Panasonic AJ-HD150FE - Manual

– 5 – General and Features This unit is a DVCPRO HD format HD digital video cassette recorder which is designed touse 1/4-inch wide compact cassette tapes.It is a studio-use digital VTR which can record, play back and edit HD signals (1080i, 59.94Hz/60 Hz), and can play back tapes recorded using the...

– 6 – General and Features Features (continued) Time codes This unit comes with a built-in time code generator (TCG)/time code reader (TCR). Inaddition to the internal time code, an external time code can also be recorded as the LTC onthe unit’s tape. Multi-functional interfaces • Serial digital inp...

– 7 – Controls and their functions Front panel SET UP PROG 1 2 3 MENU SAVE/ PROG MENU MENU SET DIAG EXIT STATUS STATUS 1 2 3 4 = > < ? @ A B C D E F GHI J K L T U S R Q VW X Y Z a b c d e f 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 : ; MN O P [ \ ] ^ _ ` g h ON AUDIO CH SELECT SHIFT ADJ TC SET START TC/CTL RESET TC I...

– 8 – Controls and their functions <Front Panel Top Section> 1 POWER switch 2 TV system/format displays This shows the format during playback. HD: This indicates that the tape is recorded or played back in the DVCPRO HD format. 50 M: This indicates that the tape is played back in the DVCPRO (5...

– 10 – Controls and their functions <Front Panel Centre Section> D D D D D STAND BY button When this is pressed, the same tension as in the regular stop mode is applied to the tape,and while the head drum continues to rotate, the button’s lamp lights to indicate that thestandby ON mode is esta...

– 11 – Controls and their functions <Front Panel Centre Section> J J J J J REMOTE/LOCAL switch This switch is set when the unit is to be controlled from an external source using theREMOTE connector, RS-232C connector or parallel connector.REMOTE: Set to this position when controlling the unit ...

– 13 – Controls and their functions <Front Panel Centre Section> X X X X X Counter display area The TC and CTL count values, UB and messages are displayed in this area. Cassette inserted display lamp: This lamp lights when a cassette has been inserted into the unit. DVCPRO format (25 Mbps/50 M...

– 15 – Controls and their functions <Front Panel Bottom Section> e e e e e SET button When this is pressed, the data which has been set on the setup menu is entered. Afterdata entry, the setup menu setting mode is exited and the original operating mode isrestored. f f f f f DIAG button When th...

– 16 – Controls and their functions Connector area SIGN AC IN FUSE 250V T4H TC IN IN L OUT CH 1 AUDIO IN CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 VIDEO OUT (WFM) ON OFF 75 ≠ ON OFF 75 ≠ (SUPER) 1 2 3 SD REF IN CH1·2 AUDIOOUT CH3·4 CH5·6 CH7·8 HD REF IN HD REF OUT SDREF OUT RS-232C ENCODER REMOTE REMOTE IN/OUT REMOTE OUT PARA...

– 18 – Controls and their functions <Connector area> ? ? ? ? ? SD REF IN connectors and 75-ohm termination switch These are the input connectors for the SD reference video signals.Input the NTSC signals with colour burst.To terminate, set the switch to ON. @ @ @ @ @ HD REF IN connectors and 75...

– 19 – Operations using the front panel bottom controls The desired status information and setup menu items can registered in the STATUS 1 to 3buttons b and PROG MENU 1 to 4 buttons c by using the SETUP, STATUS, PROG MENU and SAVE/EXIT buttons a . Once the information has been registered, it can be ...

– 20 – Operations using the front panel bottom controls Turn the search dial and select the item to be registered.The cursor ( ¢ ) on the menu screen now moves. ∫ Example of the menu displayed for registering setup menu items ∫ Example of the menu displayed for registering VTR statuses When register...

– 21 – Operations using the front panel bottom controls ∫ To return the registered information to the factory settings (initial settings), pressthe RESET button while the registered menu item is displayed. The followingmessage will appear. ∫ Example of the menu displayed for resetting setup menu ite...

– 22 – Operations using the front panel top controls What has been registered in the STATUS 1 to 3 buttons b and PROG MENU 1 to 4 buttons c located at the bottom of the panel can be called to the VTR status display area 3 by pressing the button concerned.The called item can be operated using the but...

