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Samsung HMX-U20BN User Manual

Samsung HMX-U20BN User Manual

High definition digital camcorder
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User Manual

HMX-U20BN
HMX-U20RN
HMX-U20LN
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  • Page 1: User Manual

    User Manual High Definition Digital Camcorder www.samsung.com/register HMX-U20BN HMX-U20RN HMX-U20LN HMX-U20SN...

  • Page 2: Before Reading This User Manual

    If you replace the battery with the wrong battery, you can cause an explosion. Replace only with the same battery or an equivalent type. If you plug the AC adapter into a 240V AC outlet, be sure to use a suitable plug adapter. Warning!

  • Page 3: Important Information On Use

    Illustrations of model HMX-U20BN are used in this user manual. • The displays in this user manual may not be exactly the same as those you see on the LCD screen. • Designs and specifications of the camcorder and other accessories are subject to change without any notice.
  • Page 4 Even if you record an event such as a show, performance or exhibition for personal enjoyment, it is strongly recommended that you obtain permission beforehand.

  • Page 5: Important Safety Instructions

    NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. Warning To Reduce The Risk Of Fire Or Electric Shock, Do Not Expose This Apparatus To Rain Or Moisture. Caution Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
  • Page 6 The CAMCORDER should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply at your home, consult your appliance dealer or local power company. A CAMCORDER is intended to be operated from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.
  • Page 7 23. OVERLOADING: Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock. 24. OBJECTS AND LIQUIDS: Never push objects of any kind into this CAMCORDER through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out a part that could result in a fire or electric...
  • Page 8 NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

  • Page 9: Safety Information

    The safety precautions illustrated below are to prevent personal injury or material damages. Heed all instructions carefully. WARNING Means that there is a potential risk of serious personal injury. CAUTION Means that there is a potential risk of personal injury or...
  • Page 10 Keep the camcorder away from water when used near the beach or pool or when it rains. There is a risk of malfunction or electric shock. Keep the power-cord unplugged when not in use or during lightning storms.
  • Page 11 CAUTION Do not press the surface of the LCD with force, or hit it with a sharp object. If you push the LCD surface, display unevenness may occur. Do not use the camcorder in direct sunlight or near heating equipment.
  • Page 12 fire, explosion, electric shock or personal injuries caused by abnormal operation. Only use the adaptor plug in a socket that is easily accessible. If any problem occurs with the product, you must pull the plug out of the socket to disconnect the power completely.

  • Page 13: Table Of Contents

    Checking the battery state Turning your camcorder on/off Setting the operating modes Using the shortcut menu (OK guide) Using the Turning the power on and setting the date and time Selecting the OSD language Inserting/ejecting a memory card (not supplied)
  • Page 14 BASIC PLAYBACK ADVANCED RECORDING ADVANCED PLAYBACK SYSTEM SETTING Recording videos or photos RECORDING Recording with auto scene detection (smart auto) Capturing photos during video record- ing (dual recording) Zooming in and out Changing the playback mode Playing videos Viewing photos...
  • Page 15 PC Software TV Connect Guide TV Display Default Set Language Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) What you can do with a windows computer Using the intelli-studio program Using as a removable storage device Connecting to a TV TV and LCD monitor image displays...

  • Page 16: Quick Start Guide

    You can record videos in H.264 format! You can record videos in the H.264 format that are convenient to email and share with your friends and family. You can also take photos with your camcorder.

  • Page 17: Image Quality

    Your camcorder is compatible with the H.264 recording format, which achieves efficient coding of high quality video using less memory capacity. • The default setting is "720/60p". You can also record with SD (standard definition) video quality. page 41 •...
  • Page 18 OK button. • You can set the Play Mode in thumbnail view only. • You can switch from the play mode to the record mode by pressing the Recording start/ stop ( ), Photo ( Viewing on a high definition TV You can enjoy HD (High Definition) videos on a connected HDTV.
  • Page 19 3. You can double-click the file you would like to start playing. Sharing videos/photos on Youtube/Flickr/FaceBook Share your contents with the world, by uploading videos and photos directly to a web site with a single click. Click the "Share" "Upload" tab on the browser.

  • Page 20: Getting To Know The Camcorder

    WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH YOUR CAMCORDER Your new camcorder comes with the following accessories. If any of these items is missing from your box, call Samsung’s Customer Care Center. Model name HMX-U20BN HMX-U20RN HMX-U20LN HMX-U20SN •...

