JVC GR DVL355 User Manual

ENGLISH  
CONTENTS  
AUTOMATIC  
DEMONSTRATION  
6
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA  
GETTING STARTED  
7 – 14  
VIDEO RECORDING &  
PLAYBACK  
15 – 24  
GR-DVL557  
GR-DVL555  
GR-DVL450  
GR-DVL357  
GR-DVL355  
GR-DVL157  
GR-DVL150  
VIDEO RECORDING............16 – 20  
VIDEO PLAYBACK..............21 – 24  
DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.)  
RECORDING &  
PLAYBACK  
25 – 36  
D.S.C. RECORDING ............26 – 27  
D.S.C. PLAYBACK ..............28 – 36  
ADVANCED  
FEATURES  
37 – 69  
FOR RECORDING ................38 – 45  
USING THE MENU FOR  
DETAILED ADJUSTMENT ......46 – 51  
DUBBING .........................52 – 56  
USING THE REMOTE  
CONTROL UNIT ................57 – 67  
SYSTEM CONNECTIONS ........68 – 69  
Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide Web and  
answer our Consumer Survey (in English only):  
REFERENCES  
70 – 91  
DETAILS ...................................71  
TROUBLESHOOTING ............72 – 76  
USER MAINTENANCE ...................77  
INDEX .............................78 – 84  
CAUTIONS ........................85 – 87  
TERMS ............................88 – 89  
SPECIFICATIONS .................90 – 91  
The camcorder illustrations  
appearing in this instruction  
manual are of the GR-DVL557.  
The D.S.C. (Digital Still Camera) features  
are available on GR-DVL557, GR-DVL555,  
GR-DVL357 and GR-DVL355.  
INSTRUCTIONS  
LYT0727-001A  
EN  
EN3  
CAUTIONS:  
This camcorder is designed to be used with PAL-type colour television signals. It cannot be used for  
playback with a television of a different standard. However, live recording and LCD monitor/viewfinder  
playback are possible anywhere.  
Use the JVC BN-V408U/V416U/V428U battery packs and, to recharge them or to supply power to the  
camcorder from an AC outlet, use the provided multi-voltage AC Adapter and Power Cord. (An  
appropriate conversion adapter may be necessary to accommodate different designs of AC outlets in  
different countries.)  
When the equipment is installed in a cabinet or on a shelf, make sure that it has sufficient space on all  
sides to allow for ventilation (10 cm or more on both sides, on top and at the rear).  
Do not block the ventilation holes.  
(If the ventilation holes are blocked by a newspaper, or cloth etc. the heat may not be able to get out.)  
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.  
When discarding batteries, environmental problems must be considered and the local rules or laws  
governing the disposal of these batteries must be followed strictly.  
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing.  
Do not use this equipment in a bathroom or places with water.  
Also do not place any containers filled with water or liquids (such as cosmetics or medicines, flower vases,  
potted plants, cups etc.) on top of this unit.  
(If water or liquid is allowed to enter this equipment, fire or electric shock may be caused.)  
SOME DO’S AND DON’TS ON THE SAFE USE  
OF EQUIPMENT  
This equipment has been designed and manufactured to meet international safety standards but, like any  
electrical equipment, care must be taken if you are to obtain the best results and safety is to be assured.  
DO  
DO  
read the operating instructions before you attempt to use the equipment.  
ensure that all electrical connections (including the mains plug, extension leads and interconnections  
between pieces of equipment) are properly made and in accordance with the manufacturers  
instructions. Switch off and withdraw the mains plug when making or changing connections.  
consult your dealer if you are ever in doubt about the installation, operation or safety of your  
equipment.  
DO  
DO  
be careful with glass panels or doors on equipment.  
DON’T continue to operate the equipment if you are in any doubt about it working normally, or if it is  
damaged in any way switch off, withdraw the mains plug and consult your dealer.  
DON’T remove any fixed cover as this may expose dangerous voltages.  
DON’T leave equipment switched on when it is unattended unless it is specifically stated that it is designed for  
unattended operation or has a standby mode. Switch off using the switch on the equipment and make  
sure that your family knows how to do this. Special arrangements may need to be made for infirm or  
handicapped people.  
DON’T use equipment such as personal stereos or radios so that you are distracted from the requirements of  
road safety. It is illegal to watch television whilst driving.  
DON’T listen to headphones at high volume, as such use can permanently damage your hearing.  
DON’T obstruct the ventilation of the equipment, for example with curtains or soft furnishings. Overheating  
will cause damage and shorten the life of the equipment.  
DON’T use makeshift stands and NEVER fix legs with wood screws to ensure complete safety always fit the  
manufacturers approved stand or legs with the fixings provided according to the instructions.  
DON’T allow electrical equipment to be exposed to rain or moisture.  
ABOVE ALL  
NEVER let anyone especially children push anything into holes, slots or any other opening in the case —  
this could result in a fatal electrical shock;  
NEVER guess or take chances with electrical equipment of any kind it is better to be safe than sorry!  
4
EN  
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.  
When carrying, be sure to always securely attach and use the provided shoulder strap.  
Carrying or holding the camcorder by the viewfinder and/or the LCD monitor can result in  
dropping the unit, or in a malfunction.  
Take care not to get your finger caught in the cassette holder cover. Do not let children operate  
the camcorder, as they are particularly susceptible to this type of injury.  
Do not use a tripod on unsteady or unlevel surfaces. It could tip over, causing serious damage  
to the camcorder.  
CAUTION!  
Connecting cables (Audio/Video, S-Video, etc.) to the camcorder and leaving the unit on top of  
the TV is not recommended, as tripping on the cables will cause the camcorder to fall, resulting  
in damage.  
This camcorder is designed exclusively for the digital video cassette, SD Memory Card and  
MultiMediaCard. Only cassettes marked “ ” and memory cards* marked “ ” or  
can be used with this unit.  
Before recording an important scene . . .  
.... make sure you only use cassettes with the Mini DV mark  
.
.... make sure you only use memory cards* with the mark  
or  
.
.... remember that this camcorder is not compatible with other digital video formats.  
.... remember that this camcorder is intended for private consumer use only. Any commercial use  
without proper permission is prohibited. (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.)  
*Memory cards can be used with GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only.  
EN5  
PROVIDED ACCESSORIES  
AC Adapter  
AP-V10EG  
Remote Control Unit  
RM-V717U  
Battery Pack  
BN-V408U  
AAA (R03) Battery x 2  
(for remote control  
unit)  
Power Cord  
Cable Adapter  
Shoulder Strap  
Lens Cap (Already  
attached to the  
camcorder)  
Memory Card (8 MB)  
CD-ROM  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL357/DVL355 only)  
(Already inserted in the  
camcorder)  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL450/DVL357/DVL355/  
DVL157 only)  
Core Filter x 2 (GR-DVL150 only)  
(for optional S-Video cable and PC Connection cable provided  
with optional HS-V16KIT software) pg. 6 for attachment  
Core Filter x 1  
(GR-DVL450/DVL157 only)  
(for optional S-Video cable)  
pg. 6 for attachment  
Editing Cable  
GR-DVL450/DVL157:  
One plug has 3 rings around the pin,  
and the other has  
1 ring around the pin.  
GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/  
DVL355/DVL150:  
USB Cable  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL357/DVL355 only)  
Both plugs have 1 ring around the pin.  
Audio/Video Cable  
(ø3.5 mini-plug to RCA plug)  
PC Connection Cable  
(GR-DVL450/DVL157  
only)  
NOTE:  
In order to maintain optimum performance of the camcorder, provided cables may be equipped  
with one or more core filter. If a cable has only one core filter, the end that is closest to the filter  
should be connected to the camcorder.  
6
EN  
How To Attach The Core Filter  
Attach the Core Filter(s) (if provided with your model pg. 5) to an optional cable(s). The Core Filter reduces  
interference.  
1
2
3
3 cm  
Stopper  
Wind once  
Release the  
Run the cable through the Core Filter, leaving approx.  
Close the Core Filter until it  
clicks shut.  
stoppers on both 3 cm of cable between the cable plug and the Core  
ends of the Core  
Filter.  
Filter. Wind the cable once around the outside of the  
Core Filter as shown in the illustration.  
Wind the cable so that it is not slack.  
NOTE:  
Take care not to damage the cable.  
When connecting cables, attach the end with the Core Filter to the camcorder.  
AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION  
Automatic Demonstration takes place when DEMO MODE”  
is set to ON(factory-preset).  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Available when the Power Switch is set to “ ” or “ ” and no  
cassette is in the camcorder.  
Performing any operation during the demonstration stops the  
demonstration temporarily. If no operation is performed for more  
than 1 minute after that, the demonstration will resume.  
DEMO MODEremains ONeven if the camcorder power is  
turned off.  
Lock Button  
To cancel Automatic Demonstration:  
1. Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down the Lock  
Button located on the switch and press the MENU/BRIGHT  
wheel in. The Menu Screen appears.  
Power Switch  
Sub Menu  
2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “  
SYSTEMand  
press it. The SYSTEM Menu appears.  
3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select DEMO MODEand  
press it. The Sub Menu appears.  
4. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select OFFand press it.  
5. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select 1RETURN, and  
press it twice. The normal screen appears.  
DEMO MODE  
OFF  
ON  
NOTE:  
If you do not detach the Lens Cap, you cannot see the actual changes  
of the Automatic Demonstration activated on the LCD monitor or  
viewfinder.  
GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL357/DVL355 only  
GETTING STARTED  
EN7  
GETTING STARTED  
CONTENTS  
Power.................................................. 8 – 9  
Grip Adjustment ......................................... 10  
Viewfinder Adjustment.................................. 10  
Shoulder Strap Attachment ............................. 10  
Tripod Mounting.......................................... 10  
Date/Time Settings...................................... 11  
Loading/Unloading A Cassette ......................... 12  
Recording Mode Setting ................................. 13  
Loading A Memory Card  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only) ............... 14  
Picture Quality Mode Setting  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only) ............... 14  
GETTING STARTED (cont.)  
8
EN  
BAT. RELEASE Switch  
Power  
This camcorders 2-way power supply system lets you  
choose the most appropriate source of power. Do not use  
provided power supply units with other equipment.  
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK  
1
3
Tilt the viewfinder upward 1. With the arrow on the  
2
1
battery pack pointing downward, push the battery  
pack slightly against the battery pack mount 2, then  
slide down the battery pack until it locks in place 3.  
Power Switch  
Set the Power Switch to OFF. Connect the AC  
Adapter to the camcorder 4, then connect the Power  
Cord to the AC Adapter 5.  
2
3
4
CHARGE Lamp  
Plug the Power Cord into an AC outlet 6.  
The CHARGE lamp on the camcorder blinks to  
indicate charging has started.  
Battery pack  
When the CHARGE lamp stops blinking but stays lit,  
charging is finished. Unplug the Power Cord from the  
AC outlet. Disconnect the AC Adapter from the  
camcorder.  
AC Adapter  
To Detach The Battery Pack . . .  
.... slide BAT. RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.  
NOTES:  
To DC  
connector  
If the protective cap is attached to the battery pack,  
remove it first.  
4
5
During charging, the camcorder cannot be operated.  
Charging is not possible if the wrong type of battery is  
used.  
When charging the battery pack for the first time or after  
a long storage period, the CHARGE lamp may not light.  
In this case, remove the battery pack from the  
camcorder, then try charging again.  
To AC outlet  
6
If the battery operation time remains extremely short  
even after having been fully charged, the battery is worn  
out and needs to be replaced. Please purchase a new  
one.  
Using the optional AA-V40EG or AA-V40EK AC Power  
Adapter/Charger, you can charge the BN-V408U/  
V416U/V428U battery pack without the camcorder.  
However, it cannot be used as an AC adapter.  
Battery pack  
BN-V408U  
Charging time  
approx. 1 hr. 30 min.  
approx. 2 hrs.  
BN-V416U (optional)  
BN-V428U (optional)  
approx. 3 hrs. 20 min.  
For other notes, pg. 71  
EN9  
USING THE BATTERY PACK  
ATTENTION:  
Perform step 1 of CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK”  
Before detaching the power source, make  
sure that the camcorders power is turned  
off. Failure to do so can result in a  
camcorder malfunction.  
(pg. 8).  
Approximate recording time  
Battery pack  
LCD monitor on  
Viewfinder on  
BN-V408U  
1 hr.  
1 hr. 15 min.  
(40 min.)  
NOTES:  
(35 min.)  
Recording time is reduced significantly under  
the following conditions:  
BN-V416U  
(optional)  
2 hrs.  
(1 hr. 10 min.)  
2 hrs. 30 min.  
(1 hr. 20 min.)  
Zoom or Record-Standby mode is engaged  
repeatedly.  
BN-V428U  
(optional)  
3 hrs. 30 min.  
(2 hrs.)  
4 hrs. 20 min.  
(2 hrs. 20 min.)  
The LCD monitor is used repeatedly.  
The playback mode is engaged repeatedly.  
Before extended use, it is recommended that  
you prepare enough battery packs to cover 3  
times the planned shooting time.  
BN-V840U  
(optional)  
5 hrs.  
6 hrs. 15 min.  
(3 hrs. 20 min.)  
(2 hrs. 55 min.)  
BN-V856U  
(optional)  
7 hrs.  
(4 hrs.)  
8 hrs. 40 min.  
(4 hrs. 40 min.)  
(
) : when the video light is on  
INFORMATION:  
The extended-use battery pack kit is a set composed of a battery pack and AC Power Adapter/Charger:  
VU-V840 KIT : BN-V840U battery pack & AA-V15EG AC Power Adapter/Charger  
VU-V856 KIT : BN-V856U battery pack & AA-V80EG AC Power Adapter/Charger  
Read the kit's instruction manual before using.  
Neither BN-V840U nor BN-V856U can be charged by using the AC Adapter provided with this camcorder. Use only  
the AA-V15EG AC Power Adapter/Charger for BN-V840U battery pack and only AA-V80EG AC Power Adapter/  
Charger for BN-V856U battery pack. Also, by using the optional JVC VC-VBN856U DC Cord, it will be possible to  
connect BN-V840U or BN-V856U battery packs to the camcorder and supply power directly to the camcorder.  
USING AC POWER  
AC Adapter  
Use the AC Adapter (connect as shown in the illustration).  
NOTES:  
The provided AC Adapter features automatic voltage  
selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V.  
For other notes, pg. 71.  
To DC  
connector  
To AC outlet  
Lithium-ion is vulnerable in colder temperatures.  
About Batteries  
DANGER! Do not attempt to take the batteries apart, or expose them to flame or excessive heat, as it may  
cause a fire or explosion.  
WARNING! Do not allow the battery or its terminals to come in contact with metals, as this can result in a  
short circuit and possibly start a fire.  
The Benefits Of Lithium-Ion Batteries  
Lithium-ion battery packs are small but have a large power capacity. However, when one is exposed to cold  
temperatures (below 10°C), its usage time becomes shorter and it may cease to function. If this happens, place the  
battery pack in your pocket or other warm, protected place for a short time, then re-attach it to the camcorder. As  
long as the battery pack itself is not cold, it should not affect performance.  
(If youre using a heating pad, make sure the battery pack does not come in direct contact with it.)  
GETTING STARTED (cont.)  
Grip Adjustment  
10  
EN  
Power Zoom Lever  
Separate the Velcro strip.  
1
2
3
Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp  
the grip.  
Recording Start/  
Stop button  
Adjust your thumb and fingers through the grip,  
to easily operate the Recording Start/Stop button  
and Power Switch and Power Zoom Lever. Be  
sure to fasten the Velcro strip to your preference.  
Power Switch  
Viewfinder Adjustment  
Set the Power Switch to “ ” or “ ” while  
pressing down the Lock Button located on the  
switch.  
Dioptre  
Adjustment Control  
1
2
Turn the Dioptre Adjustment Control until the  
indications in the viewfinder are clearly  
focused.  
PAUSE  
Shoulder Strap Attachment  
Make sure the battery pack is removed.  
1 Following the illustration, thread the strap  
through the eyelet 1, then fold it back and  
thread it through the buckle 2. Repeat the  
procedure to attach the other end of the strap to  
the other eyelet 3 located under the Grip Strap.  
Confirm the strap is not twisted.  
1
2
3
Tripod Mounting  
CAUTION:  
When attaching the camera to a tripod,  
extend its legs to stabilise the camcorder. It  
is not advised to use small sized tripods.  
This may cause damage to the unit by  
falling over.  
To attach the camera to a tripod, align the  
1
direction stud and screw to the mounting socket  
and stud hole on the camera. Then tighten the  
screw clockwise. Some tripods are not  
equipped with studs.  
EN11  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Power Lamp  
Date/Time Settings  
The date/time is recorded onto the tape at all times, but its  
display can be turned on or off during playback  
(pg. 50, 51).  
Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down  
the Lock Button located on the switch. The power  
lamp lights and the camcorder is turned on.  
1
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in to access the  
2
3
Menu Screen.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
Lock Button  
DISPLAY. Press it and the DISPLAY Menu  
appears.  
Power Switch  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select CLOCK  
ADJ.. Press it and dayis highlighted.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to input the day.  
Press it. Repeat to input the month, year, hour and  
minute.  
4
Display  
W I P E / FADER  
PROGRAM AE  
W. BALANCE  
CAMERA  
OF  
F
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
MANUAL  
1RETURN, and press it twice. The Menu Screen  
SYSTEM  
D I SPLAY  
DSC  
closes.  
GR-DVL557/  
NOTE:  
END  
DVL555/DVL357/  
DVL355 only  
Even if you select CLOCK ADJ., if the parameter is not  
highlighted the camcorders internal clock continues to  
operate. Once you move the highlight bar to the first date/  
time parameter (day), the clock stops. When you finish  
setting the minute and press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in,  
the date and time begin operation from the date and time  
you just set.  
DISPLAY Menu  
ON SCREEN  
DATE / T I ME  
T I ME CODE  
CLOCK  
LCD / TV  
AUTO  
OFF  
25 . 12 . 01  
17 : 30  
ADJ .  
RETURN  
CLOCK  
ADJ .  
25 . 12 . 01  
17 : 30  
GETTING STARTED (cont.)  
12  
EN  
Loading/Unloading A Cassette  
Erase protection tab*  
The camcorder needs to be powered up to load or eject a  
cassette.  
Make sure the  
window side is  
facing out.  
Slide and hold OPEN/EJECT in the direction of the  
1
2
arrow then pull the cassette holder cover open until it  
locks. The cassette holder opens automatically.  
Do not touch internal components.  
PUSH HERE  
Cassette  
holder  
Insert or remove a tape and press PUSH HEREto  
close the cassette holder.  
Once the cassette holder is closed, it recedes  
automatically. Wait until it recedes completely  
before closing the cassette holder cover.  
When the batterys charge is low, you may not be  
able to close the cassette holder cover. Do not  
apply force. Replace the battery with a fully charged  
one before continuing.  
Cassette holder  
cover  
Close the cassette holder cover firmly until it locks  
into place.  
OPEN/EJECT Switch  
3
Approximate recording time  
* To Protect Valuable Recordings . . .  
.... slide the erase protection tab on the back of  
the tape in the direction of SAVE. This  
prevents the tape from being recorded over.  
To record on this tape, slide the tab back to  
RECbefore loading it.  
Recording mode  
Tape  
SP  
LP  
30 min.  
60 min.  
80 min.  
30 min.  
60 min.  
80 min.  
45 min.  
90 min.  
120 min.  
Be sure to press only the section labeled PUSH  
HEREto close the cassette holder; touching  
other parts may cause your finger to get caught  
in the cassette holder, resulting in injury or  
product damage.  
NOTES:  
It takes a few seconds for the cassette holder to open. Do not apply force.  
If you wait a few seconds and the cassette holder does not open, close the cassette holder cover and try  
again. If the cassette holder still does not open, turn the camcorder off then on again.  
If the tape does not load properly, open the cassette holder cover fully and remove the cassette. A few  
minutes later, insert it again.  
When the camcorder is suddenly moved from a cold place to a warm environment, wait a short time before  
opening the cassette holder cover.  
Closing the cassette holder cover before the cassette holder comes out may cause damage to the camcorder.  
Even when the camcorder is switched off, a cassette can be loaded or unloaded. After the cassette holder is  
closed with the camcorder switched off, however, it may not recede. It is recommended to turn the power on  
before loading or unloading.  
When resuming recording, once you open the cassette holder cover a blank portion will be recorded on the  
tape or a previously recorded scene will be erased (recorded over) regardless of whether the cassette holder  
came out or not. See page 20 for information about recording from the middle of a tape.  
EN13  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Power Lamp  
Recording Mode Setting  
Set the tape recording mode depending on your preference.  
Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down  
the Lock Button located on the switch. The power  
lamp lights and the camcorder is turned on.  
1
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
2
3
Screen appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
CAMERAand press it. The CAMERA Menu  
appears.  
Lock Button  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select REC  
MODEand press it. The Sub Menu appears. Select  
SPor LPby rotating the MENU/BRIGHT wheel  
and press it. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to  
select 1RETURN, and press it twice. The Menu  
Screen closes.  
Audio Dubbing (pg. 66) and Insert Editing  
(pg. 67) are impossible on a tape recorded in the  
LP mode.  
4
Power Switch  
Display  
Menu Screen  
Sub Menu  
REC MODE  
SP  
LP  
•“LP(Long Play) is more economical, providing  
1.5 times the recording time.  
NOTES:  
If the recording mode is switched during recording, the  
playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.  
It is recommended that tapes recorded in the LP mode  
on this camcorder be played back on this camcorder.  
During playback of a tape recorded on another  
camcorder, blocks of noise may appear or there may be  
momentary pauses in the sound.  
GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL357/DVL355 only  
GETTING STARTED (cont.)  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
14  
EN  
Clipped edge  
Memory card  
Label  
Power Lamp  
Display  
QUAL I TY  
F I NE  
STANDARD  
Card Cover  
Lock Button  
Power Switch  
Loading A Memory Card  
Picture Quality Mode Setting  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)  
The provided memory card is already inserted in the  
camcorder when you receive the camcorder.  
The Picture Quality mode can be selected to best  
match your needs. Two Picture Quality modes are  
available: FINE and STANDARD (in order of quality).  
Make sure the camcorders power is off.  
1
Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing  
down the Lock Button located on the switch. The  
power lamp lights and the camcorder turns on.  
1
Open the card cover (MEMORY CARD).  
2
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
Insert the memory card clipped edge first.  
2
3
4
Screen appears.  
3
Do not touch the terminal on the reverse side  
of the label.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “  
DSCand press it. The DSC Menu appears.  
To close the card cover, push it until you hear a  
click.  
