Page 1: Table Of Contents
COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER GR-SXM920 INSTRUCTIONS For Customer Use: Enter below the Model No. and Serial No. which is located on the bottom of cabinet. Retain this information for future reference. Model No. Serial No. CONTENTS SAFETY PRECAUTIONS QUICK OPERATION GUIDE...
Page 2: Safety Precautions
Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS camcorder. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions contained in the following pages to ensure safe use of this product. Using This Instruction Manual •All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents on the cover.
Page 3 Ni-Cd batteries into the trash or the municipal waste stream, which may be illegal in your area. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY™ for information on Ni-Cd battery recycling and disposal bans/restrictions in your area. JVC’s involvement in this program is part of our commitment to preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources.
Page 4: Safety Instructions
IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Electrical energy can perform many useful functions. But improper use can result in potential electrical shock or fire hazards. This product has been engineered and manufactured to assure your personal safety. In order not to defeat the built-in safeguards, observe the following basic rules for its installation, use and servicing.
Page 5 1. Accessories To avoid personal injury: •Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. It may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. •Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the product.
Page 6: Quick Operation Guide
The image you shoot is recorded onto a video tape. SUPPLY POWER Hook on. BATTERY RELEASE Using the battery pack Hook its end to the camcorder battery pack in until it locks in place (Charging procedure, pg. 10) To remove the battery pack Slide BATTERY RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.
Page 7 QUICK OPERATION GUIDE (D.S.C.) A still image you shoot is stored in the camcorder's built-in memory. SUPPLY POWER Hook on. Push in. BATTERY RELEASE Using the battery pack Hook its end to the camcorder battery pack in until it locks in place (Charging procedure, pg.
Page 8: Major Features
The Menu Screen appears with the highlight bar on “RETURN”. Press it to close the Menu Screen. * ”DEMO MODE” remains ”ON” even if the camcorder power is turned off. NOTE: When a tape whose Erase Protection tab is in the position that allows recording is loaded in the camcorder, demonstration is not available.
Page 9: Provided Accessories
(for clock operation) ) Cassettes ST-C-40/30/20 • Battery Pack BN-V11U • DC Cord • CD-ROM including two software programs Some accessories are not available in some areas. Please consult your nearest JVC dealer for details on accessories and their availability.
Page 10: Getting Started
To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Power Adapter/Charger near a radio. If you connect the camcorder’s DC cord to the adapter during battery charging, power is supplied to the camcorder and charging stops.
Page 11: Using The Battery Pack
Hook on. Push in. BATTERY RELEASE Switch ATTENTION: Before detaching the power source, make sure that the camcorder’s power is turned off. Failure to do so can result in a camcorder malfunction. INFORMATION: VU-V856KIT is a set composed of the BN- V856U battery pack and AA-V80U AC Power Adapter/Charger.
Page 12: Slot Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal
See “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS” ( on safe handling of lithium batteries. To avoid losing the battery and/or battery holder, place the camcorder with the grip side up as shown in the illustration when inserting/removing the battery. Loading/Unloading A Cassette Open the LCD monitor fully.
Page 13: Date/Time Settings
“EXIT”, and press it. The Menu Screen reappears with the highlight bar on “RETURN”. Press the Select Wheel to close the Menu Screen. NOTE: To display the date and time in the camcorder’s display and on a connected TV, see “Date/Time Insert” pg. 33).
Page 14: Recording Mode Setting
System Select Switch Select Wheel Power Switch SP/EP Recording Mode Button MENU Button Viewfinder Tape length indicator T 3 0 Recording mode indicator Display Menu Screen DARD TAPE LENGTH TAPE LENGTH Setting Menu DARD GETTING STARTED Recording Mode Setting Set depending on your preference. Set the System Select Switch to “VIDEO”, then set the Power Switch to “AUTO”...
Page 15: Recording Format Setting
Select Wheel Power Switch MENU Button Display: when a VHS cassette is loaded. Menu Screen – DARD When an S-VHS cassette is loaded: S-VHS S – VHS ET Setting Menu Menu Screen DARD Normal Screen Recording Format Setting Set the recording format according to the format of the tape used or type of recording you wish to perform.
