Jvc Gr Dvl150 Instruction Manual

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GR-DVL157 - Instruction Manual GR-DVL150-en Free User Guide for JVC Camcorder, Manual - page1

2015-08-19

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ENGLISH

CONTENTS

DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA

GR-DVL557
GR-DVL555
GR-DVL450
GR-DVL357
GR-DVL355
GR-DVL157
GR-DVL150
Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide Web and
answer our Consumer Survey (in English only):

http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/index-e.html

The camcorder illustrations
appearing in this instruction
manual are of the GR-DVL557.

AUTOMATIC
DEMONSTRATION

GETTING STARTED

7 – 14

VIDEO RECORDING &
15 – 24
PLAYBACK
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
USING THE MENU FOR
DETAILED ADJUSTMENT ...... 46
DUBBING ......................... 52
USING THE REMOTE
CONTROL UNIT ................ 57
SYSTEM CONNECTIONS ........ 68

REFERENCES

– 45
– 51
– 56
– 67
– 69

70 – 91

DETAILS ................................... 71
TROUBLESHOOTING ............ 72 – 76
USER MAINTENANCE ................... 77
INDEX ............................. 78 – 84
CAUTIONS ........................ 85 – 87
TERMS ............................ 88 – 89
SPECIFICATIONS ................. 90 – 91

The D.S.C. (Digital Still Camera) features
are available on GR-DVL557, GR-DVL555,
GR-DVL357 and GR-DVL355.

INSTRUCTIONS
LYT0727-001A

EN
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing this digital video camera. Before use, please read the safety information and
precautions contained in the following pages to ensure safe use of this product.

Using This Instruction Manual
•All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents on the cover page.
•Notes appear after most subsections. Be sure to read these as well.
•Basic and advanced features/operation are separated for easier reference.
It is recommended that you . . .
.... refer to the Index (墌 pgs. 78 – 84) and familiarize yourself with button locations, etc. before use.
.... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions. They contain extremely important information regarding the safe
use of this product.
You are recommended to carefully read the cautions on pages 85 through 87 before use.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT (for owners in the U.K.)
Connection to the mains supply in the United
Kingdom.
DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this
equipment.
If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power
points in your home or the cable is too short to
reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate
safety approved extension lead or consult your
dealer.
BE SURE to replace the fuse only with an
identical approved type, as originally fitted, and
to replace the fuse cover.
If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off be sure to
remove the fuse and dispose of the plug
immediately, to avoid possible shock hazard by
inadvertent connection to the mains supply.
If this product is not supplied fitted with a mains
plug then follow the instructions given below:
DO NOT make any connection to the Larger
Terminal coded E or Green.
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in
accordance with the following code:

WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
CAUTIONS:

䡲 To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No
user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel.
䡲 When you are not using the AC Adapter for a
long period of time, it is recommended that
you disconnect the power cord from AC outlet.

NOTES:
● The rating plate (serial number plate) and safety
caution are on the bottom and/or the back of
the main unit.
● The rating information and safety caution of the
AC Adapter are on its upper and lower sides.

Blue to N (Neutral) or Black
Brown to L (Live) or Red

If these colours do not correspond with the
terminal identifications of your plug, connect as
follows:
Blue wire to terminal coded N (Neutral) or
coloured black.
Brown wire to terminal coded L (Live) or
coloured Red.
If in doubt — consult a competent electrician.

CAUTION:
To avoid electric
shock or damage to
the unit, first firmly
insert the small end of
the power cord into
the AC Adapter until
it is no longer wobbly, and then plug the larger
end of the power cord into an AC outlet.

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
read the operating instructions before you attempt to use the equipment.
DO
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 manufacturer’s
instructions. Switch off and withdraw the mains plug when making or changing connections.
DO
consult your dealer if you are ever in doubt about the installation, operation or safety of your
equipment.
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
manufacturer’s 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!

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.

䡲 This camcorder is designed exclusively for the digital video cassette, SD Memory Card and
” and memory cards* marked “
” or
MultiMediaCard. Only cassettes marked “
” can be used with this unit.
“

Before recording an important scene . . .
.... make sure you only use cassettes with the Mini DV mark
.
or
.
.... make sure you only use memory cards* with the mark
.... 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.

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

•AC Adapter
AP-V10EG

•Power Cord

•Remote Control Unit
RM-V717U

•Battery Pack
BN-V408U

•Cable Adapter

•Shoulder Strap

•Memory Card (8 MB)
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/
DVL357/DVL355 only)
(Already inserted in the
camcorder)

•AAA (R03) Battery x 2
(for remote control
unit)

•Lens Cap (Already
attached to the
camcorder)

•CD-ROM
(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) 墌 pg. 6 for attachment
•Core Filter x 1
(GR-DVL450/DVL157 only)
(for optional S-Video cable)
墌 pg. 6 for attachment

•USB Cable
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/
DVL357/DVL355 only)

•PC Connection Cable
(GR-DVL450/DVL157
only)

•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:
Both plugs have 1 ring around the pin.
•Audio/Video Cable
(ø3.5 mini-plug to RCA plug)

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.

EN
How To Attach The Core Filter

Attach the Core Filter(s) (if provided with your model 墌 pg. 5) to an optional cable(s). The Core Filter reduces
interference.

3 cm

Stopper
Wind once

Release the
stoppers on both
ends of the Core
Filter.

Run the cable through the Core Filter, leaving approx.
3 cm of cable between the cable plug and the Core
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.

Close the Core Filter until it
clicks shut.

䡲 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

䡲 Available when the Power Switch is set to “ ” or “ ” and no
cassette is in the camcorder.
䡲 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.
䡲 “DEMO MODE” remains “ON” even if the camcorder power is
turned off.
䡲 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.
2. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “
SYSTEM” and
press it. The SYSTEM Menu appears.
3. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “DEMO MODE” and
press it. The Sub Menu appears.
4. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “OFF” and press it.
5. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “1RETURN”, and
press it twice. The normal screen appears.

Power Switch

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.

Lock Button

Sub Menu

DEMO MODE

– OF F
ON

GR-DVL557/DVL555/
DVL357/DVL355 only

GETTING STARTED

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.)

EN
BAT. RELEASE Switch

Power
This camcorder’s 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
2

3
Power Switch

CHARGE Lamp
Battery pack

AC Adapter

Tilt the viewfinder upward 1. With the arrow on the
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.

Set the Power Switch to “OFF”. Connect the AC
Adapter to the camcorder 4, then connect the Power
Cord to the AC Adapter 5.

Plug the Power Cord into an AC outlet 6.
The CHARGE lamp on the camcorder blinks to
indicate charging has started.

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.

To Detach The Battery Pack . . .
.... slide BAT. RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.

4 To DC

connector

6 To AC outlet
Battery pack

Charging time

BN-V408U

approx. 1 hr. 30 min.

BN-V416U (optional)

approx. 2 hrs.

BN-V428U (optional)

approx. 3 hrs. 20 min.

NOTES:
● If the protective cap is attached to the battery pack,
remove it first.
● 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.
● 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.

For other notes, 墌 pg. 71

USING THE BATTERY PACK

ATTENTION:
Before detaching the power source, make
sure that the camcorder’s power is turned
off. Failure to do so can result in a
camcorder malfunction.
NOTES:
● Recording time is reduced significantly under
the following conditions:
• Zoom or Record-Standby mode is engaged
repeatedly.
• 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.

Perform step 1 of “CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK”
(墌 pg. 8).
Approximate recording time
Battery pack

LCD monitor on

Viewfinder on

BN-V408U

1 hr.
(35 min.)

1 hr. 15 min.
(40 min.)

BN-V416U
(optional)

2 hrs.
(1 hr. 10 min.)

2 hrs. 30 min.
(1 hr. 20 min.)

BN-V428U
(optional)

3 hrs. 30 min.
(2 hrs.)

4 hrs. 20 min.
(2 hrs. 20 min.)

BN-V840U
(optional)

5 hrs.
(2 hrs. 55 min.)

6 hrs. 15 min.
(3 hrs. 20 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, 墌 pg. 71.
To AC outlet

To DC
connector

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 you’re using a heating pad, make sure the battery pack does not come in direct contact with it.)

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

Power Zoom Lever

Grip Adjustment

Recording Start/
Stop button

1
2
3

PAUSE

Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp
the grip.
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

Dioptre
Adjustment Control

Set the Power Switch to “ ” or “ ” while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the
switch.

Turn the Dioptre Adjustment Control until the
indications in the viewfinder are clearly
focused.

Shoulder Strap Attachment

1
2

Separate the Velcro strip.

1
3

Make sure the battery pack is removed.
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.

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
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.

EN
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel
Power Lamp

Lock Button
Power Switch
Display
W I PE / FADER
PROGRAM AE
W. BAL ANC E
CAMERA
MANUA L
SYSTEM
D I SPL AY
DSC

OF F

GR-DVL557/
DVL555/DVL357/
DVL355 only

END

ON SCRE E N
DATE / T I ME
T I ME CODE
CLOCK
ADJ .

– LCD / TV
– AUTO
– OF F
25 . 12 . 01
17 : 30

RETURN

CLOCK
ADJ .

25 . 12 . 01
17 : 30

DISPLAY Menu

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
(墌 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.

2
3

Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in to access the
Menu Screen.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “CLOCK
ADJ.”. Press it and “day” is highlighted.
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to input the day.
Press it. Repeat to input the month, year, hour and
minute.
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“1RETURN”, and press it twice. The Menu Screen
closes.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“
DISPLAY”. Press it and the DISPLAY Menu
appears.

NOTE:
Even if you select “CLOCK ADJ.”, if the parameter is not
highlighted the camcorder’s 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.

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

EN
Erase protection tab*

Loading/Unloading A Cassette
The camcorder needs to be powered up to load or eject a
cassette.

Make sure the
window side is
facing out.
PUSH HERE

Cassette
holder

Cassette holder
cover
OPEN/EJECT Switch

* 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
“REC” before loading it.
Be sure to press only the section labeled “PUSH
HERE” to close the cassette holder; touching
other parts may cause your finger to get caught
in the cassette holder, resulting in injury or
product damage.

Slide and hold OPEN/EJECT in the direction of the
arrow then pull the cassette holder cover open until it
locks. The cassette holder opens automatically.
•Do not touch internal components.

Insert or remove a tape and press “PUSH HERE” to
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 battery’s 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.

Close the cassette holder cover firmly until it locks
into place.

Approximate recording time
Tape
30 min.

Recording mode
SP

30 min.

45 min.

60 min.

90 min.

80 min.

120 min.

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.

EN
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel
Power Lamp

Lock Button
Power Switch
Display
REC MODE

– SP
LP

Menu Screen

Sub Menu

GR-DVL557/DVL555/
DVL357/DVL355 only

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.

2
3

Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu
Screen appears.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “REC
MODE” and press it. The Sub Menu appears. Select
“SP” or “LP” by 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 (墌 pg. 66) and Insert Editing
(墌 pg. 67) are impossible on a tape recorded in the
LP mode.
•“LP” (Long Play) is more economical, providing
1.5 times the recording time.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“ CAMERA” and press it. The CAMERA Menu
appears.

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.

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

Clipped edge

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel
Memory card
Label

Power Lamp

Display
Card Cover

–
–
–
–

QUAL I TY
S I ZE
UXGA

Lock Button

F I NE
STANDARD
VGA
AUTO

Power Switch
RETURN

Loading A Memory Card

Picture Quality Mode Setting

(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).

1
2
3

Make sure the camcorder’s power is off.

To close the card cover, push it until you hear a
click.

Open the card cover (MEMORY CARD).
Insert the memory card clipped edge first.
•Do not touch the terminal on the reverse side
of the label.

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.
NOTES:
● Be sure to use only SD Memory Cards marked
“
” or MultiMediaCards marked
“
”.
● 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. 墌 pg. 36.

ATTENTION:
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.

Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch. The
power lamp lights and the camcorder turns on.

2
3
4

Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu
Screen appears.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “
DSC” and press it. The DSC Menu appears.
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“QUALITY” and press it. The Sub Menu
appears. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to
select the desired mode and press it.
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“ RETURN”, and press it twice. The Menu
Screen closes.

Approximate Number of Storable Images
Memory Card

Picture Quality Mode
FINE

STANDARD

8 MB (provided)

100

200

16 MB (optional)

200

400

32 MB (optional)

400

800

64 MB (optional)

800

1600

NOTE:
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

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

Power lamp
Power Switch

NOTE:
You should already have performed the procedures listed
below. If not, do so before continuing.
● Power ( 墌 pg. 8)
● Grip Adjustment ( 墌 pg. 10)
● Viewfinder Adjustment ( 墌 pg. 10)
● Load A Cassette ( 墌 pg. 12)
● Recording Mode Setting ( 墌 pg. 13)
During
shooting

Lock Button

Press in the tabs on the lens cap to remove it.
GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only: Press
PUSH OPEN, open the LCD monitor and set the
VIDEO/DSC Switch to “VIDEO”.