4
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
QUALITYand press it. The Sub Menu  
appears. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to  
select the desired mode and press it.  
To Unload A Memory Card . . .  
.... in step 3 push the memory card, which then  
comes out of the camcorder automatically. Pull it  
out and close the card cover.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
5
RETURN, and press it twice. The Menu  
Screen closes.  
NOTES:  
Be sure to use only SD Memory Cards marked  
Approximate Number of Storable Images  
or MultiMediaCards marked  
Memory Card  
Picture Quality Mode  
.  
Some brands of memory cards are not compatible  
with this camcorder. Before purchasing a memory  
card , consult its manufacturer or dealer.  
Before using a new memory card, it is necessary to  
FORMAT the card. pg. 36.  
FINE  
100  
200  
400  
800  
STANDARD  
8 MB (provided)  
16 MB (optional)  
32 MB (optional)  
64 MB (optional)  
200  
400  
800  
1600  
ATTENTION:  
NOTE:  
Do not insert/remove the memory card while the  
camcorder is turned on, as this may cause the  
memory card to be corrupted or cause the  
camcorder to become unable to recognize  
whether or not the card is installed.  
The number of storable images depends on the  
selected picture quality as well as the composition of  
the subjects in the images and the type of memory  
card being used.  
VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK  
EN15  
VIDEO RECORDING  
&
PLAYBACK  
CONTENTS  
VIDEO RECORDING ....................... 16 20  
Basic Recording...................................... 16  
Journalistic Shooting ................................ 17  
Self-Recording ....................................... 17  
Operation Mode ..................................... 17  
Zooming ............................................. 18  
Video Light .......................................... 19  
Time Code ............................................ 20  
VIDEO PLAYBACK ......................... 21 24  
Normal Playback .................................... 21  
Still Playback ........................................ 21  
Shuttle Search ....................................... 21  
Frame-By-Frame Playback ......................... 21  
Connections ...................................22 23  
Blank Search ......................................... 24  
VIDEO RECORDING  
Basic Recording  
16  
EN  
Power lamp  
Power Switch  
NOTE:  
You should already have performed the procedures listed  
below. If not, do so before continuing.  
Power (pg. 8)  
Grip Adjustment (pg. 10)  
Viewfinder Adjustment (pg. 10)  
Load A Cassette (pg. 12)  
Recording Mode Setting (pg. 13)  
During  
shooting  
Press in the tabs on the lens cap to remove it.  
Lock Button  
1 GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only: Press  
PUSH OPEN, open the LCD monitor and set the  
Recording Start/Stop Button  
VIDEO/DSC Switch to VIDEO.  
Display  
Set the Power Switch to “ ” or “ ” while pressing  
25min  
Tape remaining  
time indicator  
(Approximate)  
2
down the Lock Button located on the switch.  
Shooting while using the LCD monitor: Make sure  
the LCD monitor is fully open. Tilt it upward/  
downward for best viewability.  
Shooting while using the viewfinder: Close the LCD  
monitor.  
min  
(Now calculating)  
3 min  
90 min  
89 min  
0 min  
(Blinking)  
1 min  
(Blinking)  
2 min  
(Blinking)  
The power lamp lights and the camcorder enters the  
Record-Standby mode. PAUSEis displayed.  
Press the Recording Start/Stop Button. “  
3
appears while recording is in progress.  
BR I GHT  
To Stop Recording . . .  
.... press the Recording Start/Stop Button. The camcorder  
re-enters the Record-Standby mode.  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
To Adjust The Brightness Of The Display  
.... rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel until the bright level  
indicator on the display moves and the appropriate  
brightness is reached.  
180°  
90°  
If you are using the GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL450, it is  
also possible to adjust the brightness of the viewfinder by  
closing the LCD monitor and adjusting as described  
above.  
NOTES:  
PUSH OPEN  
Button  
If the Record-Standby mode continues for 5 minutes, the  
camcorders power shuts off automatically. To turn the  
camcorder on again, set the Power Switch to OFF,  
then back to “ ” or “ ”.  
VIDEO/DSC Switch  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL357/DVL355 only)  
Tally lamp (lights while  
recording is in progress)  
The image will not appear simultaneously on the LCD  
monitor and the viewfinder. It will appear in the  
viewfinder when the LCD monitor is in the lock  
position, and it will appear on the LCD monitor when  
fully extended.  
When a blank portion is left between recorded scenes  
on the tape, the time code is interrupted and errors may  
occur when editing the tape. To avoid this, refer to  
Recording from the middle of a tape(pg. 20).  
To turn the tally lamp or beep sounds off, pg. 46, 48.  
For other notes, pg. 71  
EN17  
JOURNALISTIC SHOOTING  
In some situations, different shooting angles may  
Self-Recording  
provide more dramatic results. Hold the camcorder in  
the desired position and tilt the LCD monitor in the most  
convenient direction. It can rotate 270° (90° downward,  
180° upward).  
SELF-RECORDING  
You can shoot yourself while viewing your own image  
in the LCD monitor. Open the LCD monitor and tilt it  
upward 180° so that it faces forward, then point the lens  
toward yourself and start recording.  
To turn on the camcorder, set the Power Switch  
to any operation mode except OFFwhile  
pressing down the Lock Button located on the  
switch.  
Operation Mode  
Choose the appropriate operation mode according to your  
preference using the Power Switch and VIDEO/DSC  
Switch (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only).  
Power Switch  
Power lamp  
Power Switch Position  
(Manual):  
Allows you to set various recording functions using the  
Menus. If you want more creative capabilities than Full  
Auto recording, try this mode.  
Lock Button  
(Full Auto):  
Allows you to record using NO special effects or manual  
adjustments. Suitable for standard recording.  
OFF:  
Allows you to switch off the camcorder.  
VIDEO/DSC Switch (GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL357/DVL355 only; open the LCD monitor  
to access this switch.)  
:
Allows you to play back a recording on the tape.  
Allows you to transfer a still image recorded on the tape  
to a computer (GR-DVL450/DVL157/DVL150 only).  
Allows you to display a still image stored in the memory  
card or to transfer a still image stored in the memory card  
to a computer (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355  
only).  
When the Power Switch is set to “ ”, “  
appears. When set to “ ” or “  
, there is no  
indication.  
VIDEO/DSC Switch Position  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)  
VIDEO:  
Allows you to record on a tape or play back a tape. If  
REC SELECTis set to “  
/
in the DSC Menu  
Screen, still images are also recorded in the memory card.  
When the Power Switch is set to “ ” or “ ” and  
:
the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to “  
, “  
Allows you to record a still image or display a still image  
stored in the memory card.  
appears. When set to VIDEO, there is no  
indication.  
VIDEO RECORDING (cont.)  
18  
EN  
Zoom in (T: Telephoto)  
FEATURE: Zooming  
1
x
W
T
PURPOSE:  
10  
x
W
T
20  
x
W
T
To produce the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous  
change in image magnification.  
40  
x
W
T
OPERATION:  
Zoom In  
Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards T.  
Zoom Out  
Zoom out (W: Wide angle)  
Digital zoom zone  
Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards W.  
The further you slide the Power Zoom Lever, the  
quicker the zoom action.  
Zoom display  
NOTES:  
10  
x
W
T
Focusing may become unstable during Zooming. In  
this case, set the zoom while in Record-Standby,  
lock the focus by using the manual focus  
(pg. 43), then zoom in or out in Record mode.  
Zooming is possible to a maximum of 300X, or it  
can be switched to 10X magnification using the  
optical zoom (pg. 47).  
10X (optical)  
zoom zone  
Zoom magnification of over 10X is done through  
Digital image processing, and is therefore called  
Digital Zoom.  
Approximate zoom ratio  
During Digital zoom, the quality of image may  
suffer.  
Power Zoom Lever  
Digital zoom cannot be used when digital image  
processing, such as Picture Wipe/Dissolve  
(pg. 40, 41) or Video Echo (pg. 39), is  
activated.  
Macro shooting (as close as approx. 5 cm to the  
subject) is possible when the Power Zoom Lever is  
set all the way to W. Also see TELE MACROin  
the Menu Screen on page 48.  
EN19  
FEATURE: Video Light  
PURPOSE:  
To brighten the scene when natural lighting is too dim.  
OPERATION:  
Set LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON as required:  
OFF : Turns off the light.  
AUTO : Automatically turns on the light when the  
camcorder senses insufficient lighting on the  
subject.  
LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON Switch  
(Open the LCD monitor to  
access this switch.)  
ON  
: Always keeps the light on as long as the  
camcorder is turned on.  
The video light can only be used with the  
camcorders power on.  
It is recommended to set the white balance  
(pg. 45) to  
when you use the video light.  
When not using the video light, turn it off to save  
battery power.  
DANGER  
NOTES:  
The video light can become  
extremely hot. Do not touch  
it either while in operation or  
soon after turning it off,  
Even if the battery indicator (  
) does not blink  
due to low battery charge, the camcorder may turn  
off automatically when you turn on the video light,  
or when you start recording with the video light  
turned on.  
otherwise serious injury may  
result.  
When LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON is set to AUTO:  
Depending on the lighting conditions, the video  
light may keep turning on and off. In this case,  
manually switch the light on or off using LIGHT  
OFF/AUTO/ON.  
While the SHUTTERor SPORTSmode  
(pg. 39) is engaged, the light is likely to stay  
on.  
While the TWILIGHTmode (pg. 39) is  
engaged, the light will not activate.  
While the Night-Scopemode (pg. 38) is  
engaged, the light will not activate.  
Do not place the camcorder into the  
carrying case immediately after using the  
video light, since it remains extremely  
hot for some time.  
When operating, keep a distance of  
about 30 cm 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 RECORDING (cont.)  
20  
EN  
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). If recording starts from the end of a previously recorded scene, the time code  
continues from the last time code number.  
To perform Random Assemble Editing (pg. 61 65), time code is necessary. If during recording a blank  
portion is left partway through the tape, the time code is interrupted. When recording is resumed, the time  
code starts counting up again from 00:00:00. This means the camcorder may record the same time  
codes as those existing in a previously recorded scene. To prevent this, perform Recording From The  
Middle of A Tapebelow in the following cases;  
When shooting again after playing back a  
Display  
recorded tape.  
Frames are not displayed  
during recording.  
When power shuts off during shooting.  
When a tape is removed and re-inserted during  
shooting.  
Minutes  
Seconds  
When shooting using a partially recorded tape.  
When shooting on a blank portion located  
partway through the tape.  
When shooting again after shooting a scene  
then opening/closing the cassette holder cover.  
Frames  
(25 frames = 1 second)  
12 : 34 : 24  
Recording From The Middle Of A Tape  
1. Play back a tape or use Blank Search (pg. 24) to find the spot at which you want to start recording,  
then engage the Still Playback mode (pg. 21).  
2. Set the Power Switch to “ ” or “ ” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch, then  
start recording.  
NOTES:  
The time code cannot be reset.  
During fast-forwarding and rewinding, the time code indication does not move smoothly.  
The time code is displayed only when TIME CODEis set to ON(pg. 49, 50).  
When a blank portion is recorded on a tape  
Time code  
00:00:00  
Time code  
05:43:21  
Time code  
00:00:00  
Tape  
Already recorded scene  
Blank  
Newly recorded scene  
Shooting start point  
Shooting stop point  
Shooting start point  
Proper recording  
Time code  
00:00:00  
Time code  
05:43:21  
Time code  
05:44:00  
Tape  
Already recorded scene  
New scene  
Latest scene  
Shooting start point  
Shooting start point  
Shooting start point  
VIDEO PLAYBACK  
EN21  
Normal Playback  
Load a tape (pg. 12).  
1
2
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to VIDEO(GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only), then set the Power  
Switch to “  
while pressing down the Lock  
Lock Button  
Button located on the switch. To start playback, press  
Power Switch  
4/6.  
To stop playback, press 5.  
Power Zoom Lever (VOL.)  
Press  
during Stop mode.  
2
to rewind, or  
3
to fast-forward the tape  
Play/Pause Button (4/6)  
Rewind Button (2  
)
To Control The Speaker Volume . . .  
.... slide the Power Zoom Lever (VOL.) towards +to  
turn up the volume, or towards to turn down the  
volume.  
Fast-Forward  
Button (3  
)
Stop Button (5)  
NOTES:  
If Stop mode continues for 5 minutes when power is  
supplied from a battery, the camcorder shuts off automati-  
cally. To turn on again, set the Power Switch to OFF, then  
to “  
.  
The playback picture can be viewed in the LCD monitor,  
viewfinder or on a connected TV (pg. 22).  
You can also view the playback picture on the LCD monitor  
with it flipped over and pushed against the camera body.  
LCD monitor/viewfinder indications:  
Speaker  
VIDEO/DSC Switch (GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only;  
open the LCD monitor to access  
this switch)  
When power is supplied from a battery: the “  
battery pack remaining power indicator is displayed.  
When power is supplied from an AC outlet: “  
not appear.  
does  
During Stop mode, none of the indications are displayed.  
When a cable is connected to the AV connector, the sound  
is not heard from the speaker.  
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 camcorders Stop mode is automatically  
engaged. After 5 minutes in the Stop mode, the camcorders power is automatically turned off.  
When 4/6 is pressed, the image may not pause immediately while the camcorder stabilises the still image.  
Shuttle Search: Allows high-speed search in either direction.  
1) Press  
2) To resume normal playback, press 4/6.  
During playback, press and hold or 3. The search continues as long as you hold the button. Once you  
release it, normal playback resumes.  
3
for forward or  
2
for reverse search during playback.  
2
A slight mosaic effect appears on screen during Shuttle Search. This is not a malfunction.  
Frame-By-Frame Playback: Allows frame-by-frame search.  
1) Engage Still Playback.  
2) Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel towards +for forward Frame-By-Frame Playback, or towards for reverse  
Frame-By-Frame Playback during Still Playback.  
To resume normal playback, press 4/6.  
You can also use the provided remote control for Frame-By-Frame Playback (pg. 59).  
Slow-Motion Playback, Playback Special Effects and Playback Zoom  
Available only with the remote control (provided) (pg. 59, 60).  
VIDEO PLAYBACK (cont.)  
22  
EN  
Connections  
Use the provided Audio/Video cable and optional S-Video cable.  
Connector cover*  
To S  
S-Video cable  
(optional)  
To TV or VCR  
TV  
To S-VIDEO IN  
Audio/Video cable  
[mini-plug to RCA  
plug] (provided)  
To AV  
White to  
AUDIO L IN**  
Red to  
AUDIO R IN**  
VCR  
Yellow to  
*
When connecting the cables, open this cover.  
VIDEO IN  
** The Audio cable is not required for watching still  
images only.  
When the S-Video  
cable is not used.  
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin connector  
Use the provided Cable Adapter.  
When the S-Video  
cable is not used.  
Audio/Video cable  
[mini-plug to RCA plug]  
(provided)  
Cable  
Adapter  
Yellow  
TV  
or  
VCR  
White to  
AUDIO L*  
Red to  
AUDIO R*  
To AV  
Camcorder  
S-Video cable  
(optional)  
To S  
To  
-IN  
Y/C/CVBS”  
Video Out  
Select Switch  
*The Audio cable is not required for watching still images only.  
NOTE:  
Set the video out select switch of the cable adapter as required:  
Y/C : When connecting to a TV or VCR which accepts Y/C signals and uses an S-Video cable.  
CVBS : When connecting to a TV or VCR which does not accept Y/C signals and uses an audio/video  
cable.  
EN23  
NOTES:  
Make sure all units are turned off.  
It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as the  
power supply instead of the battery pack  
(pg. 9).  
1
2
Connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR as  
shown in the illustration (pg. 22).  
If using a VCR . . . go to step 3.  
If not . . . go to step 4.  
To monitor the picture and sound from the  
camcorder without inserting a tape or memory  
card*, set the camcorders Power Switch to “ ” or  
, then set your TV to the appropriate input  
mode.  
Connect the VCR output to the TV input,  
referring to your VCRs instruction manual.  
* GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only  
Make sure you adjust the TV sound volume to its  
minimum level to avoid a sudden burst of sound  
when the camcorder is turned on.  
If you have a TV or speakers that are not specially  
shielded, do not place the speakers adjacent to the  
TV as interference will occur in the camcorder  
playback picture.  
3
4
5
Turn on the camcorder, the VCR and the TV.  
Set the VCR to its AUX input mode, and set the  
TV to its VIDEO mode.  
If no image is displayed or no sound is heard from  
the TV, set S/AV INPUTto OFFin the Menu  
Screen (GR-DVL557 only, pg. 50).  
To choose whether or not the following displays  
appear on the connected TV . . .  
Date/Time  
.... set DATE/TIMEto AUTO, ONor OFF”  
in the Menu Screen (pg. 50).  
Time Code  
.... set TIME CODEto ONor OFFin the  
Menu Screen (pg. 50).  
Playback Sound Mode, Tape Speed And Tape  
Running Displays for video playback  
Or  
Directory/File Names and Image Number/Total  
Number of Images for D.S.C. Playback  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)  
.... set ON SCREENto LCDor LCD/TVin  
the Menu Screen (pg. 50).  
Or, press DISPLAY on the remote control  
(provided).  
VIDEO PLAYBACK (cont.)  
24  
EN  
BLANK SEARCH Button  
Blank Search  
Helps you find where you should start recording in the  
middle of a tape to avoid time code interruption (pg. 20).  
Load a tape (pg. 12).  
1
2
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to VIDEO(GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only), then set the Power  
Switch to “  
while pressing down the Lock  
Button located on the switch.  
Lock Button  
Press BLANK SEARCH.  
Power Switch  
3
•“BLANK SEARCHappears blinking and the  
camcorder automatically starts reverse or forward  
shuttle search, then stops at the spot which is about  
3 seconds of tape before the beginning of the  
detected blank portion.  
Display  
44  
To cancel Blank Search midway . . .  
.... press 5.  
BLANK SEARCH  
NOTES:  
In step 3, if the current position is at a blank portion the  
camcorder searches in the reverse direction, and if the  
current position is at a recorded portion the camcorder  
searches in the forward direction.  
Stop Button (5)  
Blank Search does not work if HEAD CLEANING  
REQUIRED. USE CLEANING CASSETTEhas appeared  
with the tape.  
If the beginning or end of the tape is reached during  
Blank Search, the camcorder stops automatically.  
A blank portion which is shorter than 5 seconds of tape  
may not be detected.  
The detected blank portion may be located between  
recorded scenes. Before you start recording, make sure  
there is no recorded scene after the blank portion.  
VIDEO/DSC Switch (GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only;  
open the LCD monitor to access  
this switch)  
DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.) RECORDING & PLAYBACK  
EN25  
DIGITAL STILL CAMERA  
(D.S.C.) RECORDING  
&
PLAYBACK  
The D.S.C. (Digital Still Camera) features  
are available on GR-DVL557, GR-DVL555,  
GR-DVL357 and GR-DVL355.  
CONTENTS  
D.S.C. RECORDING ........................ 26 27  
Basic Shooting (Snapshot) ...................26 27  
D.S.C. PLAYBACK .......................... 28 36  
Normal Playback .................................... 28  
Auto Playback ....................................... 28  
INDEX Screen ........................................ 29  
Index Playback ...................................... 29  
Jump Playback ...................................... 30  
Protecting Images ................................... 31  
Deleting Images ............................. 32 33  
Setting Print Information  
(DPOF Setting) .............................. 34 35  
Initialising A Memory Card ......................... 36  
D.S.C. RECORDING  
26  
EN  
SNAPSHOT Button  
Basic Shooting (Snapshot)  
You can use your camcorder as a Digital Still Camera for  
taking snapshots.  
NOTE:  
You should already have performed the procedures listed  
below. If not, do so before continuing.  
Power (pg. 8)  
Grip Adjustment (pg. 10)  
Viewfinder Adjustment (pg. 10)  
Loading A Memory Card (pg. 14)  
Picture Quality Mode Setting (pg. 14)  
Lock Button  
Power Switch  
SNAPSHOT MODE SELECTION  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “  
, then set the  
1
Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down the Lock  
Button located on the switch.  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
2
3
4
5
Screen appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “  
CAMERA. Press it and the CAMERA Menu appears.  
VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the  
LCD monitor to access this switch.)  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select SNAP  
MODE, then press it.  
Display  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the  
desired Snapshot mode, then press it.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
Menu Screen  
SNAP MODE  
P I NUP  
FRAME  
FULL  
MULT I –  
MULT I –  
1RETURNand press it twice. The Menu Screen  
closes.  
4
9
SNAPSHOT RECORDING  
Press SNAPSHOT.  
1
The image is recorded in the memory card.  
Regardless of the Power Switch position (“ ” or  
), Snapshot recording takes place using the  
selected Snapshot mode.  
Picture Quality  
Displays the quality of the stored image: FINE or STD  
(standard) (in order of quality) (pg. 14).  
F I NE  
10 / 100  
Number of shots taken  
Displays the number of images that have already been shot.  
Total number of shots  
Displays the approximate total number of shots that can be stored, including those already taken.  
The number increases or decreases depending on the shots stored, the Picture Quality mode, etc.  
Card icon  
Appears during shooting and blinks when a memory card is not loaded.  
Shooting icon  
Appears and blinks during shooting.  
EN27  
To Delete Unwanted Still Images . . .  
PIN-UP  
Pin-Up mode*  
.... when unwanted still images are stored in the memory  
card or its memory is full, refer to Deleting Images”  
(pg. 32) and delete unwanted still images.  
To Remove The Shutter Sound . . .  
.... when you do not want to hear the shutter sound, set  
BEEPto OFFin the Menu Screen (pg. 46, 48).  
The sound is no longer heard from the speaker.  
FRAME  
Snapshot mode  
with frame*  
NOTES:  
Even if MULTI-4or MULTI-9is engaged, Snapshot  
recording will be performed in the FULL mode during  
Digital Zoom or Night-Scope (pg. 38).  
Even if DISis set to ON(pg. 47), the Stabiliser  
will be disabled.  
If Snapshot recording is not possible, PHOTOblinks  
when SNAPSHOT is pressed.  
If Programme AE with special effects (pg. 38) is  
engaged, certain modes of Programme AE with special  
effects are disabled during Snapshot recording. In such a  
case, the icon blinks.  
FULL  
Snapshot mode  
with no frame*  
If shooting is not performed for approx. 5 minutes when  
the Power Switch is set to “ ” or “ ” and power is  
supplied from the battery pack, the camcorder shuts off  
automatically to save power. To perform shooting again,  
set the Power Switch to OFF, then to “ ” or “ ”.  
The Motor Drive mode (pg. 42) is disabled when the  
MULTI-4  
Multi-Analyser 4  
VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to “  
.  