– 23 – Operations using the front panel top controls 2-2 How to change a registered menu setting Selecting the menu item: Press the SCROLL buttons 5 to move the item selection cursor ( ¢ ) up or down, and select the menu item. Transferring to the change mode: Press the ENTER button 6 to transfer to ...

– 24 – Operations using the front panel top controls VTR status item table Description of display This indicates the recording format.1080i: The tape is recorded using the 1080i format. 720p: The tape is recorded using the 720p format. This displays the output reference status.HD_59: The HD REF inpu...

– 26 – Connections Set the CONTROL switch on the front panel to LOCAL. SIGN AC IN FUSE 250V T4H TC IN IN L OUT CH 1 AUDIO IN CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 VIDEO OUT (WFM) ON OFF 75 ≠ ON OFF 75 ≠ (SUPER) 1 2 3 SD REF IN CH1·2 AUDIOOUT CH3·4 CH5·6 CH7·8 HD REF IN HD REF OUT SDREF OUT RS-232C ENCODER REMOTE REMOTE IN...

– 27 – <Notes> • General consumer tapes recorded in the LP mode cannot be played back. • The maximum speed at which general consumer DV/DVCAM tapes can be advanced is 32 times thenormal tape speed. • The maximum STILL mode time for general consumer DV/DVCAM tapes is set to 10 seconds.. • Cuein...

– 28 – Switching on the power/inserting the cassette Before starting to operate the unit, check whether the equipment has been connectedproperly. 1 Turn on the power. 2 Check that the AUTO OFF lamp is off.When condensation has formed or some other trouble has occurred, the AUTO OFFlamp lights, and a...

– 30 – Recording 1 Set the accidental erasure prevention tab on the cassette tape to the “recording”position and insert the tape. 2 Press the STOP button to place the unit in the stop mode. 3 Set the TAPE/EE switch to EE.EE images now appear on the TV monitor. 4 Check that the REC INHIBIT lamp is of...

– 31 – Playback 1 Insert the cassette tape, and place the unit in the stop mode. 2 Press the PLAY button.Regular playback is now commenced. 3 Adjust the audio playback level.Pull out the audio level controls and turn them clockwise or counterclockwise to adjustthe levels. Normally, they are kept in ...

– 32 – Jog/shuttle Jog mode 1 Push the search dial to the “in” position.Be sure that the JOG lamp lights. 2 Rotate the search dial.The dial’s clickstops are cleared, and the tape is played back at the speed (–1 × to +1 × normal speed) corresponding to the speed at which the dial is turned. When the ...

– 33 – Manual editing 1 Select the editing mode.ASSEMBLE: For assemble editing.INSERT: For insert editing. 2 Select the editing channel.In the case of insert editing, press the channel button corresponding to the signals to beedited, and check that its lamp is on. 3 Press the PLAY button. 4 Search f...

– 34 – Preroll 1 Press the PREROLL button.The VTR now performs the preroll operation. • When the edit IN point has been entered, the tape is rewound from the edit IN point forthe duration set by setup menu “000,” and the unit then goes into the stop mode. • When the edit IN point has not been entere...

– 35 – Automatic editing (deck to deck) Editing refers to the job of using a prerecorded tape to produce a complete recording byjoining together separate cuts and deleting unnecessary parts. The basic steps taken for editing are as follows. 1 Set the CONTROL switch to REMOTE on the player and to LOC...

– 36 – Automatic editing (deck to deck) Switch settings and adjustments When the unit is used as the recorder: When the unit is used as the player: Set the time counter display to TC or CTL. Set the POWER switchto ON. Set the CONTROLswitch to LOCAL. Adjust the recording level. ON AUDIO CH SELECT SHI...

– 37 – Selecting the editing mode 1 Select the editing mode.For assemble editing, press the ASMBL button.For insert editing, press the INSERT button.ASSEMBLE: The assemble editing mode (in which cuts are joined together) is established. INSERT: The insert editing mode (in which cuts are inserted) is...

– 38 – Automatic editing (deck to deck) Entering the edit points 1 Search for the edit IN point by performing the jog or shuttle operation.Establish the still picture mode at the desired position.Refer to page 32 for details on the jog/shuttle operations. 2 Press the IN and SET buttons together.The ...

– 39 – Checking the edit points 1 Press the IN (or OUT) button to check the edit point.The value of the entered edit point appears on the display. 2 Press the PREROLL button while holding down the IN (or OUT) button to check theimage at the edit point.The tape is cued at the edit IN (or OUT) point, ...

