ENGLISH AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA GETTING STARTED GR-DV4000 Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide Web for Digital Video Camera: VIDEO RECORDING & http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/cyber/ PLAYBACK For Accessories: http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/accessory/ DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.) RECORDING & PLAYBACK 4ADVANCED FEATURES REFERENCES...
Page 2
● Use the JVC BN-V408U/V416U/V428U battery packs and, to recharge them, the provided The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important multi-voltage AC Power Adapter/Changer.
Page 3
Connecting cables (Audio/Video, S-Video, etc.) to the camcorder and leaving it on top of the TV is not recommended, as tripping on the cables will cause the camcorder to fall, resulting in damage. Attach only the optional JVC VL-V3U Video Light, VL-F3U Flash, MZ-V3U Stereo Zoom Microphone or MZ-V5U Stereo Microphone to the camcorder’s Info-Shoe.
Page 4
IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY 5. Ventilation Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for INSTRUCTIONS ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or covered. Electrical energy can perform many useful functions. ●...
Page 5
SERVICING 1. Accessories 1. Servicing To avoid personal injury: If your product is not operating correctly or exhibits ● Do not place this product on an unstable cart, a marked change in performance and you are stand, tripod, bracket or table. It may fall, causing unable to restore normal operation by following the serious injury to a child or adult, and serious detailed procedure in its operating instructions, do...
Provided Accessories ● AC Power Adapter/ ● Battery Pack ● Remote Control Unit ● Audio/Video Cable Charger AA-V40U BN-V408U-B RM-V717U (ø3.5 mini-plug to RCA plug) ● USB Cable ● DC Cord ● Editing Cable ● CD-ROM ● Lens Hood ● Lens Cap ●...
Page 7
How To Attach/Detach The Lens How To Use The Audio Cable Hood When using optional headphones or external microphone, connect to the provided Audio cable The provided lens hood helps block out glare when (with a core filter attached), then connect the Audio shooting under bright sunlight, the same way cable to the camcorder.
CONTENTS AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION ADVANCED FEATURES MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT ......31 GETTING STARTED Changing The Menu Settings ........31 RECORDING MENUS ..........32 Power ...............10 Wipe Or Fader Effects ..........32 Grip Adjustment ............12 Program AE With Special Effects ....... 33 Viewfinder Adjustment ..........12 White Balance Adjustment ........
Automatic Demonstration starts when there is no Automatic Demonstration operation for about 3 minutes after the Power Switch is set to “A” or “M” and no cassette is in Automatic Demonstration takes place when “DEMO the camcorder. MODE” is set to “ON” (factory-preset). Performing any operation during the demonstration stops the demonstration MENU Wheel...
battery pack from the AC Power Adapter/Charger, Power then try charging again. ● If the battery operation time remains extremely This camcorder’s 2-way power supply system lets short even after having been fully charged, the you choose the most appropriate source of power. battery is worn out and needs to be replaced.
Page 11
VU-V856 KIT: BN-V856U battery pack & AA-V80U AC Power Adapter/Charger Read the kit’s instruction manual before using. Also, by using the optional JVC VC-VBN856U DC Cord, it will be possible to connect BN-V840U or BN-V856U battery packs to the camcorder and supply power directly to the camcorder.
● Some tripods are not equipped with studs. Grip Adjustment Adjust the velcro strip. Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the grip. Adjust your thumb and fingers through the grip to easily operate the Recording Start/Stop Button, Power Switch and Power Zoom Lever.
Brightness Adjustment Of The Power Switch Position A (Full Auto Recording): Display Allows you to record using NO special effects or manual adjustments. Suitable for standard Set the Power Switch to “M” or “PLAY” while recording. pressing down the Lock Button located on the The “A”...
Built-in Clock’s Rechargeable Lithium Battery Date/Time Settings To store the date/time in memory, the clock’s rechargeable lithium battery is integrated in the The date/time is recorded onto the tape at all times, camcorder. While the camcorder is connected to an but its display can be turned on or off during playback.
