing is complete, a DVD video disc will be 
created.
Then the disc cover of DVD Video Camera will 
open automatically.
Note:Depending upon the environment of your computer (if it 
does not support USB2.0, for example), frame dropout 
may occur, the audio may be intermittent, or the software 
may run slowly when you play back recorded images.
Still images recorded using DVD-MovieAlbumSE or a 
Panasonic DVD recorder cannot be played back on the 
DVD Video Camera.
The following message may appear if you swap over 
discs while DVD-MovieAlbumSE is running. In this case, 
click OK.
Title names set using DVD-MovieAlbumSE cannot be 
displayed on the DVD Video Camera.
(Title names set using the DVD Video Camera will be 
displayed.)
Writing wide mode movies recorded to a DVD-RAM disc 
using [STD], to a DVD-R disc using the PC program 
software provided (DVDfunSTUDIO):
Be careful of the following points.
- The image quality is degraded when you write movies 
to a DVD-R disc. (The data is first decoded, and then 
encoded again to match the DVD standard.)
- Depending upon the [Video settings] setting of 
DVDfunSTUDIO, when you play back the contents of a 
recorded DVD-R disc, black bands may appear at top 
and bottom and also left and right of the screen when 
using a wide screen television, or at top and bottom of 
the screen when using a television other than a wide 
screen type.
The following table shows the recordable time on 8 cm 
DVD-R disc using DVDfunSTUDIO. The recordable time 
is shorter than that of 8 cm DVD-RAM disc because 
DVDfunSTUDIO always records audio in the LPCM 
format.
Uninstalling Software
To uninstall the applications, use “Control Panel” to open “Add or Remove Applications”, choose the 
applications to be uninstalled from the displayed list of applications, and then click “Change/Remove”.
Note:After uninstalling software, be sure to restart the PC.
Movie quality mode of 
DVD-RAM disc in DVD 
Video CameraRecordable time on 
8 cm DVD-R disc 
(using DVDfunSTUDIO)
STD Approx. 50 minutes
FINE Approx. 25 minutes
XTRA Approx. 18 minutes
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Supplementary Information
Introduction to Optional Accessories
Video Camera Accessories
* Please refer to page 43 concerning the battery charging time and available recording time. 
NOTE: Accessories and/or model numbers may vary by country. Please consult your local dealer.
Accessory No.Description
LM-AF30U 8cm DVD-RAM
LM-AF60U 8cm DVD-RAM
LM-RF30V 8cm DVD-R
PV-DAC13 AC adaptor with AC Cable and DC Cable
CGA-DU14A* 1360mAh/Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery Pack
CGA-DU21A 2040mAh/Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery Pack
RP-SDH01GU1A
RP-SDK512U1A
RP-SDH256U1A
RP-SD128BU1A1 GB SD Memory Card
512 MB SD Memory Card
256 MB SD Memory Card
128 MB SD Memory Card
VW-FLH3 Flash (only for VDR-M75PP/ VDR-M95PP)
VW-LDC10 Video DC light
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Cleaning
Be sure to set the power switch to “OFF” before cleaning this DVD Video Camera.
lCleaning LCD screen and camera 
lens
Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe dirt off. When cleaning 
the LCD screen, be careful not to use force, scratch 
it, or subject it to impact. Doing so could cause a 
defect in the screen, resulting in display 
unevenness, or damage the LCD monitor.
lIf dust adheres to the viewfinder 
lens, remove it using a cotton cloth.
Do not rub the lens with force: Doing so could 
scratch the lens.
lDo not use benzene or thinner to 
clean DVD Video Camera case
The coating of case could peel off or the case could 
deteriorate. Wipe off dirt on the case with a moist 
cloth which has been completely wrung out. When 
using a chemical cleaning cloth, follow instructions 
for use.
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Te r m i n o l o gy
DVD-RAM disc:
Rewritable DVD disc.
DVD-R disc:
One-time recordable DVD disc.
DVD Video format:
This application format establishes the file name, directory structure, data format, etc. to record videos 
(movies). A generally available DVD video conforms to this format.
DVD Video recorder:
This device can record video and audio on any recordable DVD disc, such as DVD-RAM, that conforms 
to the DVD Video Recording format. Some DVD Video recorders can record on a DVD-R disc conforming 
to DVD Video format. A DVD Video recorder that is compatible with 8 cm DVD-RAM can play back DVD-
RAM discs recorded on the DVD Video Camera.
DVD Video Recording format:
Format of recorded video data on writable type DVD disc. This format is adopted by DVD Video Cameras 
and DVD-RAM recorders that are compatible with DVD-RAM. 
DVD Player:
This device can play back video and audio signals recorded on DVD Video and DVD-R discs using the DVD 
Video format. Most DVD players can play back a DVD-R disc recorded on the DVD Video Camera (some 
DVD players cannot play back the disc).
