Panasonic Digital Hd Video Cassette Recorder Ajhd1800 Operating Instructions

							F0907T0 -F @
Printed in JapanVQT1H81
Digital HD Video Cassette Recorder
Operating Instructions
Model No. AJ-HD1800E
Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this manual for future use.
ENGLISH
Model No. AJ-HD1800P 
						

							2
Read this first!
For AJ-HD1800P and AJ-HD1800E
 indicates safety information.
WARNING:
zTO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
zTO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, KEEP THIS EQUIPMENT AWAY
FROM ALL LIQUIDS. USE AND STORE ONLY
IN LOCATIONS WHICH ARE NOT EXPOSED
TO THE RISK OF DRIPPING OR SPLASHING
LIQUIDS, AND DO NOT PLACE ANY LIQUID
CONTAINERS ON TOP OF THE EQUIPMENT.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD AND ANNOYING INTERFERENCE,
USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
ONLY.
_THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE GROUNDED
To ensure safe operation, the three-pin plug must be
inserted only into a standard three-pin power outlet
which is effectively grounded through normal
household wiring. Extension cords used with the
equipment must have three cores and be correctly
wired to provide connection to the ground. Wrongly
wired extension cords are a major cause of fatalities.
The fact that the equipment operates satisfactorily
does not imply that the power outlet is grounded or
that the installation is completely safe.
For your safety, if you are in any doubt about the
effective grounding of the power outlet, please consult
a qualified electrician.CAUTION:
In order to maintain adequate ventilation, do not
install or place this unit in a bookcase, built-in
cabinet or any other confined space. To prevent risk
of electric shock or fire hazard due to overheating,
ensure that curtains and any other materials do not
obstruct the ventilation.
CAUTION:
The mains plug of the power supply cord shall
remain readily operable.
The AC receptacle (mains socket outlet) shall
be installed near the equipment and shall be
easily accessible. To completely disconnect
this equipment from the AC mains, disconnect
the mains plug from the AC receptacle.
CAUTION:
zKEEP THE TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE
RACK BETWEEN 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F).
zBOLT THE RACK SECURELY TO THE FLOOR
SO THAT IT WILL NOT TOPPLE OVER WHEN
THE UNIT IS DRAWN OUT.
IMPORTANT
“Unauthorized recording of copyrighted
television programmes, video tapes and other
materials may infringe the rights of copyright
holders and contravene copyright laws.”
Operating precaution
Operation near any appliance which generates strong
magnetic fields may give rise to noise in the video and
audio signals. If this should be the case, deal with the
situation by, for instance, moving the source of the
magnetic fields away from the unit before operation. 
						

							3
Read this first! (continued)
For AJ-HD1800P
 indicates safety information.
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 TO 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
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operation and
maintenance (service) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.FCC Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a class A digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment.  This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.  Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
Warning:
To assure continued FCC emission limit compliance, the
user must use only shielded interface cables when
connecting to external units.  Also, any unauthorized
changes or modifications to this equipment could void
the user’s authority to operate it.
Notice (U.S.A. only):
This product has a fluorescent lamp that
contains a small amount of mercury. It also
contains lead in some components. Disposal
of these materials may be regulated in your
community due to environmental
considerations. For disposal or recycling
information, please contact your local
authorities, or the Electronics Industries
Alliance:
CAUTION:
This apparatus can be operated at a voltage in
the range of 100 – 240 V AC.
Voltages other than 120 V are not intended for
U.S.A. and Canada.
CAUTION:
Operation at a voltage other than 120 V AC may
require the use of a different AC plug. Please
contact either a local or foreign Panasonic
authorized service center for assistance in
selecting an alternate AC plug. 
						

							4
Read this first! (continued)
For AJ-HD1800E
 indicates safety information.
„DO NOT REMOVE PANEL COVERS BY UNSCREWING THEM.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the covers. No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Caution for AC Mains Lead
FOR YOUR SAFETY PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TEXT CAREFULLY.
This product is equipped with 2 types of AC mains 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.
Not to be used in the U.K.FOR U.K. ONLY
If the plug supplied is not suitable for your socket out-
let, it should be cut off and appropriate one fitted.
FOR U.K. ONLY
This appliance is supplied with a moulded three pin mains
plug for your safety and convenience.
A 13 amp fuse is fitted in this plug.
Should the fuse need to be replaced please ensure that the
replacement fuse has a rating of 13 amps and that it is ap-
proved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362.
Check for the ASTA mark   or the BSI mark   on the
body of the fuse.
If the plug contains a removable fuse cover you must en-
sure that it is refitted when the fuse is replaced.
If you lose the fuse cover the plug must not be used until a
replacement cover is obtained.
A replacement fuse cover can be purchased from your lo-
cal Panasonic Dealer.
How to replace the fuse
1. Open the fuse compartment with a screwdriver.
2. Replace the fuse.
Fuse 
						