Set the Power Switch to “ ” or “ ” while pressing
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.

Recording Start/Stop Button
Display
25 min

min

90 min

Tape remaining
time indicator
(Approximate)

89 min

3 min

(Now calculating)

0 min

1 min

2 min

(Blinking)

BR I GHT

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel
180°

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button. “
appears while recording is in progress.

”

To Stop Recording . . .
.... press the Recording Start/Stop Button. The camcorder
re-enters the Record-Standby mode.
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.
•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.

90°

PUSH OPEN
Button

•The power lamp lights and the camcorder enters the
Record-Standby mode. “PAUSE” is displayed.

VIDEO/DSC Switch
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/
DVL357/DVL355 only)

Tally lamp (lights while
recording is in progress)

NOTES:
● If the Record-Standby mode continues for 5 minutes, the
camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. To turn the
camcorder on again, set the Power Switch to “OFF”,
then back to “ ” or “ ”.
● 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” ( 墌 pg. 20).
● To turn the tally lamp or beep sounds off, 墌 pg. 46, 48.

For other notes, 墌 pg. 71

JOURNALISTIC SHOOTING
In some situations, different shooting angles may
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

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 “OFF”while
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 Switch Position

AY OFF
PL

Power lamp

(Manual):
Lock Button

Allows you to set various recording functions using the
Menus. If you want more creative capabilities than Full
Auto recording, try this mode.

(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.)

When the Power Switch is set to “
appears. When set to “ ” or “
indication.

:
• 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).

”, “ ”
”, there is no

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 SELECT” is set to “
/
” in the DSC Menu
Screen, still images are also recorded in the memory card.

When the Power Switch is set to “ ” or “
”, “
the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to “
appears. When set to “VIDEO”, there is no
indication.

” and
”

:
Allows you to record a still image or display a still image
stored in the memory card.

VIDEO RECORDING (cont.)

Zoom in (T: Telephoto)
1x W

FEATURE: Zooming
PURPOSE:

T
10 x W

T
20 x W

T
40 x W

To produce the zoom in/out effect, or an instantaneous
change in image magnification.

OPERATION:
Zoom out (W: Wide angle)
Zoom display
10 x W

Digital zoom zone

10X (optical)
zoom zone
Approximate zoom ratio

Power Zoom Lever

Zoom In
Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards “T”.
Zoom Out
Slide the Power Zoom Lever towards “W”.
䡲 The further you slide the Power Zoom Lever, the
quicker the zoom action.
NOTES:
● Focusing may become unstable during Zooming. In
this case, set the zoom while in Record-Standby,
lock the focus by using the manual focus
( 墌 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 ( 墌 pg. 47).
● Zoom magnification of over 10X is done through
Digital image processing, and is therefore called
Digital Zoom.
● During Digital zoom, the quality of image may
suffer.
● Digital zoom cannot be used when digital image
processing, such as Picture Wipe/Dissolve
( 墌 pg. 40, 41) or Video Echo ( 墌 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 MACRO” in
the Menu Screen on page 48.

FEATURE: Video Light
PURPOSE:
To brighten the scene when natural lighting is too dim.

OPERATION:

LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON Switch
(Open the LCD monitor to
access this switch.)

DANGER

䡲 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.
䡲 Do not place the camcorder into the
carrying case immediately after using the
video light, since it remains extremely
hot for some time.
䡲 When operating, keep a distance of
about 30 cm between the video light and
people or objects.
䡲 Do not use near flammable or explosive
materials.
䡲 It is recommended that you consult your
nearest JVC dealer for replacing the video
light.

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.
ON
: Always keeps the light on as long as the
camcorder is turned on.
䡲 The video light can only be used with the
camcorder’s power on.
䡲 It is recommended to set the white balance
(墌 pg. 45) to
when you use the video light.
䡲 When not using the video light, turn it off to save
battery power.
NOTES:
● 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.
● 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 “SHUTTER” or “SPORTS” mode
( 墌 pg. 39) is engaged, the light is likely to stay
on.
• While the “TWILIGHT” mode ( 墌 pg. 39) is
engaged, the light will not activate.
• While the “Night-Scope” mode ( 墌 pg. 38) is
engaged, the light will not activate.

VIDEO RECORDING (cont.)

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 (墌 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 Tape” below in the following cases;
•When shooting again after playing back a
Display
recorded tape.
Frames are not displayed
•When power shuts off during shooting.
during recording.
•When a tape is removed and re-inserted during
shooting.
Minutes
•When shooting using a partially recorded tape.
Seconds
•When shooting on a blank portion located
partway through the tape.
Frames
•When shooting again after shooting a scene
(25 frames = 1 second)
12 : 34 : 24
then opening/closing the cassette holder cover.

Recording From The Middle Of A Tape

1. Play back a tape or use Blank Search (墌 pg. 24) to find the spot at which you want to start recording,
then engage the Still Playback mode (墌 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 CODE” is set to “ON” ( 墌 pg. 49, 50).

When a blank portion is recorded on a tape
Time code
05:43:21

Time code
00:00:00
Already recorded scene

Tape

Shooting start point

Time code
00:00:00
Blank

Newly recorded scene

Shooting stop point

Shooting start point

Proper recording
Time code
00:00:00
Tape

Time code
05:43:21
Already recorded scene

Shooting start point

Time code
05:44:00

New scene

Shooting start point

Latest scene

Shooting start point

VIDEO PLAYBACK

Normal Playback

Lock Button
Power Switch
Power Zoom Lever (VOL.)
Play/Pause Button (4/6)
Rewind Button (2)
Stop Button (5)

Fast-Forward
Button (3)

Speaker
VIDEO/DSC Switch (GR-DVL557/
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only;
open the LCD monitor to access
this switch)

1
2

Load a tape (墌 pg. 12).
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. To start playback, press
4/6.
•To stop playback, press 5.
•Press 2 to rewind, or 3 to fast-forward the tape
during Stop mode.

To Control The Speaker Volume . . .
.... slide the Power Zoom Lever (VOL.) towards “+” to
turn up the volume, or towards “–” to turn down the
volume.
NOTES:
● If Stop mode continues for 5 minutes when power is
supplied from a battery, the camcorder shuts off automatically. 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 ( 墌 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:
• When power is supplied from a battery: the “
”
battery pack remaining power indicator is displayed.
When power is supplied from an AC outlet: “
” does
not appear.
• 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 camcorder’s Stop mode is automatically
engaged. After 5 minutes in the Stop mode, the camcorder’s 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 3 for forward or 2 for reverse search during playback.
2) To resume normal playback, press 4/6.
● During playback, press and hold 2 or 3. The search continues as long as you hold the button. Once you
release it, normal playback resumes.
● 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.
䡲 To resume normal playback, press 4/6.
● You can also use the provided remote control for Frame-By-Frame Playback ( 墌 pg. 59).

Slow-Motion Playback, Playback Special Effects and Playback Zoom
Available only with the remote control (provided) (墌 pg. 59, 60).

VIDEO PLAYBACK (cont.)

Connections
Use the provided Audio/Video cable and optional S-Video cable.

Connector cover*
S-Video cable
(optional)

To S

To TV or VCR

TV
To S-VIDEO IN
To AV

Audio/Video cable
[mini-plug to RCA
plug] (provided)

White to
AUDIO L IN**
Red to
AUDIO R IN**
Yellow to
VIDEO IN

* When connecting the cables, open this cover.
** The Audio cable is not required for watching still
images only.

VCR

When the S-Video
cable is not used.

If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin connector
Use the provided Cable Adapter.
Audio/Video cable
[mini-plug to RCA plug]
(provided)

To AV

White to
AUDIO L*

When the S-Video
cable is not used.
Yellow

Cable
Adapter

TV
or
VCR

Red to
AUDIO R*

Camcorder
To S

S-Video cable
(optional)

-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.

1
2

Make sure all units are turned off.

3
4
5

Connect the VCR output to the TV input,
referring to your VCR’s instruction manual.

Connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR as
shown in the illustration (墌 pg. 22).
If using a VCR . . . go to step 3.
If not . . . go to step 4.

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.

To choose whether or not the following displays
appear on the connected TV . . .
•Date/Time
.... set “DATE/TIME” to “AUTO”, “ON” or “OFF”
in the Menu Screen (墌 pg. 50).
•Time Code
.... set “TIME CODE” to “ON” or “OFF” in the
Menu Screen (墌 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 SCREEN” to “LCD” or “LCD/TV” in
the Menu Screen (墌 pg. 50).
Or, press DISPLAY on the remote control
(provided).

NOTES:
● It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as the
power supply instead of the battery pack
( 墌 pg. 9).
● To monitor the picture and sound from the
camcorder without inserting a tape or memory
card*, set the camcorder’s Power Switch to “ ” or
“ ”, then set your TV to the appropriate input
mode.
* 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.
● If no image is displayed or no sound is heard from
the TV, set “S/AV INPUT” to “OFF” in the Menu
Screen (GR-DVL557 only, 墌 pg. 50).

VIDEO PLAYBACK (cont.)

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 (墌 pg. 20).

1
2

Load a tape (墌 pg. 12).

Press BLANK SEARCH.
•“BLANK SEARCH” appears 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.

Lock Button
Power Switch
Display
44

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.

To cancel Blank Search midway . . .
.... press 5.

BLANK SEARCH

Stop Button (5)

VIDEO/DSC Switch (GR-DVL557/
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only;
open the LCD monitor to access
this switch)

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.
● Blank Search does not work if “HEAD CLEANING
REQUIRED. USE CLEANING CASSETTE” has 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.

DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.) RECORDING & PLAYBACK

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

Basic Shooting (Snapshot)

SNAPSHOT Button

You can use your camcorder as a Digital Still Camera for
taking snapshots.

Lock Button
Power Switch

SNAPSHOT MODE SELECTION

VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch.)
Display
Menu Screen
SNAP MODE

NOTE:
You should already have performed the procedures listed
below. If not, do so before continuing.
● Power ( 墌 pg. 8)
● Grip Adjustment ( 墌 pg. 10)
● Viewfinder Adjustment ( 墌 pg. 10)
● Loading A Memory Card ( 墌 pg. 14)
● Picture Quality Mode Setting ( 墌 pg. 14)

– P I N–UP
FRAME
FUL L
MUL T I – 4
MUL T I – 9

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “
”, then set the
Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down the Lock
Button located on the switch.

2
3
4
5

Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu
Screen appears.
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
“1RETURN” and press it twice. The Menu Screen
closes.

SNAPSHOT RECORDING

1
Picture Quality
Displays the quality of the stored image: FINE or STD
(standard) (in order of quality) (墌 pg. 14).

Press SNAPSHOT.
The image is recorded in the memory card.
•Regardless of the Power Switch position (“ ” or
“ ”), Snapshot recording takes place using the
selected Snapshot mode.

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.

EN
PIN-UP
Pin-Up mode*

To Delete Unwanted Still Images . . .
.... when unwanted still images are stored in the memory
card or its memory is full, refer to “Deleting Images”
(墌 pg. 32) and delete unwanted still images.
To Remove The Shutter Sound . . .
.... when you do not want to hear the shutter sound, set
“BEEP” to “OFF” in the Menu Screen (墌 pg. 46, 48).
The sound is no longer heard from the speaker.

FRAME
Snapshot mode
with frame*

FULL
Snapshot mode
with no frame*

MULTI-4
Multi-Analyser 4

MULTI-9
Multi-Analyser 9

* There is the sound effect of a shutter closing.

NOTES:
● Even if “MULTI-4” or “MULTI-9” is engaged, Snapshot
recording will be performed in the FULL mode during
Digital Zoom or Night-Scope ( 墌 pg. 38).
● Even if “DIS” is set to “ON” ( 墌 pg. 47), the Stabiliser
will be disabled.
● If Snapshot recording is not possible, “PHOTO” blinks
when SNAPSHOT is pressed.
● If Programme AE with special effects ( 墌 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 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 ( 墌 pg. 42) is disabled when the
VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to “
”.
● Still images taken are compliant to DCF (Design rules for
Camera File systems). They do not have any compatibility with devices which are not compliant to DCF.

D.S.C. PLAYBACK

Normal Playback

Fast-Forward (3)
Button

Lock Button
PL

Play (4/6) Button

OFF
AY

Rewind (2)
Button
Stop (5) Button

Power Switch

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.

1
2
3

VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch.)
[For Normal Playback]
To display the next image

100-0010
10 / 24

10. 10. 01
100-0012
12 / 24

10. 10. 01
100-0013
13 / 24

10. 10. 01

To display the
previous image

Image number
Displays the index
number of the image
file (墌 pg. 29).

Date
Displays the date when the image was
shot (if “DATE/TIME” is set to “ON” in
the Menu Screen 墌 pg. 50 – 51).