Still images taken are compliant to DCF (Design rules for  
Camera File systems). They do not have any compatibil-  
ity with devices which are not compliant to DCF.  
MULTI-9  
Multi-Analyser 9  
* There is the sound effect of a shutter closing.  
D.S.C. PLAYBACK  
28  
EN  
Fast-Forward (3  
Button  
)
Normal Playback  
Lock Button  
Images shot with the camcorder are automatically  
numbered, then stored in numerical order in the memory  
card. You can view the stored images, one at a time, much  
like flipping through a photo album.  
Play (4/6) Button  
Rewind (2  
Button  
)
Stop (5) Button  
Load a memory card (pg. 14).  
Power Switch  
1
2
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “  
, then set the  
Power Switch to “  
while pressing down the  
Lock Button.  
A stored image is displayed.  
Press  
Press  
3
2
to display the next image.  
to display the previous image.  
3
VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the  
LCD monitor to access this switch.)  
Auto Playback  
[For Normal Playback]  
[For Auto Playback]  
You can run through all the images stored in memory  
automatically.  
To display the next image  
Display  
Perform steps 1 and 2 above.  
100  
-
0010  
10  
/ 24  
1
2
Press 4/6.  
If you press  
2
during Auto Playback, images are  
displayed in descending order.  
If you press  
3
during Auto Playback, images are  
10  
10  
10  
10  
.
.
.
.
10  
10  
10  
10  
.
.
.
.
01  
01  
01  
01  
displayed in ascending order.  
100  
-
0011  
11  
/
24  
To end Auto Playback, press 5.  
3
NOTES:  
Even if you shoot a new image after playing back a low-  
numbered one, this will not overwrite an existing image,  
because new images are automatically stored after the  
last-recorded one.  
100  
-
0012  
12  
/
24  
Images shot in a file size other than VGA with devices  
that are compatible with DCF (Design rules for Camera  
File systems) will be displayed as reduced-size thumb-  
nail images. These thumbnail images cannot be  
transferred to a PC.  
Images shot with devices that are not compatible with  
DCF cannot be viewed with this camcorder; Unsup-  
ported Data!will be displayed.  
100  
-
0013  
13  
/
24  
Directory and File names  
Displays the directory and file names.  
Shows that the selected shot is in a directory called 100and its file name is  
DVC00013.  
Each time shooting takes place, a file name is made using a number which is  
larger by one than the largest number of the file names which are in use. If the  
file name reaches DVC09999, a new directory will be made and the file name  
will start again from DVC00001.  
In the playback screen, the directory and only the last four digits of the file name  
are displayed.  
Image number  
To display the  
previous image  
Displays the index  
number of the image  
file (pg. 29).  
Date  
Displays the date when the image was  
shot (if DATE/TIMEis set to ONin  
the Menu Screen pg. 50 51).  
Total number of images  
Displays the total number of stored images.  
EN29  
Picture quality  
Index number  
INDEX Screen  
The images you shot can be displayed together with their  
index information. Convenient for checking images shot  
beforehand, the INDEX Screen also shows the Picture  
quality as well as which images are protected against  
accidental erasure.  
Selected image  
EXIT  
<INDEX>  
1
F
2
S
F
1: Index number  
Index numbers are marked from 1. For example, when 10  
images are stored (index number: 1 to 10), if three images  
with index numbers 2, 4 and 6 are deleted from memory,  
the remaining images are automatically moved up to fill  
any gaps in the numerical sequence. Therefore, the  
number of remaining images is 7, and the new index  
numbers range from 1 to 7.  
4
F
5
F
6
F/S: Picture Quality  
Protect icon  
Displays the quality of the stored image. There are 2  
modes available: FINE and STANDARD (in order of  
quality) (pg. 14).  
: Protect icon  
When an image is protected against its accidental erasure,  
a padlock mark appears next to the Picture Quality  
indicator, and that image cannot be deleted.  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Selected Image  
An image is framed in green when it is selected. Rotate the  
MENU/BRIGHT wheel to move the green frame to the  
desired image.  
Display  
V I DEO  
I NDEX  
Index Playback  
Menu Screen  
SYSTEM  
D I SPLAY  
MEMORY  
PROTECT  
DELETE  
DPOF  
You can view the images stored in memory six at a time.  
Use this mode when looking for an image you wish to view.  
FORMAT  
Perform steps 1 and 2 of Normal Playbackon  
1
2
pg. 28.  
END  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. Rotate the  
MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “  
MEMORYand  
Playback Screen  
press it. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
INDEXand press it. The INDEX Screen appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to move the green  
frame to the desired image and press it. The image  
selected in the INDEX Screen is displayed.  
3
D.S.C. PLAYBACK (cont.)  
30  
EN  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Jump Playback  
When viewing still images stored in a memory card, you  
can call up directly an image you want to view by  
specifying its index number.  
JUMP Button  
Press JUMP during Normal Playback (pg. 28).  
1
2
The Jump Screen appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to enter the index  
number of the desired image and press it.  
The image for the selected index number is  
displayed.  
To cancel the Jump Playback while the Jump Screen  
is being displayed, press JUMP again.  
Display  
Jump Screen  
JUMP MENU  
Total number of  
images  
10 / 50  
CANCEL  
[
[
]
]
SELECT / SET  
MENU  
JUMP  
Index number  
EN31  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Protecting Images  
The Protect mode helps prevent the accidental erasure of  
images. When a padlock mark is displayed next to the  
Picture Quality indication, that image cannot be deleted.  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “  
, then set the  
1
2
3
Power Switch to “  
while pressing down the  
Lock Button.  
A stored image is displayed.  
Lock Button  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
Screen appears. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to  
Power Switch  
select “  
MEMORYand press it. The MEMORY  
Menu appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
PROTECTand press it. The PROTECT Index Screen  
appears.  
TO PROTECT AN IMAGE  
Before doing the following, perform steps 1 through 3  
above.  
VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the  
LCD monitor to access this switch)  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to move the green  
4
5
frame to the desired image and press it. A “  
padlock mark appears on the selected image.  
Display  
Repeat this procedure for all images you do not wish  
to delete by accident.  
Menu Screen  
I NDEX  
PROTECT  
DELETE  
DPOF  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel upward to select  
EXITand press it. The normal playback screen  
appears.  
FORMAT  
RETURN  
NOTE:  
When the memory is initialised or corrupted, even  
protected images are deleted. If you do not want to lose  
important images, transfer them to a PC and save them.  
EXIT <PROTECT>  
PROTECT Index  
Screen  
1
F
2
S
3
6
S
F
TO REMOVE PROTECTION  
4
F
5
F
Before doing the following, perform steps 1 through 3  
above.  
Padlock mark  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to move the green  
4
5
frame to the desired image and press it. The “  
Normal playback  
If Protection  
is removed  
padlock mark located above the image disappears  
and the image is no longer protected.  
Repeat this procedure for all images from which you  
wish to remove protection.  
EXIT <PROTECT>  
1
F
2
S
3
6
S
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel upward to select  
EXITand press it. The normal playback screen  
appears.  
4
F
5
F
F
Normal playback  
D.S.C. PLAYBACK (cont.)  
32  
EN  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Deleting Images  
Previously shot images can be deleted either one at a time  
or all at once.  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “  
, then set the  
Power Switch to “  
while pressing down the  
1
2
3
Lock Button.  
A stored image is displayed.  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
Screen appears. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to  
Lock Button  
select “  
MEMORYand press it. The MEMORY  
Menu appears.  
Power Switch  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select DELETE”  
and press it. The Sub Menu appears.  
TO DELETE THE DISPLAYED IMAGE  
Before doing the following, perform steps 1 through 3 above.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
CURRENTand press it. The Deletion Confirmation  
4
Screen appears.  
VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the  
LCD monitor to access this switch)  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
EXECUTEand press it. The currently displayed  
5
image is deleted.  
If CURRENT IMAGE IS PROTECTEDappears, the  
image is protected and cannot be deleted  
(pg. 31).  
Display  
NEXT <DELETE>  
DELETE Index  
Screen  
To cancel deletion, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT  
wheel to select CANCELand press it.  
1
F
2
S
3
6
S
F
TO SELECT AN IMAGE BY BROWSING  
IMAGES STORED IN MEMORY  
Before doing the following, perform steps 1 through 3 above.  
4
F
5
F
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select SELECT”  
DELETE  
Deletion  
Confirmation  
Screen  
and press it. The DELETE Index Screen appears.  
4
5
SELECT  
CANCEL  
EXECUTE  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to move the green  
frame to the desired image that you wish to delete  
and press it. An “ ” appears above the selected  
image.  
Repeat this procedure for all images that you wish to  
delete.  
To deselect an image, press the MENU/BRIGHT  
wheel in again. The “ ” disappears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel upward to select  
NEXTand press it. The Deletion Confirmation  
6
Screen appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
EXECUTEand press it. The selected images are  
deleted and the normal playback screen appears.  
To cancel deletion, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT  
wheel to select CANCELand press it.  
7
EN33  
TO DELETE ALL IMAGES  
Before doing the following, perform steps 1 through 3 on  
pg. 32.  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select ALLand  
press it. The Deletion Confirmation Screen appears.  
4
5
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
EXECUTEand press it. All the images are deleted.  
To cancel deletion, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT  
wheel to select CANCELand press it.  
NOTES:  
Protected images (pg. 31) cannot be deleted with the  
above operation. To delete them, remove protection  
first.  
Once images are deleted, they cannot be restored.  
Check images before deleting.  
CAUTION:  
Do not remove the memory card or perform any other  
operation (such as turning off the camcorder) during  
deletion. Also, be sure to use the provided AC  
Adapter, as the memory card may be corrupted if the  
battery becomes exhausted during deletion. If the  
memory card becomes corrupted, initialise it.  
(pg. 36)  
D.S.C. PLAYBACK (cont.)  
Setting Print Information (DPOF Setting)  
34  
EN  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
This camcorder is compatible with the DPOF (Digital Print  
Order Format) standard in order to support future systems  
such as automatic printing, which records information  
about the still images you wish to print (such as the  
number of prints to make). There are 2 print information  
settings available: To print all still images (one print for  
each)explained below and To print by selecting still  
images and no. of prints(pg. 35).  
Lock Button  
TO PRINT ALL STILL IMAGES (ONE PRINT  
FOR EACH)  
Power Switch  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “  
, then set the  
1
2
Power Switch to “  
while pressing down the  
Lock Button.  
A stored image is displayed.  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
Screen appears. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to  
select “  
MEMORYand press it. The MEMORY  
Menu appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select DPOF”  
VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the  
LCD monitor to access this switch)  
3
4
and press it. The Sub Menu appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select ALLand  
press it. Selection is complete. The Confirmation  
Screen appears.  
Display  
Menu Screen  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
EXECUTEand press it. The normal playback screen  
appears.  
To cancel selection, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT  
wheel to select CANCELand press it.  
DPOF  
SELECT  
ALL  
RESET  
5
To Reset The Setting . . .  
.... select RESETin step 4. The setting is reset to 0 for all  
still images.  
DPOF  
Confirmation  
Screen  
ALL  
CANCEL  
EXECUTE  
EN35  
TO PRINT BY SELECTING STILL IMAGES  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
AND NO. OF PRINTS  
Perform steps 1 through 3 on pg. 34.  
1
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to selsect SELECT”  
2
and press it. Selection is complete. The DPOF Screen  
appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to move the green  
3
4
frame to the image you wish to print and press it.  
Select the number of prints by rotating the MENU/  
BRIGHT wheel towards +to increase the number,  
or towards to decrease the number and press it.  
Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the desired number of prints.  
The number of prints can be set up to 15.  
To correct the number of prints, select the image  
again and change the number.  
Display  
DPOF  
NEXT  
<
>
DPOF Screen  
19 00  
20 00  
21
22 00  
23 00  
24 00  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel upward to select  
NEXTand press it. Selection is complete. The  
Confirmation Screen appears.  
5
6
DPOF  
Confirmation  
Screen  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
EXECUTEand press it. The normal playback screen  
appears.  
To cancel selection, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT  
wheel to select CANCELand press it.  
SELECT  
CANCEL  
EXECUTE  
To Reset The No. Of Prints . . .  
.... select RESETin step 4 on pg. 34. The number of  
prints is reset to 0 for all still images.  
CAUTION:  
While performing the above, never disconnect power,  
as this may cause the memory to be corrupted.  
NOTES:  
If you load a memory card already set as shown above  
in a printer compatible with DPOF, it will make prints of  
the selected still images automatically.  
To print images recorded on a tape, first dub them to a  
memory card (pg. 56).  
D.S.C. PLAYBACK (cont.)  
36  
EN  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Initialising A Memory Card  
You can initialise a memory card anytime.  
After initialising, all images and data stored in the  
memory card, including those which have been  
protected, are cleared.  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “  
, then set the  
1
2
Power Switch to “  
while pressing down the  
Lock Button.  
A stored image is displayed.  
Lock Button  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
Screen appears. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to  
Power Switch  
select “  
MEMORYand press it. The MEMORY  
Menu appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
FORMATand press it. The Confirmation Screen  
appears.  
3
4
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
EXECUTEand press it. The memory card is  
initialised. When initialisation is finished, NO  
IMAGES STOREDappears.  
VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the  
LCD monitor to access this switch)  
To cancel initialisation, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT  
wheel to select CANCELand press it.  
Display  
CAUTION:  
Menu Screen  
I NDEX  
Do not perform any other operation (such as turning  
off the camcorder) during initialisation. Also, be sure  
to use the provided AC Adapter, as the memory card  
may be corrupted if the battery becomes exhausted  
during initialisation. If the memory card becomes  
corrupted initialise it.  
PROTECT  
DELETE  
DPOF  
FORMAT  
CANCEL  
EXECUTE  
RETURN  
FORMAT  
FORMAT  
CANCEL  
EXECUTE  
ERASE ALL  
EX I ST I NG DATA  
?
ADVANCED FEATURES  
EN37  
ADVANCED FEATURES  
CONTENTS  
FOR RECORDING ............................................ 38 – 45  
Night-Scope............................................................. 38  
Programme AE With Special Effects ...........................38 – 39  
Fade/Wipe Effects ..............................................40 – 41  
Snapshot (For Video Recording) ...................................... 42  
Auto Focus/Manual Focus ............................................. 43  
Exposure Control ....................................................... 44  
Iris Lock ................................................................. 44  
White Balance Adjustment ............................................ 45  
Manual White Balance Operation..................................... 45  
USING THE MENU FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT .......... 46 – 51  
For Recording Menu.............................................46 – 49  
For Playback Menu .............................................50 – 51  
DUBBING ..................................................... 52 – 55  
Dubbing To A VCR...................................................... 52  
Dubbing From A VCR (GR-DVL557 only) ................................ 53  
Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit With A DV Connector ........... 54  
Dubbing Images Stored In A Memory Card To A Tape  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only) .............................. 55  
Dubbing Images Recorded On A Tape To A Memory Card  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only) .............................. 56  
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT ...................... 57 – 67  
Installing The Batteries ................................................ 57  
Slow-Motion Playback ................................................ 59  
Frame-By-Frame Playback ............................................ 59  
Playback Special Effects ............................................... 59  
Playback Zoom ......................................................... 60  
Random Assemble Editing ......................................61 – 64  
For More Accurate Editing ............................................. 65  
Audio Dubbing .......................................................... 66  
Insert Editing (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only) .............. 67  
SYSTEM CONNECTIONS ..................................... 68 – 69  
Connection To A Personal Computer .................................. 68  
Connection To A Video Unit With A DV Connector .................. 69  
FOR RECORDING  
38  
EN  
NOTES:  
During Night-Scope, the following functions  
or settings cannot be activated and its  
indicator blinks or goes out:  
Night-Scope  
Makes dark subjects or areas even brighter than they  
would be under good natural lighting. Although the  
recorded image is not grainy, it may look as if it is strobing  
due to the slow shutter speed.  
Some modes of Programme AE With  
Special Effects(pg. 38, 39), Picture  
Wipe/Dissolve(pg. 40. 41).  
GAIN UPin CAMERA MENU (pg. 47).  
DISin MANUAL MENU (pg. 47).  
Video lightwhen LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON  
is set to AUTO(pg. 19).  
During Night-Scope, it may be difficult to  
bring the camcorder into focus. To prevent  
this, use of a tripod is recommended.  
Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down  
the Lock Button located on the switch.  
1
2
Press NIGHT-SCOPE so that the Night-Scope  
indicator “ ”appears.  
The shutter speed is automatically adjusted to  
provide up to 30 times sensitivity.  
•“Aappears beside “ ” while the shutter speed is  
being automatically adjusted.  
To Deactivate Night-Scope . . .  
.... press NIGHT-SCOPE again so that the Night-Scope  
indicator disappears.  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Programme AE With Special Effects  
Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down  
1
2
3
4
the Lock Button located on the switch.  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
Screen appears.  
Lock Button  
Power Switch  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “  
PROGRAM AE, then press it.  
NIGHT-SCOPE Button  
P.AE Button  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the  
desired mode (pg. 39), then press it. Selection is  
complete. Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in again.  
The Menu Screen closes.  
Press P.AE so that the selected effect indicator  
5
appears.  
To Deactivate The Selected Mode . . .  
.... press P.AE again so that the effect indicator disappears.  
NOTES:  
Display  
Programme AE with special effects can be changed  
during recording or during Record-Standby.  
Some modes of Programme AE special effects cannot be  
used during Night-Scope.  
SHUTTER1/120  
SPORTS  
SNOW  
SPOTL I GHT  
T
W
I L I GHT  
SEP I A  
MONOTONE  
CLASS I C F I LM  
STROBE  
IMPORTANT:  
SLO  
W
4X  
10  
SLO  
W
X
Some modes of Programme AE with special effects  
cannot be used with certain Fade/Wipe Effects  
(pg. 40, 41). If an unusable mode is selected, its  
indicator blinks or goes out.  
GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/  
DVL355 only  
EN39  
SHUTTER  
MONOTONE  
1/50The shutter speed is fixed at 1/50th of a  
second. Black bands that usually appear when  
shooting a TV screen become narrower.  
1/120The shutter speed is fixed at 1/120th of a  
second. The flickering that occurs when shooting  
under a fluorescent light or mercury-vapour lamp  
is reduced.  
Like black and white films, your footage is shot in  
B/W. Used together with the Cinema mode, it  
enhances the classic filmeffect.  
CLASSIC FILM  
SPORTS  
Gives recorded scenes a strobe effect.  
(Variable Shutter  
Speed: 1/250 –  
1/4000)  
This setting allows fast-moving images to be  
captured one frame at a time, for vivid, stable  
slow-motion playback. The faster the shutter  
speed, the darker the picture becomes. Use the  
shutter function under good lighting conditions.  
STROBE  
Your recording looks like a series of consecutive  
snapshots.  
SNOW  
Compensates for subjects that may otherwise  
appear too dark when shooting in extremely bright  
surroundings such as in the snow.  
SLOW (Slow Shutter)  
Lights dark subjects or areas even brighter than  
they would be under good natural lighting. Use  
SLOWonly in dark areas.  
SPOTLIGHT  
Compensates for subjects that may otherwise  
appear too bright when shooting under extremely  
strong direct lighting such as spotlights.  
SLOW 4X  
Slow Shutter raises light sensitivity to allow  
shooting in dark environments.  
NOTE:  
SPOTLIGHThas the same effect as 3 with the  
exposure control (pg. 44).  
SLOW 10X  
Slow Shutter raises light sensitivity further to allow  
shooting in even darker environments.  
NOTES:  
When using SLOW, the image takes on a  
strobe-like effect.  
If the manual focus indicator blinks when  
SLOWis used, adjust focus manually and use  
a tripod.  
TWILIGHT  
Makes evening scenes look more natural.  
White Balance (pg. 45) is initially set to  
,
but can be changed to your desired setting. When  
Twilight is chosen, the camcorder automatically  
adjusts the focus from approx. 10 m to infinity.  
From less than 10 m, adjust the focus manually.  
VIDEO ECHO  
SEPIA  
Recorded scenes have a brownish tint like old  
photos. Combine this with the Cinema mode for a  
classic look.  
Adds a ghostto the subject, giving your  
recording a fantasyfeeling. Zoom magnification  
of over 10X is not available.  
FOR RECORDING (cont.)  
40  
EN  
FADE/WIPE SELECTION (  
,
)
,
,
,
Fade/Wipe Effects  
,
,
,
,
and  
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.  
Fade or Wipe works when video recording is started or  
when you stop recording.  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to VIDEO”  
IMPORTANT:  
1
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only), then  
set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down  
the Lock Button located on the switch.  
Some Fade/Wipe Effects cannot be used with  
certain modes of Programme AE with special  
effects (pg. 38, 39). If an unusable Fade/  
Wipe Effect is selected, its indicator blinks or  
goes out.  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
Screen appears.  
2
3
4
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “  
WIPE/FADER, then press it.  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the  
desired function, then press it. Selection is complete.  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in again.  
The WIPE/FADER Menu disappears and the effect is  
reserved. The indicator representing the selected  
effect appears.  
Power Switch  
Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to activate the  
Fade-in/out or Wipe-in/out.  
5
Lock Button  
Recording Start/Stop Button  
To Deactivate The Selected Effect . . .  
.... select OFFin step 4.  
PICTURE WIPE OR DISSOLVE SELECTION  
(
,
,
,
,
,
and  
)
The Picture Wipe or Dissolve works when video recording  
is started.  
Follow steps 1 through 4 above.  
1
VIDEO/DSC Switch (GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only;  
open the LCD monitor to access  
this switch)  
If you select Picture Wipe/Dissolve during  
recording . . .  
.... press the Recording Start/Stop Button when one  
scene is finished. The point at which the scene  
ended is stored in memory.  
2
3
NOTES:  
If you select Picture Wipe/Dissolve during Record-  
Standby mode . . .  
.... press the Recording Start/Stop Button to start  
recording and press it again when one scene is  
finished. The point at which the scene ended is  
stored in memory.  
You can extend the length of a Fade or Wipe  
by pressing and holding the Recording Start/  
Stop Button.  
If the power is turned off after a scene is  
finished recording, the stored point is erased,  
disabling the Picture Wipe/Dissolve combina-  
tion. When this happens, the Picture Wipe/  
Dissolve indicator blinks. Also note that  
power shuts off automatically if 5 minutes  
elapse in the Record-Standby mode.  
The sound at the end of the last recorded  
scene is not stored.  
If you select Picture Wipe/Dissolve during Record-  
Standby mode after performing a Picture Wipe/  
Dissolve . . .  
