IMPORTANT “Unauthorized recording of copyrighted television programs, video tapes and other materials may infringe the right of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.” WARNING: CAUTION To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture. RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN 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.
Contents General and Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Controls and their functions Controls and their functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 • Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 • Connector area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Tapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Connections and settings Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General and Features This unit is a digital video cassette recorder which uses 1/4-inch tapes. It incorporates digital compression technology so that the deterioration in picture quality and sound quality resulting from dubbing is significantly minimized compared with existing analog systems. Furthermore, since it has a compact 4U size and light weight, the unit can be carried around or mounted in a 19-inch rack with ease.
Features (continued) Multi-function input/output interfaces (AJ-D450 only for input) • Analog input/output Component (Y, PB, PR) and composite and S-VIDEO signal input and output connectors are provided. • Digital audio input/output AES/EBU audio input/output is possible when the optional digital audio interface board (AJYA655P) is used. • Serial digital input/output Serial digital (SMPTE 259M-C, 272M) input/output is possible when the optional component serial interface board (AJ-YA750P) is used.
Controls and their functions Front panel Counter Display Section r t !1 y u i !2 !3 o !0 q w e EJECT ON POWER OFF CH CONDITION COUNTER/ REMAIN REW STOP !6 !7 FF PLAY !8 !9 REC RESET LEVEL HEADPHONES @1 @2 !4 !5 @7 @8 @9 #0 #1 CH 1 AUDIO REC LEVEL CH 2 CTL TC UB TC INT EXT AUDIO MONITOR CH 1 MIX CH 2 SET MENU TC PRESET FILE DIAG PAGE DIGITAL ANALOG Y PB PR CMPST S-VIDEO DIGITAL AES/EBU ANALOG VIDEO IN @3* @4 @5 @6* #2* * Applicable only to AJ-D450.
q POWER switch When the ON side is pressed, the power is switched on, and the counter display lights up. w Cassette insertion slot The M cassette, L cassette and consumer cassette (S cassette) with adaptor are inserted into this slot. Consumer cassettes can be played back only. e EJECT button When this is pressed, the tape is unloaded and several seconds later the cassette is automatically ejected. When the counter display indicates “CTL”, the display is reset.
@1 Headphones jack The sound being recorded, played back or edited can be monitored on stereo headphones when they are connected to this jack. @2 Volume control This is used to adjust the headphones volume. @3 Audio recording level controls (AJ-D450 only) These are used to adjust the recording levels of the analog audio signal CH1/CH2. @4 CTL/TC/UB switch Use this switch when selecting the counter display. CTL: Tape timer (control signal) is displayed. TC: Time code is displayed. UB: User bit is displayed.
Controls and their functions (continued) #0 SET button When this is pressed, the data which has been set on the setup menu is entered. After data entry, the setup mode is exited and the original operating mode is restored. #1 DIAG button When this is pressed, VTR information is displayed. When it is pressed again, the original display is restored. There are two types of VTR information: “HOURS METER” information and “WARNING” information.
Connector area * Applicable only to AJ-D450.
Controls and their functions (continued) q AC IN connector This is for connecting the unit to the power outlet using the power cord provided. w SIGNAL GND terminal This terminal is connected to the signa unit which is connected to the unit in order to reduce noise. It is not connected to ground for safety purposes. e Fuse holder This contains a fuse. r Fan motor This is for cooling the unit. The error code is displayed on the counter when trouble has caused the fan motor to stop.
!4 S1-VIDEO OUT connector This is the S-VIDEO output connector. !5 ANALOG COMPONENT VIDEO OUT connector The analog component video signal is output from this connector. !6 ANALOG COMPOSITE VIDEO OUT connectors The analog composite video signals are output from these connectors. The video signal with signals superimposed on it can be output from the VIDEO OUT3 connector. The superimpose function can be set ON or OFF on the setup menu No. 006 (SUPER).
Tapes Type Description Consumer cassette (S cassette) Tape designed exclusively for the camcorders used by consumers in general. Only playback is possible using the optional cassette adaptor (AJ-CS750P). However, please note that long-play cassette tapes (80minute standard/120-minute LP mode) cannot be used. Use of Panasonic consumer DV cassette tapes is recommended. Note that inserting a cassette tape without using the cassette adaptor can damage the unit.