– 40 – Automatic editing (deck to deck) Modifying the edit points 1 Re-entering the edit pointsSearch for the new edit point by performing the jog or shuttle operation, and press theIN (or OUT) and SET buttons together to re-enter the edit point. 2 Modifying the edit point in frame units (trim funct...

– 41 – Preview 1 After the edit points have been entered, press the PREVIEW button.Normal preview is now performed. <Notes> • If the edit IN point has not been entered, the position where the PREVIEW button waspressed will be entered at the edit IN point. • To stop the preview at any time, pre...

– 42 – Automatic editing (deck to deck) Executing automatic editing 1 Press the AUTO EDIT button.Automatic editing is now performed. • To stop the editing at any time, press the STOP button. • When the edit OUT point is reached, the unit goes into the stop mode after postrolling. PostrollWith assemb...

– 43 – Review 1 Upon completion of the editing, press the REVIEW button.The review is started in the recorder. • To stop the review at any time, press the STOP button. • When the edit OUT point is reached, the unit goes into the stop mode after postrolling. ON AUDIO CH SELECT SHIFT ADJ TC SET START ...

– 44 – Audio split editing The video edit points and audio edit points can be entered separately, and they can be offsetfrom each other and edited.The audio edit points cannot be entered when the assemble editing mode has beenselected. After the edit points have been entered, follow the same operati...

– 45 – Audio split editing ■ Displaying the audio split edit points The edit points are displayed on the front panel as shown below. (The figure shows an audioIN point.) OperationsVideo IN point: Press the IN button. Video OUT point: Press the OUT button.Audio IN point: Press the A-IN button. Audio ...

– 46 – Expansion mode execution using the MODE/SEL button When the MODE/SEL button g is pressed, the MULTI CUE operation mode which is an expansion mode can be established as shown in the diagram below. <Expansion mode selection> status When the MODE/SEL button g is pressed in the normal mode,...

– 47 – MULTI CUE function Selecting the MULTI CUE mode The MULTI CUE mode can be selected from the <Expansion mode selection> status established bypressing the MODE/SEL button g . When the EXIT button h is pressed, the MULTI CUE mode is released, and the normal mode is restored. Editing channe...

– 48 – M # L S T E A CR UC E H 0 1 1 ! 2 : 3 E 4 N : T 5 R 6 Y : 2 03 0 MULTI CUE function Description of displays When MULTI CUE is selected using the MODE/SEL button g , the following appears on the front top panel display 3 . 1 Mode display: This indicates that the unit is now operating in the MU...

– 49 – MULTI CUE function Search point and registration point operations Each time the SHIFT button 8 is pressed, the search point display mode and registration point display mode are selected alternately. Perform the search point operations in the search point display modeand the registration point...

– 50 – MULTI CUE function Example of top panel display: One of the following two displays appears depending on the registrationconditions. • The registration pointer position is changed directly on the same page by pressing the CUE ¢ 1 through ¢ 8 (ASMBL through TC) buttons. • When the display page ...

– 52 – MULTI CUE function When registering cue points using numbers While holding down the ADJ button Y among the time code buttons on the front panel, press the SHIFT button Y to establish the cue point registration mode. After setting the duration to be registered on the bottom panel using the SHI...

– 53 – IC CARD function IC CARD mode selection In <Expansion mode selection> status with MODE/SEL button g pressed, IC CARD mode can be selected.When EXIT button h is pressed, the mode changes from IC CARD to normal mode. Outline The management of the setup menu using IC CARD, and system file ...

– 54 – IC CARD function Description of Display When IC CARD function is selected, the following information will be displayed at the VTR statusdisplay 3 . 1 Mode display: It indicates that the unit is operating in IC CARD mode. 2 File select display: All the relevant file names are displayed, and wh...

– 55 – IC CARD function Description of Operation The following key operation is possible with respect to IC CARD function. File selection With TRIM button pressed, the file selected changes as follows: <Note>Do not take out the IC card during operation on IC card. It may otherwise cause damage...

– 56 – Variable memory function Variable memory function Variable memory mode selection In <Expansion mode selection> status with MODE/SEL button g pressed, variable mode can be selected.When EXIT button h is pressed, variable mode is cancelled and changed to normal mode. Outline The unit is p...