							5
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturerÅfs instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider
than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a
cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/ apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
Contents
Read this first! ........................................... 2
General outline .......................................... 7
Standard accessories ............................... 7
Features...................................................... 8
Parts and their functions ........................ 10
Front panel (1) ....................................................10
Front panel (2) ....................................................11
Front panel (3) ....................................................12
Front panel (4) ....................................................13
Front panel (5) ....................................................14
Front panel (6) ....................................................15
Front panel (7) ....................................................16
Front panel (8) ....................................................17
Rear panel ..........................................................19
Connections ............................................. 21
Example of connections performed 
for one VTR.........................................................21
Example of connections performed 
for two VTRs (deck-to-deck) ...............................21
Example of connections in 23/24 Hz or 25/50 Hz 
(HD) mode ..........................................................22
Example of connections in 25/50 Hz (SD) 
mode ...................................................................22
Example of connections with an editing 
controller .............................................................23
Concerning tapes .................................... 24Turning on the power and 
inserting the cassette.............................. 25
STOP and STANDBY modes .................. 25
Recording ................................................. 26
Playback ................................................... 27
Playback phase adjustment function .................. 27
Jog/Shuttle ............................................... 28
Jog Mode ......................................................... 28
Shuttle Mode ...................................................... 28
Manual Editing ......................................... 29
Preroll ....................................................... 29
Automatic Editing (deck-to-deck) .......... 30
Switch settings and adjustments ........................ 30
Selecting the editing mode ............................... 31
Registering the edit points................................ 31
Checking the edit points ................................... 32
Modifying edit points ........................................ 32
Previewing........................................................ 33
Automatic editing.............................................. 33
Reviewing......................................................... 33
Audio Split Editing .................................. 34 
						

							6
Contents (continued)
Variable memory function.......................36
Variable memory function selection ..................36
Outline ..............................................................36
Variable memory playback operation 
procedure..........................................................36
Variable memory editing operation 
procedure..........................................................37
Function menus .......................................38
General description...........................................38
Allocating the function keys ..............................39
 ...........................................................40
 .............................................................49
 ..........................................................51
 ...................................................................53
 ..............................................................54
 ...............................................................57
 ...........................................................59
.....................................................60
 ...........................................................61
 .....................62
 ................................................................64
 ..........................................................66
 ...........................................................71
 ...................................74
System menus .........................................80
Setup menus ............................................83
 ...........................................................83
 ................................................87
 .................................................90
 .............................................................91
 ..........................................93
..................................................94
 ..........................................................96
 ........................................................102
 ................................................................110
 ...........................................................111
 ..........112
....................113
...........................113
Time code and user bits........................ 118
Time code .......................................................118
User bits..........................................................118
Setting the internal time code .........................118
Setting the external time code ........................119
Cue time registration, preroll and cue-up........119
Time code and user bits playback ..................119
Time code recorded on the unit ........................120
Superimpose screen ............................. 122
Selecting the audio recording channels 
and monitor output ................................ 123
Audio recording channels ...............................123
Monitor output channels .................................123
Display saving function ........................123
Rack mounting .......................................124
Video head cleaning ..............................125
Condensation .........................................125
Maintenance ...........................................125
Error messages......................................126
DIAG menu .................................................... 126
Warning messages ........................................ 128
Error messages .............................................. 129
RS-232C interface ..................................131
Hardware specifications ................................. 131
Software specifications (protocol) .................. 132
Connector signals .................................137
EMERGENCY EJECT .............................138
Specifications ........................................139 
						

							7
General outline
This unit is a multi-format VTR capable of recording and
playing back HD signals (1080i/59.94 Hz, 1080i/50 Hz,
720p/59.94 Hz, 720p/50 Hz) in DVCPRO HD-LP* format
using a small cassette tape 1/4 inch wide, HD (DVCPRO
HD-LP/DVCPRO HD) and SD (DVCPRO50/DVCPRO)
recorded in DVCPRO format as well as conventional
consumer DV/DVCAM tapes. 
A down-converter as a standard feature verifies all tapes
using analog composite signals and SD SDI output.
Furthermore, output signals converted to 1080/24PsF can
be obtained from the 720/24p over 60p source recorded with
the variable frame rate camera. These signals can be used
for cinema as well.
Similarly, each of the following output signals can be
obtained.
z720/25p over 60p sources can be converted to 1080/25
PsF or 576i format output signals.
z720/50p over 60p sources can be converted to 720/50p,
1080/50i or 576i format output signals.By mobilizing highly efficient digital compression technology
to assure a high picture quality, this VTR significantly
minimizes deterioration in the picture quality and sound
quality during the dubbing process.
It features a compact size of 4U and a lightweight design
that enables it to be carried around with ease, and to be
readily installed in a 19-inch rack.
The equipment is set up using an interactive system
whereby the operator manipulates the function buttons on
the front panel and observes the menu screens on the front
panel’s LCD monitor.
In terms of the editing features, this VTR is capable of both
assemble editing and insert editing.
*DVCPRO HD-LP has the same format as DVCPRO HD 
EX described in the operation manual for our camera 
recorder.
Standard accessories
Power cord (AJ-HD1800P) 1
Power cord (AJ-HD1800E) 2 
						