.... the point at which the scene ended is already  
stored in memory.  
If you start recording a new scene within 5 minutes of  
the end of the previous recording (without having  
turned the camcorders power off), the previous scene  
wipes out, revealing the new scene.  
Picture Wipe/Dissolve cannot be used while  
Night-Scope is being activated (pg. 38).  
EN41  
Fader And Wipe Menu  
Menu  
Effect  
Fade in or out with a white screen.  
FADER WHITE  
FADER BLACK  
FADER B.W  
MOSAIC  
Fade in or out with a black screen.  
Fade in to a colour screen from a black and white screen, or fade out  
from colour to black and white.  
Fade in or out with a full-screen mosaic effect.  
Wipe in on a black screen from the upper right to the lower left  
corner, or wipe out from lower left to upper right, leaving a black  
screen.  
WIPE CORNER  
The scene starts in the centre of a black screen and wipes in toward  
the corners, or comes in from the corners, gradually wiping out to the  
centre.  
WIPE WINDOW  
WIPE SLIDE  
Wipe in from right to left, or wipe out from left to right.  
Wipe in as the two halves of a black screen open to the left and right,  
revealing the scene, or wipe out and the black screen reappears from  
left and right to cover the scene.  
WIPE DOOR  
The scene wipes in from the bottom to the top of a black screen, or  
wipes out from top to bottom, leaving a black screen.  
WIPE SCROLL  
WIPE SHUTTER  
Wipe in from the centre of a black screen toward the top and bottom,  
or wipe out from the top and bottom toward the centre leaving a  
black screen.  
The new scene gradually appears as the old one gradually disappears.  
DISSOLVE  
The new scene wipes in over the previous one from the upper right  
corner to the lower left corner.  
WIPE CORNER  
WIPE WINDOW  
The next scene gradually wipes in from the centre of the screen  
toward the corners, covering the previous scene.  
The next scene gradually wipes in over the previous one from right to  
left.  
WIPE SLIDE  
The previous scene wipes out from the centre to the right and left, like  
a door being pushed open to reveal the next scene.  
WIPE DOOR  
WIPE SCROLL  
WIPE SHUTTER  
The new scene wipes in over the last one from the bottom of the  
screen to the top.  
The new scene wipes in over the previous one from the centre toward  
the top and bottom of the screen.  
FOR RECORDING (cont.)  
42  
EN  
SNAPSHOT Button  
Snapshot (For Video Recording)  
This feature lets you record still images that look like  
photographs onto a tape.  
SNAPSHOT MODE SELECTION  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to VIDEO(GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only), then set the Power  
1
Switch to “ ” while pressing down the Lock Button  
located on the switch.  
Lock Button  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu Screen  
appears.  
2
3
4
5
Power Switch  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “  
CAMERA. Press it and the CAMERA Menu appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select SNAP  
MODE, then press it.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the desired  
Snapshot mode, then press it.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
1RETURNand press it twice. The Menu Screen closes.  
The available Snapshot modes are the same as those on  
pg. 27.  
VIDEO/DSC Switch (GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only;  
open the LCD monitor to access  
this switch.)  
SNAPSHOT RECORDING  
Press SNAPSHOT.  
1 If you press during Record-Standby . . .  
Display  
..... PHOTOappears and a still image will be recorded  
for approx. 6 seconds, then the camcorder re-enters  
the Record-Standby mode.  
Menu Screen  
SNAP MODE  
P I NUP  
FRAME  
FULL  
MULT I –  
MULT I –  
If you press during Recording . . .  
..... PHOTOappears and a still image will be recorded  
for approx. 6 seconds, then the normal recording  
resumes.  
4
9
Regardless of the Power Switch position (“ ” or “ ”),  
Snapshot recording takes place using the selected  
Snapshot mode.  
GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL357/DVL355 only  
Motor Drive Mode  
Keeping SNAPSHOT pressed provides an effect similar to serial  
photography. (Interval between still images: approx. 1 second)  
NOTES:  
To remove the shutter sound, BEEPon pg. 46, 48.  
Even if MULTI-4or MULTI-9is engaged, Snapshot recording will be performed in the FULL mode during Digital  
Zoom or Night-Scope (pg. 38).  
If Snapshot recording is not possible, PHOTOblinks when SNAPSHOT is pressed.  
If Programme AE with special effects (pg. 38) is engaged, certain modes of Programme AE with special effects are  
disabled during Snapshot recording. In such a case, the icon blinks.  
If SNAPSHOT is pressed when DISis set to ON(pg. 47), the Stabiliser will be disabled.  
The Motor Drive mode is disabled when REC SELECTis set to “  
(pg. 49).  
/
in the Menu Screen  
During tape playback as well, all snapshot modes are available when “  
Menu Screen (pg. 50). However, the shutter sound is not heard.  
COPYis set to OFFin the  
During Snapshot recording, the image displayed in the viewfinder may be partially missing. However, there is no  
effect in the recorded image.  
When a cable is connected to the AV connector, the shutter sound is not heard from the speaker, however it is  
recorded onto the tape.  
will appear while the snapshot is being taken.  
EN43  
While focusing on a further  
subject  
While focusing on a nearer  
subject  
Focus detection zone  
FEATURE: Auto Focus  
PURPOSE:  
The camcorders Full Range AF system offers continuous shooting ability from close-up (as close as approx.  
5 cm to the subject) 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.  
When illumination is low.*  
When the subject has no contrast (difference in brightness and darkness), such as a flat, one-colour wall,  
or a clear, blue sky.*  
When a dark object is barely visible in the viewfinder.*  
When the scene contains minute patterns or identical patterns that are regularly repeated.  
When the scene is affected by sunbeams or light reflecting off the surface of a body of water.  
When shooting a scene with a high-contrast background.  
* The following low-contrast warnings appear blinking:  
,
,
and  
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. 18). If zoomed-in in the auto focus  
mode, the camcorder may automatically zoom out depending on the distance between the camcorder  
and the subject. This will not occur when TELE MACRO(pg. 48) is activated.  
FEATURE: Manual Focus  
PURPOSE:  
To obtain correct focus.  
OPERATION:  
1) If you are using the viewfinder, you should already have made the necessary viewfinder adjustments  
(pg. 10).  
2) Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch, then press  
FOCUS (pg. 78 and 79, 7 FOCUS Button). The manual focus indicator appears.  
3) To focus on a farther subject, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel towards +. “ ” appears and blinks.  
To focus on a nearer subject, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel towards . “ ” appears and blinks.  
4) Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. Focus adjustment is complete.  
To reset to Auto Focus, press FOCUS twice or set the Power Switch to “ ”.  
If FOCUS is pressed once, the camcorder will enter the focus adjustment mode again.  
NOTES:  
Be sure to focus the lens in the maximum telephoto position when you use the Manual Focus mode. If  
you focus in on a subject in the wide-angle position, sharply focused images cannot be obtained when  
zoomed up because the depth-of-field is reduced at longer focal lengths.  
When the focus level cannot be adjusted any further or closer, “ ” or “ ” will blink.  
FOR RECORDING (cont.)  
44  
EN  
Exposure Control  
Iris Lock  
Use this function in the following situations:  
When shooting a moving subject.  
Manual exposure adjustment is recommended in the  
following situations:  
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.  
When shooting on a reflective natural background  
such as at the beach or when skiing.  
When shooting objects under a spotlight.  
When zooming.  
When shooting using reverse lighting or when the  
background is too bright.  
When shooting on a reflective natural background  
such as at the beach or when skiing.  
When the background is overly dark or the subject  
light.  
Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing  
When the subject is close, keep the iris locked. Even  
when the subject moves away from you, the image  
will not darken or brighten.  
Before the following steps, perform steps 1 and 2 of  
Exposure Control.  
1
2
3
down the Lock Button located on the switch.  
Press EXPOSURE. The exposure control  
indicator appear.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel towards +”  
to brighten the image, or towards to darken  
the image. (maximum 6)  
Adjust zoom so that the subject fills the LCD  
3
monitor or the viewfinder, then press and hold  
the MENU/BRIGHT wheel for over 2 seconds.  
The exposure control indicator and “  
appear.  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. “  
changes to “ ” and the iris is locked.  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. Exposure  
adjustment is complete.  
4
To Return To Automatic Exposure Control . . .  
.... press EXPOSURE twice or set the Power Switch  
to “ ”. (If EXPOSURE is pressed once, the  
camcorder will enter the exposure adjustment  
mode again.)  
Iris lock indicator  
BACKLIGHT Button (3  
)
3
EXPOSURE  
Button (2  
To Brighten The Subject Quickly . . .  
)
.... press BACKLIGHT.  
is displayed and the  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
subject is brightened. If pressed again,  
disappears and the brightness returns to the  
previous level.  
+3 exposure has the same effect as the  
BACKLIGHT Button.  
Using BACKLIGHT may cause the light around the  
subject to become too bright and the subject to  
become white.  
Power Switch  
Backlight compensations is also available when the  
Power Switch is set to “ ”.  
To Return To Automatic Iris Control . . .  
.... press EXPOSURE twice so that the exposure  
control indicator and “ ” disappear. Or, set the  
Power Switch to “ ”.  
NOTE:  
Backlight, spotlight (pg. 39) compensation and  
SNOW(pg. 39) have no effect when the  
manual Exposure Control mode is engaged.  
To Lock The Exposure Control And The Iris . . .  
.... after step 2 of Exposure Control, adjust the  
exposure rotating the MENU/BRIGHT wheel.  
Then lock the iris in step 3 of Iris Lock. For  
automatic locking, press EXPOSURE twice in  
step 2. The iris becomes automatic after about  
2 seconds.  
Iris  
Like the pupil of the human eye, it contracts in well-  
lit environments to keep too much light from  
entering, and dilates in dim environments to allow in  
more light.  
EN45  
White Balance Adjustment  
Manual White Balance Operation  
A term that refers to the correctness of colour  
reproduction under various lighting. If the white  
balance is correct, all other colours will be  
accurately reproduced.  
Perform Manual White Balance when shooting under  
various types of lighting.  
Follow steps 1 through 4 of the white balance  
1
2
adjustment, and select “  
MWB.  
The white balance is usually adjusted automatically.  
However, more advanced camcorder operators  
control this function manually to achieve a more  
professional colour/tint reproduction.  
Hold a sheet of plain white paper in front of the  
subject. Adjust zoom or position yourself so that  
the white paper fills the screen.  
Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in until  
1
2
3
down the Lock Button located on the switch.  
3
4
begins blinking rapidly.  
When the setting is completed,  
normal blinking.  
resumes  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
Screen appears.  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in twice. The  
Menu Screen closes and the Manual White  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
W.BALANCE, then press it. The  
Balance indicator  
is displayed.  
W.BALANCE Menu appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the  
4
desired mode.  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
AUTO”  
White balance is adjusted  
automatically (factory  
preset).  
MWB”  
FINE”  
White balance is set  
manually.  
Outdoors on a sunny day.  
CLOUD” – Outdoors on a cloudy day.  
HALOGEN” – A video light or similar type  
White paper  
of lighting is used.  
Power Switch  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. Selection is  
complete. Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in  
again. The Menu Screen closes and the selected  
mode indicator except AUTOappears.  
5
To Change The Tint For Recording . . .  
.... in step 2, substitute coloured paper for white.  
The white balance is adjusted based on the  
colour, changing the tint. Red paper = deeper  
green; blue paper = orange; yellow paper =  
deeper purple.  
To Return To Automatic White Balance . . .  
.... select AUTOin step 4. Or, set the Power  
Switch to “ ”.  
NOTE:  
NOTES:  
White balance cannot be used when Sepia or  
Monotone (pg. 39) is activated.  
In step 2, it may be difficult to focus on the white  
paper. In such a case, adjust focus manually  
(pg. 43).  
A subject can be shot under various types of  
lighting conditions indoors (natural, flourescent,  
candlelight, etc.). Because the colour temperature  
is different depending on the light source, the  
subject tint will differ depending on the white  
balance settings. Use this function for a more  
natural result.  
Once you adjust white balance manually, the  
setting is retained even if the power is turned off or  
the battery removed.  
USING MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT  
46  
EN  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
For Recording Menu  
This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use,  
on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more  
detailed camcorder settings (pg. 47 49) .  
Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down  
1
2
3
the Lock Button located on the switch.  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
Screen appears.  
Lock Button  
Menu Screen  
Power Switch  
Display  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the  
desired function menu, and press it. The selected  
function menu appears.  
WIPE / FADER  
OFF  
PROGRAM AE  
W. BALANCE  
CAMERA  
Function menu setting depends on the function.  
MANUAL  
4 If you have selected “  
SYSTEM  
REC MODE  
SOUND MODE  
ZOOM  
SP  
WIPE/FADER,  
W. BALANCE. . .  
D I SPLAY  
DSC  
12B I T  
X
PROGRAM AEor “  
.... see pg. 47.  
If you have selected CAMERA, “  
40  
FULL  
AGC  
SNAP MODE  
GA I N UP  
END  
MANUAL,  
DSC(GR-  
RETURN  
SYSTEM, “  
DISPLAYor “  
DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only) . . .  
.... go to step 5.  
Sub Menu  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the  
desired function and press it. The Sub Menu appears.  
Then, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the  
parameter, and press it. Selection is complete.  
D I S  
OFF  
ON  
5
6
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
1RETURNand press it twice. The Menu Screen  
closes.  
BEEP  
MELODY  
ON  
TALLY  
The  
icon represents END.  
I D NUMBER  
DEMO . MODE  
S I DE LED  
CAM RESET  
0 6  
ON  
ON  
RETURN  
ON SCREEN  
DATE / T I ME  
T I ME CODE  
CLOCK  
LCD / TV  
AUTO  
OFF  
25 . 12 . 01  
17 : 30  
ADJ .  
RETURN  
QUAL I TY  
REC SELECT  
F I NE  
W I P E / FADER  
PROGRAM AE  
W. BALANCE  
CAMERA  
MANUAL  
RETURN  
SYSTEM  
D I SPLAY  
DSC  
END  
Normal Screen  
*Actual menus differ by model and may appear  
differently from these illustrations. Some menu  
items may not be unavailable on your model.  
EN47  
Menu Screen Explanations  
Refer to Fade/Wipe Effects(pg. 40, 41).  
WIPE/FADER  
PROGRAM AE  
W.BALANCE  
Refer to Programme AE With Special Effects(pg. 38, 39).  
Refer to White Balance Adjustmentand Manual White Balance  
Operation(pg. 45).  
REC MODE  
Allows you to set the video recording mode (SP or LP) depending on your  
preference (pg. 13).  
Enables video recording of stereo sound on four separate channels, and is  
recommended for use when performing audio dubbing. (Equivalent to the  
32 kHz mode of previous models)  
SOUND  
MODE  
12 BIT  
Enables video recording of stereo sound on two separate channels. (Equiva-  
lent to the 48 kHz mode of previous models)  
16 BIT  
10X  
When set to 10Xwhile using digital zoom, the zoom magnification will  
reset to 10X since digital zoom will be disengaged.  
ZOOM  
Allows you to use the Digital Zoom. By digitally processing and magnifying  
images, zooming is possible from 10X (the optical zoom limit), to a maximum  
of 40X digital magnification.  
40X  
Allows you to use the Digital Zoom. By digitally processing and magnifying  
images, zooming is possible from 10X (the optical zoom limit), to a maximum  
of 300X digital magnification.  
300X  
SNAP MODE  
Refer to Basic Shooting (Snapshot)(pg. 26) or Snapshot (For Video  
Recording)(pg. 42).  
GAIN UP  
Allows you to shoot dark scenes with no picture brightness adjustment.  
The overall appearance may be grainy, but the image is bright.  
OFF  
AGC  
AUTO  
The shutter speed is automatically adjusted (1/25 1/200 sec.). Shooting a  
subject in low or poor lighting at 1/25 sec. shutter speed provides a brighter  
image than in the AGC mode, but the subjects movements are not smooth or  
natural. The overall appearance may be grainy. While the shutter speed is  
being automatically adjusted, “  
is displayed.  
DIS  
To compensate for unstable images caused by camera-shake, particularly at  
high magnification.  
OFF  
ON  
NOTES:  
Accurate stabilisation may not be possible if hand shake is excessive, or  
under the following conditions:  
When shooting subjects with vertical or horizontal stripes.  
When shooting dark or dim subjects.  
When shooting subjects with excessive backlighting.  
When shooting scenes with movement in various directions.  
When shooting scenes with low-contrast backgrounds.  
Switch off this mode when recording with the camcorder on a tripod.  
The “  
indicator blinks or goes out if the Stabiliser cannot be used.  
: Factory-preset  
NOTES:  
The CAMERAsettings are effective when the Power Switch is set to both “ ” and “ ”.  
The MANUALsettings are effective only when the Power Switch is set to “ ”.  
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE  
USING MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT (cont.)  
Menu Screen Explanations (cont.)  
48  
EN  
TELE  
MACRO  
Usually the distance to a subject where the lens is in focus depends on the  
zoom magnification. Unless there is a distance more than 1m to the subject,  
the lens is out of focus at the maximum telephoto setting. When set to ON,  
you can shoot a subject as large as possible at a distance of approx. 60 cm.  
Depending on the zoom position, the lens may go out of focus.  
OFF  
ON  
Records with no change in the screen ratio. For playback on a TV with a  
normal screen ratio.  
WIDE  
MODE  
OFF  
Inserts black bands at the top and bottom of the screen. During playback on  
wide-screen TVs, the black bands at the top and bottom of the screen are cut  
CINEMA  
and the screen ratio becomes 16:9.  
appears. When using this mode, refer  
to your wide-screen TVs instruction manual. During playback/recording on  
4:3 TVs/LCD monitor/viewfinder, black bands are inserted at the top and  
bottom of the screen and the image appears like a letterboxed 16:9 movie.  
The CINEMAmode is effective only when the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set  
to VIDEO(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only).  
For playback on TVs with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Naturally expands the  
SQUEEZE  
image to fit the screen without distortion.  
appears. When using this  
mode, refer to your wide-screen TVs instruction manual. During playback/  
recording on 4:3 TVs/LCD monitor/viewfinder, the image is elongated  
vertically.  
The SQUEEZEmode is effective only when the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set  
to VIDEO(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only).  
Disengages the function which cuts down on noise created by wind.  
WIND  
CUT  
OFF  
ON  
Helps cut down on noise created by wind. “  
appears. The quality of the  
sound will change. This is normal.  
BEEP  
Even though not heard while shooting, shutter sound is recorded on the tape.  
OFF  
The beep sounds when the power is turned on or off, and at the beginning and end  
of recording. Also to activate the shutter sound effect (pg. 26, 42).  
BEEP  
Instead of a beep, a melody sounds when any operation is performed. It also  
activates the shutter sound effect (pg. 26, 42).  
MELODY  
TALLY  
The tally lamp remains off at all times.  
OFF  
ON  
The tally lamp comes on to signal the start of recording.  
ID NUMBER  
(GR-DVL450/DVL157/  
DVL150 only)  
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.  
: Factory-preset  
NOTES:  
The “  
MANUALsettings are effective only when the Power Switch is set to “ ”.  
SYSTEMfunctions which are set when the Power Switch is set to “ ” are also applied when the  
(pg. 50).  
“  
Power Switch is set to “  
EN49  
DEMO  
MODE  
OFF  
ON  
Automatic demonstration will not take place.  
Demonstrates certain functions such as Programme AE with special effects,  
etc., and can be used to confirm how these functions operate. When DEMO  
MODEis set to ONand the Menu Screen is closed, demonstration starts.  
Performing any operation during the demonstration stops the demonstration  
temporarily. If no operation is performed for more than 1 minute after that,  
the demonstration will resume.  
NOTES:  
If a tape is in the camcorder, the demonstration cannot be turned on.  
DEMO MODEremains ONeven if the camcorder power is turned off.  
If DEMO MODEremains ON, some functions will not be available.  
After viewing demo, set to OFF.  
SIDE LED  
(GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/  
The Side LED indicator (p. 78, 79) lights on the camcorder when the  
Power Switch is set to “ ” or “ ”.  
ON  
OFF  
DVL450 only)  
CAM  
Does not reset all settings to the factory-preset.  
Resets all settings to the factory-preset.  
CANCEL  
EXECUTE  
LCD  
RESET  
Keeps the camcorders display (except the date, time and time code) from  
appearing on the connected TV screen.  
ON  
SCREEN  
Makes the camcorders display appear on screen when the camcorder is  
connected to a TV.  
LCD/TV  
DATE/  
TIME  
The date/time does not appear.  
OFF  
Displays the date/time for approx. 5 seconds in the following cases:  
When the Power Switch is set from OFFto “ ” or “ ”.  
When video playback starts. The camcorder displays the date/time when  
scenes are recorded.  
AUTO  
When the date is changed during video playback.  
The date/time is always displayed.  
Time code is not displayed.  
ON  
TIME  
CODE  
OFF  
ON  
Time code is displayed on the camcorder and on the connected TV. Frame  
numbers are not displayed during recording.  
CLOCK ADJ.  
Allows you to set the current date and time (pg. 11).  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)  
QUALITY Allows you to set the Picture Quality mode (FINE and STANDARD) depending on your  
preference (pg. 14).  
When Snapshot recording is performed with the VIDEO/DSC Switch set to  
VIDEO, still images are recorded only onto the tape.  
REC  
SELECT  
When Snapshot recording is performed with the VIDEO/DSC Switch set to  
VIDEO, still images are recorded not only onto the tape but also in the  
memory card.  
/
: Factory-preset  
NOTES:  
SYSTEMand “  
DISPLAYfunctions which are set when the Power Switch is set to “ ” are also applied  
when the Power Switch is set to “  
.  
The “  
(pg. 50). CLOCK ADJ.only appears when the Power Switch is set to  
DISPLAYsettings are effective even when the Power Switch is set to “ ”.  
The ON SCREENsetting can also be changed by pressing the DISPLAY Button on the remote control (provided)  
(pg. 23, 52, 62).  
USING MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT (cont.)  
50  
EN  
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel  
For Playback Menu  
The following procedure applies to all except Synchro  
Comp (pg. 65).  
Power  
Switch  
Set the Power Switch to “  
while pressing down  
1
2
3
the Lock Button located on the switch.  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
Screen appears.  
Lock Button  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the desired  
function menu, and press it. The selected function  
menu appears.  
Recording Start/Stop Button  
Display  
V I DEO  
SOUND MODE  
12B I T MODE  
SYNCHRO  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the desired  
SYSTEM  
D I SPLAY  
MEMORY  
4
5
6
function, and press it to display the Sub Menu.  
REC MODE  
COPY  
S / AV I NPUT  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the  
desired parameter and press it. Selection is complete.  
