Tascam HD P2 Portable Stereo Audio Recorder Owners Manual

							
D00895120B
»
HD-P2
Portable Stereo Audio Recorder
OWNER'S MANUAL 
						

							
 TASCAM  HD-P  Owner's Manual

Important Safety Precautions
The  exclamation  point  within  an  equilateral  triangle  is  intended  to  alert  the  user  to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
The  lightning  flash  with  arrowhead  symbol,  within  equilateral  triangle,  is  intended to  alert  the  user  to  the  presence  of  uninsulated  “dangerous  voltage”  within  the product’s  enclosure  that  may  be  of  sufficient  magnitude  to  constitute  a  risk  of electric shock to persons.
CAUTION:  TO  REDUCE  THE  RISK  OF  ELECTRIC  SHOCK,  DO  NOT  REMOVE  COVER  (OR  BACK).  NO  USER-SERVICEABLE  PARTS  INSIDE.  REFER  SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK 
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS 
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
T h i s  a p p l i a n c e  h a s  a  s e r i a l  n u m b e r located  on  the  rear  panel.  Please  record the  model  number  and  serial  number  and retain them for your records.Model number
Serial number
For the customers in Europe
WARNING
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, 
this  product  may  cause  radio  interference  in  which 
c a s e  t h e  u s e r  m a y  b e  re q u i re d  t o  t a k e  a d e q u a t e 
measures.
Pour les utilisateurs en Europe
AVERTISSEMENT
I l   s ' a g i t   d ' u n   p r o d u i t   d e   C l a s s e   A .   D a n s   u n 
e n v i r o n n e m e n t  d o m e s t i q u e ,  c e t  a p p a r e i l  p e u t 
p ro v o q u e r  d e s  i n t e r f é re n c e s  r a d i o ,  d a n s  c e  c a s 
l'utilisateur  peut  être  amené  à  prendre  des  mesures 
appropriées.
Für Kunden in Europa
Warnung
Dies  ist  eine  Einrichtung,  welche  die  Funk-Entstö
rung  nach  Klasse  A  besitzt.  Diese  Einrichtung  kann 
im  Wohnbereich  Funkstörungen  versursachen;  in 
d i e s e m  F a l l  k a n n  v o m  B e t r i e b e r  v e r l a n g  w e rd e n , 
angemessene  Maßnahmen  durchzuführen  und  dafür 
aufzukommen.
TO THE USER
This equipment has been tested and found to comply 
with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to 
Part  15  of  the  FCC  Rules.  These  limits  are  designed 
to  provide  reasonable  protection  against  harmful 
interference  when  the  equipment  is  operated  in  a 
commercial  environment.  This  equipment  generates, 
uses,  and  can  radiate  radio  frequency  energy  and, 
i f  n o t  i n s t a l l e d  a n d  u s e d  i n  a c c o rd a n c e  w i t h  t h e 
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to 
radio communications.
Operation  of  this  equipment  in  a  residential  area  is 
likely  to  cause  harmful  interference  in  which  case  the 
user  will  be  required  to  correct  the  interference  at  his 
own expense.
CAUTION
C h a n g e s  o r  m o d i f i c a t i o n s  t o  t h i s  e q u i p m e n t  n o t 
expressly  approved  by  TEAC  CORPORATION  for 
compliance could void the user's authority to operate 
this equipment.
For U.S.A.
CE Marking Information
a)  Applicable electromagnetic environment: 
 E2, E3, E4
b)  Peak inrush current: 600 mA 
						

