BR-HD50
HD
VIDEO
CASSETTE
RECORDER
BR-HD50
E
HD VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
LLT0088-001A
Thank you for purchasing this JVC product.
Before operating this unit, please read the
instructions carefully to unsure the best possi-
ble performance.
For Customer Use:
Enter below the Serial No. which is
located on the rear of cabinet. Retain
this information for future reference.
Model No.
BR-HD50U
Serial No.
This instruction manual is made from 100%
recycled paper.
is a registered trademark owned by Victor Company of Japan, Limited.
is a registered trademark in Japan, the U.S.A., the U.K. and many other countries.
2005 Victor Company of Japan, Limited
Printed in Japan
LLT0088-001A
I
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
1. Read all of these instructions.
2. Save these instructions for later use.
3. All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Unplug this appliance system from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
5. Do not use attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
6. Do not use this appliance near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub,
in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.
7. Do not place this appliance on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The appliance may
fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the appliance.
Use only with a cart or stand recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the
appliance.
Wall or shelf mounting should follow the manufacturer's instructions, and should
use a mounting kit approved by the manufacturer.
An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combina-
tion to overturn.
8. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for ventila-
tion, and to insure reliable operation of the appliance and to protect it from over-
heating, these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should
never be blocked by placing the appliance on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This appliance
should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. This appliance should not be placed in a
built-in installation such as a bookcase unless proper ventilation is provided.
9. This appliance should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If
you are not sure of the type of power supplied to your home, consult your dealer or local power company.
For appliance designed to operate from battery power, refer to the operating instructions.
10. This appliance system is equipped with a 3-wire grounding type plug (a plug having a third (grounding
pin). This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to
insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of the grounding plug.
11. For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will
prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.
12. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this appliance where the cord will be
abused by persons walking on it.
13. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the appliance.
14. Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in fire or electric shock.
15. Never push objects of any kind into this appliance through cabinet slots as they may touch dangerous volt-
age points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the
appliance.
16. Do not attempt to service this appliance yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dan-
gerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
17. Unplug this appliance from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the fol-
lowing conditions:
a.When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
b.If liquid has been spilled into the appliance.
c.If the appliance has been exposed to rain or water.
d.If the appliance does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those con-
trols that are covered by the operating instructions as improper adjustment of other controlsmay result
in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the appliance to
normal operation.
e.If the appliance has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the appliance exhibits a distinct change in performance - this indicates a need for service.
18. When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts speci-
fied by the manufacturer that have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitu-
tions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
19. Upon completion of any service or repairs to this appliance, ask the service technician to perform routine
safety checks to determine that the appliance is in safe operating condition.
II
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (For USA & Canada)
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
"dangerous voltage" within the product's enclo-
sure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral tri-
angle is intended to alert the user to the pres-
ence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accom-
panying the appliance.
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELEC-
TRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
This unit should be used with 120 V AC only.
CAUTION:
To prevent electric shocks and fire hazards, DO
NOT use any other power source.
NOTE:
The rating plate (serial number plate) is on the rear of the unit.
INFORMATION
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installa-
tion. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interfer-
ence will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
CAUTION
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT APPROVED BY JVC
COULD VOID USER'S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE
EQUIPMENT.
THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC
RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO
CONDITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL
INTERFERENCE, AND (2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY
INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE
THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.
ATTENTION
RISQUE D'ELECTRO-
CUTION NE PAS
OUVRIR
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER TOUT RISQUE D'ELECTROCUTION
NE PAS OUVRIR LE BOITER.
AUCUNE PIECE INTERIEURE N'EST
A REGLER PAR L'UTILISATEUR.
SE REFERER A UN AGENT QUALIFIE EN CAS DE PROBLEME.
Le symbole de l'éclair à l'intérieur d'un triangle
équilatéral est destiné à alerter l'utilisateur sur
la présence d'une "tension dangereuse" non
isolée dans le boîtier du produit. Cette tension
est suffisante pour provoquer l'électrocution
de personnes.
Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un trian-
gle équilatéral est destiné à alerter l'utilisateur
sur la présence d'opérations d'entretien impor-
tantes au sujet desquelles des renseigne-
ments
se
trouvent
dans
le
manuel
d'instructions.
*Ces symboles ne sont utilisés qu'aux Etats-
Unis.
AVERTISSEMENT:
POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE
OU
D'ELECTROCUTION,
NE
PAS
EXPOSER L'APPAREIL A L'HUMIDITE OU A
LA PLUIE.
Ce magnétoscope ne doit être utilisé que sur du
courant alternatif en 120 V.
ATTENTION:
Afin d'éviter tout resque d'incendie ou d'électro-
cution, ne pas utiliser d'autres sources d'alimen-
tation électrique.