When recording/playback using 1 unit – 15 –
When recording, playback & editing with 2 units (deck to deck) – 16 –
When using an editing controller Basic system Camera/external input editing Camera Video/audio signals Remote Video signals Remote Microphone Audio signals AJ-D440 AJ-D450 AJ-D750 AG-A850 Player AJ-D450 AJ-D750 AG-A850 Recorder Recorder Sync signal generator System using two players (AB roll editing) Video/audio signals Video/audio signals Switcher Video/audio signals Reference signal Remote Remote Remote Remote AJ-D440 Player 1 AJ-D440 AG-A850 Player 2 AJ-D450 AJ-D750 Recorder Syn
Internal encoder adjustments In order to ensure error-free and accurate editing during AB roll editing (a method of editing using two source VTRs) using an editor, the ENCODER OUT controls must be adjusted after the system has been connected. (These controls must be re-adjusted each time the connecting cables are replaced or the connections are changed.) Connect the equipment as shown in the figure below.
1 2 3 Check the connections. (see previous page.) Select [OFF] on ENCODER SEL at the set up menu. (See page 30.) Select [ON] to operate the internal encoder externally. Adjust the SYSTEM PHASE. 3-1 On the P1 VTR, play back a cassette tape on which standard color bar signals have been recorded. 3-2 Adjust P1 VTR SYS PHASE. Adjust the controls to the following with the waveform monitor (WFM). 1) Expand WFM 0.1 µs on the INT mode. 2) Check the H SYNC position.
Printed circuit board Printed circuit board F8 board ADDACUE* Abbr. name SW1 SW61 F4 board SW400 Full name Function Audio Input Impedance SW This sets the CH1 audio input impedance. HIGH/600Ω HIGH Audio Input Impedance SW This sets the CH2 audio input impedance. HIGH/600Ω HIGH Component PB/PR This sets the component PB/PR Output level output level when connecting with selector the editor. MII : MII level BETA : ß-CAM level Component PB/PR input levels are selected at No.
Switching on the power/inserting the cassette Before starting to operate the unit, check whether the equipment has been connected properly. 1 2 3 Turn on the power. Check that the error indicator is not displayed on the counter. Insert the cassette tape. Insert the tape at its proper position without force. (See page 14.) Check that the STOP lamp is on. When the tape is inserted, the drum rotates automatically, the tape is loaded and the unit goes into the stop mode.
STOP mode 1 When the STOP button is pressed, the unit goes into the stop mode. The STOP lamp lights and the tape stops traveling. • In order to protect the tape, the unit goes into the standby OFF mode after the time set by setup menu No. 400 (STILL TIMER) has elapsed. When the STOP, REW, FF or PLAY button is pressed, the unit will go into the appropriate mode.
Recording (AJ-D450 only) 1 2 3 4 5 6 Set the accidental erasure prevention tab on the cassette tape to the “recording” position and insert the tape. Press the STOP button to place the unit in the stop mode. Check that the REC INHIBIT lamp is off. Select the video and audio input signals and adjust their levels. 4-1 Selecting video/audio input signals 1 Connect the signals to be recorded. 2 Select the input signals using the INPUT SELECT switches on the front panel.
Playback 1 2 3 Insert the cassette tape, and place the unit in the stop mode. Press the PLAY button. Regular playback is now commenced. To end playback, press the STOP button. The VTR now goes into the stop mode. Check that the SERVO lamp is lighted during playback. If it flashes or if it is off, the images played back will be disturbed.
Setup (default settings) The unit’s major settings are performed by making selections on menus. The setting menus appear on the TV monitor when the TV monitor and VIDEO OUT 3 connector in the unit's connector area are hooked up. • When the RESET button is pressed to return to the factory settings, the factory settings are restored only for the user file currently being used and other user files are not affected.
Setup (setting) menus This unit can store up to 5 user files (user 1 to user 5) containing different menu settings, and these files can be selected and used. Changing the file 1 2 Press the MENU button. Hold down the FILE button and press the cursor button file. Hold down the FILE button and press the cursor button user file. SYSTEM USER 1 USER 2 USER 3 to switch to the next user to switch to the previous USER 4 USER 5 USER FILE Each user file contains the following items.
