Quasar Vm L153 Operating Instructions Manual

							Basic Operation
Special Features
For Your Information Getting Started
Camcorder
Operating Instructions
Please read these instructions carefully before attempting to operate this product.
Please save this manual.
Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida.
 Model No.
LSQT0630A
VM-L153
For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [email protected]
R
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							2For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [email protected]
Things You Should Know
Thank you for choosing Panasonic!
You have purchased one of the most
sophisticated and reliable products on the
market today. Used properly, it will bring
you years of enjoyment. Please take time
to fill in the information to the right.
The serial number is on the tag located on
the rear side of your Camcorder. Be sure
to retain this manual as your convenient
Camcorder information source.Date of Purchase
Dealer Purchased From
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No.
Model No.
Serial No.
1 pc. AC Adaptor (PV-A20)
with DC Power Cable
(page 9)
1 pc. CR2025 Clock Battery
(installed in Camcorder)
(page 35)
1 pc. Shoulder Strap
(LSFC0012) (page 11)
1 pc. Audio/Video Cable
(LSJA0390) (pages 20, 21)1 pc. Battery Pack
(PV-BP15/LSSB0007)
(pages 8, 9) These accessories are provided in order to set up or use your Camcorder.
Unpack your Camcorder
1 pc. Lens Cap (LSKM0937)
with Lens Cap Strap
(LSGQ0049) (page 11)
Battery Charging
Confirmation
Marker
Use this marker as a
reminder to yourself when
the battery is fully charged
or in need of a charge.
This marker performs no
function and is for your
reference only.
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							3
Getting StartedSafety Precautions
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Your Compact VHS Camcorder is designed to record and play back in Standard Play (SP)
and Super Long Play (SLP) modes. You can also play a Compact VHS Camcorder
recording on your VHS VCR using the supplied VHS PlayPak.
This Camcorder is equipped with the HQ System to provide excellent video pictures, and
is compatible with standard VHS equipment.
It is recommended that only cassette tapes that have been tested and inspected for use in
VCR machines with the 
 and/or  mark be used.
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 in
order to avoid any problems.
The above markings are located on the appliance’s bottom cover.
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.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Part 15 and part 18 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when operated in a residential environment.
If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, use the equipment in another location
and/or utilize an electrical outlet different from that used by the receiver.
If necessary, consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. You may
find the booklet, ‘Something About Interference’ available from FCC local regional offices
helpful.
This product may cause interference to radio equipment and should not be installed near
maritime safety communications equipment or other critical navigation or communication
equipment operating between 0.45-30 MHz.FCC Warning :Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment would
void the users authority to operate.
Things You Should Know
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							4For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [email protected]
1. Read Instructions – All the safety and
operating instructions should be read before
the unit is operated.
2. Retain Instructions – The safety and
operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the unit
and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions – All operating and
maintenance instructions should be followed.
5. Cleaning – Unplug this video unit from the
wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid
or aerosol cleaners. Use a dry cloth for
cleaning.
6. Attachments – Do not use attachments not
recommended by the video product
manufacturer as they may be hazardous.
7. Water and Moisture – Do not use this video
unit 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.
8. Accessories – Do not place this video unit
on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table. The video unit may fall, causing serious
injury to a child or adult, and serious damage
to the unit. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table recommended by the
manufacturer, or sold with the video unit. Any
mounting of the unit should follow the
manufacturer’s instructions and should use a
mounting accessory recommended by the
manufacturer. An 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.
9. Ventilation – Slots and openings in the
cabinet are provided for ventilation and to
ensure reliable operation of the video unit
and to protect it from overheating. These
openings must not be blocked or covered.
Never place the video unit on a bed, sofa,
rug, or other similar surface, or near or over a
radiator or heat register. This video unit
should not be placed in a built-in installation
such as a bookcase or rack unless proper
ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s
instructions have been adhered to.
10. Power Sources – This video unit 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 appliance dealer or local
power company. For video units intended to
be operated from battery power, or other
sources, refer to the operating instructions.
Important Safeguards
11. Grounding or Polarization – This video unit
may be equipped with either a polarized
2-wire AC (Alternating Current) line plug (a
plug having one blade wider than the other)
or 3-wire grounding type plug, a plug having a
third (grounding) pin.