REMARQUE:
La plaque d'identification (numéro de série) se trouve sur le
panneau arrière de l'appareil.
WARNING:
The battery used in the BR-HD50 must be replaced by a JVC
authorized service dealer only.
INFORMATION (FOR CANADA)
RENSEIGNEMENT (POUR CANADA)
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian
ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la Class B est conforme à la
norme NMB-003 du Canada.
III
Supplement
This equipment is in conformity with the provisions and protection requirements of the corresponding
European Directives. This equipment is designed for professional video appliances and can be used in
the following environments:
Residential (including both of the location type class 1 and 2 found in IEC 1000-2-5)
Commercial and light industrial (including, for example, theatres)
Urban outdoors (based on the definition of location type class 6 in IEC 1000-2-5)
In order to keep the best performance and furthermore for electromagnetic compatibility we recom-
mend to use cables not exceeding the following lengths:
The inrush current of this apparatus is 9.0 amperes.
Caution:
Where there are strong electromagnetic waves or magnetism, for example near a radio or TV trans-
mitter, transformer, motor, etc., the picture and sound may be disturbed. In such a case, please keep
the apparatus away from the sources of the disturbance.
Port
Cable
Length
AUDIO
SHIELDED CABLE
10 meters
LINE
COAXIAL CABLE
10 meters
COMPONENT
COAXIAL CABLE
10 meters
Y/C
COAXIAL CABLE
10 meters
IEEE1394
SHIELDED TWIST PAIR CABLE
4.5 meters
HDMI
SHIELDED TWIST PAIR CABLE
5 meters
REMOTE
SHIELDED TWIST PAIR CABLE
5 meters
Information for Users on Disposal of Old Equipment
[European Union]
This symbol indicates that the electrical and electronic equipment should not be dis-
posed as general household waste at its end-of-life. Instead, the product should be
handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and elec-
tronic equipment for proper treatment, recovery and recycling in accordance with
your national legislation.
By disposing of this product correctly, you will help to conserve natural resources and
will help prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human health
which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product.
For more information about collection point and recycling of this product, please con-
tact your local municipal office, your household waste disposal service or the shop
where you purchased the product.
Penalties may be applicable for incorrect disposal of this waste, in accordance with
national legislation.
(Business users)
If you wish to dispose of this product, please visit our web page www.jvc-europe.com
to obtain information about the take-back of the product.
[Other Countries outside the European Union]
If you wish to dispose of this product, please do so in accordance with applicable
national legislation or other rules in your country for the treatment of old electrical
and electronic equipment.
Attention:
This symbol is
only valid in
the European
Union.
IV
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (For Europe)
Warning Notice
FOR YOUR SAFETY (Australia)
1. Insert this plug only into effectively earthed three-pin power
outlet.
2. If any doubt exists regarding the earthing, consult a quali-
fied electrician.
3. Extension cord, if used, must be three-core correctly wired.
IMPORTANT (In the United Kingdom)
Mains Supply (AC 230 V C)
WARNING - THIS APPARATUS
MUST BE EARTHED
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with
the following code;
GREEN-and-YELLOW
: EARTH
BLUE
: NEUTRAL
BROWN
: LIVE
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus
may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the
terminals in your plug, proceed as follows.
The wire which is coloured GREEN-AND-YELLOW must be
connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the
letter E or by the safety earth symbol U or coloured GREEN
or GREEN-AND-YELLOW. The wire which is coloured BLUE
must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the
letter N or which is coloured BLACK. The wire which is
coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is
marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
POWER SYSTEM
Connection to the mains supply
This unit operates on voltage of 220 V to 240 V AC, 50 Hz/60
Hz.
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELEC-
TRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
To prevent electric shock, do not open the cabinet. No user
serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service
personnel.
Note:
The rating plate and the safety caution are on the rear of the
unit.
The OPERATE button does not completely shut off mains
power from the unit, but switches operating current on and off.
WARNING
It should be noted that it may be unlawful to re-record pre-
recorded tapes, records, or discs without the consent of the
owner of copyright in the sound or video recording, broadcast,
or cable programme and in any literary, dramatic, musical or
artistic work embodied therein.
Caution for AC Mains Lead
FOR YOUR SAFETY PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TEXT CAREFULLY.
This product is equipped with 2 types of AC cable. One is for continental Europe, etc. and the other one is only for U.K.
Appropriate mains cable must be used in each local area, since the other type of mains cable is not suitable.
FOR CONTINENTAL EUROPE, ETC.
FOR U.K. ONLY
Not to be used in the U.K.
If the plug supplied is not suitable for your
socket outlet, it should be cut off and appropri-
ate one fitted.