Press 3 to display the next image.
Press 2 to display the previous image.

You can run through all the images stored in memory
automatically.

1
2

Perform steps 1 and 2 above.

To end Auto Playback, press 5.

10. 10. 01
100-0011
11 / 24

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “
”, then set the
Power Switch to “
” while pressing down the
Lock Button.
•A stored image is displayed.

Auto Playback

[For Auto Playback]

Display

Load a memory card (墌 pg. 14).

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
displayed in ascending order.

NOTES:
● Even if you shoot a new image after playing back a lownumbered one, this will not overwrite an existing image,
because new images are automatically stored after the
last-recorded one.
● 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 thumbnail 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; “Unsupported Data!” will be displayed.
Directory and File names
Displays the directory and file names.
Shows that the selected shot is in a directory called “100” and 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.
Total number of images
Displays the total number of stored images.

INDEX Screen

Picture quality
Index number

Selected image

EXIT

100-DVC00003

1 F

VGA

2 S

3 S

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.

1: Index number
5 F

4 F

6 F

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.

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) (墌 pg. 14).

: Protect icon
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

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.

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
SYSTEM
D I SPL AY
MEMOR Y

I NDEX
PROTE C T
DELE T E
DPOF
FORMAT

Menu Screen

Index Playback
You can view the images stored in memory six at a time.
Use this mode when looking for an image you wish to view.

END

Playback Screen

1
2

Perform steps 1 and 2 of “Normal Playback” on
pg. 28.

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.

Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. Rotate the
MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “
MEMORY” and
press it. Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“INDEX” and press it. The INDEX Screen appears.

D.S.C. PLAYBACK (cont.)

EN
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel
JUMP Button

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.

1
2
Display
Jump Screen

JUMP MENU

10 / 50
S E L E C T / SET
CANC E L

Index number

[ ME NU ]
[ J UMP ]

Total number of
images

Press JUMP during Normal Playback (墌 pg. 28).
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.

Protecting Images

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

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.

Lock Button
Power Switch

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “
”, then set the
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 “
MEMORY” and press it. The MEMORY
Menu appears.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“PROTECT” and press it. The PROTECT Index Screen
appears.

TO PROTECT AN IMAGE
VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch)

Display

Before doing the following, perform steps 1 through 3
above.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to move the green
frame to the desired image and press it. A “ ”
padlock mark appears on the selected image.
Repeat this procedure for all images you do not wish
to delete by accident.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel upward to select
“EXIT” and press it. The normal playback screen
appears.

Menu Screen

I NDEX
PROTECT
DELET E
DPOF
FORMAT

RETURN

EXIT

1 F

2 S

3 S

4 F

5 F

6 F

PROTECT Index
Screen

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.

TO REMOVE PROTECTION
Before doing the following, perform steps 1 through 3
above.
Padlock mark

Normal playback

EXIT

If Protection
is removed

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to move the green
frame to the desired image and press it. The “ ”
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.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel upward to select
“EXIT” and press it. The normal playback screen
appears.

1 F

2 S

3 S

4 F

5 F

6 F

Normal playback

D.S.C. PLAYBACK (cont.)

EN
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

Deleting Images
Previously shot images can be deleted either one at a time
or all at once.

Lock Button
Power Switch

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “
”, then set the
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 “
MEMORY” and press it. The MEMORY
Menu appears.

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.

VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch)

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“CURRENT” and press it. The Deletion Confirmation
Screen appears.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“EXECUTE” and press it. The currently displayed
image is deleted.
•If “CURRENT IMAGE IS PROTECTED” appears, the
image is protected and cannot be deleted
(墌 pg. 31).
•To cancel deletion, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT
wheel to select “CANCEL” and press it.

Display
NEXT

1 F

2 S

3 S

4 F

5 F

6 F

DELETE Index
Screen

TO SELECT AN IMAGE BY BROWSING
IMAGES STORED IN MEMORY
Before doing the following, perform steps 1 through 3 above.

DELE T E
SE L ECT

– CANCEL
EXECUT E

Deletion
Confirmation
Screen

4
5

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “SELECT”
and press it. The DELETE Index Screen appears.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel upward to select
“NEXT” and press it. The Deletion Confirmation
Screen appears.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“EXECUTE” and press it. The selected images are
deleted and the normal playback screen appears.
•To cancel deletion, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT
wheel to select “CANCEL” and press it.

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.

EN
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

TO DELETE ALL IMAGES
Before doing the following, perform steps 1 through 3 on
pg. 32.

4
5

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “ALL” and
press it. The Deletion Confirmation Screen appears.
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“EXECUTE” and press it. All the images are deleted.
•To cancel deletion, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT
wheel to select “CANCEL” and press it.

NOTES:
● Protected images ( 墌 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.
(墌 pg. 36)

D.S.C. PLAYBACK (cont.)

EN
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

Setting Print Information (DPOF Setting)
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” ( 墌 pg. 35).

Lock Button
Power Switch

VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch)
Display

TO PRINT ALL STILL IMAGES (ONE PRINT
FOR EACH)

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “
”, then set the
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 “
MEMORY” and press it. The MEMORY
Menu appears.

3
4

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “DPOF”
and press it. The Sub Menu appears.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“EXECUTE” and press it. The normal playback screen
appears.
•To cancel selection, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT
wheel to select “CANCEL” and press it.

Menu Screen
DPOF

– SELECT
AL L
RESET

DPOF
AL L

– CANCEL
EXECUTE

Confirmation
Screen

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “ALL” and
press it. Selection is complete. The Confirmation
Screen appears.

To Reset The Setting . . .
.... select “RESET” in step 4. The setting is reset to 0 for all
still images.

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

Display

100-DVC00021

DPOF Screen

VGA

DPOF
SE L ECT

– CANCEL
EXECUTE

Confirmation
Screen

EN
TO PRINT BY SELECTING STILL IMAGES
AND NO. OF PRINTS

1
2

Perform steps 1 through 3 on pg. 34.

3
4

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to move the green
frame to the image you wish to print and press it.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to selsect “SELECT”
and press it. Selection is complete. The DPOF Screen
appears.

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.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel upward to select
“NEXT” and press it. Selection is complete. The
Confirmation Screen appears.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“EXECUTE” and press it. The normal playback screen
appears.
•To cancel selection, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT
wheel to select “CANCEL” and press it.

To Reset The No. Of Prints . . .
.... select “RESET” in 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 ( 墌 pg. 56).

D.S.C. PLAYBACK (cont.)

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.

Lock Button
Power Switch

VIDEO/DSC Switch (Open the
LCD monitor to access this switch)

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “
”, then set the
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 “
MEMORY” and press it. The MEMORY
Menu appears.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“FORMAT” and press it. The Confirmation Screen
appears.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“EXECUTE” and press it. The memory card is
initialised. When initialisation is finished, “NO
IMAGES STORED” appears.
•To cancel initialisation, rotate the MENU/BRIGHT
wheel to select “CANCEL” and press it.

Display
I NDEX
PROTEC T
DELE T E
DPOF
FORMAT

Menu Screen

CANCEL
EXECUTE

RETURN

FORMAT
FORMAT

– CANCEL
EXECUTE

ERASE AL L
EX I ST I NG DATA?

CAUTION:
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.

ADVANCED FEATURES

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 ......................................................
Dubbing From A VCR (GR-DVL557 only) ................................
Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit With A DV Connector ...........
Dubbing Images Stored In A Memory Card To A Tape
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only) ..............................
Dubbing Images Recorded On A Tape To A Memory Card
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only) ..............................

52
53
54
55
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

NOTES:
● During Night-Scope, the following functions
or settings cannot be activated and its
indicator blinks or goes out:
• Some modes of “Programme AE With
Special Effects” ( 墌 pg. 38, 39), “Picture
Wipe/Dissolve” ( 墌 pg. 40. 41).
• “GAIN UP” in CAMERA MENU ( 墌 pg. 47).
• “DIS” in MANUAL MENU ( 墌 pg. 47).
• “Video light” when LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON
is set to “AUTO” ( 墌 pg. 19).
● During Night-Scope, it may be difficult to
bring the camcorder into focus. To prevent
this, use of a tripod is recommended.

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.

1
2

Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down
the Lock Button located on the switch.
Press NIGHT-SCOPE so that the Night-Scope
indicator “ ”appears.
•The shutter speed is automatically adjusted to
provide up to 30 times sensitivity.
•“A” appears 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

Lock Button
Power Switch
NIGHT-SCOPE Button
P.AE Button

1
2
3
4

Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down
the Lock Button located on the switch.

Press P.AE so that the selected effect indicator
appears.

Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu
Screen appears.
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “
PROGRAM AE”, then press it.
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the
desired mode (墌 pg. 39), then press it. Selection is
complete. Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in again.
The Menu Screen closes.

To Deactivate The Selected Mode . . .
.... press P.AE again so that the effect indicator disappears.
Display
SHUT T ER 1/120
SPORT S
SNOW
SPOT L I GHT
TW I L I GHT
SEP I A
MONOT ONE
CLASS I C F I LM
STROB E
SL OW 4 X
SL OW 10 X

GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/
DVL355 only

NOTES:
● 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.
IMPORTANT:
Some modes of Programme AE with special effects
cannot be used with certain Fade/Wipe Effects
( 墌 pg. 40, 41). If an unusable mode is selected, its
indicator blinks or goes out.

EN
SHUTTER
1/50–The shutter speed is fixed at 1/50th of a
second. Black bands that usually appear when
shooting a TV screen become narrower.
1/120–The 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.

SPORTS
(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.
SNOW
Compensates for subjects that may otherwise
appear too dark when shooting in extremely bright
surroundings such as in the snow.
SPOTLIGHT
Compensates for subjects that may otherwise
appear too bright when shooting under extremely
strong direct lighting such as spotlights.
NOTE:
“SPOTLIGHT” has the same effect as –3 with the
exposure control ( 墌 pg. 44).

TWILIGHT
Makes evening scenes look more natural.
White Balance (墌 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.
SEPIA
Recorded scenes have a brownish tint like old
photos. Combine this with the Cinema mode for a
classic look.

MONOTONE
Like black and white films, your footage is shot in
B/W. Used together with the Cinema mode, it
enhances the “classic film” effect.

CLASSIC FILM
Gives recorded scenes a strobe effect.

STROBE
Your recording looks like a series of consecutive
snapshots.
SLOW (Slow Shutter)
Lights dark subjects or areas even brighter than
they would be under good natural lighting. Use
“SLOW” only in dark areas.
SLOW 4X
Slow Shutter raises light sensitivity to allow
shooting in dark environments.
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
“SLOW” is used, adjust focus manually and use
a tripod.

VIDEO ECHO
Adds a “ghost” to the subject, giving your
recording a “fantasy” feeling. Zoom magnification
of over 10X is not available.

FOR RECORDING (cont.)

Fade/Wipe Effects
These effects let you make pro-style scene
transitions. Use them to spice up the transition
from one scene to the next. You can also vary
transitions from scene to scene.
IMPORTANT:
Some Fade/Wipe Effects cannot be used with
certain modes of Programme AE with special
effects ( 墌 pg. 38, 39). If an unusable Fade/
Wipe Effect is selected, its indicator blinks or
goes out.

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

FADE/WIPE SELECTION (
,
,
,
,
and

Recording Start/Stop Button

Fade or Wipe works when video recording is started or
when you stop recording.

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.

2
3
4

Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu
Screen appears.

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to activate the
Fade-in/out or Wipe-in/out.

Power Switch

Lock Button

,
)

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “
WIPE/FADER”, then press it.
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.

To Deactivate The Selected Effect . . .
.... select “OFF” in step 4.

PICTURE WIPE OR DISSOLVE SELECTION
,
,
,
,
,
and
)
(
The Picture Wipe or Dissolve works when video recording
is started.

VIDEO/DSC Switch (GR-DVL557/
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only;
open the LCD monitor to access
this switch)

NOTES:
● 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 combination. 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.
● Picture Wipe/Dissolve cannot be used while
Night-Scope is being activated ( 墌 pg. 38).

1
2

Follow steps 1 through 4 above.

If you start recording a new scene within 5 minutes of
the end of the previous recording (without having
turned the camcorder’s power off), the previous scene
wipes out, revealing the new scene.

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.
If you select Picture Wipe/Dissolve during RecordStandby 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.
If you select Picture Wipe/Dissolve during RecordStandby mode after performing a Picture Wipe/
Dissolve . . .
.... the point at which the scene ended is already
stored in memory.

Fader And Wipe Menu
Menu

FADER — WHITE
FADER — BLACK
FADER — B.W
MOSAIC

Effect
Fade in or out with a white screen.
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 — CORNER

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 — WINDOW

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 — SLIDE

Wipe in from right to left, or wipe out from left to right.

WIPE — DOOR

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 — SCROLL

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 — 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.

DISSOLVE

The new scene gradually appears as the old one gradually disappears.