The 2-wire polarized plug will fit into the
power outlet only one way. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If
the plug still fails to fit, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized plug.
The 3-wire grounding type plug will fit into a
grounding type power outlet. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
into the outlet, contact your electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat
the safety purpose of the grounding type plug.
12. Power-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 of plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the unit.
13. Outdoor Antenna Grounding – If an outside
antenna or cable system is connected to the
video unit, be sure the antenna or cable
system is grounded so as to provide some
protection against voltage surges and built-up
static charges. Part 1 of the Canadian
Electrical Code, in USA Section 810 of the
National Electrical Code, provides information
with respect to proper grounding of the mast
and supporting structure, grounding of the
lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size
of grounding conductors, location of antenna
discharge unit, connection to grounding
electrodes, and requirements for the
grounding electrode.
14. Lightning – For added protection of this
video unit receiver 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 unit due
to lightning and power-line surges.
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							5
Getting Started
USE & LOCATION•TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD ...  Your Camcorder and power supply should not be exposed to rain or moisture.
Do not connect the power supply or operate your Camcorder if it gets wet. Your Camcorder has been designed for
outdoor use, however it is not designed to sustain direct exposure to water, rain, sleet, snow, sand, dust, or a direct
splashing from a pool or even a cup of coffee. This action could permanently damage the internal parts of your
Camcorder. Do not attempt to disassemble this unit. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Unplug your
Camcorder from the power supply before cleaning.
•DO NOT AIM YOUR CAMCORDER AT THE SUN OR OTHER BRIGHT OBJECTS.
•DO NOT LEAVE THE CAMCORDER WITH THE EVF AIMED DIRECTLY AT THE SUN AS THIS MAY CAUSE
DAMAGE TO THE INTERNAL PARTS OF THE EVF.
•DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR CAMCORDER TO EXTENDED HIGH TEMPERATURE ...  Such as, in direct sunlight,
inside a closed car, next to a heater, etc...  This action could permanently damage the internal parts of your
Camcorder.
•AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE ...  If the unit is suddenly moved from a cold place to a warm
place, moisture may form on the tape and inside the unit.
•DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAMCORDER OR THE POWER SUPPLY TURNED ON WHEN NOT IN USE.
•STORAGE OF YOUR CAMCORDER ...  Store and handle your Camcorder in a manner that will not subject it to
unnecessary movement (avoid shaking and striking). Your Camcorder contains a sensitive pick-up device which
could be damaged by improper handling or storage.
CARE•TO CLEAN YOUR CAMCORDER ...  Do not use strong or abrasive detergents when cleaning your Camcorder
body.
•TO PROTECT THE LENS ...  Do not touch the surface of the lens with your hand. Use a commercial camcorder
lens solution and lens paper when cleaning the lens. Improper cleaning can scratch the lens coating.
•TO PROTECT THE FINISH OF YOUR CAMCORDER ...  Before handling your Camcorder, make sure your hands
and face are free from any chemical products, such as suntan lotion, as it may damage the finish.
Important Safeguards
15. Power 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 such power lines or
circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
16. Overloading – Do not overload wall outlets
and extension cords as this can result in a
risk of fire or electric shock.
17. Objects and Liquids – Never push objects
of any kind into this video unit 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 onto the video unit.
18. Servicing – Do not attempt to service this
video unit yourself as opening or removing
covers may expose you to dangerous voltage
or other hazards. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
19. Damage Requiring Service – Unplug this
video unit 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 any liquid has been spilled into, or
objects have fallen onto, the video unit.
c. If the video unit has been exposed to rain
or water.
d. If the video unit does not operate normally
by following the operating instructions.
Adjust only those controls that are covered
by the operating instructions, as an improper
adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive
work by a qualified technician to restore the
video unit to its normal operation.
e. If the video unit has been dropped or the
cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the video unit exhibits a distinct
change in performance – this indicates a
need for service.
20. Replacement Parts – When replacement
parts are required, be sure the service
technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer or have the
same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock or other hazards.
21. Safety Check – Upon completion of any
service or repairs to this video unit, ask the
service technician to perform safety checks
to determine that the video unit is in safe
operating order.