							8
Features
Compact size and light weight
This is a 4U digital VTR.  Using the rack-mounting
adapters (AJ-MA75P: optional accessory), it can also be
easily housed in a 19-inch rack.
Up to 126 minutes of recording
Using the DVCPRO HD-LP recording system, up to 126
minutes of material can be recorded on the 1/4-inch XL-
size cassette tape.
High picture quality
The VTR’s high picture quality is achieved by 4:2:2 HD
component signal recording using a recording rate (100
Mbps) which is 4 times higher than that of the existing
DV C P R O  f o r m a t .
1080i/720p, 59.94 Hz/60 Hz/50 Hz signal switching
By making menu selections, the signals of the respective
formats can be recorded and played back.
No guarantees are made for the recording in 1080-60 Hz.
Frame rate conversion function
By making menu selections, the VTR can output signals
after converting them to the 1080/24PsF format when it
plays back a tape recorded by a variable frame rate
camera at a frame rate of 24fps.
When playing back a tape recorded at a frame rate of 25
fps, the tape’s signals can be converted to the 1080/25
PsF or 576i format and output. When playing back a tape
recorded at a frame rate of 50 fps, the tape signals can be
converted to the 1080/50i or 576i format and output.

z
Use tapes that are shot with a variable frame rate 
camera.
zDo not use dubbed or edited tapes. The tape control 
information may be lost, making it impossible to convert 
the signals for playback.
Gamma correction of cinema for film
This feature corrects the image from a variable frame rate
camera in cinema gamma mode for film to an image with
film quality.
SDI interface
The VTR comes with an HD/SD serial digital interface as
a standard accessory.
Playback compatibility with DVCPRO systems
Besides DVCPRO HD-LP recording and playback, the
VTR can also play back tapes which have been recorded
using the existing DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO50 and
DVCPRO systems.
Consumer-use DV tapes (SP) and DVCAM tapes can
also be played back on this VTR.
Digital slow motion/dial jog
Panasonic’s unique digital slow motion technology
enables clear playback (of tapes recorded using the
DVCPRO HD-LP system) at speeds ranging from j1k to
i2k.
  
Some noise may occur during slow playback (using an
external controller) at speeds of almost exactly j1k or
i2k.
Search speed
Search speed enables tapes (recorded using the
DVCPRO HD-LP system) to be played back with color
images at speeds of up to 100 times in the forward or
reverse direction.
Time codes
This VTR comes with a built-in time code generator
(TCG)/time code reader (TCR).  
In addition to the internal time code, an external time
code can also be input and recorded as the LTC on the
VTR.
UMID information recording and playback
This unit supports the recording/playback of UMID
(Unique Material Identifier) information in the SMPTE
330M standard. UMID information can be confirmed with
the diagnostic menu.
VANC data recording/playback
VANC data packets that added to the Y stream of HD SDI
can be recorded with the video signal. In addition, VANC
data packets can be played back with the Y stream of HD
SDI.
 VTRs that do not support the recording/playback of
UMID information will not playback UMID information
correctly. In addition, when VTRs that do not support
recording/playback of UMID information are connected
to this unit, UMID information will not be recorded
correctly. 
						

							9
Features (continued)
Multi-functional interfaces
zSerial digital input/output connector
The VTR comes with an HD component serial interface 
input/output connector.  This one BNC connector 
enables HD component video signals and 8-channels 
digital audio signals to be interfaced.  (SMPTE 292M, 
296M, 299M)
It is also equipped with an HD/SD format converter as 
a standard accessory so that SD component serial 
signals can also be output.  (SMPTE 259M-C, 272M-
A, ITU-R BT.656-4)
zAnalog video output connector
Composite signals are output during DVCPRO50- or 
DVCPRO-compatible playback, DV playback, DVCAM 
playback and down-conversion.
zAES/EBU audio input/output connectors
Digital audio input/output connectors for 8 channels are 
featured as a standard accessory.
zUp-conversion recording of SD signals
SD component serial signals (SMPTE 259M-C, 272M-
A, ITU-R BT.656-4) can be up-converted and recorded 
as HD signals.
z9-pin RS-422A and RS-232C remote control connec-
tors
In addition to the standard 9-pin serial remote (RS-
422A) control connector, the VTR is provided with RS-
232C and 50-pin parallel remote control connectors.
The RS-422A facility enables parallel operation if a loop 
connection has been established between the VTR and 
another VTR.
zIEEE1394 digital input/output
It is possible to input and output data in accordance 
with the IEEE 1394 standard.