Page 16: Recording Playback
— When tapes recorded in S-VHS or S-VHS ET mode are played back on a VCR equipped with the SQPB (S-VHS QUASI PLAYBACK) function, S-VHS picture quality is not available. — Tapes recorded in S-VHS ET mode cannot be played back on some VCRs, including some JVC VCRs (eg: HR-S6600U, HR-SC1000U, etc.).
Page 17: Grip Adjustment
Then tighten the screw. CAUTION: When using a tripod, be sure to open and extend its legs fully to stabilize the camcorder. To prevent damage to the unit caused by falling over, do not use a small-sized tripod. , making sure...
Page 18: Basic Video Recording
Turn the LENS COVER Open/Close Ring to open the lens cover. Set the System Select Switch to “VIDEO”, then set the Power Switch to “CAMERA” (“AUTO” or “PRO.”). The power lamp lights and the camcorder enters the Record-Standby mode. “PAUSE” is displayed in the viewfinder.
Page 19: Journalistic Shooting
5 minutes. “TAPE END” also appears when a cassette whose tape is already at its end is loaded. If the Record-Standby mode continues for 5 minutes without performing Zoom or any other operations, the camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. Set the Power Switch to “OFF”, and then back to “CAMERA” to turn the camcorder on again.
Page 20: Basic Digital Still Camera (D.s.c.) Shooting
Normal Screen When shooting a still image, it is not recorded onto the tape, but it is stored in the camcorder's built-in memory in the selected Picture Mode. A stored still image data can be transferred to a PC, saved, and processed using a Paint...
Page 21 When the Power Switch is set to “AUTO”, it is not possible to select the Snapshot mode. You can use the Snapshot mode you selected in the “PRO.” mode. If a Snapshot is taken while the camcorder is in the WIDE mode ( pg. 31), the Snapshot image is recorded without the black bars at the top and bottom of the screen.
Page 22: Picture Mode Setting
FEATURE: PURPOSE: There are two image settings you can choose from when storing in the camcorder's memory: FINE and STANDARD. FINE allows you to shoot up to approx. 30 still images in a format based on JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). Since the quality of image is better than “STANDARD”, “FINE”...
Page 23: Recording
This interesting feature lets you record two types of digital still images that look like photographs onto a tape, as well as keeping them in the camcorder’s built-in memory. It is a great way to spice up footage of events such as parties, weddings and graduations.
Page 24 45). The image data transferred to a Windows PC can also be further processed using Mr. Photo Gold. If a snapshot is taken while the camcorder is in the WIDE mode ( without the black bars at the top and bottom of the screen.
Page 25: Picture Stabilizer
• When shooting scenes with movement in various directions. • When shooting scenes with low-contrast backgrounds. Switch off the Picture Stabilizer when recording with the camcorder on a tripod. The “ ” indicator appears blinking if the Stabilizer cannot be used.
Page 26 FEATURE: PURPOSE: To re-record certain segments. OPERATION: 1) Make sure the camcorder is in the Record–Standby mode. 2) Press and hold either RETAKE to reach the start point for new recording. Pressing 3 forwards the tape and pressing 2 reverses it.
Page 27: Video Light
30 cm (11-13/16") between the video light and people or objects. Do not use near flammable or explosive materials. It is recommended that you consult your nearest JVC dealer for replacing the video light. Video Light FEATURE: PURPOSE: To brighten the scene when natural lighting is too dim.
Page 28: Advanced Features
EFFECT Button System Select Switch Recording Start/Stop Button NOTES: Pressing and holding the Recording Start/Stop Button allows you to vary the length for the image during fade in/out or wipe in/out. The screen becomes slightly reddish when the Fade/Wipe is used with Sepia ( With the Electronic fog filter mode pg.
Page 29 P.AE Button System Select Switch Power Switch SEPIA The scene being shot is recorded in sepia-tinted (reddish-brown) monochrome, giving the effect of an older movie. Use together with Wide ( for the authentic look of a classic Hollywood movie. SPORTS High shutter speed clearly captures fast-moving action.
Page 30: Using Menus For Detailed Adjustment
“EXPOSURE” are available while in the Record mode. RECORDING Using Menus For Detailed Adjustment This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use, on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more detailed camcorder settings. The operation system depends on the function you wish to select.