Setup menus Lock mode can be set to protect the settings in the system files and user files (USER2 – USER5). Settings can no longer be changed when this mode is set. To set and release the lock mode for the system files and user files use setup item No. 30 (MENU LOCK) and setup menu item No. A03 (MENU LOCK), respectively. • The lock mode cannot be set for the USER1 file settings.
Setup menus The contents of the USER2 – USER5 files can be copied (loaded) into the USER1 file. In addition, the contents of the USER1 file can be copied (saved) to the USER2 – USER5 files. Load or save USER1 Load or save USER2 Settings can be locked. USER3 Settings can be locked. USER4 Settings can be locked. USER5 Settings can be locked.
Saving a user file Automatic loading of user file when the power is turned on When the user file to be loaded is selected in advance using setup menu item No. A02 (P.ON LOAD), it can be automatically loaded into USER1 when the power is turned on.
Setup menus USER menu (continued) Item No. 001 Superimposed display CHARA H-POS Setting No. Description Superimposed display 0 0000 .. . 0005 .. . 0012 5 .. . 12 .. . This sets the position of the characters on the horizontal plane for the time code and other super displays output to the VIDEO OUT 3 connector. 1. When setting this item, the DISPLAY SEL status is output to VIDEO OUT 3 even if SUPER OFF has been set.
Setup menus – 32 –
USER menu (continued) Item No. Superimposed display Setting No. Description Superimposed display 109* EJECT EE SEL 0000 0001 EE BLACK This selects whether EE mode or BLACK is to be used during EJECT status. 0: EE mode 1: Video blackens, audio mutes. 110* F/R EE SEL 0000 0001 EE TAPE This selects whether EE mode or playback mode is to be used during FF/REW operations.
Setup menus USER menu Item Setting Description No. Superimposed display 201 9P SEL 0000 0001 OFF ON This selects whether the 9P connector functions when the REMOTE/LOCAL switch has been set to REMOTE. 0: Do not function 1: Function 202 ID SEL 0000 0001 OTHER DVCPRO This selects the ID information which is returned to the controller. 0: 20 25H 1: DVCPRO’s, own ID is returned (F0 33H).
USER menu Item No. Superimposed display Setting No. Description Superimposed display 303* STD/ NON-STD 0000 0001 0002 AUTO STD N-STD This selects STD or NON-STD in accordance with the composite input signal. 0: Standard/non-standard signals are automatically identified and processed. 1: Standard signals are processed. (Forced STD) 2: Non-standard signals are processed. (Forced NON-STD) 304* SERVO REF 0000 0001 AUTO EXT This selects the video signal processing.
Setup menus – 36 –
USER menu (continued) The underline on the setting item denotes the initial setting. USER menu The underline on the setting item denotes the initial setting. In order to protect the tape and VTR helical heads, it is recommended that the Still Timer be set for automatic tape protection mode in 30 seconds or under.
Setup menus USER menu – 38 –
USER menu
Setup menus USER menu
USER menu
Setup menus USER menu
USER menu
Time code/user bit Time code The time code is used when the time code signal generated by the time code generator (time code signal generator) is to be recorded on the tape, its values are to be read by the time code reader (time code signal reader), and the absolute position of the tape is to be displayed in increments of hours, minutes, seconds and frames. The time code is written in the sub-code area (data area) of the helical track.
Recording internal/external time codes 1. Setting the internal time code 1 2 3 4 5 6 Place the VTR in the stop mode. Set the CTL/TC/UB switch to TC. Set the TC INT/EXT switch to INT. (Internal time code selected) Set the RUN MODE. (setup menu No. 510) REC (RUN): The time code runs at the same time as the recording proceeds. FREE (RUN): The time code runs in the same way as the time regardless of the VTR’s operation. Set the REGEN MODE. (setup menu No.
Reproducing the time code/user bit 1 2 3 Place the unit in the stop mode. Set the CTL/TC/UB switch to TC or UB. TC: The time code is displayed. UB: The user bit is displayed. • When it is no longer possible to read the time code, it is interpolated using the CTL signal. Press the PLAY button. Playback now commences, and the time code appears on the display. When setup menu No.006 (SUPER) is ON, the time code value is superimposed onto the video signal from the VIDEO OUT 3 connector.