END  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
1RETURNand press it twice to close the Menu  
Screen.  
SOUND MODE  
12B I T MODE  
SYNCHRO  
STEREO  
SOUND  
O . O  
SP  
1
REC MODE  
COPY  
OFF  
OFF  
Menu Screen Explanations  
S / AV I NPUT  
SOUND MODE pg. 51.  
RETURN  
12BIT MODE  
SYNCHRO  
REC MODE  
pg. 51.  
pg. 65.  
BEEP  
MELODY  
TALLY  
ON  
0 6  
I D NUMBER  
Allows you to set the video  
recording mode (SP or LP)  
depending on your preference  
(pg. 13).  
DEMO . MODE  
S I DE LED  
CAM RESET  
ON  
ON  
RETURN  
It is recommended you use REC  
MODEin the “  
VIDEOMenu  
when using this camcorder as a  
recorder during dubbing  
ON SCREEN  
DATE / T I ME  
T I ME CODE  
LCD / TV  
AUTO  
OFF  
(GR-DVL557/DVL357/DVL157  
only, pg. 53, 54).  
ON: Enables dubbing of images  
recorded on a tape to a memory  
card (pg. 56).  
COPY  
RETURN  
(GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/DVL357/ OFF: Enables snapshots to be taken  
DVL355 only)  
V I DEO  
I NDEX  
during video playback.  
SYSTEM  
D I SPLAY  
MEMORY  
PROTECT  
DELETE  
DPOF  
S/AV INPUT  
(GR-DVL557  
only)  
ON: Enables audio/video signal  
input from the AV and S-VIDEO  
connectors (pg. 53).  
FORMAT  
OFF: Enables audio/video signal  
output to a TV, VCR, etc. via the AV  
and S-VIDEO connectors  
END  
(pg. 22, 53).  
*Actual menus differ by model and may appear  
differently from these illustrations. Some menu  
items may not be unavailable on your model.  
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE  
NOTES:  
It is also possible to change the ON SCREEN settings by pressing DISPLAY on the remote control (provided).  
REC MODEcan be set when the Power Switch is set to “  
or “ ” (pg. 13, 47).  
When S/AV INPUTis set to ON, camcorder playback cannot be viewed on the AV output.  
EN51  
Menu Screen Explanations (cont.)  
DISPLAY  
ON SCREEN setting:  
4
6
12B I T / SOUND  
1
SP  
100  
-
/
0001  
50  
1
Each setting is linked with “  
DISPLAYor  
SYSTEM, which appears when the Power  
Switch is set to “ ” (pg. 48, 49).  
The parameters are the same as in the  
description on pg. 48, 49.  
For playback sound, tape  
speed and tape running  
during video playback.  
For directory, file name,  
index number and total  
number during D.S.C.  
playback (GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/DVL357/  
DVL355 only).  
DATE/TIME setting:  
pg. 28 36  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)  
For date during D.S.C.  
playback (GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/DVL357/  
DVL355 only).  
For date/time during  
video playback.  
25 . 12 . 01  
17 30  
25 . 12 . 01  
:
TIME CODE setting: For time code.  
Minutes  
Seconds  
Frames*  
*25 frames = 1 second  
12 : 34 : 24  
PLAYBACK SOUND  
During video 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. According to the menu access  
explanation on pg. 50, select SOUND MODEor 12BIT MODEfrom the Menu Screen and set it to the  
desired parameter.  
STEREO  
SOUND MODE SOUND L  
SOUND R  
Sound is output on both Land Rchannels in stereo.  
Sound from the Lchannel is output in stereo.  
Sound from the Rchannel is output in stereo.  
MIX  
Original and dubbed sounds are combined and output in stereo on  
both Land Rchannels in stereo.  
12BIT MODE  
SOUND 1  
Original sound is output on both Land Rchannels in stereo.  
SOUND 2  
: Factory-preset  
Dubbed sound is output on both Land Rchannels in stereo.  
NOTES:  
The SOUND MODEsetting is available for both 12-bit and 16-bit sound. (In previous modelsfunctions,  
12-bitis called 32 kHzand 16-bitis called 48 kHz.)  
The camcorder cannot detect the sound mode in which the recording was made during fast-forward or  
rewind. During playback the sound mode is displayed in the upper left corner.  
DUBBING  
52  
EN  
Power Switch  
Dubbing To A VCR  
[To use this camcorder as a player]  
Connector  
cover**  
Following the illustration, connect the camcorder and  
1
2
the VCR. Also refer to pg. 22 and 23.  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to VIDEO”  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only), then  
set the camcorders Power Switch to “  
while  
pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch,  
turn on the VCRs power, and insert the appropriate  
cassettes in the camcorder and the VCR.  
To AV  
To S  
[For GR-DVL557 owners only]  
Set S/AV INPUTto OFFin the Menu Screen  
(pg. 50).  
3
Audio/Video cable  
[mini-plug to RCA plug]  
(provided)  
S-Video  
cable  
(optional)  
Engage the VCRs AUX and Record-Pause modes.  
4
5
To AUDIO, VIDEO*  
Engage the camcorders Play mode to find a spot just  
and  
-IN connectors  
before the edit-in point. Once it is reached, press  
4/  
6 on the camcorder.  
Cable Adapter  
(provided)  
If your VCR has a  
SCART connector, use  
the provided cable  
adapter.  
Press 4/6 on the camcorder and engage the VCRs  
Record mode.  
Y/C/CVBS”  
video out select  
switch  
6
7
8
Engage the VCRs Record-Pause mode and press 4/6  
on the camcorder.  
VCR  
Repeat steps 5 through 7 for additional editing, then  
stop the VCR and camcorder when finished.  
TV  
* Connect when an S-Video cable is not used.  
** When connecting the cables, open this cover.  
NOTES:  
As the camcorder starts to play your footage it will appear on your TV. This will confirm the connections and  
the AUX channel for dubbing purposes.  
Before you start dubbing, make sure that the indications do not appear on the connected TV. If they do, they  
are being recorded onto the new tape.  
Set the video out select switch of the cable adapter as required:  
Y/C : When connecting to a TV or VCR which accepts Y/C signals and uses an S-Video cable.  
CVBS : When connecting to a TV or VCR which does not accept Y/C signals and uses an audio/video cable.  
To choose whether or not the following displays appear on the connected TV . . .  
Date/Time  
.... set DATE/TIMEto AUTO, ONor OFFin the Menu Screen (pg. 50).  
Time Code  
.... set TIME CODEto ONor OFFin the Menu Screen (pg. 50).  
Playback Sound Mode, Tape Speed And Tape Running Displays  
.... set ON SCREENto LCDor LCD/TVin the Menu Screen (pg. 50). Or, press DISPLAY on the  
remote control (provided).  
You can use Playback Zoom (pg. 60) or Playback Special Effects (pg. 59) in step 6.  
EN53  
[To use this camcorder as a recorder:  
GR-DVL557 only]  
Power Switch  
Dubbing From A VCR  
Connector  
cover**  
Make sure all units are turned off, then connect the  
camcorder and the VCR as shown in the illustration.  
Also refer to pg. 22 and 23.  
1
2
3
Set SOUND MODEto 12 BITor 16 BITand  
REC MODEto SPor LPin the Menu Screen  
depending on your preference (pg. 50).  
To AV  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to VIDEO, then set the  
camcorders Power Switch to “  
while pressing  
down the Lock Button located on the switch, turn on  
the VCRs power, and insert the appropriate cassettes  
in the camcorder and the VCR.  
To S  
Audio/Video cable  
[mini-plug to RCA plug]  
(provided)  
Set S/AV INPUTto ONin the Menu Screen to  
4
5
engage the analogue input mode (pg. 50).  
S-Video  
cable  
(optional)  
Press the Recording Start/Stop Button on the  
camcorder to engage the Record-Pause mode.  
AV. IN appears on the screen.  
Engage the VCRs Play mode, then engage the Still  
Playback mode when you have found a spot just  
before the edit-in point.  
6
7
8
9
To Audio, Video* and  
S-Video connectors  
Press the Recording Start/Stop Button on the  
camcorder to engage the Record mode.  
rotates  
Cable Adapter  
(not provided)  
on the screen. Engage the VCRs Play mode.  
If your VCR has a SCART  
connector, use a  
To stop dubbing, press the Recording Star/Stop Button  
on the camcorder so that  
engage the VCRs Stop mode.  
stops rotating, then  
commercially available  
output cable adapter.  
Repeat steps 6 through 8 for additional editing.  
VCR (Playback deck)  
Set S/AV INPUTback to OFFin the Menu Screen  
10 to disengage the analogue input mode (pg. 50).  
TV  
NOTES:  
To use an output cable adapter (commercially avail-  
able), refer to its instructions.  
It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as the power  
supply instead of the battery pack (pg. 9).  
Analogue signals can be converted to digital signals with  
this procedure.  
* Connect when an S-Video cable is not used.  
** When connecting the cables, open this cover.  
It is also possible to dub from another camcorder.  
DUBBING (cont.)  
54  
EN  
VIDEO/DSC Switch  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL357/DVL355 only)  
Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit Equipped  
With A DV Connector (Digital Dubbing)  
It is also possible to copy recorded scenes from the  
camcorder onto another video unit equipped with a DV  
connector. Since a digital signal is sent, there is little if any  
image or sound deterioration.  
[To use this camcorder as a player]  
Make sure all units are turned off. Connect the  
camcorder to a video unit equipped with a DV input  
1
connector using a DV cable as shown in the illustration.  
To DV  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to VIDEO(GR-  
2
DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only), set the  
Lock Button  
Core filter  
camcorders Power Switch to “  
while pressing  
down the Lock Button located on the switch, turn on  
the video units power, and insert the appropriate  
cassettes in the camcorder and the video unit.  
DV cable  
(optional)  
Power Switch  
Press  
4
to play back the source tape.  
3
4
While watching the playback on the monitor, engage  
the DV connector-equipped video units record mode  
from the spot on the source tape you want to begin  
recording.  
Core filter  
To DV  
IN/OUT  
Video unit equipped  
with DV connector  
NOTES:  
It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as the power supply  
instead of the battery pack (pg. 9).  
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.  
If a blank portion or disturbed image is played back on the  
player during dubbing, the dubbing may stop so that an  
unusual image is not dubbed.  
Even though the DV cable is connected correctly, some-  
times the image may not appear in step 4. If this occurs, turn  
off the power and make connections again.  
If Playback Zoom(pg. 60), Playback Special Effects”  
(pg. 59) or Snapshotis attempted during playback,  
only the original playback image recorded on the tape is  
output from the DV connector.  
PLAY (4  
STOP (5)  
)
When using a DV cable, be sure to use the optional JVC  
VC-VDV204U DV cable.  
For GR-DVL557/DVL357/DVL157 Owners:  
To Use This Camcorder As A Recorder . . .  
1. Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to VIDEO(GR-DVL557/DVL357 only), then turn the Power Switch to  
while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch.  
2. Set REC MODEto SPor LPin the Menu Screen (pg. 50)  
3. Connect the DV cable as shown in the illustration and load a cassette to record on.  
DV. IN  
4. Press the Recording Start/Stop button to engage the Record-Pause mode. “  
appears on the screen.  
5. Press the Recording Start/Stop button to start recording.  
rotates.  
6. Press the Recording Start/Stop button again to engage the Record-Pause mode.  
stops rotating.  
NOTES:  
Digital Dubbing is performed in the sound mode recorded on the original tape, regardless of the current  
SOUND MODEsetting (pg. 47).  
During Digital Dubbing, no signals are output from the video or audio connectors.  
EN55  
SNAPSHOT Button  
Dubbing Images Stored In A Memory Card  
To A Tape (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)  
Images can be dubbed from a memory card to a tape.  
Load a memory card (pg. 14) and cassette  
1
2
(pg. 12).  
To locate the point where you wish to dub a still  
image, play back the tape. Stop playback at the  
desired point.  
Lock Button  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “  
, then set the  
2
Power Switch  
3
Power Switch to “  
while pressing down the  
Lock Button located on the switch.  
Rewind Button (2  
)
To select a still image to be dubbed, perform Index  
3
Fast-Forward Button (3  
)
4
5
6
Playback (pg. 29), Auto Playback (pg. 28) or  
press  
2
or  
3
to select the image you wish.  
To engage Dub-Standby, press SNAPSHOT. The  
message TO COPY TO TAPE PUSH "SNAPSHOT"”  
appears.  
While the message is being displayed, press  
SNAPSHOT. The selected still image is recorded on  
the tape for approx. 5 seconds.  
The  
complete.  
indicator disappears when dubbing is  
VIDEO/DSC Switch  
(Open the LCD monitor  
to access this switch.)  
NOTE:  
If SNAPSHOT is pressed in step 5 when the tapes erase  
protection tab is set to SAVE, the message COPYING  
FAILEDis displayed.  
Display  
TO COPY TO TAPE  
PUSH SNAPSHOT”  
REC  
DUBBING (cont.)  
Dubbing Images Recorded On A Tape To A  
Memory Card (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)  
Images can be dubbed from a tape to a memory card .  
56  
EN  
SNAPSHOT Button  
Load a memory card (pg. 14) and cassette  
1
2
(pg. 12).  
Select the Snapshot mode in the Menu Screen  
(pg. 26) to use for dubbing the image to the  
memory card.  
Lock Button  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to VIDEO, then set the  
Power Switch  
Display  
3
4
5
Power Switch to “  
while pressing down the  
Lock Button.  
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
Menu Screen  
Screen appears. Rotate it to select “  
press it. The VIDEO Menu appears.  
VIDEOand  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
COPY  
OFF  
ON  
COPYand press it. The Sub Menu  
appears. Rotate it to select ONand press it.  
Selection is complete.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
SP  
6
6
7
1RETURNand press it twice. The normal playback  
screen resumes.  
To select a video image to be dubbed, start playback  
by pressing 4/6. At the moment you find the image  
you wish to dub, press it again to engage Still  
Playback.  
To start dubbing, press SNAPSHOT. The selected  
image is stored in the memory card.  
•“ ” blinks during dubbing.  
8
Play/Pause Button (4/6)  
MENU/  
BRIGHT Wheel  
NOTES:  
If SNAPSHOT is pressed in step 8 when a memory card  
is not loaded, the message COPYING FAILEDis  
displayed.  
If an image recorded on the tape using the WIDE mode  
(pg. 48) is dubbed to a memory card, the WIDE  
mode identifying signal is not dubbed with it.  
To use Playback Special Effects with a video image you  
wish to dub, perform up to step 8 using the remote  
control (provided) (pg. 59).  
VIDEO/DSC Switch  
(Open the LCD monitor  
to access this switch.)  
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT  
EN57  
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.  
1
3
Tab  
Installing The Batteries  
The remote control uses two AAA (R03)size  
batteries. See General Battery Precautions”  
(pg. 85).  
Remove the battery compartment cover while  
1
2
3
pushing up the tab as illustrated.  
Insert two AAA (R03)size batteries in the  
correct direction.  
+
2
Re-attach the battery compartment cover.  
+
Remote sensor  
When using the remote control, be sure to point it  
at the remote sensor. The illustration shows the  
approximate transmitted beam effective area for  
indoor use.  
The transmitted beam may not be effective or  
may cause incorrect operation outdoors or when  
the remote sensor is directly exposed to sunlight  
or powerful lighting.  
Transmitted beam  
effective area  
5 m  
30°  
30°  
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.)  
58  
EN  
Functions  
With the camcorders Power Switch  
set to the camera position  
(“ ” or “ ”) .  
With the camcorders Power Switch  
set to “ ”.  
Buttons  
Infrared beam transmitting window  
Transmits the beam signal.  
Zoom (T/W) Buttons  
DISPLAY Button  
SHIFT Button  
Zoom in/out (pg. 18)  
Zoom in/out (pg. 60)  
pg. 23, 52, 62  
pg. 60, 61  
SLOW Rewind/Forward Buttons  
Left/Right Buttons  
pg. 59  
pg. 60  
REW Button  
Rewind/Reverse Shuttle Search  
on the tape (pg. 21)  
Displays previous image in the  
memory card (GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL357/DVL355 only, pg. 28)  
FADE/WIPE Button  
EFFECT ON/OFF Button  
EFFECT Button  
pg. 63  
pg. 59  
pg. 59  
pg. 62  
PAUSE IN Connector  
START/STOP Button  
MBR SET Button  
Functions the same as the Recording Start/Stop Button on the camcorder.  
pg. 61  
Functions the same as SNAPSHOT on the camcorder.  
SNAPSHOT Button  
Up Button  
INSERT Button  
pg. 60  
GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/  
DVL355 only, pg. 67  
Down Button  
A. DUB Button  
pg. 60  
pg. 66  
PLAY Button  
Starts Playback of the tape (pg. 21)  
Starts Auto Playback of the memory  
card (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/  
DVL355 only, pg. 28)  
FF Button  
Forward/Forward Shuttle Search  
on the tape (pg. 21)  
Displays next image in the memory  
card (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/  
DVL355 only, pg. 28)  
STOP Button  
Stops the tape (pg. 21)  
Stops Auto Playback (GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only,  
pg. 28)  
PAUSE Button  
Pauses the tape (pg. 59)  
R.A.EDIT Buttons  
pg. 61 65  
EN59  
Remote sensor  
FEATURE: Slow-Motion Playback  
PURPOSE:  
To allow slow-speed search in either direction during  
video playback.  
OPERATION:  
1) To change from normal to Slow-Motion Playback, press  
SLOW (9 or 0) more than approx. 2 seconds. After  
approx. 1 minute in Slow Rewind or approx. 2 minutes  
in Slow Forward, normal playback resumes.  
To stop Slow-Motion Playback, press PLAY (4).  
NOTES:  
You can also engage Slow-Motion Playback from Still  
Playback by pressing SLOW more than approx. 2 seconds.  
During Slow-Motion Playback, due to digital image  
processing, the picture may take on a mosaic effect.  
After SLOW (9 or 0) is pressed and held, the still image  
may be displayed for a few seconds, followed by a blue  
screen for a few seconds. This is not a malfunction.  
There may be a small margin between the slow-motion  
playback start point you chose and the actual start  
point for Slow-Motion Playback.  
During Slow-Motion Playback, there will be distur-  
bances in video and the picture may seem unstable,  
especially with steady images. This is not a malfunction.  
During Slow-Motion Playback, press PAUSE (6) to  
pause playback.  
SLOW Forward  
Button  
SLOW  
Rewind Button  
PLAY  
EFFECT  
PAUSE  
ON/OFF  
EFFECT  
FEATURE: Frame-By-Frame Playback  
PLAYBACK EFFECT  
OFF  
PLAYBACK  
EFFECT Select  
Menu  
PURPOSE:  
To allow frame-by-frame search during video playback.  
1
2
3
4
5
CLASS I C F I LM  
OPERATION:  
M
ONOTONE  
1) To change from normal to Frame-By-Frame Playback,  
SEP I A  
press SLOW (0) repeatedly for forward or SLOW (9  
)
STROBE  
V I DEO ECHO  
repeatedly for reverse. Each time it is pressed, the frame  
is played back.  
NOTE:  
You can also engage Frame-By-Frame Playback from Still  
Playback by pressing SLOW (9 or 0) repeatedly.  
FEATURE: Playback Special Effects  
PURPOSE:  
To allow you to add creative effects to the video playback image.  
OPERATION:  
1) To start playback, press PLAY (4).  
2) Point the remote control at the camcorder's remote sensor and press EFFECT. The PLAYBACK EFFECT Select  
Menu appears.  
3) Move the highlight bar to the desired effect by pressing EFFECT. The selected function is activated and after  
2 seconds the menu disappears.  
To deactivate the selected effect, press EFFECT ON/OFF on the remote control. Pressing it again re-activates the  
selected effect.  
To change the selected effect, repeat from step 2 above.  
NOTES:  
When some Playback Special Effects are used, the Multi-Analyser 4 and Multi-Analyser 9 Snapshot modes  
(pg. 42) are not available.  
The effects that can be used during playback are Classic Film, Monotone, Sepia, Strobe and Video Echo. The  
effects work the same in playback as they did in recording. Refer to page 39 for more information.  
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.)  
60  
EN  
Remote sensor  
FEATURE: Playback Zoom  
PURPOSE:  
To magnify the recorded image up to 40X at any time  
during playback.  
OPERATION:  
1) Press PLAY (4) to find the scene of interest.  
2) 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.  
3) You can move the image on screen around to find a  
particular portion of the picture. While holding  
down SHIFT, press  
(Left),  
(Right),  
(Up) and  
(Down).  
To end zoom, press and hold W until magnification  
returns to normal. Or, press STOP (5) and then press  
PLAY (4).  
Zoom Buttons  
Up Button  
SHIFT  
NOTES:  
Zoom can also be used during slow-motion and still  
playback.  
Left Button  
Due to digital image processing, the quality of the  
image may suffer.  
Down Button  
Right Button  
PLAY  
STOP  
Normal playback  
Press T  
To move image, press  
(Right) while keeping  
SHIFT held down.  
EN61  
Random Assemble Editing [R.A.Edit]  
Create edited videos easily using your camcorder as  
the source player. You can select up to 8 “cuts” for  
automatic editing, in any order you like. R.A.Edit is  
more easily performed when the MBR (Multi-Brand  
Remote) is set to operate with your brand of VCR (see  
VCR CODE LIST), but can also be performed by  
operating the VCR manually.  
VCR (Recording deck)  
Before operation, make sure the batteries are installed  
in the remote control (pg. 57).  
SET REMOTE/VCR CODE  
SHIFT  
MBR SET  
Turn off the power to the VCR and point the  
1
2
remote towards the VCR’s infrared sensor. Then,  
referring to the VCR CODE LIST, press and hold  
MBR SET, and press button (A) and then (B).  
The code is automatically set once you release  
MBR SET, and the VCR’s power comes on.  
Make sure the VCR’s power is on. Then, while  
holding SHIFT, press the button on the remote  
for the desired function. The functions the  
remote can control are PLAY, STOP, PAUSE, FF,  
REW and VCR REC STBY (you do not need to  
press SHIFT for this one).  
VCR CODE LIST  
You are now ready to try Random Assemble  
Editing.  
VCR BRAND  
NAME  
BUTTONS  
(A) (B)  
VCR BRAND  
NAME  
BUTTONS  
(A) (B)  
AKAI  
PHILIPS  
IMPORTANT  
Although the MBR is compatible with JVC VCRs and  
those of many other makers, it may not work with  
yours or may offer limited functions.  
BLAUPUNKT  
DAEWOO  
NOTES:  
If the VCRs power does not come on in step 1, try  
another code from the VCR CODE LIST.  