Page 31 WIDE S.LX NORMAL Allows you to superimpose one of eight preset titles ( TITLE* Makes the date/time settings appear in the camcorder or on a connected monitor DATE/TIME pg. 33). DISP.* Menu Screen Available Using The MENU Button This Menu Screen cannot be accessed while recording.
Page 32 Allows you to set the current date and time ( DATE/TIME JLIP ID NO. This number is necessary when connecting the camcorder to a device such as a computer using the J terminal (JLIP). The numbers range from 01 to 99. Factory setting is 06. DEMO MODE* * Activated only with the System Select Switch set to “VIDEO”.
Page 33: Instant Titles
Date/Time Insert Allows you to display the date and time in the camcorder or on a connected color monitor, as well as to record them manually or automatically. You should have already performed the Date/ Time Setting procedure ( pg. 13).
Page 34 Before performing the following steps, make sure that: The System Select Switch is set to “VIDEO”. The Power Switch is set to “PRO.”. The camcorder is in the Record-Standby mode. The recording mode is set to “SP”. Press MENU. The Menu Screen appears.
Page 35 INT. TIME and REC TIME indications on the normal screen Time-Lapse You can record sequentially at preset time spans. Leaving the camcorder aimed at a specific subject, you can record subtle changes over an extended period of time. NOTES: Before performing the following steps, make sure that: The System Select Switch is set to “VIDEO”.
Page 36: Exposure Control
System Select Switch Select Wheel Power Switch To brighten the image – – RECORDING Exposure Control This feature automatically adjusts the iris for the best available picture quality, but you can override it and make the adjustment manually. Manual exposure adjustment is recommended in the following situations: •...
Page 37: Auto Focus
When the focus level cannot be adjusted any farther or closer, “ ” or “ Focusing AUTO FOCUS The camcorder’s Full Range AF system offers continuous shooting ability from close-up to infinity. However, correct focus may not be obtainable in the situations listed below (in these cases use manual focusing): •When two subjects overlap in the same scene.
Page 38: White Balance Adjustment
The white balance is usually adjusted automatically. However, more advanced camcorder operators control this function manually to achieve a more professional color/tint reproduction. Set the System Select Switch to “D.S.C.” or “VIDEO”, and set the Power Switch to “PRO.”.
Page 39: Video Playback
•Press 2 to rewind, or 3 to fast-forward the tape during Stop mode. NOTES: The camcorder shuts off automatically after about 5 minutes in Stop mode. To turn on again, set the Power Switch to “OFF”, then to “PLAY”. When the Power Switch is set to “PLAY” and the LCD...
Page 40: Features
“AT” blinks. When Auto Tracking finishes, the indication disappears. When noise bars appear during playback, the camcorder enters the Auto Tracking mode and “AT” is displayed. Manual Tracking may not work with tapes recorded on other VCRs or camcorders.
Page 41: Using The Cassette Adapter
Using The Cassette Adapter Cassette Adapter (VHS Playpak) Use this to play back an S-VHS-C/VHS-C video cassette recorded with this camcorder on a VHS VCR. It is fully compatible with any S-VHS/VHS video cassette recorder. The C-P7U adapter is battery powered and automatically performs tape loading and unloading.
Page 42: Basic Connections
These are some basic types of connections. When making connections, refer also to your VCR and TV instruction manuals. A. Connection to a TV or VCR equipped with an S-VIDEO IN and A/V input connectors Connector cover* B. Connection to a TV or VCR equipped only with A/V input connectors Connector cover* * When connecting the cables, open this cover.
Page 43: Tape Dubbing
Basic Connections Make sure all units are turned off. Connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR as shown in the illustration ( If using a VCR . . . go to step 3. If not . . . go to step 4.
Page 44: D.s.c. Playback
System Select Switch Next/Previous Page (2/PAGE – or 3/PAGE +) Buttons Power Switch To move the page next Display D.S.C. PLAYBACK Still images shot using this camcoder are automatically numbered, then stored in numerical order in the built-in memory. You can view the still images stored in memory, one at a time, much like flipping through a photo album.
Page 45: Connection
Use the AC Power Adapter/Charger as the power supply instead of the battery pack. The still images stored in the camcorder’s memory are not automatically removed after being transferred to the PC. If you wish to remove those still images from the camcorder's memory, delete them ( Windows ®...
