Page 1: Table Of Contents
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA GR-DVF31 Please visit our CyberCam Homepage on the World Wide Web and answer our Consumer Survey (in English only): http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/index-e.html INSTRUCTIONS For Customer Use: Enter below the Model No. and Serial No. which is located on the bottom of cabinet.
Page 2: Safety Precautions
Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing this digital video camera. 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. •Notes appear after most subsections.
Page 3: 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 4 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 5: Safety Precautions 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Do not point the lens or the viewfinder directly into the sun. This can cause eye injuries, as well as lead to the malfunctioning of internal circuitry. There is also a risk of fire or electric shock. CAUTION! The following notes concern possible physical damage to the camcorder and to the user.
Page 6: Getting Started
Battery pack BN-V207U or BN-V214U CHARGE indicator POWER indicator AC Power Adapter/Charger AA-V20U DC OUT connector Battery pack BN-V207U approx. 1 hr. 30 min. BN-V214U (optional) approx. 3 hrs. NOTES: Perform charging where the temperature is between 10° and 30°C (50°F and 86°F). 20° to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) is the ideal temperature range for charging.
Page 7: Battery Release Switch
BATTERY RELEASE Switch Hook on. 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. AC Power Adapter/Charger AA-V20U To AC outlet To DC OUT connector USING THE BATTERY PACK Hook the non-terminal end of the battery pack to the camcorder...
Page 8: Date/Time Settings
Power lamp Power Switch Display Recording Menu FOCUS AUTO EXPOSURE AUTO W. BALANCE AUTO FADER / WIPE P. AE / EFFECT TO MODE MENU Mode Menu REC MODE WIDE MODE ZOOM GAIN UP TO DATE / TIME MENU TO SYSTEM MENU –...
Page 9: Loading/Unloading A Cassette
Erase protection switch* OPEN/EJECT Switch Cassette holder PUSH OPEN Button Cassette cover PUSH HERE * To Protect Valuable Recordings ..slide the erase protection switch on the back of the tape in the direction of “SAVE”. This prevents the tape from being recorded over.
Page 10: Recording Mode Setting
Power lamp Power Switch Display Recording Menu FOCUS AUTO EXPOSURE AUTO W. BALANCE AUTO FADER / WIPE P. AE / EFFECT TO MODE MENU Mode Menu REC MODE WIDE MODE ZOOM GAIN UP TO DATE / TIME MENU TO SYSTEM MENU –...
Page 11: Grip Adjustment
Power Zoom Lever Recording Start/Stop Button Diopter Adjustment Control Power Switch Grip Adjustment Separate the Velcro strip. Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the grip. Adjust so that your thumb and fingers can easily operate the Recording Start/Stop Button and the Power Zoom Lever.
Page 12: Recording
Recording Start/Stop Button Power Switch Display 25 min During shooting Tape remaining time indicator (Approximate) 90 min 89 min (Now calculating) 0 min 1 min (Blinking) (Blinking) Recording Start/Stop Button – – – – – – – – – – BRIGHT To Adjust The Brightness Of The Display ...
Page 13: Journalistic Shooting
Power Switch Position (Full Auto mode): Suitable for standard recording using NO special effects or manual adjustments. When set to this mode, “F.AUTO” appears. (Manual mode): Allows you to set recording functions using the menus for more creative capabilities. When set to this mode, “MANUAL”...
Page 14 Zoom in (T: Telephoto) Zoom out (W: Wide angle) Zoom display Digital zoom zone 16X (optical) zoom zone Approximate zoom ratio Power Zoom Lever Power Switch RECORDING FEATURE: PURPOSE: To produce a zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous change in image magnification. OPERATION: Zoom In Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards “T”.
Page 15: 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 16 NOTE: Recording From The Middle Of A Tape Time Code During recording, a time code is recorded on the tape. This code is to confirm the location of the recorded scene on the tape during playback. If recording starts from a blank portion, the time code begins counting from “00:00:00” (minute:second:frame).
Page 17: Advanced Features
RECORDING Advanced Features SNAPSHOT Button MODE Button Power Switch Display Snapshot mode FULL During snapshot PHOTO PIN-UP MULTI-4 Pin-Up mode* Multi-Analyzer 4 FRAME MULTI-9 Snapshot mode with Multi-Analyzer 9 frame* * :There is a momentary camera shutter-type blackout together with the sound effect of a shutter closing, which is recorded together with the...