Some brands of VCR do not come on automati-  
cally. In this case, turn the power on manually and  
try step 2.  
If the remote control is not able to control the VCR,  
use the controls on the VCR.  
When the remote controls batteries run out, the  
VCR brand you have set will be erased.  
In that case, replace the old battery with a new one  
to reset the VCR brand.  
FERGUSON  
SAMSUNG  
SANYO  
GRUNDIG  
HITACHI  
SELECO,  
REX  
JVC  
A
B
C
SHARP  
SONY  
LG/GOLDSTAR  
MITSUBISHI  
THOMSON,  
TELEFUNKEN,  
SABA,  
NEC  
PANASONIC  
NORDMENDE  
TOSHIBA  
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE  
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.)  
62  
EN  
MAKE CONNECTIONS  
Connector cover**  
Also refer to pg. 22 and 23.  
To S  
A JVC VCR equipped with a remote pause  
1
connector . . .  
... connect the editing cable to the Remote  
PAUSE connector.  
To AV  
A JVC VCR not equipped with a remote pause  
connector but equipped with an R.A. EDIT  
connector . . .  
To JLIP***  
or EDIT***  
... connect the editing cable to the R.A.EDIT  
connector.  
A VCR other than above . . .  
Audio/Video  
cable  
(provided)  
S-Video  
cable  
(optional)  
... connect the editing cable to the remote  
controls PAUSE IN connector.  
Editing cable  
Insert a recorded tape into the camcorder. Set the  
VIDEO/DSC Switch to VIDEO(GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only), then set the Power  
2
3
To AUDIO,  
VIDEO*  
Switch to “  
while pressing down the Lock  
and  
-IN  
Button located on the switch.  
connectors  
“Y/C”/“CVBS”  
video out  
Turn the VCR power on, insert a recordable tape and  
engage the AUX mode (refer to the VCRs instructions).  
If your VCR has the  
SCART connector,  
use the provided  
cable adapter.  
select switch  
NOTES:  
Before Random Assemble Editing, make sure the  
indications do not appear on the TV monitor. If they do,  
they will be recorded onto the new tape.  
To Remote PAUSE  
or R.A.EDIT  
VCR  
To choose whether or not the following displays appear  
on the connected TV . . .  
Date/Time  
To PAUSE IN  
.... set DATE/TIMEto AUTO, ONor OFFin the  
Menu Screen (pg. 50).  
Time Code  
TV  
DISPLAY  
.... set TIME CODEto ONor OFFin the Menu  
Screen (pg. 50).  
Playback Sound Mode, Tape Speed And Tape Running  
Displays  
.... set ON SCREENto LCDor LCD/TVin the  
Menu Screen (pg. 50). Or, press DISPLAY on the  
remote control (provided).  
For GR-DVL557 Owners: Make sure to set S/AV  
INPUTto OFFin the Menu Screen (pg. 50).  
Set the video out select switch of the cable adapter as  
required:  
*
Connect when an S-Video cable is not used.  
** When connecting cables, open this cover.  
*** JLIP :GR-DVL450/DVL157/DVL150  
EDIT :GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355  
Y/C : When connecting to a TV or VCR which accepts  
Y/C signals and uses an S-Video cable.  
CVBS : When connecting to a TV or VCR which does not  
accept Y/C signals and uses an audio/video cable.  
When editing on a VCR equipped with a DV input  
connector, an optional DV cable can be connected  
instead of an S-Video cable and audio/video cable.  
For GR-DVL450/DVL157 Owners:  
ATTENTION FOR EDITING CABLE  
Make sure you connect the end with the  
core filter (plug which has 3 rings around  
the pin) to the camcorder.  
EN63  
SELECT SCENES  
Programme  
Point the remote control at the camcorders remote  
sensor. Press PLAY (4) and then press R.A.EDIT ON/  
OFF on the remote control.  
I N  
OUT  
MODE  
Random Assemble  
Editing Menu  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
– –  
– – : – –  
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
4
5
The Random Assemble Editing Menu appears.  
If using a Fade/Wipe at the beginning of the scene,  
press FADE/WIPE on the remote control.  
Cycle through the effects by pressing repeatedly,  
and stop when the one you want is displayed.  
You cannot use a Picture Wipe/Dissolve at the  
beginning of Programme 1.  
T I ME CODE  
TOTAL  
– –  
:
– –  
00 : 00  
Remote sensor  
At the beginning of the scene, press EDIT IN/OUT on  
the remote control. The Edit-In position appears in  
the Random Assemble Editing Menu.  
6
7
8
At the end of the scene, press EDIT IN/OUT. The  
Edit-Out position appears in the Random Assemble  
Editing Menu.  
If using a Fade/Wipe at the end of the scene, press  
FADE/WIPE.  
Cycle through the effects by pressing repeatedly,  
and stop when the one you want is displayed.  
If you select a Fade/Wipe effect for an Edit-Out  
point, the effect is automatically applied to the  
following Edit-In point.  
You cannot use a Picture Wipe/Dissolve at the end  
of the last scene.  
When you use Fade/Wipe effects, that time is  
included in the total time (this does not apply to  
REW  
Picture Wipe/Dissolve).  
1
FF  
PLAY  
If using Playback Special Effects, press EFFECT  
FADE/WIPE  
EFFECT  
EDIT IN/OUT  
CANCEL  
(pg. 59).  
9
R.A.EDIT  
ON/OFF  
Repeat steps 6 through 9 to register additional scenes.  
10 To change previously registered points, press  
CANCEL on the remote control. The registered  
points disappear, one at a time, from the most  
recently registered point.  
If you are not using Fade/Wipe or Programme AE  
with special effects, repeat steps 6 and 7 only.  
NOTES:  
When choosing a scene, set Edit-In and Edit-Out points so that there is a relatively large difference between  
them.  
If the search time for an in-point exceeds 5 minutes, the recording decks Record-Standby mode will be  
cancelled and editing will not take place.  
If there are blank portions before or after the Edit-In and Edit-Out points, a blue screen may be included in  
the edited version.  
Since time codes register time only as accurately as seconds, the time code total time may not match the  
total programme time exactly.  
Turning off the camcorders power erases all registered Edit-In and Edit-Out points.  
If you select Sepia or Monotone mode from Programme AE with special effects, you cannot use the Dissolve  
or Black & White Fader. In this case the Dissolve or Black & White indicator begins blinking. Once the next  
Edit-In point is registered, the effect is turned off. To combine these effects, use Sepia or Monotone during  
recording, then use the Dissolve or Black & White Fader during Random Assemble Editing.  
It is not possible to use Fade/Wipe effects and Programme AE with special effects during Random Assemble  
Editing using a DV cable.  
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE  
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.)  
64  
EN  
AUTOMATIC EDITING TO VCR  
Rewind the tape in the camcorder to the beginning of  
11 the scene you want to edit and press PAUSE (6).  
Point the remote control towards the VCRs remote  
12 sensor and press VCR REC STBY (q6), or manually  
engage the VCRs Record-Pause mode.  
Press the Recording Start/Stop Button on the  
Recording Start/Stop Button  
13 camcorder. Editing proceeds as programmed, right  
through to the end of the last registered scene.  
Pressing START/STOP on the remote control does  
not start editing.  
When dubbing is complete, the camcorder enters  
the Pause mode, and the VCR enters its Record-  
Pause mode.  
If you do not register an Edit-Out point, the tape will  
be dubbed all the way to the end automatically.  
If you operate the camcorder during automatic  
editing, the VCR will enter its Record-Pause mode  
and automatic editing will stop.  
I N  
OUT  
MODE  
– –  
Random Assemble  
Editing Menu  
1
2
00 : 25  
07 : 18  
03 : 33  
09 : 30  
15 : 55  
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
02 : 05  
08 : 31 – – – –  
05 : 53  
3
4
5
6
7
8
– –  
– –  
13 : 15  
16 : 29 – – – –  
– – – –  
:
T I ME CODE  
TOTAL  
1 6  
:
3 0  
9 : 39  
1
Engage the Stop modes for the camcorder and the  
14 VCR.  
Remote Sensor  
To make the R.A.Edit counter display disappear, press  
R.A.EDIT ON/OFF on the remote control.  
NOTES:  
Pressing R.A.EDIT ON/OFF on the remote control clears  
all settings registered during Random Assemble Editing.  
When the editing cable is connected to the remote  
controls Pause In connector during dubbing, make sure  
the remote control is pointed at the VCRs sensor, and  
the path between the two is unobstructed.  
Random Assemble Editing may not function properly  
when using a tape including several duplicated time  
codes (pg. 20).  
VCR  
REC STBY  
PAUSE  
R.A.EDIT  
ON/OFF  
EN65  
Programme 1  
For More Accurate Editing  
Some VCRs make the transition from Record-Pause to  
Record mode faster than others. Even if you begin editing  
for the camcorder and the VCR at exactly the same time,  
you may lose scenes you wanted, or find that you have  
recorded scenes you did not want. For a cleanly edited  
tape, confirm and adjust the timing of the camcorder  
against your VCR.  
I N  
– – : – –  
OUT  
MODE  
Random Assemble  
Editing Menu  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
– –  
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
T I ME CODE  
TOTAL  
– –  
:
– –  
00 : 00  
DIAGNOSING VCR/CAMCORDER TIMING  
VIDEO Menu  
Play back the tape in the camcorder, then point the  
1
2
3
remote control at the camcorders remote sensor and  
press R.A.EDIT ON/OFF.  
SYNCHRO  
O . 1  
GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/DVL357/  
DVL355 only  
The Random Assemble Editing Menu appears.  
Perform Random Assemble Editing on Programme 1  
only. In order to check VCR and camcorder timing,  
select the beginning of a scene transition as your Edit-  
In point.  
Remote sensor  
Play back the dubbed scene.  
If any images from the scene prior to the  
transition you chose for your Edit-In point were  
recorded, that means your VCR moves too quickly  
from Record-Pause to Record mode.  
If the scene you tried to dub starts in progress, the  
VCR is slow to start recording.  
ADJUSTMENT OF VCR/CAMCORDER  
TIMING  
Point the remote control at the camcorders remote  
4
sensor and press R.A.EDIT ON/OFF to make the  
Random Assemble Editing menu disappear, then  
press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu  
Screen appears.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “  
VIDEOand push it. The VIDEO Menu appears.  
Then, rotate it to SYNCHROand push it. The value  
for SYNCHROis highlighted.  
5
6
R.A.EDIT  
ON/OFF  
Based on the diagnostics performed, you can now  
advance the VCRs record timing by rotating the  
MENU/BRIGHT wheel towards +. You can also  
delay the VCRs record timing by rotating the MENU/  
BRIGHT wheel towards . The adjustment range is  
from 1.3 to +1.3 seconds, in 0.1-second increments.  
Push the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to finish the setting.  
NOTES:  
Before performing actual Random Assemble  
Editing, do a few Random Assemble Editing  
trial runs to check whether the value you  
have input is appropriate or not, and make  
adjustments accordingly.  
Depending on the recorder, there may be  
situations where the timing difference cannot  
be fully corrected.  
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select  
1RETURNand push it twice.  
Now perform Random Assemble Editing beginning  
with step 4 on page 63.  
7
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.)  
66  
EN  
Display  
Audio Dubbing  
6e  
Audio Dub Standby  
mode  
The audio track can be customized only when recorded in  
the 12-bit mode (pg. 47).  
NOTES:  
Audio Dubbing is not possible on a tape recorded in  
16-bit audio, on a tape recorded in the LP mode or on a  
blank portion of a tape.  
To perform Audio Dubbing while watching on the  
television, make connections (pg. 22).  
Play back the tape to locate the point where editing  
1
2
3
will start, then press PAUSE (6).  
While holding A.DUB (e) on the remote control,  
press PAUSE (6). 6eappears.  
Press PLAY (4), then begin narrating.  
Speak into the microphone.  
To pause dubbing, press PAUSE (6).  
Speaker  
Power Switch  
To end Audio Dubbing, press PAUSE (6), then STOP  
4
(5).  
Remote sensor  
To hear the dubbed sound during playback . . .  
.... set 12BIT MODEto SOUND 2or MIXin the  
Menu Screen (pg. 50, 51).  
NOTES:  
Sound is not heard from the speaker during Audio  
Dubbing.  
When editing onto a tape that was recorded at 12-bit,  
the old and new soundtracks are recorded separately.  
If you dub onto a blank space on the tape, the sound  
may be disrupted. Make sure you only edit recorded  
areas.  
If feedback or howling occurs during TV playback, move  
the camcorders microphone away from the TV, or turn  
down the TVs volume.  
Stereo  
microphone  
If you change from 12-bit to 16-bit in mid-recording and  
then use the tape for Audio Dubbing, it is not effective  
from the point where 16-bit recording began.  
During Audio Dubbing, when the tape moves to scenes  
recorded in the LP mode, scenes recorded in 16-bit  
audio or a blank portion, Audio Dubbing stops  
(pg. 83).  
To perform Audio Dubbing with a video unit connected  
to the camcorders AV connector, first set S/AV INPUT”  
to ONin the Menu Screen (GR-DVL557 only  
pg. 50).  
A.DUB  
PLAY  
STOP  
PAUSE  
EN67  
Insert Editing  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)  
You can record a new scene into a previously recorded  
tape, replacing a section of the original recording with  
minimal picture distortion at the in and outpoints. The  
original audio remains unchanged.  
NOTES:  
Before performing the following steps, make sure that  
TIME CODEis set to ONin the Menu Screen  
(pg. 50).  
Insert Editing is not possible on a tape recorded in the LP  
mode or on a blank portion of a tape.  
To perform Insert Editing while watching in the  
television, make connections (pg. 22).  
Lock Button  
Power Switch  
Display  
w
6
Play back the tape, locate the Edit-Out point and  
1
press PAUSE (6). Confirm the time code at this point  
(pg. 51).  
Press REW (2) until the Edit-In point is located, then  
12 : 34  
2
3
press PAUSE (6).  
Press and hold INSERT (w) on the remote control,  
then press PAUSE (6). 6wand the Time Code  
(min.:sec.) appear and the camcorder enters Insert-  
Pause mode.  
Remote sensor  
Press START/STOP to begin editing.  
Confirm the insert at the time code you checked in  
step 1.  
To pause editing, press START/STOP. Press it again  
to resume editing.  
4
To end Insert Editing, press START/STOP, then STOP  
5
(5).  
NOTES:  
Programme AE with special effects (pg. 38, 39) can  
be used to spice up the scenes being edited during Insert  
Editing.  
START/STOP  
REW  
During Insert Editing, the date and time information  
changes.  
If you perform Insert Editing onto a blank space on the  
tape, the audio and video may be disrupted. Make sure  
you only edit recorded areas.  
INSERT  
PLAY  
STOP  
PAUSE  
During Insert Editing, when the tape moves to scenes  
recorded in the LP mode or a blank portion, Insert Edting  
stops (pg. 84).  
SYSTEM CONNECTIONS  
68  
EN  
[A]Using USB or PC connection cable  
GR-DVL450/DVL157/DVL150 only  
PC connection cable  
(provided with GR-DVL450/  
DVL157 only)  
To  
RS-232C  
To PC  
(DIGITAL PHOTO)  
To USB  
USB cable  
(provided)  
To USB  
connector  
PC  
GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only  
[B]Using DV cable  
OR  
Power Switch  
Core filter  
Core filter  
DV cable  
(optional)  
To DV  
connector  
To DV  
PC with DV  
connector  
VIDEO/DSC Switch (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/  
DVL355 only; open the LCD monitor to access this switch.)  
NOTES:  
Connection To A Personal Computer  
It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as the  
power supply instead of the battery pack  
(pg. 9).  
[A] Using USB or PC connection cable  
This camcorder can transfer still images to a PC by  
using the software (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL450/  
DVL357/DVL355/DVL157: provided, GR-DVL150:  
optional software HS-V16KIT).  
Never connect the USB or PC connection cable  
and the DV cable simultaneously to the  
camcorder. Connect only the cable you wish to  
use to the camcorder.  
If the PC connected to the camcorder via the USB  
cable is not powered, the camcorder does not  
enter the USB mode.  
The date/time information cannot be captured into  
the PC.  
Refer to the instruction manuals of the PC and  
Software.  
[B] Using DV cable  
It is also possible to transfer still images to a PC with  
a DV connector by using software equipped with the  
PC or commercially available software.  
Make sure the camcorder and PC are turned off.  
1
2
3
The still images can also be transferred to a PC  
with a DV connector-equipped capture board.  
When using a DV cable, be sure to use the  
optional JVC VC-VDV206U or VC-VDV204U DV  
cable depending on the type of DV connector (4  
or 6 pins) on the PC, or use the DV cable provided  
with the capture board.  
Connect the camcorder to your PC using the  
appropriate cable as shown in the illustration.  
For GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355  
Owners: If you are using the USB connection,  
set the VIDEO/DSC switch to DSC.  
Only the still images stored in the memory  
card can be transferred to a PC.  
The system may not work properly depending on  
the PC or capture board you are using.  
Turn the camcorders Power Switch to “  
For GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355  
Owners:  
USB MODEand/or ACCESSING FILEappears  
on the LCD monitor while the PC is accessing data  
in the camcorder or the camcorder is transferring a  
file to the PC.  
NEVER disconnect the USB cable while  
ACCESSING FILEis displayed on the LCD  
monitor since this can result in product damage.  
while pressing down the Lock Button located on  
the switch and turn on the PC.  
4
5
Refer to the instruction manual of the software  
on how to transfer a still image to the PC.  
When finished, turn off the PC first, then the  
camcorder.  
EN69  
Connection To A Video Unit Equipped With  
A DV Connector  
Connection to the GV-DT3 Digital Printer (optional) allows  
you to print out images or transfer them to a PC. It is also  
possible to copy recorded scenes from the camcorder onto  
another video unit equipped with a DV connector. This  
function is called Digital Dubbing (pg. 54), which  
offers virtually no image or sound deterioration.  
Power Switch  
Make sure all units are turned off.  
1
2
3
To DV  
Make connections to the device you want to connect  
to using a DV cable, as shown in the illustration.  
If necessary, connect the PC connection cable  
(provided with GV-DT3) to the printers PC connector  
and the PCs RS-232C connector.  
Core filter  
DV cable  
(optional)  
Turn the camcorders Power Switch to “  
while  
4
pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch  
and turn on the other units.  
Core filter  
NOTES:  
To DV IN  
connector  
To DV  
connector  
It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as the power  
supply instead of the battery pack (pg. 9).  
If Still Playback, Slow-Motion Playback, Fast-Forward or  
Rewind is attempted with the camcorder connected to a  
video unit via the DV connector, the image will take on  
an effect similar to a coloured mosaic pattern or it will  
become black.  
Video unit equipped  
with a DV connector  
Also refer to the instruction manuals of the connected  
units.  
When using a DV cable, be sure to use the optional JVC  
VC-VDV204U DV cable.  
To PC  
connector  
Digital Printer  
PC connection  
cable  
To RS-232C  
PC  
REFERENCES  
REFERENCES  
70  
EN  
CONTENTS  
DETAILS ............................................. 71  
TROUBLESHOOTING ........................ 72 – 76  
USER MAINTENANCE .............................. 77  
INDEX ........................................ 78 – 84  
Controls, Connectors And Indicators ........ 78 – 79  
Indications ....................................80 – 84  
CAUTIONS ................................... 85 – 87  
TERMS ....................................... 88 – 89  
SPECIFICATIONS ............................ 90 – 91  
DETAILS  
EN71  
I T E M S  
N O T E S  
Perform charging where the temperature is between 10°C and  
35°C. 20°C to 25°C is the ideal temperature range for charging. If  
the environment is too cold, charging may be incomplete.  
Power  
(pg. 8)  
Charging times are for a fully discharged battery pack.  
Charging time varies according to the ambient temperature and the  
status of the battery pack.  
To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Adapter  
near a radio.  
Since the AC Adapter processes electricity internally, it becomes  
warm during use. Be sure to use it only in well-ventilated areas.  
The following operation stops charging:  
Set the Power Switch to “  
, “ ” or “ ”.  
Disconnect the AC adapter from the camcorder.  
Unplug the AC adapters power cord from the AC outlet.  
Detach the battery from the camcorder.  
When you use the LCD monitor outdoors in direct sunlight, the  
LCD monitor may be difficult to see. If this happens, use the  
viewfinder instead.  
VIDEO  
RECORDING  
(pg. 16, 17)  
The cassette holder cannot be opened unless a power supply is  
attached.  
There may be a delay after you open the cassette holder cover until  
the cassette holder opens. Do not use force.  
Once the cassette holder is closed, it recedes automatically. Wait  
until it recedes completely before closing the cassette holder cover.  
When the Recording Start/Stop button is pressed, it may take a few  
seconds before actual recording starts. “ ” starts rotating when  
the camcorder actually starts recording.  
The time required to calculate and display the remaining tape  
length, and the accuracy of the calculation, may vary according to  
the type of tape used.  
TAPE ENDappears when the tape reaches its end, and the power  
goes off automatically if left in this condition for 5 minutes. TAPE  
ENDalso appears when a cassette at its end is loaded.  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
72  
EN  
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 Adapter, etc.) and wait a few minutes; and then re-connect it and proceed as usual from the  
beginning.  
SYMPTOM  
1. No power is supplied.  
POSSIBLE CAUSES  
CORRECTIVE ACTION  
1. The power is not connected  
properly.  
1. Connect the AC Adapter  
securely (pg. 9).  
The battery is dead.  
Replace the dead battery with  
a fully charged one  
(pg. 8, 9).  
2. SET DATE/TIME!appears.  
2. The date/time is not set.  
The built-in clock battery has  
run out and the previously set  
date/time has been erased.  
2. Set the date/time (pg. 11).  
Consult your nearest JVC  
dealer for replacement.  
3. Recording cannot be  
3. For Video Recording —  
The tapes erase protection tab  
is set to SAVE.  
3. Set the tapes erase protection  
performed.  
tab to REC(pg. 12).  
Set the Power Switch to “  
The Power Switch is set to  
or “ ” (pg. 17).  
or OFF.  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to  
VIDEO.  
The VIDEO/DSC Switch is set  
to “ ”.  
Replace with new cassette  
(pg. 12).  
TAPE ENDappears.  
The cassette holder cover is  
open.  
Close the cassette holder  
cover.  
For D.S.C. Recording —  
The VIDEO/DSC Switch is set  
to VIDEO.  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to  
.  
4. There is no picture.  
4. The camcorder is not getting  
power, or some other  
4. Turn the camcorders power  
off and on again (pg. 17).  
malfunction exists.  