WIPE — CORNER

The new scene wipes in over the previous one from the upper right
corner to the lower left corner.

WIPE — WINDOW

The next scene gradually wipes in from the centre of the screen
toward the corners, covering the previous scene.

WIPE — SLIDE

The next scene gradually wipes in over the previous one from right to
left.

WIPE — DOOR

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 — SCROLL

The new scene wipes in over the last one from the bottom of the
screen to the top.

WIPE — SHUTTER

The new scene wipes in over the previous one from the centre toward
the top and bottom of the screen.

FOR RECORDING (cont.)

Snapshot (For Video Recording)

SNAPSHOT Button

This feature lets you record still images that look like
photographs onto a tape.

SNAPSHOT MODE SELECTION

Lock Button
Power Switch

VIDEO/DSC Switch (GR-DVL557/
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only;
open the LCD monitor to access
this switch.)
Display
Menu Screen
SNAP MODE

– P I N–UP
FRAME
FUL L
MUL T I – 4
MUL T I – 9

GR-DVL557/DVL555/
DVL357/DVL355 only

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.

2
3
4
5

Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu Screen
appears.
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
“1RETURN” and press it twice. The Menu Screen closes.
• The available Snapshot modes are the same as those on
pg. 27.

SNAPSHOT RECORDING

Press SNAPSHOT.
If you press during Record-Standby . . .
..... “PHOTO” appears and a still image will be recorded
for approx. 6 seconds, then the camcorder re-enters
the Record-Standby mode.
If you press during Recording . . .
..... “PHOTO” appears and a still image will be recorded
for approx. 6 seconds, then the normal recording
resumes.
• Regardless of the Power Switch position (“ ” or “
Snapshot recording takes place using the selected
Snapshot mode.

”),

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, 墌 “BEEP” on pg. 46, 48.
● Even if “MULTI-4” or “MULTI-9” is engaged, Snapshot recording will be performed in the FULL mode during Digital
Zoom or Night-Scope ( 墌 pg. 38).
● If Snapshot recording is not possible, “PHOTO” blinks when SNAPSHOT is pressed.
● If Programme AE with special effects ( 墌 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 “DIS” is set to “ON” ( 墌 pg. 47), the Stabiliser will be disabled.
● The Motor Drive mode is disabled when “REC SELECT” is set to “
/
” in the Menu Screen
( 墌 pg. 49).
● During tape playback as well, all snapshot modes are available when “
COPY” is set to “OFF” in the
Menu Screen ( 墌 pg. 50). However, the shutter sound is not heard.
● 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.

EN
Focus detection zone

While focusing on a further
subject

While focusing on a nearer
subject

FEATURE: Auto Focus
PURPOSE:
The camcorder’s 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 ( 墌 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” ( 墌 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
(墌 pg. 10).
2) Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch, then press
FOCUS (墌 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.)

Exposure Control

Iris Lock

Manual exposure adjustment is recommended in the
following situations:
• 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.

Press EXPOSURE. The exposure control
indicator appear.

Use this function in the following situations:
• When shooting a moving subject.
• When the distance to the subject changes (so its
size in the LCD monitor or the viewfinder changes),
such as when the subject is backing away.
• When shooting on a reflective natural background
such as at the beach or when skiing.
• When shooting objects under a spotlight.
• When zooming.
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”.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel towards “+”
to brighten the image, or towards “–” to darken
the image. (maximum ±6)

Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. Exposure
adjustment is complete.

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.)
To Brighten The Subject Quickly . . .
.... press BACKLIGHT.
is displayed and the
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

Adjust zoom so that the subject fills the LCD
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.
Iris lock indicator

BACKLIGHT Button (3)

EXPOSURE
Button (2)
MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

OFF

Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.

PLAY

1
2
3

Power Switch

become white.

•Backlight compensations is also available when the
Power Switch is set to “ ”.
NOTE:
Backlight, spotlight ( 墌 pg. 39) compensation and
“SNOW” ( 墌 pg. 39) have no effect when the
manual Exposure Control mode is engaged.

To Return To Automatic Iris Control . . .
.... press EXPOSURE twice so that the exposure
control indicator and “ ” disappear. Or, set the
Power Switch to “ ”.
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 welllit environments to keep too much light from
entering, and dilates in dim environments to allow in
more light.

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.
The white balance is usually adjusted automatically.
However, more advanced camcorder operators
control this function manually to achieve a more
professional colour/tint reproduction.

Perform Manual White Balance when shooting under
various types of lighting.

1
2
3

Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the
desired mode.

Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu
Screen appears.
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“
W.BALANCE”, then press it. The
W.BALANCE Menu appears.

“AUTO”

“
“
“
“

– White balance is adjusted
automatically (factory
preset).
MWB”
– White balance is set
manually.
FINE”
– Outdoors on a sunny day.
CLOUD” – Outdoors on a cloudy day.
HALOGEN” – A video light or similar type
of lighting is used.

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 “AUTO” appears.

To Return To Automatic White Balance . . .
.... select “AUTO” in step 4. Or, set the Power
Switch to “ ”.
NOTE:
White balance cannot be used when Sepia or
Monotone ( 墌 pg. 39) is activated.

1
2

Follow steps 1 through 4 of the white balance
adjustment, and select “
MWB”.

Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in until
begins blinking rapidly.
When the setting is completed,
resumes
normal blinking.

Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in twice. The
Menu Screen closes and the Manual White
Balance indicator
is displayed.

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.

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

White paper
Power Switch

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.
NOTES:
● In step 2, it may be difficult to focus on the white
paper. In such a case, adjust focus manually
( 墌 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

For Recording Menu

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

This camcorder is equipped with an easy-to-use,
on-screen menu system that simplifies many of the more
detailed camcorder settings (墌 pg. 47 – 49) .

Lock Button
Power Switch
Display
W I PE / FADER
PROGRAM AE
W. BAL ANC E
CAMERA
MANUA L
SYSTEM
D I SPL AY
DSC

OF F

1
2
3

Set the Power Switch to “ ” while pressing down
the Lock Button located on the switch.

Function menu setting depends on the function.
If you have selected “
WIPE/FADER”,
“
PROGRAM AE” or “
W. BALANCE” . . .
.... see pg. 47.
If you have selected “ CAMERA”, “
MANUAL”,
“
SYSTEM”, “
DISPLAY” or “
DSC” (GRDVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only) . . .
.... go to step 5.

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.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“1RETURN” and press it twice. The Menu Screen
closes.
•The
icon represents “END”.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the
desired function menu, and press it. The selected
function menu appears.

Menu Screen
REC MODE
SOUND MODE
ZOOM
SNAP MODE
GA I N UP

END

–
–
–
–
–

SP
12B I T
40X
FUL L
AGC

RETURN

Sub Menu
DIS

BEEP
TAL LY
I D NUMBER
DEMO . MODE
S I DE LED
CAM R E SET

– OF F
ON

–
–
–
–
–

MELODY
ON
06
ON
ON

RETURN

ON SCRE E N
DATE / T I ME
T I ME CODE
CLOCK
ADJ .

– LCD / TV
– AUTO
– OF F
25 . 12 . 01
17 : 30

RETURN

QUAL I TY
– F I NE
REC S E L E CT –

RETURN

Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu
Screen appears.

W I PE / FADER
PROGRAM AE
W. BAL ANC E
CAMERA
MANUA L
SYSTEM
D I SPL AY
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.

Menu Screen Explanations
WIPE/FADER

Refer to “Fade/Wipe Effects” (墌 pg. 40, 41).

PROGRAM AE

Refer to “Programme AE With Special Effects” (墌 pg. 38, 39).

W.BALANCE

Refer to “White Balance Adjustment” and “Manual White Balance
Operation” (墌 pg. 45).

REC MODE

Allows you to set the video recording mode (SP or LP) depending on your
preference (墌 pg. 13).

SOUND
MODE

12 BIT

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)

16 BIT

Enables video recording of stereo sound on two separate channels. (Equivalent to the 48 kHz mode of previous models)

10X

When set to “10X” while using digital zoom, the zoom magnification will
reset to 10X since digital zoom will be disengaged.

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 40X digital magnification.

300X

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.

CAMERA

ZOOM

SNAP MODE

Refer to “Basic Shooting (Snapshot)” (墌 pg. 26) or “Snapshot (For Video
Recording)” (墌 pg. 42).

GAIN UP

OFF

Allows you to shoot dark scenes with no picture brightness adjustment.

AGC

The overall appearance may be grainy, but the image is bright.

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 subject’s movements are not smooth or
natural. The overall appearance may be grainy. While the shutter speed is
being automatically adjusted, “
” is displayed.

OFF

To compensate for unstable images caused by camera-shake, particularly at
high magnification.
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.

MANUAL

DIS

: Factory-preset

NOTES:
● The “ CAMERA” settings are effective when the Power Switch is set to both “ ” and “
● The “
MANUAL” settings are effective only when the Power Switch is set to “ ”.

”.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

EN USING MENUS FOR
Menu Screen Explanations (cont.)
TELE
MACRO

OFF
ON

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

Records with no change in the screen ratio. For playback on a TV with a
normal screen ratio.

CINEMA

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
and the screen ratio becomes 16:9.
appears. When using this mode, refer
to your wide-screen TV’s 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 “CINEMA” mode is effective only when the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set
to “VIDEO” (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only).

MANUAL

WIDE
MODE

DETAILED ADJUSTMENT (cont.)

SYSTEM

SQUEEZE For playback on TVs with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Naturally expands the
image to fit the screen without distortion.
appears. When using this
mode, refer to your wide-screen TV’s instruction manual. During playback/
recording on 4:3 TVs/LCD monitor/viewfinder, the image is elongated
vertically.
•The “SQUEEZE” mode is effective only when the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set
to “VIDEO” (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only).
WIND
CUT

OFF

Disengages the function which cuts down on noise created by wind.

Helps cut down on noise created by wind. “
sound will change. This is normal.

BEEP

OFF

Even though not heard while shooting, shutter sound is recorded on the tape.

BEEP

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 (墌 pg. 26, 42).

MELODY

Instead of a beep, a melody sounds when any operation is performed. It also
activates the shutter sound effect (墌 pg. 26, 42).

OFF

The tally lamp remains off at all times.

The tally lamp comes on to signal the start of recording.

TALLY

ID NUMBER
(GR-DVL450/DVL157/
DVL150 only)

” appears. The quality of the

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 “
MANUAL” settings are effective only when the Power Switch is set to “ ”.
●“
SYSTEM” functions which are set when the Power Switch is set to “ ” are also applied when the
Power Switch is set to “
” ( 墌 pg. 50).

EN
OFF

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
MODE” is set to “ON” and 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 MODE” remains “ON” even if the camcorder power is turned off.
● If “DEMO MODE” remains “ON”, some functions will not be available.
After viewing demo, set to “OFF”.

SYSTEM

DEMO
MODE

The Side LED indicator (墌 p. 78, 79) lights on the camcorder when the
Power Switch is set to “ ” or “ ”.

SIDE LED ON

DISPLAY

(GR-DVL557/
DVL555/
DVL450 only)

OFF
Does not reset all settings to the factory-preset.

CAM
RESET

CANCEL

ON
SCREEN

LCD

Keeps the camcorder’s display (except the date, time and time code) from
appearing on the connected TV screen.

LCD/TV

Makes the camcorder’s display appear on screen when the camcorder is
connected to a TV.

OFF

The date/time does not appear.

AUTO

Displays the date/time for approx. 5 seconds in the following cases:
•When the Power Switch is set from “OFF” to “ ” or “ ”.
•When video playback starts. The camcorder displays the date/time when
scenes are recorded.
•When the date is changed during video playback.

The date/time is always displayed.

OFF

Time code is not displayed.

Time code is displayed on the camcorder and on the connected TV. Frame
numbers are not displayed during recording.

DATE/
TIME

TIME
CODE

EXECUTE Resets all settings to the factory-preset.

Allows you to set the current date and time (墌 pg. 11).

CLOCK ADJ.

(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)

DSC

QUALITY Allows you to set the Picture Quality mode (FINE and STANDARD) depending on your
preference (墌 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:
●“
SYSTEM” and “
DISPLAY” functions which are set when the Power Switch is set to “ ” are also applied
when the Power Switch is set to “
” ( 墌 pg. 50). “CLOCK ADJ.” only appears when the Power Switch is set to
“ ”.
● The “
DISPLAY” settings are effective even when the Power Switch is set to “ ”.
● The “ON SCREEN” setting can also be changed by pressing the DISPLAY Button on the remote control (provided)
( 墌 pg. 23, 52, 62).