Precautions
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							6For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [email protected]
Table of Contents
Viewfinder/LCD Monitor Indications ....................................................... 31~33
Notes On Operations ...................................................................................... 34
Replacing Clock Battery ................................................................................. 35
Palmcorder Accessory System ..................................................................... 36
Palmcorder Accessory Order Form .............................................................. 37
Specifications .................................................................................................. 38
Before Requesting Service 
(Video Head Cleaning).............................................. 39
Request for Service Notice ............................................................................ 40
Limited Warranty ............................................................................................. 41
Customer Services Directory ......................................................................... 42
Spanish Quick Use Guide/Guía Para Uso Rápido ........................................ 43
Index ................................................................................................................. 44 Things You Should Know ............................................................................. 2~3
Important Safeguards ................................................................................... 4~5
Precautions ........................................................................................................ 5
Quick Operation Guide ..................................................................................... 7
Supplying Power 
(Battery Charge/Use/Refresh/Care, AC Adaptor, Car Battery Cord)...... 8~9
Cassette Information ...................................................................................... 10
Before Using 
(Remove the Sensor tag, Using the Shoulder and Hand Straps, Lens Cap)...... 11
Using MENU Mode .......................................................................................... 12
Setting the Clock
 (Time Zone, Auto Daylight Saving Time)................................... 13~14
AccuBrite™ Built-in Light
 (Using the Light, Replacing the Bulb)............................... 15
Camera Recording
 (Basic, Stand-by, Programmed Recording)............................. 16~18
Playing Back Recordings
(Basic Playback, Visual Search, Still Picture, Tracking, TV/VCR Playback)................. 19~20
Copying your Tapes (dubbing) ...................................................................... 21
Four-Speed Power Zoom ................................................................................ 22
Backlight .......................................................................................................... 23
Focus
 (Auto/Manual Focus).................................................................................... 24
High Speed Shutter 
(Auto/Manual Shutter)............................................................ 25
Auto Fade ......................................................................................................... 26
Color Digital Fade ........................................................................................... 27
Digital Zoom .................................................................................................... 28
Digital Electronic Image Stabilization (E.I.S.) ............................................... 29
MotionSensor .................................................................................................. 30
Basic Operation
Special Features
For Your Information
Getting Started
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							7
Getting Started
Quick Operation Guide
Insert Cassette
1Attach fully charged Battery (page 8).
2Slide TAPE EJECT to open door.
3Insert cassette (page 10).
4Press here to close door.
1Plug in AC Adaptor.
2Insert Battery. CHARGE Lamp flashes,
then stays lit when charging is complete.
Charging the Battery Pack
Charge Battery Pack fully before operation
(page 8).
See page 19.See page 16.
Camera Recording
Playback using the LCD Monitor
1Press LCD-OPEN to unlock the LCD monitor.
Swing it fully open and adjust the angle.
2Set POWER to CAMERA.
3Press RECORD/PAUSE to start recording.
Press RECORD/PAUSE again to pause
recording.
1Press LCD-OPEN to unlock the LCD monitor.
Swing it fully open and adjust the angle.
2Set POWER to VCR.
3Press  (REWIND/SEARCH) to rewind tape.
4Press  (PLAY/STILL) to start playback.
5Press  (STOP) to stop playback.
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							8For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [email protected]
Supplying Power
To use battery refresh, insert Battery on AC
Adaptor (see steps 1~2 above), then press
BATTERY REFRESH.
The REFRESH Lamp lights, then goes out when
discharge is complete. Battery charging will then
start automatically.
If 
BATTERY REFRESH is pressed by mistake,
remove Battery from AC Adaptor and reinsert it
for normal charging.
Note:
•Charging takes about 5 hours when Battery
Refresh is used.
•Battery will not operate in extremely high
temperatures.
Note:•Charging takes about 1 hour.
•While the DC Power Cable (supplied) is connected
to the AC Adaptor, the Battery cannot be charged.
•After charging 5 times, use Battery Refresh feature
as explained below.
•Battery life gradually decreases after repeated use
and recharging. If operation time becomes very
short even after a sufficient charge, discard Battery
properly (pages 9, 34).
Charge Battery Pack fully before use.1Plug in AC Adaptor.
POWER Lamp lights.
2Insert Battery.
AAlign left side of Battery with left edge of
AC Adaptor.
BPress Battery down and slide in direction
of arrow.
The CHARGE Lamp flashes, then stays lit
when charging is complete.
3Remove Battery.
Slide Battery to the left and lift off.