5. The focus does not adjust  
5. Focus is set to the Manual  
mode.  
5. Set Focus to the Auto mode  
(pg. 43).  
automatically.  
The recording was done in a  
dark place, or the contrast  
was low.  
The lens is dirty or covered  
with condensation.  
Clean the lens and check the  
focus again (pg. 77).  
6. The cassette will not load  
6. The cassette is in the wrong  
position.  
6. Set it in the right position  
(pg. 12).  
properly.  
The batterys charge is low.  
Install a fully charged battery  
(pg. 8, 9).  
7. The memory card will not  
7. The memory card is in the  
7. Set it in the right position  
load properly.  
wrong position.  
(pg. 14).  
8. Snapshot mode cannot be  
8. The Squeeze mode is  
8. Disengage the Squeeze mode  
used.  
selected.  
(pg. 48).  
EN73  
SYMPTOM  
POSSIBLE CAUSES  
CORRECTIVE ACTION  
9. The colour of Snapshot looks  
9. The light source or the subject  
does not include white. Or  
there are various different  
light sources behind the  
subject.  
9. Find a white subject and  
compose your shot so that it  
also appears in the frame  
(pg. 26, 42).  
strange.  
Turn off Sepia and Monotone  
(pg. 38, 39).  
The Sepia or Monotone mode  
is activated.  
10. The image taken using  
10. Shooting was performed  
10. Press the BACKLIGHT Button  
Snapshot is too dark.  
under backlit conditions.  
(pg. 44).  
11. The image taken using  
11. The subject is too bright.  
11. Set PROGRAM AEto  
SPOTLIGHTin the Menu  
Screen (pg. 38).  
Snapshot is too bright.  
12. Digital Zoom does not work.  
12. 10X optical zoom is selected.  
PROGRAM AEis set to  
VIDEO ECHOin the Menu  
Screen.  
12. Set ZOOMto 40Xor  
300Xin the Menu Screen  
(pg. 47).  
Disengage the VIDEO  
ECHOmode (pg. 18, 39).  
Wait until the Picture Wipe or  
Dissolve effects are completed  
(pg. 18, 40).  
Picture Wipe or Dissolve are  
being used in a scene  
transition.  
13. The Black & White Fader  
13. The Sepia or Monotone mode  
13. Turn off Sepia and Monotone  
does not work.  
is activated.  
(pg. 38, 40).  
14. The Dissolve function does  
14. The Sepia, Monotone or Slow  
Shutter mode of Programme  
AE with special effects is  
activated.  
14. Turn off Sepia, Monotone or  
Slow Shutter before adding  
Dissolve to a scene transition  
(pg. 38, 40).  
not work.  
WIDE MODEis set to  
SQUEEZEin the Menu  
Screen.  
Set WIDE MODEto  
CINEMAor OFFmode  
(pg. 48).  
The previously selected mode  
of Programme AE with special  
effects was changed after the  
last selected scene for editing  
was registered.  
Make sure you have selected  
the mode of Programme AE  
with special effects you want  
before starting editing (pg.  
38, 40).  
15. The Picture Wipe and  
Dissolve functions do not  
work.  
15. The last selected editing scene  
is ending.  
15. Select Picture Wipe or  
Dissolve before beginning  
recording. The effects are then  
automatically activated  
(pg. 40).  
At the end of the last selected  
scene for editing, the Power  
Switch was set to OFF.  
The power is off.  
Do not turn off the  
camcorders power after  
setting Edit-In and Edit-Out  
points, as they will all be  
erased (pg. 40).  
The camcorder automatically  
shuts off after 5 minutes have  
elapsed in the Record-  
Standby mode. Make sure you  
continue operations within  
5 minutes after engaging  
Record-Standby mode  
(pg. 40).  
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE  
TROUBLESHOOTING (cont.)  
74  
EN  
SYMPTOM  
POSSIBLE CAUSES  
CORRECTIVE ACTION  
16. Disengage the Slow Shutter  
mode or set WIDE MODE”  
to OFFbefore preparing to  
use the Picture Wipe  
16. The picture wipe function  
16. The Slow Shutter mode is  
activated.  
does not work.  
WIDE MODEis not set to  
OFF.  
(pg. 38, 40, 48).  
17. Scene transition does not go  
17. When using Picture Wipe/  
Dissolve(pg. 40), there is  
a delay of a fraction of a  
second between the previous  
record stop-point and the  
Dissolve start-point. This is  
normal, but this slight delay  
becomes especially notice-  
able when shooting fast-  
moving subject or during  
rapid panning.  
17.  
as expected.  
————  
18. The Video Echo mode does  
18. The Picture Wipe or  
Dissolve functions are in use.  
WIDE MODEis set to  
SQUEEZEin the Menu  
Screen.  
18. Set WIDE MODEto  
CINEMAor OFFmode  
(pg. 48).  
not work.  
Do not try to use the Video  
Echo mode during a Fade-In  
or Fade-Out (pg. 38, 40).  
A Fade-In or Fade-Out is in  
progress.  
19. Even when Slow Shutter is  
not selected, the image looks  
like it is activated.  
19. When shooting in the dark,  
the unit becomes highly  
sensitive to light and the  
image takes on an effect  
similar to Slow Shutter.  
19. If you want the lighting to  
look more natural, set GAIN  
UP to AGCor OFFin the  
Menu Screen (pg. 47).  
20. There is no strobe when the  
Classic Film or Strobe mode  
is activated.  
20. The Picture Wipe or Dissolve  
20. Do not try to use the Classic  
Film or Strobe mode during a  
scene transition (pg. 38,  
40).  
function is in use.  
21. White Balance cannot be  
21. The Sepia or Monotone mode  
21. Turn off Sepia or Monotone  
before setting White Balance  
(pg. 39, 45).  
activated.  
is activated.  
22. When shooting a subject  
illuminated by bright light,  
vertical lines appear.  
22. This is a result of exceedingly  
high contrast, and is not a  
malfunction.  
22.  
————  
23. When the screen is under  
direct sunlight during  
shooting, the screen  
becomes red or black for an  
instant.  
23. This is not a malfunction.  
23.  
————  
24. During recording, the date/  
24. DATE/TIMEis set to OFF”  
24. Set DATE/TIMEto ONin  
time does not appear.  
in the Menu Screen.  
the Menu Screen (pg. 49).  
25. Images stored in the memory  
25. Images stored in the memory  
25. Remove protection from the  
images stored in the memory  
card and delete them  
card cannot be deleted.  
card are protected.  
(pg. 31, 32).  
EN75  
SYMPTOM  
POSSIBLE CAUSES  
CORRECTIVE ACTION  
26. The indicators and messages  
26. TIME CODEis set to OFF”  
26. Set TIME CODEto ONin  
the Menu Screen  
do not appear.  
in the Menu Screen.  
(pg. 49, 50).  
27. Images on the LCD monitor  
27. In places subject to low  
temperature, images become  
dark due to the characteristics  
of the LCD monitor. When  
this happens, the displayed  
colours differ from those that  
are actually recorded. This is  
not a defect of the camcorder.  
When the LCD monitor's  
fluorescent light reaches the  
end of its service life, images  
on the LCD monitor become  
dark. Consult your nearest  
JVC dealer.  
27. Adjust the brightness and  
angle of the LCD monitor  
(pg. 16, 17).  
appear dark or whitish.  
28. The rear of the LCD monitor  
28. The light used to illuminate  
the LCD monitor causes it to  
become hot.  
28. Close the LCD monitor to turn  
it off or set the Power Switch  
to OFF, and let the unit cool  
down.  
is hot.  
29. The indicators and the image  
colour on the LCD monitor  
are not clear.  
29. This may occur when the  
surface or the edge of the LCD  
monitor is pressed.  
29.  
————  
30. The LCD monitor or  
30. Certain Fade/Wipe effects,  
certain modes of Programme  
AE with special effects, DIS”  
and other functions that  
30. Re-read the sections covering  
Fade/Wipe effects, Pro-  
gramme AE with special  
effects and DIS(pg. 38 –  
41, 48).  
viewfinder indications blink.  
cannot be used together are  
selected at the same time.  
31. Coloured bright spots appear  
all over the LCD monitor or  
the viewfinder.  
31. The LCD monitor and the  
viewfinder are made with  
high-precision technology.  
However, black spots or  
bright spots of light (red, green  
or blue) may appear  
31.  
constantly on the LCD  
————  
monitor or the viewfinder.  
These spots are not recorded  
on the tape. This is not due to  
any defect of the unit.  
(Effective dots: more than  
99.99 %)  
32. During recording, sound  
32. This is normal.  
32.  
————  
cannot be heard.  
33. Play, Rewind and Fast-  
Forward functions do not  
work.  
33. The Power Switch is set to  
33. Set the Power Switch to  
or “ ”.  
(pg. 21).  
34. A memory card cannot be  
34. The Power Switch is set to  
34. Set the Power Switch to  
(pg. 28).  
Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to  
.  
played back.  
or “ ”.  
The VIDEO/DSC Switch is set  
to VIDEO.  
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE  
TROUBLESHOOTING (cont.)  
76  
EN  
SYMPTOM  
POSSIBLE CAUSES  
35. During playback of the  
unrecorded portion, High-  
speed Search and still  
CORRECTIVE ACTION  
35. The LCD monitor image is  
35.  
distorted.  
————  
playback, LCD monitor  
indications appear distorted.  
This is not a defect.  
36. Images on the LCD monitor  
36. The speaker volume is too  
36. Turn the speaker volume  
are jittery.  
great.  
down (pg. 21).  
37. There is no playback picture  
37. Since the analogue input mode  
is engaged, the camcorder is in  
the Record-Standby mode.  
37. Set S/AV INPUTto OFFin  
on the connected TV.  
the Menu Screen (pg. 50).  
38. Blocks of noise appear  
during playback, or there is  
no playback picture and the  
screen becomes blue.  
38.  
38. Clean the video heads with an  
optional cleaning cassette  
(pg. 86).  
————  
39. The LCD monitor, the  
viewfinder and the lens have  
become dirty (ex. finger-  
prints).  
39.  
39. Wipe them gently with soft  
cloth. Wiping strongly can  
cause damage (pg. 77).  
————  
40. An unusual mark appears.  
40.  
40. Check the section of the  
manual that explains LCD  
monitor/viewfinder indica-  
tions (pg. 80 84).  
————  
41. An error indication  
41. A malfunction of some kind  
has occurred. In this case the  
camcorders functions  
41. Remove the power supply  
(battery pack, etc.) and wait a  
few minutes for the indication  
to clear. When it does, you  
can resume using the  
(E01 E06) appears.  
become unusable.  
camcorder.  
If the indication remains even  
though you repeat the above  
two or three times, please  
consult your nearest JVC  
dealer.  
42. The charger indicator on the  
42. The temperature of the battery  
is extremely high/low.  
42. To protect the battery, it is  
recommended to charge it in  
places with a temperature of  
10°C to 35°C (pg. 85).  
camcorder does not light.  
Charging is difficult in places  
subject to extremely high/low  
temperatures.  
43. When the image is printed  
from the printer, a black bar  
appears at the bottom of the  
screen.  
43. This is not a malfunction.  
43. By recording with DIS”  
activated (pg. 47) this can  
be avoided.  
44. When the camcorder is  
connected via the DV  
connector, the camcorder  
does not operate.  
44. The DV cable was plugged/  
unplugged with power turned  
on.  
44. Turn the camcorders power  
off and on again, then operate  
it.  
45. The memory card cannot be  
removed from the  
45.  
45. Push in the memory card a  
————  
few more times (pg. 14).  
camcorder.  
USER MAINTENANCE  
After Use  
EN77  
Cleaning The Camcorder  
Turn off the camcorder.  
To clean the exterior, wipe gently with a soft  
cloth.  
Put the cloth in diluted mild soap and wring it  
well to wipe off heavy dirt. Then wipe again  
with a dry cloth.  
1
1
Slide and hold OPEN/EJECT in the direction of  
2
3
4
the arrow, then pull the cassette holder cover  
open until it locks. The cassette holder opens  
automatically. Remove the cassette.  
Press PUSH OPEN and open the LCD monitor.  
Wipe gently with a soft cloth. Be careful not to  
damage the monitor. Close the LCD monitor.  
2
Press PUSH HEREto close the cassette holder.  
Once the cassette holder is closed, it recedes  
automatically. Wait until it recedes completely  
before closing the cassette holder cover.  
To clean the lens, blow it with a blower brush,  
then wipe gently with lens cleaning paper.  
3
4
Tilt the viewfinder upward 1. Slide BAT.  
RELEASE 2 and remove the battery pack 3 .  
To clean the viewfinder, raise it to the vertical  
position. Open the viewfinder cleaning hatch in  
the direction of the arrow  
.
Insert a lens blower or soft cloth into the gap at  
the bottom of the viewfinder and clean the  
5
interior of the viewfinder with it  
.
Close the hatch. Tilt the viewfinder back to the  
horizontal position.  
6
Remove.  
NOTES:  
Cassette  
holder  
PUSH HERE  
Avoid using strong cleaning agents such as benzine  
or alcohol.  
Cleaning should be done only after the battery  
pack has been removed or other power units have  
been disconnected.  
Mould may form if the lens is left dirty.  
When using a cleaner or chemically treated cloth  
refer to the cautions of each product.  
Cassette holder  
cover  
OPEN/EJECT Switch  
BAT. RELEASE Switch  
1
2
3
Hatch  
Lens blower  
INDEX Controls, Connectors And Indicators  
78  
EN  
2
6
1
2
3 4 5 6 7  
@ # $  
8 9 0 !  
&
% ^  
EN79  
DVL150 only) ................................... pg. 62  
Connect to a JLIP-compatible camcorder or VCR  
to control it from the computer using the  
Software.  
Connect the editing cable when performing  
Random Assemble Editing ......... pg. 61 65  
Edit Connector [EDIT] (GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL357/DVL355 only) ..................... pg. 62  
Audio/Video Input (GR-DVL557 only)/Output  
Connector [AV] ................. pg. 22, 52, 53, 62  
DC Input Connector .......................... pg. 8, 9  
Digital Video Connector [DV IN/OUT:  
GR-DVL557/DVL357/DVL157, DV OUT:  
GR-DVL555/DVL450/DVL355/DVL150]  
(i.Link*) ................................... pg. 54, 68, 69  
* i.Link refers to the IEEE1394-1995 industry  
specification and extensions thereof. The logo  
is used for products compliant with the i.Link  
standard.  
J Terminal [JLIP (Joint Level Interface Protocol)]  
Controls  
(GR-DVL450/DVL157/  
1 Monitor Open Button  
[PUSH OPEN] ..................................... pg. 16  
2 Dioptre Adjustment Control ................. pg. 10  
3 Battery Release Switch  
[BAT. RELEASE]...................................... pg. 8  
4 MENU Wheel [+, , PUSH] ............... pg. 46  
LCD Monitor BRIGHT  
(Brightness) Control [+, ] .................. pg. 16  
5 Snapshot Button  
[SNAPSHOT]................pg. 26, 27, 42, 55, 56  
6 Power Zoom Lever [T/W] .................. pg. 18  
Speaker Volume Control [VOL.] ........ pg. 21  
7 FOCUS Button .................................. pg. 43  
BLANK SEARCH Button .................... pg. 24  
JUMP Button (GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL357/DVL355 only) ..................... pg. 30  
8 Stop Button [5] ................................. pg. 21  
NIGHT-SCOPE Button ....................... pg. 38  
9 Rewind Button [2] ......................... pg. 21  
Indicators  
EXPOSURE Button ............................ pg. 44  
Tally Lamp ..................................... pg. 16, 48  
0 Play/Pause Button [4/6] ................... pg. 21  
Programme AE Button [P.AE] ............. pg. 38  
Side LED Indicator (GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL450 only) ...................................... pg. 49  
! Fast-Forward Button [3] ................. pg. 21  
2
6
BACKLIGHT Button .......................... pg. 44  
CHARGE Lamp...................................... pg. 8  
@ Power Switch  
Power Lamp .................................. pg. 16, 17  
[
,
,
, OFF] ........................... pg. 17  
Other Parts  
# Recording Start/Stop Button.................. pg. 16  
$ Lock Button ......................................... pg. 17  
Remote Sensor .................................. pg. 57  
Camera Sensor  
Be careful not to cover this area, a sensor  
necessary for shooting is built-in here.  
Viewfinder ........................................... pg. 10  
% Video Light Switch  
[LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON]...................... pg. 19  
^ VIDEO/DSC Switch [VIDEO,  
]
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/  
Video Light .......................................... pg. 19  
Stereo Microphone .............................. pg. 66  
Shoulder Strap Eyelets .......................... pg. 10  
Grip Strap ............................................ pg. 10  
Viewfinder Cleaning Hatch .................. pg. 77  
Battery Pack Mount ............................... pg. 8  
LCD Monitor ................................. pg. 16, 17  
Speaker ............................................... pg. 21  
Stud Hole ............................................ pg. 10  
Tripod Mounting Socket ....................... pg. 10  
DVL355 only) ...................................... pg. 17  
& OPEN/EJECT Switch ............................. pg. 12  
Connectors  
The connectors  
to  
are located beneath a cover.  
S-Video Input (GR-DVL557 only)/Output  
Connector [S] .................... pg. 22, 52, 53, 62  
PC (DIGITAL PHOTO) Connector  
(GR-DVL450/DVL157/  
DVL150 only) ................................... pg. 68  
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Connector  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/  
DVL355 only) ................................... pg. 68  
Connect to a USB-equipped computer to  
download the entire contents of a memory card  
in only 80 seconds using the provided software.  
MEMORY CARD Cover (GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL357/DVL355 only) ........................ pg. 14  
INDEX Indications  
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Video Recording Only  
80  
EN  
1 Displays the selected Fade/Wipe effect.  
(pg. 40, 41)  
1
2
3
4
5
6
2 Appears when in the Squeeze or Cinema mode.  
(pg. 48)  
3 Rotates while the tape is running.  
4 Displays the recording mode (SP or LP).  
(pg. 13)  
(pg. 16)  
(pg. 16)  
P
LP 50min  
REC  
6w  
5 Displays the tape remaining time.  
6 RECappears during recording.  
PAUSEappears during Record-Standby mode.  
(pg. 16)  
7 Appears when the wind cut mode is engaged to  
SOUND 12B I T  
20 : 55  
cut down on noise created by wind. (pg. 48)  
8 Appears when the Insert Editing (w) or Insert  
Editing Pause (6w) mode is engaged. (pg. 67)  
9 Displays the sound mode for approx.  
5 seconds after turning on the camcorder.  
(pg. 47)  
0
9
8
7
0 Displays the Time Code.  
(pg. 20, 49)  
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During D.S.C. Recording Only  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)  
1 Appears when the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to  
and the Power Switch is set to “ ” or  
(pg. 17, 26)  
.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
2 Appears and blinks during shooting. (pg. 26)  
3 Displays the quality of the stored image.  
F I NE  
There are 2 modes available: FINE and STD  
10 / 100  
(standard) (in order of quality).  
(pg. 14)  
4 Appears during shooting.  
Blinks when a memory card is not loaded.  
(pg. 26)  
5 Displays the number of images that have already  
been shot. (pg. 26)  
6 Displays the total number of shots that can  
be stored, including those already taken.  
(pg. 26)  
EN81  
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Both Video And D.S.C. Recording  
8
9
1
40  
x
W
T
PHOTO  
0
!
2
3
5
4
6
3
BR I GHT  
1
.
1
.
01  
10 : 00  
7
#
@
1 Appears when the Power Switch is set to “ ”.  
6 Appears when the iris is locked.  
(pg. 44)  
(pg. 17)  
7 Appears when Digital Image Stabiliser (DIS) is  
2 •  
: Appears when Night-Scope is engaged.  
(pg. 38)  
engaged. (pg. 47)  
8 Approximate zoom ratio: Appears during  
: Appears when GAIN UPis set to  
AUTOand the shutter speed is being  
zooming.  
(pg. 18)  
9 Appears during zooming.  
Zoom level indicator  
automatically adjusted.  
3 Appears when the white balance is adjusted.  
(pg. 45)  
(pg. 47)  
(pg. 18)  
0 Appears when taking a Snapshot. (pg. 26, 42)  
! Displays the brightness of the LCD monitor.  
4 “ ” : Appears when the exposure is adjusted.  
(pg. 16)  
(pg. 44)  
: Appears when backlight compensation is  
@ Displays the date/time.  
# Appears when the focus is adjusted manually.  
(pg. 43)  
(pg. 11)  
used.  
5 Displays the selected Programme AE with special  
effects. (pg. 38)  
(pg. 44)  
INDEX Indications (cont.)  
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Video Playback  
82  
EN  
1 Displays the sound mode.  
2 Displays the Blank Search mode.  
(pg. 50, 51)  
(pg. 24)  
1
2
3
4
3 Displays the tape speed.  
(pg. 13)  
4 Appears while a tape is running.  
4
: Playback  
64  
12B I T / SOUND  
L
1
SP  
3
2
6
: Fast-Forward/Shuttle search  
: Rewind/Shuttle search  
: Pause  
6
1
e
4
: Forward slow-motion  
: Reverse slow-motion  
: Audio Dubbing  
BLANK SEARCH  
VOLUME  
6
6e : Audio Dubbing Pause  
5 Displays the date/time.  
6 BRIGHT  
(pg. 50, 51)  
1 . 1 . 01  
10 : 00  
:
Displays the brightness of the LCD  
monitor. (pg. 16)  
20 : 21 : 25  
VOLUME : Displays the speaker volume.  
(pg. 21)  
(pg. 50, 51)  
7
6
5
The level indicator moves.  
7 Displays the time code.  
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During D.S.C. Playback  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)  
1 Displays the index number of the file.  
(pg. 28)  
1
2
3
2 Displays the directory and file name. (pg. 28)  
3 Displays the total number of stored files.  
(pg. 28)  
100  
-
0010  
4 Displays the brightness of the LCD monitor.  
10 / 24  
(pg. 16)  
The level indicator moves.  
5 Displays the date.  
(pg. 28)  
BR I GHT  
01  
1
.
1
.
5
4
EN83  
Warning Indications  
Indications  
Function  
Displays the battery remaining power.  
Remaining power level: high  
Remaining power level: exhausted  
As the battery power comes close to nil, the battery indicator  
blinks.  
When the battery power is exhausted, power turns off automatically.  
Appears when no tape is loaded.  
(pg. 12)  
Appears when the erase protection tab is set to SAVEwhile the Power  
CHECKTAPES ERASE  
PROTECTIONTAB  
Switch is set to “ ” or “ ” and the VIDEO/DSC Switch (GR-DVL557/  
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only) is set to VIDEO.  