  • Page 21: Location Of Controls

    Photo ( ) button Zoom (W/T) lever Recording start/stop ( Play ( ) button / / / /OK button Built-in speaker Power ( CHG (Charging) indicator ) button Share ( ) button / SMART MENU button ) button button AUTO...
  • Page 22 Jack cover (AV, HDMI, DC IN ) AV jack HDMI jack DC IN jack OPEN lever Be careful not to cover the internal microphone and lens during recording. Built-in USB jack Battery slot Memory card slot Battery release switch Memory card / Battery cover...

  • Page 23: Identifying The Screen Displays

    The total number of recordable photos is counted based on available space on the storage media. • The largest number the photo counter can display is 9999. • You can check the selected mode indicator only when the on-screen information mode is set to full display. page 21 ) mode only.

  • Page 24: Video Play Mode

    PRECHECK! • This On Screen Display (OSD) is shown in video play ( • Select the play mode by pressing the Play ( Video play mode Zoom PRECHECK! • This On Screen Display (OSD) is shown in photo play ( •...

  • Page 25: Getting Started

    figure. 3. Close the battery slot cover. • Use only Samsung-approved batteries. If you use batteries from other manufacturers, there is a danger of overheating, fire or explosion. • Samsung is not responsible for problems caused by unapproved batteries.

  • Page 26: Camcorder 20

    PC is used in. Please make sure that there are no foreign substances in the plug and socket when you connect the AC power supply to the camcorder. • When charging, if both the built-in USB jack and AC power adaptor are connected, the AC power adaptor will override the USB.
  • Page 27 Change the battery as soon as possible. After 3 seconds, the camcorder turns off with the battery indicator blinking. Above figures are based on a fully charged battery at normal temperature. Low ambient temperature may affect the use time. Charging...
  • Page 28 To preserve battery power, keep your camcorder turned off when you are not operating it. • Even when the power is switched off, the battery will still discharge if it is left in the camcorder. We recommend that you remove the battery from the camcorder when not using it.
  • Page 29 Assume that the recordable time with a fully charged battery is between 1/2 and 1/3 of the time in the table, so have enough batteries to allow for the time you are planning to record on the camcorder.

  • Page 30: Setting The Operating Modes

    When you use your camcorder for the first time or reset it, the date and time set screen appears as the startup display. Set the date and time. If you do not set the date and time, the date and time set screen appears every time you turn on the camcorder. Play ( button ) button.

  • Page 31: Using The Shortcut Menu (Ok Guide)

    • Press the OK button to exit the shortcut menu. The above is an example of how to set the Display mode in the recording mode. While many functions operate similarly, the setting process may vary, depending on the function.

  • Page 32: Using The / / / /Ok Button

    USING THE Button Record mode • Access the shortcut menu • Confirm selection • Exit the shortcut menu Display Each time you press the button, the following on-screen information display modes appear: simple display display...

  • Page 33: Turning The Power On And Setting The Date And Time

    THE DATE AND TIME Set the date and time of your local area when you turn on the camcorder for the first time. If you do not set date and time, the date and time screen appears every time you turn on your camcorder.

  • Page 34: Selecting The Osd Language

    • “Language” options may be changed without prior notice. • The camcorder retains the language you select even when not connected to the battery or AC power. • The date and time format may change depending on the selected language.

  • Page 35: Getting Ready To Start Recording

    figure. 3. Close the memory card cover. • To avoid the data loss, turn off the camcorder by pressing the Power ( ) button before inserting or ejecting the memory card. • Be careful not to push the memory card too hard. The memory card may suddenly pop out.

  • Page 36: Selecting A Suitable Memory Card (Not Supplied)

    • Compatible memory card capacity: SD 1GB ~ 2GB, SDHC 4GB ~ 32GB • Use compatible memory card brands. Others are not guaranteed to work. A list of compatible brands is below: - SDHC/SD cards: Panasonic, SanDisk, TOSHIBA • For video recording, use a memory card that supports faster write speed.
  • Page 37 • After a period of use, the memory card may get warm. This is normal and is not a malfunction. The camcorder supports SD and SDHC memory cards, giving you a...

  • Page 38: Recordable Time And Capacity

    The recording length of a Time Lapse REC may vary depending on settings. • The camcorder takes photos at 8 mega pixels. When you set the resolution to 10M, the camcorder up- scales the photos you take to 10 mega pixels.

  • Page 39: Using The Wrist Strap

    USING THE WRIST STRAP Attach the strap and place your hand through the loop to prevent the camcorder from being dropped. BASIC CAMCORDER POSITIONING Hold your camcorder properly while recording to avoid covering the lens and the internal microphone with your fingers and pressing any buttons accidently.