Page 18 MENU/BRIGHT Dial Power Switch Display Recording Menu FOCUS MANUAL EXPOSURE AUTO W. BALANCE AUTO FADER / WIPE P. AE / EFFECT TO MODE MENU REC MODE Mode Menu WIDE MODE ZOOM GAIN UP TO DATE / TIME MENU TO SYSTEM MENU –...
Page 19 Recording Menu Explanations Refer to “Focusing” ( FOCUS EXPOSURE Refer to “Exposure Control” and “Iris Lock” ( Refer to “White Balance Adjustment” and “Manual White Balance Operation” ( W.BALANCE Refer to “Fade/Wipe Effects” ( FADER/WIPE P.AE/EFFECT Refer to “Program AE With Special Effects” ( TO MODE MENU Refer to “Mode Menu Explanations”...
Page 20 Date/Time Menu Explanations INDICATION ON SCREEN * DISPLAY Allows you to set the current date and time ( DATE/TIME * You can also change “ON SCREEN” to “ON” or “OFF” by pressing the DISPLAY button on the RM-V711U remote control. System Menu Explanations TELE MACRO WIND CUT...
Page 21 MENU/BRIGHT Dial Power Switch NOTES: The Date/Time is always displayed when the Power Switch is set to “ ”. Connect the camcorder to a TV and set “ON SCREEN” to “ON” in the Date/Time Menu. The display appears on the connected TV . Even if “ON SCREEN”...
Page 22 Fade/Wipe Effects These effects let you make pro-style scene transitions. Use them to spice up the transition from one scene to the next. You can also vary transitions from scene to scene. IMPORTANT: Some Fade/Wipe Effects cannot be used with certain modes of Program AE with special effects ( pg.
Page 23 Fader And Wipe Menu Menu FADER — WHITE FADER — BLACK FADER — MOSAIC FADER — B.W WIPE — CORNER WIPE — WINDOW WIPE — SLIDE WIPE — DOOR WIPE — SCROLL WIPE — SHUTTER DISSOLVE WIPE — CORNER WIPE — WINDOW WIPE —...
Page 24: Program Ae With Special Effects
IMPORTANT: Some modes of Program AE with special effects cannot be used with certain Fade/Wipe Effects pg. 23). If an unusable mode is selected, its indicator blinks. Display P. AE / EFFECT 1/500 SHUTTER 1/500 TWILIGHT SEPIA MONOTONE SEL. CLASSIC FILM STROBE SLOW 4X P.AE/EFFECT Menu...
Page 25: Auto Focus
Focus detection zone NOTES: If the lens is smeared or blurred, accurate focusing is not possible. Keep the lens clean, wiping with a piece of soft cloth if it gets dirty. When condensation occurs, wipe with a soft cloth or wait for it to dry naturally. When shooting a subject close to the lens, zoom out first ( pg.
Page 26 MENU/BRIGHT Dial Power Switch EXP. EXP. EXP. Exposure control indicator 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 27: Iris Lock
MENU/BRIGHT Dial Power Switch EXP. Iris lock indicator Iris Lock Use this function in the following situations: When shooting a moving subject. When the distance to the subject changes (so its size in the LCD monitor or the viewfinder changes), such as when the subject is backing away.
Page 28: White Balance Adjustment
White Balance Adjustment A term that refers to the correctness of color reproduction under various lighting. If the white balance is correct, all other colors will be accurately reproduced. The white balance is usually adjusted automatically. However, more advanced camcorder operators control this function manually to achieve a more professional color/tint reproduction.
Page 29: Playback
PLAYBACK Basic Playback Power Zoom Lever (VOL.) Power lamp Speaker Rewind Button Fast-Forward Button Play/Pause Button Stop Button Still Playback: Pauses during playback. 1) Press 4/6 during playback. 2) To resume normal playback, press 4/6 again. If still playback continues for more than about 3 minutes, the camcorder’s Stop mode is automatically engaged.
Page 30: Advanced Features
MENU/BRIGHT Dial Power Switch Display Playback Menu 48kHz MODE FULL SOUND 32kHz MODE SOUND1 SYNCHRO 0 . 0 INDICATION DISPLAY TIME CODE 48kHz MODE FULL SOUND 32kHz MODE SOUND1 SYNCHRO 0 . 0 INDICATION DISPLAY TIME CODE PLAYBACK Playback Menu The Playback Menu allows you to set the following functions: Playback Sound (32 kHz, 48 kHz), Synchro Comp,...
Page 31 Playback Sound During playback, the camcorder detects the sound mode in which the recording was made, and plays the sound back. Select the type of sound to accompany your playback picture. (32 kHz is preset to “SOUND 1” and 48 kHz is preset to “FULL SOUND”.) Recording sound 32 kHz 48 kHz...
Page 32: Basic Connections
These are some basic types of connections. When making the connections, refer also to your VCR and TV instruction manuals. Connection to a TV or VCR equipped with an S-VIDEO A. Connection to a TV or VCR equipped with an S-VIDEO IN and A/V input IN and A/V input connectors connectors Use optional S-Video and Audio cables.