SD Memory Card:
SanDisk, Matsushita and Toshiba jointly developed this memory card standard in 1999. The card is 32 mm 
long x 24 mm wide x 2.1 mm thick, and has 9 pins. 
USB 2.0:
There are two kinds of USB ports for a PC. As for USB2.0 (full speed), transfer speed is slow, and, as for 
USB2.0 (high speed), transfer speed is higher-speed. If the DVD Video Camera is connected to the PC 
via a USB2.0 (high speed port), movies can be enjoyed without difficulty.
Infrared sensor:
This sensor is used to adjust the white balance.
Thumbnail:
This refers to a reduced screen displayed on Disc Navigation in order to identify the recorded image 
contents.
Scene:
Video (movie): “One scene” refers to images recorded from one press of REC button until recording is 
stopped by pressing the REC button again.
Photo (still): “One scene” refers to a single photo recorded by pressing the photo shot button.
Slot-in type PC:
PC that has a DVD drive into which a DVD is directly inserted or ejected from without using a tray.
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Disc-protect:
This disables writing to disc (protects disc from writing) so that images recorded on DVD-RAM disc cannot 
be accidentally deleted and the disc cannot be initialized.
Howling:
This phenomenon occurs as follows: when the DVD Video Camera is connected to a device, such as TV, 
the audio input to the microphone of DVD Video Camera is amplified and output from the speakers of TV, 
and the signal is again input to the microphone. This is repeated to form an endless loop of audio signal, 
and the signal is amplified up to the audio output amplitude limit of the device. Howling can be prevented 
by changing the positional relationship between the DVD Video Camera and TV, or by turning down the 
volume on TV.
Suspending PC:
This function stores the status of a PC before it is turned off. It will restart the PC in the same status as 
immediately before the PC was turned off, when the PC is turned on next time.
Video selector:
This device can input multiple audio and video signals, and select the desired audio and video signals 
among those input, to output them.
Finalize:
This process makes a DVD-R disc recorded on this DVD Video Camera playable on a DVD player, etc. that 
conforms to 8 cm DVD-R: No further recording can be made on a finalized DVD-R disc.
Laser pickup block:
This block emits laser beam to a disc, and then collects the laser beam 
reflected from the disc to convert it to an electric signal. The block consists 
of a laser, lens, receiving element, etc.
Laser pickup block
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Before Requesting Service
Check 1No movie can be recorded
Movie can be recorded only on DVD-RAM or DVD-R 
disc.
Check the following:
Is the correct type of disc inserted?Is power switch set to “ ”?Is the DVD-RAM disc in DVD Video Camera write-
protected? Release the write-protect.
If you are using a DVD-R, has it been finalized?Does disc have remaining recording space?
If movie still cannot be recorded after the above 
checks, the disc may be damaged: use another disc.
Check 2No still can be recorded
Still can be recorded only on DVD-RAM disc or SD 
Memory Card.
Check the following:
Is the correct type of disc or card inserted?Is power switch set to match the recording medium?
−When using DVD-RAM disc:
Set to “ ”.
−When using SD Memory Card:
Set to “ ”.
Is loaded DVD-RAM disc write-protected?When using SD Memory Card: is it locked?Does disc or card have remaining recording space?
If still cannot be recorded after the above checks, the 
disc or card may be damaged: use another disc or 
card.
Check 3Skip or search playback does 
not work well
If the temperature inside the DVD Video Camera is 
high, normal operation may not be possible. Turn the 
DVD Video Camera off, wait for a few moments, and 
then turn it on again for operation.
Check 4
 No operation can be 
performed because the 
ACCESS/PC or CARD 
ACCESS indicator on this DVD 
Video Camera remains lit or 
blinking.
 After disc or card is inserted, it 
takes some time until 
recording is possible.
In the following cases, it will take more time than usual 
until operation is possible:
When a disc has just been insertedWhen the last action was to turn off the power, and 
a long period of time has passed since then
When the temperature is greatly different from the 
time of previous recording
When disc with scratches, dirt or fingerprints is 
inserted
When disc is subject to severe vibrationsWhen the battery or DC cord was disconnected 
instead of following the correct procedure using 
power switch to turn the DVD Video Camera off
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Check 5No DVD Video Camera operation
Is a fully charged battery pack attached?
Is the DVD Video Camera powered from AC outlet?
Check 6No image in viewfinder
Is LCD monitor open?
No image will appear in viewfinder unless the LCD 
monitor is closed and securely locked to DVD Video 
Camera.
Check 7No image appears on the LCD 
screen or in the viewfinder

Is DVD Video Camera connected to PC using USB 
cable?
Unplug the USB cable.
Does DVD Video Camera stop at the end of the 
scene to which wipe-out was set and played back?
Press the DISC NAVIGATION button.
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