  • Page 40: Recording Videos Or Photos

    Set your desired resolution before recording. • This camcorder provides one record mode which combines the video and photo record modes. You can easily record videos or photos in the same mode without having to change it. PRECHECK! • Insert a memory card.
  • Page 41 • For approximate recording time, see page 28. • Sound is recorded by the internal stereo microphones located on both sides of the lens. Make sure that the microphones are not blocked. • Before recording an important video, make sure to test the recording function to see if there are any problems with the audio or video recording.

  • Page 42: Recording With Auto Scene Detection (Smart Auto)

    If the camcorder detects more than one scene at the same time, Smart Auto prioritizes as follows: Night Backlight a) If Night and Portrait are detected at the same time, then Night is selected and the corresponding icon appears. b) If Backlight and Portrait are detected at the same time, then Backlight is selected and corresponding icon appears.

  • Page 43: Capturing Photos During Video Recording

    • You cannot capture photos under the following conditions: - When you are making a time lapse recording • The resolution of the captured photos depends on the resolution of the video as follows. Video resolution 1080/30p 720/60p, 720/30p 480/60p ) button.

  • Page 44: Zooming In And Out

    • Frequent use of the zoom function consumes more power. • The minimum focal length between the camcorder and the subject is about 7.87 inches (20cm) for wide angle and about 31.50 inches (80cm) for telephoto. • If you use the zoom while recording, the camcorder may record the noises the camcorder makes when you operate the zoom.

  • Page 45: Basic Playback

    • You can set the record mode and the play mode in turn with the Play ( • When you shift to the play mode, the most recently created file is highlighted in the thumbnail view. • The camcorder selects the thumbnail display options based on the standby mode you used the last time.

  • Page 46: Playing Videos

    • To return to thumbnail index view while playing, use the Zoom lever. Do not power off or eject the memory card during video playback. Doing so may damage the recorded data. • The following video files may not play back on the camcorder: - Video files with formats that are not supported by the camcorder...

  • Page 47: Various Playback Operations

    - Forward slow playback rate: x1/2 x1/4 x1/8 - To resume normal playback, press the OK button. The camcorder does not play sound during search, skip, frame by frame, or slow motion play back. Adjusting the volume 1. Press the OK button to display the shortcut menu.

  • Page 48: Viewing Photos

    • Your camcorder may not play back the following photo files normally: - A photo with a file format not supported by this camcorder (it does not conform to DCF standards). • Loading time may vary depending on the resolution of the photo you selected.

  • Page 49: Zooming During Photo Playback

    ZOOMING DURING PHOTO PLAYBACK You can magnify the played back photo image using the OK button on the camcorder. 1. Select the photo you want to magnify. 2. Adjust the magnification with the OK button. • The screen is framed and the image is magnified starting from the center of the image.

  • Page 50: Advanced Recording

    • These items and default values may be changed without notice. • The camcorder takes photos at 8 mega pixels. When you set the resolution to 10M, the camcorder up-scales the photos you take to 10 mega pixels. page 21...

  • Page 51: Video Resolution

    "60p"/"30p" indicates the camcorder will record in progressive scan mode at 60/30 frames per second. • Recorded files are encoded using Variable Bit Rate (VBR). VBR is an encoding system that automatically adjusts the bit rate according to the recording image. •...

  • Page 52: Photo Resolution

    • For detailed information on image capacity, see page 28. • The camcorder takes photos at 8 mega pixels. When you set the resolution to 10M, the camcorder up-scales the photos you take to 10 mega pixels. Zoom Mute During video recording, the Zoom Mute function turns off sound recording temporarily when you activate the Zoom function.

  • Page 53: Time Lapse Rec

    Using the Time Lapse feature, you can program your camcorder to create a time lapse video by recording a series of frames over a set period of time with a set time interval between each frame. The Time Lapse feature lets you create time lapse videos of blooming flowers and similar subjects.
  • Page 54 Time Lapse Recording should be. For example, if you set the interval to "30 Sec," total recording time should be set to at least 15 minutes to record a minimum video length of 1 second (30 images).

  • Page 55: Advanced Playback

    Before selecting a menu item, set the appropriate operation mode first. Play Mode When you select Play, your camcorder lets you select whether to display HD videos, SD videos, or photos in the thumbnail index view. Select one of these Playback modes before playback.

  • Page 56: Delete

    • Deleted images cannot be recovered. • Do not eject a memory card or power off while deleting videos recorded on the storage media. Doing so may damage the storage media or data. • If the battery’s charge is low, the delete function may not operate.