Approximate recording time Loading A Cassette Recording mode /Unloading A Cassette Tape The camcorder needs to be powered up to load or 30 min. 30 min. 45 min. eject a cassette. 60 min. 60 min. 90 min. Slide and hold OPEN/EJECT in the direction of 80 min.
To protect valuable files (available only for SD Loading A Memory Card Memory Card)… /Unloading A Memory Card Write/erase protection tab The provided memory card is already inserted in the camcorder at the time of purchase. Slide the write/erase protection tab on the side of the Card Cover (MEMORY CARD) memory card in the direction of “LOCK”.
VIDEO RECORDING Set the Power Switch to “A” or “M” while Basic Recording pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch. ● The power lamp lights and the camcorder NOTE: enters the Record-Standby mode. “PAUSE” is Before continuing, perform the procedures listed below: displayed.
● Zoom magnification of over 10X is done through Tape Remaining Time Digital image processing, and is therefore called Approximate tape remaining time appears on the Digital Zoom. ● During Digital zoom, the quality of image may display. “– h – – m” means the camcorder is calculating the remaining time.
Time Code Recording From The Middle Of A Tape During recording, a time code is recorded on the 1) Play back a tape or use Blank Search ( pg. 21) tape. This code is to confirm the location of the to find the spot at which you want to start recorded scene on the tape during playback.
VIDEO PLAYBACK NOTES: Normal Playback ● Clean the video heads using an optional dry cleaning cassette when: MENU Wheel (VOLUME) • No picture during playback. • Blocks of noise appear during playback. For details, pg. 75. ● If Stop mode continues for 5 minutes when power is supplied from a battery, the camcorder shuts off automatically.
Shuttle Search NOTES: ● Before starting Blank Search, if the current position Allows high-speed search in either direction during is at a blank portion, the camcorder searches in video playback. the reverse direction. If the current position is at a 1) During playback, press 5 for forward search, recorded portion, the camcorder searches in the or 3 for reverse search.
VIDEO PLAYBACK (cont.) To choose whether or not the following displays Connections To A TV Or VCR appear on the connected TV… ● Date/Time These are some basic types of connections. When Set “DATE/TIME” to “AUTO”, “ON” or “OFF”. making the connections, refer also to your VCR and pg.
D.S.C. RECORDING Basic Shooting (D.S.C. Snapshot) You can use your camcorder as a Digital Still Camera for taking snapshots. Still images are stored in the memory card. A Image Size ( pg. 39, 82) B Focus Icon ( pg. 82) NOTE: C Shooting Icon ( pg.
Playback Of Video Clips Playback Of Title Images You can view video clips ( pg. 50) stored in the 9 title images are pre-stored in the provided memory memory card. card. You can view these files. The title images can be also superimposed during recording.
D.S.C. PLAYBACK (cont.) Index Playback Of Files Information Screen OCT 0 3 0 3 You can view several different files stored in the memory card at a time. This browsing capability makes it easy to locate a particular file you want. For Index Playback of image files, perform 1 –...
To protect the currently displayed file Protecting Files Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “CURRENT”, and M E NU The Protect mode helps prevent the accidental PROTECT RENT press it. The PROTECT PROT . AL L erasure of files. CANC . AL L screen appears.
D.S.C. PLAYBACK (cont.) To remove protection from all files stored To delete the currently displayed file in the memory card Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “CURRENT”, and Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “CANC.ALL”, M E NU press it. The DELETE and press it.
Resetting The File Name Setting Print Information (DPOF Setting) By resetting the file name, a new folder will be made. The new files you are going to make will be This camcorder is compatible with the DPOF stored in the new folder. It is convenient to separate (Digital Print Order Format) standard in order to the new files from previously made files.