Page 33 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. Connect the VCR output to the TV input, referring to your VCR’s instruction manual.
Page 34: Advanced Connections
Power Switch Connector cover* To DV IN/OUT DV cable (optional) PC connection cable (provided) To DV connector To RS-232C PC with DV connector-equipped capture board * When connecting cables, open this cover. Connection To A Personal Computer This camcorder can transfer still images to a PC by using the provided software when connected as shown in the illustration.
Page 35 Power Switch Connector cover* To DV IN/OUT DV cable (optional) To DV IN connector Video unit equipped with a DV input connector To PC connector Digital Printer PC connection cable (provided) To RS-232C * When connecting cables, open this cover. Connection To A Video Unit Equipped With A DV Connector Connection to the GV-DT3 Digital Printer (optional) allows...
Page 36: Tape Dubbing
To Video Output* White to Audio Red to Audio Output L Output R Audio/Video cable (optional) White to Red to AUDIO L IN AUDIO R IN To VIDEO IN* VCR (Recording deck) * Connect when an S-Video cable is not used. Tape Dubbing Following the illustration, connect the camcorder and the VCR.
Page 37: Digital Dubbing
( If the remote control is used when both the player and recorder are JVC video units, both units will perform the same operation. To prevent this from happening, press the buttons on both units.
Page 38: Using The Remote Control Unit
Knob Remote sensor USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT Installing The Battery 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. It also makes additional playback functions possible.
Page 39 Buttons PAUSE IN Connector Zoom (T/W) Buttons DISPLAY Button SHIFT Button SLOW Rewind/Forward Buttons Left/Right Buttons FADE/WIPE Button REW Button EFFECT Button EFFECT ON/OFF Button Infrared beam transmitting window START/STOP Button AUDIO MONITOR Button MBR SET Button Down Button A. DUB Button Up Button INSERT Button* FF Button...
Page 40 USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT Remote sensor Zoom Buttons SHIFT Left or SLOW Rewind Button Right or SLOW Forward Button RM-V711U (provided) Normal playback Press T FEATURE: PURPOSE: To allow slow-speed search in either direction. OPERATION: 1) To change from normal to Slow-Motion Playback, press PAUSE (6) at the desired point.
Page 41: Playback Special Effects
PLAYBACK EFFECT PLAYBACK EFFECT Select Menu CLASSIC FILM MONOTONE SEPIA STROBE VIDEO ECHO Remote sensor PLAY EFFECT RM-V711U (provided) FEATURE: PURPOSE: To allow you to add creative effects to the playback image. OPERATION: 1) To start playback, press PLAY (4). 2) Point the remote control at the camcorder's remote sensor and press EFFECT.
Page 42: Random Assemble Editing
MBR SET VCR BRAND BUTTONS NAME (A) (B) PHILIPS IMPORTANT Although the MBR is compatible with JVC VCRs and PANASONIC those of many other makers, it may not work with yours or may offer limited functions. NOTES: SANYO SHARP SONY...
Page 43: Make Connections
** When connecting cables, open this cover. MAKE CONNECTIONS Also refer to pg. 32 and 33. To connect to: A JVC VCR equipped with a remote pause connector . . . Connector ... connect the editing cable to the Remote...
Page 44 USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT Program MODE Random Assemble – – – – : – – ~ Editing Menu TIME CODE – – : – – TOTAL 0 0 : 0 0 Remote sensor RM-V711U (provided) FADE/WIPE EFFECT EDIT IN/OUT CANCEL NOTES: When choosing a scene, set Edit-In and Edit-Out points so that there is a relatively large difference between...
Page 45 Recording Start/Stop Button MODE Random Assemble 0 0 : 2 5 ~ 0 2 : 0 5 – – 0 7 : 1 8 ~ 0 8 : 3 1 – – Editing Menu 3 – – 0 3 : 3 3 ~ 0 5 : 5 3 0 9 : 3 0 ~ 1 3 : 1 5 1 5 : 5 5 ~ 1 6 : 2 0 –...
Page 46: For More Accurate Editing
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT Program 1 MODE Random Assemble – – – – : – – ~ Editing Menu TIME CODE – – : – – TOTAL 0 0 : 0 0 (Recording deck) Remote sensor RM-V711U (provided) For More Accurate Editing Some VCRs make the transition from Record-Standby to Record mode faster than others.
Page 47 MENU/BRIGHT Dial Display Playback Menu 48kHz MODE FULL SOUND 32kHz MODE SOUND1 SYNCHRO 0 . 0 INDICATION DISPLAY TIMECODE 48kHz MODE FULL SOUND 32kHz MODE SOUND1 SYNCHRO 0 . 0 INDICATION DISPLAY TIMECODE (Recording deck) ADJUSTMENT OF VCR/CAMCORDER TIMING Point the remote control at the camcorder’s remote sensor and press R.A.EDIT ON/OFF to make the Random Assemble Editing menu disappear, then press MENU/BRIGHT.
Page 48: Audio Dubbing