Charging the Battery Pack
Battery Refresh
This feature completely discharges
Battery before recharging begins.
Use after every 5 charges for optimum
Battery performance.
A fully charged Battery provides a maximum of about 1 hour 10 minutes of continuous use
(LCD monitor off) or about 55 minutes (LCD monitor on). Actual time may vary due to
operating conditions. Using the Built-in Light decreases operating time.
Using the Battery Pack
ALift up EVF and attach Battery.
aInsert top of Battery into top of mounting
surface.
bPress and snap into place.
BRemove Battery.
Slide 
BATTERY RELEASE and remove
Battery.bA
B
POWER
Lamp
CHARGE
Lamp1
23
A
(Top View)
B
BATTERY
REFRESH
REFRESH
Lamp
a
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							9
Getting Started
Supplying Power
Caution:•Charge only with specified charger.
•Battery can be charged within a temperature range of
10 °C (50 °F) and 35 °C (95 °F).
•Battery is normally warm after charging or just after use.
•Do not use an insufficiently charged or worn-out Battery.
Safety precautions:•Do not get Battery near, or dispose of in, fire.
•Do not directly connect (short circuit) the positive (+)
and negative (–) terminals.
•Never attempt to disassemble or reassemble Battery.
To avoid Battery damage:•Do not drop or jar Battery.
•Use Battery with specified units only.
•If Battery is used in extremely high
temperatures, a safety device will
automatically prevent operation.
To prolong Battery life:•While not in use, remove Battery from
the Camcorder and AC Adaptor, and
store in a cool, dark, dry place.
•Keep Battery terminals clean.
Note:
•While the DC Power Cable (supplied) is
connected to the AC Adaptor, the Battery
cannot be charged.
•When not in use, unplug AC Adaptor from
AC outlet. (Adaptor uses 1.2 W of electricity
while plugged in.)
1Connect AC Adaptor DC OUT toCamcorder DC IN with supplied DC
Power Cable.
2Plug in AC Adaptor.
POWER Lamp lights.
This unit will operate on 110/120/220/240 V AC 50/60 Hz. An AC plug adaptor may be required
for voltages other than 120 V AC. Please contact either a local or foreign electrical parts
distributor for assistance in selecting an alternate AC plug. We recommend using the accessory
power plug adaptor (VJSS0070/K2DB42E00001) in an area which has special AC outlets.CAUTION:
1Connect PV-C16 Car Battery Cord
(optional) to Camcorder DC IN.
2A Start engine first.
B Plug Car Battery Cord into
Cigarette lighter socket.
•If Car Battery cord fuse needs replacing,
use exact current rating (in amps).
Note:
•This cord only works in vehicles equipped
with DC 12 V (negative ground) battery.
Check with your car/truck dealer. Use only
specified car battery cord.
•To avoid blowing the car battery cord fuse,
do step 2 in the proper order.
•Running vehicles must be well ventilated.
•When not in use, disconnect cigarette
lighter plug.
•For personal safety the driver of the vehicle
should not attempt to operate the
camcorder while driving.
Battery Care
AC Adaptor
Car Battery Cord (Optional)
DC IN
Connector
DC Power Cable
POWER Lamp
DC OUT Connector
DC IN
ConnectorCigarette
Lighter
Socket (12 V)
Car Battery Cord
(optional)Cigarette
Lighter Plug
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							10For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [email protected]
Cassette Information
1Turn Tape Wheel in direction of arrow
until there is no slack.
2Attach Battery (page 8).
3Slide TAPE EJECT to open door.
4Insert cassette as shown.
5Press here to close door.
1
2 3
4
• To remove the cassette, slide the TAPEEJECT switch.
5
1To prevent accidental erasing,break off tab with screwdriver.
(Or, slide tab open.)
2To record again,
cover hole with adhesive tape.
(Or, slide tab closed.)
Protects tapes from being accidentally
erased.
Erase Protection Tab
Cassette Insertion/Removal
Slide tab type
12
•SLP playback may contain more picture noise. SLP
(Super Long Play)
SP
(Standard Play)
Cassette type
Tape Speed
Selector Position
TC-20
20 minutes
1 hour30 minutesTC-30 TC-40
40 minutes
1 hour
30 minutes2 hours
Use tapes with the  mark in this unit.
Record/Playback Time
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