E-2
Thank you for purchasing our HD Video
Cassette Recorder BR-HD50
This instruction manual was made for the BR-
HD50U and the BR-HD50E.
Items only applicable to BR-HD50U are labeled
"U model only" or "U only".
Items only applicable to BR-HD50E are labeled
"E model only" or "E only".
HDV 720p format
Records and plays back HD (High-Definition)
video with 720 effective scanlines (progressive
scan).
This unit records 720/24p/25p/30p, 480/60p,
and 576/50p HDV signals from an IEEE1394
terminal. 24p video has the same frame count
as movie film.
Compatible with DV format
Compatible with DV format for digitally record-
ing SD (Standard-Definition) video.
Compatible mechanism for standard/mini
DV cassettes
Records and plays back HDV or DV format on
standard and mini size DV cassettes.
(SP mode only)
DVCAM cassettes can be recorded in HDV or
DV format.
Tapes recorded in the DVCAM format can only
be played.
Equipped with IEEE1394 terminal
Inputs and outputs HDV signals, DV signals,
and digital audio. Capable of exchanging digi-
tal signals with IEEE1394 compatible equip-
ment.
Compatible with 60Hz/50Hz HD signal for-
mat
Compatible with both 60Hz and 50Hz HD sig-
nal formats. Select this on the Menu screen.
Equipped with HDMI terminal
Outputs digital video and digital audio.
View HD video on monitors with an HDMI ter-
minal.
Equipped with COMPONENT OUT terminal
Outputs HD/SD analog video.
View HD video on HD-compatible monitors
with a COMPONENT input terminal.
Outputs cross-converted video
During HDV/DV signal input or playback, for-
mat converted video can be output from the
HDMI terminal or COMPONENT OUT termi-
nal. Select the output video on the Menu
screen.
Equipped with composite and Y/C input/
output terminals
Inputs and outputs analog video. Analog video
is recorded in the DV format.
RS-422A compatible
Connect this unit with the RS-422A compatible
RM-G820 edit controller, and use this unit as a
player.
This can also be connected to RS-422A com-
patible non-linear editing machines.
Equipped with SERIAL REMOTE terminal
Connect to a wired remote controller for
remote operation of this unit. Or, connect with
afoot switch used for recording operations.
Recording and playback of time codes
Backup recording function
With the combined use of other DV machines,
long-time continuous recording is possible.
Multi-cue up
Up to 5 points of the tape position can be reg-
istered and cued up.
Index/blank search function
It can search for positions where index signals
are recorded and unrecorded parts.
Repeat play function
There are 3 types of repeat function.
(INDEX/ V.END/ TAPE END)
This is an HDV/DV format video cassette recorder. Video cas-
settes with the B or A logo can be used with it.
DVCAM cassettes can be recorded in the HDV/DV format.
MAIN FEATURES
HDV and
are trademarks of the Sony
Corporation and the Victor Company of Japan,
Limited.
DVCAM is a trademark of the Sony Corporation.
E-3
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Remarks of usage...............................................4
Cassette tape......................................................5
HDV and DV format ............................................6
Regular maintenance..........................................8
Cleaning tape......................................................9
Condensation......................................................9
NAMES AND FUNCTIONS OF PARTS
Front panel........................................................10
Rear panel ........................................................16
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY
On-screen display.............................................20
Status display ...................................................21
Event/Alarm display ..........................................24
CONNECTION
Connecting video signals..................................26
Connecting audio signals..................................28
Attaching the supplied ferrite core ....................29
Connecting with SERIAL REMOTE terminals ...30
Connecting the AC adapter ..............................31
RECORDING/OUTPUT SIGNAL FORMAT
Inputting analog signal......................................32
Inputting digital signal .......................................33
Playback ...........................................................34
PREPARATION
Turning on/off the power...................................35
Operation method (main unit/remote controller)
and OPERATION LOCK mode.........................36
Loading/Ejecting cassette.................................37
Setting/Displaying date and time ......................38
Selecting HD signal format ...............................40
RECORDING
Settings for analog signal input.........................41
Settings for digital signal input ..........................42
Adjusting audio recording level.........................44
Recording procedure ........................................46
Backup recording function ................................47
Recording with SERIAL REMOTE terminals ....48
PLAYBACK
Playback settings ............................................. 49
Basic playback procedure................................ 51
Special playback functions............................... 52
Search function ................................................ 54
Repeat playback .............................................. 55
Multi cue-up ..................................................... 56
TIME CODE
Displaying the time code.................................. 58
Presetting the time code .................................. 59
Recording the time code .................................. 60
Playing back the time code .............................. 62
EDIT
Using a non-linear editing system.................... 63
MENU SCREENS
Setting the menus ............................................ 64
Structure of the Menu screens......................... 66
Description of the Menu screens ..................... 67
OTHERS
Warning display ............................................... 79
Troubleshooting ............................................... 81
Checking the hour meter.................................. 83
Specifications................................................... 84
Supplement...................................................... 86
E-4
INTRODUCTION
Place of storage and use
Avoid storing or using this VCR in the following
places:
Excessively hot or cold places beyond the
allowable temperature for operation(5°C
40°C).