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT Display Audio Dub Standby mode Power Switch Speaker Remote sensor AUDIO MONITOR DISPLAY PLAY RM-V711U (provided) Recording sound FULL SOUND 32 kHz SOUND 2 SOUND 1 Audio Dubbing The audio track can be customized only when recorded in the 32 kHz mode ( NOTES: Audio Dubbing is not possible on a tape recorded at...
Page 49: Troubleshooting
TROUBLESHOOTING If, after following the steps in the chart below, the problem still exists, please consult your nearest 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 wait a few minutes;...
Page 50 SYMPTOM 10. Digital Zoom does not work. 11. Program AE with special effects and Fade/Wipe Effects do not work. 12. The Black & White Fader does not work. 13. The Dissolve function does not work. 14. The Picture Wipe and Dissolve functions do not work.
Page 51 SYMPTOM 16. Scene transition does not go as expected. 17. The Video Echo mode does not work. 18. Even when Slow Shutter is not selected, the image looks like it is activated. 19. There is no strobe when the Classic Film or Strobe mode is activated.
Page 52 LCD monitor become dark. Consult your nearest JVC dealer. 26. •The light used to illuminate the LCD monitor causes it to become hot. 27. •This may occur when the surface or the edge of the LCD monitor is pressed.
Page 53 If the indication remains even though you repeat the above two or three times, please consult your nearest JVC dealer. 38. •To protect the battery, it is recommended to charge it in places with a temperature of 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F) (...
Page 54: User Maintenance
After Use Turn off the camcorder. Press PUSH OPEN and open the LCD monitor. Slide OPEN/EJECT in the direction of the arrow, then swing the cassette cover open until it locks. The cassette holder opens automatically. Remove the cassette. Press “PUSH HERE” to close the cassette holder, then close the cassette cover.
Page 55: 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 can become extremely hot.
Page 56: Main Unit
Also refer to the Cleaning Cassette’s instructions. If, after using the Cleaning Cassette, the problems still exist, consult your nearest JVC dealer. Mechanical moving parts used to move the video heads and video tape tend to become dirty and worn out over time.
Page 57 Serious malfunctioning If malfunctioning occurs, stop using the unit immediately and consult your local JVC dealer. The camcorder is a microcomputer-controlled device. External noise and interference (from a TV, a radio, etc.) might prevent it from function- ing properly.
Page 58: Index
INDEX & Controls, Connectors And Indicators...
Page 59: Control
Random Assemble Editing ( pg. 8, 18 •It is used to connect the camcorder to a device such as a personal computer. pg. 12 For further details, consult your nearest JVC dealer. pg. 17 •JLIP-controlled editing from the camcorder to a pg. 12 VCR is not possible if the VCR is not equipped with a J terminal.
Page 60: Indications
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Recording 200X Displays the operation mode position. Appears when Auto Slow Shutter is engaged (“GAIN UP” is set to “AUTO”). Appears when in the Squeeze or Cinema mode. Appears when Digital Image Stabilizer (“DIS”) is engaged. Appears when in the Record-Standby mode.
Page 61: Warning Indications
Remove the power E01 — E06 supply (battery, etc.) and wait a few minutes for the indication to clear. When it does, you can resume using the camcorder. If the indication remains, consult your nearest JVC dealer. WIDE DEC 25 ’...
Page 62: Terms
AC Power Adapter/Charger ... Audio Dubbing ... Auto Focus ... Auto Shut off ... Battery Low ... Battery Pack ... Brighten The LCD Monitor ... Built-in Clock’s Lithium Battery ... Charge The Battery Pack ... Cinema ... Classic Film ... Clean The Camcorder ...
Page 63: Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS General Power supply Power consumption LCD monitor off, viewfinder on : Approx. 4.6 W LCD monitor on, viewfinder off : Approx. 5.7 W Video light Format Signal format Video signal recording format Cassette Tape Speed Maximum recording time Pickup Lens Filter diameter LCD monitor...

This manual is also suitable for:

Gr-dvf31u

JVC GR-DVF31 Instructions Manual

Safety Precautions

Provided Accessories

Getting Started

Recording

Playback

Tape Dubbing

Using the Remote Control Unit

Troubleshooting

User Maintenance

Cautions

Index

Specifications

Quick Links

DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA

Related Manuals for JVC GR-DVF31

Summary of Contents for JVC GR-DVF31

This manual is also suitable for:

Table of Contents