(pg. 12)  
Appears if dirt is detected on the heads during recording. Use an optional  
cleaning cassette. (pg. 86)  
HEAD CLEANING  
REQUIRED USE  
CLEANING CASSETTE  
Appears if condensation occurs. When this indication is displayed, wait  
more than 1 hour until condensation disappears.  
CONDENSATION  
OPERATION PAUSED  
PLEASE WAIT  
Appears if a tape is not loaded when the Recording Start/Stop Button or  
SNAPSHOT Button is pressed while the Power Switch is set to “ ” or  
TAPE!  
and the VIDEO/DSC Switch (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355  
only) is set to VIDEO.  
Appears when the tape ends during recording or playback.  
Appears if a tape in another format is loaded.  
(pg. 71)  
TAPE END  
DIFFERENT  
FORMATTED TAPE  
Appears when the date/time is not set.  
(pg. 11)  
Appears when the built-in clock battery runs out and the previously set  
SET DATE/TIME!  
date/time is erased. Consult your nearest JVC dealer for replacement.  
Appears for 5 seconds after power is turned on if the lens cap is attached.  
LENS CAP  
Appears if Audio Dubbing is attempted on a blank portion of a tape.  
A. DUB ERROR!  
(pg. 66)  
Appears if Audio Dubbing is attempted on a tape recorded in the LP  
A. DUB ERROR!  
<CANNOT DUB  
ON A LP RECORDED  
TAPE>  
mode.  
(pg. 66)  
Appears if Audio Dubbing is attempted on a tape recorded in 16-bit  
audio.  
(pg. 66)  
<CANNOT DUB  
ON A 16BIT  
Appears if A. DUB (e) on the remote control is pressed when the erase  
protection tab is set to SAVE.  
(pg. 66)  
RECORDING>  
<CHECKTAPES ERASE  
PROTECTION TAB>  
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE  
INDEX Indications (cont.)  
84  
EN  
Indications  
Function  
Appears if Insert Editing is attempted on a blank portion of a tape.  
(pg. 67)  
INSERT ERROR!  
Appears if Insert Editing is attempted on a tape recorded in the LP mode.  
(pg. 67)  
INSERT ERROR!  
<CANNOT EDIT  
Appears if INSERT (w) on the remote control is pressed when the erase  
ON A LP RECORDED  
TAPE>  
protection tab is set to SAVE.  
(pg. 67)  
<CHECK TAPES ERASE  
PROTECTION TAB>  
Appears when the memory cards memory is full and shooting is not  
possible.  
MEMORY IS FULL  
Appears if dubbing of copyguarded signals is attempted while this  
camcorder is being used as a recorder.  
Appears in the following cases when dubbing from a tape to a memory  
card:  
when no memory card is loaded.  
when the memory card's memory is full.  
when the memory card is not formatted.  
when a copy-protected SD Memory Card is loaded.  
(pg. 56)  
COPYING FAILED  
Appears in the following cases when dubbing still images stored in the  
memory card to a tape:  
when condensation occurs.  
when no tape is loaded.  
when the erase protection tab is set to SAVE.  
when a tape in another format is loaded.  
when the tape ends.  
(pg. 55)  
Appears if a memory card is not loaded when SNAPSHOT is pressed while  
the Power Switch is set to “ ” or “ ” and the VIDEO/DSC switch is set  
MEMORY CARD!  
to “  
.  
(pg. 26)  
Appears when there is a problem with a memory card and its memory is  
corrupt, or it has not been initialilsed. Initialilse the memory card.  
(pg. 36)  
PLEASE  
FORMAT  
Appears if there is no images stored in the memory card when the Power  
NO IMAGES STORED  
CARD ERROR!  
Switch is set to “  
and the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to “  
.  
Appears when the camcorder takes more than 60 seconds to recognize the  
loaded memory card. Remove the memory card once and insert it again.  
Repeat these procedures until no indication appears. If the indication still  
appears, the memory card is corrupted.  
Appears when you attempt to shoot digital still images while a copy-  
protected SD Memory Card is loaded.  
CHECK CARD'S WRITE  
PROTECTION SWITCH  
The error indications (E01 E06) show what type of malfunction has  
occured. When an error indication appears, the camcorder turns off  
automatically. Remove the power 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.  
E01 E06  
UNIT IN SAFEGUARD  
MODE REMOVE AND  
REATTACH BATTERY  
CAUTIONS  
EN85  
Battery Packs  
Video Light  
DANGER  
The video light can become extremely  
hot. Do not touch it either while in  
operation or soon after turning it off,  
otherwise serious injury may result.  
Do not place the camcorder into the carrying case  
immediately after using the video light, since it  
remains extremely hot for some time.  
When operating, keep a distance of about 30 cm  
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.  
The supplied battery pack is  
a lithium-ion battery. Before  
using the supplied battery  
pack or an optional battery  
pack, be sure to read the  
following cautions:  
Terminals  
1. To avoid hazards . . .  
.... do not burn.  
.... do not short-circuit the terminals. When  
transporting, make sure the provided battery  
cap is attached to the battery. If the battery cap  
is misplaced, carry the battery in a plastic bag.  
.... do not modify or disassemble.  
.... do not expose the battery to temperatures  
exceeding 60°C, as this may cause the battery  
to overheat, explode or catch fire.  
General Battery Precautions  
If the remote control is not functioning even if it is  
being operated correctly, the batteries are ex-  
hausted. Replace them with fresh ones.  
.... use only specified chargers.  
2. To prevent damage and prolong service life . . .  
.... do not subject to unnecessary shock.  
.... charge in an environment where temperatures  
are within the tolerances shown in the chart  
below. This is a chemical reaction type  
batterycooler temperatures impede chemical  
reaction, while warmer temperatures can  
prevent complete charging.  
.... store in a cool, dry place. Extended exposure  
to high temperatures will increase natural  
discharge and shorten service life.  
.... fully charge and then fully discharge the  
battery every 6 months when storing the  
battery pack over a long period time.  
Use only the following batteries: AAA (R03) size x 2  
Please make note of the following rules for battery use.  
When misused, the batteries can leak or explode.  
1. When replacing batteries, refer to page 56.  
2. Do not use any different size of batteries from those  
specified.  
3. Be sure to install batteries in the correct direction.  
4. Do not use rechargeable batteries.  
5. Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat as  
they can leak or explode.  
6. Do not dispose of the batteries in a fire.  
.... remove from charger or powered unit when  
not in use, as some machines use current even  
when switched off.  
7. Remove the batteries from the unit if it is to be  
stored for an extended period to avoid battery  
leakage which can cause malfunctions.  
NOTES:  
It is normal for the battery pack to be warm after  
charging, or after use.  
Temperature Range Specifications  
Charging ............. 10°C to 35°C  
Operation ........... 0°C to 40°C  
Storage ............... 10°C to 30°C  
Recharging time is based on room temperature of  
20°C.  
The lower the temperature, the longer recharging  
takes.  
CAUTIONS (cont.)  
86  
EN  
Cassettes  
LCD Monitor  
To properly use and store your cassettes, be sure to  
read the following cautions:  
1. To prevent damage to the LCD monitor,  
DO NOT . . .  
.... push it strongly or apply any shocks.  
.... place the camcorder with the LCD monitor on  
the bottom.  
2. To prolong service life . . .  
.... avoid rubbing it with coarse cloth.  
1. During use . . .  
.... make sure the cassette bears the Mini DV mark.  
.... be aware that recording onto prerecorded  
tapes automatically erases the previously  
recorded video and audio signals.  
.... make sure the cassette is positioned properly  
when inserting.  
.... do not load and unload the cassette repeatedly  
without allowing the tape to run at all. This  
slackens the tape and can result in damage.  
.... do not open the front tape cover. This exposes  
the tape to fingerprints and dust.  
3. Be aware of the following phenomena for LCD  
monitor use.  
These are not malfunctions:  
While using the camcorder, the surface around  
the LCD monitor and/or the back of the LCD  
monitor may heat up.  
If you leave power on for a long time, the  
surface around the LCD monitor becomes hot.  
2. Store cassettes . . .  
.... away from heaters or other heat sources.  
.... out of direct sunlight.  
.... where they wont be subject to unnecessary  
shock or vibration.  
.... where they wont be exposed to strong  
magnetic fields (such as those generated by  
motors, transformers or magnets).  
.... vertically, in their original cases.  
Main Unit  
1. For safety, DO NOT . . .  
.... open the camcorders chassis.  
.... disassemble or modify the unit.  
.... short-circuit the terminals of the battery pack.  
Keep it away from metallic objects when not in  
use.  
.... allow inflammables, water or metallic objects  
to enter the unit.  
.... remove the battery pack or disconnect the  
power supply while the power is on.  
.... leave the battery pack attached when the  
camcorder is not in use.  
Memory Cards  
To properly use and store your memory cards, be  
sure to read the following cautions:  
1. During use . . .  
.... make sure the memory card bears the SD or  
MultiMediaCard mark.  
.... make sure the memory card is positioned  
properly when inserting.  
2. While the memory card is being accessed (during  
recording, playback, deletion, initialisation, etc.) . . .  
.... never unload the memory card and never turn  
off the camcorder.  
3. Store memory cards . . .  
.... away from heaters or other heat sources.  
.... out of direct sunlight.  
.... where they wont be subject to unnecessary  
shock or vibration.  
.... where they wont be exposed to strong  
magnetic fields (such as those generated by  
motors, transformers or magnets).  
2. Avoid using the unit . . .  
.... in places subject to excessive humidity or dust.  
.... in places subject to soot or steam such as near  
a cooking stove.  
.... in places subject to excessive shock or  
vibration.  
.... near a television set.  
.... near appliances generating strong magnetic or  
electric fields (speakers, broadcasting anten-  
nas, etc.).  
.... in places subject to extremely high (over 40°C)  
or extremely low (under 0°C) temperatures.  
3. DO NOT leave the unit . . .  
.... in places of over 50°C.  
.... in places where humidity is extremely low  
(below 35%) or extremely high (above 80%).  
.... in direct sunlight.  
.... in a closed car in summer.  
.... near a heater.  
EN87  
4. To protect the unit, DO NOT . . .  
.... allow it to become wet.  
How To Handle A CD-ROM  
Take care not to soil or scratch the mirror surface  
(opposite to the printed surface). Do not write  
anything or put a sticker on either the front or  
back surface. If the CD-ROM gets dirty, gently  
wipe it with a soft cloth outward from the centre  
hole using a circular motion.  
.... drop the unit or strike it against hard objects.  
.... subject it to shock or excessive vibration  
during transportation.  
.... keep the lens directed at extremely bright  
objects for long periods.  
.... expose the lens to direct sunlight.  
.... carry it by holding the LCD monitor or the  
viewfinder.  
Do not use conventional disc cleaners or cleaning  
spray.  
.... swing it excessively when using the shoulder  
strap or the grip.  
Do not bend the CD-ROM or touch its mirror  
surface.  
Do not store your CD-ROM in a dusty, hot or  
humid environment. Keep it away from direct  
sunlight.  
5. Dirty heads can cause the following problems:  
About moisture condensation . . .  
You have observed that pouring a cold liquid  
into a glass will cause drops of water to form  
on the glassouter surface. This same  
phenomenon occurs on the head drum of a  
camcorder when it is moved from a cool  
place to a warm place, after heating a cold  
room, under extremely humid conditions or  
in a place directly subjected to the cool air  
from an air conditioner.  
Moisture on the head drum can cause severe  
damage to the video tape, and can lead to  
internal damage to the camcorder itself.  
No picture during playback.  
Blocks of noise appear during playback.  
During recording, the Head Clog Warning  
indicator “ ” appears.  
In such cases, use an optional cleaning cassette.  
Insert it and play back. If the cassette is used  
more than once consecutively, damage to the  
video heads may result. After the camcorder  
plays back for about 20 seconds, it stops  
automatically. Also refer to the cleaning cassettes  
instructions.  
Serious malfunctioning  
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. In order to maintain a clear  
picture at all times, periodic check-ups are  
recommended after using the unit for about  
1,000 hours. For periodic check-ups please  
consult your nearest JVC dealer.  
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. In such cases, first disconnect its  
power supply unit (battery pack, AC Adapter,  
etc.) and wait a few minutes and then re-  
connect it and proceed as usual from the  
beginning.  
TERMS  
88  
EN  
A
F
AC Adapter ............................................ pg. 8, 9  
Analogue Input ................................... pg. 50, 53  
Audio Dubbing ........................................ pg. 66  
Auto Date................................................. pg. 49  
Auto Focus ............................................... pg. 43  
Auto Playback .......................................... pg. 28  
Auto Shut off ................................ pg. 16, 21, 27  
Fade-In/Out ........................................ pg. 40, 41  
Fast-Forward The Tape .............................. pg. 21  
Frame-By-Frame Playback .................. pg. 21, 59  
G
Gain Up ................................................... pg. 47  
Grip Adjustment ....................................... pg. 10  
I
B
Icons ................................................ pg. 47 49  
Index Playback ......................................... pg. 29  
Index Screen ............................................ pg. 29  
Initialilse A Memory Card ......................... pg. 36  
Insert Editing............................................. pg. 67  
Iris............................................................ pg. 44  
Iris Lock ................................................... pg. 44  
Backlight Compensation ........................... pg. 44  
Battery Low .............................................. pg. 83  
Battery Pack ..................................... pg. 8, 9, 85  
Beep ........................................................ pg. 48  
Blank Search ............................................ pg. 24  
Brighten The LCD Monitor ........................ pg. 16  
C
J
Channels (Left/Right) ................................. pg. 51  
Charge The Battery Pack ............................. pg. 8  
Cinema .................................................... pg. 48  
Classic Film .............................................. pg. 39  
Clean The Camcorder ............................... pg. 77  
Connections .... pg. 8, 9, 22, 23, 52, 53, 54, 62, 68, 69  
Journalistic Shooting ................................. pg. 17  
Jump Playback ......................................... pg. 30  
L
LCD monitor/Viewfinder  
Indications ..................................... pg. 80 84  
Load A Tape ............................................. pg. 12  
D
Darken The LCD Monitor ......................... pg. 16  
Date/Time Display ........................ pg. 49, 50, 51  
Date/Time Settings .................................... pg. 11  
Deleting Images........................................ pg. 32  
Demonstration Mode ............................ pg. 6, 49  
Digital Zoom ...................................... pg. 18, 47  
DIS (Digital Image Stabiliser) ..................... pg. 47  
Dioptre Adjustment .................................. pg. 10  
DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) ............ pg. 34  
Dubbing ........................................... pg. 52 56  
M
Manual Focus........................................... pg. 43  
Memory Card ..................................... pg. 14, 86  
Menu Screen, CAMERA ............................ pg. 47  
Menu Screen, DISPLAY....................... pg. 49, 50  
Menu Screen, DSC ............................. pg. 14, 49  
Menu Screen, MANUAL ..................... pg. 47, 48  
Menu Screen, MEMORY ..................... pg. 31, 51  
Menu Screen, SYSTEM ................. pg. 48, 49, 50  
Menu Screen, VIDEO ............................... pg. 50  
Monotone ................................................ pg. 39  
Motor Drive Mode.................................... pg. 42  
MultiMediaCard ................................. pg. 14, 86  
E
Erase Protection ........................................ pg. 12  
Exposure Control ...................................... pg. 44  
N
Night-Scope ............................................. pg. 38  
EN89  
P
T
Picture Quality Mode ............................... pg. 14  
Picture Wipe/Dissolve......................... pg. 40, 41  
Playback Special Effects ............................ pg. 59  
Playback Zoom ........................................ pg. 60  
Power Switch Position .............................. pg. 17  
Printer ...................................................... pg. 69  
Programme AE With Special Effects ..... pg. 38, 39  
Protecting Images ..................................... pg. 31  
Provided Accessories .................................. pg. 5  
Tally ......................................................... pg. 48  
Tele Macro ............................................... pg. 48  
Time Code.............................. pg. 20, 49, 50, 51  
Tripod Mounting ....................................... pg. 10  
Twilight .................................................... pg. 39  
U
Unload A Tape ......................................... pg. 12  
V
R
VIDEO/DSC Switch Position ..................... pg. 17  
Video Echo ............................................... pg. 39  
Video Light ............................................... pg. 19  
Random Assemble Editing................. pg. 61 65  
Record-Standby ........................................ pg. 16  
Recording Mode ....................................... pg. 13  
Remote Control ........................................ pg. 57  
Reset ........................................................ pg. 49  
Rewind The Tape ...................................... pg. 21  
W
White Balance .......................................... pg. 45  
Wide Mode .............................................. pg. 48  
Wind Cut ................................................. pg. 48  
Wipe In/Out ....................................... pg. 40, 41  
S
SD Memory Card................................ pg. 14, 86  
Self-Recording .......................................... pg. 17  
Sepia ........................................................ pg. 39  
Set Remote Control/VCR Code .................. pg. 61  
Shuttle Search........................................... pg. 21  
Shutter Speed ........................................... pg. 39  
Slow-Motion Playback ........................ pg. 21, 59  
Slow Shutter ............................................. pg. 39  
Snapshot ............................................ pg. 26, 42  
Snapshot Mode .................................. pg. 26, 42  
Snow........................................................ pg. 39  
Sound Mode................................. pg. 47, 50, 51  
Speaker Volume ....................................... pg. 21  
Specifications ..................................... pg. 90, 91  
Sports ....................................................... pg. 39  
Spotlight ................................................... pg. 39  
Squeeze ................................................... pg. 48  
Still Playback ............................................ pg. 21  
Strobe ...................................................... pg. 39  
Z
Zooming .................................................. pg. 18  
SPECIFICATIONS  
90  
EN  
Camcorder  
For General  
Power supply  
: DC 11.0 V  
DC 7.2 V  
(Using AC Adapter)  
(Using battery pack)  
Power consumption  
LCD monitor off, viewfinder on  
LCD monitor on, viewfinder off  
Video light  
: Approx. 4.3 W  
: Approx. 5.3 W  
: Approx. 3.5 W  
Dimensions (W x H x D)  
: 83 mm x 97 mm x 188 mm  
(with the LCD monitor closed and the viewfinder pushed down)  
Weight  
: Approx. 610 g  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL450)  
Approx. 590 g  
(GR-DVL357/DVL355/DVL157/DVL150)  
Operating temperature  
Operating humidity  
Storage temperature  
Pickup  
: 0°C to 40°C  
: 35% to 80%  
: 20°C to 50°C  
: 1/4" CCD  
Lens  
: F 1.8, f = 3.6 mm to 36 mm, 10:1 power zoom lens  
Filter diameter  
LCD monitor  
: ø37 mm  
: 3.5" diagonally measured, LCD panel/TFT active matrix system  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL450)  
2.5" diagonally measured, LCD panel/TFT active matrix system  
(GR-DVL357/DVL355/DVL157/DVL150)  
Viewfinder  
: Electronic viewfinder with 0.44" colour LCD  
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL450)  
Electronic viewfinder with 0.24" black/white LCD  
(GR-DVL357/DVL355/DVL157/DVL150)  
Speaker  
: Monaural  
For Digital Video Camera  
Format  
Signal format  
: DV format (SD mode)  
: PAL standard  
Recording/Playback format  
: Video: Digital component recording  
: Audio: PCM digital recording, 32 kHz 4-channel (12-bit),  
48 kHz 2-channel (16-bit)  
Cassette  
: Mini DV cassette  
Tape speed  
: SP: 18.8 mm/s  
LP: 12.5 mm/s  
Maximum recording time  
(using 80 min. cassette)  
: SP: 80 min.  
LP: 120 min.  
EN91  
For Digital Still Camera (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)  
Storage media  
: SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard  
: JPEG (compatible)  
Compression system  
File size  
: VGA (640 x 480 pixels)  
Picture quality  
: 2 modes (FINE/STANDARD)  
Approximate number of storable images  
with memory card [8 MB] (provided)  
FINE  
STANDARD  
: 100  
: 200  
with memory card [16 MB] (optional)  
FINE  
STANDARD  
: 200  
: 400  
with memory card [32 MB] (optional)  
FINE  
STANDARD  
: 400  
: 800  
with memory card [64 MB] (optional)  
FINE  
: 800  
STANDARD  
: 1600  
For Connectors  
S-Video  
Output  
: Y : 1 V (p-p), 75 , analogue  
C : 0.29 V (p-p), 75 , analogue  
Input (GR-DVL557 only)  
: Y : 0.8 V (p-p) 1.2 V (p-p), 75 , analogue  
C : 0.2 V (p-p) 0.4 V (p-p), 75 , analogue  
AV  
Video output  
: 1 V (p-p), 75 , analogue  
Video input (GR-DVL557 only)  
Audio output  
Audio input (GR-DVL557 only)  
DV  
: 0.8 V (p-p) 1.2 V (p-p), 75 , analogue  
: 300 mV (rms), 1 k, analogue, stereo  
: 300 mV (rms), 50 k, analogue, stereo  
Output  
Input (GR-DVL557/DVL357/  
DVL157 only)  
USB (GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL357/DVL355 only)  
: 4-pin, IEEE 1394 compliant  
: 4-pin, IEEE 1394 compliant  
: 5-pin  
PC (DIGITAL PHOTO)  
(GR-DVL450/DVL157/DVL150 only): ø2.5 mm, 3-pole  
EDIT (GR-DVL557/DVL555/  
DVL357/DVL355 only)  
JLIP (GR-DVL450/DVL157/  
DVL150 only)  
: ø3.5 mm, 2-pole  
: ø3.5 mm, 4-pole  
AC Adapter AP-V10EG  
Power requirement  
Output  
: AC 110 V to 240 V`, 50 Hz/60 Hz  
: DC 11 V  
, 1 A  
Dimensions (W x H x D)  
Weight  
: 59 mm x 31 mm x 84 mm  
: Approx. 140 g (not including Power Cord)  
Specifications shown are for SP mode unless otherwise indicated. E & O.E. Design and specifications subject  
to change without notice.  
EN  
VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LIMITED  
0P1ri0n1teHdOinV*JaUpNan*YP  
EG/EK  
COPYRIGHT© 2001 VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD.  

Audiovox Jensen Phase Linear UMP9020 User Manual
Bushnell Binoculars 202312 User Manual
Canon LC 2 User Manual
Canon VIXIA HF M41 User Manual
Casio fx 9860G AU User Manual
FujiFilm XF14MMF2 8 R User Manual
Fusion Electronics Car Amplifier CA AM20650 User Manual
Grundig 400 PE User Manual
Ikelite Digital Camera Housing SLR DC User Manual
JVC GR AX970 User Manual