D.S.C. PLAYBACK (cont.) To Print By Selecting Still Images And Number Initializing A Memory Card Of Prints You can initialize a memory card any time. Perform steps 1 – 8 in “To Print All Still Images After initializing, all files and data stored in the (One Print For Each)”...
MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT Menus without Sub Menus Changing The Menu Settings — v WIPE/FADER, r PROGRAM AE, u W. BALANCE This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use, on- 1) Rotate the MENU Wheel to select the desired screen menu system that simplifies many of the parameter.
RECORDING MENUS MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT (cont.) 4) Press the MENU Wheel in. I PE / F D Wipe Or Fader Effects DE – The Menu Screen returns. DE – DE – ● Repeat the procedure if PE C – PE W –...
WIPE – SLIDE: Wipe in from right to left, or SNOW: Compensates for subjects that may wipe out from left to right. otherwise appear too dark when shooting in extremely bright surroundings such as in the snow. WIPE – DOOR: Wipe in as the two halves of a black screen open to the left and right, revealing the SPOTLIGHT: Compensates for subjects that scene, or wipe out and the black screen reappears...
RECORDING MENUS (cont.) Zooming White Balance Adjustment ZOOM (Factory-preset: 40X) 10X: When set to “10X” while using digital zoom, W. BALANCE (Factory-preset: AUTO) the zoom magnification will reset to 10X since digital zoom will be disengaged. For details, refer to “White Balance Adjustment” 40X*: Allows you to use the Digital Zoom.
Gain up Manual Menu GAIN UP (Factory-preset: AGC) OFF: Allows you to shoot dark scenes with no MANUAL picture brightness adjustment. AGC: The overall appearance may be grainy, but the image is bright. Digital Image Stabilization AUTO : The shutter speed is automatically To compensate for unstable images caused by adjusted.
Page 36
RECORDING MENUS (cont.) 5-Second Recording During playback on wide-screen TVs, the black bands at the top and bottom of the screen are cut Record a vacation or an important event in 5-second and the screen ratio becomes 16:9. When using clips to keep the action moving.
Page 37
Snapshot flash Remote control setting For details, refer to “USING THE REMOTE B-IN FLASH (Factory-preset: AUTO) CONTROL UNIT” ( pg. 56). AUTO: Fires automatically if it is dark ( appears). REMOTE (Factory-preset: ON) AUTO C: Fires automatically if it is dark ( OFF: Disables the remote control operations.
Page 38
RECORDING MENUS (cont.) INFO LCD setting Display Menu INFO LCD (Factory-preset: ON) OFF: The shooting information does not appear. CAMERA DISPLAY ON: Makes the shooting information appears on the INFO LCD. Brightness adjustment of the display Title impose BRIGHT For details, refer to “Title Impose” ( pg.
Page 39
DSC Menu MultiMediaCard Image Size/Picture Quality 8 MB* 16 MB* 32 MB* 640 x 480/FINE 640 x 480/STANDARD 1024 x 768/FINE Picture quality 1024 x 768/STANDARD The Picture Quality mode can be selected to best match your needs. Two Picture Quality modes are 1280 x 960/FINE available: FINE ( ) and STANDARD (...
PLAYBACK MENUS Synchro adjustment Video Menu For details, refer to “For More Accurate Editing” pg. 64). VIDEO SYNCHRO (Factory-preset: ±0.0) Recording mode Playback sound Allows you to set the video recording mode (SP or During tape playback, the camcorder detects the LP) depending on your preference.
Page 41
DATE/TIME (Factory-preset: OFF) System Menu OFF / AUTO / ON When set to “AUTO”, the date/time are displayed SYSTEM in the following cases: • When playback starts. The camcorder displays Each setting is linked with “s”, which appears the date/time when scenes are recorded. when the Power Switch is set to “M”.
FEATURES FOR RECORDING Snapshot (For Video Recording) SNAPSHOT Button This feature lets you record still images that look like Power Switch photographs onto a tape. Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”. Lock Button Set the Power Switch to “M” while pressing down NIGHT Button the Lock Button located on the switch.