Humid or dry places beyond the allowable
humidity range for operation (30% 80%
RH).
Dusty or sandy places.
Places exposed to oil, smoke or steam,
such as the kitchen vicinity.
Intensely vibrating or unstable places.
Places prone to condensation.
Places that generate strong magnetic fields,
e.g., near a transformer or motor.
Places near devices that generate electric
waves, e.g., a transceiver or mobile phone.
Places that generate X-ray radiation or cor-
rosive gases.
Also do not leave the unit for long hours in a
parked car under direct sunlight or near room
heating equipment.
Handling the unit
Do not place heavy objects on the unit, like
a monitor or TV.
Do not insert foreign objects into the cas-
sette slot.
Mind your finger when loading a cassette
tape.
Be careful not to get your fingers clamped
when loading the cassette to prevent injury.
Place this unit out of reach of young chil-
dren to prevent injury as fingers may get
clamped while a cassette tape is being
loaded.
Do not block the ventilation openings on the
rear panel.
Avoid strong impact to the unit. Do not drop
the unit.
Remove the cassette tape from the cas-
sette slot when transporting the unit.
Remove the AC adapter to save energy
when the unit is not in use.
Maintaining the unit (Turn off the power
before performing maintenance work.)
Wipe the unit with a soft cloth.
Do not wipe it with thinner or benzene as it
may melt or tarnish the unit surface.
For stubborn stains, use water-diluted neutral
detergent and then wipe it dry.
Always use the supplied AC adapter.
Failure to do so can cause mechanical break-
down or electric shock.
Use the supplied power cord.
Using a different type or damaged cord may
cause fire or electric shock.
Do not use the supplied power cord
for other models.
Remarks of usage
When making an important recording, do not
record within the two or three minutes at the
beginning or end of the tape.
Recorded video (sound) is meant for per-
sonal entertainment only and must not be
used for other purposes without the prior con-
sent of the copyright owner.
JVC shall not guarantee the quality of record-
ing and playback should BR-HD50 fail to
function normally due to defects, either of the
unit itself or the video cassette tapes.
E-5
BR-HD50 can record onto and playback standard
DV and mini DV cassette tapes (for SP mode
only).
Use the following JVC cassettes with the B or
A
the logo.
Memo
DVCAM cassette can be recorded in the HDV
or DV format.
Tapes recorded in the DVCAM format can be
played (SP Mode).
M-DV80 cassettes (mini DV 80min tape) can-
not be used with this unit.
Erasure prevention
DV cassettes have a safety slide at the back to
prevent accidental erasure.
·Toprevent accidental erasure of important
records, push the slide to the "SAVE" posi-
tion.
·To record, push the slide to the "REC" posi-
tion.
For recording and storing videotapes in the best condition
Observe the following instructions for the best recording and storage of videotapes.
·Take care of the conditions of handling videotapes.
It is recommended that you record and store videotapes in the environment below.
·Do not leave the videotapes neglected for a long period.
If videotapes are left wound for a long period of time, it may result in distortion of the tape. Also it
may cause tape-to-tape adhesion (known as blocking). It is recommended that videotapes be
unspooled and rewound once a year for refreshing.
·When tapes are not in use, store them in cases and on end.
Storage cases protect videotapes from humidity, dust and ultraviolet. Keep tapes in cases and do
not store them lying flat. When housed in a horizontal position, pressure from other tapes can
cause distortions and deformations of the tape edges.
Cassette tape
Standard DV cas-
settes
Mini DV cassettes
LA-DV276
LA-DV186
LA-DV124
M-DV63PRO
M-DV63HD
REC
SAVE
Slide
Remarks on the use of tape
Do not load the videotape in the wrong direction.
Store the tape only after it has been fully rewound, so as to avoid damaging the tape.
Store the cassette in places low in humidity, well-ventilated and fungus-proof.
When a cassette tape is used repeatedly, noise may increase due to e.g., dropout, etc. hence
affecting its performance. Do not use dirty or damaged tapes as they will shorten the life span of the
rotation head.
Recording
Storage
Short period
(Up to 10 years)
Long period
(Over 10 years)
Temperature
17°C to 25°C
15°C to 23°C
15°C to 19°C
Humidity
30% to 70%
40% to 55%
25% to 35%
Hourly temperature change
Less than 10°C
-
-
Hourly humidity change
Less than 10%
-
-