Page 46: Advanced Features
PROTECT Normal Screen D.S.C. PLAYBACK Using Menu For Detailed Adjustment This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use, on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more detailed camcorder settings. Set the System Select Switch to “D.S.C.”, and set the Power Switch to “PLAY”.
Page 47 CAUTION: While “ENTER” is selected on the Delete Execute Menu and it is blinking, switching off the camcorder or removing the power supply unit (battery pack or AC Power Adapter/Charger) may cause the camcorder’s built-in memory to become corrupt. Never remove the power supply unit at this stage.
Page 48 System Select Switch Select Wheel Power Switch MENU Button Display < > E X I T INDEX D.S.C. PLAYBACK Index You can view all still images stored in memory six at a time. Use this mode when looking for a still image you want to view and when checking the still images you shot beforehand.
Page 49 System Select Switch Select Wheel Power Switch MENU Button Display < > E X I T PROTECT PROTECT Menu < > E X I T PROTECT A padlock mark appears. Protect This mode helps prevent accidental erasure of images. Put a padlock mark next to the desired still image, and that still image cannot be deleted.
Page 50 System Select Switch Select Wheel Power Switch MENU Button Display DELETE < > N E X T DELETE DELETE Menu Screen D.S.C. PLAYBACK Delete When the memory in which still images are stored becomes full, the number of remaining shots available reaches “0”...
Page 51 FINE mode. If the remaining number of shots is not 30 in the FINE mode or 60 in the STANDARD mode when “ALL” is selected on the DELETE Menu, initialize the camcorder’s memory ( pg. 49) or pg.
Page 52: Using The Remote Control Unit
The Full-Function Remote Control Unit can operate this camcorder from a distance as well as the basic operations (Playback, Stop, Pause, Fast-Forward and Rewind) of your VCR. RM-V715U (provided) Remote sensor Buttons Infrared beam transmitting window ZOOM (T/W) Buttons PLAY Button...
Page 53: Playback Zoom
Press the ZOOM Buttons (T/W) on the remote control. Make sure the remote control is pointed at the camcorder’s remote sensor. Pressing T zooms in. To End Zoom ..press and hold W until magnification returns to normal.
Page 54: Insert Editing (Video)
Play back the tape, locate the Edit-Out point and press PAUSE. Press and hold COUNTER R/M on the camcorder for more than 1 second to reset the tape counter, then press again for less than 1 second so that “M”...
Page 55: Insert Editing (Inserting A Still Image From The Built-In Memory Onto A Tape)
Insert Editing (Insert A Still Image From The Built-in Memory Onto A Tape) You can insert a still image stored in the camcorder's built-in memory into a previously recorded tape, replacing a section of the original recording with minimal picture distortion at the in- and out-points.
Page 56: Animation And Time-Lapse
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT Remote sensor START/STOP REC. TIME INT. TIME FEATURE: Interval time PURPOSE: indicator The remote control lets you set/release Interval Time and Recording Time without using the Menu Screen. Recording time OPERATION: indicator Animation 1) Set Instead of performing steps 1 and 2 on pg.
Page 57: Troubleshooting
TROUBLESHOOTING If, after following the steps in the chart below, the problem still exists, please consult your 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/Battery Charger, etc.) and clock battery;...
Page 58 “CAMERA” (“AUTO“ or “PRO.”) ( Before recording in the Animation mode at the very beginning of a tape, set the camcorder to the Recording mode for about 5 seconds, so that the tape runs smoothly. Using the Fade-in function at this point is a good way to begin an animated program ( pg.
Page 59 (including ones for which you performed the “Protect” function) stored in the camcorder’s memory. If you wish to keep any of the still images that are stored in memory, before initialization first transfer them to a PC and save them. If image data is corrupt, transfer is impossible.
Page 60: Index
3 4 5 6 INDEX Controls, Connectors And Indicators &...
Page 61 11 pg. 12 are located beneath the such as a personal computer. For further details consult your nearest JVC dealer. is not possible if the VCR is not equipped with a J terminal. Be careful not to cover this area; a sensor necessary for shooting is built-in here.
Page 62: Indications
Indications During Recording Tape Remaining Time ... Blinks when a tape is about to reach its end. Recording Mode Indicator (SP/EP) ... Program AE Indicator ... Displayed at for approx. 2 seconds when Program AE with special effects is switched from one mode to another by pressing P.AE., then only the indicator remains at Fade/Wipe-Standby Indicator ...