							
TASCAM  HD-P  Owner's Manual 

Important Safety Instructions
 1 Read these instructions.
 2 Keep these instructions.
 3 Heed all warnings.
 4 Follow all instructions.
 5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
 6 Clean only with dry cloth.
 7 D o  n o t  b l o c k  a n y  v e n t i l a t i o n  o p e n i n g s .  I n s t a l l  i n 
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
 8 D o   n o t   i n s t a l l   n e a r   a n y   h e a t   s o u r c e s   s u c h   a s 
radiators,  heat  registers,  stoves,  or  other  apparatus 
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
 9 Do  not  defeat  the  safety  purpose  of  the  polarized  or 
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades 
with  one  wider  than  the  other.  A  grounding  type  plug 
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide 
blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If 
the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult 
an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
 10 P r o t e c t  t h e  p o w e r  c o r d  f r o m  b e i n g  w a l k e d  o n 
o r  p i n c h e d  p a r t i c u l a r l y  a t  p l u g s ,  c o n v e n i e n c e 
receptacles,  and  the  point  where  they  exit  from  the 
apparatus.
 11 Only  use  attachments/accessories  specified  by  the 
manufacturer.
 12 Use  only  with  the  cart,  stand,  tripod,  bracket,  or 
table  specified  by  the  manufacturer,  or  sold  with  the 
apparatus.  When  a  cart  is  used,  use  caution  when 
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury 
from tip-over.
 13 Unplug  this  apparatus  during  lightning  storms  or 
when unused for long periods of time.
 14 Refer  all  servicing  to  qualified  service  personnel. 
Servicing  is  required  when  the  apparatus  has  been 
damaged  in  any  way,  such  as  power-supply  cord  or 
plug  is  damaged,  liquid  has  been  spilled  or  objects 
have  fallen  into  the  apparatus,  the  apparatus  has 
been  exposed  to  rain  or  moisture,  does  not  operate 
normally, or has been dropped.
•  Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
• Do  not  place  any  objects  filled  with  liquids,  such  as 
vases, on the apparatus.
• Do  not  install  this  apparatus  in  a  confined  space  such 
as a book case or similar unit.
• The  apparatus  draws  nominal  non-operating  power 
from  the  AC  outlet  with  its  POWER  switch  in  the  off 
position.
• The  apparatus  should  be  located  close  enough  to  the 
AC  outlet  so  that  you  can  easily  grasp  the  power  cord 
plug at any time.
• A n  a p p a r a t u s  w i t h  C l a s s  I  c o n s t r u c t i o n  s h a l l  b e 
connected  to  an  AC  outlet  with  a  protective  grounding 
connection.
CAUTION
When using the HD-P2, only use the AC adapter 
and cable supplied.
Do not use the supplied AC adapter and cable 
with any other product.
Batteries
If batteries are used improperly, or if leakage or break-
age occurs, the unit will not function. Please observe the 
cautions indicated on the batteries and their packaging to 
ensure proper usage.
When loading batteries into this product, remember the fol-
lowing:
•  When inserting batteries be sure of their direction (po-
larity). Refer to the diagram inside the battery compart-
ment.
•  Do not combine batteries of different types or specifica-
tions together.
•  Do not use an old battery together with a new one. 
When necessary, change all batteries at the same time 
with a new set.
•  If the product is not used over a lengthy period, remove 
the batteries to eliminate the possibility of battery leak-
age which would result in damage to the unit.
•  Do not attempt to recharge batteries that are non-re-
chargeable.
Trademarks
Windows and Windows XP are trademarks of Micro-
soft Corporation.
Macintosh, MacOS 10.3 and higher, and FireWire are 
trademarks of Apple Computer.
Compact Flash is a trademark of SanDisk Corpora-
tion.
Microdrive is a trademark of IBM Corporation. 
						