– 57 – Variable memory function Variable memory editing operation procedure Variable memory editing operation can be performed according to the following procedure, setting theunit connected as a recorder to variable memory mode. 1 Select the edit mode by pressing ASMBL button V or desired INSERT bu...

– 58 – ERROR LOG function ERROR LOG mode selection In <Expansion mode selection> status with MODE/SEL button g pressed, ERROR LOG mode can be selected.When EXIT button h is pressed, ERROR LOG mode is cancelled and changed to normal mode. Outline In case the following warning message is given d...

– 59 – ERROR LOG function Description of Display When ERROR LOG function is selected, the following information will be displayed at the VTR statusdisplay 3 . 1 Warning display: Warning message stored is displayed. 2 Warning store status display: Store No. of warnings displayed and the number of all...

– 60 – 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 3connector in the unit’s connector area are hooked up. Changing the settings 1 Press the MENU button.The setup menu appea...

– 61 – Setup menus This unit can store up to 5 user files (user 1 to user 5) containing different menu settings, andthese files can be selected and used. Changing the file 1 Press the MENU button. 2 Hold down the STAND BY button and press the FF button to switch to the next user file.Hold down the S...

– 62 – 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...

– 63 – The contents of the USER2 – USER5 files can be copied (loaded) into the USER1 file. Inaddition, the contents of the USER1 file can be copied (saved) to the USER2 – USER5 files. USER1 USER2 USER3 USER4 USER5 Settings can be locked. Settings can be locked. Settings can be locked. Settings can b...

– 64 – Setup menus Saving a user file 1 Press the MENU button. 2 While holding down the STAND BY button, press the REW or FF button, and selectUSER1. 3 Turn the search dial and move the cursor ( ¢ ) on the menu screen to setup item No. A01 (SAVE). SETUP-MENU MENU<USER1> NO.A00 - 0000 759 REC P...

– 65 – Setup menus SYSTEM menu <SYSTEM> Item Setting No. Superimposed No. Superimposed Description display display 00 WFM SEL 0000 CTL 0001 TC 0002 VIDEO 0003 SYNC 0004 RF-L 0005 RF-R 0006 ENV-L 0007 ENV-R 05 ENCODER 0000 REMOTE SEL 0001 LOCAL 0002 BOTH 06 V LEVEL 0000 HD CTRL 0001 SD 0002 BOT...

– 68 – Setup menus USER menu <BASIC> Item Setting No. Superimposed No. Superimposed Description display display 000 P-ROLL 0000 0S TIME : : 0005 5S : : 0015 15S 001 LOCAL 0000 DIS ENA 0001 ST&EJ 0002 ENA 002 TAPE 0000 ±12h TIMER 0001 24h 003 REMAIN 0000 OFF SEL 0001 ON 004 SYNCHRO- 0000 OF...

– 70 – Setup menus USER menu <BASIC> (continued) Item Setting No. Superimposed No. Superimposed Description display display 011 CU-ROLL 0000 0s TIME : 0005 5s : : 0015 15s 015 AUTO STEP 0000 OFF 0001 ON 020 SYS FORMAT 0000 1080i 0001 720p 022 PB FORMAT 0000 MANUAL 0001 AUTO 023 FORMAT SEL 0000...

– 73 – Setup menus USER menu <OPERATION> (continued) Item Setting No. Superimposed No. Superimposed Description display display 107 EE MODE 0000 NORMAL SEL 0001 THRU 108 PLAY 0000 0 DELAY : : 0015 15 109 CAP.LOCK 0000 2F 0001 4F 110 AUTO REW 0000 OFF 0001 ON 111 MEMORY 0000 OFF STOP 0001 ON Th...

– 97 – Time code/user bit Time code The time code is used when the time code signal generated by the time code generator (timecode signal generator) is to be recorded on the tape, its values are to be read by the timecode reader (time code signal reader), and the absolute position of the tape is to ...

– 98 – Recording internal/external time codes 1. Setting the internal time code 1 Place the VTR in the stop mode. 2 Set the TC/CTL switch to TC. 3 Set the TC INT/EXT switch to INT. (Internal time code selected) 4 Set the Setup menu No. 504 (RUN MODE).REC RUN: The time code runs at the same time as t...