  • Page 57: Protect

    All Off: Cancels the protection for all videos or photos. • If the write protection tab on the memory card is set to lock, you cannot set image protection. • You can also operate this function in the full and single image display mode.

  • Page 58: Divide

    Divide You can divide a video into two, and easily delete a section you no longer need. As this function edits the original file, make sure to back up important recordings separately. PRECHECK! • Insert a memory card.

  • Page 59: Share Mark

    Share Mark You can set the share mark on a video and directly upload the marked file to the YouTube site. PRECHECK! • Insert a memory card. page 25 • Select the play mode by pressing the Play ( •...

  • Page 60: Slide Show

    • Set the Playback mode to “Photo.” Press the MENU button button. • The indicator ( ) is displayed and the slide show starts from the current image. • All photos are played back consecutively for 3 seconds each. •...

  • Page 61: System Setting

    The actual capacity may be less than the capacity displayed on the LCD screen as the camcorder’s system files occupy a part of the capacity. • If there is no storage media inserted, it cannot be selected and will be dimmed on the menu. Default values Series...

  • Page 62: Format

    You can not format a memory card with the protection tab set to lock. • If there is no storage media inserted, it can not be selected and will be dimmed on the menu. • You must format storage media you used in other devices or newly purchased memory cards with this camcorder before using them.

  • Page 63: File No

    files, or insert a new memory card. When you set "File No." to "Series," each file is assigned a different number to avoid duplicating file names. This is convenient when you want to manage your files on a PC.

  • Page 64: Lcd Brightness

    LCD screen. • If the “Auto LCD Off” function is enabled and the LCD screen dims, you can press any button on the camcorder to return the LCD screen’s brightness to normal. •...

  • Page 65: Beep Sound

    Beep Sound You can set the beep sound on or off. If you hear a beep sound when operating the menu settings, the setting is turned on. 1. Press the MENU button 2. Press the button “Beep Sound” 3. Select the desired submenu item with the OK button.

  • Page 66: Auto Power Off * 5 Min

    Auto Power Off To save battery power, you can set the "Auto Power Off" function to 5 Min. This setting turns off the camcorder if there is no operation for five minutes. 1. Press the MENU button 2. Press the button 3.

  • Page 67: Tv Connect Guide

    TV Connect Guide Follow the directions in the TV Connect Guide to connect the camcorder to your type of TV correctly. Shows information on the cables and jacks used to connect the camcorder to a TV. 1. Press the MENU button 2.

  • Page 68: Default Set

    On: The Anynet+ function is enabled. • When you turn on your camcorder and it is connected via an HDMI cable to a TV that supports Anynet+, the camcorder’s Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) function automatically turns on. If you do not want to use the Anynet+ function, set “Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)”...

  • Page 69: Using With A Windows Computer

    - Editing recorded videos or photos. - Uploading the recorded videos and photos to Youtube, Flickr, FaceBook, etc. • You can also transfer or copy the files (videos and photos) saved on your storage media into your computer. (the mass storage function) System requirements The following requirements must be satisfied to use the built-in editing software (Intelli-studio):...

  • Page 70: Using The Intelli-Studio Program

    • If you connect the built-in USB plug to a PC via a USB HUB or simultaneously connect the built-in USB plug along with other USB devices, the camcorder may not work properly. If this occurs, remove all USB devices from the PC and reconnect the camcorder.
  • Page 71 Step 2. About the Intelli-studio main window When the Intelli-studio starts up, thumbnails of videos and photos are displayed in the main window. 1. Menu items 2. Switches to Library of the computer and connected camcorder. 3. Switches to Photo Edit mode.
  • Page 72 You can view the file information by moving the mouse over the thumbnail. • If you click a video thumbnail once, the video plays back inside the thumbnail frame, allowing you to search for a desired video with ease. 4. Once you select the desired video or photo, double-click to play back.
  • Page 73 Step 5. Sharing the videos/photos online Share your contents with the world, by uploading photos and videos directly to a web site with one click. 1. Select the videos or photos you want to share. 2. Click “Share” on the Intelli-studio browser.

  • Page 74: Direct Uploading Your Videos Onto Youtube

    YouTube uploading functionality in this product is not an endorsement of or recommendation for the product by YouTube LLC. • If you do not have an account on a specified website, you must register first before proceeding with the authorization. •...
  • Page 75 Installing Intelli-studio on a Windows computer • The Intelli-studio application will run faster if you install it on your Windows computer. Also, if you install it on your computer, it can be updated automatically. • Follow these directions to install Intelli-studio onto your Windows computer: Click “Tool”...