							
 TASCAM  HD-P  Owner's Manual

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction ................................................5
Document Conventions  .............................5
About this manual......................................5
Supplied accessories...................................5
Environmental consideration ....................5
System Organization
Projects ........................................................6
Files..............................................................6
Markers  .......................................................6
Settings .......................................................6
Media Considerations  ................................6
File System Format .....................................7
The HD-P2 Interface
Keys .............................................................8
Transport Keys and Hold Switch  ...............8
Menu keys and Shuttle/Data wheel  .........8
Audio Switches, Inputs & Outputs
Audio Switches ...........................................9
Left Side  ......................................................9
Right Side ....................................................9
Power Setup
Power  ..........................................................10
AC Power  ....................................................10
Batteries ......................................................10
Inserting Batteries  ......................................10
Approximate Battery Life  ..........................10
FireWire IEEE.1394 Connector  ...................10
Power Operation Notes .............................10
Operation
Power Control .............................................11
Inserting and Removing Media  .................11
Adjusting the Display.................................11
Default Project ............................................11
Recording Audio  .........................................11
Playing Audio  .............................................12
HD-P2 Playback Considerations.................12
Media Space and Recording ......................12
Monitoring ..................................................13
Audible Alerts .............................................13
HD-P2 Screens and Menus
Operational Screen .....................................13
Screen Icons  ................................................13
Menu Navigation........................................14
Main Menu..................................................14
Project Menus .............................................14
Project Main Menu  .....................................14
Project Settings Menu ................................14
Project Files Menu  ......................................16
Project Trash Manager  ...............................16
Change/New Project  ..................................17
System Menus ............................................17
System Settings ..........................................17
Set System Time  .........................................18
Power Management...................................18
Audio Clock Management  .........................18
Media Management ...................................18
Media Information   ....................................19
Media Speed Check ....................................19
Media Cleanup ...........................................19
Reformat Media..........................................19
Scan Media..................................................19
Software Update  ........................................20
Default Project Settings  .............................20
Project Templates  .......................................20
Display Menu ..............................................20
Timecode
Overview.....................................................21
Timecode Settings  ......................................21
Clock Source ................................................21
Frame Rate  ..................................................21
Rate Pull Up/Down .....................................22
FreeWheel  ...................................................22
Jam Sync......................................................22
Trigger Mode  ..............................................22
Trigger on Frame ........................................22
Trigger-Frame ..............................................22
Timecode Origin  .........................................22
Timecode Offset  .........................................22
Offset  ..........................................................23
Key Shortcuts
Shortcuts .....................................................23
Shifted MENU Keys  ....................................23
Shifted STOP Keys ......................................23
External PS/2 Keyboard Equivalents
External PS/2 Keyboard Equivalents.........24
Docking and Conforming
FireWire Dock  .............................................25
Compact Flash Card Layout .......................25
HD-P2 Conform Application  ......................25
Choose Project ............................................25
Choose Output File Setting  .......................25
Conform Project ..........................................25
HD-P2 Conform Application Screens  .........26
Dimensional Drawing  ................................26
Specifications
Specifications ..............................................27 
						

							
TASCAM  HD-P  Owner's Manual 

Introduction
Introduction
The HD-P2 is a compact, lightweight Portable High 
Definition Stereo Audio Recorder. It uses standard 
Compact Flash memory cards to record in mono or 
stereo, 16- or 24-bit, at samples rates from 44.1kHz 
to 192kHz. An advanced clocking system is included, 
with the ability to chase external timecode and lock to 
an outside word clock or video reference signal. The 
HD-P2 supports digital and analog audio inputs and 
outputs, and has a built-in microphone and speaker. 
The HD-P2 records audio as standard Broadcast Wave 
Files non-destructively. This means you can record 
a file, rewind, and record another file at the same 
location without fear of losing the first recording. A 
built-in, dynamic Edit Decision List orders file play-
back based on file record times. A file edit screen is 
provided for auditioning (and editing) of individual 
files.
Supplied accessories
In addition to this manual, the HD-P2 has been packed 
with the following:
• AC adaptor .............................................................1
•   IFFF1394 cable ......................................................1
•   Shoulder strap ........................................................1
Contact your TASCAM supplier if any of these items 
are missing.
About this manual
In this manual, we use the following typeface conven-
tions:
≠  The names of keys, features, switches, and controls 
are given in the following typface: ERASE.
≠ When the display shows a message, this is shown 
in the following typeface: Welcome.
≠ The names of menus shown on the screeen are 
given in the following typeface: Display Menu.
≠ The names of sub-menus shown on the screeen are 
given in the following typeface: Random.
Thank you for your purchase of the TASCAM HD-P2 
Portable Stereo Audio Recorder. Before using the 
unit, please take time to read this manual thoroughly 
to ensure that you understand the operation of its 
many useful and convenient functions. After you have 
finished reading this manual, please keep it in a safe 
place for future reference. 
Document Conventions
Throughout this document the following conventions will be used:
BWF (Broadcast Wave File) – All audio files are 
stored using this format with the file extension .wav
Time Stamp – The timecode value stored in the BWF 
audio file header relating to the start time of that 
file.
Creation Date – The date/time used by the file system 
to mark files, derived from the real-time system 
clock.
EDL (Edit Decision List) – Playlist of audio files in a 
project based on timecode, date, and size attributes.
Environmental Consideration
≠	 Do 	 not 	 use 	 any 	 benzene, 	 paint 	 thinner, 	 ethyl 	 alcohol 	
or	 other 	 chemical 	 agents 	 to 	 clean 	 the 	 unit 	 as 	 it 	 could 	
damage	 the 	 surface.
To	 clean 	 the 	 unit, 	 wipe 	 gently 	 with 	 a 	 soft 	 dry 	 cloth. 
						