INSERT and ASSEMBLE editing will not work when
[1394] is selected as the menu item No.600 (VIDEO IN
SEL).

When any of the settings below is established, no signals
will be output from the IEEE1394 digital interface.
zWhen “60/24” is selected as the menu item No.030 HD 
FREQUENCY setting
zWhen “23/24,” “25 (HD),” “25 (SD),” “50 (HD),” or “50 
(SD)” is selected in menu item No. 025 SYSTEM 
FREQ.
z
When the edit mode is selected while the output 
format is set to other than DVCPRO HD.
8-channel high-sound-quality digital audio
The 8-channel PCM audio feature allows for not only
independent editing but mixing as well on all 8 channels.
One channel is provided for the analog cue track.
Menu-driven setup
The setup settings, which are conducted prior to
operating the VTR, are performed while the operator
views the setup menus either on the VTR’s LCD monitor
or on a TV monitor.
Multi-functional front panel with LCD monitor
The front panel’s multiple functions, including the LCD
monitor for monitoring images, the function buttons and
large-size display panel, are contained within the 4U
dimensions and designed to improve operating ease.

Playback format Output format
DVCPRO HD-LP, 
DVCPRO HDDVCPRO HD, 
DV C P RO5 0 ,  DV
DVCPRO50 DVCPRO50, DV
DVCPRO DVCPRO, DV
DV,  DV C A M DV
In case of EE and REC modes:DVCPRO HD, 
DV C P RO5 0 ,  DV 
						

							10
Parts and their functions
Front panel (1)
POWER switch
Audio level meter
The audio information is displayed here.
zThe levels of the CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, CH5, CH6, 
CH7 and CH8 PCM audio signals and level of the CUE 
track signal are displayed here.
zThe levels of the input signals are displayed during 
recording and when EE is selected.
During playback, the levels of the playback signals are 
displayed.  In the INPUT CHECK status, the levels of 
the input signals are displayed for CH1 to CH8.
zInput signal display for each of the channels
The indicators for the selected input signals light. 
(When the SD SDI input is selected, the SDI indicator 
lights. When the 1394 input is selected, the HD lights.)
If no input signal is selected, the AES/HDSDI/SD SDI/
1394 indicator blinks while the ANA indicator lights con-
tinuously.
When the internal signal (INT SG) is selected, all AES/
ANA/HD SDI indicators light.
All indicators are off in 23/24 Hz mode or 25 Hz (HD, 
SD) and 50 Hz (HD, SD) mode.
Cassette insertion slot
If the slot’s orange plate is visible, it means that a cassette
tape is already inserted.
EJECT button
When this button is pressed, the cassette is unloaded,
and a few seconds later it is ejected automatically.
When CTL appears on the counter display, the display is
reset.
Headphones jack
The sound heard during recording, playback or editing
can be monitored through headphones when stereo
headphones are connected to this jack.
Volume control dial
This control dial is used to adjust the volume level of the
headphones and monitor output.
Whether the volume level of the monitor output is to be
coupled together with that of the headphones to this dial
or separated can be selected using the setup menu item
No.712 (MONI OUT).  (Note that the volume level of the
headphones is coupled at all times.)  When the volume
levels have been separated, the UNITY value (prescribed
value) applies to the monitor output.
Channel condition lamps
These lamps light to indicate the error rate status.
(Green>amber>red)
Green:This lights when the error rates for the video and 
audio playback signals are both at acceptable 
levels.
Amber:
This lights when the error rate for either the video 
or audio playback signals has deteriorated.  The 
playback picture and sound remain unaffected 
even while this lamp is lighted.
Red:This lights when correction or interpolation has 
been engaged for either the video or audio 
playback signals.
0
-4
-8
-12
-16
-20
-25
-30
-40
--
4dB
AES ANA
HD SDI         
3
2
1
0
-1
-2
-3
-4
LR
-16
-17
-18
-19
-20
-21
-22
-23
-2416dB
AES ANA
HD SDI        
12
8
4
0
-5
-10
-20
LR
Input signal display
Level meter
Reference 
level indicator
Left (L) and right (R) 
monitor channel