USING MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT (cont.)
For Playback Menu

MENU/BRIGHT Wheel

The following procedure applies to all except Synchro
Comp ( 墌 pg. 65).
Power
Switch

Lock Button
Recording Start/Stop Button

1
2
3

Display
V I DEO
SYSTEM
D I SPL AY
MEMOR Y

4
5
6

SOUND MODE
12B I T MODE
SYNCHRO
REC MODE
COPY
S / AV I N P UT

END

SOUND MOD E
12B I T MOD E
SYNCHRO
REC MODE
COPY
S / AV I N P UT

–
–
–
–
–
–

STEREO
SOUND 1
O.O
SP
OF F
OF F

Set the Power Switch to “
” while pressing down
the Lock Button located on the switch.
Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu
Screen appears.
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the desired
function menu, and press it. The selected function
menu appears.
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the desired
function, and press it to display the Sub Menu.
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select the
desired parameter and press it. Selection is complete.
Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“1RETURN” and press it twice to close the Menu
Screen.

Menu Screen Explanations
SOUND MODE

RETURN

12BIT MODE
BEEP
TAL LY
I D NUMBER
DEMO . MODE
S I DE LED
CAM R E SET

–
–
–
–
–

SYNCHRO

MELODY
ON
06
ON
ON

REC MODE

ON SCRE E N
DATE / T I ME
T I ME CODE

– LCD / TV
– AU T O
– OF F

RETURN

V I DEO
SYSTEM
D I SPL AY
MEMOR Y

I NDEX
PROTE C T
DELE T E
DPOF
FORMAT

END

* Actual menus differ by model and may appear
differently from these illustrations. Some menu
items may not be unavailable on your model.

VIDEO

RETURN

COPY
(GR-DVL557/
DVL555/DVL357/
DVL355 only)

S/AV INPUT
(GR-DVL557
only)

墌 pg. 51.
墌 pg. 51.
墌 pg. 65.
Allows you to set the video
recording mode (SP or LP)
depending on your preference
(墌 pg. 13).
It is recommended you use “REC
VIDEO” Menu
MODE” in the “
when using this camcorder as a
recorder during dubbing
(GR-DVL557/DVL357/DVL157
only, 墌 pg. 53, 54).
ON: Enables dubbing of images
recorded on a tape to a memory
card (墌 pg. 56).
OFF: Enables snapshots to be taken
during video playback.
ON: Enables audio/video signal
input from the AV and S-VIDEO
connectors (墌 pg. 53).
OFF: Enables audio/video signal
output to a TV, VCR, etc. via the AV
and S-VIDEO connectors
(墌 pg. 22, 53).

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

NOTES:
● It is also possible to change the ON SCREEN settings by pressing DISPLAY on the remote control (provided).
● “REC MODE” can be set when the Power Switch is set to “
” or “ ” ( 墌 pg. 13, 47).
● When “S/AV INPUT” is set to “ON”, camcorder playback cannot be viewed on the AV output.

EN
Menu Screen Explanations (cont.)

DISPLAY

MEMORY

DISPLAY

SYSTEM

ON SCREEN setting:
12B I T / SOUND1

SP 46

100-0001
1 / 50

Each setting is linked with “
DISPLAY” or
“
SYSTEM”, which appears when the Power
Switch is set to “ ” (墌 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.

墌 pg. 28 – 36
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)

For directory, file name,
index number and total
number during D.S.C.
playback (GR-DVL557/
DVL555/DVL357/
DVL355 only).

DATE/TIME setting:
For date during D.S.C.
playback (GR-DVL557/
DVL555/DVL357/
DVL355 only).

25 . 12 . 01

25 . 1 2 . 0 1
17 : 30

For date/time during
video playback.

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 MODE” or “12BIT MODE” from the Menu Screen and set it to the
desired parameter.

SOUND MODE

STEREO

Sound is output on both “L” and “R” channels in stereo.

SOUND L

Sound from the “L” channel is output in stereo.

SOUND R

Sound from the “R” channel is output in stereo.

MIX

Original and dubbed sounds are combined and output in stereo on
both “L” and “R” channels in stereo.

SOUND 1

Original sound is output on both “L” and “R” channels in stereo.

SOUND 2

Dubbed sound is output on both “L” and “R” channels in stereo.

12BIT MODE

: Factory-preset

NOTES:
● The “SOUND MODE” setting is available for both 12-bit and 16-bit sound. (In previous models’ functions,
“12-bit” is called “32 kHz” and “16-bit” is 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

Dubbing To A VCR

Power Switch

[To use this camcorder as a player]

Connector
cover**

1
2
To AV

To S

S-Video
cable
(optional)

Audio/Video cable
[mini-plug to RCA plug]
(provided)

To AUDIO, VIDEO*
-IN connectors
and

“Y/C”/“CVBS”
video out select
switch

VCR

Cable Adapter
(provided)
If your VCR has a
SCART connector, use
the provided cable
adapter.

Following the illustration, connect the camcorder and
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 camcorder’s Power Switch to “
” while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch,
turn on the VCR’s power, and insert the appropriate
cassettes in the camcorder and the VCR.

[For GR-DVL557 owners only]
Set “S/AV INPUT” to “OFF” in the Menu Screen
(墌 pg. 50).

4
5

Engage the VCR’s AUX and Record-Pause modes.

6
7
8

Press 4/6 on the camcorder and engage the VCR’s
Record mode.

Engage the camcorder’s Play mode to find a spot just
before the edit-in point. Once it is reached, press 4/
6 on the camcorder.

Engage the VCR’s Record-Pause mode and press 4/6
on the camcorder.
Repeat steps 5 through 7 for additional editing, then
stop the VCR and camcorder when finished.

* 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/TIME” to “AUTO”, “ON” or “OFF” in the Menu Screen (墌 pg. 50).
•Time Code
.... set “TIME CODE” to “ON” or “OFF” in the Menu Screen (墌 pg. 50).
•Playback Sound Mode, Tape Speed And Tape Running Displays
.... set “ON SCREEN” to “LCD” or “LCD/TV” in the Menu Screen (墌 pg. 50). Or, press DISPLAY on the
remote control (provided).
● You can use Playback Zoom ( 墌 pg. 60) or Playback Special Effects ( 墌 pg. 59) in step 6.

Dubbing From A VCR

Power Switch

[To use this camcorder as a recorder:
GR-DVL557 only]

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.

Set “SOUND MODE” to “12 BIT” or “16 BIT” and
“REC MODE” to “SP” or “LP” in the Menu Screen
depending on your preference (墌 pg. 50).

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “VIDEO”, then set the
camcorder’s Power Switch to “
” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch, turn on
the VCR’s power, and insert the appropriate cassettes
in the camcorder and the VCR.

4
5

Set “S/AV INPUT” to “ON” in the Menu Screen to
engage the analogue input mode (墌 pg. 50).

Engage the VCR’s Play mode, then engage the Still
Playback mode when you have found a spot just
before the edit-in point.

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button on the
camcorder to engage the Record mode.
rotates
on the screen. Engage the VCR’s Play mode.

To stop dubbing, press the Recording Star/Stop Button
on the camcorder so that
stops rotating, then
engage the VCR’s Stop mode.

9
10

Repeat steps 6 through 8 for additional editing.

To AV

To S

Audio/Video cable
[mini-plug to RCA plug]
(provided)

S-Video
cable
(optional)

To Audio, Video* and
S-Video connectors

Cable Adapter
(not provided)
If your VCR has a SCART
connector, use a
commercially available
output cable adapter.

VCR (Playback deck)

* Connect when an S-Video cable is not used.
** When connecting the cables, open this cover.

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button on the
camcorder to engage the Record-Pause mode.
“ AV. IN ” appears on the screen.

Set “S/AV INPUT” back to “OFF” in the Menu Screen
to disengage the analogue input mode (墌 pg. 50).

NOTES:
● To use an output cable adapter (commercially available), refer to its instructions.
● It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as the power
supply instead of the battery pack ( 墌 pg. 9).
● Analogue signals can be converted to digital signals with
this procedure.
● It is also possible to dub from another camcorder.

DUBBING (cont.)

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
connector using a DV cable as shown in the illustration.

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “VIDEO” (GRDVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only), set the
camcorder’s Power Switch to “
” while pressing
down the Lock Button located on the switch, turn on
the video unit’s power, and insert the appropriate
cassettes in the camcorder and the video unit.

3
4

Press 4 to play back the source tape.

To DV
Lock Button
PL

Core filter

DV cable
(optional)

OFF
AY

Power Switch

Core filter
To DV
IN/OUT

Video unit equipped
with DV connector

PLAY (4)
STOP (5)

While watching the playback on the monitor, engage
the DV connector-equipped video unit’s record mode
from the spot on the source tape you want to begin
recording.

NOTES:
● It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as the power supply
instead of the battery pack ( 墌 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, sometimes the image may not appear in step 4. If this occurs, turn
off the power and make connections again.
● If “Playback Zoom” ( 墌 pg. 60), “Playback Special Effects”
( 墌 pg. 59) or “Snapshot” is attempted during playback,
only the original playback image recorded on the tape is
output from the DV connector.
● 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 MODE” to “SP” or “LP” in the Menu Screen (墌 pg. 50)
3. Connect the DV cable as shown in the illustration and load a cassette to record on.
4. Press the Recording Start/Stop button to engage the Record-Pause mode. “ DV. IN ” 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 MODE” setting ( 墌 pg. 47).
● During Digital Dubbing, no signals are output from the video or audio connectors.

EN
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.

1
2

Load a memory card (墌 pg. 14) and cassette
(墌 pg. 12).

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “
”, then set the
Power Switch to “
” while pressing down the
Lock Button located on the switch.

To select a still image to be dubbed, perform Index
Playback (墌 pg. 29), Auto Playback (墌 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
indicator disappears when dubbing is
complete.

Lock Button
2

Power Switch
Rewind Button (2)
Fast-Forward Button (3)

VIDEO/DSC Switch
(Open the LCD monitor
to access this switch.)

To locate the point where you wish to dub a still
image, play back the tape. Stop playback at the
desired point.

NOTE:
If SNAPSHOT is pressed in step 5 when the tape’s erase
protection tab is set to “SAVE”, the message “COPYING
FAILED” is displayed.

Display

TO COPY TO TAPE
PUSH “ SNAPSHOT ”

REC

DUBBING (cont.)

EN
SNAPSHOT Button

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 .

Lock Button
Power Switch
Display
Menu Screen

COPY

– OF F
ON

Play/Pause Button (4/6)
MENU/
BRIGHT Wheel

VIDEO/DSC Switch
(Open the LCD monitor
to access this switch.)

1
2

Load a memory card (墌 pg. 14) and cassette
(墌 pg. 12).

Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to “VIDEO”, then set the
Power Switch to “
” while pressing down the
Lock Button.

Press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu
Screen appears. Rotate it to select “
VIDEO” and
press it. The VIDEO Menu appears.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“
COPY” and press it. The Sub Menu
appears. Rotate it to select “ON” and press it.
Selection is complete.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“1RETURN” and 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.

Select the Snapshot mode in the Menu Screen
(墌 pg. 26) to use for dubbing the image to the
memory card.

NOTES:
● If SNAPSHOT is pressed in step 8 when a memory card
is not loaded, the message “COPYING FAILED” is
displayed.
● If an image recorded on the tape using the WIDE mode
( 墌 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) ( 墌 pg. 59).

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

The Full-Function Remote Control Unit can operate
this camcorder from a distance as well as the basic
operations (Playback, Stop, Pause, Fast-Forward and
Rewind) of your VCR. It also makes additional
playback functions possible.

Tab

Installing The Batteries
The remote control uses two ”AAA (R03)” size
batteries. See “General Battery Precautions”
(墌 pg. 85).

2
–

1
2
3

+
+

–

Remove the battery compartment cover while
pushing up the tab as illustrated.
Insert two “AAA (R03)” size batteries in the
correct direction.
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
5m

30°
30°

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.)

2
4
6
8

3
5
7
9

@
$
^
*
)

!
#
%
&
(

Functions
Buttons

1 Infrared beam transmitting window
2 Zoom (T/W) Buttons
3 DISPLAY Button
4 SHIFT Button
5 SLOW Rewind/Forward Buttons
Left/Right Buttons
6 REW Button
7 FADE/WIPE Button
8 EFFECT ON/OFF Button
9 EFFECT Button
0 PAUSE IN Connector
! START/STOP Button
@ MBR SET Button
# SNAPSHOT Button
$ Up Button

With the camcorder’s Power Switch
set to the camera position
(“ ” or “ ”) .

With the camcorder’s Power Switch
set to “
”.