  • Page 76: Insert A Memory Card

    Windows computer USING AS A REMOVABLE STORAGE DEVICE You can transfer or copy recorded data to a Windows computer by connecting the USB cable to the camcorder. Viewing the contents of storage media 1. Set “PC Software: Off.”...
  • Page 77 When the 9,999th file is created in the 999th folder (i.e. HDV_9999.MP4 is created in the 999th VIDEO folder), no more folders can be created. Backup your files to a PC and format the storage media, then reset the file numbering from the menu.

  • Page 78: Connecting To A Tv

    The HDMI jack on the camcorder provides output only. • Use only HDMI 1.3 cable when connecting to the HDMI jack of this camcorder. If you connect using HDMI cable that is not version 1.3 compatible, the screen display may not work.
  • Page 79 TV. See the diagrams above and below. 2. Turn on your TV and set the TV’s input selector to the Input your camcorder is connected to. • Refer to the TV’s instruction manual to see how to select the TV input.

  • Page 80: Tv And Lcd Monitor Image Displays

    Check the connection status between the camcorder and TV. The TV screen may not display the right video information if the camcorder and TV are connected incorrectly. • When connecting the Audio/Video, make sure to match the color of the cable plugs to the TV jacks. •...

  • Page 81: Dubbing Videos

    1. Connect your camcorder to the recording device (VCR or DVD/HDD recorder) with the supplied Audio/Video cable (composite connection). 2. Turn on your recording device and set the recording device’s input selector (if any) to the Input your camcorder is connected to.

  • Page 82: Warning Indicators And Messages

    Before contacting a Samsung authorized service center, perform the following simple checks. They may save you the time and expense of an unnecessary call. WARNING INDICATORS AND MESSAGES Power source Message Low Battery Check the authenticity of this battery...
  • Page 83 Informs that ... • Back up important files on the storage media to your PC, and then format the storage media using the camcorder. • Back up important files on the storage media to your PC, and then format the storage media using the camcorder.

  • Page 84: Symptoms And Solutions

    • Is “Auto Power Off” set to “5 Min”? If no button is pressed for about 5 minutes, the camcorder automatically turns off. To disable this option, change the setting of "Auto Power Off" to "Off."...
  • Page 85 • The internal temperature of your camcorder is unusually high. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place. • Your camcorder is damp and moist inside (condensation). Turn off your camcorder and leave it for about 1 hour in a cool place.

  • Page 86: Troubleshooting

    Back up important files on your PC and format the storage media or delete unnecessary files. • If you use a memory card with a low writing speed, the camcorder automatically stops recording videos and the corresponding message appears on the LCD screen.
  • Page 87 The display mode of the recorded video does not match that of playback device. • A video recorded in 16:9 wide mode should be played back on a TV or PC that supports 16:9 screen mode. page 26 page 69...
  • Page 88 Exit all other applications running on the computer. • The transfer speed between the camcorder and PC is too slow, causing the video to pause or distort. Please copy the file to your PC, and then play it back. page 59...

  • Page 89: Menu

    Explanation/Solution • The Audio/Video cable is not connected properly. Make sure that the Audio/Video cable is connected to the proper jack, i.e. to the input jack of the device used for dubbing images from your camcorder. page 71 Explanation/Solution •...
  • Page 90 The dew condenses on the external or internal parts of the camcorder, and on the reflection lens. If there is dew on or in your camcorder, it may cause the camcorder to malfunction or damage the camcorder when you turn the power on.

  • Page 91: Using Your Camcorder Abroad

    On TV color systems Your camcorder is an NTSC-system-based camcorder. If you want to view your recordings on a TV or to copy it to an external device, it must be an NTSC-system-based TV or external device and have the appropriate Audio/Video jacks.
  • Page 92 (100 V ~ 240 V) 50/60 Hz 2.4W 32˚F~104˚F (0˚~40˚C) Below 60% -4˚F ~ 140˚F (-20˚C ~ 60˚C) 2.07” x 4.09” x 0.61” (52.5 mm x 104 mm x 15.6 mm) 0.23 lb (103.3g, 3.64 oz) (Except for Lithium Ion battery) Omni-directional stereo microphone...
  • Page 93 This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from State to State.
  • Page 94 If you have any questions or comments relating to Samsung products, please contact the SAMSUNG customer care center Samsung Electronics America, inc. 1-800-SAMSUNG (726-7864) www.samsung.com/us RoHS compliant Our product complies with “The Restriction Of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment”, and we do not use the...

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