– 99 – Reproducing the time code/user bit 1 Place the unit in the stop mode. 2 Set the TC/CTL button to TC. 3 Set the 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 CTLsignal. ...

– 100 – Superimpose screen The control signals, time code, etc. are displayed using abbreviations. TCR : : : CTL = control signalTCR = TC time code readingUBR = TC user bit reading Abbreviation TV monitor Characters displayedThe background of characters superimposed on the display can be changed usi...

– 101 – Audio recording channel and monitor output selection Audio recording channel The audio recording channels are selected on the AUDIO setup menu as shown below. Recording track Recording signal CH1 CH1 input/CH2 input/CH1 input + CH2 input CH2 CH1 input/CH2 input/CH1 input + CH2 input CH3 CH3 ...

– 102 – Rack mounting The unit can be mounted into a 19-inch standard rack if the optional rack-mounting adapters(AJ-MA75P) are used. For the installation rails, it is recommended that the rail and bracketfor 18 q length (model number CC3061-99-0400) of Chassis Trak be used. If an even greater clear...

– 103 – Video head cleaning This unit is equipped with an auto head cleaning function which automatically reduces theamount of dirt on the video heads. In order to maximize the unit’s reliability, it isrecommended that the video heads be cleaned as and when appropriate.For further details on how to ...

– 104 – Error messages When a warning occurs in this unit, the warning lamp lights up.Opening the DIAG menu will display the warning description on the counter display and themonitor. Also, when an abnormal operation is detected in this unit, the AUTO OFF lamp lightsup and a message appears on the c...

– 106 – Table of AUTO OFF Error messages Monitor display Description VTR operation (Restart condition) CAP ROTATE TOOSLOW CAP TENSION ERROR DEW DRUM ROTATE TOOFAST E-FF DRUM ROTATE TOOSLOW If the capstan motor speed is abnormally low, the AUTO OFF lamp lights, and the message display flashes. STOP(P...

– 108 – 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 111 – 113.) (2) Conditions for acknowledging commands from RS-232C interface The front panel REMOTE/LOCAL switch must be at REMOTE.The setup menu item No. ...

– 109 – 3. Software specifications Protocol 1) Communication parametres Communication system Asynchronous, full duplex Communication speed 300/600/1200/2400/4800/9600 Bit length 7 bit/8 bit Stop bit 1 bit/2 bit Parity bit NONE/ODD/EVEN ACK code ACK code returned/ACK code not returned<Note>The ...

– 111 – 5. Command table (1) Commands relating to operation control <Notes> • As for the return (completion) message, [ACK] is first returned when data is received, and the execution message issubsequently returned. It is only the execution message which is listed in this table. • In the case ...

– 114 – RS-232C interface (3) Microsoft QuickBASIC sample programme 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." PRINT REM *** Communication Port Initia...

– 115 – Connector signals VIDEO IN HD SERIAL IN (DIGITAL) BNC × 1 HD REF IN BNC × 2 Loop-through, 75 Ω termination switch provided SD REF IN BNC × 2 Loop-through, 75 Ω termination switch provided VIDEO OUT HD SERIAL OUT (DIGITAL) BNC × 3 SD SERIAL OUT (DIGITAL) BNC × 3 VIDEO OUT BNC × 3 HD REF OUT B...

– 117 – Printed circuit board Printed circuit board F1 boardADDA SW1 Audio InputImpedance SW SW101 HIGH This sets the CH1 audio inputimpedance.HIGH/600 Ω HIGH SW101 Cue InputImpedance SW HIGH Abbr.name Full name Function Factory setting H3 boardCUE Audio InputImpedance SW This sets the CH2 audio inp...

– 118 – Specifications GENERAL Power supply: AC 220 – 240 V, 50 – 60 Hz Power consumption: 220 W Operating ambient temperature: 5°C to 40°C Operating ambient humidity: 10% to 90% (no condensation) Weight: 20 kg Dimensions (W × H × D): 424 (max. 435.4) × 175.2 × 448.9 mm (Not including the support le...

– 119 – HD SDI output system phase: ±0.5H (±550 samples, 27 ns steps) SD SDI (composite video)Y output gain: – ¶ to +3 dB SD SDI (composite video)P B output gain: – ¶ to +3 dB SD SDI (composite video)P R output gain: – ¶ to +3 dB SD SDI (composite video)Y black level: ±10%SD SDI output system phase:...