Transmits the beam signal.
Zoom in/out (墌 pg. 18)
—
—
—
—

Zoom in/out (墌 pg. 60)
墌 pg. 23, 52, 62
墌 pg. 60, 61
墌 pg. 59
墌 pg. 60

—

• Rewind/Reverse Shuttle Search
on the tape (墌 pg. 21)
• Displays previous image in the
memory card (GR-DVL557/DVL555/
DVL357/DVL355 only, 墌 pg. 28)

—

墌 pg. 63
墌 pg. 59
墌 pg. 59
墌 pg. 62

—
—
—

Functions the same as the Recording Start/Stop Button on the camcorder.
—

墌 pg. 61

Functions the same as SNAPSHOT on the camcorder.
—
—

墌 pg. 60

—
—

墌 pg. 60
墌 pg. 66

—

& FF Button

• Starts Playback of the tape (墌 pg. 21)
• Starts Auto Playback of the memory
card (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/
DVL355 only, 墌 pg. 28)

—

* STOP Button

• Forward/Forward Shuttle Search
on the tape (墌 pg. 21)
• Displays next image in the memory
card (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/
DVL355 only, 墌 pg. 28)

—

• Stops the tape (墌 pg. 21)
• Stops Auto Playback (GR-DVL557/
DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only,
墌 pg. 28)

INSERT Button

% Down Button
A. DUB Button
^ PLAY Button

( PAUSE Button
) R.A.EDIT Buttons

GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/
DVL355 only, 墌 pg. 67

—

Pauses the tape (墌 pg. 59)

—

墌 pg. 61 – 65

EN
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.
䡲 To stop Slow-Motion Playback, press PLAY (4).

SLOW Forward
Button
SLOW
Rewind Button
EFFECT
ON/OFF

PLAY
PAUSE

EFFECT

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 disturbances 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.

FEATURE: Frame-By-Frame Playback
PLA Y BACK E F F E C T
OF F
1
2
3
4
5

PLAYBACK
EFFECT Select
Menu

C L A S S I C F I LM
MONO T ON E
SEP I A
S T ROB E
V I D EO E CHO

PURPOSE:
To allow frame-by-frame search during video playback.

OPERATION:
1) To change from normal to Frame-By-Frame Playback,
press SLOW (0) repeatedly for forward or SLOW (9)
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.
䡲 To deactivate the selected effect, press EFFECT ON/OFF on the remote control. Pressing it again re-activates the
selected effect.
䡲 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
( 墌 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.)
Remote sensor

FEATURE: Playback Zoom
PURPOSE:
To magnify the recorded image up to 40X at any time
during playback.

OPERATION:

Zoom Buttons
SHIFT
Up Button
Left Button
Down Button
Right Button
PLAY
STOP

Normal playback

Press T

To move image, press
(Right) while keeping
SHIFT held down.

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).
NOTES:
● Zoom can also be used during slow-motion and still
playback.
● Due to digital image processing, the quality of the
image may suffer.

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.
Before operation, make sure the batteries are installed
in the remote control ( pg. 57).

VCR (Recording deck)

SHIFT

SET REMOTE/VCR CODE

MBR SET
4

Turn off the power to the VCR and point the
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).
You are now ready to try Random Assemble
Editing.

1
5
6

VCR CODE LIST
VCR BRAND
NAME
AKAI

BLAUPUNKT
DAEWOO
FERGUSON

BUTTONS
(A) (B)

VCR BRAND
NAME
PHILIPS

BUTTONS
(A) (B)

3
9

GRUNDIG
HITACHI
JVC A
B
C
LG/GOLDSTAR
MITSUBISHI
NEC
PANASONIC

SAMSUNG
1

SANYO
SELECO,
REX
SHARP
SONY

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.
NOTES:
● If the VCR’s power does not come on in step 1, try
another code from the VCR CODE LIST.
● Some brands of VCR do not come on automatically. 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 control’s 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.

THOMSON,
TELEFUNKEN,
SABA,
NORDMENDE
TOSHIBA

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.)

MAKE CONNECTIONS
Connector cover**
To S

Also refer to pg. 22 and 23.

To AV
To JLIP***
or EDIT***
Audio/Video
cable
(provided)

S-Video
cable
(optional)

Editing cable

To AUDIO,
VIDEO*
-IN
and
connectors
If your VCR has the
SCART connector,
use the provided
cable adapter.

“Y/C”/“CVBS”
video out
select switch

To Remote PAUSE
or R.A.EDIT

VCR
To PAUSE IN

DISPLAY

* 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

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.

A JVC VCR equipped with a remote pause
connector . . .
... connect the editing cable to the Remote
PAUSE connector.
A JVC VCR not equipped with a remote pause
connector but equipped with an R.A. EDIT
connector . . .
... connect the editing cable to the R.A.EDIT
connector.
A VCR other than above . . .
... connect the editing cable to the remote
control’s PAUSE IN connector.

Insert a recorded tape into the camcorder. 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.

Turn the VCR power on, insert a recordable tape and
engage the AUX mode (refer to the VCR’s instructions).

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 choose whether or not the following displays appear
on the connected TV . . .
•Date/Time
.... set “DATE/TIME” to “AUTO”, “ON” or “OFF” in the
Menu Screen ( pg. 50).
•Time Code
.... set “TIME CODE” to “ON” or “OFF” in the Menu
Screen ( pg. 50).
•Playback Sound Mode, Tape Speed And Tape Running
Displays
.... set “ON SCREEN” to “LCD” or “LCD/TV” in the
Menu Screen ( pg. 50). Or, press DISPLAY on the
remote control (provided).
● For GR-DVL557 Owners: Make sure to set “S/AV
INPUT” to “OFF” in the Menu Screen ( pg. 50).
● 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.
● 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.

EN
SELECT SCENES

Programme
IN
1–– –– : ––
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
T I ME CODE
TOTAL

OUT
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~

MODE

Random Assemble
Editing Menu

–– : ––
0 0 : 00

Point the remote control at the camcorder’s remote
sensor. Press PLAY (4) and then press R.A.EDIT ON/
OFF on the remote control.
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.

6
7
8

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.

Remote sensor

REW
FADE/WIPE
EFFECT
EDIT IN/OUT
CANCEL

FF
PLAY
R.A.EDIT
ON/OFF

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
Picture Wipe/Dissolve).1

9
10

If using Playback Special Effects, press EFFECT
( pg. 59).
Repeat steps 6 through 9 to register additional scenes.
•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 deck’s 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 camcorder’s 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.)

AUTOMATIC EDITING TO VCR

Recording Start/Stop Button

IN
00 : 2 5
1
2
07 : 18
3 – – 0 3 : 33
09 : 30
4
5
15 : 55
6–– –– : ––
7
8
T I ME CODE
TOTAL

~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~

OUT
MODE
02 : 05
––
08 : 31 – – – –
05 : 53
13 : 15
16 : 29 – – – –

11
12

Rewind the tape in the camcorder to the beginning of
the scene you want to edit and press PAUSE (6).

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button on the
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 RecordPause 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.

Engage the Stop modes for the camcorder and the
VCR.
To make the R.A.Edit counter display disappear, press
R.A.EDIT ON/OFF on the remote control.

Random Assemble
Editing Menu

16 : 30
9 : 39

Remote Sensor

Point the remote control towards the VCR’s remote
sensor and press VCR REC STBY (q6), or manually
engage the VCR’s Record-Pause mode.

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
control’s Pause In connector during dubbing, make sure
the remote control is pointed at the VCR’s 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

For More Accurate Editing

Programme 1
IN
1–– –– : ––
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
T I ME CODE
TOTAL

MODE

OUT
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~

Random Assemble
Editing Menu

–– : ––
0 0 : 00

–

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.

DIAGNOSING VCR/CAMCORDER TIMING
VIDEO Menu

SYNCHRO

O. 1

GR-DVL557/
DVL555/DVL357/
DVL355 only

Play back the tape in the camcorder, then point the
remote control at the camcorder’s remote sensor and
press R.A.EDIT ON/OFF.
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 EditIn point.

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.

Remote sensor

ADJUSTMENT OF VCR/CAMCORDER
TIMING

R.A.EDIT
ON/OFF

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.

Point the remote control at the camcorder’s remote
sensor and press R.A.EDIT ON/OFF to make the
Random Assemble Editing menu disappear, then
press the MENU/BRIGHT wheel in. The Menu
Screen appears.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select “
VIDEO” and push it. The VIDEO Menu appears.
Then, rotate it to “SYNCHRO” and push it. The value
for “SYNCHRO” is highlighted.

Based on the diagnostics performed, you can now
advance the VCR’s record timing by rotating the
MENU/BRIGHT wheel towards “+”. You can also
delay the VCR’s 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.

Rotate the MENU/BRIGHT wheel to select
“1RETURN” and push it twice.
Now perform Random Assemble Editing beginning
with step 4 on page 63.

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (cont.)

Audio Dubbing

Display
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).

Speaker

Power Switch

1
2
3

Play back the tape to locate the point where editing
will start, then press PAUSE (6).

To end Audio Dubbing, press PAUSE (6), then STOP
(5).

While holding A.DUB (e) on the remote control,
press PAUSE (6). “6e” appears.
Press PLAY (4), then begin “narrating”.
Speak into the microphone.
•To pause dubbing, press PAUSE (6).

Remote sensor

To hear the dubbed sound during playback . . .
.... set “12BIT MODE” to “SOUND 2” or “MIX” in the
Menu Screen ( pg. 50, 51).

Stereo
microphone

A.DUB
PLAY
STOP
PAUSE

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 camcorder’s microphone away from the TV, or turn
down the TV’s volume.
● 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 camcorder’s AV connector, first set “S/AV INPUT”
to “ON” in the Menu Screen (GR-DVL557 only
pg. 50).

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.
Lock Button
Power Switch
Display

12 : 34

Remote sensor

START/STOP

REW

INSERT
PLAY
STOP
PAUSE

NOTES:
● Before performing the following steps, make sure that
“TIME CODE” is set to “ON” in 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).

Play back the tape, locate the Edit-Out point and
press PAUSE (6). Confirm the time code at this point
( pg. 51).

2
3

Press REW (2) until the Edit-In point is located, then
press PAUSE (6).

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.

To end Insert Editing, press START/STOP, then STOP
(5).

Press and hold INSERT (w) on the remote control,
then press PAUSE (6). “6w” and the Time Code
(min.:sec.) appear and the camcorder enters InsertPause mode.

NOTES:
● Programme AE with special effects ( pg. 38, 39) can
be used to spice up the scenes being edited during Insert
Editing.
● 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.
● 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

[A]Using USB or PC connection cable
GR-DVL450/DVL157/DVL150 only
To PC
(DIGITAL PHOTO)

PC connection cable
(provided with GR-DVL450/
DVL157 only)

To USB

USB cable
(provided)

To
RS-232C

To USB
connector
PC

GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only

[B] Using DV cable

OR
Power Switch
Core filter
To DV

VIDEO/DSC Switch (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/
DVL355 only; open the LCD monitor to access this switch.)

Connection To A Personal Computer
[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).

[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.

1
2
3

Make sure the camcorder and PC are turned off.
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.

Turn the camcorder’s Power Switch to “
”
while pressing down the Lock Button located on
the switch and turn on the PC.
•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.

Core filter
DV cable
(optional)

To DV
connector
PC with DV
connector

NOTES:
● It is recommended to use the AC Adapter as the
power supply instead of the battery pack
( pg. 9).
● 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.
● 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.
● The system may not work properly depending on
the PC or capture board you are using.

For GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355
Owners:
“USB MODE” and/or “ACCESSING FILE” appears
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 FILE” is displayed on the LCD
monitor since this can result in product damage.

Connection To A Video Unit Equipped With
A DV Connector

Power Switch

To DV

Core filter
DV cable
(optional)
Core filter
To DV IN
connector

To DV
connector

Video unit equipped
with a DV connector

To PC
connector

Digital Printer
PC connection
cable

To RS-232C

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.

1
2
3

Make sure all units are turned off.

Turn the camcorder’s Power Switch to “
” while
pressing down the Lock Button located on the switch
and turn on the other units.

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 printer’s PC connector
and the PC’s RS-232C connector.

NOTES:
● 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.
● 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.

REFERENCES
REFERENCES
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
ITEMS

NOTES

➪ Power
( pg. 8)

❍ 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.
❍ 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 adapter’s power cord from the AC outlet.
• Detach the battery from the camcorder.

➪ VIDEO

❍ 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.
❍ 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 END” appears when the tape reaches its end, and the power
goes off automatically if left in this condition for 5 minutes. “TAPE
END” also appears when a cassette at its end is loaded.

RECORDING
( pg. 16, 17)

TROUBLESHOOTING

If, after following the steps in the chart below, the problem still exists, please consult your nearest JVC dealer.
The camcorder is a microcomputer-controlled device. External noise and interference (from a TV, a radio,
etc.) might prevent it from functioning properly. In such cases, first disconnect its power supply unit (battery
pack, AC Adapter, etc.) and wait a few minutes; and then re-connect it and proceed as usual from the
beginning.

SYMPTOM

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTIVE ACTION

1. No power is supplied.

1. • The power is not connected
properly.
• The battery is dead.

1. • Connect the AC Adapter
securely ( pg. 9).
• 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
performed.

