Getting Started R Camcorder Operating Instructions Model No. VM-L153 Basic Operation Special Features For Your Information Please read these instructions carefully before attempting to operate this product. Please save this manual. Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida. For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : consumerproducts@panasonic.com LSQT0630B 01.L153 Getting p01-07 1 03.6.4, 4:04 PM 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. Unpack your Camcorder These accessories are provided in order to set up or use your Camcorder. 1 pc. AC Adaptor (PV-A20) with DC Power Cable (page 9) 1 pc. Audio/Video Cable (LSJA0390) (pages 20, 21) 1 pc. Battery Pack (PV-BP15/LSSB0007) (pages 8, 9) 1 pc. Shoulder Strap (LSFC0012) (page 11) 1 pc. CR2025 Clock Battery (installed in Camcorder) (page 35) Battery Charging Confirmation Marker 1 pc. Lens Cap (LSKM0937) with Lens Cap Strap (LSGQ0049) (page 11) 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. 2 For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : consumerproducts@panasonic.com 01.L153 Getting p01-07 2 02.12.12, 10:33 AM Things You Should Know Safety 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 optional 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. Getting Started The above markings are located on the appliance's bottom cover. FCC Warning : Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment would void the users authority to operate. 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. 3 01.L153 Getting p01-07 3 03.6.4, 4:04 PM Important Safeguards 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. 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. 4 For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : consumerproducts@panasonic.com 01.L153 Getting p01-07 4 02.12.12, 10:33 AM 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. Getting Started Precautions 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 ...