Superimpose screen – 47 –
Servo reference This unit automatically selects the input video signal selected by the INPUT switch, the reference video signal supplied from the REF VIDEO input connector or the internal sync signal as the servo reference signal. When the signal is selected, the unit's mode and servo reference stand in the relationship shown in the flowchart presented below. EXT 1 What is the SERVO REF on the setup menu No.
Servo reference setting tables – 49 –
Audio V Fade Function (AJ-D450 only) When editing tapes, the edit point splicing selection (setup menu No. 309 and 310) information is recorded on the tape. This information is then sensed during playback, and V fade or cut processing is automatically performed for these sections. [However, only when the playback fade selection (No. 719) is AUTO.] When the edit point splicing selection (setup menu No. 309 and 310) is CUT Audio singal A Audio singal B Noise may appear at the edit splice.
Rack mounting The unit can be mounted into a 19-inch standard rack if the optional rack-mounting adaptors (AJ-MA75P) are used. For the installation rails, it is recommended that the rail and bracket for 18" length (model number CC3001-99-0400) of CHASSIS TRAK be used. (The complete slide rail and bracket unit is not available from Panasonic) For further details, consult with your dealer. 1 Remove the screws on the left and right sides of the unit.
Video head cleaning This unit has an auto head cleaning function which automatically reduces the dirt on the heads. However, to further increase the unit’s reliability, it is recommended that its video heads be cleaned every day. Use the cleaning fluid designated by Panasonic. Condensation Condensation occurs due to the same principle involved when droplets of water form on a window pane of a heated room.
Error messages When a warning occurs in this unit, an error number appears at the counter display. Opening the DIAG menu will display the error description on the monitor. Also, when an abnormal operation is detected in this unit, an error number flashes on the counter display. DIAG menu This display the VTR information. VCR information includes “WARNING” information and “HOURS METER” (usage time) information.
Error messages – 54 –
– 55 –
Error messages – 56 –
RS-232C interface 1. Introduction (1) The VTR can be operated by commands when the RS-232C interface is used. (See command table on page 60 – 62.) (2) Conditions for acknowledging commands from RS-232C interface The front panel REMOTE/LOCAL switch must be at REMOTE. The setup menu item No. 204 “RS232C SEL” must be ON. If the above conditions are not met, [ACK] + [STX]ER001[ETX] is returned to the external unit.
RS-232C interface – 58 –
– 59 –
RS-232C interface – 60 –
– 61 –
RS-232C interface (2) Commands relating to inquiries • As for the return (completion) message, [ACK] is first returned when data is received, and the execution message is subsequently returned. It is only the execution message which is listed in this table. • In the case of commands not listed in the table, ER001 (invalid command) is returned after [ACK] has been returned.
(3) Microsoft QuickBASIC sample program CLS STX$ = CHR$(&H2): ETX$ = CHR$ (&H3): NAK$ = CHR$(15): ACK$ = CHR$(&H6) PRINT "*** RS-232C COMMUNICATION SAMPLE PROGRAM ***" PRINT "Type Command 'QUIT' to quit.
Connector signals – 64 –
RS-232C REMOTE (25-pin D-SUB straight cable supported) Pin No. Abbreviation 1 FRAME GROUND Protective ground Frame ground 2 TxD Transmitted data Receives data from the PC. 3 RxD Received data Sends data to the PC. 4 RTS Request to send Shorted with pin 5. 5 CTS Clear to send Shorted with pin 4.
Specifications GENERAL Power supply: Power consumption: AC 120 V, 50 – 60 Hz AJ-D440; 120 W AJ-D450; 150 W Operating ambient temperature: 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C) Operating ambient humidity: 10% to 90% (no condensation) Weight: AJ-D440; 33 lbs (15 kg) AJ-D450; 34.98 lbs (15.
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PANASONIC BROADCAST & DIGITAL SYSTEMS COMPANY DIVISION OF MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA Executive Office: 3330 Cahuenga Blvd W.