3. — For Video Recording —
• The tape’s erase protection tab
is set to “SAVE”.
• The Power Switch is set to
” or “OFF”.
“
• The VIDEO/DSC Switch is set
to “
”.
• “TAPE END” appears.
• The cassette holder cover is
open.
— For D.S.C. Recording —
• The VIDEO/DSC Switch is set
to “VIDEO”.

3. • Set the tape’s erase protection
tab to “REC” ( pg. 12).
• Set the Power Switch to “ ”
or “ ” ( pg. 17).
• Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to
“VIDEO”.
• Replace with new cassette
( pg. 12).
• Close the cassette holder
cover.
• Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to
“
”.

4. There is no picture.

4. • The camcorder is not getting
power, or some other
malfunction exists.

4. • Turn the camcorder’s power
off and on again ( pg. 17).

5. The focus does not adjust
automatically.

5. • Focus is set to the Manual
mode.
• The recording was done in a
dark place, or the contrast
was low.
• The lens is dirty or covered
with condensation.

5. • Set Focus to the Auto mode
( pg. 43).
• Clean the lens and check the
focus again ( pg. 77).

6. The cassette will not load
properly.

6. • The cassette is in the wrong
position.
• The battery’s charge is low.

6. • Set it in the right position
( pg. 12).
• Install a fully charged battery
( pg. 8, 9).

7. The memory card will not
load properly.

7. • The memory card is in the
wrong position.

7. • Set it in the right position
( pg. 14).

8. Snapshot mode cannot be
used.

8. • The Squeeze mode is
selected.

8. • Disengage the Squeeze mode
( pg. 48).

SYMPTOM

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTIVE ACTION

9. The colour of Snapshot looks
strange.

9. • The light source or the subject
does not include white. Or
there are various different
light sources behind the
subject.
• The Sepia or Monotone mode
is activated.

9. • Find a white subject and
compose your shot so that it
also appears in the frame
( pg. 26, 42).
• Turn off Sepia and Monotone
( pg. 38, 39).

10. The image taken using
Snapshot is too dark.

10. • Shooting was performed
under backlit conditions.

10. • Press the BACKLIGHT Button
( pg. 44).

11. The image taken using
Snapshot is too bright.

11. • The subject is too bright.

11. • Set “PROGRAM AE” to
“SPOTLIGHT” in the Menu
Screen ( pg. 38).

12. Digital Zoom does not work.

12. • 10X optical zoom is selected.
• “PROGRAM AE” is set to
“VIDEO ECHO” in the Menu
Screen.
• Picture Wipe or Dissolve are
being used in a scene
transition.

12. • Set “ZOOM” to “40X” or
“300X” in the Menu Screen
( pg. 47).
• Disengage the “VIDEO
ECHO” mode ( pg. 18, 39).
• Wait until the Picture Wipe or
Dissolve effects are completed
( pg. 18, 40).

13. The Black & White Fader
does not work.

13. • The Sepia or Monotone mode
is activated.

13. • Turn off Sepia and Monotone
( pg. 38, 40).

14. The Dissolve function does
not work.

14. • The Sepia, Monotone or Slow
Shutter mode of Programme
AE with special effects is
activated.
• “WIDE MODE” is set to
“SQUEEZE” in the Menu
Screen.
• The previously selected mode
of Programme AE with special
effects was changed after the
last selected scene for editing
was registered.

14. • Turn off Sepia, Monotone or
Slow Shutter before adding
Dissolve to a scene transition
( pg. 38, 40).
• Set “WIDE MODE” to
“CINEMA” or “OFF” mode
( pg. 48).
• 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.
• At the end of the last selected
scene for editing, the Power
Switch was set to “OFF”.
• The power is off.

15. • Select Picture Wipe or
Dissolve before beginning
recording. The effects are then
automatically activated
( pg. 40).
• Do not turn off the
camcorder’s 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 RecordStandby mode. Make sure you
continue operations within
5 minutes after engaging
Record-Standby mode
( pg. 40).

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

SYMPTOM

TROUBLESHOOTING (cont.)
POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTIVE ACTION

16. The picture wipe function
does not work.

16. • The Slow Shutter mode is
activated.
• “WIDE MODE” is not set to
“OFF”.

16. • Disengage the Slow Shutter
mode or set “WIDE MODE”
to “OFF” before preparing to
use the Picture Wipe
( pg. 38, 40, 48).

17. Scene transition does not go
as expected.

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 noticeable when shooting fastmoving subject or during
rapid panning.

17.

18. The Video Echo mode does
not work.

18. • The Picture Wipe or
Dissolve functions are in use.
• “WIDE MODE” is set to
“SQUEEZE” in the Menu
Screen.
• A Fade-In or Fade-Out is in
progress.

18. • Set “WIDE MODE” to
“CINEMA” or “OFF” mode
( pg. 48).
• Do not try to use the Video
Echo mode during a Fade-In
or Fade-Out ( pg. 38, 40).

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 “AGC” or “OFF” in 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
function is in use.

20. • Do not try to use the Classic
Film or Strobe mode during a
scene transition ( pg. 38,
40).

21. White Balance cannot be
activated.

21. • The Sepia or Monotone mode
is activated.

21. • Turn off Sepia or Monotone
before setting White Balance
( pg. 39, 45).

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/
time does not appear.

24. • “DATE/TIME” is set to “OFF”
in the Menu Screen.

24. • Set “DATE/TIME” to “ON” in
the Menu Screen ( pg. 49).

25. Images stored in the memory
card cannot be deleted.

25. • Images stored in the memory
card are protected.

25. • Remove protection from the
images stored in the memory
card and delete them
( pg. 31, 32).

————

SYMPTOM

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTIVE ACTION

26. The indicators and messages
do not appear.

26. • “TIME CODE” is set to “OFF”
in the Menu Screen.

26. • Set “TIME CODE” to “ON” in
the Menu Screen
( pg. 49, 50).

27. Images on the LCD monitor
appear dark or whitish.

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).

28. The rear of the LCD monitor
is hot.

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.

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
viewfinder indications blink.

30. • Certain Fade/Wipe effects,
certain modes of Programme
AE with special effects, “DIS”
and other functions that
cannot be used together are
selected at the same time.

30. • Re-read the sections covering
Fade/Wipe effects, Programme AE with special
effects and “DIS” ( pg. 38 –
41, 48).

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
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 %)

31.

32. During recording, sound
cannot be heard.

32. • This is normal.

32.

33. Play, Rewind and FastForward functions do not
work.

33. • The Power Switch is set to
“ ” or “ ”.

33. • Set the Power Switch to
“
” ( pg. 21).

34. A memory card cannot be
played back.

34. • The Power Switch is set to
“ ” or “ ”.
• The VIDEO/DSC Switch is set
to “VIDEO”.

34. • Set the Power Switch to
“
” ( pg. 28).
• Set the VIDEO/DSC Switch to
“
”.

————

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

TROUBLESHOOTING (cont.)

SYMPTOM
35. The LCD monitor image is
distorted.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTIVE ACTION

35. • During playback of the
unrecorded portion, Highspeed Search and still
playback, LCD monitor
indications appear distorted.
This is not a defect.

35.

36. Images on the LCD monitor
are jittery.

36. • The speaker volume is too
great.

36. • Turn the speaker volume
down ( pg. 21).

37. There is no playback picture
on the connected TV.

37. • Since the analogue input mode
is engaged, the camcorder is in
the Record-Standby mode.

37. • Set “S/AV INPUT” to “OFF” in
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. fingerprints).

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 indications ( pg. 80 – 84).

————

41. An error indication
(E01 — E06) appears.

41. • A malfunction of some kind
has occurred. In this case the
camcorder’s functions
become unusable.

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
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
camcorder does not light.

42. • The temperature of the battery
is extremely high/low.
• Charging is difficult in places
subject to extremely high/low
temperatures.

42. • To protect the battery, it is
recommended to charge it in
places with a temperature of
10°C to 35°C ( pg. 85).

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 camcorder’s power
off and on again, then operate
it.

45. The memory card cannot be
removed from the
camcorder.

45.

45. • Push in the memory card a
few more times ( pg. 14).

————

USER MAINTENANCE

After Use

Cleaning The Camcorder

1
2

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.

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.

3
4

To clean the lens, blow it with a blower brush,
then wipe gently with lens cleaning paper.

Insert a lens blower or soft cloth into the gap at
the bottom of the viewfinder and clean the
interior of the viewfinder with it .

Close the hatch. Tilt the viewfinder back to the
horizontal position.

Turn off the camcorder.
Slide and hold OPEN/EJECT in the direction of
the arrow, then pull the cassette holder cover
open until it locks. The cassette holder opens
automatically. Remove the cassette.

Press “PUSH HERE” to close the cassette holder.
•Once the cassette holder is closed, it recedes
automatically. Wait until it recedes completely
before closing the cassette holder cover.

Tilt the viewfinder upward 1. Slide BAT.
RELEASE 2 and remove the battery pack 3 .

Remove.
Cassette
holder

PUSH HERE

To clean the viewfinder, raise it to the vertical
position. Open the viewfinder cleaning hatch in
the direction of the arrow .

NOTES:
● 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
3

Hatch

Lens blower

INDEX Controls, Connectors And Indicators

*
(
)
q

o
1

p Q
2

345 67

t
u
PLAY O

@# $

890!

I OP&

e w

) •J Terminal [JLIP (Joint Level Interface Protocol)]

Controls
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
5
6
7

8
9
0
!
@
#
$
%
^
&

•LCD Monitor BRIGHT
(Brightness) Control [+, –] .................. pg. 16
Snapshot Button
[SNAPSHOT] ................ pg. 26, 27, 42, 55, 56
•Power Zoom Lever [T/W] .................. pg. 18
•Speaker Volume Control [VOL.] ........ pg. 21
•FOCUS Button .................................. pg. 43
•BLANK SEARCH Button .................... pg. 24
•JUMP Button (GR-DVL557/DVL555/
DVL357/DVL355 only) ..................... pg. 30
•Stop Button [5] ................................. pg. 21
•NIGHT-SCOPE Button ....................... pg. 38
•Rewind Button [2] ......................... pg. 21
•EXPOSURE Button ............................ pg. 44
•Play/Pause Button [4/6] ................... pg. 21
•Programme AE Button [P.AE] ............. pg. 38
•Fast-Forward Button [3] ................. pg. 21
•BACKLIGHT Button .......................... pg. 44
Power Switch
[ ,
,
, OFF] ........................... pg. 17
Recording Start/Stop Button .................. pg. 16
Lock Button ......................................... pg. 17
Video Light Switch
[LIGHT OFF/AUTO/ON] ...................... pg. 19
VIDEO/DSC Switch [VIDEO,
]
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/
DVL355 only) ...................................... pg. 17
OPEN/EJECT Switch ............................. pg. 12

Connectors

* q

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.

*
(

q
w
e

(GR-DVL450/DVL157/
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.

Indicators

r Tally Lamp ..................................... pg. 16, 48
t Side LED Indicator (GR-DVL557/DVL555/
DVL450 only) ...................................... pg. 49
y CHARGE Lamp ...................................... pg. 8
u Power Lamp .................................. pg. 16, 17
Other Parts

i •Remote Sensor .................................. pg. 57
o
p
Q
W
E
R
T
Y
U
I
O
P

•Camera Sensor
Be careful not to cover this area, a sensor
necessary for shooting is built-in here.
Viewfinder ........................................... pg. 10
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
MEMORY CARD Cover (GR-DVL557/DVL555/
DVL357/DVL355 only) ........................ pg. 14

INDEX Indications

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Video Recording Only
1

3 4 5
LP 50 min

REC
6w

2
3
4
5
6
7

SOUND 1 2 B I T

20 : 5 5

7
0

Displays the selected Fade/Wipe effect.
( pg. 40, 41)
Appears when in the Squeeze or Cinema mode.
( pg. 48)
Rotates while the tape is running.
( pg. 16)
Displays the recording mode (SP or LP).
( pg. 13)
Displays the tape remaining time.
( pg. 16)
• “REC” appears during recording.
• “PAUSE” appears during Record-Standby mode.
( pg. 16)
Appears when the wind cut mode is engaged to
cut down on noise created by wind. ( pg. 48)
Appears when the Insert Editing (w) or Insert
Editing Pause (6w) mode is engaged. ( pg. 67)
Displays the sound mode for approx.
5 seconds after turning on the camcorder.
( pg. 47)
Displays the Time Code.
( pg. 20, 49)

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During D.S.C. Recording Only
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)
1

3 4 5 6
F I NE

2
3

10 / 100

4
5
6

Appears when the VIDEO/DSC Switch is set to
“
” and the Power Switch is set to “ ” or
“ ”.
( pg. 17, 26)
Appears and blinks during shooting. ( pg. 26)
Displays the quality of the stored image.
There are 2 modes available: FINE and STD
(standard) (in order of quality).
( pg. 14)
• Appears during shooting.
• Blinks when a memory card is not loaded.
( pg. 26)
Displays the number of images that have already
been shot.
( pg. 26)
Displays the total number of shots that can
be stored, including those already taken.
( pg. 26)

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Both Video And D.S.C. Recording
8 9
1

40 x W

2
4

PHOTO

3
5

3
BR I GHT
1 . 1 . 01
10 : 00

7
#

1
2

3
4

Appears when the Power Switch is set to “ ”.
( pg. 17)
•
: Appears when Night-Scope is engaged.
( pg. 38)
•
: Appears when “GAIN UP” is set to
“AUTO” and the shutter speed is being
automatically adjusted.
( pg. 47)
Appears when the white balance is adjusted.
( pg. 45)
• “±” : Appears when the exposure is adjusted.
( pg. 44)
•
: Appears when backlight compensation is
used.
( pg. 44)
Displays the selected Programme AE with special
effects.
( pg. 38)

6
7
8
9
0
!
@
#

Appears when the iris is locked.
( pg. 44)
Appears when Digital Image Stabiliser (“DIS”) is
engaged.
( pg. 47)
Approximate zoom ratio: Appears during
zooming.
( pg. 18)
Appears during zooming.
Zoom level indicator
( pg. 18)
Appears when taking a Snapshot. ( pg. 26, 42)
Displays the brightness of the LCD monitor.
( pg. 16)
Displays the date/time.
( pg. 11)
Appears when the focus is adjusted manually.
( pg. 43)

INDEX Indications (cont.)