Snapshot Flash Flash Brightness Adjustment When a snapshot ( pg. 23, 42) is taken in the dark the camcorder fires the flash and adjusts the Flash brightness automatically. You can also adjust the flash brightness manually. When you find that the snapshots you took look too bright or too dark, adjust it manually.
FEATURES FOR RECORDING (cont.) NOTE: SNAPSHOT Button If “BEEP” and “TALLY” are set to “OFF” ( pg. 37), the beep does not sound and the tally lamp does not light. Lock Button Power Switch When the Recording Start/Stop Button or SNAPSHOT is pressed, the tally lamp changes as shown: Begins blinking...
Auto Focus Manual Focus The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers NOTE: continuous shooting ability from close-up (as close If you are using the viewfinder, you should already as approx. 5 cm (2”) to the subject) to infinity. have performed “Viewfinder Adjustment” pg.
FEATURES FOR RECORDING (cont.) Iris Lock EXPOSURE Button Like the pupil of the human eye, the iris contracts in well-lit environments to keep too much light from MENU Wheel entering, and dilates in dim environments to allow in more light. Use this function in the following situations: Lock Button ●...
Backlight Compensation Manual White Balance Adjustment Backlight compensation Adjust the white balance manually when shooting brightens the subject under various types of lighting. quickly. Lock Button Press BACK LIGHT. The indicator is displayed and the subject is White paper BACK LIGHT Button MENU Wheel brightened.
FEATURES FOR RECORDING (cont.) Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to stop NAVIGATION Function recording. To make thumbnail images after video recording The Navigation Function helps you check tape manually... contents by making thumbnail images on a memory 1) Perform steps 1 to 4 above. card.
Page 49
To add thumbnail images during video NOTE: Once images are deleted, they cannot be restored. playback Check images before deleting. Perform steps 1 to 4 in “To find scenes on tape IMPORTANT: using thumbnail images (NAVIGATION Search)”. ● Be sure to always use the same tape and memory card together as they were during recording;...
FEATURES FOR RECORDING (cont.) To make video clips from real-time camera E-Mail Clip Recording image You can make video clips from real-time camera Load a memory card. ( pg. 16) image or recorded video footage and store them in a memory card as files which can be conveniently Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “MEMORY”.
Press 4/9 to start video playback. Title Impose Press E-MAIL to engage the E-Mail Clip Record- Standby mode. A selection of titles/frames stored in the provided ● “E-CLIP” appears. memory card can be superimposed. ● To cancel E-Mail Clip Recording, press E-MAIL again or press 8 to stop video playback.
DUBBING NOTES: Dubbing To Or From A VCR ● It is recommended to use the AC Power Adapter/ Charger as the power supply instead of the battery pack. ( pg. 11) ● As the camcorder starts to play your footage, it will appear on your TV.
11) (optional) ● If the remote control is used when both the player and recorder are JVC video units, both units will perform the same operation. To prevent this from happening, press the buttons on both units. ● If a blank portion or disturbed image is played...
“S/AV INPUT” to “OFF”. ( pg. 31, 40) ● If the remote control is used when both the player and recorder are JVC video units, both units will perform the same operation. To prevent this from happening, press the buttons on both units.
Load a cassette. ( pg. 15) Dubbing Still Images Recorded On Load a memory card. ( pg. 16) A Tape To A Memory Card Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “VIDEO”. Set the Power Switch to “PLAY” while pressing Still images can be dubbed from a tape to a memory down the Lock Button located on the switch.
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT A Infrared beam transmitting window The Full-Function Remote Control Unit can operate this camcorder from a distance as well as the basic Transmits the beam signal. operations (Playback, Stop, Pause, Fast-Forward and The following buttons are available only when the Rewind) of your VCR.