							
 TASCAM  HD-P  Owner's Manual

System Organization
File System
Projects
Projects are a means of organizing files and settings 
for a specific situation or recording. When a new 
project is created, you have the option to choose the 
current system settings for the project or use a proj-
ect template. These settings control how audio will be 
recorded as well as what type, if any, of timecode is 
used. Only one project is active at a time, and all new 
recordings are saved into that project’s audio folder. 
Each project uses its own EDL, which is dynamically 
built in memory when the project is loaded. The EDL 
is not saved to the CF media.  This is accomplished by 
examining each audio file’s timestamp and creation 
date, with the play sequence of files ordered by time-
stamp and overlapping segments resolved to the most 
recent file creation date. When playing back the files 
of a project, if any overlap on the timeline exists, you 
always hear the most recently recorded material.
Projects can be created and changed using the System 
Menu, which is covered later.
Files
When the Record button is pressed the HD-P2 cre-
ates a new file in the current project’s audio folder. 
The current timecode timestamp (location on the 
audio timeline) is stored in the file header along with a 
creation date based on the system clock. The name of 
the file is automatically created using the file naming 
preferences of the current project. (File names must be 
unique within a project.)
Markers
Time-based markers are used to quickly identify and 
locate specific points in your project. The HD-P2 has 
dedicated buttons for creating and navigating between 
markers. Additionally, there are optional project set-
tings for automatically placing markers in the case of 
events like input signal clipping and timecode drop-
outs. Markers are not erased during recording.
Markers are part of the current project and not associ-
ated with individual audio files. A marker consists of a 
project time and a name. Marker names are automati-
cally created using the current project’s marker nam-
ing preferences.
Settings
The HD-P2 maintains Project and System settings 
in small XML text files. While this is a common file 
format, it is strongly recommended that you do not 
edit or modify these files yourself.  This format was 
chosen for ease of troubleshooting and also so you can 
copy them, as a means of back-up, when the HD-P2 is 
docked to a host computer.
Media Considerations
The capabilities and performance of your HD-P2 will 
vary based on the speed and abilities of the Compact 
Flash (CF) media used. Older and some cheaper 
Compact Flash (CF) cards use slower memory com-
ponents and little internal buffering which results in 
poor recording performance. Newer CF cards, espe-
cially those tailored for higher resolution DSLR cam-
eras, not only perform reading and writing faster, but 
also come in larger storage sizes. The HD-P2 supports 
Type I and II Compact Flash media. Type I cards are 
typically FLASH-ROM based and provide higher 
performance and durability than hard disk cards, while 
Type II cards are more commonly used for CF hard 
disks and can offer greater overall storage capacities.
A current list of tested CF cards and their capabili-
ties is maintained and available for viewing on the 
TASCAM website at www.tascam.com 
The HD-P2 can test and display the performance of 
the CF card being used. For more information on this 
see the Settings Menu in the Disk Management sec-
tion on page 19. 
						

							
TASCAM  HD-P  Owner's Manual 

System Organization
File System Format
When a new CF card is first inserted into the HD-P2 a 
screen pops up offering to format the media. There are 
two reasons for this. 
The first is to ensure that the optimal FAT (File 
Allocation Table) is being used with the card. The 
HD-P2 supports both FAT-16 and FAT-32 for-
mats. FAT-16 is for devices with less than 2   GB or 
less of total storage, while FAT-32 is required for 
larger media. For media that is smaller than 2   GB we 
strongly recommend the use of FAT-16. Windows XP, 
by default, will format these cards using FAT-32, but 
this will result in a reduction of overall performance. 
When in doubt, format the card to be FAT-16 using 
your computer or the built in Format tools on the 
HD-P2.
Secondly, the FAT file system works best with an 8.3 
naming convention. All system and audio files are 
named using eight characters with a three-character 
extension. For example:
   TAKE0001.wav
   SETTINGS.xml
By default the HD-P2 names new projects, files, and 
markers using PROJ, TAKE, and MARK name pre-
fixes. You can change these four letter defaults in the 
System and Project Settings menus. Projects, files, and 
markers can be renamed at any point using the built-in 
renaming screen. 
NOTE
The name must be eight characters or less 
and not use any special (non-FAT supported) 
characters. Also the name must be unique: 
projects must be named uniquely on a storage 
card; audio files must be unique within their 
project. 
Non-FAT supported characters include:
   # , % , & , ‘ , ( ) , * , + , Comma , “ ,
   / , : , ; , < > , ?, = , \ , [ ] , ` , { } , ~  
						