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During Video Playback
1

3 4

1 2B I T / SOUND 1
L

1
2
3
4

S P 64

B L ANK SEARCH
VO L UME
1 . 1 . 01
10 : 00

20 : 21 : 25

5
6

5
7

Displays the sound mode.
( pg. 50, 51)
Displays the Blank Search mode.
( pg. 24)
Displays the tape speed.
( pg. 13)
Appears while a tape is running.
4
: Playback
3 : Fast-Forward/Shuttle search
2 : Rewind/Shuttle search
6
: Pause
64 : Forward slow-motion
16 : Reverse slow-motion
e
: Audio Dubbing
6e : Audio Dubbing Pause
Displays the date/time.
( pg. 50, 51)
BRIGHT : Displays the brightness of the LCD
monitor.
( pg. 16)
VOLUME : Displays the speaker volume.
( pg. 21)
The level indicator moves.
Displays the time code.
( pg. 50, 51)

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications During D.S.C. Playback
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)
1

2
100-0010
10 / 24

2
3
4
5

BR I GH T
1 . 1 . 01

Displays the index number of the file.

( pg. 28)
Displays the directory and file name. ( pg. 28)
Displays the total number of stored files.
( pg. 28)
Displays the brightness of the LCD monitor.
( pg. 16)
The level indicator moves.
Displays the date.
( pg. 28)

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.
( pg. 12)

Appears when no tape is loaded.
CHECK TAPE’S ERASE
PROTECTION TAB

HEAD CLEANING
REQUIRED USE
CLEANING CASSETTE

CONDENSATION
OPERATION PAUSED
PLEASE WAIT

TAPE!

TAPE END
DIFFERENT
FORMATTED TAPE

Appears when the erase protection tab is set to “SAVE” while the Power
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)

Appears if condensation occurs. When this indication is displayed, wait
more than 1 hour until condensation disappears.

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
“ ” and the VIDEO/DSC Switch (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355
only) is set to “VIDEO”.
Appears when the tape ends during recording or playback.

( pg. 71)

Appears if a tape in another format is loaded.

SET DATE/TIME!

● Appears when the date/time is not set.
( pg. 11)
● Appears when the built-in clock battery runs out and the previously set
date/time is erased. Consult your nearest JVC dealer for replacement.

LENS CAP

Appears for 5 seconds after power is turned on if the lens cap is attached.

A. DUB ERROR!

Appears if Audio Dubbing is attempted on a blank portion of a tape.
( pg. 66)

A. DUB ERROR!

● Appears if Audio Dubbing is attempted on a tape recorded in the LP
mode.
( pg. 66)
● Appears if Audio Dubbing is attempted on a tape recorded in 16-bit
audio.
( pg. 66)
● Appears if A. DUB (e) on the remote control is pressed when the erase
protection tab is set to “SAVE”.
( pg. 66)

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

EN
Indications

INSERT ERROR!
INSERT ERROR!

INDEX Indications (cont.)
Function
Appears if Insert Editing is attempted on a blank portion of a tape.
( pg. 67)
● Appears if Insert Editing is attempted on a tape recorded in the LP mode.
( pg. 67)
● Appears if INSERT (w) on the remote control is pressed when the erase
protection tab is set to “SAVE”.
( pg. 67)

MEMORY IS FULL

Appears when the memory card’s memory is full and shooting is not
possible.

COPYING FAILED

● 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)
● 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)

MEMORY CARD!

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
to “
”.
( pg. 26)

PLEASE
FORMAT

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)

NO IMAGES STORED

CARD ERROR!

CHECK CARD'S WRITE
PROTECTION SWITCH
E01 — E06
UNIT IN SAFEGUARD
MODE REMOVE AND
REATTACH BATTERY

Appears if there is no images stored in the memory card when the Power
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 copyprotected SD Memory Card is loaded.
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.

CAUTIONS

Video Light

Battery Packs

DANGER

The supplied battery pack is
a lithium-ion battery. Before
using the supplied battery
pack or an optional battery
Terminals
pack, be sure to read the
following cautions:
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.
.... 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
battery—cooler 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.
.... remove from charger or powered unit when
not in use, as some machines use current even
when switched off.

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.

General Battery Precautions
If the remote control is not functioning even if it is
being operated correctly, the batteries are exhausted. Replace them with fresh ones.
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.
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.)

Cassettes

LCD Monitor

To properly use and store your cassettes, be sure to
read the following cautions:
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.
2. Store cassettes . . .
.... away from heaters or other heat sources.
.... out of direct sunlight.
.... where they won’t be subject to unnecessary
shock or vibration.
.... where they won’t be exposed to strong
magnetic fields (such as those generated by
motors, transformers or magnets).
.... vertically, in their original cases.

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.
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.

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 won’t be subject to unnecessary
shock or vibration.
.... where they won’t be exposed to strong
magnetic fields (such as those generated by
motors, transformers or magnets).

Main Unit
1. For safety, DO NOT . . .
.... open the camcorder’s chassis.
.... disassemble or modify the unit.
.... short-circuit the terminals of the battery pack.
Keep it away from metallic objects when not in
use.
.... 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.
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 antennas, 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.

EN
4. To protect the unit, DO NOT . . .
.... allow it to become wet.
.... 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.
.... swing it excessively when using the shoulder
strap or the grip.
5. Dirty heads can cause the following problems:

•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 cassette’s
instructions.
If, after using the cleaning cassette, the problems
still exist, consult your nearest JVC dealer.
Mechanical moving parts used to move the video
heads and video tape tend to become dirty and
worn out over time. 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.

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.
•Do not use conventional disc cleaners or cleaning
spray.
•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.

About moisture condensation . . .
● You have observed that pouring a cold liquid
into a glass will cause drops of water to form
on the glass‘ outer 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.
Serious malfunctioning
If malfunctioning occurs, stop using the unit
immediately and consult your local JVC dealer.

The camcorder is a microcomputer-controlled
device. External noise and interference (from a
TV, a radio, etc.) might prevent it from functioning properly. In such cases, first disconnect its
power supply unit (battery pack, AC Adapter,
etc.) and wait a few minutes and then reconnect it and proceed as usual from the
beginning.

TERMS

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

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
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

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

E
Erase Protection ........................................ pg. 12
Exposure Control ...................................... pg. 44

G
Gain Up ................................................... pg. 47
Grip Adjustment ....................................... pg. 10
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

J
Journalistic Shooting ................................. pg. 17
Jump Playback ......................................... pg. 30

L
LCD monitor/Viewfinder
Indications ..................................... pg. 80 – 84
Load A Tape ............................................. pg. 12

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

N
Night-Scope ............................................. pg. 38

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

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

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

U
Unload A Tape ......................................... pg. 12

W
White Balance .......................................... pg. 45
Wide Mode .............................................. pg. 48
Wind Cut ................................................. pg. 48
Wipe In/Out ....................................... pg. 40, 41

Z
Zooming .................................................. pg. 18

SPECIFICATIONS

Camcorder
For General
Power supply

: DC 11.0 V
DC 7.2 V

Power consumption
LCD monitor off, viewfinder on
LCD monitor on, viewfinder off
Video light
Dimensions (W x H x D)

:
:
:
:

Weight

Operating temperature
Operating humidity
Storage temperature
Pickup
Lens
Filter diameter
LCD monitor

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Viewfinder

Speaker

(Using AC Adapter)
(Using battery pack)

Approx. 4.3 W
Approx. 5.3 W
Approx. 3.5 W
83 mm x 97 mm x 188 mm
(with the LCD monitor closed and the viewfinder pushed down)
Approx. 610 g
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL450)
Approx. 590 g
(GR-DVL357/DVL355/DVL157/DVL150)
0°C to 40°C
35% to 80%
–20°C to 50°C
1/4" CCD
F 1.8, f = 3.6 mm to 36 mm, 10:1 power zoom lens
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)
Electronic viewfinder with 0.44" colour LCD
(GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL450)
Electronic viewfinder with 0.24" black/white LCD
(GR-DVL357/DVL355/DVL157/DVL150)
Monaural

For Digital Video Camera
Format
Signal format
Recording/Playback format

Cassette
Tape speed
Maximum recording time
(using 80 min. cassette)

:
:
:
:

DV format (SD mode)
PAL standard
Video: Digital component recording
Audio: PCM digital recording, 32 kHz 4-channel (12-bit),
48 kHz 2-channel (16-bit)
: Mini DV cassette
: SP: 18.8 mm/s
LP: 12.5 mm/s
: SP: 80 min.
LP: 120 min.

For Digital Still Camera (GR-DVL557/DVL555/DVL357/DVL355 only)
Storage media
:
Compression system
:
File size
:
Picture quality
:
Approximate number of storable images
with memory card [8 MB] (provided)
FINE
:
STANDARD
:
with memory card [16 MB] (optional)
FINE
:
STANDARD
:
with memory card [32 MB] (optional)
FINE
:
STANDARD
:
with memory card [64 MB] (optional)
FINE
:
STANDARD
:

SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard
JPEG (compatible)
VGA (640 x 480 pixels)
2 modes (FINE/STANDARD)

100
200
200
400
400
800
800
1600

For Connectors
S-Video
Output
Input (GR-DVL557 only)

: Y
C
: Y
C

AV
Video output
:
Video input (GR-DVL557 only)
:
Audio output
:
Audio input (GR-DVL557 only)
:
DV
Output
:
Input (GR-DVL557/DVL357/
DVL157 only)
:
USB (GR-DVL557/DVL555/
DVL357/DVL355 only)
:
PC (DIGITAL PHOTO)
(GR-DVL450/DVL157/DVL150 only) :
EDIT (GR-DVL557/DVL555/
DVL357/DVL355 only)
:
JLIP (GR-DVL450/DVL157/
DVL150 only)
:

:
:
:
:

1 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analogue
0.29 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analogue
0.8 V (p-p) – 1.2 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analogue
0.2 V (p-p) – 0.4 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analogue

1 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analogue
0.8 V (p-p) – 1.2 V (p-p), 75 Ω, analogue
300 mV (rms), 1 kΩ, analogue, stereo
300 mV (rms), 50 kΩ, analogue, stereo
4-pin, IEEE 1394 compliant
4-pin, IEEE 1394 compliant
5-pin
ø2.5 mm, 3-pole
ø3.5 mm, 2-pole
ø3.5 mm, 4-pole

AC Adapter AP-V10EG
Power requirement
Output
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Weight

:
:
:
:

AC 110 V to 240 V`, 50 Hz/60 Hz
DC 11 V
,1A
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
GR-DVL557
GR-DVL555
GR-DVL450
GR-DVL357
GR-DVL355
GR-DVL157
GR-DVL150

VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LIMITED

EG/EK

Printed in Japan
0101HOV UN YP

* *

Source Exif Data:

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Linearized                      : Yes
Create Date                     : 2001:02:19 16:50:48
Producer                        : Acrobat Distiller 4.0 for Macintosh
Modify Date                     : 2001:02:19 20:18:14+09:00
Page Count                      : 92
Page Mode                       : UseOutlines
Page Layout                     : SinglePage

EXIF Metadata provided by EXIF.tools

Jvc Gr Dvl150 Instruction Manual

Jvc-Gr-Dvl150-Users-Manual-319839 jvc-gr-dvl150-users-manual-319839

GR-DVL150 to the manual d326f51a-a975-4a64-b9da-b4968b82ecb4

GR-DVL157 - Instruction Manual GR-DVL150-en Free User Guide for JVC Camcorder, Manual - page1

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