Page 57
Playback Zoom Zoom Buttons Up Button Magnifies the recorded image up to 30X at any time SHIFT Down Button during video playback and D.S.C. playback. Left or SLOW 1) Press PLAY (U) to start video Rewind Button playback. Or perform normal PLAY playback of images.
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.) Playback Special Effects Audio Dubbing Allows you to add creative effects to the video playback image. The audio track can be customised only when The effects that can be used during playback are recorded in the 12-bit and SP modes. ( pg.
● If you change from 12-bit to 16-bit in mid- NOTES: ● Program AE with special effects ( recording and then use the tape for Audio pg. 33) can be Dubbing, it is not effective from the point where used to spice up the scenes being edited during 16-bit recording began.
SHIFT for this one). You are now ready to try Random Assemble Editing. IMPORTANT: Although the MBR is compatible with JVC VCRs and those of many other makers, it may not work with yours or may offer limited functions. NOTES: ●...
Page 61
A A JVC VCR equipped with a Remote PAUSE Make Connections connector… Also refer to page 22. …Connect the editing cable to the Remote PAUSE connector. B A JVC VCR not equipped with a Remote PAUSE connector but equipped with an Connector R.A.EDIT connector…...
Page 62
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.) Select Scenes NOTES: ● When choosing a scene, set Edit-In and Edit-Out points so that there is a relatively large difference between them. ● If the search time for an in-point exceeds PLAY 5 minutes, the recording deck’s Record-Standby FADE/WIPE mode will be cancelled and editing will not take EFFECT...
Page 63
Picture Wipe And Dissolve Menu Automatic Editing To VCR (available only for Random Assemble Editing) You can use not only the wipe/fader effects on page 32 but also the picture wipe and dissolve effects below. DISSOLVE: The new scene gradually appears as the old one gradually disappears.
Page 64
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.) For More Accurate Editing Adjustment Of VCR/Camcorder Timing Press R.A.EDIT ON/OFF to make the Random Assemble Editing menu disappear, then press the MENU Wheel in. The Menu Screen appears. Rotate the MENU Wheel to select “t”, and press it.
To DV IN/OUT ● When using a DV cable, be sure to use the [A] Using USB cable optional JVC VC-VDV206U or VC-VDV204U DV It is possible to do the following things: cable depending on the type of DV connector (4 ●...
SYSTEM CONNECTIONS (cont.) Make sure all necessary software (provided) are Using The Camcorder As A installed in your PC and all units are turned off. WebCam Connect the camcorder to your PC using the USB cable. Set the VIDEO/MEMORY Switch to “MEMORY”. This camcorder can be used as a WebCam via USB connection.
DETAILS ITEMS NOTES ● Perform charging where the temperature is between 10°C and 35°C (50°F and V Power ( pg. 10) 95°F). 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) is the ideal temperature range for charging. If the environment is too cold, charging may be incomplete. ●...
TROUBLESHOOTING If, after following the steps in the chart below, the problem still exists, please consult your nearest JVC dealer. The camcorder is a microcomputer-controlled device. External noise and interference (from a TV, a radio, etc.) might prevent it from functioning properly. In such cases, first disconnect its power supply unit (battery pack, AC Power Adapter/Charger, etc.) and wait a few minutes;...
Page 69
7. The LCD monitor or 7. • Certain Wipe/Fader effects, 7. • Re-read the sections covering viewfinder indications blink. certain modes of Program AE Wipe/Fader effects, Program with special effects, “DIS” AE with special effects and and other functions that “DIS”.
Page 70
TROUBLESHOOTING (cont.) Advanced features SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTIVE ACTION 13. The focus does not adjust 13. • Focus is set to the Manual 13. • Set Focus to the Auto mode. automatically. mode. pg. 45) • The recording was done in a •...
Page 71
24. Although Snapshot is 24. • The subject is too bright with 24. • Set “B-IN FLASH” to “ON” attempted, flash does not take the flash set to “AUTO” or in MANUAL Menu. “AUTO C”. place. pg. 31, 37) • If blinks, the flash is being •...