							
 TASCAM  HD-P  Owner's Manual

The HD-P2 Interface
Keys
Keys are primarily organized into menu navigation 
and transport functions. 
Menu keys and Shuttle/Data wheel
The rest of the keys are used for navigating the 
HD-P2’s menu interface. The main screen of the 
HD-P2 has two modes: Operation Mode and Menu 
Mode. The MENU key is used to toggle between these 
two modes. When in menu mode the following keys 
are active:
MENU – Toggles between Menu and Operational mode.
SELECT – Selects/activates the currently highlighted 
menu item.
CANCEL – Deselects/escapes the current item or screen.
DISPLAY – Shortcut for Contrast & Brightness adjust-
ment menus (always active).
Figure 2 - Menu keys and Shuttle/Data wheel
PROJECT – Shortcut to Project Settings Menu.
SHUTTLE/DATA – Moves time forwards/backwards and 
navigates up/down through menu items and settings. 
Transport Keys and Hold Switch
REW – Rewinds timeline – pressing this during rewind 
toggles between fast and faster speeds; audible skip-
rewind when used during play. 
F FWD – Forwards timeline – pressing this during fast 
forward toggles between fast and faster speeds; audi-
ble skip-fast forward when used during play.
STOP – Stops any transport motion, turns off monitor.
PLAY – Plays timeline beginning at the current timeline 
location.
PAUSE – Turns on input monitoring mode (PAUSE indi-
cator slow blink, REC indicator solid).
REC – Initiates new record and turns on monitoring (REC 
indicator solid).
LOCATE Ô/ – Locates to the previous (Ô) or 
next () marker/file in time. 
MARKER – Drops a new marker at the current time.
RETAKE – Undoes last record: moves file to trash, 
deletes markers, and repositions time to where the last 
record began.
HOLD – Locks keys to prevent accidental use.
TIMECODE – Turns on timecode chase when timecode is 
enabled.
Figure 1 - Transport Keys and Hold Switch
Most of these keys have alternate “shifted” 
functionality. The main transport keys (REW, F FWD, 
STOP, PLAY, PAUSE, REC) also work when you are in 
menu screens. Hitting REC while in the menus will 
automatically switch back to the operational screen. 
						

							
TASCAM  HD-P  Owner's Manual 

Figure 3 - Audio Switches
Located on top of the HD-P2, next to 
the data wheel are switches for con-
trolling the analog audio inputs and 
dynamics.
The input switches (LINE/MIC) switch 
between the XLR and RCA jack 
inputs. The PAD switches only apply to 
signals coming in the XLR jacks.
Limiting can be turned on or off and 
the STEREO LINK switch enables stereo 
limiting of the left & right channels.
When STEREO LINK is disabled, each 
channel has its own mono limiter.
Audio Switches
PHANTOM can be turned on to provide 48V phantom 
power to the microphone inputs.
MIC controls whether the left mic input is from the 
internal microphone or from the normal input source.
Turning on LOW CUT provides a -18dB/oct, 100Hz low-
cut filter to the analog inputs.
WARNING
Microphones should not be connected to or 
disconnected from the HD-P2 with phantom 
power switched on.
Unbalanced dynamic microphones should never 
be connected to phantom-powered connectors.
Audio Switches, Inputs & Outputs
Left Side
KEYBOARD – Accepts standard PS/2 keyboard. An 
external keyboard is useful for quickly renaming 
files and markers as well as remotely operating the 
transport.
FireWire – Connects the HD-P2 to a host computer via 
IEEE.1394 (Windows/Macintosh). When connected 
to a powered FireWire host the HD-P2 will auto-
matically use that for power, extending battery life.
TIMECODE IN – Standard female XLR input for linear 
timecode.
CLOCK IN/VIDEO REF – Word Clock/Video Input connec-
tor: BNC (75 ohm) internal termination for 5V TTL 
word clock or 1.0Vpp composite, blackburst, or tri-
level video sync.
DIGITAL IN – S/PDIF audio input RCA Jack.
DIGITAL OUT – S/PDIF audio output RCA Jack.
PHONES – Standard 1/4 inch headset jack. Project set-
tings control the type of headset monitoring (stereo, 
mono).
Figure 4 - Left Side Connectors
Right Side
LINE OUT L/R – RCA output jacks for analog output.
LINE IN L/R – RCA input jacks for analog input.
DC IN – 12VDC input jack for use with the provided AC 
adaptor.
MIC/LINE – XLR input jacks for either line level or mic 
level (selected by switch on top) input. A separate 
switch controls phantom power to the XLR inputs.
Compact Flash Slot – Type I/II Compact Flash slot 
(top left). Unmount Compact Flash (via menus) BE-
FORE removing card to ensure file integrity.
Figure 5 - Right Side Connectors 
						