Page 63: Indications During Playback
Install or replace the old battery with a new one. Appears when the tape ends during recording, playback or fast-forward. Blinks for approx. 5 seconds when the camcorder is turned on with the lens cover closed. These 2 warnings appear alternately every 3 seconds if condensation occurs. In this case, all functions except tape eject and power on/off are disabled.
Page 64: User Maintenance
When removing the eyepiece, be sure to hold the viewfinder securely. USER MAINTENANCE After Use Turn off the camcorder. Open the LCD monitor fully. Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then remove the cassette. Press PUSH to close and lock the cassette holder.
Page 65: Cautions
In case of connecting the unit’s power cord to an AC wall outlet other than American National Standard C73 series type use an AC plug adapter, called a “Siemens Plug”, as shown. For this AC plug adapter, consult your nearest JVC dealer. Video Light DANGER: •The video light becomes extremely hot.
Page 66: Main Unit
... vertically, in their original cases. CAUTIONS Main Unit 1. For safety, DO NOT ..open the camcorder’s chassis..disassemble or modify the unit..short-circuit the terminals of the battery pack. Keep it away from metallic objects when not in use.
Page 67 Serious malfunctioning If malfunctioning occurs, stop using the unit immediately and consult your local JVC dealer. Declaration of Conformity Model Number : GR-SXM920U Trade Name...
Page 68: Terms
Charge Marker ... pg. 10 Charging The Battery Pack ... pg. 10 Classic Film Effect ... pg. 40 Clean The Camcorder ... pg. 64 Clock (Lithium) Battery ... pg. 12 COM Port (RS-232C) ... pg. 45 Connection To A VCR/TV ... pg. 42 Connection To A Windows PC/Macintosh ...
Page 69 Padlock Mark ... pg. 49 Picture Mode Setting ... pg. 22 Picture Stabilizer ... pg. 25 Pin-Up Image ... pg. 21, 24 Playback (D.S.C.) ... pg. 44 Playback (VIDEO) ... pg. 39 Playback Special Effects ... pg. 40 Playback Zoom ... pg. 53 Power Switch Position ...
Page 70: Specifications
Camcorder General Format : VHS NTSC standard Power source : DC 6.0 V Power consumption LCD monitor off, viewfinder on : 4.7 W LCD monitor on, viewfinder off : 5.2 W LCD monitor on, viewfinder on : 5.7 W Video light : 3.0 W...
Page 71: Español
ESPAÑOL Batería BN-V12U o BN-V20U Marcas Indicador CHARGE (carga) Adaptador/ Cargador de CA AA-V16U Conector DC OUT Batería Tiempo de carga BN-V11U aprox. 1 h 10 min BN-V12U (opcional) aprox. 1 h 10 min BN-V20U (opcional) aprox. 1 h 50 min ATENCION: La carga de la batería sin que esté...
Page 72 GUIA PARA OPERACION RAPIDA (VIDEO) Si la unidad comienza a funcionar mal, deje de usarla inmediatamente y consulte a su concesionario local de JVC. ALIMENTACION Enganche. BATTERY RELEASE Utilización de la batería Enganche el lado extremo de la batería en la cámara de video...
Page 73 GUIA PARA OPERACION RAPIDA (D.S.C.) Si la unidad comienza a funcionar mal, deje de usarla inmediatamente y consulte a su concesionario local de JVC. ALIMENTACION Enganche. Empuje. BATTERY RELEASE Utilización de la batería Enganche el lado extremo de la batería en la cámara de video...
Page 74: For Servicing (Only In U.s.a.)
JVC SERVICE & ENGINEERING COMPANY OF AMERICA Pack your JVC unit in the original carton or one of equivalent size and strength. Enclose, with the unit, a letter stating the problem or symptom that exists and also a copy of the receipt or bill of sale you received when you purchased your JVC unit.
Page 75: Warranty (Only In U.s.a.)
WHAT WE WILL DO: If this product is found to be defective, JVC will repair or replace defective parts at no charge to the original owner. Such repair and replacement services shall be rendered by JVC during normal business hours at JVC authorized service centers.

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