Page 72
LCD monitor become dark. Consult your nearest JVC dealer. 35. Colored bright spots appear all 35. • The LCD monitor and the over the LCD monitor or the viewfinder are made with viewfinder.
Page 73
(ex. fingerprints). cause damage. ( pg. 77) To — clean the viewfinder, please consult your nearest JVC dealer. 42. Time code does not appear. 42. • “TIME CODE” is set to 42. • Set “TIME CODE” to “ON”.
C73 series type use an AC plug adapter, called a below. This is a chemical reaction type “Siemens Plug”, as shown. battery — cooler temperatures impede For this AC plug adapter, consult your nearest JVC chemical reaction, while warmer dealer. temperatures can prevent complete charging.
Page 75
... remove the battery pack or disconnect the If, after using the cleaning cassette, the problems still power supply while the power is on. exist, consult your nearest JVC dealer..leave the battery pack attached when the Mechanical moving parts used to move the video camcorder is not in use.
Page 76
If malfunctioning occurs, stop using the unit the following measures: immediately and consult your local JVC dealer. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment The camcorder is a microcomputer-controlled and receiver.
● Mould may form if the lens is left dirty. PUSH HERE ● When using a cleaner or chemically treated cloth Cassette holder refer to the cautions of each product. ● To clean the viewfinder, please consult your nearest JVC dealer. Cassette holder cover OPEN/EJECT Switch BATT.RELEASE Switch...
SPECIFICATIONS Camcorder For General Power supply DC 6.3 V (Using AC Power Adapter/Charger) DC 7.2 V (Using battery pack) Power consumption LCD monitor off, viewfinder on : Approx. 3.8 W LCD monitor on, viewfinder off : Approx. 4.9 W Dimensions (W x H x D) 74.5 mm x 91 mm x 198 mm (2-15/16"...
Page 79
For Connectors Y: 0.8 V to 1.2 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analog S-Video input C: 0.2 V to 0.4 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analog Y: 1.0 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analog S-Video output C: 0.29 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analog Y: 0.8 V to 1.2 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analog Video input Y: 1.0 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analog...
Stereo Microphone....... pg. 58 [BATT.RELEASE] ........pg. 10 v Info-Shoe t Cassette Open/Eject Switch Attach only the optional JVC VL-V3U Video [OPEN/EJECT]........pg. 15 Light, VL-F3U Flash, MZ-V3U Stereo Zoom u Manual Focus Ring....... pg. 45 Microphone or MZ-V5U Stereo Microphone.
Page 82
INDEX Indications Indications (Blinks while the focus is being adjusted and stops blinking when the focus is locked.) c Shooting Icon pg. 23) LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During (Appears and blinks during shooting.) Video Recording Only d Card Icon pg. 23) : Appears during shooting.
Page 83
a Operation Mode e •U : Playback pg. 13) b • : Night-Alive Indicator pg. 42) •5 : Fast-Forward/Shuttle Search (Appears when Night-Alive is engaged.) •3 : Rewind/Shuttle Search • : Gain Up Mode pg. 35) •9 : Pause (Appears when “GAIN UP” is set to “AUTO” •9 U : Forward Frame-By-Frame Playback/ and the shutter speed is automatically Slow-Motion...
Page 84
INDEX Indications (cont.) Warning Indications Indications Function Displays the battery remaining power. Remaining power level: high Remaining power level: exhausted As the battery power comes close to nil, the battery indicator blinks. When the battery power is exhausted, power turns off automatically. Appears when no tape is loaded.
Page 85
When it does, you can resume using the camcorder. If the REATTACH BATTERY indication remains, consult your nearest JVC dealer. The error indications (E03 or E04) show what type of malfunction has occurred. E03 or E04 When an error indication appears, the camcorder turns off automatically.