							
10 TASCAM  HD-P  Owner's Manual

Power Setup
Power
The HD-P2 can be powered from the supplied AC 
power adapter, from eight standard AA batteries (alka-
line strongly recommended), or from the FireWire 
(IEEE.1394) connection when attached to a host com-
puter with a powered (6-pin) 1394 port. Each of these 
power sources is described below.
AC Power
The HD-P2 comes with an AC adapter that is designed 
to work in the country where it was sold. 
Batteries
The HD-P2 has a compartment on the bottom that 
holds eight AA batteries. These can be alkaline or 
zinc-carbon disposable cells or NiMH or NiCD 
rechargeable cells. The HD-P2 will NOT recharge 
these batteries. For maximum battery life, alkaline 
batteries are strongly recommended. For environmen-
tal considerations, rechargeable batteries are strongly 
encouraged.
Inserting Batteries
1.   Open the cover and look at the diagram inside the 
battery compartment.
2.   Confirm the +/- polarity of the batteries and insert 
them according to the diagram.
3.   Close the battery compartment cover.
Approximate Battery Life
Continuous recording time when the overload indica-
tor is ON, the headphone output is 80%, and the back-
light is OFF:
8 alkaline AA batteries     Up to 5 hours
8 carbon-zinc AA batteries  Up to 3 hours
8 fresh NiCD AA batteries  Up to 3 hours
8 fresh NiMH AA batteries  Up to 3 hours
The HD-P2 automatically uses the highest voltage 
power source when multiple power sources are con-
nected. If a FireWire voltage that is connected is lower 
than the voltage of the installed batteries, the battery 
power will be used causing unexpected reduction in 
the battery life.
FireWire IEEE.1394 Connector
The HD-P2 can be powered from its FireWire 
(IEEE.1394) connector. Be aware that not all FireWire 
devices supply power over the cable. Power can only 
be supplied by 6-pin connections. DV cameras, com-
puter peripherals, and laptop computers with 4-pin 
FireWire connections do not supply power. These can 
usually be identified by having a smaller FireWire 
connector. FireWire connections on desktop comput-
ers typically do supply power and use the large con-
nector.
To power the HD-P2 through its FireWire cable you 
must connect it to a powered 6-pin interface. The 
AC power adapter, internal batteries, and a powered 
FireWire cable can be connected at the same time 
without any risk. 
Power Operation Notes
The HD-P2 will transparently switch from battery 
power to AC adapter power, or FireWire power, 
whenever they are available. This will happen without 
affecting the operation or performance of the HD-P2. 
The HD-P2 can display the current charge level of its 
batteries on its LCD display. If external power (AC 
adapter or FireWire) is being provided, that is also dis-
played as a screen icon.
When the detected battery power level is low, a screen 
will appear with an urgent screen message warning 
of this condition. If the batteries are not replaced, or 
an external power source connected, the HD-P2 will 
automatically shut down, first closing and saving any 
files that were being recorded. 
Phantom microphone power meets the IEC spec with 
all power sources.